FRIDAY 17TH MAY 2019

Senate Backs Buhari, Passes June 12 Democracy Day Bill Lawan promises to unveil legislative agenda Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday passed a bill seeking to change Nigeria’s Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12.

The bill, which originated

from the House of Representatives, was unanimously adopted by senators at plenary.

This is coming as the Senate Leader and the anointed candidate of the

All Progressives Congress (APC) for the position of Senate president, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has given an assurance that he would soon make public his legislative agenda for the ninth National

Assembly.

Specifically, the bill seeks to amend the Public Holiday Act 2004 to make June 12 as the new date for Democracy Day to replace May 29, which marks the official handing

over from military to civilian administration.

The bill is expected to be transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent, after clean-up by the Legal Services Department of

the National Assembly.

The House of Representatives had last December passed a similar bill recognising June 12 as National Democracy Day. Continued on page 7

CBN Inaugurates Committee to Revive Textile Industry... Page 8 Friday 17 May, 2019 Vol 24. No 8803. Price: N250

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CEOs Call for Tougher Regulations, Stronger Banks Obinna Chima With the confirmation of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, for a second and final five-year term, by the Senate yesterday, some chief executive officers of financial institutions have hailed his reappointment

and urged him to work towards having tougher regulations and stronger banks in the country.

The chief executives, who spoke in separate interviews with THISDAY, said with tougher regulatory environment, the banks would scale up their services.

The CEO, Cowry Assets

Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, advised Emefiele to ensure that the central bank is more decisive in resolving banking crisis, to avoid any form of contagion effect.

“In terms of banking supervision and regulation, I want to see a situation whereby

the central bank is more decisive in resolving banking crisis, such that when it becomes imperative that a particular weak institution should be allowed to exit the market, I believe the CBN should be decisive. But in all, we expect to see stronger regulation,” Chukwu explained.

He added: “He (Emefiele)

has said he is going to focus on stimulating the economy, particularly the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). He should work towards harmonising the exchange rate and push for faster economic growth through monetary stimulus.

I also expect him to continue

to work towards lowering interest rate.”

The Managing Director/ CEO of Polaris Bank Limited, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, described the confirmation of the CBN governor as a positive development for our economy.

Continued on page 8

Senate Confirms Emefiele, Says He Has Performed Creditably Saraki tasks CBN gov to help improve economy Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Obinna Chima in Lagos Saying he performed creditably in his first term, the Senate yesterday confirmed the reappointment of Mr. Godwin Emefiele as governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a second and final term of five years.

Emefiele’s confirmation was sequel to the presentation of the report of the Senator Adebayo Ibrahim-led Senate Committee on Banks, Insurance and other Financial Institutions that screened him on Wednesday.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on May 8 submitted the name of Emefiele to the Senate for

the renewal of his second and last five-year tenure as CBN governor.

The Senate at plenary on Tuesday referred the president's letter to the banking committee for further legislative action.

The committee thereafter screened Emefiele on Wednesday and recommended him for re-appointment as CBN governor.

Presenting the committee's report yesterday, Ibrahim said the committee took its time to screen the nominee.

According to him, "The nominee made his presentation, which covered his experience in banking even Continued on page 7

WHO: 20,000 Souls Lost to Boko Haram Crisis... Page 7

HONOUR WELL DESERVED...

L-R: Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo; Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Peter Amangbo; and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), during the investiture of Amangbo at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in Lagos... yesterday

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WHO: 20,000 Souls Lost to Boko Haram Crisis Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has lamented that the Boko Haram crisis has led to over 20,000 deaths.

The United Nations’ organ in its 2018 Annual Report just released said: “Ongoing crisis in North-east Nigeria has led to over 20,000 deaths in the past nine years.�

The WHO also lamented that health systems were disrupted in the troubled region and it was

difficult to cope with the upsurge of treatable ailment.

It revealed that the situation of the region as a result of the decade old crisis led to increased frequency of disease outbreaks.

It said in spite of the difficult environment, it has been able to provide technical leadership and with the coordination of health sector partners, increase access to quality of essential health services.

It said it has also been able to strengthen disease surveillance

and health information management; prevent and control public health risks; and strengthen health systems in the crisis ridden region.

The WHO said since its intervention about three years ago in the health sector in the Northeast, 2.5 million children were offered routine immunization by mobile health teams, 2.1 million people reached with urgently needed health humanitarian support.

It also said that two million

IDPs and host community members were vaccinated against yellow fever in Borno State alone and 1.3 million people reached with integrated healthcare services by mobile health teams.

The organ of the UN also in the report said a million IDPs and host community members were reached with interpersonal risk communication, with over 600,000 mothers and caregivers reached with health promotion messages.

It also said that 200,000 children were treated for common childhood illnesses like malaria, pneumonia and diarrheal diseases.

The report revealed that eight health facilities were undergoing rehabilitation in both Yobe and Adamawa States.

Meanwhile, WHO yesterday concluded a three-day workshop on Health Reporting during Emergencies for over 40 journalists selected from Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

At the capacity building workshop held in Yola, Adamawa State, the media practitioners were thought among other things: Basic Facts on Diseases of Public Health Importance in Emergencies, Redefining the Roles of Mass Media during Health Emergencies, Using Data to Communicate Health Risks: A case study of Cholera Outbreak in North East, Health Reporting from a Development Communication Perspectives, among others.

Crude Oil Price Rebounds to $73 over Middle East Tensions Ejiofor Alike with agency reports

Crude oil price yesterday rose for a third day running rebounding to $73.28 per barrel as fears of supply disruption amid heightened tensions in the Middle East overshadowed swelling United States crude inventories.

While the global benchmark, Brent settled at $73.28, after rising by $1.51and heading for the biggest weekly rise in about three months, the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 83 cents to $62.85.

Brent had in the recent months hit $76 before it slumped to $70 per barrel.

Crude oil price was drawing support from the risk of conflict in the Middle East, with helicopters carrying US staff from the US embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday out of apparent concern over perceived

threats from Iran.

Reuters also reported that Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, a son of King Salman, yesterday accused Iran of ordering an attack on Saudi oil pumping stations that Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia has claimed responsibility for.

The attack “proves that these militias are merely a tool that Iran’s regime uses to implement its expansionist agenda,� tweeted Prince Khalid bin Salman. “The terrorist acts, ordered by the regime in Tehran, and carried out by the Houthis, are tightening the noose around the ongoing political efforts.�

The Houthis, which have been battling a Saudi-led military coalition for four years, said they carried out Tuesday’s drone strikes against the East-West pipeline, which caused a fire but Riyadh said

did not disrupt oil output or exports.

However, the Head of the Houthis’ Supreme Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed Ali alHouthi, has denied that Iran directed the strike and said the movement manufactures its drones locally.

Tehran has also reportedly denied providing arms to the Houthis. “We are not agents for anyone,� Mohammed Ali al-Houthi told Reuters. “We make decisions independently and do not take orders for drones or anything else.�

Other Saudi officials have also reportedly fired off similar tweets, ratcheting up pressure on the kingdom’s regional archenemy amid heightened tension between Washington and Tehran over sanctions and US military presence in the Gulf. “The Houthis are an integral

part of the Revolutionary Guard forces of Iran and follow their orders, as proven by them targeting installations in the kingdom,� Saudi’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir tweeted.

The country’s Ambassador to Yemen followed up, writing that the Houthis had “made Yemen a platform for Iranian terrorism against Yemenis and their interests, and a tool to attack Saudi Arabia.�

Saudi Arabia’s main English newspaper called for “surgical strikes� against Iran. “Our point of view is that they must be hit hard,� said an Arab News editorial. “We call for a decisive, punitive reaction to what happened so that Iran knows that every single move they make will have consequences.�

The coalition, which receives arms and intelligence from Western nations, carried out air

strikes yesterday in and around Yemen’s capital Sanaa, which the Houthis control.

The drone attack reportedly happened two days after four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, were damaged by sabotage off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

The other ships were a Norwegian-registered oil products tanker and a UAEflagged bunker barge.

The UAE has not blamed anyone for that incident, which is being investigated and from which Iran has distanced itself.

United States officials believe Iran encouraged the Houthis or Iraq-based Shi’ite militias to carry out the attack.

Meanwhile, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has condemned the attacks and called for “maximum restraint� by all sides.

The attacks took place against a backdrop of United

States-Iranian tension following Washington’s decision this month to try to cut Tehran’s oil exports to zero and beef up its military presence in the Gulf in response to what it called Iranian threats.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE back the sanctions against Iran, a fellow OPEC producer but regional foe.

Though the tensions have pushed up oil prices, a rise in US crude oil inventories to their highest since 2017 helped to cap prices.

Also keeping prices in check is uncertainty about whether the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers will continue supply cuts that have raised oil prices by more than 30 per cent so far this year.

OPEC said on Tuesday that world demand for its oil would be higher than expected this year.

I Will Soon Unveil My Legislative Agenda, Says Lawan

will for his aspiration to come to fruition.

He commended his colleagues for their sacrifice and dedication in identifying with his cause, assuring that everybody would be carried along.

He said: "I am overwhelmed by the presence of everybody here. We went through this process before in 2015. And those of us who were there then knew the kind of sacrifice, commitments, dedication that everybody gave. “But it was the will of God that it will not be and it was never. But we thank God for His blessings. We are still around and believe completely in His decision not to leave us at that time.

"Our colleagues here, everybody has shown commitment. We are seeking the face of God, His blessings, His mercies in this enterprise

once again. We are human beings. We can only see the physical. From the physical, we can see there is a lot of success in what we are doing. The other thing that we don't know is what God has kept to Himself.

So, we will continue to pray for God's intervention in this matter. And let me say that this is something that I personally feel that I have obligation to each and everyone here. And in fact, even those who are not with us at this time of effort to get to that office but of course, this is our campaign.�

The senators-elect at the meeting included Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Abdulfatai Buhari, Robert Boroffice, Barau Jibrin, Opeyemi Bamidele, Abdullahi Adamu, Francis Alimikhena, Ahmed Babba-Kaita, Dayo Adeyeye, Tijjani Kaura, Abdullahi Gumel, Adamu Bulkachuwa, Ovie Omo-Agege and Ifeanyi Ubah.

Emefiele through his lawyers, Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi (SAN); Mr. Damian Dodo (SAN); and Prof. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), filed court processes challenging the suit.

In the court papers obtained by THISDAY, Emefiele dismissed all the allegations made by Uboh and his association as utter falsehood, frivolous, baseless and an exercise in bad faith.

In one of the court papers titled: ‘Notice of Preliminary Objection’, Emefiele argued that Uboh’s case was predicated on mere suspicion and fabricated allegations, incapable of invoking the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

He further contended that Uboh not only lacked the locus to institute the suit but that the entire suit was an abuse of court process.

At the time of filing in this report, no date has been fixed to hear the objection.

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SENATE BACKS BUHARI, PASSES JUNE 12 DEMOCRACY DAY BILL The House approved the date after considering a report on “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Public Holidays Act, Cap. P40, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to bring the Act in tandem with the current realities and exigencies of the modern times and to declare June, 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria and for Related Matters.�

Considering the report at plenary, House members approved the amendments to three clauses in the Act, as recommended in the report.

The clause carrying May 29 as democracy day was amended to June 12.

The lawmakers saw the need to give the declaration a legal backing, hence the introduction of the bill by Hon. Edward Pwajok.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in June, 2018 directed that the nation’s

Democracy Day will, henceforth, hold on June 12 of every year as against the current arrangement where the ceremony holds on May 29.

He also posthumously honoured the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Bashorun Moshood Abiola, with the highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic.

Also yesterday, the upper legislative chamber approved promissory notes and bond issuances worth N14.6 billion to Bauchi State as reimbursement for executed federal government projects.

This was sequel to the adoption of the report of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Promissory Note Programme at plenary.

This development brings to 24, the number of states

with outstanding claims for projects executed on behalf of the federal government and approved by the Senate.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Francis Alimikhena, while presenting the report, noted that although the Senate had initially excluded Bauchi and Kogi States, the committee, however, approved refund for Bauchi, leaving out Kogi but was silent on why Kogi was excluded.

Also commenting, Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, wondered why Kogi State was excluded when President Muhammadu Buhari sought the approval for the issuance of the notes to offset inherited local debts for both Kogi and Bauchi States.

He, therefore, appealed that the president's request of refund for Kogi State be considered and approved by the Senate next week.

Meanwhile, Lawan has given an assurance that his legislative agenda if elected as Senate president of the ninth National Assembly will soon be made public.

Lawan, who spoke at a meeting with some senatorselect in Abuja on Wednesday night, stated that the agenda will be specific about the direction of the ninth National Assembly.

He added that he will send the draft of the comprehensive agenda to individual senatorselect for their input before the document is released formally to the public.

The Yobe North ranking senator noted that he lost in the contest for the coveted position in 2015 because it was not God's

SENATE CONFIRMS EMEFIELE, SAYS HE HAS PERFORMED CREDITABLY before becoming the governor of the central bank.

"On assumption of office as the governor of the central bank, he brought a number of initiatives which positively impacted on the Nigerian economy and boosted revenue generation through promotion and ensuring the adherence to accessibility and transparency of government finances.�

He said in his first tenure as CBN governor, Emefiele was able to liquidate ailing financial institutions, bridging not too sound financial institutions and maintained stable interest rate and effective management of the nation's foreign exchange regime.

Ibrahim added that Emefiele also initiated several policies and programmes, which have positive effect on the economy.

"After scrutinizing him, at the end of the screening exercise the committee findings are as follows; that the nominee has

more than 32 years of banking experience, that the nominee understands the diverse nature of the economy and has displayed profound knowledge of the continuous existence of the economy's stability.

"That he has performed creditably well in his first tenure which resulted to the exit of the nation out of recession.

Going by the nominee's character, banking experience, vast economic knowledge and performance in his first tenure, he is qualified for the position of the Governor of the Central Bank for another tenure for which he has been nominated by the president."

The Committee Chairman thereafter moved a motion to the effect that "based on the foregoing, the committee recommends that the Senate should approve the renewal of the appointment of Mr. Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The motion was seconded

by Senator Chukwuka Utazi who described the report of the committee as well researched and well written.

Speaking during the confirmation, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, charged him to use his reappointment for another five years to help improve the nation's economy.

He advised the CBN boss to deploy his wealth of financial experience towards the economic revitalisation of Nigeria.

Saraki also admonished him to use the renewal of his appointment as an opportunity to continue to provide support and ensure the economy of the country is improved upon to address the most important areas of ensuring micro economic policies.

Saraki thereafter congratulated Emefiele on his re-appointment, saying: "On behalf of the

Senate let me congratulate the Governor of the CBN on the renewal of his appointment for another term of five years."

EmeďŹ ele Challenges Suit Seeking to Stop Senate’s ConďŹ rmation Despite his clearance by the Senate, Emefiele has challenged the suit seeking to stop the confirmation of his re-appointment by the lawmakers.

The suit, which was initiated

by Mr. George Uboh under the auspices of the Incorporated Trustees of George Uboh Whistleblowers Network, is praying the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the Senate from taking any step to screen and confirm the re-appointment as CBN governor pending the hearing and determination of a separate suit.

In reaction to the suit,

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CBN Inaugurates Committee to Revive Textile Industry 50 firms to be revitalised by 2023 Loom Money is ponzi scheme, NDIC, SEC warn depositors Ndubuisi Francis and James Emejo in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set up a committee for the revival of the country's cotton, textile and garment industry, with the mandate to revive a minimum of 50 textile firms by 2023.

However, in the short-term, the apex bank plans to revive 20 textile firms within the 2019 fiscal period.

This is coming as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) have warned depositors against the activities of some online scammers, currently running an online investment scheme tagged ‘Loom Money Nigeria,’ describing the scheme as another Ponzi scheme.

The targets of Loom Money are young people, which the operators lure to participate in a pyramid arrangement.

Citing the whopping $4 billion spent annually on importation of textile materials into the country, the apex bank had in March, added all forms of textile materials to the list of items that are not eligible for foreign exchange from the official windows, thereby restricting the sale of forex to textile importers.

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, yesterday, further expressed concern that the country loses $2 billion annually to textile smuggling and export, stressing that it was time the country revived the sector in order to take advantage of the massive

opportunities therein.

He said the Textile Revival and Implementation Committee (TRIC), comprising representatives from CBN, five states involved in the production of cotton, federal ministries of power, water resources, finance and Nigeria Customs Service, has the responsibility of resuscitating the country's cotton belt, identify textile clusters, improve cotton production nationwide and boost power supply to textile firms across the clusters.

The Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Bala Barnabas; and Jigawa State Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Hassan, were present at the inauguration.

According to Emefiele, who got the Senate nod for a second term in office yesterday, the committee will further seek to identify infrastructure deficit, especially power supply to the textile clusters; ensure captive power generation is financed and addressed for the textile clusters as well as encourage independent, private off-grid power to ensure 24 hours, seven days a week operations in the clusters.

He said TRIC would also strengthen the Nigerian Customs Service to curb smuggling of textile goods, ensure general reduction of cost of doing business by eliminating multiple taxation as well as ensure zero per cent duty for machineries needed by the textile industry.

The committee will also attempt to retool and re-fit plants and machineries of

EmeďŹ ele the textile industry.

The CBN boss also identified counterfeiting, inadequate local patronage, poor high cost of production and multiple taxation as challenges confronting the sector.

He added that the CBN would continue to provide leadership towards the revitalisation of the sector, adding that the bank had already engaged 100,000 cotton farmers to cultivate 100,000 hectares of cotton for the 2019 season.

"I am appealing to all stakeholders to work with us to reclaim our country back and everybody must play a role. We made sure we involved all major stakeholders because no important agency relevant to this has been excluded.

"I am a Nigerian, my children are Nigerians, I feel concern, how do you feel when you go to Kano, foreigners have dominated our markets, selling smuggling textile materials and making a lot of money.

"We must work together to stop this and history will be kind to us as we pursue to reclaim our textile industry."

All the state governors commended Emefiele for the passion and determination to reposition key sectors of the economy, particularly the textile sector and agriculture in general.

Ganduje particularly hailed Emefiele for encouraging the cultivation of cotton by the farmers, and urged the apex bank to attach importance to the textile value chain in order to guarantee success.

He also stressed that building strong institutions and good management team remained critical to the resuscitation of the sector.

Loom Money is Ponzi Scheme, NDIC, SEC Warn Depositors Meanwhile, SEC and NDIC have warned depositors against the activities of some online scammers, currently running an online investment scheme tagged ‘Loom Money Nigeria,’ describing the scheme as another Ponzi scheme.

The targets of Loom Money are young people, which the operators lure to participate in a pyramid arrangement.

The acting Director General of the SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk, who warned against falling prey to the scam at a press conference by the Minister of Finance in Abuja, said the fraudsters, carry out their illegitimate activities via social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, luring young Nigerians to invest as low as N1,000 and N13,000 and get as much as eight times the value of the investment within 48 hours.

Uduk, who was represented at the press

conference by the acting Executive Commissioner, Operations, of the SEC, Mr. Isyaku Tilde, said the venture is bereft of any tangible business model, describing it as a Ponzi scheme, where returns would be paid from other people’s invested funds. “We are aware of the activities of an online investment scheme tagged ‘Loom Money Nigeria’. The platform has embarked on an aggressive online media campaign on Facebook and WhatsApp to lure the investing public to participate by joining various Loom WhatsApp groups to invest as low as N1,000 and N13,000 and get as much as eight times the value of the investment in 48 hours. “Unlike MMM that had a website and the promoter known, the people promoting Loom are not yet known and this pyramid scheme operates through closed groups mainly on Facebook and WhatsApp. "If it were a local Ponzi scheme with known offices, it would be very easy for the commission to seal their offices and freeze their accounts. “We, therefore, wish to notify the investing public that the operation of this investment scheme has no tangible business model hence it’s a Ponzi scheme, where returns are paid from other people’s invested sum. Also, its operation is not registered by the commission,� the SEC acting DG said.

She also assured that an inter-agency committee, Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee

(FSRCC) is working on the issue, while also collaborating with security agencies to shut them down.

Also, NDIC spokesman, Mr. Ibrahim Kudu, has also told THISDAY that anyone who patronises ponzi schemes does that at his or her own risk as the corporation does not recognise any institution not registered by the CBN. He said: "Last year, CBN and NDIC had reason to issue circular on Ponzi schemes. They are not covered. Anybody who put their money in MMM and all those things, does that at his own risk. NDIC does not insure any financial institution that is not licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

"And so the first question to ask yourself is that is that financial institution licensed by the CBN? No. NDIC has no business with any financial institution that is not licensed by the CBN,�

Kudu explained.

A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns to existing investors from funds contributed by new investors.

The Loom Pyramid Scheme is not new to the world.

Last month, Daily Mail UK reported that the scheme has resurfaced online all over the world, with different names such as 'loom circle', 'fractal mandala' and 'blessing loom'.

In Nigeria, its central name is Loom Money Nigeria with individuals creating their own WhatsApp groups such as Jack Loom, and Catherine Loom, among others.

FG: Accumulated Debt Used to Reflate Economy Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has explained that the increasing debt accumulated by the federal government is a deliberate design to reflate the economy.

Total public debt stood at N24.387 trillion as at December 2018 and the federal government accounts for over N19 trillion of the figure.

The minister, who addressed a press conference in Abuja yesterday, alongside heads of agencies under her ministry, said the debt increase from N12.2 trillion to over N24 trillion "is by design."

According to her, "We have designed the ERGP (Economic Recovery and Growth Plan) to reflate the economy to take us out of recession.

"When we came on board and we made an assessment, it was clear that our country was going into recession.

When we did a research on the best way to reverse the recession, it was found that that was the best way to reflate the economy and that means putting resources in the economy so that consumption will increase."

The minister stated that the federal government designed the ERGP to borrow in the first, second and third years, adding that in the fourth year, borrowing was supposed to start reducing.

"That is exactly what we have done. We made sure that we borrowed to finance capital projects," she said.

The minister argued that at the same time Nigeria slipped into recession, there were other countries in similar

situation, stressing that some of them are still not out of recession, "because of the method we adopted."

Ahmed stated that the consequence of the method adopted by Nigeria to exit recession was the increase in debt, adding that this was why her ministry and all its agencies are working towards increasing revenues.

In response to a question on whether she was nursing some fears in view of the high revenue projection in the 2019 budget in spite of the revenue generation challenges, she responded in the affirmative.

The 2019 budget is predicted on a revenue projection of N6.9 trillion.

Over N7 trillion was projected for 2018, out of which less than N4 trillion was realised.

"Yes but our fear is also a positive motivator and most of what we are doing in the ministry of finance is aimed at driving revenues.

The revenues in 2019 is faring better than what we have done in 2018 and I don't want that fear to go away because that can make us lose our momentum," she added.

The minister noted that the oil production level still stands at an average 1.95 million barrels per day (mbpd), less than the 2.3 million bpd benchmarked in the budget.

Ahmed disclosed that at some point, it moved to 2.1 bpd as Egina oilfield came on stream in November 2018 with a capacity to produce between150,000 to 200,000 barrels per day.

While production has not reached the budgeted 2.3m

bpd, the minister expressed relief that crude oil price at an average of $71 per barrel "is helping us to balance the shortfall because our budget was cut out at $60 per barrel."

Speaking on the new National Minimum Wage, the minister said financial implications had been worked out by the presidential committee that was set up, with the report already submitted to the president.

"We have looked at the report and what we are working on now is how we can finance the new minimum wage.

"Apart from the increase of the minimum wage from N18,000 to N30,000 there is also consequential adjustment that we have to negotiate with the labour unions.

"Two days ago, the SGF (Secretary to the Government

of the Federation) announced the constitution of the committee that will do this negotiation," she added.

Ahmed stated that the total financial implications will be determined after the negotiations. “The negotiation will determine what every other staff that is above the minimum wage will get. It could be a flat amount or a progression.

"But the other aspect that should be clear is that there is an increase for the NYSC as well because NYSC, by its Act, is designed that they earn at the minimum wage.

"So, NYSC allowance also has to increase to N30,000. So I cannot give you projections right now because the negotiations are not yet concluded," Ahmed explained.

to make projection on basic parameters such as exchange rate and the direction of interest rate. “But I think the focus for the CBN governor should be how to have an inclusive growth for the economy.

Having paddled us out of recession and the economy is now growing at a modest rate, I think we can do better.

So, the strategic thrust should be how to oil the real sector of the economy,� he said.

On his part, the Managing Director of Kairos Capital, Sam Chidoka, said the confirmation by the Senate has removed all the uncertainty in the market and shows continuity. “One thing the market doesn’t like is uncertainty,�

he said, adding: “Now, the market knows who is continuing and we have seen his policies in the last five years and we don’t expect major changes going forward.

So, the confirmation is good for the government because we didn’t see any issue that could trigger a sell-off or exit from the economy. All in all, we think it is a good deal.�

CEOS CALL FOR TOUGHER REGULATIONS, STRONGER BANKS He said: “The economic outlook remains positive, as this adds fillip to the continuity of current macroeconomic policies initiated by the CBN governor. “The positive interventions in the agriculture, real sector and foreign exchange stability gives confidence that the economy will continue to grow.�

Also, the Managing Director, Investment Banking at United Capital Plc, Mr. Babatunde Obaniyi, also called for stronger banks. “I think he (Emefiele) needs to make our banks stronger.

What we need are stronger banks that can drive the developmental process in the country. We expect the CBN to guide the banks to

cut down on the bad loans and also make them lend to the real sector. Banks should do less of trading in treasury bills and focus on supporting critical sectors of the economy,� Obaniyi added.

According to him, with the confirmation of Emefiele, there would be stability in terms of policy drive and also investors would be able

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NEWS

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

Govs Undertake to Implement Financial Autonomy for Legislature Deji Elumoye and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja State governors have undertaken to implement financial autonomy for state legislature and judiciary as provided by the Nigerian Constitution.

This is coming as the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to support the creation of state police as a panacea to the rising security concerns across the country.

The state chief executives made the pledge under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) at the opening session of a two-day conference on the implementation of the initiative held yesterday in Abuja.

The provision of financial autonomy to the two arms of government was contained in the constitutional amendment assented to last year by the president.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, said the governors will collaborate with the federal government to ensure the implementation of the law.

Yari who was represented at the event by Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, said the autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary is very key to sustainable development of the country.

“I totally aligned with the motion that the legislature and judiciary autonomy is a necessary precondition for an enduring democracy. This enhances

efficiency, transparency and accountability in government,” he said The Zamfara State governor also assured that “the state governors are collectively committed to the enthronement of a strong and virile democracy in Nigeria and would work with the federal government to achieve the national implementation strategy and ultimately ensure full autonomy of the legislature and judiciary at sub-national levels.”

He said the governors are in support of President Buhari’s reform agenda as well as his passion for transparency and zero tolerance for corruption.

Also speaking at the event, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State emphasised that the autonomy of the legislature and judiciary will strengthen democracy.

According to Ortom, Nigerians must learn to respect their constitution, adding that, “Once laws are in place, we have no choice but to comply because that is the only thing that will lead us to a greater height. If we refuse to obey our laws, then we are calling for chaos and anarchy and when anarchy comes nobody will be safe. So, I welcome this retreat because at the end of the day, all of us will take something home.”

Also the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, assured that the report and recommendations of the retreat will be submitted to the president.

He said the states are expected

to immediately commence implementation of the resolutions of the retreat.

“We are impressed by the attendance. Out of 36 states, 34 of the chief judges of the federation are here, and 31 speakers are also here in person, while the rest of them are presented at this conference,” he said.

Enang, who is also the secretary of the panel, said that one of immediate outcomes of the new reform is that the judiciary will be able to deliver justice without fear or favour.

“Money due to the judiciary will go to the account of the judiciary directly and money due to the legislature will go to the account of the legislature directly.

“Finally, it is intended to ensure that money for the judiciary is not spent on the judiciary or on the judiciary but it is spent by the judiciary for the judiciary and on the judiciary and the same goes for the legislature,” he said.

On his part, Ekweremadu urged President Buhari to support the creation of state police as a panacea to the rising security concerns across the country.

He blamed the rising security

challenges on unitary police system prescribed by the constitution.

He noted that the best options was not to run away from decentralised policing, which ensured the security of the people and their property up to 1966, but to ensure appropriate checks in terms of recruitment, appointment of police chiefs, control, logistics, funding, among others, to guide against possible abuse by state governors as feared by some.

He recommended the establishment of a National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to exercise a level of oversight over the activities of the state police such as maintaining common facilities for all police services in the country, including training, criminal intelligence data bases, forensic laboratories, among others.

“The NPSC should also run a system of inspectorates and certification such as supervision of recruitment, training, supervision of standards, and annual certification of every State Police Service.

“There should also be a body known as State Police Service Commission for the states and

should comprise a representative of the executive to be appointed by the Governor, representative of the Federal Government to be appointed by the NPSC, two independent experts in security matters to be appointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly, and a representative each of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

“Others are a retired police officer not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, representative of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), representative of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and other relevant civil organisations, as the case may be. The body should be responsible for the recruitment, appointment and disciplining of the members of the state police force.

“Importantly, the funding of the state police should be a first line charge on the state account or it can be deducted at source from the Federation Account and paid to the Police Service Commission for onward disbursement to the

respective State Police Service Commissions.

“There should be an Act of the National Assembly stipulating the type of arms that can be acquired by a sub-national police and also unacceptable conducts, which can lead to the sanction of a sub-national police command”, he added.

On affordability, he explained that state police would not be compulsory as those who have the resources could establish one, while those who could not afford would continue to rely on the federal police until they were able to establish one.

“The important thing is to lay down the legal frameworks that authorise and regulate decentralised policing so that those who can afford it can start, hence I urge Mr. President to lend his political will and weight to the quest for decentralised policing”, Ekweremadu explained.

He further stated that “our constitution contradicts, in several respects, the basic principles of democracy such as the separation of powers, checks and balances, and compromises the independence of the critical

Continued on page 12

Gunmen Abduct Five Oil Workers in Rivers Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Gunmen have abducted five persons working for an indigenous oil firm in AkukuToru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

THISDAY gathered that the victims were working at an oil facility within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 55 operated by an indigenous oil company, Belemaoil Producing Limited, in the high seas in the area when they were kidnapped on Monday.

The oil workers are personnel of a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) and a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation, BGP, who are contractors of Belemaoil.

“They were working at a site of ongoing seismic operation

by Belemaoil when they were abducted on Monday, May 13, 2019,” a source told THISDAY. The state police command confirmed the incident, saying the Commissioner of Police in the state, Usman Belel, has ordered a manhunt for the kidnappers.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnamdi Omoni (DSP), said the police was working to ensure the safe and unconditional release of the victims.

“We are aware of the incident. The commissioner of

police has ordered a serious manhunt to ensure that the victims are released unhurt and unconditionally,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kula Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, in whose territory the incident happened, has condemned the kidnap of the five contract workers of Belemaoil by unknown gunmen.

The Chairman, Kula Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, King Kroma Eleki, in his reaction said the act is inimical to the development of the area and could cause social disorder in the area.

He called for immediate and unconditional release of the oil workers and for improved security along the Kula waterways.

Eleki further lamented that the kidnap of the five oil workers confirms their earlier position that a multinational oil company was colluding with some persons in Kula to undermine the security of the area in a bid to forcefully resume oil operation in the Kula territory.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Kula Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bourdillon Ekine, wondered why such criminal act would be targeted at the seismic operation of Belemaoil that has meaningfully engaged and employed over 5,000 youths since the operation began last year.

IN PURSUIT OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE…

L-R: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; and former President of Ghana, Mr. John Mahama, during the 23rd Convocation of Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojo, Lagos...yesterday

MTN Lists on NSE, Shares Rise by 10% on First Trading Day The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday achieved a milestone with the listing of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc’s 20.35 billion shares at N99 per share lifting the market capitalisation by N1.83 trillion.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the stock appreciated

by N9.00 at the first trading day to close at N99 per share, having traded 5.5 million shares worth N545.59 million in 15 deals.

Speaking at the listing, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ferdi Moolman, said the company would contribute to the growth of the country’s bourse.

Moolman said the listing would afford Nigerians the opportunity to owe 20 per cent

of the company’s shares.

He noted that the company would float an Initial Public Offering (IPO) at a later date, adding that the IPO would depend on market conditions.

Moolman said that ownership of the telecommunications firm was expected to increase to around 35 per cent from the present 20 per cent after the IPO. He explained that the parent company was willing to dilute its shareholding from the present 78.8 per cent to 65 per cent to enable the local unit be at par with that of other multinationals listed in Nigeria.

Moolman said the company would further establish brand leadership and legacy by becoming the first Mobile

Network Operator to list on the exchange.

He said that Nigeria remained a major asset for the company being the largest African economy, largest telecommunications market in Africa as well as leading mobile market.

On issue of delisting, Moolman assured the stockbroking community and investors that the company had come to stay.

“We believe in this market and we are here to stay,” Moolman said. ” Earlier, NSE Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oscar Onyema, said the company was the first telecommunications network provider to be listed on the NSE Premium Board.

Onyema said Premium Board was a listing segment for the

elite group of issuers that meet the exchange’s most stringent corporate governance and listing standards.

“This Board features Dangote Cement Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, Zenith International Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc,” he said.

“We are delighted to welcome MTN Nigeria to the Exchange.

Today’s listing is a promising development in the country’s telecommunications sector and we encourage other players in the sector to explore the different opportunities in the capital markets for raising long term capital.

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NEWS

Foreign Rice is Poisonous, CG Customs Warns Nigerians James Emejo in Abuja The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service

(NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.), has appealed to Nigerians to stop consuming foreign rice because it is poisonous.

INEC Shifts Bayelsa, Kogi Guber Polls to Nov 16 Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (lNEC) has shifted the Bayelsa and Kogi states’ governorship polls from November 2 to 16, 2019, following appeals from the Bayelsa State government that the initial date falls on the national thanksgiving day of the state.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.

He said, “The INEC released the timetable and schedule of activities for the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections. The commission fixed November 2 for the elections to

hold in both states. However, the commission has received several appeals from the government.

State assembly, elders, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders in Bayelsa State, that the election date coincides with the state’s Annual Thanksgiving Day, which is backed by the Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day Law 2012.

“After a careful consideration of the appeals, the commission at its regular weekly meeting held today, May 16, decided to shift the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States to Saturday, November 16, 2019.”

The commission added that the timelines for all other activities leading to the elections have also been adjusted to align with the new date.

He said this yesterday in Abuja at a news conference organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Ali said the federal government had not issued license for importation of rice, adding that any rice seen on the streets that was not produced in Nigeria was smuggled.

He said the imported rice was poisonous because before coming into the country, it must have spent a minimum of five years in the silos.

“A chemical must have been added to sustain its freshness

and that chemical is harmful.

“Also, it has been re-bagged with a new date given as the production and expiry date and that is what we consume here, which causes diseases.

“So, I appeal to Nigerians to please patronise our own rice; it is available, more nutritious and if you do that you will assist customs by making sure these people are put out of business.”

Ali said rice importation was one of the biggest challenges the NCS was encountering, adding that it still happens because Nigerians consume

the imported rice.

He added that Nigerians were not helping matters as they helped the smugglers bring in the product.

According to him, if Nigerians stop buying the imported rice, smugglers will go out of business and there will be no need to bring it in.

“We always ask for assistance from Nigerians to apprehend these smugglers but up till now there is no private citizen that has walked up to us to give us information; the only people giving us information are the rice millers.

“We are working very closely with them to make sure that the rice that comes into this country is validly processed,” he explained.

According to him, there is no smuggler that is too big to be arrested, adding that the NCS has in custody three big rice smugglers.

He said because of the smugglers, the NCS enlarged its task force specifically to fight rice problem, especially in the season of fasting, a celebration period during which smugglers would try to import rice.

CUPP Spokesman Resigns as NYCN President Accuses Dalung of perpetrating crisis in NYCN Udora Orizu in Abuja The spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Ikenga Ugochinyere, has resigned with immediate effect, his position as the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

He said his resignation was to enable him to focus fully as the National Chairman of Action People’s Party (APP) and CUPP spokesperson.

Ugochinyere, while briefing the journalists, yesterday in Abuja, said: “Following my deep involvement in opposition politics during my leave from the youth council particularly as the spokesperson of the Nigerian opposition, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and as the National Chairman of Action People’s Party (APP), I have come to the informed conclusion that l may not be in a position to be totally neutral to lead Nigerian youths as the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.”

He said another reason for his resignation was to avoid being in a position where his personal political interests and affiliations will conflict with the common interest of the generality of Nigerian youths.

“My long absence and foray into opposition politics has created a huge vacuum that has led to the emergence of factional leaders and splinter groups who are destroying the unity of the Council.”

“I have all it takes to sustain my leadership and claim to the presidency of the National Youth Council with the court judgment and my financial resources, but I have decided to make this great sacrifice of voluntarily stepping aside

and call for early congress to institute a leadership that will unify us all and move us to greater heights,” he said.

Ugochinyere, who also accused the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung and the ministry of causing the perennial crisis currently rocking the council, said: “While we were in office, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development contributed in no small measure to the perennial crisis rocking the council.

“Despite the affirmation of the legitimacy of our leadership by the FCT High Court, which is still valid and subsisting till today, the ministry has continued to disobey the valid orders of the court. The distraction from the ministry really slowed our pace.”

“With the negative actions of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, we were able to achieve within the time the launching of the NYCN Football Club, The Bulldozers which is presently doing very well in the FCT League.”

“We were also very prominent in the processes leading to the passage of the Not Too Young To Run Bill by the National Assembly which has since been assented to by the president and which has made it possible for a lot of young Nigerians to contest for elective offices in the country.”

Speaking further, the CUPP spokesperson stressed, “we also identified the location of the Five Billion Naira (N5,000,000,000.00) Youth Village land that was illegally sold and some of the persons who were involved in the sale. This discovery was a major reason why we were opposed as many persons in government were involved in the illegal land transaction.

ALL EYES ON HIGHER RETURNS…

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Mr. Austin Avuru; Company’s Secretary, Mrs. Mirian Kachikwu; Chairman, Dr. ABC Orjiako; and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Roger Brown, during the company’s 6th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos...

ETOP UKUTT yesterday

You Have a Case to Answer, Court Tells Ex-NNPC Boss Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday told the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), Mr. Andrew Yakubu, that he had a case to answer in his ongoing trial.

Yakubu who is facing a six-count charge bordering on non-declaration of assets and money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission, (EFCC) had entered a no-case submission after the prosecution closed its case.

However, in his ruling yesterday, the trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, ordered Yakubu to defend counts one to four of the charge preferred against him just as he struck out counts five and six.

The judge held that the prosecution had failed to prove its case on why Yakubu should answer to counts five and six but that he should defend

how he came about being in possession of such a huge amount of money.

In the no-case submission dated November 6, 2018, and filed through his counsel, Yakubu had prayed the court to strike out the charges against him, and discharge and acquit him. He argued that the evidence led by the prosecution’s seven witnesses did not establish a case against him, necessitating him to defend himself. The EFCC had on October 17, 2018, closed

its case against Yakubu after calling the seventh witness, Suleiman Mohammed, an operative with the commission.

Mohammed had testified to how operatives on February 3, 2017 operatives of the commission recovered $9. 7 million and 74,000 pounds, stashed in a huge fire-proof safe in a building belonging to Yakubu in Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna State.

The matter was adjourned until July 3, for Yakubu to enter his defence.

Nigerian-born Tobechukwu Phillips Shatters American School’s 125-year Academic Record A Nigerian-born teenager, Tobechukwu Phillips, has shattered the 125-year academic history of her high school in Texas, United States of America.

Phillips, a student of Alvin High School, boasted a 6.9 GPA (Great Point Average), after she earned A’s throughout her stay in the school.

She emerged the first black valedictorian in the school’s history.

Alvin High School was originally established in 1894.

African-American students were allowed to join the school in 1965.

Speaking to Because of Them We Can, Phillips said, “Maintaining the highest GPA in my class is a difficult task. It truly takes time management but more importantly, acknowledging what you do it for. I know that I am no longer

just representing myself.”

Phillips had a word of advice for other students.

She said, “My biggest advice to other scholars of colour is to truly adopt the mindset of Rosa Parks — ‘No.’ Do not conform to the stereotypes that have held us under thumbs for so long,” she explained. “Do not be discouraged when someone speaks out against you; simply allow what they say to fuel your

fire. But more than anything, do not remain tight-lipped.

Stand up for what you believe in and take it upon yourself to be the change you have always wanted. Say ‘No’ to the ways of the world and stick out.”

Phillips will attend the Nursing School at the University of Texas on full scholarship later in the year. Her plan is to one day own her own clinic as a pediatric nurse practitioner.

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NEWS

Nwankwo Outlines Strategies to Combat Nigeria’s Infrastructure Deficit Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A former Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, has said that Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit can be addressed with debt financing.

He, however, admitted that the conclusion that public debt should be used to finance Nigeria’s massive infrastructure needs is a paradox because of the existing precarious public debt profile.

Nwankwo, who was the Guest Speaker at the 3rd Just Friends Club of Nigeria(JFCN) Annual Lecture which held yesterday in Abuja, contended that the resolution of that paradox lies in a creative unbundling of the concept of debt sustainability.

In the context of financing infrastructure for the structural transformation of the economy, he explained that distinction should be made between conventional debt sustainability, which is essentially static, and what one would identify as structural debt sustainability, which is based on a forward-looking view of the economy.

He noted that assessment of debt sustainability in the latter case should focus on whether and how, the additional debt would be effectively applied to the development of infrastructure, to pull the economy out of backwardness; how it would enable the economy to establish a growth trajectory that will enable it regain or enhance debt sustainability and more stable growth, by a forecasted time.

“The secret is that it is feasible to articulate a bold plan for the transformation of the economy, the transformation plan, financed with new debt towards one that is more diversified, more competitive, more export-capable and less

vulnerable to external shocks.

Specifically, the new debt will generate adequate output and cash-flow to cover its servicing and amortisation and create surplus, while avoiding, by design, foreign exchange risk. The net impact of the new debt on debt sustainability, therefore, is that by creating value added, it even helps to reduce the pre-programme debt burden, rather than exacerbate it,” he explained.

Nwankwo, who spoke on “Realism and Paradox in Financing Nigeria’s Huge Infrastructure Needs”, argued that such plan is a conditionprecedent to effective debt financing of infrastructure. “A robust macroeconomic model with detailed financial programming is perhaps the most important component of the plan documents; it will elicit the trajectory of transformation, breakthrough and self-sustaining growth that would result from the capital injection in big infrastructure development. It will demonstrate how exchange rate risk will be neutralised,” he explained.

He explained that the design of infrastructure development will mainstream the real sector and its objectives – diversification, encouragement of small and medium enterprises, export drive, etc.

To him, it will specify the major channels or sources of stimulus for the economy derivable from a plausible transformation plan that supports massive debt-financed infrastructure investment.

The former DMO boss explained that in spite of the country’s problematic debt profile, a plan-based, project-tied, output-driven, and commerciallymodelled and private-sectormanaged debt programme remains a “robust option (arguably

the most robust option) for financing Nigeria’s infrastructure development. It is a solution that can be intelligently structured to produce a transformed and self-sustaining economy without worsening debt sustainability.”

According to him, a major issue which has to be addressed while using debt financing for infrastructure is the impact of exchange rate risk since substantial portion of the debt is obligated in foreign currency.

“Concerns about exchange rate risk and, generally, concerns about the ability of a country that is a weak player in the global market, to meet its external debt obligations are quite relevant.

So, how could one justifiably propose more foreign currency denominated borrowing under this condition?” he queried.

“The answer lies in the Turnaround Plan (TP). The essence of the financial and structural programming contained in the TP, is that within five to seven years, the implementation of the plan will have produced a sustainable and continuously strengthening economic progress, and that from about year eight to year ten, the economy will start generating adequate public revenue, including in foreign exchange, with which the external debt will be serviced and repaid. That is why the external borrowing for the purpose of achieving the turnaround will be at favourable terms including, particularly, a moratorium period and a long tenor.”

Nwankwo also pointed out that infrastructure development investment must be undertaken, not in the hope of, but in conjunction with, real sector development; hence, the imperative of planning and executing it closely with the private sector.

FG to Reassess Commercial Value of Mineral Resources Kasim Sumaina in Abuja To boost investment in the mining sector, the federal government, has disclosed that it is set to re-assess the commercial value of some mineral resources, including gold, tin, columbite, limestone, phosphate, zinc and coal deposit in the country.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa Bwari, disclosed this when he played host to a team of investors from Morocco led by Muhammed Hetiti of the OCP and, Mark Buncombe of Standard Bank IBTC, South Africa.

The minister said the visit was a fallout of his earlier visit to Morocco last month where he signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on phosphate and solid minerals development on behalf of the

federal government.

Bwari said: “Because of the renewed interest in the mining sector by President Muhammadu Buhari, to diversify from oil and gas to agriculture and mining, attention to these sectors is a high priority of the Nigerian government.”

“Although, mining in the country as it is today, is still at the artisanal and small scale level. But, the present administration is trying to change the perception of an ‘oil depended’ economy to mining destination in the world,” he said.

To this end, “we are trying to find out how much of this minerals are of commercial value. We have prioritised some of them, like gold, tin, iron ore and with bankable data, we will be able to achieve this feat.”

Bwari said: “We have

the minerals and we have discovered about 44 of them, identified them and we have also developed a roadmap in the area of industrial minerals because, government’s priority is to create job opportunities for our people, increase contribution of mining to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and ensuring that mining is done in a best standard practice, in terms of human health and environmental degradation.”

He said, “Today, as a country, we are self-sufficient in cement production and we have these deposit in large quantities and quality. We are now exporting cement to other countries of the world”.

Earlier, Buncombe disclosed that they were in the country to support one of their clients who are interested in the mining sector.

GOVS UNDERTAKE TO IMPLEMENT FINANCIAL AUTONOMY FOR LEGISLATURE institutions of democracy.

“This is why the National Assembly has, starting from 2010, successfully altered the constitution to strengthen the principles of separation of powers, checks and balance, and indeed our democracy and good governance by placing the National Assembly, INEC, and most recently, the

State Houses of Assembly and Judiciary on first line charge”.

He, however cautioned state assemblies that the autonomy was not a license to appropriate whatever they liked to their respective assemblies and the states judiciary, but a recognition of the prioritisation of the release of their funds in the

appropriation law of their respective states.

He described the local government as the weakest link in the governance structure and urged the state assemblies to approve the Constitution Amendment Bills that seek to strengthen the councils as a third tier of government.

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

COMMENT

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

REFORMING THE NGO SECTOR

Ade Lawal urges civil society organisations to work with legislators for a fit for purpose regulation of the sector be required to be registered as accredited personnel and a separate database will be created for such purpose. The commission will also create departments for orphanages, mentally challenged and elderly, which will provide the framework for regulating the operations of such services nationally.

Under section 23, any person(s) convicted of an offence relating to the holding of a license shall be liable to the sum of N350,000, or to an imprisonment of two years or both.

Such person(s) convicted shall be disqualified from holding any position of trust in any charitable organisation for a period of 10 years. Also, any person(s) who makes signs or utters any false statement(s) or make such false declaration(s) in support for or in response to a request for enquiries or investigation or during the re-registration processes by the commission, such person(s) shall be liable to a fine of N500,000 or to an imprisonment of three years or both as well as disqualified from holding any position of trust in any charitable organisation for 10 years.

In section 24, a charity may have its license revoked where its activities poses significant threat to security and unity; or where in the discharge of its primary charitable purposes, it deviates into ventures that are for personal or selfish gains; or where in the discharge of its primary charitable purposes.

Section 25 requires all charitable gifts in cash or assets or commodities or securities or investments to be declared and recorded by all charitable organisations. Gifts to leaders of religious organisations will follow specific guidelines set out to curb corrupt practices. Rather curiously, all workers directly employed by a religious charity to perform specific religious duties shall be exempted from taxes.

“

To seek an order from the judiciary, to restrain the legislature from further deliberation of a bill in a democratic state, is not only premature, but beggars belief!� These were the operative words from an article in February 2018 and published in THISDAY under the heading, “The NGO Bill: NASS must be allowed to perform its duties�.

A year later it is gratifying to note that a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by the Hon Justice Inyang Ekwo agreed with my postulation and dismissed the suit brought

by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), challenging the bill by the National Assembly to enact a regulatory commission to regulate affairs of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country. The Hon judge said: “I’m unable to see where the process of making law could infringe on the rights of a person.â€? He stated further that: “A bill does not have life until passed into law. When a bill becomes a law that is when the court could be invited into the matter‌The right to challenge a bill cannot be equated with the right to challenge a law‌ I hold that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter.â€?

There has, however, been further development on the issue of regulation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charities with a bill titled “Establishment of the Federal Charities Commission of Nigeria� sponsored

by Senator Duro Faseyi (PDP, Ekiti) which was presented to the National Assembly in January 2019 for first reading.

The bill seeks to establish an independent Federal Charities Commission of Nigeria (FCCN) with the sole responsibility for providing a regulatory framework, establish and enforce institutional standards and administrative mechanisms, and enable recurrent registration and supervision of charities and non-governmental organisations in Nigeria. The bill also seeks to strengthen interdependency of external multilateral and indigenous interventions with a view to developing a viable third sector for public benefit thereby achieving institutional capacity for transparent and sustainable development.

Under section 2, the commission will determine the charitable status of bodies as charitable organisations where such bodies fulfil a number of criteria. There will now be a public benefit test and assets can only be used for charitable purposes. There should be no association with any political party, political symbol, or influence or control by a government minister, or by a third-party organisation. The spirit of not-forprofit has been introduced with a requirement that profits can only be reinvested. There will be an accessible public register and the commission will have powers to investigate errant charities.

In accordance with section 22, there is to be a public register of charities open only to organisations which have fulfilled a public benefit test and carry on a specified list of activities ranging from relief from poverty to the advancement of education and, conflict resolutions or reconciliation.

Successful registration will lead to a grant of a license with a charity number, which will be subject to annual reviews. All individuals undertaking charitable functions in Nigeria shall

THE MANY LAYERS FOR COMPLIANCE SUGGEST THAT THE LEGISLATION WILL VERY QUICKLY BECOME A PARADISE FOR CORRUPT PRACTICES AS THOSE AFFECTED BY THE NEW REGULATIONS SEEK TO NAVIGATE THEIR WAY AROUND IT

The bill whilst laudable in its ambition to administer, control and regulate the not-for-profit sector (charities and NGOs), appears schizophrenic as it is not clear if it is the organisations or the individuals that work within them that are to be regulated. The hiving off for special treatment organisations that work with orphans, mentally disabled and the elderly seem random and there is no particular basis for it. The many layers for compliance also suggest that the legislation will very quickly become a paradise for corrupt practices as those affected by the new regulations seek to navigate their way around it. Better to keep the legislation simple in application, compliance and interpretation in order for it to grow organically.

Nonetheless, it should now be apparent even to the most stubborn proverbial Ostrich that the third sector in Nigeria is going to be reformed and it is no longer tenable to have a collective burying of heads or keep shouting foul like an exuberant football supporter who blames the referee for all the shortcomings of his team. There is, here and now, an opportunity for civil society organisations to engage with this bill in an adult, altruistic and practical way for the benefit of beneficiaries from whatever sector who should, after all, be at the heart of all consideration on the issue of reform in the sector. It is my hope that they will take it and actively work with legislators in giving us a bill that is fit for purpose for the regulation of the third sector.

Lawal is Senior Counsel, 153 Chambers, Victoria Island, Lagos

SHARING SPOILS OF WAR Ali Ndume is fit and proper to lead the ninth senate, writes Demola Abimboye

I

n the past couple of weeks, especially since the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious at the centre in the 2019 elections, spoil mongers – those “who promise to distribute public offices and their emoluments as the price of services to a party or its leaders� – have gone to the drawing board to fashion out who gets what once members of the National Assembly are sworn in.

The most contentious area, for now, has been who emerges President and Speaker of the Ninth Senate and House of Representatives respectively. The two chambers are expected to be inaugurated on May 29 but would elect their principal officers early June.

Although President Buhari has not come out to state categorically who he wants to occupy the offices, two party stalwarts – Adams Oshiomhole and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, chairman and national leader of APC respectively – have appropriated to themselves the power to determine who becomes what in the National Assembly. The two men have practically embraced the phrase ‘To the Victor Go the Spoils,’ an expression championed in 1832 by William Marcy, a senator from New York. The lawmaker, in an argument against the Democratic Party, contended that there was nothing wrong “in the rule that to the victor belong the spoils of victory,� meaning that the winner takes all.

Tinubu and Oshiomhole have foreclosed any

idea of the members of the hallowed chambers electing their leaders. They have told the whole world that Senator Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila from Yobe and Lagos States respectively, should be Senate President and Speaker without thought for other contenders or geo-political zones. The two men simply zoned the two offices to the North East and South West respectively. More importantly, they have micro-zoned the offices to Yobe and Lagos States.

Thereafter, they warned other aspirants to either fall in line or leave the party.

While one respects the right of Lawan or anyone for that matter to aspire to be Senate President, methinks the power brokers should have done a proper appraisal of what each senator from the North East contributed to APC’s victory before arriving at who contests for what office. There is absolutely no need to be fixated on one man from the zone made up of six states – Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba.

Now, as a result of Tinubu and Oshiomhole’s insistence on Lawan, there is a growing disenchantment with the micro-zoning arrangement.

Senators Ali Ndume and Danjuma Goje from Borno and Gombe States respectively, have shown interest in the plum job. It is obvious that neither of them would subjugate his interest to that of an anointed candidate.

Against this background, it stands to reason that since the North East has been tipped to

produce the Senate President, one believes there are eminently qualified legislators for the plum job. Senator Ali Ndume, a very high ranking Senator, fits the bill.

Born on 20 November 1959 in Gwoza, Borno State, Ndume was a former senior lecturer at the famous Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri and was awarded the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Post-Graduate Scholarship in 1988 to study Business and Computer Education at the University of Toledo Ohio, United States of America. He earned an M.Ed in 1990 and was awarded Magna Cum Laude academic honour.

He was also admitted into the Phi Kappa Phi academic society for outstanding performance.

He returned to Ramat Polytechnic and lectured till 2003, when he won election on the platform of the All Nigeria People’s party, (ANPP) to represent Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He was re-elected in 2007 and was unanimously elected as the minority leader.

Ndume decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in December 2010, barely 100 days to the 2011 elections; contested for Borno South Senatorial District and won 146,403 votes, as against those of Dr. Vilita Bashir of the ANPP, 133,734 votes and Alhaji Unaru Ibrahim of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, with 20,414 votes. In the seventh Senate, Ndume served as Chairman of the Committee on Mil-

lennium Development Goals, (MDGs). He was re-elected senator in 2015 and emerged leader of the Senate.

A level-headed bridge builder, Ndume has the network to ensure smooth operation between the legislature and executive arms of government.

Recall that he was instrumental to truncating impeachment plots against the president in 2018 and stabilizing the legislature after the gale of defections that swept through the chamber.

But the insistence by two party leaders on an anointed candidate has invariably raised the question as to who has the power to zone positions or offices to be occupied by senators or representatives in the ninth assembly. Normally, the party has the sole responsibility to decide what goes to each geo-political zone. Instructively, the decision ought to be taken jointly by the party and the senators rather than by two individuals.

In any case, the 1999 Constitution stipulates how the senators and representatives should elect their leaders. Section 50 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states that there shall be: (a) a President and Deputy President of the Senate, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves; and (b) a Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves.

This is the way it should be done.

Abimboye wrote from Abuja

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EDITORIAL Reckless Driving On Abuja Roads The FRSC may do well to enforce traffic laws

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hat the roads in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are the widest and smoothest in Nigeria is not in doubt.

But driving on those roads is now being increasingly undermined by the dangerous habits of some young boys.

As the seat of the federal government and the foremost political city in the country, this paradox is unedifying. The road network whose master plan was derived from some of the most efficient cities in the world must not continue to witness largely avoidable calamities.

At weekends, it is now common sight for children of the high and mighty within the city to pull all kinds of stunts on major highways with their very expensive cars and power bikes, threatening the lives of others in the process. For instance, in December 2017, Yusuf, son of President Muhammadu Buhari, who was reportedly engaged in power bike racing at night with his friends, had an accident in the Gwarinpa axis of the federal capital where he broke CAUSES FOR ACCIDENTS a limb and sustained INCLUDE OVER-SPEEDING, injuries in his head.

DRIVING UNDER THE More worrying is POWER OF ALCOHOL AND that road accidents have become a OTHER INTOXICATING common feature of SUBSTANCES AND NONlife within the city.

USE OF PROTECTIVE GADGETS LIKE SEAT BELTS In March 2018, an accident happened in Nyanya, an Abuja suburb, involving nine vehicles and resulting in 10 deaths, in addition to many injuries. The one that occurred in Wuse, Abuja the following month was caused by a truck that rammed into three cars. Four persons were killed. All the crashes cited happened at night. Similar disasters have continued to cause anguish and also tarnish the image of a potential choice business and tourist destination - complete with a pleasurable, memorable nightlife. Understanding the psychology of these classes of motorists and tackling their excesses frontally would be necessary steps towards achieving order and safety.

Letters to the Editor

The figures of related tragedies are indeed alarming.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the record of people lost to road accidents across Nigeria from January 2013 to June 2018 is as follows: 2013 (5,539); 2014 (4,430); 2015 (5,400); 2016 (5,053); 2017 (5,049) and in the first half of 2018 (2,623). These data clearly show that at least 28,000 lives were sent to their graves in just 68 months. That is approximately 415 people per month, 14 persons daily, and an individual every two hours. In May 2017, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) revealed that there were over 33 deaths per 100,000 people nationally every year. The report made Nigeria one of the nations with the largest amount of fatalities on the continent.

Unfortunately, two years after, not much has changed.

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

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

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

THE POWER OF AZURA AND CCETC

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zura and CCETC power can end discos monopoly, eliminate stranded electricity, stop outages and rationing. Azura-Edo and CCETC-Ossiomo power plants should be allowed to generate, transmit and distribute electricity in Nigeria. They have the equipment and capacity to eliminate stranded electricity, put an end to discos’ monopoly of electricity and rationing in Nigeria. The two plants are viable, sustainable and can meet the expectations of stakeholders in the provision of access to safe and reliable electricity services to all customers within their franchise territories, as well as those areas considered to be economically unviable.

I want to appeal to President Buhari to grant EdoAzura and CCETC-Ossiomo license to distribute electricity to consumers in some states to put an end to discos’ monopoly and outages. This is the time to end the era of monopoly of electricity distribution by distribution companies. This is the time to nullify the transitional electricity market order. Edo-Azura and CCETC-Ossiomo power plants can distribute electricity power because they have the equipment to generate power and they equally have the equipment to distribute power to strengthen.

Edo people deserve a better service provider than the BEDC as the state is host to Azura which generates over 700 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has appealed to President Buhari to revoke the operational licence of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) for its inability to

ny real search for solutions to this sad situation should start with a proper understanding of its likely causes. Thankfully, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has already identified reasons for road accidents. They include over-speeding, driving under the power of alcohol and other intoxicating substances, non-use of protective gadgets like seat belts, distractions caused by passengers, decrepit or substandard road amenities, unsafe vehicles, inadequate post-collision response, and poor enforcement of traffic laws.

Interestingly, the profile of the offenders is as diverse as the triggers of road mishaps suggested by WHO. Some public transport drivers, their private and corporate counterparts, uniformed personnel, chauffeurs of dignitaries and convoys are united in unsettling an otherwise tranquil motoring environment. The exuberance of the last group of transgressors is traceable to the ubiquity of Very Important Personalities (VIPs) in the city.

On a final note, like what obtains in other aspects of the nation’s life, impunity often leads to more law breaking. Punishment of convicted persons is, therefore, mandatory. Functional street lights are vital for optimal visibility. Appropriate road signs are also requirements for harmonious driving. The nation stands to gain greatly from a capital that ceases to unwittingly jeopardise the lives of its road users.

provide stable electricity for residents of the state. Obaseki said the call became necessary to rescue Edo people and residents from the crappy service being delivered to the people.

Edo-Azura and CCETC-Ossiomo have the capacity to drive out darkness and give 24-hour electricity to the people of Edo State and others. The two companies have distribution equipment to supply houses, shopping centers, and other local needs. The two companies can supply large industrial plants and factories directly by a subtransmission line or a dedicated distribution line.

NERC has explained that the Discos were licensed to connect customers for the purpose of provision of electricity supply, installation, maintenance and reading of meters, billing and collection, among others. “The provision of these services by Discos on a non-discriminatory basis is a fundamental requirement arising from the natural monopoly they enjoy as distribution network service providers. The sustainability of this traditional regulatory framework is increasingly becoming difficult due to continued technological improvements and advancement in the capabilities of distributed energy resources,” it said. NERC also explained that since the beginning of the power sector reform in 2005, the discos have failed to meet the expectations of stakeholders in the provision of access to safe and reliable electricity services to all customers within their franchise territories, as well as those areas considered to be economically unviable.

Inwalomhe Donald, Benin City

LAGOS IS NOT READY FOR THE RAINS

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s the rainy season begins, it is obvious that the city of Lagos is not prepared for the heavy downpours.

With the array of blocked drainages, we do not need any forecast or ecological clairvoyance to see we are in for hard times.

Lagos over the years has laid so much emphasis on “keeping Lagos Clean” without the direct correlation of “keeping drainages free”. Almost all the residents of Lagos including LAWMA highway managers are culpable in throwing, dumping or sweeping wastes such as plastics bottles into drainages. Until our drainages are given the requisite attention to ensure free flow, we will continue to grapple with the issue of floods.

We cannot continue to drive exotic cars through the flood without recourse to our environment.

With wealth comes greater responsibility. Even the most developed parts of Lagos like Victoria Island, Lekki Phase One, Lagos Island and the capital – Ikeja, fail the test of a free drainage whereas the hallmark of developed cities is functional and efficient drainage network system.

As Nigerians, it is surprising the way we turn away our eyes from the obvious. We dump waste in drainages yet we are surprised with the consequential floods anytime there is a heavy

downpour.

As the rain starts in the year, all Lagosians and indeed Nigerians should brace up to clear their drainages. We cannot be too busy at the expense of our immediate environment. Corporate bodies, landlords, tenants and the whole neigbourhood need to be jointly responsible for their environment. It should not all be about collecting toll fees or estate dues.

As for the Lagos State government regrettably, it has done next to nothing in cleaning blocked drainages, rather it is engrossed in the cliché “Keep Lagos clean”. I was surprised when I recently saw a bus marked “Drainage Monitoring Team” under the Ministry of Environment of Lagos State.

Obviously this unit exists only on paper.

The Lagos State government needs to do more.

Just like there are LAWMA highway managers, there ought to be “drainage managers” from the Ministry of Environment who will be engaged on contract basis and will ensure that all blocked drainages are cleared periodically and also orientate Lagosians to stop dumping refuse in gutters. The Lagos State government can also impose stiff penalties on anyone found throwing or dumping refuse in drainage. Let us make Lagos work.

Olumide Olugbenga Ajayi, Broad Street, Lagos

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Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

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

Why Buhari Must Choose Between Kogi People and Yahaya Bello

Buhari

George Oyedepo

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he game of politics is always changing and it always boils down to interests. This is why politicians are considered untrustworthy, shifty and dodgy. When politicking candidates are given allowance as politicians, immediately they win, the allowance goes and nobody accepts their politicking anymore.

They have become government who must not twist or turn and who must be forthright including fulfilling the promises from the time of the twist and turn.

When campaigning and during elections, politicians consider self-interest or interest of political stakeholders relevant to them.

When they win elections and form government, they are expected to do all they do and govern in the interest of the people. President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have tried to change this system. They came to power in 2015 after campaigning not on the interest of politicians but on the interest of the people. Though there were many with them who were with them in their own interest, the country believed Buhari was only interested in the interest of the people. Four years after, people believe more that he is in the interest of the people. People blame APC’s misfortune and disorganization on a president who abandoned the party and politics for the people. A president who acted more as the leader of a nation than the leader of his party. This was frustrating for the politicians in his party, but he did not change. He did not interfere or speak till Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Shehu Sani and many others left the party and he still did not interfere.

When it was time for re-election, the party and politicians were afraid and some were telling him he made a mistake not to politick and pay attention to the party because it was in disarray and some had left and the support base was weak. The President refused to make appointments based only on allegiance to the APC. He did not award juicy contracts and oil blocks to party faithful. People were wondering where the money for election will come from when the faithful and party structure had not been oiled or “empowered”. But because he kept the interest of the people at heart instead of the vested interests in the party, he won election again.

President Buhari’s only stain on his “interest of the people” reputation is the albatross of Kogi State. It is widely believed that he brought Yahaya Bello to power and has

Bello sustained him in power. Bello proudly and arrogantly claims ‘sonship’ to the President and does not fail to remind everybody everything he is doing has presidential backing. When the president returned from London, he was the only one to declare a Public Holiday. He frequents the Aso Rock Villa to visit with the President. Rumour has that it was he who bought the president’s expression of interest in re-election form. Rumour also says he was high in consideration for marriage to one of the president’s daughter. It is widely believed that once Federation Allocation is shared in Abuja, Bello who spends almost all of his time in Abuja does not take it to Kogi that it was meant for.

The only blemish on the President and his family’s reputation in Kogi is why a father who is interested in the people does not call his ‘son’, Yahaya Bello to order? The only blame on the President in Kogi is that he has said and done nothing for almost four years that Bellohas not paid salaries, that he has been inflicting untold hardship on the people and that many have died suffering because of Yahaya Bello. Is it that in Kogi the President chose politics over people? Is it that the cries and smell of death from suicide and sickness from non-payment of salaries doesn’t get to the Aso Rock Villa? Is it that the President who feels the pains of civil servants in other states does not feel the pains and anguish of those in Kogi? Must all in Kogi die before their voices are heard?

Or is it that this time, the president has chosen “vested interest” above “people interest”? For a president whose best credential is not only that he does not like corruption as shown in the body language and confusion of ‘Gandollar’ or ‘Gandujegate’, on national TV he was reluctant to raise Ganduje’s hand. We hear he did not even want to go to Kano. We hear he was privately angry to associate with Kano. But the votes are in Kano, yet he chose the people over the politics. Can’t we see the party almost lost Kano? In Ogun, he refused to assist his former best friend from the Southwest to pervert the will of the people. When Governor Ibikunle Amosun hosted a rally and tried to pressure the president to support his own candidate, the people’s president raised the hand of the APC candidate, but told the people to vote who they think will be best for them. President Buhari refused to bow to the vested interests of the party, or the vested interest of Governor Amosun.

His former best and only political ally in the South-east- the very Hausa-speaking Governor Rochas Okorocha ran to Abuja many times looking for presidential salvation against the

party. The people’s president did not interfere.

So why is he seemingly supporting Bello when all are crying and begging him to save and rescue them from Bello? Why is the revelation of N1.86 Billion fake contract, #Ganajagate not enough for the president to disown Yahaya Bello? Why is the blood of the departed and the sorrow of the survivors from Bello’s reign not enough to move the presidency to save the rest of Kogi people form death and sorrow? Why will the presidency allow the infliction of fear hunger, sickness and death to continue in Kogi? Kogites accept their fate of weakness and fear of the presidency.

But they have no fear or weakness of Yahaya Bello without the president. Yahaya Bello even recently told them that APC the National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu respects him because he is a ‘son of President Muhammadu Buhari.’

Left to the Buhari we know, Yahaya Bello will not even contest primaries in Kogi. He will not be permitted. President Buhari said “he does not know how governors go to sleep without paying salaries,” but Yahaya Bello his son is sleeping well under the President Buhari’s protection without paying salaries.

Is it because in Kogi, for the President, it is politics, not people? Or vested Yahaya Bello interest not people interest? Has the President given up the burden of the father of the nation in Kogi to make a choice to be father of Yahaya Bello? Is it that everywhere He is for all and belongs to no one, but in Kogi, he is for Bello and belongs to Bello?

In Oyo state, the long-time close friend and political ally of the president since their Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) days, Adebayo Shittu, a former governorship aspirant in Oyo State CPC became Minister of Communications. From the first day he gave the governor trouble, but because of his closeness to President, the President showed his usual character of being steadfast to his friends and kept him as Minister. Soon allegation of financial impropriety and lack of paying his assistants their salaries which is what this president has worked against in the states were made. President Buhari still stood with his friend. He did not do NYSC. He confessed it. He was not sacked. He was not told to follow the example of Kemi Adeosun and go quietly, no the president kept him because the president does not bow to vested interest.

When the primaries for Oyo state came, Shittu was not even allowed. Those that went to Oyo to for screening said he didn’t qualify. The president didn’t come to his aid, he allowed the will and interest of the people. Now the

APC has lost Oyo state because the president said the interest of the people should prevail.

But in Kogi, is it Bello’s interest or people interest? The president has a good opportunity to show example by denying Yahaya Bello and telling him if he is truly a son, he will not disgrace and spoil his father’s name and so he should not contest. He should not contest not because there is fear he can win, but because there is fear presidency is behind him. There is concern that his do or die attitude will be on ground. He should not contest not because he can win because he can never win. If he only ten people vote, Bello will still lose elections.

He should not contest so that there will be no loss of life in Kogi. He should be stop because of those who will be dead because of him.

Openly condemning what Yahaya Bello has done and plans, denying him the ticket is the only message from the presidency and APC that can be loud in Kogi. Is the only message that cannot be misinterpreted by Bello’s militia. It is the only message that can assuage the pain of many. It is the only message that can assuage the pain of the sick, and workers who have not been paid, some of them for years, the pain of children who have not been to school because teachers have not been paid and parents have not been paid; so no school fees for private school, to assuage the pains and sorrow across Kogi from East to Central to West; all over Kogi. Mr. President, please prove those who believe in you right, prove those who say Bello has been lying that you endorse him and all his actions right, prove that like Katsina, the interest of the people in Kogi is paramount and above the vested interest of Yahaya Bello to you. You gave him money to save lives, he didn’t not give the money. Your Excellency, Mr. President, please don’t give Yahaya Bello the APC governorship ticket in Kogi. Please erase this dark spot on your reputation as burden bearer and father of the nation instead of those who choose vested interest and politics instead of people and people interest. Bello brings sadness and pain.

He brings heartache and tears. Mr. President, assist Kogi, assuage their pains and wipe their tears, take Yahaya Bello away. Let this Yahaya Bello cup pass over Kogi.

This is not the time to be silent. This is your legacy, Mr. President. The nation wants to remember you for rescuing people. It is time to rescue Kogi. They voted for you because of you. They voted against you because of Yahaya Bello. You won elections because of you, the margin was not more because of Bello.

-Oyedepo writes from Lokoja, Kogi State

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PERSPECTIVE

Resolving Fayose’s Employment Booby Trap

Fayose

Fayemi

Dapo Famuyiwa

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t is a truism that whatsoever a man sows that shall he reap. Now the seed of rancour in the labour sector sown by the immediate past governor of Ekiti State is now coming to fore. But unfortunately, the victims seem to be some 2,000 benighted persons in the state.

The laying off of 2,000 workers recruited by former Governor Ayodele Fayose between August and September 2018 within about one month of his exit from office may have now been confirmed. What is also true is that the outgoing Fayose government was in much haste to effect the recruitment that the proper documentation into the payroll was not effected. They had not even been paid.

As governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose was known for all sorts of drama.

Staging drama at the expense of the people was a pastime.

Months after he became governor of the state for the second time in 2014, he promised to employ workers into the state’s labour force. Applicants were asked to submit their CVs and over 10,000 indigenes paid the prescribed N1,000 fee for the form.

However, till he left office in September, 2018 nothing was heard about that script.

However, it is now on record that the governor actually employed about 200 mostly menial workers after he came into office.

They were mostly between GL 01 and 04.

But as with everything with the former

governor, there was a drama to it. Those who were employed were not formally inducted into the state’s pay roll and the gist everywhere is that they were being paid under the table, whatever that meant.

That is on record as the only employment that the governor did until about three months to his exit from office when he announced plans to employ about 2,000 workers into the state’s labour force.

The promise was made just before the governorship election and given the story of the 10,000 applicants, few believed the story.

It was seen as just another election promise by the outgoing governor aimed at luring the people of the state for political objectives.

Another reason why people doubted him was the fact that just before the election the Fayose administration was owing workers up to seven months in salaries. How a governor owing that much would go the hog of adding to the labour force was seen as untenable.

Former Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye while querying the rationale for Fayose’s election promise in a statement that June said: “Few weeks after his inauguration as the state governor, he instructed the unemployed youths in the state to submit their curriculum vitae for jobs that he promised to create for them. Over ten thousand youths in the state paid the sum of one thousand naira each, to collect the forms for the jobs, but unfortunately, up till now, he has not

employed one single youth in the state,” he said.

“I wonder how a state governor, who has not paid the state workers for over seven months, owing pensioners months of gratuity and local government workers as well, is going to fund the employment of two thousand fresh employees. Here is somebody, who sacked all that were employed by the Dr. Kayode Fayemi administration that now wants to employ 2000 workers.

“Workers and the youths should know that he is only deceiving them and does not have their interest at heart. The people cannot be deceived because an average Ekiti worker is more educated and enlightened than he is,” he said.

Even the Labour Party candidate in that election, Dr. Sikiru Lawal who ordinarily should have been inclined towards such a populist idea was not deceived as he flayed Fayose for trying to take the people for granted through the promise.

So, willy-nilly, the election did not turn out for the former governor as he expected that his deputy, Prof. Olusola Eleka would emerge as his successor as it went the way of Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

However, where politics should have ended as Prince Adeyeye insinuated, the former governor took the drama another and few weeks to his exit in September he commenced the recruitment of 2,000 staff into the state’s employment.

In August 2018 with Fayemi declared

as governor-elect, it came to light that the outgoing Fayose administration was recruiting 2,000 workers.

Fayose through his media aide, Lere Olayinka defended the recruitment as a fulfilment of the governor’s promise.

“It is on record that Governor Fayose announced in January this year that recruitment will be made into the state public service and this was followed up with distribution of employment forms in May,” Mr. Olayinka further said.

“This was consequent upon the existing vacancies in the public service, especially the teaching sector. There are schools without adequate teachers in critical subjects like Mathematics, Physics, English and others.

So, the students that are resuming in September should wait till Fayemi assumes office?

“Most importantly, Fayose will carry out all the functions of his office till October 16 and since there is need to employ workers, the government will do so through a transparent process.”

However, that was inspite of the fact that the Fayose government was at that time owing about seven months of salaries.

The arrears of salary left behind by the Fayose government was besides the total debt profile of over N155.79 billion Governor Fayemi has reported that the former governor left behind.

-Famuyiwa writes from Akure, Ondo State

Politics of Legality of Marijuana Ignited by Governor Akeredolu Kayode Ajulo Abstract n the recent times, there have been calls from different quarters on the need to legalize the use of Marijuana in Nigeria. This legal opinion considers the mischief behind the laws proscribing the production, possession, sale and use of Marijuana and thereafter considers the benefits of legalizing Marijuana in Nigeria.

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Introduction Classified as an illicit drug in many countries, marijuana is outlawed by many governments. In Nigeria, it is often referred to as ‘Indian hemp’, in the country, Cannabis Sativa, which has enjoyed use as fibre, seed and seed oils, medicinal purposes, and as a recreational drug traces its origin to Central and South Asia. The drug also has many other aliases igbo, dope, ganja, sensi, kuma, morocco, eja, kpoli, weed, trees, etc. Though usually smoked, the plant can be soaked in alcoholic drinks dubbed ‘monkey-tail’. Some people cook food with it, some boil it to drink as tea, while others just chew the plant and seeds.

Physiologically, cannabis causes eu-

phoria, relaxes the muscles and increases appetite. On the downside, the drug can impair motor skills, cause anxiety and paranoia and decrease short-term memory.

Deemed an illicit drug by the law, it had always been an offence in Nigeria to smoke marijuana, and it has largely been frowned upon by society. However, paradoxically, despite increased hounding of growers, sellers, and users, marijuana appears to be consumed in ever greater quantities.

The agency saddled with the enforcement of drug laws in Nigeria is the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The agency has the job of curtailing the consumption of drugs in Nigeria. The general powers of the Agency is contained in Section 3 of the NDLEA Act. Under the NDLEA Act, which came about by the promulgation of Decree Number 48 of 1989, the possession or smoking of cannabis, or even allowing one’s premises to be used for dealing in cannabis, can result in a prison sentence from 15 years to life. Its precursor, the Indian Hemp Act, was even harsher, carrying a maximum sentence of death.

Marijuana in Nigeria Statistics show that cultivation to

transportation and to sales, the marijuana industry connects different cities throughout Nigeria. At many outdoor markets and public motor garages, it is not strange to see marijuana smokers puffing away.

The 2011 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report stated that cannabis use was prevalent among 14.3 per cent of 15 to 64 year olds in Nigeria. The same report in 2014 revealed that Nigeria had made the highest number of cannabis seizures of any African country. Following this report, the NDLEA launched a programme dubbed ‘Operation Weed Eaters’ that aimed to rid the country of cannabis.

While marijuana can be grown in all parts of the country, according to the NDLEA, the states that are notorious for cultivating the plant are Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Edo and Delta. The NDLEA is known to have destroyed cannabis farms in Ute and Ose local government areas in Ondo State and arrested 30 suspects, seizing 31 kilograms of dried weed suspected to be marijuana in the Suleja area.

Between January and June 2014, NDLEA arrested 4,511 suspected drug traffickers and seized 47,423 kilograms of drugs. Of

that number, cannabis accounted for 45,875 kilograms. Though these seizure figures are high, large quantities of marijuana still find their way to the market baffling the law enforcement system.

Legalizing Marijuana in Nigeria While it is important to note that many countries including Nigeria have enacted harsh laws against the cultivation, possession or sale of cannabis. In fact, dealing or using marijuana in countries such as Singapore, China, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia could land one from four years in jail to public beheadings.

But in recent years, some nations have adopted a different strategy, of decriminalizing marijuana usage as a way of combating it. These societies have also often reduced the penalties for possession of small quantities of cannabis, so that it is punished by confiscation or a fine rather than by imprisonment. The idea has been to focus more resources on those who traffic the drug.

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

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 9.14 % 10 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

8.50 % 10.63 % 11.75 %

M A Y

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

1 0 , 2 0 1 9

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

387.93 % 0.04 % 0.32 %

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 0.35 % YEAR TO DATE 8.67 %

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

Quick Takes Firm Supports Nigeria’s Growth

The Managing Director, Creative Brands and Promotional Branding Company, Nicholas Markovitz, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Nigerian market with world class printing and promotional branding materials.

Markovitz, made the remark at a media breakfast meeting in Lagos.

Hesaid:‘’Wearegearedtowardsprovidingthesolutionsthatyouneed; hence, we are ready to do business in Nigeria and be competitive.

Creative Brands is set and ready to open up massive opportunities for businesses in the Nigerian market.�

SpeakingatthelaunchofCreativebrandsinLagos,Markovitz,affirmed that the brand was no doubt a world-class printing and promotional brandcompanythathadpartneredandrecordedjointsuccesswiththe worldmostesteemedclientshipwithAdidas,GoogleandFacebook.

Accordingtohim,manyofwhomhadsoughttheirinnovativeprinting and branding techniques for the massive range of their top quality promotional products and corporate gifting items.

Markovitz stated that creative brands remains a market-leader in merchandise which offers custom-branding, promotional event giveaway,brandedworkwear,techgadgets,executivegifts,wedding gifts,businessprintingandmore.CreativeBrandsbringsawholenew suiteofmarketingoptionstobusinessesoperatinginNigeria,headded. “As the first-of-its-kind in the country, we partnered with Funema Group in setting up in Nigeria. “

Passenger Demand Slows in March

INVESTOR CONFERENCE

L-R: CEO, Renaissance Capital Nigeria, Temitope Popoola; Former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman; Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Yewande Sadiku; Chairman of the Board, Renaissance Capital, Christophe Charlier and Global Chief Economist, Renaissance Capital, Charles Robertson, at the Renaissance Capital Investor Conference held in Lagos‌recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

FG Urged to Reduce Taxes, Cost of Aviation Fuel Chinedu Eze Nigerian airlines have called on the federal government to review its tax policy for the sector as well as the cost of aviation fuel, in order to reduce cost of flight operations and ensure they remain in business.

The operators said many airlines that went under in the last few years were due to high cost of operation, including high taxes and high cost of aviation fuel.

The airlines said cost of flight tickets would also reduce if they pay less taxes and spend less on aviation fuel, which is known as Jet A1, so that more Nigerians can travel by air, especially now road travel is fraught

AVIATION with insecurity. In addition, the operators said they spend huge resources on aviation fuel because of its arbitrary costs, which according to them does not reflect the cost of crude oil, but negatively affect long-term planning by the airlines.

Speaking on behalf of the airlines, the CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, said there was need for government to review its policy on aviation fuel, noting that although supply was deregulated, the government could take actions to ensure that supply is regular and prices lower than what obtains currently.

“The first government intervention to reduce cost of operation should be in the supply of fuel, which over the years government has been striving to bring the prices down. “This is critical because about 40 per cent of the cost of operation is almost on fuel, Jet A1. So we can look at it and ensure that the fluctuation in the prices is not much. “Look at the situation now.

The prices go from N198 to 220 per litre. So if we can have a constant supply of Jet A1 at constant price, airlines will know how to plan their budget and how they can bring down the cost of ticket based on the lower cost of aviation fuel,� Sanusi said.

He noted that in most countries the price of Jet A1 is, “very dependent on the price of crude oil but in Nigeria it is dependent on the landing cost of imported product.�

The Aero CEO said crude oil price could be steady for the next six months, but Jet A1 price would be fluctuating, stressing the need to streamline prices.

He said although Jet A1 had been deregulated, the government could persuade the importers to ensure constant supply of the product or government could be importing the product and selling to marketers.

Another factor that has Continued on page 26

NIMASA Remits N22.9bn to FG, Forecasts N112.1bn Revenue for 2019 Eromosele Abiodun The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has disclosed that the agency remitted over N22.9 billion to the consolidated federal revenue fund in 2018, saying that the amount was the highest ever contribution coming from NIMASA since its inception till date.

Peterside, who disclosed this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Marine and Transport in Abuja, said NIMASA proposed N112.1 billion for the 2019 fiscal year.

According to him, “In the year under consideration, NIMASA expects that our

MARITIME total budgeted revenue will be N112.1 billion. That is the total budgeted revenue for 2019. Out of this total budgeted revenue, on personnel emolument, we proposed to spend N20.1 billion. “Overhead will account for N24 billion. For capital expenditure, which will be basically to fund ongoing maritime projects, it will cost N17. 6 billion. And for the maritime fund projects, it will cost N71.01 billion.�

He explained that he agency’s contribution to the consolidated revenue fund has consistently been on the increase in the past few years. “In 2018, we contributed a total of N22. 9 billion. This is the highest ever contribution

coming from NIMASA from its inception till date. It will interest the distinguished senators to know that in the past three years, our contribution to the consolidated revenue fund has surpassed every known record before now.�

He said the agency, in the year 2019, would be focusing on closing out all ongoing projects. “We will also pay special attention to maritime safety as we prepare for the IMO elections,� he added.

He maintained that NIMASA would continue to give priority attention to maritime security which has been a challenge for some time. “We are prioritising our interventions under a programme called the Deep Blue Project

which was conceptualised to provide an integrated national surveillance and waterway protection solution with a command and control infrastructure in the country which will see us purchasing a number of special mission aircraft, helicopters for intervention, armored vehicles for intervention,� he said.

Peterside told the committee that the agency did not want the country to be known as hot spot of piracy which is the challenge we are facing now. “So we are paying very serious attention to the area of maritime security,� he remarked.

As part of its effort, he said the agency would host a global conference on maritime security Continued on page 26

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the global passenger traffic results for March 2019, showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers, or RPKs) rose 3.1 per cent, compared to the same month a year ago, which was the slowest pace for any month in nine years.

ThislargelywasduetothetimingoftheEasterholiday,whichfellnearlya monthlaterthanin2018.Onaseasonally-adjustedbasis,theunderlying growthratehasbeenrelativelysteadysinceOctober2018ata4.1per cent annualized pace. Capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) for the month of March grew 4.2 per cent and load factor dropped 0.9 percentage point to 81.7 per cent.

InAfricanairlines,demandincreased2.1percentcomparedtoMarch 2018, down from a 2.5 per cent rise in February. Capacity climbed 1.1 per cent, and load factor strengthened 0.7 percentage point to 71.4 percent.Theupwardtraffictrendhassoftenedsincemid-2018inline withfallingbusinessconfidenceinsomeoftheregion’skeyeconomies. “WhiletrafficgrowthslowedconsiderablyinMarch,wedonotseethe monthasabellwetherfortherestof2019.Nevertheless,theeconomic backdrophasbecomesomewhatlessfavorable,withtheIMFhaving recently revised its GDP outlook downward for a fourth time in the pastyear,�saidAlexandredeJuniac,IATA’sDirectorGeneralandCEO.

Med-View Airlines Support Soccer

Med-ViewAirlinehasgivensupporttograssrootssoccerdevelopment in Nigeria by sponsoring the just concluded under 16 Boys and Girls soccer tournament in Lagos.That was the fourth year the airline has supported the tournament.

Tagged:“Med-ViewAirlineEkoYouthCup2019�,theairlinesupported thetournamentinconjunctionwiththeLagosStateGrassrootsSoccer Association.

Managing Director of Medview Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, who spokeafterthefinalsofthecompetitionthisyear,saidhewaslooking beyond Lagos in order to make other parts of the country to have a feel of the grassroots soccer tourney. “We will look at the regional level. We will start with the South West Region of the country, then, we will move to the center, which is the FederalCapitalTerritory,AbujaandthenmovetotheSouthEast.Itis good for the whole nation to have the opportunity,� he added.

On the educational development of players given their age range, Medview CEO stressed that the education of the children was so important, adding that soccer should not be a hindrance.

On the social benefits derived from the organisation of the game, Bankole said, “This tournament has reduced negative vices by the childrenbecausetheyarebusychannellingtheirenergytoaproductive course.Insteadofthinkingofhowtonegativelyinfluencethesociety, they are doing something good with their time and energy.�

“The capacity of the airlines has not grown because Nigerian airlines are not able to lease aircraft�

CEO of Aero Contractors,

Captain Ado Sanusi

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BUSINESSWORLD FG URGED TO REDUCE TAXES, COST OF AVIATION FUEL

influenced the high price of tickets, the airlines said, was the high taxes operators pay, so they urged government to tackle the problem of multiple taxation. “Government has done very well in the area of taxes by reducing some and looking at removing VAT. I hope it has done that already. But the most important thing government should tackle is multiple taxation. “The federal government should look at it. The last time they reviewed taxes in aviation was a very long time ago and I think they should look at it and reflect the reality on ground. “This is because if they continue to heavily tax the airlines it will continue to impact on their finances and you see that some of them are dying.

There is something definitely wrong somewhere. “High taxation is one of the root causes of the reason our airlines are dying; so government can help to save the airlines by reviewing downwards the taxation levied on them.�

Another factor he said that has effect on the cost of flight operation was bird strike and non-clearing of runways, which gives rise to incidents that lead to high maintenance cost.

NIMASA REMITS N22.9BN TO FG, FORECASTS N112.1BN REVENUE FOR 2019

in the country in October to get the world to focus on the Golf of Guinea.

Peterside, who thanked the House of Representatives for the passage of Suppression of Piracy Act, called on the Senate to also do same.

Responding to a question by Sen. Ohuabunwa Mao, on why the agency plans to generate N16 billion to the consolidated revenue fund in 2019, Peterside said, “nobody has control over issues of security and emergency. “We are devoting a lot more attention than normal to the issue of maritime security,� he said.

He noted that though the N16 billion was only a projection, the agency would spend some of the funds generated to tackle maritime security.

NEWS

NPA, APM Capital Sign MoU to Extend Barges to Epe Stories by Eromosele Abiodun As part of its efforts in finding lasting solution to the Apapa gridlock problems, the Management of the NPA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with APM Capital to extend the use of barges to evacuate containers from the ports beyond Ikorodu to Epe sooner.

Speaking when she hosted a team from AP Moller Capital in her office, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala--Usman, said the problem of Apapa access road seems intractable because of decade long decadence which was caused by multiplicity of problems.

Bala-Usman, pointed out that the NPA had made several efforts including contributing N1.8billion to rehabilitate the road at a time as well also coming up with Call Up System, which would soon be upgraded to be electronically.

Also, she asserted that NPA would continue to consult with stakeholders across all levels, since the provision of infrastructure is crucial for sustainable ports operations.

She further assured stakeholders that NPA would build on the synergy that exists with stakeholders and also commended Ministers of Transportation, the Board of Directors of NPA, and the management of APM Capital.

In his response, the Senior Investment Advisor of APM Capital, Fleming Dalgaard assured on the construction of a Jetty and Truck Park to facilitate

the movement of cargo with barges from the port.

He added that they would provide technical capital, competence experience, financial capacity and other required resources.

Dalgaard, commended the openness of the management of NPA, saying that such transparency and efficiency were part of the quality that excited them to come forward for the signing of the MoU. Amongst issues agreed in

the MoU include: The NPA in realisation of the fact that the provision of infrastructure is crucial for sustainable operation of ports has continued to pursue a programme of infrastructural investments, the NPA and APMC entered discussions and have agreed to find a lasting solution to the traffic situation in and around the ports, there is a need to provide the level of required infrastructure.

Others are: APMC has

indicated their interest, technical capacity, competence, experience, financial capacity and other required resources to execute or cause the project required resources to execute or cause the project required for the attainment of item two above, the project that are currently being contemplated include the construction of a jetty and truck park to facilitate the movement of cargo by barge from the ports, APMC understands that some

associates investments like construction of truck holding bays maybe required to support the option in item four above and APMC intends to commit financial and human resources to further explore these solutions even though the exact nature of infrastructure to be provided may differ from the option currently being envisage in the course of further studies and time spent on the project.

MICRO PENSION CAMPAIGN

L-R: Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Mr Eric Fajemisin; Executive Director, Business Development, Mrs Nike Bajomo; and Head, Micro Pension and Agency, Mr Bimbo Oladele, at the launch of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers’ micro pension campaign, held in Lagos‌recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Shippers’ Council’s Cooperative to Invest in Rice Farming The executive management of the Multipurpose Staff Cooperative Society of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has expressed readiness to invest the cooperative’s funds in rice production in other to improve dividend of its members.

President of the cooperative, Bashir Mohammed, who made the disclosure during the 23rd annual general meeting/election of the cooperation, said the cooperative society had been able to improve saving to N185.4 million in 2018 up from N30.4 million recorded in 2017.

Mohammed, who commended the members of the cooperative society for their support said: “I want to appreciate all members for their trust and confidence restored in our administration and I

want to assure them that they will see more progress but, in terms of investment, we are divesting into rice and that is part of the suggestion the last speaker made.�

The cooperative president also disclosed to members that he had recorded increase in net surplus by 99.85 per cent in 2018.

He said in order to ensure transparency and integrity in their financial spending, the corporate had an expenditure profile of 14.54 per cent. “We are glad to inform you that we are financially healthy, our funds are carefully fixed in accordance with the bye-law, no idle find and above all no member owes the society above the legitimate credit level. The account of the cooperative is

automated, members can log on to check, apply, etc for loans 24/7,� he said.

He commended the Lagos State Government for their support over the years.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Mr. Hassan Bello, hailed the leadership of NSC Cooperative Society for sound financial records. Bello, who was represented by the Director, Finance and Accounts, Mr. Daniel Bonat, said the NSC Cooperative society was now a sound financial footing. “Management has observed with keen Interest, positive developments that have taken place in the general administration of the society particularly in the area of innovative welfare products for cooperators.

“There is need for automation of processes for better service delivery, as well as social media presence which the society now maintains. “All these I believe will foster better communication between the executives and members of the society for greater transparency,� Bello said.

He, however, urged members of staff who were currently not members of the society to join in other to benefits from the dividend and other welfare attached to the cooperative.

In his presentation, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Danial Bonat, appreciated the management for the opportunity given to him, adding that the theme of the occasion underlines what the council cherish most as the core values.

Bonat said the NSC had brought these core values to bare in the society.

He urged the executives to encourage members on first line charges and told them to see it as investment, adding that retired staff would have access to their money immediately after their retirement before getting their pension.

Also speaking, the Director Cooperative Multipurpose Limited, Mr Kolade Odedina, commended the effort the NSC Cooperative society and urged them to do better. According to him, members’ exception to the executives is continuous increase in dividends.

He advised the executive to invest in the cooperative funds to enable them improve on welfare of it members.

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)

Maersk to Offer Digital Trade Finance Services in South Africa In a bid to support the further growth of SMEs in South Africa, Maersk has announced plans to offer digital trade finance in South Africa.

Global Head of Trade Finance for Maersk, Vipul Sardana, stated this in a statement released by the company.

According to him, “Focusing more on small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) represents a strong opportunity for Maersk to introduce more customers to our end-to-end supply chain and logistics products, services and solutions. In that sense, South

Africa is a critical market for us.�

Launched as a response to simplify customers’ supply chain, Maersk Trade Finance represents a different way of financing containerised shipments. “Cape Town, South Africa, May 13, 2019 - Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are productive drivers of inclusive economic growth in South Africa and around the world.

Researchers estimated that in South Africa SMEs make up 91 per cent of formal businesses, provide employment to about 60 per cent of the labor force and

total economic output accounts for roughly 34 per cent of GDP,� he said. “While contributing significantly to the economy, SMEs often face difficulties in accessing finance. According to the ICC Banking Commission, there is a massive trade finance gap in Africa, which sits between $110 billion and $120 billion. “While trade finance has been a catalyst for expansion, for most SMEs, access to funds has been restrictive due to strict collateral requirements and credit background checks. As digital

trade finance develops into an essential alternative, SMEs will be able to access additional capital for their growth,� explained Dirk Van den Berg, Head of Maersk Trade Finance in South Africa.

He added: “This new digital trade finance solution of Maersk provides customers easy access to capital in foreign currency for international trade to finance their business needs when they need it; a simple, end-to-end digital solution removing the paper trail from traditional financing options, and faster release of funds at gate-in.

“In other words, this one-stopshop provides a more effective way to manage the ocean leg of end-to-end global supply chains, both financially and operationally, �Van den Berg added.

Since 2016, Maersk Trade Finance has disbursed $0.7billion in loans to over 200 customers worldwide. “The growing Maersk Trade Finance network of offices stretches from India to Netherlands, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the United States (all states other than California).�

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

AIB Signs Technical Cooperation with France Stories by Chinedu Eze The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has signed Executive Technical Cooperation Programme with the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la SÊcuritÊ de l’Aviation Civile (BEA) of France.

The deal which was signed in Paris recently, was geared towards fostering mutual cooperation between both countries in respect of air accident investigation and capacity building.

Commissioner/CEO of AIB, Akin Olateru, during the signing ceremony, said the pact was aimed at strengthening the relationship with its counterpart in France; with intentions of tapping into, and benefiting from its wealth of experience, expertise, and technical know-how in aviation accident investigation, for the common good of AIB and other African countries that may be happy to draw assistance from AIB’s rasoures.

He said he was impressed by the quality of work coming out of Bureau, considering

its achievements and the effectiveness of its service delivery, exemplified by its role in undertaking air accident investigation for Republic of Sao Tome and Principe in 2018.

The Commissioner recalled so many other achievements within Nigeria, as France through BEA, came up with the ETCP to assist and support AIB through capacity building, information sharing and knowledge transfer.

Olateru said, “What we just did today is to help both countries fulfil our obligations as regards the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) convention on accident investigation and walk the talk with the theme ‘No Country Left Behind.�

The BEA Director, Remi Jouty, commended the strategic direction and performance of AIB particularly in the last two years.

In his remarks, Jouty expressed satisfaction over the pact, saying, “Akin you are doing a great job here establishing a solid structure that will survive your administration.�

According to the Bureau, the ETCP agreement borders around the following: Cooperation in the conduct of aircraft accident and incident investigation, investigation training and sharing of information and expertise, consistent with Annex 13; assisting each other in the use of air safety investigation, manpower, facilities, recorders, management organisation, aviation security and safety; exchange of specialist and any other request incidental to fostering the cooperation at the time of the request to the other party as deemed appropriate and as resources may permit and while ensuring confidentiality, both parties would share information and air safety investigator; assign responsibilities.

Part of the deal also include exchange visits or regular meetings with the aim of exchange of exchanging experience and technical knowledge and discussion on any problem that may arise regarding activities in the field of aviation safety in terms of SARPs.

As Aviation Unions, NCAA Battle over Promotion

Kwara Hajj

Protesting union members

Chinedu Eze

NAHCO Increases Export Warehouse Capacity In a move to increase capacity to take care of growing cargo volumes, NAHCO Aviance, has expanded the size of its export warehouse.

The new facility made up of three sections - Annex Extension, the Canopy Area and the Ramp Area, comes on the heels of expanding airfreight volume in the country.

The company said the Annex extension has a dimension of 270 square metre; the Canopy area 352 square metre and the Ramp area 55 square metre.

The facility provides adequate space for packaging rising cargo exports by clients who have demonstrated preference for NAHCO as their handling partner of choice.

Also the company’s published reports showed that export tonnage for Q1, 2019 stood at 3,679,283. This, the

company noted, was 950,308 more than the Q1, 2018 figure of 2,728,975 square metre, adding that the trend was widely expected to continue.

The company said it handles more than 65 percent of export cargo in the country. The company is the favoured choice of leading airlines like British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Ethiopian and Turkish Airlines.

Commenting on the new facility, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Olatokunbo Fagbemi, said the company would continually upgrade on its facilities and modernize its operations as a matter of policy. “We are constantly improving and innovating and we are happy our clients are delighted about what we are doing. The new NAHCO Aviance is one that plays by the rules and ensures that all its processes meet

international standards. We will continue to delight our clients in many more ways and guarantee them great satisfaction.�

According to her, NAHCO was doing all it could to support the federal government in its export drive and would support all exporters, both big and small, in order to help achieve this.

NAHCO’s ultra - modern warehouse, the first of its kind in the West Africa subregion, was commissioned in 2012 as part of efforts by the company to offer excellent cargo services to its clients.

Only recently, the company received an award for consistent payment of dividends. The award, one of several for the company, was in recognition of the company’s persistence in rewarding its shareholders who have put their fate in NAHCO.

Firm Unveils New Fuel Management Technology Segun James As part of efforts to ensure real-time accuracy, monitor fuel management and reduce theft, a new technology, SmartFill Gen has been introduced.

The technology which is already in use in the aviation industry in the United States of America and other parts of the world was designed to ensure accountability.

According to Mr. Abiodun Doherty, the Managing Director of Extreme Industrials Limited, the promoters of the new system in the country, with SmartFill Gen,

fuel accounting has never been easier. “Because of our logistical problems in the country, people take advantage of every situation, especially in the movement of liquids, but organisations must know the quantity that is available at any given time. “This technology will help the organisation to run well and ensure they do not loose data. This is the world’s most functional system,� Doherty insisted.

He also said that the technology could be customised to the need of the organisation and that it was

easy to operate with minimal training. “Our three design principles keep fuel flowing and ensure that every drop is recorded to make accounting and fuel management easy.

Networked communications keep your records up-to-date in real-time. “Your data is always available and you don’t need any special software to access it. “It is also designed to deal with unstable power sources such as generators, truck systems and environments with high levels of electrical noise,� enthused Doherty.

The atmosphere at the headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Lagos was tense on Tuesday when THISDAY visited. There was brewing animosity and some workers were seen together at corners and under the tree discussing in hushed tones.

Last week the unions representing the workers had given the agency one-week ultimatum to promote some workers whose promotion was due for over 15 months or they would close the agency.

Some of the affected workers who spoke to THISDAY were so dispirited that you could literally touch their angst.

They insisted that they must be promoted and excoriated the management for the delay, insisting that after one week, not only that the workers would disrupt activities at the agency but would also “embarrass� the members of the executive.

The disagreement between the workers and the NCAA management stemmed from alleged delayed promotion for staff who were supposed to go to higher positions, for example, from the deputy general manager to general manager.

But the management had explained that there are no vacancies in which those due to be promoted would fill. This is because according to the organogram of the agency, all vacant positions had been filled. Organogram chart is a diagram that shows the structure of an organization and the relationships and relative ranks of its parts and positions/jobs.

In order words, the NCAA organogram seems to have limited the vacant positions that if the workers due for promotion were promoted they would not have any position to occupy.

To exacerbate the already bad situation, recently three directorates were merged to where they were created from, thus shrinking the positions further.

The hitherto Consumer Protection Directorate was taken back to the Directorate of Air Transport Regulations as a department, the Directorate of General Aviation was taken to the Directorate of Air Worthiness as a department, while Directorate of Licensing was merged to the Directorate of Operation and Training also as a department.

The reason for the merger, inside sources in the agency said, was because their initial creation was not in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act. But labour is peeved with the decision to merge the directorates and is insisting that the move should be reversed.

Doing that would create vacancies where the people who are waiting in the wings to be promoted would go.

So the unions are demanding for the adjustment of the agency’s organogram, which stagnated some of the workers who are denied promotion after several years.

The unions: Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) have collectively insisted that they would close NCAA at the expiration of one-week ultimatum given to the agency.

But there is a snag. THISDAY learnt that NCAA alone cannot make any changes without recourse to the Ministry of Transportation (Aviation). And informed source also told THISDAY that the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika is not disposed to giving approval to the return to the status quo or to support the tinkering of the organogram to create more vacancies for workers to be promoted into.

The Deputy President, ATSSSAN, Mr. Emmanuel Jaja, in an interview had accused the Minister of State, Senator Sirika, of manipulating the new organogram and agreement reached with the NCAA management.

According to him, a tripartite team comprising of the unions, NCAA management and the government had sat down to fashion out a new organogram for NCAA as a result of its new status, but allegedly Sirika single-handedly changed the organogram.

He alleged that the organogram returned to the management was entirely different from what was agreed with the committee, adding that it was skewed against the workers.

He insisted that the new organogram would not create room for development of workers, adding that some who were due for promotion since 2017 were yet to be promoted, while the government was also on the verge of merging some of the directorates. “There was a tripartite committee on the issue of the organogram of NCAA; the unions, NCAA management and the government, but all of a sudden, when the organogram returned to the management, what was presented to the team was entirely different from what was agreed upon. “As it is, the organogram of NCAA has been messed up with what the management and the government just did.

The unions will follow the due process in its action. We all know that strike or picketing is not a tea party. The staff are requesting for an ultimatum from us here now to ginger the management to take the right step,� he explained.

But while the unions recognise that the Ministry had an input to the seeming quagmire in the organogram, some NCAA workers who are miffed heaped all the blame on the agency’s management.

It is yet to be known whether the workers will carry out their threat or they would hold more talks with both the Ministry and NCAA to resolve the impasse.

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Domestic Airlines’ Fresh Headache As the number of operational aircraft continue to diminish, while domestic carriers are finding it difficult to acquire more planes, industry experts fear that paucity of commercial aircraft may hamper air travel in Nigeria, writes Chinedu Eze

N

igerian airlines face two major challenges: delayed maintenance of their aircraft and the inability to acquire new fleet.

The impact of the first challenge mentioned above is that airlines have many unworthy aircraft that are on ground or in maintenance facility overseas. Some of the aircraft under maintenance are still on queue; while others are undergoing checks. The consequence is that existing aircraft on operation are grossly depleted, so airlines cannot meet growing traffic demand.

The second challenge is that it is becoming increasingly difficult for some airlines to acquire new aircraft because many leasing companies are not willing to lease due to their negative perception about Nigeria, which they said has high country risk.

Without the acquisition of new fleet, it is certain that domestic airlines’ fleet would continue to deplete. They may over time not be able to meet passenger traffic demand and the airfares would inevitably skyrocket.

Depleting Fleet The Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, confirmed to THISDAY that there has been continuous reduction of existing commercial aircraft in the domestic market. “If you look at the number of operating aircraft in the entire system, including all the airlines in the past 12 months or starting from January 1, 2019, till date, you will see that there is remarkable decrease in the inflow of aircraft into the country, there is definitely a significant decrease. If you also look at the inflow of leased and acquired aircraft, you will also notice that there is a decrease. “The only airline that is bringing aircraft to operate in the country is Air Peace. So the capacity of the airlines has not grown because Nigerian airlines are not able to lease aircraft that will operate in the country.

Passenger demand has increased because after the election there was stability, which triggered the demand. More people travel since after the election and this is natural. “But unfortunately we are not meeting the demand by making sure that we have a certain number of aircraft that are operating in the system to feed the market,� Sanusi said.

Sanusi regretted that despite Nigeria’s huge passenger traffic, high population and robust air travel market, it cannot grow strong carriers. “It is quite unfortunate that Nigeria that is well blessed with a lot of natural resources and well respected in Africa, we still cannot boast of buying aircraft and bringing them into the country for operations. “If you look at Rwand Air, the airline is buying new aircraft; even Uganda is buying new aircraft and they are operating. We have to look inwards to see what went wrong at the beginning and then correct it. “We could establish a leasing company that can make aircraft available to us or we make the leasing companies in other parts of the world feel comfortable to lease aircraft to us,� he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the CEO of Aglow Limited, an aviation consulting firm, Tayo Ojuri, said the aviation industry in Nigeria was yet to grow to a level that it can compete with major countries of the world despite the fact that the country has huge population and records high number of local and international passenger traffic annually. “The aviation industry in Nigeria is still in its infancy. There is lack of infrastructure, there is lack of enabling environment and the sector is wracked by policy summersault.

The aviation industry is supposed to be catalyst to economic growth. We have the geographical location; we have the popula-

tion so we need a quicker way of moving passenger and cargo to grow the economy. “So infrastructural deficiency is making the industry not to function the way it should.

That is why it is difficult to meet world standards in many areas of the sector,� he said.

Hitches in Aircraft Acquisition Sanusi, who has invaluable airline experience, told THISDAY that Nigerian carriers are actually facing difficulty acquiring aircraft for their fleet because a lot of leasing companies are not inclined to leasing aircraft to Nigerian operators; rather, they request for outright sale, which requires huge capital outlay. “There is a big hitch because a lot of leasing companies do not want to do business with Nigeria. So when Nigerian airlines make enquiries to lease aircraft the response they get from the leasing companies is that they are only willing to sell; that they are not in the position to lease. What is the reason to that? They said country risk. What is country risk? They don’t think that if there is default and they want to reposes their airplane they will have smooth repossession or at least, a hitch free repossession. “They don’t also feel that at the time of returning the aircraft it would be returned based on the leasing conditions. They feel that the safety oversight is not strong enough to make sure that the aircraft are effectively maintained and when they are to be returned, they will be returned in good condition,� he said.

The Aero CEO said the leasing companies feel that Nigerian airlines are not good at record keeping and said the country should address these challenges. “As an industry we need to go to government and urge them to make sure that the Cape Town Convention (which facilitates easy acquisition of aircraft and other mobile equipment) is fully implemented. “Yes, we are signatory and it is fully domesticated but is it implemented to make sure that anybody that is bringing his aircraft will feel very safe, knowing that the government of the day is the government of rule of law and respects international treaties signed by the country; and whenever the leasing companies want to take their asset (aircraft), they would be freely allowed to take their asset. “In fact, they will be assisted to take their assets. If we do this they will be willing to

lease their aircraft to us,� Sanusi assured.

Nigeria’s goodwill was said to have been battered by some airline operators that leased aircraft in the past and when the terms of lease was not met, the lessors wanted to recover their aircraft but the operators stopped them with litigation.

A former Director of Medview Airline, Lukeman Animaseun, told THISDAY that Nigeria was not fully implementing the Cape Town Convention, which it is a signatory to. “Before you lease any aeroplane, NCAA will sign Cape Town Convention form, known as Idera, which obligates NCAA to comply when the lessor if he wants the lessee to return aircraft leased in the event the airline refused to pay for the lease or any other issue, but NCAA has refused to assist lessors take back their aircraft. “If you fully abide by Cape Town Convention, no court can stop a lessor from taking back his aircraft and most of the time it is the lessee that do not keep to the agreement 98 per cent of the time. “Take the case of a Nigerian airline that leased three aircraft but did not pay the lessors but grounded one aircraft and used it to repair the other one and when the lessor, Air Cab came to take back their aircraft he went to court. NCAA should have insisted that Air Cab takes its aircraft,� he said.

However, THISDAY gathered from the NCAA that it has helped leasing companies recover some of these aircraft to the chagrin of the domestic operators involved.

Sanusi, further highlighted challenges Nigerian airlines were facing. “What is currently going on is that if we want to lease airplanes or engines we have to go through a third party because they don’t want to deal with us directly. “This means that they would lease the aircraft to a company in Dublin, Ireland, for example, and the company would now package it and lease it to us in Nigeria, because the company knows us and this comes at a higher cost. “Immediately they see Nigeria they will say oh, the country risk is high. I think the Nigeria government should address this problem of country risk,� he said.

THISDAY investigation revealed that some airlines are having difficulty maintaining their aircraft. For example, Arik Air few days ago issued a statement rescheduling its flights because it has to withdraw some aircraft and ferry them out for maintenance.

Informed source disclosed that like some other Nigerian airlines, Arik Air is also facing problem on acquiring spares because of poor goodwill and the image of Nigeria as a harsh environment for aircraft operation.

Effect on Airfares Inadequate number of aircraft has led to increase in fares because the demand is high while the supply is limited.

In fact, Sanusi projected that if this situation continues to prevail, fares may rise to N70, 000 for economy class. “When you look at the trajectory, you will notice it is shrinking. This may bring us to a time of 1992, 1993 and 1994 when Nigeria Airways was down to one or two aircraft and Kabo Air was coming in with aircraft and Okada Air was coming in with aircraft. “Then people were struggling for aircraft seats, running on the tarmac to get on board the flight. “But that is not exactly what will happen now. What will happen is that the highest bidder will be inside the airplane. If I know that I am the only airline that goes to Abuja from Lagos at 1 pm, what I will do is that I will put the price at N70, 000. That is how the demand will be if this trend is not checked in the next three to four years,� he said.

He also explained how paucity of operational aircraft could influence airfares. “Let me give you an instance. If I have 10 aircraft, I can deploy two to Abuja alone and they will be shuttling between Lagos-Abuja.

If other airlines have the same number of aircraft, it means that the market has been supplied to a saturation level. So what I will do is to lower the price so that I can attract more passengers. When you lower the price you can even attract travellers that go by road to now go by air. So definitely the availability of aircraft influences the airfare. So when there is enough supply of aircraft, the fares would be lowered,� he said.

Owing to this unfortunate development, industry experts have continued to warn about the depleting number of aircraft in the domestic market. However, what might have exacerbated the problem is that suppliers are no more willing to lease aircraft to Nigerian operators.

Therefore, the sector may need urgent government intervention.

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Effedua: MAN Repositioned to Enhance Manpower in Maritime Sector

The Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Commodore Emmanuel Effedua (rtd) spoke to journalists on efforts to reposition the institution to effectively provide the needed manpower for Nigeria’s maritime sector. Eromosele Abiodun presents the experts:

W

hat are the efforts you are taking to build an internationally competitive content for the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) as emphasised by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi recently?

We were waiting to commission these facilities because without commissioning them, we cannot deploy them to use. If you do not have classrooms where will you put the equipment when you bring them in? If you don’t have a library, where will you put the books when you bring them in? So, that’s what we have done.

If the minister did not intervene when he did, the Academy would have collapsed one year plus ago, totally. All the projects he saw today had been finished months ago. We have also been in contact with our foreign partners. The International Maritime Organisation(IMO) has been here, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research(UNITAR) has been here and so many other stakeholders.

Exxon Mobile was here two weeks ago.

Our plans for this year 2019/2020 will no longer be infrastructure. It will be training, training, training.

We understand that a delegation from India is coming here as well?

They are coming to take measurements of the stimulation hall to find out how to position the equipment we are trying to procure. We also have plans to send our people, as soon as we finish signing the MOU with them and probably getting the Letter of Credit from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Yes, our people will be sent to India for training at the factory where they produce the simulators. They will train on how to use the simulators and some other groups who are engineers, those electronic experts will also train on how to maintain them. In about three or four months, the equipment is back in Nigeria complete and as it is coming, our own boys too are ready made. We don’t need to start learning again and we don’t want foreigners come and help us man our equipment, our boys would have become trained and well equipped.

What is specialisation of the 15 lecturers recently employed by your Academy?

A total of 15 teaching staff were employed.

They are experts on navigation, seamanship, radar plotting and the use of navigational equipment. Most of them are seamen and some of them are marine engineers too.

They are just part of the first wave. We are even searching far and wide. Master Mariners were supposed to be with us this week but I asked them to shelve it to next week. Part of their coming is to see how they can support by helping us source for experts because these people are those that you can pick off the shelf.

You have to poach them. I am expecting four lecturers to join us this week at the School of Maritime Transport. We have all these plans, everything is in the works.

How are you tackling the problem of Sea Time Training which has plagued the institution for a while now?

I am very passionate about that. The problem has been bad planning. People had not been planning and the number of people that had been taken in as cadets has been very much. The population was enormous, it was outrageous. We have a backlog already in the field and you are admitting more. So, before I came, we used to admit 1,800 cadets, in some

Eedua

classrooms you found about 100 people, it is madness but as soon as I came after consulting the IMO, they said maximum 30 per class and we stuck to that. And so far, we have about 259 cadets now as against the 1,800 they used to have

Our people would be sent to India for training at the factory where they produce the simulators. They will train on how to use the simulators and some other groups who are engineers, those electronic experts will also train on how to maintain them. In about three or four months, the equipment is back in Nigeria complete and as it is coming, our own boys too are ready made

before. Those rooms we visited in the hostels used to have about 18 cadets per room but now we have only 3-4 cadets and we are reducing to two. The contract to renovate and remodel those hotels is ongoing. So, come December, I am sure it will be a different place.

Recently there was an audit of the academy, what was it about?

IMO has come, UNITAR has come, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) came, also many other stakeholders. The audit we invited them for is on restructuring and repositioning the school. They have come and pointed a direction. We are implementing now. When we are ready, we will call for another audit.

How ready are you to tackle the challenge of competition from other maritime institutions in the country?

We already have our plans and the management is capable but the plans we have cannot manifest immediately. Like what you are seeing here, I wish you had been here 12 months ago, you will think you are in a different place entirely. We have all the plans to import the equipment but simulators are not like cars that you buy off the shelf. You must discuss what you want it to do and they will sit down to plan it. This talk has been on for almost six months now. It will take some time. A ship or a specialised equipment like that cannot be bought off the shelf. So, come December, let us see who our challengers will be.

How have you dealt with hostility from your host community? What Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are you involved in?

The academy belongs to Nigeria. Those from Anambra, Lagos, Borno, they all have a stake here. It is not Maritime Academy,

Akwa Ibom State, it is Maritime Academy of Nigeria. The host community was quite hostile but I called them one after the other and they couldn’t say what their annoyance is. They could not say anything because they were sponsored, some of them even confessed to that. They were blackmailing people and holding them to hostage. Ordinarily, this event of today, you would have given them some money before they let you pass. But I have dared them because it becomes criminality and anything you see you take. But we are doing our best. The host communities have two secondary schools there- Mary Annie and Methodist Boys High School. Just three weeks back, we set up ICT centres for both schools. We have also gotten in touch with a consultant who will bring lecturers for them for one year- internet one year.

They can use that place for their JAMB exams and nobody has ever done that for them. I bought 100 JAMB forms for their children. We have graded four roads for them, even chairs and desks, we have donated 100 to each school. There are more that we shall refurbish and donate because some of these children are not sitting on chairs. Some of them come from their homes with their own chairs. Their hospital- their pregnant women when they go for surgery, they ask them to include 50 litres of diesel if not, you are on your own. When I heard that, I said no. My CSR team met, now we supply them diesel. We give them diesel on weekly basis to make sure that the children, the women and even men of the community do not have problems when they go to the hospital. You do not have to come with your generator to the hospital. The era of sharing money is over. We will not share money with anybody and any money we spend should impact directly on the end users .

What efforts are you making to upgrade from HND awards to BSc? Let me ask you a question. Do you just bring NUC to say okay that compound should become a university? They will come for inspection. They will tell you okay, get this right, get this right. If we already have HND, why won’t we get the B.Sc running. So, you must keep certain things on the ground. Like all those quality assurance companies like Lloyds, Veritas, all of them, when you invite them here and you have not laid your bed well, what do you want them to tell you? That’s why we are working super-fast. The infrastructure here, they can’t talk about that anymore, nobody can challenge us on that. Equipping the Academy is our next plan and it is already in the works. Cadets no longer use pamphlets, they have books bought for them and the books are take always.

When you graduate, go with them. For the sea time, we have arranged on how to see them go on-board. All these things are what these auditors will check. Do you have simulators; do you have qualified lecturers? If you know what they will ask you, get them done fast. I have just done one year plus. The decay you are meeting is about 39years old. And the development the Academy has witnessed in one year plus is more than the whole 39 gathered There were projects that were abandoned for 19 years, 20 years like the swimming pool but now, it is almost ready. So, we just take it one step at a time. We can’t attack everything at the same time but for this year, it is training, training, training and equipment. I am sure that if you come back here in another six months, you will shall these in place.

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Work Begins on Trailers Transit Park in Edo State The Trailers Transit Park located in Utekon Community, along the bypass which forms part of the ECOWAS International Trade route has eventually kicked off.

The ECOWAS trade route begins in Abidjan to Lagos, Ore, Benin City, to Lokoja, Abuja and the other parts of Northern Nigeria.

The project, which was an initiative of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) on behalf of the federal government and in partnership with the Edo State Government witnessed the bush clearing ceremony recently.

This effectively signals the handing over of the site to the government appointed contractors, Purple View Limited and Cybersource Limited for bush clearing and pegging.

The ceremony was performed by a high powered delegation from the NSC, Edo State Government, the project contractors and the elders of the host community of Utekon.

Leading the shippers’ council delegation was the Executive Secretary/CEO, who was represented by Mr. Izah Igor (NSC) Port Harcourt; Mr. Tennessee Nnejie, Warri and Ms Bafor Okitikpi, Benin. Edo State Government delegation was led

by Dr. Charles Akhigbe .

Addressing the gathering, Akhigbe recalled that at an earlier visit to the community, he informed them of the laudable project and that their coming that was to formally inform them that the project was commencing with the bush clearing exercise.

According to him, another date would be fixed for the groundbreaking ceremony, where all the major stakeholders like the federal government, Edo State

government and the private sector representatives would be present.

He said the project would be of great economic and social benefits to the community and sued for their cooperation.

According to him, with this, the bulldozers were coming to site for the clearing.

Akhigbe, hailed the project and described it as an organised commercial hub that will greatly enhance the financial, social and economic fortunes of the state through massive employment opportunities, while at the same time greatly impact on the health and well-being of the truck drivers who at times drive for as long as 16 to18 hours without proper rest before they continue their journey. “This project will provide all the requisite facilities like hotels, motels, gas stations, banks, hospitals, shops for spare parts where they can fix their trucks while at the same time enjoy all the security apparatus and comfort they will need,� he said.

Responding, the Secretary of the community, Mr. Ugbobine Omoragbon, thanked the delegation and assured them of their cooperation and readiness to work with the government and the contractors to ensure the project sees the light of day.

In an interview, Ogor, who represented the Executive Secretary and CEO of the NSC, said the park would provide facilities for short and longterm parking services for truck drivers that are traveling to the South-east, South-south and the North-central. The project sits on a 25 hectares of land which was provided by the Edo State Government.

Teach Children to Shun Corruption, CACOL Tells Parents Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Executive Chairman, Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), Debo Adeniran has tasked parents to wake up to their responsibility in shaping the value of the next generation by teaching their children to shun corruption and to know its adverse effect on the development of the country.

Adeniran, gave the advice at a public lecture organised by CACOL, to mark its fifteen years of existence, held in Osogbo recently.

The Executive Chairman while speaking on the topic, “Curbing Corruption in Nigeria’s Political Procession,� said parents have vital roles to play in the fight against corruption in the country.

While condemning some parents who had remain hell-bent in the promotion of corruption in the society, Adeniran alleged that corruption in Nigeria’s public institutions had destroyed people’s faith in governance.

He said, “School curriculums must incorporate ethics and civic education in the curriculum. parents, teachers and school administrators must recognise their responsibility to shape the

value of the next generation by exhibiting high standards of integrity, honesty and transparency in their action. “Citizens are unlikely to be motivated to be combat corruption because experience suggests that nothing will change. A history of inept leadership has destroyed public believe in governance and created a sense of fatalism.�

He noted that new approaches should be adopted to create social incentive for collective action against corruption.

He further said leaders must inspire faith in anti-corruption effort by implementing tangible reforms in public institutions.

He urged the federal government to embark on program that would make corruption difficult for citizens to committee in Nigeria.

He charged government to release houses that has been ceased from those that acquire illegal properties for public consumption to make life more comfortable for the citizens.

He called on civil society, communities leaders to develop their domain and promote an atmosphere to reward accountability and enforce social sanctions for unacceptable behaviour.

Corporate Organisations Urged to Emulate NIMASA Eromosele Abiodun The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has urged corporate organisations in Nigeria to emulate the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) by supporting and complementing government’s efforts towards alleviating the suffering of persons affected by the recent floods and other natural disasters across the country.

The governor made the call while receiving relief materials from the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, in Kaduna, in continuation of the donation of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the country.

Speaking during the presentation of the materials, El-Rufai said the donation came at the

right time, noting that the plight of the IDPs had been challenging and of concern to the state. He said the materials would be evenly distributed to the IDP camps across the state.

He added that the state government was doing its best to ensure the welfare and security of IDPs in the state. “We note this NIMASA’s act of magnanimity. Kaduna State has a total number of over 11,000 internally displaced persons who are in different IDP camps spread all over the state and these materials came at the right time. There will be prudence, transparency and accountability in the management of the distribution of the donated items to the IDPs. This is a commendable act and we will continue to ensure the welfare and security of our

people. And so, we call on other corporate institutions as well as individual philanthropists to emulate NIMASA, “he said.

On his part, Peterside stated that the internally displaced persons across Nigeria were of utmost concern to government because they constituted an integral part of the society and should be catered for.

NIMASA, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, stated that the gesture was in continuation of NIMASA’s nationwide donation of diverse forms of relief materials to states affected by natural disasters, particularly the recent flood disaster that submerged some parts of the country, including Kaduna State.

While presenting the ma-

terials to the governor, the DG noted that the agency would vigorously pursue the improvement of the welfare of Nigerians and the economy as a whole. “The NIMASA is here today in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility disposition. We are conscious of the situation of the internally displaced persons in the country, and so we are here with a message of hope.

We are not here to lament, but to felicitate with you and at the same time encourage you to remain hopeful and steadfast in the face of this challenge. “NIMASA, as a socially responsible institution, will continue to support efforts geared towards improving the lives of Nigerians to make them live meaningfully in our society, “he said.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

L-R: Branch Manager, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Port Harcourt, Mr. Mahmoud Youssef; General Manager, Home Appliances LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Jiung Park and Head of Corporate Marketing Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Hari Elluru, during LG Electronics CSR donation of free wash service centre in Port Harcourt‌ recently

Zimbabwe Platinum Mines to Ride Out Power Cuts Power imports are cushioning platinum mining companies against Zimbabwe’s worst blackouts in three years, but gold mines could face production cuts as they continue to rely on an unstable national grid, industry officials said.

State utility ZETDC this week started indefinite rolling power cuts lasting up to 10 hours per day, blaming low water levels at the dam that supplies the biggest hydro plant and creaking infrastructure at ageing coal-fired generators.

Mining generated most of Zimbabwe’s $4.8 billion of export earnings last year and the cuts have raised the risk of further damage to an economy already experiencing a severe dollar crunch, soaring inflation and shortages of fuel and medicines.

In 2016, during the worst daily blackouts in decades that lasted up to 18 hours, output at most gold mines was affected, Reuters reported.

Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) at that time

asked producers to pay more to guarantee uninterrupted supplies.

Three years later, with Zimbabwe producing 969 megawatts of power daily against peak demand of 2,100 MW, the industry appears better prepared, and the blackouts have had no measurable impact on either platinum or gold prices.

However, officials say gold miners may again face higher costs this time and may need to fall back on expensive diesel generators to keep production going.

Meanwhile, some new mining projects are looking to become less tied to the grid by installing renewable energy sources.

The two largest platinum producers, Anglo American Platinum and Impala Platinum, said power supplies for their Zimbabwe operations were secure. Implats owns Zimplats while Amplats runs the smaller Unki Mine.

An Implats spokesman said Zimplats had secured power from Mozambique and a deal to use Zimbabwe’s transmission

network to deliver it. Zimplats, which produced 66,495 ounces of platinum in the quarter to March, listed power supply among major risks in its 2018 report. It did not say how much it spent on power imports last year.

Amplats said its 85,900 ounces a year Unki mine had no doubt that ZETDC would deliver uninterrupted electricity but that, should it become necessary, “Unki would be allowed to source the supply of electricity externally.�

Zimbabwe is the world’s number three platinum producer, but patchy power supplies have stopped the industry from building a local refinery and it continues to ship unrefined platinum to South Africa.

Producers have invested in power substations and helped ZETDC maintain transmission lines to guarantee supplies, but they also have the economic muscle to import electricity using their dollar earnings.

Zimbabwe’s mostly small-scale gold miners, which produced a record 996,373 ounces last year,

are however still dependent on national grid and said any power cuts would affect production.

Demand Gwatinenga, general manager at How Mine, one of the country’s biggest and oldest, said it may need to rethink its decision last year to stop paying a higher ring-fenced electricity tariff that had become too expensive. “It might make sense to go back to (it)... with the hope that it guarantees supplies. Any interruption ...will be a massive hit for us, we can’t afford it,� he said Gwatinenga, adding that ZETDC had not indicated if it would cut power to the mine. “We have back-up diesel generators but given the increased scale of our operations we now need to add further capacity,� Learmonth told Reuters, adding that diesel supply might be harder to come by due to rising demand from South Africa, suffering a power crisis of its own. Blanket, which produced 69,463 ounces of gold last year, did not have the capacity to import power directly, he said.

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

Benjamin Etoro-Abasi My Journey from the Ghetto Shaped my Perception of Life

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 0701051030

F R I DAY • MAY 17, 2019

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COVER

BENJAMIN ETORO-ABASI

My Journey from the Ghetto Shaped Nigerian Afro-pop musician, Benjamin Etoro-Abasi, popularly known as Dabenja, started singing DW WKH DJH RI HLJKW *URZLQJ XS KH ZDV LQĂ XHQFHG E\ WKH DIUREHDW DQG UHJJDH JHQUHV WKH UHDVRQ KH has cited Bob Marley and Fela Anikulapo Kuti as sources of inspiration for his music. The graduate of Business Administration from the University of East London in this interview with Mary Nnah talks about growing up, how his experiences has shaped his view to life and how he has fared in the very competitive Nigeria music industry. Excerpts:

H

ow did you come about the name Dabenja?

My full name is Benjamin David Etoro Abasi. So, I basically just PHUJHG P\ Ă€UVW and middle name together and that’s how I got my stage name ‘Dabenja’.

Do you do any other thing aside music?

I’m mainly into music but I have a couple of other projects that I have in the pipeline that I don’t want to disclose yet because they are still in the early stage.

I’m a go- getter, I came from the ghetto, I know what it means to be hungry and I don’t want to ever go back to that life. My journey from the ghetto has shaped my perception of life. So, I learnt at an early age how to keep everything going and it has to be music because it is my life and it keeps me going; although I also run the Dabenja Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

Tell us about growing up and your childhood dreams I am from Akwa Ibom state but was born and raised in Lagos. I grew up as the son of a pastor and I had loving parents who worked hard to put food on the table.

Because of my parents I learnt how to work hard for everything I have. Growing up, I have always wanted be successful and wealthy since I grew up in the ghetto.

So, somehow I got a degree in Business Administration from the University of East London (UEL).

Are you actually living your dream today? <HV , DP 0XVLF LV P\ OLIH ,¡P GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ living my dream.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk about your career as a musician. How did the journey start and why did you choose music as a career despite your university degree in Business Administration?

I was in the choir from childhood because my dad was a pastor, and as a pastorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son you had to do something in the church and I chose to be in the choir. I always wanted to be a musician but I wanted to know about the business side of things, my degree is still very useful to me, it helps me solve some major issues in my other businesses.

How many songs/album have you produced so far and what exactly are you working on presently?

I have recorded well over 80 songs DQG MXVW Ă&#x20AC;YH VLQJOHV KDYH EHHQ UHOHDVHG I released my debut single titled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Terereâ&#x20AC;? in 2011, which topped charts in Malaysia. I also won the African Entrepreneurship Award (AEA) for West African/Central African Act of the Year in Malaysia. Shortly after, I collaborated with Terry G to release â&#x20AC;&#x153;All 4 Loveâ&#x20AC;? which quickly became fans' favourite and won Best Collaboration at the African Entertainment Awards, Malaysia.

In 2014, I expanded on my entrepreneurial portfolio and founded The Mustard Seed (TMS) Music record label in Lagos. I also signed an endorsement deal with Pagepedia as brand ambassador.

Along the line, I ventured into several businesses in 2015 such as agriculture,

real estate and oil & gas sectors, which achieved success but in 2016, I returned to the music scene with a brand new single titled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Selectâ&#x20AC;?, produced by renowned hit maker, DJ Coublon and IT debuted on Top 10 charts across Nigerian radio stations and has received massive airplay.

In 2017, I also released a new single titled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sugar Babyâ&#x20AC;? produced by Prince Micah and after the success of Sugar Baby, I released another smashing hit single, "Take Away" and it has been enjoying massive airplay on radio stations across the country. The video was directed by none other than, Clarence Abiodun Peters aka Clarence Shot It. I also performed at the 'Afrika Shrine', which was dedicated to the pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, during the annual Felabration Musical Concert in Lagos on October 12, 2017. And this year, I started rted out with a brand new song titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yakataâ&#x20AC;?, ataâ&#x20AC;?, produced by Dj Coublon which has won on the hearts of many Nigerians till date. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m â&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also looking forward to dropping an album bum this year. You guys should stay tuned and nd anticipate.

Would you say your music career has as been a success so far?

Yes, it has been a huge success so far, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not yet where I want to be so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m m working so hard to get to the top.

Were your parents happy you chose this path? If not, how were you able to convince nvince them?

My parents have always supportive about their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dreams, so I had their blessing when I began my music career. r. In fact my parents were so strict with me in n keeping up with choir practices and thiss has helped shape my talent today.

How would you describe your kind d of music and what inspires your songs?

My kind music falls under Afro-pop and $IUR UHGHĂ&#x20AC;QHG KLJKOLIH 7KH H[SHULHQFH , , have had and things around me inspiree my songs.

How prepared are you to make yourr music relevant in an industry that is highly ighly competitive?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a 100 per cent prepared to be on top, I know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a walk in the park but I am SUHSDUHG WR PDNH WKH QHFHVVDU\ VDFULĂ&#x20AC;FHV HV to be the best and create a huge impact in n the music industry.

Who do you look up to in the musicc industry and why?

I used to look to Bob Marley and Felaa Anikulapo Kuti, their music inspire me..

They are very opinionated, those two icons have always said the truth through gh their music and their music transcend time and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very relatable even the next xt generation will listen to their music and d that is how I want to be. ,V PXVLF PRUH SURĂ&#x20AC;WDEOH WR \RX DV compared to other things you do?

I do music because of my passion for it not because it brings me money.

The Dabenja Foundation is also onee of your enterprises. How does it run?

I always wanted to set a foundation because since when I was young my dad ad taught me act of giving. I also know what hat it means to go hungry. So, I wanted to create eate an impact in as many lives as I can and be

a blessing in our society. That was why in 2017, I started the Dabenja Foundation to give back to society by way of helping the less privileged. I am quite passionate about helping and uplifting other people in need.

Where do you hope to be in years to come?

I want to be immortalised in the hall of fame and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be a dream come true for me.

Do you have any advice for upcoming artists like yourself?

Work hard, believe in yourself, get closer to God and never give up.

I am a go-getter, I came from the ghetto, I know what it means to be hungry and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to ever go back to that life. My journey from the ghetto has shaped my perception of life. So, I learnt at an early age how to keep everything going and it has to be music because it is my life and it keeps me going; although I also run the Dabenja Foundation, a non-governmental organisation

MAY 17, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ F R I DAY

33

FERTILITY

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

Sickle Cell Disease And Infertility (IV)

L

ast week we talked about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)and attempting pregnancy, in concluding this topic we will be addressing prevention of complications in apregnant patient with SCD. Complications of sickle cell disease can be avoided by preventing red blood cells from becoming sickle cell shaped and staying round.

Ways to help sickle cells stay round are ĐŠ 'ULQNLQJ SOHQW\ ZDWHU ĐŠ $YRLGLQJ H[WUHPHO\ KRW RU FROG temperatures. ĐŠ $YRLGLQJ SODFHV RU VLWXDWLRQV ZLWK ORZ R[\JHQ VXFK DV KLJK DOWLWXGHV military boot camp or strenuous athletic training. ĐŠ *HWWLQJ SOHQW\ RI UHVW DQG WDNLQJ IUHTXHQW EUHDNV GXULQJ H[HUFLVH +RZ GRHV VLFNOH FHOO GLVHDVH DÍżHFW pregnancy? o With sickle cell disease, you will have a higher risk of certain pregnancy complications. Including miscarriage, preterm delivery and having baby with a low birth weight. o High blood pressure and preeclampsia- a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication characterized by the sudden onset of high blood pressure.

This is more common in women with VLFNOH FHOO GLVHDVH $V IDU DV FKLOGELUWK LV concerned you are slightly more likely to have a C- section that is mostly due to the increased rate of pregnancy complication characterized by the sudden onset of high blood pressure.

The above however does not apply to all patients with SCD as some of them go through pregnancy with minimal com-

receive more blood transfusions at some point during pregnancy.

R $ SUHQDWDO FKHFNXS PRUH IUHTXHQW than other women in order to ensure closer monitoring during routine prenatal check is recommended.

R /RZ GRVH $VSLULQ ZLOO LQFUHDVH EORRG Ă RZ WR WKH ZRPE DQG UHGXFH WKH ULVN RI pre-eclampsia.Women with SCD should be closely monitored for elevated blood pressure. o Regular routine urinalysis is also crucial.

plications, while some may need special treatment and specialist care.

In Need of Special Treatment During Pregnancy?

Some women with sickle cell disease have too much iron stored in their blood even when they are anemic. If you fall in this category, your doctor may recommend a prenatal vitamin that has no iron. o Some SCD patient may need to

R 7KH\ VKRXOG DOVR EH RÍżHUHG D YLDELOLW\ scan at 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 weeks of gestation, routine Ă&#x20AC;UVW WULPHVWHU VFDQ ² ZHHNV RI gestation) and a detailedanomaly scan at 20 weeks. In addition, they should be mandated to have serial fetal biometry VFDQV JURZWK VFDQV HYHU\ ZHHNV IURP ZHHNV RI JHVWDWLRQ $ QXPEHU RI VWXGLHV VXJJHVW WKDW ZRPen with SCD are at risk of fetal growth restriction as well as pre-eclampsia. Serial growth scans allow early detection of fetal growth restriction and thus aid appropriate timing of delivery to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity.

Treating Sickle Cell Crises/ Pain: 6LFNOH FHOO FULVLV FDQ EH HÍżHFWLYHO\ PDQaged throughthe following steps: ĐŠ 7DNH D SDLQ UHOLHYHU RQO\ DV UHFRPmended by your physician as certain pain PHGLFDWLRQV DUH QRW VDIH XQWLO DERXW WR 28 weeks of pregnancy, henceavoiding across the counter pain reliever usage is of immense importance to the survival of the pregnancy.

ĐŠ (QVXUH WR WDNH SOHQW\ Ă XLG WR HQhance proper hydration ĐŠ 8VH D ZDUP WRZHO RU D KHDWHG SDG WR JHQWO\ PDVVDJH WKH DÍżHFWHG ERG\ SDUW 7UHDWPHQWV IRU $QHPLD R $QHPLD UHGXFWLRQ LQ WKH KHDOWK\ UHG cells in blood) often causes few sympWRPV DQG PD\ QRW UHTXLUH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;F WUHDWment. However, dietary supplements such as folic acid (which help stimulates the production of red blood cells) are helpful.

R $QHPLD FDXVHG E\ VLFNOH FHOO GLVHDVH is not the same as the more common iron GHĂ&#x20AC;FLHQF\ DQHPLD %ORRG WUDQVIXVLRQ DQG DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RI R[\JHQ PD\ EH required in some cases. &KLOG %LUWK 2SWLRQV While safe vagina delivery is not contraindicated in sickle cell disease, best option for delivery remains induction of labor or elective Caesarian section. $GHTXDWH +\GUDWLRQ WKURXJKRXW SUHJnancy, during delivery and post-partum LV YHU\ LPSRUWDQW $OVR SULRUWR GHOLYHU\ provisions should have been made for blood transfusion.

Women with sickle cell disease who intend getting pregnant should visit their physician who provides counseling and assessment. This enables him/her to identify medications the individual may be using that is needed before conception or those not suitable for and in pregnancy.

It is important to note that despite the fact that womenhave this chronic life threatening condition of sickle cell disease in pregnancy, they can still enjoy safe motherhood if they are closely monitored by their physician before, during, after pregnancy and child birth.

X-TRA

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nigerians to Monitor Senateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Decision on Draft of Tobacco Regulationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

T

KH (QYLURQPHQWDO 5LJKWV $FWLRQ )ULHQGV RI WKH (DUWK 1LJHULD (5$ )R(1 DQG D KRVW RI FLYLO society groups have called on the Senate to approve strong draft National Tobacco Control Regulations that the House of Representatives approved last week.

They also say they will monitor every step in the regulation process to ensure WKDW ZKDW ZDV DSSURYHG RQ WKH Ă RRU RI the House of Representatives is what is UHĂ HFWHG LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO RXWFRPH DW WKH 6HQDWH *URXSV WKDW PDGH WKH FDOO DW D SUHVV EULHĂ&#x20AC;QJ LQ $EXMD LQFOXGH WKH 1LJHULD 7REDFFR &RQWURO $OOLDQFH 17&$ *DWHĂ&#x20AC;HOG Limited, and the Campaign for TobaccoFree Kids (CTFK), among others. ,Q KHU LQWHUYHQWLRQ +LOGD 2FKHIX 6XE UHJLRQDO &RRUGLQDWRU :HVW $IULFD RI WKH CTFK said it was disappointing that NigeULD LV VWLOO WUDLOLQJ EHKLQG *KDQD 6HQHJDO DQG RWKHU $IULFDQ FRXQWULHV RQ WREDFFR control when in fact, Nigeria should be a leader on the continent.

2FKHIX VDLG WKDW IRU LQVWDQFH RQ WKH SURYLVLRQ RQ *UDSKLF +HDOWK :DUQLQJV that tobacco companies want to cover only as much as 50 per cent of display area of tobacco packs, Senegal was already implePHQWLQJ DERXW SHU FHQW 7KH *DPELD enforces 75 per cent while countries like India and China approved 85 per cent.

She wants the Senate to pass the regulations approved by the Senate before the H[SLUDWLRQ RI WKH FXUUHQW OHJLVODWLYH \HDU on June 6.

2OXVHXQ (VDQ RI WKH 17&$ VDLG 1LJHULans want the Senate to remain focused in the face of tobacco industry manipulations and retain the strong regulations the House of Representatives approved, even as he recommended that the weak ones should be improved upon also.

L-R: Oluseun Esan of NTCA; Hilda Ochefu of CTFK and Akinbode Oluwafemi of ERA at the press brieďŹ ng in Abuja

6SHDNLQJ HDUOLHU 'HSXW\ ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU RI (5$ )R(1 $NLQERGH 2OXZDIHPL VDLG WKH GHYDVWDWLQJ LPSDFW of the tobacco menace was captured well recently by Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara who alerted WKDW DERXW 1LJHULDQV GLH DQQXDOO\ due to tobacco-induced illnesses.

2OXZDIHPL LQVLVWHG WKDW WKH GHDWKV are needless and avoidable but continue to happen because the tobacco industry H[SORLWV WKH SDUWLDO LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI WKH 1DWLRQDO 7REDFFR &RQWURO 17& $FW $FFRUGLQJ WR KLP WKH WREDFFR FRPpanies now market so-called innovative products into the Nigerian market to

entice kids and conscript them into smoking to replace a dying generation of smokers.

He however wants the Senate to retain strong provisions approved by the House of Representatives. They include: all forms of tobacco products shall carry health ZDUQLQJV VWURQJHU DQG EHWWHU GHĂ&#x20AC;QHG SURhibited packaging and Principal Display $UHDV IRU DOO IRUPV RI WREDFFR SURGXFWV 2WKHUV LQFOXGH SHU FHQW *+: RQ all tobacco products; to be automatically increased to 80 per cent after four years, comprehensive annual reporting system from Tobacco Industry to Federal Ministry of Health, increase smoke-free areas, man-

datory and uniform notices, and duty of owners to enforce and report and stringent FRQGLWLRQV IRU '6$V %DQ RI 7$36 LQ '6$V They also demanded that duty to warn is placed on author, producer and publisher of artistic and journalistic works depicting tobacco use. This was a loophole LQ WKH $FW EDQ RI SRLQW RI VDOH GLVSOD\ DQG prescribed price list, more enforcement RÎ&#x20AC;FHUV ZLWK FRPPXQLW\ OHYHO SUHVHQFH annual licensing per variant for manufacturers and importers, and annual license for distributors, reporting, public hearing, accessibility of information, and monitoring frameworks, stronger penalties and Tobacco Control Fund gets license fees.

F R I DAY â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 17, 2019

30

E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

â&#x20AC;ŚYour weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

Review: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Boney Manilliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Finds an Inquisitive Audience in Lagos â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stories by Vanessa Obioha By the end of the over an hour musical performance of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Boney Manilliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by visiting DUWLVWV IURP (GJDU $UFHQHDX[ 6WXGLRV most members of the audience gathered at the theatre hall of Terra Kulture in Victoria Island, Lagos, grappled with the direction of the show. But they were too shy to voice their curiosity. The daring ones however queried the intent of the playwright and Ă&#x20AC;OPPDNHU (GJDU $UFHQHDX[ On the surface, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Boney Manilliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; chronicles WKH GRZQIDOO RI WKH SRSXODU *HUPDQ GLVFR group 'Milli Vanilliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the 90s, with more DWWHQWLRQ RQ 5RE 3LODWXV RQH KDOI RI WKH GXR who died in 1998 from a drug overdose.

While the musical attempts to mirror 3LODWXV¡ Ă&#x20AC;JKW IRU UHGHPSWLRQ DIWHU WKH KLFFXS DW DQ 079 HYHQW LQ H[SRVHG the group's lip-syncing act, it also cast the VSRWOLJKW RQ WKH *HUPDQ UHFRUG SURGXFHU and songwriter who founded the group )UDQN )DULDQ )DULDQ V Ă&#x20AC;UVW H[SHULPHQW Boney M, the 70s pop group known for hits like 'Daddy Coolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; were also featured. $ SHUIRUPDQFH H[KLELWLRQ DQG Ă&#x20AC;OP rolled into one, the theatre hall was delicately deployed to accommodate an elevated screen on stage and a swinging OLJKW VWUREH ZKLFK LQ GLÍżHUHQW VFHQHV WRRN the shape of a church, a burial ceremony and a discotheque. For most part of the performance, the audience interacted with the seven-man cast who pleaded their indulgence in some scenes.

The performance opened with a broken Pilatus, wondering how to right his wrongs while seeking the embrace of the world. $UFHQHDX[ GHSLFWLRQ RI WKH ZRUOG LV WKDW RI a mother. He painted Pilatus as a prodigal son seeking the warmth of a mother. The IROORZLQJ VFHQH VKRZV WKH HÍżHUYHVFHQW

Farian, interacting with the audience as he prepared to showcase his golden talents to them.

Frank Lawson, a black American stage actor was peerless in his interpretation of Farian. He sang, mocked and showed his deceitful nature with every move he made on stage. Be it when he is pushing the Milli Vanilli boys to go beyond their strength, bask in the momentous fame, or when in his moment of weakness, he realised that he was born in the wrong body, as he prepared to make a name for himself with Boney M, he was entertaining to watch. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Boney Manilliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is mostly satirical. It mocks Pilatusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pain through its dialogues. When Pilatus overwhelmed by guilt sought for a way out, his friend and other half of the group Fab Morvan reminded him of his heritage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are a descendant of Pontius Pilateâ&#x20AC;?, he told a weak Pilatus, emphasising that he FDQ EH DV GHĂ&#x20AC;DQW DV WKH 5RPDQ SUHIHFW ZKR is known for adjudicating on the trial and FUXFLĂ&#x20AC;[LRQ RI WKH 6RQ RI WKH 6XSUHPH *RG Jesus Christ.

Most of the dialogues mocks the church as FKDUDFWHULVHG E\ WKH 5XVVLDQ PRQN 5DVSXWLQ ( a song by Boney M bears similar name).

His jest of the religious way the church handles issues was depicted in a scene where 5DVSXWLQ WROG 3LODWXV WKDW KLV UHGHPSWLRQ will not come from resurrection but from revolution. ,W ZDV LPSRUWDQW IRU $UFHQHDX[ WR SDLQW WKDW LPDJHU\ WKHUH JRLQJ E\ WKH UHFHQW VH[XDO allegations against Catholic priests. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted people to see that duality of religion, that it can be a powerful tool to unite as well as a strong weapon to destroy,â&#x20AC;? he H[SODLQHG WR KLV UDSW DXGLHQFH DW WKH HQG RI the show.

But the audience was more concerned about the end of the play. Who was the villain? Who was the hero? They weren't JRLQJ WR JHW D GLUHFW DQVZHU IURP $UFHQHDX[

Boney Manilli is based onthe pop duo Milli Vanilli

.QRZQ IRU KLV ORYH IRU KLVWRU\ $UFHQHDX[ said that his play was structured in such a way that both Milli Vanilli and Farian were responsible for their choices. In real life, the Milli Vanilli boys claimed they were deceived

by Farian who encouraged them to lip-sync.

7KH GXR ZDV VR SRSXODU IRU WKH VRQJ *LUO You Know It's Trueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which fetched them VHYHUDO DZDUGV LQFOXGLQJ D *UDPP\ %XW RQ discovering that they were not the original

NEW MOVIE SHADOW PARTIES TO TACKLE COMMUNAL CLASHES 3URGXFHUV RI WKH XSFRPLQJ Ă&#x20AC;OP 6KDGRZ 3DUWLHV¡ 0HGLD &RQFHSW 6WXGLR UHFHQWO\ JDYH out more details on what audience should H[SHFW ZKHQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP KLWV WKH FLQHPDV VRRQ According to the director Yemi Amodu, the Ă&#x20AC;OP LV DQ H[SRVLWLRQ RQ WKH FRPPXQDO FODVKHV WKDW H[LVW LQ WKH FRXQWU\ WRGD\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a story that is treating communal clashes which is reigning in the country now.

We have the issues of herdsmen that border on insecurity. As a sociologist, I believe in the development of my environment and as a Ă&#x20AC;OPPDNHU P\ SULPDU\ GXW\ LV WR Ă&#x20AC;QG RXW what you can do to better the society. The story is not only entertaining but it is didactic.â&#x20AC;? $PRGX ZKR KDV FXW KLV WHHWK LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP industry also threw more light on the title of the movie. ´,Q HYHU\ FRQĂ LFW UHVROXWLRQ \RX FRQVLGHU WKUHH SDUWLHV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW DQG VHFRQG SDUWLHV ZKR are the warring parties and then the third party is regarded as the shadow party. There are so many shadow parties in the country WRGD\ ZKR DUH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WWLQJ IURP WKH FRPPXQDO clash. It is happening in the East, West and the North.â&#x20AC;? +H VDLG WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP LV EDVHG RQ D WUXH OLIH story with elements of romance and comedy ZKLOH UHYHDOLQJ WKDW WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP ZKLFK LV LQ SRVW production has already gulped close to N100m DQG ZLOO WRXU IDPRXV Ă&#x20AC;OP IHVWLYDOV DURXQG WKH world.

6KRW LQ /DJRV ,EDGDQ DQG $NXUH FLWLHV Âś6KDGRZ 3DUWLHV¡ LV D VWRU\ DERXW $UHPX (Ken Erics) who hails from Aje, a town that neighbours Iludun, where his wife, Arike (Toyin Abraham) was born. Known for fratricidal wars, which had claimed the lives of Arikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents, the towns were one more time thrown into war after the kinsmen of Aremu decided to burn his wife and child

Yemi Blaq and Omotola on set of Shadow Parties'

claiming she was an enemy and also triggering a reprisal attack from the Iluduns led by Lowo (Yemi Blaq), Arikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother. $ SDUDGR[ RI FRPPXQDO FODVK Âś6KDGRZ Partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; encapsulates the endless political intrigues that would later transform into blood business of arms and ammunition and of course the killings of innocent residents, which LV DQ H[SRVLWLRQ RI UHDOLW\ 7KH Ă&#x20AC;OP DOVR VWDUV 2PRWROD -DODGH (NHLQGH 6ROD 6RERZDOH -LGH .RVRNR +DĂ&#x20AC;] 2\HWRUR and International actors Magdalena Korpas and Lucien Morgan.

AT MPAN'S INAUGURAL TOWN HALL MEETING,COSON,NCCTAKETHEHEAT

The growing crisis over copyright issues in WKH PXVLF LQGXVWU\ WRRN FHQWUH VWDJH DW WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW town hall meeting of The Music Publishers Association of Nigeria (MPAN). *UDFHG E\ PXVLF VWDNHKROGHUV DQG DUWLVWHV

including Programme Director Beat 99.9FM, Olisa Adibua, and Efe Omorogbe of Hypertek Digital, the conference sought to address the varying issues of publishing rights rocking the industry under the theme 'The Music 3XEOLVKLQJ %XVLQHVV LQ 1LJHULD 5HJXODWLRQV Challenges and the Futureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

While each of the panelists made up of MPAN members gave an overview of the issues plaguing the music industry, they all DJUHHG WKDW WKH &RS\ULJKW 6RFLHW\ RI 1LJHULD has not been transparent enough in some of its functions.

This was elucidated by MPAN Chairman, Olumide Mustapha, a technology and entertainment attorney during his SUHVHQWDWLRQ +H H[SODLQHG WKH DYRLGDEOH ORVV of revenue was as a result of lack of industry knowledge and know how around music publishing, adding that lack of data was responsible for the irregularities and that

singers, they were stripped of their awards and fame.

While the show which screening in Lagos ZDV PDGH SRVVLEOH E\ WKH 8 6 &RQVXODWH LQ Lagos, was challenging for the audience, they however were entertained by the score of songs performed by the female singers of the Ă&#x20AC;FWLRQDO %RQH\ 0 $W OHDVW WKH\ PHPRULVHG the catchy song 'Mama, you gotta goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;F GLVWULEXWLRQ RI UHYHQXH LV NH\ %XW LW ZDV ,EXNXQ $ELGR\H WKH ([HFXWLYH President of Chocolate City, who was more vocal during her presentation on the Future of Music Publishing in Nigeria. Citing American Publishing companies such as The American 6RFLHW\ RI &RPSRVHUV $XWKRUV DQG 3XEOLVKHUV called for the Nigerian Copyright Commission 1&& 1&& V LQWHUYHQWLRQ RQ &2621 V account. ,Q UHFHQW WLPHV &2621 KDV EHHQ KHDYLO\ pilloried for not giving musicians their royalties as well as its shaky leadership status. Omorogbe who was once declared the successor of chairman of the collecting body 7RQ\ 2NRURML DUJXHG WKDW WKH LVVXHV LQ &2621 is more than Okoroji. He hinted that until there is a face to the unnamed persons hiding under the body to carry out treachery, that the body will not function properly.

There were also calls for the federal government to appoint a music stakeholder to helm the NCC. The practitioners argued that they were tired of the commission controlled by persons who lack adequate knowledge on the business of the music industry. Abidoye further said that there is need to establish a joint committee to address music publishing WDULÍżV WR GHWHUPLQH LI WKH UDWHV DUH VXÎ&#x20AC;FLHQW Also lending her voice was Isioma Idigbe, a well seasoned media and entertainment ODZ\HU 6KH SURYLGHG DQ RYHUYLHZ RI PXVLF publishing and highlighted its importance within the music industry.

MPAN members and attendees reviewed current policies and regulations,agreeing that measures must be put in place to protect the interests of creators within the industry. Useful solutions to restructuring the collecting society were suggested, and four petitions intended to achieve this were signed at the meeting. They include a petition that NCC should issue a directive to all collecting societies in the music industry to allocate not less than 60 per cent

31

F R I DAY • MAY 17, 2019

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Wande Coal, Niniola Thrill Fans at Red Night Party

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32

F R I DAY â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 17, 2019

ART WEEKEND

â&#x20AC;ŚFor pure art enthusiasts

Africa Parades its Best at WISHAfrica Expo

The best of African art and design, lifestyle and technology form the nucleus of the 2019 edition of WISHAfrica Expo set to take place in London in June. Yinka Olatunbosun sought the details of this pan-African event from its founder, Lola Emeruwa

P

icture this scenario: 2,000 visitors daily, large installations, a variety of African arts, food, fashion, architecture, all in just two days.

London will be indeed taken by a positive storm come June 8 and 9 when WISHAfrica Expo berths in the United Kingdom.

WISHAfrica, established three years ago, is a social enterprise at its core.

6WDUWLQJ RÍż DV D PHGLD SODWIRUP LW KDV been an eye-opener to investors that are wooing Africa for commercial interests.

The success stories of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emerging markets which had given rise to festivals and international conferencesmay have inspired Lola Emeruwa, the founder of WISHAfricato make a reality the big dream of bringing the best of African art, design, fashion, travel, food and drinks, architecture and technology beneath one big roof, that is Olympia London in the heart of Kensington.

In an exclusive chat in Lagos, she explained how the WISHAfrica EXPO will contribute largely to Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic and cultural development in the long run HYHQ WKRXJK WKH (;32 LV WR NLFN RÍż LQ WKH United Kingdom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The easiest place to have started would have been Lagos. This is where I live. It was for two reasons that we chose the UK. A lot of people who have helped to push the envelope of the African story are currently based in the UK. We are talking about the likes of Yinka Shonibare, Ikoyi London and David Ajayi. Secondly, London is a good place to disseminate information from. You cannot discountenance the power of the western media to establish the expo,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; she said, adding that the show is going on tour DFURVV GLÍżHUHQW SDUWV RI WKH ZRUOG LQ IXWXUH 2QH RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW LVVXHV UDLVHG ZLWK Emeruwa was the security of the venue. In recent years, large gatherings are generally known to be vulnerable to vicious attacks.

She assured visitors of the presence of security personnel at the venue to maintain peace, protect lives and property. Besides, the venue is a choice destination for many

Lola Emeruwa

exhibition events.

A lawyer by training, Emeruwa is an operation consultant with expertise in event management, project co-ordination and recruitment. She had worked in the luxury industry with respected brands such as Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin amongst others. Hence, in terms of quality assurance, Emeruwa knows her onions.

For the plenary session at the WISHAfrica conference, she disclosed that negative stereotypes of Africa will be deconstructed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;28 African speakers will speak at the conference with the theme, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is Africa?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;. What we are trying to do is to investigate the assumptions about Africa.

We want to look at what Africa means to

the world. The story of Africa is usually lacking in richness and punctuated by negativity. We would like to tell a better story, promoting a richer and more positive image of the African continent and greater international understanding of what it has WR RÍżHU WKH ZRUOG Âľ VKH VDLG )LYH RI WKH speakers are drawn from Nigeria.

When asked why there is such resurgence of interest in African art and fashion, she expressed a view that points to the inherent aesthetic quality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will say that there is an undeniable beauty in Africa. It is a very emotional interaction between fashion and art. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think the interest would have spiked without some emotional attachment to African art and designs,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; she responded.

National Library of Nigeria Launches New App

Yinka Olatunbosun

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takeholders in Nigerian book industry have a reason to smile with the launch of the new application to make it easier for book publishers, authors and organisations to apply for and obtain the international standard numbers (ISBN and ISSN) for their publications within 24 hours without necessarily making initial physical DSSHDUDQFH DW WKH RÎ&#x20AC;FHV ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKLV application, a new hotline was launched for stakeholders who may wish to report copyright infringement issues.

This new development was formalised at a press conference during the just concluded Lagos International Book Fair in Lagos. The 1DWLRQDO /LEUDULDQ DQG &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2Î&#x20AC;FHU of the National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Lenrie Olatokunbo Ainawhile speaking at the Jelili Omotola Hall, University of Lagos declared WKDW WKLV QHZ LQLWLDWLYH LV LQ IXOĂ&#x20AC;OOPHQW RI President Mohammadu Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cardinal agenda, the ease of doing business.

Since December 2017, the National Library of Nigeria had embarked on an aggressive sensitisation campaign to enlighten researchers, authors, publishers and other key players in the book industry on the need to comply with the best global practices which include

National Librarian, Olatokunbo-Aina

international standards for publishing and legal deposit compliance. During the series of workshops, the feedback from stakeholders pointed towards the challenge of obtaining the standard numbers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With this new application, we have reduced WKH EXUGHQ RI WLPH DQG HÍżRUW 1RZ DOO WKDW \RX have to do is to log on to our website, navigate

to the page and commence the easy-to-follow process that would lead you through obtaining the standard number you need,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he explained.

The new application also aids the National Library of Nigeria and publishers to track the level of legal deposit compliance, precondition for further issuance of new standard numbers.

Asides this new innovation, the National Library of Nigeria has commenced this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national readership promotion campaign with the theme, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reviving Moribund Culture of Reading in Nigeria for Sustainable National Development.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;The readership campaign for this year commenced on May 7 in the state capitals of Anambra and Cross River. And it will go around the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; the National Librarian said.

Some of the activities associated with this campaign include reading competitions among secondary and primary schools, book parties at motor parks to encourage travelers to read; advocacy visits to maternity homes to encourage nursing mothers to introduce their children to reading from infancy as well as the collaboration between the National Library of Nigeria and the National Youth Service Corp to extending reading campaigns to their communities and places of primary assignments.

At Ikeja Club, KSA Defies Rain to Party with New Inductees Yinka Olatunbosun Three party trucks marked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;King Sunny Adeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; were parked behind the stage inside the premises of the Ikeja Club that Friday.

The band members of the Grammy-nominated juju musician, King Sunny Ade were setting up the performance area and doing some sound check when the winds began to wrestle with reason. Then came the heavy downpour, persistent and interruptive.

Everyone took cover somewhere.

At some minutes past one, the silence that followed the rain was cut short by the piercing sound of KSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guitar. KSA has been a member of the distinguished club for years with a reputation of dedicated performances such as displayed that evening and the morning after. The elite social club, Ikeja Club, established 53 years ago threw an induction party for new members, side by side with the investiture of trustees and VSRUWV Ă&#x20AC;HVWD HYHQ ZLWK WKH VOLJKW VKRZers that continued till the early hours of 6DWXUGD\ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW RI WKH PRQWK RI 0D\ These new members of the Ikeja Club are Mr. Donald Ezeanoro, Mr. Kayode Adegbite, Chief Bode Olaoye, Alh. Taofeek Kunle Adetoro, Mr Segun Faroju, Prince Monsuru Oladega, Mr. Oluwafemi Adejuwon, MrMonsuru Adebowale, Mr Taiwo Hassan Rahman, Mr Ayo Agbebi, Amb. Abdul Akeem Ejalonibu, Hon. Yomi Mayungbe, Hon. B. Oluyade, Alh. Nosiru Agoro, Hon. Benjamin Osundairoand Mr. Muyiwa Ayeni.

The club which has as grand patron, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode is renowned for its commitment to societal change through its track record of recreational excellence and humanitarian causes.

The President of Ikeja Club, Elder Sunday Ajayi Ajiloreencouraged the new inductees to do their part in achieving the goals of the club. ´:H KDYH PDGH VLJQLĂ&#x20AC;FDQW ODQGPDUNV in the state because the club is made up of accomplished professionals, very successful businessmen, seasoned technocrats and great personalities in the society. I challenge the new members to make development possible. What they have met on ground should be greatly improved upon to impart humans and Lagos state in general,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he said.

The all-night party was a roll call of traditional chiefs and monarchs.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,represented at the event by Oba Jide Awojoodu and Oba Charles Omisore, spoke on the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to cultural preservation and social development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ikeja Club has contributed immensely to the welfare of the state by their promotion of social responsibility, assistance to the less privileged in the society, assisting the government where needed in terms of social and infrastructural development, among others,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he declared.

In felicitation with the new inductees, goodwill messages poured in from longstanding members such as Chief Ayodele Randle; the General Secretary, Mr. Gbenga Ajisafe, Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Abayomi Finnih and the Elega of Elega Kingdom Oba Olusayo Oyelowo.

King Sunny Ade

37

F R I DAY â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 17, 2019

METRO

â&#x20AC;ŚYour city life in print

Guests at the inauguration of the building

Honour for ACP Olusoji in Lagos In a rare display of appreciation, the Chinese Youths Association, recently donated a 500-seater multi-purpose hall to the Lagos State Model College, Ojo built to honour the dedication of Akinbayo Olusoji, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, who is an old student of the college. Rebecca Ejifoma reports

R

ecently, the Chinese Youths Association (CYA) honoured Akinbayo Olusoji, an Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area D, Mushin of the Lagos State Police Command, with the donation of a 500-seater multi-purpose hall to the Lagos State Model College, Ojo, where he is an old boy. $W WKH RÎ&#x20AC;FLDO KDQGLQJ RYHU DQG commissioning of the building which took place ODVW 6DWXUGD\ WKH 'HSXW\ *RYHUQRU RI /DJRV State; Dr.(Mrs) Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary LQ FKDUJH RI WKH 7HDFKLQJ 6HUYLFH &RPPLVVLRQ Mrs. Olatokunboh Adeleye, while appreciating the association expressed the belief that the donation was in tandem with the "associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;?

YLVLRQ RI VXSSRUWLQJ RXU VFKRROV LQ WKH VSLULW RI corporate social responsibility." ,Q KHU VSHHFK WKH GHSXW\ JRYHUQRU QRWHG that the newly constructed multi-purpose KDOO ZRXOG FUHDWH DQ HQDEOLQJ HQYLURQPHQW that will help secure our children's dignity DQG VDIHW\ ZKLOH DOVR HQVXULQJ D FRQGXFLYH atmosphere for teaching and learning" stressing that the Chinese Youths Association had chosen D YHU\ LPSRUWDQW VHFWRU WR WRXFK DQG LPSDFW OLYHV LQ WKLV VFKRRO She emphasised further that "children are our future and the leaders of tomorrow. As a UHVXOW WKH ZD\ WR HQVXUH TXDOLW\ HÍżHFWLYH DQG functional education for them is to continue WR FUHDWH FRQGXFLYH HQYLURQPHQW IRU OHDUQLQJ DQG WHDFKLQJ DV ZHOO DV SURYLGLQJ EHWWHU infrastructure for them." $GHEXOH ZKR FRRUGLQDWHV DFWLYLWLHV RI WKH state Ministry of Education in addition to her GXWLHV DV GHSXW\ JRYHUQRU FOHDUO\ VWDWHG WKDW "today's commissioning and presentation of this multi-purpose hall by the Chinese Youths Association is a clear demonstration of the VXSSRUW IRU RXU SURJUDPPHV DQG YLVLRQ LQ WKH education sectorâ&#x20AC;?.

While appreciating the CYA and the old students association of the college for the synergy in making the dream a reality, the GHSXW\ JRYHUQRU DVVXUHG WKDW WKH JRYHUQPHQW of Lagos State â&#x20AC;&#x153;would continue to partner with all stakeholders committed to the education and GHYHORSPHQW RI RXU FKLOGUHQÂľ The gesture which was more of a corporate social responsibility is a way of further strengthening the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China.

Speaking on behalf of the donors, Mr. Jack Zhou who is the secretary of CYA, said members of the association who are doing GLÍżHUHQW EXVLQHVVHV LQ 1LJHULD ZHUH PRYHG E\ WKH QHHG WR DVVLVW LQ GHYHORSLQJ 1LJHULD LQ ZKDWHYHU FDSDFLW\ WKH\ FRXOG

ACP Olusoji ďŹ&#x201A;anked by students of the college

He added that they had found Olusoji who is the Area Commander in Charge of Area D, Mushin of the Lagos State Police Command as a worthy Nigerian through whom such GHYHORSPHQW FRXOG EH H[WHQGHG WR SHRSOH KHQFH they approached him.

The area commander in his brief speech said he was admitted into the college in September 1982 at the old permanent site which was ODWHU WDNHQ RYHU E\ JRYHUQPHQW DV WKH WDNH RÍż ORFDWLRQ RI WKH /DJRV 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ 2MR Upon graduation from the college with his mates in 1987, he said he went for further studies after which he enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force. $FFRUGLQJ WR KLP KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW HQFRXQWHU ZLWK WKH &KLQHVH DV D SROLFH RÎ&#x20AC;FHU ZDV ZKHQ KH ZDV VHUYLQJ DV WKH 'LYLVLRQDO 3ROLFH 2Î&#x20AC;FHU LQ FKDUJH RI ,NHMD 'LYLVLRQ He narrated how his men had arrested VRPH &KLQHVH ZKR ZHQW RXW IRU D QLJKW HYHQW GULYLQJ ZKLOH DOUHDG\ GUXQN 7KHLU DUUHVW ZDV ostensibly to protect them from any danger from FULPLQDOV ZKR PLJKW WDNH DGYDQWDJH RI WKHLU state of drunkenness.

The ACP said that they were allowed to go freely the next day when they had regained FRQVFLRXVQHVV DQG RYHU WLPH WKH QHZV RI KLV policing with human face began to spread

among the Chinese community in Lagos who understandably had searched the internet to get more information about him.

Olusoji pointed out that one of his RXWVWDQGLQJ DFKLHYHPHQWV WKDW WLPH ZDV WKH DUUHVW RI VRPH GLH KDUG FULPLQDOV ZKR RÍżHUHG him a bribe of N21million which was turned down.

7KLV VLQJXODU DFKLHYHPHQW DQG RWKHU break-through unknowingly endeared him to the police authorities, thereby necessitating his promotion to the rank of ACP and subsequent deployment to head Area D at Mushin which is considered as one of the area commands facing the hardest criminal challenges in the state.

7KH &KLQHVH QDWLRQDOV ZKR RYHU WLPH KDG found some credibility in Olusoji with regards WR KLV DFWLYLWLHV DV SROLFH RÎ&#x20AC;FHU FRXOG QRW UHVLVW seeking his cooperation as they wanted a crime IUHH HQYLURQPHQW IRU WKHLU EXVLQHVVHV According to Olusoji, it was in appreciation of his dedication to duty that the leadership of CYA approached him, seeking to know what they could do for him as a person. Rather than DVN IRU VRPHWKLQJ WKDW ZRXOG EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W RQO\ him and his family, he opted to align with the aspiration of his old students association of 1987 set which had intention to build a multipurpose hall. So he urged the association to

build a hall for his alma mater, which was in dire need of such.

The immediate past principal of the College; Mrs. Olufumilayo Modupe Adenekan who was full of praises for ACP Olusoji and the Chinese Youths Association recalled how the SROLFH RÎ&#x20AC;FHU LQ FRPSDQ\ RI VRPH RÎ&#x20AC;FLDOV RI the old students association of the college had approached her in early 2018 to intimate her of the intention to build a hall for the college.

She narrated how she almost dismissed them as unserious minded people with the contention that the old students were fond of coming to ask for what to do for the school only WR HQG XS GRLQJ QRWKLQJ /XFNLO\ VKH JDYH D listening ear to Olusoji and his colleagues and subsequently the Chinese were introduced as people who were set to embark on the project. ,W ZDV WKLV FODULĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ DFFRUGLQJ WR KHU WKDW QHFHVVLWDWHG WKH UHTXHVW IRU PLQLVWHULDO DSSURYDO to enable the project commence.

Present at the occasion to witness the commissioning were traditional rulers like Oba Galibu Adeniyi Rufai, Olojo of Ojo, Oba Gausu $ODQL 5DVDNL WKH 2YRUL RI ,EHVKH $PXZR 2GRĂ&#x20AC;Q DQG &KLHI 6DOLX $OL\R The Tutor General, Education District IV was represented by Mr. Ogunsiji Adeniran. Mr. J.N. Mashaka, a member of the Board, Teaching 6HUYLFH &RPPLVVLRQ 0U )ULGD\ (QDPHJED Chairman '87 set of the college were also in attendance.

Members of the Chinese Youths Association DW WKH HYHQW ZKLFK FRLQFLGHG ZLWK WKH National Youth Day celebration were no fewer than 30 among were Mr. John Hu, honorary President, Chinese Youths Association, Mrs. Zhoujun of the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria and Mrs. Changanlin of Chinese ,QYHVWPHQW $VVRFLDWLRQ 2YHUVHDV 6HUYLFH &HQWUH Earlier in his speech on behalf of the National President of the college old students association, the National Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Nwogbo KDG JLYHQ WKH KLVWRULFDO EDFNJURXQG RI WKH college which current poor infrastructural state was precipitated by the relocation from its RULJLQDO VLWH WR D WHPSRUDU\ SODFH IRU WKH WDNH RÍż RI WKH /DJRV 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ DW LWV IRXQGDWLRQ stage.

While paying tribute to ACP Akinbayo 2OXVRML IRU QRW EHLQJ VHOĂ&#x20AC;VK ZKHQ WKH opportunity beckoned on him, the National 6HFUHWDU\ FDOOHG WKH /DJRV 6WDWH *RYHUQPHQW WR take the school back to its glorious when it was NQRZQ DV *RYHUQPHQW &ROOHJH 2MR $SDUW IURP WKH RÎ&#x20AC;FLDO KDQGLQJ RYHU RI WKH PXOWL SXUSRVH KDOO WR WKH UHSUHVHQWDWLYH RI WKH GHSXW\ JRYHUQRU ZKR LQFLGHQWDOO\ FXW the ceremonial take, students of the college entertained the audience with some cultural display and dance.

F R I DAY â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 17, 2019

38

CRIME&SECURITY

Edo Donates 10 Operational Vehicles to Police, Nigerian Army AdibeEmenyonuinBeninCity $V SDUW RI HÍżRUWV WR FXUE FULPH DQG FULPLQDOLW\ WKH (GR 6WDWH *RYHUQPHQW KDV GRQDWHG RSHUDWLRQDO YHKLFOHV WR WKH VWDWH SROLFH FRPPDQG DQG WKH 1LJHULDQ $UP\ 3HVHQWLQJ WKH YHKLFOHV WR WKH VWDWH &RPPLVVLRQHU RI

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Halogen Security Emerges 2019 OSPAs Winner Sunday Okobi and Hamid Ayodeji Halogen Security Company Limited has been announced as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Outstanding Contract Security Company in Nigeria for the year 2019 by Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), a United Kingdom Independent Award scheme.

The Group Managing Director of Halogen Security Company Limited, Wale Olaoye, during the event which took place in Lagos recently, said the award ZDV D FRQĂ&#x20AC;UPDWLRQ RI WKH companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operational model, which he said was established on the pedestal of exceptional passion for professionalism, integrity and service excellence.

According to Olaoye, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This unique award is another testimony to our commitPHQW WR FRQWLQXDOO\ UHGHĂ&#x20AC;QH security practice and to provide cutting-edge enterprise security risk management solutions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are particularly happy that the award is coming on the heels of our major transformation from being the regular security company to a more compact power house of comprehensive security solutions with six subsidiaries designed to explore new frontiers in security risk management. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are vindicated by this award as it further gives credence to our avowed operational model which is hinged on the pedestal of exceptional passion for professionalism, integrity and service excellence.â&#x20AC;?

He also explained that the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce should be praised for being the super powers behind Halogenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unending innovation, excellence in service and success.

The elated company boss added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our highly inspired and motivated work force is germane to this success.

Their phenomenal commitment to our service delivery VWDQGDUGV H[HPSOLĂ&#x20AC;HV RXU values of securing our clients with passion and our communities with care on a daily basis.â&#x20AC;?

On his part, OSPAs founder, Professor Martin Gill, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The body provides an independent platform to showcase excellence and outstanding performance, ensuring that those who contribute to maintaining high standards in the security solutions industry are recognised and rewarded. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The judging panel were nominated by the leading security associations and scored each entry independently, and all those who ZHUH VHOHFWHG DV Ă&#x20AC;QDOLVWV DQG winners demonstrated that they really are the best and should feel extremely proud. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 2019 OSPAs won

by Halogen Security is the second award recognition from the global body in two consecutive years. Academy Halogen, a subsidiary of Halogen, founded as an institution for capacity building in enterprise security, risk management, policy development and thought leadership, had earlier been crowned outstanding security training initiative for the

Edo State Deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu (right), handing over keys of 10 operational vehicles to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Dan Mallam Muhammed, at the Government House in Benin City

Some of the operational vehicles handed over to the Edo State Police Command by the Edo State Government

Police Launch Operation PuďŹ&#x20AC; Adder in Delta

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

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MAY 17, 2019 • F R I DAY

35

POTPOURRI

Latter-Day Saints Installs New Stake President Ayodeji Ake

Group picture of members of Rotary Club of Lagos Island, Bhojpuri Pariwar and Assamese Cultural Association at the event

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40

F R I DAY â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 17, 2019

POLSCOPE

E

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com, 0805 306 9356

Emmanuel Balogun: What Has Happened to Our Youths?

ver since I read the story about the 17-year old young man, Emmanuel Aigbokhalelode Balogun,who drowned in a swimming pool, I have not been myself. Not so much because of the nature of the death, but the reason for the needless death.

Sometimes, I am tempted to believe UHOLJLRXV DĂ&#x20AC;FLRQDGR ZKR UDLVH WKH threat of an impending Armageddon.

It is often prefaced with the clichĂŠ: the world is coming to an end. And that all the bizarre tragedies we daily see happening around us and across the globe are end-time signs of the feared world end, when the world will be consumed and made void again. And there will be a new earthâ&#x20AC;Ś.

But before that happens, if it ever will, I am worried sore about the Ambode VWUDQJH DÎ LFWLRQV RQ KXPDQLW\ especially our burgeoning youth in Balogun the country. The tons of frightening The story added that at 3.33am, the stories about them are as shocking as other friends noticed that Emmanuel they are most wicked. A few months was struggling in the pool. It was not ago, it was the issue of young men clear if they too were swimming in the stealing ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pants for the purpose SRRO 2QH RI WKHP DOOHJHGO\ RÍżHUHG of using them for rituals that fetches to go and rescue him, but was dismagical money. They call it â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yahoo suaded from the gesture by the other Plusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. All manners of weird things are twobecause he (Emmanuel) â&#x20AC;&#x153;was done and perpetrated just to â&#x20AC;&#x153;blowâ&#x20AC;? always doing shakara, because his and live impressionistic life style. parents are richâ&#x20AC;?, one said. Another It got so bad that most women friend argued that all the girls in the stopped wearing pants. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask class were always doting after Emme how I knew. manuel, so he should be left alone Too many times, we hear of how in his struggle. These are all young maids or drivers or some casual teenagers of 17/18 years old. At the domestic workers would strangle end, Emmanuel drowned, right their employersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;often old men or XQGHU WKH QRVH RI KLV WKUHH Ă&#x20AC;HQGV vulnerableladies, and make away masquerading as friends. with their properties etc. One incident Worse still, after Emmanuel that happened in Ondo State was drowned, the trio waited for about about a driver; who, after strangling 45 minutes, perhaps to ensure that he the old man,his boss, dragged his is irreversibly dead, before leaving body to the generator house in the the hotel, but not before they shared fenced compound, and burnt him out Emmanuelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s properties. While there, before escaping with the Honda one took his shoes, another searched CRV car of the boss. He gave himself Emmanuelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trousers, took the money DZD\ ZKHQ KH RÍżHUHG WR VHOO WKH FDU in it, and the other his handset. And for the paltry sum of N250,000 at they left. Instructively, they refused Ijebu-Ode. to inform the hotel management that Back to the story of Emmanuel, it someone had drowned. was said that he had gone for a party It took some other female student organized for freshers in University two days after, to alert Emmanuelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Abuja. He went for the party with parents that something may have his friends. The party took place in happened to their son.

Dome hotel downtown, Abuja.

According to the story, after the Now some critical issues: party, the four friends (Emmanuel How come a party for freshers and three others) decided to lounge could last till that ungodly hour of by the pool side. Emmanuel had to 3.00am? Who organized the party? pay N2,000 each for the three other Was it an all-night party? friends to access the pool side. He Did Emmanuel previously know ERXJKW WKHP Ă&#x20AC;VK DQG MXLFH DQG DW D how to swim? Did his friends also point he got into the pool to swim. swim that night?

L

Erewa-Dabiri

Four Years After, Where are Ogbonnaya Onuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pencils?

B

y next Wednesday, the Federal Executive Council will be dissolved. I am sure many Nigerians will heave a sigh of relief as some of the ministerial dead woods will be allowed to just go Hmmmm, you never can be sure with President Muhammadu Buhari. What if he chooses to retain them all?

Never!. He will not try that. It could provoke a national protest.

Protest? Is not within his right to appoint whom he likes? You would have understood in the last four years that Mr President is not persuaded by those public outcry; otherwise the hue and cry over the :DV KH XQGHU WKH LQĂ XHQFH RI LQHÍżHFWLYHQHVV RI WKH 6HUYLFH &KLHIV would have led to a change. But alcohol?

Who brought the idea of going to what did Mr President do? He renewed their tenures. His ways the pool at such an hour?

Why would partying students are not our ways! decide to go swimming at 3.30 am?

Pray, where was the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life Guard who should be at the pool 24/7?

Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the hotel have a personnel who monitors the CCTV? If yes, where was he/she while Emmanuel was struggling in the pool? If no, why not?

Emmanuel may have been buried, but the issues raised in his death are germane towards ensuring safety in public facilities. The hotel has a responsibility to its guests, especially on people from whom they had collected one form of fee or the other.

But above all, remains the issue of morality and values. The task goes back to parents. Many parents have long abdicated their duties and roles in bringing up their children in pursuit of banal concerns. Many parents literally do not know their children. In an age where proper parenting is contracted out to nannies and some foster characters, there is no longer any form of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quality Controlâ&#x20AC;? on the children we raise. That explains why children are getting wild and vagrant, lacking in erstwhile cherished social values.

How could the mere fact of girls doting over a friend(?) become a reason to wish a friend dead? The same friend who paid for your access to a YHQXH ERXJKW \RX Ă&#x20AC;VK DQG MXLFHÂŤ Yet youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather he dies so he is out of the way. What a depraved mind!

US VISA: Another Window Shutting Against Nigerians

ast Tuesday, The American Consular service in Nigeria reviewed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drop Boxâ&#x20AC;? process of visa renewal by VXVSHQGLQJ LW LQGHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ 7KDW means that all applicants for U.S visa would make physical appearance at the counter. The implication is that more and more people are likely going to be denied entry into the United 6WDWHV RI $PHULFD , XQGHUVWDQG VRPH Ă&#x20AC;YH $Irican countries, Nigeriainclusive, are the worst culprits in overstaying their visa terms. This new strategy is thus a punishment, in a way. It is also meant to tame the growing inclination WR Ă HZ WKH FRXQWU\ &DQDGD LV DOPRVW DOO Ă&#x20AC;OOHG now with Nigeriansâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;young and old. Nigerians are just too eager to â&#x20AC;&#x153;check outâ&#x20AC;? even if it is to Ghana. Yes, even Ghana!

7KDW GHVSHUDWLRQ WR Ă HH DOVR H[SODLQV WKH surge to South Africa despite the bitter and sustained xenophobic attacks on Nigerians over there. Nigerians are just yet keen on going, to just anywhere. I think this should worry Mr President including the Diaspora matron, now the DG of Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Arewa.

Make the Nigerian space less haughty and hurtingand Nigerians will sit back at home.

Canticlesâ&#x20AC;Ś.

Are you implying that people like DrOgbonnaya Onu, the minister of Science and Technology would UHPDLQ LQ RÎ&#x20AC;FH DJDLQ" Pray, what would be the justiĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ" Why not, if the President thinks KLP Ă&#x20AC;W WR FRQWLQXH" That will be the day! Do you remember that of all things crucial WR 1LJHULDQV WKLV PLQLVWHU DQG Ă&#x20AC;UVW executive governor of Abia State, LQ KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW PDMRU RXWLQJ LQ -DQXDU\ 2016, said that Nigeria would soon VWDUW SURGXFLQJ SHQFLOV" <HV SHQFLOV As if that is not bad enough, more than two years after, the pencils are nowhere to be found. Hey, where are the pencils which he said its production could fetch 400,000 new MREV" 'LG KH DOVR QRW VD\ 1LJHULD would soon start producing sixF\OLQGHU HQJLQHV" &\OLQGHU P\ foot! Now the cabinet is winding up in few days, we neither saw the pencils nor the 400,000 new jobs.

Or do you want to remind me of any tangible achievement, beside making speeches at conferences, creditable to the Ministry of SciHQFH DQG 7HFKQRORJ\" Please speak of the Igbo chief with some respect and honour.

Remember he is an engineer and holds a Ph.D. Rubbish! I think he is even too neat for an engineer. Wearing SHUPDQHQW ZKLWH RXWĂ&#x20AC;W Ă&#x20AC;WWHG with red cap is not what makes a functional minister. He can go and assume traditional stool at home and leave the cabinet for those who can make impact.

You talk as if he is the only minister who underperformed.

Ok. So now you agree that he under performed. Sure he is not the only such one. In fact the question might be, who among WKHP DOO PDGH DQ\ LPSDFW" ,V LW WKH 0LQLVWHU IRU :DWHU 5HVRXUFHV" How many Nigerians had access to clean potable water in the last IRXU \HDUV" 2U LV LW WKH 0LQLVWHU IRU 3RZHU :RUNV DQG +RXVLQJ"'LG RXU dear Babatunde Fashola not fail RQ DOO WKUHH IURQWV" +DV HOHFWULFLW\ VXSSO\ QRW HYHQ ZRUVHQHG" +RZ many houses were ever built for WKH RUGLQDU\ 1LJHULDQ" 2U DUH RXU URDGV OHVVHU GHDWK WUDSV QRZ" Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be too hard on the ministers.

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how many battles

Onu

WKH\ KDG WR Ă&#x20AC;JKW 'RQ¡W IRUJHW WKH National lawmakers were a hurdle RQ WKHLU RZQ &DVK Ă RZ ZDV DQRWKHU issue. And you know that â&#x20AC;Ś. (cuts in)â&#x20AC;Ś and you know that ZKDW" :K\ DUH \RX JHQHUDWLQJ H[FXVHV IRU WKHP" 'RQ¡W \RX NQRZ many of them were just featherLQJ WKHLU RZQ QHVWV" :KDW LPSDFW GLG PDQ\ RI WKHP PDNH" 2U LV LW the Labour minister who spent the entire period settling labour disputes and swimming into crisis DIWHU FULVLV" Be fair. You cannot dismiss the KXJH HÍżRUWV PDGH E\ WKH $JULF minister, Chief Audu Ogbeh. Are you not aware that Nigerians are now more food secured? Are you not aware that the huge assistance given to farmers has led to huge local production of many crops including rice, tomato, yam, cassava etc? Has rice, chicken and eggimportation mot massively dropped? And do you know how many people the farms have now employed?

Or do you want to ignore the massive revolution in the rail sector?

Have you not seen the uncommon commitment the Transport Minister, RotimiAmaechi has shown in driving the rail constructionscheme, so much that even the Chinese contractors have been hailing him for his devotion and commitment?

Do you think it is a joke that rail now runs from Warri to Itakpe and from Lagos to Abeokuta and soon to Ibadan? And that there are plans to connect the whole state capitals and all ports in the country with rail transport?

Or have you not heard of how agencies in the ministry like NIMASAand NPAhave been swelling the government treasury with huge income, unlike the order in the past?

Or would you neglect to notice the quick response strategy of the health ministry in tackling various epidemics in the country? Or you think it is by accident Ebola virus has not hit us again like Liberia or DR Congo?

'RQ¡W WDON DERXW KHDOWK PLQLVWU\ please. Do you know how dysfunctional our Teaching Hospitals are DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\" 3UD\ ZK\ GRHV MrPresident not have faith in the health services in the country to PDNH KLP XVH WKHP LQVWHDG RI Ă \LQJ WR 8. HYHU\ WLPH IRU KLV PHGLFDOV" Hmmm, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget, we are a developing country. And I am sure those draw backs would be the focal points of this Next Level operations in the next four years.

Believe! Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all I ask.

MAY 17, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ F R I DAY

39

LIFE

Onyeka Jaibvo-Ojigbo: Consummate Educationist, Entrpreneur Mrs. Onyeka Jaibvo-Ojigbo, a passionate educator and an entrepreneur, is set to provide a number of skill competencies training, capacity building, professional recognition and networking to over 2,000 Nigerian teachers this month through her initiative, International Educational Management Network, a leading educational advocacy group and think-tank. In this interview with Mary Nnah, she revealed the mission behind the initiative and how she has been able to thrive so far. Excerpts:

W

hat are the objectives for establishing the International Educational Management Network?

International Educational Management Network (IEDUMAN) is an educational movement that promotes global practices and intellectual understanding amongst educational professionals. It has been our tradition since we started, every year, we roll out a programme, and something we think is going to impact or change the way we do things in our educational sector. It is obvious that there is a crack in the wall of education in this nation, and everyone LV EODPLQJ RQH DQRWKHU ZLWKRXW SURÍżHULQJ VROXWLRQV We have left so much to the government and we IRUJHW WKDW RXU FKLOGUHQ DUH WKH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;FLDULHV RI the system. Many of our leadersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; children are not schooling within Nigeria and the rest of us cannot DÍżRUG HGXFDWLRQ RXWVLGH WKH FRXQWU\ 6R DUH ZH going to remain stuck? As part of our duty, we are trying to provide a platform, where we can all come as professionals, look at what is going on, GLVFXVV LW DQG SURÍżHU ZRUNDEOH VROXWLRQV Most times, we talk and there is no follow-up action, and if you really want to follow up, how PXFK Ă&#x20AC;QDQFH GR \RX KDYH WR HPEDUN RQ LW" <RX canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t save the world but we believe that we can, at least, lend our voice and save a portion of the world that we can save.

IEDUMAN is charged with empowering and providing support to educators via a database of resources, in addition to fostering connections at our EDUFAIR workshop. We want to be agents for change in the educational sector in Nigeria by providing high quality, impactful resources that educational professionals can use as a catalyst for change within their ecosystems. IEDUMAN aims to provide a platform that brings together educational professionals like Lecturers, Training &RQVXOWDQWV 6FKRRO 'LUHFWRUV DQG (GXFDWLRQDO ,7 Providers, to advise, research and advocate for best practices within our educational institutions and help improve processes and produce positive outcomes.

In what particular ways are pushing to ensure quality teachers in Nigeria?

The Teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Registration Council is like a UHJXODWLQJ ERG\ IRU WHDFKHUV <RX DUH VXSSRVHG WR EH TXDOLĂ&#x20AC;HG IRU \RX WR EH UHJLVWHUHG DV D WHDFKHU 7KDW PHDQV \RX DUH FHUWLĂ&#x20AC;HG DQG TXDOLĂ&#x20AC;HG WR WHDFK in any of the institutions you are working in. With the same Nigerian peculiar problem, there is no adequate monitoring in that area. How many professional teachers do we have in the country?

We are also trying to bring those statistics out. We are trying to get this information so that whatever we are talking to government on, we know we have the right statistics.

What is happening now is that when people are not getting jobs, they will just decide to go and teach.

7KHUH LV D KXJH GLÍżHUHQFH EHWZHHQ MXVW WHDFKLQJ DQG KDYLQJ D TXDOLĂ&#x20AC;HG WHDFKHU WHDFKLQJ \RX ,W LV D TXDOLĂ&#x20AC;HG WHDFKHU WKDW ZLOO XQGHUVWDQG KRZ WR PDQDJH FODVV DQG KRZ WR GHOLYHU WKDW WRSLF 6DGO\ ZKDW \RX Ă&#x20AC;QG QRZ LV WKDW DQ\ JUDGXDWH FDQ WHDFK which we know is not right. If graduates want to WHDFK WKH\ FDQ EH WUDLQHG 6R WKHVH DUH VRPH RI the things we are discussing with the Teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Registration Council. We want to help them to monitor and screen these teachers again to know if they really have what it takes to teach these teachers because it is not enough to say people are failing West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

How have you taught them and why are they IDLOLQJ LW" 6R LI ZH DUH DEOH WR GR WKLV ZH ZLOO QRW change it overnight but I know it will eventually change. People will understand that if you have to teach primary school, there are certain requirements you must meet. We have the National Teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Institute (NTI) and they do weekend and distance

Jaibvo-Ojigbo

learning. For every level, there will be provision to train you and make you competent to be a Nigerian teacher.

How do you ensure that those teachers trained are living up to your expectations?

IEDUMAN is private sector driven. It is not our responsibility to go and evaluate teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performances in their classes. We are open to everyone; people can give us a call or meet with us. Regarding the solutions, intervention and empowerment we have provided for them, we are going to design a lot of survey to get feedback to help us know relevant areas where we can improve.

The Teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; award we are having this year will also help as a form of evaluation because if \RX FRPH IURP 6XUXOHUH RU ,NHMD DQG SLFN PD\EH two teachers from your school and say they did excellently well, people will want to send their students to such schools and other schools will start WR FRPSHWH 6R WKDW DZDUG ZLOO KHOS HQFRXUDJH RWKHU teachers. Former Governor Fashola did something like that. He was giving vehicles to teachers who did well and somehow, teachers started coming WR VFKRRO HDUO\ LQ /DJRV 6WDWH %\ R¡FORFN WKH\ are already in school. They are well dressed and they are teaching. They werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t doing that until WKH FDU DZDUG VWDUWHG 6R VXFK DZDUG LV DOVR JRLQJ to help in evaluating and on a larger scale, when you begin to see that people are passing WAEC and Common Entrance, you will know that there LV VRPHWKLQJ WKDW LV KDSSHQLQJ GLÍżHUHQWO\ What are your activities like this year?

This year, we are going to focus on the Nigerian 7HDFKHUV¡ 6NLOO 3URMHFW :H DUH JRLQJ WR ZRUN ZLWK many teachers from nursery, primary, and secondary schools. That is the basics of education. If the

Teaching is a passion for me. I am so passionate about education. I come from a background of all teachers. Everybody in my family is a teacher, so I grew up loving the profession. In our days, things were not like they are now.

When you go to school, you are serious to study

foundation is right and well-laid, the building will VWDQG PXFK VWURQJHU 7KH 1LJHULDQ 7HDFKHUV¡ 6NLOO project is essentially focused on teachers in the foundation stages of education. We will talk to WKHP DERXW SURIHVVLRQDOLVP DQG RͿHU WUDLQLQJ DQG anything we know to make them perform their duties better.

We have already concluded plans to hold an Eduskills Fair, one of the single largest convergence and exhibition by vocational education practitioners (Edupreneurs) on May 31 at Life Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

We will do them in segments. We will segment the schools and the areas we want to cover. Later ZH ZLOO KDYH WKH (GX 6NLOO )DUH 7KLV \HDU ZH ZDQW WR GR LW GLÍżHUHQWO\ :H ZRXOG JHW SHRSOH ZKR KDYH skills and people with educational resources to come together and show their skills for people to learn. We will do some training on skills and vocations, and hold seminars and exhibitions where people will come and exhibit, buy and be part of what is going on. Later in the year, we will have our annual conference and we are planning to get all the professionals both those partnering with us and the ones who we know have things to RÍżHU LQ WKLV VHFWRU 6RPHWLPH LQ -XQH WKLV \HDU ZH want to get everybody together to network and sit GRZQ WR GLVFXVV ZKDW ZH KDYH GRQH GLÍżHUHQWO\ this year, what is improving and what needs more improvement in the education sector. We have set these goals and as time go on and more people are keying into the vision, we will come up with more programmes in the future.

What are your goals for IEDUMAN in few years to come?

People need to be continuously educated; they need to always be aware of what is going on. It is a global village now and we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be left out.

6R LQ WKH QH[W Ă&#x20AC;YH \HDUV , ZRXOG OLNH WR VHH D well-equipped, functional Educational Resource Centre. As a teacher, you can just work into the centre and spend like 30minutes and you get what you want. This is what is lacking in Nigeria. In In most developed countries, they have this. The world is now a global village, we should not be left out. We need to continuously train ourselves, get information and look at how things are working in other parts of the world. Educational resource FHQWUH LV NH\ ,W LV D Ă&#x20AC;YH \HDU SURMHFW DQG WKDW LV SDUW of the things we are pushing our partners to do.

When we have one Educational resource centre LQ RQH 6WDWH RWKHU 6WDWHV VKRXOG NH\ LQ How have you been able to manage IEDUMAN and your family without any one of them having WR VXÍžHU" Teaching is a passion for me. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so passionate about education. I come from a background of all teachers. Everybody in my family is a teacher, so I grew up loving the profession. In our days, things were not like they are now. When you go to school, you are serious to study. There was nothing like going to buy hand-outs. I decided to go into HGXFDWLRQ IXOO\ $W Ă&#x20AC;UVW , ZDQWHG WR MXVW VKXW WKH school and just run away. I actually shut down the secondary school and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I want to do that for now. I had my reason for just focusing on primary school. I saw so many things and I wondered why things had become this way. That became a drive for me. When I talk to people who own schools, some of them tell me not to worry, that I should just manage. I am not the type to manage, I have to speak out. For instance when parents get angry that you failed their kids, they move the child to another school. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get over that. I however insisted on failing students that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do well and if the parents liked they can move them away. These were the things that bothered me and I thought few of us should address this problem. It may look like it is a few of us but before you know it, more people will join us. We still have numbers in my school because there are still people who believe in what we are doing.

42

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľË&#x153; 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Africa Must LeverageTechnology for EconomicTransformation, Says Elumelu Obinna Chima The Chairman of the United Bank for Africa Group (UBA), Mr. Tony Elumelu, has described technology as a leading accelerator for economic transformation and development globally.

Owing to this, he stressed the need for policymakers and political leaders in Africa to leverage technology to transform the continent and empower the massive youth population in the continent.

Elumelu, who is the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), said this in a speech at the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tech for Good Summit,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; organised by French President, Emmanuel Macron, that took place in Paris.

He pointed out that from efficient payment systems, to access to data that fosters connection and collaboration, technology remains a reality and offers a world of opportunity and promise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But Africa cannot be left behind. Africa needs this type of gathering â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we are a continent with over 60 per cent of its people under the age of 30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they need economic opportunities, they need hope. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They need Tech for Good and just as important, Tech for All,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Elumelu, who is also the

Chairman of Heirs Holdings, said he represented Africa at the summit, to draw attention, â&#x20AC;&#x153;to our young ones who seek economic hope and opportunity via technology.â&#x20AC;?

He emphasised that technology remains a great employer of labour, drives inclusiveness and helps in alleviating poverty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we must not forget that in Africa we are just starting out and we cannot afford to lag behind. We need the world to pay attention to Africa so that young Africans are not disenfranchised and left behind in this new technology era. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need the world to pay attention to the plight of young Africans so that issues of migration can be addressed in a more fundamental way â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by tackling the root cause, which is a lack of economic hope. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must address these issues holistically to fight poverty which as we all know is a threat to everyone everywhere,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Elumelu challenged world leaders who gathered in Paris for the summit, to train and invest in young Africans, and to make capital investments in the continent, that would ensure that tech is truly for all. Tech is for good but we must make sure it is for all, he maintained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These commitments will make the world a more eq-

uitable and inclusive place. I reiterated to them that even as they gathered in the next G7 and G20 summits, they should prioritise tech for all on the African continent,â&#x20AC;? he said.

He told the participants that the Tony Elumelu Foundation remains committed to Tech for All. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our digital hub for African entrepreneurs, TEFConnect, demonstrates the possibilities that can be unlocked on our continent when we leverage technology in business, investment and social good. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our platform is a demonstration of what can be achieved when the digital revolution is democratised â&#x20AC;&#x201C; personal empowerment, business growth, equitable bilateral relationships and a more gender balanced and inclusive society. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finally, on behalf of UBA Group â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I have also joined other select global leaders to co-sign a diversity pact aimed at increasing participation of women in leadership and technology by 2022. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pact will leverage technology to bridge the gender divide in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast-evolving workspace, drive a more inclusive work environment and accelerate innovations that will further simplify our lives and make us more efficient,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Experts to Undertake Controlled Demolition of Burnt Jos Market Chinedu Eze Demolition and explosive experts from South Africa invited by the Plateau state government has assured that they would embark on controlled demolition of the damaged part of the Jos main market, in order to ensure safety of lives and property.

The experts who expressed their preparedness said they would embark on the exercise tomorrow.

Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, the lead demolition engineer for Mamco Wreckers Consortium, Mike Pekin and deputy leader, Kyle Pekins, said tonnes of explosives would be deployed according to work plans, to ensure safe and efficient

exercise.

According to them, the Consortium remains the best in Africa, having successfully carried out the controlled demolition of the Bank of Industry (BOI) skyscrapers at the ever busy Broad Street in Lagos, among several others in different parts of Africa.

The Plateau state government had given May 18, 2019, as the new date for demolition of compromised parts of burnt Jos main market A statement by the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Information and Communication Commissioner, Yakubu Dati, said all persons living within 200 metres to the market, ought to have vacated on or before Thursday, May 16, 2019 by 6.00pm.

Dati also said that vehicular movement would be restricted, and all entry points to the market would be closed for the safety of lives and property. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Security agencies, traders, stakeholders and the general public are to note the new date, being Saturday, May 18, 2019. The state government is determined to protect lives and property of residents and others who use the market and it regrets the inconveniences this may cause the people of the state,â&#x20AC;? Dati said.

Last year a mysterious fire razed about 200 shops at the Jos main market to rubbles.

The blaze was halted by the timely intervention of the state fire service, which saved the rest of the market.

BOI Named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Development Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Nume Ekeghe The International Bankers Magazine has conferred the Bank of Industry with the best Development Bank award.

The organiser of the award presented the award to the Bank at the London Stock Exchange recently, in recognition of its relentless drive to widen the spectrum of financial support to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrepreneurs, especially the micro, small and medium scale enterprises and the players in the creative industry.

The award, according to industry players, was a boost the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to raise funds from the international market to finance its various intervention programmes in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real sector, especially the fast growing creative industry.

On assumption of duty barely two years ago, the Managing Director of BoI, Mr. Olukayode Pitan, had hinted on plans to raise $500million from the international market.

In his remarks at the occasion, the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEO, thanked the organisers of the award, assuring that the BoI would not relent on its efforts to boost Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real sector through an increased support to the MSMEs. He said the Bank had realised over $100million profit within the ongoing financial year.

While restating the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to financial prudence, Pitan expressed the determination of the institution to raise more funds to support more ventures with the potential to generate employment opportunities for the youths.

Pitan recently disclosed that a total of N44.34 billion was disbursed to beneficiaries of the federal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social intervention programmes at the end of 2018. He said through the implementation of the N-Power programme, one of the social protection schemes, soft loans valued at N15.34 billion were provided to 199,989 beneficiaries to purchase work-tools in sectors such as agriculture, health and education.

He added that under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), which is also a component of the social investment programme, the Bank facilitated the disbursement of N29 billion to 1,550,000 beneficiaries nationwide through its flagship intervention namely TraderMoni and MarketMoni.

L-R: Director Administration & Human Resources, NIMASA, Aisha Jummai Musa; Executive Director, Finance, Dr. Bashir Jamoh; Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State; Deputy Governor, Bala Bantex and Director Special Duties NIMASA, Lami Tumaka, when Jamoh led a team from NIMASA to present relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons in Kaduna State...recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

NOVEMBER 2018 Money Supply (M3)

31,794,803.44

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

6,333,064.28

Money Supply (M2)

25,461,739.17

-- Quasi Money

14,773,076.98

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,688,662.18

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,711,763.59

---- Demand Deposits

8,976,898.59

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

18,990,400.78

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

12,804,402.66

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,062,986.22

---- Credit to Government (Net)

2,980,229.66

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

7,093,619.43

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

-4,144,571.43

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

23,082,756.56

--Other Assets Net

13,258,583.57

Reserve Money (Base Money

6,811,192.37

--Currency in Circulation

2,100,129.91

--Banks Reserves

4,366,259.05

Ëž Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039;

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x2039; ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY, 15 MAY 2019

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $71.26 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $70.66 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

43

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľË&#x153; Ͱ͎ͯ͡

MARKET NEWS

MTN Nigeria Listing Boosts Stock Market by N1.8trillion Goddy Egene The eight-day bearish trend at the stock market was halted yesterday, following the successful listing of MTN Nigeria Communications Plcâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The listing of 20.4 billion shares of MTN at N90 per share lifted the market capitalisation of exchange by N1.8 trillion to close the day at N12.5 trillion.

Similarly, the Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index (NSE ASI), rose by 0.54 per cent to close at 28.438.19.

Commenting on the listing the Chief Executive Officer of NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are delighted to welcome MTN Nigeria to the exchange.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s listing is a promising development in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s telecommunications sector and we encourage other players in the sector to explore the differ-

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

ent opportunities in the capital markets for raising long term capital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a listing platform of choice, todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s listing will add to our bouquet of diverse investment offerings to the public. Having MTN Nigeria listed in our market is a testament of the exchangeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to building a dynamic and inclusive market and creating channels for sustainable investment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This listing will promote

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

liquidity for MTN Nigeria, enhance its value and increase transparency, as our platform remains one of the best avenues for raising capital and enabling sustainable growth for national development.â&#x20AC;?

Speaking on the listing and MTNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance, Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Ferdi Moolman, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have evolved from an ambitious start-up at the genesis of a new and emerging industry, to a

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

business that is able to touch lives in every corner of Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have established a sustainable platform for growth, from which we are able to meet the growing and dynamic needs of our customers, our communities and our country. This platform has been built through a sustained focus on customer-centric delivery, striving to ensure that every subscriber gets as much value for their money as possible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are grateful to customers

O F

for their loyalty, and to our people, our partners and our regulators for the opportunity to continue to contribute to Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth story. We are only beginning to tap into the opportunities that connectivity enables and are fully focused on investing to connect every Nigerian, and to make social innovations like mobile electricity and high impact mobile solutions in education, healthcare and agriculture available in communities everywhere.â&#x20AC;?

1 5 / 0 5 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

˾ FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019

44

Friday, May 17, 2019 Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Sheds 139bps

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

Yesterday, the Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index shed 139bps to ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϯϮϮ͘ϳϬ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƐĞůů-ŽīƐ ŝŶ GUARANTY (-ϭ͘ϵйͿ͕ ZENITH (-Ϯ͘ϯйͿ ĂŶĚ DANGCEM (-ϭ͘ϭйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϰϬ͘ϯй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

ƋƵŝƟĞƐ Market Rebound &ŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ DdEE >ŝƐƟŶŐ͙ NSE ASI up 0.5% dŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐƌĞĞŶ ŚĂůƟŶŐ ĂŶ ϴ-day bearish ƚƌĞŶĚ ĂƐ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ŝŶ UNILEVER ;нϯ͘ϮйͿ͕ UBN ;нϭ͘ϱйͿ

Ticker

Current Price

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

-9.9%

32.3%

18.1%

6.7%

4.8x

0.7x

6.1%

-10.0%

-10.1%

33.1%

5.3%

4.6x

1.5x

8.7%

21.6%

2 Zenith Bank PLC

19.55

-2.3%

11.7%

-15.2%

-5.7%

24.7%

3.2%

3.3x

0.8x

14.0%

30.4%

3 Dangote Cement PLC 4 Nestle Nigeria PLC

176.00

-1.1%

9.3%

-7.2%

-5.4%

40.1%

21.8%

7.9x

2.9x

9.1%

12.6%

0.0%

8.7%

-3.7%

-3.1%

81.2%

27.4%

24.0x

18.0x

4.2%

4.2%

62.50

-3.8%

4.9%

-26.9%

-18.3%

9.5%

4.4%

28.6x

2.9x

3.9%

3.5%

7.00

-3.4%

5.2%

-11.9%

-12.5%

10.0%

1.1%

4.2x

0.5x

3.6%

23.8%

13.90

0.0%

3.6%

-28.4%

-28.4%

4.7%

4.3%

4.0x

0.5x

2.9%

24.8%

6.00

0.0%

3.8%

-22.1%

-23.1%

15.5%

1.7%

2.5x

0.4x

14.2%

39.2%

5.1x

0.5x

3.5%

19.8%

7.6%

9 International Brew eries PLC 10 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

ŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ WůĐ ;DdEEͿ͘ ƚŽƚĂů ŽĨ ϱ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ŽĨ

12 Ecobank Transnational Inc

GUARANTY ;Eϱϭϭ͘ϮŵͿ͕ NIGERIAN BREWERIES ;Eϰϵϰ͘ϲŵͿ and ZENITH ;EϯϮϱ͘ϯŵͿ͘

Bearish Performance across Sectors &Žƌ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐŽŶĚ ĐŽŶƐĞĐƵƟǀĞ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ Ăůů ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŶĞŐĂƟǀĞ͘ dŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ

20.00

0.0%

2.6%

-34.4%

-36.5%

-23.8%

-3.2%

520.00

0.0%

3.2%

-18.8%

-16.2%

10.1%

6.3%

4.9x

6.50

-3.7%

3.6%

-4.4%

0.0%

22.2%

2.1%

1.7x

0.4x

10.00

-2.0%

2.3%

-28.6%

-30.1%

15.3%

1.2%

2.8x

0.4x

-1.8%

13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

44.05

0.0%

2.7%

-8.1%

-5.1%

30.3%

4.6%

6.6x

1.7x

3.4%

14 Unilever Nigeria PLC

32.00

3.2%

2.3%

-13.5%

-13.5%

12.7%

7.7%

17.9x

2.2x

4.7%

5.6%

15 Lafarge Africa PLC

10.50

-1.9%

1.6%

-15.7%

-12.5%

-53.7%

-7.9%

0.7x

13.9%

-60.0%

16 Guinness Nigeria PLC

49.05

-1.9%

1.0%

-31.9%

-31.9%

6.8%

3.7%

16.4x

1.2x

3.8%

6.1%

17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

74.00

0.0%

1.4%

-2.9%

-2.9%

32.9%

24.4%

11.7x

2.2x

4.1%

8.6%

18 Total Nigeria PLC

162.00

0.0%

1.2%

-20.2%

-20.2%

19.3%

4.5%

9.5x

1.8x

10.7%

10.6%

19 11 PLC

174.00

0.0%

1.3%

-6.2%

-6.2%

38.0%

16.8%

5.8x

1.9x

4.8%

17.2%

15.85

-0.9%

0.9%

-31.4%

-28.6%

6.6%

2.0%

7.3x

0.4x

6.3%

13.6%

21 Oando PLC

4.50

-4.3%

1.2%

-10.0%

-6.3%

14.3%

2.5%

2.0x

0.3x

22 Fidelity Bank PLC

1.79

-1.1%

1.1%

-11.8%

-11.8%

12.7%

1.4%

2.1x

0.3x

6.1%

23 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

1.14

-1.7%

1.0%

-13.6%

-9.5%

19.3%

4.3%

4.3x

0.7x

2.6%

23.5%

24 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

13.55

-2.2%

0.9%

-11.1%

-8.4%

22.3%

12.6%

6.8x

1.5x

8.1%

14.7%

26 FCMB Group Plc

1.70

-0.6%

0.6%

-10.1%

-5.6%

8.8%

1.2%

2.1x

27 UAC of Nigeria PLC

7.40

-2.0%

0.4%

-24.1%

-22.5%

-7.9%

-3.6%

20 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

0.2x

8.2%

47.0%

0.4x

8.6%

-26.4%

43.7%

2.50

0.0%

0.7%

31.6%

31.6%

9.3%

0.9%

7.7x

0.7x

29 Presco PLC

58.00

0.0%

0.4%

-9.4%

-9.4%

37.0%

24.8%

2.3x

0.7x

3.5%

30 NASCON Allied Industries PLC

17.95

0.0%

0.4%

-0.3%

-0.3%

47.0%

17.5%

11.7x

4.2x

5.6%

31 Forte Oil PLC

31.50

0.0%

0.4%

9.8%

12.5%

48.9%

7.4%

28 Sterling Bank PLC

13.0%

2.4x

6.85

1.5%

0.4%

22.3%

22.3%

6.6%

1.2%

12.0x

0.9x

0.0%

0.3%

14.4%

4.1%

23.0%

2.7%

4.8x

0.9x

8.7%

GUARANTY (-ϭ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ ZENITH (-Ϯ͘ϯйͿ͘ dŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ

34 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 35 Chemical and Allied Products P 36 Wema Bank PLC

ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ Ϭ͘ϭй ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ AIICO (-ϰ͘ϰйͿ͘

&ƌĂŝů /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ WĞƌƐŝƐƚƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƐŽŌĞŶĞĚ ĂƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ĞĂƐĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϰdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϲdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ϭϬ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ƌĞůĂƟǀĞ ƚŽ Ϯϱ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ dŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ǁĞƌĞ NPFMCRFBK ;нϵ͘ϳйͿ͕ ABCTRANS ;нϳ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ WAPIC ;нϱ͘ϲйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ

8.50

0.0%

0.2%

-29.8%

-30.9%

0.8x

1.8%

0.0%

0.2%

-2.4%

-2.4%

80.4%

35.8%

11.5x

8.5x

8.4%

8.7%

0.62

-6.1%

0.2%

-1.6%

-1.6%

7.3%

0.7%

6.5x

0.5x

4.8%

15.5%

6.4x

37 Beta Glass PLC

68.95

0.0%

0.2%

1.0%

1.0%

21.1%

14.7%

16.10

-0.9%

0.4%

135.0%

143.9%

-15.8%

-5.1%

39 Transcorp Hotels Plc

5.40

0.0%

0.1%

-11.5%

-9.2%

6.0%

3.2%

40 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC

1.80

0.0%

0.1%

-1.6%

-1.6%

10.7%

3.1%

T o p 10 G a i n e r s T ic k er

8.3%

P ric e

1.2x

1.9%

15.7%

2.5x

1.3%

-7.0%

12.0x

0.7x

2.8%

7.9x

0.9x

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

1.47

9.7%

T R A N SC OR P

105.5

-1.7%

A B CTRA NS

0.29

7.4%

A C C ESS

23.5

-3.7%

WA P IC

0.38

5.6%

FCM B

23.2

-0.6%

UN ION D A C

0.24

4.3%

UB A

19.7

0.0%

C OUR T VILLE

0.25

4.2%

Z EN IT H B A N K

16.4

-2.3%

0.30

3.4%

GUA R A N T Y

16.3

-1.9%

32.00

3.2%

R EGA LIN S

10.5

0.0%

NA HCO

3.18

1.6%

UN ION D A C

9.4

4.3%

UB N

6.85

1.5%

ST ER LN B A N K

8.4

0.0%

UC A P

2.46

0.4%

NB

7.8

-3.8%

UN ILEVER

T o p 10 L o s e r s

UNITYBANK (-ϵ͘ϳйͿ͕ CUTIX (-ϴ͘ϯйͿ ĂŶĚ SOVRENINS (-ϴ͘ϬйͿ

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

0.65

-9.7%

GUA R A N T Y

C UT IX

1.65

-8.3%

^ƚŽĐŬ džĐŚĂŶŐĞ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ƚŽ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ

SOVR EN IN S

0.23

its ďƵůůŝƐŚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ůŽŽŬ ƚŽ ĞdžƚĞŶĚ trade in

WEM A B A N K

0.62

A F R IP R UD

3.60

-5.8%

T R A N SC OR P

130.1

-1.7%

CHA M S

0.34

-5.6%

UB A

121.5

0.0% -0.9%

ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǁůLJ ůŝƐƚĞĚ DdEE ŽŶ ƚŚĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶ

DdEΖƐ ĨƵŶĚĂŵĞŶƚĂůůLJ ƐŽƵŶĚ ƐƚŽĐŬ͘

T ic k er

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

UN IT YB N K

ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƵŶĚĞƌƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ͘ &ŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ

Value

P ric e C hg %

511.2

-1.9%

NB

494.6

-3.8%

-8.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

325.3

-2.3%

-6.1%

A C C ESS

153.6

-3.7%

0.65

-4.4%

D A N GF LOUR

65.3

OA N D O

4.50

-4.3%

UN ILEVER

59.5

3.2%

62.50

-3.8%

ET I

43.4

-2.0%

6.50

-3.7%

D A N GC EM

41.3

-1.1%

A C C ESS

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

T ic k er

A IIC O

NB

8.3% 12.7%

NP FM CRFB K

LA SA C O

20.7%

34.00

38 Dangote Flour Mills Plc

OANDO (-ϰ͘ϯйͿ͘ &ŝŶĂůůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ŵĂƌŐŝŶĂůůLJ

8.5% -6.7%

23.00

ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ƐůŝĚ Ϭ͘ϲй ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ in

46.8%

25 Diamond Bank PLC

32 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

WAPCO (-ϭ͘ϵйͿ͕ CUTIX (-ϴ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ DANGSUGAR (-Ϯ͘ϮйͿ

15.1%

48.9%

33 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

Ϭ͘ϴй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐŽůĚ Žī ŽŶ DANGCEM (-ϭ͘ϭйͿ͕

60.5% 35.6%

ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϭ͘ϳй ŽŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ

ĂŶĚ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƚƌĂŝůĞĚ͕ ƐŚĞĚĚŝŶŐ ϭ͘Ϭй ĂŶĚ

15.4%

1,430.00

5 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

11 Access Bank PLC

;Ϯϯ͘Ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ ǁĞƌĞ

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

19.3%

ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ EϭϮ͘ϱƚŶ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǁ ůŝƐƟŶŐ ŽĨ DdE EŝŐĞƌŝĂ

TRANSCORP ;ϭϬϱ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ACCESS ;Ϯϯ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ĂŶĚ FCMB

P/BV

-1.9%

7 Cement Co Northern Nigeria PLC

EϮ͘ϴďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ dŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ

P/E

-1.39%

8 United Bank for Africa PLC

ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ϳϲ͘ϳй ĂŶĚ ϯϱ͘ϰй ƚŽ ϯϭϮ͘ϰŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ

ROA

31.00

ŚŝŐŚĞƌ͕ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ Ϯϴ͕ϰϯϴ͘ϭϵ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ

^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ

ROE

1,322.70

6 FBN Holdings Plc

DdEE ǁĂƐ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ Ăƚ EϵϵͬƐŚĂƌĞ ǀĂůƵĞĚ Ăƚ Eϱϰϴ͘ϲŵ͘

Price Change Index to Date

1 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC

and NPFMCRFBK ;нϵ͘ϳйͿ ĚƌŽǀĞ ƚŚĞ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ /ŶĚĞdž Ϭ͘ϱй

ŵŽĚĞƌĂƚĞĚ ƚŽ -ϵ͘ϱй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ Eϭ͘ϵďŶ

Price Previous Current Change Price Weightin YTD Change g

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Ola Belgore | obelgore@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com Oluwarotimi Ashimi | oashimi@afrinvest.com

Jolomi Odonghanro | jodonghanro@afrinvest.com

45

FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Seplat Assures Shareholders of Capital Appreciation, Production Growth Goddy Egene Leading indigenous Nigerian oil and gas company, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc yesterday assured shareholders of its commitment to to grow production, drive increased shareholder yield and capital appreciation.

The Chairman of Seplat

Petroleum, Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, who stated that at the sith annual general meeting (AGM) in Lagos, noted that the company’s 2018 operational and financial performance reflected the significantly higher year-on-year levels of production uptime at its core oil producing assets combined with a firmer, albeit still volatile, oil price and increased

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

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

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

contribution from the company’s gas business.

According to him, the company grew its revenue by 65 per cent to N228 billion in 2018, from N137billion in the 2017. He added that the company, which is listed on both the Nigerian Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange, ended the year with profit after tax of N45 billion,

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 15May-2019, unless otherwise stated.

compared with N81 billion in 2017.

“As you are aware, our results from the previous two years were characterised by the extended period of force majeure at the Forcados terminal from February 2016 to June 2017.

As we enter 2019, our reliable production base, low unit cost of production and discretion over

capital commitments will allow the business to remain highly free cash flow generative and profitable. In the absence of any major interruption or force majeure event, this will enable Seplat to honour its dividend policy and provide an attractive yield to our shareholders in addition to the potential for capital appreciation,” Orjiako said.

The chairman said the company will selectively invest in low risk oil production drilling opportunities within the existing portfolio and the continued expansion of the gas business, with 2019 set to be the year that activity intensifies at the large scale Assa-North and Ohaji-South (ANOH) gas and condensate development.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 149.60 151.32 -5.01% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 8.11% Nigeria International Debt Fund 276.30 276.30 1.13% 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 0.88 4.35% ACAP Income Funds 0.63 0.63 13.02% 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 13.31% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.29 2.31 3.09% 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 15.71 16.19 -5.28% ARM Discovery Fund 347.40 357.87 -2.59% ARM Ethical Fund 28.99 29.86 2.64% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.15% 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 97.33 98.01 -3.81% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.78% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.04% Paramount Equity Fund 12.01 12.10 1.64% Women's Investment Fund 105.92 106.44 2.21% 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 N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 12.52% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 12.39% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,183.20 1,184.03 6.02% FBN Heritage Fund 142.99 143.97 0.15% FBN Money Market Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 0.00 0.00 -100.00% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 0.00 0.00 -100.00% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 141.16 143.17 -5.89% 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 Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.28% Legacy Equity Fund 3.39 3.39 4.52% Legacy Debt Fund 1.14 1.16 -6.66% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 1.79% 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 2,969.27 2,998.84 -0.50% Coral Income Fund 2,885.97 2,885.97 5.35% 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 11.92% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 108.68 108.98 1.04% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.86%

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 12.37% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.13 2.15 -0.82% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.00% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 129.94 130.03 3.97% 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 1.63% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,096.83 1,096.83 5.08% 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 1.26 1.29 3.01% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.40 11.46 2.52% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.93% 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 121.70 122.09 0.73% 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 1.02 1.02 5.21% 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 2,346.30 2,358.68 1.36% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 200.41 200.41 5.40% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.91 0.92 -3.68% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 253.93 253.96 4.76% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 157.31 158.99 -3.60% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.67% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,042.71 8,132.82 -5.29% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.11 1.11 2.34% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.19 1.20 -0.46% United Capital Bond Fund 1.69 1.69 5.82% United Capital Equity Fund 0.68 0.70 -3.44% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.06% United Capital Eurobond Fund 110.52 110.52 3.04% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.12 1.12 2.31% 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 10.25 10.41 -2.60% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.93 12.07 -0.35% Zenith Income Fund 21.75 21.75 12.83% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.09%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.40 120.61 52.31

-44.85% 2.45% 1.10%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.59 101.28 81.99

9.69 103.42 83.50

-9.04% -13.67% -7.54%

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

3.60 6.43 13.29 10.54 155.04

3.64 6.51 13.39 10.74 157.04

-9.99% -15.48% -11.04% -14.63% 7.96%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

106.90

17.40%

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.

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May to Set Departure Date after Lawmakers Vote on Brexit British Prime Minister, Theresa May, will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, an official said.

The chairman of a powerful Conservative Committee said this on Thursday in London.

Three years after Britain voted to leave the EU, there is little clarity over when, how and even whether Brexit will happen.

And this had prompted some in May’s party to call for a new approach to the country’s biggest policy shift in more than 40 years.

May has promised to step down after her Brexit deal is approved by lawmakers but many in her party want her to set out clearly when she will quit if the agreement is rejected for a fourth time, and others are demanding her immediate departure.

“The prime minister is determined to secure our departure from the EU,” Graham Brady, Chair of the 1922 Committee that can make or break party leaders, said.

Brady said this following a meeting between his committee’s executive and May in parliament which he described as a “very frank exchange”.

The government has said lawmakers will be able to debate and vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, the legislation required to enact May’s Brexit deal, in the week starting June 3.

“We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading of the Bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader,” Brady said.

Brady added that the conversation would take place whether the bill was passed or not.

May, who became prime minister in the chaos that followed the 2016 referendum when Britons voted 52 per cent to 48 per cent to leave the EU, survived a no-confidence vote of her Conservative lawmakers in December.

Under current party rules, she cannot be challenged again for a year, but some on Brady’s committee had pushed for those rules to be changed in order to try to force her out earlier if she refused to set out a clear departure date. Boris Johnson, the face of the campaign for Britain to leave the EU, said he would stand as a candidate to replace May as Conservative leader.

May’s Brexit deal has been rejected three times by parliament and weeks of talks with the opposition Labour Party, the idea of which were deeply unpopular with many Conservatives, have

failed to find a consensus on the way forward.

Mired in Brexit deadlock and forced to delay Britain’s March 29 exit from the EU, May’s Conservatives suffered major losses in local elections this month and are trailing in opinion polls before May 23 European Parliament elections. With Labour and Brexit-supporting rebels in the Conservatives planning to vote against her deal, it is unlikely to be approved as things stand.

Pro-Brexit Conservative lawmakers were unimpressed with May’s failure to set a firm date to quit.

One, who declined to be named, described it as “yet further procrastination, which is causing appalling damage to the Conservative Party.”

Another, Andrew Bridgen, said May was “an increasingly beleaguered and isolated prime

May minister, who is desperate to salvage something from her premiership.

U.S. House Speaker Says Amnesty Calls for Investigation into Congress Has Not Approved Possible War Crimes in Libya The rights group identified Amnesty International (AI) called ordered his forces to seize War against Iran Thursday for an investigation Tripoli from the internationally three areas struck by inaccurate The Donald Trump administration does not have congressional authorisation to go to war against Iran, the Democratic leader of the U.S. House of Representatives warned on Thursday amid escalating tensions in the region.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that she backed what appeared to be U.S. President Donald Trump’s aversion to actual military conflict with Tehran.

“I like what I hear from the president — that he has no appetite on this,” she said.

The Washington Post, citing several unnamed U.S. officials, reported late Wednesday that Trump was frustrated that his advisers may be rushing into war and that he preferred a more diplomatic approach and direct talks with Iran.

Pelosi also said that the

Republican administration would provide a classified briefing for top lawmakers — the so-called Gang of Eight — on Iran later on Thursday.

But Trump’s administration so far has rebuffed requests to brief the full House on Iran as it has for congressional requests seeking information on North Korea and Venezuela, she said at a news briefing.

“This is part of a pattern that is not right because we have responsibilities — the responsibility in the Constitution is for the Congress to declare war. So, I hope the president’s advisers recognise that they have no authorisation to go forward in any way,” she said.

The Authorisation to Use Military Force (AUMF) law passed in 2001 cannot be used to authorize action in Iran, she added.

EU Fines Five Banks $1.2bn for Foreign Exchange Rigging Barclays, Citigroup, JP Morgan, MUFG and Royal Bank of Scotland were fined a combined 1.07 billion Euros (1.2 billion dollars) by the European Union on Thursday for rigging the multi-trillion dollar foreign exchange market.

The financial industry has been hit with billions of Euros in fines worldwide over the last decade for the rigging of benchmarks used in many day-to-day financial transactions.

The European Commission said the banks formed two cartels to manipulate the spot foreign exchange market for 11 currencies, including the dollar, the euro and the pound. `These cartel decisions send a clear message that the Commission will not tolerate collusive behaviour in any sector of the financial markets,” European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

The EU competition enforcer said most of the traders knew each other on a personal basis and set up chartrooms with names such as “Essex Express ‘n the Jimmy” because all of them except “James” lived in Essex and met on their train commute to London.

“One cartel ran between December 2007 to January 2013, while the other operated from December 2009 to July 2012,’’ it added.

Swiss bank UBS was not fined as it had alerted the two cartels to the European Commission.

JPMorgan and RBS said they were pleased to have settled the cases and that they had made changes to their controls.

JPMorgan said it related to the conduct of one former employee while RBS said it served as a reminder of how it had lost its way in the past.

into possible war crimes in Libya.

AI urged the International Criminal Court to investigate the issue.

“As the battle for Tripoli unfolds, the warring parties have displayed a shameful disregard for civilian safety and international humanitarian law by carrying out indiscriminate attacks on residential neighbourhoods,’’ Magdalena Mughrabi, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Amnesty said.

Recently, the commander of the eastern Libyan National Army (LNA), Khalifa Haftar,

recognised government led by Fayez Serraj.

The fighting, which left 454 people dead and 2,154 injured, reached a stalemate, with neither side able to make substantial progress.

Some 70,000 people have been displaced because of the fighting.

Amnesty said witness testimony and analysis of satellite imagery indicated that heavily populated residential areas in southern Tripoli’s Abu Salim district were indiscriminately attacked with rockets between April 15 and 17.

weapons in Abu Salim, an area controlled by militia affiliated with the Tripoli-based government.

It said it found no visible evidence of a military target in these areas.

Both sides have traded blame for attacks on residential areas in southern Tripoli.

Amnesty said it could not determine which side carried out any of the attacks.

“However, all Abu Salim residents interviewed believed forces affiliated with the LNA were responsible,” the rights group said.

Germany to Return Cape Cross Column to Namibia The German Historical Museum decided on Thursday to return a stone column to Namibia after the South West African country demanded that the colonial object be given back.

Since 1953, the Cape Cross Column – a stone column with a heraldic motive and a cross on top – has been part of the collection of the former East German Museum of German History in Berlin.

The museum was absorbed into the German Historical Museum after reunification.

On Thursday, the museum’s advisory board agreed to a proposal by Museum President

Raphael Gross to return the column, dpa learned.

As the proposal is spearheaded by the Berlin regional government’s Minister of State for Culture Monika Gruetters, this approval was considered a formality.

The museum said the comprehensive research into the column’s provenance was a key factor in its decision.

A symposium in 2018 had discussed the history of the pillar and the moral responsibility of Germany for dealing with the country’s colonial past.

The museum said earlier it acknowledged the “outstanding

significance which an artefact like this pillar has for the people of Namibia and which special contribution it can make on site in the future to understanding Namibia’s history.”

The column of Cape Cross was erected in 1486 by the Portuguese navigator Diogo Cao as a marker with Portuguese and Latin inscriptions on the coastal strip of what is today Namibia.

In 1884, the German Empire colonised the country as German South-West Africa.

The weathered column was discovered in 1893 and brought to Germany.

Sudan Military Council, Opposition Suspend Talks for 72 Hours Sudan’s transitional military council and opposition groups on Thursday suspended talks for 72 hours, shortly after agreeing to a three-year transition period that will pave the way for a civilian government.

The head of the Transitional Military Council (TMC), Abdul Fattah al-Burhan, said the negotiations would be suspended until protesters remove all barricades and open blocked roads, bridges and railways in the capital

Khartoum.

“The TMC has decided to remove all barricades,’’ alBurhan said, adding that the blockades created chaos and security issues.

The suspension came only hours after both sides agreed to a power-sharing deal, which will see the main opposition grouping Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF) get two-thirds of the seats on the interim transitional council.

Meanwhile, the remaining

third will go to other political parties. However, the TMC and DFCF have yet to agree to the formation of a “sovereign council,’’ the highest level of power which would rule the country until elections.

There is still disagreement over the percentage the military and the civilian sides would take on that body.

Anti-government demonstrations began in Sudan in 2018 with protesters calling for long-time leader Omar al-Bashir to go.

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Supreme Court to Decide Fayemi’s Fate, Zamfara APC Suit on May 24 Alex Enumah in Abuja The fate of the Zamfara State governor-elect, Muktar Idris; a senator-elect, Abdul’aziz Yari, and other members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) elected into offices both at the National Assembly and state assembly elections in the state will be decided on May 24, 2019, following the reservation of the date for jugment by the apex court.

The Supreme Court yesterday fixed the date after taking arguments from lawyers involved in two separate appeals on the Zamfara State APC primary election conducted last year for the nomination of candidates into various positions in the last general election.Also to be decided that same day is the Ekiti State governorship election being challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad presided over the five-member panel of the apex court that heard the Zamfara and Ekiti appeals.

Counsel in the Zamfara suits had appealled to the justices to deliver judgment in the suits before May 29, so as not to create constitutional crisis in

Zamfara State.

In the Zamfara main appeal filed by Sanusi Alhaji, his counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), pleaded with the five- man panel of the Supreme Court to allow the appeal and restore the judgment of the Zamfara High Court, which allowed APC to field candidates in the 2019 general election.

Fagbemi specifically canvassed that the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division, which prohibited APC from nominating candidate for the general election on the grounds that the party did not conduct lawful primary should be set aside because the judgment was a miscarriage of justice.

However, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) who represented Senator Kabiru Marafa and other respondents, urged the court to dismiss the appeal and affirm the Appeal Court judgment, which held that the APC in Zamfara State did not conduct primary election that can qualify it to nominate candidates for the last general election.

The position of Ozekhome was adopted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through its counsel, Tanimu Inuwa (SAN), who told the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit.

Tanimu argued that the Court of Appeal in Sokoto was right in stopping APC from fielding candidates for the 2019 general election in the state because the party failed to conduct any primary election known to law.

He urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal.

In a related development, Justice Muhammad has also fixed May 24 for judgment delivery in the appeal that emanated in the conduct of the last gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.

Appellant in the appeal, the PDP had urged the Supreme Court to reverse the decision of the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and that of the Court of Appeal, which both held that the appellant failed to establish riggings and malpractices in the election that produced the current Governor Fayemi.

The PDP insisted that contrary to the decision of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal, all documents front- loaded at the tribunal were demonstrated as allowed by law and not dumped on the tribunal as erroneously held by the two lower.

The Supreme Court on May 2 adjourned to May 16, 2019, to commence hearing in the appeals filed by the APC in Zamfara state.

Human Rights Violations: DHQ Inaugurates C’ttee on Rules of Engagement Report on human rights abuses by SARS ready, says NHRC Kingsley Nwezeh and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Following the allegations of human rights violations against the military in the North-east, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday inaugurated a high-powered committee to collate and review its “Rules of Engagement (RoE)”.

This is coming as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said that the report of the federal government’s probe panel on allegations of human rights abuses against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force is ready.

The inauguration is also coming as the NHRC has warned that RoE must conform with the constitution.

The International Committee on Red Cross (ICRC) has also stated that the RoE should be in tandem with International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Inaugurating the committee at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, said the committee was set up following allegations of international human rights violations against the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

The CDS, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Nurudeen Balogun, said the committee headed by Major General Benjamin Ahanotu, would take a critical stock of existing Rules of Engagement and trainings in that regard.

“It will be recalled that in the wake of allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law and indeed the Laws of

Armed Conflict by members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the theater of operations, especially in the North-east of Nigeria, the federal government convened the Presidential Investigation Panel to review the compliance of the Armed Forces of Nigeria with human rights obligations and rules of engagement”.

He said the panel, which toured major military formations across the country recommended that DHQ and other MDAs should take steps to improve their compliance with the rule of law.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Mr. Tony Ojukwu, who was represented

by Mr. Bededict Agu, expressed confidence that the committee would come up with a document that would comply with the Constitution and “Nigeria’s obligations under International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and International Humanitarian Law. “The RoE will further enable the AFN to integrate the delicate balance between respect for human rights of civilian population and combatants and maintenance of law and order during counter insurgency operations”.

In his speech, the Deputy Head of the ICRC in Nigeria, Jean Francois Queguiner, said legal considerations were central to develop an appropriate RoE compendium without good knowledge of IHL and IHRL. “As the ‘custodian’ of IHL, the ICRC is well-placed to support the initiative by the AFN and will be happy to provide its expertise based on its past experiences deriving from a long history of engagement with various

armed forces across the world”, he said.

Meanwhile, the NHRC has said that the report of the federal government’s probe panel on allegations of human rights abuses against SARS of the Nigeria Police Force is ready.

The commission has also said that it has commenced investigation into allegations of rape of young women arrested by the police during a recent raid at a night club in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Speaking at a two-day strategy workshop on finding better ways of promoting human rights in Nigeria jointly organised by two Catholic groups, CARITAS Nigeria and MISEREOR of Germany, the Director of the Department of Women, Children and Vulnerable Groups, Mr. Harry Obe, said the commission’s report on the alleged human rights abuses by the police antirobbery squad was ready and will be submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The issue of abuses by the police anti crime team popularly known as SARS has generated public outcry especially with the recent case of the shooting of a young man in Lagos State by one of the SARS operatives.

Obe said the commission has waded into the alleged human rights violations by the police and has concluded its report based on petitions before it.

“Your aware that the commission recently conducted public enquiry into the activities of SARS and that report is ready and I think it will be presented to government either this week or next. The report made farreaching recommendations on the way forward,” he said.

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Halt Two Criminal Justice Systems, Falana Tells Nigerian Lawyers Esther Oluku A human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, has accused politicians and some senior lawyers of hijacking the criminal justice system and working together to frustrate the effective prosecution of corruption cases pending in several courts.

Falana said this in a paper titled: “The Danger of Unequal Criminal Justice System in Nigeria,” which he presented yesterday at the 2019 Law Week of the Epe Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Epe, Lagos State.

In the paper, Falana urged progressive lawyers to team up with other patriotic forces to ensure that all defendants are treated equally under the criminal justice system.

He noted that apart from two former governors namely, Messrs Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, the list of convicted persons is made of lowly placed individuals in the society adding that owing to abuse of court process, rich defendants have continued to frustrate their prosecution with the connivance of some senior lawyers.

“By virtue of section 17 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before the law. But in practice, the rich and poor defendants are not treated equally by Nigerian courts. Apart from the fact that rich litigants have the means to hire the services of the best lawyers in any area of the law, the courts are manned by judges who are not neutral in the class struggle being waged daily by the Nigerian people.”

Citing media reports, Falana noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

(EFCC) secured 312 convictions and recovered assets worth N11.5 billion in 2018.

He also added that the agency recorded 192 convictions and recovered assets of N117 billion.

Falana alleged bias in addressing the cases, saying that the federal government had set up the Legal Aid Council to provide legal services to indigent citizens but added that due to inadequate funding by the federal government, each state government had established the Office of Public Defender to ensure that underprivileged citizens were provided with legal services.

“It is common knowledge that Nigeria operates a double criminal justice system, one for the rich and one for the poor.

Majority of indigent defendants are tried in the magistrate and area courts which have no access to lawyers or are represented by young and inexperienced lawyers assigned to them by the state.”

He added that the EFCC had been accused by the bourgeois media of engaging in Gestapo tactics regarding treatment of suspects involving influential men and women being investigated by the commission, who usually receive polite letters of invitation, telephone calls or text messages advising them to contact named investigators whose telephone numbers are supplied.

“Through such arrangement, the suspects are allowed to report themselves at their own convenience. Other suspects may decide to vamoose or brief lawyers to embark on legal measures to shield them from investigation and prosecution.”

He argued that the prejudice in treatment of suspects with regard to their economic and social stratification is unjust and should be corrected.

Islamic Cleric Urges Religious Leaders to Campaign against Terrorism Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo An Islamic scholar, Imam Tijani Dawud Igiogun, has called on religious leaders to begin campaign against terrorist groups who claim to be fighting to expand the frontiers of Islam in the country.

The cleric made the call while delivering a lecture on ‘Terrorism and Islamophobia’ at the sixth Ramadan lecture organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalist, Osun State Council, at the press centre in Osogbo.

Igiogun stressed the need for more prominent Islamic leaders and clerics in Nigeria to publicly denounce Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

Quoting from Qur’an (60:8), which says Islam is a religion of mercy that does not permit terrorism, he noted that “God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your home. God loves dealers.”

Igiogun added that Muslims are commanded to take lives of animals for food in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering to know

how Islam values life let alone that of human beings.

He cautioned media practitioners to be careful while reporting religion-related issues and sensitizing the populace of other’s religious doctrines.

Igiogun charged all Muslims to emphasise that Islam is a religion of peace that upholds love among their neighbours, peaceful coexistence and sanctity of human life.

He called on the government to address issues of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, marginalisation, exploitation among others, stressing that if decent jobs were handy, disgruntled citizens who end up as terrorists may have a rethink.

According to him, “Islamic religion clerics should not get weary in tactfully trumpeting splendid Islamic values, love, justice, forgiveness peace, pacifism and sanctity of human life with compelling hermeneutic.

“These terrorists who claim to be Muslims have not in any way spared their Muslim ‘brothers’ in their attacks as often noticed. They as well as non-Muslims have been victims of violence and terrorism.

Falana lamented that influential criminal suspects who report themselves are treated with utmost courtesy by the investigators as they are presumed innocent until they are proved guilty by the state and are also never paraded before the media, regardless of the gravity of the offence committed by them.

“Owing to unequal justice that has become the hallmark of the nation’s criminal justice

system the prisons and police cells are filled with the victims of our unjust socioeconomic system.”

He said the insistence by the bourgeois lawyers and media practitioners that the influential criminal suspects are entitled to presumption of innocence guaranteed by section 36 of the Constitution is the height of hypocrisy in a country where the names of petty criminal suspects are published, paraded and tried.

He argued that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) which did not hesitate to mobilise hundreds of lawyers to defend indicted senior lawyers and judges has not deemed it fit to extend free legal services to indigent defendants facing trial for poverty-related offences in the courts.

“As a judicial policy under the bourgeois legal system, applications for bail on behalf of poor defendants are not always

granted by trial courts on the grounds that the defendants may not be able to produce reliable persons to stand sureties for them. Even if bail is granted the conditions attached to them are hardly met as they are tied to ownership of properties by sureties. Since preliminary objections are not filed by such defendants the trial courts are able to conduct criminal cases involving them expeditiously,” Falana explained.

BUILDING COLLABORATION…

L-R: Social/Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Ken Ugbechie; General Secretary, Mrs. Mary Atolagbe; President of NGE, Mrs. Funke Egbemode; Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina; Deputy President of NGE, Umaru Tundunwada; and Treasurer of NGE, Victoria Ibanga, during a courtesy call by NGE’s Standing Committee to the vice president, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…recently

Bayelsa APC Flays ‘Political Campaign’ against Oil Majors Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has condemned what it described as a campaign by the state Governor, Seriake Dickson, against international oil companies (IOCs) operating in the state.

Addressing journalists in Yenagoa yesterday, the APC state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, alleged that the move was a political campaign targeted at APC members with the environmental conditions in the area as only a peg.

Dickson had recently launched ‘Rise for Bayelsa’ against the IOCs, accusing them of causing environmental degradation and using their crude oil pipeline surveillance contracts to fund

crisis in the state.

But the party dismissed the allegation as a move meant to pressure the oil companies into disengaging APC members engaged as pipeline contractors.

The party warned oil companies against descending into the political arena in the state by succumbing to the pressure to sack the pipeline surveillance contractors.

“It is no news that for over 60 years, IOCs operating in our region have been polluting the environment, and compromising lives and livelihoods. Patriotic Ijaw and Niger Delta men and women, both living and dead, have engaged in genuine campaigns, protests, and advocacy to end this sad reality.

“Their struggles have brought

benefits to our land and the people in our collective quest for development. Our people know the patriots, and the patriots know the people.

“The people also know persons who have sought to make unfair profit from their sad condition.

The high point of this political project was the inauguration in March of what Dickson called ‘Rise for Bayelsa Campaign’,” the party said.

APC added: “Governor Dickson claimed oil companies under the guise of crude oil pipeline surveillance contracts funded maiming, killings and terror attacks on communities in Southern Ijaw and Nembe during the 2019 general election.

“He (Dickson) specifically accused two chieftains of the APC,

who are oil pipeline surveillance contractors, of security breaches in the state.

“We neither hold brief for the international oil corporations nor speak in the name of the surveillance contractors.”

But Buokoribo said it has a responsibility to protect its members from political persecution, noting that APC members are not the only people working as oil pipelines surveillance contractors in the state.The party spokesman alleged that it was a political strategy to ensure that no one can challenge the governor politically, stressing that members of the party who are oil pipeline surveillance contractors passed through due process to secure the jobs, just like their PDP counterparts.

Eroton Provides Relief Materials to 4,000 Victims of Boko Haram, Herdsmen Attacks in Adamawa Daji Sani in Yola More than 4000 victims of Boko Haram and herdsmen attacks in Adamawa State have received relief materials.

The materials were donated by the joint venture of Eroton Exploration and Production Company (EEPC) and the Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) as part of efforts to mitigate the suffering of people displaced by these crises.

Flagging off the distribution yesterday at Chambaaji village of Yola South Local Government

Area, the Head of Business Development, Eroton, Mr Dele Aikhionbare said the idea was to cater for victims and give them hope.

He said four local governments of Michika, Madagali, Yola South and Mubi will benefit from the first phase of the distribution, adding that other local governments affected will also benefit subsequently.

The Chambaaji villagers, mostly Fulanis, who were recently affected by farmers/ herder crisis around Southern Adamawa and relocated to the Nana Asmau Nomadic Primary

School, Chambaaji, Yola South LGA were the first to benefit from the gesture.

The villagers received items which include maize, mattresses, bedcovers, buckets, per boiled rice, vegetable oil, Millet, soaps, hygiene pad, mats, cooking pots, knife’s, sorghum, mosquito nets, tarpaulin and cloths.

Dele said the company had compassion on the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-east and decided to go into a joint venture with NNPC to try and salvage the situation.

The Group Managing

Director, NNPC, Engr Maikanti Baru, who was represented by Ogbonnaya A. Kalu, thanked Eroton, NEMA and Red Cross for assisting in the distribution of the items.

He said NNPC was compassionate about the sufferings of IDPs in the Northeast and had developed the joint venture to bring succor to thousands of people displaced, especially women and children.

He said: “Baru has given us a mandate to provide for the needy, especially those affected by insurgents and other forms of crises in Nigeria.

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Succession Politics, Uncertainty Delay Transmission of Lagos Budget Gboyega Akinsanmi Despite sustained criticism of what some stakeholders have described as legislative insensitivity to public plight, the Lagos State House of Assembly may not eventually transmit the state’s 2019 appropriation bill to the incumbent governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for endorsement before his administration ends on May 29, THISDAY has learnt.

THISDAY also learnt that the delay in transmitting the 2019 appropriation bill was a phase in the politics of succession, which some governmental officials claimed, had undermined the delivery of social services in the state for a period of one and a half years.

Concerned stakeholders in the state’s executive and legislative arms faulted the delay in transmitting the bill while responding to THISDAY

Nigerian Waters Now Safer, Says Peterside Ugo Aliogo The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has said that piracy and other maritime crimes have reduced drastically in the Nigerian maritime domain, making it safer for investment.

Contrary to reports in a section of the media on his responses while defending the agency’s budget before the Senate Committee on Maritime Transport in Abuja, Dakuku noted that efforts being put in place by the federal government to tackle maritime crimes were now yielding results.

He added that NIMASA would continue to up its game to ensure Nigerians benefit from the enormous potential in the sector.

He stated, “You are aware of all the measures we are putting in place to take the Nigerian maritime sector where it belongs and when you look at the multifaceted approach of the Federal Executive Council’s approved deep blue project which covers every aspect of maritime security, you will realise that a lot has been done to get us to this stage.”

The DG said the recent rating of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) stating that the Nigerian waters are now safer had further boosted investors’ confidence in the Nigerian maritime sector locally and globally.

He noted that all these had been achieved through collaboration driven by NIMASA,

working with other relevant agencies of government.

“Statistics do not lie and so when the IMB came up with the report of our waters being safer, we were not surprised because we know the level of work we have done with the support of the federal government to ensure that the Nigerian Maritime Sector becomes an haven for investors,” he stated.

The IMB 2019 first quarter reported stated that the Nigerian maritime domain recorded no vessel hijack in the period under review, first time since the first quarter of 1994 that Nigeria would have such record. The report also said between January and March 2019, Nigeria a decrease in piracy incidents, compared to the same period in 2018.

Dakuku also said maritime could fund a large percentage of Nigeria’s budget if properly harnessed.

He added that despite increases in the Agency’s contribution to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), NIMASA remained committed to doing more, especially through the recently launched final billing system, the automation of all its processes, and other strategies being put in place by the Executive Management team to block leakages.

IMB, a specialised department of the International Chamber of Commerce, recently released its report for the first quarter of 2019 showing an increased level of safety in the Nigerian maritime domain.

Signal Alliance Launches Platform for SMEs As part of plans to improve small and medium scale businesses in Nigeria, Signal Alliance, a leading system integrator, has launched its newest product, CloudGo. The product, which is built on Microsoft cloud, comprises of digital workplace tools bundled with managed support.

Stating this during the launch in Lagos yesterday, the Chief Technology Officer, Signal Alliance, Uchechi Nwaukwa said the value delivered by the solution was the power to engage customers, reduced cost on information technology infrastructure, enhanced collaboration and improved productivity.

He said: “Huge investment in IT Infrastructure, upgrade challenges, data protection, security and disaster recovery form the core of major

challenges faced by SMEs. Hence, an efficient and secure solution that enhances the way employees communicate, collaborate and scale innovate solutions for the business, becomes an inevitable need.

“CloudGo users can benefit from Microsoft services, tools, methodologies to determine business direction, and implement communication, collaboration, and data-based services that can change the way your employees work together,” he said.

Nwaukwa explained that cloud migration, adoption and onboarding training, consumption analytics dashboard, managed support and cyber assessment were all managed support services bundled in CloudGo to provide a robust modern digital workplace for businesses.

inquiries on the budget impasse.

Citing the politics of succession and the resolve of some lawmakers to undermine the executive, among others, one of the stakeholders alleged that the assembly might not eventually transmit the appropriation bill to the incumbent governor.

One of the sources said the reasons “are simple and direct. ”For the lawmakers, Ambode has just two weeks to the end of his administration. They thought signing the budget should not be important to him any longer. On this note, the lawmakers want to

delay the bill till the governorelect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is inaugurated on May 29 and forms his government.”

The source also alleged that the incoming governor might want “to re-write the appropriation bill in line with his agenda and vision for greater Lagos.

According to him, the delay in transmitting the appropriation bill to the incumbent governor is deliberate and a part of succession politics. “The lawmakers forget that the delay put the interest of over 24 million residents of the state, whose lives and prosperity

depend on the implementation of this financial statement, in limbo.

By their decision, the lawmakers are sabotaging the public interest they were elected to protect.”

After much public scrutiny, however, another source in the state House of Assembly revealed that the lawmakers had finally agreed “to transmit the appropriation bill to the governor.

Already, the document has been sent to a printing corporation to produce some copies that the governor will sign.”

The source explained that the assembly would send

the appropriation bill “to the governor alongside four other bills that were passed into law recently. It is important the incumbent governor signs other bills into law or the assembly will have to re-initiate the bills again. “As soon as the final copies of the appropriation bill are printed alongside other bills, the assembly will transmit them to the governor before next week runs out. But we are waiting for the assembly to responsibly perform its duties without politicising matters that affect public interest,” he explained.

PAYING LAST RESPECT…

L-R: Partner, Banwo & Ighodalo, Mr. Femi Banwo; his children, Damilola , Tunde, Demilade; and Sunmimade, during a church service to celebrate Banwo’s wife, the late Mrs. Efunwunmi Olubanwo, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God at Oniru, Lagos…recently

Oshiomhole: I Would Have Sued Doctors for Wrong Diagnosis of My Wife Adibe Emenyonu in Benin National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has called for a review of Nigeria’s medical system so that doctors can treat patients only on the aspect they have competence.

Oshiomhole also said rong diagnoses could be prevented by governments if it provides robust regulation in the healthcare system.

The APC national chairman stated this at the Founders’ Day and launch of endowment fund of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), adding that his

late wife, Clara, died of wrong diagnoses.

Oshiomhole, who was the Edo State governor, said he would have sued the doctors if it were in another terrain, because his wife was a victim of quack medical treatment.

According to him, “When you visit a hospital, one doctor is gynecologist, psychologist, pediatrician, and that doctor treats everything. My wife was unfortunate to have been diagnosed as having something different while the cancer in her breast was growing.

“This generalisation of the

medical system is what we must review. It is not the task of government that things are not working. People elect the government to make things work. That was why I decided to build what I called ‘Five Star’ hospital to replace the decayed Central Hospital. I do hope that one day that hospital will open and you will see the equipment there.

“One thing we need to do is appropriate compensation.

When we have the right policy framework; the other level of compensation and people are paid accordingly, I believe doctors

working outside the country will come back.”

Chairman of the occasion and former Nigeria Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), praised late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia and late Prof. Tiamiyu Bello-Osagie for ensuring that local people in the state get access to tertiary health services instead of traveling to Lagos or Ibadan.

Gowon expressed joy that the UBTH has served the people well, pointing out that “in terms of training and research, the UBTH has performed excellently well in collaboration with the University of Benin (UNIBEN).”

Consider Every Region in Your Appointments, Arewa Youths Tell Buhari Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Following the intense criticisms that greeted the appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari in his first term, the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), in collaboration with civil society organisations, has called on the president to ensure even spread in his appointments across all the regions in the country, barely two weeks to his inauguration for a second term.

The AYA at a rally held yesterday in Abuja, called on the president to look beyond

party affiliations and appoint people who are competent and would also represent the various regions and groups in the country.

The spokesman of the group, Mohammed Danlami, said the group was aware of the accusations thrown at the president over his appointments, adding that majority of the accusers do not mean well for the country.

He warned Buhari against those who would want to misdirect him by advising that appointments should be based

on the number of votes he got from each state and region.

Danlami stated: “We are all conversant with the sporadic accusations and tirades thrown at President Muhammadu Buhari over appointments made during this first tenure. It should be noted that the purveyors of these accusations did not mean well for Nigeria as a whole neither did they seek to protect the interest of the regions they claimed to be agitating for.

“What the nation requires is mature nationalistic leadership

that will accommodate all Nigerians and provide an all-inclusive fair treatment for all the divergent groups in the country on the basis of equality and fairness to everybody.

“As we approach the evenings of this tenure and are set for the commencement of the second tenure, we cannot but lend our voices to call on President Buhari to ensure that enemies of our collective forward voyage as a nation are not given any excuse to embark on their adversarial stock in trade,” he explained.

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Sahara Energy, Brooge Petroleum Plan 250,000bpd Refinery in Fujairah Esther Oluku Sahara Energy Resources DMCC Dubai and Brooge Petroleum and Gas Investment Co (BPGIC), have signed a partnership agreement to set up an oil refinery capable of producing bunker fuel with a capacity of up to 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the Emirate of Fujairah.

Sahara Energy and BPGIC

said the facility will be one of the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa to comply with the new regulations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 2020 by capping sulfur content in shipping fuels.

The first phase of the planned refinery is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2020.

The Secretary General of

Cooking Gas Marketers Laud FG on VAT Removal Peter Uzoho The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) yesterday commended the federal government for the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

The group President, Mr. Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor, in a statement said the federal government had signed the approval of VAT removal on LPG and gazetted same.

According to him, clamour for VAT removal from domestically produced LPG otherwise known as cooking gas has been of perennial concern to members of the association.

“We express our profound gratitude and thanks to the federal government and all relevant government agencies for listening to our plea to remove VAT from LPG products sourced locally.

“We also want to use this opportunity to thank and appreciate the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for the timely directive stopping the inappropriate and indiscriminate installation of LPG skid plants in petrol stations,” Ogieva-Okunbor said.

He said the directive that all skid plants in filling stations be dismantled and removed was apt considering the huge

danger and risk to the public in the operations of LPG skid plants in filling stations.

He, however, appealed for a proper and thorough implementation of the directive across the country.

The marketers’ leader also pleaded with the government to create a more conducive and enabling environment for investors in the industry particularly now that deepening the consumption of LPG in the country had become a major interest of the government.

He said marketers were also geared toward ensuring the success of the programme by complementing the efforts of the government.

According to him, “We therefore appeal for a reduction on import duty on LPG equipment and accessories.

“The increased awareness of LPG usage has seen consumption in Nigeria growing from 50,000MT in 2007 to over 600,000MT in 2018 with more indigenous investments in LPG bottling plants.

“This will further ensure that majority of Nigerians enjoy the convenience of the proximity of LPG refill or exchange points.

“We implore the federal and state governments to initiate a well-funded social welfare programme to expand usage of LPG.”

Ekiti to Sack over 2,000 Workers Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Government has commenced a move to allegedly sack over 2,000 workers claimed to have been ‘illegally employed’ by the past administration of Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The affected workers include the 2,000 those employed after the July 14, 2018, governorship election won by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Muyiwa Olumilua, who stated this in Ado Ekiti yesterday after the weekly state executive meeting, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) then warned against illegal recruitment, and urged job seekers to shun last minute moves by Fayose to employ some people into the state civil service.

Olumilua added that the decision to sack those he described as illegal staff was arrived at after perusing the reports of a panel set up to review employments into the state civil service in the last four years.

He said: “Fayemi has directed the Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Ayodeji Ajayi, to collate

all available vacancies in the civil service with the overhead implications to enable the state government prepare to recruit suitable and qualified Ekiti citizens into the public service, irrespective of the party affiliations “The officers reinstated into the Local Government Service Commission between October 16, 2014, and October 15, 2018 are to be reabsorbed by the relevant personnel boards as well as migrated to biometric payroll with immediate effect.

“All 272 officers employed by the Fayose administration, who are still on manual payroll, shall be considered for absorption into the civil service but on case-bycase basis. Absorption will be conditional on availability of vacancies.

“The 169 officers recruited in 2014 but had their appointments terminated by the Fayose administration shall be considered for reabsorption by the Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission, but on a case-by-case basis. Reabsorption will be conditional on availability of vacancies in their previous offices of appointment.”

OPEC, Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, attended the signing ceremony in Abu Dhabi and said the deal “evolved through the drive of the UAE’s leadership in promoting and supporting such private initiatives and expediting the diversification of their economies.”

He underlined the “unique role of the private sector as a critical engine for economic vision and strategies.”

Commenting on the signing, BPGIC CEO, Nicolaas

Paardenkooper, stated that “the new facility will contribute to bolstering the growing status of the Emirate of Fujairah in the oil and gas industry and help meet the growing demand for shipping fuel that complies with the new international laws on capping sulfur content in shipping fuels, as most of current shipping fuel contains up to 35 per cent sulphur.”

New regulations of IMO will require ships to use fuels with a sulphur content below 0.5 per cent beginning in 2020.

“It falls in line with the company’s expansion strategy and its growing contribution to the development of the Oil & Gas industry in the UAE by injecting more investments into this essential sector,” Paardenkooper said.

In his speech, the Executive Director, Sahara Group, Wale Ajibade, said the refinery unit would from its location in Fujairah make Sahara Energy DMCC a major supplier of IMO 2020 compliant products in the UAE as well as in African,

Asian and European markets.

“Sahara Energy DMCC is delighted to be part of this landmark leap into the future of clean energy. We are constantly seeking opportunities to expand our operations and develop the sector in line with global best practices. Bringing energy to life is the passion that drives us at Sahara and we are committed to ensuring that our energy is accessible, clean and ultimately reliable for promoting sustainable development globally,” he said.

CONGRATULATIONS…

Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (left), congratulating Mr. Yinka Fatoki, after his inauguration as a Permanent Secretary in Oyo State Civil Service at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Ibadan…recently

Boro Day: Dickson Calls for Intellectual Approach to N’Delta Agitation Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, yesterday called on the Ijaw nation, particularly the Ijaw youths, to focus on intellectual approach in the struggle for justice, egalitarian society and resource control.

Represented by his Deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd), Dickson, who made the call at this year’s Isaac Boro Day Anniversary/ Wreath Laying Ceremony in Yenagoa, the state capital, urged the youths to imbibe the

virtues of discipline, respect, perseverance and hard work.

In a statement issued yesterday, Dickson Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that the Boro Day anniversary was not only a day of celebration but also a time for sober reflection and commitment to worthy causes that would impact mankind.

The governor noted that his administration had provided the enabling environment for self-development through the establishment of tertiary

institutions and provision of “Today, we have Boro Day as a rallying point to motivate ourselves. What we have done to immortalise Adaka Boro, including the building of the Heroes Park, are lasting legacies of this administration.

“We should start using our brains to compete. The governor has created various opportunities to empower the youths. Discipline is required on the part of the youths.

“They should have the capacity to endure because good things do not just happen overnight. They

should learn to listen and respect their elders and constituted authority,” he said. In his remarks, the late revolutionary’s brother, David Boro, expressed appreciation to Dickson, his administration and the Ijaw nation for keeping the memory of Adaka Boro alive over the years.

He applauded the governor for initiating and completing various projects to immortalise the late Ijaw hero, but appealed on behalf of the Boro family for the completion of the few ones remaining.

WACOT Donates Materials to Farmers in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina WACOT Company Limited yesterday said it has commenced the distribution of tractors, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and other farming tools to farmers in Katsina State at subsidise rate in order to boost food production.

The gesture, according to the company, is to complement the federal government efforts at revitalising the agriculture sector and ameliorate the plight bedeviling farmers in Nigeria.

Managing Director of the company, Mr. Ujwal Canta,

who stated this while inaugurating the company’s Agricultural Centre in Funtua, said the centre would provide farmers with all the needed farming inputs at lower cost.

He explained that the agriculture centre, was among other reasons, established to promote efforts of stakeholders to improve and sustain food production, quality and quantity in Katsina State in particular and Nigeria at large.

“The agriculture centre would remain one of the top centres for all agricultural needs of the farmers ranging

from quality seeds, fertilizer, insecticides, herbicides, tractors, farm mechanisation implement at subsidise rate.

“WACOT Limited is ready to help farmers produce more yield and improved agricultural products in Nigeria. WACOT Limited is in the best position to guide farmers on modern techniques in agriculture for better yield and optimum productivity,” Canta explained.

He lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for revamping the agriculture sector, which

he said helped WACOT to invest in agriculture that led to the establishment of a factory in Kebbi State “now one of the largest rice mill factory in Africa which produces rice comparable to the quality of Thailand.”

Earlier, the WACOT Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Dr. Mustapha Kabir, informed the gathering that WACOT Limited was established in 1997 as a ginnery in Funtua, adding that the company is now one of the top agricultural companies in Nigeria.

FRIDAY MAY 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSEXTRA

Police Arrest 93 Kidnappers, Armed Robbers Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigeria Police Force yesterday said a total of 93

suspected kidnappers and armed robbers have been arrested in the past two weeks in joint operations in Kaduna,

Akwa Ibom Gov Suspends Chairman of LG Service Commission Okon Bassey in Uyo The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has suspended the Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Valentine Attah.

The suspension came just as the governor announced Wednesday the sack of the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Sufficiency, Dr. UduakInyang.

The suspension, which is with immediate effect, was contained in a press statement tagged “Suspension from Office” dated May 15, 2019 and signed

by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem.

While no reason was given for the sack of Inyang, the letter suspending Attah linked the punishment to involvement in an unauthorised recruitment of persons into the Unified Local Government Service.

“The suspension takes immediate effect pending the outcome of the state audit on recruitment exercise. To this end, appointment of those who benefited from the said recruitment is hereby declared null and void.” he said.

Niger and Katsina states.

Force Spokesman, Frank Mba, who made the disclosure at Katari village along KadunaAbuja highway, said more than 500 live ammunitions were recovered from the suspects.

He added that the joint operations comprised policemen from operations, intelligence, technical, counter-terrorism and special protection units among others.

He said that the arrests and seizures were part of the successes of Operation Puff Adder launched to clear criminals away from Kaduna-

Abuja expressway and Nigeria at large.

He said that the operation was largely to tackle kidnapping, robbery and banditry giving Nigerians sleepless nights, adding that the successes recorded so far were huge.

“The suspects were arrested from Matari Forest, Niger axis and some were pursued to as far as Katsina,” he added.

The Force spokesman stressed that the Office of the Inspector General of Police provided supervisory and supportive roles to the entire operations.

“We are determined to

descend very hard on criminals.

We recovered 37 AK 47 rifles, 12 locally made guns, a revolver pistol, 60,000 fake US dollars, military uniforms and a foreign made pistol.

“Few days ago, the IG rolled out new counter kidnapping strategy, it would also help us curtail such criminality in Nigeria,” Mba said.

Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner in Kaduna State, Ali Janga, has assured farmers in Birnin Gwari and other volatile areas that it was now safe for them to return to their farms.

According to him, the new operations, being conducted in synergy with all the commanders of various units have achieved tremendous success.

“Farmers who farm along Kaduna-Abuja expressway, Birnin Gwari and other volatile areas can go back to their farms, it is now safe,” Janga said.

One of those arrested who claimed to be a cleric, Salisu Abubakar, said he was aware that his clients belonged to criminal gangs, but that he only supported them with “goodluck charms.”

PDP Chieftain Denies Involvement in Adeleke’s Certificate Saga Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo A member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Mr. Ajayi Shuaib, who was alleged to have dragged Senator Ademola Adeleke to an Osogbo Federal High Court over his eligibility to contest for the governorship of the state, have denied his involvement in the saga.

Shuaib was widely reported to have dragged Senator Adeleke to the court in Osogbo to challenge his eligibility to contest the election without the prerequisite qualification for the seat of a governor.

However, yesterday, Ajayi, in a 16-paragraph affidavit sworn to at the Federal High Court in Osogbo, said: “On May 5, 2019, one Bukola Adewale came to my house at Agbeye in Osun State. I was not at home when he came, but he met my wife at home.”

According to him, “He spoke to me on phone while in my house that in respect of the job I was seeking that he had gotten it for me, and that my PDP

membership card with passport photograph will be needed. I therefore directed my wife to give it to him.”

He noted further that “on May 10, 2019, the same Adewale called me again on phone to meet him in Osogbo,” adding that when they met in Osogbo, “he said the people we were to see were in Gbongan/Abere in Osogbo and we took taxi to meet him there “When we got there, we met one lawyer, Oyagbile, who asked whether Bukola Adewale had explained the issue of the job with me, and I said yes.

“Also lawyer said I needed to sign some forms. He gave them to me and I signed same and he also collected my passport.”

According to him, the lawyer introduced himself to him as the person that contested for the Osun State House of Assembly seat on the platform of NCP. Shuaib stressed that he was shocked to hear later that he (Shuaib) had sued the governorship candidate of the PDP, Adeleke, before a Federal High Court in Osogbo.

Rotary District 9125 Promotes Joint Fellowship The joint fellowships recently initiated by two clubs in Rotary District 9125 have continued to expand with more clubs keying into the arrangement.

The idea was mooted three months ago by the presidents of Rotary Club of Abuja, Karu Housing Estate, Mr. Dominic Ifidon, and his Abuja Kubwa Gateway counterpart, Ms Nina Samuel.

The Gateway Club hosted Karu Abuja Housing Estate and during the turn of Karu in March 2019, three clubs, Kubwa Gateway, Bwari and Ida Central in Kogi State were in attendance.

In April, four clubs went to fellowship with Ida Central in Kogi State as host.

This month, precisely, six clubs, namely Rotary Club Abuja City, Rotary Club Abuja Kubwa main, Rotary Club Abuja Ida Central, Rotary Club Abuja Karu Housing Estate, Rotary Club

Abuja Kubwa Gateway, and Rotary Club Abuja Bwari as the host Club, will meet.

Ifidon said the initiative was helping to promote closer ties among clubs in the District.

He added that in the previous meetings, the affected clubs had engaged in joint projects within the host communities.

According to him the six clubs involved in the next Saturday fellowship have lined up activities that will be kick started with #End Polio Walk#, and sanitation exercise.

The President of Bwari Club, Rotarian Salamatu Ahmed, said that a courtesy call on the traditional head of Bwari has been arranged immediately after the #End Polio Walk#.

A prominent member of Bwari Club, Emmanuel Nwaonuma, equally disclosed that the meeting and the lined up activities would help the club in its membership drives.

WOMEN AFFAIR…

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Greater Nigeria Foundation, Omotayo Omotosho; CEO, Bridge House College, Foluke Abdulrazaq; and CEO, Wealthstrings Consulting Limited, Prof. Bridget Sokan, at the UBA CEO Awards in Lagos...recently ABIODUN AJALA

Businessmen Remanded in Prison for Alleged Sale of Substandard Gas Cylinders Akinwale Akintunde Two businessmen, Emmanuel Anthony Nnan and John Paul Ejike, were yesterday remanded in prison custody for allegedly importing and selling substandard gas cylinders.

Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court remanded the suspects following their arraignment on a five-count charge alongside their company, Star Master Electrical Co. Limited, by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

They however pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail with the sum of N50 million.

The court consequently

adjourned until June 18, 2019 for their trial, and ordered their remand in prison custody pending the perfection of their bail terms.

The prosecutor, Mr. Adeleke Olofindare, alleged that the defendants had committed the offences of forgery, importation and sale of substandard gas cylinder, which he said contravene the SON Act. A part of the charge reads: “That you Emmanuel Anthony Nnan of Plot 18 32D, House 1 close, 3rd Avenue Festac Town, Lagos; John Paul Ejike of 50 Bornu Crescent, Apapa, Lagos and Star Master Electrical Co. Limited of No. 2 Royal Plaza Alaba Market, Ojo in Lagos

respectively on or about April 24, 2019, while at SON office on No. 3 Boma Road, Apapa, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this court, did conspire to make a false documents in writing knowing same to be false with intent that the false documents to wit; SON product certificate knowing same to be false with intent that the false document will be used as genuine and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 465 and punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Act CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“That you Emmanuel Anthony Nnan of Plot 18 32D,

House 1 close, 3rd Avenue Festac Town, Lagos; John Paul Ejike of 50 Bornu Crescent, Apapa, Lagos and Star Master Electrical Co. Limited of No. 2 Royal Plaza Alaba Market, Ojo in Lagos respectively on or about April 24, 2019, while at SON office No. 3 Boma Road Apapa, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this court did forged SON product registration certificate with intention of causing same to be believed to have been issued by SON and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 465 and punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Act CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Ogun Community Seeks Govt Protection from Hoodlums Oluchi Chibuzor Members of the Freeman Estate Loburo, Community Development Association (CDA) in Mowe, Ogun State, has solicited for the state government support to address security issues which they said are threatening their existence.

The residents of the CDA have also complained that hoodlums in the area are terrorising them as a result of proximity of the community to the Lagos Ibadan

expressway.

This was noted in a statement issued made available to THISDAY by the Chairman of the CDA, Dr. Olayemi Olufemi, in which he insisted that the community is currently experiencing security challenges despite their individual efforts in solving the menace.

He said this had however prompted the association to hire trained personnel, but has still not yielded the expected result, considering the economic

disparity of the residents, couple with the heavy influx of young people migrating to the community.

According to him, “We are faced with harassment from hoodlums as a result of the proximity of the area to the LagosIbadan expressway. Although we are gradually overcoming it due to our coordinated efforts to hire trained security personnel as recommended by the state, we still need the state government

support to protect lives and property from criminal elements in the community.

“Also, there are no government facilities or utility services in the area, whatever development we have is private-driven which has aided the mitigation and influx of young people to settle down in a low profile environment like ours. Religious activities also have often causes heavy traffic on the expressway which has equally affected us negatively.”

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FRIDAY MAY 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe

FRIDAYSPORTS

Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 08111813083

Ailing Christian Chukwu Arrives London for Treatment Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Ailing former Green Eagles Captain, Christian Chukwu, arrived United Kingdom in company with his wife Lilian Nkeiruka, yesterday for medical treatment.

Chukwu, who captained

Nigeria’s senior national team to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 1980, travelled with his wife aboard a Virgin Atlantic airline flight from Lagos.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who

NPFL: Lobi, Kano Pillars, Heartland Continue Push for Playoff Spots Champions Lobi Stars push to qualify for the Playoff of the 2018/19 season of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) yielded dividend yesterday as they grabbed a valuable away point against Rivers United in Port Harcourt.

The Makurdi team got the curtain raiser in the 56th as Kunle Odunlami scored an own goal in the midst of intense pressure. But five minutes later, Adebambo restored parity for the Rivers State owned side.

Lobi remain second in the Group A standing behind leaders Rangers FC on 31 points from 20 games. Enyimba who also drew goalless away to Remo Stars in Sagamu is third on 30 points.

Elsewhere in the Thursday clashes in the Nigerian topflight, Wikki Tourists defeated Kwara United 2-1 with Williams Ukeme and Abdullahi Musa scoring the goals. Isah Magaji scored Kwara United’s consolatory goal 14 minutes from time.

In Group B, Kano Pillars claimed a valuable 1-0 away victory against already relegated Yobe Desert Stars in Damaturu.

Adamu Hassan got the winner in the 10th minute.

However, it was same sad story for another home team as Heartland defeated FC

IfeanyiUbah 2-1 in their oriental derby clash in Nnewi.

Chinonso Okonkwo scored Heartland’s lead in the 38th minute with Uche Oguchi doubling the advantage eight minutes after the break.

Chibuike Ezeh put one back for the home team 19 minutes from time.

Go Round FC also boosted their survival hopes with a 1-1 draw against Plateau United.

Chiebonam Nwogbaga put the hosts ahead in the 41st minute, while Kabiru Umar netted the equaliser for Plateau United in the 63rd minute.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United won all three points with a 2-1 victory against Gombe United.

Adesina Thomas and Anas Yusuf were the goal scorers for Nasarawa United with Adamu Mohammed finding the back of the net for Gombe United

arranged for an appointment for the Nigerian legend with a reknown cardiologist in London was on hand to receive Chukwu.

“I am very happy with the efforts of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) through the President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick. He has proved that he is truly father of Nigerian Football. I am also grateful for the support and prayers of other Nigerians.

“It is waist pain and stomach upset that I keep feeling. The doctors in Nigeria have treated the stomach upset and it remains the waist pain, but I am confident that I will come back to Nigeria after regaining sound health,” remarked Chukwu, who

was at a time the coach of the Super Eagles.

Chukwu and wife were seen off at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos by a Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode and protocol officials of the NFF. At the outbreak of news of the health challenges of the former defender, the NFF had moved immediately to ascertain the nature of his illness and to provide support, with Pinnick delegating the Chairman of Enugu State Football Association and Member of NFF Executive Committee, Hon. Chidi Ofo Okenwa to pay Chukwu a

visit. The Federation also sought financial support from philanthropic individuals, with the Chairman of Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola weighing in with $50,000.

Chukwu captained the Green Eagles as they won Nigeria’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980, receiving the brand new Unity Cup from then President Shehu Shagari.

He also captained the Enugu Rangers FC team that won the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for the authority he exuded as he marshalled the defence and launched onslaughts on the opposition defence for club and country, Chukwu also

served as assistant coach of the first team to win a FIFA World Cup trophy for Nigeria – the Golden Eaglets that triumphed at the then FIFA U16 World Cup in China in 1985.

He was also an assistant coach of the team widely known as the Golden Generation – the 1994 Class of Super Eagles that qualified Nigeria for her first FIFA World Cup finals, won the Africa Cup of Nations title and reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup in America.

Between 2002 and 2005, Chukwu was head coach of the Super Eagles, leading the team to win bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

MATCH-DAY 20

Remo Yobe Rivers Utd Wikki Go-Round IfeanyiUbah Nasarawa Katsina Utd

0-0 0-1 1-1 2-1 1-1 1-2 2-1 3-1

Enyimba K’ Pillars Lobi Kwara Utd Plateau Utd Heartland GombeUtd Sunshine

L-R: Former Green Eagles Captain, Christian Chukwu, his wife, Nkiruka. Back row: NFF President, Amaju Pinnick; Chukwu’s sister, Mrs Edith Motanya and Super Eagles Doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran at the London hospital... yesterday

EFCC CASE

Okpekpe Race Course to Wear I have Been Vindicated by Supreme Court, Says Umeh New Look for 2019 Edition Former Acting President of 2019 discharged and acquitted and acquitted.

“I am happy with the The course for the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race will wear a new look when the seventh edition of the IAAF silver label event holds next week Saturday in Okpekpe, a hilly, rusty town in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Okpekpe race starts from Apana road, a beautiful asphalted road constructed some eight years ago by the erstwhile Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and ends in Okpekpe.

Comrade Oshiomhole’s successor, Godwin Obaseki has begun rehabilitation work on the road which was designed to open up the towns in both Etsako East and West to the commercial city of Auchi.

“We are eternally grateful to His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki for the rehabilitation work that is on-going on the road to Okpekpe and this has come at the right time for us organisers of Okpekpe international 10km road race, the first road running event in Nigerian and West Africa to

be granted a label status by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) because it tallies with our plan to upgrade to a gold level status by next years,” said Mike Itemuagbor, an indigene of Okpekpe and promoter of the internationally acclaimed race.

“It was the construction of the road some eight years ago that informed our decision to stage the race to not only put Okpekpe and indeed Edo State on the map of the world as a destination of sort for sports in Nigeria but also to showcase the remarkable achievement of the Comrade governor to the development of Edo State, Itemuagbor added.

“Through the race the world now knows that there is a beautiful place called Okpekpe and more importantly that Nigeria is a safe place instead of the gory pictures painted about the country by the international as an unsafe country to travel for foreigners who come for the race in a near rural area could be safe,it says a lot about the entire country.’

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Mike Umeh, has been discharged and acquitted by the Supreme Court in the case of money laundering.

The former Chairman of Anambra FA was charged alongside former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa.

The Supreme Court in a judgment delivered by former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen on February 15,

Chief Umeh on the allegations leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Umeh’s travails began in May 2013 when he was picked from his Lagos home by operatives of EFCC, following a warrant issued by a Sokoto High Court.

After several trips to Sokoto, detentions and trials, the case was heard at the Sokoto High Court where the accused was first discharged

The EFCC and the Sokoto State Government appealed against the ruling and were also floored by Umeh at the Appeal Court.

After the Supreme Court judgment, Umeh who is still basking in the euphoria of the victory said he was talking to his lawyers to look at the possibility of seeking redress for how he unjustly suffered monumental loss of funds, reputation and esteem in the eyes of the society.

judgment. I have been vindicated and to God alone be the glory. As we speak, I m consulting my lawyers and I may be seeking redress for all that I went through while the case lasted. I suffered a lot of emotional and financial loss. My reputation was called to question. These are issues that may not just be swept under the carpet now that my innocence has been proven by the Supreme Court,” Umeh concluded.

THE MATCH FOR AMBODE

African Stars Storm Lagos, to Train at Agege Stadium All is now set for The Match for Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as most of the invited former African football stars are in town for the African Legends versus Naija Legends.

Yesterday evening, 10 of the African stars were spotted at the Radisson Hotel on Isaac John Street Ikeja enjoying the sweet ambience of the highbrow facility.

Those already in town for The Match include; Khalilou Fadiga, Herita Ilunga, Tiene

Siaka, Abdul Kader Kaita, Diomonsy Camara, Didier Zokora and Titi Camara.

“We are all set to go. Most of the former big players are expected this night (last night). Those not in yet will arrive Friday morning,” observed Organiser of the event, Waidi Akanni.

Romelu Lualua, Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien and former France World Cup star, Christian Karembeu earlier booked to come into Lagos yesterday are all to

now arrive this afternoon.

Some of Nigeria’s former stars like Nwankwo Kanu and Mutiu Adepoju were also spotted checking in at the Radisson Hotel last night with more coming in this morning to honour Governor Ambode.

This morning, most of the invited players already in town are to pay courtesy visit to Governor Ambode at his Alausa office.

Later this evening, all the foreign and Nigerian players

are to have a light work out at the Agege Stadium venue of the testimonial match.

Finidi George, Julius Aghahowa and Emmanuel Amuneke who are flying into Lagos from Spain and Turkey respectively are not likely to meet the evening training but are sure-bet for the match on Saturday.

No less than 100 former Nigerian stars are struggling to make the list of 20 players to be handled by former Eagles coach Jo Bonfrere.

55

FRIDAY MAY 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Buffon Extends PSG Stay at 41 Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed Paris Saint-Germain have offered him a contract extension after a successful debut season.

Buffon, 41, was expected to retire at the end of the 201718 campaign with Juventus

before PSG persuaded him to move to France, and now he is considering a further extension to his career.

The Italian has featured 24 times across all competitions for the Ligue 1 champions this season, sharing first-choice

Man City Face Further Action over FFF Rule UEFA’s financial control body said yesterday that it had referred Premier League champions Manchester City case to an adjudicatory chamber for alleged breaches of financial fair play regulations.

Abu Dhabi-owned City said they were “disappointed but regrettably not surprised” by UEFA’s decision.

City reportedly face a season-long ban from the Champions League if found to have breached the regulations.

UEFA said its Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) chief investigator “has decided to refer Manchester City FC to the CFCB adjudicatory chamber following the conclusion of his investigation.”

The investigator, Yves Leterme, has been examining

and neither side could find the back of the net before the end of regulation time.

It took kicks from the penalty mark to separate both teams as the Super Falcons avenged last edition’s semi-final defeat to the Black Queens. For Ghana, it was a disappointment as they failed in their quest to defend the title they won last year.

Earlier, Ange Koko N’Guessan and Mariam Diakite were on target as Cote d’Ivoire secured a 2-1 comeback semifinal win over Mali to reach the final. The match had to go into penalties after the match ended goalless in regulation time.

Alice Ogebe, Chidinma Okeke and Amarachi Okoronkwo all converted their penalties.

Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie saved one of the penalties of the Black Queens.

Golfers Tees at Eagles Tourney in Ikeja The stage has been set for the third edition of Eagles Golf Tournament on Saturday May 18, 2019 at Ikeja Golf Club in Lagos.

The event, sponsored by Scale Trade Nigeria Limited is expected to feature over 100 players at the 10-hole course, where golf apparels and paraphernalia are also being offered to players at discount at the one day event.

The event is also supported

by Redoxcorp, a logistics out Captain of the club, Jolomi Ideh said that the event is a brilliant addition to the club’s tournament calendar and the offering of discount sales puts it in a different class.

“This is an event that has a lot of benefit on offering for players by sheer reason of prizes, give-aways and discount sales that participants are going to be inundated with on the

Speaking to Sky Uno, Buffon said: “The club has offered me an extension, which makes me really happy.

“We will look in a few days to examine this project and see if we both believe that it is good to continue together.

“It’s going well in Paris. I have exceptional life experience

at 41 years old. I arrived convinced that I would be involved as a player and as a person, and I found what I came for.”

Should Buffon stay at PSG for another year, he will enter his 25th season as a professional.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have

had the Ligue 1 title wrapped up since beating Monaco 3-1 at Parc des Princes on April 21, holding a 16-point lead over second placed Lille in the standings.

Next up for the French giants is a home clash against Dijon before a trip to Stade Reims on the final day of the season.

evidence that first came to light in leaks published by German magazine Der Spiegel last year.

The reports alleged that City had broken Financial Fair Play regulations by inflating the value of a multimillion-pound sponsorship deal.

City were fined £49 million in 2014 for a previous breach of regulations.

The club said in a statement: “Manchester City is entirely confident of a positive outcome when the matter is considered by an independent judicial body.”

The club retained the Premier League title last Sunday after a tight title race with Liverpool and can complete a historic treble of domestic trophies by beating Watford in the FA Cup final tomorrow.

WAFU Cup: Falcons Overcome Ghana in Penalties to Reach Final Nigeria’s Super Falcons are through to the final of the WAFU Women’s Cup after eliminating arch-rivals and cup holders Ghana 4-2 in the semi-final match played at the Parc des Sport last night.

Thomas Dennerby’s side will now take on the hosts in the final of the competition after defeating the holders on penalties.

Mercy Tago’s ladies made a fine start to the game as Mukarama Abdulai dashed into the area to shoot but Evelyn Nwabouku made a block to divert it behind for a corner.

With Ghana failing to capitalise on their early chances in the opening 15 minutes, Nigeria came alive and almost found an opener through Rafait Sule in the 33rd minute.

In the second half, both teams missed several scoring chances

responsibilities with Alphonse Areola.

He only signed a one-year deal with PSG but has shown himself to still be capable of performing at the highest level despite his age.

And PSG seems intent on keeping him around until he is 42.

day” he said.

The event would tee-off at 6:30am on Saturday morning, to allow the course accommodate the huge field of players that have signed up to have their round at the event.

The Captain added that “Ladies, gentlemen and veteran players would be accommodated at the event and the course is being put in its best shape to be able to allow for smooth run of play by the huge number of entry that the event has already attacted”.

Some of the top players on parade at the event include President of the club, AWA Ibahim, multiple Club Champions, Olaitan Muyideen, Chris Obije, others are, Niyi Latinwo, Yomi Egbe, Abel Edinomo, Jimi Soetan, Rasay Miustapha, Ebere Onyeyiri among others.

Formiga will become the oldest player to appear in a Women’s World Cup in France

Brazil’s Formiga to Become Oldest Player in Women’s World Cup Brazil’s 41-year-old interna-tional Formiga will become the first footballer to participate in seven World Cups. The midfielder was named in the squad for the women’s tournament in France.

The Paris St Germain star shares the record of six World Cups with Homare Sawa, who led Japan’s women to their World Cup triumph in 2011.

If Formiga plays in France, she

will also become the oldest to appear in a women’s World Cup. In the men’s tournament, three players have played at five World Cups - Mexico’s Rafael Marquez and Antonio Carbajal and Germany’s Lothar Matthaus.

Formiga, whose first World Cup finals appearance came in 1995 as a 17-year-old, will be joined by several other wellknown faces in the Brazil squad,

including Marta, the six-times World Player of the year.

Marta is the top scorer in the history of the women’s World Cup with 15 goals.

Copa America champions Brazil have been drawn in Group C along with Jamaica, Italy and Australia with the tournament starting on June 7.

Although they have appeared in all seven Women’s World Cup

tournaments, the South Americans have yet to lift the trophy, with their best performance coming as runners-up to Germany in China in 2007.

They are also heading to France under a cloud, having lost their last nine games, their worst-ever run.

Brazil are 10th in the world rankings, their lowest position since the ranking system began.

Leadway Wins UBA Pensions’ Sports Tournament Leadway Pensure has emerged the overall winner of the annual UBA Pensions Sports Tournament that took place last weekend in Lagos The competition organised annually by UBA Pensions Custodian Ltd for its clients, provided friends and families the opportunity to network, mingle and generally take some time off their usual busy and hectic schedule.

This year’s event which held at the Upbeat Centre, Lekki Lagos, was the 10th edition. 14 PFAs from across the country participated in the competition, higher than the 12 involved in the previous edition in 2018.

Stanbic IBTC Pensions maintained its second position as it had in the previous edition, while AIICO Pensions, which were the overall winner in the 2018 edition, won the third place position.

In all 79 medals were won, while six special recognition awards were given out during the event namely;(overall winner trophy, 1strunner-up winner trophy, 2nd runner-up winner trophy, Most valuable player, Best keeper and Highest goal scorer).

Participating companies in the pension industry were treated to a

time of fun, games and relaxation, amidst an atmosphere of intense competition at the The participating PFAs were: AIICO Pensions, ARM Pension, AXA Mansard Pension, FCMB Pensions, Fidelity Pensions, IEI Anchor Pensions, Leadway Pensure, PAL Pensions, Premium Pension, Radix Pension, Sigma Pensions, Stanbic IBTC Pensions, Trustfund Pension and Veritas Glanvills Pensions.

These teams competed in Five-

a-side-football, Chess, Scrabble, Table Tennis (Male & Female), Snooker, Egg and Spoon, Sack race, and Virtual Game (FIFA 19) events, Penalty Shoot-outs.

Managing Director, UBA Pensions, Bayo Yusuf, who addressed the over 850 participants at the event, said that UBA Pensions organised the event annually in a bid to assist its clients to enjoy a time of bonding and interaction in a relaxed atmosphere, with the

overall aim of fostering a healthy lifestyle.

He also noted that the initiative was not just about games being played but about learning lessons of failure, joy, disappointment, excitement, winning and losing.

While promising that upcoming editions would be bigger and better, Bayo Yusuf expressed satisfaction on the successful outcome of the event, which according to him, witnessed an increased turnout.

L-R: Managing Director, UBA Pensions Custodian Ltd, Mr. Bayo Yusuf; Managing Director, Leadway Pensure, Mrs. Aderonke Adedeji; and Executive Director, Operations, Leadway Pensure, Mr. Lanre Idris, during the presentation of the trophy to Leadway Pensure who emerged winners of the UBA Pensions Sport Tournament held in Lagos…last

Friday, May 17, 2019

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Price: N250

MISSILE Charly Boy to Okorocha “Rochas was in his element… Imagine money wasted on airtime showcasing 80 per cent of this rubbish, unfinished project of over eight years’ period. Imagine all the people dead who were being owed salary and pension. Is it not the same Imo State I left a few days ago? A man who ruined Imo State; one can only imagine the debt he is leaving behind. The most painful of it all is that the late Justice Oputa’s name was dragged into this racket, dedicating Owerri High Court to his memory” – Charly Boy criticising Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, for dedicating Owerri High Court to the memory his father, the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

ENIOLABELLO Ganduje, Sanusi and the Original Sin ENI-B

eniola.bello@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1956

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bdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kano State governor and one of only three state deputy governors since 1999 that somehow succeeded in taking over from their principals, whenever he manages to make the news, does so mostly for the wrong reasons. Four examples would suffice.

One, it wasn’t enough that Ganduje fell out with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the governor made it impossible for his erstwhile principal, the man he served as deputy for eight years and ministerial aide for four years, to even visit his constituents – the police had to advise Kwankwaso to stop visiting Kano in order to avert violence. Two, Ganduje had, in a $5million bribery allegation, been shown in a number of video clips, stuffing bales of dollar notes in his billowing babariga. Somehow, the Kano Assembly killed investigations into the case despite Jafar Jafar, The Editor of Daily Nigerian, testifying to the authenticity of the video clips. Three, the Kano governor’s re-election was marred by controversy following massive violence and snatching of ballot boxes in the rerun polls. Four, Ganduje’s hurried creation of four new emirates from Kano is the latest of the governor’s missteps into the pit of negative publicity.

For a man who has master’s and doctoral degrees in public administration, it is strange that Ganduje did not bother about the longterm negative impact of his decision on the institution of the Kano Emirate, with its long tradition of protest in the name of the talakawas, its proud history of aristocratic power relations, and its rich culture of fusing together Hausa, Fulani and Arabic mores over the last one thousand years.

The Kano Emirate is much more than a province of the Sokoto Caliphate following the 1805 jihad of Usman dan Fodio and the Fulani conquest of most kingdoms in northern Nigeria. Before the dan Fodio jihad, the Hausa Sultanate of Kano had been in existence from as far back as 1349.

And before the Hausa Sultanate, Kano was an animist kingdom dating back to before 1000 AD, and having in 999 as its first king, Bagauda, grandson of Bayajidda.

Kano Emirate became the largest and richest province of the Sokoto Caliphate, having grown, long before British colonization and the creation of modern Nigeria, as a centre of commerce, slave trade, Islamic education and civilization.

Why did Ganduje decide to balkanize the Kano Emirate and whittle down an important symbol of the caliphate’s magnetic attraction? Many have explained this away to the outspokenness of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, his censure of woolly policies, his impatience with bad governance, his criticism of political exploitation of Islamic injunctions, his campaign for educating the girl-child, and more crucially, Ganduje’s loss of the polling units in the palace and Kano municipality in the recently concluded governorship election, an indication in government circles that the emir supported the opposition PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) candidate. What is not in doubt is that, in substance and form, the state government acted in bad

Ganduje

Sanusi

faith while creating the four new emirates.

The Kano Assembly passed the bill within 72 hours, even omitting public hearing, a critical process in law making. Barely two days after the Assembly passed the bill, Ganduje signed and gazetted it, installed the emirs without the pomp associated with such ceremonies, brazenly ignoring a court order to suspend all actions on the matter.

He could not hide what seemed an apparent trade off with the Kano Assembly by also signing into law a life pension bill for the speaker and deputy speaker. The whole drama captured Ganduje at his worst in political vileness and viciousness.

It must, however, be made clear that traditional rulers are public officials paid with public funds. Indeed five percent of local government allocation is constitutionally dedicated to the welfare and upkeep of traditional rulers. Before Ganduje’s recent creation of four new emirates therefore, five percent of allocation to 44 local governments had been under the purview of the Kano Emirate. Those who understand the behind the scene politics in Kano believe that the on, off and on investigation of the Kano Emirate finances by the state anti-graft agency may be Ganduje’s game plan to use Sanusi to nail Kwankwaso. The late Emir Ado Bayero was said to have declined Kwankwaso’s request for for some funds said to be about N4billion from the emirate. Shortly after then President Goodluck Jonathan’s unceremonious removal of Sanusi as CBN governor in 2014, Kwankwaso, backed by then opposition APC (All Progressives Congress), appointed him Kano emir in what was widely interpreted as a slap on the ruling PDP, indeed a sliding tackle of then president.

The whispering campaign in Ganduje’s camp is that Kwankwaso may have succeeded in getting Sanusi to release the fund after the emir’s inauguration. As Kwankwaso’s very loyal deputy at the time, the thinking is that Ganduje would have more than a passing knowledge of whatever transpired.

Were the energy, haste and disobedience of court orders in Ganduje’s desperation to create new emirates any guide, it is doubtful if the agency investigating the emirate’s finances would not already be

working from the answer. Whatever may be the outcome of the investigation, what is unbelievable is the governor’s inability to separate the institution from the person of the emir. After all, whoever is appointed emir holds office at the pleasure of the state governor. Like the late Kano State governor Mohammed Abubakar Rimi once explained in an interview, the governor has the power to dismiss, remove, indict or suspend an emir for committing an offence.

In civilized climes, the institution of the monarchy, despite the practice of constitutional democracy, is promoted and honoured because it is a window to the past. The Japanese Emperor for instance, is described in the country’s 1947 Constitution as “the symbol of the State and the unity of the people”. As Head of State, he performs essentially ceremonial duties, swearing in the prime minister and inaugurating the National Diet (Japanese parliament).

Though the Japanese Emperor exercises no executive powers, but because he is a symbol of the history and culture and traditions and beliefs and glory of the people dating back to 538 AD when the current imperial family is believed to have been around, he is revered, by the government, and the people. And in the United Kingdom, the British Monarch is the most prominent royal in the world. This is down, primarily, to the reverence the British royals are held by the governments, the institutions and the people of Britain. Also a constitutional monarch like the Japanese emperor, the Queen performs basically ceremonial duties.

Although she’s the Commander-in-Chief in addition to being the Head of State, the Queen has no executive powers. But then, major decisions in the cabinet, in parliament, and in the armed forces are taken in her name. She embodies the glory of the British Empire dating back to the 16th century.

Perhaps because the past is an anchor to the present and a peep into the future, the British and the Japanese have mastered the art of turning their royals into global brands, commercializing their history, culture, tradition and religion in the process, and turning the institution of the monarchy into major revenue earners for their countries.

Since the royals in both countries are idols of popular imagination, they exercise silent but immense powers, attracting to their palaces world leaders, culture icons, movie and music stars, award-winning writers, and heroic personages. Both governments generate millions of revenue from ticket sales to tourists on daily visitation to palaces, and from sales of merchandise which have imprinted on them, images of the emperor (Japan), or the queen (Britain).

Since the monarchs in both countries embody national identity, they are the engines of tourism growth with attendant benefits to their countries. Even in China where the monarchy became completely irrelevant when the Communists took over in 1949, the government still understands its institutional symbolism. The Forbidden City, the imperial palace and home of the emperors and their households between 1420 and 1912, has become a major centre of global attraction. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 980 buildings therein, constructed over four years and covering 72 hectares, advertise the grandeur of traditional Chinese architecture, inspiring several works of art, and depicted in movies, literature and other art forms. It attracts an annual average of 15 million tourists.

Nigeria has many traditional rulers who preside over institutions rich in history, and in culture, and dating back to centuries, and in some cases millennia, of ancient empires and kingdoms and city-states. Ooni Orisa Ife. Alafin Oyo. Oba Benin. The Sokoto Sultanate. Kano Emirate. Zaria Emirate. Obi Onitsha. These and a few others have the necessary ingredients in arts and culture and history and tradition to operate as constitutional monarchs to the benefit of the state. As it were, we love copying systems that work in other countries, and when we do, we copy blindly without considering our local peculiarities. We copied presidential democracy from the United States, and in doing so, we couldn’t be bothered about a constitutional role for our traditional rulers, ignoring the fact that the original operator of that political system had no institution of monarchy in their history. We neither fashioned some constitutional duties for our monarchs as in Britain and Japan, nor did we bury that institution altogether as in China. In the circumstance, traditional rulers operate in a limbo, which creates room for unscrupulous politicians to rub their noses in the mud and trample on that institution with impunity. The failure to have a well defined constitutional for traditional rulers can best be described as the original sin.

The Kano Emirate, though tall in history and culture, has been further uplifted by Sanusi’s education, intelligence, knowledge, network, reach and carriage. Were Ganduje a smart politician and forward-looking leader, he would have found a way to leverage on Sanusi’s capabilities, and his local and international contacts, harnessing them for the benefit of the people and the state. At the end of the day, whatever his administration may end up achieving would be to his credit.

Sad, Ganduje chose pettiness over vision.

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