Improved Risk Management Reduces Banks’ Impairment Charges Goddy Egene Improved risk management and recovery strategies being adopted by banks have led to a significant decline in the provision for loan losses as indicated in the nine months results ended September 30,
2019. THISDAY checks showed that the aggregate loan losses provision, otherwise known as impairment charges by 11 banks, declined by 39.2 per cent to N139.4 billion from N229.37 billion in the corresponding period of 2018.
The decline in charges came despite an increase in loans and advances, which rose from N11.21 trillion to N12.34 trillion. The banks are: Access Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Zenith Bank Plc,
FBN Holdings Plc, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Fidelity Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Wema Bank Plc and Sterling Bank Plc. Although some of the banks recorded higher provisioning, the significant decline posted
by FBN Holdings Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, UBA and write-back posted by Union Bank, Fidelity Bank and Stanbic IBTC, made the aggregate charges lower. FBN Holdings Plc recorded impairment charges of N23.37 billion in 2019, down by 69
per cent from N76.19 billion recorded in 2018. UBA’s charges fell by 37 per cent from N10.67 billion to N6.66 billion, while ETI Plc witnessed a decline of 21 per cent in charges from N84.26 billion Continued on page 9
NNPC Secures $1.16m US Grant for Abuja Power Plant... Page 8 Friday 15 November, 2019 Vol 24. No 8985. Price: N250
www.thisdaylive.com TR
UT H
& RE A S O
N
ICPC Uncovers N12bn Salary Fraud in MDAs Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
L-R: His Royal Majesty, Oka Ije II of Okija, Emeka Okezie; Group Executive Director, Nestoil Group, Mrs. Nnenna Obiejesi; Group Managing Director, Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi; and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at the unveiling of the new corporate identity of the company in Lagos... yesterday
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered N12 billion padded into the salaries of some Ministries Agencies and Departments (MDAs). Chairman of the ICPC, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, said at a press conference in Abuja that about N9.2 billion was first restrained after the ICPC discovered that monies meant for salaries were over-
budgeted while another N3 billion was uncovered after salaries were paid to workers. The ICPC boss, who did not mention the names of the MDAs indicted, said the ICPC had after tracing the funds stopped them from accessing them. He said 59 directors were recently arrested for using their accounts to move over N3billion from government coffers. He said the funds were Continued on page 9
INEC’s Big Dilemma: Will Election Hold in Bayelsa State With or Without APC? Appeal Court offers relief with stay of execution of judgment as another court nullifies ruling party’s primaries Buhari calls for fairness, transparency Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah in Abuja and Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Faced by last minute court judgments, a notice of appeal and an impending stay of execution of rulings from the appellate court, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday played safe, saying despite the judicial proceedings,
the governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi States scheduled for tomorrow would hold as planned. "Dear colleagues, the meeting has ended but we are not issuing a statement. However, our elections in both Kogi and Bayelsa will go on as planned," the commission said through the Continued on page 9
THE PEOPLE’S BUDGET... Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, during the presentation of 2020 Appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly in Osogbo… yesterday
2
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 •T H I S D AY
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 • T H I S D AY
3
4
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 •T H I S D AY
5
FRIDAY, ÍšÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY
NEWS
Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268
Lawan Explains Executive, Legislative Collaboration Eighth female senator, Olujimi, takes oath Deji Elumoye in Abuja President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, yesterday explained that the Ninth National Assembly resolved to be on the same page with the executive by having a good working relationship to forestall instability. This is coming just as Senator Biodun Olujimi
yesterday took oath of office as senator representing Ekiti South and the eighth female member of the 109-member upper legislative chamber. Lawan hinged the decision of the legislature to collaborate with the executive on the urgent need to enhance productivity in governance. Lawan spoke on Wednesday night at his investiture as a fellow of Geo-information Society of Nigeria (GEOSON).
According to him, a good working relationship between the two arms of government will also forestall the anxiety and instability that a rancorous relationship could produce. Drawing from his 20 years of experience in the National Assembly, Lawan said the past uneasy relationship between the legislature and the executive was not helpful to anyone. He said: "While l served
for five tenures in the past, I experienced various situations of legislature/executive relationships and of course the outcome, mostly undesirable. “At one point, we almost impeached the president at that time - President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, when I was in the House of Representatives. “The executive and legislature never had a decent operational and workable
ALIBABA IN NIGERIA... L-R: Executive Chairman, Alibaba Group, Mr. Jack Ma; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Chief Niyi Adebayo, during a meeting with a Chinese delegation in Abuja... yesterday
relationship and Nigeria and Nigerians suffered for four years in the first instance. "The second tenure, I think the president became wiser and the relationship improved and our productivity as a government also improved. So I watched how bad relationship, rancorous relationship between the executive and the legislature caused so much anxiety and instability in the land. "We made a conscious decision this year 2019 when we ran for the office of President of the Senate. We told ourselves that we are first and foremost representatives of Nigerians. We came on different platforms, vehicles that took us to the construction site. And of course, at the construction site, all of us are supposed to work together to construct that structure.� The Senate president emphasised that to avoid the pitfall of the past, there was a conscious decision to have a National Assembly, particularly the Senate that is, bi-partisan, and work for the collective interest of the people. Further justifying the position, Lawan stated that the Ninth National Assembly would continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari because it believed that the fight between the legislature and the executive did not help anyone. Meanwhile, the Minority Leader in the Eighth Senate, Senator Olujimi, was yesterday sworn-in as senator representing Ekiti South in
the National Assembly. With Olujimi’s return to the ninth Senate, the number of female senators has increased to eight as against seven female who served in the Eighth Senate. Olujimi's swearing in was sequel to the nullification of senatorial mandate of Prince Adedayo Adeyeye of the All Progressives Congress (APC) last Wednesday by the Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna. After the administration of oath of office and oath of allegiance on Olujimi by the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Nelson Ayewoh, Lawan, in his remarks, said with Olujimi's return to the Senate, the number of female senators in the Senate has increased to eight. The seven other female senators are Oluremi Tinubu (APC Lagos Central), Aishatu Dahiru (APC Adamawa Central), Betty Apiafi (PDP Rivers West), Stella Oduah (PDP Anambra North) and Uche Ekwunife (PDP Anambra Central). Others are Senators Rose Oko (PDP Cross River North) and Akon Eyakenyi (PDP Akwa Ibom South). The latest breakdown of the membership composition of the Senate across party lines shows that the number of APC senators has decreased from 64 to 63, while that of PDP increased from 43 to 44, YPP still has one seat while the remaining seat which is Kogi West, will be decided by the rerun election slated for this Saturday between Dino Melaye of PDP and Smart Adeyemi of APC.
Position on Oshiomhole Personal, Says APC Govs’ DG State chairmen demand his sack Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Director General of Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), a club of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, Dr. Salihu Lukman, has clarified that he did not speak on behalf of the governors when he asked the National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole to convene the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party or resign from office, stressing that he only expressed the sentiment of APC members. However, despite the clarification, the forum of state chairmen of the APC has called on the governors of the party to sack the director general of its forum, accusing him of causing disaffection within the APC. Lukman, had in a statement issued on Wednesday, demanded that Oshiomhole
should convene the statutory NEC meeting to resolve some of the lingering crisis in the party or resign from office. But, while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, Lukman called on party leaders to rise up and demand that the NEC meeting be convened. He stated categorically that unless former President Olusegun Obasanjo is Oshiomhole’s role model in politics, then he needs to listen and convene the NEC meeting. "I have not received any call that asked me why did you do that - not one, including from the governors. There is no meeting of governors where decision was taken on this matter. That is why I said first and foremost, I am talking as a Nigerian; two, I am talking as a party member; and three, as somebody who relates, I know the sentiment,
everybody is worried," he said. He recalled that during Oshiomhole's declaration speech on May 10, 2018, the national chairman had promised to ensure that all organs of the party meet as stipulated in the constitution, but lamented that the last time the NEC meeting was held was in August 2018. He added: "I want to say that all that we tried to do especially with respect to the statement in question; first and foremost we are Nigerians; two, we are party members and three I can tell you that as privileged person, being the DG of PGF, I am privileged to relate with not just governors, I relate with virtually everybody in the party and to that extent, one can have a feel in terms of the concerns, the worry and really the frustration that exist in the party.
"I thought I need to make this background clarification because I received calls from people asking me whether the statement is coming from governors or I'm issuing it as a person. Those issues need not even come up. What is at stake is the substance, the content, if anybody wants to dispute it, let him go into the content." Lukman noted that the request for Oshiomhole to convene a meeting of NEC was inspired by his commitment when he announced his intention to run for the national chairmanship of the party. Lukman said he predicted that Oshiomhole and the group loyal to him would move to pronounce the suspension or expulsion of Governor Godwin Obaseki, adding that his prediction has come to pass. He noted that the NWC
met on Tuesday and rather than deliberate on the court judgment that disqualified the Bayelsa State deputy governorship candidate so that appropriate step could be taken, it only deliberated on Edo APC crisis. Lukman also said that with the purported cross-carpeting of Pastor Ize-Iyamu from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC, he predicted that the party is going to have a 'celebration of fight' during the primary that will produce the governorship candidate in Edo State, saying that it would be the beginning of the party's undoing in Edo State. He emphasised that the party can begin to address this issue by convening meeting of the statutory organ, which is the NEC, that can listen to everybody and make a pronouncement which everybody would respect.
APC State Chairmen Demand Lukman’s Sack Meanwhile, the forum of state chairmen of the APC has called on the governors of the party to sack the Director General of its forum, accusing him of causing disaffection within the APC. The forum made the call in a statement issued yesterday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Mr. Ali Dalori and Secretary, Mr. Ben Nwoye. The forum noted that it had initially decided to ignore the director general, but as stakeholders in the party, it found his actions and comments very suspicious. It added that the position of the National Chairman of the party is not a child’s play, adding that the forum would not allow it to be demeaned by Lukman.
6
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 •T H I S D AY
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 • T H I S D AY
7
8
FRIDAY, ÍšÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY
NEWS
NNPC Secures $1.16m US Grant for Abuja Power Plant Ejiofor Alike The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has concluded arrangements with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to sign a $1.16 million grant as part-funding for the
NNPC-Abuja Independent Power Project (IPP), modelled to generate 1,350 megawatts of electricity to alleviate the power challenge in the country. At a meeting yesterday in Abuja between the NNPC and the US Trade and Development Agency, both parties agreed to
Appeal Court Judge, Iheme-Nwosu, Regains Freedom Davidson Iriekpen After approximately 14 days in captivity, the abducted judge of the Court of Appeal in Benin City, Justice Chioma IhemeNwosu, has been released. THISDAY gathered from a reliable source close to the family of the judge that she was released in Benin City on Wednesday night. The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Danmallam, who confirmed the release of the judge, said she was rescued from kidnappers and had been reunited with her family. Danmallam did not give details of the circumstances that led to her release, and if any ransom. All efforts made by THISDAY to get members of the family of the judge to give details of how she was released, and if any ransom was paid to set her free proved abortive. A close family member who spoke to THISDAY said they were happy that she was released unharmed. Justice Chioma Iheme-Nwosu, who is one of the justices of the Court of Appeal in Benin-City, was attacked by gunmen along the Benin-Agbor Highway on her way to an assignment on October 29. Her police orderly was shot and killed during the incident. Justice Iheme-Nwosu served for several years at the Imo State High Court in Owerri before
her elevation to the Court of Appeal. Her kidnap had sparked protests from lawyers in Imo and Edo States who called on the federal government to intervene and rescue her alive. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Tuesday had lamented the continued captivity of the judge, saying it was disheartening and distressing. In a statement signed by NBA President, Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN), the association reportedly said it was sad that after 13 days in captivity, not a word was heard from relevant government agencies or any of the security and law enforcement agencies on efforts to secure her safe release. It stated that if it were other climes, daily bulletin reports by relevant authorities in regard to incidents are taken for granted. “It is of great concern to the NBA and very disheartening and distressing that almost a fortnight after the reprehensible kidnap of Honourable Justice Chioma Iheme-Nwosu on October 29, 2019, not a word has been heard from relevant governments or any of their security and law enforcement agencies on efforts to secure her safe release and return. “In other climes, daily bulletin reports by relevant authorities in regard to momentous and heart-rending incidents such as we currently face is routine and taken for granted.�
House Approves Army’s Operation Positive IdentiďŹ cation Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has given the Nigerian army approval to carry out Operation Positive Identification (OPI) in conjunction with other relevant security agencies. The green chamber had initially kicked against the operation which was initially scheduled to commence on November 1, 2019 across the country, saying it would strip Nigerians of their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of movement. However, the House approved the operation following the report of the Committee on Army on the
operation, which was laid before the House at plenary on Thursday by its Chairman, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas. According to the report, "The Army can continue with the Operation Positive Identification but in collaboration with other relevant security agencies, such as Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Police Force, who should take the lead in the identification process. "That a Joint Intelligence and Monitoring Team should be set up by the agencies involved in order to checkmate possible abuse of the exercise, such as extortion and assault on the people."
close the deal on December 1, 2019. NNPC Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, said the plan by the corporation to build the 1,350mw power plant in Abuja was part of the national strategy to monetise the abundant natural gas resources in the country. A statement signed by the Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Samson Makoji, stated that the USDTA grant was to complement the ongoing feed project in order to make
the Abuja IPP initiative more bankable for strategic investors’ participation. “As a state-owned oil company and enabler organisation, we know that our investment in the Abuja 1,350mw IPP will increase energy supply level with great impact on the nation’s economy. Therefore, the USTDA grant is timely to make it a bankable project that would attract foreign direct investment into the country, � he said. He assured the US team that
the grant will be fully utilised and accounted for. “This company is focused on making our systems and processes transparent and accountable and that is why we are engaging world-class institutions with good track record in execution of our projects," Kyari explained. He called on the USTDA to look beyond feasibility studies to actual delivery of the project, stressing that the power plant project has viable investment opportunities for all investors. In her remark, the Country
Manager, Power Africa and the leader of the USTDA delegation, Jullian Foerster, stated that her organisation was determined to work with the corporation to sign off on the grant not later than December 1. She said USTDA was open to other business opportunities in 2020, noting that NNPC’s strategic role as a key player in the oil and gas industry made the US agency to “jump at the opportunity to work on this deal� of providing support in the form of a grant.
INVESTMENT FOR THE CALIPHATE... L-R: President of Microsoft, Mr. Bill Gates; Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, after a meeting with Gates in Seattle, USA...recently
Senate: Police Trust Fund Takes off January Health minister recommends mental checkup for policemen Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Haliru Jika, said yesterday the long awaited Police Trust Fund would take off by January next year. The Police Trust Fund bill was passed into law by the National Assembly in March and subsequently assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari in April. Stakeholders have also called for the inauguration of the board and the setting up of the structure of the fund. They had called on the president to effect the appointments of board members and members of the implementation committee in order to fill the gaps in the funding requirements of the Police Force. This is coming as the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, recommended a six-monthly mental checkup for officers and men of the Nigerian Police. Speaking at a medical conference with zonal and heads of medical facilities across the country themed: “Addressing Job related Stress and Mental Health of Police Personnel,� organised by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Adamu Mohammed, Senator Jika said the Police Trust Fund
would take off in January. He said the fund would go a long way in improving the welfare and wellbeing of the police. “I commend the IG for what he has done in transforming the Nigerian Police. I want to assure you that as legislators we are resolved to interface with the Nigerian Police, to work on legislative interventions that will bring about improved welfare of the officers and men of the force. “In line with the presidential agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari for the next level, he has graciously approved and signed into law the Police Trust Fund Bill. This will go a long way in making sure that the welfare and the wellbeing of the Nigerian Police is assured and which I believe will take off next year January,� he said. The PTF would be funded by a levy of 0.005 per cent of the net profit of companies operating in Nigeria, 0.5 per cent of the total revenue from the federation account, any take off grant and special intervention fund as may be provided by the federal, state and local government and such money as may be appropriated to meet the objective of the Act by the National Assembly.
Other funding sources include aids, grants and assistance from international, bilateral and multilateral agencies, nongovernmental organisations and the private sector in addition to grants, donations and investments made by the fund. Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has recommended a six-monthly medical checkup for police personnel. He said in view of the increasing crime rate in Nigeria, the policemen were exposed to exhaustion and mental health issues. “You work under very stressfully conditions especially now with the increased rate of crime notably kidnapping, armed robbery and other vices. Police is in the forefront of waging the war against these criminal elements in the country,� he said. He added: “In this wise, they are prone to not only physical exhaustion but also mental health issues. This does not mean madness as the layman may see it, no. When we talk about health, the true definition of health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing so it is important as police officers to present yourselves to your
doctors for complete medical checkup.� The minister said the police force would also do well to inculcate six-monthly medical checkup. In his remarks, the IG, Mohammed, said policing was a physically, mentally and psychologically demanding career. He said: “The job-related stress and constant exposure to traumatic incidents in the line of our highly-risky duties can impact negatively on the mental and overall health of Police personnel. “The Nigeria Police Medical Services must, therefore, consistently strengthen its institutional and personnel capacity to respond in the most professional manner to this occupational reality in order to ensure that police personnel are fit at all times for optimal performance of their statutory duties.� Earlier, the Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police, (AIG) Obembe Modupe, who is also the Force Medical Officer, said the 300,000 police personnel across the country worked round the clock, while noting that increased responsibility in policing has become more challenging and strenuous in recent times.
9
FRIDAY, ÍšÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY
PAGE NINE INEC’S BIG DILEMMA: WILL ELECTION HOLD IN BAYELSA STATE WITH OR WITHOUT APC? Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, after a meeting of the commission last night. But it fell short of telling whether the election would go on in Bayelsa State with or without the All Progressives Congress (APC), where a Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja on Tuesday disqualified the governorship running mate, Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, on the grounds that he supplied false information to the electoral commission contrary to the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. The judgment compromised the candidacy of the APC in the contest as in view of Section 187 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the nomination of the party’s candidate, Mr. David Lyon, was technically nullified. The party, however, approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Wednesday and eventually got a stay of execution of the judgment via an ex parte process yesterday. But another Federal High Court, sitting in Yenagoa, the state capital, yesterday nullified the APC primaries and the nomination of Lyon as the party’s candidate. “Once we are served with the ruling, we would study them and know what the courts wants us to do; and we would comply accordingly,� said the National Commissioner, Voter Education and Information, Mr. Festus Okoye. The INEC has only today to do that study and inform the public on the fate of the APC. The APC, political analysts told THISDAY last night, might have made the same mistakes it made in Zamfara and Rivers States, where multiple litigations and court rulings arising from disputes from its primaries for the 2019 general election robbed it of a chance to contest in the poll in Rivers, while its votes in Zamfara were nullified as wasted ballots by the Supreme Court. In its judgment on Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo had disqualified Degi-Eremienyo from participating in the governorship election for providing conflicting information in his documents submitted to the electoral commission. The court agreed with the
arguments of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Degi-Eremienyo gave false information in support of his candidacy to the INEC. While APC was still smarting from the verdict, the Yenagoa Division of the Federal High Court, in a judgment yesterday, quashed the primaries that produced Lyon and barred the APC from participating in the Saturday election. It held that the party did not follow its electoral guidelines in conducting the primaries and should not be allowed to profit from its mistakes. But THISDAY learnt that as at press time, INEC had not been served the enrolled order of judgment of the court in Yenagoa. However, a partial reprieve came later yesterday for APC as the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, granted a stay on the execution of the judgment of the lower court in Abuja that disqualified the APC running mate and by consequence Lyon to whom he is constitutionally conjoined to run the race. That leaves the party with yesterday's judgment barring both Lyon and Degi-Eremienyo from the election to contend with. Amid the legal confusion, which has the potential to exacerbate the threats of violence that could mar the elections, President Muhammadu Buhari called for fairness and transparency to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls in Bayelsa and Kogi States. But rising from a meeting yesterday in Abuja, the Election Management Body (EMB) of INEC said the elections were on course. A senior INEC official, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak, told THISDAY that INEC’s decision to allow the elections to go ahead as planned, might not be unconnected with the decision of the Court of Appeal that stayed the judgment of the lower court.
Court NulliďŹ es APC Primaries, Bars Party from Gov Poll Justice Jane Inyang of the Federal High Court in Yenagoa affirmed that the APC breached the rules when
another person announced the results of the party’s primary election, other than the statutorily recognised authority, the chairman of the party's National Electoral Committee. Justice Inyang had made the declaration while entering judgment in a suit filed by one of APC's governorship aspirants, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who had instituted the case against the APC, its standard bearer, Lyon and INEC over the outcome of the September 4, governorship primaries in the state. However, the judge declined to declare Lokpobiri, a former minister, the valid candidate, as requested in his prayers before the court. Justice Inyang noted that the exercise was conducted arbitrarily outside the rules of the party. She ruled that since the process was conducted in violation of the party's constitution and guidelines for the conduct of governorship primaries, none of the aspirants should be fielded as the party's candidate. She, therefore, restrained INEC from fielding Lyon as the party's candidate in the election. She held that by the APC guidelines for the conduct of the 2019 governorship primaries, the results were expected to be declared by the returning officer for the primaries, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, and not Senator Emmanuel Ochega, secretary of the election committee, who announced the results. According to her, the APC also violated its own rules in the composition of the election panel when it constituted an 11-member committee rather than seven stipulated by the rules. She said: "It has been established by judicial authorities and several judgments that political parties are bound by their own rules. The committee that conducted the primaries threw caution to the winds and it is my ruling that the primaries stand nullified. "The results announced by Senator Emmanuel Ochega are not valid as he is not the returning officer for the election, and I make an order restraining INEC from recognising any of the
aspirants that participated in the said primaries." Justice Inyang chastised the Bayelsa governorship primaries election committee headed by Mala Buni, saying it was clear that the committee threw caution to the wind while conducting and announcing the outcome of the September 4 exercise. “Neither the plaintiff nor the first defendant can lay claim to the ticket of the party. The governorship primaries are hereby set aside.� She also directed INEC not to include Lokpobiri and Lyon on the ballot paper. "The legal unit of INEC is to be served quickly," the judge said.
APC, Lyon's Legal Team Reject Court’s Ruling Lead counsel to the APC and Lyon, Mr. Sydney Ibanichuka, in an interview, said the judgment was a travesty of justice. He said the court granted a request that was not part of the suit before it. He said: "What has happened is a travesty of justice. It has been said before that the court is not Father Christmas. The court cannot dish out orders not asked for. "The request was to be declared winner and not to nullify the entire process. What the court just did was to cancel the whole process and there were documents attached, which showed that there was nothing wrong with the process.� APC has also kicked against the judgment, urging the people not to lose sleep over the ruling. The Campaign Director, Lyon Campaign, told reporters in Yenagoa, that the judgment was suspicious. "We reject this judgment and by November 16, APC will take over this state. This judgment is baffling but we want to say going forward that the people of Bayelsa should not give any thought or moment of sleeplessness to this judgment,� he said.
Reprieve as A'Court Stops Execution of DisqualiďŹ cation Order
the election following an order of the Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja, which yesterday halted the execution of the judgment of the Federal High Court that disqualified Lyon and his running mate. Justice Ekwo of the Abuja Division of the lower court had disqualified Degi-Eremienyo on account of lying on oath. Dissatisfied with the decision of the lower court, Degi-Eremienyo and Lyon had approached the Court of Appeal to reverse the decision and allow them to participate in the governorship poll. Outside the notice of appeal against Justice Ekwo's judgment, the appellants had also filed a motion for stay of execution of the disqualification order of the lower court. The appellate court in its ruling, however, cleared the coast for the participation of the APC's candidates in the election. The three-man panel led by Justice Stephen Adah granted the motion ex-parte as prayed and stayed the execution of the judgment of the lower court pending the hearing and determination of the appellants' motion on notice. The appellants in the exparte application argued by their counsel, Mr. Damian Dodo SAN, prayed the court in the interest of justice to grant the request of his clients. The court after listening to his submissions, held that: "That the status quo ante bellum, which existed on or before the 19th September, 2019 when the suit was filed be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. "An interim order for stay of judgment of the lower court delivered on 12th November, 2019 pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. "The motion on notice to be heard on 20th November, 2019 and the respondents to be served with the motion on notice and copy of the court order."
Buhari Calls for Fairness, Transparency Elections
Reprieve, however, came the way of APC on participating in
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has called for fairness, transparency and peace during Saturday's elections in Bayelsa and Kogi
and contractors to commit crimes associated with constituency projects. Responding to questions on why ICPC was yet to arrest indicted lawmakers, he said the objective of the exercise was to recover and ensure that the constituency projects
in the affected communities were given to them and not necessarily to arrest or prosecute defaulters. Owasanoye noted that some of the lawmakers and contractors who failed to key into the ICPC investigative strategy would be prosecuted.
States. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja yesterday, the president urged INEC and security agencies to be neutral, noting that on November 16, voters in the two states should be left alone to decide who takes charge of the administration of their states for the next four years. He added that since the ban on campaigns was lifted a few weeks ago, the people had been called to attend political rallies of various hues and were bombarded with political advertisements. According to him, the campaigns have so far recorded not a few uninspiring incidents of violence and intemperate use of language. He, therefore, stated that all stakeholders in the conduct of the elections must carry out their functions with fairness and transparency; without let or hindrance and without fear or favour. “I call on voters in Bayelsa and Kogi States to exercise their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner and in line with the law in all situations. Law enforcement officials must ensure that citizens are allowed to vote without harassment and intimidation and any attempt to steal or hijack ballots must be stopped using all legal means," he stated.
Police Identify Threats to Kogi, Bayelsa Elections In a related development, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Abdulmajid Ali, yesterday said the police had identified possible risks that could constitute threats to the smooth conduct of the two elections. He told journalists in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, that individuals and groups that could pose security challenges to the election had been identified, classified and placed under surveillance. He said a security threat assessment carried out in the states made it possible for the police to discover all these. According to him, the outcome of the intelligencedriven assessment was also used as a guide in the deployment of personnel and logistics for the elections.
ICPC UNCOVERS N12BN SALARY FRAUD IN MDAS moved to their individual accounts without proper explanation prompting the agency to step in, and arrest them. The anti-graft agency subsequently recovered the funds and released the civil servants on bail, while
investigation continued. Speaking on constituency projects, Owasanoye said over 400 projects were evaluated in the first phase of the exercise while 317 companies were profiled due to their activities with the projects concerned. The ICPC chairman said
due to the activities of the anti-graft agency, over 200 contractors were compelled to return to site to complete the abandoned projects. He noted that the findings of the agency showed that some officials of some MDAs collaborated with lawmakers
IMPROVED RISK MANAGEMENT REDUCES BANKS’ IMPAIRMENT CHARGES to N66.89 billion. Union Bank recorded a writeback of N3.79 billion in 2019, compared with a provision of N7.43 billion in 2018. Fidelity Bank Plc witnessed a writeback of N4.84 billion in 2019, compared with charges of N3.28 billion in 2018. Similarly, Stanbic IBTC recorded a write-back of N90 million in 2019, lower than N4.136 billion in 2018. On the other hand, Access Bank Plc’s charges rose from N8.35 billion to N10.61 billion, while that of Zenith Bank Plc increased to N18.26 billion from N14.34 billion. Wema Bank Plc recorded N15.57 billion in 2018, compared with N15.35 billion
in 2018, while GTBank Plc posted N2.76 billion, up from N1.74 billion. Explaining the improvement in impairment charges, the Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings Plc, Mr. UK Eke, said significant strides were made in transforming the group’s asset quality and diversifying its revenue streams across the board. “During the third quarter, our non-performing loans (NPLs) declined further to 12.6 per cent as we approach the end of the curve in the resolution of our legacy portfolio and are confident of further reducing this to under 10 per cent by the
end of the current financial year. “Critically, we have continued to focus on enhancing our risk framework processes, enabling an improvement in the quality of our loan book,� Eke said. Also, Chief Executive Officer of First Bank and Subsidiaries, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, said in line with their commitment, they had continued to improve their asset quality while further enhancing the group risk management and controls. “These deliberate steps continue to yield positive results with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio further declining to 12.4 per cent and impairment charges
significantly decreasing by 63 per cent year-on-year. As a result, cost of risk is down to 1.8 per cent from 4.5 per cent in the previous year, providing a stronger platform for enhanced future profitability,� he said. The Central Bank of Nigeria recently doused fears that its aggressive drive to increase banking sector’s lending to the private sector might result in a gradual accumulation of NPLs in the sector. The Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor, had said with the lending clause introduced recently by the Bankers’ Committee, it would be difficult
for habitual loan defaulters to operate in the sector. With the clause, a lender would be able to recover its loan from the assets of a defaulter domiciled in another bank. The central bank had raised the minimum loan-to-depositratio (LDR) to 65 per cent with a December 31, 2019 deadline, up from the 60 per cent it had stipulated at the end of September. The level of NPL ratios in the banking sector stood at 9.36 per cent as at June 2019. That was the first time it would drop to single-digit in the past 40 months.
TOP GAINERS NGN NGN EKOCORP 0.33 3.70 CAVERTON 0.24 2.70 GUINNESS 2.30 26.00 UNITEDCAP 0.55 6.25 FBNHOLDING 0.55 6.25 TOP LOSERS NGN IKEJHOTEL 0.09 0.87 CHAMPBREW 0.09 0.90 MTN 0.15 121.90 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,150.00 Volume: 624.841 million shares Value: N10.02 billion Deals: 6,426 As at yesterday 14/11/19 See details on Page 43
% 9.7 9.7 9.7 9.6 9.6 % 9.3 9.0 0.1
10
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY
NEWS 13 States to Benefit from $250m World Bank Loan for Malaria Control Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government is about to secure a $250 million World Bank facility to fund intervention programmes to check malaria disease in 13 states of the federation, which are not currently covered by the existing government intervention programmes. The affected states include, Borno, Kogi, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Ekiti and Bayelsa, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The National Coordinator, of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr. Audu Bala Mohammed, stated this
yesterday at the third annual summit of legislative network for universal health coverage held in Abuja. He said the National Assembly had approved the proposal to secure the $250 million World Bank loan to tackle malaria. He added that presently, the federal government’s malaria intervention covers 24 states out of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. “Before now, we were required to cover the whole country but because of this donor fatigue, the amount of money they are giving is not enough to go round the states; so, we have to restrict it to 13 states for the global funds,
which are a major donor and 11 states benefiting from presidential malaria initiative. So, we have 13 states where currently we don’t do anything with them and we have to find a way to fill the gap. “ So, at the moment, we are in the process of securing $250 million from the World Bank to tackle the malaria scourge in the remaining 13 states so that the disease can be addressed in a more holistic manner.”
According to Mohammed, 25 per cent of world malaria cases are found in Nigeria, while 19 per cent of deaths recorded from malaria disease worldwide are also in the country. He said Nigeria had recorded some progress in reversing malaria cases from 42 per cent to 37 per cent within five years when the whole country was aggressively covered before the present relapse.
Mohammed said in order to eradicate malaria scourge, there has to be aggressive intervention on sustainable basis and not small measures or the present partial coverage in some states. He explained that the federal government has made a proposal of $1.5 billion in its 2014-2020 strategic action plan to address malaria scourge. Mohammed, however, lamented that this estimate
is far from being met, adding that instead, sources of funds are shrinking due donor apathy. Also while making his presentation at the summit, the Director General of the National Centre for Disease Control in Nigeria (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu, said almost all the 36 states of the federation and the FCT were faced with one form of disease epidemic or the other.
Buhari Proposes Tree Planting to Curb Herders, Farmers’ Clashes President Muhammadu Buhari has proposed tree planting as part of the solutions to the frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the country. Citing an opinion article published in the Scientific American, the Presidential Spokesman, Mallam Garuba Shehu, said yesterday that Buhari stated that drylands forced herders to migrate from the North/Sahel region to the South during the dry season in search of wetlands to graze cattle. Buhari argued that to restore the ecology of the North, tree planting would help and in the process, keep the herders in their locality, as against the seasonal migration. The President wrote that Nigeria, which had already planted 1million trees as part of efforts to combat climate change, would plant 25 million more trees. “Today, President Muhammadu Buhari writes in an opinion article in Scientific American, in which more than 150 Nobel laureates have been published, that the Nigerian government is taking action against the ecological breakdown that drives conflicts. “He explains that planting trees is part of the solution, and the reason Nigeria is planting another
25 million, on top of the 1 million hectares already reforested. The article comes ahead of the project launch later this month by the National Youth Climate Innovation Hub, the organisation mobilising youth in the tree planting exercise. In tackling these challenges, the government believes it is essential to involve young people in the decisionmaking processes on climate action because, ultimately, it is their future that shall be affected. “The tree planting is part of a larger project, a Great Green Wall,” Shehu, stated. On the importance of tree planting, the statement quoted Buhari as writing, “Trees lend a base to build on. They aid water retention in the ground; they shield the land from erosion; and they enrich biodiversity, key for recycling the nutrients in the soil required to grow crops. In the process, they underwrite food security.” On how trees will help resolve herder-farmer conflicts, the President wrote, “Critically, ecological restoration reduces the threat of land disputes. “In the dry season, barren, often drought-stricken pastureland in the Sahel forces nomadic herders to drive their cattle further south to graze.”
Bayesla, Kogi Polls: We’re Monitoring Perpetrators of Violence, Says US Adedayo Akinwale ín Abuja The United States government has said that it would be paying close attention to actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence against the civilian population before, during, or after the elections. The US in Abuja disclosed this in a statement issued ahead of Saturday’s governorship elections in Bayesla and Kogi states. The US said that the conduct of the Kogi and Bayelsa states gubernatorial elections are important not only for Nigeria,
but for the African continent. The United States stated categorically that it does not support any specific candidate or party in any Nigerian election. It added: “The United States supports the Nigerian democratic process itself. We support a genuinely free, fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process. “We, and other democratic nations, will be paying close attention to actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence against the civilian population before, during, or after the elections.”
MEETING WITH DEVELOPMENT PARTNER…
Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari (left), and Country Manager, Power Africa and leader of United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) delegation, Jullian Foerster, during a business meeting at NNPC Towers in Abuja…yesterday
Guber Polls: Signals from Kogi, Bayelsa Disturbing, Jonathan Warns Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday described the signals from Bayelsa and Kogi states as disturbing, insisting that only electronic voting process could stop thuggery, violence during elections in Nigeria. Speaking yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State during the presentation of a book authored by a former deputy governor of the state, Sir Gabriel Toby, entitled ‘In the Cause of Service: Memoir of Gabriel Tamunobiebere George Toby,’ the former president lamented that people were already being killed in the two states when the governorship elections had not begun. He insisted that the only to end the ugly trend was
electronic voting. Jonathan argued that electronic voting would work in Nigeria, noting that several Nigerians transferred billions of dollars from one bank to the other through electronic means. “Look at what is happening now; we have governorship elections in two states in Kogi and Bayelsa. The signals coming from both are quite disturbing. “The use of thugs, shooting guns and our people are already being killed when the voting process has not even started is disturbing. This would not happen if we have got to a point in this country where voter card matters. “That is why I have always
advocated electronic voting. We must go into electronic voting. If people these days can transfer billions of dollars from one bank to the other, using electronic means, then I believe that we can do electronic voting perfectly and that will ensure that the use of thugs during elections would not come up again.” Jonathan further noted that political offices in the country did not change their holders, rather, the people with low integrity were being voted into offices. According to him, when the country developed to a point where voter card mattered, politicians would mend their ways. “My opinion is that people
don’t change when they get into political office; we vote people that we don’t know into offices and it is difficult to know the true character of a person; it is hard to understand, but the fact is we don’t really vote people we know. People tend to use different means to get into office. “When we develop as a nation to the point where our voter cards matter, where the people can vote, who they believe in, the behaviour of the politicians would change; politicians would stop recruiting group of boys and feeding them like dogs, calling them thugs to be used for elections while their children attend the best universities abroad,” he explained.
IG Appoints New CPs for Lagos, Kano, Ogun, Others Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Police High Command last night announced new postings of Police Commissioners for Lagos, Ogun, Kano and four other states. A statement issued by Force PRO and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Frank Mba, said the posting takes immediate effect. Details of the redeployment
shows that CP Nkereuwem A. Akpan is the new CP for Cross River State, while CP Kenneth Ebrimson takes charge of Akwa Ibom State Police Command. Ogun State Police Command would be headed by CP Imohimi D. Edgal, while CP Habu Sani Amadu is now in charge Kano State Police Command even as CP Lawal Jimeta is appointed CP Edo State. The statement said CP Philip
Sule Maku would head Bauchi State Command even as Acting CP Odumosu H Olusegun heads Lagos Command. Mba said the Inspector-General of Police charged the newly posted officers to ensure the consolidation and improvement on the gains of their predecessors in the areas of public safety and crime fighting. He also directed the new Commissioners of Police to work
with relevant stakeholders in adopting aggressive, proactive and community-based crime prevention strategies to combat crime in their Areas of Responsibility. “In addition, the Inspector General of Police enjoined the citizens of the affected states to accord the new CPs maximum cooperation to ensure they succeed in the realisation of their mandate”.
11
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY
NEWSEXTRA
Poor Attendance Forces Senate to Adjourn Plenary Asks solid minerals, agriculture ministries for four-year plan South-west Development Commission Bill scales first reading Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate adjourned plenary abruptly yesterday when members of the red chamber vacated their seats, leaving a few lawmakers in attendance. This is coming as the lawmakers asked the federal ministries of solid minerals and agriculture to come up with a four-year road map for the diversification of the nation’s economy. The roadmaps from the two ministries , according to the red chamber at plenary yesterday, should be unveiled at round table conferences with critical stakeholders in the sectors in the first week of December. The Senator representing Benue South senatorial district, Abba Moro, cited order 10 of the Senate standing rules to draw the attention of the Senate to the poor attendance. He said the number of senators in the chamber were few and obviously could not be said to have formed a quorum, which is supposed to be one -third of the 109 members. He argued that proceedings should not continue again because the number of senators in the chamber was insignificantly low. The President of the Senate, however, ruled Moro out of order claiming that that the
scanty nature of the chamber did not indicate that the senators in attendance did not form a quorum. Lawan said the number of senators that signed the attendance register was adequate to form a quorum. He, nevertheless, explained that the senators who started the plenary but were no longer in the chamber were either in the tea room or toilets. But the Leader of the Senate, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, in support of Moro, sought the permission of the President of the Senate to adjourn plenary because of the poor attendance. Lawan put the suggestion into a voice vote and the few members in attendance unanimously voted in support and the Senate was subsequently adjourned till Tuesday next week. Meanwhile, the lawmakers have asked the federal ministries of solid minerals and agriculture to come up with a four-year road map for the diversification of the nation’s economy. The roadmaps from the two ministries , according to the red chamber at plenary yesterday, should be unveiled at round table conferences with critical stakeholders in the sectors in the first week of December. Senate’s request for the alternative economic plans from both ministries, was sequel to a
Policeman, Motorcyclist Feared Dead as Robbers Attack Bank in Lagos Sunday Ehigiator A police officer and motorcyclist, whose identities are yet to be disclosed, have been feared dead during a robbery operation that was carried out in a popular bank in Falomo, Lagos. The policeman was shot by the robbers at a close range while attempting to retrieve his rifle to counter the robbers strike while the motorcyclist was hit by a stray bullet. Some police officers were seen in a short video currently trending online lifting the
bodies of affected officer into the van, at the venue of the incident. However, it could not be ascertain if there was still life in him. According to an eye witness account, the robbers numbering about six arrived the premises of the bank at around 2pm on motorcycles and began to fire sporadically in the area. Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr. Bala Elkana, proved abortive as his lines were unreachable at press time.
Snatch Ballot Boxes and Lose Your Life, Police Warn The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Operation, AbdulMajeed Ali, has warned those planning to snatch ballot boxes during Saturday’s elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States to have a rethink as the police will not condone such behaviour. “Anyone caught will not be spared and will not live to do that ever again,” Ali said. Addressing a press conference yesterday ahead of Saturday’s elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States, Ali, who is overseeing the Kogi elections, said that the Inspector General had deployed enough personnel to adequately police the state and deal with any eventuality during the election. “We have enough personnel
and capacity to deal with anyone that tried to foment trouble on Saturday. Just watch, if anyone tries to snatch ballot box on Saturday, he will pay dearly for it. “We are determined to provide the enabling environment for a peaceful election. We are tired of being held to ransom by Kogi and Bayelsa States every election period, we will put a stop to that this time around.” He said that the force had undertaken a security threat assessment in both Kogi and Bayelsa States and have identified possible risks, geolocated trouble spots, and classified individuals and groups that could constitute security challenges to the process.
motion moved by Chairman of the Senate committee on Capital Market, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to that effect. The former Governor of Ogun State in the motion titled: “ the need for continuous implementation of policy reforms for the diversification of the Nigerian economy through the Agricultural and Solid Minerals Sectors”, explained that the two sectors hold the secret to the current efforts by the federal government to diversify the Nigerian economy and also lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years. According to him, prior to the emergence of petroleum as a
major foreign exchange earner in Nigeria, the solid minerals sector ranked second only to the agricultural sector as source of export earnings for the country. Most senators who contributed to debate on the motion, supported the need for the federal government to expedite action on its diversification policy using the agricultural and solid minerals sectors as the driving force. The upper legislative chamber also resolved that the federal government as represented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture , should ensure strict adherence to policies and set goals for the various intervention policies and further
development strategies that will move farmers from subsistence farming to mechanised farming. This, the Senate added, can be achieved through collaboration with relevant agencies on zero tariffs for import on agricultural and agro- processing equipment as well as tax holidays for investors , increase levy on any commodities that Nigeria can produce . In his remarks, Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, said in line with one of the prayers of the motion adopted , heads of agriculture and solid minerals sectors should come up with road maps on what they want to achieve within the next
four years on the diversification policy. Meanwhile, the South West Development Commission Bill yesterday passed through first reading at the Senate. The bill also sponsored by Senator Ibikunle Amosun and 36 other Senators is meant to bring to the fore the huge infrastructure deficit suffered by the south west region, frustrating the zone from reaching its full potential by ultimately bringing development to the South-west. Amosun said the purpose of the bill “is for the development of our people and our area. If a part of a whole is not well then the whole will not be well.
COURTESY VISIT …
L-R: Auditor, Nigerian Union Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel, Mr Adeoti Bamidele; Chief Public Affairs Officer, Lagos State Judiciary, Adekunbi Bakare; Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Lagos Information NUJ Chapel, Adewale Akodu; Assistant Director, Information, Mr Tunde Olalere, during a courtesy visit of the leadership of the NUJ chapel to the First Lady in Alausa, Lagos...recently
Osinbajo Receives AliBaba Group’s Founder Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed optimism that the creativity and resourcefulness of young Nigerians doing incredible things in the technology space across the country and beyond present great opportunities for partnerships with global technology giants. He stated this yesterday when he received a delegation of Chinese technology entrepreneurs led by Co-founder of AliBaba Group, Jack Ma, at the State House, Abuja. Jack Ma is presently in Nigeria on the vice president’s invitation to shore up support for the federal government’s initiative to promote technological innovation
among Nigerian youts to boost job creation. Osinbajo described Ma’s visit as exciting, saying many young people and lots of businesses and entrepreneurs were looking forward to the interaction with him and his delegation. ”Just as you said, Nigeria represents an incredible opportunity and potential, and we had spoken a few minutes ago about how Nigeria will in another two decades or so, become be the third-largest in terms of population in the entire world. The largest segment of that population are the young people, under 25, who will be over 60 per cent of that population. “I think you will find very energetic, very creative group of
young men and women and older men and women who are increasingly interested in entrepreneurship especially digital entrepreneurship. “So, the potential is tremendous; it is an incredible potential that we have. So, we are at a point, and your coming is very strategic, in our trajectory and in the progress of our country. “I think, it is a very important moment and what we are seeing - a lot of entrepreneurship, a lot of young people who are very actively engaged in the digital economy at various levels,” Osinbajo said. The vice president also spoke about some of the steps already taken by the Buhari-led administration to support young
Nigerians in the technology space in building skills and capacities to create opportunities for themselves and others. “In his remarks, Ma, who made very commendable remarks about Nigerian entrepreneurs, said he had always looked forward to visiting the country. The Chinese entrepreneur said AliBaba was working on promoting technological innovation in the areas of E-frastructure, Entrepreneurship, E-governance and Education in Nigeria and other African countries. He said four Nigerian technology entrepreneurs were among top 10 African entrepreneurs which AliBaba Group intends to support.
El-Rufai Begs Kogi People to Forgive Yahaya Bello Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai yesterday knelt before the people of Kogi State, asking them to forgive Governor Yahaya Bello for any wrong he had done. The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, also knelt down next to el-Rufai. However, Bello did not join them in kneeling down. El-Rufai, while addressing a crowd at the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Lokoja, the state capital, noted that Bello was young when
he became governor and had made many mistakes. The Kaduna governor, however, said Bello had since retraced his steps. He said, “Many people say Yahaya Bello is young; that he has fought many people. For every one that the governor has offended, I’m asking all of you to forgive him. He is young; he is supposed to make mistakes. When you are young, you make mistakes but you learn from them. “On his behalf, I’m
kneeling down, to beg all of you to forgive Yahaya Bello if he has offended you. He cares about the people of Kogi State. He cares about this state. He has brought progress to this state; he has brought young people and women into government. “He has cleared salary arrears that he inherited from previous governments. You must all come out to support him. I beg you all. Let us make history. The Late Prince Audu did everything to bring
progress to this state. Let us not dishonour his memory by allowing PDP to return to Lugard House.” He said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did nothing in the state during its 13-year rule. He, therefore, declared the opposition party dead. El-Rufai added, “In the last four years, the progress recorded by Governor Yahaya Bello in the last four years is more than what the PDP has tried to do in 13 years.
12
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 •T H I S D AY
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 • T H I S D AY
13
14
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
COMMENT
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
REGULATE POVERTY, NOT SOCIAL MEDIA
Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku writes that government should concentrate on how to tackle issues of unemployment and poverty
S
ometime in 2014, and prior to the 2015 general elections, most Nigerians were shell-shocked at the sort of language which certain highly-placed politicians flung here and there at Goodluck Jonathan. The arrowhead cum leader of those who used these irresponsible words to describe their president then was Nasir el-Rufai, now governor of Kaduna State, followed by the present minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed. From the way these highly-placed Nigerians used these words, nobody would have thought those words constituted what we now know as ‘hate speech’, ‘fake news’ and ‘irresponsible journalism’. What again made such words as ‘clueless’, incompetent’ and ‘making Nigeria ungovernable’, seemingly harmless then was that the individual who those hateful and highly embarrassing words were directed at appeared to take them with a smile and did so apparently because he understood that insults and aspersions are corollary to public office, and your ability to accept them, deflect or dodge them makes you a leader or a charlatan. What we realized hereafter was that those words caught fire, became viral and practically became a mantra that helped in shoving the hapless recipient of those hateful words aside. I found spot on that even though we had not realized it, those who were throwing those words about seemed to have read JL Austin’s How To Do Things with Words. Simply, JL Austin’s book in capturing what was the Speech Act Theory, said that words have locutionary, illocutionary and perlocutionary repercussions – to mean that words don’t just pass information, they perform actions as well. Therefore, as those words, ‘clueless’, ‘Goodluck Jonathan is incompetent’, went out, they established a grundnum with which we would henceforth hold our leaders to account if they ever tried to either be clueless and incompetent. It also established the progenitors of these words as linguistic experts to whom we should draw inspiration, for crass expressions deployed to realize ephemeral political gains. And then, just after this government came on board, we heard that someone had named his dog ‘Buhari’, just the same way goats with ‘Goodluck Jonathan’, tied across their necks were dragged across the streets of Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. While the owners of the goats with ‘Goodluck Jonathan’ laughed it all the way to their homes, the chap with the ‘Buhari’ dog spent some time in a police cell before he eventually managed to get off. And this was to become the trend of intolerance to criticism. And so after we heard first time that the Buhari administration wanted to introduce a Social Media Law, most of us who were but kids when he came with his Decree 2 were not surprised in the least at what is happening to Sowore, and to the many journalists and Nigerians being harangued, harassed and clamped in detention today. Wikipedia presents what happened after Buhari’s Decree 2 was promulgated like this: with Decree Number 2 of 1984, the state security and the chief of staff were given the power to detain, without charges, individuals deemed to be a security risk to the state for up to three months. Strikes and popular demonstrations were banned and Nigeria’s security agency, the National Security
WE NEED THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE NIGERIANS A SENSE OF EASE AND AN ENVIRONMENT ENABLING EVERYONE TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS
Organization (NSO) was entrusted with unprecedented powers. The NSO played a wide role in the cracking down of public dissent by intimidating, harassing and jailing individuals who broke the interdiction on strikes. By October 1984, about 200,000 civil servants were retrenched. Most of what Decree 2 achieved in Mr. Buhari’s time as head of state is what this so-called social media law seemingly is about, and if we may, Mr. Buhari seems to have been given the opportunity by Nigerians to unleash that draconian side he failed to deliver post 1984. But what we must tell the progenitors of this obnoxious bill, and who are suggesting death sentence for anyone who ‘contravenes’ their law is this, that those who ride on the backs of tigers to power must not think of coming down from that tiger. This is not 1984 dear and we urge the leadership to abandon this attempt to deprive Nigerians of the only thing they presently enjoy – their freedom to speak freely. Nigerians have moved on from 1984, and we should not be dragged down that antediluvian avenue please. The world over, people speak truth or lies and there are institutions in place to identify whether these truths are truths or that they are lies – and dealt with. On the front page of THISDAY newspaper of 11th November, 2019, there was a certain report. It said that an organization, Save the Children, revealed that pneumonia had claimed the lives of 162,000 children below the age of five in Nigeria in 2018. Now if the Buhari administration does not realize this, I dare say this is the most damning a report can ever be, effectively indicating that our health institutions are comatose, and condemning the leader of a country who goes for medical treatment abroad and leaves the children under his keep to die of simple ailments like pneumonia. But is this what we want? Certainly not. Nigerians want food. They want basic health care. They want electricity 24 hours, and they want to go about their businesses in a safe and secure environment. Will a social media bill or law guarantee power supply, or will it exterminate Boko Haram and Bring Leah Sharibu back? Most Nigerians who have read Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended), are wondering at why of all things the government of Nigeria seeks to regulate is a freedom to ventilate. Let the government of Mr. Buhari, which seemed to be getting its act together in the second term of his administration, not spoil everything by trying to gag us. We need him to give Nigerians a sense of ease and an environment enabling everyone to pursue their dreams and aspirations. The people he took over from struggled very hard to make Nigeria’s economy the first in Africa. They did this by focusing on reining in other sectors of the economy we did not albeit take into consideration at first. Let the Buhari government please and for God’s sake concentrate of building an economy where we are not a poverty capital but a haven where issues like unemployment and poverty are issues for 1983. We have no need for a volatile and charged up atmosphere today. Etemiku is deputy executive director, Civil Empowerment and Rule of Law Support Initiative
AKWA IBOM AND ENERGY CHALLENGE Despite regulatory constraints, the state is pushing through some energy reforms and making life better for the people, writes Anthony EďŹƒong
S
table and steady power supply is the seal of a developed economy. Any nation whose energy need is epileptic in supply, delays her development and risks losing potential investors. The energy sector in Nigeria has had to contend with internal and external hostilities and constraints such as poor funding, corruption, excessive control by the federal government, vandalism of its equipment by hoodlums, fraud, poor maintenance, erosion and debts. So, what is basically needed are innovative ideas and competent people who will handle the energy needs of the country. Since electricity is the bedrock of socio-economic development of any nation, any responsive administration will prioritise it. Speaking at his inauguration for a second term in office, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State could afford to beat his chest as many of his efforts in providing energy for his people have started to pay off. The power sector in Akwa Ibom, according to him, was deliberately given priority in the first term. His exact words: “We have constructed and remodelled a number of sub-stations and work is at advanced stage of completion at the sub-station in Ekim, Mkpat-Enin. I have always emphasised that the provision of regular electricity is not rocket science. In spite of regulatory challenges, we have improved the power supply in our state and linked places in Eastern Obolo and Mbo with electricity. Today, some parts of our state now enjoy up to 18 hours of uninterrupted electricity and we are
rearing to do more!� In fact, power has received much efforts and resources from the state government even though power remains on exclusive list in Nigeria, thus placing federal government and its agencies in near total control. Inadequate power has been the bane of the economy since Nigeria’s independence as successive governments have tried to address the issue without success yet. Any state government that wants to thrive especially as an industrial entity will need to surmount many bottlenecks and confront head on the challenges of the power sector in Nigeria. Taking the bull by the horn, the Akwa Ibom State government under Emmanuel decided to invest massively in building the Ibom Power Plant with a view to meeting the state’s energy needs. Sadly, to generate is just one leg of the matter; to distribute is another. Since the state government is not in control of the energy distribution network in the country, the state has been unable to take full advantage of the full potential of the Ibom Plant. The Transmission Company of Nigeria is said to have the capacity to evacuate only about 40 per cent of the power generated by the Ibom power plant. This is most worrisome, because if all the power generated by Ibom power plant is evacuated, the entire state would be power sufficient by now and power outages would have become a thing of the past. Simply put, because the Akwa Ibom State government does not have control of power transmission and distribution, the full benefits of
its huge investments have been cruelly denied its people. However, the state government is not giving up. It has come up with a creative alternative to control how power is generated and when it reaches its people. It leveraged on the technology called injector stations. It built injector stations in different parts of the state to take electricity from where it is generated and drive it to the nearest point to the consumer and then the distribution starts from there. That means distribution hubs were created, instead of generating and distributing from one source. The idea of the distribution hub is to make sure that injector station faults and issues are easily detected and resolved at a faster rate. The first one installed was in Uyo in July, 2017 and it transformed power supply in the area. The Uyo injector station covers Esonoma, Shelter Afrik, Ewe housing estate and its environs. There is a drastic improvement during peak period such that, sometimes, consumers enjoy power for about 20 hours a day. There are still challenges though, like aging distribution lines among others which, sadly again, are beyond the control of the state government. With the success at Uyo, the Emmanuel administration did more. Today, there is one injector station ready at the Victor Attah International Airport. There is another one built in Ekum, in Npat Enin, and three others in the works at the moment. With those three, the state government should
cover key areas, while the one in Nkpat Enin would cover industrial areas and coastal cities. The one at the airport will cover Onna, Oron and Eket. Indeed, Akwa Ibom is ready to attract the world to come and invest in the state. There are already 17 industries functioning in the state, which are all private-investors-driven. Since coming on board in 2015, there is no doubt that Akwa Ibom has been enjoying a new lease of life under Udom Emmanuel. He is a technocrat and one who came into the public square with sterling credentials full of solid achievements. He takes delight in addressing himself as a “professional in politicsâ€? as opposed to a professional politician. Until his foray into public service, he was one of the top players in the nation’s financial services sector. While at Zenith Bank- arguably one of the most successfully-run banks in Nigeria nay Africa, he was the Executive Director with direct supervision of Corporate Strategy and Planning, Corporate Financial Advisory Services and Control, Business Development and International Investors’ Relations. On assuming office in 2015, he knew the power of mobilization. Hence, his invoking the “Dakkadaâ€? (stand up) spirit to rally the Akwa Ibom for development and progress. Simply put, “Dakkadaâ€? appeals to the “can-doâ€? of the people, challenging them to “stand upâ€? and assume greatness, drive and new approach to doing things. Little wonder there is now a new consciousness in the state. Mr. EfďŹ ong, an accountant, wrote from Uyo
15
T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019
EDITORIAL OTEDOLA’S COMMENDABLE PHILANTHROPY All men and women of affluence should follow Otedola’s example
I
n a bid to restore a measure of socio-economic progress in the Northeast, popular businessman and chairman of Geregu Power Plc, Mr Femi Otedola on Monday donated an unprecedented sum of N5 billion to ‘Save the Children’, a United Kingdom-based charity. The intervention by Otedola, described by VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo as “the single largest donation to philanthropy in the country” was routed through ‘Cuppy Foundation’, founded by his daughter, Florence. While we commend Otedola, we call on other public-spirited Nigerians to emulate his gesture. Aside his own donation, Otedola also got many of his powerful friends to give generously to the cause of caring for the displaced and underprivileged children ravaged by insurgency in the North-eastern part of the country and those under the siege of armed bandits in the North-west. “God has been so kind, the only way I can show my gratitude to Him is to use my resources to support those who are underprivileged. This I intend to do for the rest of WITH SCHOOLS SHUT, my life,” said Otedola, MARKETS BURNT, HOMES adding: “In a world AND COMMUNITIES full of conflicts, RAZED AND ALL FORMS diseases, calamities OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES and inequality, we all CRIPPLED, THE NEED FOR need to show the milk MASSIVE INTERVENTIONS of human kindness, to reach out and IN THE NORTH-EAST comfort the sick and CAN HARDLY BE OVER give a helping hand to EMPHASIZED the weak.” With schools shut, markets burnt, homes and communities razed and all forms of economic activities crippled, the need for massive interventions in the North-east can hardly be over emphasized. To rebuild the region that is battered by the Boko Haram insurgency, the presidency once projected the sum of about $9 billion for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of broken infrastructure in the six states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba. The figure was based on a pre-financing assessment jointly carried out by the federal and state
Letters to the Editor
governments alongside such global partners as the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Union.
H
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
T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.
AS IKOSI-KETU FRUIT MARKET GOES DOWN
A
t this time when the need for healthy living has come to the front burner of many people in Lagos, a serious blow has come on people as the Fruit Market located at Ikosi Ketu has been brought down. Many people are in awe seeing the ruins of the Fruit Market, we have been hit below the belt again, but as typical of Nigerians, we will shortly get over it. However, it is many steps behind in the quest for healthy living. The Fruit Market is the hub of fresh fruit purchase in Lagos. Many fruit sellers across the state come to the market to make purchases on daily basis. The market is quite easy to locate and trucks bringing in fruits to Lagos can easily offload and return to the hinterland. It will interest you to know that the prices in the fruit market are almost the same as those bought in form the hinterland. This has made people to come from other states to buy these perishables with ease. I am not sure this was put into consideration while carrying out the demolition. Equally, what is the plan for the market women? Where would the hundreds of sellers meet their buyers? It is unbelievable that every evening, touts are seen extorting money from hawkers and those engaged in street trading. Definitely, the street cannot occupy these women. This market made me know that there are people who are passionate about doing business. I met a fairly old Ijesa woman who sells banana in the market; you would never have thought
owever, the greater challenge is the deplorable humanitarian conditions to which many of the women and their children have been thrown. With the intervention of Otedola, hundreds of thousands of children, including those in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, will benefit from nutrition, health, education, water, sanitation and related services, particularly now that some of the IDPs are returning to their ancestral homes. “This is just a start in driving awareness and creating change for our precious Nigerian Children. Save the Children believes children are our future – they are, and the future is now,” said Florence Otedola, widely known as DJ Cuppy, an ambassador for Save the Children and a member of the organisation’s Africa Advisory Board who used her star power and family connections to raise the billions for the less privileged children. While the intervention by the Otedolas is significant, the primary responsibility of returning the region to peace and security rests squarely on the federal government and the affected states. But of critical importance is the need for transparency and accountability in the management of the funds being funnelled to the region. Reports of diversion of materials meant for the rehabilitation of the IDPs are certainly not helpful. We therefore demand prudence on how the huge sums of money belonging to the most vulnerable people in our society are spent. Government, at all levels, must ensure that resources meant for soothing the pains of the displaced are not misappropriated by some greedy officials. Meanwhile, if we are ever to mitigate poverty traps in our country, we need more interventions that are targeted at improving the education and health of the most vulnerable children in Nigeria. That is why the donation by Otedola is very significant. We call on other men and women of affluence in our country to follow Otedola’s example.
she could express herself in English until a day when she said, “I attended Adeyemi College of Education. I was once a school teacher.” She had built a house from the proceeds made from this market. When various markets of this nature are brought down for reconstruction, it has been observed that these markets are overpriced and it will no more affordable to the people at the lower rung of the society. It gets so pricey that the structures will be left empty; a good example is Tejuosho modern market which has joined the growing list of unoccupied buildings in Lagos. The rising tide of insecurity just got a boost with this step because children who depend on this market for livelihood might take to crime. Unfortunately, there were many jobless young people who depended on the market. They have just been further dispersed into the society. There are various pros and cons to the demolition. Lagos aims to achieve a megacity status but everyone in the city needs to be carried along, if not, the damage would outweigh the glamour. The damage done to the fruit market goes beyond the intended beauty that is envisaged. The electorate cannot be suffering with every new administration. Let’s plan right per time because healthy living will nosedive, legitimate business would be affected, prices of fruits will rise and other humans will become prey of this action. The stakeholders need to assure us that when the ultramodern complex is built, it would still be affordable to house fruits from across the country. Abolade Adewale, abolz2001@yahoo.com
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE IMPRISONED WRITER
A
t a PEN talk in Melbourne I found that November 15 is ‘International Day of the Imprisoned Writer’. Why on earth do we need a day like that? We should be celebrating fun days like January 15, Strawberry Ice-cream day, January 21, Squirrel Appreciation day, or more importantly March 27, Spanish Paella day and my birthday. The World should be focused on positive things and enjoyment. Oh, if this was only so, but the reality is that as I sit at home typing this after my nice coffee to revive my tired brain there are 100s of writers locked up in prison or treated worse still and on too many occasions, killed. Vale Jamal Khashoggi. The numbers are a bit vague as the countries that do this are not always the most open to examination and review. I don’t need to worry too much about this as I am in a safe country, Australia, that mostly treats its journalists well although there have
been a few police raids lately. PEN is an ‘Organisation of Writers’ that promotes literature and more importantly defends freedom of expression, something that should be a right for all and when it is denied it must be called out and opposed. There are many people out there with many opinions and I do disagree with a lot of them but the quote ‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it’ should be the foundation of modern commentary. We all need to speak up in a civilised way that will be heard by the leaders and supported by the public. One of the problems is that the general public does support this but does little to ensure that it happens. Spend the day doing something positive so that we can pass the day in a more fun way. It’s also Spicy Guacamole Day and if that was all the day was the world would be much better. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
16
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 •T H I S D AY
AREA COUNCILS IN FCT OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT AND SIGNAGE -
PUBLIC NOTICE: TAKE NOTICE that DEPARTMENT OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT AND SIGNAGE (DOAS) FCTA is in charge of the control and regulation of every outdoor advertisement and signage system within the territorial jurisdictions of Abaji Area Council, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari Area Council, Gwagwalada Area Council, Kuje Area Council, and Kwali Area Council (the six Area Councils) in FCTA by the power conferred on DOAS through the DELEGATION OF ITS CONTROL AND REGULATION OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT AND SIGNAGE POWERS TO DEPARTMENT OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT AND SIGNAGE (DOAS) BYE-LAW, 2012 It has come to DOAS’s attention, information and knowledge that certain individuals are purporting carrying on Outdoor Advertisement and Signage in FCT. TAKE NOTICE that any purported transactions over Outdoor Advertisement and Signage or any said Advertisement and signage in any other manner howsoever is unlawful, improper, null and void. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any persons who have or will acquire Advertisement and Signage through other channel other than DOAS, FCT stand the risk of acquiring invalid Advertisement and signage and DOAS will not be liable for any consequences thereby incurred or arising.
DR. BABA-GANA ADAM Director, Department of Outdoor Advertisement & Signage DATE: 14th November 2019 Our Ref: FRN. OG/ FCTA/DOAS/ L/LSS/ Del- Con- Reg/OASP/ DOAS BL/2012/001 FROM: THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ADMINISTRATION (FCTA) No. 1 KAPITAL STEET AREA 11 GARKI, FCT ABUJA TO: THE GENERAL PUBLIC/ENTIRE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT) AND ALL THE THIRTY-SIX (36) STATES IN THE FEDERAL REBUBLIC OF NIGERIA WHO TRANSCT BUSINESS OR INTENDS TO TRANSACT BUSINESS IN FCT. BY: THE DEPARTMENT OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT AND SIGNAGE (DOAS) WITHINTHEVARIOUS DELEGATION OF ALLTHE SIX AREA COUNCILS’IN FCT OF ITS CONTROL AND REGULATION OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT AND SIGNAGE POWERS TO DEPARTMENT OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT AND SIGNAGE (DOAS) BYE – LAWS, 2012 PUBLIC NOTICE TO THE ENTIRE PUBLIC OF FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY COMPRISING OF THE SIX AREA COUNCILS NAMELY: ABAJI, ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL (AMAC), BWARI, GWAGWALADA, KUJE, KWALI AND ALL THE THIRTY-SIX STATES IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AND ALL THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CONTAINED THEREIN TAKE NOTICE THAT: By the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette stated as follows: 1. _______________________________________________________________________ No. 111 Lagos- 22nd March, 2013 Vol.100 Government Notice No. 225 The following is published as supplement to this Gazette: S.I. No. Short Title Page 44
Abaji Area Council Delegation of its Control and Regulation of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage Powers to Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) Bye-Law, 2012 .. B709-712 Printed and Published by The Federal Government Printer, Lagos, Nigeria FGP49/42014/2,000 (OL 127)
2. ________________________________________________________________________ No. 110 Lagos-20th March, 2013 Vol. 100 Government Notice No. 224 The following is published as supplement to this Gazette: S.I. No. Short Title Page 43 Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Delegation of its Control and Regulation of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage Powers to Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) Bye-Law, 2012. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. B 705-708 Printed and Published by The Federal Government Printer, Lagos Nigeria FGP48/42,014/2,000 (OL/126) 3.____________________________________________________________________________ No. 108 Lagos- 15th March, 2013 Vol. 100 Government Notice No.222 The following is published as supplement to this Gazette: S.I No. Short Title Page 41 Bwari Area Council Delegation of its Control and Regulation of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage Powers to Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) Bye- Law, 2012. B697-700 Printed and Published by The Federal Government Printer, Lagos, Nigeria FGP46/42014/2,000 (OL 124) 4.__________________________________________________________________________________ No. 109 Lagos – 18th March, 2013 Vol. 100 Government Notice No. 223 The following is published as supplement to this Gazette: S.I. No. Short Title Page 42. Gwagwalada Area Council Delegation of its Control and Regulation Of outdoor Advertisement and Signage Powers to Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) Bye-Law, 2012. B701-704 Printed and Published by The Federal Government Printer, Lagos, Nigeria FGP47/42014/2,000 (OL 125) 5. ____________________________________________________________________________ No. 106 Lagos – 12th March, 2013 Vol. 100 Government Notice No. 220 The following is published as supplement to this Gazette S.I. No. Short Title Page
39
Kuje Area Council Delegation of its Control and Regulation of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage Powers to Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) Bye-Law, 2012. B689-692 Printed and Published by The Federal Government Printers, Lagos Nigeria FGP44/42014/2,000 (OL122)
6. ____________________________________________________________________________ No.107___________________Lagos -13th March, 2013 Vol. 100 Government Notice No.221 The following is published as supplement to this Gazette S.I. No. Short Title Page 40 Kwali Area Council Delegation of its Control and Regulation of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage Powers to Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) Bye-Law, 2012. B693-696 ______________________________________________________________________________ Printed and Published by The Federal Government Printers, Lagos Nigeria FGP45/42014/2,000 (OL123) AND In exercise of the Powers conferred by Section 27, 30, 37 and 38 of the Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1988 and Sections 54 and 57 of Niger State Local Government Act, 1976 and other relevant Sections of the Area Council Administration Law of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the following AREA COUNCILS IN FCT: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
ABAJI AREA COUNCIL ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL (AMAC) BWARI AREA COUNCIL GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL KUJE AREA COUNCIL KWALI AREA COUNCIL
DELEGATION OF ITS CONTROL AND REGULATION OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT AND SIGNAGE POWERS TO DEPARTMENT OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT AND SIGNAGE (DOAS) BYE-LAW,2012 deemed to commence [ 8th Day of March, 2013] : BY Section 1 has duly delegated their powers of the control and regulation of every outdoor Advertisement and Signage system within the territorial jurisdiction (s) of Abaji Area Council, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari Area Council, Gwagwalada Area Council, Kuje Area Council,AND Kwali Area Council to Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The General Public and the Business Community in the Federal Capital Administration (FCTA) And Thirty-six (36) States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and their contiguous Local Government Area are hereby Notified that the law controlling and regulating the Outdoor Advertisement and Signage System in FCT is seized to the Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage (DOAS) By the Six A rea Councils in FCT as aforementioned. Accept the Assurances of the Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory Administration. Esteem Regards,
SIGNED:
DR. BABA-GANA ADAM
Director, Department of Outdoor Advertisement & Signage For: The Honourable, Minister FCT
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 • T H I S D AY
17
T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019
18
POLITICS
Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY
Time to Support Buhari’s Economic Policies Kehinde Olaosebikan calls for support for President Muhammadu Buhari home suited economic policies
T
here is no doubt that the nation’s economy is in a very bad shape. For decades, it has continued to plummet in spite of the efforts of the past and present governments. We are now faced with unprecedented hunger and massive unemployment in the midst of plenty. In a country generally rated as the most blessed country on planet earth, people now die cheaply, because of poverty. Many have been pushed into all sorts of misdemeanor and indecent living as a result of starvation. The old saying that poverty could not lead to licentiousness has been confuted. Sadly, this adversity is self inflicted. The downturn in our economy was brought about largely, by the implementation and or wrong implementation of macro- economic policies and foreign exchange regimes foisted on us by the world powers and their Nigerian collaborators. It started progressively, during the regime of the military dictator, President Ibrahim Babangida that adopted the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) an economic subterfuge recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This was at a time when the economy of Nigeria could be said to be very robust, in retrospect. When we were virtually self sufficient, when our currency was in the same unit with the US Dollar. In September 1986, General Babangida, ignoring the outcome of a national debate and the advice of key members of his own Supreme Military Council including General Domkat Bali and Sani Abacha (as we got to know later) went ahead with the implementation of the programme believing in the rhetoric of the IMF that it was the recipe needed to grow the nation’s economy. By the time Babangida was leaving the government, the Naira that he met at 5.4 to a US Dollar had gone up to 17 Naira to a Dollar. Since then the Nigerian currency has not regained its strength. All other measures introduced since then till date have worsened the value of our currency. Known for his clairvoyance, at least with futuristic programmes like DFFRI, MAMSER etc, Former President Ibrahim Babangida might have meant well but got carried away with high sounding propositions of IMF, delivered by the usually articulate foreign and local agents of the super powers. But forlornly, this became his greatest albatross as the nation is still grappling with the problem he created for us over three decades ago. Apart from the annulment of June 12 and the aftermath of SAP, Babangida would have still been celebrated as the best President ever in Nigeria today. His reflections on this would continually bring sadness to him. Having experienced lethal failures in the implementation of policies foisted on us by the super powers and the global over liberalization of trade, it is high time Nigeria as a country came up with policies and economic programmes suitable for its uniqueness. Not many countries in the world can boast of the natural endowments from human to material resources available in Nigeria. In terms of humans, we are the richest in Africa in quality and numbers. We have the most fecund land with very clement whether all seasons. As a nation, our unique qualities should always be basis for our policy making process as we leverage on our God given resources. This is why I consider it pertinent, at this critical moment for Nigerians to give our full support to President Muhammadu Buhari in the implementation of home suited policies, in his renewed bid to revamp our economy. The ban of waivers on foreign exchange to business men for importation of food items into the country as directed by President Muhamadu Buhari has started yielding fruits. The hardest critics of the policy when announced by the President have now realized that it was a well thought-out decision. We should be mindful of the fact that most of these organizations are peopled by those who do not posses what we have as a nation (high productive population, fecund land,
good vegetation, clement weather etc). Their advice, in most cases, as already manifested in SAP and other imposed economic programs, are ill motivated and or inappropriate for
a unique country like ours. Most of these nations, want us to remain poor with weak currency so that they continue to exploit our large population and material resources to
Why Buhari Must Retain Magu at EFCC Phrank Shaibu makes a strong case for the retention of Ibrahim Magu as head of Nigeria’s flagship antigraft agency
L
ove him or hate him, one argument that cannot be contested is the fact that Ibrahim Magu, the Ag. Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken the anti corruption fight in Nigeria to hitherto uncharted levels where many people thought could never be attained or that no one would have the courage to go in the war against corruption. Deconstructing corruption fight in Nigeria is a binding moral duty for common good and it requires seeing beyond political affiliations, standpoint, preference or ideology. In Nigeria, Ibrahim Mustapha Magu, is the scourge of corrupt Nigerians, no matter your status or engagement and this has become worthy of public analysis and historic documentation whether aligned to the ruling party or not. Infact, l had taken a long break from commenting on public discourse that will conflict with my political opposition status but if truth be told, the fight against corruption is for a better Nigeria and it is a collective pursuit that deserves objective periodic review on how those charged with such responsibilities are conducting the affairs of government agencies they manage. Thus, my decision to research on the EFCC and its affairs is a call to duty as public analyst and it changes nothing about my political attachment and roles played as political campaign spokesperson. Specifically, about four years ago, on the 9th of November 2015, President Mohammadu Buhari sacked the then EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde and promptly replaced him with Ibrahim Mustapha Magu, the next day, November 10. Under Magu, the mention of EFCC became the beginning of the endgame for corrupt public and private officers including individuals who had carried on for years as though they were above the law. Ibrahim Mustapha Magu, the poster boy of the anti corruption crusade which has become the signature policy engagement of
the President Mohammadu Buhari administration and has attracted both continental and global commendations for tackling what has been described across international platforms, as the number one factor militating against the growth and development of African Nations and economies. The man Ibrahim Magu, prior to his appointment, then an assistant commissioner of police was one of the early recruits into the anti-graft agency in the dizzying days of its pioneer chairman Malam Nuhu Ribadu. In 2015, Magu before becoming the EFCC boss was a member of the committee set up by the Buhari administration to probe the procurement of arms in the Armed Forces from 2007 to 2015 which eventually uncovered a cesspool of corruption that shocked the nation and still continues to reverberate with new and astonishing revelations. Most likely, given Magu’s perceived incorruptible posture, he was made the head of the sensitive Economic Governance Unit (EGU), which handled investigations of senior public officials and as head of the EGU, spearheaded some of the investigations that included the alleged involvement of former Senate President Bukola Saraki in the collapse of Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria; and James Ibori, former Governor of Delta State, who at that time was serving jail term in United Kingdom for money laundering. Magu, also played a major role in the investigation and eventual jailing of former Managing Director of the Bank of the North, Shettima Mohammed Bulama, said to be his own brother in law. It was widely believed that after Ribadu was removed as EFCC boss in controversial circumstances by former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, Magu was also targeted for redeployment by new EFCC boss, Farida Waziri, who took over in 2008 and was said to be uncomfortable with his presence over issues surrounding loyalty. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
their own advantage. The present closure of our boarders is another bold step taken by the present government and it requires the support of all patriotic Nigerians. Indeed, as it is already manifesting, this might be the real panacea, the tonic, the nation’s ailing economic needs to recover. Although, concerns have been raised that this may have negative consequences like isolation etc, the gains from the present closure have been very enormous and if well captured and utilized, they are capable of bringing about a real turn around in our country. For instance, it has shown that most of our neighbors are virtually living on us. They make huge money; earn humongous foreign exchange for their countries, out of our large population and size. Based on these discoveries, wisdom dictates that for the borders to be reopened, we need to come up with strong home suited policies that would make us achieve more from our associations with other countries in terms of revenue generation and employment for our people. Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. Already, Nigerians have become more focused and innovative in the production of farm implements and machines, the accelerated food production resultant from the bold steps of the Buhari administration would lead to enhancement in farming and its value chain A situation where all manners of finished and unfinished products, farm produce are thoughtlessly brought into the country can only lead us to total ruination. And also any government policy that allows business men to access foreign exchange from CBN to import banana, apple, rice, maize, beans etc is inimical to growth and destructive to our economy. As the ministers brace up in their offices, they should embrace the ideology of the President not only in abhorring and fighting corruption; they should help in the local content development of the nation in all areas. They should work tirelessly towards unlocking the potentials of the nation in every area and in every part of the country. The President has taken the lead in protecting and promoting the Nigerian content in local food production and consumption, they should complement the President with the promotion of local industries. Emphasis should be on concrete and accelerated development of local contents in all spheres. Our economy would grow and the nation progresses, if we have less to spend our foreign earnings, on. Our ministers and governors should not wait for a presidential directive to patronize Defense Industry Corporation DICON, INNOSON and others. They should make patronage of local industries, a necessity. The National Assembly has a key role to play here too, as strong and workable laws are needed for functionality and sustainability of local content development in the country. There should be a robust synergy with all the branches of government on this important goal of enhancing the Nigerian content in all aspects. The efforts of the present Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content is commendable. It is becoming glaring that what we truly need to save and revamp our economy is right here with us and not any esoteric policies or programs from the imperialists. Let the ministers and other government functionaries work more on the inside with total dedication, commitment and discipline in their various ministries and passionately bring out the Nigerian in them. It is time to think Nigeria, eat Nigeria, drink Nigeria and act Nigeria in all circumstances. Time to individually and collectively support President Muhammadu Buhari on home suited policies for our economy. -Olaosebikan is a community leader and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State
T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019
19
PERSPECTIVE
Crying at the Final Escape of David-West Femi Adesina highlights the virtues of the departed former Minister of Petroleum, Prof. Tam David-West
M
y introduction to Professor Tam David-West was in this wise: I was brought up by a very strict, educationist father, who would not allow his seven children travel during holidays, particularly the long vacation at the end of the session. He had his own way of keeping us busy. My town, Ipetumodu, in Osun State, is about 10 to 15 minutes drive from the university town, Ile-Ife. During holidays, my father would drive us to the bookshop on campus, and we would leave the place laden with all kinds of books. That was our own holiday. In 1980, we went on the annual visit to the bookshop. We bought our books, and my father bought one for himself. The title was ‘Philosophical Essays’, and the author was one Tam David-West. I had just finished writing the secondary school leaving certificate examination, and shouldn’t have any taste for essays yet, whether philosophical or not. But because of the way we had been brought up, I read anything and everything. I started reading Philosophical Essays whenever my father was not busy with it, and eventually ‘borrowed’ the book. The remnant of that book, with the front and back covers torn, is in my library till today. I read Philosophical Essays from cover to cover, and noted very many profound quotations from it, which eventually became part of my writings in later years. As a journalist with Concord Press, I wrote a piece in the early 1990s, and quoted from Philosophical Essays. A few weeks later, somebody came calling in our office. It was Professor Tam David-West. He said he read my piece, in which I had quoted him. That was the beginning of a friendship that lasted almost 30 years. Over time, I quoted David-West profusely in my writings, and curiously, he, too, quoted me in his many essays. He read everything I wrote as a newspaper columnist, and I was instrumental to the publishing of his essays, first at Concord Press, and later at The Sun Newspapers. One other thing endeared us to each other, apart from passion for writing. We both loved Muhammadu Buhari with an enduring love. David-West had served him as Petroleum and Energy Minister, and became a passionate Buharist, just like myself. When Buhari joined partisan politics in 2002, he had two willing and enthusiastic soldiers of the pen behind him, among thousands of others. Prof David-West and myself. Between 2003 and 2015, when Buhari finally won, we wrote tons upon tons of articles. So committed was David-West that when he wrote what we considered too voluminous to publish free, he would procure pages of the newspaper, so that the articles could be run unedited. Beyond writing, we became family. When my siblings, Foluke and Tayo, were named Professors at the Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Ibadan, respectively in 2012, Prof DavidWest was Chairman of the reception held for them, where we asked him to give a professorial charge. He did. Also, when my mother passed on in 2013, and we held a commendation service for her in Lagos, the Professor drove all the way from Ibadan to attend. He sat at the same table with the then General Muhammadu Buhari, who had flown in from Kaduna to also be part of the event. Every August 26 is Prof David-West’s birthday. But because he didn’t like celebrating, you know what the man would do? Travel abroad before the date. He jocularly called it ‘August Escape.’ When he was to turn 70, I impressed it on him that he deserved to be celebrated. Shortly before the date, he traveled to
London. August Escape. On Monday, at about 11 a.m, the erudite Professor of Virology made his final escape. An hour after it happened, I got
a phone call from somebody who was with him in his final moments, telling me what had happened. When you are 83, anything can happen, but I still felt
Much Ado About the Ordeal of Osinbajo Kayode Ajulo makes a case for proper delineation of the duties of the Vice President
T
here is no doubting that recent incidence in the inner sanctum of the Federal Executive arm of Nigerian government, which include sacking of Vice President Yemi Osibajo’s aides, removing some agencies under his office, accusations and counter accusations which are leading to suggestion of resignation seem to reveal that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is being side lined and his power being whittled down. These developments have generated hues and cries from different quarters and strata. The air is thick with raging, reactions, reprimands, all kinds of anathema and diatribe from political pundits, lackeys and constitutional legal minds. This is looking very much like another season of blindness for Nigeria. That blindness doesn’t arise from lack of eyes. That blindness in question emanates from inability and refusal to see, analyse and evaluate the enormity of the constitutional problem currently confronting us as regards the powers of the Vice President. In order not to throw out the baby with the bath water, it is important to pensively consider the issues at hand vis-à-vis constitutional provisions by proffering answers to the following issues; Is the Vice President being side-lined? I don’t agree with the insinuations that the Vice President is being side lined by the President neither is he in any ordeal. We speculate a lot and it is no surprise the spectators/observers are mostly excited. Whereas the insiders know better, it is about politics and law as in perception and reality. Events in the past have shown that President Buhari and his kinsmen, (Emir of Daura in particular) see the Vice President Osinbajo as a confidant
and someone trustworthy. At the same time one cannot rule out power struggles not between the President and Vice president but with other senior government officials. Good enough, we have a Professor of Law as Vice President while both the Chief of Staff to the President and the Secretary to Government of the Federation are senior lawyers and it is expected that constitutionalism would be their watch dog. More so, the Vice President still performs his constitutional functions such as presiding over the National Economic Council and standing in for the President when the occasion demands. Legally speaking, while thinking about this so called ordeal, the case of A.G Federation v. Alhaji Abubakar (2007) ALL FWLR (Pt. 389) 1264 comes to mind wherein the Supreme Court enunciated the duties of the Vice President. The court held inter alia that: A Vice President is not at liberty to refuse to carry out government decisions of which he personally disagrees, or to defy government orders or the authority of the President over him or otherwise to act as if he is an independent executive within the government…the moment a Vice President sees himself not any more as a member of the President’s team but as a team leader in his own right, the honourable thing for him to do is to resign. Similarly section 148 of the Constitution confers a discretionary power on the President to assign responsibility for any business of the Government of the federation on the Vice President or Ministers of the Government. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
quite sad to hear about the final escape of my senior friend. Prof David-West, in the last few years of his life, became quite prayerful. He prayed at 9 am, 4 pm, and 6 pm. And because we were always talking, he would call me when prayer time was approaching, to tell me that he would switch off his phone for some time. Now, he’s gone to where phones can never reach. He had been on admission at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan for a number of days, and was to be discharged to go home on Monday. But before the doctors allowed him to go, the Professor discharged himself. To eternity. As a build-up to the 2011 presidential election, David-West sought to correct the malicious falsehood peddled for long about our common hero. So, he wrote a book titled ‘The 16 Sins of Muhammadu Buhari.’ It was all to debunk 16 allegations often leveled against the man from Daura. When the book was presented at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, I was Master of Ceremonies. It was the first day I met Gen. Buhari in person, though we had spoken on phone many times, as he had always read my articles, and would call to discuss the content. Prof David-West had sent me a number of times in recent years to give his goodwill message to President Buhari. And whenever I passed the word, the President would laugh, and say:”the indomitable David-West.” One very gratifying thing the President did was in December last year. He wrote the Professor a personal letter of appreciation for his support, included a Christmas/New Year greeting card from State House, which I had the duty to deliver. The Professor appreciated it greatly. My colleague and successor as Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Newspapers, Eric Osage, is also a David-West person. When the man turned 80 three years ago, Osage did a piece, celebrating him. The Professor loved it so much, that he photocopied the article, marked out some sections, and sent to me. A couple of weeks ago, before he took ill , he had sent the same article to me again. And on hearing the news of his death on Monday, Osage sent me a text message:”David-West was a great man. We can never forget him. His memory will linger forever. Loyal to the end.” True. He was loyal to the end. There were some people, who had tried to drive a wedge between President Buhari and the renowned virologist, through snide comments . But the man would call me, and say: “I believe in President Buhari. He has not changed, and won’t change.” Every year, when he did his August Escape, David-West always came back with gifts for my wife. Lace fabric, and perfume. It was as constant as the Northern Star. When I broke the news of his passage on Monday, the first thing my wife said was “oh, he always bought me lace and perfume.” Well, we will only be remembered by what we have done, after we have faded away like the stars of the morning. Tamunoemi Sokari David-West, the essayist, academic, virologist, record keeper, anti-corruption crusader, a stickler for time, dyed-in-the wool Buharist, is gone. When I lost my sister in 2015, he was at the funeral service. As the coffin was being moved from the church to the cemetery, I broke down in tears. The Professor came, hugged me, and began to cry with me. Why shouldn’t I cry for him? -Adesina is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari
20
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 •T H I S D AY
21
T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2019
BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT
A S
A T
REPO 4.43 % 5.57 %
CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH
5% 8% 9.25 %
N O V E M B E R S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE
435.47 % 0.03 % -1.58 %
Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875
8 , 2 0 1 9 S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 5.61 % YEAR TO DATE 21.99 %
EXCHANGE RATE N306.90/1US DOLLAR* ̩
Quick Takes NCAA Moves against Bird Strike
TheNigerianCivilAviationAuthority(NCAA)hasnotifiedpilots,airports, airline operators and aircraft engineers of a change in birds/wildlife strikereportingformat.TheagencysaidtheInternationalCivilAviation Organisation(ICAO)hasevolvedanewformatforbirds/wildfirestrike reporting. Accordingtotheregulatoryauthority,theEuropeanCoordinatingCentre forAccidentsandIncidentsReportingSystem(ECCAIRS)Excel-based format would now be used for ICAO Bird Strike Information System (IBIS)reporting.Thisnotificationwascontainedinanadvisorycircular withreferenceNCAA/AAS./BHC/04/006/11/132datedJuly30,2019 toallairports/airlineoperators,pilotsandaircraftengineers, andwas signedbytheDirector,AerodromeandAirspaceStandards,Mohammed OdunowoforDirectorGeneralof NCAA. “In view of the above and in accordance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations(Nig.CARs)2015,Part12.6.23.2andAerodromeStandards Manual(ASM),Section13.2.4.2,itisthereforemandatorythatyouforward toNCAA,DirectorateofAerodromeandAirspaceStandards(DAAS) usingtheattachedIBIS-ECCAIRSformforallbirdandwildlifestrikesat youraerodromesonorbefore30daysofoccurrenceforthesubmission,” theauthoritysaid.
Ethiopia Skyline Hotel Appoints Hala GM
AWARDS WELL DESERVED
L-R: Former Chairman NESG and Chairman of the Award Ceremony, Prof. Anya Anya; wife of former GMD, defunct Diamond Bank, Mrs Priscilla Otti; Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, and Former Chairman of Hallmark Bank, Chief Marc Wabara, during the presentation of the 2019 Professional Excellence in Marketing and Corporate Communications award to Ani-Mumuney and other awards won by her, at an event organised by Business Hallmark, in Lagos…recently
Yuletide: Airport Security Operatives, Others May Face More Challenges Chinedu Eze There are indications that the large turnout of air travelers and cargo movement anticipated during the yuletide will multiply the challenge faced by security operatives at the nation’s airports in the coming days. Industry observers said they envisaged that more Nigerians would travel by air this year than the previous years because most roads in the country are in dilapidated condition due to prolonged rainfall and the efforts to rehabilitate them could commence after the yuletide. Former Managing Director of Capital Airlines and aviation consultant with Etimfri Group,
AVIATION Amos Akpan told THISDAY in Lagos that there would be corresponding increase on the demand for the facilities and services provided by all aviation agencies in Nigeria this Christmas season. Akpan, said airport aviation security apparatus must gear up to handle increased human and cargo traffic in the airports. “Aviation Security (AVSEC) must reposition to monitor, advise, and apprehend persons on breach of security status. The handling companies should set baggage loading, offloading and delivering time envelope.
“It should not take a passenger more than 15 minutes from the time he disembarks to receive his baggage on a local flight. Mixing suitcases with grease and oil should be eliminated. The airport authority should remove those conveyors that tear and disfigure suitcases,” he said. He said facilities at the airports would be overstretched and advised that airport management; the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) must reinforce efforts to improve efficiency. “Waiting in stuffy and crowded halls is hazardous to health. If the air-conditioning in the airport hall is nonfunctional
and it cannot be fixed, open the windows and exits for ventilation, use red tapes as barrier and position security personnel at those exits. “The toilet attendants need to clean, clear, replace toiletries and sanitisers much more frequently. It is difficult to avoid overcrowded waiting halls because the harmattan dust haze will disrupt flight schedules causing delays and merger of flight schedules. “There are usually passengers connecting domestic flights from international, let us reduce their impression that nothing works Continued on page 22
IMO Pledges to Assist Nigeria, Others on SDG Agenda Eromosele Abiodun The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has stated its commitment to assisting Nigeria and other member states on the United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) agenda. The Director, Technical Cooperation Division of the IMO, Mr. Juvenal Shiundu said this while speaking at a two-day Regional Workshop on, “UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework: A process to mainstream the maritime sector,” organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in conjunction with IMO and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
MARITIME in Lagos. He said: “IMO’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is manifestly reflected in its General Assembly Resolution (A.1126) adopted at its 30th session in 2017, which includes among others, invitation to Member States, partner organizations to coordinate and work with the five United Nations Regional Economic Commissions to ensure that the maritime sector is reflected in regional programmes.” In his keynote address, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi disclosed that the federal government of Nigeria would ensure the
maritime sector gets into the mainstream of economic strategy stressing that doing so will engender economic growth and prosperity. Amaechi said the Maritime Transport Plan and Strategy, when fully completed, would also provide a robust enabling framework for achieving Nigerian maritime objective and foster Public, Private sector collaboration and inter-regional cooperation. According to him, “This workshop is an essential step in a continuing shift in strategic thinking about the sustainable development of our nations and will no doubt provide an opportunity for stakeholders here present to develop the much needed cooperation framework
in addressing the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).” Speaking further, the minister, who was represented by the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside stated that as the African continent forges ahead with phase II negotiations for the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), the maritime sector remains critical to seamless trade and effective economic integration between African nations. He said: “Our approach, therefore, towards the realisation of the SDG is contingent on our joint effort and ability to put in place the much needed cooperation framework in collaboration with critical stakeholdContinued on page 22
Austrianhotelier,KarlHala,hasbeenappointedasthenewGeneralManager oftheEthiopianSkylightHotelinAddisAbaba.Hehadpreviouslyserved for six years as the General Manager of the InterContinental Hotel in NairobialongsideholdingthepositionasDirectorofAfricaOperations for IHG. Hala spent the last 35 years at InterContinental Hotel Group with 10 years handling Africa. He was previously the Regional General ManagerIHGAfricaandGeneralmanagerInterContinentalHotelLagos. Before Lagos, he was stationed in Nairobi where he held the position of GM intercontinental Nairobi and Regional Manager IHG Africa for sixyears. HeisagraduateofViennaHotelSchoolandthefounderandvicepresident ofthefirstAmericanfootballclubinMunich,Germany. EthiopianSkylightHotelislocatedattheheartofAddisAbaba,justfive minutesawayfromAddisAbabaBoleInternationalAirport. Thenewlyconstructedhotelhasatotalof373roomsfittedwithrelaxing andsuperbdesignssuitableforbothcorporateandleisuretravelers. Theoutstandingfacilitiesofthehotelinclude,outdoorswimmingpool, mini-golfcourses,spa/massage,gymnasiumandhealthcentre.
Qatar Wins Award
QatarAirwayssaidthatithasbeennamedthe‘BestOverallintheMiddle East’ at the 2020 Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) RegionalPassengerChoiceAwards,heldinSingaporeonWednesday. Theaward,whichwasreceivedbyQatarAirwaysduringthe2020APEX Asia Awards Ceremony, was voted for by Qatar Airways passengers through the APEX Official Airline Ratings system using the world’s highestratedtravelapp,TripIt. This followed the multi award-winning airline’s success at the recent APEXGlobalPassengerChoiceAwardsinSeptember,whereitearned the title ‘2020 Five Star Global Airline’ and scooped three awards for ‘BestSeatComfort’,‘BestCabinService’and‘BestFoodandBeverage’. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker said, “The greatestvoiceandtestamenttooursuccessisthatofourloyalpassengers, andtoconsistentlyreceivetheprizedPassengerChoiceAwards,both ataglobalandregionallevel,isahugehonour. “WearethrilledtohaveyetfurtherproofthatQatarAirwaysistheairline ofchoiceforsomanyacrosstheglobe,andwelookforwardtocontinue tolivinguptoourroleasa‘2020FiveStarGlobalAirline’andwelcoming morecustomerstotheQatarAirwaysexperience.” APEXChiefExecutiveOfficer,Dr.JoeLeadersaid,“QatarAirwayswinning the 2020 Passenger Choice Award for Best Airline in the Middle East demonstratestheairline’ssteadfastcommitmenttoexceedingcustomer expectationsineveryclassofservice. “ThisincredibleaccomplishmentontopofQatarAirways’three2020 APEXGlobalPassengerChoiceAwardsillustratesanincredibleseries ofaccoladesgivenbyverified,validated,andcertifiedcustomerflights aroundtheglobe.” TheAPEXPassengerChoiceAwardsandAPEXOfficialAirlineRatings arebasedonpassengerfeedbackgatheredthroughAPEX’spartnership withTripItfromConcur,theworld’shighestratedtravel-organisingapp.
“Our newly installed Category 3 Instrument Landing System will enable flights to landand take off at lower visibility, even during the Harmattan. So we expect to see an improvement in flight operations in the country in the coming weeks and months” Managing Director, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA),
Captain Fola Akinkuotu
22
T H I S D AY Ëž NOVEMBER 15, 2019
BUSINESSWORLD YULETIDE: AIRPORT SECURITY OPERATIVES, OTHERS MAY FACE MORE CHALLENGES here. The airline managers, the handling companies’ reps, the officially recognised protocols in the departure and arrival lounges should meet weekly to work out strategies to make traveler’s experience good this season,� Akpan said. He said aviation agencies should avoid making reoccurring situations take them by surprise, noting that poor visibility would occur as in the previous years. “There are airports certified to open from 6:00 am to 6: 00 pm only, and there are 24 hours airports in Nigeria. Fuel trucks will meander through traffic to come into tarmac to fuel aircraft. “Electronic check in systems will collapse. There will be more passengers than available aircraft seats on the following dates 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 December. Passengers will carry more baggage than they usually do this season. For the airlines, the airhostess, the loader, the check in counter, the baggage and passenger handling officers will be stretched this season; therefore plan for it,� he said.
IMO PLEDGES TO ASSIST NIGERIA, OTHERS ON SDG AGENDA ers using the maritime sector as a veritable tool to promote agricultural development, food security, industrialisation and economic transformation of our nations, the region and the entire continent.� He used the opportunity to commend the IMO, UNECA and NIMASA for putting together the workshop, and expressed optimism that with the level of participation at the workshop, the objectives of developing blueprint and agreeing on a common approach in mainstreaming the maritime sector into the SDG and national plan of states will be achieved. On his part, Peterside stated there is the need for the leaders of the various countries in the continent to understand the workings of the maritime sector, as maritime transportation plays an important role in a nation’s economic development. He emphasised the need to help the leaders understand why it is important to mainstream maritime sector in economic plan and economic strategies of the various countries.
NEWS
Terminal Operators Urged to Transfer Uncleared, Seized Goods to Govt Warehouse Eromosele Abiodun
Customs agents in Nigeria have called on the federal government to urgently compel terminal operators and shipping companies to transfer all uncleared, unentered and seized goods to federal government’s warehouse to ease port congestion and avoid surcharge by international community. The National President of National Council of Managing Directors of Customs Licensed Agents, (NCMDCLA), Lucky Amiwero, stated this in a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari Amiwero in the petition warned that though such surcharges were illegal, the shipping companies and terminal operators in various ports in the country would go ahead with them as they are quick to do without ant hindrance. According to him, “We hereby bring to the notice of the federal government that the need to responsibly transfer all unentered, uncleared and seized goods are the sole responsibility of the terminal operators/shipping companies as contained in Section 31-(1-2) of the Customs and Excise Management Act C 45 of 2004. “The power to submit the uncleared, unentered and seized goods is conferred on the Nigeria Customs Service by Section 31(1-2) and the transfer of the said goods is the responsibility of the Terminal Operators/ Shipping Companies as contained in the Act, which clearly states, in Section 31-(2): (1), On the Receipt of the List specified in Sub-section (1) of this section, ‘the person administering the area (NPA/Terminal Operator) or where there is no such person, the owner of the ship, Aircraft or vehicle, or his agent, shall immediately
transfer all such goods to the Government warehouse or to such other place as the proper officer may approve.’ “In line with the provision of the Act, the person administering the area, or where there is no such person, the owner of the ship, aircraft or vehicles, or agent, shall immediately transfer all such goods to the government warehouse or such other place as the proper officer (Customs officer) may approve.� He added that all uncleared, unentered and seized goods are the property of the federal government as contained in Section 31, 20 and 97 of the Customs and Excise Management Act C 45 of 2004. “The provision in Section 31-(1, 4 &5) 20-(B) 97-1&2 conferred ownership of
uncleared, unentered and seized goods on the federal government, such goods are no more the property or under the control of the terminal/ shipping company as the first receiver but, under the legal authority of federal government, controlled by the Nigeria Customs Service, which is empowered by various provision of the Act to process the goods on behalf of federal government and charge rent as provided in the Act. “The Sections clearly states: Section 31-(1): On the 15th day after the completion of the discharge of the importing ship, aircraft or vehicle or at such time as the board may direct, the proper officer shall, in respect of every ship, aircraft or vehicles, deliver to the person administering
the area within which the discharge took place or, where there is no such person, to the owner of the ship, aircraft or vehicles, or his agent, or list of goods unloaded from such ship, aircraft or vehicles not yet release by the proper officer.� He added: “Section 2. On the receipt of the list specified on subsection (1) of this section, the person administering the area , or where there is no such person, the owner of the ship, aircraft or vehicles, or his agent, shall immediately transfer all such goods to the Government warehouse or to such other place as the proper officer may approve. “Section 3. Where any imported goods remain unentered at the expiration of fourteen days from the date of completion of
discharge of the importing ship, aircraft or vehicles, the proper officer may direct the person administering the area within which the discharge of the ship, aircraft or vehicle took place or, where there is no person administering such area, the owner of the ship, aircraft or vehicles or his agent, to remove or store all or any such goods to or at a government warehouse or such other place as the proper officer may approve “Section 4. Where under subsection (1) or (4) of this section, goods are removed to or stored at a place approved by the proper officer, such place shall be deemed to be a Government warehouse and such goods shall be deemed to have been removed to and deposited in a Government warehouse.�
AFRICAN INVESTORS FORUM
Senior Director and Head of African Investment Forum (AIF), African Development Bank, Chinelo Anohu (right), discussing with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda at the 2019 AIF, held in Johannesburg, South Africa...recently
Mining: FG Inaugurates 10-man Ministerial Committee on Revenue Actualisation Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government, through the ministry of Mines and Steel Development has inaugurated a 10-man Ministerial Committee on the optimisation of revenue from mineral resources sector. The ministry said it was poised to actualise government’s commitment to lift about 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years through the diversification of the economy from crude oil to solid minerals exploration and exports.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite stated this when he Inaugurated the Ministerial Committee recently in Abuja. He revealed that there are over 44 mineral resources in the country, noting that if all the revenue generated from them are properly harnessed, it would increase the revenue base of the country. Adegbite, who tasked the Committee to ensure that revenue generated from artisanal miners’ activities are recorded and work out ways
to block leakages from illegal mining accruals, added that blockage of mineral revenue leakages and proper recording would boost the economy and encourage more people to go into mining which would lift the masses out of poverty. The inaugurated committee has the Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, as Chairman. Other members are the Permanent Secretary, Minstry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Abdulkadir Mu’azu; Engr. O.S. Nkom- DG, MCO; repre-
sentative of Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers; representative of Nigerian Society of Engineers; representative of Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Engr. J.O Adeyemo-Mining Consultant, representative of Miners Association of Nigeria; representative of Civil Explosives Dealers Association of Nigeria, Alh. Sani Shehu, among others. In his acceptance speech, Ogah, thanked the minister for constituting the committee promptly and promised to work assiduously to achieve
its mandate of generating revenue and increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. Ogah, pledged that committee would be committed towards looking at the cause of the current low revenue generation in the sector and find ways of blocking such leakages. He added that sharp practice by miners who make false declaration of their mineral production with the intention of evading revenue payments would no longer be tolerated.
Group Business Editor
Obinna Chima
Capital Market Editor
Goddy Ogene
Comms/e-Business Editor
Emma Okonji
Senior Correspondent
Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă— Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă&#x; (Advertising) Correspondents
Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Reporters
Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă? (Money Market) Ă™Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă’Ă&#x;ÙÑÓĂ? (ICT)
Freight Forwarders Commend WACT on Improved Service Delivery Eromosele Abiodun Freight forwarders operating at Onne Port, Rivers State have commended the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) over its improved service delivery which they stated had resulted in reduction in waiting time of ships to zero, leading to reduced vessel turnaround time. The freight forwarders also
commended WACT for its investment in cargo handling equipment in response to unprecedented growth in container volume at the port. This year, WACT has invested $14 million (N5 billion) in the acquisition of modern cargo handling equipment including two Mobile Harbour Cranes, 14 specialised terminal trucks and two reach stackers.
The Chairman, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), Onne Port, Chief Gabriel Okonkwo, said: “To be very frank with you about WACT operation, there has been substantial increase in import volume and to measure up with that, they have acquired a lot of equipment to ease cargo clearance and we commend them for that because they
are doing very well. Every week, they receive between three to four ships. They are keeping up with the demand, they can receive vessels, do loading and drop containers for examination, all at the same time.� On his part, Chairman, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Onne Port, Chief Emma Nnwamkpa,
said, “WACT is operating very well. They brought new equipment over the last six months, so we don’t have any delays in working at the facility.� Also speaking, Chairman, Flat and Cargo Trailer Drivers Association, Comrade Adolphus Ugwu, said the upgrade and massive investment at the terminal have brought about high level of efficiency at the facility.
23
T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2019
BUSINESSWORLD
NEWS
NAMA Begins Test Run of New Landing Aids Chinedu Eze The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced that it has commenced the trial run of the newly installed Category III Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Runway 18 Right, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. The facility will aid flights to land at zero visibility at the airport and with its installation, airplanes can land at any time during Harmattan. The exercise, which started on Monday, indicated that the equipment was fully operational on test basis, even as all the ILS components – Localizer, Glide Slope and Distance Measuring Equipment are propagating signals optimally. Speaking at the commencement of the test run, the Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, said the alignment of the facility had
already been done by the engineers. This, according to him was to ensure that the equipment aligned with the centre line of the runway and also that it is aligned with the descent path that will be comfortable to arrive the threshold at a good landing height to make a normal landing. “In a couple of weeks, we will bring a calibration aircraft to fly in and certify that the equipment is good to go,” he said. NAMA assured that according to its timeline, the CAT III ILS would be available at both Lagos and Abuja airports by the third week of December 2019. Explaining the rationale for deploying the facility, Akinkuotu said the agency was responding to the demands and clamour by airlines for better navigational facilities in Nigeria. “The CAT II ILSs we have right now are 800 meters visibility. With the CAT III system you will be able to
come down lower and when you are closer to the runway you will be able to see it better. A CAT III operation is a precision approach at lower than CAT II minima. A category III A approach is a precision instrument approach and landing with no decision height or a decision height lower than 100ft (30m) and a runway visual range not less than 700ft (200m). “The deployment of CAT III ILS will reduce the landing and takeoff minimas. The landing minimas are based on the fact that you are coming from somewhere and you are able to land while the takeoff minimas are predicated on certain aspects, among which is your ability to take off and if need be, you are able to land back to where you took off. “Because we have better equipment, it will lower both minimas, so we expect to see an improvement in flight operations in the country in the coming weeks and months,” Akinkuotu said.
SAA May Cut 900 Jobs to Stabilise Operation South Africa Airways (SAA) said it may cut over 900 jobs as it moves to stem recurring financial losses. Reuters reported that the state-owned carrier said it had started consultations with its more than 5,000 staff and was talking to labour unions. South Africa Airways has not made profit since 2011 and is grappling with severe funding difficulties and an inefficient and ageing fleet of airplanes. South African officials have been searching for an investor to take a stake in the airline, but their efforts have so far been unsuccessful. “We urgently need to address the ongoing lossmaking position that has subsisted over the past years. That is why we are undergoing a restructuring,” said SAA acting-Chief Executive Zuks Ramasia. “No final decision will be taken until the consultation process is concluded. However, it is
estimated that approximately 944 employees may be affected.” Reuters noted that in a dramatic fall from grace over the past decade, SAA has lost its place as Africa’s biggest airline and a symbol of patriotic pride to become a source of frustration for taxpayers. Analysts have long said its workforce should be cut to bring it in line with regional competitors. Meanwhile, workers of the airline through the unions are set to begin strike action. In anticipation of a strike by unions, South African Airways (SAA) has decided to cancel all domestic and international flights for Friday and Saturday. Unions including Numsa and the SA Cabin Crew Association have served the airline with a strike notice. They’re unhappy with SAA’s restructuring plans which it announced this
week in a bid to keep it afloat. The airline said that more than 900 jobs could be lost in the process. SAA has, however, clarified that partner airlines, including SA Express, Mango and SA Airlink would not be affected by the cancellations. SAA said that the strike would hurt the already cash-strapped airline with estimated losses of more than R50 million per day. Spokesperson Tlali Tlali: “We do not want to underestimate the impact this particular decision will have on the airline. We operate approximately 104 flights a day and when you look at the revenue that we raise, it is approximately R52 million per day. The strike will have a serious impact financially and operationally on us.” Tlali added that a late-night meeting to avert a strike was not successful.
As Dana Marks 11th Anniversary
Kwara Hajj
Dana Air celebrates 11 Anniversary
Chinedu Eze Ten years is very important in Nigeria’s aviation industry. This is because many airlines that existed in Nigeria last for that period of time or less. Some of them include Chanchangi Airlines, Discovery, Bellview, Triax, Okada, Oriental, IRS, Albarka Airlines etc. So, 10 years has become proverbial for the nation’s aviation sector. There are indications that the jinx would be broken. Arik Air literally hit its toe on a stone after 10 years, when the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) took over the company in February 2017. Aero Contractors also faced similar challenge after about 10 years of scheduled flight operation, but the airline rejuvenated and today is a beckon of hope for Nigerian carriers. Its maintenance facility has provided succor to domestic airlines. This background reinforces the need to celebrate Dana Air, which marked 11th anniversary of its flight operations last Sunday. The Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo, noted last year when the airline celebrated its 10th anniversary that it was able to sustain its operation in a harsh environment. One year later, the airline has even recorded more successful stories despite the harsh environment. Mbanuzuo said when it marked its 10th anniversary, “We feel good. We know some other airlines did not get up to five; some didn’t even get up to three; so it is a huge achievement that we have recorded 10 years operating in Nigeria. “We are about the third airline to clock 10 years. I must say that the system is harsh for scheduled airline operation so we should be congratulated for being able to brave the storm and remain in operation.” But while speaking on the 11th anniver-
Qatar, CFM Seal Deal Qatar Airways has announced that it has selected CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power its new fleet of 50 A321neo family aircraft, the largest order of A321neo family aircraft in the Middle East. Alongside the engine deal, the national airline of the State of Qatar has also signed with CFM International a rate-per-flight-hour support agreement to cover its entire fleet of LEAP-1A engines, including spares, for a combined total value of $4 billion at list price. Qatar Airways has been a CFM customer since 2015 and currently operates a fleet of 38 A320ceo family aircraft, of which eight are
CFM56-5B powered. The first LEAP-1A powered A321neo are scheduled to be delivered in 2020. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, was quoted to have said: “We chose the LEAP engine based on its proven efficiency in commercial operations. This engine addresses our strategy to operate a state-of-the-art fleet with the most advanced technologies in the industry, while expanding our network and maintaining flexibility for our customers.” CFM International President and CEO, Mr. Gaël Méheust said, “We are excited to take another step
forward in our partnership with Qatar Airways. This is a real trust mark in our products, and we look forward to helping them introduce the fuel-efficient LEAP engine into their fleet to support Qatar Airways fast growth and maintain lower operating costs.” CFM International’s advanced LEAP engine continues to set a new industry standard for fuel efficiency and asset utilisation as the fleet continues the most rapid buildup in commercial aviation history, with the fleet logging more than five million engine flight hours through August, three years after commencing commercial service.
In keeping steadily to our robust route and fleet expansion program, we would create more job opportunities in addition to the thousands of direct and indirect jobs already created, train more and improve capacity in Nigeria
sary on Sunday in Lagos, Mbanuzuo said the airline would never have made it this far but for its loyal customers and staff who believed in what the airline stood for and have kept it going, hence the reward and celebration with customers He stressed that Dana Air coming this far as a domestic airline in Nigeria has not been rosy as the airline has suffered among other issues incessant peddling of fake news about its operations, but for the resolve and renewed passion of its staff and loyal customers who have kept faith with the airline, by consistently flying knowing full well that the airline has built a strong safety reputation in the last few years. “For us 11 years means we are doing the right things and making the right decisions at the right time. We have been methodical, careful and realistic in our steps and we hope to consolidate our existing routes to provide full capacity, seamless travel and options for our guests to travel conveniently yuletide while still reviewing our route expansion plans. “So many airlines have come and gone maybe due to some incidents in the past or inability to cope with the operating environment but we have been here for 11 years and still counting because of our loyal customers, dedicated staff strength and above all a sound management team with a massive experience in the Nigerian aviation industry running the airline with a model worthy of emulation,” it added. Mbanuzuo thanked the present administration led by President Muhammed Buhari, “for gradually creating the ambience for airlines to thrive and the efforts so the area of infrastructure is commendable. We hope that these efforts are sustained in the coming years and other areas hampering the growth of airlines reviewed.” “For us, it has been about commitment, promise and fulfillment and we are delighted to have kept the promise we made to our guest last year about fleet expansion and capacity with the recent acquisition of two new Boeing 737 aircraft bringing the number of aircraft in our fleet to nine. Our guests should expect more as our commitment and promise has not changed.” The airline said it has made huge progress and, “our recent acquisition means more jobs for our Nigerian pilots and engineers. In keeping steadily to our robust route and fleet expansion program, we would create more job opportunities in addition to the thousands of direct and indirect jobs already created, train more and improve capacity in Nigeria.” Mbanuzuo, noted also that it has also been 11 years of contributing immensely to the growth of the Nigerian economy and the well-being of Nigerians with the airline’s over nine years partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and project pink Blue, a cancer fighting nongovernmental organisation to conduct nationwide awareness about breast / prostate cancer and sponsoring free screening across the country with over 27,000 positively impacted.
24
T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
Examining IATA’s Recipe for Improved Air Transport The Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association, Alexandre de Juniac recently recommended ways Africa can boost air transport sector and make commercial airline service profitable in the continent. Chinedu Eze writes that governments in the region must cooperate to make the implementation of the recommendations possible
A
t the 51st Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA) Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Mauritius last Monday, the Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Alexandre de Juniac identified four priorities as key to the growth of air transport in Africa. These included safety, cost competitiveness, opening the continent to travel and trade, and gender diversity. De Juniac noted that across the African continent, the promise and potential of aviation is rich. He disclosed that the industry already supports $55.8 billion in economic activity and 6.2 million jobs, pointing out that as demand more than doubles over the next two decades; the critical role that aviation plays in Africa’s economic and social development would grow in equal proportion. “With the right tax and regulatory framework, the opportunities aviation creates to improve people’s lives are tremendous,â€? De Juniac said. Current Challenges The major obstacles to realising these priorities are the aviation and travel policies enunciated by various countries in the continent, which tend to discourage free movement from one country to another, despite open sky treaty, the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM); unfair charges and taxes that allegedly discriminate against African airlines by some African nations, and relatively high cost of airline operation in the continent. In a recent interview with THISDAY, AWA Chief Operating Officer, Sean Mendis, noted that there is still protectionism despite SAATM and accused mostly French-speaking African countries of constricting their market by making it difficult for other African airlines to have free entry and exit operation to their countries and also observed that the spirit behind SAATM is epitomised by Nigeria and Ghana. Sean also remarked that some of these countries that try to restrict other African airlines from easy entry to their routes literally open their doors wide for international carriers. “Ghana and Nigeria are probably the best examples of people willing to take the lead, but the francophone countries in West Africa, in particular, CĂ´te d’Ivoire is the one I would point a finger that tends to want benefit but without being reciprocal about it. “In our society, you know that the person that comes to your house and eats and never invites you back will never be your friend for life and I think that is something that needs to change if we are going to be able to truly implement SAATM going forward,â€? Mendis said. Cost Competitiveness In his remarks at AFRAA AGA in Mauritius last Monday, De Juniac said that the success of African aviation is challenged by high costs, disclosing that African carriers lose $1.54 for every passenger they carry and attributed these losses to the high cost of airline operation in the continent. He observed that jet fuel costs are 35 per cent higher than the global average; user charges are excessive and these account for 11.4 per cent of African airlines’ operating costs, which is double the industry average. “There is a plethora of taxes and charges, some unique like Redevance fees, Hydrant fees, Railage fees, Royalty Fees and even Solidarity taxes,â€? the IATA Director General and CEO said. Airline operators in the continent have over the years lamented these high charges and taxes. In Nigeria it is believed that it is the reason why carriers have ephemeral existence, operating and going under on the average of 10 years. In Nigeria, some of the taxes paid by the airlines include the five per cent Cargo Sales Charge, five per cent Value Added Tax (VAT, which government was supposed to have withdrawn), Passenger
Air Peace aircraft 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. There is no tax holiday and airlines begin to pay taxes and charges immediately they start operation; no waivers, no tax holiday. De Juniac said that development is the priority in Africa, which has potential for expanding its travel market. “Aviation contributes significantly to 15 of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This includes the most ambitious—to eradicate poverty by 2030. Flying is not a luxury—it is an economic lifeline for this continent. That’s why it is critical for governments to understand that every extra cost they add to the industry reduces aviation’s effectiveness as a catalyst for development,� he said. The IATA Director General therefore urged governments in the continent to carry out three actions: follow International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices for taxes and charges; disclose hidden costs such as taxes and fees and benchmark them against global best practice, and eliminate taxes or cross-subsidies on international jet fuel. “Additionally, we ask governments to follow treaty obligations and ensure the efficient repatriation of airline revenues at fair exchange rates. This is an issue in 19 African states: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Libya, Mali, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, Sudan, Togo and Zimbabwe. “We have had success in clearing the backlog in Nigeria and significant progress has been made in Angola. It is not sustainable to expect airlines to provide vital connectivity without reliable access to our revenues. So, we urge all governments to work with our Africa team to make this a priority,� De Juniac said. Opening the Continent De Juniac said further priority for governments is liberalising intra-Africa access to markets, stating that the high barriers that African states have erected between their neighbors are evident in trade levels. He decried that less than 20 per cent of African trade is within the continent, which compares poorly with Europe at 70 per cent and Asia at 60 per cent. De Juniac spoke in line with the Chief Operating Officer of Ethiopia Airlines, Mesfin Tasew, who
lamented that African airlines play little in the African market. Tasew had said that for African airlines to succeed they needed to cooperate and build capacity in leadership and resources and they need to be supported by their governments. “You might have heard from different sources that today around 80 percent of African air traffic is carried by non-African carries. Hence, Africa shares the remaining 20 percent. So, there is a big market for African airlines. “We have to take our reasonable share from this market. We can only take this share when Africans partner. We are brothers as African citizens and that is what we are encouraging. Unfortunately, many new starter African airlines didn’t succeed. The problem is internal capacity, capacity in leadership and deployment of resources. “We don’t have the right visions individually. We have to cooperate on financial front, on maintenance, technical know-how and developing human resources amongst others. One of the critical problems for African airlines is that we don’t have enough trained aviation professionals. “So, we have to cooperate. Unfortunately, we didn’t succeed for different reasons. One is lack of leadership, from African government and airline operators. Air transport business requires discipline in leadership and commitment. “If you don’t control your costs, you cannot succeed. If you cannot develop long- term strategy, you cannot succeed. So, we have to help each other and government has to play an active role in facilitating development of airlines in Africa,� Tasew said. Trade, Investment, Tourism The IATA Director General and CEO also spoke on issues that would help aviation unlock more of Africa’s potential, not just for trade, but investment and tourism as well. He said IATA is promoting three key agreements which, when combined, have the potential to transform the continent. Firstly, is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which came into force in July and has the potential to boost intra-Africa trade by 52 per cent with the elimination of import duties and non-tariff barriers. Secondly, is the African Union (AU) Free Movement Protocol, which would ease the severe visa restrictions that African countries impose on African visitors. “About 75 per cent of African countries require visas for African visitors. And the convenience
of visa-on arrival is only offered to 24 per cent of African visitors. The free movement protocol would play a key role in making it easier to travel and trade within this enormous continent, which is part of the AU’s Agenda 2063. “But only four states (Mali, Niger, Rwanda and Sao Tome & Principe) have ratified the free movement protocol. That’s well short of the 15 needed for it to become operational. So, there is still much work to be done,� De Juniac disclosed. Lastly, three is the Single African Air Transport Market—or SAATM—which is the vision for opening intra-African connectivity. “It has a strong regulatory framework and sufficient protections built-in. But only 31 African states have signed the SAATM agreement. And fewer still—nine—have translated it into national legislation. “My message to governments on this triumvirate of agreements is simple—hurry-up! We know the contributions that connectivity will make to the SDGs. Why wait any longer to give airlines the freedom to do business and Africans the freedom to explore their continent?� Safety Although Africa has recorded improved safety in flight operations involving commercial airliners, but the IATA boss reiterated that safety remains the Association’s top priority. “The loss of ET302 earlier this year was a tragic reminder of the importance of that priority. The accident weighs heavily on the entire industry. “And it created fissures in the globally recognised system of aircraft certification and validation. Rebuilding public confidence will be a challenge. A harmonised approach by regulators to returning the aircraft to service will make a major contribution to this effort. “We must never forget that global standards have helped to make aviation the safest form of long-distance transport. And there is a good example of that in the safety performance of African airlines. “The continent had no fatal jet accidents in 2016, 2017 and 2018. That is largely due to the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders with a focus on global standards, guided by the Abuja Declaration,� he said. To sustain the improvement already achieved, de Juniac said more states need to incorporate the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) into their safety oversight systems and advised that could be made a condition for the issuing of Air Operator’s Certificate.
25
T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2019
BUSINESSWORLD
MARITIME
As N300bn Customs Deal Raises Dust EromoseleAbiodun urges the government to suspend the deal aimed at accessing the over N300 billion in the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme for modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service, which is now subject of investigation by the House of Representatives.
R
ecently, the federal government approved the engagement of a consortium of four firms to enter into a 20-year concession arrangement with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for a Customs modernisation project and establishment of digital and paperless Customs administration. The presidential initiative on the NCS modernisation or “E-Customs Project,” requires the establishment of a digital/paperless customs administration. The government then approved the engagement of the consortium composed of Bionica Technologies West Africa, Bergan Security Consultants& Suppliers, Africa Finance Cooperation and Huawei to establish a project special purpose vehicle to enter into a 20-year concession arrangement with NCS and ICRC. However, the move has generated controversy with stakeholders alleging that due process was jettisoned. According to them, the selection of this the consortium was not advertised and no tender was issued to pick the best companies. Some industry analysts also questioned why the government is making the move now that the NCS appears to have unlocked the hidden advantage in adopting trade facilitation following the Service’s modernisation introduced in December 2013. This modernisation gave birth to the introduction of the Nigeria Customs Information System (NICIS) in 2014 and by 2017, the NCS had migrated to NICIS II, a further improvement on their system. Interestingly, from 2017 to date, through NICIS II, Customs has generated above N1trillion in revenue for the country. This is aside being able to have integrated other government agencies, such as the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) among others. With the implementation of NICIS II, importers, clearing agents and some customs freight forwarders, are showering the Service with commendations. According to them, the NCS has built a robust system especially since 2017 when it introduced the NICIS II which is centres around a paperless the platform, and accommodates various organisation Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Ministry of Finance, SON, NAFDAC, NIACOM Insurance Certificate, NAQS, NSA and FIRS, commercial banks and more than 3,000 private sector companies (importers, shipping lines, airlines, clearing agents). Last month, the NCS generated over N115 billion revenue despite the closure of land borders. This is said to be due to the electronic payment of duties and taxes thereby securing revenue collection and removing opportunities for fraud. Besides, clearance time is also drastically reducing for revenue collection and electronic certificates, leading to better turnaround times and therefore many more revenue cycles. Why Now Customs agents, who spoke to THISDAY, were unanimous in condemning the move and expressed surprise as to why such a complex decision is been taken now. For instance, an agent, Tunde Awotona, explained that changing such a complex Customs system to an untested IT system that has never been implemented in a big country might have an impact on the revenue collected by NCS and could have a serious impact on the ability of importing and exporting for several months. According to Awotona, “There is no need to introduce an inexperienced consortium to work on Customs issues. Such programmes should be based on public private partnership (PPP) as the contractual framework as it is a well-proven business and funding model. The granting of a 20-year concession in a non-tendered and the non-transparent process seems precisely to be the type of business model that the Nigerian government has been trying to move away from, so why on this.”
According to a source in the House of Representatives, “The selection of this consortium has never been advertised and no tender was issued for the selection of the best companies. The process was never made transparent and the current contract holders were never given an opportunity to bid. More worrying, the supposed partners within the consortium do not have any discernible experience to warrant their inclusion in such a huge and sensitive endeavour.” He further alleged that, “Huawei, as the technical partner, has never implemented, anywhere in the world, an automated system for Customs and has no experience in the Customs environment. This is a major risk as NCS play a vital role in revenue collection for the FGN. “In addition, the security debate around Huawei is not new, although it has intensified in recent months. Huawei is considered by many governments to be a surrogate for the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and therefore an espionage threat. “The United States security forces have warned Huawei equipment could be used to create a “backdoor” into foreign mobile and data networks. Having such a company monitoring all trade transaction in Nigeria could be a major issue. With the implementation of NICIS II, NCS has built a robust Customs System. NICIS II links around a paperless platform various organization CBN, FMF, SON, NAFDAC, NIACOM Insurance Certificate, NAQS, MLSN, NSA and FIRS, commercial banks and more than 3000 private sector companies (Importers, Shipping lines, Airlines, Clearing agents).” The source, who do not want his name in print added: “Last month, NCS generated over N115 billion in revenue despite the closure of land borders, because the electronic payment of duties and taxes has secured revenue collection and removed opportunities for fraud. “Clearance time is also drastically reducing for revenue collection and electronic certificates, leading to better turnaround times and therefore many more revenue cycles. “Changing such a complex Customs system to an untested IT system that has never been implemented in a big country might have an impact on the revenue collected by NCS and could have a serious impact on the ability of importing and exporting for several months. “There is no need of introducing an unexperienced consortium to work on Customs issues. Such programs should be based on Public Private Partnership (PPP) as the contractual framework as it is well-proven business and funding model. FGN or governmental agencies should have shares of the structure.” The source added that in the current set up
government has no share in the Special Purpose Vehicle that would be created. “No capital expenditure investment on the part of the government or the Governmental agencies, as the private sector partner should invest 100 per cent upfront. Additionally, the granting of a 20-year concession in a non-tendered and non-transparent process seems precisely to be the type of business model that the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been trying to move away from,” he said. Motion against Deal In a bid to prevent the nation from been shot changed, Chairman of House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso, had on October 10, 2019, moved a motion on the floor of the House of reps that the deal be investigated Specifically, he said: “There are some foreign companies who are very eager to sponsor, finance and provide technical services to what they call the modernisation of Customs, without recourse to the National Assembly. My motion is the need to investigate the curious concession proposed arrangement between the consortium Bionica Technologies West Africa Limited, who are the sponsors; Bergan Security Consultants and Supplies, who are co-sponsors, African Finance Corporation, who are lead financiers and Huawei, Nigeria Customs Service and ICRC for customs modernisation project. “The House is aware that various customs modernisation projects in the past. For example, in the 90s, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) paid for the installation of ASYCUDA++ and training of customs officers for three years. “The House is also aware that the Federal Government agreed to engage former pre shipment companies for valuation and classification of goods, hence some service providers namely Webbfontaine, Cotecna, SGS and Globalscan were engaged for that purpose. “This contract was to last for seven years, from 2005 to 2012 when the service providers handed over to Nigeria Customs Service. By 2011, one could say the positive effects of this included competent and committed workforce for Nigeria Customs Service, personnel understanding of the new process and benefits to stakeholders.” He added: “It resulted to collection of proper revenue due, elimination of corruption and other benefits. The House notes that with these put in place, there exist a one-stop shop which allows all trade transactions to be conducted through a single system domiciled with the customs. For example, all other government agencies like NAFDAC, SON and the rest have dissolved into a single platform with the Nigeria Customs Service.
“In 2011 there was an illegal concession between the Federal Ministry of Finance and a company with inadequate capital base called Single Window System and Technologies, signed in secrecy during the government transition period and this responsible house of representatives had a public hearing and stopped it to save Nigeria billions of Naira Vide the votes of Wednesday, 13 July 2011, the house. “In 2017 another move for customs modernisation was made by the Technical Committee on the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme, purported to be acting on behalf of the Federal Government called Adani Systems Nigeria Limited to modernise, maintain, develop the scanning of goods in the country in line with the pre shipment inspection act for a period of 25 years. “Again the attention of Controller General of NCS was drawn to this and the concession was stopped. Curious that in September 2019, another concession, which will last for 20 years (that is the subject matter now) is being suggested to NCS, ICRC, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Budget and Planning, Federal Ministry of Justice and this agreement is for pro-rata sharing of one percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme and a $300m investment.” “Worried that billions of naira will be frittered away from the account of the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme with the CBN, regarding the cost of this latest customs modernisation by different parties involved. Further worried that there is no difference in substance, scope and structure between the failed concession attempts of 2011, 2017 and this 2019. “There is already a national single window platform in the Nigeria Customs Service and officers of the service are performing beyond expectations, collecting duties in billions of naira on daily basis. “Convinced that the federal government is being misled by advise on this one percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme, which has accumulated in billions of naira in the CBN. A motion for CBN to account for this money was moved in the 8th assembly, the house therefore resolved to mandate the committee on finance, customs, public petitions, committee on agreements to expose the foreign and local collaborators involved in this project either as sponsors, co-sponsors, financiers and others. “Mandate the CBN to account for the funds between 2012 and now and urge all parties involved to maintain status quo until the outcome of the public hearing and report back in three weeks. Three or four foreign companies are bringing their selfishness into our national agenda. The fact that it failed in 2011,2017 there is no way it cannot fail in 2019, “Alagbaoso said.
26
T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2019
BUSINESSWORLD
INTERVIEW
Oni: Penalties in New Seed Act Will Deter Fraudsters The Director General, National Agriculture Seeds Council, Dr. Philip Olusegun Oni, in this interview speaks about efforts by the council to enhance the quality of seeds in the country. He also says Nigeria currently produces about 70 per cent of the seeds in West Africa. Obinna Chima brings the excerpts:
C
an you take us through an overview of the performance of the Council under your leadership? In 2015, I was made the Director General by the President and for four years we were able to take the council of the woods as we became the champion of West Africa. Nigeria now produces between 60 and 70 per cent of the seeds we used in West Africa and we are leveraging on technology so as to ensure that farmers have adequate access to quality seeds. I have a governing board that is very supportive and cooperative and we have been working together in order to move the industry forward. We have been able to accomplish a lot; although funding has been a challenge for the industry. But we have been able to tackle these problems instead of waiting for the federal government’s annual budget which may not fit into our plan. So, we are partnering with a lot of stakeholders both nationally and international. These partnerships and collaborations have actually assisted us in achieving some of the things we have done and also building the capacity of some of our staff as they have been trained in the United Kingdom and today they are champions in their various areas. We went to Ibadan recently, to launch the National Seed Tracker (NST) which started as a cassava seed tracker and yam seed tracker. But, what we have now is not only a tracker that is specifically tailored to a particular crop, but a national seed crop. It is an app whereby a lot of operators can operate and you see what is happening in the seed value chain from the beginning to the end. It was done at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) because IITA is a major partner to us. Under the IITA umbrella, there are other programmes which are sponsored by the BMGF. One of them is called building sustainable and integrated seed system for cassava. The other programme is Yam Improvement for Food Security in West Africa, which are funded by BMGF and we are partners to ensure that whatever gaps that are along the value chain are actually blocked whilst information along the value chain become available. Also, the seed law which was repealed and re-enacted in 2019, took us a long time to be able to get where we are today as far as the Seed Act is concerned. But in 2019, after almost 12 years, the eight Assembly concluded the works on it and it was passed to Mr. President and he has approved the Bill and it is now an Act. It is important to have a new Act because there are changing trends in the global trade industry and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind. There are also other things that were not in the old Act which has been added. One major issue is that of penalties for doing the wrong thing in the seed industry. It is very important because in any other professional business, there are also fraudulent and deceitful people as well as regulations that should not be broken. The penalties in the previous Seed Act was very minimal. For example, if anybody runs fowl of the law in the old Act, he or she was just to pay a fine of N50,000 for a first time offender, N100,000 for a repeat offender as well as a jail term of six months. But in this new Act, if the first time offender is found guilty, he or she is to pay N1 million and a jail term of one year, while a repeat offender would pay N2 million and a jail term of two years. Due to the fact that governmental funding was dwindling, a third party certification was introduced into the law because it is believed that government is not as efficient in terms of doing business. Therefore, most
seed scheme of OECD, the Organisation Economic, Corporation and Development came. I must also say as part of efforts to move the sector forward, today, we have what we call a strategy plan. It a 50-year plan and it is very important to monitor the growth and development of the seed industry. So the strategic plan was actually crafted for us by Sahel Consulting group to actually guide our organisation between 2020 and 2024. And that plan actually revealed a lot of strength, weakness and opportunities for improvement naturally. And so many things are actually in the plan. And from what I have, I think we will be requiring about N1.1 billion as additional financing in addition to our budgetary provisions to prosecute the plan over a period of five years. You talked about the feedback mechanism to detect genuine seed bag, what is it all about? The seed codex is actually a very simple thing. It has a unique label which we have to stick onto seed containers. And like I mentioned, like what happened in the drug industry, there is an actual place where aluminum code is actually put and you peel and send the number there to a dedicated number and they will tell you exactly what is contained in that container, is either fake or adulterated or genuine. It usually has the name of the company, the variety, the number and the class. Oni
of the business transactions are given to the private sector to do. Some days ago, we were in Makurdi to inaugurate the third party seed system. With this, the responsibility of our certification officers would be to oversee what those people are doing which is also another way of creating employment, because this assists the private sector. I mentioned the issue of technology earlier, we are doing a lot to introduce technology to the seed business to make it very seamless. Also, because in every business there are unscrupulous agents and like what is happening in the drug industry, we have introduced something into our seed packaging materials. So every package is supposed to carry two labels. The first one is our conventional seed tag and the second one is the seed codex. The seed codex naturally will have aluminum
Also, because in every business there are unscrupulous agents and like what is happening in the drug industry, we have introduced something into our seed packaging materials. So every package is supposed to carry two labels. The first one is our conventional seed tag and the second one is the seed codex
foil where you can remove it and get a number which is sent to a code. And you will be given an answer immediately on what is contained in the container - whether it is actually genuine or not. So that is one of the technologies we are introducing. Also, because of the fact that the yields are low, particularly today and we want to ensure that farmers have adequate access to good quality seeds, we are joining an international organisation called the UPOV. It is an international organisation for the protection of new varieties. There are breeders in Nigeria and elsewhere, but the varieties here are not protected. And it is very important to protect varieties so that whoever has created it will be given international property and he is going to earn a lot of remuneration as a result of that. But varieties must be protected, and that is what that organisation called UPOV stands for. So these are some of those things that we are actually doing. Like I mentioned, we are leaders in West Africa, a lot of countries have been coming to us to see what is making the industry in Nigeria strong. Ghana has been here, Gambia came, particularly when they wanted to start their own seed council. And because of the relative position that we have, we are doing a lot of things. Two years ago, we started what we call Seed Connect Africa Conference and Expo. Which is actually a convergence of stakeholders not only in Nigeria, but across Africa, whereby we look at issues of the seed industry, we look at the gaps, and look at the way forward. We started in 2018, and in 2018 we had about 300 delegates that came from many countries in Africa, Ghana, and other places and somebody from Switzerland. This year 2019, we had the second edition and we had more than 500 stakeholders that came from all over Africa, from Kenya and from outside Nigeria. And I want to put it on record, that 10 heads of international seed agencies attended the conference. The Secretary General of International Seed testing Federal was there, the President of International Seed Federation came, also the manager of the
Since the new Act what was introduced, can you give us the number of prosecutions and convictions that you have been able to secure? I want to state that in the council, we have a responsibility to ensure that seeds along the value chain meet all the standards. And like I mentioned earlier there are always unscrupulous people who are out there to shortchange farmers and ensure that they don’t get exactly what they want, in terms of the quality seed we are talking about. So we always organise market raids. But before we raid, we do a lot of sensitisation and educational enlightenment to educate all stakeholders on what to look for and the rest of it. But despite that you still see that a lot of people are out there to shortchange farmers. And when we go out, we do it in conjunction with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense because we don’t carry arms. So, we go to the market to raid and seize adulterated and fake seeds. Recently, the totality of what was seized was about five tons and in the last seed fair that we had in Abuja, these seeds were burnt publicly to serve as a deterrent. They were burnt public by the Minister. Let me say that some years ago these seeds companies were delisted from participating in our programme for either supplying adulterated seed or supplying fake seed to farmers. Also, two of them that were taken to court, were convicted and were sentenced. But one thing that is very important is that the old law that we were using wasn’t actually strong enough, but the new law that we have now has given the council very strong teeth to bite. What is the seed council doing to help revamp the cotton and textile industry in Nigeria? There are two transgenic varieties of cotton that have been released today and what we are doing in the council is to demonstrate the potential of this for all stakeholders to see. Because the textile industry is a very, big industry, it is a $30 billion industry which has gone under. And we in the council are doing a lot to revive the industry by ensuring that good quality cotton varieties are available.
THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE
NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 08038901925
Emmanuel Ugochukwu:
The Dancer and Consummate Performer
28
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
COVER
EMMANUEL UGOCHUKWU: THE DANCER AND CONSUMMATE PERFORMER
Growing up, 24-year-old Emmanuel Ugochukwu, like every other child, had great dreams. One of his dreams was to become either a medical doctor or a Marine Engineer. But those massive dreams came crushing down when his father suddenly died. Everything changed. In a bid to make ends meet and also to assist his poor mother, Ugochukwu had to dance in his locality for a living. But little did he know that dance was another pathway to his greatness until he came in contact with the Society for Performing Arts of Nigeria. Now a performing artiste, artistic model and dancer, Ugochukwu, who through his expertise acquired at SPAN, got himself aYemi AD’s scholarship for a three-year course in Prague , Czech Republic, has not only revolutionised his mindset but has also carved a niche for himself in the performing art industry. As the indigene of Achi, a town located in Orji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, is set to jet-off to Czech Republic for his scholarship programme, he tells MARY NNAH that dance for him goes beyond entertainment
L
et’s talk about your recent scholarship. How did it happen? It happened in April this year. I attended a programme tagged, ‘Meet the Icons’, which featured Czech-based Nigerian artiste, Yemi Akinyemi Dele, popularly known as Yemi AD. He came to Nigeria where he offered the opportunity for scholarship to dancers. I took interest and applied for it. I went through the processes of tests, sending video’s and pictures, which led me to the final process and eventually I got the three-year scholarship to study in Prague , Czech Republic. The scholarship which is based on individual’s performances was for dance and coding. How did you feel when you were told you won the scholarship? I was so excited because it has always been my dream to go back to school fully. And I owe it to Society for Performing Arts of Nigeria (SPAN) If I haven’t gotten on the platform in 2014, I don’t think I would have been where I am today. SPAN taught me how to hold on to my dreams. So, any day any time, I represent SPAN. Before entering the performing art scene, what was life like? I’m from Achi in Orji River Local Government Area of Enugu State but I was born in Sapele, Delta State. After a while, I moved to Benin and then to Lagos State. I used to be an obedient child, still am. I used to do my own thing, though being guided by my parents until life showed itself in another form, so I had to get out from my comfort zone and that was when I found out that performing art is for me. Today, I am a performing artiste; bit by bit, I am into artistic modelling and I dance also. Apart from that, I do a bit of business in order to support myself. I have been in the performing art industry for seven years. At what stage did you pick up interest in dancing? At 17 years of age and by then I was rounding off with my secondary school education. I remember that before my father died, I was always a very lively person, anytime I hear a song I will dance to it. I derived joy when I see people smile when I danced. But when my father died and I saw the other side of life, in that people I trusted so much turned me down, I withdrew into myself and became introverted. I was in that state for a long time. Even though I still had interest in music, I didn’t dance physically but danced in my mind. It was so bad that most times it came with emotions and sadness. I just kept wondering; is this how the world is and all that? That’s why these days; I draw so much passion from my major dance style – the contemporary dance and modern jazz because that is where I’m able to express myself fully. So, when a friend, Astropex Jude Ehimhem introduced me to the
memorable period in your career? The most exciting moment I would say was when I began doing the contemporary dance. I started out when I was in Benin, before then, dance for me was just the movement of the body just to make me happy. I was dancing for fun and entertainment until Astropex Jude Ehimhem, who was my coach and still my coach and mentor, introduced me to a new form of dance, the western style of dance, which is more professional. That was when it became very exciting for me. Before then, I used to do all kinds of African dances till I was introduced to the western dance style; it got my interest, passion and time. That was memorable for me.
Ugochukwu
western dance, I said with this I can express myself properly without even having to tell anyone anything. I’m the kind of person that I find it hard to go to people and tell them my problems but when you see me dance you would perceive at that moment that something is going on in my mind. That is the best way I could communicate. Now, I have taken dance so personal that if you call me to present something for you; it does not come as a rush. I like making it personal; trying hard to put my life experience into it or probably what people are going through and making it more creative and enjoyable for the audience. Dance for me, is deep! It is spiritual. So, how has the journey been? It hasn’t been easy. It has been crazy! It has been a mix of everything – the good, the bad and the ugly. There were moments I regretted, moments I loved and moments I cherished. All the same, I would say it is all worth it because it all brought me to where I am today. The challenges were first the struggles as a dancer; then in Nigeria the respect being accorded dancers now, was not there because they tagged us as unprofessional, street kids and people were always like, let’s just call them and let them take the space and entertain and that was all. But I got to realise along the line that performing arts is not just entertainment. It is art showcased in various forms. Another challenge was a situation where I took part in carnivals where I had to dance on the streets for a very long distance like from the beginning of Third Mainland Bridge to the end of the bridge just for N5, 000. So, there were lots of hard work at the beginning, all these I had to do in order to become as professional as I am today. It was so crazy that there were times I had injuries and could not dance for days and yet I kept pushing and pushing. It even got to a point when my mom said I had to stop dancing for the sake of my health. But I persisted and today, it is paying off. When would you describe as the most
How then did you come in contact with SPAN, which in a way is the organisation that has projected you globally? I came in contact with SPAN between 2014 and 2015. At that time, a Glo dance competition called “Dance with Peter� was happening. The audition took place in Benin and I took part in the audition where I met someone that came from SPAN and he said to me that he liked the way I moved my body and would want me to try out SPAN in training myself further. And I said fine. I also liked the way he moved. I was really amazed and I felt that if someone like him was this good and had got the training from SPAN, I really needed to give it a trial and that was how I started associating with SPAN. So, when SPAN held its 2015 edition of SPANFEST and graduation in Lagos, I decided to attend. I signed up for their workshop and was given the opportunity to perform during the 2015 graduation ceremony. How has your stay in SPAN impacted on your career as a dancer? It has impacted on my life immensely. It has pushed me to the extent that I have been able to find what I love and go all out for it at SPAN, they give ideas of different dance styles and you are left to make a choice of what kind of dance you really want to focus on and perfect your skills in, which I did. My major is contemporary jazz but here they also teach hip-hop, African dance and all that. Yes, at first, I felt uncomfortable doing those dance steps I was taught at SPAN but I pushed on and was able to perfect my skills. And also, through SPAN, I have come to realise that I can easily present myself as a total package in the industry, whereby if you book for a job, I know that I have to place value on my time, efforts, skill and knowledge unlike when I used to dance on the streets and would accept whatever amount given to me. Now, I have realised that if I should put more time and effort in learning this professionally, I expect clients to also place value on me and pay more money in return. Again, SPAN is not just about performing art, the fact that the founder of SPAN, Mrs. Sarah Boulos, runs it with the vision of God, whereby its allows you to be disciplined
inside and just allow God to move. It is not about you being professional or good, it all boils down to your character and personality, all of which make you as an artiste more beautiful. It is not just being good at what you do but your content and personality also portray who you are. You speak so well. What is your educational background? I only managed to finish secondary school; I didn’t go to the university. It was really hard because I lost my father at the age of 14 and by then I was entering into SSS1 and so from there, it was a struggle for me with school because I had only my mother taking care of all of us and we all were in school then. After dad died, school was a struggle, so I changed schools a lot because I was having financial issues. I went to four secondary schools before I eventual finished in 2012 from Paragon Comprehensive College, Benin City Edo State. I am this kind of person that loves my family so much, so I had to sacrifice my education for others. Although I tried getting admission into the university but it was as if it wasn’t for me; it was not just working. I had to let it be. And at a point I was thinking that life was against me, that was when God brought in dance career for me and from there I took it up and I decided to start dancing as a means of survival. Ever since, my family have been very supportive. What were your childhood dreams? When dad was still alive, I used to dream of becoming a doctor or a Marine Engineer; I dreamt of how I would grow up get married and give my parents grandchildren but dad passed away and everything changed. Those dreams died with him. Thankfully to the friend who introduced me to the new form of dance and to SPAN, where I was groomed. What vision do you have for yourself in few years to come? There is this promise I made to my mom. I told her that at the age of 26 I would know around the world; and by then I would be one of the best performing artistes in the world. And she has been reminding me of that and I keep telling her I will fulfil my promise to her. I see that coming to pass, so in the next five years from now, I want to see myself up there. I talk to people through dance not just in the physically way but spiritual because I am a Christian. So, I have always told God that the best way for me to evangelise is through dance. I see myself impacting on people spiritually through dance in few years from now. It would be a situation when people call on me, the crowd would gather not because I am able to entertain them but because I am able to impact on their lives, connect to them, letting them know that life is beyond what they see with their mere eyes. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
Ͱ͡
RoyalFatherPromotesNigeria’sImageGlobally Stories by Mary Nnah A book titled ‘Not all Nigerians are corrupt’ has been formally written in reaction to a statement made some time ago by the former Prime Minister of Britain that Nigerians are fantastically corrupt. The Egbere Emere 1, Okori Eleme, Rivers State, HRH Appolus Chu, is the author and he says there is need for Nigerians and foreigners to promote Nigerians as great and hardworking entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, worldclass entertainers and sports men of international repute who work hard to promote the world economy. He made this pronouncement at the just concluded 16th Africa Security Watch Awards, tagged, “Celebration of Africa’s best in Security, Safety and Governance�, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates where the Royal Father addressed the world as the keynote speaker alongside the Executive Dean, Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Prof Samuel Tshehla. The peace ambassador’s entrance into the United Arab Emirates this time wasn’t like his regular visits to the region but that of one who was on a globally mission to set the record straight, rewrite Africa’s story and tell the world that “Not all Nigerians are Corrupt�. Addressing the world audience, HRH Chu was of the opinion that the West sees Nigerian businessmen setting up factories as threats to the monopoly they are enjoying in the Nigerian market and African economy at large, thus they intentionally blackmail the Africans particularly Nigerians. “We all know that Nigeria is a huge market to the global economy and I do know that there are few countries in the world that have been enjoying the monopoly of the Nigeria market and because Nigerians have come of age, develop-
L-R: Executive Dean, Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Prof Samuel Tshehla; Chief of Policy and Plan, Nigerian Army, Lt. Gen. Lamidi .O Adeosun; former Chief of Defence Staff, Republic of Ghana /Chairman, Board of Trustees, Security Watcch Africa Initiatives, General Joseph Nunoo – Mensah (Rtd); Egbere Emere 1, Okoori Eleme, Rivers State, HRH Appolus (receiving an award of recognition) and President/CEO, Security Watch Africa Initiatives, Mr. Patrick Agbambu at the event
ing different business ideas and forming businesses and products that are of international standard which make them stand at par with these foreign countries and companies, thereby posing a threat to the many countries that have been monopolising the Nigeria and world markets. “So what these foreigners do is to attack us with blackmails and then generalise negative traits of a few bad Nigerians to every Nigerian they come across. They keep saying that Nigerians are corrupt, so as to, perhaps, deny them partnership with foreign companies, loans and so many other things that would aid their businesses. They are trying to destabilised Nigerian businessmen from working hard, being focused and achieving great heights.� He therefore called on the Western media to be objective and fair in their reportage, ensuring they create a balance.
“I’m using this opportunity to call on the world that there are so many Nigerians in the Western world doing wonderfully well, supporting the economy of the other sister countries and the western countries as well. But the Westerners would never come to the media and praise these wonderful people but when they find one Nigerian wanting, the news spread like wild fire and then they generalise this particular crime committed by one person to all other Nigerians who are working hard�, he maintained. HRH Chu, who described crime and criminality as part of human existence, however stressed that any individual, be it a Nigerian or foreigner, that commits crime, should be dealt with according to the law of the country in which he/ she is found wanting while all accusation should be narrowed down to that particular individual and not generalised on
over 200 million innocent and hardworking Nigerians. “Corruption and criminality is part of human existence but I am telling the world that if you find any Nigerian who is corrupt, please narrow your accusations to that particular individual who is found wanting in any area and punish him/her according to the law of your land rather than generalising the crime committed, thereby accusing millions of Nigerians who are innocent and hardworking in their different capacities demonstrating hard work and commitment�, he noted The king who was given award alongside service chiefs and security officers for their contributions to national unity, peace, security and human development, sees the Africa Security Watch Awards, as an avenue to demonstrate that Nigerians are very hardworking citizens of the world.
Remy Martin Partners Chris Ubosi on New Campaign Premium Cognac brand, Remy Martin recently launched its new global brand campaign capturing the essence of collaborative efforts and the success it generates. To launch the campaign locally, Remy Martin joined forces with a talent who embodies the spirit of the brand; Christopher Ubosi, founder and ceo of Megalectrics Limited. Megalectric is behind multiple radio station brands - Beat FM, Naija FM, Classic FM and Lagos Talks FM which are at the forefront of entertainment broadcasting across Nigeria. Tagged, ‘Team Up for Excellence’, the campaign aims to emphasise that behind every individual’s success is a collective story of collaborators united for excellence. Thus, it will introduce and showcase the team behind Ubosi with an appealing visual and assets from the local campaign will be rolled out across Nigeria in the next few weeks. Remy Martin is confident that by partnering Christopher Ubosi to achieve this feat millions of people across all demographics will be inspired to Team Up for Excellence. A press release made available to THISDAY stated that the prestigious event, which took place recently with a dazzling celebration in Versailles, France was graced by guests from around the world including Jermaine Dupri, Tamra Sim-
L - R: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Megalectrics Ltd, Christopher Ubosi and award-winning Producer and Chief Executive Officer of So So Def Recordings, Jermaine Dupri
mons, Murda Beatz, and Ubosi amongst others who share the same uncompromising commitment to achieving excellence in their respective arts. Consistent with Remy Martin’s quest of excellence, the new campaign seeks to highlight people with extraordinary accomplishments and the various talents behind them – their teams. To buttress the contemporary idea of the campaign, two films directed by Brazilian director, Vellas were conceived.
The films draw on the iconic, nearly 300-year history of RÊmy Martin, rooted in reflecting the brands values of authenticity, audacity and generosity. Remy Martin’s success through history lies in the encounter and collaboration of key characters - The Wine Grower, The Master Distiller, The Cooper and The Cellar Master. And like Remy Martin, Ubosi is where he is today because of the key talents he has encountered, collaborated with through the
years and have stood by him. “My journey has been a unique one fueled by collaborative effortsâ€?, Ubosi said, adding that, “having the right team members like Deji, Gbemi and Chico - has been key to birthing and executing various projects successfully and that’s why the Megalectrics brands have risen to the top of the industryâ€?. Global Executive Director of RĂŠmy Martin, Augustin Depardon said, “RĂŠmy Martin is more than just a brand, it is a constellation of talent driven by that rarely found feeling of belonging to a real family. We remain committed to exploring collaborations with those who have embodied diversity and multiplicity of their lives through achieved successes.â€? Founded in 1724, RĂŠmy Martin is the embodiment of Cognac Fine Champagne. The fruit of the prestigious regions of Grande and Petite Champagne, its cognac holds outstanding ageing potential. The exclusive selection of grapes that make up the heart and soul of our cognac, combined with the inimitable know-how of the cellar masters, create a oneof-a-kind aromatic intensity. For over three hundred years, the House of RĂŠmy Martins has pursued one ambition: to reveal the talents of nature and humankind through its quest to capture the very heart of Cognac.
AceBroadcasterEmmanuelUgolee AuthorsFirstBook
Economist, Broadcaster, Marketing Communications specialist, Content creator and Voice Actor Emmanuel Ugolee has added yet another giant stride to his list of known accomplishments as he turns author with the release of his book titled “A hundred random light bulbs�. Born in Jos Plateau State, Emmanuel Ugolee who hails from Abia State started broadcasting in 1999 with Minaj Broadcast Television as a Talkshow host. He went on to create the first all Nigerian music video countdown on TV...The MBI Top 10 Countdown: a television show that became a launch pad for a lot of iconic music stars including Ruggedman, Plantation Boiz, Sound Sultan, Mode 9 and a host of other musicians and music video directors. He is also the brain behind the first Nigerian TV Talk show that strictly discusses problems and potentials of the Nigerian Entertainment industries of music, movies, fashion and events called THE GIST which he created in 2015, currently running on the African Independent Television (AIT) Network on Saturdays at 11am. Popularly known for his viral nuggets shared on social media, Emmanuel began to receive immense pressure from friends and fans to immortalise his words by publishing a book and this indeed was what he just recently unveiled. When asked what should be expected from reading the book Emmanuel Ugolee responded.... “Ah! I didn’t see it in that light!� An exclamation that one makes after being hit by a fresh perspective on something that has laid docile in your mind, unveiling new and powerful angles to life’s perceptions as it affects our everyday living and relationships with others. Flipping through these pages, get ready to be hit by that feeling of a pleasant eye opening realisation, 100 sure times. This read turns on random light bulbs in your head with the potential for an interesting and deepened understanding of the otherwise ordinary.�
Emma Ugolee
Technogym Experiential Showroom Berths in Lagos Yinka Olatunbosun All over the world, the fitness scene and the culture of exercise is shape-shifting, driven by technology and changing demographics. The gap between low and high price point offerings is dramatically widening in the fitness industry, particularly for gyms and health centres. Tech-enabled high-end fitness offerings (usually backed by strong social media credentials and cult following) including new fitness trends – from virtual workout, to fitness apps and wearables, connected home solutions and more – are disrupting traditional fitness models. It is against this backdrop that Pelican Limited (BPL) recently unveiled a new showroom in Lagos for Technogym along LekkiEpe Expressway, Lagos towards creating an experience centre for both gym enthusiasts and professional athletes and others who would like to understand what Technogym has to offer and how it fits into their lifestyle. With this showroom, customers can now come in not just to touch and feel but also test the equipment they are interested in. This is because the Technogym experience should be enjoyed and not merely talked about. Interestingly, targeting personal satisfaction resonates high with BPL. This could be gleaned from the way their rich crop of professional gym trainers interact with guests, taking time to demonstrate the effectiveness of each exclusive gym equipment, offering personal training and wellness solutions designed to help one exercise in a stimulating environment and to create a fitness programme that suits your specific needs and targets. Technogym is one of Europe’s most popular wellness company and number one supplier of fitness equipment. Black Pelican Limited is the exclusive distributor for Nigeria and a few other countries (Togo, Benin Republic, Niger, Equatorial Guinea) in West Africa. Technogym promotes wellness in every aspect of human life; from organised exercise to staying healthy behind your desk at work. The Technogym ecosystem aims to offer wellness solutions to keep people motivated and healthy by creating specialised wellness programs based on individual lifestyle. The fitness and mind-body economy grew to $624 billion in 2018 (up from $595 billion in 2017). Legacy brands such as Technogym are on top of their guests’ expectations as new, innovative workout concepts are appearing.
30
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
E-TRENDS
MUSIC SHOWBIZ
‌Your weekly entertainment delight
NOLLYWOOD
Lionheart: Nigeria Oscar Selection Committee Responds to DisqualiďŹ cation Chinecherem Ojiako he Nigeria Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC) has responded to the recent disqualiďŹ cation of the country’s submission to the 92nd Academy Awards; Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart. According to the Academy, nominees in its Best International Feature Film Category must have a predominantly non-English dialogue track, and ‘Lionheart’ despite being an unmistakably Nigerian ďŹ lm, did not tick this particular box. The announcement has attracted concerns from movie producers across the globe, with major voices like Ava DuVernay, American ďŹ lmmaker and distributor, speaking up about the disqualiďŹ cation on social media, shortly after the announcement. Responding to this recent development, the NOSC Chairperson Chineze Anyaene said: “The budding Nigerian ďŹ lm industry is often faced with producing ďŹ lms with wide reach which often makes the recording dialogue predominantly English with non-English infusions in some cases. “Going forward, the committee intends to submit ďŹ lms which are predominantly foreign language – non-English recording dialogue. We are therefore urging ďŹ lmmakers to shoot with intention of
T
non-English recording dialogue as a key qualifying parameter to represent the country in the
most prestigious award. “The committee is working tirelessly in organising work-
shops, seminars and using other available media to create robust awareness on the guidelines and
requirements for an International Feature Film Entry. â€?Lionheart passed on other technical requirements from story, to sound and picture except for language as adjudged by the Academy screening matrix, which was a challenge for the committee at a time. This is an eye opener and step forward into growing a better industry.â€? The Best International Feature Film category has certain requirements which must be fulďŹ lled before a ďŹ lm can be submitted. According to the Academy, the ďŹ lm must have been ďŹ rst released in the country submitting it, after which it must have been exhibited for a minimum of seven consecutive days in a movie theatre; The movie must be predominantly non-English which means that movies with predominant English dialogue will not qualify for the award and the ďŹ lm must not be transmitted electronically or otherwise, before it’s ofďŹ cial release in the theatre. The shortlist of 10 ďŹ lms will be announced on Monday, December 16, 2019 while nominations for the 92nd Oscars will be announced on Monday, January 13, 2020. The 92nd Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood snd Highland Center in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
Music Meets Arts as LIMA Showcases Best of Gospel DJ Neptune Shuts Down Lagos with Sounds of Neptune
Mary
Nnah
One of the greatest gatherings in gospel music holds on Sunday, November 17, 2019 as the fourth edition of LoveWorld International Music & Arts Award (LIMA) takes places at the LoveWorld Arena, the headquarters of the Believers LoveWorld Ministry in Lagos. The event which will be beamed live, celebrates excellence and success in God will attract different musical artistes from different continents has the theme: Hotter Than Fire. Speaking in a media brief in Lagos that had gospel music artistes like Buchi, Joe Praize, KennyYoung and some of the LoveWorld All Stars, Pastor Tony Ikoku, Director of Media of Believers LoveWorld Ministry said that the ministry was at the center of impacting lives and raising change agents hence the hosting of LIMA to showcase the best of Gospel music and related arts like Dance, Poetry and others.
LIMA awardee, Ada
Director of LoveWorld Music & Arts, Evangelist Kathy Woghiren said that,“LoveWorld International Music & Arts Awards created in 2016 is a celebration of God’s word in music. Over the years, the platform has helped to show excellence to other ministries and raise gospel music starts. This edition will be streamed live on social media and LoveWorld TV channels even as 20,000 live
audience watches the greatest gospel show in the world. “LIMA is not only for Musicians but for dancers and poets. Our All Stars are seen as people to emulate because they bring God’s Word in a creative form�, he added. Pastor TT Edun, a member of the Central Executive Council, Loveworld Incorporated said, “Our ministry is supporting music because there are many people who experience salvation through music. LIMA is more than just music. There are other creative and artistic activities that will happen this Sunday - Spoken Words, Poetry, Dance and more).“ Pastor Tony Ikeokwu, the Media Director of Loveworld said it would be an awesome event. In the same light, Pastor Omo Alabi, Senior Executive, Chris Oyahkilome Foundation International, explained the different programme of impartation carried out by the Chris Oyahkilome Foundation.
Vanessa Obioha
For his ďŹ rst major concert, Imohiosen Patrick, better known as DJ Neptune, threw all in the ring to give a lasting impression.Tagged ‘Sounds of Neptune’, fans of the the artiste converged on Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently to witness electrifying sounds from his wheels of steel as well as spectacular performances from Wizkid,Tiwa Savage, Oritsefemi and Jimmy Jatt. Putting the show together was not an easy stroll in the park for the DJ. “Being my ďŹ rst concert, a lot went into it. There has been pressure to do this over the years but I like to take my time when I am doing things because I want to get things right. Even for my album, ‘Greatness,’ I didn’t heed to pressure; I dropped it when I felt it was necessary and everyone saw the outcome. “I believe in doing things at the
right time. With this however, it took a heavy toll on me. For four weeks, I was literally sleeping with my laptop beside me. I would wake up in the middle of the night exchanging emails, doing researches for my show,� he said in an interview. He admitted that there were times he was unsure if the concert would be a success, particularly with the erratic weather. “I was afraid of the weather because I knew rain could make things hard for me. People were worried for me but I put everything in God’s hands and it turned out to be exactly what I wanted.� It is a norm in the entertainment industry for artistes to choose upscale concert venues such as Eko Hotels and Suites to host their concerts. But for Neptune, he needed an open space where the crowd can let go of their fears and have unlimited fun.Thus, the choice of Muri Okunola Park.
31
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
E-TRENDS
Joel Benson Brings Demas Nwoko’s Legacy to Life in New VR Documentary
For Odugbemi, Creative Industry NeedsTechnological Solutions
Stories by Vanessa Obioha
At the just concluded ART X Festival, award-winning virtual reality documentary ďŹ lmmaker Joel Benson screened his latest efforts, ‘The Realities of Demas’. Based on the works of renowned Nigerian artist and architect Demas Nwoko, the seven-minute long ďŹ lm explores two of the architect’s most iconic works, which are located in Ibadan - the New Culture Studio and the Dominican Chapel. Through the ďŹ lm, viewers are taken on a virtual tour of Demas’ New Culture Studio, a sprawling building that is situated on a hill close to the University of Ibadan, and was built in the late 70s. The studio boasts an amphitheater space, which was inspired by the Greek Coliseums, and offers thespians a rehearsal ground for their theatrical productions. Inside the Dominican Chapel, viewers are immersed in this unique space that was designed with a fusion of Catholicism and African culture. The soundtrack
Guests watching Benson’s VR ďŹ lm at Art X Festival.
to this scene is the near-hypnotic chant of the monks, who surround the viewer, while they make their evening supplications. Most of Demas Nwoko’s designs incorporate modern techniques while still reecting the African roots. For instance, there are buildings that he built with local materials such as clay and laterite. Like an architecture student from the University of Lagos Orinayo Odubawo rightly observed, it is an immersive ex-
perience that captures the work of the artist in a new dimension. “I have read about the New Culture Studio a lot. I went to Ibadan last year because I was designing something similar but I didn’t have the opportunity to visit it. But watching this in VR is a whole new experience. I danced when I started watching it and people around thought I was crazy but they didn’t understand,�she said excitedly. “I felt I was inside the space. There was a rehearsal going on and I felt I was part of it.
AMVCA Returns, Calls for Entries After much speculation on whether the award will hold this year or not, Africa Magic ďŹ nally announced during the week that ďŹ lmmakers can now submit their entries for the seventh edition of Africa MagicViewers’Choice Awards (AMVCA). “It’s been a long wait,â€? said Channel Director,Africa Magic, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu in a statement,“but we are pleased to ďŹ nally announce that the seventh edition of the AMVCAs is here and set to once again celebrate ďŹ lm and television talent across Africa. Every year the industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds and we are proud to be a part of its success story through the AMVCAs.The AMVCAs remain Africa’s most prestigious awards and most reputable celebration of talent in front and behind the cameraâ€?. Last year,the award which initially held in March was hosted in September.The seventh edition will however see the award returning to that
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde at AMVCA 2018
former timeline as it is scheduled for March 2020. Though no speciďŹ c date has been given yet for the award ceremony,the call for entries opened on Wednesday, November 13 and will close Friday, December 13, 2019. Already, preparations are underway to ensure that the edition will be a memorable glamorous event. In partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria, AMVCA was created to celebrate the contribution of African
ďŹ lmmakers, actors and technicians in the success of the continent’s ďŹ lm and television industry “Beyond celebrating talent, the AMVCAs represent a signiďŹ cant investment in the African ďŹ lm and television industry,igniting ancillary industries in the process. Each year, revenues are increased and jobs are created to cater to the opportunities presented in areas like fashion, styling, photography and make-up.
The People’s Hero Live Show Kicks O Saturday After thrilling audiences with audition clips held in Enugu and Owerri, the People’s Hero live show will ďŹ nally begin tomorrow,Saturday, November 16. Only 20 contestants out of the 2,000 hopefuls that auditioned for a spot in the limelight made it to the live show. The next couple of weeks will see the contestants vying for the winning prize of N7 million. Assuring Nigerians of thrilling moments, one of the judges and a popular music artiste, Illbliss, said the judges were extremely meticulous in ensuring that only the best among many good talents that showed up at the auditions made it to the league
Contestants at Hero Lager
of Heroes. According to him, selecting 20 contestants was not an easy task. He said the judges were aware of the qualities of show and were as such guided in selecting these ďŹ nal contestants. Sponsored by Hero Lager Beer, the reality show seeks to
promote and celebrate the rich culture of the Igbo ethnic group. Assistant Brand Manager, Hero Lager Beer, Chibuikem Uzochukwu pointed out that the show“is helping to bring out the best in young people who never had a platform such as this.�
Femi Odugbemi presenting his paper
As the world continues its leap in digital advancement, renowned ďŹ lmmaker and Academy Director of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) West Africa, Femi Odugbemi has challenged creative entrepreneurs to adopt technological solutions to boost the creative industry. Odugbemi presented his thoughts at the Annual Guest Lecture of the School of Communication, Lagos State University which was held recently. The lengthy and incisive paper titled ‘Exploring the Entrepreneurial Possibilities in Nigeria’s Media Entertainment Industry’ plumbed the abundant opportunities available for creative entrepreneurs in the industry. But as Odugbemi argued, some of these wells of richness are still untapped due to lack of entrepreneurial spirit or knowledge. While noting the signiďŹ cant ways the internet and social media has changed the way the world connect and interact, thereby challenging content creators to provide more engaging content for consumers, he however pointed out that creative entrepreneurs in the entertainment sector, particularly ďŹ lm need more than content to succeed in the ever changing and competitive landscape. “Technology must be central to everything the creative entrepreneur does as well if he/she wishes to beat the competition. The path to building a new entrepreneurial culture in our entertainment and media space snakes through a viral understanding of the mindset and vision of the Steve Jobs of this world.â€? Given the projections of PwC in its last year report that the entertainment and media industry — which contributed 1.4 per cent to the country’s GDP in 2016 — will be the fastest growing market in the world with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.1 per cent in the next ďŹ ve years, the future almost seemed bright for the industry. Yet, the ďŹ lmmaker opined that these projections can only happen when creative entrepreneurs start thinking outside the traditional box and adopt technology to curb issues affecting the ďŹ lm industry such as piracy. “The odds of success or solution to any challenge in this century is as high as our regard for the power of digital technology. The odds are always in favor of technology. Jumia the online store, indicated in its last year report that more than 112 million people had access to the internet in 2018. “Also indicated in that report is the fact that were over 36 million smartphone users in the country. Another leading provider of market and consumer intelligence predicts that by 2025 there will be more than 140 million smartphone users in the country. When that happens, coupled with the inevitable fall of data costs, it would be easier to get people to watch ďŹ lms on their mobile phones on a fair subscription plan or some other new innovation that comes along. “The entrepreneurial opportunities lying in wait at that crossroad between content and smartphone technology is a vast array beyond just streaming platforms. In an ethnically diverse country like Nigeria, isn’t there for instance a genius who could create a subtitling software that would instantly serve the needs of ďŹ lms made in indigenous languages and expand their distribution across the country? “ If it is true that at some point Sony, Canon, and other camera manufacturers were shipping huge sales to Nigeria because of the volume of production going on here, how come we are not designing a camera that is customized to our environment and lighting conditions or for that matter, the unique approaches to storytelling that has become our Nollywood trademark? “If we can design aso-oke for ‘owambe’ parties and produce them from China, surely we can design the equipment used in our creative processes and trademark our designs for proďŹ t. Is anyone creating a template of tested and true matrix that can help other countries replicate the efďŹ ciency that allows Nollywood ďŹ lms to be produced in the record time it delivers its projects?â€?he queried. More importantly, the Voting Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said that higher institutions must start teaching students how to be a creative entrepreneur in order to survive in the digital world. He pointed out that MTF is structured to empower young minds to build institutions, corporate entities and brands.
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
32
IkpeazuRetoolsGovtMachineryinAbia Simon Nwachukwu Undoubtedly, the task of governance in a state as Abia is a daunting challenge. Residents of a state like Abia which literally cries for infrastructural development, urban renewal and economic upliftment among others, would have little patience with leaders. Even when the machinery of government is on full throttle as it had been in Abia under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, there would always be cry for more speed. Ikpeazu may have heard that cry and decided to respond. And he has started responding by carefully picking a cabinet that would help him deliver good governance. One of those appointments is that of his chief of staff, Dr. ACB Agbazuere. When a second term governor of a state appoints a new chief of staff, all eyes would certainly be on the appointee as the go-to man of the administration. The reason for this is obvious. Unlike initial appointments made by the governor after his swearing in for the first term, second term appointments are more thorough. The governor now has benefit of on-the-job experience and knows exactly what he wants and who he wants. This is the angle from which any discerning observer of the Abia State Government must view the recent appointment of Dr. ACB Agbazuere as new Chief of Staff to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. A press statement on the state’s official website said Agbazuere was until this new appointment, the General Manager of the Abia State Passenger Insurance Manifest and Safety Scheme. He is also a former Chairman of the Abia State Chapter of the Nigeria Labor Congress, a former elected Executive Chairman of Isiala Ngwa South LGA and a former Commissioner for Informa-
Ikpeazu
tion and Strategy who holds a Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate Degrees in Law. The position of the chief of staff to the governor is a significant one since he would be the most senior political appointee of the state government. He acts as a senior aide with the responsibility of assisting and advising the governor in the administration and management of the daily affairs of the government. To be a useful aide, the position requires a man or woman who has a demonstrable understanding of the state and the working of government. Governor Ikpeazu is a man of high intellectual capacity who has matured politically and has a clear idea of where he wants to take the state. For the governor to have picked a man with Agbazuere’s pedigree as his chief of staff, it is unmistakable that Ikpeazu craves a deeper connection with the people he had vowed to serve. Ikpeazu loves the people and wants to be a man of the people. As Ikpeazu himself said in a recent interview when asked his greatest challenges in government, connecting
with the people is on top of the list. “One is social mobilisation, getting the people to go with you, because the new paradigm in development is that you get the people involved in what you are doing. For instance, you don’t throw infrastructure, you don’t throw your vision in just like that. You must market your vision. You must market the very essence of what you are doing‌,â€? the governor stated. He seeks to bridge that gap by bringing appointees who could help him achieve that connection with the people and get them to own his vision. Ikpeazu is a visionary in government, and he had demonstrated that in the last four years. But vision is just a destination. A vehicle is required to get to the destination. The cabinet is his vehicle and when the vehicle is in good shape, it is most likely to arrive at the destination timely and auspiciously. Since coming on board in 2015, Ikpeazu had been unrelenting in the actualisation of his dream for Abia as a model state. After four years, Aba has become showcase city for
urban renewal. The administration has completed 76 roads and five bridges while works are ongoing on 96 other roads at various stages of completion. A large number of these are located in Aba. With few resources chasing many projects, no administration can satisfy the yearnings of the people for better life. But Ikpeazu’s vision is to focus on key areas that have the potential to create multiplier effects on the state economy. One of these is the development of Aba as the economic and industrial hub of the state. A functioning Aba would be a springboard for the development of the state as it would provide enough revenue to fund infrastructural development across the state. But the governors second term has come with its own challenges. A growing industrial dispute over pension and salary arears is threatening to put a dent on the garb of the peoples’ governor. Continuing gap in infrastructural development across the state and the capital city is a further challenge Ikpeazu would grapple with in his second term. And like every other state governor, he is going to battle growing public skepticism about government and public officials. Every leader wants to live a legacy after exiting power. Those who do are those able to best confront the challenges in a people-centered manner. People the people first in every government policy and implementation plan gives the administration a human face. This have to be followed by responsible and responsive political appointees who are the faces and voices of the administration. They are the ones who help the governor find that vital connection with the people and make the wheels of the government run smoothly. Governor Ikpeazu knows the importance of competent and diligent aides and has obviously found a way to bring them on board.
CCC Celebrates 39th Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Ayodeji Ake It was a season of love sharing and catering for the less privileged when the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Amuwo-Odofin Parish, Covenant Cathedral, Lagos, celebrated its 39th Adult annual harvest thanksgiving recently. Speaking at the event themed ‘Harvest of Manifestation of God’s Glory’, Church Patron, Most Senior Evangelist, Soye Oluremi Oniagba, noted that harvest in the celestial family is special because it is ordained by God. He added that the 39th anniversary is a prelude of the much anticipated 40th anniversary next year. “Here we are celebrating the festival of harvest. In the celestial ministries, it varies. Ours is the 39th edition and by God’s grace we will be celebrating the 40th anniversary next year, this is just like a prelude to the 40th anniversary and harvests are very vital to us,� he said. Oniagba lending his voice to the economy state of the
L-R: Church Patron, Most Senior Evangelist Soye Oluremi Oniagba and Chairman, Church Management Committee, Honourary Senior Evangelist Nosa Giwa-Osagie, at the event
country said Nigerians have deviated from the instructions of God as written in the Holy Scriptures. He added that the country has been maintained in its present state from falling because some pastors and religious leaders are relentlessly praying for the country. He urged Christians to
imbibe the culture of prayer for divine intervention. “It’s obvious that what God has instructed us not to do in the Holy Scriptures is what we are doing in Nigeria. “The change will come if we let God lead us. A lot of things are happening around the world whereby men get married to men so as women,
kidnappings and killing of human being. These things are not of God. “We are where we are today because of the pastors and other religious leaders who are praying for this country. And Nigeria needs prayer warriors who will continue praying for the progress of this country,� he said. The Chairman, Church Management Committee, Honourary Senior Evangelist, Nosa Giwa-Osagie, while speaking on the significance and vitality of harvest in the celestial ministry, preached against self-centeredness of leaders, adding that it disrupts progress. “We can say harvest is like Christmas to Christians where we all show appreciation to God for what he has done for us for the whole year. The evangelism group of the church came up with the theme. “My personal message to Nigerians is that we should all turn to God and we should do away with the spirit of selfcenteredness.�
OgunFirstLadyPresentsICPDGlobal CommitmentsinNairobi Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has presented her commitment to advance the implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Program of Action, at a high-level conference convened by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nairobi, Kenya. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the ICPD (which took place in Cairo in 1994), where 179 governments adopted a landmark Program of Action which set out to empower women and girls for their sake, and for the benefit of their families, communities and nations. To that end, more than 30 world leaders, global organisations and NGOs gathered in Nairobi to commit to three major areas affecting the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls. The three core targets outlined were: zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet needs for family planning and zero gender-based violence and other harmful practices. Abiodun, an SDG champion and founder of Ileri Foundation, pledged to work with government and other organisations to invest more in the health sector, with particular focus on women’s health. She also committed to personally seeing to it that 20,000 girls and 10,000 women, receive life-saving information and education over the next three years, to enable them make informed decision about their future. “Our outreach programs have already begun targeting girls in primary and secondary schools with age-appropriate information that they require to keep safe and healthy. Improving girl child education and menstrual hygiene through free sanitary pad provision in secondary schools in Ogun State, is also a high priority for us.� She also pledged to work with government and law enforcement in Ogun State to strengthen laws that protect against gender-based violence and other harmful practices affecting women and children: “We aim to establish a crisis center for women by December 2020, with dedicated emergency numbers for quick response in times of crisis.� The Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 is an inclusive platform, bringing together governments, UN agencies, civil society and private sector organisations to discuss and agree on actions to accelerate the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action, which is critical to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Moan Homes Unveils Future Landlords Promo Martins Ifijeh Irked by the homelessness of many Nigerians particularly in Lagos, Maon Homes and Facility Management Limited has unveiled its Future Landlords promo aimed at making every Nigerian a landlord or home owner with just N500. The promo, which will run for a period of one year was also designed to ease the accommodation burden of artisans, market women and low-income earners in Lagos. Speaking during the official unveiling of the promo, the Chief Executive Officer of Moan Homes and Facility Management Limited, Mr. Chibuzor Okonkwo lamented that it was unfortunate that many low-income earners in Lagos were homeless, while many were struggling to pay their rents. Stating that the scheme was a lottery promo project, Okonkwo said: “Over the years, we have observed that a lot of people are still not being able to own at least a plot of land and housing project has been very difficult in Nigeria unlike the developed countries where people can access mortgage facility with ease.� He explained that they decided to start with Lagos because they discovered that no matter how cheap accommodation was in the state, a lot of people can still not afford it. “With the introduction of the promo, individuals stand a chance of buying a ticket for N500, N1,000, 2. 500, 4,500 or 5.000 as the case may be to own a house in Lagos. Just with N500, you stand a chance to own a plot of land in Lagos. It is going to run for one year. At the end of one year, we will be able to pick out 500 people out of homelessness�. Recalling their success in the last two years, he said: “I never thought we would get to this point where we will be boasting of over 60 staff and 800 consultants. We have over 25 estates, 18 have been fully sold while the other ones are currently running. “We have been able to leverage on our integrity of whom we are to be able to help provide accommodation for many Nigerians in Nigeria. Our client base is about 12,000:� The Administrative Manager of the firm, Mrs. Nkem Anerobi, urged Nigerians to invest in real estate as it is a long-term investment they will never regret. “Our mission is to provide top reserved and strategic residential and commercial land and property for both the high and low-income earners in Nigeria with the consciousness of growing absolute reputation for integrity and total satisfaction,� she stated.
33
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
ART WEEKEND
‌For pure art enthusiasts
Zinno Orara and His Comeback Show
Zinno Orara is set for a massive comeback exhibition titled,“StandingTall: 30Years After�opening tomorrow to celebrate his thirty years of studio practice- a life canvaslaced with success stories, tinged by a tragedy. YinkaOlatunbosun reports For those who are familiar with this talented artist, ZinnoOrara, “Standing Tall� has nothing to do with his physique although he was a most-sought after male model in Nigeria back in the 90s. In his thirty years of studio practice , Orarahas demonstrated that art is a full-time job through hard work. Beneath the stairs that wound up at the Terra Kulture gallery,Victoria Island, Lagos, he recounted his ground-breaking moment on the Lagos art scene after graduating with a distinction at the Auchi Polytechnic. During his National Youth Service programme, he was involved in a national exhibition held in Abuja where the Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida encountered his eclectic pieces and advised himnot to look for any white-collar job. That same advice came from many other people, fanning the embers of passion for the arts that he had nursed as a young child. “As a child, I would draw on any surface. My parents were both teachers. I lost my father at the age of 8. He died at 36. Mid-way into secondary school, I won a national prize in Fine Art. When I got back home, I told my mother. She acted like she didn’t hear me. There was no one to guide me,� he recalled. Meanwhile, he gained
December Sunset
admission to the University of Benin to study Geography and Regional Planning which he didn’t. Instead, a friend of his at the Auchi Polytechnic persuaded him to come over to the Art school. Orara, who had made A1 in Fine Art, decided to sneak off with the friend. They found the Head of Painting Department, Dr. Adejumo who was intrigued by Orara’s old painting from secondary school
days. He was offered an admission letter. Orara graduated as the best in his class with an unbeatable record set till date. It came as no surprise when he was invited by Didi Museum for his first solo exhibition in 1991. Since then, his works had been exhibited internationally with huge financial returns. Then tragedy struck. His wife was diagnosed with cancer andthe battle lasted
LagosFringe2019ParadesTop-NotchTalents Yinka Olatunbosun The expectation for the 2019 edition of the Lagos Fringe is fever-pitch. Originating from the Lagos Theatre Festival(LTF) the Lagos Fringe shares the same unconventional performance style in giving a platform for budding creatives to show the world their potentials. This edition which kicks off with an opening ceremony at the Alliance Francaise, Ikoyiholds from November 19 to 24. At an animated session with the Festival Producer, Brenda Fashugba, details of the multiple venue festival were revealed. “We need people to feed the eco-system of the creative industry. Lagos Fringe is a multi-disciplinary platform set up to improve the life of artists by showcasing their works and developing them. It cuts across the genres of Art such as visual art, theatre, film, music and dance,� Fashugba said. She added that the Fringe was grown alongside the LTF from just 6 to 105 productions. The Fringe is a worldwide phenomenon designed to curate small scale performances or art projects to give new talents a voice. “Nobody brings a big show to the Fringe Festival. There are people who come from outside Nigeria just to see the Fringe and see what talents they can take to perform in their countries. We have started an exchange programme with Brighton Fringe. We have also taken three shows to VrystaatFringe in South Africa and they will be part of the main show next year,� she said. The Festival Director, Kenneth Uphopho added that the Fringe has a well-developed
nine years. “That brought me to my knees. I lost everything that I had worked for. I had four little children- ten, nine, six and two. I have no brother or sister,� he recounted. In the heat of trying to save his wife, he organised a charity exhibition at MydrimGallery in partnership with Black House Media in December 2014. That was his first encounter with this reporter.
Soyinka, Orimoogunje, others advocate Cultural Renaissance at Yoruba Lakotun Yinka Olatunbosun
A performance at the Lagos Fringe
programme for children to make it family-friendly. Asides Alliance Francaise, the Freedom Park and the British Council will be abuzz with performances. “Freedom Park is dynamic. You can develop your material around it,� the producer continued. One of the exciting shows to see is Esther’s Revenge, based on a real life story of a woman who killed her white lover and married someone else. “The play has gone to South Africa and is returning to Nigeria. It is very unconventional and interactive and the audience will judge,� Fashugba said. The Lagos Fringe provides an open-access to artists for performances, collaborations, workshops and skill development. Festival Director, Kenneth
Uphopho, who is also a founding member of Guild of Theatre Directors said: “Since last year, participants and show producers at Lagos Fringe Festival have consistently brought together a wide variety of eye-catching plays and bold new works that remove barriers between actor and audience, creatively using space and intimate storytelling to intensify the audience’s experience. The events are always presented in repurposed spaces and not necessarily focused on the conventional.� The six-day festival will bring together participants from Senegal, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Brazil, Ghana, Portugal, and Nigeria. Lagos Fringe is an initiative of Uphopho and Fashugba-led Performing Arts Workshop & Studios (PAWSTUDIOS).
“You met me when I had just sold two houses,� Orararecalled, adding that four exotic cars were also sold in an effort to save his wife, Adaora. The charity show which was titled, “Against All Odds� was on-going when Adaora passed on. “I was shattered. She died in my arms and in the presence of our children.� Orara blanked out and couldn’t paint. The burden of grief and care for the young children had been overwhelming. Five years gone, Orara is returning to the art scene with 45 worksin mixed media and textured surfaces. His new body of works contrast the previous one where red was a predominant colour. “I’m happier now. You can see that from the titles of my worksuch as “Standing Tall�, “Still Hopeful�, “The Bridge�, “The Triumph� and “Pregnant Possibilities,� he said with smiles. Orara’s new pieces are reflective of social realities and his philosophical ideas. For instance, the work titled, “A Stitch in Time Saves Nine,� is based on the principle of not allowing things or relationships to degenerate. “That was inspired by the state of our roads. You see a pothole today and instead of fixing it, you allow it to get bigger,� he explained. Orara has 15 solo shows in his oeuvre. His show which openstomorrow at Terra Kulture runs till November 25.
The Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and Prof Oladele Orimoogunje have added their voices to the advocacy of cultural renaissance championed by Yoruba Lakotun in the last four years. This call was made during the special edition of YorĂšbĂĄ Lakotun dedicated to the late author, Oladejo Okediji held at the Lagos Books and Arts Festival. According to Soyinka, “We were raised in our indigenous culture and we should not give up on it. We need to keep encouraging the speaking and writing in our indigenous languages.â€? In his keynote presentation, Prof. Orimoogunje said that current writers need to continually expand the frontiers of Yoruba literature after the death of Oladejo Okedijibecause there are opportunities for writers who areinterested in oral and fictive
literature. Orimoogunje made glowing remarks about the detective works written by Oladejo Okediji which include Aja lo leru (1969), Agbalagba Akan (1971), Oga Ni Bukola(1972), Rere Run (1973), Imura Idanwo Yoruba (1978), Atoto Arere (1981), Sango (1987), Opa Agbeleka(1989), Binu ti ri (1989), Aajo Aje (1997), Running After Riches (1999), Karin Kapo (2007), Aaro Olomoge(2014) and Ohun Enu Agba (2018). The panel discussion moderated by Damilare Igbayiloyeof Akonilede Yoruba, included Dr Clement Odoje of the University of Ibadan; Dr Ayodele Oyewale of the University of Lagos; Mrs Folake Benson of Scholars Runnel and Mr Ayobami Oyedele of Yoruba Di Wura. They agreed that Yoruba scholars and enthusiasts need to be more strategic in order to gain more global relevance. For Dr Odoje, “The Nigerian government needs to support the teaching, learning and research
on our languages because various countries of the world are deliberate about learning our languages and engaging those who are vast in the knowledge of Nigerian languages. The value of Nigerian languages is currently being appreciated by the international community and as a nation, we need to latch onto this as well.� Other segments of the colloquium include the extensive teaching on Greetings by Chief Gbemisoye Ayano; book reading from the last anthology of poetry by OladejoOkediji, 2018 titled, “Ohun EnuAgba�; performances by JojoBody Beat and Amulegbajo and award presentations to Prof Oladele Orimoogunje; Mama Iyabode Aboaba; Chief Gbemisoye Ayano and Mr. YemiShodimu. The first colloquium of Yoruba Lakotun curated by Olutayo Irantiola in partnership with Committee for Relevant Arts, the organisers of LABAF.
Irantiola, Soyinka and Orimoogunje at the just-concluded LABAF
A
34
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
FERTILITY
with DR. KEMI AILOJE Info@lifelinkfertility.com; Website: lifelinkfertility.com 08033083580
Understanding Diagnostic Procedures In A Fertility Clinic: Hysterosalpingogram(Hsg) Part 1
W
hen a woman is trying to conceive, many parts of the body would have to work right for this to happen. The ovaries need to produce an egg every month by a process called ovulation, the womb has to be in good shape and receptive for a baby, and the fallopian tubes has to be opened. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, sperm won’t be able to reach the egg or the fertilized egg won’t be able to get into the uterus(womb). Blocked tubes can happen for dierent reasons, but your doctor will diagnose it with a test called HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAM also called Uterosalpingography. What is Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)? A Hysterosalpingogram is a unique type of x-ray that is used to evaluate the fertility of a woman by examining her fallopian tubes and womb. This procedure is usually carried out few days after a woman’s menstrual period but before ovulation (so as to prevent risk of carrying out this procedure while been pregnant), it is mostly done between day 8 and day 10 and in some cases day 12 of the menstrual cycle.
neck of the womb (cervix) is cleaned with a cleansing solution. The cervix may also be swabbed with a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort in some centers. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted into thecervix and gently ďŹ lls the womb with liquid that contains How to prepare for HSG iodine(also known as medical dye). The liquid The HSG is performed while you are awake is ushed through the tubes with repeated and conscious. It doesn’t usually involve images of the uterus and fallopian tubes on general anesthesia. You also won’t need to the X-rays so that the doctor can see if the fast the day or night before the procedure. tubes are blocked and what parts of the tube On the day of the procedure, your doctor are blocked. might suggest taking a painkiller like ibuproThe speculum is removed and images fen or muscle relaxants an hour before your are taken with the uoroscope X-ray. The HSG is scheduled to occur. This can help with the discomfort of the test. Also, some doctors contrasting liquid will show the outline of prescribe antibiotics to be used after the test your uterus and fallopian tubes and how the uid moves through them. In some cases, the to reduce the risk of infection. doctor may ask you to move around so that side views may be captured. HSG Procedure Description Once the HSG is completed, the instruThis procedure is carried out in a fertility ments will be removed. You will be able to get clinic or a radiographylaboratory. You’ll start by lying down on a table under an X-ray imager dressed and leave the procedure room. You may experience some mild cramping in the called a uoroscope. A speculum is inserted ďŹ rst hour after the HSG. Some have vaginal into your vagina to keep it open, and then the spotting for a few days after the procedure.
Dizziness and stomach discomfort are possible in some few patients too. The physician/ doctor will discuss the preliminary ďŹ ndings with you after the HSG procedure. Also, your doctor may tell you to abstain from sexual intercourse for a few days post-procedure to prevent infections. HSG procedure risks HSG is mostly safe, but all procedures have to an extent a minimal risks. One may encounter problems if one has an allergic reaction to the medical dye in the uid. Pelvic infection or injury to your uterus is also a rare possibility. One needs to call/ visit the doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms occur after the procedure: foul smelling vaginal discharge, fainting, severe pain or cramping in lower abdomen, vomiting, heavy vaginal bleeding and fever. Exposure to radiation during HSG is small and these doses are not yet known to injure ovaries, uterus, or eggs (this includes the egg(s) that may be developing for ovulation
during themenstrual cycle in which the procedure was done). Possibility of pregnancy after an HSG procedure? Pregnancy after an HSG may be more likely to occur in women with no additional pathology this however depends largely on the cause of the patient’s infertility. An HSG procedure can be carried out with a waterbased or an oil-based contrast medium (This dye/medium enables the radiographer to see the uterus shape and fallopian tubes on the x-ray). Studies show that there was an increase in pregnancy rates with oil-based contrast when compared to water-based contrast. If you hope to get the pregnancy boost, an oil-based contrast for HSG is your best bet. This improvement in pregnancy lasted for up to three months post HSG procedure. Some women claim that they got pregnant after a month or two of undergoing HSG procedure to be continued
MUSINGS
The AGF and yet Another Responsibility John Akpan The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), now has an additional job schedule besides the ones he’d been saddled with since 2015. He will now also manage all assets recovered as proceeds of crimes under a new regulation that came into effect on October 24, 2019. It was announced as “Asset Tracing, Recovery and Management Regulations, 2019,� and published as Government Notice No. 88 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 163, Vol. 106 of 29th October 2019. The notice says all anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), have ceased to have power to manage assets whether recovered in the interim or final forfeiture. The regulation applies to illegally acquired assets and proceeds of crime by a person, corporate bodies, including financial institutions and designated non-financial institutions investigated or prosecuted under any relevant Act in Nigeria. By the regulation the AGF will also coordinate all inter-agencies investigation in recovery matters within and outside the country even as he would also co-ordinate tracing of proceeds of crimes within and outside Nigeria. Section 10 empowers the AGF to set up a structure for the transparent management of all final forfeited assets, which includes operating and maintaining a “centralized database for the storage of records of all recovered assets within and outside Nigeria.� While some reports chose to see the development as a whittling down of the powers of,
especially the EFCC and ICPC, it is hardly the case. There is nothing in the new regulation which decreases the prosecutorial powers of those anti-graft agencies. Instead It seeks to relieve them of the additional burden of managing assets forfeited to the government. The task of managing those assets has now been added to the responsibilities of the attorney general’s office. It is not surprising that the management of asset seizure has been taking away from anti-graft agencies. For one, it is a responsibility that are unrelated to their main mandate of investigation and prosecution of crimes. Anyone who knows about the law would admit that investigating and prosecuting corruption related cases is a huge burden for any agency, not least the EFCC or ICPC that are believed to be cash strapped. While these agencies have done commendable work in fighting corruption, it had been difficult to secure convictions of high-profile suspects in many cases. Part of the reason is that some of these suspects had access to huge financial resources to frustrate their prosecution. Another is the occasional lack of diligent investigation of cases before they are prosecuted. The AGF had in the past faulted the case files of EFCC for lacking diligence, and for being too weak to secure any conviction in court. This is also not due entirely to sloppiness on the part of agency investigators or prosecutors. A major problem of anti-graft agencies in Nigeria is funding. The EFCC cannot hire senior advocates of Nigeria to prosecute it cases due to inability to pay the bills. It also cost so much to conduct diligent investigation of the legion of case that come before them. This is one of the reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Executive Order 6
in 2018 to prevent suspects in corruption cases from having access to stolen funds. The Order empowers government to temporarily seize funds belonging to corruption suspects until after the courts decide their fates. Thus, in my view, the new regulation has empowered the anti-graft agencies to be able to carry out their mandates better. It has freed them from the encumbrance of having to trace and manage assets. They are not equipped for asset management and taking that burden off them should improve their efficiency. It is now the burden of the AGF to trace and manage those assets which may include cash in banks, landed properties, vehicles, jewelries, electronic items and others. This is an added responsibility for the AGF, but one he may relish due to the opportunity it would afford government. One, it is a measure that has the potential to check corrupt agency officials from squandering seized assets. There have been reported allegation of mismanagement of seized assets made against the anti-graft agencies in the past. The aim of this directive, among others, must be to ensure better accountability in the management of forfeited assets. And when the courts grant final forfeiture order on assets of suspects, a more transparent management of those assets would ensure they support the revenue drive of the government. Granted that there is no guarantee that officials of the attorney general’s office would be immuned against corrupt acts. But the probability of mismanagement is reduced when the assets are centrally managed, unlike the current scenario where every prosecuting agency manages its own seizures with little of no accountability to
any superior authority. Now that the AGF, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the EFCC (Establishment) Act; the ICPC Act; Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Money Laundering (Prohibitions) Act, Terrorism (Prevention) Act, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Act (NFIU), among others, oversees all forfeitures to government secured by all these agencies, there would be more transparency and accountability in the management. The regulation is undoubtedly a courageous executive action that better streamlines the anticorruption drive of the Buhari government. Public officials who had benefitted and are still benefitting from the previous arrangement would try to resist, and even fight back. The government must be aware that the backlash would come, and the AGF would be the soft target because the directive would be seen as a win for his office. But rather than for the office of the AGF, it must be seen as a win for the Buhari administration which had demonstrated the vision and determination to move the country to the next level of development. It is a step higher on the ladder of progress in the fight against corruption. Malami, by design or fate, has become the standard bearer of the Buhari administration’s war against corruption. It is now a burden that Malami carries, which makes him a critical stakeholder in the success or failure of government’s anti-corruption drive. He deserves prayers and support, not envy. John Akpan writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
35
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
COLLAGE EVENTS
Chief Edmund Godwin Oluwemimo Gesinde Memorial Lecture Holds November 16 Mary Nnah
L-R; Wife of the former SSG Imo State, Mrs. Augustina Umunna; President General, Awomamma Development Forum, Chief Toni Akuneme; Mr. and Mrs. Kelechi Umunna during the dedication of their new baby, Master Godfrey Umunna, at Holy Family Cathedral, Life Camp, Abuja..recently
Old students of the Ogbomoso Grammar School, Paku Hill, Oyo State have taken it as a very serious task to resuscitate their school and showcase the association. To this end, members of the Ogbomoso Grammar School, Old Students Association (OGSOSA), Lagos branch usually set aside a day annually for a lecture as well as to honour outstanding old students who have made remarkable marks in their various professions. Consequently, this year’s edition of the lecture will hold on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at the Lagos Country Club, Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos by 12pm. The annual event is also used as an avenue for old students and their families to come together for a reunion. It is also an avenue to raise funds to support the identiďŹ ed needs of their alma mater. Tagged, “Chief Edmund Godwin Oluwemimo Gesinde Memorial Lectureâ€?, the lecture series is in honour of Chief Oluwemimo Gesinde, the ďŹ rst principal of the school of blessed memory and guest speaker for this year is Professor of Management Operations Resources, University of Uyo, Prof Isaac Ayandele, who would be speaking on the theme, “Youth Unemployment: Entrepreneurship Optionâ€?. Speaking on what informed the theme for this year, one of the sons of late Chief Oluwemimo Geshinde and also an old student of the school, Captain OluďŹ sayo Gesinde, said, “We all know that there are a lot of unemployed graduates in the country right now and people are saying that it is a ticking time bomb in Nigeria. So, a lot of people are trying to emphasize on entrepreneurship for the nowadays youths instead of waiting to be employedâ€?. Chairman of the Association, Chief Cato Olanipekun said: “I am seeing so many youths in Nigeria tapping from the rich resource of our guest speaker. Nowadays, there is a lot of unemployment in the country and our guest speaker for this year is a resource person, so a lot of young people and even the adults would gain a lot form his lecture.â€?
Stephen&ZaiChandler,PastorTonyRapu,Sinach, OtherstoSpeakatWaterbrook’sConference
L-R: Senior Special Adviser to Honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, Bode Oke; Executive; Head Corporate Aairs, MultiChoice Nigeria, Caroline Oghuma; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu and MultiChoice Talent Factory, Academy Director for West Africa, Femi Odugbemi during the courtesy visit to the Commissioner’s oďŹƒce in Lagos... recently
The Waterbrook is changing the narrative and inviting young people on a journey to discover their purpose and identity at the Living Your Best Life Conference taking place from November 22 to 24 at 56A Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed Living Your Best Life: A Three-Day Journey, the conference will feature panel discussions and teachings that highlight what it truly means to live your best life. The speakers, who walk the talk, have been specially selected to carry every attendee on this three-day journey as they share insights on how they are living their best lives. The speakers include: Stephen & Zai Chandler, Lead Pastors of one of the fastest growing churches in America; Lanre Olusola, Founder of Olusola Lanre Coaching Academy; Tolu Ijogun, Head, Brand, Marketing Strategy at FSDH Group and Founder of Real Talk Women Initiative; Banky W, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Actor; Osayi Alile, CEO, Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation; and Yomi Awobokun, CEO Enyo Retail. Another key highlight of the conference is the music concert which will be headlined by the multi-award winning Gospel singer, Sinach. The concert will also feature other talented artistes such as Mairo Ese, Chidinma, and Nosa. Everyone who attends can expect to leave the conference empowered with enlightening information on how to live a fulďŹ lling and rewarding life in 2020 and beyond. For more information about the conference and registration details, visit http://www.thewaterbrook.com.
WISCARHolds2019AnnualLeadership, MentoringConference Funmi Ogundare Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Founder, Nigeria and Entrepreneurship: Summit & Honors(NESH) and Nkechi Ugwu-Oju cutting their joint 60th & 55th Birthday Cake with some NESH Honorees and Friends of NESH at the 4th NESH Annual Gala Dinner, at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos....recently
L-R Founder, Incubator Africa and Board Member, Teach For Nigeria, Alero-Ayida Otobo; CEO / Co-founder of Teach For All, Wendy Kopp; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and CEO, Teach For Nigeria, Folawe Omikunle, during a courtesy visit by the Teach for Nigeria Team to the Lagos State government House...recently ETOP UKUTT
Women in Successful Careers in Nigeria (WISCAR), is set to hold its 2019 annual leadership and mentorship conference. Themed ‘ I Do Not Walk Alone’, the conference is scheduled on November 24, at the Muson Center, Lagos. Emphasising on the theme of the conference, Founder of WISCAR, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola said it is based on its mission to develop women and build a better nation. According to her, “to date, through our various structured and open series programs, WISCAR has impacted over 8,000 women and men. “Our conference theme ‘I do not walk alone’, is a perfect summation of the essence of WISCAR. “ In our various mentorship programs and advocacy for equity and parity, we harness the power of togetherness, community and networks to achieve critical impact. “We believe ďŹ rmly in the timeless African proverb that says if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together. Now more than ever, it is pertinent to pay attention to the issue of solidarity, partnership and collaboration and this is what we are actively doing at WISCAR.â€? The Executive Secretary, Mrs. Fabia Ogunmekan said the theme of the event is in consonance with what WISCAR promotes. The keynote is expected to be delivered by the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed. WISCAR is a non-proďŹ t 12-month structured mentoring programme focused on empowering and developing professional women in diverse careers in the formal and informal economy to contribute to nation-building in Nigeria.
36
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
With Reunion, Auchi Poly Alumni Chart Better Future With the coming together of old students of Auchi Polytechnic under the umbrella of Great Auchi Polytes Club, Ugo Aliogo writes that this sort of reunion opens vista of opportunity for bonding, wealth creation, and giving back to alma mater
I
t is trite to say that since creation, man has remained a social animal who makes progress through social interactions with others in his daily activities. This social interaction is further reinforced through the formation of associations, be it in the religious, political, cultural and economic spheres. It has also become an accepted norm that as civilisation and globalisation continue to dominate man’s actions and decisions, there is a compelling need for more interdependence, both at micro and macro levels in our ever-changing world. Even in the educational sector, former students have come to explore the need for continued reunion with their contemporaries, and this quest has given rise to old students and alumni associations. It is the same drive to bond together as in the good old school days, that led some former students of the old Auchi Polytechnic to come together to initiate and nurture to fruition, Great Auchi Polytes Forum (GAPF). The GAPF recently held a three-day maiden Reunion tagged ‘Barracuda Bonding’, at the prestigious Barracuda Resort and Recreation Centre and Lekki Miama Beach Resort, in Lekki, Lagos. The event was the culmination of about four years of social media of camaraderie of Gapians in different states of Nigeria and other countries of the world, who had to come together physically to meet and bond in the most refreshing and fun filled manner. Before the “Barracuda Bonding’’, the various leaders of the WhatApp groups
Gap Reunion
had worked assiduously to put together a road map for the sustenance of the new organisation. At the CAP Club Reunion, the President of the Forum, Prince Egbe Humphrey, went memory lane, posing the questions: “who are we, what is our mission, what’s the dream, where were we?� He continued: “The Great Auchi Polytes Club is an international social organisation of elites from the old Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State. Our membership spans across the globe with branches in North America, Europe, and Africa; a member of GAP Family is known as a Gapian.� On the mission of GAP Club, the president added: �The mission of GAP Club is to foster love, friendship and unity amongst subscribing Polytes, with a view to reinstating the bond that existed on campus and extend it to the present day. The bond that existed on campus was that of mutual respect, interdependence, selflessness and great dreams of the future.
“Now, the future we dreamt of on campus is at hand! GAP has seized the opportunity to assemble the best minds of the old Auchi Polytechnic alumni, to reconstitute an online Golan Heights experiences albeit with some extrapolations to the present day whilst recognising our differences.� Like every organisation with an eye for a rosier future, GAP Club, has a lofty dream of “envisaging a future where no Gapian walks alone in any situation.� The president after telling the story of how GAP Club began, added: �first, we found a befitting name for the association. We chose GAP because we bridge the gap between the past and the future that we seek.� The group went further after choosing a name, to articulate some guiding principles in form of rules and regulations. It later gave the association a legal backing through its registration with the CAC Nigeria. On GAP Club’s future prospects, the president while expressing optimism, said
th future is bright, explaining, “the GAP the Fa Family Club took off from ground zero with no nothing. Today with about 100 members and ov N5million in our bank account and still over w waxing strong, the sky cannot be our limit�. He disclosed that GAP Family is organising in its first ever worldwide reunion in Lagos th year, adding that the whole world will this be represented ‘’as we celebrate and remini over old times�. nisce He added: “so in this our great future, if ou past is projected as a trend, no Gapian our w walk alone.’’ will The president echoed that to actualise th great future projected for all Gapians the di disclosed that; �since March 2017 when the clu was officially registered, it has raised club ov N12 million to support members in over va various endeavours. “Members in many situations have re received various forms of support- political, he health, parental loss, emergency grants, bu business finance, and scholarship funds, etc. N Gapian has walked alone.� No As an association keen on a better future, CA Club which has over 100 members, has CAP on its front burner a number of mouthwaterin programmes to uplift its members from ing pains pa and the shackle of deprivation. Such scheme includes, but are not limited to, sc GA Life which is an insurance scheme that GAP guarantees members families N1million in gu the th event of death. He added, “there is also GAP Family Scholarship available to members children, Sc es especially our fallen heroes and widows/ w widowers, while the GAP CREW Ltd is a bu business arm that seeks to avail members w trusted partnership and healthy with fin financial returns.
Jonathan, Okowa, Omo-Agege, Gbajabiamila, Obaigbena Pay Tributes as Late Edevbie is Buried ČŠ Š—Â?˜Â?ÂŽÇ°Čą Â?ÂŽÂ?Â˜Â•ÂŠÇ°Čą ’–ȹ Â&#x;’Šǰȹȹ Â•ÂžÂ–ÂŽÂ•ÂžÇ°ČąÂ˜Â?Â‘ÂŽÂ›ÂœČąÂŒÂ˜Â—Â?Â˜Â•ÂŽČą ŠÂ&#x;Â’Â?Čą Â?ÂŽÂ&#x;‹’Ž Joel Grandball
F
riday, November 8, 2019 will forever be a day to remember for the people of Afisiere community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State as it was the day the remains of late Engr. Okpako James Rangers Edevbie, father of the Chief of Staff to the Delta State Government, Olorogun David Edevbie was buried. The funeral rites which started on November 7, 2019 with service of songs at Afisiere Secondary School, climaxed on November 10 with a special thanksgiving service at St. Peters Anglican Church, Afisiere. In his tribute to the Edevbie family, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the deceased as one of the foremost indigenous engineers from the Niger Delta who contributed immensely to the development of respective communities in Ughelli. He said: “The people of Delta State and Ughelli North in particular will miss the late icon for humanitarian services. He will be missed by his family and the good people of Delta State most especially the people of Ughelli LGA.� On his part, Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa stated that “it is to his eternal credit that the world is blessed with such an outstanding and inspirational
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and his Chief of Sta, Olorogun David Edevbie anked by a cross section of government dignitaries during the burial of Pa Edevbie at AďŹ siere
son as your esteemed self whose life has continuously impacted positively on the lives of several thousands.� Similarly, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, in his tribute said, “We are consoled by the fact that he lived a life of service to God and humanity. We are glad that he raised children of high calibre amongst who is your humble self, who is adding great value to our society.� Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote in his condolence message, said: “Pa Edevbie was a foremost, and consummate indigenous engineer, a community leader and a successful entrepreneur, whose philanthropic and peace building efforts are well known. His demise is not only a lost to the Edevbie family but also the entire community, the state and the nation.� Others who sent their tributes were Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman
Abdulrazaq; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR; Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Former Governors of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Former Governor of Cross Rivers State Sen. Liyel Imoke; Minister of Trade & Industry, Niyi Adebayo; and Minister of state Labour and Employment and Niger Delta, Festus Keyamo SAN and Hon. Tayo Alasoadura. Further tributes were received from other captains of industry such as President of Tony Elumelu Foundation, UBA and Transcorp Groups, Tony Elumelu; Chairman Geregu Power Plc, Olufemi Otedola, and the Chairman of Zenith Bank PLC, Mr. Jim Ovia. More tributes were also received from the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Tunde Fowler; Herbert Wigwe, Chairman of Ac-
cess Bank; Jubril Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of Oando PLC; Chairman and Editor-Chief, Thisday Group and Arise Global Media Limited, Nduka Obaigbena; Dr. Cecilia Ibru, President / Co-founder MCIU; President General of Urhobo Progress Union, Olorogun Moses Oghenerume Taiga, JP; the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM, Evang. Dr W. O. Oharisi III JP; Malam Tanimu Yakubu, Chairman, New Nigeria Development Company Ltd; former Deputy Governors of Delta State, Chief B.S.C Elue, and Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama SAN, amongst other eminent personalities. Dignitaries who graced the funeral service include; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; former President of the Nigeria Senate, Sen. Bukola Saraki; Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege; Sen. Peter Nwaboshi, Chief James Ibori, Babagana Kingibe, Wale Tinubu, Ndudi Elumelu, Tony Elumelu, Mofe Boyo of Oando PLC, Rt. Rev. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, Timi Alaibe, and Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. Others are, Secretary to Delta State Government, Chiedu Ebie; DESOPADEC MD, Bashorun Askia Ogieh; Chief Ighoyota Amori, UPU President General; Olorogun Moses Oghenerume Taiga; the Ologbostere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami; Chief Engr. Joe Omene; NFF President, Pinnick Amaju; Chief Ovuozorie Macaulay, Chief Mike Adiotomre, and Nigeria Business Geologist, Igho Sanomi, captains of industries, state commissioners, government parastatals, amongst others.
37
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
ENTREPRENEUR
Ikem Okuhu: Why I Wrote a Book on Brands and Marketing Ikem Okuhu, a journalist with bias towards brands and marketing reportage has been around and about, having worked in the media and the corporate world for a long while. He later resigned his appointment to run his own company, Reliks Media Limited, the platform that birthed Nigeria’s only nationally circulating brands and marketing magazine at the time, BRANDish. Okuhu who is set to launch his first manuscript on November 26, talks on the inspiration behind the book and more in this interview with MARY NNAH
W
pany, why should I sit back and allow another publishing company like mine dictates how I was going to publish my works? That I have been operating at a different corner of the same industry cannot become a limitation and that is why I am where I am today. And I am happy the way it is turning out.
hat informed the title of your book, “Pitch: Debunking Marketing’s Strongest Myths�? The book, which we are formally presenting to the public on Tuesday, November 26 at the Main Auditorium Chartered Institute of Bankers, Victoria Island, Lagos, will be my first, even though I have made some contributions in some books and journals in the past. What I try to do with this effort is examine certain strongly held views and trends in the wider marketing world in the context of their relevance and impact in the realities of everyday effort to facilitate exchange. A number of these views and trends have been with us for years. Some just became the rule as a result of practice and because they have been left unchallenged, certain levels of myths shrouded them, making people to consider them “no-go� areas. But I took a look at them and thought there are no longer the needs to sustain these myths for the overall good of the market. The title was chosen, therefore, in reflection of the central goal we set out to achieve, which was to straighten a few things and perceptions about the business of advertising, public relations and management of the sales process. What does this book seek to address? I had always toyed with the idea of writing books. In days as a younger person, I actually tried writing a novel. That was while I was still in secondary school. Somehow I lost the manuscript because those days, we wrote with pen and paper. After my NYSC, I played with the idea of writing movie scripts. I had two written but I didn’t know how to go about talking to producers. I didn’t know any producer. So I embraced journalism and later, marketing journalism. After my stint in the corporate world, I returned to journalism and there were quite a few people who thought we were doing a great job of it. But I always found certain gaps in the industry. There are no indigenous books in the subject. The ones we have are mainly academic books put together by lecturers and sold to students, most of which are not even as original as they should be. In my journey in the industry, I have read a lot of books on brands and marketing and I always found some sort of dissonance in most of the case studies and examples used to drive home points by these authors. These case studies and examples are always about companies and individuals that are not Nigerians. I therefore wondered why we shouldn’t have well-written books that discuss brands and marketing with Nigerian examples and cases? This, in my view, will facilitate uptake because these brands and projects and individuals are people we see every day. I was convinced it wouldn’t be a bad idea if we begin to read the giant strides of companies in Nigeria in books, same way we have been reading about Apple, HP, General Motors, General Electric, Samsung, Virgin Atlantic, IBM and so many others. So this book, apart from addressing some issues long held sacred, also seeks to infuse what I may call the “Nigerian Content� in the body of marketing literature. How long did it take you to publish this book? I started working on my mind early last year and actually did the story board same period. But there were so many distractions that limited my efforts to just one chapter. In June, I began to spend more time away from Lagos because of a relationship I developed with the Governor of Enugu State, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. After the election in March, boredom set in and in order to fight it, I diverted all my energy to the work and although I was shuttling between Lagos and
Okuhu
Enugu, I concluded the first manuscript in June, having resumed writing in March. So effectively, I will say it took me three months to finish writing. Have we really tapped into the potentials of what marketing communications can do for the country when you look at it from image and brand-building beneďŹ ts? I am one of those that believe that Nigeria has not even scratched the surface in terms of deploying professional marketers in managing the country’s image. The closest we came was during the era of the late Prof Dora Akunyili as Minister of Information. Nigeria has been paying lip-service to the country’s image management and that is why most of the time, you find a disconnect between what the country’s leaders are saying with what our overall national interests and needs should be. It was in reaction to this challenge that I devoted an entire chapter to address the issue of nation branding in the book. The chapter is titles, “Every Nation is not a Brand,â€? and there I used the examples of India, South Africa and Rwanda to demonstrate how nation-branding works. But we cannot achieve this in a regime where political leaders make deliberate efforts to avoid professionals. Do you know that since this government came into power in 2015, the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) has not had a proper Council constituted? Do you know that the Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, has not met with APCON for once? I am sure the situation is the same with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria. This is not how others who wish to positively impact the world and its citizens with strong country-brand proposition works. How can we deploy the services of marketing communications experts to help re-brand the country? The very first thing to be done is to show sincerity of purpose in the quest to, as you said “rebrandâ€? the country. I am however one of those that believe that Nigeria has not even been branded at all. So the question of “rebrandingâ€? should not come in now. I also discussed this in the chapter I mentioned earlier. Nigeria has been pretending to be branding and rebranding. But what has been happening are mere national orientation and
reorientation programmes, designed mainly to keep the front doors clean. Nation branding is quite intricate and involved a whole lot. In the book, I drew extensively from the 12 Pillars of Competitiveness laid down by the World Economic Forum. Any nation that wants to strengthen its brand proposition but ignores any of these pillars is bound to fail. What this means therefore, is that there are a whole lot we should put in place before bringing these professionals in marketing Communications to harness then into sellable propositions to the world. As challenged as the country is at the moment, even the few positive types of collateral we have are being mismanaged because there are no professionals advising and harvesting these on behalf of the government and the people. Did you face challenges in the run-up to the publication of the book? There were serious challenges. The very first challenge was how to conquer myself and believe that I could do it. There were these voices of doubt. There were these negative energies, telling me I was not good enough. I knew I needed to conquer them before making progress. Let me tell you that as far back as 2004, a friend of mine, Nduneche Ezurike, who now heads the Corporate Communications Division at Polaris Bank, had invited me to co-author a book. Nduneche is a very cerebral person and for him to consider me good enough for a book had told me then that there was something I didn’t know I had but which other people may have been seeing. Even before I embarked on this effort, my bosom friend, Sola Fanawopo, journalist and CEO of eMaginations PR, had also advised me to do a compilation of my articles as a journalist and publish in a book form. This was also a confidence booster and it was because I didn’t want the easy way to become a published author that compelled me to work harder in pulling this off. I also faced rejection by a couple of publishers I approached. While one didn’t even given me a chance, the other told me to send in my manuscripts and remain on the queue until early in 2020 when they would be ready to look at my work and see if it would be worth publishing. But I looked at them and decided to do it myself. If I own a company that is registered as a media and publishing com-
There seems to be a dearth of technical writers, who are specialists in writing books of this nature, what do you think is responsible for this lack of writers? Again, let say that part of what inspired this book was the dearth of Nigerian Content in marketing literature. The truth is that Nigerian marketing and marketing communications professionals have behaved pretty much like Nigerian native doctors who die with the secrets of the powers of herbs, failing to either document them or pass them to those who will make these portent powers of nature useful in a wider sense to the society. I spent years buying and reading books authored by Al Ries, Jack Trout, Martin Lindstrom and many others. Somebody like Al Ries has tonnes of books out there and having read many of them, I discovered that he virtually says the same thing over and over again, in different books and using different languages. When I read Jim Collins’s “Good to Great�, I was inspired, but the frustration of reading about companies and individuals I have never heard of slowed my understanding of the book a lot. The problem in Nigeria is that most professionals; and I do not mean those who teach in our universities; are so consumed by the rat race to care about documenting what they do every day for posterity. Generations of professionals have lived and gone in Nigeria and they left with all the knowledge they gathered. Even the current generation of practitioners is caught in the same trap. Do you know the type of knowledge hidden in PowerPoint slides inside the archives of a company like Insight Communications for instance; knowledge from many years of being Nigeria’s biggest Marketing Communications Group? I mentioned Insight because in the course of writing this book, I needed a copy of an advert this agency did for Bank PHB in those days but not one person I spoke to in the agency was able to recover what in my estimation was one of the best campaigns ever produced in this country. Practitioners need to start writing. This is important, not just because we need to leave or the future generations some clear examples to learn from, but also because foreigners who wish to have anything to do with Nigeria should rely on data and research works done in Nigeria by Nigerians in order to shape their ideas on how best to navigate the market here. We all must find it unacceptable for insights and data on Nigeria to continue to come from some armchair writer abroad. We must retake our narrative and tell our own stories. That is what I believe. What message do you want readers to take from this book which is about to be launched? There are a few messages that I wish to pass across but they are all subsumed in one central message, which is that the book is all about the need to put the Nigerian story forward. Besides trying to argue against certain norms in the marketplace, I am also trying to push the strengths and values of the Nigerian story and wit this book, I am working to send a message that books capable of making global headlines could come from this part of the world. While could not cover every ground, I was able to document some classical marketing projects and milestones of a number of our achievers to ensure that for the Nigerian reader, they enjoy the proximity to these examples, and for the foreigner, they have the benefit of appreciating the way the “Nigerian mind� works. This is important, especially for those with erroneous globalised view of marketing. There is nothing like Globalisation, at least in the context sold to us by the west.
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
38
METRO
‌Your city life in print
Celebrating Excellence in Ndokwa Women
Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă˜Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă‘Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă—Ëœ Ă?âĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?ËÚÓÞËÖ ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ăž Ă?ÓÞÓäĂ?Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă? ÎÙÕåË Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă?ÖÞË ÞËÞĂ?Ëœ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă’Ă?Ă–ĂŽ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ’ ĂŒĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă?Ëœ SUNDAYEHIGIATOR ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?
T
he colourful night was one best described as electrifying as Ndokwa women, well known for various humanitarian efforts in their community, defied rain, and seized the moment to celebrate culture, benevolence and humanity
personified. The Ndokwa Daughters and Wives Association is a community based nongovernmental organisation committed to raising and educating young boys and girls of Ndokwa community at all levels. In her welcome address, the National President of the association, Mrs. Meg Aipoh, revealed that the association was committed to stimulating public interest in women and children affairs, and plights in Nigeria, with particular focus on the Ndokwa nation. According to her, “the association’s activities are centered around women empowerment, adult education, skills acquisition, and public enlightenment on democracy and good governance as networking and collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organisations. “Our vision is to see the Ndokwa girls and boys utilise their potentials through our various skills acquisition programs, while our vision is to develop and support the community members of Ndokwa nation through programmes that will improve the economic wellbeing of the people. “Our objectives are to promote education of girls and boys of Ndokwa at all levels, to stimulate public interest in women and men affairs in Nigeria with particular focus on Ndokwa nation, to engage in the economic development and social welfare of Ndokwa people, and cooperate with other organisations that share identical goals and ideals with our association. “Our goals are to increase the number of educated people in Ndokwa nation, promote social economic independent members of Ndokwa community, and improve public interests of women in Ndokwa nation. Our women development center was commissioned in November 4, 2017 and prior to the commissioning, over 250 men and women in Ndokwa were trained in various skills. “They were trained in paint making, bead making, perfume making, disinfectants, gele tying, soap making, sewing and many more. We will ensure the financial the financial empowerment of some of them.� About the awards, she said, “Over the past one year, we have been in the process of selecting people who have touched lives, and we have been in contact with various people from Delta and Lagos States as regards the nomination of the awardees. “We had lots of nominations and the screening committee went through various nominations to screen awardees, worked very hard to coordinate, and finally arrived at the awardees whose achievements will inspire many.� Also speaking, the President General of the Association, High Chief (Mrs.) Ngozi Egwenu
Members of Ndokwa Daughters and Wives Association
Members of Ndokwa Daughters and Wives Association, with the father of the day, Rear Admiral, Mike Onah
said, “This journey started about 20 years ago, and we have come a long way. “And by the grace of God, our people, and friends of the association, we were able to put up a gigantic structure at the Government residential Area (GRA), in Kwale, on a four plots of land donated to us by Delta State Government. “In that place, we have trained a lot of people in skills acquisition, and I know that by the time we leave here, we would be able to see some of those we had trained, and establish them, so they can be independent in line with the efforts of the Nigerian government to create jobs, and empower the youth. By doing this, they would not only be self sufficient, but also be able to empower, or train others in the various skills that they have learnt, so they can also become self sufficient. “Permit me to say thank you to all Ndokwadaughters and wives, for standing firm, through thick and thin, and going out of their ways to ensure the sustenance of our
visions, and goals. We remain committed to our objectives and mission to putting smiles on the faces of the Ndokwa nation, as we hope to continue to enjoy the peoples support. Thank you.� The award recipients include, Mr. Ogbuefi Chukwudi, Dr. Robert Uzu, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechu, HRM. Dr. Eze Obi, Mrs. Ayoade Igbeyi, Chief Alex Olise, Chief (Mrs.) Adaoyibo Okonkwo, Chief Johnson Baravbe, Mr. Victor Ogini, Otunba (Engr.) John Ogunaike and Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Limited (SEEPCO). In a brief remark, the Special Guest of Honour, Senator Peter Nwoboshi, commended the association’s efforts and contribution to the development of the Ndokwa community, and by extension, Nigeria. He however admonished them to “continue to be the salt of earth, and put smiles on the faces of our people. Your rewards are heavenly.� In the same vein, the father of the day, Rear Admiral Mike Onah (Rtd.), expressed delight in the activities of the association, nothing
that, they are “a strong force in providing much needed youth empowerment, for the development of our state, and by extension, our country Nigeria�. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the ‘Ndokwa Best Local Government Council Chairman of the year 2019’ award, which was won by the Chairman, Ndokwa Local Government Area Chairman, Ogbuefi Dafe, for his numerous transformational achievements in his constituents. In his acceptance speech, Dafe expressed gratitude in the recognition of his efforts, which according to him, is “all what governance should be about. “It should be about capacity building and bettering the lives of those we have been called to serve. I hardly honour any award, but this is so special to me. Also, I say a big thank you to the Ndokwa daughters and wives, for so counting me worthy of this great honour. I promise to continue to improve and consolidate on the status quo�.
Shepherdhill Church to Hold Just Worship in Lagos Hamid Ayodeji
The Shepherdhill Baptist Church has revealed desire of the church to organise the eight edition of Just Worship programme on November 22. The seven hours worship is expected to attract 10,000 worshippers from across the continent. Gospel artists to grace the event include the likes of Yinka Vitula, Steve Crown, Bunmi Akinola, Demilade Adepegba, Sax Angels. Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, the Lead Worshipper of Just Worship, Rev. Israel Kristilere, said despite the challenges facing us as a people, we should endeavour to change
from an attitude of complaining. He said that the key to winning is worship, adding that “when we fulfill the purpose for which God has created us, he will definitely make our life purposes find fulfillment in his plan and agenda�. Continuing, Kristilere added: “It is time to forget about our national woes, personal challenges and collective drawbacks to worship God as it is time for spiritual soaking through Just Worship. “We need to give up pessimistic feelings about our country and birth a new Nigeria. I see a better Nigeria. I see hope. I see development. I see a Nigeria of our dreams emerging.
“We need to examine the agenda and focus of this current administration when it comes to matters of the economy. I think the current president means well for the nation and if he has the power to turn the economy of the country around over night he would do it. “What he needs is the right amount of support that would enable him perform effectively, hence, I am calling on stakeholders to join hands with this government so as to achieve a sustainable developed economy. “We must also try our best to get rid of those behaviours that are tying us down. Indiscipline is an aspect of corruption, if
we are not disciplined by obeying laws and regulations, doing what are right things would align for the growth of our economy. “The government needs to also go beyond party politics because there are capable women and men who are capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth of the economy of this country who are not necessarily APC members. “It is important for the government to fish out those who are capable to serve and develop the nation’s economy so that we all can benefit from it because the country can develop a sustainable economy but we all have to come together to achieve this.�
͹͡
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
CRIME&SECURITY
Auto Dealers Decry Alleged Incessant Harassment by Customs ČŠ ÂŒÂŒÂžÂœÂŽČąÂŒÂžÂœÂ?Â˜Â–ÂœČąÂ˜Â?ȹ Š—Â?Â˜Â—Â•Â˘ČąÂ•Â˜ÂŒÂ”Â’Â—Â?ČąĹšĹ–Ĺ–ČąÂŒÂŠÂ›ČąÂœÂ‘Â˜Â™ÂœČąÂ’Â—ČąÂœÂ’ÂĄČąÂ ÂŽÂŽÂ”ÂœČą Mary Nnah
Members of the Professional Platform of Auto Dealers Association of Nigeria have decried what they described as highhandedness of the Nigeria government through the overbearing exercise allegedly carried out by the men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), who they said have made life unbearable for them in last couple of months. Appealing to relevant authorities to call to order the recent spate of intimidations perpetuated on them by Customs officers, the Interim National Coordinator of the Association, Amobi Moghalu, during a meeting aimed at forming a Joint Action Committee (JAC), which would tackle the ongoing issue, said, “The time has come to confront the demons confronting the automobile dealers. Right now the major ones are the men of the Customs and Excise Department�. He lamented that for some inexplicable reasons the men of the Nigeria Customs Service have kept about 400 car shops nationwide under lock and key for over six weeks. While stressing the economic implications on the lives of those who run those businesses shut down for the moment, Moghalu said, “The time has come for us to confront that demon, we can’t keep keeping quiet. We must confront that which is confronting us, which is to find a way to resolve this matter because you cannot kick us out of business except you want us to starve to death.� Asked if there were shortcomings on the part of the dealers to warrant the alleged high-handedness experienced from the Customs he said: “This is what we should ask the Customs. As we speak today, the Nigeria land borders are sealed. The only way you can bring in goods to Nigeria is either through the airport or the seaport. “At each of those points, there are Customs officers. We import vehicles which land at any of the ports in Nigeria. We go there and Customs gives us a valuation, you
Customs CG, Hammed Ali
pay this valuation. You return the papers to a custom officer who releases the goods before you take them outside. “It is assumed that these goods have been validated before they come to you but now, Customs turn around and come to lock up your shops and then say that you underpaid them. Is it my problem or the problem of the officer who released the good? You see, there are many grey areas in the Customs business that are unfathomable. “Okay, you locked shops for six weeks. How long does it take to verify duties on vehicles in a shop? You are working with computers. These things are electronics, they are not manual, so, tell me how long
will it take to verify if a duty is paid or not on vehicle? Yet, they have not finished verifying for more than six weeks�, Moghalu argued further. A legal practitioner, Joe C, having listened to the plight of the automobile dealers, described it as a worrisome development. “It is worrisome because the men of the Customs did not ask questions, they just came in and sealed up shops owned by these auto dealers. “If for any reason they believe that some of the vehicles were not properly cleared, then pick those vehicles only rather than do a general closure of shops. We do not know why they did it but I’m of the view
and very strongly too, that they exercised their power beyond the Customs duties and responsibilities�. He however advised that the auto dealers should do everything within the law to redress the situation, noting that “doing everything within the law goes beyond going to court. They have representatives at the National Assembly; they can call them to order. The Nigerian Customs has a supervisory ministry that can call them to order. There are several others options, so going to court might be the last resort.� For the interim National Secretary of the association, Benny Chijioke, the last couple of months have been miserable for the auto dealers. “It is so painful for you to just have your business premises sealed without any preinformation. I would like to say that this is not the first time they are doing this; it has almost become a norm. The Customs men could just wake any day and decide to lock our shops and demand for so much money. “We usually don’t have any choice than to do as they demand so that we can continue our businesses. We have been doing this for a long time, the reason we have decided that this time, there has to be an end to this. We cannot continue like this anymore,� Chijioke said. He lamented that the most annoying thing is that they do it with so much impunity, adding, “if you go to their office to even find out what is the issue, you are treated like a beggar. It is so pathetic and we want an end to this and this is the reason why we have made so many consultations because we want to take the right approach to solving the issue at hand, we wouldn’t want to do anything that would make us to suffer the more. “We are tired of the embarrassment and intimidation by the Nigerian Customs. Imagine them locking a shop that has over 30 vehicles without even demanding any document from us to ascertain the ones that have duties or not�, he added.
CAS Visits India, Seeks Partnership in Training, R&D The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has led a delegation of senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officers on a visit to India to seek for avenues to strengthen strategic partnerships. This partnership is in the area of capacity building and Research and Development (R&D) with a view to further boost NAF’s operational effectiveness in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country. According to NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the visit, which held from November 11 to 14, 2019, is at the instance of the Indian Government through an invitation extended by the CAS of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria.
While in India, Air Marshal Abubakar, who already paid formal courtesy calls on the IAF CAS and the Deputy Chief of the Indian Army, held several other high level meetings as well as visited some IAF Bases and facilities in the country. The CAS was received on arrival in Delhi, the Indian capital, by a delegation from IAF and the Defence Adviser (DA) at Nigeria’s High Commission, Navy Commodore Olusegun Fereira, as well as the DAs of Senegal, Niger Republic, Ghana and Egypt. Those accompanying the CAS on the visit include the Chief of Training and Operations Headquarters (HQ) NAF, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Oladayo Amao, and the Chief of Logistics HQ NAF, AVM Mohammed Yakubu, among others.
Partnering for operational eďŹƒciency
Commercial Bike Rider to Spend 14years in Jail for DeďŹ ling Minor Sylvester Idowu in Warri A Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba has sentenced a 42-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, Mr. Nonso Onyeje, to 14 years imprisonment for defiling a nine-year-old boy on the altar of God’s Delight City Church in Ibusa near Asaba. The trial judge, Justice Ngozi Azinge found the convict guilty, for forcefully having multiple anal sexual intercourses with the victim (name withheld). The Okada rider who was said to
have committed the crime on March 23, 2017, at Okwe,was found guilty on a one count-charge of unnatural/ sodomy against the victim, a pupil of Royal Pathway International School, Asaba. An unnatural offence/sodomy is punishable under section 214(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C21 Volume 1, Laws of Delta State, 2016. The Judge who declined plea for alocutus by the defendant’s lawyer handed down the 14 years maximum punishment prescribed by law on the Okada rider and described the act as
barbaric, despicable and abomination, adding that people like him does not deserve mercy. “People like you should be locked away from society so that you don’t go around defiling innocent children. This will serve as a deterrent to others as cases of defilement in society is alarming� Justice Azinge said. Prosecution led by Uche Akamagwuna (Mrs.), Director Sexual Offence/ Domestic Violence of the Ministry of Justice had told the court that the convict, Onyeje committed the offence on March 23, 2017, at Okwe.
Meanwhile, the State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor stressed that sexual offenders must not go unpunished. He said the judgement has given credence to the state government’s fight against rape, defilement, sodomy, indecent assault and violence against children and women. Mrakpor who assured that the state government will continue to protect the rights of vulnerable persons, vowed to bring offenders of sexual abuse and molestation to book irrespective of who was involved.
40
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
POLSCOPE
åÓÞÒ ĂŽĂŽĂŁ ĂŽĂ“Ă ĂĄĂœĂ“ Ă?ĂŽĂŽĂŁË›Ă™ĂŽĂ“Ă ĂĄĂœĂ“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͸΀͸ͽ ͝͸͞ Π͝ͽ͞
NoTears for Akinwunmi Ambode
I
am not such a believer in the law of Karma. But I know that whatever a man sows, that he will reap. Immediate past governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, seems to be having a bountiful harvest of all that he sowed while in office. Perhaps in recent past, no former governor of the state has been as traduced as what we have seen of Ambode, within six months of leaving office. And from all indications it is yet morning on creation day for the Epe-born politician. He’s had a running battle with the state’s House of Assembly on his dealings while in office. He is being investigated on a number of transactions, top of which is the purchase of 820 luxurious buses at the cost of N48 billion, allegedly without approval by the state assembly. He has been summoned on a number of occasions, but he has continued to evade appearing before the lawmakers. The lawmakers have published public advertorials in national dailies, declaring him wanted, and followed it with a threat of arrest, just like a common Area Boy. Indeed, to get a reprieve, Ambode had to rush to the court to stop the house from summoning him for probe and even got the court to invite the Speaker of the House, Hon Mudashiru Obasa to appear in court, on the same day that Ambode was being expected in the House. The same lawmakers had threatened to impeach Ambode shortly before he served out his term. It took the intervention of Bola Tinubu for the lawmakers to stave off the impeachment hammer. Now they appear well-squared for a duel with the former governor. The sign of what to come after him was probably prefaced last August when the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) broke into his Ikoyi and Epe homes and ransacked the house, carting away some documents. It was clear that Ambode’s holiday with immunity was unarguably over. It is curious that having not allowed him to have a second term, Ambode is not left alone to savour whatever he brought home from Alausa, the seat
What is Osinbajo’s Offence?
I
am worried and very concerned that we are going back to what happened in 2003. What happened in 2003?
Have you forgotten how the presidency under former President Olusegun Obasanjo got broken? Have you forgotten how Obasanjo drew the sword againt his then Vice, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, by sacking almost 80 per cent his aides, made him redundant, and practically declared war on Atiku’s ofďŹ ce? Have you forgotten? What correlation does that have with today’s dynamics?
Ambode
of Lagos government. Everyday, he is facing fire, literally. But that was what he tried to do against his predecessor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the sitting minister of Works and Housing. I recall how Ambode, basking in the euphoria of his new office cum his chumminess with those who installed him at the time, kept releasing and sponsoring offensive articles and publications against Fashola on account of certain projects. I recall the huge noise made about two boreholes that Fashola was said to have sunk at N139milion with N78.3million expended on the upgrade of the state’s official website. Political analysts had said those offensive publications were aimed at tarnishing the image of Fashola so President Buhari would not appoint him minister in 2015. The rest , the say, is history. Today, Ambode is literally running from pillar to post struggling to stay afloat. Clearly danger and ill wind has not quite ceased. Surely, I do not have tears for what Ambode is going through, not only
because he did same to his predecessor, but also because he was a very arrogant governor, who assumed that the powers and privileges of office was eternal. How wrong! He was self-conceited, trusting only in his wisdom. And that was why he was cocky and worse still, selfish. Those who worked closely with him say he was unduly possessive of power and did not grant his appointees free hand to operate, save a few with whom he did deep deals. That was why he was accused of lacking emotional intelligence to govern Lagos. He had hired lackeys who functioned like attack dogs. I wont be surprised if they come barking at this copy. All said, the travails of former Governor Ambode should be a telling lesson to those in powerful office, especially those tenure-based: to know that someday, no matter how long or short, they will vacate the office or the office will vacate them, and that they must treat people nicely without being unduly Machiavellian and mischievous, because too often, what comes around, goes around.
NDDC: Who’s the Senator Handling 300 Contracts?
W
onders, they say will never end. The so-called Interim Management Committee (swiftly acronymed as IMC) in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) despite the protestation greeting their appointment, have swung into action, claiming that they wont be in office for more than six months, whereas, the forensic audit which they are going to oversee and supervise, is not likely to end in one year. However, they hit the airwaves with a shocking revelation that as they are reviewing the operations of the NDDC, they discovered that a particular serving senator from Delta State is handling 300 projects from the commission (NDDC), 120 of which have been fully paid for whereas the jobs have not been done. It was the kind of news that is bound to raise hairs. Three Hundred contracts by one person from the same organisation? How? Even registered and full time contractors cannot be that lucky, let alone a serving lawmaker. But the IMC, through Cairo Ojuigboh did not mention the name of the exact senator. Many people had merely suspected the senator so accused. But Senator James Manager, representing Delta south senatorial district and one of the longest serving senators (the fifth time) issued a statement from abroad where he said he went “for an official duty� daring Ojuigboh to name the senator. Chinua Achebe had once said old
Canticles‌.
James Manager
women do not feel easy when dry bones are mentioned in proverbs. It is not certain why James Manager has chosen to speak on behalf of all three senators from Delta State. Is it because he is the longest serving senator from the state? Or is it because he has continued to be the Chairman, senate committee of the NDDC for over ten years? Did he think the fingers of accusation are pointing in his direction? Is it that he does contracts with NDDC but just not as much as mentioned by the IMC? Is he daring the IMC so the attention will shift from him? We however know of a senator who got a contract to fence a village school with the sum of N350 million, few years back. And you will wonder what the entire cost of a village school is.
Well, the IMC has said the EFCC has been briefed on the anomaly and the said senator would soon be invited. But hey, what kind of organization will award 300 contracts to one man, no matter how many different phoney companies he brings? Was the IMC merely exaggerating the number of the contracts? Isi t really true that one man collected that much contracts? Is it true that 120 contracts have been fully paid for without evidence of job completion? Who approved those payments? Indeed, if the alarm raised by the IMC is true, it will not only explain why the region remains decrepit, it will indeed justify the need for the forensic audit as ordered by Mr President. We will strive to keep pace with this story..
What a question! What do you mean by dynamics? Are we not witnessing the exact repeat of the 2003 presidential drama? Or are you not aware that suddenly a new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management was created last August, just to strip Osinbajo’s ofďŹ ce of relevance? Or don’t you know what the new ministry is doing was what Osinbajo’s ofďŹ ce had been handling? Or would you also say that you did not hear that 32 aides of theVice President was recently sacked by the president? So what dynamics are you talking about?
Osinbajo
by the presidency and your likes. Remember all of these are coming out, after the rumours of discord and suspicion had swept through the seat of power. Again, the so-called war is existing only within the figments of your own imagination, not in the Villa. And if you doubt it, you will have to explain why the Vice President it was that had to go lay the foundation of the Kajola factory for the manufacture of wagons and coaches for trains, few days ago. Is that the symbol of a neglected public officer? Is it true that Mr President is being controlled by some kind of metaphysical strings in the hands of some power demagogues within the Villa?
Look, all these are mere conjectures to feed a mindset of mischief. Do not forget that it is a single presidency. The presidency is not broken by any means. Professor Osinbajo is still very chummy and loyal to the President, unlike the soured relationship that existed between Obasanjo and Atiku, at the time.
Really? You have gone into mystique? Is that part of a governance model? In any case, the man you are striving to drag into the fray is a very senior pastor and is believed to be armed with all heavenly arsenals that should neutralize every weapon fashioned against him. So can you reconcile your unfounded claim about the president?
You are talking Bunkum with a capital B. What chumminess are you seeing? A man’s ofďŹ ce is stripped down, reduced to miniature/ceremonial ofďŹ cialdom and you talk about chumminess? The deaf does not need to be told there is crisis in the market. Ok, since you are bent on defending the crack. Tell me: why did the president create another ministry to undertake the tasks executed by Osinbajo’s ofďŹ ce? Which one is cheaper: creating another ministry with all its ďŹ nancial protocols or allowing theVP’s ofďŹ ce to continue the execution, if indeed the end of this onslaught is cost-cutting? Or why were the nearly ten new aides of the First Lady, recently appointed by the same president not sacked , in an attempt to cut cost of governance? And don’t forget that the so-called ofďŹ ce of the First lady is not constitutional. And lastly, why did the Chief of Staff , Abba Kyari recently have to y the presidential jet to London , just so the President can sign the Deep Offshore Sharing Contract Bill into law, when Vice President is holding forth back at home? Why was Osinbajo not allowed to sign the Bill if it was that urgent? Do you know the cost of ying the presidential jet all the way to the United Kingdom? Saving cost of governance my foot!
It is a continuous battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. And assuredly, the forces of good will triumph over the forces of evil. No wonder people have been shouting that witches and wizards have invaded even the presidential villa. Their handiwork is manifest.
Get your facts right. The Vice President is not an Acting President in this circumstance. Mr President is not on holiday. He’s just on a private visit and so could rule from wherever, or didn’t you hear the declaration of Adams Oshiomhole on the matter? The President believes in the Vice President. He respects his person and they are virtually on the same page as far as national interest is concerned. If you think otherwise, you are on your own. Tell that to the Marines. Nigerians know better. And even the kids can tell that all is not exactly well with the presidency, despite the misleading packaged posturing
I will not engage in lousy gutter-deep talks on issues that are neither scientific nor justiceable. I’d rather focus on the crucial indices of development that can offer the Nigerian people some good measure of hope and succor. Such indices like what? Like the political calculations driving the 2023 conversations. Ahaaa. It is also alleged that one of the offences of Professor Osinbajo is in nursing the ambition of replacing his boss come 2023, and that all of these size-slashing measures are to ensure that he gets enough bloodied nose, long before the contest in a way that he wont even be able to smell the coffee when the time comes. So we are asking, what is the professor’s offence to deserve this harsh whip? Goshhhh, your mischief quotient is so high. 2023 is still very far. As far as I know, that election is not yet on the table. Mr President is not yet thinking about it and it is the legitimate right of any qualified Nigerian to aspire to run, when the time appropriately comes. But enough to say that a child that decides to grow big teeth must equally grow enough big lips to cover it. A word is enough for the wise. That is why we talk about the cold crookery of the cabal around the President. They are the ones stoking the political ďŹ re because they have their own agenda which Mr President does not even know nor understand. But he surprisingly obliges them all their schemes, rightly or wrongly. And that is the problem!
41
T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2019
BUSINESSWORLD
SMALL BUSINESS SOLUTION
Producing High Quality Cassava Flour for Export Godwin Uba
I
t is estimated that 30 per cent of the cassava tubers are lost as waste due to none processing and preservation mechanisms in Nigeria. One of the more acceptable means of preserving cassava is to convert it to cassava flour the traditional processing method is out modelled, laborious and grossly inefficient for mass production of quality cassava starch to satisfy the local demand by local industries and make room for the export market to earn foreign exchange. The federal government has given flour mills directives to transit from wheat to cassava flour as the major inputs in production of baking flour. The federal government wants to develop cassava production and other agro products and processing in the country. As a result, high quality cassava flour producing equipment importation into the country is now duty free. Also importation of agricultural machinery & equipment will attract zero duty as well. Therefore 2012 will be a good year for investment into agriculture. In this investment profile, we discuss on how to make profitable investment into cassava production and processing into quality and internationally acceptable cassava flour. Cassava flour is an acceptable among Africans, Asians and some other parts of the world as raw materials in bakeries. Just like semovita, semolina etc, it is also eaten as food by many. Pharmaceutical companies also use it as raw material. Its processing increases its shelf life, adds value to the cassava tubers (from where it is processed) before being exported to enhance its economic value, reduces waste and cuts down the cost of transporting the product to longer distances compared with the heavy wet cassava tubers that are unprocessed. The fact that this can be preserved helps to stabilise prices during off harvest season. The setting up of this project is seen to be feasible, considering the following Technical Considerations The most important thing to put into consideration when going into this project is quality. The quality of cassava flour has a great role to play in its acceptability and applications within Nigeria and outside the country. Most producers of cassava flour in Nigeria are victims of this. They ignored quality standards and in the long run, their products are turned down by flour mills in Nigeria and outside the country. The plant aimed here will be able produce and package quality finished products for export. Its rated capacity is 5,000 metric tons of well packaged yam flour per year (8hours per day of 250 days in a year after allowing about 2.5% waste). This implies capacity of about 20 tones per day. The conversion ratio of raw yam tubers to yam flour is 3:1. This means that about 1,500MT of raw yam tubers will be needed per day, working at full capacity. The machinery and equipment needed to process yam flour are (a) Peeler (could be done manually) (b) Boiler (c) Dryer (d) International Standard Scale (e) Automatic Sealing Machine (g) Packaging Machine All the above machines and processing technology can be obtained locally. The machines apart from obtaining locally can as well be imported. The addresses of where to obtain both locally made machines and imported ones will be given to prospective investors on reaching to the writer. Raw materials The raw materials needed are yam tubers. These are obtainable from farms cultivated by plantations, small holders and co-operative farmers. There is abundant yam grown in this country. Nigeria is the world’s largest producers of yams with over six million metric tons per annum of this output; only about five per cent is put into industrial use by way of chips and flour. Almost all states of federation grow yam.
Cassava-Flour Location The best place to locate this project is the area where yam tubers are obtained in abundance. Yam tubers are heavy and so transport expenses would be reduced if the project is located in areas where the tubers are grown in abundance, hence it can be sited in any part of the country. Other factors to consider include (a) Availability of labour and raw materials in commercial quantity. (b) Availability of infrastructural facilities (water, power, access road etc). Export processing zones will be most ideal for setting up this project, if it is basically for export. (c) Ease or otherwise of the accessibility of the plant site to urban areas/ markets both for local consumption and export. To accommodate the plant, one needs a large building with an area of about 1,500M2. The market The market is both local and international. The later should be targeted where there is preponderance of inhabitants of Africans
in Europe, America and Asian countries. Based on research, some marketing points internationally have been established and would be given to prospective investors. The factors that have positively affect the demand for this product include the prevalence of foreign exchange crunch, habit/culture, the increase in population of the country, the fact that its consumption cuts across demographic classes, income levels and religious boundaries. Production Process Briefly the processes involved in yam flour production are (1) Procurement of good quality tubers, weighing and washing of them. (2) Peeling the washed tubers (3) Grinding of the peeled tubers into pulp. (4) Drying of the ground yam pulp (5) Milling of the dried pulp (6) Sieving to avoid having lumps when being prepared for eating (7) Bagging and Packaging (2kg, 5kg, 10kg, 25kg and 50kg). Details of the standard required in the
international market will be given to prospective investors. Cost and Funding The project can be set up with minimum of N25.5million using locally made machines. It will be more if imported machines are to be applied. In terms of funding there are some institutions in Nigeria that are interested in the funding of this type of projects. Details will be given to prospective investors Investment Analysis The project is very profitable. With aggressive marketing strategies, good management and export oriented, the payback period would be within one year of operations. The return on investment is very encouraging at over 58%. Details will be given to prospective investors. For detailed information on export market, comprehensive and bankable feasibility studies/ report, sourcing of the required funds, please contact the writer -Uba can be reached through 08034494437
Stanbic IBTC Wins Awards Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has won five awards at the 2019 edition of the FMDQ Gold Awards which held recently in Lagos. The bank, according to a statement, emerged the overall winner in the Secondary Market category, winning the ‘FMDQ Dealing Member of the Year’ award, for the second year running. The company also won the award for ‘FMDQ FX Market Liquidity Provider’ of the year.
Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, another subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, won the ‘FMDQ Capital Markets Securities Origination’ award, thereby emerging the overall winner of the Primary Market category. The company also won the ‘FMDQ Registration Member (Quotations) Award’. Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited won the ‘Most Active Buy-side Participant in the Fixed Income Market” award.
Dignitaries that attended the event included Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State and Mary Uduk, the Acting Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Both dignitaries presented awards to Stanbic IBTC. Funso Akere, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital, said the awards would further spur the company to continue providing
excellent services across the financial services spectrum. He said: “The five awards we have won will have a positive impact on our operations. This means raising the bar in terms of service delivery. It is a challenge to continually create innovative solutions for our clients. As long as we keep delivering innovative solutions to our clients, they will continue to engage us and we will continue to do transactions.”
Winners Emerge in Access Bank ‘Womenpreneur’ Competition Sunday Ehigiator Winners have emerged in the Access Bank Plc organised ‘Womenprenuer Pitch A-ton 2019’ with a total of N8 million given to the top three finalists. At the event which held in Lagos State, Cotton Loops’ Chief Executive Officer, Bolulope Adebiyi, beat 49 other contenders to win the N5 Million first place price. This was just as the CEO of Physiocraft Allied Health Service, Tinuade Olanrewaju and CEO Learntor Limited, Mercy Igbafe, emerged as second and third to win the
N3 Million and N1 Million first runner up and second runner up prices respectively. Speaking with THISDAY, an elated Adebiyi attributed her victory to God and thanked her contemporaries for helping her out during the exercise She revealed that the grant received would facilitate her company’s growth to the “globally space and likewise make our product affordable. “Cotton Loops is an ethical black and white fashion lifestyle brand. We design and create black and white fashion globally. We make black and white high-street clothes,
casual and cooperate clothes. “I sincerely thank Access Bank and IFC for this. We are going to use this fund to expand our factory. “Within the next six weeks, we are expanding to Dakar, Nairobi, Ghana and the United Kingdom. So, we are going to expand it, and make the clothing more affordable, even here in Nigeria. “We are also an ethical brand, which means, we up-circle all of our production risk, and we give to the local women in the market for their children to crawl on and sleep on due to the dirty environment.” Also speaking, the second
runner-up, described her victory as mind-blowing. According to the CEO of Learntor, “it was mindblowing to have emerged as part of the winners,” adding that, “I am so humbled for this experience, it is life changing. Access Bank has changed our lives.” “There is potential here in Africa but our women lack the right visibility due to digital skills gap. Hence with this fund, Learntor can do more to digitally up-skill women, empower them, so they can give their businesses digital visibilities even in the international community.”
42
T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍłËœ 2019
BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE
Lawmakers Pledge Support for AMCON Obinna Chima The Chairman, Banking and Currency, House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Banking and Currency, Hon. Victor Nwokolo has assured Nigerians that the ninth National Assembly will take all necessary measures to support the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) in realising the huge outstanding debt of over N5.4 trillion owed it by obligors before its sunset. Nwokolo, who was addressing members of the House Committee on Banking and Currency at a retreat in Lagos, affirmed that the National Assembly through the committee, which has oversight mandate over AMCON would work to ensure that AMCON not only performs its function satisfactorily, but ensures that the corporation delivers on its expected mandate given that AMCON is a creation of the parliament in 2010.
While commending the previous assembly, the management of AMCON under the leadership of Mr Ahmed Lawan Kuru, its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, and the executive arm of government for amending the AMCON Act, the chairman said the National Assembly would continue to amend the Act until the federal government achieves that target for which AMCON was created in the first place, which is to stabilise the financial sector. Given that the AMCON Act had been amended and already signed into law by President Buhari, Nwokolo said the lawmakers would continue to strengthen the laws of the country on enforcement. He said enforcement has become critical given the tactics of the debtors, which has constrained AMCON from achieving optimum results especially since public funds were used to buy these loans that helped prevent
systemic collapse of the banking sector in Nigeria at the time AMCON was created in 2010. On his part, AMCON’s Managing Director/CEO, who challenged the lawmakers to consolidate on the gains of the previous national assembly said it was in the interest of the Nigerian economy to recover the debt because was not established as a charity organisation. On what the corporation under his leadership was doing ahead of the sunset date of AMCON, a statement quoted Kuru to have explained: “AMCON is already working with Ernst & Young as (Financial Advisers) to see what we need to do, how we need to work with the Nigerian Insurance Deposit Corporation (NDIC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to thinker things a little and then at certain point in time liaising with the National Assembly draw a line.
L-R: Head, Credit Risk, InfraCredit, Mr. Chidi Mike-Eneh; Head of Africa & Middle East, Principles of Responsible Investment, South Africa, Ms. Nicole Martens; MD/CEO, Verod Capital Management, Mr. Danladi Verheijen, and Head, Shared Services Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Bola Adeeko, at an Investors Breakfast Session supported by InfraCredit and Verod held in Lagos‌recently
MARKET INDICATORS
Edo State on Growth Path, Says Sterling Bank Chairman The success of the EdoBest Programme, revamp of primary healthcare centres statewide and creation of enabling environment and economic opportunities for citizens has placed Edo State on the path of growth with visible achievements in basic education, health and industrial sectors with the emergence of Alaghodaro Summit three years ago. The Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and Chairman of the Edo Investment Summit - Alaghodaro 2019, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, made this known while delivering his welcome address at the third edition of the summit with the
theme: Delivering to Our People, The Next Level - in Benin,� Edo State. A statement disclosed that at the summit which attracted captains of industry, Mr. Ighodalo said Edo State has been repositioned as an attractive investment destination in Nigeria. “I therefore would like to commend Governor Godwin Obaseki’s foresight and vision in creating this platform. The opportunity created for crosspollination of ideas between the private sector, public sector and other critical stakeholders has already begun to bear fruit,
in moving Edo State forward. “In the area of education, the EdoBest programme has received critical national and international acclaim. A record number of teachers are being taken through a deep dive, technology-enabled training program, and equipped with teaching tablets to facilitate access to 21st century teaching methodologies and resources, to prepare the children of Edo state for the learning of new skills, for a new world. In addition, we have seen schools renovated across the State, and the Government Science and Technology Colleges rejuvenated,� he added.
FirstBank Partners CFA Society First Bank of Nigeria Limited for three consecutive years is partnering with the CFA Society Nigeria to host its annual flagship event, “The Ethics Challenge,� scheduled for today and tomorrow in Abuja and Lagos for the regional and national levels respectively. The Ethics Challenge was designed to increase students’ awareness of the ethical dilemmas and issues they may face when they enter the investment management industry. At the competition, students would be given an ethics case study to analyse, evaluate, recommend and present to a panel of judges. The 2018 winner, Obafemi Awolowo University, would compete with 15 other higher institutions in the country to defend its trophy. Babcock
University, Bowen University, Covenant University, Federal University of Technology Akure, Mountain Top University, University of Calabar, University of Ibadan and University of Lagos are the schools competing in the Lagos preliminary round. Other schools are University of Abuja, University of Maiduguri, Bayero University, University of Ilorin, University of Nigeria and Madonna University in the Abuja based preliminary round. The competition will be judged by Mrs. Adeola Asabia, Member, Board of Trustees, Business Ethics Chair, University of Lagos; Musa Bagudu, Head, External Funds Management Office, Central Bank of Nigeria; Kunle Anida, Director, Deals Advisory, PWC Nigeria amongst
others. According to CFA Society Nigeria President, Mr. Banji Fehintola, the annual competition embodies CFA Society Nigeria’s mission to promote the highest standards of ethics in our investment and financial services industry. Expressing her delight on FirstBank’s support and participation in the CFA Ethics Challenge, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Folake Ani- Mumuney said, “through our 125 years of existence, we at FirstBank pride ourselves in being exemplary in ensuring that global best practices are upheld through our adherence to ethical standards across our organisational practices and activities.�
CAP Restates Commitment to Innovation The board of directors of the Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP) recently paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), to reiterate their commitment to shared values and the company’s innovative strides. The chairperson, CAP Plc, Awuneba Ajumogobia, who rang the closing bell on the trading floor of the NSE, said current realities and changes made it imperative for CAP to realign, particularly in the digital space. “We want to ensure that every CAP Plc customer can attest to having an outstanding experience.
This is why we are leveraging technology. We are also using technology for our internal processes, so, we are investing in applications to ensure that our processes are running more efficiently,� she stated. She added: “The quality of the new board and management assures me that we have what it takes to improve on the strong brand which the company has built over the years. We will be strategic to deliver remarkable value to stakeholders without compromising sustainability.� Similarly, the Managing Direc-
tor, CAP Plc, David Wright stated that the management team was leveraging every opportunity to grow volumes and revenue. According to him, “We are particular about sustainable growth for the company. Technology is a major factor to achieve this and be able to deliver on our promises to all stakeholders.� While commending members of the board, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema, urged them to, “strive for sustainability by adhering to high standards of corporate governance.
MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS
(MILLION NAIRA)
SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)
35,029,779.72
-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors
7,374,356.91
Money Supply (M2)
27,655,422.82
-- Quasi Money
116,533,891.21
-- Narrow Money (M1)
11,121,531.60
---- Currency Outside Banks
1,625,047.69
---- Demand Deposits
9,496,483.91
Net Foreign Assets (NFA)
13,911,335.83
Net Domestic Assets(NDA)
21,118,443.89
-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)
35,918,179.45
---- Credit to Government (Net)
10,452,199.38
---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA
11,007,422.79
---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)
25,465,980.07
---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)
-14,799,735.56
--Other Assets Net
7,000,253.07
Reserve Money (Base Money
2,005,600.83
--Currency in Circulation
4,677,530.81
--Banks Reserves
317,121.43
Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹
Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month Inter-Bank Call Rate
March 2018 15.16
Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)
14.00
Treasury Bill Rate
11.84
Savings Deposit Rate
4.07
1 Month Deposit Rate
8.82
3 Months Deposit Rate
9.72
6 Months Deposit Rate
10.93
12 Months Deposit Rate
10.21
Prime Lending rate
17.35
Maximum Lending Rate
31.55
Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ
OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ ÍŻÍą Ͱ͎ͯ͡
The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $62.48 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $62.82 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna
43
T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍłËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
MARKET NEWS
All-Share Index Rises 1.8% as Local Funds Focus on Banking Stocks Goddy Egene Nigerian equities jumped 1.84 per cent yesterday as gains by banking stocks lifted the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index to close at 26,843.11. Market operators said local investors shut out of the central bank’s open market operations (OMO) were beginning to focus attention on shares, noting that banking stocks were the main attraction. The Central of Nigeria (CBN)
had last month barred local investors from participating in its OMO auctions, a move intended to draw more foreign interest to improve dollar liquidity and boost the Naira. Analysts had said the move would eventually lead to higher patronage of the equities market by investors. One fund manager, who said he had been investing in cash and bank deposits since the central bank announcement, was quoted to have said he
P R I C E S MAIN BOARD
F O R
DEALS
thought the restriction from participating in OMO auction could be relaxed soon as excess liquidity affects the markets. At the close trading yesterday, 34 stocks appreciated while only three stocks depreciated. The banking stocks dominated, making the Nigeria’s top 10 banking shares, represented by the NSE Banking Index to jump by 7.04 per cent. Among the banking stocks that appreciated yesterday were: Access Bank Plc, FBN
S E C U R I T I E S
MARKET PRICE
QUANTITY TRADED
VALUE TRADED ( N )
Holdings Plc (9.6 per cent apiece); FCMB Group (9.5 per cent); Wema Bank Plc (9.3 per cent); Unity Bank Plc (8.9 per cent); United Bank for Africa Plc (8.8 per cent); ETI Plc (8.7 per cent);Fidelity Bank Plc (8.4 per cent); Jaiz Bank Plc ( 8.3 per cent);Zenith Bank Plc (7.5 per cent); GTBank Plc (6.7 per cent) and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc (2.4 per cent) and Sterling Bank Plc (1.3 per cent). The three price losers were led by Ikeja Hotel Plc with 9.3
T R A D E D MAIN BOARD
A S
per cent, trailed by Champion Breweries Plc with 9.1 per cent, while MTN Nigerian Communications Plc shed 0.12 per cent. Meanwhile, activity level was mixed as volume traded rose 2.3 per cent to 624.8 million shares while value traded declined 9.8 per cent to N10.0 billion. The most active stocks by volume were Zenith Bank Plc (167.9 million shares), Access Bank Plc (99.3 million shares) and United
O F
Bank for Africa Plc (67.8 million shares) while Zenith Bank (N3.2 billion), Nigerian Breweries Plc (N1.7 billion) and MTN (N1.6 billion) led by value. In terms of sectoral performance, the NSE Banking Index led with 7.0 per cent, trailed by the NSE Insurance Plc. The NSE Industrial Goods Index rose 1.2 per cent, just as the NSE Consumer Goods Index garnered 1.0 per cent. Conversely, the NSE Oil & Gas Index declined by 1.6 per cent.
1 2 / 1 1 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS
MARKET PRICE
QUANTITY TRADED
VALUE TRADED ( N)
44
˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019
Friday, November 15, 2019
THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX
Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Up 4.5% Yesterday, the Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index gained 4.5% to close at 1,241.25, due to gains in GUARANTY (+6.8%), ZEN-
Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index
ITH (+7.6%) and NIGERIAN BREWERIES (+0.5%). These ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϯϲ͘ϭй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘
Ticker
Current Price
THISDAY AFRINVEST 40
Price Previous Current Change Price Weightin YTD Change g
Price Change Index to Date
ROE
ROA
P/E
P/BV
Divindend Earnings Yield Yield
1,241.25
4.50%
-15.4%
24.1%
17.0%
6.0%
5.5x
0.7x
7.0%
1 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC
29.90
6.8%
19.8%
-13.2%
-13.3%
32.9%
5.4%
4.5x
1.4x
9.7%
22.1%
Banking Stocks Bolt Market to Stardom... ASI Leaps 184bps
2 Zenith Bank PLC
19.15
7.6%
12.3%
-16.9%
-16.9%
24.3%
3.4%
3.0x
0.7x
14.4%
33.3%
zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƉƵƐŚĞĚ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬ ŝŶĚĞdž
15.6%
4 Nestle Nigeria PLC
3 Dangote Cement PLC
ŶŽƌƚŚǁĂƌĚ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ^/ ƐƵƌŐĞĚ ϭ͘ϴй ƚŽ Ϯϲ͕ϴϰϯ͘ϭϭ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĨŽůͲ lowing gains in GUARANTY (+6.8%), ZENITH (+7.6%) and ACCESS ;нϵ͘ϲйͿ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ ϭϰ͘ϲй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ EϮϯϲ͘ϯďŶ ƚŽ Eϭϯ͘ϭƚŶ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ Ϯ͘ϯй ƚŽ ϲϮϰ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ value traded declined 9.8% to EϭϬ͘ϬďŶ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ĂĐƟǀĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ ZENITH (167.9m units), ACCESS ;ϵϵ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ĂŶĚ UBA (67.8m units)
while
ZENITH
;Eϯ͘ϮďŶͿ͕ NIGERIAN
BREWER-
IES (N1.7bn) and MTNN (N1.6bn) led by value.
145.00
0.0%
8.2%
-23.6%
-22.0%
47.8%
23.1%
6.4x
2.9x
11.0%
1,150.00
0.0%
7.5%
-22.6%
-22.0%
82.9%
26.3%
19.5x
16.1x
5.5%
5.1%
47.50
0.5%
4.0%
-44.4%
-39.3%
10.2%
4.6%
22.2x
2.3x
4.9%
4.5%
5 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 6 FBN Holdings Plc 7 Cement Co Northern Nigeria PLC 8 United Bank for Africa PLC 9 International Brew eries PLC 10 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C
WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁĂƐ ŝŵƉƌĞƐƐŝǀĞ ĂƐ ϰ of 6 sectors under our coverage gained. The Banking index (+7.0%) led gainers following gains in GUARANTY (+6.8%), ZENITH (+7.6%) and ACCESS (+9.6%). The Insurance (+2.0%) and Industrial Goods (+1.2%) indices followed suit, due to buying interest in CONTINSURE (+4.4%), AIICO (+6.9%) and WAPCO (-5.7%). ůƐŽ͕ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ DANGSUGAR (+9.5%),
4.9%
-21.4%
-21.9%
10.2%
1.2%
3.9x
0.4x
4.5%
25.6%
5.2%
-2.1%
-2.1%
5.8%
5.4%
12.6x
0.7x
2.1%
7.9%
7.40
8.8%
5.0%
-3.9%
-5.1%
0.5x
11.4%
0.0%
1.3%
-66.4%
-70.2%
-48.8%
-4.0%
0.0%
3.6%
-14.1%
-14.1%
13.7%
8.7%
3.6x
0.5x
6.8%
10.80
9.6%
6.4%
58.8%
66.2%
22.7%
2.2%
2.7x
0.6x
5.1%
7.50
8.7%
1.8%
-46.4%
-47.6%
13.8%
1.0%
2.4x
0.4x
12 Ecobank Transnational Inc
2.4%
2.5%
-20.8%
-20.8%
27.0%
4.0%
5.8x
1.4x
5.3%
0.0%
1.4%
-50.0%
-50.0%
3.4%
2.2%
40.2x
1.4x
8.0%
15 Lafarge Africa PLC
14.80
5.7%
2.4%
18.9%
23.3%
50.3%
23.4%
14.9x
0.7x
16 Guinness Nigeria PLC
26.00
9.7%
0.6%
-63.9%
-63.9%
4.8%
2.6%
13.3x
0.6x
5.8%
7.5%
17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC
52.95
0.0%
1.1%
-30.5%
-30.5%
18.3%
13.2%
9.4x
1.7x
3.8%
10.7%
GUINNESS (+9.7%) while IKEJAHOTEL (-9.4%), CHAMPION (9.1%) and MTNN (-Ϭ͘ϭйͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ &ŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ marked ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͕
110.90
0.0%
0.8%
-45.4%
-45.4%
1.0%
0.2%
138.7x
1.5x
15.7%
0.7%
147.90
0.0%
1.2%
-20.3%
-20.3%
22.5%
10.6%
6.8x
1.4x
5.8%
14.6%
7.5%
20 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC
15.20
0.0%
0.9%
-34.2%
-31.5%
3.6%
1.3%
11.8x
0.4x
3.49
9.1%
1.0%
-30.2%
-27.3%
14.5%
2.6%
1.5x
0.2x
22 Fidelity Bank PLC
2.06
8.4%
1.3%
1.5%
1.5%
12.4%
1.4%
2.3x
0.3x
5.3%
43.3%
23 Transnational Corp of Nigeria
1.09
6.9%
1.0%
-17.4%
-15.5%
11.7%
2.6%
5.6x
0.6x
2.7%
17.9%
24 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC
10.90
9.5%
0.8%
-28.5%
-26.4%
19.6%
11.6%
6.5x
1.3x
10.1%
15.5%
26 FCMB Group Plc
1.96
9.5%
0.8%
3.7%
8.9%
9.2%
1.2%
2.3x
0.2x
7.1%
43.0%
27 UAC of Nigeria PLC
6.60
1.5%
0.4%
-32.3%
-30.9%
-6.9%
-3.3%
7.4x
0.3x
9.8%
13.6%
2.23
1.4%
0.7%
17.4%
17.4%
8.1%
0.8%
7.4x
0.6x
29 Presco PLC
34.60
0.0%
0.2%
-45.9%
-45.9%
6.3%
3.8%
12.8x
1.3x
5.8%
7.8%
30 NASCON Allied Industries PLC
14.85
0.0%
0.3%
-17.5%
-17.5%
23.4%
8.6%
14.8x
3.5x
7.0%
6.7%
31 Forte Oil PLC
28 Sterling Bank PLC
15.90
0.0%
0.2%
-42.1%
-43.2%
49.7%
8.1%
32 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC
7.00
0.0%
0.5%
25.0%
25.0%
7.0%
1.1%
11.2x
0.9x
33 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC
18.55
0.0%
0.3%
-7.7%
-16.1%
21.8%
2.5%
2.7x
0.7x
100.6%
37.1%
34 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC
-1.7% 8.9% 10.8%
5.00
0.0%
0.1%
-58.7%
-59.3%
0.0%
0.2%
-30.3%
-30.3%
0.70
9.4%
0.3%
11.1%
11.1%
9.0%
0.9%
5.7x
0.5x
4.3%
17.7%
53.80
0.0%
0.2%
-21.2%
-21.2%
17.8%
12.5%
5.0x
0.8x
2.4%
20.2%
87.2x
0.4x
3.0%
1.1%
8.4x
8.5x
11.9%
11.9%
0.0%
0.6%
224.8%
237.1%
-33.1%
-9.4%
5.40
0.0%
0.1%
-11.5%
-11.5%
3.6%
1.8%
20.0x
0.7x
40 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC
1.65
0.0%
0.1%
-9.8%
-9.8%
9.4%
2.6%
5.7x
0.8x
4.0x
-10.1% 3.1%
T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e P ric e C hg %
EKOC OR P
3.70
9.8%
Z EN IT H B A N K
167.9
7.6%
C A VER T ON
2.70
9.8%
A C C ESS
99.3
9.6%
T ic k er
Vo lum e
P ric e C hg %
26.00
9.7%
UB A
67.8
8.8%
UC A P
2.27
9.7%
NB
36.3
0.5%
FB NH
6.25
9.6%
ST ER LN B A N K
31.4
1.4%
A C C ESS
10.80
9.6%
GUA R A N T Y
29.6
6.8%
D A N GSUGA R
10.90
9.5%
F ID ELIT YB K
28.0
8.4%
C OUR T VILLE
0.23
9.5%
T R A N SC OR P
24.2
6.9%
FCM B
1.96
9.5%
FB NH
15.9
9.6%
C OR N ER ST
0.58
9.4%
H ON YF LOUR
13.0
0.0%
T o p 10 L o s e r s
T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e
P ric e
P ric e C hg %
T ic k er
Value
IKEJ A H OT EL
0.87
-9.4%
Z EN IT H B A N K
3186.3
7.6%
C H A M P ION
0.90
-9.1%
NB
1724.1
0.5%
121.90
-0.1%
T ic k er
P ric e C hg %
M TNN
1581.4
-0.1%
A C C ESS
1060.3
9.6%
GUA R A N T Y
851.7
6.8%
UB A
500.3
8.8%
D A N GC EM
334.4
0.0%
D A N GSUGA R
112.5
9.5%
FB NH
98.1
9.6%
ST A N B IC
91.4
2.4%
Asset Management
Investment Research
Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com
Ola Belgore | obelgore@afrinvest.com
Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com
Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com
Oluwarotimi Ashimi | oashimi@afrinvest.com
Adedayo Bakare | abakare@afrinvest.com
Brokerage
5.0% 17.5%
P ric e
GUIN N ESS
37.7%
24.30
22.25
T ic k er
13.5%
1.2x
39 Transcorp Hotels Plc
M TNN
Afrinvest West Africa Limited
8.5% 66.5%
25 Diamond Bank PLC
ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ Ă ŵŝdžĞĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ƚĞƌŵ ĂƐ ďƵůůƐ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ďĂƩůĞ ďĞĂƌƐ ĨŽƌ ĚŽŵŝŶĂŶĐĞ͘
2.5% 6.7%
18 Total Nigeria PLC
T o p 10 G a i n e r s
ƚŽƉ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁĞƌĞ EKOCORP (+9.8%), CAVERTON (+9.8%) and
17.2%
19 11 PLC
38 Dangote Flour Mills Plc
ŽƌĚĞĚ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJ ĂƐ ϯϰ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ϯ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ dŚĞ
36.9% 41.2%
38.00
36 Wema Bank PLC
;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ƐƵƌŐĞĚ ƚŽ ϭϭ͘ϯdž ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ Ϭ͘ϴdž ƌĞĐͲ
27.7%
18.50
37 Beta Glass PLC
/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ
-14.9%
14 Unilever Nigeria PLC
ŵŽǀĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ϭ͘Ϭй ƵƉǁĂƌĚ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞͲ
/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ
4.7x
13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC
35 Chemical and Allied Products P
Ϭ͘ϭйͿ ƉƵƚ ƚŚĞ &Z-ICT index (-0.1%) in the red territory.
9.6% 0.0%
9.40
11 Access Bank PLC
GUINNESS (+9.7%) and NIGERIAN BREWERIES (+0.5%)
ly, the Oil & Gas index lost 1.6% while sell-ŽīƐ ŝŶ MTNN (-
6.25 19.00
549.70
21 Oando PLC
Stellar Sector Performance
16.0%
43
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY
MARKET NEWS
NAHCO Records N7.4bn Revenue, N601m Profit in Nine Months Goddy Egene
The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) has posted a gross revenue of N7.38 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Profit after tax (PAT) stood at N782 million compared with the N601.31 million, indicating
a 30 per cent increase. Earnings per share stood at 48 kobo as at the end of the third quarter of 2019 compared to 37 kobo as earnings per share as at the end of the third quarter of 2018. The performance showed that the organisation was already reaping the gains of
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
its transformation programme which commenced at the inception of the present management. The board appointed a new management for the company which early this year embarked on a five – year transformation plan. The company is continuing the massive upgrade of its
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 13Nov-2019, unless otherwise stated.
equipment, warehouses and other facilities at the airports. Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director/ CEO, Mrs. Olatokunbo Fagbemi said she was delighted that the company was making progress on all fronts. She said: “NAHCO is in a good place. Apart from being
the industry leader in ground handling in West Africa, we are also providing leadership in supporting our partners, the Cargo agents, in the important skills of packaging for export.” According to her, since the new Management took over, the company had increased the capacity of its export warehouse
and is currently renovating its import warehouse. NAHCO said it was also taking advantage of opportunities emanating from federal government’s closure of the land borders as it is partnering stakeholders on proper packaging for their products for exports.
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 N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.88 0.89 5.12% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 34.05% 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 12.10% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.40 2.44 8.27% 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 14.27 14.70 -13.99% ARM Discovery Fund 329.99 339.94 -7.47% ARM Ethical Fund 28.43 29.28 0.66% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.52% 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 N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 11.15% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 95.82 96.50 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 97.24 98.12 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 10.95% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.89 0.89 3.65% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.30 1.30 16.23% 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 11.32% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 10.91% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,170.20 1,175.38 17.36% 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 1,240.53 1,241.37 16.35% FBN Balanced Fund 139.30 140.17 -2.44% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.96% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 118.49 118.75 8.90% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 119.04 119.29 9.66% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 124.19 125.79 -17.21% 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 10.96% Legacy Debt Fund 3.61 3.61 11.16% Legacy Equity Fund 1.05 1.07 -13.60% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.07 1.07 4.41% 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 2,974.15 3,003.59 -0.34% Coral Income Fund 3,055.08 3,055.08 11.47% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 12.68% 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 N/A N/A N/A
INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.22% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.59 2.61 19.88% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 13.52% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 140.61 140.75 12.52% 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 1.15 1.17 4.37% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,109.16 1,109.16 11.36% 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 9.47 9.56 -11.14% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.81% 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 1.33 1.35 7.80% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.23 12.29 9.29% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.30% PACAM Equity Fund 1.03 1.04 PACAM EuroBond Fund 102.66 104.67 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 124.96 126.31 3.82% 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 12.03% 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 2,430.69 2,441.76 4.97% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 208.50 208.50 12.02% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.83 0.84 -12.11% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 271.02 271.11 11.69% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 142.98 144.36 -12.42% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.26% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,397.23 7,475.51 -12.92% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.15 1.15 6.34% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 101.47 101.47 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 1.15 1.16 -0.55% United Capital Bond Fund 1.70 1.70 15.79% United Capital Equity Fund 0.66 0.68 -7.42% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.44% United Capital Eurobond Fund 110.68 110.68 8.37% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.05 1.06 5.29% 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 9.78 9.93 -13.31% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.00 11.17 -12.13% Zenith Income Fund 22.51 22.51 11.38% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.80%
REITS NAV Per Share
Yield / T-Rtn
5.40 118.17 53.38
-44.85% 6.32% 3.17%
Bid Price
Offer Price
Yield / T-Rtn
7.85 85.67 68.24
7.95 87.53 69.54
-20.80% -24.18% -20.38%
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
3.47 4.72 11.51 10.66 158.51
3.51 4.80 11.61 10.86 160.51
-13.31% -37.91% -21.14% -13.68% 19.35%
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.
46
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY
INTERNATIONAL
US Wants Coalition to Focus on Foreign IS Fighters, Africa United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, opened a meeting of ministers from the anti-Islamic State coalition with a demand for nations around the world to take back the thousands of foreign fighters held captive in Iraq and Syria. He also stressed that the coalition should focus on the Islamic State presence in the Sahel region and West Africa and that this could be done without jeopardising efforts to ensure that the group
remained defeated in the Middle East. Pompeo said that the recent deaths of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his deputy showed there was no U.S. leadership vacuum. “The fight against ISIS is a long term test of will,” Pompeo told a room of representatives from about 30 countries, assuring that the U.S. would continue to the lead the coalition and the world on “this essential security effort.”
Pompeo said that U.S. troops remained in Syria to prevent the remaining Islamic State militants from recapturing oil fields. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said this week that there were still some 600 troops in
Syria, in spite of President Donald Trump’s announcement of a complete withdrawal to end the “endless wars”. Trump has faced a tremendous domestic backlash over his decision to withdraw troops from the Turkish-Syrian
border, paving the way for Turkey to invade, attacking Washington’s Kurdish allies and contributing to instability. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Trump at the White House on Wednesday.
The two leaders papered over their difference on Syria and Ankara’s purchase of the S-400 air defence system from Russia. Trump continues to hold off on legally mandated sanctions on Turkey.
Teenager Kills Classmate, Injures Three Others in Russian College A 19-year-old student in Russia’s Far East opened fire in his college Thursday morning, killing one classmate and injuring three other people before shooting himself, investigators said. The male student in a construction college in the town of Blagoveshchensk “murdered his classmate and wounded three using a rifle registered to him,” the Investigative Committee of far-eastern Amur region said. “During (police) attempts to apprehend him, he shot himself dead,” investigators said. The victim was also 19 while the injured students ranged from 17 to 20 years old. The small college in the town
centre was surrounded with police cars and some of the streets were closed off Thursday, local website Amur.Info said, adding that the shooter likely used a shotgun in the middle of a lecture attended by 20 people. Russia has relatively few school shootings due to normally tight security in education facilities and the difficulty of buying firearms legally but it is possible to register hunting rifles. Last October a teenage gunman killed 20 people and injured more than 40 at his college in Moscow-annexed Crimea, apparently inspired by the 1999 Columbine high school shooting in the United States.
Second Ebola Vaccine Introduced in DR Congo The Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday introduced a second vaccine to fight a 15-month-old epidemic of Ebola in the east of the country, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said. The new vaccine, produced by a Belgian subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, will be administered to about 50,000 people over four months, the charity said. More than a quarter of a million people, many of them frontline health workers, have been immunised with another anti-Ebola vaccine in a programme begun last year. The epidemic began in August 2018 in the province of North Kivu before spreading to neighbouring Ituri and South Kivu — a remote and largely lawless region bordering Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. The notorious haemorrhagic virus has so far killed 2,193 people, according to the latest official figures. It is the DRC’s 10th Ebola epidemic and the second deadliest on record after an outbreak that struck West Africa in 2014-16, claiming more than 11,300 lives. Fifteen people received an injection of the new vaccine in MSF facilities in the North Kivu capital of Goma early Thursday, a spokeswoman for the charity said. The formula is administered in two doses at 56-day intervals, and those who have received the vaccine have been reminded
to return for the second shot, she said. The disease’s epicentre is about 350 kilometres (220 miles) north of Goma, a sprawling urban hub of between one and two million people on the border with Rwanda. Four Ebola cases were recorded in the city in July and August, sparking fears the virus could spin out of control in a chaotic, mobile environment. Efforts to combat Ebola in eastern DR Congo have been hampered by militia violence and local resistance to preventative measures, care facilities and safe burials. Health workers have been attacked 300 times, leaving six people dead and 70 wounded since the start of the year. Despite these problems, statistics point to a downward trend. The health ministry late Wednesday said it had recorded four new cases of Ebola but no deaths, while 508 suspected cases were being monitored. “In its current phase, the epidemic is not urban but has become rural,” Professor JeanJacques Muyemebe, in charge of coordinating the anti-Ebola fight, said last month. “We have to track it down, force it into a corner and eliminate it,” he said. The new J&J vaccine was initially rejected by DRC’s former health minister Oly Ilunga, who cited the risks of introducing a new product in communities where mistrust
COURTESY VISIT …
L-R: General Manager, Five Star, Mr. Rigo Nazzari; Group Managing Director, Five Star Mr. PierLuigi Carrodano; Chairman, ICAN Lagos Mainland and District Society,Mrs. Abidemi Olawumi; and Group Chief Accountant, Five Star, Mr. Bashiru Adesina, during a courtesy visit to Five Star Logistics Limited by Chairman and members of Lagos Mainland and District Society of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos…yesterday
Kagame Threatens to Deal with Persons Trying to Destabilise Rwanda Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Thursday issued a warning to persons trying to “destabilise Rwanda”, including those backed by foreign forces, saying that they could bear a heavy cost for their actions. “I want to warn some people among us who hide behind different things. “They hide behind politics, democracy, and freedom that we actually want,” Kagame told a ceremony swearing
in newly appointed cabinet ministers and senior military officers, at the parliament in the capital city, Kigali. “We are going to raise the cost on the part of anybody who wants to destabilise our security,” he said, adding that the cost is going to be “very high.” “The people behind this nonsense and even backed and praised by people from outside, and become excited, are going to face it rough.
“Those involved, they better come clean very fast,” Kagame stressed. Newly appointed Minister of Internal Security Patrick Nyamvumba, Minister of Environment Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, and Minister of Sports Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju were sworn in at the ceremony. Other cabinet members who were sworn in included Minister of State in charge of the Youth and Culture Edouard Bamporiki and
No Ebola Outbreak in S/Africa, Says NICD South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) on Thursday said they have not confirmed any Ebola cases in the country or neighbouring countries. This follows media reports that a South African woman, staying in Ficksburg not far from neighbouring country Lesotho, was confirmed as the first case of Ebola in the country. “We have not had any
positive Ebola cases in South Africa or neighbouring countries. “This was the first small scale field simulation exercise to test preparedness. “The biosafety level-4 Lab has not been requested to test suspected Ebola cases for any neighbouring countries. “As such, we have not had a positive Ebola case,’’ said NICD on its twitter account.
They stated that the incident was a field simulation exercise to test Lesotho’s preparedness to handle the disease. “Chances of reaching South Africa are very slim, Nonetheless, South Africa has strong Ebola response systems that are in place, should there be a suspected case. “ If anything changes, we will report its findings to alert the public,’’ the NICD said.
South African Airways Cancels Flights for Friday, Saturday South African Airways (SAA) has cancelled nearly all its domestic and international flights scheduled for Friday and Saturday ahead of a labour strike. The cancellations follow an announcement by the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) that their members will embark on strike from Friday morning,
the airline said. The flight cancellations were meant to minimise the impact of disruptions for its customers,’’ the airline said in a statement. Flights operated by SAA partner airlines SA Express, Mango, SA Airlink will not be affected, according to the airline. During labour negotiations with unions, SAA had offered employees a 5.9 per cent
salary increase, subject to the availability of funds from lenders, while employees demand an eight per cent increase, SAA spokesman, Tlali Tlali, said. SAA has long faced financial difficulties. In June, its board of directors announced the national carrier needs an additional four billion Rand ($268 million) in immediate funds to survive the current financial year.
Minister of State in charge of Social Affairs Ignatienne Nyirarukundo. Chief of Defense Staff Jean Bosco Kazura of the national army, Rwanda Defense Force, and other senior army officials also took an oath of office at the ceremony.
CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as ONAH NKECHI FRANCISCA, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINNITIRE NKECHI FRANCISCA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as MRS ADEWOLE LATEEFAT ABIOLA ADENIYI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEWOLE LATEEFAT ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as MR OJAKOVO NELSON ORIENSU, now wish to be known and addressed as MR OJAKOVO NELSON. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as AGU NICHOLAS CHIDI, now wish to be known and addressed as AGU CHIDIEBERE NICHOLAS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
47
˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019
WORLD OF ISLAM
Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com
The Message of the Prophets Seerah – 1
Syed Abul Ala Maududi/IslamiCity
Need for the Guidance of Allah It is an undeniable fact that the source of all knowledge is Almighty Allah Who made this universe and created man to populate it. Who else but Him can know the realities of this universe. Who else possesses the knowledge of human nature and its true elements? The Creator alone knows His creatures. Human awareness is circumscribed by what has been revealed by the Creator, for man has no independent means of his own to get at the truth. In this connection, the difference between two different aspects of reality must be fully grasped so as to avoid any fallacy in discussion. There are things which you perceive through the senses, and having gathered a body of knowledge by means of these senses, you can proceed to classify this information with the help of reflection, argumentation, observation or experimentation and to deduce laws from them. For this type of information no revelation from heaven is needed. This is the province of your personal discoveries, explorations, meditations, reflections, research and deductions. It has been left to you to explore the world around you and discover the forces which operate; to understand the laws under which these realities function, so that you may stride forward along the path of development. Yet in this matter too, your Creator has not deprived you of His help. All through the course of history, Allah has been unfolding before you, no matter how imperceptibly, His created world through an evolutionary process. He has opened up new vistas of knowledge before you, and at certain points of history He has inspired men to invent new techniques or to discover new laws. But the fact remains that in this domain man must gather knowledge by himself, without the help of a Divine Messenger or a Divine Book. Man has been endowed with all the resources to collect the information necessary in this sphere. But the second category of reality is transcendental,
beyond the reach of our perception; things which we are powerless to comprehend; things which cannot be weighed or measured by scales, nor discovered by pressing into service any of the instruments for acquiring knowledge which we have at our disposal. The theories of philosophers and scientists on this subject are mere conjectures and they do not come under the scope of knowledge. Here our ultimate realities and rational theories about them cannot be taken as definitive even by the very expounders of these theories. But if the authors of these theories possess any awareness of the boundaries of their limited knowledge, they cannot have faith in the validity of their notions. Nor can they call upon others to believe them.
Need for Following the Precedent of the Prophets (pbut) Knowledge is obtained through the Guidance of Allah, for Allah alone is aware of realities. Allah offers this knowledge to man by means of Revelation. Revelation is transmitted to none but the Prophets (pbut). Allah has never published a Book and, having distributed to each individual, told him to study it to ascertain for himself the reality of his own existence and that of the universe. To realize his role in the practical world in the context of this reality. Allah has always appointed the Prophets (pbut) to convey this message to man, so that the Prophets (pbut) should not rest content with merely propagating their mandate, but driving it home, demonstrating it in action, recalling to the right path, those who defy the Divine mandates and organizing the believers into a society where every aspect bears practical evidence of this knowledge. It is evident from this brief exposition that, for Guidance, we are wholly dependent upon the character displayed to the world by a Prophet of God (pbuh). A non-Prophet who does not believe in a Prophet is not eligible to be our leader, even though he may be a sage, a deeply learned and wise man. This is because such a person bereft of this knowledge is incapable of devising a true
and just system of life for us.
Why we cannot obtain Guidance from the Prophets other than Muhammad (pbuh) Let us now consider the question of why, of all of the venerable men whom we know as Prophets, and all the leaders of religions who conceivably may have been Prophets, we prefer to seek a message from the character of Muhammad (pbuh). Is this prejudice or is there a reasonable ground for doing so? I submit that there is a rational basis for this. We certainly acknowledge and believe in the Prophet hood of all those who have been named in the Holy Qur’an as Prophets. But, we lack reliable information by authentic sources on their teaching and their character. There is no doubt about the Prophet hood of Hadrat Noah, Ibrahim, Ishaque, Yusuf, Moses and Jesus Christ (peace be upon them) and we believe in all of them. But none of the Scriptures revealed to them has come down to us in its original form so that we may benefit from its pristine message. Similarly, the life-history of none of these Prophets (pbut) has been handed down by any authentic means enabling us to follow their example in the various spheres of individual and collective existence. A person who undertakes to prepare an account of the teaching and characters of all these Prophets (pbut) cannot write more than a few pages and these too, entirely with the help of the Qur’an, for nowhere else is authentic material extant about them except in the Holy Qur’an.
Authenticity of the Character and Precedent of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) Now take the second attribute of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) by which he stands unique among all Prophets (pbut) and leaders of religion. Just as the
Book transmitted to him, amounts of his character have also been preserved to serve as a beacon for us in all walks of life. From early childhood to the close of his life, a large number of those who saw him, witnessed the events of his life and heard his conversation, addresses, exhortations or warnings, had retained them in memory and passed them onto their successors. Some of the research scholars believe that the number of those who had passed on to the next generation eyewitness accounts or reports of events that they had heard during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) number a hundred thousand people. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) himself dictated some commands and handed or dispatched them to certain people. These were later bequeathed to the succeeding generations. There were at least six Companions (pbut) who had recorded the Traditions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and tested the authenticity of their records by reading them out to the Holy Prophet (pbuh). These writings were also inherited by posterity. After the death of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), some fifty Companions (pbut) undertook to collect accounts of the circumstances and incidents of the Prophet’s life and his holy utterances. The material gathered from this source also came into the hands of those who later accomplished the task of collecting and compiling the Traditions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Besides, as I have mentioned earlier, the number of the Companions who transmitted orally their knowledge of the Holy Prophet’s character (pbuh) runs to one hundred thousand, according to the estimate of some researchers. Little wonder, when we take into account the fact that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) performed his last Hajj, known as the Farewell Pilgrimage, in the company of one hundred and forty thousand people! All these believers saw him at the time of Hajj, learned from him the rituals of Hajj and listened to the addresses which the Holy Prophet (pbuh) delivered during this last Pilgrimage. To Be Continued
48
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY
NEWSEXTRA
Dakolo Heads to Appeal as Court Acquits Fatoyinbo of Alleged Rape Judge slams N1m fine against celebrity photographer Alex Enumah in Abuja Celebrity photographer, Busola Dakolo, yesterday said she would go to the Appeal Court to challenge the ruling of Justice Othman Musa of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Bwari Area of Abuja,
which acquitted Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, of rape charges. Busola, wife of music artiste, Timi Dakolo, had dragged the pastor before the Abuja High Court, seeking justice and compensation over alleged
EFCC Seeks Separate Trial of Dasuki for Alleged Money Laundering Alex Enumah in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday indicated its desire to separate the trial of a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), from others standing trial on corruption and money laundering charges. D has been made in the hearing of both cases since 2015, particularly with Dasuki’s resolve not to appear in court for trial until such a time that the federal government complies with the court order releasing him from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) on bail. At the resumed trial in one of the cases yesterday, counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), expressed frustration over the continuous absence of Dasuki, who is the first defendant in the case. He informed the court that the prosecution had filed a motion dated November 4, seeking the continuation of trial in Dasuki’s absence, adding that the prosecution was served
with a counter affidavit this morning. Jacobs , however, said that the best thing to do in the present circumstance was the unbundling of the case so that Dasuki would be separated from other defendants. He lamented the frustration in the case, and said , “we can’t be in the same place for four years without moving.” He, therefore, told the court that the charge against the defendants might be amended to remove Dasuki’s name to enable other defendants face their trial without further delays. He said that he would file separate charge against other defendants in both cases in which Dasuki is involved before the court and sought for an adjournment to do so. Responding, Baba- kusa’s lawyer, Mr. Solomon Umoh, (SAN), submitted that what Jacobs was suggesting did not have any place in the book. According to Umoh, Dasuki was central to the charge against other defendants, adding that, “if he is separated, how can we get a fair hearing?”
rape she said was committed against her in 2002, when she was a teenager. However, Justice Musa in his judgment, dismissed the case for lacking substance and awarded a cost of N1,000,000 against the plaintiff. The court in acquitting Pastor Fatoyinbo of the rape allegation, held that the case of the plaintiff is purely sentimental and empty and liable to be dismissed. Justice Musa while awarding costs of N1,000,000 against Busola Dakolo, held that it would have been 10 times more but resisted it because, according to him, there
are women with legitimate claims who may approach the court for justice. According to the court, the case carries more of cruelty than justice. Earlier, Fatoyinbo, through his lawyer, Dr. Alex Izinyon SAN, in a preliminary objection dated 20th September, 2019, said the reliefs sought by Busola in the suit are not grantable, which makes the suit incompetent. Dr. Izinyon submitted that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, adding that the suit is frivolous and a palpable abuse of court process.
In an affidavit deposed to, by Ademola Adetuberu, Executive Senior Assitant to Pastor Fatoyinbo, he said the substratum of the claimant’s suit is the mere purported allegation of emotional and psychological distress as a result of the said purported mere allegation of rape against the Defendant. He said in the affidavit, ‘’That a suit of this nature is statute barred after a period of three years. The reliefs claimed by the Claimant in the suit clearly fall within the limitation law’’. Busola had last month approached the court to seek
redress in the allegation made against pastor Fatoyinbo. In the substantive matter, Mrs Dakolo, through her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, prayed the court to order Fatoyinbo to publish a clearly worded apology to Busola on the front page of at least two National Newspapers and two National Televisions for seven days running consecutively. Meanwhile, the celebrity photographer, yesterday said she would appeal the ruling of the court. Her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said this in a statement in Abuja in reaction to the court verdict.
SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES…
L-R: Founder/ Chief Executive Officer, Beloxxi Industries Limited, Obi Ezeude; Executive Director, Shared Services and Products, Fidelity Bank Plc, Chijioke Ugochukwu; Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo; Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Chairman, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ernest Ebi; and small business owners during the Fidelity SME funding event organised by the Bank in Lagos…recently
Alaibe Decries Electoral House Asks FG to Suspend Acting CAC Violence in Bayelsa Nneka Emeghara A former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ndutimi Alaibe, has described the current gale of violence rocking Bayelsa State, few days before the scheduled governorship election in the state, as unacceptable. Timi’s comment came on the heels of the death of no fewer than five people on Wednesday following gunshots fired by an unidentified gunman at King Koko Square in NembeOgbolomabiri in Nembe Local Government Area of the state where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was scheduled to hold its governorship election campaign. Alaibe, in press statement that was personally signed by him declared that: “This level of unprovoked violence is unacceptable. At many occasions and as someone who has been in a position to fight against violence, I have asked these questions particularly as they concern my state: Why should a true Ijaw man murder a fellow Ijaw man just because he wants to win an election? Why should anyone procure arms and train
people to kill their fellow human beings so as to pave way for their rise to power? Why would anyone desire to swim in the blood of fellow Bayelsa men and women so as to attain exalted political offices? This is not just an abomination but an aberration”. Alaibe, who was also a PDP governorship aspirant in the state, said that dozens of other people were said to have sustained different levels of injury. “Besides party loyalists who gathered at the venue of the campaign, mostly affected were media practitioners who were performing their professional duties,” Alaibe said. According to Alaibe, elections to public offices are supposed to be based on acceptability by the electorate. “That acceptability is a product of popularity of ideas. Election must not be contested and won based on superiority of violence but on superiority of ideas. Ideas speak to the heart of the people. Ideas generate transformation. Violence brings about torture and death. The result of violence is bloodshed and tears.”
Registrar General, Azinge Adedayo Akinwale ín Abuja The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to suspend the acting Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mrs. Azuka Azinge, for disregarding its resolution. The decision was taken at the plenary on yesterday following the motion by Hon. Muhammed Kazaure. He recalled that on April 25, 2019, the House considered
the report of the Committee on Public Petitions and consequently resolved that CAC should reinstate one Sule Sale Kazaure. The House also urged the commission to pay all his salaries and entitlement from the date he was dismissed from the service. The lawmaker noted that Azinge, in her letter addressed to the National Assembly dated July 3, 2019, with reference number CAC/RG/SEN/126/VOL.IV insisted that the decision of the
central disciplinary committee of the commission superseded the resolution of the House that was communicated to her since May 17, 2019, when the House directed the commission to obey its resolution. Kazaure expressed concern over Azinge’s decision to underrate the power the constitution vested on national the legislature. The House, therefore, urged “the Head of Service of the Federation to suspend the
acting Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Males. Azuka Azinge, for the breach of constitutional order provided in part II/4 sub section 3 of the constitution.” The House also mandated the committee on Ethics and Privileges, Committee on Labour and Employment; and Committee on Special Duties to ensure that the resolution of the House is obeyed and Azinge is suspended for disobeying the House.
Buhari out to Destroy Civic Space, Says Sowore Detained social activist, publisher and politician, Omoyele Sowore, has spoken out from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), saying that his detention is part of a grand scheme by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to shut down Nigeria’s civic space. Sowore called a PREMIUM TIMES’ reporter yesterday afternoon, in a rare move to directly send out a message to the public. It was a message of courage, defiance and hope for both his teeming supporters and the
Nigerian downtrodden people. He said he would remain undeterred by the controversial tactics of the current government, which have seen him held in perpetual custody against the order of a federal judge. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES from custody, Sowore said the demand for his sureties was an attempt to intimidate them into pulling out. “Their aim is to intimidate my sureties by subjecting them to undue maltreatment,” Sowore said. “It is part of a grand plot to hold me hostage
because they have failed to find anything illegal to pin on me.” “But we know what they want to do and we will not allow it to happen,” he added. Although the DSS has repeatedly asserted its respect for the Nigerian judicial and the rule of law in general, the agency has a history of repression, violation of citizens’ rights and disobedience of court decisions. Sowore said that he had “not seen sunshine since he was detained except when taken to court.” Only three people
have been allowed to see him since August 3, which includes his lawyers and the person responsible for his feeding. Even though Sowore said he cannot wait to reunite with his associates and loved ones, he said he had come to a fresh realisation that the DSS would continue to disregard court pronouncements and would not release him anytime soon. “Last night, they gave us phones and cable TV,” Sowore said. “This indicates that they have no intention of complying with court orders to release me anytime soon.’’
49
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY
NEWSEXTRA
Nigeria, Benin, Niger Establish Joint Anti-smuggling Committee Adedayo Akinwale ín Abuja The governments of Nigeria, Benin and Niger Republic have set up a joint committee to curb smuggling of goods at their common borders. Nigeria had recently closed its borders to goods from its West African neighbours, citing smuggling of rice and other
banned commodities, which has affected the local economy. However, following a tripartite meeting held in Abuja yesterday, the three countries set up antismuggling committee as part of the efforts to curb the influx of foreign goods into Nigeria. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, revealed that the meeting was
FG to Ban Importation of Steel Products Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
The federal government yesterday said it has concluded plan to ensure a total ban on steel importation so as to assist the local steel manufacturers to develop, thereby boosting the Gross Domestic Product and the diversification of the nation’s economy. The Minister of Steel and Mines, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, who stated this in Ilorin, Kwara State capital during an official visit to a local steel manufacturing industry, Kamwire Industry Limited, added that the gesture would also create more employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the country. The minister, who explained that government was determined to stop importation of substandard steel products into Nigeria, noted that his ministry is “working with Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to address the issue.” According to him, “The ministry is not in control of the quality of steel products that come into the country, though we’re responsible for steel productions. “We’ll work with the
concerned agency to control what comes in. The ultimate aim is to ban steel importation totally. But before we do that, we will ensure we’re able to satisfy local consumption from local production and still have excess to export. That’s where we’re heading. “We welcome local industrialisation and local entrepreneurs. We want to encourage them. I can see depth of backward integration here, from raw material to finished product. This is an example of what Nigeria should do. If you do this you can imagine this complex providing over 4,000 employment opportunities. If we have replication of this all over the country, it will reduce rate of restiveness and banditry we have today.” Adegbite expressed the determination of the federal government to effectively harness the mining sector and commended Kamwire for the steps taken so far to develop the sector. The minister, who argued that local investors are better than foreign investors, explained that the local investors would engage the local people and at the end of the day would not take their profit out of the state.
convened on the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari who wanted the issues to be resolved quickly. He explained that the mandate of the joint anti-smuggling committee, among others, include: to adopt measures that would enhance the suppression of rice smuggling and other illicit items along the borders of the three countries. Onyeama added that the committee would prepare and put in force the necessary bilateral agreements to combat smuggling along the common borders, initiate anti-smuggling sensitisation and awareness programmes to the populace of the three countries. The committee, he said, would
also ensure the establishment of a tripartite anti-smuggling joint border patrol team with power to arrest and hand over any person arrested to the appropriate authorities in the three countries for investigation and prosecution. Onyeama stated: “To put in place modalities for the establishment of a Joint Inspection Task Force comprising of Customs of the three countries for the purpose of inspection and excursion of transit goods at the point of entry to their destination. “The Customs administration of the three countries must ensure strict adherence to the implementation of various agreements entered into, pursue vigourously the escort
and handing over of goods in transit from Customs to Customs. The committee will ensure the “sharing of information and intelligence on the movement of goods, services and people among the three countries, sensitisation of stakeholders on the decision of the three counties to set-up anti-smuggling operations and cooperation.” It was also mandated to carry out “enlightenment on sanction upon infraction of anti-smuggling measures and prohibition laws and creation of a framework of consultation among the stakeholders of the three countries over the implementation of the antismuggling measures”. Onyeama said that prior to
Nigeria’s land borders security drills, the Nigerian government in 2016 banned the importation of rice through the land borders but despite the ban, imported rice continued to flood the Nigerian market. He said that the Nigerian government had also signed various Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with its neighbours, but lamented that there have been difficulties and challenges in fully implementing these MoUs. The minister argued that a lot of the smuggled goods were accompanied by other illicit items such as drugs, small arms and light weapons, which have caused great damage to Nigeria and its people.
FOUR HEARTY CHEERS…
L-R: Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha; elder statesman, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim; representative of the Lagos State Governor, Joe Igbokwe, at the 4th Edition of the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Lecture Series, held in Owerri... yesterday
Yobe Gov Presents N108.4bn PDP, Diri Condemn Alleged Attack on Party Members in Bayelsa PDP candidate wants state of emergency in Nembe Appropriation Bill for 2020 Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Mai-Mala Bunu, has presented an appropriation bill of N108.4 billion to the state House of Assembly under the leadership of Hon. Ahmed Mirwa. The proposed budget, the first by the governor, indicated an increase of N16.7 billion or 15.5 per cent over the budget of N92.2 billion for this fiscal year. The recurrent expenditure would get N58 billion or 53.8 per cent, while capital expenditure would get N50.4 billion or 46.5 per cent. The breakdown showed that education got the largest share, followed by health and then works, with N22.9 billion, N16.1 billion and N12.7 billion respectively. The governor, who tagged the budget: “Budget of Continuity and Consolidation,” said: “It is about the lives of our people, values and about our vision, mission, commitment to work hard, sacrifice and resolute determination to move our state forward, to the path of socio-economic prosperity.” He said it would build on “the momentum to revitalise our
education sector, seek to boost agriculture by encouraging a transition from our traditional subsistent to commercial farming, seek to improve access to qualitative and affordable healthcare for our people by upgrading healthcare infrastructure and making sure that our hospitals, clinics, and health centres have the basic requirements to function efficiently and effectively.” According to him, “It will also build and upgrade critical infrastructure such as roads, water supply and sanitation facilities, electricity, among others to accelerate our effort in post-insurgency resettlement, rehabilitation, reconstruction and peace building. The budget will also focus on tapping from our vast solid mineral and tourism potentials and promoting commercial activities by providing incentives to attract private investments and entrepreneurship.” Bunu said for the effective performance, four new ministries would be created. The speaker, while receiving the proposed budget, promised to give it careful consideration and prompt passage.
Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the candidate of the party in Saturday’s governorship election, Senator Douye Diri, yesterday condemned the attack on party members by persons suspected to be All Progressives Congress (APC) loyalists in Nembe, Bayelsa state. National Vice Chairman, South-south of the PDP, Mr. Emmanuel Ogidi, wondered why the opposition would renege on its promise after signing several peace accords to maintain the peace during the election.
“It is very unfortunate that after the peace accord where everyone was to maintain peace, yet this is happening. What happened in Nembe today is worse than what happened earlier this year because nothing was done when it happened. “If the federal government after assuring us, they are still doing this, we do not know what is happening. We do not know why the APC is so blood-thirsty. They were even harassing people that were escaping from the place and coming back. “This is unacceptable. We expect the armed forces and
especially the police to intervene and fast too,” Ogidi said. While condoling with the families of those who lost their lives during the incident, the PDP leader maintained that the APC was treating the election like a war. “Nigerians should come out and speak because the leadership of the APC is not saying anything about it. Last election, a senior police officer was ‘derobed’. The Inspector General promised to look at it, yet till now, nothing has been done,” he said. Speaking during a press conference, Diri, likened the attack to what the deadly Islamic sect, Boko Haram, is
doing in the North East. “That was the same way they won election during the last election; that was the only place they won election. I have raised this red flag to the security agencies except they want lawlessness in Bayelsa. “What they are doing in Nembe, is like what Boko Haram is doing to Nigeria. We would rather say that a state of emergency be declared in Nembe. “This is because the PDP people have been chased out of their communities. I have no confidence that there will be free and fair poll in Nembe,” he said.
Amnesty Tasks FG on Human Rights During Bayelsa, Kogi Elections Davidson Iriekpen Ahead of the governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states scheduled for Saturday, international watchdog, Amnesty International, has called on the federal government to protect people from violence and ensure full respect for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association before, during and after the polls.
The group frowned at several instances of violence at election campaign rallies in the two states, painting a grim picture of political parties on a do-or-die approach to elections. “The election-related violence in Bayelsa and Kogi states is deeply troubling and, if not urgently addressed, will undermine respect for human rights throughout the election period,” said Osai
Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria in a statement sent to THISDAY last night. According to her, “Amnesty International has received reports of supporters of some politicians violently targeting political opponents, real or perceived. The authorities must stamp out any potential impunity by ensuring these incidents are investigated
and that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice.” She said political parties and candidates have been accusing each other of plotting to use violence during Saturday elections. “In Bayelsa State, reports say at least two people were killed, while in Kogi State there were reports of violence especially in Lokoja and other parts of the state.”
50
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY
NEWSEXTRA
House Approves N100m Virement for National Assembly Commission Decries deplorable condition of health centres nationwide
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has approved the sum of N100 million virement for personnel cost of the National Assembly Service Commission in the 2019 budget to overhead and capital cost.
The lawmakers, meanwhile, decried the deplorable condition of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) across the country. The House gave the approval following the adoption of a motion on the need to vire the sum of N100 million from the Commission’s personnel vote
Kogi Guber Poll: Court Asked to Disqualify PDP’s Candidate Alex Enumah in Abuja With less than 48 hours to the 2019 governorship election in Kogi State, the Federal High Court in Abuja has been urged to disqualify the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Musa Wada, over alleged false information contained in his form CF 001 submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in aid of his clearance for the election. Wada, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1147/2019 and filed on November 6, is specifically accused of forging his primary school certificate which he attached to his Form CF001 submitted to INEC. One Femi Joseph, who filed the suit through his counsel, Mike Enahoro Ebah, said by the virtue of Section 31(5) and (6) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), he reasonably believes that the information supplied by the PDP candidate,
Wada, in both his Form CF001 and the attached First School Leaving Certificate as to his primary school education were false. He, therefore, prayed the court to determine that the information was indeed false, and on that basis, disqualify him from contesting as the candidate of the PDP in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections. Other issues the plaintiff brought before the court for determination include: “Whether having regard to the clear and unambiguous provisions of Section 31 (5) and (6) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), third defendant’s INEC Form CFOO1 and the Primary School Certificate bearing number: 910922, attached therewith and submitted to the second defendant by the first and third defendants, contain false information regarding the third defendant’s Primary School Certificate.
to capital and overhead cost by Hon. Sani Bala. He said in 2019, the Commission budgeted the sum of N100 million for its personnel cost for the payment of salaries and allowances of the expected new members of the Commission. Bala stressed that the expected new members have not been appointed, and are not likely to resume before January 2020, therefore, the sum of N100 million as the Commission’s personnel cost might not be utilised by the end of December 2019. He stressed that it is equally
mandatory for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to return all their unspent personnel cost to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the end of December 2019. The lawmaker expressed concern that the Commission was in dire need of funds, as most of its furniture and sundry office equipment purchased over 10 years ago are in poor condition. The House, therefore, resolved to “vire the sum of N100 million meant for personnel cost in the 2019 budget to overhead cost and capital cost in 2019 to enable the Commission utilise the fund
appropriately.” At the interval, the House of Representatives has decried the deplorable condition of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) across the country. It, therefore, urged the Ministry of Health to commence the rehabilitation as well as equipping the primary healthcare centres across all the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for effective healthcare delivery. The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion brought by Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro on the rehabilitation of primary
healthcare centres across the country for effective healthcare service. He expressed concern that most of the primary healthcare centres across the federation and the FCT are either uncompleted or in a state of disrepair, adding that in some cases, without equipment to function efficiently and effectively, it leaves the centres in deplorable conditions. Ajilesoro noted that “the inability to effectively address the numerous public health challenges has contributed to the persistent and high level of poverty and the weakness of the primary healthcare system.
IN HONOUR OF PHOTOJOURNALISTS…
L-R: Secretary, Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), Lagos Chapter, Sylvester Okoruwa; Chairman, PJAN 1st National Conference Planning Committee/Photo Editor, THISDAY Newspapers, Mr. Abiodun Ajala; wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo - Olu; Chairman, PJAN, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Ademola Akinlabi; and member of the planning committee, Mr.Tayo Odusanya, during the association’s courtesy visit to governor’s wife to intimate her on the association forthcomlng National Conference in Lagos...yesterday
Minister Orders NCC to Stop Automatic Voicemail El-Rufai’s Apology in Kogi is Evidence of Bello’s Failure, Says PDP on Existing Phone Lines Atiku rallies support for PDP in Kogi, Bayelsa polls Emma Okonji The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Ibrahim Isa Pantami, has issued a broad policy directive to the sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to immediately ensure that automatic voicemail issues are addressed on all existing phone lines, and the subscribers given the option of accessing the service via an activation code. In a statement signed by the spokesperson to the Minister, Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, Pantami said: “Our attention has been drawn to the latest trend of financial exploitation by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the country through the automatic activation of the voicemail service on their platforms. Based on recent reports reaching the office, the practice has gained momentum recently. “The voicemail service should be accessed at the discretion of the subscriber and not by default. I find it worrisome and totally unacceptable that telecoms subscribers incur financial charges for a service they are compelled to use by default. Voicemail is not a
popular service among mobile phone users in Nigeria, coupled with the language challenge among rural dwellers, who mostly do not understand the language deployed by these networks.” According to the statement, “It is apparent that the recent clampdown on the exploitative activities of some mobile network operators in the country has beamed the searchlight on the sector properly, and some unpatriotic elements in the system are devising subtle, ingenious methods of defrauding Nigerians. The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy under the current leadership of Dr. Pantami will neither overlook any act, regardless of how subtle it is, that undermines the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari nor condone any attempts to defraud Nigerians and indeed all subscribers.” Pantami, however, called for a collective responsibility to ensure that the rights of consumers are protected, while providing a conducive business environment for mobile network operators in line with global best practices.
Chuks Okocha The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday declared that the public apology and the kneeling down by the Chairman of the APC Kogi State Campaign Council, and Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has confirmed that even the APC agreed that Governor Yahaya Bello does not merit a second term. Spokesman of PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said in a statement that the genuflection by El-Rufai was also a direct confirmation that the failed Governor Bello cannot lay claim to any genuine vote at
the November 16 governorship election. This is coming as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the people of Bayelsa and Kogi States to take serious interest in the choices they make on Saturday as they cast their votes in the governorship elections in both states. Atiku Abubakar who enjoined the electorate to make their choices wisely by electing capable hands to steer the affairs of those two states. In a statement by his media office in Abuja, Atiku particularly urged members of the PDP to use the power of their overwhelming strength
in those two states in ensuring that its flag remains standing in the Bayelsa State Government House. He also charged Kogi people to vote for PDP so that the good people of the state can begin to have a feel of better life under a PDP administration. Meanwhile, PDP has also noted that the Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu, also knelt before the Kogi people to beg for Yahaya Bello which further showed that it is public knowledge that the governor misused the opportunity given to him to lead the state. “Unfortunately, the apology is coming too late in the day
and cannot be accepted by the people of Kogi state, whose lives, Yahaya Bello had turned into a living hell in the last four year. “Moreover, Yahaya Bello openly confirmed that he is irredeemable as he stood without any sign of remorse while El-Rufai and the Edo State deputy governor begged the unimpressed scanty crowd. “Governor El-Rufai and the APC ought to have counseled Yahaya Bello at the time he was busy suppressing, insulting, abusing and making life unbearable for the people of Kogi state as if there will not be a day of reckoning.”
Over 4m Nigerians Living with Diabetes, Says Consultant Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto A medical consultant at the Department of Internal Medicine, Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto State, Dr. Musa Tambuwal, has said 30 million cases of diabetes are recorded world-wide in which Nigeria has over four million patients. Tambuwal stated this yesterday in his office as part
of activities to mark World Diabetes Day. He described the rate by which hospitals in Nigeria were recording cases of diabetes as alarming and attributed this to bad lifestyle or lack of exercise to burn excess blood sugar. “You know diabetes is an excess blood sugar that can results to complications. Prior to this time, our fore fathers did hard work by going to the
farm and ate fresh foods. But the case is different now, our people go to fast food joints to eat junks. These foods have excess salt and sugar which can cause health problems like diabetes,” he said. The medical expert added that diabetes has no cure for now, but stressed that it could be managed through proper treatment by avoiding consumption of diet with high carbohydrates.
Tambuwal divulged that diabetes could be classified into four cases, including Type 1 mainly found in children between the age of one to five; Type 2 affects people between the age of 40 to 50 years; Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women as a result of complications; and lastly the one called specific diabetes which is caused as a result of drugs intake.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY
51
NEWSEXTRA
Airtel Africa to Buy Additional Spectrum in Nigeria for $70m Emma Okonji Airtel Africa, yesterday, said
its subsidiary Airtel Networks Limited has signed a deal with Intercellular Nigeria Limited to
Masari Declares State of Emergency on Water Supply, Sanitation Francis Sardauna in Katsina Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State yesterday declared a state of emergency on Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and campaign against open defecation in the state. He said the declaration become imperative in order to reduce the high-prevalence of water-borne diseases in different parts of the state, particularly the rural communities. The governor, who made the declaration at a World Press Conference at Government House, Katsina, said the achievements recorded in the WASH sector were not enough to cater for the growing population of the state, hence the declaration of the state of emergency on the sector. He added that state government in collaboration with United Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other donor agencies had constructed over 3,500 boreholes and over 400 latrines in communities, schools, hospitals and markets across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state. Masari added, “The above highlighted achievements recorded in the WASH sector in the state are not enough to categorically say that we achieved the desired result considering the population
growth. “There is need is the need for strategy plan and implementation framework to address the declined water sanitation and hygiene service delivery in the state. Consequently, I hereby declared state of emergency in the WASH sector and campaign against open defecation in the state”. He directed the State Ministry of Water Resources to propose and establish inter- ministerial steering committee on WASH under his chairmanship. He also called on relevant MDAs to launch sector reform through the adoption of state level action plan and participate in accessing the national WASH fund at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. Governor Masari, however explained that the Zobe water supply scheme phase one was at 90 per cent completion and assured that when completed, would boost water supply in Katsina metropolis and its environ. He said: “The phase 1B of the project, when completed will supply treated water from Dutsinma top hills through Karofi, Kafin Soli, Kankia and Charanchi. Already the government has commenced discussion with relevant stakeholders on funding the completion of the project”.
Oyetola Presents Budget of N119.5bn for 2020 Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday presented N119, 550,401,040.00 as the 2020 Appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly. Critical sectors like infrastructure, education, health, water and sanitation, and agriculture top the list of allocations in that order. The 2020 budget tagged: ‘Budget of Restoration’ was prepared solely to meet the critical needs, yearnings, and aspirations of the citizens in line with the state developmental plans, the governor said. On expenditure, personnel takes N36,465,191, 230.00 (30.50 percent); overhead has N20,009,802,760.00 while consolidated revenue fund takes N1,200,000,000.00. Recurrent expenditure was put at N57,674, 993, 990.00 while the capital expenditure was put at N61,875,407,050.00. The breakdown of the budget further shows that the infrastructure sector takes the largest amount of N9,318,841, 640.00 (15.06 percent) followed by water and sanitation sector with
the sum of N7, 581,241,350.00. (12.25 percent), while N6, 517, 762, 830.00 (10.53 percent) was budgeted for the education sector. Governance and administration sector got N4,323,555,790.00 (6.99 percent) while N4,311,456,450.00 (6.97 percent) was budgeted for the health sector. Also, the agriculture sector got N2,363,716,760.00 (3.82 percent); security, law and justice sector got N1,425,784,530.00; environment sector got N736,347,190.00 (1.19 percent); commerce and industry sector got N638,851,490.00 (1.03 percent); while the economic planning and budget sector got N345,864,600.00 (0.56 percent). Other are information and communication, N205, 380,210.00 (0.33 percent), and social development and welfare got N129,930, 370.00 (0.21 percent). Addressing the Assembly during the budget presentation, the governor said his administration is irrevocably committed to raising the standard of living of the citizens by ensuring judicious implementation of the budgetary provision.
buy additional 10 megahertz spectrum in the 900 MHz band in Nigeria for $70 million. According to Alliance News, the FTSE 250-listed telecommunications and mobile money services provider, said the acquisition would allow Airtel Nigeria to expand and strengthen its LTE network across the country. LTE is a 4G wireless communications standard. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator in Nigeria,
Airtel Africa noted. NCC however told THISDAY that the commission was not auctioning any frequency spectrum at the moment, but that the law allows operators to do spectrum trading, which authorises an operator to sell unused spectrum to another operator that is in need of that spectrum, under the approval and supervision by the NCC. Director, Spectrum Administration at NCC, Mr. Austin Nwaulune, told THISDAY that NCC has not put up any spectrum for sale at the
moment because of the scarcity of spectrum even at the global level. He added that operators who have excess and unused spectrum, which had already been auctioned and licensed by NCC, are free to trade such spectrum, like what Airtel and Intercellular planned to do. Confirming the spectrum trade between Airtel and Intercellular, the Chief Executive of Airtel Africa, Raghunath Mandava, said: “Data is a key pillar of our growth strategy, driven by increasing 4G networks and supported
by the increased affordability and increasing penetration of smartphones. “The acquisition of this spectrum will enable us to further deliver on this growth opportunity and continue to offer our Nigerian customers an enhanced user experience.” Airtel Africa shares were trading 4.2 per cent lower in London yesterday’s morning at 67.53 pence each. Barti Airtel, the parent body of Airtel Nigeria, currently operates in 14 African countries, Nigeria inclusive.
ADVERTISING CONFERENCE UNDERWAY…
L-R: President, International Advertising Association (IAA), Tunji Olugbodi; Acting Registrar, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Ijedi Iyoha; President, Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Emma Ajufor; and Vice President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Steve Babaeko, at the press conference announcing the forthcoming National Advertising Conference in Lagos... recently
Measles, Greatest Killer of Children Globally, Says WHO Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti World Health Organisation (WHO) has described measles as one of the greatest killers of children globally, warning that it was imperative for all nations to take decisive medical actions to tackle the disease. WHO Coordinator in Ekiti State, Dr. Olufunmilola Kolude, said the scourge was killing children despite the availability of vaccine across the world, noting that the situation prompted the introduction of the Measles containing Vaccine Two (MVC2), to be
administered to children between post-natal ages of 15 and 23 months. The coordinator stated this in Ado-Ekiti yesterday when Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, flagged off measles immunisation campaign containing Vaccine 2 in the state capital. The programme christened ‘Measles Containing Vaccine 2’ was introduced by WHO in partnership with the United Nations Children Endowment Fund (UNICEF) and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET).
“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and an important cause of death among young children globally. Several cases have been reported recently across Nigeria, especially in Oyo, Lagos and Ogun states this year, but Ekiti didn’t experience it because of the success of 2018 immunisation programme. “Ekiti State has not recorded any outbreak this year and this could be attributed to the success of measles vaccination of 2018. In 2019, out of 577 suspected cases, only 15 were positive and only three were
below age five. Also in 2018, out of 584 suspected cases, only five were positive and only one was below five years of age. “The introduction of this second dose was occasioned by the fact that not all children received the first dose after nine months. This will also re-boost the first dose and increase the coverage by 95 per cent,” he said. Fayemi’s wife, in his remarks, disclosed that about 17,000 cases measles victims are reported annually in Nigeria, with high incidence observed during the dry season.
House Urges FG to Install Scanning Machines at Seaports Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to install scanning machines at various seaports across the country. The House gave the directive following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance brought by Nicholas Ossai, who lamented that most scanners at various ports across the country are no longer functional. He said between 2006 and 2013, the Nigerian Customs Service
(NCS) entered into a contract with three companies-service providers-got the provision, install, operate and manage the X-ray scanning machines and computerised management for the examination of goods at the various ports. Ossai explained that all the installed scanners had broken down, saying there are no functional scanners in all the port at the moment. The Delta State federal lawmaker also decried the infrastructure decay and the frustration experienced daily by importers and exporters, noting
that it often leads to unnecessary demurrage and incurring of other charges by port users. Ossai stressed that the economic importance of NCS makes it reprehensible that in the age of fast technological development, Customs is still engaging in physical examination of persons and cargos at the country’s seaports and border stations. He added that scanners, particularly cargo scanners, allow for easy detection of contrabands as well as promote efficient inspection of consignment, which
in turn contribute immensely to the ease of doing business at the port. According to him, “At the moment, Nigerian ports are not business-friendly, which has made ports in neighboring countries take over activities that are supposed to be done by Nigerian ports. “Lack of good scanning machines in ports obviously leads to port congestion, reduction in business activities, delay in clearance, cumbersome and time consuming, loss of revenue, all these impact negatively on trade facilitation.”
52
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY
24 HOURS...
24 HOURS...
PDP Mocks APC over Disqualification of Bayelsa Guber Candidates Charges police to question Lyon, others over killings Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no place in the November 16 governorship election in Bayelsa State following the disqualification of its candidate, David Lyon and his running mate by two courts of competent jurisdiction. This is coming as the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, called on security agencies, particularly the military, to allow the people of Bayelsa and Kogi States to vote their choices in the next Saturday’s governorship election. The party said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, “that the development points to nothing but victory for democracy and the fact that manipulators cannot continue to have their way in our electoral process.” The party charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately delist the APC from the ballot as any vote cast for the party would be a wasted vote, since the court judgments have made it clear that the APC is not in the election. The PDP urged INEC to note that no fewer than two
decisions of courts of competent jurisdiction have negated the participation of the APC in the race. The first was the judgment disqualifying the APC candidates over the presentation of false documents by the deputy governorship candidate, Biobarakuma Degi Eremienyo, which was followed by another judgment nullifying the entirety of the APC primary that produced the candidates. According to PDP, “It is therefore a trite law that given the circumstances that have entangled the candidature of the APC, the party, accordingly, has no place in the November 16 governorship election and cannot lay claim to any vote. “Notwithstanding the disqualification, the PDP calls on the police and the military to immediately invite David Lyon and other APC leaders for questioning over the recent gruesome attack and killing of PDP supporters by APC thugs in Nembe.” The party condemned the attack by APC agents as cowardly and a clear case of crime against humanity, which must not be politicised under any guise. It said: “Information available to the PDP shows that the attackers were known
AIB Releases Preliminary Reports on Air Peace Flight Incidents Chinedu Eze Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) yesterday released report on three incidents involving Air Peace aircraft and gave safety recommendations. The bureau called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure that all airline operators reviewed their Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be in tandem with industry standards. A statement by the General Manager, Public Affairs, AIB, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, gave the registration numbers of the aircraft involved in the incidents as Boeing B737-300 aircraft with the registration number as 5N-BUK. The incident occurred at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on May 15, 2019. The second incident, according to AIB, involved another B737-500 aircraft with the registration number: 5N-BRN at Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt, on June 22, 2019. The third of the incident was B737-300 aircraft with the registration number: 5N-BQO also at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on July 23, 2019. AIB said no one was injured in the three incidents. Report of the B737-300 aircraft with the registration number 5N-BUK posted on the website the bureau indicated that the flight had departed Port Harcourt International Airport with 118 persons on board, including six
crew members. According to the report, the captain was the Pilot Flying (PF), while the co-pilot was Pilot Monitoring (PM), adding that at 19:24hr, the aircraft was on final approach to runway 18 Right. In the initial findings of AIB, the aircraft’s fuselage scraped the runway on landing and caused substantial damage to the aircraft. It said that the crew had called Control Tower (CT) requesting information about the runway condition, which it said was clear, but there was thunderstorm on the takeoff path runway 18R. On the second incident involving the aircraft with registration number 5N-BQO, report posted on the agency’s website stated that AIB was notified of the accident by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on July 23, 2019, the day of its occurrence. It said investigators were dispatched to the scene same day to commence post occurrence assessments under the provisions of the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents), Regulations 2019 and International Civil Aviation (ICAO) Annex 13, adding that all other relevant stakeholders were also notified. It said the aircraft had departed Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt, as flight APK7191 for Lagos airport under an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan with six crewmembers and 133 passengers.
supporters of the APC, who have also been seen on several occasions at functions with APC leaders, including the disqualified candidates. “Our party, therefore, stands in vehement rejection of any attempt to politicise the attack, as we insist that the masterminds, facilitators and executors must be swiftly brought to book on the full terms prescribed by our criminal laws.” Meanwhile, Secondus has called on security agencies, particularly the military, to allow the people of Bayelsa and Kogi States vote their choices in next Saturday’s governorship election.
Secondus tasks security agencies on free, fair elections Secondus, while condemning the needless killing of a voter in Nembe, Bayelsa State, last Wednesday, urged security operatives not to allow themselves into areas that will lower their professional value in the eyes of well-meaning election observers and watchers. The national chairman said in a statement from his media office yesterday that the disqualification of the APC candidate in Bayelsa State should send a message to everyone that God does want the continuous bloodletting of innocent citizens. “Nigerians expect all stakeholders in the Bayelsa
State election to see a divine hand in the disqualification of blood-thirsty APC from the race and respect it. That is a consequence of impunity and it should send a signal to all,” Secondus said. He said from inception, “APC knew that they were never wanted in Bayelsa State but continued with the help of operatives to heat up the state to frighten voters out of the election. “Even before the voting, God has shown His mighty hands and cleared the violent-prone APC out of the race.” Secondus also has a strong word for security agencies in
Kogi State “where the wantaway state Governor, Yahaya Bello, has deployed all devious means, including violence, to thwart the will of voters in the state.” He said it would be disgraceful if the military would allow a civilian governor to assemble military uniform and deploy it on an election day for purposes of intimidating voters and swaying the election results. Secondus, therefore, urged PDP members and supporters in the two states to refuse to be intimidated by coming out in their numbers to vote and defend their votes.
AWARD OF RECOGNITION …
L-R: Chairman, Board of Trustee, TY Danjuma Foundation, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), presenting Award of Recognition to Tulsi Chanrai Foundation Representative, Shravan Kasan at the 10th Anniversary of the TY Danjuma Foundation in Lagos...yesterday
Design Genre Renews Call for Sustainable Building Designs Sunday Okobi Design Genre Limited, a leading architectural, planning, urban and interior design firm in Nigeria, has reiterated the importance of adopting a sustainable and environment-friendly design in Nigeria towards reducing the negative impact of buildings on the environment in the various emerging towns and cities across
the country. The Managing Director of Design Genre Limited, Mr. Anthony Okoye, in a statement, advised that: “We need to think about evolving sustainable architecture designs through efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and our development spaces. “This is germane to aligning to the global quest for a safer city so that we will not
compromise a safer living and eco-friendly environment.” The statement noted that Okoye stated this during the prize presentation to winners of the Architecture Students’ Award at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The award is an endowment by the company to raise an array of future Architects who will adopt the idea of sustainable designs that suits the lifestyle of
a truly modern and safer city. The 2019 edition, the 4th in the series, produced the duo of Miss Adeola Oderinde and Mr. Bidemi Ariyo both MSC 1 students of the institution who emerged first prize winners in a highly charged race which featured five teams pitching their creative ideas to a panel of judges, which included lecturers and practicing professionals in the field of Architecture.
Nigeria Emerges Headquarters of W’African FIU Tobi Soniyi The Forum of the West African Financial Intelligence Units yesterday in Dakar , Senegal voted to unanimously relocate the Headquarters of its Forum to Abuja, Nigeria from its temporary site in Cotonou ,
Benin Republic. The work of the forum is to coordinate intelligence sharing among state parties of Ecowas and members of the Chad Basin countries on money laundering, terrorism financing, financing of proliferation of weapons and all other criminal activities.
“It was agreed that the Nigerian Financial intelligence unit (NFIU) will host the Headquarters temporarily and gradually nurture it to an independent regional Headquarters,” said Ahmed Dikko, NFIU Chief Media Analyst in a statement issued
yesterday. The statement added that in addition to intelligence exchange among FIUs, the forum will coordinate general information sharing among law enforcement, regulators, defence and national security agencies across the sub region.
Again, Fire Razes Another Lagos Market Sunday Ehigiator and Chiamaka Ozulumba Traders at the popular Tejuosho market were yesterday thrown into disarray as fire razed down a section of the market yesterday afternoon. This is coming barely a week after fire broke out at
Balogun market in Lagos Island and Okobaba plank market at Ebute Metta. It was gathered that the fire started from a power surge in one of the rooms in the building and escalated to the other rooms in the building. The fire, which started around 3p.m., was said to have destroyed property
worth millions of naira, and injured no fewer than two persons currently receiving treatments in a nearby health center. THISDAY gathered that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other emergency responders like the Lagos State Fire Service and the Federal
Fire Service responded to the incident promptly. Confirming the incident, the LASEMA Public Affairs Officer, Nosa Okunbor, noted that the fire, which caused physical cracks on the building, led to the collapse of the building, adding that “the injured persons had been taken to nearby hospital.”
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY
53
24 HOURS...
24 HOURS...
Insurgency: Fighter Jets Bombard ISWAP Fighters, Gun Trucks Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja In a joint operation with ground troops, Nigerian Air Force fighter jets yesterday struck gun trucks belonging to the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) in Malam Fatori, Borno State. Relying on intelligence reports, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole and troops of 89 and 97 Task Force Battalions of Sector 3 launched an offensive against the terrorists killing many insurgents at Mallam Fatori on the fringes of the Lake Chad in the Northern part of Borno State. An update on the war against insurgency issued by NAF Spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola,
said sustained bombardment forced the terrorists to flee. “The routing of the terrorists was sequel to the receipt of intelligence reports on the movement of ISWAP fighters in some gun trucks towards the troops’ location in Malam Fatori. “In response, the ATF immediately scrambled two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack aircraft to provide Close Air Support (CAS)”, it said. The NAF update disclosed that Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform provided enhanced situational awareness for the ground troops as they engaged the terrorists. “The combined sustained,
intensive fire rained on the terrorists, from the air and on the ground, caused them to beat a hasty retreat. “This was however not
before two of their gun trucks were destroyed. The attack platforms also tracked the fleeing terrorists, further immobilising two additional
gun trucks and neutralising a few of the fighters as they attempted to escape”, it said. Air Commodore Daramola
maintained that NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, would sustain its efforts to completely destroy all remnants of the terrorists in the North-east.
APC, PDP Bicker over Airport Project in Benue George Okoh in Makurdi All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has attacked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the recent declaration by the Governor Samuel Ortom administration to construct a new airport valued at N11 billion. The governor had declared during his budget proposal to Benue State House of Assembly that the state would be embarking on the project and it would be completed in two years. However, the APC yesterday questioned the rationale behind the government’s decision and expressed worries over the new project. APC, in a statement, said it’s astounded with yet another declaration by the governor that he would convert the proposed Benue State cargo airport and build another airport in two years. “We are deeply worried at the spontaneous nature with which the PDP administration in the state emotionally declared serious policy statements with gusto, yet, failed to execute any without compunction,” APC said. The party also alleged that the governor has the highest number of unfulfilled promises
and cited the non-completion of the Origbo-Imamde-AkpuGbajimba Road as evidence. But, in a swift reaction, PDP acknowledged rights of the opposition party to hold an opinion about policies and actions of the Ortom administration, but said the validity or otherwise of such views must still be measured against the majority opinion of Benue people who are and would always be the ultimate targeted beneficiaries of any policy and action of the PDP-led administration. “Benue PDP gladly accepts that the incumbent Ortom administration is a PDP administration as described by APC, and that as the sponsoring platform the party must take the credit or discredit accruing from the administration’s actions. But by the same token of responsibility, PDP wishes to remind APC that the same cargo airport project, which they today lampoon the Ortom administration, was conceived and initiated under APC as the sponsoring political platform. If the APC had guided the administration right, the project would not have ended up as a ‘white elephant project’ like they now seek to derogatorily label it.
SOCIAL INNOVATION..…
L-R: Chairman, Board of Directors, LEAP Africa, Mr. Udeme Ufot; President/ CEO,Mastercard Foundation, Reeta Roy; Founder, LEAP Africa, Ndidi Nwuneli; and Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Mr. Femi Taiwo, at the LEAP Africa social innovators programme and awards 2019 in Lagos… yesterday ETOP UKUTT
House Queries NIPOST over Non-collection of Stamp Duties Adedayo Akinwale ín Abuja The House of Representatives, has queried the Nigerian Poster Service (NIPOST) over alleged non collection of stamp duties between 2004 and 2015. The Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts ( PAC), Oluwole Oke, stated this yesterday in Abuja when the Postmaster General of the Federation, Bisi Adebuyi,
appeared before the committee. Oke was amazed that there was no record on stamp duties collection between 2004 to 2015. He stressed that NIPOST is empowered by the law to collect stamp duties, adding that the agency cannot claim that there was no collections between 2004 to 2015, insisting that it was unacceptable to the parliament.
Oke queried: “What happened to collection between 2004 to 2015. Are you saying that you don’t have the record or no collection made by any agency on behalf of the the government?” The Postmaster General had informed the committee that NIPOST collected total of N43.6 billion as stamp duties from February 2016 to November 9, 2019.
He stated: “I am hereby announcing to the world that what we have collected some far from stamp duties is N43.6 billion from February 2016 to November 8 2019; domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).” Adebuyi stated categorically that to the best of his knowledge, there was no collection of stamp duties between 2004 and 2015.
Forgive Yahaya Bello over Unpaid Salaries, Aisha Begs Kogi People First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has said Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State was unable to pay salaries because of the verification exercise that was organised for civil servants in the state. Aisha said since the verification exercise ended, all civil servants on the government’s payroll had
been receiving regular salary. The President’s wife, therefore, asked the people of the state to forgive Bello if any of them was negatively affected, urging them to forget what they once suffered. Aisha said this at the All Progressives Congress rally in Lokoja yesterday, shortly after Kaduna State Governor,
Nasir el-Rufai, had knelt down before the crowd, asking them to forgive their governor. Addressing the crowd, Mrs. Buhari said, “Let me refer back to Kaduna State governor’s speech where he had to kneel and say the people should forgive and forget. “Also, my husband used to emphasise on salaries. It took a
while before the Kogi salaries could be settled after a long time of verification. “But this time, vote for him for continuity of payment of salary on time.” Mrs. Buhari subsequently invited the governor to the podium, saying, “I want Yahaya Bello to talk to you about timely payment of salary.”
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
in their views that the late Saraki’s philanthropist gesture and kindness towards the commoners, especially the aged, were legendary. The Chief Imam of Ilorin noted that Saraki’s contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin and the old Kwara State remained unbeatable. He recalled how the late politician erected water tanks in every part of Ilorin metropolis to provide water for the people; construct bridges across the popular Amule River of Ilorin to aid vehicular movement at a time when he had not even ventured into partisan politics. Quoting copiously from the Holy Qur’an, Imam Salihu said: “Saraki will forever live in the minds of the people, especially, the poor and the aged, who he
spent all his wealth on during his lifetime.” The Chief Imam, who said Saraki was more of a philanthropist than a politician, added that “Baba Saraki’s kindness towards the commoners was not seasonal. He always attended to the needs of his people regardless of whether it was time for politics or not.” He admonished Nigerian politicians to emulate the Saraki’s exemplary conduct by spending their money to assist the less privileged members of the society, noting that the government could not alone provide the needs of the people. Sheikh Aduagba, in a brief sermon, noted that Saraki lived for the commoners, adding: “This is the reason Saraki’s name keeps resonating in both the local and
national affairs.” He noted with delight that Saraki’s heir, Dr. Bukola Saraki, was following the footsteps of his father in making the comfort of the commoners the fulcrum of his political endeavour. The prayer session was well attended by the political associates and supporters of the immediate past Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. The state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Kola Shittu; the Chairman of ABS Mandate office advisory council, AbdulRaheem Olesin, and the Director-General of the office, Musa Abdullahi, and the only PDP member in the state House of Assembly, Hon. AbdulRaheem Agboola, were some of the dignitaries who attended the prayer.
INEC Issues Certificate of Return to Ebonyi APC Candidate Islamic Clerics: Why Saraki Dynasty will Never Go into Extinction Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued Certificate of Return to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ezza South and Ikwo federal constituency in 2019 general election, Chinedu Ogah. The development was sequel to the declaration of the APC candidate as the winner of the February 23 National Assembly election in the state by the Appeal Court in Enugu. The Commission had earlier declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Laz Ogbee, as the winner, but the tribunal declared that the APC candidate scored the highest number of votes in the election, and
thereby declared winner, which was upheld by the appellate court. The National Commissioner of INEC, South-east zone, Prof. Ibeanu Okechukwu, handed over the Certificate of Return to the APC candidate in Abuja yesterday. The commissioner congratulated the member-elect, and wished him well as he awaits formal swearing-in by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. The member-elect reassured his constituency that the Certificate of Return was a bond of progress, new hope, empowerment and development for his constituency and the people of the state.
Prominent Islamic clerics in Ilorin, Kwara State, yesterday converged on the country home of late strongman of the state politics, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, in Ilorin to explain why the Saraki dynasty will never go into extinction in the state and Nigeria in general. The clerics spoke at the seventh remembrance prayer for the late kingmaker of Kwara politics and Second Republic Senate Leader, Saraki, held at Charity Home in Ilorin, the state capital. The clerics, including the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Salihu; Sheik Suleiman Dan Borno and Sheikh AbdulRasaq Imam Aduagba, were unanimous
54
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY
FRIDAYSPORTS
Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY
Lesotho Captain, Makepe, to Miss Super Eagles Match When Lesotho host Group L interim leaders, Super Eagles of Nigeria in Maseru on Sunday, the Crocodiles will be without Skipper Basia Makepe who was flashed a red card in the 1-1 draw with Sierra Leone on Wednesday. The red card automatically rules him out of Lesotho’s next three matches, the first being the Crocodiles’ home game with Nigeria on Sunday. Similarly, when Sierra Leone faces Nigeria in the Match-day 3, the team will be without John Kamara. Like Makepe of Lesotho, he too was given the red card as both teams ended the game with 10 men on each side. Sierra Leone scored in the
72nd minute of the match through Kwame Quee before Lesotho leveled up through Jane Thabantso in the third minute of the added time. Meanwhile, Head Coach of Republic of Benin, Michel Dussuyer has admitted the superiority of Nigeria to his side following their 2-1 defeat in Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game. The Squirrels raced into an early lead before the Super Eagles came from behind through Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu to clinch maximum points in Uyo. Super Eagles are 47 places above Benin on the world FIFA rankings, with Nigeria occupying
the 35th spot while their West African neighbours are placed 82nd. Dussuyer believes his side did teir best against the three-time African champions but rued their failure to covert the few opportunities that came their way. “We played well in the first
half, defended well, Nigeria did not create many opportunities but we conceded a penalty just before the half time which gave more confidence to Nigeria in the second half,” Dussuyer told media. “The second half was very difficult for us and we wasted many balls, gave it to
Nigeria so many times. “In the end, we tried to recover after conceding and we had an opportunity at the end but it is logical; there’s a difference between Nigeria and Benin but we fought as much as we could.” The result means Benin are at
the base of Group L with zero points from one game while Nigeria top the group with three points. The Squirrels will host Sierra Leone in their next qualifying match while Nigeria travel to Setsoto Stadium to take on Lesotho on Sunday.
D’Tigress Stroll over DR Congo in FIBA Africa Pre-Olympics Qualifiers Nigeria’s D’Tigress started their FIBA Africa Pre-Olympics qualifiers on a winning note after strolling over DR Congo 20-0 points. The Coach Otis Hughley side performed a walk over ceremony over DR Congo who failed to show up for the competition holding in Maputo, Mozambique. Currently ranked Number 1 in Africa and 16th in the world, the team shot to the top of Group A with one match to go. The reigning African champions will now shift their attention to their last group game against host Mozambique on Saturday after booking an automatic semi final ticket. Winners of the semi final encounters will qualify for the Olympics Qualifying Tournament (QQT) to be hold next year. The entire team including official AFA Sports ambassador, team captain and MVP Ezinne Kalu have been training relentlessly to bring home the victory. Speaking live from Maputo yesterday, Ezinne confirmed that the girls were in high spirits and excited about the Pre-Olympic qualifiers. “We understand how much is riding on these next few games and we are confident that we have done enough to sail through the pre-qualifiers and get a step closer to realising our World Cup dreams.” Six countries - including hosts Mozambique, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Mali, Nigeria and Senegal - are divided into two groups of three teams each. They will play a roundrobin format in their specific groups with the winner of Group A facing the second team in Group B while the winner of Group B will come up against the second ranked team in Group A in the Semi-Finals. The two winners of the
Maputo-showdown SemiFinals will not play a Final as they will automatically advance to the 16-nation FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (WOQT) in February next year where the top three teams from each of the three WOQTs will qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. If the girls win this round, they will have to play the qualifiers in February before being eligible to represent Nigeria in Tokyo and potentially take home the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Vice President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), Babatunde Ogunade, said, “We are beyond hopeful about our girls’ chances during these next few crucial games and we are grateful for the support we have had thus far. The girls are fired up are highly likely to qualify for the Olympics.” AFA Sports, the official apparel sponsors have been proud supporters of the women’s team and speaking to Founder, Ugo Udezue, he reiterated that he has every confidence in the girls’ ability to conquer in all their games. He continued, “AFA are a premium sports apparel brand based in Victoria Island and D’Tigress have been instrumental in bringing the AFA vision to life. We are committed to creating premium performance wear that allows athletes to play to the very best of their abilities and I believe that we are on the verge of watching D’Tigress make history once more.” D’Tigress, the champions of Africa, succeeded in defending the title they won two years ago after defeating the same team 65-48 in Bamako, Mali in 2017. Even more impressively, D’Tigress have become the first team to win back-to-back FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles since Angola followed up their 2011 triumph with another in 2013.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach (left), displaying fencing skills in a demonstration practice with a student from the Aduvie International School in Jabi, Abuja…yesterday
Temple Jam Basketball Tournament to Tip off Nov 17 The Temple Management Company in conjunction with the Lagos State Basketball Association has announced that eight clubs from within Nigeria and across Africa will participate in the inaugural Temple Jam Basketball Tournament. The round of games will run from November 18th 2019 to November 24th at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. The teams are billed to arrive in Lagos on Sunday, November 17th
Eight teams, including Kano Pillars, Oluyole Warriors (Oyo), Comets (Ondo), Anambra Flames, Gombe Bulls and Tema Harbor City (Ghana) have been confirmed as the participating teams. Pillars and Comets have won the Nigerian league many times and reckoned as two of the most dominant Nigerian teams in modern era while Tema Harbor is very popular with Ghanaian fans. The Temple Jam Basketball Tournament, which was
announced, last week, is a partnership between the Temple Management Company and the Lagos State Basketball Association. Former NBA player and one of the organisers of the event, Olumide Oyedeji, said: “This club competition has been established to support the development of basketball across Africa and provide a platform for clubs and players to encompass the sporting principles offered through
this initiative. This tournament will give 8 teams from across Africa the unique opportunity to compete with the best clubs of the continent.” The organisers have assured sports fans of the highest level of basketball actions in the one week fiesta holding in its inaugural season. The Teslim Stadium venue offers one of the best sports halls in Nigeria having host several international competitions including table tennis and squash tournaments.
Falode Speaks at CAF’s Seminar on Female Football Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board member and NWFL Chairperson, Aisha Falode, was one of the eminent football administrators that on Wednesday addressed the CAF Women Football Strategy Task Force Workshop in Cairo, Egypt.
The two-day strategic workshop on the development of the women’s game was organised by the Women Football Department of CAF in conjunction with FIFA. The gathering also plotted how to chart a four-year strategic roa- map for the
elevation of women football development in Africa. “Women football is surely going places in the world after the success at France 2019 World Cup,” Falode told THISDAY on telephone from the venue of the conference in Cairo.
Aisha Falode speaking at the CAF Women Football Strategy Task Force Workshop in Cairo, Egypt…on Wednesday
Imbibe Core Olympic Values, IOC President Urges Nigerian Students Olawale Ajimotokan and Udora Orizu in Abuja The International Olympic Committee, (IOC) President, Dr. Thomas Bach has tasked the students of Aduvie International School Abuja to imbibe the core Olympic values, saying that their future lies with it. The former Olympic fencing gold medalist and world champion said this while giving his remarks during his visit to the NOC partner school on Thursday. He said, “After all I have seen, I can confirm that the children of Aduvie International School have
a great future. They are enjoying an excellent education enriched with Olympic values. I wish to advise you that your future lies with imbibing Olympic values which are excellence, respect and friendship.” “I urge you to always give your best in whatever you are doing. Learn to respect yourselves and others. Respect the rules because we cannot live together if you don’t respect the rules. Friendship is another value. Always consider that we are all equal and show friendship to everyone. Winning does not make you superior to anybody else, respect others.” The IOC President also
awarded the school an Olympic medal designating it an olympic school Bach who was accompanied to the school by Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Olympians, national athlete, IOC scholarship recipients and 54 presidents of the Association of National Olympic Commitees (ANOCA) unveiled the foundation stone for the construction of Olympic rings and an additional 200-seating capacity sports pavilion for the students. In his welcome address, the Head of School, Mr Olusoji Abiodun restated the school’s commitment to sports
development in the country. Abiodun noted that education will remain incomplete without physical training and exercise. He stressed that physical education and sports play an important role in school life and helps to improve behaviour, health, retention, develop social skills and in turn, have a positive influence on academic performance. “I also commend the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, President of the IOC and all their officials for the great work they are doing in Nigeria and all over the world to promote sports and games.
55
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, ͺ ˾ T H I S D AY
FRIDAYSPORTS
Developing Nigeria’s Usain Bolt Ibrahimovic
England Hammer Montenegro 7-0 to Qualify for Euro 2020 England celebrated their 1,000th game in style yesterday as they secured qualification for Euro 2020 and topped Group A with an emphatic 7-0 demolition of Montenegro at Wembley. Captain Harry Kane moved to fifth in England’s all-time record goalscorers as a first-half hat-trick took his tally to 31, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain opened the scoring on his first start for 18 months and Marcus Rashford was also on the scoresheet in that 45-minute barrage. As England and the Football Association enjoyed
this landmark occasion, with a parade of legends and 1966 World Cup winners in attendance, Montenegro proved the most amenable of opponents, particularly in the opening half when Kane and company ran riot and the visitors’ defending was shambolic. Oxlade-Chamberlain finished superbly to begin the rout while Kane quickly added two headers, with all three goals created by Leicester City defender Ben Chilwell. England’s captain and Rashford were also the beneficiaries of
Montenegro generosity before the interval. It was also in evidence in the second half when Aleksandar Sofranac diverted Mason Mount’s shot into his own net for England’s sixth. To complete a perfect night for Southgate and England, he was able to give a debut to Leicester City’s James Maddison, while substitute Tammy Abraham scored his first full international goal. The introduction of Liverpool’s Joe Gomez appeared to be bizarrely greeted by some jeers from England fans
after the clash with Raheem Sterlingthat saw the Manchester City forward dropped as a disciplinary measure, but otherwise Southgate’s side marked this gala occasion and Euro 2020 qualification with a flourish before Sunday’s final qualifier in Kosovo. It has been a testing week for England manager Gareth Southgate as he had to handle the fallout from the altercation between Sterling and Gomez at St George’s Park on Monday, 24 hours after Liverpool beat Manchester City in the Premier League.
Excitement Builds as GOtv Boxing Night Mini Holds Saturday A wave of excitement is washing over boxing fans, as the first edition of GOtv Boxing Night Mini nears. The show, which holds on Saturday at the Rowe Park Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos, is heavily anticipated by fans, who have adopted many of the boxers scheduled to be in action. Fans interviewed at Yaba, Ojuelegba and Surulere areas of Lagos during the week expressed delight that the boxing show is close and will afford them the opportunity of watching some of the country’s
top boxers in action. Rafiu Dehinde, a fan who idolizes Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu, reigning West African Boxing Union (WABU) lightweight champion, said he is delighted with the opportunity to see the boxer in action again. “I had hoped to see him fight Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph for the African Boxing Union (ABU) title, but Joe Boy got injured and the fight has been postponed. But I’m happy that he is on the bill because he’s such a good and stylish boxer,” said Dehinde. Chiedu Abaeneme, a fan of
Kabiru “KB Godson” Towolawi, is equally thrilled, saying the boxer is famous around Bariga where residents are ready to troop to the show venue to cheer him to victory. “KB is well known in Bariga because he’s a good boxer and a nice man. Many people from Bariga will be there to cheer him to victory and watch other boxers,” he said. Folashade Ogundipe, a female amateur boxer, said she’s happy that the show will feature female boxers. She said: “I’m happy that
female boxers will participate. Female boxers have had few opportunities at the professional level. GOtv Boxing Night Mini has given us hope that we are not being ignored,” she said. GOtv Boxing Night Mini will feature five explosive bouts. Oladosu will take on Ola Adebakin in a national lightweight challenge, while Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde, West African Boxing Union (WABU) welterweight champion, will take on Dennis “The Range” Mba in a challenge duel.
Wema, Union Bank Pick Nigeria Bankers Games’ First Win Wema Bank, Union Bank, EcoBank and Sterling Bank have qualified for the knockout stage at the ongoing 2019 Nigeria Bankers Games at the YabaTech Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos. In the first match of the day, UBA and FCMB battled to a one-all draw, with a superior goal difference a point enough
was for UBA to clinch the top spot in Group A. First Bank and Fidelity Bank went head-to-head in the second game but tie ended goalless as Fidelity Bank clinched top spot with superior goal difference. Union Bank claimed third top spot in Group A with their 3-0
win over Ecobank. Both teams aimed at bouncing back from last week’s outings. In the final group fixture, Wema Bank sealed a lone goal victory over Sterling Bank to pick their first points of the 2019 season. Meanwhile, in the chess event concluded at the weekend,
Union Bank claimed the gold medal in the male category, while First Bank and FCMB won the silver and bronze medals respectively. The table tennis event will conclude this week in the YabaTech Indoor Hall, while the football event will be entering the knockout stages.
Fayele Ready to Defend Title at 51st Asoju Oba T’tennis After walking home with a brand new car for his efforts at the golden jubilee anniversary of the longest running tournament in Nigeria, David Fayele is not ready to drop the toga of being the men’s defending champion when the 51st Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Cup serves off later this month. Also, players across the Lagos have started warming up at Rowe Park and National
Stadium in their bid to dethrone champions in 17 events at stake. Fayele, who defeated Olajide Omotayo to emerge as champion in the men’s event is aiming to hold on to the title in his bid to work his way into the national senior team. The Nigerian Army officer said nobody can stop his dream of carting home the highest prize this year. “I have already started
training in the past weeks for the competition because my aim is to show the national handlers that I can be part of the national team. Also, I want to show people that my claiming the title ahead of Italy-based Omotayo was not a fluke. I can still do it again and I want to do in a grand style this year,” Fayele said. A confident Fayele however, lauded the family of late business
mogul, Chief Molade OkoyaThomas for keeping faith with the tournament after the demise of the initiator. “We are very grateful that the family has continued to sponsor the tournament and this for us has really motivated us to always give our best. We hope that this year will be unique like the 2018 edition as we are expecting a large turnout of players across Lagos State,” he added.
I have always been an admirer of John Momoh, Chairman of Channels TV. First, as a newscaster at NTA, progressing to start some 20 years ago what was then a small television station devoted almost exclusively to presenting news. And lately, as the man, who would change the face of sport in this country. As a newscaster, he eased into the circle of great and outstanding personalities like Nelson Ipaye, Mike Enahoro and Bode Alalade. He was certainly one of the best there was in those glorious days of NTA. He was painstaking and thoroughly professional. Little wonder he now owns, perhaps, the best television news network in Africa and in the process changing the face of television in our country in much the same way Nduka Obaigbena glamourised newspaper production. But perhaps the most outstanding thing about John is his ability to grow things and nurture them to greater heights. A striking illustration is how he has been able to grow his television network from a small two rooms outfit to the two edifices it now occupies in Lagos and Abuja. Today, my intention is to draw your attention to a quiet revolution that has been started by Channels TV in sport. Some 10 years ago, he told me he was worried about the deteriorating situation in our sport and said he would like to do something about it. The result was the birth of the highly successful Channels TV International Kids Cup competition that has been running since then. Last year, an intervention in athletics followed. This was what he told the press ten years ago. “...to address what we at Channels Television see “as a clear and present danger” facing sports in our country, we have decided to contribute our quota in redressing the ugly situation that sport in Nigeria has been plunged into by doing something to redress the situation.” The Channels International Kids Cup has become a rave in primary schools all over the country so much so John Momoh that neighbouring countries have continued to show interest. More importantly, some of the products of that competition have graduated to both the country’s cadet national football teams. There was a time the NFF promised to adopt the competition in selecting players for the proposed National Under-13 team. Last year, the maiden edition of the Channels Under-17 Track & Field Classics for Secondary School students kicked off. The success achieved is indicative that truly talents abound in this country. One of the winners at the Classics, Alumot Alowonle, went on to represent Nigeria and has been tipped as a budding star. Another outstanding athlete in last year’s event was gangling Fatola Adedoyin of Oreyo Grammar School who many believe may turn out to be our own version of Jamaican Usain Bolt. At the moment, the competition is limited to schools in Lagos but by next year there are plans to involve other states of the country. Last year’s tournament had eight events competed for. It has been increased to ten this year. According to officials of the Classics, there is a plan in place to train discovered athletes for greater exploits. I believe the seed being sown in sport by Channels Tv would grow much like the television station itself has grown and even if we do not have products of the Classics in the next Olympics, I have no doubt that in the next few years, talents discovered now will be world beaters sooner than later. I will be at the finals today and am certain we would see more revelations about the talents that abound in the country. Perhaps, soon we will have our own Usain Bolt and recreate the glorious period of 1970/80s when we were one of the best, rubbing shoulders with the greats. That is where we belong. In the meantime, I think our sport authorities should do all that they can to support the noble venture of hunting for and developing talents from the grassroots. Catching them young is a culture that we must nurture. I expect in no distant future to see graduates of these Channels TV ventures not only wearing our national colours but also running and playing for world renowned clubs. And when this happens, we should remember to thank the Channels TV organisations. By the way, I wrote this piece not because I have a working relationship with Channels TV but because I believe every word. May the LORD bless our nation.
Friday November 15, 2019
TR
UT H
& RE A SO
N
Price: N250
MISSILE
Soyinka to DSS “Predictably, the ham-fisted response of the Directorate of State Security continues to defy the rulings of the court. The weaponry of lies having been exploded in their faces, they resorted to what else? Violence! Violence, including, as now reported, the firing of live bullets” – Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, berating DSS for attacking those protesting the continued detention of Omoyele Sowore.
AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA
akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com
From Trump to The Kaduna Mafia T he comparable idea to the myth of the ‘Kaduna Mafia’ is what embattled President Donald Trump frequently harps upon as the Deep State in the United States of America. Characterised by contrived anonymity and elusiveness, they are defined more by myth than reality. The latter characteristic is a derivation from the culture and heritage of the dreaded Italian prototype-the Cosa Nostra. You know it is there, but it is an uphill task proving the fact of its existence. Remember how long it took to entrap and convict Al Capone? If you don’t know the Chicago Mafia boss, you would at least have encountered the classic movie representation of the Godfather. Back to the Kaduna Mafia type. Where they exist, they operate under the radar as power behind the throne-so to say; and the fact of their existence have relative and varying degrees of validity and believability. The less opaque and more democratically transparent and accountable the public context, the narrower the margin of the probability of its existence. Thus, realistically and comparatively (and in its prototypical form) it has far better prospects of existence and success in Nigeria than the United States. Generically, It has been variously identified as: “networks of officials, private firms, media outlets, think tanks, foundations, NGOs, interest groups, and other forces that attend to the needs of capital, not of everyday life while concealed from public gaze or hidden in plain sight”, “a hybrid association of elements of government and parts of top-level finance and industry that is effectively able to govern society without reference to the consent of the governed as expressed through the formal political process”. The nearest the idea has intruded in the consciousness and the public imagination of America is its association with the notion of a ‘Military–Industrial Complex’ which prompted this remark from President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his 1961 farewell address: “In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the Military–Industrial Complex “. In its benevolent occurrence, the genealogy/ epistemology of this variant of power elite hacks back to Pareto’s elite theory, Plato’s philosopher king concept and Aristotle’s formulation of the aristocracy idea. The elite theory posits “that a small minority, consisting of members of the economic elite and policy-planning networks, holds the most power—and that this power is independent of democratic elections”; “a select group of people with a certain ancestry, intrinsic quality, high intellect, wealth, special skills, or experience—are more likely to be constructive to society as a whole, and therefore deserve influence or authority greater than that of others.” The reference to Trump and America is deliberate and it is intended to illustrate the proposition that such a group (the Mafia or so called Deep State that is)-if and where it exists, can serve as a force for public good and manifest the ideal type characteristic of the philosopher king concept. To the extent that America and the world need to be saved
Daura from Trump, any group ascribed with the capacity and proclivity for pushing back against his pathological excesses must be hailed as American heroes. It is the measure of the ‘alternative universe, conspiracy theory’ culture of Donald Trump that seldom can anyone recall his predecessors propagate the myth of the deep state as active reality-intent on subverting the democratically elected President. The irony here is that, were the talks of the existence of a deep state to be delusory, the conduct of Trump would make it necessary to invent one. Beyond the legitimate opportunism and partisanship of the Democratic Party, such pressure groups are deemed a unique demonstration of the leadership responsibility the national elite bears-for the preservation of the values that underwrite the stability, durability and functionality of society. Where it demonstrates the potential for good, there is a discernible convergence and congruence of such roles with the (long-term) interests of the public. However, its utility is situational and context specific; and just as short-term conveniences could be the enemy of the long-term imperative, so could its strategic vision be at cross purposes with instant gratification syndrome and populist
The story of the Buhari Presidency is the illustration of his complete selfdemystification and the unravelling of the reputation of associated myths and proximate political tendencies
posturing. It is equally noteworthy that just as it can function as a force for good, there are occasions where its conduct, goals and objectives may prove subversive of public interest. Within the context of democracy and democratic rule, it is difficult to justify or rationalise the existence of unaccountable power elite, but it is obligatory to extenuate its benign and benevolent expression and intervention in the polity. Democracy is prone to dysfunction (notably chaos, confusion and manipulation; and vulnerability to the emergence of mob rule and rogue leadership). Regardless of such limitations, democracy, notes Winston Churchill, may be the worst form of government but no better alternative has yet been invented and evolved by mankind According to contemporary Nigerian political legend and speculation, ‘Kaduna Mafia is the name given to a loose group of young (they are now old men in their late seventies and early eighties by the way) Northern Nigerian intellectuals, civil servants, business tycoons and military officers residing or conducting business in the former Northern capital city of Kaduna during the end of the first republic. It is believed the resentment of competing interests led to the creation of the acerbic idea of a clique gaining headway through its closeness to power and thereby approximating resources of the state under the banner of capitalism’. I have heard of the Kaduna Mafia before I met Dr Mahmud Tukur- ideologically focused, intellectually intense, politically aggressive, socially introverted and discriminatory, and above all, totally immersed and invested in Fulani Muslim identity politics-he was the personification of the Kaduna Mafia-if ever there was one. I was quite excited at the prospects of making his acquaintance-in anticipation of the intellectual insight into the politics of the dominant conservative wing of the Northern political establishment I stood to gain from the relationship. In this aspiration, I doubt if anyone could do better than the former Minister and founding Vice Chancellor of Bayero University as guide and mentor. And I was not disappointed. Just like me, no engagement better animates him than the scholarly discussion of Nigerian politics. If there was a blueprint for the establishment of the Kaduna Mafia, I have no doubt in my mind he would be the author. In such blueprint would be found the role identification for a group like the Kaduna Mafia to serve as think tank for the post 1966 emergent Military-Bureaucratic power elite. It is quite unlikely for anyone to be in the company of Tukur for any reasonable amount of time and not get to meet personalities like Adamu Ciroma, Mamman Daura, Shehu Yar’Adua, Adamu Fika, Liman Ciroma, Suleiman Kumo and Muhammadu Buhari who were all famously speculated as constituting the core of the Mafia. Of the lot, he seemed closest to Mamman Daura-taciturn, sour and arrogant, he comes across as overly self-conscious and near totally absorbed in himself; and has his significance burnished by a managerial propriety rights over his uncle, Buhari-who has emerged since the 1983 coup as a crown prince of sorts. And they all seemed to share a common disposition
of seriousness and discipline. I will reaffirm the proposition I have always canvassed that Northern irredentism (or hegemony) does not have to be inconsistent with the socio-economic development of Nigeria. It is the gross abuse of that privilege that has abased Nigeria and commensurately provoke the outrage and repudiation of other Nigerian stakeholders. Put differently, I have no problem with Northern hegemony, so long as it is coterminous with manifest potential to develop Nigeria. No less, I assume that this political bargain is the raison detre of the Kaduna Mafia. In return for being instrumental to the sustained social economic development of Nigeria, I am quite willing to grant the Mafia the hegemony it so much desires. Anything short of this balanced bargain and mutual reciprocity would amount to double jeopardy. You cannot want to lord it over me and reinforce this concession with the underdevelopment of Nigeria. Ostensibly, this assumed shared perspective typically gave rise to the military coup intervention that ousted the Shehu Shagari government (haven been adjudged a failure and giving a bad name to Northern hegemony). It was the same ostensible rationale that prompted the political outreach to Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the 1983 general elections. Now we know better. The paired two myths (a visionary Kaduna Mafia and reformist Buhari) have now been shattered resulting in the wry observation that were Buhari not to be availed the opportunity to become President of Nigeria again, he would have gone down in history, along with Awolowo as the best President Nigeria never had. In terms of its association with the Kaduna Mafia, the Buhari Presidency is virtually a replay of his stint as Military dictator of 1984/85-given that (amongst other identikit) Mamman Daura, is literarily the alternate President. The story of the Buhari Presidency is the illustration of his complete self-demystification and the unravelling of the reputation of associated myths and proximate political tendencies. This is the negative political feat that he and his nephew have been able to accomplish-evident in the typical underlisted testimonies from their households and lifestyles “Mamman Daura, Nigeria’s de facto president, celebrated his 80th birthday in London with his family & associates, including Senator Amosun & Sirika. Buhari is also in London on a “private visit” with public funds. They luxuriate in sybaritic pleasures abroad, closed borders at home, inflict hardship on the middle class, and tell the poor to eat only local rice. Apparently, the good things of life are the exclusive preserve of Buhari, his family, and a select favoured few.” “My name is Fatima. I am a daughter to Malam Mamman Daura… if one reasons well, he or she will understand that it is not possible to say that the wife of the president is denied access to her apartment but let me give a context,” she said. “The apartment in question is called the Glass House. You know that there are several houses and apartments in the villa. When the president got into office, he gave the Glass House to our father, Mamman Daura.”
Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com