FRIDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2019

Finance Bills to Accompany Annual Budgets Henceforth, Says FG Third Green Bond due for issuance in 2020 Vision 2040 to replace ERGP Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja To ensure the realisation of the country’s revenue projections to finance its yearly budgets, the federal government will

henceforth accompany its annual budget with finance bills.

The federal government has also unveiled a plan to replace the 2017-2020 Economic

Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) with a successive long-term Vision 2040 Plan as well as issue a third Green Bond.

The 2020 Appropriation Bill

currently undergoing National Assembly scrutiny was presented on October 8, 2019

by President Muhammadu Buhari alongside a Finance Bill, which seeks, among others,

to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, who

unfolded government’s plan to make finance bills part of annual budgets, said such bills would also provide Continued on page 10

Towards a New Deal for Nigeria... Backpage Friday 1 November, 2019 Vol 24. No 8971. Price: N250

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Employees Can’t Dictate How Salary Will Be Paid, Ngige Insists... Page 8

With 2019 Presidential Election Settled, Race for 2023 Begins Tinubu, Osinbajo, Fayemi, Bakare, Tambuwal, el-Rufai, Jega, Obi in the contest Start consultations Yemi Ajayi With the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal filed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the February 23 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, against the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, the curtain finally fell on the poll, unveiling the hustling for the 2023 race.

THISDAY gathered wide-

ranging consultations that had been restrained by the pendency of the appeal have now been unleashed with known gladiators whose presidential ambition has been barely concealed, hitting the road.

Leading the pack are two-term governor of Lagos State and National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu; Vice Continued on page 10

Buhari Seeks More US Capital for Infrastructure Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has met with the United States’ Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, to request for additional capital from the US development finance institutions to upgrade critical infrastructure in Nigeria.

A statement yesterday by a presidential spokesman,

Bola Tinubu

Yemi Osinbajo

Kayode Fayemi

Tunde Bakare

Aminu Tambuwal

Nasir el-Rufai

Attahiru Jega

Peter Obi

Malam Garba Shehu, said both men, who met on Wednesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia had positive discussions on investments in Nigeria under the new United States International Development Finance Corporation (USIDFC), which provides $60 billion for investments in developing nations.

Continued on page 44

Supreme Court Verdict Won't Cause Defections, Says PDP... Page 5

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

Supreme Court Verdict Won’t Cause Defections, Says PDP Alleges plot to discredit Kogi primary election Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday ruled out any mass defections in the party due to the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment that dismissed the party's presidential election petition against the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The party also raised the alarm over plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manipulate the outcome of the party’s governorship primary elections in Kogi State with a spurious allegation that the commission did not monitor the primary election, thus questioning its credibility.

Addressing journalists yesterday at the party’s secretariat in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said the party was strong, adding that the Supreme Court’s decision will not in any way affect it.

He said: “If for anything, the Supreme Court’s dismissal of our presidential petition will make the party stronger. This is because Nigerians perceived the judgment as anti-people.

Indeed, the judgment will make

Nigerians see PDP as a rallying ground because the party is always the champion of the people’s interest.

"It will not cause any mass defections; rather, it will make Nigerians who are suffering from bad government policies to see PDP much more as people-oriented party. Mark my words, PDP will rebound and the chances are brighter.”

The main opposition party also condemned and cautioned INEC and APC not to, in anyway, attempt to alter INEC’s monitoring report on the governorship primary in Kogi State or attempt to tamper with the record of submission of candidate for the November 16 governorship election.

Ologbondiyan said PDP’s warning was predicated on intelligence available to its national secretariat of plots by known INEC officers and certain APC leaders to alter INEC’s monitoring report and delist the PDP candidate in a bid to make Governor Yahaya Bello the only strong candidate and deny the people of Kogi State their desire to vote in its candidate, Musa Wada, as their next governor.

"Of course, this plot is dead

on arrival, as our candidate, Musa Wada, remains duly nominated through the statutory processes of our primary, which was well covered in the monitoring report released by INEC. The PDP cautions that any attempt to tamper with his candidature will trigger the wrath of the people," he added.

According to him, the party is already aware of every stage

in this conspiracy against the Kogi State as well as the actors involved.

He said: "Already, our party is working with the people of Kogi State to stop them on their trail. The PDP is fully aware of the details of the meeting between the INEC officials and the APC stalwarts on Sunday, October 20 and Monday, October 21, 2019 at the INEC office in Lokoja, on

how to alter INEC’s position in its earlier released monitoring report, which confirmed the validity and transparency of our governorship election primary.”

Efforts to get a reaction from INEC proved abortive as calls and text messages sent to the commission’s commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye, were not

acknowledged.

The national publicity secretary further said that PDP was aware of how the conspirators have recruited 205 APC loyalists, who are being trained at Muslim Community School, Lokoja to impersonate NYSC members as electoral officers in designated areas to enable the APC and INEC to manipulate the process in such areas.

Air Force Chief Restates Determination DISCUSSING THE FUTURE... to Fight Terrorism

United States’ Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin (left), and President Muhammadu Buhari, during the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh…yesterday

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, has said the NAF will continue to demonstrate courage in fighting terrorism in all its ramification.

The Air chief spoke yesterday in Kano during the NAF Airport Security Exercise (ASEX) 2019 tagged "STEEL DOME 2" held at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

He said the main reason behind the simulation exercise was to prepare the officers against any eventuality, adding: "We want to prepare our men to be proactive in tackling terrorism at the nation's airports.”

He said similar exercises were carried out at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport, Abuja; Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and that of Akwa Ibom Airport is expected to come up soon.

Abubakar also assured Nigerians of the commitment of NAF in protecting the territorial integrity of the nation.

He said it is the duty of NAF as a fighting force to protect passengers at the airports.

He expressed the readiness

of the NAF to ensure collaborative efforts with other security operatives at the airport to counter terrorism.

"Most of our men have paid the supreme price in their efforts to see to the existence of Nigeria as one corporate indivisible entity. We always look forward to the maintenance of law and order in order to have a secured nation,” he stated.

He added that the NFA has started manufacturing locally made Hydraulic Accumulator Diaphragm of L- 39ZA Aircraft in order to reduce cost and to boost the nation's economy.

Also at the event, the Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, described the state as one of the most peaceful states in the country.

He attributed the peace in the state “to the wellcoordinated synergy that exist among security operatives in the state."

He said all the military and paramilitary establishments in the state had been assisting the government to maintain peace and order.

He used the opportunity to commend the initiative of Abubakar for introducing the Steel Dome Stimulation Exercise with a view to keeping all his men on their toes by being proactive all the time.

INEC Commences Prosecution of Staff Implicated in 2019 Election Rigging Bayelsa, Kogi governorship results to be transmitted manually Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said that it had commenced prosecution of some of the ad-hoc staff accused of involvement in electoral malpractices during the 2019 general election.

Against the background of controversy that trailed the alleged electronic transmission of results of the last presidential election, INEC said it would like to make it clear that the results of the November 16 governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi States would be collated and transmitted manually as dictated by the law.

Speaking yesterday at the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room dialogue session with resident electoral commissioners of the two states, INEC’s National Commissioner of Information, Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye, said the commission had barred some ad-hoc staff from

participating in the conduct of its elections, while some who participated in the 2019 general election would be facing prosecution.

"Majority of our ad-hoc staff performed creditably well in the last general election and we commend them for their patriotism. However, the commission has barred some of them who violated its rules and some of them will be handed over to the police for prosecution and some are already being prosecuted," he said.

Okoye said INEC would commence the process of creating new permanent polling units and constituencies by the first quarter.

Okoye said: " By the first quarter of 2020, the commission will consult relevant stakeholders and take a bold and courageous step on the creation of additional polling units and adjustment of constituencies in the country.”

He said the commission

could not continue with the adhoc arrangement of creating emergency polling units as stop gaps during elections.

Speaking on preparations for the conduct of the governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi States, the national commissioner said that INEC was in the final stages of deployment, having deployed sensitive materials for the polls.

While giving statistics of voter population, Okoye said that a total of 1,646,750 registered voters would take part in voting in the 2,544 polling units in the Kogi governorship election.

He said that 23 political parties would be participating in the election, while 45 parties would be on the ballot in Bayelsa governorship poll.

He said INEC National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, would hold the last batch of consultations with stakeholders and community leaders by November 7 to ensure that all goes well during the election.

According to Okoye, INEC has taken adequate measures to protect its staff on election duty especially the presiding officers and returning officers from any form of harassment and intimidation.

With regard to the issue of election security, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Kogi State said that approval had been given for the deployment of 25,000 policemen during the governorship election.

Similarly, the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corp (NSDC) said that it is planning to deploy 10,000 men to ensure peaceful election in Kogi State.

Earlier, the Convener of the Civil Society Situation Room, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, said the group has been engaging election stakeholders including, representatives of INEC, Police and other observer groups for two days, adding that issues such as vote buying, intimidation and harassment of voters by thugs featured most.

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Employees Can’t Dictate How Salary Will Be Paid, Ngige Insists Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja As the country braces up to the challenge of a looming industrial action in public-owned universities over implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has insisted that no employee is at liberty to decide how to be paid and urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to exercise caution in pushing their case.

While reacting to reports of threats by ASUU to observe a ‘no pay, no work’ if the

federal government goes ahead to stop salaries of lecturers for not registering with IPPIS, Ngige said there had not been any notice of strike from the union.

Ngige who spoke to THISDAY said: "I am not aware of ASUU's threat to go on strike. I also don't think it is a labour issue now, they are still discussing with their employers.

"But I don't think that it is proper that an employee should dictate to his employer how he is to be paid. What is important is that he should be paid".

ASUU had rejected the plan by the federal government to

include university workers in IPPIS, describing it as a scam and threat to the university system.

President Muhammadu Buhari had issued a directive for the implementation of the IPPIS for the payment of salaries of all federal government workers.

The president said any worker not on the platform would not receive salary with effect from October 31.

But ASUU had argued that the attempt by the federal government to “forcefully” enroll staff of universities in the IPPIS was not only illegal, but a violation of university autonomy.

According to the union, IPPIS not only violates university autonomy but FG/ASUU agreement and did not tackle the peculiarity inherent in the nature and structure of universities.

For instance, the union said IPPIS did not capture the renumeration of staff on sabbatical, external examiners and assessors, earned academics allowances part time and consultancy services being rendered by lecturers across universities.

It also viewed the claim by the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) that ASUU’s position against IPPIS is an endorsement of

corruption as cheap blackmail and calculated attempt to sabotage university autonomy.

The national body of ASUU and the zonal branches, including Benin, Sokoto and Ilorin zonal branches, had threatened that their members would resort to their “no pay, no work” policy if the federal government carried out its threat to stop their salaries.

The Benin Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Fred Esumen had said at an enlarged meeting of the Benin Zone of the union, held at the Ugbowo campus of University of Benin, in Benin City, that if the federal government sanctioned its members who did not enroll for the IPPIS on the October 31, 2019 deadline, ASUU would embark on "no pay, no work".

The ASUU membership in the zone comprises University of Benin, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma both in Edo State; Adekunle Ajasin University (Akungba,

Akoko), University of Science and Technology (Okitipupa) both in Ondo State; Delta State University (Abraka) and the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) both in Delta State.

On his part, the Sokoto Zonal Coordinator of the union, Jamilu Shehu, had said at a press conference held at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University, Katsina, that the attempt by federal government to "forcefully" enroll staff of universities in the IPPIS was not only an illegality, but total violation of the university autonomy.

Also, the University of Ilorin chapter of ASUU had also directed its members to disregard the order to enroll on the IPPIS. The UNILORIN ASUU, which is under the Ibadan Zone of the union, had also called on the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) to stop wasting tax payer’s money in placing propaganda and misinformation in the public domain.

Shipowners Berate Task Force over Apapa Gridlock Eromosele Abiodun

MOTIVATING AFRICA...

L-R: French Minister for Economy and Finance, Mr. Bruno Lemaire (left), and Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, at the Ambition Africa Summit in Paris…Wednesday

House Committed to Amendment of Electoral Act, Says Gbajabiamila Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has assured the people of the legislature’s commitment to amend the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

The House will also give attention to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB); the Police Reform Bill; the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) Amendment bill, among others.

Gbajabiamila spoke yesterday in Abuja when a team from the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), led by its Executive Director, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, paid him a courtesy call in his office.

He said: "You did talk about pending legislation such as electoral laws. We're on the same page on this.

We can't move forward if we don't understand the history and circumstances that led to the inability to do some things.

"The issue of reordering of elections, for instance; we felt it was targeted at the sitting president. You can't do laws to target somebody. There was also the issue of who has the right to reorder elections.

There were arguments that the constitution says INEC should do that."

The Speaker noted that unlike what happened during the last Assembly where both the constitutional and Electoral Act amendments bills were rejected by President Muhammadu Buhari, he said this time around, the National Assembly would ensure a thorough work, which would help ensure the president assents to the bills.

Reacting to the concerns raised by Nwankwo about regulations targeting non-

governmental organisations (NGOs), the speaker said whatever the House would do would be to strengthen their activities, noting that regulations are normal in every society.

Gbajabiamila stressed that NGOs are very important to nation-building, noting that any government that meant well would not strangulate NGOs. But he added that the freedom to operate must not be to the detriment of the state.

“We had a meeting with the service chiefs where they made allegations against some NGOs. You and I know that there are some NGOs that are giving others a bad name. We want to strengthen NGOs; we're not going to kill them. No. We want to make your work more efficient,” he added.

He also spoke on the need for a public hearing where everybody would sit down and discuss these issues.

He said why he agreed

that regulations hamper businesses, NGOs are not businesses and there is nothing wrong regulating them Earlier, Nwankwo, who commended the leadership of the House for a smooth take-off with the way the standing committees were constituted, had described as laudable some of the peopleoriented motions considered so far by the House.

He specifically noted the House resolution, which directed the Nigerian Army authorities to suspend the plan to begin identifying Nigerians using identity cards.

Nwankwo therefore called on the House to give adequate attention to pending legislation such as the amendments to the Electoral Act, the Constitution, Police Reform bill, CAMA Bill, the PIGB, the National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO) bill, among others.

Shipping operators in the Nigerian maritime sector have decried the worsening Apapa gridlock, stressing that the Presidential Task Team put in place to restore normalcy in Apapa has failed.

Speaking to maritime journalists under the aegis of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) yesterday in Lagos, President of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Mallam Aminu Umar, said the cost of moving a container from Apapa to other part of the country has gone beyond what importers could afford, and called on the federal government to urgently address the Apapa gridlock.

According to him, with all the revenue generated in Apapa, coupled with the massive employment the port offers the country, he is shocked that for the past two weeks, the seaport has been under lockdown as motorists now spends close to four hours connecting the port and Ijora.

He said: "I cannot tell you how many companies have had to close down because of the Apapa gridlock issue.

Many have gone under because accessibility to their business for customers became an issue. These days, movement in and out of Apapa is getting unpredictable. All what has been achieved in the last few months by the presidential committee on Apapa gridlock, has vanished all of a sudden in the last two weeks.

"The task force was created to ensure there is no traffic gridlock in Apapa, but in the last two weeks, many of us

have gone spiritual because the gridlock has come back worse than what it used to be. If for the past two weeks, the Apapa traffic chaos has returned, then to we, the operators, the task force has failed. It is either the task force is not doing its job or something bigger than the task force has happened, and made them unable to do their job.

"Our major sadness is that Apapa port is Nigeria's premier port. About 79 per cent of vessels that visit Nigeria come here to discharge their cargoes. If the vessels are not discharging at Apapa port, they are at Tin-Can port, also in Apapa, discharging. Yet, there is no access road.

"The gridlock here in Apapa is adding to the cost of every goods and services available around here. If I tell you the cost of discharging a cargo now, you will be shocked. The Apapa gridlock is part of the reason why our export drive in this country is not there. It is the same vessel that brings in cargoes as imports that will carry export cargoes out of this country. If the access road is not there, how will the cargoes come in or even go out?

"We, the shipowners think the situation has gone beyond the Presidential Task Force now. It is time every stakeholder here in Apapa gets up and ensures the roads are cleared. If you look at the developed world, the port roads are always the best roads to play. Who knows the danger that lies on that Ijora bridge because the trucks have been there for two weeks now, turning the place into a parking lot. The bridge could collapse."

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PAGE TEN WITH 2019 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SETTLED, RACE FOR 2023 BEGINS President Yemi Osinbajo; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare; Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State; his Kaduna State counterpart, Malam Nasir el-Rufai; former national chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.

Attahiru Jega; and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi. A source said, although it is believed that Atiku might still show interest, his close associates are telling him that it is over and that he should take up an advisory role in politics.

The ambition of Obi, who was the running mate to Atiku in the February 23 presidential content, is said to be sustained by the clamour for a Southeast presidency by Southern and Middle-Belt leaders, who argue that equity demands that after eight years of Buhari, the presidency should revert to the South of the country.

That the Southern leaders’ argument is failing is evidenced by the caliber of aspirants from the North and South-west, who analysts say, have positioned themselves strategically for the run.

Bola Tinubu Clearly ahead of the jostle in terms of positioning, the two-term governor started the race long ago, when after a THISDAY publication of his presidential interest in 2017, he issued a clarification that he would only throw his hat into the ring if Buhari stood down from the race.

As president Buhari indicated interest for a rerun, he got appointed as the vice chairman of the presidential campaign council, a position second to only the president himself. With that, access to the presidential villa that had been partially shut for the greater part of the earlier days of the Buhari administration became more open to the consternation of his political tormentors in the inner recess of power.

Watchers of the power game say Tinubu has not only used the presidential campaign of Buhari to bounce back to reckoning but has also leveraged on his control of the party machinery, held in trust for him by the national chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole.

Yemi Osinbajo The vice president has been subject of a flurry of corruption insinuation in the media, particularly in the social

space. His close associates told THISDAY that this is fueled by the belief of powerful forces that he is nursing a presidential ambition. “They wish to rubbish him,” a source said.

Although Osinbajo has not told anyone that he would be contesting for the coveted post, a few analysts contend that he might be looking to reap from the principle of right of first right of refusal. Said to be trusted by the president, he is said to be banking on that trust to reap the president’s support to push for him to ascend to the presidency. The case for that, said a source at the Presidential Villa, is the need for continuity.

Not a few political and social analysts agree that the little opportunity he got to stand in for his boss, he proved that he too could be president.

Respected for his intellectual clarity and wide understanding of political and economic issues, Osinbajo, say some political watchers, may be the dark horse that would upstage Tinubu in the impending contest. But will vested interests baying for blood in the media allow him?

Kayode Fayemi Also reputed for his intellectual arsenal, Fayemi is believed to be positioning for the presidential slot. Political analysts point to his deft political move in clinching the position of the chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum earlier in the year, pointing out that he appears to be leveraging on it.

To be fair, said an analyst, the Ekiti State governor, who just clocked one year of his second tenure, has shown leadership in his new position, breathing life into the almost comatose forum under former Zamfara State governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari.

Standing on the forum’s platform, Fayemi, who was also minister of Solid Minerals, has been around the country, either delivering addresses or leading his colleagues on one advocacy or the other, the most recent being the governors’ battle against wholesome deduction of bailout refund as well as uniform implementation of minimum wage and the allied consequential adjustment.

He is believed to be sounding out his colleagues and other power brokers on what 2023 would look like as he moves around the country supposedly on the forum’s assignment.

Tunde Bakare The fiery pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly is the only one of the lots that has openly

declared his intention to replace Buhari at the villa.

Having run the race with Buhari in 2007, Bakare said he was the most suitable person to succeed the president in 2023. He told his congregation recently that he was not only interested in the race but was certain to win.

It is, however, unclear on which platform he would run being without a known party presently.

Nasir el-Rufai When in a prologue titled, ‘Defeating a Determined Incumbent – The Nigerian Experience,’ which he contributed to a book –Power of Possibilities and Politics of Change in Nigeria – written by the Director-General of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Mr. Salihu Lukman, el-Rufai, canvassed the argument for the scrapping of zoning, to give way for competency, those not versatile in the subtlety in the nuances of Nigerian politicians would look at the argument on the face value.By 2023 when Buhari is expected to round off his term, power is expected to return to the South under the nation’s informal arrangement of power rotation.

Should the political elite buy into el-Rufai’s well-considered argument, the 2023 race will be opened to aspirants from the North, especially in the two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP that to a large extent considered the power rotational principle an article of faith.

And one of the main beneficiaries of such a new arrangement would be the promoter of the no-more-zoning campaign: el-Rufai.

El-Rufai, who by 2023 would have ended his tenure as governor, is one of the key Northerners being touted to take a shot at the presidency. Although he has not officially acknowledged his political ambition, as typical of a Nigerian power seeker, there is no doubt he nurses an ambition to be the next occupant of Aso Rock.

Just on Wednesday, a shadowy organisation, Nasiriyya Group, modelled after a grassroots association promoted by former Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, for political mobilisation, rallied the governor’s loyalists to launch his 2023 bid.

The Nasiriyya Group, a support group loyal to elRufai, and headed by Alhaji Ibrahim Nabuga, Garkuwan Rijau, has started putting the blocks together to give wings to el-Rufai’s muted ambition.

The Plateau State Chairperson of the group, Hajiya Nafisatu Omar, made a pitch for him, describing the governor as “a detribalised, and not a religious bigot, suitable for the job of a president.” The group has opened a campaign office for el-Rufai in Jos has launched the Nasiriyya Organisation Support Group(NOSG) to drive the governor’s yet-to-be declared presidential bid.

A quantity surveyor, who launched his public service career as Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), to oversee the nation’s privatisation programme under the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, made such an impressive showing that he got promoted to cabinet rank as Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during Obasanjo’s second term from 2003 to 2007.

El-Rufai, who will be 63 by 2023, is a focused administrator who pursues his agenda with determination and has networks across party lines.

Peter Obi Against the run of play, Mr. Peter Obi, a businessman with vast interest in banking, brewery and commerce, among others, emerged the running mate to Atiku. What undoubtedly gave him the post despite opposition from his fellow South-east politicians, where the position was zoned to, was his eight-year stewardship as governor of Anambra State and his reputation as a parsimonious manager of public funds.

Had the PDP succeeded with its appeal at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, he would have been the nation’s vice president by now. But with the apex court’s summary dismissal of the appeal and age not being on his septuagenarian principal side by the next election season, Obi, who is now 58, looks sure, for now, as one of the likely serious contenders to scramble for the presidency in 2023.

Given the groundswell of sentiments for the South-east to be allowed to take a shot at the presidency, for the first time since the rebirth of democracy in 1999, given his credentials, Obi would stand tall among his kindred, should such concession get a nationwide backing.

The 1984 Philosophy graduate of University of Nsukka, and member of the Presidential Economic Team in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan began his foray into politics when he vied for the governorship of his state on the platform of the All Progressives

Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2003.

Before he left office in 2014, he had started hobnobbing with the PDP, the then ruling party and his eventual defection to the party came as no shock to political watchers.

over the years built political alliance across party lines, is in a good stead to vie for the party’s ticket.

Attahiru Jega

Until the last hours, the auguries favoured Tambuwal, a former speaker, House of Representatives, to pick the PDP presidential ticket to square up to Buhari for the occupation of Aso Rock, the seat of power. He and Atiku were the frontline contenders for the party’s ticket and with backing from the powerful bloc of his fellow governors, he looked good to clinch the ticket until the table finally turned in favour of Atiku. With his defeat by Atiku, he returned to his state where through subterfuge, he had prepared the ground to be able to run for the governorship election, in case he lost the presidential ticket as he eventually did.

Tambuwal, now 53, is a 1991 graduate of Law from the Usman Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto, who began his political career at the outset of the Fourth Republic in 1999 as a Personal Assistant on Legislative Affairs to the then Senate Leader, Senator Abdullahi Wali.

In 2003, he contested election into the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to represent the Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, and won.

Towards the 2007 general elections, he dumped the ANPP to join former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, in Democratic People’s Party (DPP), which the latter founded. His membership of DPP was, however, brief as he returned to ANPP when his new party denied him, along with some other defectors, tickets to run for election. Again, he dumped the ANPP and moved with the party’s governorship candidate for Sokoto State in the 2007 election, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, to PDP. During his stay in the House of Representatives, he was minority leader, deputy chief whip and at various times, a member of several committees, including the House Committees on Rules & Business, Communications, Judiciary, Inter-Parliamentary and Water Resources.

Should the PDP throw open the 2023 race by abandoning the zoning policy or conceding the presidency to the North, Tambuwal, who is a veteran of many political battles and has

Until June 8, 2010 when the then President Goodluck Jonathan nominated him as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the reputation many Nigerians have of Prof. Attahiru Jega, a former Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, was that of an academic and a unionist.

As President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in the early 1990s, Jega rallied the union behind labour and other activists to form a body of opposition to the military administration of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, over his convoluted transition programme and other policies.

However, his defining moments were his superintendence of the electoral commission, especially after the shambolic conduct of the 2007 elections by his predecessor, Prof. Maurice Iwu, which the winner of the presidential stanza, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, said had shortcomings and his running mate who eventually succeeded him, Jonathan, confessed caused him a lot of embarrassment, notwithstanding the Supreme Court judgment that upheld their victory.

Jega, a leftist academic with a doctoral degree in Political Science from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois in the United States, brought credibility to the conduct of elections in the country that under his leadership, led to a drastic reduction in number of election petitions filed to challenge electoral outcomes.

His leadership style and predisposition contributed largely to the plaudits that trailed the conduct of the 2015 general election that saw for the first time in Nigeria’s annals the defeat of an incumbent president and the peaceful transfer of power from the ruling party to the then opposition party.

He returned to his base after his tour of duty at INEC and nothing could have linked him to the jostling for the 2023 presidential race but for his declaration in August for the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), a party with a leftist leaning.

Since his declaration for the party, the polity has been awash with tales of Jega’s warming up to throw his hat into the ring and be an active participant in a race he was once the chief officiating official.

became the third country in the world and the first emerging market sovereign nation to issue a Sovereign Green Bond of N10.69 billion for financing of solar-powered lighting for security on university campuses across the country, as well as solar powered electricity for small households.

A second Sovereign Green Bond was issued in June 2019, in the amount of N15 billion.

The total value of subscriptions received was N32.93 billion, representing 22 per cent of the N15 billion offered.

The Green Bonds issued so far have been used to provide off-grid renewable energy in seven federal universities in different geopolitical zones of the country, and to generate and distribute off-grid renewable energy resource in underserved and rural communities.

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % SEPLAT 48.00 565.00 9.2 CHAMS PLC 0.02 0.24 9.0 JAIZBANK 0.04 0.49 8.8 CHIPLC 0.03 0.40 8.1 NIGBREW 3.75 50.00 8.1 TOP LOSERS NGN % UNITYBANK 0.05 0.54 8.4 LAWUNION 0.04 0.45 8.1 UNIONDAC 0.02 0.23 8.0 OANDO 0.25 3.11 7.4 GTBANK 0.60 24.90 2.3 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,220.00 Volume: 347.797 million shares Value: N6.792 billion Deals: 2,756 As at yesterday 31/10/19 See details on Page 45

Aminu Tambuwal

FINANCE BILLS TO ACCOMPANY ANNUAL BUDGETS HENCEFORTH, SAYS FG additional opportunities to incrementally improve the fiscal policy and regulatory as well as legal environment in order to further strengthen domestic capital market and ultimately ensure sustained and inclusive growth and development.

Presenting a keynote address yesterday in Abuja at the BusinessDay Investment and Capital Market Conference with the theme “Market Recovery, Innovation and Regulation in Nigeria,” Ahmed stated that the draft Finance Bill, which accompanied the 2020 budget proposal, included five strategic objectives aimed at achieving incremental but necessary changes to the country’s tax and fiscal laws.

Among the objectives, the minister noted, is the introduction of tax incentives for investments in infrastructure and capital

markets, and specifically the introduction of Tax Rules to complement existing Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulations for Securities Lending Transactions on The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

According to her, this strategic objective recognises the crucial relationship among fiscal policy, the regulatory environment and the strong capital market “we all seek to ensure in Nigeria.”

She said: “We plan that going forward, the annual budget will always be accompanied by finance bills to enable the realisation of revenue projections. Future finance bills will therefore also provide us with additional opportunities to incrementally improve the fiscal policy and regulatory/ legal environment in order to further strengthen our domestic capital market, and ultimately ensure sustained and inclusive

growth and development.”

The minister said the federal government was moving towards integrating annual budgets and Medium-Term Fiscal Strategies into rolling Medium and Long-term National Plans – with discussions between the executive and the legislative arms currently ongoing vis-avis the 2020 budget proposal, adding: “We are well on our way to ensuring a stable January to December budget cycle.”

The finance minister stressed that an important next step would be to transition the 2017-2020 Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) to a successive long-term Vision 2040 Plan.

“To this end, I am currently working with the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning to prepare a MediumTerm Economic Growth Acceleration Plan for 2021-2024

as a successor to the ERGP,” she added.

Ahmed explained that government recognises the importance of maintaining a competitive, resilient and innovative capital market through, in part, the development of appropriate policies, and a strong regulatory and enabling environment, and continued implementation of the 10-year Capital Market Master Plan (2015 to 2025), aimed at positioning the capital market for accelerated development of the national economy.

According to her, in 2020, the government plans to issue a third Green Bond, with which it intends to triple Nigeria’s GHG emission reductions, stimulate economic growth and drive investment in social programmes such as education and health.

In December 2017, Nigeria

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Don’t Desecrate Judiciary over S’ Court Judgment, Progressives Govs Tell PDP Adedayo Akinwale ín Abuja The Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) yesterday warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against desecrating the

judiciary over the Supreme Court judgment.

Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu who spoke on behalf of the governors stated this

Buhari Accepts Offer for Establishment of Nigeria - Saudi Council Nigeria has potential to be among top 20 economies, says Riyadh Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Riyadh, accepted an invitation from the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, for the establishment of Nigeria - Saudi Council.

The council, according to a statement by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, is aimed at promoting investments and enhancing relations between both countries.

The statement also said the crown prince spoke on bilateral issues, reiterating the preparedness of Saudi to support Nigeria’s development agenda, noting that the country had the potential to be among the top 20 economies in the world. ‘‘Saudi Arabia is eager to support Nigeria and we want to be a part of Nigeria’s journey to be among the top 20 economies in the world,’’ he said.

Shehu said the decision to establish the Nigeria -Saudi Council was the highpoint of a bilateral meeting between the Nigerian leader and the crown prince, held on the margins of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference.

“The meeting was initially scheduled to hold in the office of the Crown Prince but out of courtesy and respect for the Nigerian leader, Prince Salman insisted that he would meet with President Buhari in his hotel room at The Ritz Carlton, Riyadh.

“The Council will be made up of government officials and business leaders from both countries and the areas of focus are: economic growth and development, investments in oil and non-oil sectors, and security cooperation.

“President Buhari and the Crown Prince agreed that the first assignment for the Council is to establish a legal and operational framework that will facilitate investments beneficial to both

countries,” the statement said.

It also said the council would be established in the next two months while meetings would be held twice every year.

According to the statement, relations between both countries remain active with leaders of both countries agreeing at the highest level to meet at least once every year to review the progress of the joint council and ensure closer collaboration on issues of mutual interest.

It also said Buhari thanked the crown prince for Saudi’s willingness to invest in Nigeria as well as the initiative to establish the council which he said would form the foundation for a stronger Nigeria-Saudi relationship. ‘‘Nigeria has a large population mainly made up of dynamic, young people and partnerships of this type will help them to be productive and prosperous,’’ the president was quoted as saying, assuring that his government would continue to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the country.

Shehu also said Buhari spoke on regional and international issues, sharing the view of the crown prince that with the collapse of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, the next frontier for terrorism is the Sahel region.

He also said the Nigerian leader commended the concern by the Saudi authorities to keep the issue of the security situation in Sahel region on the front burner.

According to him, earlier, the crown prince noted that security challenges in the Sahel should be seen as a global issue. ‘‘Saudi Arabia is prepared to participate in the engagement and sensitisation of the whole world to the problems in subSaharan Africa,’’ Salman was quoted.

EFCC Invites Foreign Auctioneers to Sell Diezani’s N14.4bn Jewelery, Houses The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has contacted ‘internationally-certified’ auctioneers overseas to auction off the $40 million (about N14.4 billion) jewelry, recovered from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

EFCC’s acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, said 242 trailers and tankers recovered from internet scammers would also be auctioned off.

Magu spoke at the commission’s Lagos Office at the ongoing EFCC stakeholders’ conference on crusade against cybercrime fraudsters.

yesterday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with all the Commissioners for Finance in all APC-controlled states.

Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his deputy, Babafemi Hamzat, said that the main opposition party should not desecrate judiciary because the Supreme court judgment was not in its favour.

“Why did they go to the court if they don’t believe in it? They went to court to file a case; why did they go there to file the case when they believe the courts don’t have what it takes to deliver justice? I think

that is ridiculous. We all went there, but because you don’t like the outcome, because you cannot prove your case, you don’t need to desecrate the institution.

“Our judges have been at the head of other countries’ judiciary; The Gambia and other places; so, why will a party desecrate that institution because they lost a case? I think that is so very unfair.

Why do you go to a house, when you don’t believe in that house?”

The governors congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari

on the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold his election.

Sanwo-Olu said that other political parties should understand that elections must come and go; someone would win and someone would lose, but added that this is the time to move forward and come together as Nigerians to build the country.

Speaking on the purpose of the meeting, the governor noted that the meeting deliberated on programmes that the various APC states are embarking on and how to improve communication

strategies in engaging the citizens on the policies of APC-controlled states.

“It is okay to do a lot of things, but it is equally important for citizens to know what we are doing and why we are doing it. We believe that as a party, our template must be standard and broad so that each state can adapt it”.

He also revealed that they did some peer reviews; adding that there are things that some states are doing exceedingly well, which some other states have to learn from.

BUSINESS ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: Chairman, Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ogun State counterpart, Governor Dapo Abiodun; and Chairman, Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Foluso Phillips, during the chamber’s breakfast forum in Lagos… yesterday

US to Provide Drugs to 60,000 Persons Living with HIV in Lagos Martins Ifijeh The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), administered by the Centres for Disease Control, Department of Defence, and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) are set to identify and provide treatment to at least 60,000 people living with HIV in Lagos State.

The US Consul-General to Nigeria, Claire Pierangle,

who made this known during a courtesy call on the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday, said the US government has increased budget for HIV control activities in Nigeria, with an additional focus for Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) surge activities in Lagos State.

She said Lagos remains significant in the trajectory of HIV/AIDS epidemic control in Nigeria and that it was an important area of focus for

the delivery of HIV/AIDS services in the country due to its population, geographic location, diversity, and status as a major gateway to the rest of the country.

“I urge the governor to remove all barriers hindering people living with HIV from accessing free services offered by the US government through the PEPFAR programme.

There is the negative effect of user-fees as a major barrier to PLHIV accessing treatment. I

am calling for the elimination of such fees.

“I am advocating for the removal of antenatal care charges for pregnant women living with the virus, and the removal of other barriers hindering PLHIV from accessing health services.

The US remains committed to supporting Nigeria as it works to reduce and ultimately eliminate the scourge of HIV/ AIDS among its people,” Pierangelo said.

Lagos Police Rescue 15 Inmates Chained in Prayer House, Arrest Prophet, Others Chiemelie Ezeobi The Isheri Osun Police Station of the Lagos State Police Command, yesterday rescued 15 persons who were chained and locked up in a prayer house at No. 26 Alafia Street, Oriofe Ijegun, Isheri.

Led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Chike Ibe, the police operatives stormed the prayer house, which was used as a detention house by one Prophet Sunday Joseph.

According to the police, the

raid was based on a tip-off from a reliable source who revealed that several of the inmates were chained on their legs.

The prophet and 10 others were arrested by the police and the inmates, some of who had spent five years in detention, were rescued.

In a press statement by the state Police Spokesman, DSP Bala Elkana, he said: “Acting on information from a reliable source, a team of detectives from Isheri Osun Police

Station led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Chike Ibe stormed a prayer house used as detention camp at No. 26 Alafia Street, Oriofe Ijegun Isheri, where the Prophet Sunday Joseph Ojo , aged 58years old and 10 others were arrested.

“Fifteen persons who were chained on the legs, were rescued. Some of the victims were said to have spent five years in the detention camp.

“The victims are between ages 19 and 50, male and

female. Some of them were brought by their families to seek spiritual help from mental illness and other diseases.

“The prophet said he has been in the healing ministry since 1986 and that he chained them in order to prevent them from escaping.

“Investigation is ongoing and the police are working closely with other agencies of government to provide adequate medical attention and shelter to the victims.”

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

COMMENT

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

ADEOYE ADENIYI’ S GLORIOUS EXIT

Abiodun Alao pays tribute to Adeniyi, professor of Paediatrics and former vice-chancellor, University of Ilorin

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n 2nd September 2018, THISDAY published a memorial tribute I wrote for Adedayo Adeniyi, who died on 14th August 2018. Today, I complete the circle of a truly remarkable Nigerian couple. On 4th September 2019, Professor Adeoye Adeniyi, Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics and former Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, died at the age of 95.

The inseparability of the couple had made many to predict shortly after Grandma’s death, that Grandpa would not be long in following.

Those who had anticipated Grandpa’s demise shortly after Grandma’s death could not really be accused of wicked thoughts, as both were married in every sense of the word: physically, emotionally and spiritually for 65 years.

Every academic discipline has its own set of people that can be classified as the “originals”. These are those who defined the discipline and established standards by which national contributions are gauged: History has the Ade Ajayis, and the Dikes; Geography has the Mabogunjes, Literature, the Soyinkas; Education, the Fafunwas; Psychiatry, the Lambos, International Relations, the Jide Alukos, etc. Adeoye Adeniyi, along with people like the late Antia and Olikoye Ransome Kuti, were the “Originals” in Paediatrics.

As noted in my tributes to Grandma, my access to Grandpa Adeniyi was through one of my closest friends, Dotun, his son. Again, like it was with Grandma. I did not get to meet Grandpa during my salad days with Dotun at the Federal Government College Ilorin and the University of Ibadan. My first contact with him was actually on telephone. Shortly after I arrived England in October 1987, I called Dotun in Nigeria (these were decades before GSM) and Grandpa was the one that picked the land-line phone. He simply introduced himself as “Adeoye Adeniyi”, but I was in no doubt as to whom I was speaking with. Even on the phone, his polish-ness and urbaneness were distinct, but I was to see the full manifestations when we finally met shortly afterwards.

Our inaugural meeting was in London and it was quite interesting.

He wondered why I was doing a doctorate in War Studies and confessed that he did not even know that such field existed. He took me to task to justify the need for the existence of the discipline. While conceding to him that war in unfortunate and quite unpleasant, I told him that nothing would stop it from reoccurring. Consequently, some people have to study, how, if it does occur again, (as it is bound to), it can be fought more neatly, more intelligently, and above all, more decisively. I was not sure I convinced him with the spirited defence of my course of study.

Of course, my standing in the academic world does not qualify me to write a memorial testimonial for Professor Adeniyi. Indeed, if I had been brilliant enough to have studied medicine, I would only have been “breasting the tape” to qualify as one of his immediate “academic children”, as I would only have matriculated in 1977 - long after he had been producing medical doctors! So, this contribution to the obituary chorus should not be considered a Memorial Testimonial. It is just some personal opinions from my knowledge of an individual I rate as one of the finest human beings I have ever met.

Adeoye Adeniyi’s life was encapsulated around four themes: His Faith, Humanity, His family and Scholarship. His love for his God was phenomena. He was a Baptist of the old original order. He loved human-

IF PEOPLE OF MY GENERATION HAVE ALL OVER OUR BODIES THE AMOUNT OF INTEGRITY HE HAD ON HIS SMALLEST FINGER, THEN OUR LIVES WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER FOR IT. NEVER DID ADEOYE ADENIYI WALK IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DIRT!

ity, going back to the hospital to do pro-bono services after retirement.

His honorific appellation across the University was ‘Baba Agbalagba’.

The literary translation of this is “The elderly father”, but the implied interpretation is “the Elderly father embedded with implicit wisdom, erudition and experience”.

Grandpa Adeniyi treated everyone with dignity and respect. He was not eager to receive the traditional obeisance of kneeling down or prostrating from his children, their spouses or their friends, before extending a warm handshake to them. This is gesture of progressive thinking that many in his generation and even those younger than him would not countenance! Never, did he attempt to use age to intimidate younger people into conformity during discussions. With calm and convincing demeanour, he puts his views across. By the time he finished making his point, one is often left with no choice than to be fascinated by the scintillating nature of his wisdom and by the rare speed at which his brain worked!

In discussing Professor Adeniyi’s scholarship, two things struck me. The first was the diversity of his erudition. Here was a professor of Paediatrics that took interest in reading about history of wars! He read with keen interest a book I wrote on the Mau-Mau rebellion in Kenya and asked many questions that showed that he had previous knowledge of the revolt. He was humble in seeking knowledge, especially on issues outside his field. The second was his determination to update his knowledge about recent development that connects to his field. Again, I have a personal experience here. Sometimes in 2017, my Department published a book on the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone and I gave him a copy. Within three days he had read the book and was ready to discuss it. For a man in his 90s to devour a 300-page book in three days is not an easy task. Again, far more than any other people of his age, Grandpa Adeniyi was at home with technology. He uses i-pad and was a Guru in WhatsApp, including the usages of Emojis.

Integrity was also one thing that was the hallmark of Professor Adeniyi. Indeed, if people of my generation have all over our bodies the amount of integrity he had on his smallest finger, then our lives would have been better for it. Never did Adeoye Adeniyi walk in the neighbourhood of dirt!

Anyone who ever met Professor Adeoye could also not but be amazed at his urbane characteristic. With a Nightingalian voice, he speaks undiluted English effortlessly. Indeed, if he were not a Paediatrician, he could have been a Professor on English Language specialising in diction or morphology.

His students who later became professors were ever so demonstrative in their respect for him. To individuals like Professors Gbenga Mokuolu, Ernest Kolade, Wahab Johnson, and Gboyega Fawole, I say, ‘E ku aseyinde Baba o’. May your “academic children” do the same for you as you all grow into your 90s!

This is also an opportunity for me to thank Grandpa for his extension of friendship to me, best demonstrated by his travelling from Ilorin to Ile-Ife to attend my wedding in July 1991 and with the warm mail he sent to me after I was promoted Professor at the University of London.

Alao is a Professor at the School of Global Affairs, King’s College London

A FUTURE WITHOUT OIL The APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, backs the administration’s closure of land borders, writes John Mayaki

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t is without a doubt that Nigeria’s primary resource of revenue, oil, has dipped in the international market due to global politics and increased production of hitherto oil-buying nations. This decline, made worse by the failure of the previous PDP administrations to save for the rainy day, has impacted negatively on the nation’s balance books and financial strength.

Identifying this problem, the All Progressives Congress, under the able leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, proposed important, albeit difficult, reforms to the people on ways to achieve self-sustenance and boost the revenue generated from sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing for economic growth, protection of sovereignty and eradication of poverty.

Nigerians, old and young, using their votes, gave the party the express approval to proceed with the Next Level agenda and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, with full support of the organized party under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has stayed faithful to this promise, beginning with the border closures meant to restore order in the areas of import and export, and prevent smugglers and other economic saboteurs from crippling local production and growth.

In a recent visit by a delegation from the Vietnam government led by its Deputy Prime Minister, partly in response to the new policies of President Buhari which is aimed at structuring trade negotiations and cutting beneficial deals for Nigerians and their businesses, the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, reechoed the party’s commitment to this pla n and their gaze on readying Nigeria for a potential

future where reliance on oil is reduced to insulate the country from what has now become a seasonal economic shock.

“The APC stands firm in backing the government policy”, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole emphasized, hinting once again at the smooth ideological blend between the ruling party and government for a cohesive and effective national approach to important issues bordering on trade, economy, security and welfare of the people.

Whilst the party and government have hitherto been seen as different entities, Comrade Oshiomhole, through credible leadership and personal integrity, has bridged the divide, using tact and diplomacy to ensure that elected officials on the platform of the APC remain true to the party’s promises and guiding principles.

To drive his point home on the importance of achieving a diversified economy and weaning the nation of its reliance on oil, Comrade Oshiomhole shifted focus to the future and drew the attention of journalists present to the warnings of experts, predicting more economic turbulence for oilproducing countries without a diversified economy.

“If you imagine the oil drying up tomorrow, with what will you pay for your imported rice or smuggled rice?” Comrade Oshiomhole asked.

“And all those economic saboteurs, foreigners, of which there are Nigerian collaborators, who are using foreign and neighboring ports to compromise the economy, of Nigeria, they are enemy of this country, we cannot weep for them. So the APC stands firm, in backing the government policy - the borders will remain closed, even if it remains closed for the next couple of years, till our

neighbors begin to respect the rules of fair trade,” he said.

Evidently, the APC, under the leadership of Comrade Oshiomhole, is guided by an ideological spine, consistency and commitment to the realization of such ideals that are premised on the eradication of poverty, infrastructure development, ending endemic corruption and upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria through the neutralization of all security and economic threats.

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s envisioning of a future without oil and the education he provided on why Nigeria must urgently address issues hindering growth in other sectors and promoting overreliance on a single source, serve as an abiding faith of the party’s promise to present an alternative to snail-paced development, lack of accountability and a painful lack of sense of direction witnessed in the previous administration before it was ushered in to power in 2015.

The APC promised an overhauling change in all the diverse retrogressive characters of the country’s governance. One of those was the extreme concentration on one resource and revenue source oil - and an import-dependent economy.

To materialize this promise to improve and change the condition of things in Nigeria, the current administration, through the party’s ideological framework, has applied divergent measures to ignite an independent and export -inclined economy. One of these many measures is the latest policy to close all land borders hence drastically decreasing the nation’s dependence on foreign importation of goods that can easily be

produced in the country. By extension, this border policy will encourage and shock-start the dormant local production sector of the economy.

Particular remarks have been made concerning the most widely consumed grain in Nigeria, rice.

Emotionally laden arguments have been made against shutting the land borders, pointing towards hardship and daily struggles of Nigerians. Valid and touching as these opinions may be, logic and stronger permutations suggest that closing the border is a wise initiative especially in consideration of the not-too-distant benefits that will accrue from the policy.

It is quite a common knowledge that severity, sometimes, is the price to pay for greatness. Such philosophy applies to this same situation currently trending in Nigeria, but solace is to be taken from the benefits obtainable from export capable economy and a country that can feed itself without necessarily shipping away its wealth to Asian nations like Thailand, Vietnam, etc., just to import a commodity that can be produced and processed in the country’s vast wealth of arable lands.

The policy will also boost the agricultural sector, finally giving life to the old and recurring campaign promise of diversifying Nigeria’s economy. Prior to the discovery of a commercial quantity of oil in Nigeria, the country was widely recognized for her large scale exportation of cash and food crops and all other agricultural products.

Finally materializing this ambition, history will remember that under the visionary party leadership of Comrade Oshiomhole, and the committed presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, much verbal promise was, finally, put into fruitful action.

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

EDITORIAL RISING DEATH TOLL ON THE ROADS As Yuletide draws closer, relevant agencies should do more to minimise road crashes

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riving on Nigerian roads has become so risky that in every four hours no fewer than two lives are lost. Nigeria is estimated to have a total road network of 200,183 kilometres out of which four per cent are considered to be critical corridors owing to the role they play in connecting the country’s geopolitical zones. But to travel through most of them is a hazardous experience because of utter neglect.

This neglect has placed Nigeria in the unenviable league of countries with very high cases of road fatalities. It is time the regulatory authorities charged with ensuring the safety of road users dealt with the situation to keep our people safe on the roads.

Given that we are in the middle of the ‘ember’ months, when many of the accidents tend to happen, there is AS THE YULETIDE DRAWS need to remind all NEARER, NECESSITATING drivers to be cauMASS MOVEMENT OF tious of the deplorPEOPLE AND VEHICULAR able conditions of many of the TRAFFIC, THE FRSC highways across AND OTHER RELEVANT AGENCIES MUST STEP UP the country. The Federal Road Safety THEIR GAME TO ENSURE Corps (FRSC) THE SAFETY OF ROAD has for instance USERS disclosed that road accidents killed 275 people in the north-east zone between April and September this year while others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The figures made available by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated no fewer than 1,538 Nigerians died in road accidents in the fourth quarter of last year. If we are to stop such carnage on our roads, we must begin to hold critical stakeholders in the transport sector accountable.

Based on the NBS data, we are convinced that the main causes of road crashes are not

Letters to the Editor

impossible to overcome. Chief among them is over-speeding or violation of speed limits, which is essentially an attitudinal issue which can be dealt with by stepping up regulations against speed limit violation. The other two which are tyre burst and dangerous driving are equally surmountable using regulations which the FRSC, Vehicle Inspection Offices (VIOs) in the states and Police traffic departments can enforce and get people to abide by without compromise.

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

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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.

TECHNOLOGY IS THE NEW OIL

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he incursions into the dynamic tech space started in the 60s with young individuals pioneering innovations across the board.

The average age for tech entrepreneurs was 25, and with dedication, they forged new frontiers that heralded an upward shift in the American economy.

The likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and the rest started the technology juggernaut, and it has only wheeled into greater successes. These achievements reached a proper height with the democratization of the personal computer

by Apple Inc. The stories of successes in America have become an inspiration for other nations of the world, and the technology boom is on even in sub-Saharan Africa.

Technology has changed the game, and most young people (which would number up to 500million in 2050 in Africa) have become digital natives with a mix of product dispositions both from foreign and local climes like young people having oga taxi app and the Uber app on their phones.

The Nigerian story has been successful although it started late. But we have begun to catch the eye of the world with significant gains from companies like Gamsole, Andella, techpoint, Jumia, Dealdey, Konga and the list goes on.

It should be said that with little support these businesses have birthed, nurtured and developed a hitherto

rivers of long vehicles are critical stakeholders in the logistics chain process in the country. In as much as their primacy in the product distribution chain is acknowledged, they must render their services carefully and within the ambit of traffic rules and regulations in order not to imperil the lives of others. Some of these people have become so notorious that their indiscriminate action has put others at risk, informed by arbitrary consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants. The onus is on the FRSC to ensure drivers comply with speed limit and always put their vehicles in good condition. They should curb offences such as light violation and the use of phones while driving.

Road travels have become a tortuous experience for Nigerians as many portions of the road are ridden with potholes. It is therefore no surprise that the mess which has become of the country’s roads would in some ways contribute to the crashes experienced on them, especially when motorists continuously meander through large portions of crumbled highway, trying to avoid potholes and dilapidated portions, and thus increasing risks of accidents.

We call on all the relevant agencies of the government to stay awake to their responsibilities. Besides, as the Yuletide draws nearer, necessitating mass movement of people and vehicular traffic, the FRSC and other relevant agencies must step up their game to ensure the safety of road users in all parts of the country.

non-existent industry.

This can only continue because with technology the future only gets brighter. A clear pathway of this fact is the rapid growth of the likes of Amazon, Alphabet and Facebook worth over one trillion dollars, a sizable portion of America’s 20 trillion dollar economy.

According to The Economist magazine, the tech sector has done in 20 years what the financial services industry couldn’t do in 200 years “build scale.”

It should be said that to increase this scale the government needs to come in and put their might in the sector What government should do?

For the government to be able to play in this space, they must understand the technology space. I mean holistic adoption. It should be said tech is the new oil boom, but I doubt if the government knows this.

Nigeria sits on a gold mine with over 60 per cent of its population less than 30 years with bustling energy.

The technology value chain can be used to provide opportunities that can help bring people out of the gulf of poverty.

The federal government should set up a technology awareness and reawakening fund (TARF).This fund should be used to kick-start the star-up industry in Nigeria, this should be implemented with the aim of having 13,000 starts ups funded over a period of one year, and this should be continuous.

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@yahoo.co.uk

HALIMA ALFA AND KOGI POLITICS

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alima Alfa has come under attack from a segment of the Igala elite who masquerade as champions of a so-called agenda in a multi-ethic state.

But history will surely be kind to Halima because of stance.

The election of Yahaya Bello as the governor of our state was a sign that finally, the ethnic equality we yearned for in the confluence state has been achieved.

The re-election of Bello will signpost that parochialism is dead in our state. Barrister Halima looks at the re-election of Yahaya Bello as the tipping point of leadership in Kogi. Her vision is one that encapsulates the dream of the whole segment of the Kogi society and she intends to have nothing to do with an agenda that is divisive. She believes there is no minority or majority in our state when it comes to leadership aspirations and that is why she will, for the remaining part of her life, fights any agenda that limits the dream and possibility of any man because of the ethnic group he belongs to. She is proudly Igala, but feels pained if the gift of providence is used as a yardstick to perpetuate injustices

against other ethnic groupings.

Halima Alfa is from Idah local government, an important town to the Igala nation. Her local government has never produced a governor for the state. The present senator and the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Mr Musa Wada, hails from Dekina, but nobody is begrudging them by virtue of where they come from as they are qualified by law to pursue their dreams. Musa Wada is very qualified to be governor of the state if the people wish, but Halima feels nobody should be a governor of the state because of the advantage of belonging to the major ethnic group, but by virtue of character and leadership ability. Halima is of the APC, a party of choice. She is a supporter of Yahaya Bello, the governor of the state whom the party has democratically chosen to be the candidate of the party in the next gubernatorial election in the state.

Halima has been suggesting a redefinition and a realignment of ideology, leadership and peoples’ interests, without which the idea of Igala nationalism will be more of noise making.

Musa Musawa, Abuja

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Drama as Senate Committee Screens NDDC Board Nominees Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja There was mild drama yesterday as the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs screened 15 out of the

16 nominees for the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Midway into the screening of the nominees by the committee headed by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, a committee member, Senator Matthew

Urhoghide, picked holes in the resume of the nominee for the post of Executive Director, Projects, Otobong Ndem (Akwa Ibom), when he appeared before the committee.

He had sought to know why there were discrepancies in the

NBA Calls for Declaration of State of Emergency on Security in Edo Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city Following the near-deplorable security situation in Edo State, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Benin branch, yesterday called for the declaration of state of emergency on the state of security in the state.

The call was contained in a joint statement signed by the association Chairman, Mr. Collins Ogiebaen, and Secretary, Mr. Pius Oiwoh, which was made available to journalists.

The association said the call became necessary due to the rising wave of insecurity across the state.

The statement added that no fewer than eight lawyers and judges have been abducted across the state within the last nine months, with the most recent being the abduction of Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme last Wednesday.

The Bar vowed to shut down all court proceedings in the state should the law enforcement agencies fail to secure the release of Nwosu-Iheme.

The body gives the state government 72 hours to secure the release of the Justice.

In the statement, the NBA, which condemned the worsening security situation

Gunmen Kidnap Wife of Deputy Accountant General Francis Sardauna in Katsina Unknown gunmen have kidnapped the wife of Katsina State Deputy Accountant General, Hajiya Lubabatu Sani Lawal.

The hoodlums numbering about 20 stormed the victim’s residence located within Government Reserve Area (GRA) on Wednesday night and whisked her away.

THISDAY gathered that the gunmen gained access into the GRA residence of the Deputy Accountant General, using a Peugeot 206, which the private guards thought it was one of his cars. The Deputy Accountant General was said not to be inside the house when the abductors came-calling. Lubabatu, who is the younger wife of the Deputy Accountant General, had just returned from lesser Hajj with some of her children.

Lawal was recently appointed as Deputy Accountant General.

He had served as the Head of Katsina State Treasury before his elevation.

Meanwhile, effort to reach the spokesman of Katsina State Police Command, SP Gambo Isah, for comment proved abortive as of press time.

in the state, said bandits and kidnappers have laid siege in the state, calling on the state government to as a matter of urgency, overhaul the security architecture of the state.

According to them, “The security of lives and property is

the responsibility of government.

Our judicial officers must also be given adequate security in their homes, work place and while moving from one place to another. Lawyers and indeed other citizens must be adequately protected.

candidate’s educational record, saying from the CV before him, the nominee had his school certificate in 2007, National Diploma in 1999 and Higher National Diploma in 2002.

On his part, Senator George Sekibo wondered why the nominee also claimed to have obtained his Master degree in 2012 and Bachelor of Science degree in 2019.

He also asked him: “As a former member of the House of Assembly, were you a Speaker or a Deputy Speaker? If no, why did you prefix your name with the words ‘Right Honourable’?

Adding his voice, Senator Rochas Okorocha stressed that since Ndem had served in the Akwa Ibom State House of

Assembly, he should be asked ‘to take a bow and go’ citing what happened during the confirmation of the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who was accorded a similar courtesy during his screening by the Senate last July.

Another committee member, Senator James Manager, however, engaged Okorocha in heated exchange for insisting that the nominee be asked to take a bow and go.

He pointedly told him: “Senator Okorocha you are new here...you are new here.”

The committee chairman, however, intervened to calm the situation, conceding that it is true that Amaechi was

asked to take a bow and go as a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

According to him, the questions put to the nominee were serious issues that needed clarification.

Responding to the issues raised, the nominee, Ndem, alluded to the fact that there was omission in his resume, explaining that his first Ordinary Level Certificate which he obtained in 1995 was omitted, added that he got his school certificate result in 2007 so as to enable him study law after his HND programme.

Although the nominee promised to make his certificate available to the committee, he was however asked to take a bow and go.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2019

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POLITICS

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

Highlighting the Deplorable State of Federal Roads in Ondo State Kayode Ajulo decries the complete collapse of road infrastructure in Ondo State

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t is no longer news that Federal road infrastructure across the length and breadth of Ondo State has practically broken down for a while now. It is also a fact that the state government is grappling with the state and municipal roads most of which have decrepit and riddled with potholes.

The unspoken open secret is that as it is today, Ondo State is on the brink of being excised out of the Federal Republic of Nigeria given the absolute neglect evidenced by the state of the federal roads that lead to and from the state from all directions particularly from the Seat of Power, Abuja.

To the untutored or the one who has not had to travel on those roads, this may be an exaggeration. I, on the other hand, have my hometown and local government at the northern tip of the state and must therefore use those roads or what is left of them to get there if I must visit my people from Abuja.

Not minding the expected crucifixion from political jobbers and bootlickers, I have decided to bring to the fore this dehumanizing, demoralizing and economically disadvantageous anomaly called “bad roads” by sharing a bit of my personal experience as I journeyed from Abuja to Akure over the weekend.

Experience, they say is the best teacher, but in the light of the circumstances that surrounded mine, I would not even want my adversary (assuming without conceding that I have one) to pass through this kind of hardship that has been sheepishly tolerated by road users over the years.

I had secretly wished that the whole outcry about the decrepit state of the so-called federal roads in Ondo State was an undue exaggeration but to my greatest consternation, it is far from being one. To say the roads are terrible and almost irreparably bad might just be the understatement of the year.

The journey to Ondo State was premised on the need to attend a Civic Reception held in Okeagbe Akoko, in honour of my brother, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who is the current lawmaker representing Akoko North East/ North West Federal constituency at the Federal House of Representatives and to attend within the week the new Legal Year Ceremonies to which I was invited by the Chief Judge of Ondo State.

By my modest estimation, with a good road network, travelling from Abuja to Akure should not exceed four hours. It is sad and regrettable that I drove in a convoy of my friends and aides for more than eight hours before we could

even get to Oke-Agbe, Akoko, let alone Akure.

The roads can at best be described as impassable and deplorable contraptions that should not be meant for human transportation in this 21st century. As a matter of fact, if cows and goats could speak, they would complain if made to traverse those roads. They are that bad.

The Akoko end of the road is beyond description as they are worse than mere dirt roads. For instance, the 30 kilometres stretch of road from Omuo-Ekiti to Okeagbe-Akoko which ordinarily should not be more than a 15-min drive is now a 2-hour journey while the Ishua-Ifira-Idoani-Ipele Road has totally collapsed with huge craters at several points on the road.

By the time I got to Oke-Agbe, I was so desperately looking forward to speaking with some of the senior public officials that were billed to attend the occasion. I had hoped that at the end of the “hellish” trip to the event which was expected to attract a lot of important dignitaries including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to Okeagbe Akoko, Ondo State, I would have the opportunity to take the issue up with the egregious Speaker and stir up yet

another legislative debate on the issue of the deplorable roads in my dear state.

Unfortunately, and to my chagrin, the esteemed No. 4 Citizen had not only left but I also received the news that he had come to Okeagbe, not by the poor roads but by chopper. I am however quite confident that it was a good thing that he did not come by road to the event to the extent that, had he so done, we would both have come into the venue only after the event.

Having said the above, I wish to decry the penchant of our public officials for travelling to every every event however remote by either plane or helicopter. I guess even their “jeeps” can no longer ply the roads.

Even if I had the good fortune to meet the egregious Speaker of the House at that occasion, how was I to discuss meaningfully with him the import and weight of an experience which he has never had? It is often said that he who wears the shoe knows how and where it pinches, how therefore can I discuss the issue of those deplorable roads with someone who elected to fly in an helicopter?

The Oka-Akungba-Owo Road which now primarily serves as the gateway to the North

from the South-West is only slightly better as there are large portions of potholes and craters there too.

It is therefore incumbent on me to place it on record that as far as road infrastructure in Ondo State is concerned, the much sought-after federal presence is still a mirage. It is almost non-existent.

This reeks of social injustice meted out by the Federal Government to a state that benefits the nation in terms of its vast human and mineral resources. It should sadden every right thinking individual that the 4th largest state-producer of oil in Nigeria has an almost inaccessible road network to the nation’s capital.

It stands to reason that criminals would capitalize on the poor state of these roads to carry out heinous and nefarious activities such as extortion, armed robbery and kidnapping.

It is in fact easier to kidnap a person than to pick a snail on the roads.

Only recently, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo (Elizade), commendably had to use his personal resources to construct/repair some kilometres of roads in his hometown, Ilara Mokin, in Ondo State. However, how many of us can be like that? How many of us have such resources?

Moreover, at what point does the citizen stop being a government unto himself? When one considers the fact that the citizen sources his own water, electricity, education, security and healthcare by himself, you are constrained to ask if he must provide the road he travels upon too!

I must therefore on behalf of the people of Ondo State and the commuters who regularly use those roads state the imperative of an urgent intervention by the federal government in the matter of their roads in Ondo State.

At this juncture, I must acknowledge the efforts of the governments of both Ondo and Ekiti states to repair some of the federal roads within their respective states in spite of the meagre resources at their disposal to ease the sufferings and hardships of commuters within their domain.

Not being unmindlful of the tier who bears the constitutional and fiscal responsibility of constructing, repairing and maintaining those roads, I wish to call on the Federal Government to fulfill its own obligation by ensuring that the refunds on the road repairs done by states are effected on time to the respective States.

This is expedient because one of the imperatives of economic growth is the availability of a good road infrastructure without which, it is doubtful that the country and the respective states will make any meaningful progress.

Ezinwa Follows Ugwuanyi in Giant Strides Ebere Chibuzor commends the phenomenal developmental projects in Ezeagu council of Enugu State

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t a recent visit to the headquarters of Ezeagu local government area, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State was in joyous shock to see outstanding evidence of development recorded by the administration of the council chairman, Hon. Chukwudi Fred Ezinwa.

Completely taken aback by these achievements, Ugwuanyi remarked that Ezinwa is a son in whom he is well pleased. Given the paucity of funds available and in the face of daunting challenges confronting all tiers of government, the giant strides in Ezeagu was totally unexpected and has become a huge source of inspiration to other local governments in the state, as the governor said if Ezinwa could achieve what he has, no other local government chairman had an excuse to underperform.

Ugwuanyi, who was at the council headquarters to commission some projects surprisingly stumbled on a gigantic crowd and nice and warm atmosphere, as well.

During the visit, Ugwuanyi laid foundation and commissioned Gburugburu 5,000 seater ultra-modern pavilion. He also

commissioned other projects executed by Ezinwa.

The projects which were commissioned by the governor includes, the central store, neighborhood watch, education and West African Examination Council block, customary court building, Enugu Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) LGA Office, citizenship rights office.

Others are 20 motorcycle for Neighborhood watch, works department, payroll and administrative office for effective and efficient running of the council, solar bore hole, tagged ‘Gburugnuru’ water for life.

Other side attractions on that day were inauguration of Enugu West Patriotic League

by Ugwuanyi, as he also decorated five patriotic league patriots from various geopolitical zones including Geofry Tabansi from Oji River, Sir Chief Oji from Augwu, Chief Benjamin Ozoilo from Ezeagu, among others. The league in return adopt him as their grand patron. The patriotic league is an umbrella body comprising men and women of goodwill who have the progress, development and success of the people at heart.

Prior to commissioning of the projects,

Ugwuanyi assured the people that his administration will continue to ensure maximum peace and unity within the state.

He also promised to do more in terms of state development.

While expressing joy with the level corporation among the people, in ensuring his adminstration thrives, Ugwuanyi thanked the people here for their total support in the last general election.

In his remarks, Hon. Ezinwa noted that his administration will continue to develop the council within its financial capacity.

According to him, the aforementioned facilities have been achieved only as a result of collective efforts and teamwork from members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and council staff.

He also commended the efforts of the Ugwuanyi administration in creating a peaceful ambience in the state, saying the governor has done well in terms of development.

Ezeagu which has been in existence for over four decades had no water supply in its secretariat before the intervention from Ezeani. Ezeagu is a local government area of Enugu State, its headquarters at Aguobu-

Owa Speaking on his future plans, he said, “We are planning to build a modern market and petrol station for our people. We have plans to establish a timber market. We are trying our best to open multiple strings of finance in the council.

Projects executed in the local government are scattered all over the 44 autonomous communities which the governor couldn’t commission as a result of distance.

At the event were political stakeholders like Deputy Governor, Enugu State, Her Excellency Hon. Cecilia Ezeilo, Hon Commissioner for Transport Ike Ekweremadu Jnr, Hon. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, Enugu Chief of Staff Festus Uzor, Eze Ndigbo Lagos Chief Benjamin Ozoilo, Member Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Chima Obieze and many others.

Glowing in happiness, Ugwuanyi described the day as beautiful and colourful.

The day ended with a visit to Chairman’s lodge in the company tradional leaders, chieftains of various security agencies, for instance, Vigilante Group Neighborhood Watch and the Nigeria Police.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2019

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PERSPECTIVE

What Next After the 2019 Presidential Election?

Chris Nwaokobia draws attention to urgent matters of nation building beyond partisanship

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am compelled to add a few words to the foreclosure that the Supreme Court verdict brought to the Presidential Election Petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and her presidential candidate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. I shall do so as an active participant in the electoral process since 1999, and more effectively since 2011 when I ran as a Presidential candidate in the election that produced Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The ruling of the Supreme Court dismissing the petition of the PDP as lacking in substance and merit calls for nothing but a holistic overhaul of our electoral protocol, ranging from the Electoral Act to the general provisions of the Constitution guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria. We also must interrogate the appointing protocols of the Electoral Umpire, ranging from the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman to the National and State Electoral Commissioners. And we must explore the possibility of electronic voting and Diaspora Voting in future elections.

Now that the 2019 Presidential Election is over, the Federal Government, particularly the executive and the legislature must pursue electoral reforms such that must restore huge confidence in the electoral process.

Now that the Election is finally over, the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the lead opposition party, the PDP and the many shades of partisans that bestride the political amphitheatre must realise that beyond politics and politricks is the welfare and wellbeing of the nation and indeed the hoi polloi. We must raise the bar beyond the Hailer/Wailer dichotomy.

We must elevate the discourse beyond the Lover/Hater disputations, and we must pave the pathway to the promise we seek with fine sticks of just laws, equitable paradigms and fairness.

Now that the election is finally over, we must imbibe patriotism and love

Now that the Election is finally over, the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the lead opposition party, the PDP and the many shades of partisans that bestride the political amphitheatre must realise that beyond politics and politricks is the welfare and wellbeing of the nation

for nation as the way to go. If we love this country enough, we shall as one people congregate at the parlour from where the call for restructuring shall aggregate into a national manifesto, as the complete rework of the present structure of the Nigerian state is long overdue.

Now that the election is over, we must walk the path of peace and national reconciliation centred on true love, knowing that love fuels patience, forgiveness and longsuffering, and only then can we build a universe centred on peace, on oneness and on brotherhood, and by Jove forge a planet where justice, fairness, equity and peace is king, with Nigeria as the linchpin and the doorway to experiential brotherhood.

Now that the election is over, we must learn to live true to truth and be frank to our conscience, our fights in support of, and in defense of the selfish and soulless politicians that occupy this space, must diminish.

And we must allow the illuminating light of truth to guide our debate as we call the integrity of public office holders to question, their character to judgement, and in justice demand like Caesar ’s wife that they live above board.

And now that the election is finally over, we must collectively lampoon corruption, whether of the APC, of the PDP or of anyone in the public or private sector, we must insist that leadership be incorruptible and service driven. And this position must be indiscriminate of our partisan, and or political loyalty, for such must be the permissible minimum if we truly want a prosperous nation.

In the final analysis, I must congratulate President Mohammadu Buhari and pray that the APC takes governance beyond political gerrymandering, sloganeering and propaganda to practical policy programmatic. And may the Rule of Law matter to the Ruling Party. God Bless Nigeria.

-Nwaokobia is the Convener of CountryFirst Movement

No to the Jagaban Phenomenon in Bayelsa Onome Dedeku questions the propensity by sitting governors to impose their successor on the people

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n the coming few weeks, November 16 to be precise, governorship election will hold in Bayelsa state.

However, my interest was drawn by the publication in THISDAY Newspapers of Tuesday, October 29, 2019 on Page 18 with the headline “Can Dickson Pull Off the Jagaban Phenomenon in Bayelsa?”

Indeed Jagaban’s Commissioner for Works during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State was handpicked to run as governor in one of the western states. In the same vein, ‘the Lion of Bourdillon raised the hand of one, who meritoriously burned the candle to become a holder of the highest award of the Nigerian Bar. He became his (the Jagaban) successor while the commissioner too became governor.

This kind of narrative is endless.

The crux of the matter is the fact that, in Nigeria today, sitting governors are ready to ‘do or die’ in making sure that their anointed candidates become their successor.

Why is this? The answers are not far fetched. The Jagaban in copying some of our political forefathers, who practiced the politics of self

and family, are beginning to institutionalize in Nigeria, a type of democracy that will be peculiar to this country alone: The government of the sitting governor and his cohorts, negating the actual principles of democracy of the government of the people by the people.

Every governor in Nigeria today seems to forget some things in the government house after the expiration of their tenure. Since 1999, when the Jagaban became the Governor of Lagos state and till date, he (the Jagaban) has been the one still ruling the state remotely in complete bias against the will of the people for a fair playing ground. The resultant effect of this grip has translated but not limited to the following: a house of assembly that take decisions affecting the whole state after consultation with ‘Oga’ at Bourdillon; a taxation system that is leased out to consultants at a fee; selection of more than 50% of the commissioners; a rail project of 27.5 km that has endured more years than that of Ethiopia of 759km that started two years after that of Lagos. The Ethiopian standard gauge rail has

been completed while that of Lagos state is still under construction.

I do not want to go into figures that are involved in both projects.

The facts are capable of jolting one from a chair. The irony of it all is that the company that did the Ethiopian miracle is the same one that is constructing the Lagos ‘light’ rail project.

In Lagos today, there is need for all who have personal cars to travel within the metropolis in public transport especially the Danfo means of transportation. At Oshodi axis alone, there are boys who work for M.C Oluomo, the chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers. Every Danfo operating in Lagos is forced to cough out an average of N3400:00 (three thousand, four hundred naira) daily.

The history of the emergence of M.C Oluomo is quite handy too.

The role played by government after 1999 in ensuring his (M.C Oluomo) coronation as king of Area Boys in Oshodi and beyond is another script for the future. Today the menace of Area boys which has been legitimized by government af-

fect all aspects of life of the majority of Lagosians. The last general elections conducted by INEC in the country can be likened to the chess game in Lagos state. The puns are the area boys, the Knight is represented by M.C Oluomo who can gallop above any height to inflict any level of pain in the electorate without check. The end of the story is that the electorate that power belongs to, are cowed into their houses and barred from from exercising their franchise.. They can burn, shoot and maim. That was the story at Okota and many more areas in Lagos.

Now to the question Mr. Emmanuel Addeh asked that “Can Dickson Pull off the Jagaban Phenomenon in Bayelsa? “ In my opinion: what the Jagaban does in Lagos and some other states in the West is nothing but fraud and thuggery at its best. If ‘THISDAY a renown national newspaper can make this a point of reference, then the pen can never be mightier than the sword in Naija.

-Dedeku works at Dangote Refinery, FTZ Area of Lagos state

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Build People who ‘ll Surpass Your Achievements, Osinbajo Tells Nigerian Leaders Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday called on Nigerian leaders to build people capable

of excelling beyond their own achievements if the country will join comity of developed nations.

He gave the admonition at the grand finale of the 60th

Senate Summons Industry Minister, NEPZA over NI5bn Allocated to Private Firm Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate Committee on Appropriations yesterday resolved to invite the Industry, Trade and Investment Minister, Niyi Adebayo and Acting Managing Director of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Terhembe Nongo, to appear before it on Monday over the N15 billion allocated to a private firm in the ministry’s budget proposal.

This was sequel to the presentation of the report of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment to the main appropriations committee by its Chairman, Senator Rose Oko who informed the committee that, during the budget defence of the ministry, she asked the minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to explain the purpose of the N15bn voted for a private firm in the budget but the duo were unable to explain.

“When they came for budget defence, the minister and the Permanent Secretary said they didn’t know anything about the issue as it is between Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority and the company.

According to her, the committee had asked for the shareholding structure from the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami but the documents provided did not reveal the identity of the shareholders.

Oko who declined to reveal the name of the company, told the appropriation committee that her committee had asked NEPZA to give details of what happened but the managing director’s response was that the money was allocated to them in 2017 and that as of that time, the company was not in existence.

“We have requested the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority to give details of what happened and their response was that the money was allocated to them in 2017 and as at then the company was not in existence.”

Oko said the money was released in 2017 to the company when it had not been registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“The company was registered in 2018; meanwhile, the money was already allocated in 2017, which is domiciled in CBN. More so, N15billion was released two days ago to the same company.”

The Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Senator Jibrin Barau, told his colleague that the committee will invite the NEPZA MD, the minister and Permanent Secretary of the ministry to appear on Monday to shed more light on the issue.

“We will create time for you to come with the Minister and the Permanent Secretary alongside the MD of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority on Monday by 11am to correct this anomaly.”

Mothers of Yahoo Boys Now Forming Association, Says Magu The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, yesterday raised the alarm that mothers of cyber fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, are now organising themselves into an association.

Magu, who addressed journalists at the Lagos office of the commission in Ikoyi, said such parents always justify their children’s activities with the argument that they were supporting their families in the place of irresponsible, runaway or dead fathers.

Magu said the EFCC had now begun to appeal to parents as well as the media to join the war against cybercrime by not celebrating unexplained wealth Magu described the recent arrest of an internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha and his Lebanese accomplice, Hamza Koudeih, as a landmark achievement in the sustained fight against internet-related frauds and money laundering in the country.

He said beyond arrest and prosecution, the anti-graft agency would see to the rehabilitation of Yahoo boys and channel their

intelligence and talents into positive ventures that would benefit the nation.

Magu, who said the commission’s premises were littered with recovered vehicles, said plans were underway to auction them as well as recovered houses.

He said, “We are looking at how we can rehabilitate the Yahoo boys; these are young boys, who have graduated, who are in the university. We want to see how we can sensitise them; how we can make them know that the Yahoo Yahoo business is wrong.

“And we are also appealing to their mothers. The parents of these children, they have actually formed an association of Yahoo Yahoo Mothers’ Association – Yes; they are there – Association of Mothers of Yahoo Yahoo Boys.

“Some of them will say the father did not do anything; these boys came, demolished the house and put up a new structure. If you see the cars that we have recovered, you will think that we are in car business.

These are all Yahoo Yahoo. All brands of cars – Jaguar, Rolls Royce.”

year celebration of television in Africa, organised by former staff of Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) under the aegis of Foundation for Ibadan Television Anniversary Celebrations, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The WNTV started operations as the first television station in Africa on October 31, 1959 after its inauguration by the late Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and supported by two other

visionaries, who were former Minister of Information for Western Region, Chief Anthony Enahoro; and first Chairman of the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, Chief Tanimonwo Solaru.

The WNTV, however, ceased to be in existence in 1977 when the federal government took over the station and renamed it Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Osinbajo, who chaired the occasion, said every generation

has a historic responsibility to reach for the highest peaks that human capacity could achieve.

According to him, “Papa Obafemi Awolowo flanked by the then Governor-General, Sir John Ranking; Chief Anthony Enahoro who was the region’s Minister of Information; and Chief T.T Solaru, first chair of the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, formally entered the history books by commissioning the WNTV, first in Nigeria, and this was ahead of China and

several other countries.

“The event was historic for three reasons. First, it demonstrated the capacity of the Nigerian mind to conceive of and achieve anything no matter how complex or difficult.

Second, it demonstrates how visionary leadership can inspire and lift people from the lowest level to the highest point of human imagination.

Third, it exemplifies the use of public resources for the public good.

CRUSADE AGAINST CYBERCRIMES…

L-R: Chairman, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Olanrewaju Suraju; Zonal Head, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Office, Mr. Muhammed Rabo; EFCC Acting Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu; Executive Director, Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; and member, Steering Committee, Movement Against Corruption, Gbenga Ganzallo, during EFCC press/stakeholders’ conference on crusade against cybercrime fraudsters, held at the commission’s office in Lagos...yesterday

Buhari Arrives Makkah for Lesser Hajj President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday evening arrived Makkah, Saudi Arabia, at the end of the three-day Future Investment Initiative (FII), held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the president was received by His Royal Highness Prince Bader bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the

Deputy-Governor of Makkah Region and other government officials at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at about 7.05p.m (locat time).

While in Makkah, President Buhari alongside some members of his entourage, will perform the Lesser Hajj and also observe the Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Before leaving Riyadh today,

President Buhari had met behind closed doors with Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The president had also on Wednesday met with King Salman bin Abdulaziz where the two leaders expressed their determination for deeper partnership, especially in the areas of oil and gas for the development

of both countries.

Buhari also met with U.S Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin in Riyadh on Wednesday where they had positive discussions on investments in Nigeria under the new United States International Development Finance Corporation (USIDFC), which provides $60 billion for investments in developing nations.

SERAP Urges N’Assembly to Uphold Press Freedom The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has told the National Assembly to take steps to uphold press freedom by repealing obnoxious sections of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.

SERAP said that Sections 24 and 25 of the Act violated all international and regional treaties on human rights to which Nigeria is a party as well as the provisions of Sections 1(3) and 39 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the rights group made the call while presenting a 76-page report on press freedom.

The report is entitled: ‘A Downward Spiral: How Federal and State Authorities are Tightening the Screws on Media Freedom in Nigeria.’

Presenting the report, a veteran journalist, Mr. Richard Akinnola, said that Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution as amended gave the mass media the obligation to hold

government at all levels accountable.

Akinnola added that Section 39 of the same Constitution granted the freedom of expression to all Nigerians, noting that this was however, being hindered by obnoxious laws by government.

He said that in the past 15 years, press freedom in Nigeria had been on a downward spiral as journalists and media houses had been facing severe attacks by both the federal, State Governments and public

officials.

According to him, among journalists, who have been victims of repression of the press in recent times are four journalists from Leadership Newspapers, detained for refusing to name the source of a story.

Akinola named the journalists as Chinyere Fred-Adebulugbe, Chucks Ohuegebe, Tony Amokeodo and Chibuzor Ukaibe, who were summoned to the police headquarters in Abuja in April 2013.

Prison Safest Place for Nnamdi Kanu, Says Justice Nyako Alex Enumah in Abuja The Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday told the Federal High Court, Abuja, that he was ready to face trial if his safety would be guaranteed by the court.

Kanu told the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, through his counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.

Ejiofor told the court that the

application to restore the IPOB leader’s bail so that he could face his trial was filed on April 1.

“We have an application for bail filed on April 1, 2019, the application was served on the prosecution and it is ripe for hearing.

“We urge the court to restore his bail on the grounds that the court will guarantee his safety when he comes back to the country to continue his trial,”

he said.

On his part, counsel for the federal government, Labaran Shuaibu, who told the court that he was just seeing the process, opposed the application.

Shuaibu urged the court to adjourn the matter to enable them file the necessary processes.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Nyako, who adjourned the matter till January 16, 2020, said the only way he could guarantee

Kanu’s safety was to keep him in the prison.

She said even judges were no longer safe in the country.

“Even judges are being abducted in the country. So, prison is the only safest place for him,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Justice Nyako had ordered the re-arrest of the self-proclaimed leader of IPOB, Kanu.

21

T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 1, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 6% 6.86 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

7% 9.75 % 10.25 %

O C T O B E R S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

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

2 5 , 2 0 1 9

418.83 % 0.04 % 1.58 %

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 1.58 % YEAR TO DATE 17.33 %

EXCHANGE RATE N306.95/1US DOLLAR* ̩

Quick Takes Oba of Benin, Ooni of Ife Bag Travel Award

The organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Mr Ikechi Uko, has honouredtheObaofBenin,OmoN’ObaN’EdoUkuAkpolokpolo,Ewuare II with the AfricaTravel 100 Global Personalities Award in recognition ofhisculturalandhistoricalupstanding.

Theawardwaspresentedtohimathispalaceduringthejustconcluded NationalFestivalofArtsandCulture(NAFEST)inBeninCity,EdoState.

ObaEwuareIIwhoisthecustodianofallBeninHeritage,theBeninMoat and Igue Festival becomes the third monarch to win the award after theOoniofIfeObaAdeyeyeEnitanOgunwusiandtheObaofBadagry.

ThepresentationwasdonewiththesupportoftheDirectorGeneralof NationalCouncilforArtandCulture(NCAC),OtunbaSegunRunsewe.

TheAfricaTravel100AwardsispartoftheAnnualAfricaTravelAwardsthat isnowinher18thyear. Ithasrecognisedovertheyearsleaders,industry practitioners,andthegovernmentofficialswhohavepromotedtourism andimprovedtravelusinguniqueplatformsandnewinformationinAfrica.

In2017ithostedtheTop100TravelawardsforWomeninTourismandin 2018theTop100AfricanTourOperators.Theawardswerepresented towinnersatthe15thAkwaabaAfricanTravelMarketthatwasheldat EkoHotelandSuitesinLagosonthe23rdofSeptember.

Other notable winners of the award were formerTourism Minister of Seychelles,AlainSt.Ange,ChiefMikeAmachree,OscarIbru,Mayorof AddisAbabaandJamaicanTourismMinister,EdmundBarlett.

Emirates Introduces New Delicacies

RUBBING MINDS

L-R: Manager Public Affairs & Communications, Coca-Cola, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe; First Lady, Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; Founder/President, Well Being Africa/International Steering Committee, ICPD25, Mrs. Toyin Saraki and Chief, Strategic Partnership, United Nations Population Fund, Mariarosa Cutillo, during a roundtable on the United Nations Population Fund International Conference on Population and Development held in Lagos…recently

Ogbeigun: Nigeria Has Done Enough to Merit IMO Council Seat Eromosele Abiodun The immediate past president of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) and Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, Greg Ogbeifun, believes Nigeria has done enough in the last two years to clinch the coveted Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council seat.

Nigeria had contested and previously lost the same election twice – in 2011, and 2018, and is currently preparing to go to the stage again this month, when the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), will be having its council meeting.

Category C comprises coun-

MARITIME tries that have special interest in maritime transportation or navigation, and whose election to the IMO Council would ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.

In a bid to brighten the country’s chances the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA), in Lagos, inaugurated the implementation monitoring committee for the Nigerian ship register The election to Category “C” of the Council of IMO for the period 2020-2021, would be held

during the 31stRegular Session of the IMO Assembly, from 25th November to 5th December 2019 in London, United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the quest by Nigeria to clinch the IMO Council seat got a boost recently when world known classification society; including Lloyd’s Register, DNV GL, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), accepted to join the Nigeria ship registry implementation committee.

Speaking with newsmen in Lagos, Ogbeifun said what the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other

government agencies have put in place in the past two years were enough to get Nigeria the seat.

According to him, “As far as I am concerned, Nigeria has done enough to merit more than category C. If you were at the World Maritime Day held in Lagos recently, you can tell from the measure riled out by various agencies at the event especially the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside.

That culminated in the Global Maritime Security Conference held in Abuja recently. The IMO was there alongside other major Continued on page 22

Workers Seek Relocation of NCAA Headquarters to Lagos Chinedu Eze Workers of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have called on the federal government to review a current administrative system which designates Lagos as its operational office, while Abuja is the corporate office, noting that it slows down critical decision making.

The workers said unless urgent action was taken by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika to address the situation, it may lead to safety breach, saying currently decisions that should be taken in one hour, now takes about three days.

A senior NCAA official told THISDAY on Wednesday that airlines could wait for three days before they could receive

AVIATION approval for their aircraft to be inspected because the Director General who is in Abuja would have to approve the request before the mail would be brought to Lagos where directive would be implemented.

He said if the situation continues, where airlines would wait for such a long time before they put their aircraft into the air, some of them might begin to breach safety standards, which might lead to accident.

“There is a looming crisis in the way NCAA is being run currently. Lagos is now the operational headquarters while Abuja is the corporate headquarters.

“Every day, we have a courier services that takes documents to Abuja from Lagos where they are signed and returned in the evening to Lagos. The courier service is once a day. This is sluggish because an approval that should take one hour takes days before it is endorsed and returned to Lagos.

“The idea of relocating to Abuja is not working because it cannot be sustained. This hampers quick decision making on critical issues. This system, I recall, was started in 2008 by the former Director General, Dr Harold Demuren, but he could not sustain it so he returned to Lagos.

“All we do is about safety and safety is a critical issue, which should be dealt with

in a timely manner. Every day you take documents to Abuja and Director General will start working on them and it can take days.

“If we don’t take time, this may give rise to major safety breach. Airlines may begin to find ways to short cut these delays. It portends safety breach,” the NCAA official who pleaded to remain anonymous said.

However, THISDAY spoke to the General Manager, Public Affairs of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, who allayed fears of safety breach, saying that the system started since 2008 and it has been a process that has not hindered the workings of the agency in any way.

Continued on page 22

In celebration of Diwali, Emirates said it will be offering customers a varietyofspecialtreatsthataresynonymouswiththefestivaloflights.

DuringtheDiwalifestiveperiodthatheldbetween25thto31stOctober, the airline served a colourful and aromatic array of traditional sweets on all flights to and from India, and savoury meals in selected airport loungesworldwide.

EconomyClasscustomerswereservedMotichoorLaddu,atraditional dessertmadefromboondis(verysmallflourballs)whicharedeep-fried ingheeandthensimmeredincardamomandsaffron-flavouredsugar syrup.Theyarelatershapedintosumptuousladdusandthengarnished withsilverleafandpistachio.PassengerstravellingonFirstandBusiness ClasswillbeabletoenjoytheMotichoorLaddualongwithDryFruitTribhuj, afestivespecialofgroundcashewandpistachiofudgefilledwithdried fruitandtoppedwithsilverleaf.

In Emirates airport lounges in Dubai, Delhi, CapeTown, Johannesburg andKualaLumpur,Emiratessaiditwouldofferfrequentflyersaswell as First and Business Class passengers special dishes that include traditionalsweetsandsavouryoptionson27October.

AttheEmiratesloungeatDelhiInternationalAirport,customerscouldlook forwardtoanassortmentofIndiancashewsweets,alongwithMotichoor Rabri–atraditionalIndiandessertmadeofflourroastedtoconsistency ingheeandmilk,layeredwithcardamom-flavouredsweetcondensed milkandtoppedwithpistachionuts.

Meanwhile,theEmiratesloungeatDubaiInternationalAirportserved MiniDalKachoriandMiniPunjabiSamosa,whicharesnacksmadefrom crispy deep-fried breads with spicy stuffing. For dessert, the lounge will serve Angoori Rabdi, a sweet and succulent milky pudding, paired withMotichoorLaddu.

IndiGo Places Order for Family Aircraft

India’sIndiGohasplacedafirmorderfor300A320neofamilyaircraft.

ThismarksoneofAirbus’largestaircraftorderseverwithasingleairline operator.ThelatestIndiGoordercomprisesamixofA320neo,A321neo andA321XLRaircraft.ThiswilltakeIndiGo’stotalnumberofA320neo Familyaircraftordersto730.

“This order is an important milestone, as it reiterates our mission of strengtheningairconnectivityinIndia,whichwillinturnboosteconomic growthandmobility.Indiaisexpectedtocontinuewithitsstrongaviation growthandwearewellonourwaytobuildtheworld’sbestairtransportation system,toservemorecustomersanddeliveronourpromiseofproviding lowfaresandacourteous,hasslefreeexperiencetothem,”saidRonojoy Dutta,ChiefExecutiveOfficerofIndiGo. “WearedelightedthatIndiGo,oneofourearlylaunchcustomersforthe A320neo, continues to build its future with Airbus, making Indigo the world’sbiggestcustomerfortheA320neoFamily,”saidGuillaumeFaury, AirbusChiefExecutiveOfficer.“Wearegratefulforthisstrongvoteof confidenceasthisorderconfirmstheA320neoFamilyastheaircraft ofchoiceinthemostdynamicaviationgrowthmarkets.”Headded:“We arepleasedtoseeouraircraftallowingIndiGototakefulladvantageof thepredictedgrowthinIndianairtravel.

“Unbundling of FAAN may lead to a more efficient and progressive airport development, creation of enabling environment that will attract private sector investments in tourism development in Nigeria” Chairman, House Committee on Aviation,

Nnaji Nnolim

22

T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 1, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD OGBEIGUN: NIGERIA HAS DONE ENOUGH TO MERIT IMO COUNCIL SEAT players in the global terrain.

He added that the plan the IMO to monitor and control Green House Gas (GHG) emissions ships cannot apply to Nigeria yet as there were other avenues of environmental pollution locally that is yet to be addressed.

“It is part of the desire of the world to begin to pay attention to the environment as we are now talking about the blue economy which has a lot to do with the sea. Up till now, environmental issues have been limited principally to land. But now we are talking about the atmosphere. There are different emissions, you have those from your generators, cars and industries.

“While we are talking about the ships, we have cars and trucks emitting worse pollution into the atmosphere. As a nation, we cannot jump into IMO regulations without ensuring that jumping at that regulation will achieve the desired result.

Alongside IMO, Nigeria should start by identifying our domestic activities that are contributing towards environmental pollution through emissions, “he said.

WORKERS SEEK RELOCATION OF NCAA HEADQUARTERS TO LAGOS “This is not correct, Lagos has been the operational headquarters of NCAA since 2008 and Abuja has been corporate headquarters. The corporate headquarters in Abuja is under construction but the Director General has office in the old NCAA building.

“We have automated system, which means everybody gets whatever decision has been taken; it does not matter where the Director General is.

“Critical issues that border on safety are taken care of by the Flight Safety Group, which is in Lagos. It is only the Directors of Human Resources and Finance that are in Abuja with the Director General who also has office here in Lagos.

“Other directorates are here in Lagos, which include Airworthiness, Flight Safety Group, Aeromedical, Legal; that is enforcement and compliance, so if anybody is saying that it means the person is not well informed. Ours is a system that is automated and it is working very well,”Adurogboye said.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Ogene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

ÒÓØÏÎß äÏ (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Reporters

ß×Ï ÕÏÑÒÏ (Money Market) ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT)

NEWS

CILT: Linking Port to Railway Will Enhance Nigeria’s Economic Growth Stories by Eromosele Abiodun The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has called on the federal government to speed up the linkage of Apapa and Tin-Can Island seaports to rail transportation, saying it will help stimulate economic growth.

CILT stated this in communiqué issued at the end of its 2019 national conference and annual general meeting (AGM) of the institute held in Warri, Delta state.

The conference tagged: “Multimodal Freight Logistics in Nigeria, the Role of Rail Transportation,” was aimed at fostering institutional mechanism and concerted efforts that would promote the delivery of efficient, effective and quality logistics services at the local, sub national and national levels in Nigeria.

In the communiqué, the institute also frown upon the present legal framework setting up the Nigeria Railway Corporation(NRC), saying lack of interconnectivity among the mode of transportation is a clog in the wheel for the nation’s development.

“The fact that only the Apapa and Port Harcourt Ports are linked to rail does not augur well for the economic development of our country. That there is no effective inter modal transport architecture and or inter connectivity of one

mode of transportation with another such that the Railway should be properly linked to the inland waterways, ports and Road transport network for more effective and efficient logistics penetration,” CILT said.

The institute, which also deplored the present legal framework which is the Railway Act 1955 cannot support the present aspiration

for the establishment and unbundling of a modern, efficient and effective railway infrastructure which can in turn impact positively on an efficient and effective multimodal freight logistics mechanism.

“That rail transportation development which is an integral part of multi modal freight logistics and Transportation in Nigeria

has been neglected over time. This trend must be deliberately halted if Nigeria is to fully realize her Socio economic potential for social and economic integration, “ the institute said.

The participants were, however, encouraged by the present efforts made by government to change this unacceptable narrative.

“That the average cumu-

lative sub sectorial capital expenditure allocations in the Transport subsector has been made to the disadvantage of the rail transport mode which invariably is the transport mode that is capable of carrying bulk freight,” it said.

The Institute, however, advised the federal government to liberalise the Nigerian railway for effective private sector participation.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

L—R: General Counsel/Company Secretary, Polaris Bank Limited, Babatunde Osibodu; Group Head, Products & Markets Development, Adebimpe Ihekuna; Executive Director, Abuja & Northern Region, Abdullahi Mohammed; CEO, CSCS, Haruna JaloWaziri, and Executive Director, Technology & Services, Polaris Bank, Innocent Ike, during the presentation of an award to the bank at the BusinessDay Awards held in Lagos…recently

NIWA to Engage FG, Niger Govt on Baro Port Access Road The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), George Moghalu, has said he will engage the state and federal government for the rehabilitation of the road leading to Baro port.

The NIWA boss, who made this known during a familiarisation tour of the Baro River

Port said he would partner the private sector to ensure the viability of the port.

He said the port would enhance intermodal transportation connectivity in the country, adding that it would also reduce pressure from big trucks off the road, and create huge employment opportunities for Nigerians, while also

decongesting other busy ports.

He said it was the importance he gave to the project that made the port his first choice of his familiarisation visit.

He further stated that he was ready to partner all government agencies, local and state governments and the private sector to make sure that Baro Port becomes functional and create

wealth for Baro community and Niger State people.

“I promise to discuss the issue of the road with both Niger State and the federal government and I assure you that the locals will be given priority when the port becomes fully operational.”

He said the railway lines at Baro will be brought back

to life as he promised to visit the port again because of its importance to the country.

The NIWA MD also disclosed that since the Waterways hold great potential, all hands must be on deck to develop and improve our waterways.

“We are going to encourage the private sector to key into the industry, “he assured.

FCCPC Partners Elevato on Consumer Advocacy Sunday Ehigiator The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in partnership with Elevato and Associates, a consumer rights advocate, on Wednesday held seminar, on ‘Competition and Consumer Growth in the Nigerian Business Landscape’, where they stressed on the need for organisations to treat consumers right.

They likewise launched Holler, a free platform where consumers would have the opportunity to give feedbacks on a product and lay complains about their experience using a product or services.

In her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer, Elevato and Associates, Marie-Therese Phido, said the objective of the seminar was to tackle and bring to fore competitive and consumer advocacy issues affecting commerce and customer satisfaction in the Nigerian business landscape.

According to her, “Organisa-

tions that focus on ensuring the best interest of its consumers are achieved, have a better chance of them reciprocating with their trust and enduring loyalty.

“However, given the conventional consumer relationships today, organisations and service providers struggle to deliver the desired goal of good customer service and satisfaction to their customers.

“As we all know, customer satisfaction is widely regarded by scholars and practitioners as an important predictor of customer loyalty, which we do not always see in Nigeria.

Due to the quality of service received.

“In view of the above and in recent times in Nigeria, consumer rights awareness and competition are gaining grounds. Customers are becoming aware of their rights, demanding that their rights are respected.

“They are now protesting market abuses and social

injustice which affect them as consumers and all of these affect customer growth.”

Speaking on Holler, she described the initiative as a free online customer review platform. She likewise said it was an “Interface where customers can review the services they receive, know that the review will be available to them as required and can be viewed for reference and channeled to the organisation and appropriate authority for immediate remediation.”

She concluded that the platform works with organisations and key stakeholders to ensure that the customer and the service provider relationship in Nigeria is, “optimal and focused on better customer experience for all.”

In his keynote address, the Director General, FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, stressed the need democratise experience in terms of the protection of consumers in the Nigerian market space. He also re-

vealed that brand protection was equally as important as consumer protection.

According to him, “Consumer protection is a dual role for the government, first as facilitators and secondly as commercial police. However, brand protection equally of importance in consumer protection.

“And also we must democratise experience and protection of customers. Because there are barely any manufacturer who doesn’t know how to treat a customer right, even though not all practice it, but they know it.

“And those that aren’t treating customers right isn’t due to lack of knowledge, but an informed decision not to do the right thing.

“And these are things that we must look into and ensure that consumer’s rights are protected and their cries are treated. But at the same time, we should do this without stopping businesses from thriving.

“We must develop a frame

work that democratises benefits and profits. Government can’t do it alone, so Holler is doing a great job by covering a lot of grounds.

“And lastly I would charge that we must understand consumer protection not from an activism standpoint, but from a business and commerce standpoint, only then can there be balance and progress in consumer protection, and economical growth.”

Other speakers however spoke on the importance of data in commerce and consumer protection.

According to the CEO of E-Trend, Olaniyi Toluwalope, “technology today, is driving commerce. It has better facilitated several aspects of commerce ranging from seamless payment platforms, to simplification of manufacturing processes. Let us be data driven.”

Continuing, Irukera, said, “we also must find a way to democratise data.”

23

T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 1, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

FAAN May Demolish 2,000 Buildings Chinedu Eze For several years, many Nigerians have encroached the premises of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and taken over pieces of land and developed structures.

Owing to this, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have revealed that the illegal occupants have been in cat-mouse fight with the agency for many years. But it has vowed to destroy all structures in those areas, numbering about 2000 because it has realised that most security breaches at the airport are

traced to the areas occupied by these land grabbers.

Security operatives at the airport said the areas occupied by the illegal occupants are the weakest and most porous areas of the airport and security cannot be fortified at the airport as long as it continues to serve as residents to people, many of whom gain access to the airport premises, including the airside from there.

THISDAY learnt that FAAN is currently working in collaboration with the Lagos State government to commence the demolition exercise.

FAAN said some of the

houses at the Ajao Estate and Shasha areas of the airport were built close to the runway, while hundreds of such buildings have encroached into FAAN’s land.

Efforts by FAAN to dispossess the illegal occupiers of the structures in the past were not successful.

Many of the occupiers had approached different courts across the country to stop FAAN from carrying out its threat of demolition, but it was gathered that the efforts might be positive this time around as the management had involved the state government.

AMCON, Arik Air and Quest for National Carrier

Bi-Courtney Honours Staff for Returning Passengers’ Lost Items Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has rewarded two of its Aviation Security (AVSEC) staff who returned missing items belonging to passengers.

According to a statement

by BASL, one of the said employees, Mr Babatunde Ajala, was deployed to work at the Departure entrance 2 on Friday, April 12, during which he sighted an unaccompanied brown leather bag.

Out of curiosity, he picked up the bag having realised the owner was nowhere to be found. After close examination, a sum of N300, 000, two iPhones, one iPad and some complementary cards were found in the bag. He promptly escalated the matter to his supervisor who in turn swung into action.

The statement said the owner of the luggage was later identified to be one Mr. Herbert O. Akindolire,

an Accountant-General in Ondo State. He was contacted and thereafter summoned to confirm the ownership and content of the bag.

Akindolire, who before that time was worried because he had searched everywhere for the bag, was elated on learning about the discovery and he extended his gratitude “for the sincerity of the staff and the professional way the whole matter was handled by BASL security management team.”

Also in a related development, on Saturday, April 6, 2019, another passenger who was scheduled to travel with an Abuja-bound Dana Airline had his phone missing.

“But the timely intervention by another BASL AVSEC staff, Henry Akhile, saved the day for the traveller. After the affected passenger raised the alarm, Akhile promptly responded by carrying out comprehensive CCTV playback.

“The perpetrator was summarily apprehended, with the phone retrieved from him and handed over to the owner in a timely manner such that his flight schedule was not disrupted. The culprit was eventually handed over to the police for prosecution,” the statemnet added.

Bi-Courtney commended the two officers for their honesty, responsiveness, particularly the way the two incidences were handled.

Head of Human Resources, Mr. Ayoola Ajayi noted that BASL frowns upon acts capable of causing undue confusion in and around the terminal, noting that the two employees have proven to be worthy ambassadors for their display of maturity, sincerity and professionalism at their respective duty posts.

He lauded other members of the team for doing the company proud through their conducts, and for making the moments count for the affected passengers.

Caverton’s Q3 Profit Climbs by 48% to N3.9bn Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, (COSG), the leading provider of marine, aviation and logistics services to local and international oil and gas companies in Nigeria, has announced its unaudited third quarter results for 2019.

The results showed a profit before tax of N3.9 billion, while its after-tax profit stood at N2.6 billion.

Its revenue increased by 11 per cent.

In the same vein, its direct operating costs also increased by seven per cent, supporting the earnings per share, which also increased by 60 per cent when compared with same period in 2018.

Commenting on the results, COSG’s Chief Executive Officer, Bode Makanjuola, said: “We are determined to end 2019 on

a strong note by continuing to provide the quality of service our clients have become accustomed to.

“Our clients are our topmost priority and our performance reflects this commitment which hopefully translates into positive financial returns for our shareholders.”

The results also showed that EBITDA for the period stood at N8.5 billion, up from the N5.8 billion recorded as at September 2018 and earnings per share of 77 kobo, higher than the 48 kobo reported in September 2018.

Profitability ratios included gross margin of 34 per cent (32 per cent September 2018), EBITDA margin of 33 per cent (25 percent September 2018), net profit margin of 10 percent (seven percent, September

2018) and EBIT/interest expense of 3.40x, (2.46x September 2018).

COSG is one of Nigeria’s leading oil services companies providing solutions for a range of multinational companies across aviation and marine services.

Caverton Marine Limited, one of the fastest growing indigenous shipping companies commenced operations in 1999, while Caverton Helicopters Limited is a helicopter charter, sales and Maintenance Company established in 2002.

Caverton has a young and growing fleet of vessels and aircraft operating out of nine locations. The company has an impressive oil and gas client base which include Shell, Total, ExxonMobil, NNPC, Aiteo, Aje-Folawiyo, and Chevron, among others.

Kwara Hajj

Arik Air

Chinedu Eze It was mixed reaction on Tuesday when reports confirmed that the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Ahmed Lawan Kuru has called on the 9th Senate to work towards making Arik Air a national carrier.

Kuru said this was necessary because the country needs major airlines that could effectively compete with international carriers and Arik has the capacity to become the fulcrum to a new national airline.

He said the time is now for the National Assembly to ensure that the government leverages Arik Air as a stepping stone towards setting up a national carrier rather than trying to set up a brand new airline from the scratch, which would cost the federal government a fortune, especially in the face of the nation’s tight budget.

But the federal government has already set out a process to establish a new national carrier and has reached advanced stage in the process.

For instance, the federal government has proposed to expend N4,694,131,965 in the 2020 budget as working capital on the national carrier. Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, said the national carrier project was ongoing.

So, many stakeholders have argued that government has gone far in the process to begin to retrace its step to consider Arik Air as a national carrier.

They also talked about debts the airline owes, which some alleged was exaggerated by AMCON as well as the litigation that may follow if the owner of the airline did not agree on terms of negotiation with government over the adoption of the airline into a national carrier.

According to Kuru, having retrieved Arik from the brink of collapse, the airline has been restructured and placed on a path of growth and profitability.

He explained that with the right support and investment, Arik, has all that it takes to become a massive airline given the volume of “reformative and transformational work AMCON did upon intervention in 2017.”

But some industry insiders are not disposed to AMCON’s request, noting that it is giving itself too much credit for the sustenance of the airline. They noted that the debts the airline owed before it was taken over are still unpaid and only a few number of aircraft from its fleet of about 16 are airborne currently.

However, some stakeholders commended AMCON and acknowledged that without it stepping in at the time it did the airline might have gone under.

Industry stakeholder, Aliu Usman who said that he is a dedicated Arik Air customer, stated that the airline changed the air travel industry in Nigeria when it started operation in 2006.

“Indeed to some of us that had and are

still using Arik Air services especially since 2006, Nigeria witnessed a revolution in air travel, we can all attest to modern and new generation aircraft deployed by this business, even to rather underdeveloped airport infrastructure. Arik was a pride of Nigeria to Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world at that time.

“Through the same airline, the newspapers reported a category One certification for Nigeria with Dr Harold Demuren as Director General of the CAA (the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority) proudly showing off.

“No sooner the 10 years of consistent operations the airline flew into dark clouds caused by surge fuel prices, currency devaluation, difficult access to foreign exchange, increasing burden of multiple taxations, unmanageable lease rental payments among others. Not sure if the economic policy masters of the government knew or helped the airline. Arik promoters kept mute and suffer in silence; the rest is history today.

“However, the above notwithstanding, we must thank AMCON for rescuing the business and repositioning it from collapsing. Its worthy of note therefore, that there is a need to clarify what state AMCON took over the business in number of aircraft and route serviced vis-a-vis what it is today.

“Equally is the need to know that since that time how much of the debts they have paid and under what terms and conditions they are running the business. Were they running with the might of government (with easy access to aircraft leases, spares, FX, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, NCAA, NAMA (Nigerian Airspace Management Agency) or faced the same challenges as Allen Onyema of Air Peace who had to go on mountain top to scream and call for help. All of these we need to put in perspective,” Usman said.

“So in the call to adopt Arik Air as national carrier, there are salient issues that must be brought to the fore and one of them is the thinking of the original owners of the airline.

But Sirika has since dismissed the call by AMCON to transform Arik Airline into a national carrier.

Answering questions from State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, he said the airline lacked the capacity to function as a national carrier.

According to him, the best the airline could do was to buy shares in the new national carrier when it eventually makes a debut or invest in the business wherever it deems fit. The minister who said those advocating the transformation of Arik into a national carrier did not understand his ministry’s agenda for a national carrier, explained that the would-be national carrier must be an airline that can support the national economy with $450 million to boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and effectively serve 200 million people.

24

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

Another Look at Domestic Airlines Chinedu Eze writes that government holds the key to thriving, long-term airline operation in Nigeria as Air Peace marks its fifth anniversary

A

s Air Peace last week celebrated five years, many industry stakeholders have expressed hope that the airline, which has warmed itself in the hearts of the people, would exist and operate profitably for many, many years.

Those who spoke to THISDAY were even surprised that the airline was established just five years ago because of its accomplishments in these few years. Some said they thought Air Peace has been there since the past 10 years.

This is an airline that started with seven aircraft but within this short period it has acquired 30 airplanes, operate to over 22 domestic airports and has started international operation with flights to Dubai via Sharja since July 5, 2019.

Air Peace warmed itself into the heart of Nigerians when it evacuated 500 Nigerians from South Africa during xenophobia attacks and also with the Lagos-Dubai operation, Air Peace is poised to expand its international service to London, India, Beijing, Johannesburg, and New York.

Breaking the Jinx Nigerian airlines are faced with the challenge of survival. The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Ahmed Lawan Kuru told Senators when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions last Monday that Nigerian airlines do not last more than average of 10 years.

“There is something the National Assembly should do to help the aviation industry. Why is it that there is no airline in Nigeria that has successfully existed for 10 years? We have successful businessmen in Nigeria, which tell you that what is happening in the aviation sector is a structural problem that needs to be address and I think the National Assembly has a role to play there.

“The current state of the sector is not helping the operators; for instance, the fees and charges they pay to different agencies are too high.

There are quite a lot of issues that I think when we sit down to address, we should be able to help the industry because it is very strategic to the development of the economy of Nigeria,” Kuru said.

Kuru, however, accused airlines of lack of corporate governance as one of the factors that contribute to their collapse. But using Arik Air, for example, which blazed the trail with the acquisition of new aircraft fleet after 20 years of hibernation when no airline ordered and acquired a new aircraft in Nigeria, some industry observers then asked, if Arik Air was able to meet the stringent conditions of international financiers that extended credit facilities to it to acquire the news aircraft, how was it able to do that without corporate governance?

An industry stakeholder who wrote recently on the issue noted that, “the painstaking efforts and doggedness of the private sector promoters should be commended because they managed to grow in the face of muscling government policies, international competition and harsh local environment, bereft of infrastructure that can support adequate aircraft utilisation.”

He also remarked that it was the responsibility of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), as economic regulator and the Ministry of Aviation to ensure that every airline abide by the rules.

Protecting Nigerian Carriers

By August this year foreign airlines had sold tickets worth about $700 million in Nigeria and they anticipated that by December they would have sold $1 billion tickets. Over 80 per cent of this sum is repatriated. For Nigeria to benefit from this huge amount, Nigerian airlines should be empowered by government to provide international services like their foreign counterparts.

It is not only the fact that foreign airlines

dominate international destinations, they also charge outrageous fares from Nigeria.

This was confirmed by the CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, who told THISDAY that it costs more to travel from Lagos to Frankfurt with Lufthansa that it cost from Frankfurt to Orlando, but while Lagos-Frankfurt flight is six hours, FrankfurtOrlando flight is about 11 hours.

Director of Engineering, Ibom Air, Lukeman Animaseun recently told THISDAY that to check outrageous fares charged Nigerian travellers by foreign airlines and also to help domestic airlines operate profitably, government need to support its own airlines.

These supports could be in the area of stable aviation fuel supply at relatively lower prices, access to single digit interest, long-term loans, a review of the multi-designation of foreign airlines to various airports in the country and standing behind Nigerian carriers when they apply to operate to other countries.

Multiple Taxes and Charges Industry stakeholders noted that in many countries of the world, domestic airlines enjoy certain levels of tax holidays, even when the airlines are fully privately owned. This is to encourage them because they serve as catalyst to economic development of any nation.

But in Nigeria sundry charges and levies at airports nationwide, account for at least 65 per cent of airlines’ earnings. Besides the five per cent charge on every ticket bought by passengers, which goes to NCAA and other agencies, domestic airlines are also meant to other charges.

These include the five per cent Cargo Sales Charge, five per cent Value Added Tax (VAT, which government was supposed to have withdrawn), Passenger Service Charge of N1000 per ticket on local route, Charter Sales Charge, Aircraft Inspection Fees, Simulator Inspection Fees, Landing Charges, Parking Charges and Terminal Navigational Charge.

Others are Enroute Charge, Fuel Surcharge, Airport Space Rent, Electricity charges, Apron Pass, ODC (on duty card) registration fee, Service Recovery Charge, Processing Fee, Avio Bridge, Aircraft Registration and Processing Fee. The airlines also pay Toll Gate Fee, VIP Lounge, Trolley Service, Clearance Fee, Check-In Counter Charge, Courier/Tarmac/Pre-Release charges, Import Charge (domestic), Export Charge (domestic), Import Royalty, Export Royalty, Ports Charge, Exports Charge, Transhipment and Concession Fee.

Together, these charges eat deeply into the earnings of the airlines. Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, recently said if the current regime of taxation were not reviewed downwards, no airline would survive.

Onyema, said though the charges had been in the system for long and some of them as fallouts of legislations, it was high time they were reviewed to ease the burden on commercial airlines.

“I suggest that government should raise a consulting firm to go round the country to find out why airlines have been dropping off.

Heavy taxation is part of it. We are suffering.

“Air Peace supports payment of taxes to government; no government runs without the citizens paying tax. Airlines must pay their taxes. What we are asking is for these taxes to be streamlined in such a way that it will help us to help the government and help the country.

“Commercial airlines are a catalyst to economic development in any country. That is why every country supports its airlines.

We are not asking for any financial assistance but for an enabling environment that makes things work. It is not complimentary for us as a country that all our airlines are dying,” Onyema said.

Government Policies Industry operators allege that government through the relevant ministries and agencies deliberately hinder the growth of domestic airlines that actually create jobs. They said these agencies promote policies that tend to encourage foreign carriers that operate into the country.

They noted that despite the fact that government knows that domestic airlines will not grow if foreign airlines are encouraged to operate unhindered into the country, government has not taken any concrete step to show support to local carriers, like insisting that foreign airlines code-share with them if they want to operate to more one airports in the country.

Many industry observers also believe that government is really indifferent to the development of the aviation industry so they are more interested in getting foreign airlines to operate and airlift Nigerians to international destinations.

The President of Sabre Network, Africa and also the President of industry thinktank body, Aviation Round Table (ART), Dr Gbenga Olowo, told THISDAY that Nigeria

needs the foreign airlines but efforts should be made by the country to balance the trade by empowering local carriers to compete with the international airlines.

He said it is easy for government to insist that international airlines must code-share with domestic airlines for designation into more airports in the country.

“I feel that we don’t have the will to change the trend. This is because to change it is very simple. Foreign airlines are here giving us service and we need the service. So why don’t we strengthen our own to make sure they compete and rescue that negative balance of trade?” he said.

Olowo, also said that it is easy to renegotiate Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) to make them mutually beneficial to both the local and international carriers, adding that if there is the will, government can do that easily.

“It is very simple. It is just the Minister of Aviation getting ready to reverse the trend.

Once you have strong Nigerian player, you call the other airlines to the table. You tell them, ‘You have enjoyed it for so long; I am strong now so it is going to be equal’. For example, you tell British people (BA and Virgin Atlantic Airways), you are doing 21 frequencies we also want to do 21.

“If we are going to over flog the market with 21 frequencies on each side, you reduce your own to 10. So when we have excess capacity, we grow together,” he added.

Also recently a communiqué issued by Aviation Round Table (ART) after its third quarter breakfast meeting this year, noted, “It was observed that granting multiple destinations to foreign carriers is not an economically wise decision. It is a deliberate annihilation of the domestic market. Our commercial agreements must be anchored on the principle of reciprocity,” the communiqué said.

Industry stakeholders have agreed that the Nigerian government is not interested in growing a robust aviation industry with viable domestic airlines.

They insisted that Nigeria does not have policies that encourage the airlines; rather, it has made Nigeria a feasting ground for foreign carriers that acknowledged that Nigeria is one of their major profitable routes.

So to break the jinx of average 10-year lifespan for Nigerian airlines, government must tinker with its current policies with the intention to create opportunities for domestic airlines to thrive.

25

T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 1, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

As NPA Moves to Stop $133.28m SAA Fees Eromosele Abiodun writes that the Nigerian Ports Authority decision to dismantle the Secure Anchorage Area, operated on behalf of the Nigerian Navy by a private company will ensure security and reduce port costs

R

ecently, the federal government through the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) announced plans to sign agreement with shipping companies that will see port cost reduce by as much as N300 billion annually.

But as the parties involved get set to append their signature to the agreement, pertinent questions needed to be asked as to why the cost of doing business in Nigerian port is very high. One of the reasons for port cost in Nigeria, according to experts, is insecurity.

According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), despite the relative improvement in security in Nigeria waters in the last quarter, the country still remained one of the places shipping companies loves to avoid as a result of insecurity. This is despite the humongous amount the federal government is spending on security.

Last year, the government announced that it awarded a maritime security contract worth $195 million (about N60 billion) to an Israeli company, HLSI Security Systems and Technologies. The contract involves the deployment of unmanned area vehicles, helicopters, fast patrol boats and others. That is not all.

To further improve security on the country’s territorial waters, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), recently launched its Command, Control Computer Communication and Information (C41) operation centre.

The C4I system, also called the Deep Blue Project, is expected to eliminate, or at least, reduce the scourge of piracy and other criminality in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly in the Nigerian maritime domain, and totally eliminate the incidental insurance premium and other country-specific charges on Nigeriabound cargo.

The C4I centre, THISDAY checks showed, would create maximum security, strong surveillance as well as low freight costs, as there will be increased port calls due to a high level of security.

All these measures are aside several patrol vessels acquired by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for the Nigerian Navy, whose statutory responsibility is to secure Nigeria’s territorial waters, for patrol.

Secured Anchorage and Cost Despite the massive deployment by the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA, vessels calling on Nigerian ports, especially those calling Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt ports are made to pay exorbitant fees that are not remitted to the federal government. Ships that are supposed to anchor in designated areas at the port are forced to move to an area known as Secured Anchorage Area (SAA) where they are made to pay high charges or face threats of insecurity deliberate orchestrated to make it look like only vessels at the SAA are safe.

Speaking at a quarterly stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt recently, operators in the eastern ports raised the alarm that government agencies were flouting the Federal Government Executive Order on joint inspection of vessels.

They lamented that many indigenous shipping companies have closed down due to inability to afford the huge cost of private armed guards, which fluctuates between $30,000 and $50,000, following the spate of insecurity plaguing the eastern flanks of the nation’s waterways.

A cross section of the ship owners and brokers, who spoke at the meeting, revealed that about 90 per cent of vessels that call at the Port Harcourt port or Onne port come with armed guards.

According to a representative of Interserve Nigeria Limited, one of the indigenous shipping firms operating at the Rivers port, “We need the Nigerian Navy and the NIMASA to be up and doing as regards ensuring security around the eastern port channels.

“What is disturbing us today is that the eastern port channels are not secured. Pirates are hijacking vessels and abducting captains at will. That is why many of the foreign vessels

In the letter dated October 9, 2019, which was obtained by THISDAY, NPA stated, “Sequel to your letter ref: NHQ/CNS/015/54/00/Vol. X111/695 of January 2018 to the Honourable Minister of Transportation giving the background to your involvement with the creation and operation of the Secure Anchorage for vessels by OMSL, the Honourable Minister had directed that a letter be written to your service to request that you stop the operation of this facility for the following reasons listed below: “One, by virtue of Port Act (1954), an Anchorage Area is an integral part of NPA statutory responsibility while NIMASA, Marine Police and Nigerian Navy ensure a safe and secure Nigeria territorial waters. Two, the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) (Centre Point 06 17’30N/003 12’00E) established by OMSL is located within the port limit, which should be strictly under the management and control of the NPA. “Three, it is established that vessels are directed and regulated to this facility by OMSL, who NPA does not have contractual agreement or other with. However, the Navy has a Memorandum of Understanding with OMSL and is providing security to the anchorage.

Four, the continued operation of this facility by a private entity could pose security threat to the nation.”

Bala-Usman

that call here come with private armed guards, which is very expensive for indigenous shipping companies.

“Many of the indigenous shipping companies have collapsed because they cannot afford private security. It is very expensive to hire private armed guards to escort your vessel along the eastern waters of the country. Some charge as much as $50,000 per trip. The least you can get, at times is $30,0000. Only the foreign shipping firms can afford it and maybe few indigenous shipping firms who gets juicy contracts.”

Also speaking, another operator, who identified himself as Njoku Emmanuel explained that government agencies were flouting the federal government’s directive on joint inspection of vessels at the Rivers port.

In his words: “We don’t really understand the function of each government agencies at the ports anymore, because every agency that comes on-board a vessel dabbles into the functions of other agencies of government.

“For example, NIMASA has three sections that will inspect a vessel, and all of the sections do the same job. Port Health will come on-board to inspect, and after leaving, Plant Quarantine will come on-board to inspect the provision store that Port Health has already inspected.

“Immigration Service will come on-board and spend four hours scrutinising International passports and Seamen’s books, even when they knew that the vessel came from Lagos to Port Harcourt. All these have affected the

We have also notified the Nigerian Navy that, that arrangement cannot continue anymore, and we anticipate a pushback from the operators of these safe anchorage areas. But we are going to sustain our position that vessels should not be charged for safe anchorage area

turnaround time of vessels at the Rivers port and also exhaust Captains on-board vessels.”

NPA Takes Action Concerned by threat to national security and the cost of doing business at the country’s seaport, the NPA recently notified the Nigerian Navy of its decision to dismantle the SAA, operated on behalf of the Navy by a private company, OMS Limited.

The NPA insisted that the security of the country’s waterways was the statutory responsibility of the NIMASA, Marine Police, and Nigerian Navy, which must all ensure a safe and secure Nigeria territorial waters.

The move by NPA was hailed by stakeholders in the maritime sector, who claimed the initiative was timely to stave off a financial burden that the consulting company had brought on them.

SAA is an area outside the Lagos port that the Nigerian Navy, with a private company, has defined as a secure place where vessels can anchor safely from the threat of pirate attack.

THISDAY investigation reveals that vessels are charged $2,500 for the first day at the anchorage and $1,500 for subsequent days.

Numbers obtained by THISDAY also reveals that it takes between 28 and 30 days for a vessel to exit the anchorage.

According to vessel traffic numbers obtained from the NPA, 1,666 vessels called at the Lagos ports alone in a quarter and a minimum of 55 per cent of vessels that call at the Lagos port stays at the SAA. This means that OMSL Limited, allegedly, owned by a prominent politician pencilled to challenge Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in 2020, on behalf of the Nigerian Navy, collects, averagely, $133.28 million (N47.98 billion) annually. It has been collecting this fee since 2014.

Worried by this, the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, had directed the NPA to write a letter to the Chief of Naval Staff to request that the Navy stopped the operation of the facility. The NPA, in the letter, stated that the revenue generated from the operation at a charge of $1,500 per vessel per day from 2014 to date was neither remitted to it nor the federal government.

NPA argued that the patrol boat, NNS Dorina P101, as mother vessel, and the interceptor vessels, NNS Agede P258 and NNS Torie P259, were all purchased by it for the Nigerian Navy to patrol the anchorage and not to be designated for use at a facility that has no relationship with it.

Cost of Doing Business NPA further stated that the operations of SAA added up to high cost for vessels coming to Nigeria through the charge of $1,500 per vessel per day.

It said in the letter to the Navy, “To this end, you are graciously requested to stop the operation of the SAA while a new framework – nearing conclusion – is being put in place to be managed by NPA in collaboration with your service and other government agencies that are critical to the operation of the anchorage.

“Please note that the authority will issue a notice to Mariners for the discontinuance of the SAA operation and a consequent amendment of the British Admiralty Chart-1381.”

When contacted for comments, Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman, confirmed the development. She stressed, however, that she was worried that entrenched interests might fuel insecurity to give an impression that the SAA had to stay.

Bala-Usman said: “We have also notified the Nigerian Navy that, that arrangement cannot continue anymore, and we anticipate a pushback from the operators of these safe anchorage areas. But we are going to sustain our position that vessels should not be charged for safe anchorage area.

“The Nigeria government, Nigerian Navy, should provide that. And to the extent that the Nigerian Navy requires an additional support, we would provide that support. But, already, our vessels that we procured to secure that anchorage are part of the vessels that they are using to secure the safe anchorage area.”

The NPA managing director added, “I would like to say that any increase in insecurity in the Lagos waters, as relates to this, we are going to hold some people responsible, because once you remove, for example, a safe anchorage, they would try to intentionally create insecurity. I just needed to sound that as a point of reference.

“This safe anchorage has been removed, and we would work with the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA to secure the anchorage. Any attempt to create any insecurity, to justify the establishment of the safe anchorage area, would not be accepted, because our anchorage in the Lagos area has been very safe. We do not have any incidence or activities of militants in the waterways in this part.”

In their reaction, officials of many shipping companies applauded the NPA for the bold move, adding that this would go a long way in reducing port cost. The officials, who did not want their names in print, disclosed that NIMASA already collected security fees, saying the multiple fees are a major barrier to the growth of the shipping industry in Nigeria.

26

T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 1, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Strengthening Brand Equity with CSR Beyond the glamour and rewards that annually herald the Indomie Independent Day Award, an initiative of Dufil Prima Foods to reward bravery and innovation in Nigerian children, Raheem Akingbolu accesses its impact on consumers and brands from the stable

Adefila: Advertising Sector Not for Faint Hearted One of the leading marketing communications firms in Nigeria, SO&U, recently appointed Biodun Adefila as its Chief Operating Officer. In this interview, Adefila appraises the industry and maps out strategies to sustain the status of the second-generation agency.

Raheem Akingbolu brings the excerpts

W

hat picture do you see when you take a critical look at Nigeria’s Integrated Marketing Communication Industry?

I see both challenges and eureka moments. The challenges are enormous. To overlook them would be unwise. At the same time, we can’t roll over and die just because things have gotten tough. This is where our creativity comes in.

No doubt the environment has changed from what we used to know even as recently as 5-10 years ago. There’s more impact of digital on our business and the target audience themselves have changed.

There’s more emphasis on the youth market globally and for good reason. Take Africa for example; about 46 per cent of the 1.3 billion increase in the continent’s labor force over the period 2015-2063 will be young people aged 15-34, averaging 12.1 million a year.

Questions then begin to arise on understanding this market thoroughly, their aspirations and how we can appeal to those for brand resonance.

So, for the IMC market, there are challenges and there are opportunities. Intent listening, keen observation, and insight-based innovation - driven by the first two actions, will become the survival process.

I

n today’s market, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), one of the stems of sound corporate governance, has attained a global and local height. The reason is obviously because of its impacts in helping nations meet their sustainable development goals. This explains why top executives across different industries want to demonstrate their corporate citizenship through altruistic, ethical and legal initiatives that presents their organisations as socially responsible.

However, the big challenge for executives is how to develop an approach that can truly deliver on these lofty ambitions.

Some innovative companies have managed to overcome this hurdle, with community partnership as one way to create value for both the business and society simultaneously.

Some others have also been able to create a sustainable CSR Strategy tailored towards their values.

Dufil Prima Foods example Two decades after entering Nigerian market with Indomie noodles, Dufil Prima Foods, had initiated an unusual rewarding system for children. Before then, the company had consistently involved in sponsorship of sports activities in schools. But in a renewed vigor to further impact its target market, Indomie Independent Day Award (IIDA), for heroes in Nigeria, was initiated in 2008 to reward physical, social and intellectual bravery among children. Eleven years after, the reward system have not only changed lives but have also deepened the relationship between the brand and children because of its direct impact.

Under this corporate social responsibility, Dufil has assisted many children to advance their careers with various amounts provided as some of the past winners have funded their education from the scholarship funds received from this award. “We can therefore boldly say that Dufil Prima Foods is playing its part in helping to build future leaders for Nigeria”, Chief Executive Officer, Tolaram Group West Africa, Pawan Sharma said at the 2019 edition.

According to him, the award is a reflection of the importance and belief of our company in the extraordinary qualities of the Nigerian child which must never be ignored but rather, celebrated.

“This is also in consonance with our core values and deep-rooted belief that in every child lies the seed of greatness. Dufil Prima Foods believes that children need to be empowered. IIDA is part of our efforts to empower our children and we have carried

this out relentlessly for the past 12 years”. The award was introduced in 2008 to celebrate and reward acts of heroism in young children who have made notable sacrifices at great risk to themselves.

“Through the years, Dufil has enlarged its concentration areas on CSR, in an effort to continuously impact positively on the lives of our consumers, most importantly the children. The joy we derive in giving back to the society as a responsible corporate citizen brings our founding principles to life”, Pawan said.

Pawan Sharma said the initiative was established to fill the gap that exists in celebrating and rewarding the positive efforts, strong character and achievements of many young children who have exhibited various acts of courage and heroism at one time or the other within the country.

“This event is noteworthy as it is in consonance with the core values and deep-rooted belief of our company and the brand that in every child lies what it takes to become great”.

According to Pawan, Dufil Prima Foods would always celebrate children who serve as change agents in their respective communities and beyond. “Apart from providing these children with an enthusiastic brand, Dufil believes that children need to be empowered.

And this, we are doing as a brand”.

Reflecting on the award, General Manager Indomie, Gauruv Sharma said the company has since realised as a socially responsible organization that the spirit of true heroism does not only rest within the purview of adults who understand the full implication of their actions, but also in the heart of children, who forgo the consequences of their actions to save lives and redeem the future.

Today, the Indomie Hall of Fame are discovered children who have in different situations faced insurmountable challenges, stared at death in the face, fought against peer pressure, against lack, against fear, against disabilities and most importantly, conquered self.

Through the award, education is enhanced, “lives have been transformed, lives have been changed. People who have never dreamt of leaving their localities are being flown to Lagos and publicly celebrated in the presence of the high and the mighty of the society which is an experience imprinted in the mind of these children’s memories for life”, Gauruv said.

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

Elongation of payment period by clients is one of the challenges seriously affecting the Ad industry, what is the way out?

It’s a tough one and again we will need to collectively pull together to chart a course of action. Very few agencies can survive on this proposal. The profit margins are eroded already so committing to a 120-day payment cycle when our own suppliers demand advance payment is to put it very mildly leaving us at a crossroads. The fact though is that we all need each other and by the time we sit down to talk, all parties can see where the others are coming from and we can all arrive at a proposition that works.

You are appointed COO of SO$U Group at a time the industry is challenged by a number of socio-economic factors, how do you feel?

I feel very humbled, but at the same time very inspired.

Humbled because the scenarios are really tough and this is truly the play out of the survival of the fittest. Inspired because it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that the founders of the business have brought it this far and they have enough trust that handing over to the next generation will not only sustain the business but take it even higher.

A respected senior colleague once said that challenges are meant to be dealt with not worshipped. This is exactly what we’re going to do. We have a vision of where we want to go. All we need to do is examine ourselves to be sure we have what it takes to get us there. We’ll examine ourselves along the way and make necessary adjustments.

It’s a journey and we have our compass.

We remain focused and we’re assured of a successful arrival.

As the new COO, what are your functions and what new things are you bringing to the table. Are you focusing on any new business to grow ROI? My number one function is to be the Chief Inspiration Officer. We want our people to be aligned and on the same page with us. As I said earlier, we’re embarking on a journey and it’s a journey that will require everyone to put in 100 per cent, sometimes 110 per cent of themselves for us to attain our goal. Letting everyone know the purpose of this journey and constantly reminding ourselves of the rewards of successfully arriving at that destination is my key role.

If we have that, we can win at all points anytime, any day and anywhere. A key focus of our new journey would be for us to re-orientate ourselves and begin each day as DAY 1. Day 1 is a concept we’re adopting from Amazon Inc, one of the most successful tech companies globally.

The Day 1 concept sustains the excitement, fire, dreams and ambitions of Day 1 even 100 years later. Our mentality is geared

Adefila

in this direction whether with respect to existing or new businesses. Our vision is to inspire the world with our passion and ideas. We will go wherever that takes us.

SO&U has weathered the turbulent business environment storm over the years, what factors accounted for this feat?

One of our core values is Ingenuity. We are in the creative business. Being able to use every available opportunity to demonstrate relevance to our clients has always stood us out. We offer service like very few organisations. At SO&U we put passion into all we do. We have this mantra that our clients must never complain. It makes us bend over backwards to achieve results where others may have stormed off in irritation.

We also value relationships. When we sign clients up, we’re in it for the long haul.

We believe in total involvement and total commitment. Put all that together, you’ll see why clients relate with us as partners and not just “the advertising agency”. It’s all about partnerships that work extremely well together.

Understanding the client’s business and the market they operate in will always deliver results. This is what we’ve done.

As a person who has climbed through the ladder, what are the challenges in this job as a marketing communication executive?

Focus. Advertising is not for the faint hearted. You need to be on your toes all the time and have your wits about you.

You deal with a lot of people with different temperaments, background and level of knowledge. You engage with suppliers alike. In the midst of what might look like constant madness, you need to hold on to your purpose. Be flexible where you have to be and keep your eyes on the ball.

This field tests not only your mental and physical abilities; it tests your emotional quotient as well because it’s a people business.

I believe if you can succeed in advertising, you can succeed in any other endeavor.

You are one of the few women on senior position in an industry dominated by men, how do you feel and what would it take more women to climb to this position?

I feel very blessed. I must however say that this is not my achievement alone. I attribute it to having a supportive family, colleagues and a world-class organisiation which recognises merit whether it comes in a female or male package. Advertising is a very transparent job. If you’re doing well, everyone takes notice. If you’re not doing so well, you can’t hide for long. My advice therefore is for everyone male and female to be focused in what they do and have the determination to succeed. When you’re relevant in your post, promotion is always a matter of time. Maybe a little patience too - knowing that some things take time and being able to hold out. When you’re focused and you’re following a course, you know not to be agitated but follow through.

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

Samantha Iwowo: The Quintessential Filmmaker and Director

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 08038901925

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COVER SAMANTHA IWOWO: THE QUINTESSENTIAL FILMMAKER AND DIRECTOR

Samantha Iwowo grabbed headlines in 2016 with her award-winning film ‘Oloibiri’. The film which plumbs the consequences of oil exploitationintheNiger-Deltaregionwasparticularlypraisedforitsrichstorylineandvisualaesthetics.Aprofoundwriterandfilmdirector, her screenplay credits include the M-Net TV series‘Tinsel’and more recently‘The Tyrant’, a biography on the late Zimbabwean dictator, Robert Mugabe; commissioned byTheatron Media Inc., Canada and stars British-Nigerian actor, Hakeem Kae-Kazim.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Benin, a Diploma in Film Directing from London Academy of Media,Film&TV,aMastersDegreeinCorporateCommunicationsandPRfromtheUniversityofWestLondonandforherPh.Dresearched ColonialContinuitiesinNeo-Nollywood.Iwowoispassionateabouttransnationalcinema,advancingdiscourseonexistingrealitiesinthe increasing international collaborations between Nollywood and the West. She recently invited documentary filmmaker and Academy Award voting member Femi Odugbemi to an interactive session with her students in Bournemouth University, U.K. where she lectures in Directing Drama for Film andTelevision. She shares her thoughts on Nollywood in this interview with Vanessa Obioha

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to change this lies with us and the level of our commitment to research and development in the area.

hat is the USP in Nollywood that has held the world spell-

bound?

As I see it, the Universal Selling Points of the industry are a combination of passion, defiance and an in-ward looking marketing strategy, which creates an army of passionate filmmakers defiant to the international capital-intensive hegemonies of filmmaking. It is like a (sub)conscious philosophy, and upon its frameworks a sea of movies have been created and transported across the continent.

This philosophy also birthed that relatively pocket-friendly budget template which has been widely adopted by many filmmakers in several other countries of Africa. Furthermore, it equally engenders that globally rising popularity, which challenges and arguably threatens the central place of African Cinema. By African Cinema, by the way, I mean the sphere of filmmaking in the continent largely characterised by anti-colonial/decolonisation narratives, and big budgets often requiring funding from Western organisations.

Nollywood tends to recognise the sheer population of Nigeria, and primarily cater to it. In the pre-socialmedia times of the early 2000s, this in-ward looking approach to extents, unconsciously, generated a rather successful culture of word-of-mouth marketing by its primary audiences in Nigeria, to those in the diaspora.

Having said these, one cannot ignore that the USPs also bring the curse of piracy, and equally importantly, a high number of charlatans, who though are illiterate in filmmaking, yet continue to passionately and defiantly churn out poorly made movies. Thus, typically, these days, one out of three Nollywood films just might be appalling to watch.

Do you share the view by critics that Nigerian scriptwriters have not been able to situate the Nigerian story within a global context that attract attention worldwide?

I tend to think that the critique of Nollywood scriptwriting can be best done in a context that does not exclude the director. The finished work on screen arguably is largely how the director envisions the script. Therefore, if the director has little knowledge of implicit dramaturgy, s/he tells a story reliant on dialogues and melodramatic performances; and fails to present motifs of a global context of - for instance nuances of capitalism – which the script has effectively placed in nuances. In other words, on several occasions, nuanced storytelling by several screenwriters

You recently did a biographical film on the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. What influenced that decision?

My research is in African postcolonial cinema and I am quite drawn to stories situated in this area. Therefore, when the producer, Rogers Ofime approached me, I welcomed the idea.

Have you considered doing a biopic on any of our past leaders?

Yes, I have. I am though interested in the lesser-known figures who worked in the backgrounds. Such personalities like Samuel Ikoku, Nduka Eze, Gogo Chu Nzeribe who were part of the Nigerian nationalist struggles but not as celebrated.

Iwowo

have gone over the heads of several directors, but the mediocrity on screen is then blamed on the former. Granted there are scriptwriters who do not understand that stories should be told with a consciousness of global realities, many directors are equally guilty of not understanding this.

In which area of filmmaking would you say Nollywood has comparative advantage?

I think it is in the themes of our stories: they are varied in their advocacy for the fostering of human dignity.

They are although largely unharnessed because they are often poorly treated in terms of the other aspects of filmmaking.

Are you impressed by the recent stories from Nollywood? Which Nigerian story has been most compelling, in your estimation?

In my view, Kemi Adetiba’s ‘King of Boys’ is a masterpiece for the way it brings women to tell the sometimes harrowing stories of their journeys to the spotlight. ‘Gidi Blues’ is also one of my favourites. It dares the middle-class to tell itself truths about its attitude of entitlement. I am also taken by the Africana-Womanist theme of Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Lionheart’. I think too that upon its release, Rogers Ofime’s ‘Make

Room’, which dwells on the less-known huge fatalities of the Boko Haram menace, will stun the world.

You explored Film Aesthetics for your Ph.D. study in Colonial Continuities in Neo-Nollywood, how has that influenced your view of Nollywood films and generally?

In studying the film aesthetics of Nollywood, I come to be empathetic toward the near-absence of cinema vocabulary in Nollywood films, because the industry subconsciously holds on to colonial legacies of inferior filmmaking techniques.

From scriptwriting to directorial articulation of stories, there is the overreliance on dialogues and linear storytelling that reflects legacies of the Colonial Film Unit under its director, William Sellers, who institutionalised what he termed ‘Specialised Techniques’ of filmmaking for the colonies.

This was based on his insistence that the African could not comprehend sophisticated cinematic techniques.

While we have done away with most of William-Sellers techniques, vestiges of them have travelled into our presentday filmmaking culture. They hamper the spread of our visual storytelling into mainstream film markets spaces of the West, for in their halting language of cinematic vocabulary, they are inaccessible to non-initiates of Nollywood films. However, I think that the power

Do you subscribe to the view that there is an old and/or new Nollywood?

Indeed, yes. Though, I do not term the earlier sphere ‘old’. I term it the ‘traditional’ and agree with Charles Novia’s terming of the latter as ‘neoNollywood’. The former is not inferior to the latter; it is rather the path-clearing parent of the neo which defiantly challenged the difficulties of production at the time of its inception. Without this lot, there would be no Nollywood researchers, or even the filmmakers we celebrate today.

You are known as a transnational filmmaker, are you impressed by the progress of the concept?

I like that the concept increasingly sees the indispensable place of Nollywood in its discourse. I recently came across a call for papers for an edited volume investigating crime films from transnational perspectives. Amongst others, the call also specifically asked for papers on Nollywood crime movies on videos and film. Long overdue, I thought, but progress nevertheless.

What is the greatest misconception about Nollywood today?

That it is some small industry in faraway Africa unimportant to film studies and practice.

Are you attracted to other forms of art?

I like the art of clothes designing, particularly those with African print.

The symmetry of the cuts fascinate me. I am attracted to the power of the theatre, and the authenticity of its production.

By this I mean performance and visuals that are not mediated by postproduction corrections in the editing room. That’s one spot where artistic excellence is firmly tested, and mediocrity, promptly spotted.

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Design Fashion Africa Gives Prospects to Young Designers

Models showcasing African designs at the DFA runway at Eko Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos

Stories by Mary Nnah CEO Oracle Experience and Project Co-promoter of Design Fashion Africa (DFA), Mr. Felix King has said that the objective of the maiden edition of the DFA held recently in Lagos was basically to empower young designers.

Speaking recently during a post-event press briefing in Lagos, he said, “We discovered that most of the fashion shows and platforms only

give room for well-established designers which makes it really difficult for upcoming designers to breakthrough.

“So what we did was create a platform that will not just empower young designers but also transform their craft immensely by providing them with the opportunity to be mentored by established designers as well as share same stage with them.”

He explained that the platform which also afforded them the opportunity to build a synergy between the upcom-

ing and established is capable of making the industry very vibrant.

The event which focuses on discovering and harnessing young talents in the fashion industry offers a massive platform for upcoming designers to groom their craft and launch out to the world.

It was opened to young designers all over the country.

Aspiring designers who entered for the competition were auditioned and the best 10 were selected camped for two weeks. Within these two

weeks they were mentored and groomed by veteran designers on how to develop their skills, how to source for fabrics, how to price, sell their finished works and manage their business.

The participants were given tasks and after each tasks two participants were evicted. The process continued with successful participants moving to the next stage till three finalists emerged, with Abubakar Jubril eventually taking the crown.

Revolution to Hit Interior Designs Industry in Nigeria Aksara Foundation, a non-for-profit organisation that seeks to educate and empower 21st century girl has begun the journey to actualise its vision and inspiration by donating to Iyana Ipaja Girls Junior Grammar School a refurbished ICT room set up, over 20 computers, security wall set up, air conditioners and scholarship for four students.

The foundation still in its infancy and conceptualisation phase, took the initiative to raise the 21th century leaders in public school in Nigeria by refurbishing the dilapidated computer room and expand it therefore, equipping the school with over 20 modern computer sets.

Speaking at the commissioning of the computer room and other donations to the school, Mrs. Gulnar Vaswani, founder of Aksara Foundation, said that the foundation is seeking to redefine how students view leadership, and are being taught to face the 21st century challenges rather than the usual curriculum that is not, in her opinion, adequately preparing for the students for the future they will inherit.

She said: “Aksara Foundation is talking about competencies, skills, learnings and paradigms that are not covered by most curriculums either at the university level or undergraduate level or high school level or junior high level.” “We think that there are other drivers of

Organisation Excites Young Entrepreneurs

Upcoming and young entrepreneurs in Nigeria were excited and inspired when IE University, a leading global higher institution based in Madrid and Segovia, Spain held its first African Venture Day in Lagos State with the theme, “Growth and Scalability in Business: Crafting a Winning Strategy”.

Put together to help further support startups dedicated to providing innovative digital based solutions to everyday problems faced

by African businesses, the Lagos Venture Day commenced with a welcome address from the Lagos Consul General of Spain, Mr. Juan Antonio Moreda Otero, who said, “IE University, Nigeria and Spain are three clear dots joined by three lines which are entrepreneurship, knowledge and commitment”.

The spotlight of the event introduced startups who pitched their innovative solutions to the jury made up of leaders in the tech and finance industries including Associate Director of IE Business School; Hans Kristofer Munthe-kass, Founder of TrainQuarters Stephanie Obi, Social Impact and ESG Manager at Alithea Capital, Temilade Denton; Programme Head, Accion Venture Lab Ekene Agu and; the DeputyManaging Director of Afrinvest and Victor Ndukauba. The five competing startups which had been selected based on their originality, financial viability and positive impact on major business challenges battled for the star prize of an allexpense paid trip to Spain to participate in a week long IE startup boot camp and the South Summit start-up conference in Spain, N5 million cash, $15,000 promotional credits courtesy Amazon Web Services and 50 per cent scholarship for any IE University’s High Impact Online Program (HiOP) of their choice.

Social Lender; an organisation which offers lending services to low-income earners who cannot provide collateral emerged winner of the Venture Day after being pitched by Mudiaga Ogboru.

Monify, a platform which provides financial advisory services, emerged runner-up. The audience was also given the power to select a people’s choice startup winner via a Twitter poll with Social Lender still emerging as winner.

Onyekachi Eke, Director of IE University (West Africa) and Sabine Yazbeck Director of IE University; (Middle East & Africa) shared the goals of IE which encompasses offering a dynamic, transformational learning environment that shapes the people who will go on to shape the world.

L-R: Director of West Africa, IE University, Onyekachi Eke; Consul General Spain, Juan Antonio Moreda Otero and MD, Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL), Dr Amy Jadesimi at the IE Digital Solutions Venture Day in Lagos

Three Crowns Flags off Mum of the Year 2019 Campaign

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Co- founder & Commercial Director, Gemona West Interior, Naomi Smith; Business Development, ProBlind Nigeria, Wassim Bashasha and Co-founder & Creative Director, Gemona West Interior, Deise Smith at the MADE by Design exhibition

success that education is not capturing. We want to help build those skills, talents and competencies and make the students understand that they are all leaders and they all have untapped potential to give whether they are A, B, C or D students it doesn’t matter,” she enthused. Speaking on the choice of the school, elated Vaswani who vowed to continue to give back to school with appropriate maintenance discipline said, “the selection of the school was based on appropriate

numbers of students, it must be a public school, decent security record and to kick start with school within our area of operation, which is Ikeja in Lagos.”

She said: “Selection started with when we said we wanted to partner with a school that has maximum of number of students and schools around our head office. Because we are in Ikeja and we tour schools around Ikeja and Agege axis and we found this school- Iyana Ipaja Junior Girls Grammar School, which

is a big school with a large number of students and we choose help this school.”

She thanked the principal, the vice principal and the school management for giving us the opportunity to serve them. On the scholarship given to four students of the school, the Askara Foundation boss said, to ensure that these students get their educational support, they are required to submit their results at the end of every term in order to assess their performances.”

Aksara Foundation, a non-for-profit organisation that seeks to educate and empower 21st century girl has begun the journey to actualise its vision and inspiration by donating to Iyana Ipaja Girls Junior Grammar School a refurbished ICT room set up, over 20 computers, security wall set up, air conditioners and scholarship for four students.

The foundation still in its infancy and conceptualisation phase, took the initiative to raise the 21th century leaders in public school in Nigeria by refurbishing the dilapidated computer room and expand it therefore, equipping the school with over 20 modern computer sets.

Speaking at the commissioning of the computer room and other donations to the school, Mrs. Gulnar Vaswani, founder of Aksara Foundation, said that the foundation is seeking to redefine how students view leadership, and are being taught to face the 21st century challenges rather than the usual curriculum that is not, in her opinion, adequately preparing for the students for the future they will inherit.

She said: “Aksara Foundation is talking about competencies, skills, learnings and paradigms that are not covered by most curriculums either at the university level or undergraduate level or high school level or junior high level.” “We think that there are other drivers of success that education is not capturing. We want to help build those skills, talents and competencies and make the students understand that they are all leaders and they all have untapped potential to give whether they are A, B, C or D students it doesn’t matter,” she enthused. Speaking on the choice of the school, elated Vaswani who vowed to continue to give back to school with appropriate maintenance discipline said, “the selection of the school was based on appropriate numbers of students, it must be a public school, decent security record and to kick start with school within our area of operation, which is Ikeja in Lagos.”

She said: “Selection started with when we said we wanted to partner with a school that has maximum of number of students and schools around our head office. Because we are in Ikeja and we tour schools around Ikeja and Agege axis and we found this school- Iyana Ipaja Junior Girls Grammar School, which is a big school with a large number of students and we choose help this school.”

She thanked the principal, the vice principal and the school management for giving us the opportunity to serve them.

On the scholarship given to four students of the school, the Askara Foundation boss said, to ensure that these students get their educational support, they are required to submit their results

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MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

Yinka Ayefele Opens up on the Birth of His Triplets OnSunday,November3,renownedgospelsingerYinkaAyefelewillbededicatinghistripletsinaprivateceremonyinIbadan,Oyostate.The newsoftheirbirthhavebeenshroudedinsecrecy,VANESSA OBIOHAencounteredtheartisterecentlywhoexplainedhisactions Yinka Ayefele is a happy man. He has every reason to be. In June, the news of the birth of his triplets reverberated around the country and was welcomed with joy. That euphoric feeling is seen in his disposition this sunny afternoon in his office in Ibadan. The way he talks about his triplets, sometimes expressing unspeakable joy, other times displaying disbelief as if he is still in a dream. The peculiarity of his situation is one that leaves one in awe of the wonders of the Supreme God. Known as the inventor of ‘Tungba’ genre, Ayefele’s life story is one that’s filled with more thanksgiving than regret. He was involved in an accident over two decades ago that resulted in a spinal cord injury and confined him to a wheelchair.

That incident nearly shredded his lofty life ambition into pieces. A passionate musician and broadcaster, Ayefele harboured the dream of attaining more heights. At the time of the accident, everything seemed gloomy and not a few imagined the worst for him. But somehow, Ayefele was able to turn his misfortunes around, accumulating an enviable wealth that made many wish they were in his shoes, despite the constraints of movement he suffers. He revealed that he is constantly in pain and the only way to numb the pain was to be active 24 hours. He is currently the owner of the Ibadanbased radio station Fresh FM. Gradually, Ayefele is spreading the tentacles of the radio stations to other South-western states such as Ogun and Ekiti States.

Going by the degree of his accident, not a few doubted that he would have his own progeny. But with his resilient spirit and the love and understanding of his wife, Tope whom he met before the accident, a miracle came knocking last year, and the couple gladly answered.

Yet, when his bundle of joy arrived, Ayefele was too scared to share the good news with the world.

They were very supportive. My family members never abandoned me.

My wife is an extraordinary woman. I call her my mum. I met her while I was working with Radio Nigeria Ibadan and my colleagues at Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo state used to bring jingles for me to produce. My wife turned out to be a cousin of one of my colleagues Olaitan Adeniyi. Few weeks after I met her, I had an accident and she stood by me all along, working together. I don’t know how to describe her. She endured a lot. She tried several options, In Vitro fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and experienced several failures. She is one in a million. I really thank God for her courage.

Do you think your wealth played a role in this miracle?

Am I wealthy? I thank God. I have spent millions and I have the grace to spend it. I spent money in the States, London but eventually God did it. I tried several hospitals in Nigeria as well but only one stood out. That is Delight Hospital and Fertility Centre in Ibadan. They made it possible for us to be parents today. Anyone who has done IVF or IUI knows what it costs, especially when you are doing it outside Nigeria, if you take into consideration the hospital bills, accommodation, flight, a lot of expenses attached to it.

But eventually God did it in Nigeria.

There are speculations surrounding the birth of your children. When exactly were they born?

My bundles of joy arrived on January 18, 2019. They are triplets and were delivered at the Holy Cross Hospital in the United States. I have been praying for the miracle of a child after so many years of childlessness. I give glory to God that it is a great surprise. I was hoping for one but God surprised me with three. I have two boys and a girl.

But it wasn’t until June that people knew you had triplets, why the secrecy?

It was deliberate. I even denied it once. When it happened, the news somehow got out and a lot of people were talking about it but I denied it because those babies were born premature. And I was scared because I didn’t want to lose these babies after the long wait. Yorubas also believe that if you are loud about such news that anything can happen so I didn’t want to reveal anything about them until they are fully grown. But my pastor encouraged me, she told me that the Lord who gave me these children will surely keep them, that I shouldn’t deny them. She encouraged me to testify of the Lord’s doing in my life. That was why I came out to talk about it. But I was initially afraid of how they look, they were very tiny.

How were you able to conceal the news being that you are in the spotlight and have many people working for you?

It was not easy. I have to befriend some people to keep them from revealing it. Some of my colleagues in the media industry knew about it but I asked them not to talk about it yet. I also ensured that none of their pictures were released until recently.

Yinka Ayefele and his triplets

Could you take us through the emotions you experienced when the children arrived?

I went through different emotions at different stages. Each moment was terrific. Right from the eighth day we did the pregnancy test and discovered it was positive, I nearly ran mad. I couldn’t believe that it could happen after a series of attempts. I don’t know how to explain the way I feel. But that night she gave birth to them, it became more real. I have been monitoring their growth right from the womb. I accompany my wife to the scan tests. That night, I fully welcomed them.

Has anything changed since the children arrived?

People around me can attest to that question. Things have changed positively for me. I celebrate them every month. When they clocked nine months recently, I celebrated them. I have been celebrating God in their lives. I have increased in many ways. Immediately these babies were conceived, the number of my radio stations increased.

We now transmit in Abeokuta and very soon we will be in Ado-Ekiti.

There is an assumption that you

had a child in the past. Is that correct?

I never had any biological children.

My siblings stay with me so I automatically adopted their children. I used them as a point of contact for my miracle. The desperation to have children is not easy. It takes you everywhere.

From going to the mountains to pray to hospitals for a series of tests. Already Yinka Ayefele is on a wheelchair and most people think that it will be impossible for me to have children because of my condition.

Were you ever discouraged at a point?

One thing about me is that I’m stubborn. I never take defeat. That’s why I still believe that one day I will still walk.

I don’t think anything is impossible with God. Just believe in Him and He will work it out. That is my own belief in life. I don’t see anything being impossible. I have been trying to manage my condition despite the rumours about my infertility. Maybe out of respect, no one really confronted me to ask if I was truly infertile.

How supportive were your family members?

What does that say about the health institutions in Nigeria because quite a number of people have little faith in our health system?

The treatment in Nigeria is even far better than most of these treatments outside the country. Once it fails, there is no refund. But in Nigeria, they will encourage you. We have some of them that do not care about your situation but I know of three fertility clinics here that are more concerned about their success stories. My case prompted us to create a group for couples going through infertility problems. We created a group where we assist couples who want to go for IVF/IUI treatment financially. We have been doing that for the past four years now. Even before I had mine, we supported a family in this infertility community that we created and they had quadruplets.

There is a report that you received a prophecy about your children. How true is it?

It’s true. Yes I received a prophecy from prophetess Esther Abimbola Ajayi in London. I went to her church to minister and she told me that as long as women who have passed the age of bearing children can still carry their babies, that I will definitely have mine.

Her words were ‘Yinka Ayefele, God said He is going to do it for you if only you believe.’ That was two years ago and it eventually happened.

Are we expecting an album on this?

I already did an album. I knew they were coming so I did it last year.

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With FG Backing, AFRIMA Gears Up for an Exciting Sixth Edition Stories by Vanessa Obioha

Despite the late change of host country from Ghana to Nigeria, the sixth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is gearing up for a memorable event. It recently secured support from the federal government which was announced by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.

Mohammed praised the international organising committee of the awards for what it represents in the continent, noting that the country has recorded the most successful editions of the award due to the visa on arrival policy. ‘’All Africa Music Awards is one of the biggest awards for the music industry in Africa, and what the government has done in the past is to provide an enabling environment for the awards to take place.

We provided support services for AFRIMA, we gave them the backing they need and I think it’s on record that the AFRIMA editions that have been held in Nigeria have been among the most successful.

This year again, we are ready to partner AFRIMA professionally, give them the maximum support

such as effective media coverage and also help them in reaching out to other critical stakeholders,’’the minister said.

With this exciting news, the organisers have rolled out the series of events that will be held this year.

In its usual tradition, the four-day event will kick off with a Welcome Soiree scheduled for Wednesday, November 20 at the poolside of Eko Hotels and Suites,Victoria Island, Lagos. The reception is in honour of arriving AFRIMA nominees, delegates, African Union officials and other expected guests.

The next day will see the AFRIMA delegates paying a visit to a public primary school in Lagos to donate educational and musical instruments as part of its social responsibility initiative. The initiative was launched in Gambia in 2015 as a way to raise consciousness for the African child’s education and literacy on the continent.

The AFRIMA-styled music village will be held in the evening of the same day at the Agege Stadium, Lagos, where a slew of upcoming artistes and music stars will entertain music lovers for 12 hours.

Each edition of AFRIMA engages

music professionals and executives, government officials as well as other stakeholders in the music, media and financial sectors of Africa on ways to harness the socio-economic gains of the music industry in Africa in a one-of-its-kind Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS).

That discussion will take place on Friday, November 22 at the Grand Ballroom, Eko Hotels and Suites, and in the evening, the AFRIMA Nominees party will hold. Tagged ‘Fire and Ice’, the exclusive party for this year’s nominees has a few surprises in store for the guests.

The main awards ceremony themed ‘Feel Africa’ will eventually take place on Saturday, November 23 at Eko Convention Centre. The event will be broadcast live and is conceptualised to celebrate African creativity and culture in all its splendour as well as reward African artistes who emerge winners in the 36 AFRIMA continental and regional categories ranging from the classic, contemporary to traditional genres of music. The awards ceremony programme will specially recognise and honour African music veterans with the 2019 AFRIMA Legend Award.

The Music Industry is Polluted, Says Olakira U&I Music’s newest signon Olakira has decried the increasing rot penetrating the music industry in Nigeria. The singer who released his latest EP ‘Wakanda Jollof’ in July voiced his concerns during a recent chat where he pointed out that the music industry lacks structure.

“There is no structure in the music industry. Usually, an artiste’s success is based on talents but right now, talent no longer count. The situation in Nigeria is peculiar because people can break through as long as they have the pecuniary means. I have seen some people who are not that talented but they are making waves because they have the money to spend.

“The industry is very polluted. There is a lot of noise overshadowing the real talents.

Some of them come from rich backgrounds so they can afford to throw money around even if they are not talented. They have polluted the industry with their money.You will be shocked by the number of talents that abound in this country, but because there are no platform to support them, they are not in the spotlight.”Olakira pointed out that the corruption in the industry is having an adverse effect on other artistes who are forced to go the extra mile in order to gain some prominence.

Part of the reason for this pollution he said is because of the superficial lifestyle paraded on social media.

“Most Nigerian artistes are not real because people believe everything they see on social media, they live a fake life. I know this is showbiz but I think

Olakira

there should be a limit. The gatekeepers should try to curb this situation by acknowledging talents more than money,“ he advised.

Prior to the release of his seven-track EP, Olakira was a known producer who went by the moniker EbenJazz. He has worked with artistes such as Patoranking and Dotman. His musical imprint is visible on Dotman’s hit singles ‘Akube’ and ‘My Woman’.

However, he disclosed that he has always been a musician.

He dropped his first unofficial single in 2007 and abandoned singing in 2010 after he fell in love with producing. It wasn’t until last year when the record label decided to sign him on as an artiste after witnessing his dexterous musical gifts. The afro-pop, RnB, jazz artist who produces, composes, writes, sings and plays a wide variety of musical instruments — drums,

talking drums, keyboard, guitar, and saxophone — was skeptical at first being that he had left singing for a while. But what bothered him more was the change of his stage name to Olakira.

“I wasn’t open to the idea at first because I felt people already knew me as EbenJazz.

But when I learnt the meaning of the Swahili name was shining star, I accepted it.”

That name it seems has brought him fame. His seven track EP so far has enjoyed massive airplay and the artiste is currently working on the video of one of his hit track ‘Aya Mi’.

He described the EP as a flavorful collection that serves different sounds from the continent. Of the seven tracks, the artiste produced two – ‘Flirty Signal’, and ‘Money Groove’.

Though he is keen on living a decent lifestyle, Olakira hopes that his music will fetch him

TylerPerry’sNewShowsNowShowingonDStvandGOtv The new shows from award winning American film producer and entertainment mogul Tyler Perry, ‘Sistas’ and ‘The Oval’ premiered yesterday Thursday, October 31 on DStv and GOtv. ‘Sistas’ revolves around a group of single black ladies as they navigate their complicated love lives, careers and friendships through the ups and downs of living in a modern world. ‘The Oval’ on the other hand carries the audience alongside the first family, the Tyler Perry Franklins played by Ed Quinn, Kron Moore, Paige Hurd and Daniel Croix Henderson, moving into the White House and follows immediately after the ‘Sistas’.

Perry’s shows and films have always been successful, notably the ‘Madea’ series where he played the titular character. The new shows are coming on the heels of his historic feat apendently own the largest film studio in Atlanta, surpassing that of Warner Bros and Disney. The news was greeted with fanfare. ‘Sistas’ and ‘The Oval’ airs every Thursday on BET channel at 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm respectively.

Flytime Promotions Announces Five Days Nonstop Musical Festival Mary Nnah

For the first time since its inception, widely acclaimed“Rhythm Unplugged”concerts will be held nonstop for five days, with a line-up of legendary acts which include: Mase, Koffee, Boyz II Men, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tiwa Savage, and a host of other A-list Nigerian artists. Flytime Promotions, the foremost name in live entertainment and music promotion in Nigeria, will present the second edition of the Flytime Music Festival with the theme,“Nigeria to the World”. Organisers also revealed that this year’s edition of the festival will commemorate 15 years of Flytime Promotions shows.

Speaking in Lagos during an exclusive private viewing of a documentary, titled,“Rhythm Unplugged: The Evolution”, which gives a rich background to the heritage and shows behind the scenes footage of what it takes to put together these shows, President of the Flytime Group; Cecil Hammond, said“15 years in this industry isn’t an easy feat to achieve”.

The private viewing featured a behind-the-scenes look at over 15 years of the widely acclaimed“Rhythm Unplugged”concerts. The one-hour documentary showcased a rich background of the entertainment culture, the development of Nigeria’s biggest entertainers and the strong work ethic that goes into the production of the Flytime franchise shows.

Announcing the ongoing plans and expectations for this year’s Flytime Music Festival scheduled for December 2019, Hammond said this year’s concert is the biggest show ever.

“So, for our line ups, day 1 of the concert which is on December 20, Rhythm Unplugged will kick-start with the hottest Nigerian artistes and upcoming acts.”Also, American rapper and songwriter, Mase and Jamaican Reggae singer, songwriter and rapper, Koffee, and several other surprise acts will grace the stage to thrill attendees.

“Day 2, which is December 21, will have attendees traveling down memory lane with American R&B and hip-hop vocal group Boyz II Men. Concert goers will remember last year when RBRM with Bobby Brown and Bel Biv DeVoe shut down the stage. Boyz II Men will also be as mesmerising as they perform End of the Road, I’ll Make Love toYou and many more. “ We have always been proud to launch upcoming Nigerian artistes to stardom from the Flytime stage. So, 2019 is no different as we introduce a new concert franchise, an alternative style night. This is the focus of Day 3, December 22, which will showcase Nigeria’s new unique sound with artists that are showcasing their musical freedom.”

Flytime Promotions team... Hammond and wife, Keke (middle) flanked by other members of the team

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Auchi Poly Mass Comm Students Hold Reunion, Elect New Exco It was an atmosphere of an electrifying conviviality accentuated by the reminiscence of over two decades ago when former students of the Department of Mass Communication, Auchi Polytechnic,Auchi under the aegis of Association of Mass Communication Students (AMCOS) stormed Benin City for their mega reunion.

The two events, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, saw the members arriving Benin City from different parts of Nigeria for their arrival get-together cock-tail party with their diaspora members being immediately kept abreast of the activities of the mega reunion.

On Saturday, the mega re-union, which has as its theme, “Bonding Synergy: A Partnership That Works”, started with a lecture on the theme delivered by an extraction from their fold, Pastor Austen Akhagbeme.

At the reunion, a new national executive was elected and sworn-in into office to steer the ship of affairs of the association.

The elected officers are as follows; Pastor Austen Akhagbeme (President), Dolly Omunso (Vice President), Bethrand Ojie (Secretary), Mercy Odijie (Assistant

Peter Uzoho

President Pastor Austen Akhagbeme(fifth left) and other members of the National Executive of the Association of Mass Communication Students Class of 1993(AMCOS ‘93), Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State during the association’s Mega reunion held in Benin City...recently

Secretary) and Fatai Otokiti (Public Relations Officers).

Also elected into office are Ejiro Enebeli (Financial Secretary), Agatha MatthewIrabor (Treasurer), Sule Hassan (Welfare Officer) and Vincent Aligbe (Provost).

The election, conducted in an atmosphere devoid of the iota of ill-feelings, was free, fair, credible and acceptable to the contestants and other members of the association alike.

At the mega reunion, a governing council was also instituted.

With the lecture, business section and election of the

national executive done in the earlier part of the second day, activities of the dinner party kicked off at about 5 p.m. during which the newly elected President, Pastor Austen Akhagbeme, in his acceptance and inaugural speech, emphasised on the need for love as a boding force to make members synergise towards the betterment of all members.

He said efforts would be made to reach out to members of the AMCOS class 93 who were yet to identify with and join the association.

Akhagbeme mooted the idea

of generating funds for the association to function effectively to meet the needs of members.

While canvassing for committed followership, he postulated that without effective followership, leadership will not be impactful on the members of the association.

The National President of AMCOS Class 93, who thanked the organising committee of the mega re-union for a job well done, also thanked the committee that conducted the election for its unbiased stance and diligence that berthed the election in a peaceful ambience, just as he assured members that the executive will not disappoint them, wished them a successful event and journey mercies to their respective places of abode in different parts of Nigeria.

A unique feature of a minute silence in honour of deceased members of AMCOS Class of 93 was administered by the National President at the dinner during which members were treated sumptuous meals as well as old and contemporary musical entertainment.

Almost 50 members of the association attended the mega re-union.

TGI Distri Fetes Agege Residents

In demonstration of its commitment, care and love for the people of Nigeria, leading consumer goods distribution, sales and marketing company, TGI Distri Limited, has flagged off a bold initiative towards feeding 10,000 residents of various communities in Lagos.

The initiative tagged Terracares4Naija was launched recently in Agege, a suburb of Lagos, in commemoration of the 2019 United Nation’s World Food Day. TGI Distri, makers of Terra Seasoning cube and other in-

digenous food brands targets to feed 10,000 residents of Lagos from the day of launch till Christmas by moving to different communities, providing nutritious meals every weekend in furtherance of its corporate social responsibility and sustainable food programmes in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Marketing Manager, TGI Distri Limited, Mr. Govind Agarwal, expressed his happiness over the large turnout of the community in response to the free meals initiative and expressed optimism that more was yet to come.

“I believe our best is yet to come. This is just the beginning.

Select communities in Lagos State stand to benefit from this exercise all the way down to December, as tasty and delicious meals would be served at different locations within the period,” Agarwal said.

He explained that the exercise was aimed at making a difference in the lives of many deserving Nigerians by showing them care and love especially children.

Agarwal called on families to take advantage of the programme in their respective locations to experience the

unique taste and aroma of Terra Seasoning cube.

Commenting on the programme, the Baale of Pande Pen Cinema,Agege, High Chief Wakilu Abayomi Sunmonu, said his excitement knew no bounds, given that his community was the first to benefit from the laudable initiative.

“I immensely thank the management from the depth of my heart; this is wonderful and I pray that others would emulate them. I am overjoyed for my subjects to be first to befit from it. I am really happy,” Sunmonu said.

Club Twelve 88 Donates Aids to Deaf, Blind Schools From Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Socio-cultural group, Club Twelve 88, has donated teaching aids to the students of the Deaf and Dumb School in Kuje and the FCT School for the Blind, Jabi, Abuja.

Its President, Olusola Odebode, said the club was formed 1988 by 12 friends from the old Oyo State, with a vision and desire to serve their community and provide critical needs for the poor, the homeless and the physically challenged people.

Odebode, who went with other members to visit the schools, said the donations were their contributions and support to the effort to educate deaf, dumb and visually impaired students.

Items donated included a generating set, 50 pieces of hearing aids, 50 sign language books, five braille machines, 50 reams of braille papers and six mobility canes.

He said the donations were sequel to the prom-

So Klin Revamps Detergent to Delight Customers Rebecca Ejifoma To satisfy the need for a better wash experience, So Klin, Nigeria’s leading detergent with stain magnet technology, has introduced two new variants into the Nigerian market.

The new products, unveiled in Lagos and Abuja recently, are: So Klin Matic, and So Klin Ultra Odour Defence.

According to the Head of Marketing, Mrs. Abimbola Alabi, the new products from the stables of Natural Prime Resources Nigeria Limited, were the results of the company’s continuous improvement process and commitment to consistent consumer research spanning over two years.

While So Klin Matic is a detergent specially developed for machine wash and comes with a new clean tech and formulation suited for customers seeking top quality, So Klin Ultra Odour Defence is developed to address laundry problems resulting from long soaking and indoor drying.

“The new products were innovatively formulated and produced for brilliant additions to the So Klin family to close the gap in the detergent category,” Alabi said.

According to her, the So Klin Ultra Odour Defence comes with odour guard technology formulated with superior anti-odour properties to remove unpleasant smells from long soaking or indoor drying. “It results in clean and fresh laundry, totally eradicating damp smell”.

Stanbic IBTC Signs Five Years Deal with PACE Sports, Lauds HiFL Success Sunday Ehigiator Stanbic IBTC, a member of the Standard Bank Group, has expressed its satisfaction with the organisation and conduct of the 2019 Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL), which it partnered PACE Sports as a major sponsor.

Speaking with THISDAY, the Head, Global Markets, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Sam Ocheho, who represented Stanbic IBTC at the finals of the collegiate football league, held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the Agege Township Stadium in Lagos, said the bank was very pleased to have been part of the success.

According to him, “Stanbic IBTC is very pleased with the successful prosecution of the second edition of the HiFL. The organisers have managed to build on the success recorded in 2018 to put on a wonderful competition.”

On why they decided to sponsor the league, Ocheho said the sponsorship of the league was in line with its objective to provide genuine platforms of engagement for Nigerian youths, where they can showcase their talents and most importantly, foster unity among them and contribute to youth development.

He added that, “the sponsorship is in tandem with the company’s determination to help grow and develop a vibrant and productive youth population with the right talent and character.”

“As you are aware, earlier in the year, we announced the renewal of our sponsorship of the HiFL following the ‘great promise’ we saw in the competition.”

The HiFL 2019 finals saw a repeat of last year’s match-up both for the third-place match and for the trophy. The University of Calabar (Malabites), avenged its 2018 loss to defending champions, the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM Tillers) five goals to four on penalties, after an all draws in regulation time to emerge champions of the league’s second edition.

University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Warriors equally exerted their pound of flesh on Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Giants in a thrilling third-place playoff encounter, which also ended in a draw before the Warriors emerged as winners following a penalty shootout win.

Speaking after the final match, President, Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) who also doubles as one of the league partners, Prof Stephen Hamafyelto, said the 2019 edition of the competition is an evidence that the competition which is in its second year, was here for the long term.

According to him, “we have once again delivered on the promises we made regarding standards, discipline even fair-play, especially as it concerns delivering a bigger and better league season.”

The President, Club Twelve 88, Abuja, Mr. Sola Odebode (second right), presenting one of the teaching items to the Head Teacher, Abuja School for the Deaf, Mr. John Onoja Edacha (left), while the Vice-President, Admirer Amos Adedeji, rtd, (right) and others look on

ises the members made during their visits to the schools in May and June respectively.

Odebode said until now, the club had been caring for people in the Internally Displaced Persons camps and people with cleft mouth.

“We don’t know what God has done for us. These are beautiful children, who can-

not speak, see or hear. They need these donations more than us and if there is need in the future, we will do more,” Odebode said.

The items were received by the head of the school for the deaf, Mr. John Onoja Edocha and his counterpart from the school for the blind, Mr. Abdul-Razzaq Suraju, and they both

appreciated the club and promised to make use of the items wisely.

Those in the president’s entourage include the VicePresident, Admiral Amos Adedeji (Rtd), Alhaji Tola Ahmed, Chief Abiodun Akanji, Wole Adesina, Elder Ayoola Komolafe, Johnson Obafisoye and Elder Fatai Adekola.

L-R: Chief Strategy Officer, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Olamide Adeyemo; Head, Global Markets, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Samuel Ocheho; Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Sola Fijabi; Head, Marketing and Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Bridget OyefesoOdusami; and Manager, Corporate Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Usman Imanah, at the MoU signing ceremony for Stanbic IBTC’s sponsorship of Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL), held in Lagos, on Wednesday

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ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

Soyinka Peers into Keith Richards’ Explosive Expatriate Story A distinguished collective gathered at the Terra Kulture, Lagos recently as the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka gave an incisive review of Keith Richard’s“Never Quite The Insider: A Nigerian memoir.”YINKA OLATUNBOSUN Reports Published by Book Craft Ltd, “Never Quite The Insider” is a book that demands to be read on arrival. Even the publisher, Bankole Olayebi couldn’t resist it, in spite of its rather intimidating volume. Moving fast from being just on the reading list, Prof.

Soyinka read it and delivered his review of the book with the sub-theme, “Memoirs of a Ghetto-blaster” at Terra Kulture recently after the author had read a few pages off the book to the listening audience. Richard’s pick was the episode of his Aba experience as an expatriate in the corporate world. Through the book, he demonstrated how his experience in Nigeria taught him courage in the face of insecurity; his test of integrity and strength of character.

Soyinka began by commending Richards’ reading and his will to document Nigeria based on his personal experience. Richards’ career has spanned over thirty years of involvement in developing markets, especially Africa serving as Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited; Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc and International Equitable Association, IEA. From 2005 to 2007, Richards wrote a humourous and insightful weekly column for the Nigerian BusinessDay newspaper called “Outsider Inside”.

L-R: Prof.Wole Soyinka, Keith Richards and Kadaria Ahmed at the launch of the book, “Never Quite The Insider: A Nigerian Memoir.”

A member of the Order of British Empire, OBE, Richards had served on the Boards of several industry groups including The Nigerian Economic Summit Group, The Advisory Panel of the BusinessDay Newspaper where he has been a columnist and the Development Board of Pan African University/ Lagos Business School.

In his review, Soyinka examines Richards’ expatriate persona in this no-holds barred piece and how it is relatable for the Nigerian reader.

“In any nation that is plagued by bloated collective ego, it is essential that the balloon of self-regarding periodically collapse at the scalpel of an outsider.

“When I began reading Keith Richards’ book, I found each episode virtually paralleled by my own experience in the jungle of corruption which has fastened on every single facet of Nigerian life,” he said.

Describing the book as the “grandfather of all whistle-blow-

LAGOSPHOTO Marks 10 Years with ‘Passports’

ers”, Soyinka remarked that the book clarified the misconception that expatriates are more honest than Nigerians.

“The book opens up corporate insight psychology of which I wished I have been properly tutored,” said Soyinka. He commended Richard for courageously indicting his expatriate colleagues and how many of them have exploited the corrupt Nigerian system. Kadaria Ahmed, Nigerian journalist, media entrepreneur, and

AllEyesonARTXLAGOS2019

Yinka Olatunbosun

Yinka Olatunbosun

With a minimalist approach to curating the works, LagosPhoto Festival founded by Azu Nwagbogu opened on October 27 as it retained its spot as a multi-cultural and international visual conversation. It is the biggest known festival of photography in Nigeria. One of the objectives of the festival has been to reclaim public spaces which was taken literally last Sunday as culture buffs besieged the Old Federal Government Press Building on Broad Street, Lagos.

Inside the time-tested building laid the eye-catching pictures that revolved around the theme of Passports. The theme is a way of discussing the global experience around the constraints and prospects of what is considered as the most important official document for a human being. Through this theme, the artists explore identity, diversity and migration.

The minimalist artist, Ruben Martin De Lucas whose aerial shot pictures occupied the centre space took a microscopic shot in the series documented as ‘Minimal Republics.’

The works point at the strange feeling of possession that man exerts towards the Earth, an entity which transcends us in age.

Rahima Gambo’s ‘A Walk’ is a mix of photographs and collagesthat had been largely inspired by his walks through the Millenium Park in Abuja.

A supposed daily routine has paved way into an open-ended narrative to embody the concept of moving ideas. Another influence in Gambo’s visual narrative is the rising incident of female suicide bombers in North East Nigeria.

For Dan Halter, the series titled, “Furry Boots ye fae?” shows a white man draped in plastic-weave designed Scottish outfitotherwise known in Nigeria as “Ghana Must Go.” Based on the crisis in Zimbabwe

As the gates at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino open today to art connoisseurs, ART X LAGOS will reaffirm its place as West Africa’s Premier Art Fair.

Starting with the VIP previewand opening today, the general public will be able to access the venue on Saturday November 2 and Sunday November 3 to experience unique art forms that include media arts, performance, paintings, sculptures and the conversation segment called, “Art X Talks”. Excitement is promised with three performance art projects namely “Water Work”

by Eca Eps, “Mirror Mirror” by Taiwo Aiyedogbon and “If Not For A Child” by Ngozi Schommers.

The VIP opening is usually a night of surprises. Last edition, the rediscovered Ben Enwonwu’s masterpiece, “Adetutu” was loaned by Access Bank for the opening. As the suspense heightens, THISDAY had a brief chat with Ugoma Adegoke of Bloom Art on the contribution of Art X to the Art scene in Lagos.

“ART X Lagos has become an important annual event that continues to garner the attention, and subsequently, presence of international artists, cultural producers, collectors, to the Nigerian art scene, especially with the steadily growing interest in African art. This fosters cultural and idea exchange between Nigerians and other nationals. With the presence of a fair, more people become aware of and appreciate the business potential of the art sector. They also become more exposed to the various interpretations and expressions artists adopt in creating their works. In this,

One of the works at the LagosPhoto grand opening

that left many flooded over the borders inwards South Africa, the “Ghana Must go” designs have become symbols of migration worldwide.

One of the exhibiting artists and a self-portrait artist, Genevieve Aken revealed what awaits the audience at one of the satellite venues, African Artists Foundation in Victoria Island where her works had been carefully arranged in a container.

“I’m showing six images based on the issues of rape, murder and domestic violence and what men are facing all around the world. The focus is not just only in Nigeria. They are self-portraits and they are more of a performance. I’m talking about

a story of a certain woman in Italy whom I met during my residency. I am recreating the story through my images,” Aken said.

LagosPhoto 2019 is curated by Azu Nwagbogu, Maria Pia Bernardoni and Dr. Charlotte Langhorst. The festival which runs till November 15 at multiple venues is done in partnership with Canon Central and North Africa, Tecno, Culture at Work Africa, Wellcome Trust, Unseen Foundation, British Journal of Photography and Linke Lab. Other satellite venues include Red Door Gallery, Mike Adenuga Centre, Nimbus Gallery, and Moneda Investment Ltd. Lekki.

television host who anchored the programme, added that the book is a thriller as the author gave a frank, unprecedented, look into corporate Nigeria and the world of expatriates.

In his remarks, the author affirmed that the 287-page book “explains a little of my coming here, my love affairs with Nigeria”, and management practice in corporate Nigeria.

“So many people have told me over a glass of something that I should document some of the ‘strange but true’ stories that have become my familiarity and the uniqueness of my experience with Nigeria. Gradually, these have morphed into the hybrid that is “Never Quite The Insider” he said. His 20 years of running multiple businesses in Nigeria equipped him to write an instructive memoir-cum-travelogue with valuable insights.

“To some extent, this book then is a hybrid. It is part a ‘business’ book in that it describes how I ran three specific businesses and encountered a set of managerial and commercial challenges.

“Many of these would be recognisable to managers anywhere in the world but others would only be familiar to those operating in places usually described as ‘the developing world’, including Nigeria,” he said.

Ugoma Adegoke of the Bloom Art

lies the subtle opportunity to faze out the bias and prejudice many Nigerians may have against art, making them understand that art is important, dynamic, and of course multi-dimensional,” she said. Bloom Art gallery has been a regular gallery at the Art X space which is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of modern African culture by working with experimental artists with unique techniques. “We are passionate about documenting both contemporary and modern art stories through curated and dynamic exhibitions and talks all which are accompanied by publications - adding to the canon of archival material which we hope will reference points for decades to come,” Adegoke added.

For her, showing Nigerian artists on a strong platform such as Art X is one way to champion the growth of art in Nigeria.

Founded in 2016 by Tokini Peterside, ART X Lagos was designed to showcase the best and most innovative contemporary and modern art from the African continent and its diaspora. Art X Talks had featured leading international artists of Nigerian origin such as Bruce Onobrakpeya, Njideka Akunyili-Crosby and Yinka Shonibare.

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COLLAGE EVENTS

CBAN to Light upNovember1 at CivicCenter

L-R: Cheers to another year as THISDAY Deputy Daily Editor, Yemi Ajayi (middle) celebrates his birthday with THISDAY Deputy Daily Editor, Davidson Iriekpen, and Group News Editor, Alike Ejiofor in Lagos

In a bid to deepen the relationship of credit facilitators and the customers, Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria (CBAN) has announced the sixth edition of the National Credit Reporting Conference scheduled to take place on Friday, November 1, 2019 at the Civic Centre in Lagos.

The Chairman, CBAN and Credit Registry’s Director, Mrs. Jameelah Sharrieff – Ayedun said “the activities at the event would aid us to further embrace all key-players of borrowers and lenders alike and enhance a more robust eco-financial system that serves all stakeholders effectively”.

Jameelah, who made this assertion at the press conference, stated that they are on a mission to improve standards of living and expand wealth in the Nigeria economy through financial inclusion and access to credit.

She noted lenders are credit bureaus’ direct customers. And how the success stories of the lenders depends on that of the borrowers as well.

She said, “We have a full day dedicated to your customers. We will educate, expatiate, elevate and celebrate each other on November 1.”

“Credit Bureaus are agencies which collect and share information about the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses. Credit bureaus have been in existence for over a century in many countries around the world.

Likewise, in Nigeria, private credit bureaus exist. They were first established in 2003 (just 16 years ago) by Mr. Taiwo Ayedun and today there are now three national credit bureaus licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria: CreditRegistry Plc, First Central Credit Bureau Ltd and CRC Credit Bureau Limited.”

She added that this year unlike other years when the bureau’s focus was on the lenders, this year it is dedicating the conference to the people that keep the lenders all in business – the small and medium size business owner, the regular Joe on the streets of the country who needs the much – required but somewhat elusive credit to either start a business or improve their quality of life. Jameelah also stated the theme of this year’s conference to be ‘Deepening Financial Inclusion: Credit Opportunities for MSMEs and Consumers’.

“This year’s conference aims to achieve two things; to close the information gap such that MSMEs and consumers are aware of the credit bureaus operations and how it affects them. We aim to create awareness about having a food credit history, being financially responsible and promoting an individual’s credit worthiness to better position themselves to get credit with ease as well as to close the credit gap such that MSMEs and consumers get easier access to credit”, she said.

Also present at the press briefing were CRC Credit Bureau Managing Director, Ahmed Babatunde Popoola who was represented by Peggy Chukwuma-Nwaosu (Head of Business Development) and First Central Credit Bureau Limited’s Managing Director/CEO Mobolanle Adesanya.

Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church Holds Conference

L-R; lya Adura of Love of Christ, Cherubim & Seraphim Church, Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi; Former Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce &lndustry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Bashorun Dele Momodu at the 60th birthday of Bola Shagaya in Lagos...recently

Former Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma Goje (middle); flanked by his Wives, Children, Grandchildren and family members, during a get together party to mark his 67th years birthday anniversary in Abuja...recently

The Lagos State Chapter of Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria which has 104 churches and 20 local divisions is organising its sixth Annual General Conference.

Headed by Snr. Supt. Apostle Joseph Adagba, the church is scheduled to hold the conference from Thursday, November 7 to Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 10:00am- 4:00pm at the Cathedral of the Praying Band of Cherubim and Seraphim Church (Ijo Ita Balogun) at No 1, Akintan Street, off LUTH Road, Mushin.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Godly in Christ” which was taken from 2 Timothy 3vs 12) and the keynote lecture will be delivered by Pastor Gideon Oyedepo. The church said the carefully chosen theme is aimed to remind members of the C&S Unification Church of Nigeria that as Seraphs, they are a chosen generation meant to live and work in Christ, our Saviour.

This year’s conference will focus among other things, on ways to further forge a one and united front as followers of Christ in the society.

As part of the activities lined up for the conference, there will be lectures, workshop, breakout sessions, all geared towards examining the role and impact of their various units and churches in the various local government areas of the state with a view to further impact the various communities where their members reside in the state.

Part of the ways they have been impacting their members and communities where their members reside in the state over the past years are establishment of cooperative society, reaching out to the elderly, empowerment of youths, helping to secure jobs, scholarships (first degree and elementary), over 1800 sponsored to the Holy Land, provision of funds to start up a business.

During this coming conference, they will also be deliberating on further ways to collaborate with the activities of the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, so as to engender more robust relationship with a view to fostering a more united and prosperous state which accommodates a wide varied and diverse tribes from all parts of the country and many parts of the world, since millions of Seraphs are resident of the state.

As a group of churches operating in Lagos State, they have observed that some elements unknown to the Cherubim & Seraphim Church often hide under the veil of the church to perpetuate unwholesome acts, but they are using this medium to assure the general public in the state that the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria under the leadership of His Most Eminence Solomon Adegboyega Also (JP), is peopled with God-fearing, law abiding citizens of the state.

So, anyone found doing things against the law of the state is not and cannot be a member of the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria in Lagos State. The event is open to Seraphs and non-Seraphs.

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Nestoil’s Indigenous Quest for Global Energy Osagie Ogunbor

Maintenance Services throughout the M project lifecycle. Impac has over 18years of pr delivering Engineering Services (Feasibilde ity Studies, Basic/Concept Design, Front End En Engineering Design, Detail Engineering in Design, 3D Laser scanning, Project and Construction Management.

Co

W

hen Nestoil Limited started providing engineering services to the major International Oil Companies in the country, long before the advent of a local content law, not many thought it would eventually evolve into a conglomerate that is better known today as the face of Local Content in the Oil & Gas Industry.

28 years later, the Engineering Procurement Construction and Commissioning Company is standing tall as a reference point in building indigenous capacity and job creation. About 2000 employees presently work directly with the Nestoil Group in skilled, unskilled, technical, administrative and managerial capacities.

The story gets more exciting when you learn that over 95 per cent of present day employees of Nestoil are Nigerians.

Nearly the entire management of the company is made up of well-groomed technocrats in Engineering, Information Technology Management and the Humanities.

Just before anyone starts to attribute the meteoric success of Nestoil to mother luck or as we say in these parts, lines falling in pleasant places for the promoters of the company, its founder Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi is quick to attribute the success to focus, determination and hard work. Dr Obiejesi has also strategically set up subsidiaries that cover the entire value chain of the EPCC ecosystem – from Engineering design to civil engineering to dredging and fabrication.

Nestoil itself prides itself as the foremost indigenous company in the business of pipeline laying, repairs and maintenance. The company has been a significant contributor to the industry since inception in 1991. Nestoil continues to redefine industry standards in Pipeline Construction, Repairs and Maintenance with associated facilities for Dredging, River Crossing and Shoreline Protection.

Nestoil contributes significantly to the growth and development of Local Content/Capacity through the utilisation of young Nigerian professionals, who made up the bulk of the Project Teams, as well as sourcing some of their personnel from the host communities.

Some of the major projects include: t 5IF 4IFMM /FNCF $BXUIPSOF $IBOOFM Trunk Line Replacement Project (NCTL): The Nembe Creek Pipeline construction was the largest single pipeline construction under the SPDC Joint Ventures Asset Integrity Programme that replaced more than 1000km of deteriorated major pipelines and flow lines in Nigeria. The 97km Package A of this project was executed by Nestoil.

This project involved major construction in a harsh mangrove swamp terrain and traversed three cluster communities and hundred autonomous communities in both Bayelsa and Rivers state of Nigeria.

Nestoil completed this project one month ahead of schedule without a single fatality. 99 per cent of the workforce in this project were Nigerians including the Project Manager. This pipeline has the capacity to evacuate about 600,000 barrels of crude oil per day. t 5IF 4IFMM ,PMP $SFFL o 3VNVFLQF Trunk Line (KCTL) Replacement Project: A first of its kind, this project involved

)BNNBLPQQ $POTPSUJVN A world class EPCC solutions provider, Hammakopp Consortium is your one H stop sto shop for Civil Construction, Maintenance and Fabrication, Environmental te and an Sewage treatment, heavy structural fabrication, inspection and maintenance fa services.

It has installed its own Asphalt se Plant, located in its base in Okija, Anambra Pl state sta which has the capacity of turning out ou approximately 120 tons of top grade asphalt products per hour. as Azudialu

Nestoil Engineers on a Project Site

59 Hectare Nestoil Industrial Layout_Port Harcourt.

a method of pipeline installation that preserves the delicate natural environment of the Niger Delta. t 5IF 4IFMM /FNCF 'JFME -PHJTUJDT Base (FLB) Project: The construction of the Nembe FLB as well as the operations carried out at this base led to significant increase in economic activity in and around the Nembe Creek community to the benefit of the community. r 5IF 41%$ , 4 1JQFMJOF 1SPKFDU This was a gas pipeline project to move gas from the Kolo Creek gas fields to the Soku Gas Plant.

5IF /FTUPJM $PNQBOJFT &OFSHZ 8PSLT 5FDIOPMPHZ Energy Works Technology (EWT) represents yet another breakthrough in fabrication technology in Nigeria. EWT is the foremost pressure vessels, process equipment manufacturer, steel structures fabricator and EPCI service provider in Nigeria and West Africa region, serving the Oil & Gas as well non-Oil & Gas sectors. EWT capabilities include a full range of fabrication services for certified process packages and steel structures. In recent times, EWT rolled the first of three Clad Plates being 90+4mm Thick Clad weighing 20 tons for SPDC Soku Non Associated

Gas Separator. The feat is the first of its kind in the Nigerian fabrication industry.

EWT also has the biggest heat treatment furnace in Nigeria.

B&Q B&Q is an indigenous Marine and Logistics company that was founded in 1996.

Over the years, it has acquired the assets of the Julius Berger dredging department.

As a result of this acquisition, B&Q has repositioned itself as the foremost indigenous and leading dredging and marine logistics company in Nigeria. With a staff strength of over 130 dedicated employees, it also owns the largest dredging and marine logistics fleet in Nigeria.

Only recently, B&Q took delivery of one of the biggest dredgers to berth on the shores of Nigeria – Pirate X, a 30-foot dredger with offshore dredging and trenching capacity. This dredger is being deployed to the second Niger Bridge for one of its clients – Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. *.1"$ Impac is a leading Engineering Design company providing integrated solutions utilising proven technologies and resources while focusing on safety, cost competitiveness, quality and timely delivery. IMPAC also provides procurement services as well as Operation &

$IBMMFOHFT %VSJOH UIF FBSMZ EBZT PG UIF /FTUPJM Group, the major challenge was on how Gr to attract the right talents and make them stay, sta aside funding and convincing the IOCs IO to let Nigerian companies handle some of the projects. so Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi recalls that in those days most of the young talents who w wanted a career in the oil and gas industry did not want to start with an in indigenous company. Today most of the in 2000 20 employees of Nestoil are some of the th brightest brains you would find in the industry.

This is reflected in the quality of in the th projects that Nestoil has delivered on in the past that earned the company the reputation of “king of the Swamps”. re Looking 30 years down memory lane, Dr Azudialu says he is fulfilled in the sheer Az impact his conglomerate of companies im is having of thousands of lives directly and an indirectly. He succinctly describes Nestoil’s mission in the Oil and Gas inN dustry as an “indigenous quest for global du energy”.

A visit to Nestoil’s 59 hectare en Industrial Layout in Abuloma Port HarIn court will convince Doubting Thomases co about the sheer capacity of the company ab to succeed where others may have failed.

All Al the Nestoil companies have state-of the art ar machinery in the Abuloma Operational base. ba As a major player in the Oil and Gas sector, Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi is howse ever ev unhappy that the Petroleum Industry Bill Bi (PIB) which he says would provide a legal leg and governance framework for all stakeholders remains a pipe dream. He sta says sa the passage of the much talked about bill bi is the secret that will unlock needed investments in the oil and gas industry. in He H is saddened by the fact that smaller countries with modest oil mineral wealth co compared to Nigeria are attracting sizeco able ab investments because they have put necessary frameworks in place leaving ne Nigeria to play catch up.

N 5IF 6OWFJMJOH PG B 3FGSFTIFE #SBOE Identity Id Meanwhile, Nestoil has concluded plans to unveil a new corporate idenpl tity tit which it says reflects its resolve to continually surpass expectations of co stakeholders and deliver exceptional st value.

After nearly 30 years in the oil va and an gas industry, Dr Azudialu believes it is time to unveil a new and refreshing in brand identity that replicates that dynamism that is inherent in the Nestoil dy corporate persona. In his words, “the co new ne corporate identity comes with new vigour to continually deliver exceptional vi value to stakeholders in the oil and gas va sector and beyond.” se t0HVOCPS JT UIF (SPVQ )FBE PG $PSQPSBUF $PNNVOJDBUJPOT $P

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

36

ENTREPRENEUR

Tosin Osibodu: My Goal is to Provide Borderless Trading, Investment Opportunities for Nigerians Chief Executive Officer, Chaka, Tosin Osibodu, a Systems Engineer by training with experience working in data engineering and analytics across internet, payments and e-commerce companies locally and globally, started an international e-commerce business five years ago, which was later acquired by an American distribution company. He recently added another feather in his cap with the launch of his latest initiative, Chaka, an investment passport platform. He speaks on the opportunities this new initiative is opening for Nigerian investors and more in this interview with MARY NNAH technologies for corporate and institutional clients. We work with brokers, investment managers and financial institutions to integrate Chaka into their day-to-day operations, to serve their customers with a more compelling offer and automate KYC verification, user onboarding and trading execution.

H

aving successfully launched a company before, what fueled your interest in the digital investment space?

I developed a passion for trading and investing over a decade ago of which I have leveraged my engineering experience to build automated trading systems for a while now. My interest in the digital investment space was fueled by my frustration with the barriers that prevented Nigerians from being able to trade and invest in the global economy. In the last four years, local market and currency performance declined while U.S markets outperformed. A naira investor in Netflix five years ago would have made over 10 times their investment. Netflix make money from Nigerians as consumers so Nigerians should be able to make money from them as investors. Reducing the barriers that prevent such investments for Nigerians and the desire to proactively make investment processes easier is what fuels my interest in this space.

Let’s talk more about your recently launched platform, Chaka Chaka is your investment passport to trade local and global stocks such as Apple, Alibaba, Google, Manchester United, the S&P 500 index and many more. With the platform, customers can access assets listed on NASDAQ, the New York Stock Exchange and the Nigerian Stock Exchange offering users over 4000 assets and indexes from companies 40+ countries around the world.

Primarily, my goal is to provide premium borderless trading and investment opportunities for Nigerians - professionals and investors; and with our platform, investment processes have been simplified. Chaka also facilitates global citizens’ access to invest in our capital market, thereby providing a gateway for foreigners to invest in Nigerian assets while also allowing Nigerians invest in foreign assets.

Chaka positions itself as an ‘Investment Passport’, what exactly does that mean?

Similar to a travel passport, Chaka allows Nigerians to access multiple countries in a regulated, safe and official manner. This means that when you make an investment with us, you do so with the backing of national financial regulators such as SEC, NSE, CSCS in Nigeria and SEC, FINRA, SIPC, IRS in the U.S. What difficulties have you encountered in launching this platform?

The main difficulty was getting the regulation, partnership and team right.

A lot of pieces had to come together to make this business possible.

You have a background in systems engineering, did this have any influence on the creation of Chaka?

Most definitely, I have leveraged on my engineering experience to build automated trading systems for a while now. The passion I have for trading and investing has served as a drive for me to use technology to reduce access barriers between local and global markets What is the scope of the assets

What impact would this initiative make to nation’s economy, especially at a time like this when borders are closed and a lot of investors are lamenting over their investments/ businesses?

We believe that by lowering the barriers for Nigerian individuals and businesses to access foreign markets, we make it easier for them to make a return anywhere in the world and we also make it easier for the world to invest in Nigeria. Our expectation is for the initiative to specifically improve the investment income of Nigerians, increase the number of retail traders at the Nigerian stock exchange and increase foreign direct investment.

In terms of market competition, where does Chaka stand globally?

Although there are longstanding global platforms that offer investment access to people from differing regions, we are unique because we offer global assets to our local audience and local assets to our global audience. We aim to enable more people to cross the barriers of investing in or from Africa.

Osibodu

offered through Chaka?

We have over 4,000 assets covering blue chip companies like Apple, GTBank, Google, Alibaba and companies in more than 40 countries. We also have 600+ index products from global asset managers such as Vanguard, BlackRock, Fidelity, MSCI and more.

You earlier mentioned that Chaka simplifies investment processes; can you expatiate further on this?

We are all about reducing investment barriers and simplifying investment processes.

Users are able to place their first trade in just three steps. All they need to do

Primarily, my goal is to provide premium borderless trading and investment opportunities for Nigerians professionals and investors; and with our platform, investment processes have been simplified

is register with their email address, complete the regulator ’s verification process and fund their accounts; and they will be ready to buy and sell stocks using Chaka.

When it comes to purchasing stock, users can easily buy whole stocks or fractions for example; even though one share of Amazon costs over $1,500, you can still choose to invest $100 with Amazon, $200 with Google and $700 in the S&P 500 without bringing out your calculator. In addition to this, by providing customers with index funds and ETFs that represent industry sectors, countries and regions, users can simply diversify and build a well-rounded portfolio while getting the benefits of mutual funds with the liquidity of stocks.

Are there any other special features the platform offers?

We have a host of unique features such as: Stocks gifting, Naira or Dollar conversion on a per asset basis so that you can see how a Naira investment would perform in dollar assets or vice-versa, and a host of other special features. We are also easy to access and super affordable, working with local and global brokers, we have removed account opening fees, monthly maintenance fees and international wire costs so that it’s more affordable for Nigerians to invest.

How can corporate and institutional clients integrate Chaka into their existing system?

We provide execution services, whitelabel services and market automation

Many Nigerians are skeptical about online financial services, what assurance does Chaka give them on security?

Chaka is partnered with a local broker; Citi Investment Capital Limited and a global broker based in the U.S. Through them our offer is regulated and overseen by the SEC, NSE, CSCS in Nigeria and SEC, FINRA, SIPC, IRS in the US. The SIPC insures dollar assets up to $500,000 and furthermore, all whole shares, local and global, are held in the investor ’s name.

With the rise of digital investment platforms globally and in Nigeria, how does Chaka intend to stay ahead of emerging competition?

We have an amazing team of technologists and financial professionals who work tirelessly to make our service possible; and we all highly value learning, improvement and ensuring a great customer experience. Our focus is on continually improving our investment options, access possibilities and providing better decision-making tools to customers.

What was your working experience like before Chaka?

I am a Systems Engineer by training with experience working in data engineering and analytics across internet, payments and e-commerce companies locally and globally. I’ve worked with GTBank, Interswitch, AppNexus (now an AT&T company), and Wayfair.com.

Five years ago, I started an international e-commerce business which was later acquired by an American distribution company. After that, I worked as a data consultant for companies here in Nigeria, as I pursued certification from the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

37

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

POLSCOPE In a Train Ride with Rotimi Amaechi áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ

ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͸΀͸ͽ ͻ͸; ΁ͻͽ;

T

he invitation for the ride was less than 12 hours. “Let’s see at 8.00am”, he had said the night before, without adding that weshall be going for inspection of rail construction. Catching up with the timesuddenly became a challenge, despite the fact that I had left home, two clear hours ahead of the time. I hear Mondays are often choky and glitch in the mornings, especially heading into the Lagos Island zones.

I eventually found myself in the large premises of the Nigerian Railway Coporation, (NRC) Ebute Meta. The Chinese, who had been the ones reviving the rail system had established themselvesin one portion of the estate, serving as operational office.

It was a very wet day. I drove with wipers to the premises. But despite the rain, workers were working assiduously, wearing raincoats and boots.. Everywhere within the premises seemed jammed. So many persons were milling around, everybody kitting up for the inspection.

Everywhere was wet and somewhat messy.

The senior persons were changing into safety boots. Some four senior journalists, led by Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, apart from the many other reporters and correspondents, were “on call”.

The rain was still drizzling. And then the BBC crew arrived, led by a young British-born Nigerian lady who flew in from London, for the inspection . It is that serious.

Then the journey began. It was about 9.00am.

We all drove out, in various carsand buses, like soldiers hitting the war front. As usual, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi was behind the wheels, in his Lexus SUV, with his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi sitting beside him. Even she was kitted, complete with safety boot et al, for the trudge. It is the first time the honourable minister was dragging his beloved wife along for the inspection routine, in the past five or so years, so she “will see and experience what I come to Lagos to do every now and then”.

The first stop was at Oshodi. There was an inspection of some construction, I think, a mini station. Thereafter, the long convoy snaked through the choky Oshodi and Ikeja-along traffic, headed into the crowded zone of Agege, then Iju and later ended up at the point where the train was waiting. Up to that point, the standard guage track has been laid. The three or so coaches of the train looked clean and colourful. Even more dazzling was the inside.

It was decent, inviting and cosy. The red soft velvet fabric covering the seats made it even more royal. Everybody fitted in, took a seat and then the ride began, amidst jokes and banters.

Kajuola Train Station After about a 90-minute ride, the train stopped at Kajuola station. There is an ongoing construction of a standard station. It looked big and pretty complex. Plenty of scaffolding and props. The minister, with the sprint of an athlete, had headed straight into the structure, with officials of the China Civil Engineering ConstructionCompany (CCECC) and top leaders of the NRC racing behind him. In no time, he was in the building, checking and inspecting the pillars, beams, pace and extent of work, et al. Then the query: “the last time we came here, a month ago, we agreed that we shall hold a meeting here. With this state how and where can we hold the meeting?”, he fired.

The CCECC officials were somewhat in a distraught state. But they pointed him to the venue of the meeting. A space, like a mini-conference room, had been dressed up, plastered and cleaned up, with a setting of chairs and tables, garnished with overtly sugar-filled biscuits and drinks. The meeting soon began. Amaechi was hard and far from quibbling. He demanded to know the cause of the slow pace of work.

He querried the determination of the Chinese company to bring everything from China. “you bring doors and windows from China. If we are not careful you will bring sand from China”, he blurted out to register his displeasure in the slow pace of work, which the CCECC blamed largely on the rains. He further accused them of deliberately slowing down the pace of work so they will remain in Nigeria for a much longer time than they planned.

The stations—mega and standard, are 12 in number between Lagos and Ibadan. Four mega stations and eight standard stations. Each of the stations has a large car park that can take between 500 and 800 cars, a shopping complex and some other service outlets.

No doubt, the coming of the rail has changed the economy and hope index of the people within the rail corridor. Already, it is said that the cost of land and other properties on that

Part of the inspection team

corridor has significantly gone up.

Again, he set new deadlines: the narrow gauge will be laid up to Ebute Meta beforeNovember 25, from where he would start the train ride at the next inspection date, not Iju. Also, the train stations would have been ready for inspection on the same date. Grudgingly, the CCECC chief agreed , but in a way that suggests that it is not realistic, but I can’t argue with you.

Hon Amaechi has his own operational timetable. He wants the trains to start running from Lagos to Ibadan, through Abeokuta, in December, so those going for Christmas in South west, can enjoy free ride. So the CCECC people must work to meet up this timetable. He (Ameachi) is eager to impress the people. He wants to pull it off, so there can ultimately be some praises to his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari. In desperation for prompt completion of all the works, he has paid the construction company “all” their bills so there would be no excuse for not fulfilling the timeline of the job.

That he has a passion and deep devotion for the job is beyond argument. He seems to sleep and think rail all the time. Over the years, as Minister of Transportation, he has seemingly become an “expert” in rail matters.

He speaks their language, using their jargons and terminologies with so much familiarity and know-how, as he asks deep and critical engineering questions like a pro. He drums it down their head: the job of the chief executive is to cause problems while the job of the sub-ordinates is to fix those problems”. In this case, he is not causing any problem. He is merely setting a timetable of operation for the fabrication and building of train coaches.

It is a Value Added company. I asked the minister if the cost of building the factory was not factored into the cost of the rail contract itself. He said no. That the cost of the contract has been signed and agreed upon, before he suddenly came up with the idea of they (CCECC building such a factory so it will be easy to, one, replace the coaches whenever there is a problem, and two, to provide job for Nigerians).

Indeed, Amaechi and his boss are huge on opportunities of job creation in Nigeria. It is a tribute to his initiative for insisting on the Kajuola factory , which indeed will up the ante of rail transportation in Nigeria. What is more, there is also the plan to establish a Transport University in both Daura (the president’s town) and Ubima (the minister’s town), at about N50 billion, the cost of which would be borne by the CCECC, so as to train the manpower that can man and maintain the rail system in Nigeria.

Already, work has commenced at the site and according to the minister, in a year or so, the company should be up and running.

At a very low speed, the ride rolled into half a dozen hours. The Managing Director of NRC, Engineer Freeborn Okhiria, explained that the train is that slow not only because the tracks are new, but also because the train driver/operator is not exactly a professional, just some knowledgeable person being used to test run the rail.

We stopped at two other stations, inspected

the works and progress of the construction and continued.

The engineering technology behind the standard guage is amazing. Inspite of the uneven topography, the train ride was smooth, steady and without bumps of rising and falling gradients. The entire stretch seemd to have been reduced to the same height and level, even when the rail tracks burrows into the earth in what appears like a tunnel. It still appears like a stable topography. Cool.

Madam Pulls off her Boots After over seven hours, Madam (Mrs Amaechi) had become wearied. First sign: she unlaced the safety boot and settled in a flat fanciful pair of slippers that would make walking less herculean. She trudged on whenever we had to disembark from the train and walk.

Much after Abeokuta, we had stopped over for anther inspection, assessing what has been done and what has not been done.

Three kilometers to the train station in Ibadan, the train stopped. That was the end of the tracks that have been laid. The Director Rail, Engineer Mohammed Babakobi had explained something concerning the non-co-operation of the officials of the Oyo State government, in granting access to certain portions of the land where road diversion is imperative.

Trekking the distance of almost eight kilometers (to the station and back to the train) was, perhaps the final test of fitness, for everybody. Madam soldiered on with courage and strength, aided by her (now)flat footwears. She sweated it, just like all others. The minister, accustomed to the inspection routine, showed no sign of fatigue. His strength and vigour kept rebounding with zest. He was often ahead of most people.

The Stories and Gists In what appears like the VIP coach, furnished with executive settees, big television screen (which never showed)and a bigger-than-size centre table several biscuits, fruits and drinks, we all sat and threw banters, argued and told stories almost about everything stretching from the Nigerian federation to governance, to politics, to arguments about literature and literary giants, social values, etc. I cannot but retell some of the stories, many of which came from the honourable minister himself.

History of Eating on Board the train Once upon a time, during those early days of inspection exercises, the Chinese used to serve biscuits, water and soft drinks. And that was the norm for a long time. Then one day, the journalists protested and asked why “real food” cannot be served on board. Then everybody’s eye opened to it. And since that day the NRC and the CCECC ensures that real food is served. And last Tuesday was no exception. There was plenty of food ranging from rice to “swallow to even porridge etc, what with plenty of fruits and fruities to “step down” The Four Lessons of Politics He maintains that all his life, he’s done noth-

ing else but politics and politicking. And that there are four salient lessons he has long learnt in plying the trade: r /FWFS XBML PVU PG B NFFUJOH JO BOHFS “they will take decision that will be binding on you, while you are out. r %PO U FWFS TMFFQ EVSJOH QPMJUJDBM NFFUJOHT They will plot against you while you are snoring away in their midst. r /FWFS MFBWF ZPVS GPPE PS ESJOL JO UIF care of anybody. That your best friend may be envying your position and could drop anything into your food or drink. If you leave your food or drink unattended to, don’t come back to it r 4UBZ GBS GSPN UIF XJGF PG ZPVS CPTT 5P avoid any misgiving or misconception, don’t get too close to the wife of your boss.

The Killing of Osisi ka nku Osisi ka nku was the nickname of an outlaw who was a very notorious and deadly criminal who specialized in kidnapping and robbery. He was based in Aba, Abia State. He terrorized the people to no end about seven or so year ago.

He was, as usual, credited with untold mystic powers. Then one day, he and his gang attacked and killed Ambassador Ignatius Ajuru, a mentor to Chibuike Amaechi. Ajuru was returning to Port Harcourt from Abia State. That was what drew Amaechi and his Israeli-trained security operatives into the fray, especially as the criminal had started kidnapping school children and women. In no time, they arrested Osisi ka nku’s armourer, who in turn, revealed the operational modus of the man himself. He (armourer) invited him (the boss) to a meeting without knowing that soldiers, police and DSS operatives were all laying in ambush at the venue of the meeting. Soon as he (Osisi ka nku) alighted from his SUV, that night, he was bathed with hot lead from all angles. That was the end of that terrorist.

The Miracle of N200million During the battle of the Rivers State governorship in 2007, Amaechi had fled to Ghana while the battle to get on the ballot raged. In no time, he ran broke. Very broke. Feeding was now a problem. His children were being sent out of school. Things were rock hard and poverty was laying its steely grip on the family.

Then, he was a prayer warrior, as he fasted everyday from 6am to 6pm amidst prayers and held midnight prayers from midnight till 1.00am every night.

One day, he challenged God to compel one of his rich friends to give him money. He had barely finished the midnight prayer that night when his phone rang. Behold, it was the rich friend on the line. After the pleasantries, he (Amaechi) told him how bad things had been.

It was on a Friday. By Monday, the man had flown in to Nigeria from UK and sent Amaechi N200 million! “God used to show me everything and answer me speedily”, he boasted.

By 10.15 pm, the train had returned to Iju, and as we managed to get off the train, the muscles and joints were wailing, signaling how hard they had been dealt with in the more than 12–hour expedition called rail inspection.

n

38

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Report: Smugglers Stranded with Nigeria’s Border Closure Peter Uzoho áÓÞÒ ËÑÏØÍã ÜÏÚÙÜÞ The decision by the federal government to close all its land borders two months ago to tackle smuggling is affecting trade across the region, a report has stated.

The bbc.com report noted that bustling borders have come to a standstill, with goods rotting and queues of lorries waiting at checkpoints in the hope the crossings will reopen.

According to the report, following the closure of the borders imposed without warning on 21 August, Nigeria’s neighbours are angry. It pointed out that the smuggling of rice mainly prompted the federal government’s action.

“It seems Nigeria was fed up about the flouting of its ban on the importation of rice over its land borders. Smugglers bringing in rice from Benin appeared to be making a killing. The biggest contraband route was between Cotonou, Benin’s biggest city, and Nigeria’s commercial hub Lagos, which is just a few hours’ drive away,” it added.

According to the World Bank, Benin’s economy is heavily reliant on the informal re-export and transit trade with Nigeria, which accounts for about 20 per cent of its GDP, or national income.

And about 80 per cent of imports into Benin are destined for Nigeria, the Bank says.

“Nigeria is only allowing in foreign rice through its ports where since 2013 it has imposed a tax of 70 per cent. The move is intended not only to raise revenue but also to encourage the local production of rice. But smugglers have been taking advantage of the fact that it is cheaper to import rice to Nigeria’s neighbours,” it added.

It further cited a report by Ships and Ports, a maritime newswire,

to have disclosed that in 2014, Benin lowered its tariffs on rice imports from 35 per cent to seven per cent while Cameroon erased it completely from 10 per cent.

“And Nigerians’ appetite for rice is almost insatiable in a country where the grain is a staple. There was a time was when it was considered an elitist meal consumed only on Sundays.

But now its affordability - plus the love for jollof rice - has made it a national dish,” it added.

It, however, pointed out that the Nigerian government’s action was not just about rice, saying, “Benin is also a major corridor for second-hand cars to Nigeria, where there is a ban on importing cars that are more than 15 years old.”

Official figures are difficult to come by, but Luxembourgbased shipping company BIM e-solutions says an average of 10,000 cars arrive at the Cotonou port from Europe monthly.

According to the Nigeria Customs Service, many are smuggled across the border.

The authorities also want to tackle smugglers going the other way. Many sell cheap subsidised Nigerian petrol in neighbouring countries.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said the country’s traders had incurred huge losses because their goods had been detained for weeks at the Nigeria-Benin border.

She advised the Nigerian government to “find ways of isolating the issues and the countries that it has problems with, so that Ghana’s exports can enter Nigeria’s market without being lumped up with all these issues that have emerged”.

Benin’s Agriculture Minister Gaston Dossouhoui described it as “a distressing sight” when he visited markets in the town of Grand Popo.

“It’s very difficult for our

producers. It’s a disaster,” he was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying.

In an effort to mollify its powerful neighbour, Niger has since imposed its own ban on the exportation of rice to Nigeria.

But it is the border communities, where traders often criss-cross for market days, that are suffering.

BBC Hausa reporter Tchima Illa Issoufou in Niger said traders in two border towns she visited were unable to do business as most were not able to cross the border.

And a long line of lorries, most heavy with goods, stands at Maradi close to the border with Nigeria.

“The border closure goes against an agreement that guarantees free movement between the 15 members of the West African regional bloc – ECOWAS. However, it is legal for an ECOWAS member state to restrict the importation of certain food and agricultural products - and in 2004 Benin and Nigeria agreed to ban 29 foreign products from being imported into Nigeria.

“Yet Nigeria’s actions have many questioning its commitment to the historic AfCFTA free-trade agreement, which it signed up to in July that lays the foundation for the creation of the world’s largest free trade area and is intended to boost trade between African countries.

There are those who describe Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s protectionist attitude as “Trumpian”.

But Kalu Aja, a financial analyst in Lagos, says the very fact that Mr Buhari signed AfCTA is proof that he is different from his US counterpart Donald Trump.

“Buhari is not being protectionist but seeking to protect the gains made in local agriculture, in rice especially,” he told the BBC.

Ghana Mulls Ban on Rice, Poultry Imports Rice importers would be ordered to cease their trade in three years if everything goes as planned, Ghana’s Agric Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto, has said.

The same applies to persons who import poultry products.

The policy, if implemented would also be similar to the situation with Nigeria, its neighboring country.

Afriyie-Akoto said the government was working fervently to “establish the local capacity” to meet demand.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express programme on Wednesday, he said this should be completed in the next three years.

After that, merchants would

be expected to trade with local farmers. Currently, most of the rice consumed locally comes from overseas.

Deputy Trades Minister, Robert Ahomka Lindsay had previously said rice importation alone takes 82 per cent of all imports into the country.

This cost more than $1 billion, almost two per cent of the country’s GDP in 2018.

This must stop, the Agriculture Minister said.

The government intends, with the help of its flagship planting for food and jobs programme, to increase the yield of farmers.

This, Afriyie-Akoto said should be achieved in three years, paving

way for the order to stop imports.

He said this is not overambition, neither does it violate WTO protocol.

The government has been selling fertilisers to farmers at subsidised rates as part of the planting for food and jobs programme.

The Minister says with 50 per cent government subsidy on fertilisers for smallholder farmers, a farmer who was previously producing three bags of rice per acre was now producing 10 bags.

This has massively increased jobs since more hands are needed to harvest the produce and process same for the market.

Access Bank Plans to Open in Four African Nations Access Bank Plc plans to open operations in four additional African countries in the next year, following its takeover of Transnational Bank Limited of Kenya.

“By this time next year we would probably have added about four more subsidiaries, most of them greenfield,” Bloomberg quoted the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, to have said.

South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Senegal, Liberia and Ivory Coast are among countries

being considered for the setting up of subsidiaries, representative offices or partnerships, he said.

The institution plans to be present in 22 African countries, according to a presentation on its website. It currently operates in Sierra Leone, Gambia, Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda and Congo.

Access Bank acquired rival Diamond Bank early this year as it sought to expand retail penetration in its home market.

The lender is acquiring 97 per cent of Transnational Bank and said it will inject more equity

into the institution to meet the needs of its clients in the east African hub.

“By the end of the second year we will start to see a return on equity that is close to 20%,” Wigwe said of Transnational Bank.

The Lagos-based lender will decide whether to issue a fresh Eurobond before its $300 million debt matures in 2021, Wigwe said.

“We are careful as to what going to the market means in terms of cost,” he said.

“We will approach the market at the appropriate time.”

L-R: Political Scientist and Gender Specialist, Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr. Damilola Agbalajobi; Political Scientist, Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, Prof Emmanuel Aiyede; Chief Executive Officer, Women Trust Fund, Dr. Mufuliat Fijabi; Executive Director, Partnership for African Social and Governance Research, Prof. Tade Aina; Office of Planning and Budget Ikeja LGA, Hon Mrs. Modupe Bewaji, and Executive Director, Institute for Media and Society Lagos, Prof Akin Akingbulu, at the Launch of the Research Project “Gendered Contentions in Fragile,Conflict and Violence Affected Settings:Unpacking Women’s Leadership,Empowerment and Accountability,” held in Lagos...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

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

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

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY, 29 OCTOBER 2019

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $61.44 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $61.65 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), Zafiro (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

39

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

MARKET NEWS

Union Bank Records N117bn Earnings, N15.2bn Profit in Nine Months Goddy Egene Union Bank Nigeria Plc has announced its unaudited financial performance for the nine months ended September30, 2019, showing improved bottom-line. The bank posted gross earnings of N117.2 billion, down from N122.2 billion in the corresponding period of 2018. Net interest income after impairment charges rose six per cent from N42 billion to N44.3 billion.

Profit before tax grew by five per cent from N14.9 billion to N15.6 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) rose by four per cent from N14.7 billion to N15.2 billion.

Further breakdown of the results showed that gross loans improved nine per cent to N566.7 billion to N516.7 billion, while customers’ deposits stood at N892 billion, up four per cent from N857.6 billion in 2018.

Total assets appreciated by 23 per cent from N1.463 trillion

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

to N1.8 trillion.

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Emeka Emuwa, CEO said: “Profit Before Tax (PBT) for the group is up to N15.6bn, a five per cent increase over the same period in 2018. Our continued focus on consumer centric service and product propositions is yielding solid results, contributing to a 28 per cent growth in our electronic channels fee income which is at N5.6bn for the period. Our

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

debt recovery drive continues to record successes with N8.4bn of recoveries year to date.”

According to him, in line with their stated business objectives, they are continuing to grow their asset book by creating quality risk assets in targeted sectors.

“This has led to a nine per cent growth in our loan portfolio to N566.5 billion compared to N519.7 billion at year-end 2018. Going into the rest of the year, our ambition

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

remains to deliver superior customer experience across all customer touch points,” he added.

Also speaking, Chief Financial Officer, Joe Mbulu said: “While we had a slight decline in gross earnings for the group from N122.2 billion to N117.2 billion in 2018,our efficiency initiatives, including the deployment of Robotics Process Automation as well as our cost optimisation programme, ensured we

O F

delivered four growth in PAT, recording N15.2 billion compared to N14.7 billion in the prior year period. Our operating expenses reduced by three per cent to N56.2 billion from N58 billion in 2018 and the bank’s customerrelated non-interest revenue drivers remained strong with net fee and commission income growing 10 per cent to N9.5 billion from N8.7 billion for the corresponding period in 2018.”

2 9 / 1 0 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

40

FRIDAY, ͹˜ ͺ͸͹΁ ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Flour Mills of Nigeria Grows Six Months Month by 16% to N5.9bn Goddy Egene Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, a leading integrated food business and agro-allied group, has announced its unaudited half year(H1) results ended June 30, 2019, showing a growth of 16 per cent in profit after tax

(PAT) amid the challenging operating environment.

Specifically, the company recorded a profit before tax (PBT) of N8.6 billion, compared to N8.3 billion in H1 of 2018, showing an increase of four per cent.

But PAT grew faster by 16 per cent from N5.1 billion in

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

2018 to N5.9 billion in 2019.

The improved bottom-line was achieved partly due to a decline of 21 per cent in financing cost, which fell to N8.8 billion compared with N11.2 billion in 2018.

This indicates that the company’s deleveraging strategy and lowered interest

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 30Oct-2019, unless otherwise stated.

rates continue to achieve desired results.

Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Paul Gbededo said: “We have posted an impressive result for the first half of the year with PAT increasing by 16 per cent to N5.9 billion when

compared to last year. I am confident that we are on track to achieve our growth targets for the year as we continue to improve operational efficiency, reduce our finance cost and ultimately grow the wealth of our shareholders by increasing earnings per share.”

The company explained

that despite the challenging operating environment and continuing pressures on the profitability of most companies in the fastmoving consumer goods sector, its results reflect the management’s strategy and commitment to growth and value creation.

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: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 136.36 138.70 -13.17% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 14.07% Nigeria International Debt Fund 286.27 286.27 6.17% 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 4.23% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 33.62% 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 12.22% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.39 2.43 8.04% 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 14.00 14.42 -15.64% ARM Discovery Fund 326.76 336.61 -8.38% ARM Ethical Fund 28.12 28.97 -0.41% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.71% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.90 1.90 12.49% 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 0.12 0.11 12.01% Paramount Equity Fund 11.99 12.07 1.43% Women's Investment Fund 107.28 108.00 3.62% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.88% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 93.96 94.60 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 94.02 94.86 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.24% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.84 0.85 -1.33% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.28 1.28 14.51% 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 11.88% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 11.99% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,136.90 1,145.00 14.33% 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 1,212.50 1,213.25 13.98% FBN BALANCED FUND 137.60 138.46 -3.63% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.48% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 118.23 118.48 8.68% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 118.78 119.02 9.43% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 120.34 121.87 -19.77% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.80% Legacy Debt Fund 3.58 3.58 10.42% Legacy Equity Fund 1.02 1.04 -16.16% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.07 1.07 4.24% 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 2,963.22 2,992.55 -0.71% Coral Income Fund 3,042.96 3,042.96 11.03% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 12.71% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 11.88%

INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.45% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.14 2.16 -0.80% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 14.95% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 139.52 139.65 11.65% 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 5.31% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,104.03 1,104.03 10.89% 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 8.89 8.98 -16.20% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.10% 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 1.29 1.31 4.84% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.15 12.20 8.55% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.95% PACAM Equity Fund 1.01 1.01 PACAM EuroBond Fund 103.32 105.28 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 123.25 123.90 2.12% 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 1.01 1.01 11.51% 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 2,399.03 2,409.98 3.61% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 207.56 207.56 11.53% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.83 0.84 -12.11% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 269.94 270.04 11.25% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 146.11 147.63 -10.47% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.99% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,393.78 7,472.43 -12.96% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.15 1.15 6.13% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 101.22 101.22 0.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.16 1.16 -0.71% United Capital Bond Fund 1.69 1.69 15.40% United Capital Equity Fund 0.66 0.67 -7.46% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.60% United Capital Eurobond Fund 110.65 110.65 8.39% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.05 1.06 5.15% 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 9.68 9.82 -14.22% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.19 11.37 -10.54% Zenith Income Fund 22.53 22.53 11.47% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.41%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.40 117.80 53.38

-44.85% 6.01% 3.17%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.03 83.10 67.26

8.13 84.90 68.54

-19.03% -26.38% -21.49%

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

3.13 5.04 11.35 10.26 156.20

3.17 5.12 11.45 10.46 158.20

-21.56% -33.62% -22.23% -16.83% 17.75%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.40

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.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2019 • T H I S D AY

41

42

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

WORLD OF ISLAM

INTERNATIONAL

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

US House Formalises Trump’s Grit and Resilience: The SelfImpeachment Process in Help vs. Islamic Perspective - 1 Landmark Vote

By Omar Usman/MuslimMatters

The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution to formally proceed with the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.

The measure detailed how the inquiry will move into a more public phase and was not a vote on whether the president should be removed from office.

It was the first test of support in the Democratic-controlled House for the impeachment process.

The White House condemned the vote, which passed along party lines.

Only two Democrats representing districts that Mr

CHANGE OF NAMES I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AMARACHI JANE ISIBA & AMARACHUKWU ISIBA, now wish to be known as MRS AMARACHI JANE CHUKWUEMERIE EKWERE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ROSEMARY NJIDECHUKWU UMEH & MARY ANN NJIDEKA UMEH, now wish to be known as MRS OKORO ROSEMARY NJIDECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

This is to notify the general public that the bearer of these names EKWERE UCHENNA GODWIN and EKWERE UCHENNA GODWIN CHUKWUEMERIE refer to one and the same person. All former documents remain valid.

Declaration that same person carries OMOLEWU OLUSHEGUN GBEMIGA,OMOLEWU OLUSHEGUN GBENGA,OMOLEWU OLUSHEGUN OLUGBEMIGA,OMOLEWU OLUSHEGUN OLUGBENGA,OMOLEWU OLUWASHEGUN OLUWAGBEMIGA,OMOLEWU OLUWASHEGUN OLUWAGBENGA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO BUSAYO GRACE, now wish to be known as DAUDA BUSAYO GRACE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UGO FREEBORN QUEEN, now wish to be known as QUEEN IFIJEH. All former documents remain valid. AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY, WAEC and the general public should take note.

Trump won handily in 2016 - voted against the resolution, along with all Republicans, for a total count of 232 in favour and 196 against.

The resolution also sets out due process rights for Mr Trump’s lawyers under the congressional inquiry.

The Republican president is accused of trying to pressure Ukraine into investigating unsubstantiated corruption claims against his political rival, Joe Biden, and his son who worked with Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

Mr Trump denies wrongdoing.

After the vote, the White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement: “Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats have done nothing more than enshrine unacceptable violations of due process into House rules.”

Republicans have criticised Democrats for the closed hearings - in which Republican lawmakers have also taken part. But Democrats insist they were needed to gather evidence ahead of the public stage of the investigation, and deny allegations they have been secretive.

The resolution moves the inquiry to a new phase, which could eventually see articles of impeachment recommended against Mr Trump. If that happened, and the House voted to pass the articles, a trial would be held in the Senate.

Republicans have been clamouring for weeks for the Democrats to hold a full vote that will formalise the impeachment inquiry in the House of Representatives. Now they got one.

It won’t alter the dynamic in Washington, however.

Republicans will continue to object to what they see

as an unfair process with a preordained result. Democrats will push ahead with an investigation that they always intended would culminate in dramatic public hearings and (perhaps) an impeachment vote.

This doesn’t mean that Thursday’s proceedings are meaningless, however. For the first time since 1998, the House is taking a significant step toward impeaching a president.

The resolution gives the public some idea what to expect in the days ahead - including lots of Intelligence Committee sparring between Democrats and Republicans, a look at the transcripts from some of the high-profile witness depositions already conducted and, at some point, a formal report that could serve as the basis of articles of impeachment.

It’s not exactly uncharted territory in US history, but the course being set leads toward a historic clash with the presidency at stake.

In the first stage, the House Intelligence Committee will hold public hearings in the coming weeks. It will have the right to make public transcripts of depositions taken in private.

In the second stage, a public report on the findings will be sent to the House Judiciary Committee which will conduct its own proceedings and report on “such resolutions, articles of impeachment, or other recommendations as it deems proper”.

President Trump’s lawyers will be allowed to take part in the Judiciary Committee stage.

Republicans will be able to subpoena documents or witnesses although they could still be blocked as both panels are controlled by Democrats.

ISIS Confirms Baghdadi Death, Names New The Islamic State jihadist group confirmed the death of its leader Abu Bakr alBaghdadi and named his replacement as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi, said a statement released

Thursday.

“We mourn you… commander of the faithful,” an audio statement read by Abu Hamza al-Quraishi, presented as the jihadist group’s spokesman, said.

Hong Kong Court Approves Emergency Ban on Inciting Violence Hong Kong’s High Court on Thursday issued an emergency injunction against the inciting of violence on websites and messaging apps, local media reported.

The ruling specifically named the website LIHKG, a Reddit-like forum used by protesters as well as Telegram, which have played a critical role in

organising the leaderless protest movement.

Residents can be found in contempt of court for violating the injunction, which was filed by the Justice Department, according to public broadcaster RTHK. The ban extends to calls for violence, including at protests and against individuals online.

I don’t really care about grit.

Persevering and persisting through difficulties to achieve a higher goal is awesome. High-five.

We should all develop that. No one disagrees that resilience is an essential characteristic to have.

Somehow, this simple concept has ballooned into what feels like a self-help cottage industry of sorts. It has a Ted Talk with tens of millions of views, podcasts, keynote speeches, a New York Times best-selling book, and finding ways to teach this in schools and workplaces.

What I do care about is critically analyzing if it is all that it’s cracked up to be (spoiler alert: I don’t think so), why the self-help industry aggressively promotes it, and how we understand it from an Islamic perspective. For me, this is about much more than just grit – it’s about understanding character development from a (mostly Americanized) secular perspective vis-a-vis the Islamic one.

The appeal of grit in a self-help context is that it provides a magic bullet that intuitively feels correct. It provides optimism. If I can master this one thing, it will unlock what I need to be successful. When I keep running into a roadblock, I can scapegoat my reason for failure – a lack of grit.

Grit encompasses several inspirational cliches – be satisfied with being unsatisfied, or love the chase as much as the capture, or that grit is falling in love and staying in love. It is to believe anyone can succeed if they work long and hard enough. In short, it is the one-word encapsulation of the ideal of the American Dream.

Self-help literature has an underlying theme of controlling what is within your control and letting go of the rest. Islamically, in general, we agree with this sentiment. We focus our actions where we are personally accountable and put our trust in Allah for what we cannot control.

The problem with this theme, specifically with grit, is that it necessitates believing the circumstances around you cannot be changed.

Therefore, you must simply accept things the way that they are. Teaching people that they can overcome any situation by merely working hard enough is not only unrealistic but utterly devoid of compassion.

“The notion that kids in poverty can overcome hunger, lack of medical care, homelessness, and trauma by buckling down and persisting was always stupid and heartless, exactly what you would expect to hear from Scrooge or the Koch brothers or Betsy DeVos.” - Diane Ravitch, in Forget Grit, Focus on Inequality.

Focusing on the individual characteristics of grit and perseverance shifts attention away from structural or systemic issues that impact someone’s ability to succeed. The personal characteristics can be changed while structural inequalities are seen as ‘fixed.’

Alfie Kohn, in an article critical of Grit by Angela Duckworth, notes that Duckworth and her mentor while studying grit operated under a belief that, [U]nderachievement isn’t explained by structural factors — social, economic, or even educational. Rather, they insisted it should be attributed to the students themselves and their “failure to exercise self-discipline.” The entire conceptual edifice of grit is constructed on that individualistic premise, one that remains popular for ideological reasons even though it’s been repeatedly debunked by research.

Duckworth admitted as much in an interview with EdSurge (edsurge.com/news/2018/04/20).

There was a student who introduced himself having written a critical essay about the narrative of grit. His major point was that when we talk about grit as a kind of ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps, personal strength, it leaves in the shadows structural poverty and racism and other things that make it impossible, frankly, for some kids to do what we would expect them to do. When he sent me that essay, of course, I wanted to know more. I joined his [dissertation] committee because I don’t know much about sociology, and I don’t know much about this criticism.

I learned a lot from him over the years. I think the lesson for me is that when someone criticizes you, when someone criticized me, the natural thing is to be defensive and to reflexively make more clear your case and why you’re right, but I’ve always learned more from just listening. When I have the courage to just say, “Well, maybe there’s a point here that I hadn’t thought of,” and in this case the Grit narrative and what Grit has become is something that he really brought to me and my awareness in a way that I was oblivious to before.

It is mind-boggling that the person who popularized this research and wrote the book on the topic simply didn’t know that there was such a thing as structural inequality. It is quite disappointing that her response essentially amounted to “That’s interesting. I’d like to learn more.”

Duckworth provides a caveat – “My theory doesn’t address these outside ¬forces, nor does it include luck. It’s about the psychology of achievement, but because psychology isn’t all that matters, it’s incomplete.” This is a cop-out we see consistently in the self-help industry and elsewhere. They won’t deny that those problems exist, they simply say that’s not the current focus.

It is intellectually dishonest to promote something as a key to success while outright ignoring the structures needed to enable success.

That is not the only thing the theory of grit ignores. While marketing it as a necessary characteristic, it overlooks traits like honesty and kindness.

The grit narrative lionizes this superhero type of individual who breaks through all obstacles no matter how much the deck is stacked against them. It provides a sense of false hope. Instead of knowing when to cut your losses and see a failure for what it is, espousing a grit mentality will make a person stubbornly pursue a failing endeavor. It reminds me of those singers who comically fail the first round of auditions on American Idol, are rightly ridiculed by the judges, and then emotionally tell the whole world they’re going to come out on top (and then never do).

Overconfidence, obstinance, and naive optimism are the result of grit without context or boundaries. It fosters denial and a lack of self-awareness – the consequences of which are felt when horrible leaders keep rising to the top due, in part, to their grit and perseverance.

The entire idea of the psychology of achievement completely ignores the notion of morality and ethics. Grit in a vacuum may be amoral, but that is not how the real world works. This speaks powerfully to the need to understand the application of these types of concepts through a lens of faith.

The individual focus, however, is precisely what makes something like grit a prime candidate to become a popular self-help item. Schools and corporations alike will want to push it because it focuses on the individual instead of the reality of circumstances. There is a real amount of cognitive dissonance when a corporation can tell employees to focus on developing grit while not addressing toxic employment practices that increase turnover and destroy employees physically and emotionally (see: Dying for a Paycheck by Jeffrey Pfeffer).

Circumstances matter more than ever. You’ve probably heard the story (of course, in a Ted Talk) about the famous marshmallow test at some point. This popularizes the self-help version of delayed gratification. A bunch of kids are given a marshmallow and told that if they can avoid eating it for 5 minutes, they’ll get a second one. The children are then shown hilariously trying to resist eating it. These kids were then studied as they grew older, and lo and behold, those who had the self-discipline to hold out for the 2nd marshmallow were far more successful in life than those who gave in.

A new study found that a child’s ability to hold out for the second marshmallow had nothing to do with the ability to delay gratification. As The Atlantic points out, it had much more to do with the child’s social and economic background. When a child comes from a well to do household, the promise of a second marshmallow will be fulfilled. Their parents always deliver. When someone grows up in poverty, they are more attuned to take the short term reward because the guarantee does not exist that the marshmallow would still be there later. The circumstances matter much more than the psychological studies can account for. It is far easier to display grit with an entrepreneurial venture, for example, when you have the safety net of wealthy and supportive parents.

Valerie Strauss writes in the Washington Post that grit discourse is driven by middle and upper-class parents wanting their spoiled kids to appreciate the virtues of struggling against hardship. Unfortunately, this focus on character education means that poor students suffer because less money will then be spent on teaching disadvantaged students the skills they need to be successful. Sisyphus, she notes, had plenty of grit, but it didn’t get him very far.

To be continued

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Falana Kicks as Buratai Gives Reasons for Operation Positive Identification Adedayo Akinwale ín Abuja The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, yesterday said that the Operation Positive Identification (OPI) would not hinder the day-to-day activities of Nigerians, explaining that President Muhammadu Buhari was also aware of the exercise.

Buratai made this known while fielding questions from the House of Representatives’s Committee on Army in Abuja.

This is coming as a human

rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has dragged the Nigerian Army before a Federal High Court in Abuja, praying for an order stopping the planned Operation Positive Identification by the army.

Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Usman Muhammed, Buratai said that the army had submitted a detailed report on the OPI to the committee. He said that the military is involved in ‘Operation Lafia Dole’ in the

Tension in Ondo over Alleged Planned Attack

by Boko Haram James Sowole in Akure Tension has gripped residents of Akure, Owo and other major towns in Ondo State as members of the dreaded Boko Haram were said to have planned to attack some banks in the major towns today, Friday, November 1.

Allegation of the planned attack was revealed in a document purportedly addressed to the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr. Undie Adie by another security agency The document, which had been circulating in various social media platforms, urged the police to be proactive on the threat.

The letter dated October 29, was entitled “Planned Robbery Attacks on some commercial banks in Ondo State by suspected Book Haram elements”.

It reads: “Intelligence availed the command revealed planned armed robbery attacks on some commercial banks in the state by suspected Book Haram elements any moment from now.

“The group also planned to engage in kidnapping and car

snatching along major routes in the state, including Owo/Benin axis, Isua/Ikare and Auge/Ayire in annefgirts to raise funds for its terrorist/insurgency campaign in the country.

“It was further revealed that the insurgents/terrorists hibernating between Kogi and Ondo states, have concluded plan to carry out a major armed robbery operations in Owo town, Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State on November 1, 2019 being the market day” When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Ondo State Command, Mr. Femi Joseph, said the police did not receive any letter from any sister security agency on the said matter.

“The command is not aware of any letter to the effect of planned attack by Book Haram or any other group.

The command, however is working round the clock to provide adequate security for lives and property of the residents of the state.

“The command is very much prepared to ensure adequate security in this ember month both in flash points and other areas,” Joseph said.

North East, adding that there are other subsidiary operations within the major operation.

Buratai said that the OPI is one of the subsidiary operations, which are ongoing in the North East zone.

According to him, based on credible intelligence on Boko Haram terrorists, they are no longer in their enclaves; but spreading out away from their traditional strongholds.

The Army Chief said that the OPI which started on Sept 22 in the North East, was based on the intelligence.

Buratai said that the military has a tradition of initiating operations towards the end of the year to reduce crime during the Yuletide.

“We have exercise Ayama Kpatuma in the North Central, Atilogwu Udo in the South

East and Crocodile Smile in the South South are aimed at addressing the security challenges in those zones.

“It is a training exercise and at the same time, it is a true operation whereby we use the opportunity to carry out activities to checkmate criminality and crime within those areas.

“This time around, we feel that we can extend the OPI to some of these areas where we are going to conduct some of these exercises,” he said.

He explained that the OPI is an intelligence -activity based on credible information by which the army go to specific areas and effect arrests. “The exercise is nothing too different; it is something that is going to assist us add value to what we are doing in the North

east,” he added. Buratai said that President Buhari was in support of the operation as well as the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas (APC-Adamawa) said that the House has it on good authority that the Army intends to commence OPI on November 1 nationwide.

Meanwhile, Falana (SAN), has dragged the Nigerian Army before a Federal High Court in Abuja, praying for an order stopping the planned Operation Positive Identification by the army.

Falana argued that the planned nationwide operation scheduled for November 1, to December 23, 2019, by which Nigerian citizens would be required to move about with

means of identification, is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

In the suit which also has the Chief of Army Staff and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants, the human rights activist argued that the planned operation violates his right and that of other Nigerian citizens to liberty, as encapsulated in Section 35 respectively of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, (Cap A10) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He filed along with the suit an order seeking an interim injunction restraining the three defendants from going on with the plan pending the hearing of the substantive suit.

SIGNED AND DELIVERED ...

Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde (left), receiving 2019 Hajj report from the State Chairman of Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Prof. Saheed Malik, at EXCO Chamber, Governor’s Office , Ibadan...yesterday

LAPO Honoured with BAFI Award

2020 Hajj: FCT Pilgrims to Pay N1.5m as Hajj Fares

Ezekiel Okpuzor

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has pegged the fees for intending pilgrims for the 2020 Hajj exercise at N1.5 million even as registration of intending pilgrims for the yearly rites begins today in the six area councils and the board head office in Abuja.

Its spokesman, Muhammad

The Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) has been honored with meritorious award as “Micro Finance Bank of the Year 2019” at the Banks and other Financial Institutions (BAFI) awards that was hosted

by BusinessDay Newspapers.

The award was in recognition of LAPO’s outstanding performance in service delivery and eradication of poverty through loans support and other financial assistance to the society. It was also the sixth time the microfinance bank would be winning the award.

The financial service institution, which has won the category award for the sixth time, The Managing Director of LAPO, Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, expressed delight for the award and enphasised the reason behind LAPO’s success. He said: “We have been a regular recipient of the award for

the past six years. We have outreach financials services, which are obviously the focus that keep us ahead of other competitors.

“We do know that there are lots of microfinance banks in the country that maybe doing more of micro banking rather than micro finance, but for us, it’s a commitment to serve the under-served and owners of small and micro enterprises.”

“For me, we have won it the sixth time, that is to say that right from the beginning of the microfinance bank of the year award; we have always been the winner. I see that they look at our footprints across the country. We have our operations in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Secondly, we provide a range of financial services to our clients and have made a very firm commitment to serve the people at the bottom end of enterprise. LAPO actually goes beyond financial services to support our clients.

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Lawal Aliyu, said in a statement yesterday that those who wish to perform the pilgrimage through the board are expected to make the payment in three installments.

The pilgrims are to lodge the money by the end of March next year pending the release of the actual hajj fares by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

According to Aliyu, those

willing to embark on the pilgrimage are also to present a bank draft of minimum of N500, 000 only payable to the Board to book a flight for the hajj exercise.

All intending pilgrims must get referral from a Chief Imam of any of the area councils or a traditional ruler or a senior civil servant of not less than grade level 12 as contained in

the guideline for the registration of pilgrims by NAHCON. In addition, female pilgrims, Aliyu said, would only be registered with their male guide (Muharam) in line with the Saudi Arabian Government regulations.

He said the board has resolved to register the intending pilgrims on first-come, first-served basis, adding that first timers are to be accorded priority.

Lagos, Ogun to Set up Joint Development Commission Idowu Sowunmi With reference to their shared values, the much-touted LagosOgun Joint Development Commission would soon become operational with the aim to manage the overflow of development from Lagos State to Ogun State.

Barring any last minute hitch, the governor of the two states would soon put pen to paper as arrangements have been concluded to make the Commission operational before the end of the year.

Disclosing this yesterday at a breakfast meeting of

Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce in Lagos, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the two states also planned to set up an education unit to monitor standards of education in the two states on a daily basis.

Abiodun and his Lagos State counterpart, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have been communicating with agencies of government, development partners and private sector operators on areas of infrastructural development, climate change and food security.

Both have also taken steps

to closely monitor activities in the public schools through the introduction of Education Delivery Unit.

According to him, “We have introduced Education Delivery Unit to closely monitor deliverables in our schools. We want to ensure that what needed to be done is done including keeping the school environment, toilets and others clean at all times.

“We have seen that Edo State is making progress in primary education. We may adopt the state model. We are giving identity numbers to our students and their teachers,

so that we would be able to know their whereabouts at any point in time. We have also introduced e-learning by giving instructional tablets to our students to ensure that uniformed curriculum is taught in our schools.”

On the Ogun-Lagos Joint Commission, Abiodun said officials of the two states have met and worked out modalities on areas of cooperation, which include agriculture, particularly on rice production; waste management and development of infrastructure at the border towns.

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IPPIS: HoS Directs MDAs, Others to Update Workers’ Records In an apparent bid to begin the full implementation of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS), the

acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has directed ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs)

Again, Ortom Warns Cattle Owners against Open Grazing in Benue George Okoh in Makurdi Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has told cattle owners in the state to ensure that their animals are properly ranched to avoid open grazing or be ready to face sanctions as stipulated by law.

The governor gave the warning yesterday when he sighted a herd of cattle roaming the streets at Iniongun road, Wadata area of Makurdi as he inspected the areas ravaged by flood.

He directed Livestock Guards to immediately impound the animals and take them to the Quarantine Unit, noting that by provisions of the ranching law, the cattle would be auctioned if the owner fails to pay the requisite fines after seven days.

Ortom said the law does not accord preferences to any individual or group, whether or not they are Benue indigenes.

He stated that herders who

refuse to keep their livestock in ranches would be prosecuted in accordance with provisions of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017.

He called on Benue people to volunteer information regarding open grazing of animals to Livestock Guards, saying officers and men of the agency could not be everywhere.

The governor also lamented the failure of previous administration to dredge the River Benue which he revealed was the main cause of the flooding in the state, saying the dredging of the River remained the only permanent solution to halt the incessant flooding experienced in the state.

Ortom also decried the release of water from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon, noting that this was responsible for the flood that has displaced thousands of people as well as

Oyo Pilgrim Absconds in Saudi Arabia, Says Board Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan A female hajj pilgrim from Oyo State, who attended the recently concluded 2019 hajj exercise, Saheed Anifat Foluke, reportedly absconded after the holy pilgrimage.

The Chairman of the state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim Wing, Prof. Sahed Malik, made the disclosure while presenting the report of the 2019 hajj operation to the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

He said the disappearance of the pilgrim was noticed when the board was preparing the last batch of pilgrims from the state to King Abdul-Azeez International Airport, stating that

all efforts to locate the absconded woman through the address of her guarantor in Ibadan proved abortive.

Malik, who recalled how the governor refunded N51, 000 to every pilgrim before departure to the holy land, lauded Makinde for the 2019 hitch-free hajj operation, and called for speedy completion of the administrative building of the board at the Olodo hajj camp.

The governor pledged both personal and government’s support to the Muslim welfare board to deliver its mandate effectively.

A total of 914 pilgrims performed this year’s hajj exercise from the state.

APC Suspends Lawmaker-elect in Edo

to update their human resources records on the IPPIS not later than November 30.

In a circular dated October 29, 2019 with reference number: HCSF/CSO/HRM/M.1278/I/95, Yemi-Esan identified those affected to include the employees of noncore ministries, departments and agencies and newly-employed members of staff of core MDAs who were enrolled into IPPIS platform from January 1, 2017 till date.

“It should be noted that the

portal will be opened for the affected officers from October 30, 2019 to November 30, 2019.

“It is pertinent to emphasise that failure of any MDA and / or employee to comply with the content of this circular will lead to stoppage of the salary of the entire MDA and/or the affected employee on the IPPIS platform.

“Please bring the content of this circular to the attention of all concerned for full compliance.”

The circular was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the

President; the Deputy Chief of Staff; Secretary to the Government of the Federation; all ministers and ministers of state; all permanent secretaries; all special advisers / senior special assistants and the National Security Adviser.

Other are the Chief of Defence Staff; service chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police; chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission; chairman, Police Service Commission; Accountant-General of the Federation; Auditor-General of the

Federation: Surveyor-General of the Federation; the Chief Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria and heads of other government agencies and parastatals among others.

She reminded the recipients that as part of activities towards the final roll-out of the HR Module of IPPIS, her office had earlier issued two circulars requesting all federal public servants on the platform to update their records via an online portal provided for that purpose.

CONGRATULATIONS ...

Executive Director-designate, Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Maxwell Oko (left); and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, shortly after the Senate Committee on NDDC screened board members-designate of the commission in Abuja... yesterday

BUHARI SEEKS MORE US CAPITAL FOR INFRASTRUCTURE At the meeting held on the margins of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum, Shehu said Buhari told Mnuchin that Nigeria would leverage on this US facility to address current challenges confronting its power sector, as well as the general upgrade of infrastructure.

According to him, the president thanked the US government for supporting Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts.

He also said the president and the treasury secretary discussed areas of strengthening Nigeria’s ongoing collaboration with the United States on how to stop terrorism financing.

The statement added that Mnuchin was accompanied by the Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs, Brent Macintosh, and Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing in the United States Treasury Department, Marshall Billingslea.

“The Treasury Secretary used the occasion to introduce Macintosh, who was recently promoted Under Secretary for International Affairs by President Donald Trump after the previous Under Secretary, David Malpass, was elected President of the World Bank,” it stated, adding: “The Nigerian

leader congratulated Macintosh on his elevation and requested for his continued support to Nigeria especially in accessing the $60 billion infrastructure fund under the USIDFC.” Buhari had held earlier talks with King Salman of Saudi Arabia, during which both leaders committed to deeper partnership especially in the areas of oil and gas for the development of both countries.

The Nigerian leader and the Saudi monarch reviewed aspects of cooperation between both countries and agreed to advance cooperation in the areas of oil and gas, given the similarities of

both countries as big producers of the commodity.

King Salman assured Buhari of the willingness of Saudi Arabia to invest in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, thereby strengthening the strategic partnership between the Saudi energy company, Aramco, and the NNPC. Shehu had said in a separate statement that both leaders also discussed the current regional and global security situation and that Buhari expressed his desire for a quick and peaceful resolution on contentious issues in the region.

Navy Arrests 54 Suspects, Seizes 3,378 Bags of The All Progressives Congress The party accused Uwadiae (APC) in Okada East Local of making the people lose Smuggled Rice in Akwa Ibom Government Area of Edo State yesterday suspended Mr Vincent Uwadiae from the party for his continued absence from sittings at the Edo State House of Assembly.

Uwadiae elected to represent Ovia North East Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly is one of the 14 lawmakers-elect taking refuge in Abuja.

Uwadiae suspension was contained in a letter addressed to State Chairman of the APC, Barr. Anselm Ojezua and signed by Chairman of APC in Ovia North East, Etinosa Ighodaro and other party executives.

adequate representation at the state House of Assembly.

“We reject the continued absence of Mr. Vincent Uwadiae from the Edo State House of Assembly.

“The refusal of Mr. Vincent Uwadiae to attend the meeting of October 15 to appeal to him and direct him to resume sitting is an expression of intolerance that is contrary to the values that define Ovia people.

“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence the process of recall of Mr. Uwadiae as elected members representing Ovia North East East,” he said.

Okon Bassey in Uyo Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State yesterday said a total of 54 suspects had been arrested, while 3,378 bags of smuggled rice seized from the suspects in the month of October 2019.

The command said the smuggled rice which is worth about N57,426,000 were seized alongside 14 wooden boats within a four-week period of operations.

Speaking Thursday in Ibaka, the FOB Commanding Officer,

Captain Peter Yilme, said 650 bags of 50kg rice, as well as eight suspects and two wooden boats were brought in from the Republic of Cameroon.

He added that the latest arrest of eight crew and wooden boats took place between October 27 and 29 during a routine patrol by the naval boats.

According to him, the suspects were arrested around Parrot Island along Calabar Channel and Effiat waterways during a patrol by naval gunboats.

Handing over the suspects and the items to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Yilme,

who was represented by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Kabiru Yusuf, said the command would remain steadfast in fighting illegalities on the waterways.

He maintained that FOB Ibaka would not relent in going after persons who continue to engage in rice smuggling despite the federal government’s directives against the importation of foreign rice.

“The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka hereby hands over two medium sized wooden boats laden with 389 and 261 bags of rice arrested at Parrot Island to the Nigeria

Customs Service,” he stated.

Receiving the eight suspects, 650 bags of rice and two wooden boats from the Nigerian Navy, NSC Deputy Superintendent, Alabi Adedokun, lauded the Navy for its synergy with the Customs and commended the naval authorities for the frequent arrests.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service, I, Alabi Adedokun, take over the eight defendants and 650 bags of foreign parboiled rice. And on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service, we thank you very much,” he said.

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Tambuwal, Fayemi, Afenifere, Olawepo-Hashim Congratulate Buhari Nseobong Okon-Ekon, Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; former presidential candidate in the last general election and businessman, Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim; Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere and Ekiti State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) have congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for his victory at the Supreme Court.

In a statement issued by Tambuwal’s special adviser

on media and publicity, Muhammad Bello, the governor also lauded Atiku’s doggedness, tenacity and strong belief in the judicial process.

Tambuwal maintained that Atiku’s stance has contributed in no small measure in advancing democracy.

“He is without doubt an icon of democracy. His place in Nigeria’s democratic journey is assured”.

The governor called on PDP members and supporters not to be dismayed saying the legal way has a terminal stage.

Tambuwal further called on President Buhari to be magnanimous in victory and

should discourage his supporters in wild jubilations, saying this is a time for circumspection and rallying of Nigerians for the ardours task of tackling the huge developmental challenges.

On his part, Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, said the Supreme Court’s decision had put an end to the legal battle over the 2019 presidential election, by reaffirming President Buhari as the validly elected President of the country He described the Supreme Court verdict as a re- affirmation of the mandate freely given to

President Buhari by the Nigerian electorate during the February 23 presidential election.

The governor who commended the judiciary for its demonstrated boldness and resilience in deepening the country’s democracy through sound judgments, said democracy is gradually taking firm roots in the country with the people’s will triumphing over other considerations.

“This is good for our democracy. It is victory for democracy. This victory is not for the All Progressives Congress (APC) alone. It is a victory for all well-meaning Nigerians. The

people have spoken in clear tone and the judiciary has re-affirmed the will of the people.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, the Land of Honour, I congratulate our President, Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the leadership of APC and entire citizen of our dear country on this victory.

Also, the APC, Ekiti State chapter, in a statement by its Spokesman, Hon. Ade Ajayi, said the victory signalled the beginning of good things to come for Nigerians under the Buhari’s second term tenure.

However, the Afenifere chairman, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, has also felicitated with Buhari and charged him to use his victory to further unite Nigerians.

Olawepo-Hashim has also congratulated President Buhari over his victory in the presidential election dispute at the Supreme Court, adding that it was time the nation moved forward.

Olawepo-Hashim, who ran an essentially issue based campaign, said in Lagos that the problem with Nigeria required a collective effort beyond partisan politicking.

Experts Harp on Forensic Science to Resolve Crimes in Nigeria Sunday Okobi Stakeholders in the forensic and security industry, who included forensic analysts from the Nigerian Police, forensic scientists, linguistic forensic specialists, journalists, private security practitioners and members of the public have unanimously agreed that forensic science is germane to resolving crimes through thorough investigation to determine tough issues such as causes of death, suspect’s identification, finding missing persons and criminal profiling among others.

Speaking at a workshop in Lagos recently, which was organised by Academy Halogen, the educational arm of a leading security risk conglomerate, Halogen Group, the Chief Operating Officer of Academy Halogen, Dr. Wale Adeagbo, noted that the workshop was part of the Academy’s thought leadership and policy advocacy aimed at tackling major hiccups usually encountered in the value chain of enterprise security risk especially those affecting forensic practice in Nigeria.

He stated that the platform provided a unique atmosphere to explore how the private security industry can drive capacity building in the area

of forensic science to better leverage emerging opportunities in forensic practice side by side with how government policies impact on the practice in Nigeria.

On her own, a forensic scientist and a panelist at the workshop, Ms. Avril Eyewu Edero, said there is a need for robust private security industry collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to take forensic practice to a world-class level in Nigeria.

She explained that “we now have a growing population of citizens, who are aware of the importance of forensic investigations and they are willing to pay for such analysis.”

Avril challenged private security companies and organisations like Academy Halogen to explore possibilities of investing in putting up a befitting forensic laboratory in the country.

According to her, “Nigerian citizens are becoming aware of forensic services; people are demanding forensics analysis and a lot of them are ready to pay for the services. This is an area private security industry can take advantage of. They can build their forensic laboratory, get people properly trained and the people will pay for it.”

Nasarawa Abolishes Schools Fees in Primary, Secondary Schools reportedly charging schools Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, yesterday abolished school fees being paid by pupils and students in all state government-owned primary and secondary schools in the state.

The governor gave the directive to all administrators of the concerned schools at closing ceremony of a twoday retreat organised by the state government for the 13 commissioners-designate and other political appointees at Kini Country Hotel in Akwanga.

The governor, who was visibly angry with some headmasters and principals who were

fees in their various schools, directed those involved in such practices to desist henceforth.

He said: “I am directing the affected administrators who have introduced school fees to stop right now until directed to do so otherwise. We will hold the ministry responsible.”

The governor also banned the hiring of consultants for revenue generation in the state especially at the local government level.

“I am not happy with the hiring of consultants for the collection of revenues in the state, because over 200 persons who are hired for that purpose pocket almost all the revenues generated,” he said.

LET THEIR BE LIGHT ...

L-R: Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Power, Chief Emmanuel James; representative of Managing Director of Rural Electrification Aagency and Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare; member, representing Onna State Constituency, Hon. Otuekong Nse Essien; representative of The Clan Head of Oning Clan, Eteidung Udo Akpan; and Chief Executive officer, GVE Projects Limited, Ifeanyi Orajaka ,during the inauguration of 100KW Solar Hybrid Power Plant, a federal government’s initiative at Akpabom Community, Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State…yesterday

Buhari, Gbajabiamila, Tinubu Mourn Mobolaji Johnson Omololu Ogunmade, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Idowu Sowunmi in Lagos President Muhammadu Buhari; Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, have sent their condolences to the Lagos State government and the family of the first governor of the state, Brig. Gen. Mobolaji Johnson over the death of the former governor.

Buhari, in his message, tasked all leaders and citizens of Lagos State to uphold the legacies of discipline and selfless service bequeathed to the state

by Johnson.

A statement by the president’s media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the president commiserated with family members, friends and associates of the former governor, whom he said had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, starting out as a cadet in 1959 and retiring in 1975.

Adesina said as the first Governor of Lagos State, which was then the Federal Capital Territory, Buhari affirmed that Johnson laid a solid foundation for the development of infrastructure in the state and provided a good framework for the civil service.

He also said the president

noted that the late Johnson’s footprints in promoting education and building durable health system would always be remembered.

The statement added that Buhari prayed the almighty God to accept the soul of the departed.

On his part, Gbajabiamila, has described as painful, the passing away of Johnson.

The Speaker in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, said that the first Lagos State governor would be remembered for his good leadership qualities and the foundation he laid for the development of the state.

Tinubu, in his message,

described Johnson as an essential Nigerian statesman and one of the true fathers of Lagos.

He also described him a man of high integrity who served Lagos with dedication and determination. BrigadierGeneral Johnson died at 83.

“First military Governor of Lagos, Johnson embodied the true spirit of Lagos. He served Lagos with dedication and determination.

He contributed immensely to the state, developing the civil service. His tenure in Lagos also witnessed the building of major infrastructure in the state,” Tinubu said, in the statement by his media office.

INEC Partners Navy, NAF on Bayelsa, Kogi Guber Polls Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has mapped out strategies to degrade threats to the conduct of the Kogi and Bayelsa States’ governorship elections scheduled to hold on November 16.

INEC also disclosed that it is partnering with the Nigerian Navy and Air Force to provide security for its personnel and materials during the elections.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and

Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, made the disclosure at a dialogue session with Resident Electoral Commissioners, (REC), in Abuja ahead of the two elections.

In addition, Okoye revealed that the commission has banned some ad-hoc staff who abused the trust reposed on them during the 2019 general elections.

He said that given “the challenges of topography in the two states and their unfortunate history of electoral violence, we have mapped out strategies of

degrading threats to the conduct of elections and ensuring the safety of materials and personnel.

“We are also in consultation and partnership with the Nigerian Navy and Air Force for the purposes of providing security for our personnel and materials.

“As part of its preparations for both governorship elections, the commission has embarked on sustained and targeted voter education, stakeholder engagements and peace building initiatives.

“To this end, it (INEC) has,

through its Alternative Dispute Resolution Directorate, met with traditional rulers, religious leaders and youth groups in the states who have committed to ensuring peaceful elections.

“However, the Commission has banned some ad-hoc staff who abused the trust reposed on them during the 2019 general elections.”

He urged Nigerians to have faith in the country’s electoral process and work for the consolidation its democratic system.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

46

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AfCFTA: OPS Mulls Measures to Overcome Constraints Chris Uba Members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) have stated that a lot still needs to be done to enable Nigerian manufacturers to maximise the benefits offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

The OPS clarified that Nigeria lacked the capacity to compete with small African countries that serve as out post for highly industrialised economies to penetrate and subjugate the Nigeria

economy in spite of its status as the biggest economy in Africa.

They enjoined the Nigeria’s government to ensure that goods coming into the country from neighbouring countries in the name of AfCFTA are truly made in Africa.

Laying the groundwork yesterday for the discussion meant to prepare the Nigerian private sector to grasp the proper understanding of the details of the AfCFTA’s agreement, such as the Rules of origin, protocol of

trade in goods and services, dispute resolution etc., at the AfCFTA Dialogue Series organized by the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in collaboration with Deloitte, the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, who delivered a keynote address urged

members of OPS to make their businesses competitive enough in order to benefit from the opportunities will derive from AFCFTA. Ajayi-Kadiri, who was represented by his Director of Economic and Statistics, Mr. Oluwasegun Osidipe, said the Nigerian private sector must be very proactive and sensitive to opportunities because “AfCFTA is about

economic integration, an arrangement among nations that typically includes the reduction or elimination of trade barriers and the coordination of monetary and fiscal policies as well as aims to reduce costs for both consumers and producers and increase trade between the countries involved in the agreement.”

He pointed out that

“the biggest and obvious constraint to Nigeria’s gainful participation in AfCFTA would be the uncompetitive stance of the economy, which he identified as low capacity utilization, unsold inventory of manufactured goods, weak infrastructure including land transportation and rail as well as shipping problems and access to markets among high cost of inputs.”

Insecurity: Katsina Emirate Inaugurates Peace Committee Francis Sardauna in Katsina In a bid to restore peace, Katsina State Emirate Council has inaugurated a peace committee to checkmate myriads of security challenges and recommend suitable platform for resolving avoidable conflicts across the state.

The committee headed

by Kauran Katsina and District Head of Rimi Local Government Area of the state, Nuhu Abdulkadir, was to also tackle issues of rape, child labour, ethno-religious crisis and matrimonial conflicts.

Addressing members of the committee during their inaugural meeting on yesterday, the Emir of Katsina and Chairman Traditional Council of Chiefs, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabiru Usman, urged the committee to take cognizance of the myriads of the security challenges across the state.

He tasked them to end

wanton killings resulting from bloody clashes across the three senatorial zones of the state, which he said has been a predicament to national security and stability.

While reminding them to discharge their obligations within the ambit of the law, the traditional ruler said the committee was structured as an institutional response to the crises facing the state.

The Emir of Katsina, however, identified ethnoreligious crisis as one of the sources of insecurity in the country, which according to him, must be addressed by the committee.

Members of the committee were drawn from the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), traditional rulers, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Service (DSS), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

FG Donates Relief Materials to Flood Victims in Adamawa Daji Sani in Yola The federal government has donated relief material to 3,000 flood victims recently displaced from their communities in Adamawa State.

While donating the relief materials at Fofure town yesterday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq, said the donations was a palliative measure to cushion the effect of the flood on the affected victims in the state.

She said President Muhammadu Buhari and his government sympathised with the victims and the state over the ‘unfortunate’ flood incident which submerged over 100 communities and displaced 3,000 people from their homes.

Farouq said the federal government was doing everything humanly possible to alleviate the sufferings of the victims.

“We are doing everything possible to coordinate the relevant stakeholders to work

together to provide more relief materials, shelters and clean water for the victims,” she said.

Farouq appealed to individuals to stop erecting structures on waterways but build houses according the town planning design to avoid future disaster.

The minister, who earlier paid a courtesy call on the Lamido of Adamawa, His Royal Highness Dr. Barkindo Musdafa, at his palace, told the monarch that she came to intimate him of her visit and seek his fatherly blessings before proceeding to Fofure to make the donations.

Speaking at the Lamido’s palace, the Senator representing the state central senatorial district, Senator Aisha Binani Modibbo, whose constituency was mostly affected, said she had to call on the minister for intervention.

The lawmaker expressed joyed over the quick response of the federal government, adding that more relief materials were on their way to the state to alleviate the sufferings of the flood victims in the state especially her constituency.

EFFECTS OF BAD ROAD……

An untied heavy load at the back of a truck fell off due to bad road and crashed on two motor cycles and a Nissan car with Registration No. LAGOS KRD 572CY, injuring an Indian occupant, along Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos… yesterday

Address Root Cause of Smuggling, LCCI Tells FG Ugo Aliogo The Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce, (LCCI), Muda Yusuf, has called on the federal government to address the root cause of rice smuggling, rather than the border closure policy of the government which he said is not a sustainable solution.

He explained that there is need for government to address challenges as the domestic capacity to produce competitively

in quality and price, infrastructure and connectivity in moving the product from one part of the country to another and others.

Yusuf disclosed this yesterday in Lagos during the 2019 Business Forum Between Nigeria and South Korea organised

by Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, with the theme: ‘Sustainable Business for Economic Development’ He further urged the government to bring in technology into agriculture and

encourage more commercial farming, while building domestic capacity in rice production.

He added that government should change tariffs, stating that domestic import tariffs are too high.

“How can you have tariffs of 30-70 per cent even for intermediate products? Our ports are in a very bad shape.”

Continuing, Yusuf said: “We have to deal with fundamental issues otherwise you make the citizens to suffer unnecessarily.

We need to create infrastructure for agriculture to support the population, and instead of closing the border, which is creating more poverty. Let’s address the insecurity situations across our border. You cannot say institutions have failed and get citizens to pay the price of those institutions. We have a lot of legitimate exporters who exports products to the West African sub regions, their businesses are down and people are suffering.”

Court Orders Forfeiture of Assets, Cash Belonging to PEF GM, Others Justice Folashade Ogunbanjo Giwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday granted three separate interim forfeiture applications by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involving monies and assets.

The first involved the sum of $899,600 belonging to one Abdallah Suleiman, which was forfeited to the federal government.

The money was established to be proceeds of fraudulent activities by the EFCC. The ex parte application for the forfeiture was moved by

counsel representing the EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, who asserted that the commission received intelligence bordering on money laundering regarding illicit funds stashed in an apartment, located in Wuse, Abuja. He said that based on the intelligence, the house was searched and a safe was found that contained the money.

Similarly, the court also ordered the interim forfeiture of N150 million belonging to Nicholas Mutu Ebomo, who was the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development

Commission (NDDC).

While moving the application for the forfeiture order, Iheanacho stated that the money was recovered by the EFCC in the course of investigating contracts awarded by the NDDC. Justice Giwa granted the prayer and directed that the order be published in a national newspaper for persons with interest in the fund to show cause, why the final order of the forfeiture of the funds should not be made in favour of the federal government.

In the same vein, the judge also ordered the interim

forfeiture of a plaza and block of flats, belonging to one General Manager, Corporate Services, Petroleum Equalisation Fund Management Board, Goddy Nnadi.

Justice Giwa gave the order following an ex-parte application filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.

The plaza, a two storey building is located at Plot C46 5221 Road, Block XXIIC Gwarimpa II Estate, Abuja, while the set of four detached bungalows are located at Plot No 77, 525 Road , A Close, Kubwa Estate, Phase IV Abuja.

Mahama to Deliver Realnews Anniversary Lecture The Real News Magazine, an online publication that made its debut in 2012, will hold its 7th Anniversary Lecture and Investiture into the Realnews Hall of Fame on Novemer 19, 2019, under the distinguished

chairmanship of Vice President, Country Operations, Islamic Development Bani (IDB) and former Nigerian Minister of Finance, Dr. Mansur Muhtar.

The theme of the lecture, which would be delivered by former

President of Ghana, His Excellency, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, is Beyond Politics: An Economic Narrative for West Africa while the sub-theme is The End of Oil: Whither the Nigerian Economy.

The panel of discussants at

the lecture is made up of the Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Alex A. Okoh and the Chief Executive Officer of American Business Council, Mrs. Margaret Olede.

47

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

IAAF to Strip Olatoye of African Games Medals Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigerian athletics was in the news for the wrong reason again yesterday as the International Association of

Sade Olatoye

Athletics Federations (IAAF), said that the gold and bronze medals won by Sade Olatoye at the last African Games in Rabat, Morocco may be annulled.

The world athletics body said in a statement yesterday that Olatoye, a former USA junior athlete was not cleared by its Nationality Review Panel before switching alliance to Nigeria and competed for Team Nigeria at the African Games.

“In reference to the transfer of allegiance for Oyesade Olatoye, the final decision of the NRP has determined that the athlete was not eligible to represent Nigeria at the time of the 2019 African Games and that her results there have to be annulled,” the statement read.

Going by the revised IAAF rule, athletes now require a minimum of three years waiting

period before they may transfer to represent another Member Federation. That is even hinged on the new country granting full citizenship.

Olatoye who won gold medal in the women’s shot put as well as a bronze medal in the hammer throw event now stands to lose both medals going by IAAF ruling.

The Ohio State University athlete who had previously

competed as junior for the USA was not properly cleared in line with the revised IAAF rule before the Games in Morocco.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) was not involved in her clearance and did not bother to do due diligence to ascertain her eligibility before taking her to Morocco for the Games.

She engaged a lawyer to facilitate her clearance with

her father’s consent.

Olatoye’s performance in Rabat qualified her for the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar.

Despite missing the two medals, she is now qualified to represent Nigeria at future games.

With the possibility of the withdrawal of the two medals by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Nigeria will

no longer be the champion of the track and field of the Games.

Kenya is now first with 10 gold, 7 silver and 3 bronze medals. Nigeria is now retroactively second with 9 gold, 6 silver and six bronze medals.

There was no official statement from the AFN on the matter as at press time last night.

U23 AFCON

Amapakabo Picks Nwakali, Awoniyi, 19 Others for Olympic Qualifiers Femi Solaja Ahead of the U-23 AFCON Tournament in Egypt, Head Coach of the Olympic Eagles, Imama Amapakabo, has named team Captain, Azubuike Okechukwu, defenders Anthony Izuchukwu, Sincere Seth and Olisah Ndah, in his final list of 21 players to represent Nigeria.

Others on the list include; midfielders Kelechi Nwakali, Muyiwa Olabiran and Ndifreke Effiong, and forwards Taiwo Awoniyi and Orji Okwonkwo Nigeria won the tournament in Senegal four years ago and will go into the final qualifying tournament for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo as defending champion.

In a bid to fortify the team with the best players within the age limit, the

coach increased the number of foreign-based players from the initial nine to 14 including Samuel Atavti of Esperance FC, Tunisia who is the only African foreign-based player in the final list.

Amapakabo also picked goalkeeper Adamu Abubakar, defender Josiah Chukwudi, and lively attacking midfielders Ndifreke Effiong, Tom Dele-Bashiru and Sunusi Ibrahim.

The Nigerian team left Abuja last night for the third edition of the championship scheduled to kick off in Cairo on November 8.

Nigeria will battle Côte d’ Ivoire, Zambia and South Africa in that order at the Al Salam Stadium. Super Eagles defeated Carthage Eagles of Tunisia 1-0 to win the bronze medal of the last the AFCON tournament in Egypt.

1,500 Youths Apply to Join Real Madrid Academy in Port Harcourt Ernest Chinwo inPort Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said the state has received more than 1,500 applications from people all over the country to join the Rivers Real Madrid Academy in Port Harcourt.

This is as the governor gave the assurance that the academy would take off soon since the state has ratified its agreement with Real Madrid Football Club on the academy.

Wike spoke yesterday at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa on arrival from Madrid, Spain where he had gone to ratify the agreement with Real Madrid Football Club officials on the take off of the academy.

His words: “We went to Madrid to ratify our agreement with Madrid Foundation as to establish Real Madrid Academy in Port Harcourt. And to the glory of God, that it is now a reality.

Real Madrid Academy has come to Port Harcourt.

“Not just only football, we also have another aspect of the academy too combined. That is basketball. Real Madrid is one of the best sports clubs in the world.

I wouldn’t say I have given the best. But, whatever I can give to our people to ensure they bring out their potentials, we are always willing to support.

“We got Madrid and we have perfected it that in any moment from now, the Academy will start. As I speak to you now, I have received not less than 1,500 applications from all over the country, from people who want to be students of the academy.”

Wike said the unique feature if the academy is that trainees would have to combine sports with education so that if they do not make it in sports, they could still carry on with their education.

“The most important thing there is, they don’t just play football, it is combined with education.

Those of them who will make it in terms of football, are held.

Nigeria’s Under-23 Olympic Eagles shortly before departing Abuja for Egypt... yesterday

Falode Applauds Sanwo-Olu, Shaibu as NWPL Super 4 Begins in Lagos The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWPL), Aisha Falode, has applauded the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for making it possible for the 2018/2019 Nigeria Women Premier League Super 4 to hold in Lagos.

Falode, noted that, Sanwo-Olu’s love for the women’s game made it possible for the NWPL to host the Super 4 in the state.

“The board of the Nigeria Women Football League wishes to sincerely thank the Lagos state governor for his magnanimity in hosting the NWPL Super 4, without much trouble. We are playing at the Agege Stadium, Lagos today because of the love and interest the governor show for women’s football development.

“The governor recognised the

fact that, Lagos has produced a lot of women’s soccer professional players who not only helped take the country’s women’s national teams to a great height at the African and world levels, but also helped in the development of the game in Lagos.

“Sanwo-Olu, recognized the value added to women in Lagos through the professional players who moved from their various Lagos football clubs to top clubs in Europe and other parts of the world. And by so doing, they are directly impacting on the lives of family members, friends, and their football clubs.

“The governor gave kudos to the likes of Asisat Oshoala, Rashidat Ajibade, Chidinma Okeke, Ann Agumanu-Chiejine, Yinka Kudaisi, Maureen Madu,

Kikelomo Ajayi, Taiwo Ajobiewe, Diana Ansak, Esther Ohai among others, who at one time or the other played for women football clubs in Lagos and made the state the home of women’s football.

Falode, also praised the contributions of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, the sports loving Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu for his immense contributions to the development of women’s football in Nigeria since the state’s first involvement in the Super 4 competition which they hosted at the old Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City in 2017.

“After Edo first hosted the Super 4 in 2017, which stood out as the best ever among other Super 4 we have hosted, the Edo state government has been following the progress of

the women’s league in Nigeria.

The 2018/ 2019 NWPL Super 4 will begin in earnest Friday, November 1, 2019 at the Soccer temple with Adamawa Queens battling against Confluence Queens in the first game of the day at 2pm. The second match of the day would see defending champions Bayelsa Queens slug it out against Rivers Angels, a game which has been tagged the ‘final before the final going by the high reputations of the teams’ players.

The final will be played on Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 4pm with the third place coming up earlier at 2pm. The champion will go home with a cash prize of N3million, the first runner’s up N2million and the third place N1million.

UNDER-17 WORLD CUP

Golden Eaglets in Dead-rubber Clash with Australia The Golden Eaglets will take on Australia in a dead-rubber third Group B match today, at the Estadio Bezerrao, Brasilia.

The kickoff is 9pm, Nigerian time.

Hungary and Ecuador will also clash at the same time, at

the Estadio Olimpico Goiania.

Nigeria topped Group B on six points from two games. The Manu Garba’s team has already claimed a Round of 16 ticket .

Ecuador are in second position on three points and need an outright win to

advance as the second-placed team.

For Ecuador, Australia and Hungary, there is also an opportunity to qualify for the Second Round as one of the four best third-placed teams across the six groups.

GROUP B MP W D L GF GA GD PTS Nigeria

2

2 0 0 7 4 3 6

Ecuador

2

1 0 1 4 4 0 3

Australia

2

0 1 1 3 4 -1 1

Hungary

2

0 1 1 4

6 -2 1

EPL Back on Free-to-Air in Nigeria as Integral Secures Rights from Infront One of Nigeria’s leading sports marketing companies, Integral Sponsorship and Experiential Marketing Limited has secured the media rights to broadcast a live English Premier League match per week on Free-to-Air television over the course of the 2019/2022 rights cycle.

The Sub-license deal from Infront, a Wanda Sports Group company and current rights

holder for Free-to-Air distribution in Sub-Saharan Africa, allows one live match per match-week.

Integral has therefore consequentially secured the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), the national terrestrial broadcaster in Nigeria, as the choice for the matches. The media rights package also includes the Premier League-produced magazine show, which will be

aired weekly, thus delivering this most loved football tournament in the world to Nigerians.

Infront France Managing Director, Jean-Francois Jeanne said: “Nigeria is a key market for the English Premier League.

Together with Integral we hope to maximize its media exposure in the country and provide an opportunity for passionate Nigerian fans to follow the action

on Free-To-Air TV.” The Director General of the NTA, Alhaji Yakubu Ibn Mohammed stated that, “In terms of excitement, the Premier League is at a pedestal higher than that offered by any other league in the world. NTA is proud to partner with Integral to bring the excitement to the living rooms and viewing centres of Nigerians”

Friday November 1, 2019

TR

UT H

& RE A SO

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

Senate to Army “As representatives of the people, we will not support any action or policy that would either cause inconveniences for Nigerians or tamper with their fundamental human rights which include freedom of movement” –The Senate rejecting the controversial Operation Positive Identification exercise being planned by the Nigerian Army nationwide.

ABBAKYARI GUEST COLUMNIST

Towards a New Deal for Nigeria T he decision by the National Assembly to amend the Deep Offshore (and inland basin production sharing contract) Act is a huge victory for Nigeria. The articles and clauses of complex legislation may not appear to be the stuff to set pulses racing. But there should be no doubt: this is a watershed moment for our economy, our institutions and our people.

As a result of this amendment, Nigeria could earn an extra billion dollars a year from our oil. These are funds that will help restore our schools and hospitals, repair our roads and infrastructure and give our armed forces the support they need to keep us safe. That is a big win.

But it is about more than just the money.

There is no doubt that the Deep Offshore Act had to change. The original law that provided for the operation of oil licences in deep water was introduced by the military regime back in 1993. New techniques in drilling and computer modelling were then beginning to emerge, allowing for the exploitation of oil in water depths that had previously been impossible.

Fiscal terms were based on the industry’s long-term outlook for oil prices of around USD18-20/ barrel, above which profits were hardly taxed at all.

Crucially, the 1993 contract provided only for a review of terms. Oil passed USD20 barrel in 2003 but companies could, and did, refuse to accept any changes. The ‘business as usual’ lobby made sure that every attempt until now to amend the law ended in failure. But more than 25 years on, advances in technology have substantially reduced costs to industry and oil has consistently traded way above that anticipated range. For international oil companies, this has been a regulatory bonanza. A better balance between reasonable profits and a fair tax regime would years ago have delivered the billions we need to invest in Nigeria’s future.

The amendment calls time on this contractual anachronism. But it should not be seen in isolation, or as a ‘one off’.

President Muhammadu Buhari pushed for the amendment as part of an ambitious programme to overhaul a corruptionsaddled and under-performing oil and gas sector.

This is the key to the delivery of a more diverse and productive economy that will provide the jobs and sustainable growth we need in the coming decades to end poverty and raise living standards.

Headline increases in our GDP will be matched by policies that ensure growth is inclusive and evenly shared, and provide protection and opportunity for the most vulnerable.

The President has worked with the 9th National Assembly, its leadership and members, to deliver this amendment. This is the kind of partnership that we have seen all too rarely since the restoration of democracy in 1999. We have shown how

Buhari

national institutions, the executive and legislature, can come together to work for the common good and the National Interest.

A sense of patriotism and the drive to deliver reform is replacing the sterile self-interest that has for too long dominated public administration.

The passage of the amendment shows that the 9th National Assembly has the

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan

ambition and commitment to help make the real changes Nigeria needs if we are to move forward. The Senate and House of Representatives have shown that we can replace exploitation of the system by the few for the benefit of the few with a new spirit of co-operation - to build a fairer, more efficient system for the benefit of rich and poor alike.

Our vision is for an oil and gas

Our vision is for an oil and gas industry that is attractive to investors and competitive in a crowded international market.

Operations should be driven by commercial principles, transparent and free from political interference.

We will deliver a new deal for host communities and proper guarantees for environmental standards

industry that is attractive to investors and competitive in a crowded international market. Operations should be driven by commercial principles, transparent and free from political interference. We will deliver a new deal for host communities and proper guarantees for environmental standards.

The Collins English dictionary defines a free-for-all as “a situation in which several people or groups are trying to get something for themselves and there are no controls on how they do it.” We need an oil industry that is fair for all its stakeholders, to move towards a new partnership that ends the adversarial dysfunction and searching for loopholes that has become the norm.

The amendment is important for three reasons: it brings our laws and taxes into the 21st century; it shows that our institutions are effective and resolute in support of the National Interest; and that President Buhari means business. As Britain’s wartime prime minister Winston Churchill once said, ‘This is not the end.

It is not even the beginning of the end.’

We have a lot of work to do. But this amendment shows where we are going - and that now, within our grasp, is a Nigeria that works for us all.

Kyari is the Chief of Staff to the President

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