MONDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2019

Blackout Looms as Gencos Threaten Shutdown over N600bn Fund Nigeria, Guinea have cheapest power tariffs in W’Africa, says report Chineme Okafor in Abuja Blackout is looming across the country as the electricity generation companies (Gencos) yesterday threatened to shut down power supply should the federal government refuse to disburse the N600billion

intervention fund.

This is coming as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) Regional Electricity Regulatory

Authority (ERERA) have disclosed that Nigeria and Guinea – Conakry, currently have the cheapest or lowest retail electricity tariffs amongst countries in the West African

region.

The Gencos, speaking through the Executive Secretary, Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), Dr. Joy Ogaji, told

journalists in Abuja that they had been indebted to the extent that their gas suppliers no longer supply them.

This, according to her, has compelled about three Gencos

PoS Transactions Hit N2.5tn in 10 Months... Page 8

to shut down their operations.

She noted that if the N600 billion is not released in record time, a deliberate decision or economic forces would force the remaining Gencos to stop power generation.

Ogaji disclosed that the Continued on page 9

Monday 18 November, 2019 Vol 24. No 8988. Price: N250

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PDP Kicks as APC Takes Bayelsa, in Comfortable Lead in Kogi 3 die in Kogi, INEC declares senatorial contest inconclusive International observers, situation room condemn violence Nseobong Okon-Ekong, Emmanuel Addeh, Stanley Nkwazema in Yenagoa, Chuks Okocha, Wale Ibrahim in Lokoja and Chinedu Eze in Lagos The All Progressives Congress was all smiles last night as it made good its promise to take Bayelsa State, winning outright the governorship

contest even as it took a comfortable lead in Kogi State, where results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 19 of 21 local governments assures it of certain victory.

The Kogi West senatorial election that was held alongside the governorship poll ended in Continued on page 9

FG Releases Circular on Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustment States, labour unions to begin talks Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan, Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Francis Sardauna in Katsina, Daji Sani in Yola, and Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki The federal government has finally released the circular on the implementation of the N30,000 new minimum wage to federal workers, setting the

stage for the labour unions in the states to commence the negotiations on consequential adjustment to the new wage, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

THISDAY gathered that the circular, which originated from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, was released at the weekend.

Continued on page 9

FORGING AHEAD...

Sitting: Chief of Finance & Administration, Air Peace, Mrs. Ejiroghene Eghaghe (left), and Chief Executive Officer, Embraer, Mr. John Slattery; Standing L-R: Cabin Crew Executives, Ms. Nana De-man and Ms. Chidimma Chimezie; Captain Luis Arias; Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer, Mr. Arjan Meijer; Sales Director, Mr. Francisco Moraes; Vice President, Sales, Mr. Raul Villaron; Senior First Officer, Air Peace, Mr. Emmanuel Iwhiwhu; Cabin Crew Executives, Ms. Margaret Eguche and Ms. Precious Eluwa, during the airline’s signing of contract for purchase of three additional Embraer at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai…yesterday.

Former AGF, Adoke, Arrested, Detained in Dubai... Page 5

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

Former AGF, Adoke, Arrested, Detained in Dubai

Davidson Iriekpen with agency report

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), has been held in Dubai by Interpol, THISDAY has learnt.

It was gathered that Adoke was arrested shortly after arriving in Dubai on November 11.

The former AGF, according to Premium Times, had travelled there for medical evaluation after a court warrant for his arrest was vacated in October.

It was not particularly clear from where he flew into Dubai, but different sources said he went through China and Rwanda.

Justice D. Z. Zenchi of the Federal Territory High Court had in April issued a warrant for Adoke’s arrest following

an ex-parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He has been on self-exile since 2015, accusing the EFCC of trying to humiliate him and maintaining that he did no wrong in the OPL 245 affair.

He has consistently been denying links to alleged fraud and has been on self-exile since vacating office in May 2015.

He has repeatedly cited a

judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja that said he could not be prosecuted for actions he took while in office based on presidential directives.

The former AGF recently published his memoirs, ‘Burden of Service: Reminiscences of Nigeria’s Former AttorneyGeneral,’ detailing his role in the OPL 245/Malabu Oil deal as well as other events that happened

MONEY MATTERS...

Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Okiye (left) and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the presentation of the 2020 Appropriation Bill in Benin City‌weekend

Ikpeazu Secures $430 million Deal for Enyimba Economic City Says EEC would boost Nigeria’s participation in AfCFTA Tobi Soniyi Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has secured the nod of the African Development Bank (AfDB), private investors and other multilateral financial institutions for investment of $430 million to fast track the development of the first phase of Enyimba Economic City (EEC).

The city is a proposed freetrade zone, with independent business registry, labor law, banking regulations and more, located on over 9,500 hectares of land in the oil producing communities of Abia State, between Aba and Port Harcourt.

The governor, who spoke in Lagos during an interaction with journalists at the weekend, said he presented the EEC to investors at the just concluded Africa Investment Forum (AIF) held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to him, many of the participants at the forum agreed that ECC is a project worthy of their commitment and demonstrated their willingness to invest in the city.

The project is privately-led, but stakeholders include the local community, the state government (Abia State), and the federal government.

Advisors and financiers of the EEC include the African Export-Import Bank, African Development Bank, and the International Finance Corporation.

The governor observed that while other African countries had benefitted from the funding opportunity provided by the Africa Investment Forum,

Nigeria has yet to benefit.

This, he said, explained why the country presented two projects at the 2019 AIF. The four projects include Enyimba Economic City and Lagos Cable Car projects.

AIF is a market place for project developers, investors, borrowers, lenders, policy makers and public and private sector investors to encourage investment in Africa.

In order to attract funding for African projects, the African Development Bank launched the inaugural Africa Investment Forum in 2018.

The forum is an innovative, multi-stakeholder transactional marketplace conceived by the African Development Bank, aimed at raising capital, advancing projects to the bankable stage and accelerating financial closure of deals.

AIF inaugural edition was launched in partnership with Africa50, Afrexim Bank, the Trade Development Bank, the Development Bank of South Africa, the Islamic Development Bank, the Africa Finance Corporation, the European Investment Bank.

At this year’s event, four governors attended, including Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ikpeazu, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdul-Razak (Kwara) and Prof.

Ben Ayade (Cross River).

According to AfDB, 56 boardroom deals valued at $67.6 billion were tabled at the forum while 52 deals worth $40.1 billion secured investor interest.

Among the deals that secured investors’ interest was the Enyimba Economic City.

Ikpeazu said that EEC would boost Nigeria’s participation in the Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

He thanked the federal government for supporting the project which he said would create about 600,000 jobs within 10 years.

The governor disclosed that Olam International, one of the world’s leading food and agri-business companies, has already disclosed its interest in establishing a textile factory in ECC. Ikpeazu said: “The time has come for our people to move from trading to manufacturing.

EEC is the vehicle through which we are going to achieve that.�

Last month, ECC won the first Charter Cities Business Plan Contest for 2019 with a cash prize of $25,000.

To clinch the coveted prize, the Enyimba Economic City beat several other participating cities from around the world including Blackstone Charter Cities of Australia and Novgorod New Hanse Town of Russia, who came 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In a statement released by the Charter Cities Institute, organizers of the contest, the Institute said: “We are pleased to announce the winners of our Charter Cities Business Plan Contest. After application reviews and interviews, 1st prize and $25,000 is awarded to Enyimba Economic City (Nigeria), 2nd prize, $10,000, to Blackstone Charter Cities (Australia), and 3rd prize to Novgorod New Hanse Town (Russia).

"We launched the Charter Cities Business Plan Contest to identify teams around the world with forward-looking, viable plans for a Charter City.

The winners each exceeded our expectations regarding the location, target industries, and growth potential of their respective Charter Cities. “The Charter Cities Institute looks forward to working with all three teams as they execute their plans."

ECC is a 9,464-hectare Greenfield Charter City. It will connect the 9 states of South-East and South-South Nigeria, with a population of about 60 million, turning the area into a global business hub.

The city will leverage existing and improved infrastructure, including high-grade roads, rail, airports, inland ports, natural gas pipelines, a 540 MW powerplant, water treatment and waste management.

Enyimba Economic City will feature a state-of-the-art administrative structure to attract residents and businesses.

Enyimba’s core industry will be manufacturing, with ancillary drivers including logistics, medical, entertainment, education, commerce, lifestyle residency, and aviation.

The city with an annual output of over $5 billion will provide over 600,000 direct jobs, massively transform the economy of the south-eastern region of Nigeria and even beyond.

Several multilateral institutions have also dubbed the city one of the most transformational projects in Africa today.

in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, which he served as AGF from 2010 to 2015.

On October 25, Justice Zenchi vacated the arrest warrant based on prayers from Adoke’s lawyers who argued that the order was wrongfully procured.

The judge also asked the EFCC, which seeks to prosecute Adoke, to serve him the court papers by substituted means.

In her ruling that day, the judge, after hearing the submissions of all the counsel, and upon perusal of all the affidavits in support of their motions, made the following orders: “The arrest warrant issued for the arrest of the 4th-9th defendants in charge No FCT/ HC/CR/124/2017 and to be executed by the police and the Interpol is declared null and void and of no effect whatsoever. “Accordingly, the order of 17th April 2019 issuing a bench warrant on the 4th-9th defendants is hereby set aside and vacated. “It is further ordered that the case be adjourned sine die until the prosecution takes the required procedural steps to effect service on the defendants

herein.�

It appears the Nigerian authorities failed to update Interpol overseas of the development on the case.

It was gathered that Interpol officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were shocked when Adoke told them the warrant for his arrest had since been vacated and that there was no basis to hold him.

Sources said Interpol authorities in the UAE have now requested the Nigerian authorities to officially update them on the matter.

The Ministry of Justice in Abuja has been working on transmitting the order to Interpol in Dubai to secure Adoke’s release, but the process was being delayed because the incumbent AGF, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), was not available.

Nigeria recently signed a mutual legal assistance treaty with the UAE that would, among others, ensure Nigerians accused of corruption and fraud, can be arrested in the UAE and deported to Nigeria to face prosecution.

Such persons could also have their assets in that country seized.

Sultan Urges Muslims to be Law-abiding Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, yesterday enjoined Muslims nationwide to always demand for their rights, whenever they are being denied within the ambit of the law.

He gave the charge while speaking at the fourth General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South-west Nigeria (MUSWEN), with the theme: 'Muslim Unity and Contemporary Political Challenges in Nigeria,' held at the University of Ibadan.

The Sultan, who doubles as the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), while speaking on the recent hijab crisis at the University of Ibadan International School, said female Muslim students had right under the constitution to use hijab.

He, however, cautioned those advocating for the use of hijab and various organisations championing the welfare of Muslims in the country to demand for their rights within the ambit of the law, stating that Muslims should always seek redress in a peaceful manner instead of open confrontations.

He said: "Muslims must be law-abiding; the moment we are attacking each other, then there will be no peace.

So, we need peace. And we have been doing our own in silence. I urge all of you to be law-abiding. The issue is at the court and since it is in the court, we can't make further statement, so that we don't commit contempt of the court.

"Demand for your rights within the ambit of the law.

I urged all of you to be patience because Almighty Allah loved the patient ones. On the issue of hijab at the university, there are some organisations that are advocating for it, let them continue advocating, but at our own level we have been doing

ours silently.

"In the constitution, we have freedom of religion. If my religion allows me to wear hijab, nobody should stop me.

So, our politicians and leaders must know that. All these issues have been politicised.�

Abubakar while speaking on the factors responsible for the array of social problems militating against the survival of Nigeria, identified unemployment, poverty and absence of small-scale industries in the rural areas as some of the major problems in Nigeria.

The Chairman, MUSWEN Education Committee, Prof.

Muibi Opeloye, while delivering a paper entitled, 'Muslim Unity and Contemporary Political Challenges in Nigeria,' urged Muslims who are in the corridor of power not to mind their political differences but unite when issues of national importance are being discussed.

"Wealth should not be the criterion for eligibility for public office. Such factors such as qualities of head and heart, education, wisdom, mental and physical health should be the criteria. In recognition of the Nigerian constitutional provisions, Sharia courts should be introduced in the South Western Nigeria to replace the Sharia panels functioning in the various states of the zone,� he said.

Muslim leaders present at the event included the Executive Secretary, MUSWEN, Prof. Daud Noibi; Chairman, Board of Trustees, MUSWEN, Prince Bola Ajibola whose speech was read by Chairman, Muslim Community in Oyo State, Alhaji Kunle Sanni; former Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu; former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) national commissioner, Prof. Lai Olurode; former Director of Academic Planning at the University of Jos, Prof.

Muslih Yahya; and Alhaji Femi Abass.

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PoS Transactions Hit N2.5tn in 10 Months

Obinna Chima

The value of transactions nationwide through Point of Sales (PoS) channels between January and October 2019, stood at a total of N2.528 trillion.

This represented an increase of N707 billion or 39 per cent, from the N1.821 trillion recorded in the same period in 2018.

The figures compiled from data made available by the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), also showed that the volume of transaction through the electronic payment, also rose by 56 per cent, from the 224.5 million transactions recorded in the first 10 months of 2018, to the 350.6 million transactions executed in same period in 2019.

A breakdown of the monthly value of PoS transactions showed that while in October 2019, a total of N287.747 billion was recorded (N212.368

billion in October 2018); in September N283.3 billion (N200.18 billion in September 2018); August was N294.036 billion (N204.805 billion in August 2018); and N279.475 billion was recorded in July 2019 (N185 billion in July 2018).

In addition, the NIBSS said as at June this year, the total monthly value of PoS transactions recorded in the country was N245 billion, which was higher than the N182 billion recorded in June 2018.

In May, a total of N258 billion was realised, higher than the N189.5 billion recorded same month in 2019; and as of April 2019, it stood at N246 billion, higher than the N172 billion realised in same month in 2018.

Furthermore, the NIBSS data showed that while in March 2019, total value of point of sales transactions was N217 billion, higher than the N178 billion it recorded same period in

2018; in February it was N193 billion and January N223 billion.

The CBN has been aggressive in its drive to discourage cash transactions with its Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, saying recently that the banking sector regulator would continue to implement the cashless policy in line with its mandate to ensure an efficient payment system.

According to Emefiele, contrary to claims in some quarters that many Nigerians would suffer

the negative impact of the policy, only about five to 10 per cent of bank customers would be affected.

The CBN in a recent circular had announced the re-introduction of three per cent processing fees on withdrawals and two per cent processing fees on lodgments of amounts above N500, 000 for individual accounts.

For corporate accounts, banks would charge five per cent processing fees on withdrawals and three per cent processing fee on

lodgments of amounts above N3 million.

But Emefiele had said if the Nigerian economy was to compete effectively with those of developed countries, there was need to enthrone a payment system that encouraged the use of non-cash channels.

He had said before the cashless policy was inaugurated before he assumed office, many stakeholder engagements were done to sensitise Nigerians.

According to him, the

policy was suspended to allow more payment channels to be developed by banks. “Since the policy was first launched, currency management costs have continued to increase year-on-year at an average annual growth rate of 33 per cent. “Notwithstanding, electronic transactions have increased within the economy. We have provided alternative channels and people have embraced it,� he had said.

N’Assembly to Curb Excessive Taxation

Holds public hearing on finance bill tomorrow Deji Elumoye in Abuja The National Assembly has hinted of plans by the legislature to amend laws aimed at reducing the percentage of taxes paid in some sectors of the Nigerian economy.

This is just as the lawmakers will tomorrow hold a public hearing on the Finance Bill 2019, which the Executive transmitted last month to it for approval.

Chairman of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, said yesterday that the two chambers of the Assembly had concluded plans to fast track work on the bill to reduce the taxes paid in certain sectors of the economy.

He cited the proposed amendment to the Company Income Tax Act, "which if eventually passed, will favour Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) by reduction in applicable taxes with first four years robust incentives.�

According to him, contrary to general belief that the Finance Bill 2019 is about increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), the bill is a composite bill seeking amendment to seven Acts of the National Assembly, including the removal of taxes for some sectors in the economy.

Adeola said the bill, aimed at reforming Nigeria's tax regime, would involve amendment of seven Acts of the parliament namely; Petroleum Profit Tax, Custom and Excise Tariff Act, Company Income Tax Act, Personal Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax, Stamp Duties Act and Capital Gain Tax.

“Studying the executive bill that was referred to my committee after passing second reading on the floor of the Senate, I realised that there are lots of ignorance and limited knowledge of the content and import of the Finance Bill targeted at not only increasing the revenue for the government but removing some conflicting and confusing aspects of our laws that had given rise to legal disputations in the past leading to huge loses of revenue for government,� he added.

This, he said, informed why a public hearing on the bill would be held tomorrow to enlighten the people on the import of the Finance Bill as well as allow interested parties to express their views on the amendments to the various laws governing different aspects of the nation's tax legislations and the need to clarify grey and conflicting clauses in the laws.

Shedding more light on the bill, Senator Adeola said “beyond the 2.5 per cent increase in the VAT, there are equally changes in the Value Added Tax Act 2004 that increased the number of items exempted from VAT to the extent that Nigeria may have the highest number of such exemptions in Africa and beyond."

He added that it was high time Nigeria's tax laws took cognisance of the new digital economy that was not in place when the tax laws were passed "as well as tax foreign based companies with local partners making profit in Nigeria without payment of taxes."

NO MORE WAR...

Former Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose (left), and Governor Kayode Fayemi, during the wedding ceremony of Fayose’s son in Lagos‌weekend

Air Peace Signs Contract for Three Embraer Jets Chinedu Eze Air Peace yesterday signed a contract for three additional E195-E2s jets, confirming purchase rights from the original contract, signed in April this year.

With the latest deal signed at the Dubai Air show, Air Peace has made a total firm order of 13 E195-E2s with 17 purchase rights for the same model, which delivery would begin in May next year.

These new E195-E2s will be included in Embraer’s 2019 fourth-quarter backlog and have a value of $212.6 million, based on Embraer’s current list prices.

The April signing made Air Peace the first launch customer of the new brand of E-jets in Africa and launch customer of the brand of business class configuration for its ordered

airplanes worldwide.

The E195-E2s ordered by Air Peace will have dual configurations with 12-seater business class and 102-seater in the economy class.

The aircraft also comes in single configuration of all economy class of 144 seats.

Air Peace’s Chief of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Ejiroghene Eghagha, who signed the new deal on behalf of the airline said: “The E195-E2 is the perfect aircraft to expand our domestic and regional operations and the new deliveries will ease our subsidiary fleet in the Air Peace Hopper to actualise our ‘no-city-left-behind initiative, which we shall continue to execute. “We are receiving impressive data about the aircraft’s economics when in revenue service, and this was a driver to

place this new firm order with Embraer. We look forward to receiving our first aircraft, which will enhance connectivity in Nigeria and the African region. The new order will gradually replace our existing fleet, which will make us the airline with the youngest fleet in the world. “It is our plan to connect the whole Nigerian cities that have airports and burst the triangular routes by connecting flights to direct destinations. Air Peace is looking forward to serving Nigerians with these brand new airplanes and adding more routes to the existing ones for the overall development of our country.�

According to the airline, with the delivery of the new jets, it would connect more cities in its domestic

operations by developing new routes and connecting people to business hubs at different parts of the country. “We will like to develop new routes to enhance the nation’s economy. We will like to connect Owerri to Kano, Benin to Port Harcourt, Ibadan to some destinations in the northern part of the country. We will also like to connect Sokoto to Maiduguri, Lagos to Gombe. We would connect these cities without stops in Lagos or Abuja. “We will use our 50-seater Embraer ERJ 145 jets, which we acquired for this purpose. We have just added two of the brand to our existing six, making it eight aircraft. As the new deliveries arrive, we utilise the 50-seater jets to connect every city in the country,�

Eghagha added.

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PAGE NINE FG RELEASES CIRCULAR ON MINIMUM WAGE CONSEQUENTIAL ADJUSTMENT While Katsina and Borno States chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have confirmed that they had received the circular of the new minimum wage consequential adjustment from the federal government, the Osun State NLC said the circular is expected to reach the state on Tuesday or Wednesday

this week.

The President of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, who confirmed the issuance of the circular to THISDAY at the weekend, said that with the development, state governments that have been waiting to use the federal government's minimum wage consequential adjustment

template to negotiate with their labour unions will now effectively commence negotiations with their workers.

He also said the release of the circular was an indication that the payment of the new minimum wage has commenced across board.

"The new minimum wage

circular was just released yesterday (Friday) by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission - that is the implementation circular for public service in the federal civil service. We received clear information that the circular was released Friday evening," he explained.

When asked if the states have been availed of copies of the minimum wage implementation circular, Wabba said that the leadership of the labour movement is following up, adding that it would be made available to them.

According to Wabba the

minimum wage consequential adjustment deal reached at the federal level is the benchmark that is supposed to guide state governments and other private sector employers of labour to also reach agreement with their workers.

Continued on page 46

PDP KICKS AS APC TAKES BAYELSA, IN COMFORTABLE LEAD IN KOGI a stalemate as INEC declared it inconclusive. But the APC candidate, Senator Smart Adeyemi, was in the lead with 80,118 votes, while Senator Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got 59,548 votes from the seven Local Government Areas in the senatorial district.

With the margin of win at 20,000 that was below 43,000 cancelled votes, the electoral agency found itself unable to close the poll.

state was blighted by late commencement of the electoral process; incidents of violence, ballot box snatching, over voting and sporadic gunshots.

Bayelsa has a disturbing history of electoral violence, which reared its ugly head again in the 2019 governorship contest.

The election produced many surprises. In Ogbia local government, home of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the PDP suffered a setback, losing to the APC with a wide margin.

The party, which was previously in opposition in the state also won in Yenagoa, Nembe, Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor and Brass local governments.

The PDP could only win in two LGAs, Sagbama (Governor Dickson’s home) and Kolokuma/ Opokuma (Diri’s LGA).

In the home local government of Dickson, Sagbama local government and in Kolokuma/ Opokuma, where Diri hails from, the PDP made a good showing, garnering its largest number of votes of 60,339 in Sagbama. Dickson roundly won the APC beating the opposition which had a paltry 7,831 votes.

The Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Faraday Orumwense, received the results from the Local Government Collation Officers.

He stated that the total votes cast stood at 505,884 while the total valid votes were 499,551.

He added that 6,333 votes were rejected in the election in which the PDP scored 143, 173 leaving the APC's to take the bigger chunk of the votes, totalling 352,552.

"I, Prof. Faraday Orumwense, hereby certify that I am the Returning Officer for the Bayelsa State governorship election held on 16th day of November 2019. “That the candidates recorded the following votes...

Lyon David of the APC got 352,552 votes...while the PDP candidate, Diri Douye got 143,172 votes. “That Lyon David, having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby returned elected," he said.

As for Southern Ijaw, the home of Lyon, the APC

candidate, the PDP was roundly defeated with over 120,000 votes. The party scored an inconsequential 4,898 to succumb to the APC’s 124,803.

In Ekeremor, the APC again showed its newly found winning streak in Bayelsa with the APC garnering 21,489 to the PDP's 18,344.

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri who is in court against Lyon, had earlier asked his supporters to vote for the party irrespective of the last judicial outcome.

Bukola Idowu, Executive The elections, marred by Director, Kimpact Development violence, ballot snatching and Initiative, whose organisation killing in the states, however, has conducted a study known drew condemnations from the as the Nigerian Election Violence PDP, which accused the military Report (NEVR), noted that there of providing cover for hoodlums was no reduction in the incidents to unleash terror on voters and of violence from what happened polling officials. in the last general election in The international community Bayelsa State. and local observers also decried Also, addressing newsmen the spate of violence, saying as INEC began to announce the conduct of the elections collated results on Sunday, Diri fell below acceptable standards. accompanied leaders of the The police in Kogi State PDP, including Governor Bala confirmed three persons dead Mohammed, Chairman of the and 10 others arrested for alleged PDP Campaign Council for electoral offences.

Bayelsa State and the party's In a major upset that has National Vice Chairman for changed the political landscape the South-south zone hinted at in the South-south of Nigeria, a rejection of the result which he the APC’s David Lyon was said was doctored by the APC in declared winner by INEC, collusion with the Nigerian Army. saying he scored 352,552 votes The Bauchi governor also to triumph against his major alluded to a matter which his opponent, Senator Douye Diri party brought before the court of the PDP, who scored 143,172 challenging the eligibility of the votes.

APC deputy governorship The margin of votes between candidate, who allegedly the two contestants stood told a lie on oath. The APC at 209,380 votes in a contest governorship ticket was also that 43 other political parties challenged in another suit by participated in.

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, for The election, which held in failure of the APC to conduct 105 Wards and 2,244 Polling a proper primary.

Units, spread across the eight Both matters were decided local governments of the at the trial courts against the KOGI GOV ELECTION RESULTS APC and its candidate, a LGAs APC PDP few days to the election, but Ogori Magongo 3,679 2,145 appealed both judgments under Ijumu 11,425 7,587 circumstances that are still not clear and retained its place in Omala 8,473 14,403 the governorship contest.

Adavi 64,657 336 Bala said: "Ordinarily, if this Igalamela/Odolu 8,075 11,195 is a law abiding country, the Okene 112,764 139 APC is not supposed to be on Kabba/Bunu 15,364 8,084 the ballot. That party has no Kogi 14,097 9,404 candidate in this election as far Yagba East 6,735 7546 as we are concerned. All the Okehi 36,954 478 votes credited to it should be Mopamuro 4,853 3,581 declared void.'’ Ajaokuta 17,952 5,565 BAYELSA GOV ELECTION RESULTS Giving credence to the allegation against Idah 4,602 13,952 LGAs APC PDP the Nigerian army, Diri Olamaboro 83,041 874 16,876 8,155 Nembe 58,016 13,763 wondered if soldiers Yagba West 7,868 8,860 Ogbia 24,607 19,184 have become part of the Bassa 8,386 9,724 Yenagoa 23, 831 10,410 electoral process.

Ankpa 11,209 28,108 Brass He said: "We have very Ofu 11, 006 12,164 Kolokuma/Opokuma 8,934 15,360 credible information that Dekina 8,948 16,575 Sagbama 7,831 60,339 the Nigerian Army aided Ibaji NOT DECLARED Southern Ijaw 124,803 4,898 and abetted the opposition Lokoja NOT DECLARED Ekeremor 21,489 18,344 to change results, that we

were poised to win."

APC Leads Comfortably in Kogi State In Kogi State, the results of 19 local government areas were announced during the collation, while the collation of the remaining two local governments will be continued by today.

APC’s Yahaya Bello and incumbent governor was in a clear lead with 372,982 votes ahead of Mr. Musa Wada of the PDP, who polled 168,145 votes.

The third force, Ms. Natacha Akpoti of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) scored 8,470 votes.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. James Akpam, supervised the announcement of the results by the returning officers of the local government areas, in the presence of security agents, party agents, observers and the Returning Officer for the state governorship election, Prof. Mohammed Umar, who is the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The results include: Ogori Magongo LGA: APC -3,679; PDP-2,145; SDP- 244; Ijumu LGA: APC - 11,425; PDP - 7,587; SDP-233; Omala LG: APC -8473, PDP-14,403, SDP-567; Adavi LGA: APC -64,657; PDP- 336, SDP -279; Igalamela/ Odolu LGA: APC-8,075; PDP11195,SDP- 208; Okene LGA: APC- 112,764, PDP-139, SDP- 50; Kabba/ Bunu LGA: APC-15,364, PDP- 8,084, SDP -364; Kogi LGA: APC -14,097, PDP- 9,404, SDP – 657 and Yagba East LG: APC- 6,735,PDP- 7546, SDP- 220 Others are Okehi LG: APC36,954, PDP-478,SDP-3,015; Mopamuro LG: APC -4,853 PDP -3581 , SDP . 95; Ajaokuta: APC -17,952 PDP-5,565; SDP- 323; Idah LG: APC -4,602,PDP13,952, SDP-221; Olamaboro LGA : APC -16,876 PDP- 8,155 SDP-262; Yagba West: APC7,868,PDP-8,860 ,SDP-221; Bassa LG:APC -8,386,PDP -9,724, SDP -269; Ankpa LG: APC-11,209,PDP-28108,SDP- 390; Ofu LGA: APC-11, 006; PDP12,164,SDP, 531 and Dekina LGA: APC- 8,948,PDP- 16,575, SDP-321 The results of Ibaji LGA and Lokoja LGA will be announced today.

International Observers Condemn Widespread Violence in Bayelsa, Kogi Elections The international community,

under the aegis of Diplomatic Watch, an umbrella body for the international community in Nigeria, condemned the violence and intimidation that characterised the governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states.

It said in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday, it said reports from its teams from Austria, the European Union Delegation, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States on the elections gave a damning verdict on the conduct of the elections.

The statement was jointly issued by Austria, the European Union Delegation, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States Embassies.

The international community, in the statement, said: “We express our alarm at reports of widespread incidents of violence and intimidation, some of which were witnessed by our teams in Kogi. There are reports of fatalities and people missing, including INEC staff. Our thoughts are with all victims and their families. “We encourage all stakeholders, in particular political leaders, to call for calm and we encourage security agencies to investigate thoroughly and bring perpetrators to justice.�

It said it was concerned by evidence of vote buying and credible reports of ballot box snatching in both states.

PDP Accuses Security Agents of Aiding Ballot Box Snatchers, Others In its reaction, the PDP said yesterday that the conduct and outcome of the governorship elections had destroyed the hope Nigerians had in democratic practice.

The party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, accused the APCled government of trampling on democracy with utmost impunity that can only be obtainable in Hitler’s Germany and Samuel Doe’s Liberia, where the lives and rights of citizens meant nothing to suppressive power mongers.

It accused security forces of aiding armed hoodlums to invade polling centres, to shoot and kill innocent citizens, cart away ballot boxes, stuff them with already thumb printed ballot papers in favour of APC.

BLACKOUT LOOMS AS GENCOS THREATEN SHUTDOWN OVER N600BN FUND Gencos have been receiving only 15 per cent of their invoices since June whereas nothing less than 20 to 30 per cent of their invoices can sustain their operations.

The spokesperson also alleged that the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc has been threatening the Gencos that they will not receive the intervention fund without consenting to the payment of 0.75 per cent administrative charge.

She added that the NBET Managing Director, Dr. Marilyn Amobi, had called on the owners of the Gencos to forward their board resolution to access the N600billion.

Ogaji, however, noted that the call was misleading since the

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was yet to release the fund.

The spokesperson, stressed that CBN paid the previous interventions directly to power firms and gas suppliers.

Her words: “We have heard the news, which was part of what we told you in September, that the federal government is working on releasing N600 billion for us. From that time till this moment, it is still news that the federal government is still working on it. “Now the reason we called for this press conference is because NBET has been threatening calling the GenCos, especially the owners (investors), telling them that she has the money with her if only they will send

the board resolution she would pay the money. “But the truth is that, I have done my own findings, CBN has not released the money. And if you know how the N701billion was dealt with, no money was released NBET. CBN paid the money directly to all the Gencos and gas suppliers, calling the GenCos owners and lying to them that she has the money is a misleading fact. “So, if NBET excesses are not checked and this N600billion is not released on time, whether we deliberately shut down or not, the machines will shut down by themselves. This is because gas suppliers have stopped giving gas to some of the Gencos,� she explained.

Nigeria, Guinea Have Cheapest Power Tariffs in W’Africa, Says Report The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) have said Nigeria and Guinea-Conakry currently have the lowest retail electricity tariffs amongst countries in the West African region.

AfDB and ERERA stated this in a report that compared the region’s power tariffs, which they jointly produced.

Similarly, in another report

by the AfDB called ‘Revisiting Reforms in the Power Sector in Africa,’ the bank said the intentions of Nigeria’s 2013 reform of its electricity industry had not been positively delivered by the country’s electricity regulator – the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Both reports were obtained

by THISDAY yesterday in Abuja, with that on electricity tariff stating that the average end-user tariffs including taxes for standard low voltage consumers in the 15 countries sampled ranged between $2.6 and $38.5 kilowatts hour (kWh).

Continued on page 48

“It is distressing that under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration, votes no longer count; power and governance no longer derive from the people but from violence, manipulations and the barrel of the gun,� it stated.

On the elections in Kogi State, the PDP, in another statement, cautioned INEC over the fictitious votes being bandied from Okene and other areas to favour the APC. The party demanded the immediate cancellation of such allocated results, particularly in Okene Local Government Area.

The party said nobody would accept the provocative alteration of results from polling units as well as allocation of fictitious votes, particularly the awarding of 112, 000 votes to APC in Okene.

The Bayelsa State Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Moses Cleopas, accused the GOC of using the men under his command, especially the Commander of the Artillery Brigade, Lt Col. Wase, to perpetrate electoral fraud in Bayelsa.

He accused Sarham of spearheading the desperate attempt to rewrite the result of the election to rig it in favour of the APC. According to him, the soldiers arrested PDP leaders in Ogbia, including the council Chairman, Hon. Ebinyon Turner, and two lawmakers, Hon. Gibson Munalayefa and Mrs. Naomi Ogoli.

Three ConďŹ rmed Dead in Kogi Meanwhile, the police in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, yesterday confirmed three persons dead during the governorship election.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Akeem Busari, told journalists that the command was still compiling its report on the poll to ascertain the actual number of casualties.

Busari also said 10 persons were arrested across the state during the election.

He said it was gathered that three persons died in Lokoja when armed thugs invaded St. Luke Primary School, Adanakolo, during the election.

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COMMENT

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

EXPANDING NIGERIA’S ECONOMY

Abdulrazaq Hamzat argues that a broader economy is key to the country’s prosperity

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’A 510billion-dollar GDP as at 2013 when we celebrated being the biggest economy in Africa is of course too small for 200 million population.’’ The above is a profound statement credited to Mr Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, the third force presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2019 general election and if you ask me, nothing could be truer than

this.

To say it bluntly, Nigeria is a poor country, a very poor country.

It should be noted that, due to the economic recession that affected Nigeria few years ago, the country’s economy has gone below $500billion to a population of over 200million and that places our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capital to less than $2500.

In a lay man’s term, a less than $2500 per capital income means that the overall worth of a Nigerian citizen is less than $2500, approximately less than a million naira.

What this invariably mean is that, a Nigerian with about $2500 per capital income is more than two times poorer than a South African, who has about $6000 per capital income, three times poorer than a citizen of Gabon, who has over $7,500 per capital income, almost four times poorer than a citizen of Botswana, who has over $8500 per capital and more than eight times poorer than citizens of Seychelles with about $17000 per capital income.

These are African countries we are talking about not Europe or America. If we are to compare Nigeria to America, our citizens are 25 times poorer. This is the reality of our situation and even if no dime is being stolen by corrupt people in the country, we would still remain a poor country.

Let me say that, we may debate the genuineness of the data from World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to its modalities, which many said doesn’t factor in some peculiar situations in Africa, especially its informal economy which is yet to be integrated into its main system, but until we provide a reliable alternative data, the current data stands unchallengeable.

Statistically speaking, Nigeria has the highest economy in Africa in terms of size, ahead of countries like South Africa and Egypt, just like United States has the highest economy in the world ahead of China and others, but citizens of Monaco, a very small country with less than 40,000 populations are three times richer than citizens of United States.

In actuality, American citizens, with about $64 GDP per capital income are about three times poorer than citizens of Monaco with about $166 GDP per capital. As a matter of fact, US citizens are even far poorer than citizens of unknown countries like Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Bermuda and Macau who have $162, $113, $98 and $90 respectively. Yet, this doesn’t take away the fact that US has the largest economy in the world, worth about $21trillion.

The point here is that, even if you have a large economy like Nigeria currently do in Africa, provided the value of the economy is grossly disproportionate to the population, your citizens would still remain largely poor and addressing such kind of situation requires creativity beyond just fighting corruption and blocking leakages.

Yes, it is good to fight corruption, it also good to encourage local manufacturing, but nothing would really solve our poverty challenge like a clear understanding of our reality and articulating realistic approach to meet our obligation of expanding our economy to a proportionate level with our population.

In short, expanding Nigeria’s economy is the only key to our national prosperity.

IF NIGERIA’S ECONOMY IS EXPANDED TO $4TRILLION GDP IN 10 YEARS AS PROPOSED

BY OLAWEPO HASHIM, THE PER CAPITAL INCOME OF A NIGERIAN WOULD HAVE GONE UP TO ABOUT $20,000, THEREBY TAKING NIGERIA OUT OF THE THIRD WORLD CATEGORY

During the 2019 presidential campaign, one presidential candidate that aptly expressed solid understanding of Nigeria’s economic challenge is Mr Gbenga Olawepo Hashim. The People’s Trust presidential candidate, after succinctly capturing the key issues with our economy went on to state that, “We want to grow the economy of Nigeria to become $4trillion in 10 years and that will put us at par with Malaysia, Thailand, as middle income economies and these were economies that Nigeria was ahead of in our early independence. “We are not setting standards like we want to become the United States of America; we just want to be in 10 years, where we were in 1960. “Nigeria needs a 4trillion-dollar economy to become a middle income economy, and we have set up a strategy to achieve this,’’ he said.

Did Mr Hashim really say he has a strategy to expand Nigeria’s economy to $4trillion in 10 years? If so, what is the current government doing to explore Mr Hashim’s $4trillion idea for Nigeria?

It is understood that the best ideas may not necessarily win an election, but obviously, we need the best ideas to build and grow the country.

Look at it from this angle, if Nigeria’s economy is expanded to $4trillion GDP in 10 years as proposed by Olawepo Hashim, the per capital income of a Nigerian would have gone up to about $20,000, thereby taking Nigeria out of the third world category and very easily, we would have become the richest country in Africa, not only in terms of the size of our economy, but also in terms of wealth of individual citizens per capital income.

Additionally, it is important to note that, between 1982 till date, the average growth of Nigeria’s economy is 3.8%, but currently it is only growing by 2%.

So, assuming the GDP grows by 5% annually which is very unlikely based on our current and historic growth pace, it would still take Nigeria more than 120 years to a have $4trillion economy.

This is what Mr Hashim said he has a strategy to achieve in 10 years. To start with, how did Mr Hashim plan to take Nigeria’s economy to $4trillion in 10 years? This should be the greatest subject of interest by those in government and all well-meaning citizens.

From the little we can pick based on his presidential campaign, he talked about an exclusive strategy to attract 5% annual global infrastructure funds to Nigeria, which he said is about $400billion.

If you multiply $400billion by 10 years, that gives us exactly $4trillion economy in 10 years and should our current GDP of about $500billion be added to this figure, Nigeria’s economy would have grown to over $4.5trillion in 10 years.

To say it in a layman’s language, Mr Hashim is proposing an idea that would almost double our current economy on annual basis for the next 10 years.

If you ask me, the current managers of country should be eager to explore Mr Hashim’s idea because, he is a reputable global investor in four continents of the world, namely Africa, Europe, Asia and North America and a personality of his caliber, who is an active player in the global economy should be able to provide greater insight into his proposed idea.

Assuming that we cannot attract 5% of the global infrastructure fund as proposed, we can at least work towards attracting 2% of the fund, which is about $160billion, almost 30% of our current GDP. Let me conclude by saying that, the economic implications on peace cannot be over stated. The more our economy expands, the less insecurity challenge we would confront.

Hamzat is an Executive Director at the Foundation for Peace Professionals

FOWLER, MAGU: CONSOLIDATION IS CRUCIAL Babatunde Fowler and Ibrahim Magu have acquitted themselves well, writes Dumbo Hinks.

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recent news report said that President Muhammadu Buhari could be in dilemma on what next to do with the tenures of two key government officials – Babatunde Fowler and Ibrahim Magu.

Both Fowler and Magu head two separate but critical government agencies, and they have on behalf of their principal, Buhari, held forth creditably in their first tenures which would be coming to an end soon.

The significance of their offices calls for a deep appraisal beyond politics. Nigeria and its economic wellbeing should come first in matters as such.

For Fowler who has officially chaired the activities of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) from December 9, 2015 when he was confirmed by the Senate even though he was appointed on an interim basis on August 18, 2015 by Buhari, his term has been very productive.

In my estimation, it would only be intelligent for Buhari to retain Fowler for another term in line with the statutory laws, and here are my reasons for that which I believe are widely recognized: in the history of tax administration in Nigeria, Fowler has expanded the country’s taxpayers’

base from 10 million to 20 million with a potential increase to 45 million following the implementation of key action plans he had initiated.

What this simply means is that the financial contribution of the FIRS to the revenue base of the federation through tax is almost at par with oil revenue, and averaging N5.3 trillion. This is no mean feat especially when considered with the challenges of the Service.

It is however important to state clearly that in accomplishing this, two things actually happened, and they are: improving and sustaining tax compliance as well as remitting as received to the federation. Fowler should be applauded for building on what he met at the FIRS. If properly implemented, the National Tax Policy which a technical committee had been inaugurated and charged with the task of fashioning out the best ways to apply its component, Fowler’s FIRS would in no time reform Nigeria’s tax system for good.

Beyond raising the country’s tax net, Fowler’s inauguration of the new Taxpayer Identification Number Registration System and deployment of online solutions to ease tax payment have proven to be the right steps to take in getting people to comply with tax remittances.

By over 46.11 per cent, Fowler’s FIRS has helped states raise their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). This means, a rise from N800 billion in 2016 to N1.16 trillion in 2018.

The federal government through the FIRS also paid all 15 years of outstanding Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax liabilities to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Nigeria moved by 25 points up in tax administration section of the recent World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ report.

Without a doubt, the FIRS which raised its tax remittance from N3.30 trillion in 2016 to N5.32 trillion in 2018, has remained efficient under Fowler.

On his part, the reappointment of Magu, who has endured immense vilification in his first term as acting chair of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), could perhaps attract more pushbacks, but it would be good that Buhari realizes the reasons for such as well as the circles from where they come.

Magu, I am told enjoys the confidence of the president, which was why his nonconfirmation by the Eight Senate twice was indeed a non-issue to the president.

The Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) which was established in 2005 as Nigeria’s commitment to the Financial Action Task

Force (FATF) had remained dormant but revived

by Magu such that companies’ registrations with regard to banking activities are no longer complete without SCUML. Under Magu, high profile economic and financial sabotage and corruption cases have been won and the culprits prosecuted. Interim forfeiture of suspected illegally acquired assets have equally been gained and a widespread clampdown on cyber-related financial crimes often referred to as ‘yahoo-yahoo’ amongst Nigerians have been implemented by the commission through the ISP and cafĂŠ registration it initiated.

Dealing decisively with the menace of advance fee and bank fraud, in addition to pursuit of stable economic governance, counterterrorism and general investigations have dominated Magu’s tenure at the EFCC. And, in recognition of his courage in dealing with corrupt tendencies and people, a Special African Anti-Corruption Crusader award by the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) was last week awarded to Magu, to buoy him on.

By renewing the terms of Fowler and Magu, the president will be consolidating on his works on tax reforms and revenue generation from the non-oil sector, as well as war against corruption.

Hinks, a one-time chairman of Ekeremo Local Government, wrote from Bayelsa

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EDITORIAL ANOTHER LIFELINE FOR NOLLYWOOD? Government should be truly committed in helping to address the industry’s challenges

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espite the incessant ridiculing of the Nigerian film industry as a product of hype over quality, its ascent on the ladder of international recognition has been phenomenal. Starting from the 1992 release of the directto-video movie ‘Living in Bondage’, several similarly-produced home videos have been unleashed on audiences not only in Nigeria and the rest of Africa but also among the diaspora communities in the West. While critics of the budding industry – which curiously proudly bears the sobriquet, Nollywood – have come to regard it as synonymous with poor-quality productions, a recent appeal to India for technical support of the industry suggests that the federal government seems intent on addressing that challenge.

The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the call on quality control during a recent courtesy visit to his office by the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhay Thakur. “I think Bollywood is probably WITHOUT GOVERNMENT the biggest film indusSUPPORT, THE INDUSTRY try in the world, closely HAS CREATED JOBS followed by Nigeria, FOR THOUSANDS but while we are proud of what Nollywood OF NIGERIANS, ALL is doing in terms of THE MORE REASON content, I think we still WHY IT DESERVES need to do more in COMMENDATION. BUT THERE ARE UNRESOLVED the area of technicality and technology and I ISSUES think this in one area that I would want us to concentrate on in our bilateral relationship,” said Mohammed.

Beyond the problems identified by Mohammed, the industry still labours under an apparent aversion for innovation and self-criticism. These drawbacks have denied it the possibility of competing and featuring on global platforms. True, Nollywood films have made recent forays into the streaming platform Netflix. Also, locally-produced films like ‘93 Days’ and ‘The Royal Hibiscus Hotel’ have featured at the Toronto International Film Festival. In

Letters to the Editor

addition, these films have, with a few others, locally recorded stunning box office successes. But much of the industry’s productions are still leagues away from winning awards in international festivals because of the quality of their contents.

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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

side Joel Kachi Benson’s documentary, ‘The Daughters of Chibok’ on virtual reality which recently won an award at the Venice Film Festival, Nigerian films are not known to have won awards on credible international platforms.

More unfortunately, Nollywood films – known to be the toast of viewers at the annual African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) – can hardly hold a candle to second-rate films from countries like Burkina Faso and Senegal, whose film industries are not as prolific. Not even the minister’s undeserved praise of Nollywood films as “very rich content” and “[with] very fecund imagination” excuses their sub-par content.

No doubt, Nollywood has come a long way through literally making so much out of nothing. Although the revenue it generates from about 50 movies per week is still far behind those of Hollywood and Bollywood, it is still impressive at $590 million annually. Also, without government support, the industry has created jobs for thousands of Nigerians, all the more reason why it deserves commendation. But there are unresolved issues.

The previous administration of President Goodluck Jonathan had in 2013 promised a N3bn grant, dubbed ‘Project Nollywood’ to the industry. Many actors, producers and directors have voiced their frustrations about their inability to access the fund and bemoaned the fact that they were not properly enlightened about the process of assessing this grant. The pledge itself came three years after Jonathan had made available a $200m loan scheme for the industry. Not much has been heard about these schemes that were supposed to address many of the industry’s challenges.

Now that the federal government – albeit under a new administration – is raising the hopes of the industry’s stakeholders with this appeal to India, it should go the extra mile to bring back the forgotten grant and loan scheme. What has happened to them?

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.

STOP THE BLOODSHED IN CAMEROON

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efore Cameroon gained political independence from France and Britain in 1960 and 1961 respectively, it was governed as two separate entities by the erstwhile colonial masters. When the Anglophone Cameroon gained independence in 1961, there was a referendum that was conducted to determine whether it was to remain with Nigeria where it had been before independence or to join the Francophone Cameroon. Indeed, the second broad- spread political party in Nigeria was named the National Council for Nigeria and the Cameroons before it was renamed National Council for Nigerian Citizens. The Anglophone speaking Cameroon opted to join their francophone brothers.

The country became bilingual as a result of the newly found amalgamation and a regional form of government was adopted by then Presidency of Ahmadou Ahidjo to cater to the diverse interests of the regions. Regionalism was necessary in view of the fact that the Francophone speaking part of the country had much more territory and population advantage and so it was imperative to protect the yearnings and aspirations of the minority Anglophone speaking part.

This initial arrangement worked well under Ahidjo as there was relative peace in the country. The cracks started when the present Paul Biya came to power in 1982 after Ahidjo’s sudden resignation from office.

Biya, who has ruled the country with a tight fist for over

37 years, ensured that power was centralized and there was an imposition of the francophone way of life on everyone.

The legal system, education and all other facets of life bore a francophone colouration.

Politicians and activists from the Anglophone Cameroon fiercely fought back and ensured that the constitutional amendment in 1996 provided for a decentralization of the government. This was all on paper as Biya continued with his unitary style system of government.

Things got to a head in 2016 when a separatist Anglophone movement was formed which led to secessionist agitations for the creation of an independent state of Ambazonia. Sorrow, tears and blood freely flowed as thousands were brutally hacked to death by the francophone government forces with millions internally displaced which saw many of them fleeing from the country.

On September 10 this year, President Biya started a national dialogue with the aim of permanently resolving the lingering crisis. He appointed English- speaking Joseph Dion Ngute as the country’s Prime Minister in a bid to pacify the Anglophone speakers who make up about one fifth of the total population. This move sadly backfired as most Anglophones do not trust Ngute whom they view as elitist and aloof as he has never really identified with their plight.

Human rights attorney Felix Agbor Balla, one of the masterminds of the 2016 protests, said, “there must be

possibilities of a federal state. The crisis began with the demand for decentralization. Without talking about the state, we will not find a solution.”

Presbyterian cleric Samuel Fonki, one of the mediators in the crisis, criticizes the government for ignoring the conflict for too long. “Now, after pressure from outside, they want to show the world that they are doing something,” he said. As if to underscore what a minister said, a gala is planned for the last day of the dialogue.

So whether the “Ambazonians” will be represented remains unclear. Many have rejected the dialogue they dubbed “Biyalog” as a waste of time and taxpayers’ money.

The crisis may get further exacerbated with the controversial re-election of Biya. But the bloodshed must stop if the country is to make any meaningful progress. There is the need for the Biya-led government to include trusted Anglophone leaders who genuinely represent the interests of their people. The demands of the Anglophone protesters especially that of regionalism, decentralization and greater devolution of powers must be met by the central government for lasting peace to reign.

This peace protest must be autochthonous and devoid of any form of interference from Paris. It is high time African leaders solved their internal problems with home grown solutions.

Tony Ademiluyi, Lagos

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Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

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

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

Close to the Finishing Line Nseobong Okon-Ekong, Emmanuel Addeh and Ibrahim Oyewale write that with the conclusion of balloting, all that is left for a decisive conclusion in the governorship race in Bayelsa and Kogi states is for the umpire to lift the hand of the victor

Jonathan

Dickson

Bello

Adeyemi

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he people of Bayelsa and Kogi states trooped out in their number on Saturday to choose their preferred candidate between the standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Douye Diri and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr David Lyon. There were 45 parties in the contest, but these two were ahead of the pack, in terms of the stature and reputation of their political parties.

In Kogi, the leading contenders were incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello of the APC and his main challenger, Dr. Musa Wada of the PDP. With the conclusion of balloting, which is a significant part of the process, collation of result has since started. The runners are almost at the finishing line. All that is left now is for the umpire to lift the hand of the victor.

Both in Bayelsa and Kogi, as things stand, there is no doubt that some have suffered irreversible loses, while others stand on the threshold of history. Be that as it may, there is a good chance that the last has

not been heard on these elections, since several cases are still pending in court.

But on the steam of the current situation, here’s a list of those who are thanking their lucky stars and those who may have suffered a setback.

Winners David Lyon The dark horse in the political space in Bayelsa. Until the last day of the collection of nomination and expression of interest form, when he stepped into the ring, David Lyon is unarguably the biggest beneficiary of the entire process that started a few months ago.

Handpicked by Chief Timipre Sylva, who himself, lost to Governor Seriake Dickson four years ago in the governorship election, Lyon seems to have been at the right place at the right time.

Though he had no pedigree politically, a lot of the ordinary folks appear to have heard of him through his philanthropic works. He started quite slowly, but in less than one month, he gathered a lot of momentum.

Lyon’s story sounds like a political fairly tale. He was born poor, struggled through childhood in riverine Olugbobiri, Southern Ijaw until he was made rich through his pipeline protection contract with a foreign oil firm. Now, he will become governor, convinced to run, almost against his will.

A story of grass to grace.

Timipre Sylva Chief Timipre Sylva was believed to be down and out after his inglorious exit from the Creek Haven in 2012 brought about by a coalition of forces beyond his control. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) picked him up a little after that , announcing that they had made several seizures. Not many gave Sylva a chance to rise again.

But a glimmer of hope arose when he was made the chairman of the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta state, and put in charge of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) before he was appointed the Minister of Petroleum a few months ago by the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

He has kept faith with the All Progressives Congress (APC) since building it from a five percent votes garnering party in Bayelsa to an election winning machine in 2019. With the victory of the APC last Saturday, Sylva has turned full circle from almost losing hope in 2012 when he was booted out as governor to becoming one of the most powerful men in the APC and in Buhari’s cabinet. Sylva is now the apparent leader of the party in the South-south, for achieving what the likes of Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio failed to do.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) The PDP has been the ruling party in Bayelsa since the return of democracy in 1999. There was virtually no opposition to the PDP’s rampaging force. The best the party ever attained was getting a State House of Assembly member, Mr Israel Sunny-Goli who hails from Brass.

All that came to an end in February/ March this year when for the first time, the party won a senatorial seat in Bay-

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MONDAY DISCOURSE

Melaye

Alaibe

Lyon

Sylva

elsa East, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s area. It also won two House of Representatives positions and three state house of assembly seats. Now, the APC has added the governorship of the state to its bag of goodies. For the party, good times are here.

In Kogi, the APC also consolidated its hold in yet another victory for the party, which a surprising recovery from the brink bitter factionalisation. Pundits believed that the party could not win election in Kogi State .

With wisdom of the leadership of the party , they were able to put their house in order and worked tirelessly for unity and success of the party .

Yahaya Bello The incumbent governor of Kogi Staye, Yahaya Bello looks good to with results from 19 out of 21 local governments already collated and weighing in his favour, he is set to retain his seat at Lugard House.

It was double victory for Bello in the sense that many forces had ganged up against him for one reason or the other and vowed not to support his second term bid .How with the victory in last Saturday election Bello will take another oath of office by January 27, 2020.

Senator Smart Adeyemi In few weeks, he will smile to National Assembly after the declaration of the winner Kogi West Senatorial Election .

Smart Adeyemi is not knew to the Red Chamber who also contested against Senator Dino Melaye in 2015 and after long court battles ,Dino was declared winner . Also in 2019, ,Adeyemi contested on the platform of All Progressive Congress, but Dino was declared winner again. The Court of Appeal over turned the decision of tribunal that earlier affirmed his election.

Today Adeyemi is coasting home victory and will laugh to National Assembly again .

Losers The PDP Since 1999, this is the first time the PDP will be defeated in Bayelsa. If the victory by the APC stays, the PDP will have a lot of challenges ahead some defections are expected from the party in the next few days. The winning party will also work in the coming months to weaken the PDP further to pave the way for a thoroughfare in 2023.

A similar fate of defeat is the lot of PDP in Kogi. Hving lost to the ruling Party in 2015, the story was no longer the same in the annal of political history in Confluence State .The PDP was seen as alternative party to emancipate the people from shackles of poverty in the land . But alas! This was not to be Governor Seriake Dickson Governor Seriake Dickson has put in everything at his disposal to ensure that Senator Diri Douye emerges as his successor. He defied all criticisms of his decision to back the PDP candidate who hails from Kolokuma/Opokuma, easily the smallest local government in the state.

Against all odds, he picked the running mate to Diri from Sagbama, his own local government. Having fallen out with several key figures, including former President Jonathan, Timi Alaibe and some influential ex-militants, who are key to winning elections in the state, for many, the result wasn’t surprising.

For Dickson and his political allies, their fate now lies with the court which is expected to make pronouncements in the coming months concerning the election.

If those pronouncements go against the governor, then tough times lie ahead as he will battle to defend his stewardship in the state and ward off all the mud thrown his way.

Musa Wada A new entrant into murky water of

Nigeria politics are already had been in last 48 hours recount his first experience in political landscape in Kogi . Victory is said to be very sweet, but loss is bitter.

It is a bitter experience for for him considering the crisis that rocked the party shortly after his emergence as PDP flag bearer. This is also coupled with the the litigation that trailed his coming as candidate.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan It is difficult to place ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in just one of these two divergent categories of losers and winners.

It is believed that this is a personal victory for him, having decided not to work for the PDP candidate, Diri or to congratulate him after his emergence as the party’s standard bearer, due to unresolved issues with Dickson.

His rumoured preferred candidate during the primaries in September, Mr Timi Alaibe failed to emerge as the party’s standard bearer during the election. He was said to have felt slighted by the alleged decision of the governor to singlehandedly handpick all both the candidate of the party and his running mate.

On the other hand, it is a loss for the former President since the loss of his party at the state level somehow diminishes his political clout at the national level.

Although the former president did not officially endorse the APC candidate, many people read political meanings to the reception granted Lyon by Jonathan’s mother when he visited her during the campaign.

Unless the APC chooses not to perform in the next few years, the chances of the PDP returning to govern the state may get slimmer as the years go by.

Douye Diri Many people were shocked when Diri was picked by the governor as the preferred

person to succeed him. Close watchers of the politician’s journey in the political space doubted the political clout and public popularity for Diri to make the necessary impact on voters from the state.

The major theme in the entire period of the campaign was his alleged remoteness from the people he represents and his rumoured stinginess, which his loyalists describe as prudence.

The serving senator , who was also in the House of Representatives, surprisingly did not even perform excellently during the polling , against predictions that he would win at least 90 percent of the votes in his Kolokuma/Opokuma local government.

The low margin win even in his home is something to be debated.

APC Defectors In the run-up to the Saturday, November 16 governorship election, a number of politicians left the APC which at best looked like a struggling party, rather than one ready to win election. Some of the returnees may receive a cold shoulder if they decide to go back to the APC Among those who defected to the PDP were a returnee former State Chairman of the party, Dr. Tarila Tebepa; former Chairman of the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission, Engr. Monday Karibo; former Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Stephen Erebo; former member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Francis Otele; and a former key chieftain of the party, Hon. Iro Kominibo.

Others are former Commissioner, Hon Geseye Isowo; a former member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Johnson Alalibo; returnee former chieftain of PDP, Chief Victor Awala; and former House of Assembly member, Hon. Ayiba Duba.

The defectors also included former Majority Leader of Yenagoa Local Government Council, Hon. Leader Stanley; and Chairman of Education Authority in Ogbia, Chief Alfred Eto Egesi.

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

Growing Self-sufficiency in Rail Transport Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the overall purpose of the Wagon Assembly Plant in Kajola in Ogun State, which is in its infant stage, is to grow local technology and ultimately make Nigeria not only self-sufficient in certain components of locomotive rolling stock, but also an exporter

A section of the new standard guage rail tracks on the Lagos - Ibadan route

T

o meet the increasing demand of both passenger and freight on the new Nigeria Standard Gauge Railway Service, the federal government recently awarded a contract for a Wagon Assembly Plant in Kajola in Ogun State. From all indications, it is the first of its kind.

This move has been applauded in several quarters given the numerous advantages it portends for the nation at large, especially when it comes to capital flight. According to the Ministry of Transportation, this Wagon Assembly Plant will see to the production of rolling stock, that is, locomotives, coaches, wagons and even contemporary diesel multiple units to serve movement of passengers and freight on the Abuja-Kaduna, Itakpe – Ajaokuta– Warri train services as well as the ongoing Lagos – Ibadan Railway. It will also serve any railway service in the West-African sub-region.

Championed by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, the plant, upon completion, will have the capacity to produce 500 wagons per year and will undertake key production processes like welding, assembly, painting, drying and testing. It will also have the capacity to produce open, container, flat, tank and box wagons, as well as provide 5,000 jobs.

FG’s Rail Modernisation Project Thus recently at the groundbreaking ceremony of the plant, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, while commending Amaechi and his ministry for the very hard work and commitment they have demonstrated from the inception of the rail modernisation project, he also acknowledged the Chinese government, particularly the investor, CCECC Nigeria Limited for this significant and strategic investment.

Stressing that the railway holds the master key to transforming the economy, he noted that its modernisation by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration will provide linkages, job creation, and more.

Spending after riding the Lagos-Ibadan train from Iju to Kajola, Osinbajo, who performed the groundbreaking of the plant said: "This ceremony is not just another event, it is a historic turning point, for us, the railway is not just an alternative and comfortable mode of travel, it holds the master key to transforming commerce in Nigeria and across the continent.

"The sighting of the plant here in Nigeria and the commitment to hiring Nigerians and Nigerian businesses affirms the president’s directives in Executive Order five on prioritising Nigerians and Nigerian businesses in the innovation, production and procurement of engineering projects and services.

"The plant would offer an important platform for engineers, technicians, artisans and other professionals to gain the specialised skills required for the production and maintenance of rolling stock. This will invariably conduce to spin-off businesses in the region of operation in particular and across the country wherever rail networks are in existence.

The plant is expected to generate about 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.�

Furthermore, he said the plant is an important project for so many reasons- it is central in the production of rolling stock spare parts and maintenance equipment needed for the railway modernisation programme being implemented by this administration.

By linking the nation’s ports to rail lines and now, building the rolling stock locally, the vice president enthused that

import and export business within and out of Africa’s largest market will be completely transformed. “When completed, it is expected that the plant would produce some parts of the wagons for the Lagos – Ibadan and Abuja – Kaduna rail lines, but also for the central rail lines and to satisfy the needs of other rail operators within the West-African sub-region�.

He also charged CCECC to move on very quickly to the next phase of this project, which is the assembly and construction of coaches and locomotives.

Highlighting some of the rail achievements by this administration he said: “After completing the Abuja – Kaduna Railway project in July 2016, this administration commenced construction works on the Lagos – Ibadan Railway modernisation project in March 2017, following which we initiated the rehabilitation and completion of the abandoned Itakpe – Ajaokuta – Warri rail line which was started over three decades ago. �Furthermore, last month, we signed an agreement with Messrs China Railway Construction Company International to construct the Itakpe – Ajaokuta rail line which will be extended from Itakpe to Abuja through Baro Inland Water Port in Niger State with a branch line to Lokoja in Kogi State. This rail line will link into the new Warri sea port being constructed under the agreement. �Also we are optimising the LagosIbadan rail modernisation project by extending it to the Apapa Port, the nation’s busiest port for the efficient movement of cargo from the port to various destinations. This will expedite import/export flows, decongest the ports, and depressurise our roads in the process. Also, we are putting all

mechanisms in place to achieve the swift completion of the Ibadan Inland Dry port which will off-take containers and cargoes from Apapa port through the Lagos – Ibadan rail line.�

Meanwhile, he charged the host communities to continue to support government’s efforts by effectively cooperating with the contractors in safeguarding and protecting these lasting investments so that all intended objectives and mutual benefits are attained.

The Minister’s Drive If there is one thing the minister breathes and talks, it’s the completion of the rail system. Over the course of the last few years as minister, his passion for the rail has been unequivocal and visible achievements have been recorded.

At the groundbreaking in Kajola, Amaechi, while reiterating his dream to connect regions and states through the rail, said the contract for the plant was awarded for the procurement of rolling stock to meet the increasing demand of both passenger and freight on the new Nigeria Standard Gauge Railway Service.

Going down memory lane, Amaechi recalled that Osinbajo had on March 7, 2017 performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the segment two of the Lagos – Kano Railway Modernisation project: the Lagos – Ibadan segment with extension to Lagos Ports Complex at Apapa which is nearing completion.

This segment he posited, holds the key to the development of the economy of the nation from the commercial city of Lagos to the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria, Kano.

Thus to meet the increasing demand of both passenger and freight on the new Nigeria Standard Gauge Railway Service,

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FEATURES

R-L: Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Managing Director, CCECC Jiang Yigao, Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Sabiu Zakari at the ground breaking ceremony of the Wagon Assembly Plant in Kajola, Ogun State

he said the the federal government awarded contract for the procurement of rolling stock that is, locomotives, coaches, wagons and contemporary diesel multiple units to serve movement of passengers and freight on the Abuja-Kaduna, Itakpe – Ajaokuta – Warri train services as well as the ongoing Lagos – Ibadan Railway.

It will also serve any railway service in the West-African sub-region.

He noted that the Ministry of Transportation realised the need of the advantage to set up this type of plant considering the potential need in view of the ongoing rail projects in the country and the sub-region encourage Messrs CCECC to establish this plant.

He further posited that it is expected that the plant would generate job opportunities for Nigerians and as well facilitate the much-desired objective of the government towards the local content capacity development.

He said: “It was in the pursuit of these objectives that the Federal Ministry of Transportation signed an agreement with Messrs. CCECC Nig. Limited in March, 2018 to establish this plant for the production and assembling of rolling stock, spare parts and maintenance equipment in Nigeria.�

On the choice of Kajola he said CCECC conducted a feasibility study in which the choice of Kajola, Ogun State was arrived at as the suitable location for the project. “This project is therefore a direct investment of CCECC Nig. Ltd in the country and would remain as part of the gains from the contract signed for the supply of rolling stock. This will be the first of its kind in Nigeria and the first batch of the wagons to be assembled from the production line of this plant will form part of the rolling stock for Lagos - Ibadan and Abuja -Kaduna Railway operations. Subsequently, other rolling stock would be produced as its production capacities increase. “The project when completed would be able to generate about 5,000 jobs and in the long run, Nigeria would be able to manufacture rolling stock for Nigerian use and for other African countries. More so, we would be able to conserve our much needed foreign exchange which can be deployed to other areas of development. “Among all these, it is cardinal to mention that the sustainability of our railway modernisation projects would depend on our ability to develop local capacity to construct, maintain and man-

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo with Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the train ride from Iju, Lagos State to Kajola, Ogun State for the ground breaking ceremony of the Rail Wagon Assembly Plant

age our new railway system. It is on this note that we feel that this project is germane to the railway development in Nigeria and that CCECC should be given every reasonable support to actualise this investment.�

Investor’s Commitment In his address, the Managing Director of CCECC, Jiang Yigao, who expressed the company's commitment to work with Nigerian authorities to achieve the country's aim of modernising its railway, stressed on the purpose of the Wagon Assembly Plant project and the benefits it would accrue to Nigeria through the project.

Noting that the inauguration of the project underlines the commitment of CCECC towards the industrial and economic development of Nigeria, he said: “During the past years, CCECC was impressed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Transportation for their determination

and efforts on modernising the railway.

Therefore, CCECC commits to spare no effort to cooperate with the Nigerian government. “The concept of this Wagon Assembly Plant is to grow local technology and ultimately make Nigeria not only selfsufficient in certain components of locomotive rolling stock, but also an exporter.

With the completion and operation of the Abuja to Kaduna Railway, Abuja Rail Mass Transit and work on other railway projects, the plant will play a pivotal role in ensuring that provision of wagons. The socio-economic benefits of the plant cannot be overemphasised.

A number of youths will be employed and it will stimulate the creation of other ancillary jobs and bring development not only to Kajola community but the South -west in general. “The plant has the capacity to produce 500 wagons per year and will undertake key production processes like welding, assembly, painting, drying and testing.

It has the capacity to produce open, container, flat, tank and box wagons.

Nigeria is surely marching to greater development and CCECC will continue to partner Nigeria in ensuring the technological development of the country. “Strides with Nigeria is the creed of CCECC. We are working with relevant agencies to ensure the development of the railway system. This is not only in building and rehabilitating railway tracks and stations but also training indigenous personnel to operate and maintain them.

CCECC organised a professional railway operation team to assist the Federal Ministry of Transportation in operating and maintaining the railway, training the local staff and establishing a modern railway operation and maintenance system. “Today, the construction of the wagon assembly plant will open a new chapter of railway construction in Nigeria, which will help Nigeria speed up the railway industrialisation chain.�

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MONDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2019 •T H I S D AY

TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA

INVITATION FOR TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF

SUBSTATION EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE MATERIALS 1.

INTRODUCTION

The Federal Government of Nigeria through Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), intends to procure critical Equipment and maintenance materials to ensure stability and reliability of the grid.

The funding of the procurement is from the 2019 fiscal budget appropriation. Accordingly, reputable companies are hereby invited to apply for the bidding exercise.

present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder and to confirm that all information presented in this bid are true and correct in all particulars p. All document for submission should be transmitted with company covering letter head paper bearing among others, Company registration number (RC) by Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), contact address, Telephone number, (GSM No.), email address. The letter head paper must bear the names and nationality of the Directors of the company at the bottom of the page duly signed by the authorised officer of the firm.

4. COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENT Interested companies are to collect the Standard Bidding document (SBD) for the supply from the office of:

2.

SCOPE OF SUPPLIES As per the detailed bidding documents and schedule of requirements.

Lot 1. - 330KV Circuit Breakers Lot 2. - 330KV Isolators Lot 3. - 132KV & 33KV Surge Arresters Lot 4 - Supply of Silica Gel, etc.

Lot 5. Supply of Power Cable (500mm2 & 300mm2 XLPE Cable) Lot 6. Supply of Copper conductor Lot 7 Armoured Control cables of various sizes Lot 8. Supply of Line Clamps Lot 9. Supply of Gripping Tools Lot 10. Supply of Composite Insulators Lot 11. Supply of complete Grounding Set (132KV & 330KV) Lot 12. Supply of Sky wire Lot 13. Supply of 400AH Battery Bank Lot 14. Supply of 110VDC Battery Chargers

General Manager(Procurement) TSP, Room 122, 1st Floor, PHCN Headquarters, Plot 14 Zambezi Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria Applicants shall pay a non-refundable Tender Fees of N10,000.00 Per LOT before collection of the Tender document through CBN Remitta platform payable to the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

5.

SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS All documents shall be submitted in one copy each of Technical and Financial bids with soft copy of financial bid only in MS Excel format.

Completed Technical and Financial bid documents shall be submitted in separate envelopes, sealed and clearly marked “Technical Bid” and “Financial Bid”, respectively, for each LOT of your choice. The name and mailing address of the Company must be clearly written on the envelope(s) and put together in a larger envelope for each LOT.

3. QUALIFICATION PRE-REQUISITE Interested companies are to provide the following: (a). Certificate of Incorporation issued by Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria with forms C02 and C07). b). Current Tax Clearance Certificate for the past three Years (2016, 2017 and 2018) valid till 31st Dec. 2019. c) Minimum average turnover of N10M for each Lot. (d). Three years company Audited Financial Account duly stamped by a registered Auditor for the year (2016, 2017 and 2018) (e). Evidence of current Pencom compliance Certificate valid till 31st December 2019. f) Evidence of current Industrial Training Fund (ITF) certificate in compliance with the provision of Industrial training Fund (ITF) valid till 31st December 2019. (g) Evidence of current Company Registration on the BPP database by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring 31st January 2020 or valid certificate issued by BPP (h) Evidence of current Nigeria Social Insurance trust fund compliance certificate valid till 31st December 2019. (i) Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs executed in the last five (5) years including Letters of Awards, Valuation Certificates, Job Completion Certificates and Photographs of the projects. j ). Evidence of equipment/materials manufacturer representatives of the equipment/material bidding for. k) submission of original Product Brochure(s) detailing performance and technical specifications of equipment/materials l) Evidence of Financial capability to execute the supply by submission of reference letter from a reputable commercial bank indicating willingness to provide credit facility for the job. m). Company profile and technical qualification showing curriculum vitae of key staff. This should include copies of their Academic/professional qualifications. n) For Joint Venture/Partnership, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be provided (CAC, Tax Clearance Certificate, Pension Compliance Certificate, ITF Compliance Certificate, NSITF Compliance Certificate, IRR & Sworn Affidavit are compulsory for each JV partner). o) A sworn affidavit disclosing whether or not any officer of the relevant committee of Transmission Company of Nigeria or Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is a former or

The Technical Proposals must bear the relevant Qualification Prerequisites and Technical details (to be issued with the Tender Document).

Tenders shall be submitted to the address indicated above not later than 12:00 noon on Monday, 6th January, 2020.

6.

OPENING OF TECHNICAL BIDS Only technical bids will be opened immediately after the deadline for submission at 12:00 noon on Monday, 6th January, 2020 while the financial bids will be kept unopened The opening of the TECHNICAL bids takes place at the Conference Room, TCN HQS, Plot 14 Zambezi Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, 7.

PLEASE NOTE a. Please ensure that you sign the Bid submission register in the office for submission indicated above as TCN will not be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted bids. b. Bids submitted after the deadline of submission would be returned unopened. c. Bids must be in English Language and signed by an official authorised by the bidder. d. TCN reserves the right to verify any claim by Applicants and should, therefore, include in their submissions necessary authority and guarantee for such verification. e. This advertisement shall not be construed as a commitment on the part of TCN to award contract to any contractor. f. TCN reserves the right to annul the procurement process at any time without incurring any liability in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Procurement Act 2007. g. Bidders should not bid for more than two (2) Lots h. Equipment of Manufacturers that has record of failure in the system will not be considered. i. Only pre-qualified bidders at technical evaluation will be invited at a later date for financial bids opening, while the financial bids of un-successful bidders will be returned un-opened For further information and/or clarification, please contact the following E-mails: tcn.procurement@tcnmail.com

SIGNED

MANAGEMENT

TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA(TCN)

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

A S

A T N O V E M B E R

REPO 14.07 13.07

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

14 13.50 14.75

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

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

1 5 ,

445.38 % 0.32% 0.66%

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

2 0 1 9 8.02% 24.77%

EXCHANGE RATE N306.90/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes CBN Injects $341.75m, CNY14.7m

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP

L-R: Executive Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze; Managing Director/CEO, Mr Ahmed Kuru; Chairman House Committee on Banking and Currency,Victor Nwokolo; Deputy Chairman, Hafiz Kawu; AMCON Group Head, Enforcement, Mr Joshua Ikioda; another member of the committee; Babangida Ibrahim, and Executive Director of Operations, AMCON, Mr Aminu Ismail at a retreat organised for the lawmakers in Lagos...recently

Kale: Statistics Crucial for Accountability, Policy Formulation James Emejo in Abuja The Statistician General of the Federation/Chief Executive, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Dr. Yemi Kale, has said accurate and timely data remains critical raw material for accountability.

These, according to him, are the lifeblood of decision-making in the country.

He said monitoring and evaluation of effective policies of government would become almost impossible, without highquality data which provide the right information on the right things at the right time.

Speaking at the opening of a high-level dialogue and signing of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) data bond and responsibility framework between the ministries, departments and agencies of government (MDAs), he said the agreement had again demonstrated the commitment and seriousness of the country to its responsibilities and role under

ECONOMY the 2030 SDG agenda.

He said the ceremony represented an important part of mainstreaming the monitoring and reporting process of the SDGs in Nigeria and serves as an advocacy affair for the SDG agenda, which, “is a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the environment and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030.�

Kale, noted that the SDGs’ strong emphasis on monitoring and reporting set it apart from the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He said the realisation that the success of the SDGs was, “greatly enhanced by a system of monitoring and tracking, highlighting critical areas requiring more attention and resources, or less as the case may be, is certainly one of the strengths of the SDGs over the MDGs.�

According to the NBS boss, the underlying concept of the data bond and responsibility framework aimed to identify mandates, potential roles of MDAs and commit them to supplying those indicators under the SDGs; thereby creating an opportunity and environment for meaningful progress.

He said the framework was significant to the SDG monitoring and reporting process, as well as to the statistical system in the country and charged the MDAs to do all that is possible to ensure that “you put in place, a responsive and credible mechanism for documenting and supplying information in a timely and efficient manner.�

Also speaking at the occasion, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said her office would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the country moves on the path of getting it right through the installa-

tion of the necessary infrastructure for sustained data production to support the monitoring and tracking of the implementation of the SDGs. She noted that the government recently launched the Nigeria Integrated Sustainable Development Goals (iSDG) Simulation Model – which is a home-grown analytical tool that would be used going forward to guide SDG-based national and sub-national planning, adding that the iSDG model would rely on credible and robust data to be an effective planning tool.

She described statistics as, “the lens through which the government can be assessed objectively and remain transparent and accountable to the people.�

According to her, it was the statutory responsibility of all the relevant MDAs to provide government with comprehensive, reliable and timely data that would Continued on page 24

Sanwo-Olu Charges NCC to Leverage Opportunities in AfCFTA Emma Okonji The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola SanwoOlu has charged the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), to leverage the provisions of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to the advantage of opportunities in the continent’s telecoms industry.

This, according to him, would be one of the major factor that would fully drive the digital revolution in the country.

He said this during a two-day

TELECOM sensitisation workshop on the AfCFTA initiative for the Nigeria Communications Industry, held in Lagos at the weekend.

The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hafeez Popoola, said: “AfCFTA as we all know, is an initiative of the Africa Union with the main objective of creating a single continental market for goods and services, as well as facilitating free movement of investment and

people across the entire African continent. “AfCFTA provides the opportunity for Africa to create the world’s largest free trade area, which is also a new hope for boosting intra-Africa trade across African countries with a huge population of the people.�

He said the trade agreement would mark a new dawn for Africa’s economic transformation, stressing that Nigeria’s economy stood to benefit with the creation of the single market.

The governor noted that it was important for Nigerians to

know that the anticipated benefits would only remain a mirage if, “we fail as a country to prepare adequately by repositioning the key sectors of our economy to be competitive and able to take optimum advantage of the opportunities presented by new market.� “A lot of efforts must be put into improving the efficiency of service delivery through investment in modern technology. “Effective communication network is a key facilitator of

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the weekend intervened in the RetailSecondaryMarketInterventionSales(SMIS),tothetuneof$341.75 millioninadditiontoCNY14.7millioninthespotandshort-tenoredforwards segment of the inter-bank foreign market.

CBN Director in charge of Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, made the disclosure, adding that the United States’ dollar intervention was for requests in the agricultural and raw materials sectors.TheChineseYuan,ontheotherhand,wasforRenminbidenominated Letters of Credit. Okorafor further reiterated that the market continued to enjoy stability because of the regular interventions by the Bank. He also noted that the demand management approach introduced by the Bank had yielded positive results, adding that the CBN management would remain committed to ensuring that all the sectors of the forex market continue to enjoy access to the needed foreign exchange.

The Bank had on November 12, 2019, oered authorised dealers in the wholesale segment of the market the sum of $100 million, while the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the invisibles segments each received the sum of $55 million. Meanwhile, $1 exchanged for N358 at the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment of the foreign exchange market, while CNY1 exchanged at N48.

CEO One Smart Star Visits Nigeria

The Global Managing Director and Chief Executive oďŹƒcer of One Smart Star International, Hemy Tzubary will be in Nigeria, from Monday November 18 to Friday 22, 2019.

The visit comes at a time when the country was experiencing improvement in business climate and a renewed interest in investment in Nigeria.

Tzubary’s visit was preparatory to the launch in Nigeria of the Smart Number Service.

The smart Number Service when launched in Nigeria was expected to revolutionise how citizens using modern technology could seamlessly interface with businesses and signiďŹ cantly improve corporate communication experience while also supporting security and law enforcement agencies in the ďŹ ght against violent crimes.

The new technology would also signiďŹ cantly impact how citizens participate in the governance process and access government services.

TheSmartNumberServiceiscurrentlybeingusedinabout75countries.

TheSmartNumberServicewhichintegratestheStarnumberandVisual IVR technologies, is a revolutionary communication tool that uniďŹ es all the communication platforms such as Phone line, WhatsApp, Website, e-mail, sms, VIVR, mobile, Viber, Post, social media, videos, youtube, etc under a single 4 digits number.

While Visual IVR uniquely combines rich digital media with voice for an interactive digital journey that dramatically enhances self-service capabilities and customer experience.The current technology available in Nigeria is theVoice IVRs menus which can be annoying because it doesn’t usually serve its purpose — convenience.

SPAR Nigeria Organises Black Friday Sales

SPAR has announced that its Black Friday sales will be on for eight days between November 23 and 30 2019, at all its stores across the country.

Speaking about the upcoming Black Friday Sales, the Head of Marketing, SPAR, Mr John Goldsmith, was quoted in a statement to have said: “This year, we have over 5,000 items ready for massive discounts at all our outlets nationwide. In the last six years, our customers have always been waiting for this season of the year to make their purchases for the upcoming festive season.�

This year, there are a wide range of quality products which include food, grocery, meat, wine and spirits, electronics, home appliances, laptops, mobile phones, watches, clothes, perfume and many other products essential for individual and family use. “We have continually ensured that our customer are delighted while shopping across all of our hypermarket stores because we give them the opportunity to have a look and feel of the products before buying and they canalsotakeimmediatepossessionofwhattheyhavepurchased,�headded.

The hypermarket brand has always translated the shopping experience of Nigerians and every shopper based on their Choice, Quality, Impeccable Service and Valuation addition to her teeming customers.

“Ecobank has been in the forefront in the promotion of creative industry. The Creative Industry Financing Initiative will further help to energise the sub-sectors and we already have structure in place to ensure hitchfree disbursement of the fund to the target groups�

MD, Ecobank Nigeria

Continued on page 24

Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan

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BUSINESSWORLD KALE: STATISTICS CRUCIAL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY FORMULATION help in formulating policies as well as monitoring and evaluating key programmes and projects.

The presidential aide also tasked all relevant stakeholders redouble their efforts in the production and usage of high-quality official statistics.

Continuing, Kale, nevertheless, said: “Technology is changing the way in which we live our lives. New technologies are leading to a big expansion in the volume, sources and types of data available, creating exceptional possibilities for informing and transforming society and protecting the environment. “This new world of data is one in which data is bigger, faster and more detailed than ever before.

This has also led to a bigger and growing demand for data. “Our primary role as official data producers is increasingly being contested by these new emerging sources. “We, therefore, cannot sit or rest on our oars, we must develop our capacities to understand and apply these new data and technologies. Doing this will ensure that we remain relevant, and that the essential principles of good statistics are maintained in the new environment.�

SANWO-OLU CHARGES NCC TO LEVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES IN AFCFTA

trade and economic activities. To enhance the sector’s competitiveness in emerging single market. “lt is against this premise that this sensitisation workshop themed: ‘Improving Nigerian Communications Industry Competitiveness for the African Continental Free Trade Area Initiative’ is quite timely and relevant,� the governor said.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, stated that the business algorithm would witness changes due to the continent’s single market agenda with the AfCFTA agreement.

Danbatta said the continental pact would become the largest trading bloc in the world in terms of participating countries since the creation of the World Trade Organisation(WTO).

NEWS

Expert Attributes Africa’s Underdevelopment to Poor Narrative Raheem Akingbolu A top Nigerian Marketing Communication expert and pioneer Chief Executive of the Rebranding Nigeria Project, Lolu Akinwunmi, has called on African leaders to push for development and deployment of strategies that will ensure the continent owns and tells its own stories. Akinwumi, who shared his thought alongside other African leaders, including Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, at the recently held African Development Bank’s Africa Investment Forum, in Johannesburg, South Africa, said it’s by changing the narrative that the continent quest for development could be realised.

He noted that the continent would not always be the provider of raw materials for developed nations and must take clear and well-defined steps towards changing the Africa narrative.

For the Marketing Communication expert, Africa must, as a matter of necessity, begin to be more deliberate and strategic in defining the message it wants to communicate about itself and its people; determine the audience for all its communication, especially within the scope of attracting global financing for the continent and also determine how to most effectively reach this global audience given the plethora of media within the landscape. “As an investment destination, Africa is perhaps the last frontier in many areas that present amazing opportunities. There are about six key areas of brand property ownership and opportunities and our narrative ought to be focused on projecting these on medium and long term basis.

“The African middle class is growing and with certain expectations; Africans are getting more educated, urbane and professional; Africa also has the largest population of young people under the age of 25; Africans are becoming more brand conscious and sophisticated in taste; these are affecting retail businesses in fashion, lifestyle products, etc. These are keeping retailers busy as they anticipate the needs of this growing list of new consumers,� he said.

While he admitted that Africa has huge opportunities in the energy, technology, supply chain

design and the agriculture value chain, he lamented the continent’s crippling infrastructure deficit, a factor he blamed for the difficulty in harnessing opportunities that would enable the continent take advantage of the maturity and saturation of developed economies. “Infrastructure deficits are all over Africa in roads, transportation like rail, water etc. Airports, Power and IT are also needed to lift up the economy and regionally create demand. “Power is critical to development but Sub-Saharan Africa is plagued by power outages with over 600 hours of outages a year on average,

roads and rail lines are sparse, decrepit and over-burdened; lack of aviation agreements have limited intra-African air travels and connections, and these dire situations have been killing productivity, adding costs and leaving businesses captive to expensive back-up and alternative power and logistics options,� he lamented. He also observed that Africa’s was also in want of efficient storage and distribution infrastructure, leading to as losses of as much as 50 percent of perishable agricultural produce.

Highlighting what he termed the continent’s “soft infrastructure

deficit, he insisted that Africa could no longer take data gathering for granted in such critical areas as credit and risk information, market data, consumption pattern, among others, because of their importance to policy formulation and planning as well as business decision-making.

He said the continent would benefit immensely and could become a vast regional hub by reducing barriers to trade, saying the continent’s 54 sovereign nations could create its own mega trade deal by creating incentives that will spur seamless intra-Africa trade.

MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT

L-R: Director, Training, SAP Training and Development Institute, Mr. Johann Pretorious; Sales Manager, West Africa, SAP Nigeria Limited, Titilayo Adewumi; Chief Executive Officer, SAP Africa, Cathy Smith; Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hakeem Fahm, and Director, Programms Developmrnt ME North, SAP Training and Development Institute, Husband Alkharrat, at the SAP YPP graduation event in Lagos‌ recently ETOP UKUTT

Group Seeks Framework on Intellectual Property to Boost Economic Prospects James Emejo in Abuja Worried by the absence of effective and efficient intellectual property (IP) laws and the attendant economic consequences, a group of professionals including legal advocates have commenced a conversation for an appropriate framework to shield artistes from copyright infringement.

According to the African Policy Conversation, a group of young intellectual professionals from various fields of endeavor, the country currently does not have value intellectual

property rights even though it remains critical for economic diversification.

Speaking at the African Policy Conversation on Intellectual Property, a partner at the Firma Advisory, Chinenye Uwanaka, who is one of the dialogue conveners, further expressed concerns that the government doesn’t see value in creativity and innovation by young Nigerian entrepreneurs.

She said: “However, now we have our fashion, our music, we have our movies being celebrated all over the world and that is what is actually bringing money

into the economy. “That is our biggest export right now but we don’t have the relevant policy to back that up and harness those sectors.�

She said the intervention by the group was a conscious effort to brainstorm on a legal framework for the IP policy in the country. “We are going to work hand in hand with government to develop this policy and we are going to try and do things differently because people had tried and failed in the past but this time around, we are committed as a group,� she told

THISDAY. Uwanaka, added that a draft document would be produced at the end of the engagement and presented to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Richard Adebayo, on expectations for the creative industry in particular.

She also hinted that a bill on IP would be sponsored at the National Assembly for passage into law.

She said the creative industry, like the technology sector remains a multi-billion-dollar industry which should not be ignored by government but should come

up with appropriate legislation to support its growth.

She said: “Even the FIRS had to come up with a framework for taxing intellectual property, that’s the way we can get revenue but obviously we are not saying go and tax them until the businesses fail. “We are saying how do we incentivise these businesses to grow to employ more people, bring in foreign direct investment, to expand our economy- these are the ways we can diversify the economy by tapping into all these sectors and investing in them.�

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

FG Urged to Extend Digital Technology to Rural Communities

Capital Market Editor

Emma Okonji

Comms/e-Business Editor

The President and CEO of Mastercard Foundation, Reety Roy, has called on the federal government to extend digital technology skills to rural communities in the country, to enable more Nigerians benefit from the solution.

Roy, however, expressed excitement over Nigeria’s commitment in leveraging digital technology in driving skills acquisition.

Roy, made the call during the Social Innovators Programme

Goddy Egene Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

and Awards (SIPA) 2019 Conference, organised by LEAP Africa, with support from Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, which held recently in Lagos.

According to her, “If digital technology is going to get to millions of people, we need to find ways to bring them closer and deliver services directly to the people, especially those in rural communities. We are very excited because we are seeing digital as a means to get technology skills. “Nigeria represents one of the most significant economies

where there is concentration of technology innovators who are using multiple digital platforms for agriculture, jobs and capital development.�

She stated her plans to aid African youths, especially young women, towards getting dignified work. “We are going to be implementing new technology strategies and we are already rolling out strategies to enable 30 million young people especially young women find dignified and fulfilling work in Africa. We

are already rolling this out in seven countries including Nigeria,� Roy said.

Giving reason for her interest in women, she said a lot of data had shown that investment in young women indicates investment in communities. She added that investments in communities means investments in the entire nation.

She affirmed that Nigeria was leading the continent in the areas of fashion, music and creativity, noting that the youths are driven by

their passion.

She said efforts would be made to help the youths find opportunities in the area of digital technology. “With respect to the creative industry, this is another place where Nigeria clearly leads on the continent-Nigerian music, Nigerian fashion, Nigerian creativity. It is an area where young people are so attracted to because that is where they find passion. For us, we want to be able to help them find bigger opportunities,� Roy said.

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FG Plans to Ban on Steel Importation Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government has disclosed plan to end the importation of steel products into the country, in order to encourage local investors in mining sector.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, said the aim was to ban the product totally. However, he pointed out that before the policy would be introduced, the government intends to make sure that the local firms have the capacity to meet the demand for the product and have excess for export.

Adegbite in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press, said this during his familiarisation visit to Kam Industries Limited, a privately owned steel manufacturing industry in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The minister was quoted as

saying, “this is where we are heading.�

He added that government would take such decision once it attained self-sufficiency in steel production. According to him, though the ministry was responsible for overseeing steel production and development in the country, it was not in control of the quality of steel that came into the country. “This is the responsibility of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON). But, the ministry is working with the organisation to ensure that steel that come into the country is controlled and meet the right standard,� he explained.

Adegbite, opined that there was the need for local investors to play major role in the country’s steel sector rather than foreigners. This he stressed is to avoid capital flight. “We welcome industrialisation and local entrepreneurs

and we want to encourage them. This is an example of what Nigeria should do, you can imagine this complex providing over 4,000 employment opportunities. If we have replication of this all over the country, it will reduce the rate of restiveness and banditry� he added.

He noted that with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ajaokuta Steel Company would work and would produce steel before the end of the present administration. He, however, commended the Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kam industries, Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf, for establishing his factory in Nigeria, where he could positively affect the lives of the citizenry and contribute to the development of minerals and metal sector.

NPA Seeks Adherence to Ballast Water Management Convention Agreement Hamid Ayodeji The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Environment Department has called on maritime stakeholders to ensure that they effectively implement the Ballast Water Management convention agreement by 2024, whereby each vessel is to treat its ballast water before releasing it into the marine space. The Assistant General Manager Environment, NPA, Khadijat Sheidu-Shabi, said this at a forum in Lagos, adding that every vessel needs to meet all the standards necessary to operate safely so as to avoid damaging the environment as well as destroying indigent aquatic species and organism.

The NPA’s sensitisation scheme was in line with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) convention aimed at ensuring

vessels sail thought the marine environment without hitting or coming across hazardous species and organisms which could be caused from ballast water released into the aquatic environment.

According to her, the ports in every part of the world needs to uphold the regulation as it was applicable to everyone operating within the maritime sector. “We need to take care of our environment, if not for us, but for the incoming generation to be able to thrive in an environment that is conducive and hygienic. “Also, as a country we need to manage the ballast water situation ahead of 2024 effectively and pro-actively, so as not to end up as a dumping ground for others,� Sheidu-Shabi added.

On her part, the Head, Marine Environment Manage-

ment Department, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Felicia Mogo, explained: “There are about 14 IMO conventions under the Marine Protection Environment Protection, which the agency is implementing. Amongst which is the ballast water management. “NIMASA has developed procedures for ensuring compliance by flagship which include, assessment and management of ballast water management plan, execute the ballast water management on board inspections and survey. “The feasibility study for the designation of ballast water management exchange area has been carried out for Lagos, meanwhile, the other zones of the country are in progress to ensure compliance with regulations.�

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Market Sustains Positive Performance on Bargain Hunting Goddy Egene The Nigerian equities market sustained its positive performance last week as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index rose by 2.04 per cent, the highest weekly gain since August 23, 2019.

The market had the previous week broken free from a five-week decline to gain 0.08 per cent. That growth was sustained last week as bargain hunters swooped on fundamentally strong stocks following shift to the equities market, after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), barred local investors from participating in its open market operations (OMO) auctions.

Out of the four trading days for the week, the market appreciated in three days, making the NSE ASI to close at 26,851.68, while market capitalisation added N261.3 billion to close at N13.07 trillion.

The market opened for trading on Tuesday with a gain of 0.54 per cent but dipped by 0.37 per cent on Wednesday.

However, the market recovered on Thursday with an appreciation of 1.84 per cent and 0.03 per cent on Thursday and Friday respectively. Consequently, it posted a weekly gain of 2.04 per cent.

In terms of sectoral performance, the NSE Banking Index led the with a growth of 6.8 per cent, followed by the NSE Industrial Goods Index, rising by 3.2 per cent. Similarly, the NSE Consumer Goods Index went up by 2.6 per cent.

Conversely, the NSE Oil & Gas Index fell 1.8 per cent, while the NSE Insurance Index depreciated by 0.6 per cent.

Market analysts said the market would continue to witness some level of gains in the short-term. For instance, commenting on the market performance, analysts at Greenwich Trust Limited said: “Despite sell-offs witnessed in the banking space, the positive sentiment on counters in the Consumer, and Industrial goods sector pulled the market to a positive close.

Although, we observe investors are locking in positions on fundamentally sound stocks, we do not rule out pockets of profit taking, this we expect would characterize trading activities in the coming week.�

In the view of analysts at Cordros Capital Limited said: “In our view, the performance this week is a reaction to a limited outlet for investments given recent policy directives limiting domestic participation in the market. We expect that the market might continue to benefit over the short-term especially in the face of lower yields in the fixed income market.�

On their part, analysts at Afrinvest West Africa Limited said: “We expect to see gains in fundamentally sound stocks as investors’ sentiment towards the equities market improves. Nonetheless, we maintain that this might be short-lived as economic buffers are still absent.�

Before now, some analysts had projected that the CBN directive on OMO auction would impact positively on the equities market.

Analyst with Lagos-based CardinalStone Partners Limited, Michael Nwakalor had said “There is real hope this could be good for equities. We should see a lot of corporate heavyweights gain in coming weeks as pension funds look for high-yielding investment.�

Also, Head of Investment Research at Sigma Pensions, Wale Okunrinboye had said: “While it is possible to see some asset re-allocation towards equity markets, for pension funds to start buying equities again, the economic policy environment has to show credibility around structural reforms to unlock economic growth.�

Apart from the CBN directive that is pushing some investors to the equities market, the bearish trend has depressed prices of stocks to very attractive levels.

Based on the low prices of stocks, stakeholders had enjoined investors

of securities dealers, the stockbrokers for sound professional advice, and each investor will receive peculiar advice based on the outcome of profiling and take advantage of low prices,� he said.

He explained that most people selling their shares right now are speculators and not real investors. “Every stock market needs speculators for liquidity but they can change investment decision in one second.

Our stock market is forward looking.

Investors need not be nervous. They should consult professional stockbrokers for sound investment decision. There is no basis for panic sale of shares. Many companies have announced strong financial performance with prospects of increased future earnings,� he said.

On his part, Managing Director/ CEO of Network Capital Limited, Mr. Oluropo Dada said the market, more than ever before, presented an overwhelming buy opportunity for all categories of investors in the face of the attractive valuations and CBN’s policy banning local corporates and individuals from investing in OMO auctions. “The market fundamentals, despite the persistent illiquidity is still very strong and prices of quoted securities can only go up, which will be triggered by both arbitrage income and dividend income. Based on the third quarter results being released by the quoted companies, especially the banks, the market is where to be now,� Dada said.

not to miss entry opportunity.

For example, Mr. Ambrose Omordion of Invest Data Limited, had said that discerning investors should latch onto the attractive valuation as a way of averaging down and recouping their investment immediately a recovery stage sets.

According to him, they expect the losing momentum to diminish, as the market reacts to seemingly impressive Q3 numbers released so far and in expectation of more quarterly earnings reports ahead of month-end portfolio alignments, especially

as the NSE’s new lows offer investors opportunities to position for short and medium-to-long-term views.

He said: “Given that earnings and economic news can change trend at any time, keep your gaze on fundamentally sound and dividend-paying stocks for possible capital appreciation as Q3 numbers giving insight into companies’ position and future expectations.�

Also, the Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria(ASHON), Chief Patrick Ezeagu, said investors should

not miss the entry opportunity provided by the low valuations in the market.

He said that trend analysis of corporate earnings in recent times and the current nine months results indicate that many companies across sectors have posted higher earnings with good returns, noting that these results have not significantly reflected in the upward movement of their share prices. “Very attractive valuations exist in the market right now. What investors need to do is to seek the full advice

Market turnover The volume and value of trading was also high last week as investors transacting 2.084 billion shares worth N33.867 billion exchanged in 21,849 deals, compared with 2.063 billion shares valued at N18.431 billion that were traded in 16,778 deals the previous week.

The Financial Services industry led the activity chart with 1.705 billion shares valued at N21.555 billion traded in 15,395 deals, thus contributing 81.84 per cent and 63.65 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Consumer Goods industry followed with 188.870 million shares worth N7.445 billion in 1,989 deals, while the third place was occupied by the Conglomerate industry with a turnover of 82.675 million shares worth N128.662 million in 691 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely: Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc, accounted for 1.210 billion shares worth N17.048 billion in 7,031 deals.

Top price gainers and losers Meanwhile, 39 equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than 30 equities in the previous week, while 11 equities depreciated in price, lower than 28 equities in the previous week.

Wema Bank Plc led the price gainers with 28.8 per cent, trailed by Cornerstone Insurance Plc with 26.5 per cent. Guinness Nigeria Plc garnered 22.7 per cent, while Jaiz Bank Plc chalked up 22.4 per cent.

Other price gainers included: FBN Holdings Plc (18.1 per cent); Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc (17.5 per cent); Unity Bank Plc (17.5 per cent); Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc (14.2 per cent); Access Bank Plc (14.1 per cent) and Chams Plc (12.5 per cent).

Conversely, Total Nigeria Plc led the price losers with 9.9 per cent, trailed

by Learn Africa Plc with 9.4 per cent.

Unilever Nigeria Plc shed 5.6 per cent, while Continental Reinsurance Plc went down by 5.0 per cent. PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc and Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc depreciated by 3.6 per cent and 2.7 per cent in that order.

Other top price losers included: Ikeja Hotel Plc (2.0 per cent); Eterna Plc (1.7 per cent); Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (1.2 per cent); and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (0.82 per cent).

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Ovbiebo: Maritime Sector Urgently Needs Intervention Fund After years of neglect and policy inconsistency that has stagnated the industry, the MD/CEO, Tamrose Ventures Limited, Mr. Ambrose Ovbiebo, in this interview, says steps like the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, industry specific-intervention fund, asset acquisition incentives, manpower development, among others, if implemented will accelerate growth of the marine sector, while the full benefits of the blue economy will be felt nationwide. Eromosele Abiodun brings the excerpts: You were in the banking industry for some years, what motivated you to venture into marine logistics?

I came into the maritime space for two main reasons both of which incidentally have taken a rather patriotic or nationalistic hue. The first, which is our raison d’etre, was to change the indigenous narrative in the maritime space by redefining indigenous marine logistic service standards. The second reason which really is an off-shoot of the first, was to show that Nigerians can match the multi-national services for service in this industry, thereby restoring our national dignity and pride (not to mention in the eyes of the international oil and gas companies) and eventually, the world.

Permit me to tell you a short story that inspired the above ambitions. Prior to my entry into this industry, I was an Energy Desk banker for many years with a number of customers in the maritime space. On numerous visits with my customers to the IOCs who they worked for, the story was always the same – old and poorly maintained assets, near lack of organisational structure, and other factors culminating in appalling service delivery standards. The disdain for these indigenous businessmen was palpable. In fact, I was often told that the engagement of my customers’ services were in most cases forced by statutory requirements and in some cases, if given the choice, the IOCs would gladly pay them not to work so as to engage competent people to do the job – a more cost efficient model on the long run especially for critical tasks. The sense and truth in these “sermons� did nothing to sooth the sting of national embarrassment. After numerous encounters like this, I felt there was a need to change this narrative; to show that we can do this not just to better what is being associated with the indigenous companies, but to compete favorably with any other multinational company from anywhere in the world. That’s the reason we are in this space and we aspire to own it.

Having been in this business so far, what can you point to that you have done to change the narrative you just highlighted?

We entered the marine space in November 2010 with the arrival of our maiden vessel – TMC PRIMUS. At that time, the indigenous marine industry was characterised by old and poorly maintained tonnages, run by lifestyle-oriented owners.

Of course, the resultant output was very poor quality services. Our strategy at entry was quite easy: brand -new vessels, worldclass service delivery standards. That strategy has worked and has continued to work. I am happy to also note that from 2010 when we came into this industry till date, the quality of indigenous tonnage has improved dramatically. I know for a fact that indigenous companies have acquired over 60 brand-new vessels in the last decade and more are being added on a continuous basis. That is on the age and quality of the assets alone. With improved organisational structure and entry of more enlightened and energetic young men, service quality has also improved dramatically. Today, Tamrose and a few other indigenous companies are ranked among the top percentile of high performers within the marine spread of various IOCs – an exclusive preserve of multi-nationals like Bourbon and Tide Waters in time past.

So to answer your question pointedly, that notion has changed and will continue to change for the better.

Talking about service delivery, can

made a little bit more conducive, if we are not expending money buying our own security, generating our own power, training and retraining our own labour force, if all these resources are put into capital investments, Nigerians can hold their own against any other country in other parts of the world. Like I said earlier, some of our brightest minds are in this government and they are more than capable of charting a viable way forward if they sincerely wish to so do. If the right questions are asked, if there is sincerity of purpose to execute on these answers, an explosion of prosperity will happen to manifest the potentials that make the world see us as giants.

Ovbiebo

you relate it to NNPC’s notion that Nigerians cannot participate in the lucrative crude-lifting business because they don’t have vessels?

I don’t think the NNPC would be fair to indigenous entrepreneurs or right, to make such comments. Our being Nigerian is not a limitation. I want that fact clearly understood. If there is anything that we haven’t been able to do as indigenous businessmen, it is because the environment has not been conducive enough. It is because the government has not been supportive enough. It is because the ecosystem and infrastructure that made it possible for the foreign companies doing that business today are completely lacking in Nigeria. So, to say that Nigerians are not able, I don’t think is a very fair statement. First, there is a need to separate capacity from capability. Nigerians are very capable of running and maintaining large crude carriers whose operations are not any different from other marine vessels owned by indigenous companies. The challenges have always included the financial capacity of indigenous companies to acquire these assets under the prevailing almost hostile financial market conditions (a VLCC cost upwards of $80 million today and for funds sourced at above 20 per cent per annum, without guaranteed patronage and timely payment by NNPC, indigenous investor’s faith is best imagined). Government and NNPC are making giant strides in empowering indigenous players in the upstream sector. I am optimistic that their effort will eventually get to the area of crude lifting too.

What’s your advice to the federal government in this regard?

Government remains the biggest business in Nigeria today with the highest repository of some of our brightest minds in all fields. I think what has remained consistently missing these past 59 years is a sincerity of purpose to put our collective

national interest over parochial interests.

First things first: why are we unable to participate in lifting crude? Is it because we do not have the manpower? Is it because we do not have the asset? Is it because we do not have the know- how? All of these can be acquired if there is sincerity of purpose on the part of government to grow this industry. We can’t keep mouthing rhetoric without being sincere to ourselves. How many intervention funds are there to support serious players in this industry? The Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund (CVFF) is a classical example of government’s seeming insincerity; despite being funded by indigenous ship owners via a direct debit at source of two per cent of our revenue, how many indigenous players has it been disbursed to? What infrastructure have government put in place to support indigenous businessmen in this industry? How do you expect a Nigerian businessman who is sourcing for fund at 25 per cent interest rate per annum to compete with his counterpart in the Western world who is raising funds at below 3 per cent per annum? How do you expect a Nigerian business with a high import duty on ship acquisition to compete with his counterpart in the Western world who is given tax rebate for capital acquisition? How do you compare the ease of doing business in Nigeria and what obtains in any of these countries where these vessels are coming from? So, before you say Nigerians are incapable, I think it is only fair to consider these hindrances.

The fact that even the multi-nationals with the advantage of cheap fund and oversea parent management and technical support find it hard to survive here (and are gradually relocating to places like Ghana) speaks volume of the harsh reality of doing business in Nigeria. The fact that we are able to run thriving businesses in this hostile environment is a testament to the dexterity of the average Nigerian businessman. It shows that if the environment is

Can you let us into the brand-new vessels you recently added to your eet?

The explosive fleet expansion you see this year is really the manifestation of many years of careful planning. I just talked about laying foundation and building systems, getting here has seen several preparatory moves over the years. The journey started in 2016 when I decided to equip myself better for the challenges I knew will come with building a world-class company. This decision took me to Harvard Business School for the Owner President Management course (my recommendation for all businesses on an inflexion curve) – a grueling innovative management boot camp spanning over three years. The lessons learnt have helped reshape and reinforce our strategy while at the same time adding bite to our system and processes.

All of these, together with organisational re-alignment and manpower fortification laid the foundation for the referenced fleet expansion. I was adamant since 2017 that we will not add a single vessel to the fleet until I was convinced the organisational structure to drive and sustain the service delivery standards we are known for are in place. We launched Project 8 mid last year to acquire six state-of-the-art, purpose-built security vessels and two Platform Supply vessels before the end of 2019. Today, we have practically achieved this objective as four of these vessels including the two PSVs are already in service and the last security vessel to be delivered soon. Our acquisition of two PSVs this year is a landmark in our corporate journey to dominance as it marked our upward migration from the security vessel niche, which we have significantly dominated till date. One of the recently acquired PSVs -TMC EVOLUTION - of course has become the crown jewel of our fleet. It is a beauty to behold.

This brand new world renowned 1000m sq diesel-electric MMC 87 CD Design was acquired in March, 2019. She is one of the biggest PSVs in the world and as modern as they come. No sooner had she arrived Nigeria than she was snapped up by one of our major clients. As we speak, the vessel is rendering world-class services to ExxonMobil.

In addition to that, we have taken delivery of five brand new customised Flex-Fighters built by Penguin Shipyards Singapore with the last one billed for delivery a couple of weeks away. Tamrose has always put much rigour in their build design and monitoring that every single vessel is actually customized to meet our customers’ expectations.

Because we are a customer-centric company, if you look at our mission statement, you notice that it is actually an embodiment of our operational strategy. We’re a company that exists because of our customers. So, we do everything we do from that flow point.

What will our customer want us to do?

How would our customer have wanted this Continued on page 27

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fund either due to incompetence, lack of sincerity of purpose or a combination of both, among others. But the truth remains: there is no member of SOAN as constituted today that has received a kobo from the fund despite the fact that 2 per cent of our revenue is taken away at source and put into the till. To get the desired result, maybe we need to change the direction of our advocacy. My suggestion is simple; SOAN as a voice should advocate the appointment of a reputable company outside NIMASA to manage the CVFF. They will work out the modalities but I am very convinced that so long as this fund remains with NIMASA, the CVFF disbursement will remain a mirage.

OVBIEBO: MARITIME SECTOR URGENTLY NEEDS INTERVENTION FUND

done? That is where we operate. That’s why we always buy brand-new vessels, to give us the flexibility of reflecting our customers’ needs in the final product and service we deliver to them.

In what ways are you contributing to manpower development in Nigeria?

Manpower is a critical factor in every industry, more so in the maritime industry.

I can tell you that Nigeria has a manpower crisis that either the government is not aware of or have not completely understood the gravity of its multiplier effect. I don’t think they understand that if not addressed, this crisis has the ability to undermine every single policy enunciated in this country and reverse the modest gains we have recorded in recent times. In the maritime sector, there are two distinct groups of manpower.

The offshore manpower which are the manpower resident on the marine assets that go offshore and the on-shore support system to keep the guys offshore serviced and comfortable. Both of these categories of manpower in Nigeria are in crisis. For this reason, you have a lot of capital flight going out through foreign crewing, vessel management all due to skilled manpower shortage. It is inconceivable for someone to buy an asset for over $20 million and you expect him to gamble with the fate of that asset. In an environment where the number of competent seafarers to operate these assets is grossly limited or near to lacking in-country, entrepreneurs are left with no choice than to employ foreign crew.

Not only with a resultant capital flight but also the perpetual under-development of the Nigerian manpower pool. That’s on the crew side alone. On the management side, the story is practically the same.

Only recently was a maritime university commissioned in Nigeria. The impact of this university will take a long time to manifest. How do we administer existing maritime organizations in the interim?

One of the problems that have dogged the Nigerian maritime industry is lack of skilled manpower at the managerial level, which has led to the proliferation of foreign vessel management companies operating in Nigeria. What we have done on our own, mindful of the fact that government cannot do it all alone, is to find ways to contribute meaningfully to the solution.

We and other industry stakeholders must contribute to manpower development. On the offshore personnel (the crew), we are currently running a Cadetship Scheme in which we take OND graduates from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, bring them into our fold and give them the mandatory sea-time training that will qualify them either to go back and pursue their HND or seek to obtain their STCW and become able seamen. Whichever option they chose at the end of their 12-month period with us, we will support them either to acquire their COC or to further their education to HND level. We are also currently running the officer training scheme where HND graduates from the Maritime Academy are also given the opportunity for sea-time on Tamrose vessels. We pay them stipends during this period and upon graduation, after the sea-time, we enroll them in classes and exams for their certificates of competence (CoCs) at our own cost. Upon successful completion of these exams and certification, they join our employ; we deduct the cost of training them over a period of time. To encourage people to continuously improve themselves and remain loyal to the Tamrose brand, we give them an incentive of completely writing off the cost of training if they stay with us over a period of time although this takes time to yield fruit. We have about 15 people in this scheme at the moment and we intend to do a minimum of 20 every year going forward. We believe that if we alone are able to bring in this number of trained people into the industry, it’s only a question of time before the manpower level in the industry will start coming up. We’re very confident that other companies will ether see what we’re doing and emulate us, or are already doing similar things. At the end of the day, not just the maritime industry but the entire country will benefit from these and similar schemes.

Ovbiebo

On the shore side, we are currently focused on training our own personnel for now.

We’re not only training them in-house and exposing them to new and better ways of doing things, we’re going as far as sending them abroad to see what international best practices look like. Last year, one of our port captains spent about three weeks in India. We’re committed to doing that on a yearly basis. Every year, at least one of our shore-based staff goes on an international course so that we can keep her promise to render world-class service using indigenous talents.

Has the government supported you in any form?

None! But we’re not complaining. We see this as our modest effort at giving back.

The Maritime Academy, Oron, through the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) recently offered to give us some stipends to have some of their cadets on our vessels.

But on our own, we decided to take on these cadets for free as a further contribution to the manpower development drive in the industry.

As a company, what major challenges have you been grappling with since takeoff?

Challenge is another name for doing business in Nigeria. Nigeria is synonymous with challenges. The ability to run a successful business in Nigeria, I don’t know how to describe it. If you look around, you see how many businesses that have failed.

This will give you an idea of our challenges.

Unfortunately, how I see it is, in Nigeria the system seems designed and conspire to make you fail. The odds are stacked so highly against you that success seems like a miracle. Where do we start from in terms of challenges? Is it the unnecessary bureaucracy? Is it the absence of supporting infrastructure? Simply put, the challenges are overwhelming! Most countries of the world look at how to help entrepreneurs create wealth. It’s only by so doing that employment can be guaranteed, poverty can be reduced and government taxes can actually increase. What Nigeria does is instead of creating an environment that will create more businesses to broaden the tax base; the focus is on over-taxing existing business often times to extinction. Any time they feel there’s need to raise more money, they look for one more levy or tax to impose on those same companies that are doing business within the Nigerian space without thinking of broadening the number of companies that they can collect tax from. So, what you see is that businesses are stifled in Nigeria.

The challenges range from multiple taxation, endless levies, etc. A situation where NIMASA, which is supposed to be a regula-

tory agency entrusted with the safety of our maritime space is seen as a revenue generating body is already a problem. Why do we need to renew licenses annually; licenses that are not renewed based on certification or visits? So, we are not saying re-certify these asset; we want to ensure they are in good condition. Instead, we are paying pay these various and numerous annual rentals like shipping company license, DPR permit etc. that do not add value to anyone so that some lazy folks can feed fat at the expense of businesses. If I am registered as a shipping company, why do I need to renew my shipping license every year? Why does my DPR license expire? Why do I pay N250, 000 every year to be on special category?

Why do I pay cabotage waiver yearly? If I buy a vessel that is foreign-built and I pay cabotage waiver upon purchase, why do I need to pay it again next year? How will businesses grow? What drives our policy decisions? Is it to help businesses grow or to milk businesses dry? Are private businesses primarily seen as source of income for government or engines of wealth and employment creation? These are some of the questions that government needs to start finding sincere answers to. This is the bedrock of the challenges of doing business in Nigeria. As the Bible says, only the living can praise the Lord; only viable businesses can pay tax and support various government initiatives!

As a pioneer member of SOAN, do you ever see the CVFF fund getting disbursed any day, going by the controversy surrounding it?

The pioneer president of SOAN, Engr Greg Ogbeifun and some other notable industry stakeholders have been in the forefront of the campaign for the disbursement of this fund. The baton has now been passed to the present leadership under the stewardship of Dr. MkGeorge Onyung.

First, we have registered our voices but my question is, have we gotten the desired result? The answer is no! Do we stand a chance of getting the desired result from what I see today? The answer is again a resounding no!

What must the new leadership do to achieve the disbursement in the shortest time possible?

The current leadership of SOAN is privileged to have a foundation to stand on.

I am also happy that there’s an imminent workshop-taking place in November. I see that as an opportunity for the association to once again look government straight in the eyes and speak truth to power. The CVFF fund belongs to ship owners. It is not government money! NIMASA has proven over time to be incapable of handling this

NIMASA recently announced a timeline for cessation of cabotage waivers; do you see indigenous players prepared to take over?

This is another laudable policy with good intentions but perhaps not so rigorous thoughts on implementation as is the case with many policies of this nature. Cabotage stands on four footings – Build, Ownership, Flag and Crewing. Which of these are they talking about? If you say you want to cease cabotage waiver five years from now as a policy statement, all well and good. But the question is, is there deliberate planning to ensure actualization? If you say five years from now, no foreign-owned vessel is going to be allowed to do coastal trade in Nigeria, have you dimensioned the number of vessels that are currently doing coastal trade in Nigeria? What proportion do foreigners own so that you know the gap you need to fill? Business like nature abhors a vacuum, it must go on! You will not say no foreign vessel should come into Nigeria when there are not enough indigenous vessels to fill the gap. I work for the IOCs. IOCs have drilling rigs and if there are not enough indigenous PSVs to support these rigs, will you tell them they shouldn’t bring foreign vessels to support the rigs? Don’t forget that Nigerian government owns between 55 to 60 per cent of most of these IOCs. Are you going to tell government to lose revenue because they want to implement cabotage? If you have dimensioned the space that needed to be filled five years from now for this policy statement to become effective, what framework have you put in place to drive actualization? Vessels are not like loaves of bread you can buy across the counter. If you are saying every PSV, construction vessels, floatels e.t.c in Nigeria five years from now is going to be owned by Nigerians, those vessels ought to be either being built already or plans to build them are currently ongoing. Most of these vessels take two to three years to complete. You’re making policy decisions and putting a timeline without thinking of the infrastructures that will make them happen. What do you think is going to happen five years from now? Nothing will change.

What do you think government must do to revive the marine industry?

Like I said before, some of our most brilliant minds are in this administration.

You find them everywhere from NNPC at the group level to NAPIMS, NCDMB (By the way, permit me to say a word about NCDMB - this is a model board matching words with action and strategic planning.

Receiving only 1 per cent of our revenue, they have disbursed millions of dollars to indigenous companies as intervention funds and other guises often at single digits interest rate with ample repayment time – NIMASA may want to borrow a leaf from them as regards the CVFF in the interim) and other agencies and parastatals.

The first step is for government to adopt a paradigm shift from milking businesses to growing them. This is the only way to guarantee successes for this industry and by extension the government itself. Most of the suggestions already discussed in the course of this interview like disbursement of the CVFF, industry specific-intervention fund appropriately priced and tenured, asset acquisition incentives, manpower development among others if implemented with resolute political will and sincerity of purpose will see the marine sector roar back to life and the full benefits of the blue economy will be felt nationwide.

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DLM Advisory Partners Supports Firm on N16.5bn Bond Listing Oluchi Chibuzor DLM Advisory Partners has successfully executed its second future flow securitisation transaction, on behalf of its client, Primero Transport Services Limited.

Securitisation is a new financing technique in the Nigerian market, and can only be executed by specialised financial institutions with the in-depth expertise.

To commemorate the milestone, a listing ceremony of the

N16.5 billion Series 1 7 -year fixed 17% rate bonds, under the N100 billion Medium Term Note Programme sponsored by Primero TSL was held recently in Lagos. The ceremony had in attendance top executives of Primero TSL, DLM Capital Group and FMDQ OTC Exchange. The Series 1 Bonds was issued by Primero BRT securitisation SPV Plc (PBSP); a special purpose company set up as a separate and distinct entity from the sponsor to purchase the Bus Rapid Transit System

ticket receivables generated under the BRT scheme.

According to a statement, Primero TSL played the role of servicer under the transaction, with a goal to become a major player in Lagos state’s transportation sector.

Speaking at the bond listing ceremony, Managing Director, Primero Transport Services Limited, Mr. Fola Tinubu, explained that, “Primero was stuck in a quagmire of short-term financing and high-interest rates. Luckily for us, we came across DLM

who were able to solve the issue by taking us into the bond market to raise N16.5 billion by securitising our ticket receivables. “The bond market community has really made a dramatic difference in the lives of Lagosians through the provision of the buses and we want to thank them. “For the first time in our operating history, we have been able to put 300 buses on the road and this will continue to increase. “Primero will not relent in its efforts. We will ensure that we

provide world-class bus service for Lagosians and once the bond market community sees the outcome, they will be happy that their money has been used judiciously�.

Also commenting on the development, the CEO, DLM Capital Group, Mr. Sonnie Ayere stated that, “with the listing of the bond, Primero Transport Services Limited and DLM Capital Group were working to bridge the transportation infrastructure gap in Africa’s busiest city.

He further explained that “with the current value of future flow securitised transactions in the Nigerian debt capital markets at N33.06 billion, the appetite for structured debt instruments appear to be on the rise with more professional institutional investors looking to participate in new offers. “Going forward, market expansion will be on the rise as companies will search for more economically viable funding options for capital expansion and other business development objectives.�

Access Bank Opens New Branch in Osun Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Access Bank Plc has opened a new branch at Ire, a polytechnic community in Boripe Local government area of Osun state.

The governor of the state, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Prince Bola Oyebamiji, at the event, reiterated the commitment of his administration to strengthen the micro-economy through support for SMEs. He said one of the reasons why his administration continues to work assiduously to create conducive environment for investors was to eradicate poverty among the populace and enthrone prosperity.

Oyetola, explained that the new branch of Access Bank in the community would go a long way in enhancing small business owners, boost their trade through credit facilitation and deep business advice.

The governor, however, boasted that the state was safe for commercial banks to do business, adding that the issue of internal security remains a cardinal consideration of policy formation and implementation in the state. “One of the greatest economic measures to finance the economy

and empower the people is through SMEs, which Access Bank is doing presently in the state, in line with its aggressive branch network across Nigeria,�

Oyetola said.

The Executive Director of Access Bank, Mr. Victor Etuokwu, in his remarks, disclosed that the bank, in accordance with its branch network policy would open another 12 branches within the South-west zone in the next two weeks.

He averred that one of the ways in which individuals and businesses in the state could be empowered was through taking retail banking to their doorstep to stimulate access to credit.

He said: “We believe that internet banking is good, but branch network is also a good place for banking engagement because people still consider the need to engage in face to face transaction�.

Speaking on the place of banking sector in the present state of Nigerian economy, Etuokwu opined that the sector was being adequately regulated for optimal performance.

He, however, commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for its effective monetary policy and regulation as well as efforts to sanitise the banking industry and build confidence in the sector.

Emzor Promotes Wellness Hamid Ayodeji Emzor Pharmaceuticals recently threw its weight behind the just concluded Lagos Women Run 2019 (LWR 2019). The 10 Kilo Meters run which was an Initiative of the Gym Assured and MARRCOM Marathon and Road Race Company in partnership with the Lagos State Government held in Lagos.

Some of the highlights of the race were the presentation of prizes to the winners by Emzor’s Founder and Managing Director, Dr Stella Okoli.

Maxwell – the Emzor brand mascot appeared with the Emzor cheerleaders to boost runners’ morale.

Cheptoeck Careen of Kenya emerged as the winner of this year’s edition. She completed the race in 28 Minutes 55 seconds, taking home the grand price of 750,000 naira and other gift items such as the Emzor hamper which contained Emzor branded souvenirs and wellness medications, while Deborah Pam and Elizabeth

Nuhu where first and second runners up respectively and were rewarded accordingly.

Okoli, who presented the prizes to the winners alongside the first lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-olu, described the Lagos Women Run as a laudable initiative.

On Emzor’s sponsorship of this year’s edition of the run, she explained that “The initiative fits perfectly into Emzor’s drive to ensure overall wellness of African’s, especially women, through exercise and accessibility to quality and affordable medicine. “This is why Emzor did not hesitate to throw its weight behind the 2019 edition of the race. We commend the organizers and the Lagos State government for this amazing platform.�

Also speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State, said: “We just want to give God the glory for the opportunity that we are all here to witness the 2019 Lagos Women Run, I am glad that I was able to fully participate in the race.�

STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT

L –R: Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing, Ayman Elkayssouni; Managing Director, Maimas Global Travels and Tours Limited, Maimuna Idris Shehu; Secretary Visa Travels and Tours Limited, Justina Nwazue, and General Manager Zamzam Pullman Hotel Makkah, Hamid Sidine at the Zamzam Pullman Hotel Makkah & Madina’s Stakeholders Engagement with Hajj Operators in Abuja‌recently

Wapic Insurance Records N2.45bn Profit Ebere Nwoji Wapic Insurance Plc has announced an underwriting profit of N2.45 billion in its unaudited financial statement for the period ended September 2019.

This represented a 78 percent year-on-year growth from the N1.38 billion underwriting profit recorded by the WAPIC Insurance group in the same period in 2018.

The group also witnessed a 26 per cent increase in its gross written premium within the same period.

Wapic Insurance Managing Director, Yinka Adekoya, while presenting highlight of the group’s financial performance for the period, attributed the positive result to the sustained

leadership status in some major accounts as well as attainment of increased market share and enhanced underwriting capabilities maintained by the group in the current business year. “The Group’s underwriting profit grew to N2.45 billion, a up from the N1.38 billion recorded in the preceding period of 2018.

The growth in premium and decrease in net claims expense during the review period had a positive impact on this position. “The cost optimisation measures put in place continued to pay off as operating expenses dropped by eight per cent to N3.2 billion year-on-year, compared to the prior period’s position of N3.5 billion,� Adekoya stated.

According to her, there was a

notable growth in profit before tax of the group for the period at 129 per cent, to close at N1.1 billion, compared with the N475 million realised in same period of 2018.

Giving Account of performance of the WAPIC Insurance subsidiaries, Adekoya, said Wapic Life Assurance, wrote N2.1 billion gross written premium within the nine months period.

She noted that this showed a 36 per cent year-on-year growth in premium performance compared to the 2018 position of N1.52 billion “Net claims expenses declined by 22 per cent to N778 million within the nine months period compared to the corresponding year’s position of N995 million,�

she added.

She said the subsidiary’s operating expenses witnessed a slight decline from the 2018 position, to close at N708 million in the 2019 period.

According to her, the subsidiary was able to reverse its loss position of -N371 million in the previous period of 2018, to post a profit before tax of N136 million in the same period in 2019.

She said WAPIC Insurance Ghana’s Gross written premium decreased by seven per cent to N1.30 billion, from N1.39 billion recorded in the prior period.

She explained that this was as a result of a deliberate decision by the management to shut down on certain portfolios with rising claims ratio and negative profit.

CBN Endorses Association of CorporateTreasurers The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has endorsed the Association of Corporate Treasurers of Nigeria (ACTN). The Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Dr. Okwu Joseph Nnanna, made this known to the members of ACTN governing council during their courtesy visit to the central bank head office in Abuja, recently.

While urging the ACTN to be research-oriented, to consider how it could institute corporate governance, he said the association should interface with the CBN in the partnership

through its Financial Markets Department.

The Association of Corporate Treasurers of Nigeria is an association established to foster the interests of Corporate Treasurers in the Nigerian financial markets by providing a platform for policy advocacy, discussions on issues of mutual interest, education and standard development of the corporate treasury function.

In his response, chairman of the ACTN governing council, Zeal Akaraiwe, who led the ACTN team, was quoted in a statement, to have said the

association could play a vital role in partnering with CBN in the area of providing CBN with feed- back on policy issues.

He stated that the ACTN could be adding to the process and quality of policies if CBN could depend on its members for certain statistics they would require for more informed policies. The CBN Deputy Governor who agreed that CBN would partner with ACTN also requested that the CBN be put on notice regarding the ACTN activities. He also stated that ACTN would be for CBN the heartbeat of the real sector in

measuring market sentiments.

As a result, the apex bank has asked the ACTN to provide CBN with information on the impulse of the real sector regarding exchange policies and other issues the members were facing in accessing foreign exchange.

The CBN Deputy Governor told the members of ACTN governing council that the banking sector regulator was trying to de-risk the real sector and expressed willingness to partner with ACTN in that regards to move the economy forward.

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GTBank Empowers Entrepreneurs in Fashion Industry Dike Onwuamaeze Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) recently hosted the 2019 GTBank Fashion Weekend that was meant to empower MSMEs in the Nigerian fashion industry.

The bank, as part of the activities marking the fashion weekend, assembled some globally successful fashion designers and models who shared their experiences on building successful fashion brands.

Among them were Sir John, Roksanda Ilincic, Kim Kimble, David Au, Natelie Kingham, Law Roach and Huishan Zhang.

Others were Paula Cademarton, Adesuwa Aighiri, Millen Magese and the Ogidi Women: masters of the craft.

The event attracted 130 fashion exhibitors and thousands of young and budding entrepreneurs that attended the master classes that were handled by some of the designers to learn from their experiences on building a successful fashion brand.

Zhang, who is a London based Chinese-born designer, told participants that designing was a natural experience that is best approached by thinking about the consumers and their cultural environment. “We are living in a cultural society. I use the Chinese culture as a bridge to communicate my design. I use my Chinese culture and blend it into modern design,� he said.

Commenting on the 2019 edition of the Fashion Weekend, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTB, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said: “Ultimately, we see in the GTBank Fashion Weekend how we can create new pivots for our continent’s development by promoting enterprise. So, when we ring in the fourth edition of the biggest fashion event in Africa, our goal will be, not only to showcase the wealth of talent, innovation and

enterprise that abound in our continent’s fashion space, but also to spark the kind of shared, sustainable and people-centred growth that Africa needs to achieve real progress.�

Agbaje stated that the GTBank Fashion Weekend has grown rapidly and have touched millions of people and directly impacted by this event. “Year on year, our events are surfeit with testimonials of participating small businesses sprang back to life from the brink of shutdown and attendees gathering the courage, inspiration and support to venture into entrepreneurship. “Indeed, this is the kind of progress Africa needs, and it is one that we are very passionate about driving through fashion and in every way that we can help people thrive. “Driving Africa’s progress goes beyond achieving high economic growth or optimizing FX revenues from the continent’s mineral resources. For us, it is also about how successful we are in centering people’s needs, empowering small businesses and giving young people everything they need to to make the most of their incredible potential.

This is what we are focused on achieving with the GTBank fashion Weekend,� he said.

According to the Group Head, Corporate Communication and External Affairs of GTB, Mrs. Oyinade Adegbite, the purpose of the master classes was to enable Nigerian MSMEs to learn how to prosper their businesses by listening to established brand creators. “People talk about starting a business and not knowing what to do. That is the reason for bringing in these experts for people to learn something that will change their lives and the way they think,� Adegbite said.

Dana Air Airlifts 5.4m Passengers in 11Years Chinedu Eze Dana Air has announced that it has airlifted 5.4 million passengers since 2008 when it started operation.

Dana Air made this known as part of the celebration of its 11th anniversary as commercial and scheduled operator in Nigeria’s air transport sector.

According to a statement by the airline’s Media and Communications Manager, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, the airline hopes to double the figure by sustaining its operational efficiency, increasing its fleet size, maintaining its record on-time performance, and raising the bar of its excellent service delivery in the coming years. “Having completed a commercial analysis of our loads in the last 11 years and confirmed it to stand at 5.4 million, we have set the ball rolling for the next nine years.

We have commenced reviewing plans and we intend to raise the bar of our operational efficiency, increase our fleet, and improve on our excellent service delivery to remain on top and keep the commitment and loyalty of our staff and guests,� the airline said.

It noted that with the addition of two recently acquired B737 aircraft, “we are looking at creating more flights and providing massive capacity at underserved destinations within our route network this yuletide.

This is to ensure seamless travel experience for our guests to avoid the uncertainty of last year.� “On our product and services delivery, we have the Dana miles club which offers benefits such as miles plus cash, miles in exchange for ticket, excess baggage allowance, discount at partner outlets and upgrade from economy to business class, all to the benefit of our loyal customers. Our Dana Miles guests should expect more in terms of innovation and rewards,� Dana Air said.

Commenting further on the airline’s product and service, Kingsley said, “Our Business Class service is amazing and the service is second to none, tailored for customers who love to travel in style, luxury and comfort. We would like to keep the travel experience as topnotch as always.�

Composition of APCON Council May Top Agenda at Ad Conference Raheem Akingbolu Few days to the maiden National Advertising Conference being put together by the stakeholders in the marketing communication industry, there are indications that the forum, which will be declared open by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, may be used to further press for the constitution of the board of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

At a press briefing held in Lagos, representatives of the various industry sectoral groups, who spoke individually to THISDAY, unanimously agreed that the conference might be the ideal platform to further impress the importance of the council on government. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, is also expected at the conference which is billed as the biggest ever Advertising event in the country’s history, at the last week of this month in Abuja.

Advertising practice was conferred the status of a profession in Nigeria through an Act of Parliament, originally enacted as Decree number 55 of 1988, (cited

as Advertising Practitioners, registration, etc. Act). Under the regulatory purview of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria – APCON, established by the Act, the profession has grown significantly over the years and impacted Nigeria’s social and economic affairs in remarkable ways. Membership of the profession has increased exponentially as hundreds of qualified and certificated practitioners are inducted into the profession every year.

The 2019 edition of the Register of Advertising Practitioners lists over 8,000 practitioners in the various professional categories of Student, Associate, Full Membership and Fellows of the profession. Speaking at the press conference, APCON’s acting Registrar, Mrs. Ijedi Iyoha, said the conference would have as its theme: “Advertising in the Post-digital age: The profession, the business and Nigeria’s socioeconomic development.�

Iyoha, stated that the conference aims at drawing the attention of the government, policy makers, business community and the wider public to the importance of Advertising. “The National Advertising

Conference is an initiative of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, which identified the need for the conference as one way of raising the professional standing of Advertising practice in Nigeria and compelling the attention of the government, business leaders and policy makers as well as the general public to the impact and value of Advertising. “You are no doubt familiar with the fact that the Advertising industry in Nigeria is structured around sectoral associations which, apart from self-regulating their memberorganisations, cater to the interests of organisations which belong to their respective specialised areas of practice. “All of these associations have embraced the National Advertising conference and have their members represented in the Conference Planning Committee,� she said.

The APCON Registrar also explained the conference will afford advertising practitioners the opportunity to discuss challenges faced by the profession, proffer solutions and chart a course for the development of the sector.

The conference, according to Iyoha, will be declared open

by Vice President Yemi Osin-

bajo, while Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, will declare it closed. The keynote address on the conference theme, she added, will be delivered by Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, Chairman, Prima Garnet Africa and former APCON Chairman.

Speaking further on the conference’s theme, Steve Babaeko, Vice President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), noted that it is pertinent for all advertising stakeholders to discuss the role of technology in the profession.

He explained that stakeholders in the profession have no choice than to adapt to and utilise technological solutions to ensure that their businesses survive and prosper in this contemporary age. “Even if we choose not to work and take those phenomena you have listed into account, I don’t think that we have any choice than to do that.

This is the age we live in, everything is changing. You can see that banking and all other industries are disrupted by all technological phenomenon such as block chain, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and all of them.

BUSINESS EXPANSION

L-R: Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Femi Taiwo; Founder, Ndidi Nwuneli; President, MasterCard Foundation, Reeta Roy, and Board Chair, LEAP Africa, Udeme Ufot, at the groundbreaking ceremony of LEAP Africa’s Institute, in Lekki Lagos‌recently

Firm Calls for Sustainable Building Design for Safer City 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 building on the environment, in various emerging towns and cities across the country.

The Managing Director of De-

sign 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.� Okoye made the remark 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 would 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 competition

which featured five teams pitching their creative ideas to a panel of judges, which included lecturers and practicing professionals in the field of architecture.

The highly elated winners expressed joy as they were awarded for creating a building project with sustainability ingenuity and ecological features capable of promoting good health for the building occupants as well as reduce the building’s negative effects on the environment.

Sanwo-Olu in China, Seeks Collaboration for Lagos Development Barely three months after his trip to Japan with President Muhammadu Buhari for the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has returned to another Asian country for increased collaboration with Lagos State.

The Governor, who is on a working visit to China, the world’s second largest

economy, is expected to execute meaningful partnership that would support the Lagos State’s aspiration of becoming a 21st century economy and visit the China Railway Construction Company (CRCC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) for project appraisal.

On this visit, Sanwo-Olu would explore his presentation to China-Africa Business

Council to put Lagos before the Chinese investment community and declare Lagos State’s openness to investors.

Likewise, a statement revealed that the Governor’s economic visit would take him to Zhuhai Changiong Ocean Park, Huawei, GAC Motor Factory and GREE Electrical Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai for possible collaboration in the areas of industry, tourism and

facility development. Specifically, Lagos State is seeking investments in Infrastructure Development, Industry, Energy, Information & Communication Technology and Transportation; and Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been unequivocal about its quest for both local and foreign investors to actively participate in the economic and infrastructural development of the State,� it added.

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MONDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2019 • T H I S D AY

2019Q3 Investment Announcements suggest areas of opportunity

RESEARCH

Investment Announcements in Nigeria 2019Q3 vs 2018Q3 (US$ Billion) 27.3

1

Investment announcements in the third quarter of 2019 were valued at US$9.3 billion. This represents a significant decline from US$27.3bn in 2018Q3.

2

Mining & Quarrying continues to dominate, accounting for 98% of total investment announced.

3

ICT announcements totaled US$100 million in this quarter.

4

98% of announced investments were from local investors, while 87% targeted the offshore Mining & Quarrying industry.

5

For the first time in 2019, the Manufacturing sector did not make the top four sectors, as was recorded in Q1 and Q2.

9.3

2018Q3

2019Q3

Investment Announcements in 2019Q3 by Sector

US$9.3 billion

US$ bn

Share

Mining & Quarrying

9.08

97.7%

Information & Communication

0.10

1.1%

Finance & Insurance

0.05

0.5%

Transport & Storage

0.03

0.3%

Others

0.03

0.3%

Total

9.29

6

From Jan to Sept. 2019, a total of US$24.4 billion worth of investment was announced, targeting 56 projects.

Data Source: Nigerian Investment Promotion Council

In The World Bank ‘Doing Business’ rankings, released on October 24th, Nigeria improved by 15 places, from 146th to 131st position.

169

169 146

145

47.8

2016

47.9

2017

53.4

51.5

2018

131

2019

56.9

2020

Score Point

1

Nigeria was ranked among the top 10 improvers globally, alongside China, India, Saudi Arabia and Togo.

2

Nigeria’s score also increased significantly, to 56.9 points.

Corporate Banking | Investment Banking | Treasury & International Banking Trade Services | Wealth Management | Asset Management | Stockbroking Tel: 234-1-2702880-2; 234-1-2702887 www.fsdhgroup.com; research@fsdhgroup.com MERCHANT BANK LTD

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Enyo Unveils Customer Reward Scheme Hamid Ayodeji Enyo Retail and Supply, a fuel retailing company and THANKU Cash, a technology driven marketing, reward and loyalty company have officially announced a collaboration to reward Enyo customers nationwide.

The firms revealed that the loyalty scheme tagged: ‘ENYOthankU’ enables customers earn points when they purchase over or 30 litres of petrol in a single transaction at ENYO stations.

This, the firms explained, was currently operational at numerous Enyo Stations, whilst other locations are due to go on stream in the coming days.

The Chief Executive Officer, Enyo Retail, Abayomi Awobokun, said the company was investing in improving the narrative in Nigeria’s downstream fuel sector.

According to him, “ENYOthankU is fully funded and backed

by ENYO Retail, points earned can be spent at participating bars,

cinemas, restaurants and shops all over the country. “Customers would also soon be able to use their points to pay for other services like their toll gate costs, electricity bills to mention but a few other innovations under development. “All Customers need to do is to inform the fuel advisor serving them of their interest to earn their reward points if they are buying up to 30 litres of petrol, and they would be taken through a seamless process.

Awobokun added: “At participating stations, customers would also instantly receive a text on their mobile phone number provided to inform them of the points earned for their just concluded purchase. “ENYOthankU is also available on the ThankUCash mobile app and this allows customers see details of their fuel purchases, vendors where their points can be redeemed, total amounts earned and services which can be paid for using their points.

Customs Strike Force Intercepts 1,393 Cartons of Frozen Poultry Products Eromosele Abiodun The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it destroyed imported frozen poultry products seized by the Comptroller General of Customs Strike Force.

The Deputy Comptroller, Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, Yahaya B.U., in a chat with newsmen, stated that the seized 1,393 cartons of frozen poultry products had a duty paid value of N13,372,800.00.

Yahaya, revealed that the seizure of the smuggled frozen poultry products was due to a combination of the Unit’s intelligence and Enforcement capacity.

He said smugglers were getting sophisticated and the customs has devised means that are more sophisticated in order to counter them and renewed effort to give smugglers a run for their money.

The Deputy Comptroller said it was very obvious that with the border closure, the creeks

would be the next options for the smugglers, saying that officers keeping vigil as the command would continue the onslaught until the smugglers retreat. Yahaya, reiterated that the community relationship between the officers and villages along the coast had been of benefit to the success and it has come to stay.

He added that the availability of operations tools and personnel motivation instills prompt

response in the men whenever any alert was raised. He said that the frozen poultry products totaling 1,393 cartons were being smuggled and conveyed in ten (10) vehicles. Furthermore, he stated that Nigeria Customs Service maintains that the importation of frozen poultry products remained prohibited and that destruction of the products was in compliance with the Federal Government’s policy on imported poultry products.

Chivita Wins Awards Chivita 100% has won the Most Innovative Fruit Juice Brand of the Year Award at the recently held 2019 Marketing World Awards.

A statement explained that the award reaffirmed the brand’s dominance in the Nigerian fruit juice segment and was seen as a deserved recognition for the brand and its innovative approach at deepening conversations on the role of 100 per cent fruit juice in daily wellness.

According to Akin Naphtal, CEO, Instinct Wave, organizers of the Marketing World Awards, Chivita 100% fruit juice had demonstrated a commitment to excellence and an uncommon innovativeness for market leadership. “In the last 12 months, through monthly advocacy and engagements, Chivita 100% has been at the forefront of enlightening and promoting daily 100% fruit juice consumption for everyday wellness. “The brand’s October 17th celebration of Chivita World Juice Day, the first of its kind in Nigeria, was a highpoint and competitive edge for recognition in this category,� he stated.

The Marketing World Awards celebrates brands, organisations and individuals that had delivered superior product values to the market and exhibited excellence in upholding concrete marketing strategies.

Speaking on the award, Chi Limited’s Managing Director, Mr. Deepanjan Roy commended and appreciated the organisers for recognising Chivita 100%’s strides in innovativeness for market leadership. “We would continue to ensure the innovative excellence which has seen Chivita 100% win the Most Innovative Juice Brand of the Year Award. This award is a recognition of our efforts at taking the lead in superior product quality and drive for awareness on the role of 100% fruit juice in everyday wellness,� he said.

Ideal for health, nutrition and refreshment, Chivita 100% is made from real natural fruits with no added sugar or preservatives.

It is convenient, delicious and offers health-conscious consumers a range of refreshing and nourishing fruit choices as an addition to a complete breakfast diet.

Youths Urged to Embrace NDE Programmes Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Dr. Nasir Mohammed Ladan Argungu, has called on all unemployed persons in Nigeria, especially youths, with special needs to key in into various intervention programmes of the federal government being anchored by the agency which is focused on job creation, poverty reduction and sustainable livelihood.

This call was made in Oshogbo, by the NDE boss, while speaking through Mallam Ismail Yekeen, NDE Osun state coordinator, at the disbursement ceremony of Resettlement loans, as tools and cash to 416 selected Graduated trainees of 2018 Environmental Beautification Training Scheme (EBTS).

According to the NDE DG, the project was a demonstration of NDE’s support to investing in youths, saying the agency had provided requisite tools and cash to 416 participants to start and grow their businesses as budding landscaping service operators. By so doing, he anticipated that it would boost job creation, and contribute their quotas to the national economy.

He, therefore charged them as, “a budding business owners to imbibe the culture of discipline, long hours at work, perseverance, continuous learning and good customer relations.� Ladan, called on all stakeholders to collaborate with the NDE for onerous task of Job creation, so as to extend NDE programmes to all nooks and crannies of our great Nation.

20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

L-R: President, Nigerian Gas Association (NGA)/Co-Founder Falcon Corporation, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo; Managing Director, West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAGPCo), Mr. Greg Germani, and second Vice President, NGA, Mr. Justin Ezeala, during the 20th Anniversary Ceremony of the NGA, held in Lagos... recently

Eko Foundation Unveils Job Portal

HIS AppointsTwo New Board Members

Oluchi Chibuzor

Raheem Akingbolu

Eko Job Centre, a public partnership recruitment and employment initiative in conjunction with Lagos State Government has launched its job portal.

The initiative, according to organisers, was aimed at resolving employment related issues by bridging the gap between employers and employees.

The chairman, Eko Job Foundation, Folajimi Mohammed, disclosed this at the launch of the initiative in Lagos, recently. “Today’s event was themed around corporate responsibility. Basically, what we are trying to do is to see how we can put a bill into law, whereby we can encourage employers

of labours within Lagos state government provide a certain quota of employment to our job boards within the ministry of employment and wealth creation,� he said.

On his part, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Special Adviser on Wealth and job creation, Mrs. Solape Hammond, expressed delight about the initiative. She said, with the huge migration problem faced by the state, as the economy of Lagos improves more people from other parts of the country comes into the state. “Even with the demands, we are determined that every resident willing to live within the laws of the state would get the support of the government to find the job to actualise their dream

IHS Holding Limited (IHS), one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared telecommunications infrastructure, has announced two new appointments to its Board of Directors.

John Ellis (Jeb) Bush, the current President of Jeb Bush & Associates LLC, joined IHS’ Board of Directors as a NonExecutive Independent Director.

Bush was the Governor of Florida between 1999 and 2007, and the Florida Secretary of Commerce from 1986 to 1988.

Mr. Bush currently serves as the Chairman of Dock Square Capital and of the Foundation for Excellence in Education.

He was a senior adviser for Barclays in 2014 and a board member of Tenet Healthcare

Corp. Also, Nick Land, a chartered accountant, retired as Executive Chairman of Ernst & Young LLP in 2006 following 36 years with the firm. Land joined IHS Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Independent Director and Chair of IHS’ Audit Committee.

Land also serves as the Deputy Chair of Thames Water Utilities Ltd and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee. He is Chairman of the Instant Group and is also a Non-Executive Director of the Financial Reporting Council and chairs its Codes and Standards Committee. He also sits on the board of Astro Lighting Ltd. Mr. Land has previously been a Non-Executive Director of Vodafone Group, Royal Dutch Shell, Alliance Boots, Ashmore Group and BBA Aviation.

Boeing Expects 737 MAX to Return to Service January Chinedu Eze The US aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, has said while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and international aviation regulators would determine the timing of certification and return to service of 737 Max, the company continues to target FAA certification of the updated flight control software by the end of this quarter.

Boeing, said it was possible that it could resume deliveries of the 737 MAX in December, subject to when the FAA issues an Airworthiness Directive for the aircraft. Work on the final validation of the updated training requirements was also continuing, a necessary step before the MAX could return to commercial service. Boeing outlined five steps it has to complete before the aircraft could return to service. These

included simulator certification, a pilot workload evaluation, an FAA flight certification test, final submission of information to the FAA, and a simulator training evaluation. “Boeing and the FAA successfully concluded the first of these milestones this past week, and are now working towards the FAA line pilots evaluation and the FAA certification flight test,� the company said in a statement.

Airwise.com reported that American Airlines and Southwest Airlines announced last week they had extended the removal of the MAX from their flight schedules until early March. Airlines are expected to take at least four weeks from FAA approval before they can have their stored 737’s back in service. A phased return to service is expected as international regulators work at their own pace to recertify the aircraft.

33

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Lyford-Smith: Technology Adoption Won’t End Corruption The Technical Manager, IT and Profession, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Mr. David Lyford-Smith, in this interview, among other things, discusses the limitations of technology as a tool in curbing corruption as well as the anticipated challenges in the federal government’s bid to tax digital purchases by 2020. James Emejo brings the excerpts: More organisations are embracing digital technology for efďŹ ciency and controls, to what extent can this reduce corruption, particularly in the accounting profession and the economy in general?

I think it’s connected to a lot of the underlying issues with different kinds of technology and it’s also true for things like bias and errors as well as the corruption that you can control; in some respect, you have a greater degree of control of technology because you are taking humans out of the loop that might be tempted to engage in these activities. So you can make systems which are not open to temptations and manipulation. But it also has a flip side which is that when you are automating, before you may have had that empowerment of 30 people working on some process. Now, you have two IT people who are running this process. So, if one of those people is looking to do some money laundering or is corrupt, they actually now have greater control of the processes- so you have fewer people involved but for the people remaining, it’s extremely important that those people are properly vetted, and that there are controls to ensure they are not misusing the system to their advantage. And it’s also true when we talk about things like algorithm bias that the way we are making automated systems now is by teaching them with data. It’s by tracing machine lining from past history. History has issues and problems due to corruption, fraud and bias. All of these things would be picked up by the system. It is not a perfect immoral system; it is amoral system. It just learns whatever is there and try and do the same thing again- if it was bad before, may be it would pick up bad behaviours too.

Are you trying to posit that even with digitalisation, there could still be elements of corruption in any system?

I think that is yes and I think that it is naive to think that as we move on to the systems there will no longer be these problems. But it is a powerful tool and also an opportunity to try to improve the systems’ practices and controls.

It is really important; governance is still really important because these technologies for all that they do a lot of work by themselves‌it is not the end to corruption, but I think it’s a great opportunity to find ways of reducing the possibilities.

The Nigerian government recently disclosed plan to impose value added tax on online transactions, effective from 2020, what are the potential challenges in this regard?

It’s a big issue and it’s the same thing in the European Union concerning profit shifting and looking at this question of saying if a customer is in one jurisdiction and buying from a website where the server is and the second one where the company is headquartered and they are buying digital goods that’s physical anywhere- whose tax rules should apply?

And it’s really a challenge to many of the tax concepts and philosophy underlying tax laws. It is based on a physical person buying a physical thing from a physical person and they are all in the same place. I mean it’s very clear who’s laws should be applying and who should receive the tax revenues.

Whereas, the digital marketplace is not like that and it’s very easy for the digital companies to make sure that whatever the physical rules are, they would pay their taxes wherever it’s best for them and so I think there really an important question of thinking about the philosophy of what constitutes an establishment, what constitutes trade, should it be based where a customer is. These are very different ways of approaching tax different from the traditional. And the other thing that is important is international collaboration because it’s no use trying to pin down where the company really is. It’s got to be about collaboration between all of the countries who are affected so that they can agree on a sensible service rules:

Lyford-Smith avoiding double taxation and not hampering business and not trying to stifle digital trade while also making sure that somewhere, the right tax is being paid to the right people.

It is trying to find complexity because ultimately we can talk about this in different situations and different places.

Legislation has to be clear in one that the court can really trust. That means eventually you have to write something that is exact and prescriptive and there’s always the possibility than for a clever lawyer working for a digital company to find some careful way of making sure that they are still making a profit in a different place to do the tax somewhere else.

And I think that’s very difficult to find a way of reflecting the complexity of the digital market space in legal rules, it’s very difficult.

As an expert in blockchain technology, how will you describe its potential for business growth?

At its base level, I think it’s a record keeping accounting technology. It’s a way of reconciling the account of different parties so they could

There’s certainly a possibility for automation to increase unemployment and in fact, it seems to bring challenges to the kinds of work that previously were thought of as immune from automation

all agree. Blockchain is about saying no, we still want to do business with no middle man, no central controller, but still not have to worry about our numbers being different.

So, it offers a new way of keeping track of information that is reliable and trustworthy: use the numbers that you read there to make decisions about your business but you don’t have to involve some third parties in your transactions, you’ll still deal directly between you and your customers and suppliers and have that certainly. So, in that respect, I think it’s really interesting. But on the flip side, we are now 10 or 11 years since the invention of the blockchain and bitcoin and there isn’t very wide adoption of these technologies as of yet.

There are lots of companies experimenting and trying to tweak different elements of the design and make concepts to show how it might be used in diamond trade and shipping and other different things- but they are still experiments.

It just seems that there are not yet a killer app in the block chain...there’s yet nothing that everybody can say, perfect, it makes a lot of sense, we should it. I think there are some things that need to be resolved for that to happen.

Amidst high rate of unemployment particularly in developing countries, don’t you think business automation could pose further threats?

There’s certainly a possibility for automation to increase unemployment and in fact, it seems to bring challenges to the kinds of work that previously were thought of as immune from automation. Manual labour has long been dealing with the effects of automation and many industries but the current types of automation focusing on momental labour on carrying out processes, on judgements: those kinds of areas of work which we previously thought were not going to be automated...so I think it’s really

an interesting challenge.

But that being said, I think there’s a great deal of opportunities to not just get people who are experts in coding but also look at areas where this kind of automation are not applicable particularly in services, in arts and things which are about humans interacting. It’s also a great deal of opportunity for people in the accounting profession and services profession to see this as an opportunity to reduce the booking and record making activities...so certainly technology means threat of greater unemployment but this is some of the biggest questions for society in the next few decades.

How secure is the modern accounting practice considering the increasing threats posed by the internet, particularly data technology?

I think it’s important because with increase in the amount of data, and how easy it is to transfer that data, it’s really important for the accounting profession to wise to the basics of cyber security and the kinds of things that they need to do to protect themselves because there’s a greater demand for that data: people are always going to try to have access to it so protecting that data is an important part of being the custodian of it and the accountant is often charged with looking after sensitive financial data like personal data, payroll data, customer data and it’s about protecting the privacy of those individuals. The most successful cyber-attacks now are not highly technical attacks on computer security, the easiest way is to find somebody in the company that you can trick or blackmail into doing what you want- because if that person has access to the company’s data, tricking that person is much easier than trying to beat computer security. So many attacks now work around doing things like tricking people into giving their passwords.

34

IMAGES

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

L-R: Spokesperson, Elishama Ideh Ministries International, Tomide Olukoade; State Director, Dotun Damolekun; Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Founder/President, Elishama Ideh Ministries International, Pastor Elishama Rosemary Ideh and National Coordinator, Gbenga Ademujimi, during a courtesy visit by executives of the Ministry to State House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos...recently

L-R ; Managing Director/Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, First Bank, Dr.Adesola Adeduntan; Vice Chancellor University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale at the Convocation Ceremony of the lnstitution in lbadan...recently PHOTO: FELIX ADEMOLA

Wife of Ondo State Governor and Founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu(right), receiving the NAWOJ Grand Amazon Award from the NUJ President, Comrade Isiguzo Ikechukwu, during the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, ( NAWOJ) 30th Anniversary Dinner and Awards night, at Radio House Press Centre, Garki, Abuja...recently

L-R People’s Director, International Breweries Plc, (IB Plc) Marilyn Maduka, Managing Director, IB Plc, Annabelle Degroot, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo and Director, Legal and Corporate Aairs, IB Plc, Otunba Michael Daramola during a courtesy visit to intimate the Vice President on the progress of International Breweries’ Kickstart Entrepreneurial initiative, in Abuja...recently

L-R: DJ Cuppy; CEO, Save the Children, Uk Kevin Watkins and Country Director, Save the Children, Nigeria Deirdre Keogh at a press conference on world pneumonia Day by Save the Children International/Nigeria in Abuja...recently PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

L-R; Globacom’s Regional Activation Manager, Lagos/Ogun, Mr. Olufolahan Faseyitan, Phone Winner and Glo subscriber, Christian Anuwan and Samuel Perry alias Brodashaggi at the Glo stand during the 2019 International Trade Fair in Lagos...recently

L-R: Senior Manager, People and Organization, PwC, Mr. Aruosa Osemwegie; CEO, Future Software Resources, Mrs Nkemdilim Begho; Head of Start-Ups, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Mrs. Tosin Faniro-Dada; Executive Director, mindthegap.ng, Mr. Tayo Olosunde, and Country Manager, Tek Experts Nigeria, Mr. Lars Johannisson at the inaugural edition of the Tek Experts Open Day Forum‌in Lagos...recently

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

35

L-R: Director Global Operations PR and Strategy Africa Advancement Forum Ambassador Itchy Odins; Director International Cooperation, Managing Board, Africa Advancement Forum Ambassador David James Egwu; Prince Ned Nwoko and Country Representative for Nigeria Africa Advancement Forum Barrister Derrick Akakabota during the presentation of Africa Advancement Award to Prince Ned in Abuja...recently

L-R: Head of Procurement, Nigeria Incentive-Base Risk Sharing System for Agricultural learning, Engr Bayo Oladoja; CEO, iCentra, Mr Taofeek Babayeju; Director general Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Dr. Yemi Kale and chairman CPMS Limited, Engr Bayo Adeola during the 10th Promacon National project management conference in Abuja...recently

L-R: Secretary and Head of Corporate Resources, Red Star Express, Frances Akpomuka; Divisional Managing Director, Red Star Logistics Limited, Charles Ejekam; Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, Red Star Express, Victor Ukwat; Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema; Group Managing Director/CEO, Red Star Express, Sola Obabori and Divisional Managing Director, Red Star Support Services Limited, Tonye PreghďŹ during the Closing Gong ceremony in commemoration of the Facts Behind the Figures presentation by Red Star Express Plc at the Exchange in Lagos...recently

Namibia High Commissioner in Nigeria, Amb Humprey Geiseb (left); and Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during a courtesy visit by the High Commissioner to Dabiri in Abuja...recently

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, during the swearing in of the senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Biodun Olujimi, at the National Assembly in Abuja...recently

L-R: Business Development Manager, Shell Sta Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited (Shell Cooplag), Mary Akwuobi, President, Shell Cooplag, Akinrotimi Akintomide and Globacom Representative, Adekunle Adeleke, at the opening of the cooperative’s trade expo in Lagos...recently

Managing Director/CEO, Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), Mr. Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun (middle in Cap) anked by his Team from the Agency, Inspecting a Locally Built Boat, at Sierra Craft Industry Complex Epe, Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

LEAP Africa Moves to Expand Operations Hamid Ayodeji A youth-focused, leadership development organisation, LEAP Africa recently carried out the groundbreaking ceremony for its institute’s proposed site.

The LEAP Institute is a proposed Leadership centre created to develop the next generation of Pan-African change agents across all sectors.

Speaking at the event, Founder LEAP Africa, Ndidi Nwuneli, said the goal of the institute was to mentor and develop innovative youth with an entrepreneurial mindset, to drive the continent to prosperity as well as provide

solutions to Africa’s problems.

According to her, “The institute would be a fully equipped leadership institute which would consist of highly skilled professionals who would lead cutting edge research in youth affairs, social entrepreneurship, nation building, advocacy and policy development as well as act as resource persons for government, social and private sector.�

This, she explained, would also strengthen the leadership ecosystem, business sustainability, youth and social development in Africa and serve as a hub which would bring key industry stakeholders to discuss and proffer innovative solutions to pertinent

issues across Africa.

On his part, the Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Femi Taiwo said, “The institute is going to be a four floor building with a 36 seating capacity modern computer laboratory, fitness centre, 26 seating capacity crèche for parents and 50 seating capacity training room. “Also, considering the nature of operations and programmes that would be taking place, it would also consist of a 357 square meters fully equipped conference hall. “In order to fully harness the maximum potential of our operations and mentorship schemes, we have also included a 30 fully furnished suite rooms for residence.â€?

Sterling Bank Pledges Support for Education Sector Sterling Bank has pledged to continue its support for players in the education sector.

The Education Lead of Sterling Bank, Mrs. Eniola Obe, disclosed this at the sixth edition of the Lafarge Africa National Literacy Competition, held in Lagos recently with the theme: ‘Bridging the Literacy Gap Together.’ According to her, Sterling Bank decided to support the programme because education is one of the five sectors of the economy where the bank is presently focusing its investments in.

She added that the bank also supported the programme as part of an effort to ensure that children in school are able to engage in proper learning. “The number of children who are out of school is too high and unacceptable. So we are trying to see how we can help turn around

the education sector because it is obvious that the government alone cannot fund it,� Obe said.

She reiterated that the bank would continue to partner with Lafarge Africa and others who are interested in the well-being of the education sector.

At the end of the competition, Rivers State emerged the overall winner, followed by Ogun State while Enugu State came third.

Rivers State was represented

by Master Ledee Barikpoa and Emmanuel David, both of Community Primary School in the Pue Khama Local Government Area of the state.

The two overall winners received N250,000 each, the second place winners received N200,000 each and the third place winners got N150,000 each.

Also speaking, HRM Sanusi Lamido, Emir of

Kano, lamented that the federal government has not made education a priority in its yearly budget, adding that if education, especially that of the girl-child, was given priority the nation will find solutions to most of its problems.

He said the government alone cannot fund education and called on other private organisations to emulate Lafarge Africa by investing in the education sector.

The Emir also called on the World Bank and other multilateral institutions to support the development of the education sector in the country.

In his address, the Chairman of Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, said the literacy competition was very important to the company in many respects because the deficit in the education sector is very high.

UBA Group Wins Awards The United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) got double honours over the weekend as it emerged the ‘Bank of the Year 2019,’ while its Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, also emerged ‘CEO of the Year,’ at the Business Hallmark Newspaper Awards, held in Lagos.

Uzoka beat other CEOs to the prize.

This, according to the organisers, was due to Uzoka’s sterling achievement since he assumed the leadership role of the bank three years ago, whilst UBA was crowned bank of the year following its impressive performance in key financial indicators in 2019.

This was the second time this year that Kennedy Uzoka has emerged CEO of the year as he recently clinched the Business

Day Banking Awards, (BAFI).

Receiving the awards on behalf of the bank, at a ceremony, which assembled distinguished personalities, UBA’s Executive Director, Mr. Ayoku Liadi, who represented the GMD, thanked the organisers for the recognition, noting that he was proud to work at one of the best institutions in Africa. “We are creating superior value for all our customers, because we believe they are key to our everyday operations and this commitment, without a doubt has been yielding dividends,�

Liadi said. He added: “Whilst we are encouraged by these awards, the recognitions present new challenges to us, as we will intensify our commitment towards setting benchmarks for the industry, particularly in our

strategic roles,�

The organiser of the awards and the Chief Executive Officer of Business Hallmark, Emeka Obasi, who spoke at the event explained that the best CEO award was borne out of the need to recognise achievements of financial executives who had been outstanding in their profession and have contributed in no small measure to the growth of their organisations and the economy at large.

Obasi, also noted that the award given to UBA, was no doubt a well-deserved one, as was evidenced in the banks numerous innovations, and consistent investment in cutting edge technology giving birth to many firsts, including the launch of Leo the Chat Banker, in January of 2018.

Ecobank Partners Afrima Ecobankmobile has announced its partnership with the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2019 slated for Lagos Nigeria from 20th through 23rd, November.

AFRIMA, Africa’s most glamorous music event, is an annual celebration of African talents from all regions of the continent. The Lagos Awards which is the sixth edition has as its theme: “Feel Africa�.

Announcing the partnership in Lagos, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, said it was one of the several initiatives by the pan-African bank to boost tourism, culture and the

entertainment industry in Africa.

He said it was also in line with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s initiative for banks to support the growth of the creative industry in the county. According to Mr. Akinwuntan, Ecobankmobile *326# was pleased to support the growth of the creative and music industry which is a key driver of Africas history and rich culture and most significantly youth engagement and empowerment. “As the Pan-African bank, Ecobank is proud to partner with Africa’s most renowned music awards, which is a symbol of our support to building the

family and lifestyle of Africans.

Ecobankmobile *326# is joining AFRIMA to ensure that the Lagos show is a success,� he stated.

Furthermore, Akinwuntan said Ecobankmobile *326#, Ecobankpay, Ecobankmobile App, Ecobankxpress Account are bringing easy, affordable and convenient financial services to the youth, entrepreneurs and businesses, both local and foreign which are expected at the events. “Our products interact with the lifestyle of Africans.

Ecobankmobile *326# makes it easy to open an instant account, make transfers, pay Bill’s and buy airtime.

R-L: Executive Director, Retail Banking Division, Access Bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu; Osun State Commissioner for Finance and representative of the State Governor, rince Bola Oyebamiji and Commissioner for Local Government, and Chieftaincy Aairs, Prince Bayo Adeleke during the inauguration of the new Access Bank Branch at Iree town, Osun State... recently

MARKET INDICATORS 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

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ ͯͲ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $63.00 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $62.48 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

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MARKET NEWS

UTL Lists Benefits of Trust Services, Will Writing Chinazor Megbolu In line with its commitment towards providing unique trust services in the country, UTL Trust Management Services Limited has urged clients to embrace the WillPower writing platform and trust services generally.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of UTL Trust Management Services, Mrs. Olufunke Aiyepola, who

stated this in Lagos, noted that the WillPower platform was introduced to facilitate will writing in the country. She explained that the innovation, a first of its kind in Nigeria, was to ensure the completion of a financial planning circle. “It empowers adults to secure the future of their assets, family and dependents seamlessly. Whether from the comfort or privacy of the home or business place, adults can create the appropriate estate

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

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planning vehicle that meets their requirements,� Aiyepola said. She pointed added that the platform was conceptualised to demystify Will writing in the country, stressing that it cut across all genre of life either the rich or the poor. “WillPower has discredited the myth about Will writing.

This service is encouraging the populace to tidy their affairs and protect their loved ones.

Nigerians in the Diaspora can now write their Will from any

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

part of the world and file same in Nigeria,� she said. “To encourage the adoption of Will writing in Nigeria, we have embarked on a nationwide campaign via radio jingles, short movies on YouTube, newspaper adverts and advocacy to inform the public of the need to write a Will, “Aiyepola said.

According to her, the awareness creation is geared towards effecting a change of perspective to estate planning, adding that

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death is inevitable for all because no one knows the day he or she would die hence the need for Will writing plan. “Since no one is privy to the date of their demise, then it requires planning. From our experience so far, Nigerians especially those in paid employment, are beginning to see the importance of Will writing,� she said. Speaking on trust services, Aiyepola disclosed that financial markets thrive on trust worldwide

O F

enabling investors to put their money in a asector that is free of doubt. “Trust services have enhanced the flow of funds in the financial markets, whether for corporate, borrowing from banks for expansionary projects or governments borrowing from the public to fund fiscal plans,� she said. She said the UTL Trust Management role is to protect the interest of the diverse parties as an independent third party trust agent or company.

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38

MONDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2019 •T H I S D AY

39

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Stockbrokers to Set Agenda for Capital Market Rebound Goddy Egene The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers ( CIS) has reviewed the processes and procedures for its annual conference this month in a strategic move to reposition its members to drive innovation, grow membership base and renew investor confidence in

the capital market.

The Chairman, Annual Conference Planning Committee, Ms Abiola Adekoya explained that the conference theme: “ Boosting capital market competitiveness in a challenging macro environment” was chosen to articulate policy measures that could reposition the capital

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

market to play its pivotal role as a platform for mobilisation of funds from surplus economic units to deficit one.

Adekoya stated that issues such as innovation and growth, fintech, attracting talents to securities industry and nexus between agriculture and the capital market shall form the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 14Nov-2019, unless otherwise stated.

fulcrum of plenary sessions at the conference, scheduled from Thursday, November 21 to Friday, November 22, 2019 in Lagos. “ With the integrated and digital-driven global economy of today, the barriers to competition are gradually coming down, making it necessary for

stockbroking firms with exposure to the domestic market to innovate to retain and attract customers,” she said.

Corroborating her, the First Vice President, CIS, Mr Tunde Amolegbe explained that the significance of discussing fintech at the conference should be appreciated against the

background of the Institute’s efforts at ensuring the success of the government’s policy on financial inclusion.

Amolegbe stressed that the conference would bring about robust ideas on how to reposition the market in view of the unfolding developments in the global economy.

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 0.89 0.90 5.70% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 34.08% 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 12.08% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.41 2.45 8.74% 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 14.62 15.06 -11.87% ARM Discovery Fund 335.76 345.88 -5.86% ARM Ethical Fund 28.45 29.31 0.74% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.73% 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 94.91 95.57 -6.21% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.54% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.94 1.94 14.03% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 0.12 0.10 12.11% Paramount Equity Fund 12.18 12.28 3.12% Women's Investment Fund 109.48 110.11 5.69% 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 10.96% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.91 0.91 6.08% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.31 1.31 17.09% 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 11.25% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 10.82% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,170.62 1,175.85 17.40% 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 1,243.32 1,244.16 16.58% FBN Balanced Fund 140.86 141.76 -1.34% FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 118.56 118.83 8.96% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 119.11 119.37 9.72% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 10.98% Legacy Debt Fund 3.61 3.61 11.20% Legacy Equity Fund 1.08 1.10 -11.33% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.08 1.08 4.43% 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 3,009.02 3,039.59 0.83% Coral Income Fund 3,055.34 3,055.34 11.48% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 12.66% 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 11.23% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.18 2.21 1.22% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 13.38% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 140.85 140.99 12.72% 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 4.58% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,109.43 1,109.43 11.38% 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 9.89 9.99 -7.44% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.65% 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 1.35 1.37 9.16% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.24 12.30 9.34% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.34% PACAM Equity Fund 1.06 1.06 PACAM EuroBond Fund 102.26 104.28 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 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 2,450.86 2,462.17 5.85% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 208.56 208.56 12.05% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.84 0.85 -11.05% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 271.16 271.25 11.74% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 143.69 145.07 -11.99% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.12% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,493.89 7,573.75 -11.78% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.15 1.15 6.35% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 101.49 101.49 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 1.17 1.19 -0.17% United Capital Bond Fund 1.72 1.72 15.99% United Capital Equity Fund 0.65 0.67 -11.23% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.53% United Capital Eurobond Fund 110.94 110.94 8.26% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.07 1.07 5.78% 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 9.99 10.14 -11.44% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.26 11.44 -10.02% Zenith Income Fund 22.63 22.63 11.93% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.38%

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

7.89 88.78 70.60

7.99 90.71 71.94

-20.38% -21.53% -17.72%

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

3.71 4.76 11.87 10.79 159.49

3.75 4.84 11.97 10.99 161.49

-7.20% -37.30% -18.76% -12.61% 20.03%

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.

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

40

CITYSTRINGS

ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™ĂœË? Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă? äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ë›Ă?äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͙͔͙͚͚͓͖͑͑͑͒

Maritime Interdiction in the Gulf of Guinea Chinecherem Ojiako writes that as part of ongoing efforts to counter piracy, crude oil theft and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Navy recently partnered its French counterpart, other international and regional navies on Exercise Grand African NEMO

Nigerian and French Navy ships in a tactical formation during Exercise GRAND AFRICAN NEMO 2019 recently‌DINFO

W

orldwide, the sea has been a major pathway for trading, contributing to global economy and advancement of human living. However,the maintenance of our economy as it concerns maritime activities has been threatened over the years by criminal activities within the maritime domain.

However, following the rise of criminal activities, the YaoundĂŠ Declaration on the Gulf of Guinea security was borne on June 2013, in a bid to counter piracy and other illegal activities in the West and Central African sub regions. The declaration clearly spelt out two key resolutions that were to be met- firstly, the creation of an inter-regional coordination center on maritime safety and security for West and Central Africa to be headquartered in YaoundĂŠ Cameroun and secondly, the implementation of a new code of conduct on the prevention and repression of piracy, armed robbery against ships and illegal maritime activities in West and Central Africa.

It would be pertinent to state also that the YaoundĂŠ Declaration on the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) Security, in which countries like Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe, Angola and Congo, that border the GoG wasters, mandates maritime collaboration to strengthen the territorial integrity and security of member nations.

Subsequently, several inter-regional maritime exercises had been held to improve the cooperation among regional navies in West and Central Africa. One of such is the Exercise GRAND AFRICAN NEMO, which is aimed at supporting the efforts made by regional navies and allied nations.

Exercise Grand African NEMO The Grand African NEMO is an annual exercise aimed at supporting the efforts of regional navies to counter criminal activities in the maritime domain through

Nigerian Navy personnel conducting a simulated medical evacuation at sea during Exercise GRAND AFRICAN NEMO 2019 recently different operational modes of planned exercises. This year, alongside the Nigerian Navy (NN),the exercise was coordinated by the French Navy together with other international and regional navies.

For the NN, the conduct of this year's exercise was to facilitate the involvement of various key ministries and departments, including the respective Ministries of Justice, Finance, and Agriculture, as well as Department of Fishery, which provided opportunities for inter agency cooperation among major stakeholders in maritime sector for enhanced security.

Thus, to counter piracy, crude oil theft, and other maritime crimes, the NN in collaboration with its French counterpart

and other regional and international navies recently held Exercise Grand African NEMO 2019. During the five-days exercise, the participating navies conducted anti-piracy, anti-crude oil theft (COT), visit board search and seizure (VBSS), search and rescue, and anti-poaching drills operations.

Without gainsaying, the security of Nigerian territorial waters is now a global concern due to growing activities of pirates in the GoG, hence the increased collaboration between the NN, continental and global navies to deny pirates and other sea criminals freedom of action in order to engender smooth navigation by mariners who drives the international trade.

Flag-off For the exercise, the NN deployed four ships and one helicopter to carry out various naval drills and tactical manoeuvers, as well as other simulated exercises. The exercise kicked off with a flag-off ceremony onboard NNS THUNDER (one of the deployed NN warships). During the flag-off, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command (CNC), Rear Admiral Suleiman Garba, stressed on the aims and objectives of the exercise.

According to Garba, the concept of the exercise was to operationalise some of the arguments that have been agreed upon by countries in the GoG. Specifically, he said the exercise also

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

CRIME&SECURITY tries to achieve the aims of the YaoundĂŠ declaration adopted in June 2013, which ensures that countries of the GoG are able to exchange information regarding maritime crimes and security in the entire region.

Garba further noted that the exercise will also enable the NN practice some of the evolutions required at sea to counter all sorts of maritime illegalities. He noted that sequel to the YaoundĂŠ declaration, several inter-regional maritime exercise have been held to improve cooperation among regional navies in West and Central Africa.

This he said is in recognition of the trans-national nature of maritime insecurity, which requires trans-border cooperation between all users of the common, to mitigate illicit maritime activities the world over.

He said: “The exercise ‘GRAND AFRICAN NEMO2019’ is one which is aimed at supporting the efforts made by regional navies and allied nations. Today, the NN is deploying four ships and one helicopter for the exercise to carry out various naval drills together with other foreign ships within Nigeria waters which is in line with strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas, to end crude oil theft and other economic sabotages in the nation’s maritime environment through enhanced patrol and operations.�

Regarding other agencies partaking in the exercise he said: “As you are aware, the NN is not a prosecuting agency and that is why we have on board today such agencies as the customs and immigration.

Also the Department of Fisheries and particularly the Ministry of Justice officials, who are here to ensure that the process of collection of evidence, which will lead to prosecution, are properly followed in other to ensure that all criminals that are involved in maritime criminalities are properly prosecuted and put off for good.�In his closing remark, Garba said the take home for this exercise has always been the navy’s ability to coordinate and cooperate with its international partners, adding that the exercise enables them to communicate real time between countries, not only for criminalities, but also for the movement of legitimate vessels within our waters.

Exercises at Sea At sea, various exercises were carried out in tandem with the goals and objectives set out. One of such was the VBSS Operation.

It involved the deployment of boats with the NN Special Boat Service (SBS). They were to invade the surrogate French ship, FNS Somme ( French Logistic ship), pre positioned as an adversary ship. The French ship served as both fishing trawler and a pirate ship along the Pennington and Ayala oil fields at the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of Nigerian waters.

While the exercise was still ongoing, a simulated illegal fishing trawler was spotted within the Pennington region, and the SBS team was deployed to immediately go after them. The VBSS Operation was carried out on them, and after interrogation, six crew members from Somalia were arrested, while two French hostages were released. Recovered also from the bandits, were four dummy pistols and four knives.

They were subsequently handed over to the naval police.

The third day, the VBSS operation and Fleet Manoeuvering happened. This time around, the VBSS operation continued with the SBS on board FNS Germinal ( French warship) while the fleet manoeuvering was conducted within the Pennington and Ayala oil fields. The exercise was designed to ascertain the operational ability of the force on ground and combat readiness for battle. The exercise involved 4 ships namely; NNS THUNDER, NNS OKPABANA, NNS DORINA and FNS GERMINAL (a French warship). The relative positions of the ships were observed to ascertain their strategic combat readiness in order to exert maximum impact on their adversaries during battle.

The French Connection Speaking on the essence of the exercise to the collaborating countries, the Commanding Officer (CO) of the French Naval ship, FNS Germinal, Captain Paul Herouville said: "This exercise called GRAND AFRICAN NEMO is organised by France and it takes

Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service operators eecting a simulated “arrestâ€? of “oendersâ€? at sea during Exercise GRAND AFRICAN NEMO 2019 recently

Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service operators simulating a mock “arrestâ€? of an “oenderâ€? at sea during Exercise GRAND AFRICAN NEMO 2019 recently

Nigerian and French Navy ships in a tactical formation place every year. The aim is to gather all the navies in the GoG to train and work together to improve maritime security. We know there are lots of challenges here such as piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking etc, thus we need to train together and share our experience to improve maritime security. “The theme, Grand African NEMO, is centered on illegal fishing, drug trafficking,

and other sea related crimes. We proposed a scenario to help to work together to see how they train and vise versa, and to learn from each other and improve the ability of both navies to work. Also, we want all the navies to work together and share their experiences as it concerns maritime security.�

When asked what France’s interest was, he simply said he was there as a captain

of the ship, so he would not speak on that, although he added that “the interest is to share experience that we have, because we have a lot of historical ties with the navies here at the gulf of guinea�.

The five days exercise culminated in a debriefing for the review and assessment of conduct of the exercise in order to improve future exercises, and perfect strategies at tackling maritime crimes.

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NEWS Gunmen Sack Adamawa Farming Community, Kill Six Hunters Sani Daji in Yola Gunmen riding camels shot and killed six local hunters in an attack on a farming communities of Aljannaru in Song, northern Adamawa State, fleeing residents and security sources said yesterday.

Although the identity of the

attackers is not yet clear, local sources alleged that it could be part of the dreaded insurgent groups plaguing north east Nigeria.

Premium Times reported that the attackers arrived before dawn riding camels, with herds of cows destroying farms.

“They then climbed a hill

Melaye Accuses INEC of Collating ‘Magic Results’ Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Kogi West Senatorial election, Senator Dino Melaye, has rejected the outcome of the poll, saying what was being collated and released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are magic results.

He also decried the wantom killings that characterised the exercise and the governorship election in the state.

The PDP senatorial candidate in his reaction to the volatile election, accused the ruling APC of manipulating the senatorial poll results on Saturday afternoon all through midnight.

According to him, the manipulations were made possible through the machinery of the APC in the state with the support of Governor Yahaya Bello by unleashing “unprecedented violence” on voters and electoral officials.

He pointed out that over 70,000 valid votes were cancelled, saying it is left to be seen how INEC will announce a winner in the circumstance where the cancelled

votes are more than the difference between the purported winner of the election and the runner-up.

“They did this by attacking my strongholds and then rig in their strongholds. That is exactly what happened. They also went to Abaji where I am very strong politically - election did not take place there. There was sporadic firing of gunshots.

“They went to Lokoja and carted away ballot boxes in over 10 polling units. They went to another place and carted ballot boxes from over 12 units. But I am surprised that, INEC despite this violence - three people were shot and two died, four people were killed in Lokoja; seven were killed in the eastern part of the state, never did anything. This is the record we have so far, apart from those who sustained gunshot wounds and those who were macheted and all that,” he added.

Melaye expressed surprise that despite the level of violence and the alleged reported abduction of INEC staff, youth corps members, INEC was collating fictitious results, which he said would not be accepted as it did not reflect the realities of the situation.

30 ‘Missing’ INEC Staff Found Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has found 30 of its staff who were declared unaccounted for, following violent attacks on their duty posts in Saturday’s Governorship election in Kogi state.

Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, said the staff were safe and sound while they had also concluded their election day assignments.

“We can now confirm that all the 30 ad-hoc staff engaged for the 2019 Kogi governorship election and posted to Polling Units 002, 006 and 013 at Olamaboro III; and Polling Units 006,

012, 015, 016, 022 at Imani 1 all in Olamaboro Local Government Area have been accounted for. They are safe, sound and back in their respective homes. The Chairman of the commission has personally spoken with some of them and they confirmed that they are hale and hearty,” he said.

Oyekanmi said none of the staff was harmed or killed.

“These election-day duty staff could not be accounted for initially following the violent attacks by some armed thugs at their respective duty posts after the close of polls. The Commission has established that none of them was either injured or killed. They were able to successfully conclude the result collation process before the commotion started,” he added.

INEC Loses Electoral Officer to Boat Mishap in Kogi The Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. James Apam, yesterday said an unnamed ad hoc electoral officer has died in a boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area of the state.

He stated that the deceased was a student of the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

He added that the student was contracted for the governorship election but died while on election duty on Saturday.

overlooking the village and opened fire indiscriminately before carrying out house-tohouse attacks,’’ a fleeing resident who identified himself as Buba said.

“Militiamen on camels attacked our village Aljannaru here in Song, and began shooting… six local hunters who were assisting us have been killed,” he said.

“I have never seen this calamity before, the rampaging gunmen in Boko Haram-like style wielding highly sophisticated weapons, have forced us to run to scamper for our lives,’’ David Yaro another fleeing resident, said on telephone, adding that the village had been deserted following the attack.

A security source said the gunmen wielded sophisticated

weapons including AK 47 rifles, RGPs and carted away cows and raped women during the attack.

Aljannaru, often described as ‘’ home of relaxation’’ is about 35 kilometers away from Song, houses about tens of thousands of people, predominantly farmers.

Also confirming the attack, police spokesman in the state,

Suleiman Nguroje, a deputy superintendent of police, said “Yet to be identified gunmen on camels heavily armed struck at Aljannaru village and killed six hunters and already state command has deployed its men to track down the fleeing gunmen. So, people should be vigilant and re p o r t a n y s u s p i c i o u s m o v e m e n t . ’’

HONOUR OF A DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS..

L-R: Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Commissioner for Infrastructure, Mr. Amiolemen Abraham Osahon; and Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu, during the public presentation of a book titled, “National Development and Human Security (Essays and Materials in Honour of a Distinguished Alumnus: Mr. Fashola,SAN), at the Akin Deko Main Auditorium, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State ...recently

SDP Guber Candidate Rejects Result of Kogi Election The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi State, Natasha Akpoti, has rejected the outcome of the exercise in the state and also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the result.

Akpoti, in a petition sent to the INEC, said the election was marred by violence, alleging also that the voters were stopped from exercising their rights by thugs brandishing different kinds of weapons.

She alleged that the thugs were

the loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who were acting in support with the security agents.

The SDP candidate said the election was a “far-cry from credible election” and one that “cannot pass the test of fairness and credibility”.

“In the 780 polling units of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, elections did not hold as a result of the violence unleashed by APC-led thugs whom attacked voters, electoral officials and electoral materials destroyed and/ or burnt. The APC-led thugs were shooting at voters, which resulted

in deaths of voters.

“The thugs in most cases were shielded by security agents, who are supposed to provide security for the citizenry.”

She added that agents of the SDP were chased away from polling units with voters barred from coming near the polling booth unless they would vote for Yahaya Bello of the APC. She lamented that the name of her party was missing on some result sheets and 2015 stamps were seen on ballot papers.

She added, “In few of the polling units where there was a

semblance of conduct of election, there were no result sheets. Ballot papers already thumb-printed by voters in favour of Social Democratic Party already tucked into the ballot boxes were sorted out by the APC-led thugs and burnt.”

“The election as it is cannot pass the test of fairness and credibility.

Whatever gains INEC seem to have achieved in the conduct of elections in the past will be completely eroded if the election in Kogi Central Senatorial District and some other parts of Kogi is allowed to stand.”

Two Abducted Lecturers Escape from Kidnappers’ Den in Kaduna EJohn Shiklam in Kaduna Two lecturers abducted six days ago by gunmen in Kaduna have reportedly escaped from captivity.

The two lecturers: Adamu Chonoko from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria and his brother, Umar Chonoko, from Kaduna Polytechnic, were said to have escaped yesterday.

The lecturers, who are biological brothers and indigenes of Kebbi State, were abducted six days ago at Mahuta in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Adamu was the first to be abducted by the gunmen, while Umar, who later went to

deliver N2 million and a brand new motorcycle as ransom for the release of his brother, was abducted after the bandits collected the ransom.

The gunmen were later said to be demanding for an additional ransom of N10 million for the release of the two brothers.

The spokesman of Kebbi Indigenes Association in Kaduna State, Garba Muhammad, who broke news of the escape of the lecturers, said they returned home hale and hearty.

He said the lecturers escaped from captivity with the assistance of security agency.

Confirming their escape

yesterday in a statement, Public Relations Officer, Kaduna State Police Command, Yakubu Sabo, assured the families and members of the public that the perpetrators of the crime would be apprehended and brought to justice.

“Today 17/11/2019, at about 11.51 a. m., the Command received information from the family of the two kidnapped lecturers: Adamu Chonoko from Ahmadu Bello University and Umar Chonoko from Kaduna Polytechnic that, the duo have managed to escape from the den of their kidnappers.

“Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Ali Aji Janga, while rejoicing

with the families and friends of the victims, assures the families and members of the public that, the perpetrators of this crime will be apprehended and be brought to face justice.”

“The police will not relent on the ongoing investigation to track down the perpetrators of this and other similar criminal incidents with a view to arrest and prosecute them in accordance with the laws of the land.

“The Command enjoins the good people of Kaduna State to continue to support the Command in the current battle against criminality in the state,” Sabo said.

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Report: N1.2tn Spent on IDPs by Govts, Donor Agencies British military trains NAF special forces

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The International Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) said weekend that the federal government and the international community have so far expended N1.2 trillion on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-east.

The Norwegian-based centre said the amount was spent on health, housing and livelihoods of displaced persons.

This is coming as Nigerian troops mounted sustained onslaught against terrorist groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) and rescued an octogenarian, three children and women from insurgents.

Also, the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) has commenced the training of a fresh batch of 758 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Regiment and Air Provost personnel in Force Protection in Complex Air-Ground Environment (FP-CAGE).

The month-long FPCAGE Course 9/2019, is being conducted by a team of Royal Air Force (RAF) Regiment instructors at the Regiment Training Centre (RTC), NAF Base, Kaduna.

The 2019 Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) report said N1.2 trillion was expended by the federal and state governments of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa as well as the international community on IDPs between January 2014 and December 2018.

“The highest financial burdens come from the impacts of internal displacement on health, housing and livelihoods of displaced persons,” it said .

The IDMC said on its website that the costs and losses associated with security and education were secondary but still significant.

The report said the figures assessed the cost and losses associated with internal displacement and most direct consequences on health, shelter, education, security and livelihoods.

“The costs neither account for long term consequences of internal displacement nor costs and losses incurred by host communities or other affected groups.

“They should therefore be considered as underestimates of the actual economic impact of internal displacements,” it said.

The organisation further highlighted options of evaluating the economic impact associated with internal displacement’s harm to health, education, housing, security and work.

On displacement impacts’ implications the report said:

“they compare the financial risk posed by internal displacement on national economies with affected government’s ability to cope with it.These different measures all point to the repercussion of not accounting for all IDPs in development and humanitarian plans.”

The report further stated that the situation would lead to “likely regress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other global commitments”.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has sustained the tempo of the ongoing counter insurgency operations in the North-east as it dislodged insurgents and rescued women and children.

An update on the war against insurgency made available by the Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col Aminu Iliyasu, said troops of 26 Task Force Brigade embarked on a clearance patrol in Dalu village within the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State following credible intelligence report on the presence of some of the insurgents in the area.

He said following the confirmation of the presence of insurgents in the area, troops engaged the terrorists and subdued them by deploying superior fire power during the ensuing fire-fight.

“Subsequently, the troops proceeded to thoroughly clear the village of the presence of the criminal insurgents.

“The clearance operation yielded good dividends as the troops found and rescued an octogenarian, three women and four children hitherto held captives by the criminal insurgents”.

He said “the rescued victims were promptly evacuated and children among them were equally administered with polio vaccination by a Nigerian Army medical team.

“Interestingly, no causality was recorded by own troops during the commando operations. However, many of the Boko Haram criminal elements were observed to have fled in disarray towards the summit of Mandara Mountains with gunshot wounds”.

The update said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai, reassured the general public of the resolve of the Nigerian Army to continue to execute its constitutional mandate professionally and responsively for a better secured Nigeria.

“He also thanks all wellmeaning Nigerians for their continued support, goodwill and understanding towards officers and men of the Nigerian Army as they sustain the conduct of various operations and routine exercises

Kidnapped Enugu Catholic Priest Regains Freedom Rev. Fr. Theophilus Ndulue, the Parish Priest of St. Patrick Ihuonyia, Amansi-Odo, Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State, who was abducted on Friday, on his way back from the Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting held at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, has regained his freedom.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, who

confirmed the Priest’s release, said he was released unhurt.

Also confirming his release, the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Achi, thanked God that Rev. Fr. Ndulue returned safe and sound and prayed God to expose the perpetrators to forestall future occurrence.

nationwide.

Meanwhile, the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) has commenced the training of a fresh batch of 758 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Regiment and Air Provost personnel in Force Protection in Complex Air-Ground Environment (FP-CAGE).

A NAF statement said the

course was aimed at building additional capacity to ensure the protection of NAF bases and assets as well as other critical national aviation-related facilities, like airports, with a view to further bridging the gap between air power projection and air power protection.

“While undertaking an

assessment of the ongoing training, the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command (AOC GTC), Air Vice Marshal Idi Amin, who was received by the Commandant RTC, Group Captain Isaac Subi, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the training and urged the participants to make the most

use of the opportunity given to them for being selected for the course.

“He emphasised that, upon completing the course on December 6, 2019, they would be expected to add significant value to ongoing internal security operations across the country”, it said.

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP…

L-R: Group Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mr. Yinka Sanni; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Demola Sogunle; and Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Pensions, Ms Nike Bajomo when the Stanbic Group paid a courtesy call on the Governor in Abeokuta…weekend

FG RELEASES CIRCULAR ON MINIMUM WAGE CONSEQUENTIAL ADJUSTMENT He also said that the circular directed that implementation will take effect from April 18, the day President Muhammadu Buhari signed the new minimum wage bill into law.

Wabba said now that the circular for federal workers are out, labour will follow-up and ensure that states get copies to guide their negotiations.

“State branches of the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Public Service Joint Negotiating Councils (PSJNC) are working assiduously with the state governments as a team and in many states process are ongoing.

“We are following up. It is our duty to make the circular available to states and we will do that. Once the process starts, you will see that it will move from state to state until it is concluded,” he said.

He cited Lagos, Katsina and Kaduna as states where the process of negotiations has already begun.

Wabba assured workers that the leadership of the various centres, NLC, TUC and the Joint Negotiating Council were collectively working and monitoring the process to see that every worker gets the new minimum wage.

He said it was not only in the public sector that the minimum wage issue was being taken up, adding that the private sector employers were also engaged in negotiations to comply with New Minimum Wage Act.

The NLC president said that states have expressed the commitment to pay the new minimum wage except two states, adding that labour intends to dialogue further with affected states and make them understand that it has capacity to do some level of engagement.

Under the agreement reached between federal government and representatives of labour, core civil servants on Grade Level 7 will get 23.2 per cent adjustment; Grade Level 8 (20 per cent), Grade Level 9 (19 per cent), Grade Levels 10-14 (16 per cent) and Grade Levels 15-17 (14 per cent).

Others workers on Grade Level 7 will be given (23.2 per cent), while Grade Levels 8-14 will earn (16 per cent) and Grade Levels 15-17 (10.5 per cent).

Meanwhile, in Katsina State, the state chapter of NLC said it had received the circular of the new minimum wage consequential adjustment from federal government and inaugurated a committee for its implementation.

The state NLC Chairman, Mr. Hussaini Hamisu, told THISDAY that negotiations would soon commence between NLC and state government to address issues in the consequential adjustment.

He said: “Consequential adjustment table is very explanatory.

Therefore, NLC as a body would ensure that all workers in Katsina benefit from the new salary increment.

“Government has already set up their negotiation team and we as NLC have also inaugurated our

own negotiation committee. We will sit down together and commence the negotiation process soon,” he said.

In the meantime, Katsina State government has inaugurated the committee to negotiate consequential adjustment in salaries arising from the new National Minimum Wage.

The committee, headed by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, has 21 days to complete its assignment.

Inaugurating the committee at Government House, Governor Aminu Bello Masari urged them to ensure that their recommendations were in accordance with the ‘limited resources” of the state.

In Borno State, the state chairman of NLC, Mr. Bulama Abiso, told THISDAY that the union had received the circular at the weekend.

He said the union would this week officially write the state government to kick-start negotiation.

The Chairman of the NLC in Osun State, Mr. Jacob Adekomi, said the circular on minimum wage on the consequential adjustment from the federation government would reach the state between Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

He told THISDAY that there were no negotiations yet because there was a directive that the union must follow the federal government’s templates.

THISDAY gathered that the 20-man Joint Negotiating Committee for the implementation of the new minimum wage and its consequential adjustment in Ebonyi State were still meeting.

The state Secretary of NLC,

Mr. Chukwuma Onwe, said though the state chapter had not received the circular of minimum wage adjustment from the federal government, the joint committee had been negotiating on acceptable structure.

Also, the Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State governor on Inter-Party and Labour Matters, Ms. Jennifer Nwafor, told THISDAY that workers in the state would enjoy better days ahead.

The Adamawa State Chairman of NLC, Chief Emmanuel Fashe, said the Governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, has directed that no state worker should receive below N32,000 as minimum wage this November.

Fashe said they were awaiting the circular on consequential adjustment.

The Kwara State Vice Chairman of the NLC, Alhaji Salihu Yusuf, told THISDAY: “The circular has not been sent to the NLC but hopefully next week. This is based on our resolution at the NLC leadership retreats at Enugu State recently. It was agreed upon that we should all wait until the template and the circular from National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission is made available to the leadership of the NLC.” The Chairman of NLC in Oyo State, Mr. Bayo TitilolaSodo, told THISDAY that the union was yet to get the circular of minimum wage consequential adjustment, adding that the circular was still being expected.

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FUTA Suspends Six Students for Bullying Colleague James Sowole in Akure Authorities of Federal University of Technology in Akure (FUTA),

Ondo State have suspended six students for bullying of a female student in one of the off-campus hostels on Saturday.

Tinubu Congratulates Nigerian Tribune at 70 Idowu Sowunmi The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has congratulated the management, staff and all those associated with the Nigerian Tribune over the 70th anniversary of the newspaper organisation and the grand opening of its new office in Isheri, Ogun State.

Tinubu, in a congratulatory letter personally signed by him and addressed to the Managing Director of the newspaper, Mr. Edward Dickson, described the Nigerian Tribune as the home of independent, fearless and investigative journalism in the country.

He added that throughout its illustrious history, the newspaper has continued to “shine the light of truth into every corner of the Nigerian public space.”

For most of its lifetime, Tinubu said the Nigerian Tribune “has set the standard for journalism practice in Nigeria.” He noted that all those behind the success of the newspaper should rightly feel proud of this latest milestone in its distinguished existence.

The letter reads: “Please accept my hearty congratulations to you, the management and staff, family

and friends associated with the Nigerian Tribune on the 70th anniversary of the newspaper’s establishment. May I also congratulate the wider Tribune family on the successful opening of the new Tribune House in Isheri, Ogun State.

“Nigerian Tribune is, of course, the oldest surviving privatelyowned newspaper in Nigeria.

Over its 70 years of existence, the newspaper has served as an important mouthpiece for the Nigerian people and boasts a proud history of defending the interests of the people from its earliest days fighting for Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule all the way through to the emergence of an independent, democratic and progressive Nigeria of today.

“The Nigerian Tribune is the home of independent, fearless and investigative journalism in Nigeria.

The newspaper has, throughout its illustrious history, continued to shine the light of truth into every corner of the Nigerian public space.

“For most of its lifetime, Tribune has set the standard for journalism practice in Nigeria and all those associated with the newspaper should rightly feel proud of this latest milestone in its distinguished existence.

The students’suspension, according to the Deputy Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo, was sequel to preliminary investigations of the incident.

The suspended students are: Popoola Olaniyi Agboola IDD (300L); Oluwadare Faith Tobiloba FST ( 200L), Nandi Yohanna Jessica IPE ( 200L), Ajuwon Tolani Emmanuella FAT (100L), Emmanuel Funmilayo Taiwo FAT (100L) and Alao Olabimpe Cecilia CSP 100 L. THISDAY learnt that the

suspended students on Saturday stormed one of the off-campus hostels where the victims was resident and attacked her with dangerous weapons and stripped her half naked and also recorded the incidents with phones.

It was gathered that the victim was beaten to coma for calling the girls prostitutes.

However, the school authorities said the suspension of the students remained indefinite even as it continues with investigations into the circumstances that led to the odious and unfortunate act.

“The university deplores such behaviour and reiterates that all those found to be culpable will be visited with the full weight of the law under the extant rules and regulations governing students’ behaviour and conduct off and on the campus at the conclusion of investigation being carried out by the Students Affairs Division.

“The university management is providing medical and counseling support for the affected student.

“The university reiterates its abhorrence of any action or behaviour by students that

are inimical to the well-being of others and will continue to sanction students who run foul of its rules and regulations.

“For the avoidance of doubt only students who are worthy in learning and character can lay claim to and be addressed as FUTA students,” Adegbenro said.

He added as a consequence of the suspension, the students are precluded from all academic and related activities indefinitely and barred from the university and its precincts forthwith.

Criticism Can’t Stop Declaration of Rivers as Christian State, Says Wike Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said criticisms on his declaration of Rivers State as a Christian state could not stop him from affirming the reality.

This was coming as he declared that he’s still the governor because of God’s intervention, who dislodged forces of darkness who were primed to rob the state of his mandate during the March 9 governorship poll.

Speaking yesterday during the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Holy Ghost Rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Wike said he has no apology over the declaration.

He said: “Anytime I have the opportunity, I repeat the declaration with authority and I owe nobody an apology. I am standing on solid authority.

Rivers State is a Christian state.”

Describing himself as a living testimony of God’s blessing, Wike said: “Nigerians are aware of what happened on March 9, 2019. If anyone says he does not believe in God, that event of March 9 should make the person to believe in God.” According to him, “But for God, the enemies would have taken over the state. I thank the church for standing firm.

They prayed for God’s will to be done and God’s will was done. But for your prayers, I won’t be here as Rivers State governor.”

He commended the RCCG members for their sanitation programme tagged: “Pick a Thrash.”

“If we have all churches embark on environmental sanitation programme like this, our state will be cleaner. We will support this programme financially and we shall donate three vehicles to the church for the programme,” he said.

Wike added that God has used the RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to bless Rivers State, stating that the annual Holy Ghost Rally has been a blessing to the state.

Also speaking at the rally, Adeboye prayed for the governor, Rivers State

Government and the people of the state. He noted that everyone needs help and that the best source to get help is from God, saying “No matter how influential and powerful one may be, everyone needs help. Everyone needs help and the best help you can get is from the Almighty God.” The Pastor in charge of RCCG in Rivers State, Pastor Belemina Obunge, in his remarks, announced that the second phase of the church’s Environmental Sanitation Programme has commenced.

He expressed gratitude to the governor and Rivers State Government for the support over the years.

(This is a repetition. See the first story)

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Falana Calls for Suspension of Morocco from AU A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, has called for the suspension of Morocco from the African Union over the alleged illegal occupation of parts of the territory of Western Sahara.

The human rights lawyer made the call to African leaders at the recently concluded international conference on Western Sahara in Paris, capital of France.

Falana, who is also the legal adviser of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic for Africa, argued that the enlistment of Morocco to the AU in January 2017, while occupying Western Sahara, violated some provisions of the constitutive act of the AU. “Since South Africa under the apartheid regime was not qualified for membership of the defunct Organisation of African

Unity the African Union ought to have allowed the Kingdom of Morocco to join the African Union while occupying the territory of Western Sahara, a member state of the continental body,” he said.

“But having admitted Morocco to its fold the African Union is under a legal obligation to end the last vestige of colonialism in the continent.”

The Cable quoted Falana as saying that Morocco has failed to live up to the expectations after African countries had hoped their inclusion in the AU will hasten the independence of Western Sahara.

“If Morocco remains intransigent she ought to be treated like military regimes which are usually suspended from the African Union,” he said.

The senior lawyer added that the occupation of Western

Sahara by Morocco does not go in line with the 1975 ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which found that the “materials and information presented to it do not establish any tie of territorial sovereignty between the territory of Western Sahara and the Kingdom of Morocco or

the Mauritanian entity.

“On the basis of the historic ruling of the ICJ, no country has recognised the fraudulent claim of Morocco that Western Sahara is an integral part of her territory while not less than 84 countries have accorded diplomatic recognition to the Saharawi Arab Democratic

Republic,” he said.

“In consolidating her hegemonic grip on Western Sahara, Morocco has continued to frustrate the referendum scheduled to hold in Western Sahara under the auspices of the United Nations.”

The SAN also informed the member states of the AU that

arrangements had been put in place by the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic to sue the Moroccan government and its allies in municipal courts and international tribunals for trading illegally in the mineral resources of the people of Western Sahara.

PDP Rigging Strategy was Thwarted, Says APC Adedayo Akinwale ín Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the rigging strategy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was thwarted during the last Saturday’s governorship elections in both Bayelsa and Kogi States.

The ruling party also hailed the security agencies for the security arrangements put in place for the elections.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre IssaOnilu, in a statement issued yesterday said that the party was aware of several hoodlums brought into Kogi State from Osun and Oyo states few days before the elections, as the APC monitored the grand preparation to unleash violence in Bayelsa State.

According to him, “We are delighted that the forces of darkness have failed. The subterfuge deployed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the election in both states, including the Kogi West senatorial rerun election was thwarted.

“In Kogi and Bayelsa states, we were certain of securing the majority votes for the two governorship seats and the Kogi West senatorial seat. For this, we knew we must ensure

a peaceful atmosphere for voters to freely turn out and exercise their franchise.”

The ruling party noted that as expected, it was in the tradition of the PDP to thrive under orderly and credible electoral process, adding that the main opposition party did it best to discredit the process.

The APC said it was glad that the voting processes came to a successful end in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

Issa-Onilu added that the ruling party noted the effort by the PDP to employ their usual manipulation through ballot box snatching, massive thumb printing of ballot papers and vote buying.

The party stressed that it also note for instance, the video now in circulation of self-help ballot paper thumb printing at the polling unit of the PDP governorshop candidate, Musa Wada and vote buying by the PDP’s Senatorial candidate, Dino Melaye.

The ruling party however commended the security agencies and other officials who did their best to minimise the impact of the PDP thugs whose sole agenda was to create chaos and scare voters from coming out to vote.

China to Supply Three Abuja Light Rail Coaches Mid 2020 Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) would in the middle of next year deliver three railway coaches from China for the operation of Lot 1A and 3 of the Abuja Light Rail service.

FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, made the disclosure at the weekend during the launching of the Safe, Functional and Efficient Transportation Policy in Abuja.

He added that 10 additional metro stations segment on the Metro Station to Airport Station line are to be commissioned next year.

Presently only three coaches are operational on the Lot 1A and 3 networks. The delivery of three additional coaches would bring the number of coaches in use on the network to six.

“By next year, three of the

coaches that are under construction in China would arrive. I also want to say that about 10 additional stations on the metro stations to Abuja airport line would be commissioned and we would have trains probably moving almost in intervals of 30 minutes,” Bello said.

The Lot 1A & 3 Abuja light rail was commissioned on July 12, 2018 to fast track the movement of people and goods between the satellite towns and the city centre.

The entire network spans 45.3 kilometres in length. Lot 1A, which is 18 kilometres long, stretched from ldu lndustrial Zone via Gwagwa-Deidei and terminates at Gbazango Station in Kubwa. Both Lots connect at ldu Station to enable easy passenger transfer with the National Rail line linking Kaduna and Abuja.

A DAY TO CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE…

L-R: Principal, Corona Secondary School, Mrs. Damilola Chinedum; former Chairman, Corona School’s Trust Council, Dotun Suleiman; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Yetunde Onanuga; Principal Special Award winner, Fayobomi Olusola- Falodun; Chairman, PTA, Corona Secondary School, Mr. Olusola Falodun; and Chairman, Corona Secondary School Board, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, at the school speech and prize giving day in Agbara, Ogun State …yesterday ETOP UKUTT

BLACKOUT LOOMS AS GENCOS THREATEN SHUTDOWN OVER N600BN FUND According to the report, the countries sampled were Nigeria, Guinea, Mali, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Cape Verde, Togo, Niger, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Benin Republic.

It explained that in Nigeria for instance, tariff with taxes and associated charges for consumers within the lower social ladder was $1.4/kWh while that of Guinea Conakry was $2.4/kWh. For consumers in single phase meter, it noted that Guinea Conakry charged $2.4/kWh and Nigeria charged $8.2/kWh. Consumers on three phase meter in Nigeria also paid $8.2/kWh while in Guinea Conakry, they paid $3/kWh. Non-domestic and maximum demand consumers in Nigeria, it explained were charged $12.4/ kWh and $15.7kW respectively, while in Guinea Conakry, they paid $13.2/kWh and $25.3/kWh. The report noted that Liberia, Carpe Verde, and Guinea Bissau had the highest electricity tariffs in the region.

Despite Nigeria’s cheap

electricity, the report, however, said the country and Niger Republic had the highest frequency of electricity service interruptions in 2018, with Nigeria having 304 interruptions while Niger had 289.

On the average, it stated that the duration of the interruption was longest in Nigeria with 742 hours of interruptions reported by consumers.

In AfDB’s ‘Revisiting Reforms in the Power Sector in Africa’, the bank explained that regulatory reforms in Nigeria has not impacted positively in the country’s electricity sector, adding that there is a broader failure of governance in the sector.

“Nigeria with a population of 183 million, of which an estimated 40 per cent still lack an electricity connection, struggles with multiple technical and commercial challenges in its power sector, including high losses, poor maintenance, poor financial viability, supply shortfalls, frequent outages, and unsustainable tariffs below cost recovery levels.

“After successfully privatising

the telecommunications sector, reforms seemed an obvious way to improve operational efficiency and electricity availability, and to attract private sector investment in the power sector.

Reforms began in 2001 with the National Electric Power Policy (NEPP), leading to the 2005 Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), which vertically and horizontally restructured the sector and privatised generation and distribution entities. It also created an independent regulator, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and opened the market to private operators,” it noted.

“The AfDB-ERI regulatory governance and substance indices rank Nigeria’s regulatory regime among the top three of 15 countries studied; however, mirroring the failing financial viability in the sector, and the low score in this study’s performance index, the country has only a mediocre rank in the regulatory outcome index.

“NERC’s regulatory decisions seem not to have had the intended positive effect on sector outcomes,

pointing to broader failures of governance. The country ranks among the lowest 10 countries of this study according to the worldwide governance indicator.

“Widespread political instability in some states, currency devaluation, and corruption (including alleged inflated contracts alongside alleged kickbacks to officials) in Nigeria underline the pivotal role of macro-economic factors and the quality of governance in shaping sector performance outcomes,” it added.

The AfDB report said the aggregate technical commercial and collections losses reported at privatisation were not improved after privatisation and noted that this was contrary to the purpose of privatisation.

“Generally, the privatised companies showed worse collection and payment performance than when the assets were under government control. However, government and some investors have an opposite view for some of the Discos,” it stated.

Fire Razes Osun Community as Petrol Tanker Explodes Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo An early morning inferno occasioned by petrol tanker explosion yesterday razed down Ajebamidele community along Ondo Road in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, leading to the death of no fewer than 15 people.

Ajebamidele, an agrarian community of less than 150 inhabitants and located on IleIfe-Ondo Road shares boundary with communities in both Ondo

and Osun states.

THISDAY correspondent, who witnessed the tragic incident, was reliably informed by some victims of the fire incident that the inferno started by 3.00 a. m.

At about 9.00 a. m. when THISDAY visited the scene of the incident, the tanker whose identity could not be ascertained was seen burning alongside some houses.

THISDAY gathered that the driver of the tanker ran away when the fire started, apparently

for fear of being attacked by residents of the community.

The fire, which started from the main road after the tanker had entered into a deep pothole, later extended to the residences of the villagers.

The fire, which was aided by the harmattan weather in the area, affected no fewer than 12 houses.

The houses caught by the fire were burnt down completely, while inhabitants of the houses were caught unawares.

It was gathered that a couple

simply identified as “daddy and mummy Rose” and their two children living together in a hamlet were affected by the inferno, while many others whose identities were unknown were also affected.

However, some residents of the community who narrowly escaped sustained serious injuries.

THISDAY also gathered that residents of neighbouring communities including Omifunfun and Olode assisted to put off the fire and also rescued some victims of the fire disaster.

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Aiteo Raises the Alarm over Alleged Attacks on Nembe Creek Trunk Line Peter Uzoho Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Development Limited has raised the alarm, alerting stakeholders of alleged sustained attacks on its Nember Creek Trunk Line (NCTL).

Aiteo in a statement issued yesterday by its spokesman, Ndiana Mathew, regretted that despite significant investment in security, technology and civic engagements, the destructive pattern of pipeline vandalism still persisted.

According to the statement, ‘’these attacks are persistent; sophisticated; appear timed to inflict debilitating and disruptive effect, all indisputably calculated to decimate Aiteo’s production output in the short if not medium term. And, regrettably, these vicious and malicious exertions by individuals and faceless entities are having that unavoidable effect. ‘’The disruptions that these attacks have brought about have led to direct, irretrievable and significant losses in production and consequently have created revenue deficits that directly impact all the stakeholders across the relevant value chain. ‘’The consequences say nothing of the significant negative and

inherently damaging effect that these malicious infractions have on the environment.’’

Aiteo said that findings from Joint Investigative Visits (JIVs) in 2019, comprising security and regulatory agencies as well as community representatives has revealed that 98 per cent of all incidences was attributable to third-party infractions alone It added that the amount of barrels lost to the incidents was almost compared in volume to the country’s total daily production, saying by virtue of this level of sabotage, the NCTL has been shut down for 61 days this year alone, constituting 83 per cent cause of downtime in this year only.

The statement further reads: ‘’over the last four years, more than 200 shut down days have been recorded on the asset.

Industry sources forecast that Nigeria will be producing at least 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd) by the middle of 2020, mainly by fixing damaged pipelines and dealing with security problems. ‘’In the face of this extremely high level of deliberate sabotage, it seems clear that there are interests within the country that seem determined to scuttle this aspiration.

‘Aiteo wishes to state that

this continued sabotage of critical economic oil assets must be confronted frontally, with all resources available to the country as a whole. We renew and reaffirm our total commitment to working with all agencies and interest groups to arrest this damaging atrocity.

‘’Our assurance to all stakeholders to ensuring a sustainable environment where economic development can thrive remains unassailable. ‘’We acknowledge the assiduous effort of the Joint Task Force and call for wider collaboration between all law

enforcement agencies as well as policy alliances between all arms of government to end these economically destructive infractions as soon as is practically possible. ‘’The losses to us as a commercial concern are significant and potentially

irreparable: the losses to Nigeria through the deprivation of revenue as a direct enabler for the improvement of the quality of life of our people is so much greater. The disastrous subsistence of this malaise must be permanently resolved now.’’

COURTESY VISIT…

Former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo; former President of Sierra Leone, Mr. Ernest Bai Koroma; Chief Obiora SERAP Wants ICC to Probe APC, L-R: Okonkwo, former Presidential Aide on Inter-Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi; and Senator Emma Anosike, during a courtesy visit to Okonkwo at his country home in Ogidi, Anambra state…yesterday PDP Officials overViolence in Bayelsa, Kogi Elections Amnesty Programme Trains 500 N’DeltaYouths on Health, Socio-Economic Rights and violence, the culture of impunity Accountability Project (SERAP) has was considered one reason why Safety asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the persistent corruption, violence, and killings during elections in Nigeria, particularly in Bayelsa and Kogi states.

It asked ICC to determine whether the repeated failure of the Nigerian authorities to address the crimes does not amount to violence against Nigerians and crimes against humanity within the jurisdiction of the ICC. The petition dated November 16, 2019 was sent to, ICC Prosecutor, Mrs. Fatou Bensouda.

The organisation urged Ms Bensouda to push for the trial of those suspected to be responsible for these crimes, mostly security officials, officials of the two main political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other actors who contributed to the corruption, violence and killings during the elections in Bayelsa and Kogi States.

In the petition signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The events in the Bayelsa and Kogi state elections suggest criminal conduct within the jurisdiction of the ICC. If the results of the preliminary investigation suggest that further investigation is warranted, the ICC should work with Nigerian anti-corruption agencies on the matter. Electionrelated corruption and violence are not just minor infractions; they suggest serious crimes against Nigerians, in particular, crimes against humanity.”

According to SERAP, “In the ICC case on Kenyan election

violence had been ‘normalised’ as a means of political struggle. We, therefore, urge you to investigate allegations of corruption, violence and killings in Bayelsa and Kogi elections, if the ICC is to contribute to preventing escalations in future elections, including the general elections scheduled to hold in 2023.”

The petition read in part: “The incidents of bribery and corruption, intimidation and violence witnessed in Bayelsa and Kogi States also strike at the integrity of the democratic process and seriously undermine President Muhammadu Buhari’s oft-expressed commitment to fight corruption and end impunity of perpetrators.

“The desire for power at all costs by politicians undermines Nigerians’ rights to open, transparent and accountable government that respects human rights and observe the rule of law. Election-related corruption and violence make public officials susceptible to corrupt incentives.

“Corruption and violence in elections contribute to decline in the quality of the politicians occupying public offices, which in turn lead to bad governance.

“The Nigerian authorities over the years have been unwilling and/or unable to prosecute suspected perpetrators of election-related corruption, violence and killings, which in turn has promoted the sense of impunity and emboldened those politicians and their accomplices who continue to commit these crimes against the Nigerian people during election periods.”

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Presidential Amnesty Programme has trained no fewer than 500 youths from the Niger Delta on health, safety and environment, as part of the efforts by the federal government to deepen security, peace and stability in the region.

Beneficiaries of the professional development course drawn from communities in the Niger Delta were trained at the Onshore and Offshore Safety Institute of Nigeria in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in

line with fresh initiatives to the extend gains of the Programme to inhabitants of communities impacted during the Niger Delta crisis.

Presenting certificates of the institute to the beneficiaries on Friday at a ceremony in Abonnema, Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Prof.

Charles Dokubo, said it signaled the commencement of implementation of a robust action plan for the training and empowerment of youths in the

Niger Delta.

“The Presidential Amnesty Programme under my watch will ensure aggressive engagement of youths in the Niger Delta to achieve sustainable peace and development in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision for the region.

“I am determined to ensure that the gains of the Amnesty Programme extend beyond beneficiaries enlisted in the programme to youths in the crisis-impacted communities, “ a statement issued by Murphy Ganagana, the Special Assistant

(Media) to Dokubo said.

Dokubo, who expressed joy with the certification of the 500 youths after training, said they were now fit for engagement in all sectors of the economy, particularly the oil sector, as they had acquired broad training in health, safety and environment.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries of the training, 30-year-old Ms Bobmanuel Fabiawari Merima commended President Buhari and Dokubo for inspiring the people of Niger Delta with youth empowerment programmes.

Environmental Degradation: Forestry Stakeholders to Plant 25m Trees by 2020 Kemi OlaitaninIbadan Forestry stakeholders in the country, comprising eminent researchers and farmers, weekend rose from the 2019 Agro-forestry Farming Systems Workshop in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, where they called for an urgent platform to interface with President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to finding solution to food insecurity in the country.

The stakeholders expressed their commitment to planting 25 million trees by 2020 to minimise further environmental degradation.

The workshop hosted by the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) i Jericho, Ibadan and attended by forestry and agricultural researchers, had as its theme: “Economic Recovery and Food Security: Green Economy and Environmental Approach.”

The stakeholders lamented the

mounting effects of environmental degradation across the country as an aftermath of the climate change and “resolved to curtail the menace of deforestation, desertification and erosion in Nigeria through the promotion of agro-forestry as an effective tool towards achieving sustainable forest management and environmental amelioration.”

While reiterating the need to interface with the President and the National Assembly on the issue of food security in Nigeria, the forestry stakeholders also mooted the idea of a similar parley with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum “to facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the tree planting on their land with agreed sharing formula.”

The stakeholders, in a communiqué issued at the end of the workshop, also resolved to checkmate the culture of post-harvest losses in Nigeria by

mandating FRIN to train farmers on waste management and production of compost manure from agricultural and household waste as well as value addition and sourcing of stable market for farm produce.

To this end, farmers were urged to submit their proposal in line with their choice of trees so as to achieve the planting of 25 million trees by next year.

The communiqué disclosed that efforts would be intensified in establishing more plantations of indigenous tree species “especially vitellaria paradoxa and parkia biglobosa because of their economic and nutrition importance.”

On the capital intensive nature of designing a green house, the workshop advised FRIN to come up with other ways of improving green house for upcoming farmers to use.

FRIN was also urged to acquire motorised climbers for harvesting

tall oil palm trees and consequently design locally-fabricated ones thus making the facility massively available to farmers in no distant future.

The stakeholders expressed appreciation to the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND) for spearheading increased collaboration between research institutes and the nation’s ivory towers as a means of providing effective solution to problems bedeviling the country.

FRIN Director-General, Prof.

Adesola Adepoju, had earlier remarked that the workshop was part of efforts by the institute to showcase its research breakthroughs over the years for farmers and stakeholders to adopt, so as to alleviate poverty, combat environmental challenges especially in this period of the adverse effect of climate change, to reduce food insecurity, and also to promote green economy and economic recovery.

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Bauchi to Vaccinate over 2m Children against Measles, Meningitis Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi As part of effort to curtail the spread of measles and meningitis in children in Bauchi State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has completed arrangement to vaccinate about two million children against the diseases across the state.

A consultant with UNICEF Field Office in Bauchi, Al Amin Barrow, disclosed this at a one-day orientation for journalists on the forthcoming Measles and Meningitis vaccination campaign from November16 to 23, 2019.

The consultant said underfive children and those not vaccinated are at the increased risk of contacting the diseases, stressing that “measles is a dangerous disease that kills children as it is contagious, while meningitis is a disease associated with high mortality.”

Barrow also said the state is targeting over 1.2million children from age 9 to 59 months to be vaccinated

against measles while the targeted clients for meningitis A is expected to be over 1.7 million children between the age of 1 and 7 years to be vaccinated.

According to him, the disease affects babies, pre-school children as well as young children, and if not treated, can lead to brain damage, hearing loss or disability.

While appealing to caregivers to take the opportunity that the UN will provide to vaccinate their children and wards against the diseases, the consultant said it is the best way to prevent children from dying from the disease.

Barrow also disclosed that the vaccination would run concurrently and all eligible age groups are to be vaccinated irrespective of previous immunisation history.

The Programme Manager of the immunisation, Dr. Jibrin Umar, in his address, said meningitis A vaccine was in short supply which is why only children between the age

of 1 and 7 will be vaccinated.

He said the idea was to boost their immunity as most

mortality and morbidity are within this age group.

Umar said the orientation

is to solicit the media support to create awareness on the campaign, saying the two

vaccinations were free and is also part of the state routine immunisation scheduled.

PROMOTING HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT…

L-R: Technical Adviser, Gas Business and Policy Environment to Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Justice O. Derefaka; National President, Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye; and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the opening ceremony of 29th National Conference/Annual General Meeting of NES, in Benin City, Edo State…weekend

APRM Council: Second Peer Review to Tackle Socio-economic Challenges

Delta Launches Action Plan against Newborn Deaths

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Nigerian Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has urged the Delta State Government to fully implement the state ‘Every NewbornAction Plan’ (DSENAP) designed to address the critical problem of neonatal mortality, which was launched weekend in Asaba.

The neonatal action-plan was launched by the Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (DSPHDA) in collaboration with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

Ehanire, who was represented by a Director at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. BoseAdeniran, charged the state to mobilise adequate resources to implement the action plan if newly born babies are to survive and reach their full potential for the country.

While listing strategies towards the effective implementation of the document, the minister stressed the need for adequate capacity building especially for the critical segment of the workforce at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of healthcare system.

The National Governing Council (NGC) of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Nigeria has stated that Nigeria will soon overcome various socioeconomic challenges hindering its development.

The Council, whose members were appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, was inaugurated in July 2019 to oversee the implementation of the country’s Second Peer Review process.

The Chairman of the Council, Senator Abba Ali, revealed that the 15-man NGC’s meeting was held last week Thursday in Abuja to deliberate on programmes of the self-assessment exercise that would be adopted as the country’s second peer review.

Ali, in a statement issued at the weekend by the Media Assistant to the CEO of African Union Development Agency New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDANEPAD/APRM) Nigeria, Abolade Ogundimu, said by the time the report of the self-assessment exercise is out, there would be lasting solutions to socio-economic challenges like insecurity, unemployment, food security, gender- inequalities among others bedevilling Nigeria.

He stressed that the second peer review would further help the government in the area of security and governance, adding that the report would include the causes, effect and solutions to poverty, insecurity and gender inequalities.

According to him, “We are confident that our recommendations will be

embraced by the entire continent to address some of those challenges in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 of the United Nations and African Union’s Agenda 2063.”

Also, a Council member of APRM Nigeria, Hon. Edozie Madu, said proper implementation and coordination would greatly help to ensure the Council to synergise and galvanise given mandates.

Also, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD/APRM, Nigeria, Gloria Akobundu, said the second peer review would analyse and proffer possible solutions to the challenges of governance, insecurity, gender inequalities, among others.

She said: “Preparation is ongoing for second peer review of the country which will be heralded by self-assessment exercise that will help the government to further analyse the gaps and provide solutions to some of the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

“It will analyse where we were, where we are and where we are going as a country in the area of development.”

Akobundu explained that the NGC is overseeing APRM for efficiency and governance in the country in line with best practices and standard in line with AU mandates.

She stressed that it would also ensure that all the concerns raised in the Country Self- Assessment Reports (CSAR) are addressed in the National Programme of Action (NPoA) as one of the criteria for the report to be adopted by the AU through the APRM.

Health minister urges full implementation of action plan Omon-JuliusOnabuinAsaba

Ehanire said it was gratifying that the save-the-newborn action plan was being launched by Delta, the second state to so do in the country, few days after Rivers State, in a bid to domesticate the national action plan launched on November 17, 2017, by the federal government.

Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, while unveiling the DSENAP, decried the relatively high rate of women and children mortality in the country, saying the launch was a testimony to the commitment of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration to addressing the tragic and nagging health challenge.

Without copious reference to the statistical indices from international and local authorities, Ebie said it was worrisome that “each year, 289,000 women die while giving birth; an estimated 18,000 children die everyday from preventable diseases and similar circumstances, and 2.9 million newborns die during their first 28 days of life.”

The SSG noted that ‘’the World Health Organisation (WHO) and

UNICEF launched the ‘Every Newborn Action Plan’ in 2014 to provide a roadmap of strategic actions to end preventable newborn mortality, stillbirth and reduce maternal mortality.”

Health Specialist in UNICEF Rivers State Field Office, Dr. Eghe Abe, on his part, explained that the action-plan document would state in clear terms how Delta State plans to cater for the newborns.

Abe, who also presented a goodwill message from UNICEF Chief of Field, Rivers State, Dr. Guy M.M. Yogo, commended Delta State for the initiative to reduce the unacceptably high levels of neonatal deaths, saying concrete and new steps must be taken if the desired result would be achieved in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) declared by the United Nations.

According to him, “It would interest all of us to note that while the under 5 mortality has continued to reduce, the rate of decrease of newborn deaths has somewhat plateaued. Therefore, for the state

and country to achieve the SDGs, it needs to do things differently if the neonatal mortality rate is to reduce.

“It is in the light of this that UNICEF wholeheartedly supported the development of this plan. If the plan is fully implemented, it is believed that every newborn would not only survive but would thrive and develop to its full potential.

“As we are all aware, there are emerging and strong evidence that progress towards achieving the SDGs by 2030 will only be made if we identify the greatest health disparities and reduce them.

“UNICEF will continue to support the government of Delta State in its effort to addressing disparities and inequalities in health outcomes among the most marginalised people.’’

Earlier in his goodwill message, the Executive Director of National Primary Health Care DevelopmentAgency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, represented by a director at the agency, Dr. Utibe Abasi Arua, while commending the initiative of the Delta State Government, painted a gloomy picture of neonatal deaths globally and Nigeria in particular.

High Tax Evasion Depleting Ekiti’s IGR, Says Revenue Boss Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Board, Mr. Olumuyiwa Ogunmilade, has expressed displeasure over the high incidence of tax evasion in the state, which he said is leading to colossal depletion of the state revenue profile.

Ogunmilade said the state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was resolute to block all leakages to increase the state IGR, in view of the consistent dwindling revenue accruing to the state from the federation accounts.

Ogunmilade said the economy of the state would shrink considerably with consequential

effect like inability to build the desired infrastructure, if the state fails to look inwards and boost its IGR. The Revenue Board boss, who spoke during a meeting with some local government management staff across the 16 council areas of the state at the weekend, said the state government would no longer tolerate tax evasion by individuals or organisations.

According to him, “Tax evasion is criminal and it shouldn’t happen at a time the government was desperately desirous of inventing ways of increasing its internally generated revenue due to the drop in

federal allocations.

“In doing this, both the states and local governments should be involved in the process of paying taxes and raking in rates for the development of the state.

“The state House of Assembly had passed the Internally Generated Revenue Bill 2018, which has been signed into law

by Fayemi, which spelt out the expected taxes to be paid from every quarter and the punitive measures attached to failure to fulfill such constitutional obligations.

“Our people must be responsible enough to see tax payment as an obligation that must be discharged for

the benefit of this state. What makes Lagos and other advanced nations what they are? It’s tax.

“No nation can develop when its tax policy is weak.

In advanced climes, people perceived tax payment as a constitutional duty that must be discharged at all cost, and that brings about development; it is not a magic.”

Ogunmilade disclosed that the state revenue board would soon set up committees in all the local government areas on how to generate more revenues from the third tier to serve as catalyst for development at the grassroots level.

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Panel Uncovers N76m Fraud in Michael Imoudu College of Physical Education The Commission of Inquiry set up by the Edo State Government to probe the activities of the Colleges of Education in Ekiadolor and Igueben; Michael Imoudu College of Physical Education, Afuze; College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, and the College of Agriculture, Agenebode, has uncovered N76 million fraud at the Michael Imoudu College of Physical Education in Afuze.

The Chairman of the commission and former Edo

State Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, said in line with the terms of reference of the Commission, the Bursar and Provost of Michael Imoudu College of Physical Education, Afuze, between January 2009 and June 30, 2019, were found wanting for not being able to provide receipts and vouchers for their financial transactions and expenditures amounting to N76, 000,000 for the period under investigation.

Testifying before the

Commission, Mrs. Abiola Olabisi, who was the bursar of institution between 2004 and 2015, said she recorded her financial transactions and expenditures in a notebook, and at a point, she fell ill and was bedridden, adding that during that period, rainstorm destroyed the roof of her office and consequently damaged the documents in her office.

The Provost of the College

between 2009 and 2016, Dr. Patience Isokpehi, testified that the notebook was destroyed by rainstorm.

The Registrar of the institution during the period under review, Mr. John Akhigbe, and the current acting Bursar of the institution, Mr. Ifijeh Ojo, also testified before the Commission of Inquiry.

Idahor expressed dismay over the findings of the Commission,

noting that in her 32 years of service, she has never heard of such incident.

The Commission was constituted to examine the finances of the institution (including receipts and expenditure) and determine whether they were in accordance with the laws setting up the institution and rules and regulations guiding the public service.

It was also charged to examine the administrative structure of the institution in line with the laws establishing them.

Also, the Commission’s terms of reference include to examine the mode of employment and promotions in the institutions with the view to determining whether due process was observed and to investigate any other matter that may be incidental to their tasks.

UNICEF Commends Delta, Akwa Ibom for Fight against Malnutrition Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba UNICEF has described as hoperaising efforts of the governments of Delta, Akwa Ibom, and other States in the South-south geopolitical zone towards drastic reductions of malnutrition and its attendant problems in their respective states.

UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Rivers State, Dr. Guy M.M. Yogo, made the commendation while speaking with journalists on the sideline of a four-day ‘Community of Practice’ workshop with the theme: ‘Capacity to Mainstream Nutrition in State Government Investment Agenda in UNICEF Rivers Field Office’, involving Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital.

Yogo, however, said a lot still needed to be done by the states of the designated area to reduce malnutrition to globally acceptable levels within the shortest possible time.

He harped on the need for state governments to scale-up nutrition investment not only through substantial increase in direct allocation to nutrition and related sectors but such allocation should be backed by actual releases for nutrition activities.

The UNICEF regional chief said after undertaking a tour of some

of the states, and having studied reports on their activities and investment blueprint particularly the respective budgets, he found the apparent commitment of the government of Delta, Akwa Ibom and Rivers State quite commendable.

Yogo said: “Malnutrition is a complex issue. It’s not about the quantity of food; it’s about the quality and level of nourishment.

The are many questions on why many children are wasting. Look at the problem of open defecation.

So, we still need improved hygiene and sanitation. ‘’There is the need to cut down the malnutrition rate. However, we are very hopeful because there are a lot of opportunities. It is true we are talking about investment, and we believe we can do so at a low cost but with high impact. ‘’So, it is not just about money, it is more about behavioural change at the individual, family, community and local government levels. We must ensure we have a strong coalition to push the process. ‘’We believe the political will is there (in the respective states). We also believe that the commitment is there. All we need to do is work together and achieve the desired result for our people.”

Kwara Renovates NYSC Hostels Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has renovated the decrepit hostels of the state’s National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) camp, barely five months after he described the facilities as penitentiaries not fit for human living.

The renovation came three months after his administration also supplied the facilities with 400 mattresses, 200 doublebunk beds, 100 long benches, and consumables which the government said were meant to make the camp more conducive for the corps members.

AbdulRazaq had on June 20 paid an unscheduled visit to the Yikpata (Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State) camp of the NYSC where he lamented the condition of the facilities and said they typified the deplorable state of things across the state.

He however pledged to fix the facilities, especially the hostels that were an eyesore.

“We are really grateful to Mr. Governor for keeping his words.

I’m happy to inform you that the government has renovated three main hostels, including the two-in-one Mayflower hostel, and I don’t think there’s any NYSC camp in the country that has the kind of facilities we now have,” Kwara NYSC Coordinator, Esther Ikupolati said.

Ikupolati said the camp management has decided to rename the Mayflower hostel as Harmony Hostel in honour of the governor’s efforts.

AbdulRazaq had openly apologised to the corps members for the condition of the facilities and said the visit was a challenge to him to do things differently.

“I apologise for the state of your accommodation. After seeing them, it is like a penitentiary. It is not fit for human living,” he had said during the visit.

“The people in charge before should have done better. By saying that, I have thrown a challenge to myself and my administration to make things better.”

LET THERE BE ENERGY…

L-R: Publicity Secretary, Council for Renewable Energy Nigeria (CREN), Dr. Uzordima Adirieje; Deputy President, CREN, Dr. Imamuddeen Talba; President, CREN, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo; Chairman, Board of Trustees, CREN, Abubakar Sambo; and Secretary of the organisation, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwosu, during the inauguration of executive management committee of CREN in Abuja … recently ENOCK REUBEN

St. Francis Celebrates 28th Annual Inter-house Competition Hamid Ayodeji As part of efforts to groom future leaders, St. Francis Catholic Secondary School has organised its 28th Annual Interhouse sports competition, which saw Loyola House emerge as winner; Assisi House clinching the second position, Cusimano House, third and Olorunfunmi House, the fourth, respectively.

The Administrator, St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu, Lagos, Rev. Maduabuchi Muoneme, while speaking at the event said that promoting team work and leadership skills in our educational system and

society would impact the youth positively as they transition into leaders and solution innovators.

This, he explained, would help sensitise people on the importance of hard work, resilience, cordial handing over of power from a leader to another.

According to him, there are so many lessons that can be learnt, hence, “we have ensured that we provide the students with the state of the art facility which enhances their ability to learn and develop.

“The students are put through leadership training

activities, learning to take immediate responsibility of their environment and actions.

We guide them towards discipline and corrective measures.

“Meanwhile, I would like to call on the public and private sector to come together in order to ensure the educational gap in the country is bridged which would play a vital role towards Nigeria attaining a sustainable developed economy.

“There is the need for the stakeholders to inject more values and attention into our schools. The quality of infrastructures needs

to be improved as well as the quality of teaching which is why we enroll our teachers into capacity building programmes.”

On his part, the Chairman of the competition, Lazarus Okolie explained that adequate teaching coupled with state of the arts facilities enhances the students ability to be bold, intellectual, innovative and also possess high moral values.

“The students develop into individuals that are not merely concerned about material items rather they understand the value of humility, selflessness, love, peace and unity.”

NAPTIP Hands over 23Victims of Human Trafficking to Katsina Govt Francis Sardauna in Katsina National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP) yesterday handed 23 victims of human trafficking to Katsina State Government.

NAPTIP Zonal Commander, Mr. Shehu Umar, while handing over the victims who are mostly children to Governor Aminu Bello Masari at Government House, said the victims were intercepted at AYA Junction in Abuja by

police on their way to Keffi, Nasarawa State on November 13.

He added that one Malam Akilu Limam Umar and two others have been apprehended in connection with the case and investigations revealed that the suspects had already departed with 40 other victims to Keffi.

He said: “I am here to hand over 23 victims of human trafficking rescued by police at AYA Junction in Abuja and handed over to NAPTIP headquarters in Abuja, from where the victims

were brought to our command in Kano for onward reunion to their respective families.

“Sixteen of the victims are from Kaita, four are from Katsina town and three are from Niger Republic. So, the agency is intervening to see how the other victims would also be rescued and sent back to their parents.”

The NAPTIP zonal commander, however, said three other victims (girls) of human trafficking were intercepted by the agency at Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano on their way

to Saudi Arabia for greener pastures.

Receiving the victims, Masari said: “What is frightening from what I have seen here is that some of them (victims) are not more than six or eight years. It is curious how their parents could have abandoned them.”

The governor, who was visibly disturbed by the scenario, called on relevant authorities to checkmate the menace of human trafficking and other related issues bedeviling the country.

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Yoruba Youths Demand Clarification from Presidency on Fate of Osinbajo Segun James Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW) yesterday rose from a meeting in Lagos and demanded from the Presidency a clarification on the fate of Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo and his office, saying the controversies trailing the sacking of his aides were giving cause for concerns.

This was coming as the group urged Nigerians to shun negative attacks targeted at the personality of the Vice President, lamenting that the multiple attacks were being orchestrated by some disgruntled elements in the Presidency to reduce Osinbajo’s growing national statue and acceptability.

YCYW said no amount of

Nasarawa Govt Bans Roadside Markets Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia Director General of the Nasarawa State Market Bureau (NSMB), Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu, at the weekend disclosed that the state government has banned selling on roadsides in the state.

The DG made this known during an interaction with select journalists in Lafia, the state capital, even as he restated that there was a law in the state forbidding street trading across major towns of the state.

He, however, explained that the ban on roadsides trading, especially in Lafia, was to ensure that traders carrying out such activities in the streets of the Lafia metropolis were relocated to the Kwandare ultra-modern market in Lafia, which was built with funds accessed through bond but unfortunately lying empty.

According to him, “The Kwandare ultra-modern market was built with a bond which the state government collected, and the market should not be left empty. The relocation of such categories of traders to the market

will provide decent and peaceful marketing activities in the state.”

When asked about allegations by traders of the Alamis market that they were forced by the state government agencies to relocate to the ultra-modern market, the director-general said: “Nobody forced them to relocate. Not everybody will move to the ultra-modern market from the Alamis market.”

He continued: “Officials of the Alamis market had approached the market bureau requesting for space in the ultra-modern market when they stated that some Alamis market traders wanted to leave trading by the roadsides.

Consequently, the officials agreed that by November 1, 2019, those affected traders will move to the ultra-modern market.”

Zubairu explained that there are three categories of traders who would move to the ultramodern market, which include the Ochanja market traders, Grain Store traders and the Alamis market traders. The government has paid compensation to the affected traders.

Ondo AA Strategises for Next Election James Sowole in Akure Members of the Action Alliance (AA) at the weekend said the party remains the hope of the common man in the state in view of the party’s closeness to the people at the grassroots.

This view was expressed by members of the party which came in as the Third Force in the last national and state assembly election in Ondo State at its meetings held at Oka and Isua in Akoko South West/Akoko South East federal constituencies.

The AA state Chairman, Mr. Akitan Michael Richard, said the meeting was held to review the performance in the last election and to brainstorm on the way forward for the party in order to have a desirable edge and success in the future elections in the state.

He said they converged to commence preparation in earnest in order to have a formidable structure in place in all the 18 local government areas of the state against next elections.

While stating that AA is the only hope of the common people in the state, Akitan said they are on ground and working assiduously to take the mantle of leadership in

all the elective positions in the state when the opportunity comes.

While commenting on the last election, the party described its performance as wonderful despite late preparation especially in Akoko South West and East federal constituencies where Dr. Victor Ategbole came second in the election with narrow margin.

Richard said the loss from unimaginable results from the two wards in Oba Akoko was disappointing.

The party hierarchy described AA candidate in Akoko South West and South federal constituency, Ategbole, as a selfless, large-hearted man who plays politics of benevolence and always ready to render assistance to people They added that Ategbole’s resilience, loyalty, generosity and humility have added a great value and impetus to the party hope that he will emerge victorious in the coming election.

The leaders said investigations so far revealed that Oka people have regretted their actions that most people did not come home to vote massively for him resulting in low turnout during the last election.

such campaigns of calumny would taint the popularity of Vice President as a true patriot committed to the service of his fatherland.

The council, in a communiqué issued after its meeting, alleged that an orchestrated agenda aimed at demeaning the office and the person of the Vice President has been launched, saying such plans were bound to fail as it would be resisted.

The council, which is the apex youth organisation in Yorubaland, in the communiqué signed by its National President and Publicity Secretary Aare Oladotun Hassan and Yinka Sotade respectively, called on all stakeholders and leaders of thoughts in the country, particularly in Yorubaland to act decisively to rescue the situation from enemies

of progress.

“We unanimously demand for a clarion call to rally support for the Office of the Vice President in this trying period in the Presidency, while calling for an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, for an emergency stakeholders’ meeting of all leading Yoruba youth leaders at a date not later than November 20.

“The proposed meeting is aimed at seeking clarity on the reported controversies within the Presidency, particularly the recent sporadic media attacks on the noble person and office of the Vice President by certain persons in some political quarters, perceived from both within and outside the shores of Yorubaland; as well as critically discussing

and dissecting all issues of mutual interests on the state of the nation, security, economy, youth development, among other national issues.

“Nevertheless, we call on all Nigerians and the global community to ignore this clandestine evil modus operandi of agent provocateurs spearheading the various premeditated and obviously sponsored attacks against the Vice President recently in the public domain,” the communiqué said.

The group also alleged “orchestrated evil agenda of such persons aimed at possibly demeaning the Vice President’s towering integrity and principled ethos as ‘Omoluabi T’ooto (true virtuousness)’ is a plan bound to fail.”

It proposed a national unity and peace summit to be

organised across all regions of the country, tentatively in the first quarter of 2020 to further ventilate council’s growing concerns on the internal growth of the Yorubaland (south-west geopolitical zone) and other national interests, in view of the large domiciled assets and huge economic resources it contributes to internally generated revenue.

It added that the summit would help to peacefully resolve all our common challenges and proffer immediate and long-term solution by healing our wounds jointly.

“We urge all Nigerians to ‘Think Nigeria First’ by ensuring that together we build stronger bonds of patriotism and continue supporting the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration,” the group added.

PROMOTING CULTURE...

Imo State Governor, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (left) and former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka during the 2019 New Yam Festival in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State...weekend

Akwa Ibom Police Parade Two Clerics, Others for Alleged Incest, Defilement Okon Bassey in Uyo Two clerics in Akwa Ibom State were among the eight persons paraded at the weekend by the state police command for alleged defilement.

They are Apostle Williams Okon Bassey of No. 7 Ibanga Street, Uyo, who claimed to be a presiding Pastor of Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church in Uyo; and Anwanga Essien Udo of No. 7 Itiam Street, Uyo, who claimed to be a Pastor with Restoration Bible Church.

The Police said Bassey was arrested on November 7, 2019, at his residence for allegedly defiling his 20-year-old daughter, one Miss Fortune Williams Bassey.

According to the state Police Public Relations Office (PPRO), SP Odiko Macdon, the victim confessed that her father started having sexual intercourse with her at the age of 13.

She explained that the

continuous sexual assault led her to get pregnant on three different occasions and the pregnancies were aborted by her mother.

The victim further revealed that the first time her father defiled her was in the church vestry and threatened to place a curse on her if she dared to tell anyone about it.

The victim said her father also demands sex before paying her school fees or catering to her needs.

The PPRO revealed that the other cleric, Udo, 33, was arrested on October 31, 2019, for having carnal knowledge of his 10-year-old step-daughter, Gift Ime Okon, when she was left alone with him.

Also, Macdon further revealed that one Nsikan Ufia Udo, 46, of Nung Akpan Obio Offot in Uyo, was arrested on October 28, 2019, for allegedly having carnal knowledge of one Destiny Uduak Hanson, a 12-year-old girl.

The police spokesman said:

“On the said date, he called her and sent her on an errand to buy him cigarettes. On her return, he dragged her into his room and defiled her. On interrogation, he claimed he did it under the influence of alcohol.”

Also, one Iniobong Okon Moses, 23, of Ikot Amupe Obio Offot, Uyo, was arrested on November 9, 2019, for allegedly defiling a 2-year-old girl, one Abasifreke Ukeme Archibong, who is the daughter of his girlfriend.

The accused was said to have carried the baby on his laps and forcefully defiled her thereby causing her to bleed, leading to serious injuries, as she is presently hospitalised.

The PPRO further disclosed that one Saviour Umoh Ukpong of Akpan Etuk Street in Uyo was arrested on November 14, 2019, for defiling a 15-year-old girl, one Nduke Eyo Bassey.

The suspect was said to have allegedly deceived the victim claiming to be a

prophet; took her to his house and defiled her despite her pleas and cries.

The police said discreet investigation revealed that the suspect was fond of luring unsuspecting female students to his house and defiling them.

Also, one Mr. Festus Etuk and Mrs. Ememobong Okon Eshiet of Ikot Akpa Eshiet Village in Onna Local Government Area were arrested on November 7, 2019, for conspiracy and defilement, by forcing the victim who is an orphan and having carnal knowledge of her.

The Police said all the suspects confessed to have committed the crimes and will be charged to court accordingly.

The PPRO said the state police command has declared zero tolerance and war against sexual predators and other vices in the state, and called on parents to be mindful of the time, place and who they send their female children to especially for spiritual counseling.

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PDP House Caucus Expresses Shock over Secondus’s ‘Unpleasant’ Statement Adedayo Akinwale The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed shock over comments credited to the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, describing it as ‘unpleasant’.

The Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Legal), Mr. Oyorima Idahosa, said that the development was the first time, since 1999, an aide of the National Chairman of the PDP or any political party for that matter, has ever insulted or castigated an elected member of the National Assembly; and for no reason.

Elumelu said, “The caucus is indeed surprised that at a time other leaders and critical stakeholders of the PDP are working hard for solutions to move the party forward, the National Chairman

is rather detailing his aides to castigate party member and make unguarded comments on critical party matters.”

He stated categorically that indeed such comments by the National Chairman, at a time like this, further inflames apprehensions that he was acting on the behest of certain external forces who are pursuing personal interests at the expense of the party’s unity.

Elumelu added, “While the PDP members in the caucus, as loyal and dedicated members of the party, will not join issues with the person of the National Chairman, he is however urged, as a leader, to be more circumspect in the manner he addresses issues relating to the party and her members in the media.”

“It is even more saddening that at this time other leaders of our party are concerting efforts

to ensure our victory at the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections, those vested with piloting the affairs of our party are more interested in creating distractions and division within our fold.”

Ndudi noted that if the National Chairman needed to

be in the media on the issue of the minority leadership in the House, such opportunity should have been used to explain why the National Working Committee (NWC), which he chairs, has failed to act on the report of the three committees set up

by the party to investigate this and other issues relating to the National Assembly.

Elumelu restated that he and his colleagues remain loyal and dedicated members of the PDP, and equally called on the NWC to weigh

its actions, in the interest of fairness, justice, and equity in line with the democratic ideals of the party, the rules of the National Assembly a n d p ro v i s i o n s o f t h e 1999 Constitution (as amended).

PSC Decries Proliferation of Arms in Kogi, Bayelsa Guber Polls Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Police Service Commission (PSC) has decried the proliferation of arms in the Kogi and Bayelsa gubernatorial elections held on Saturday.

The commission, in assessing the performance of the police during the election, said policemen were overwhelmed.

In its interim report issued after monitoring the performance of police personnel assigned for the election, PSC said the police were professional despite numerous challenges in the two states.

“The strong monitoring team of the commission to the two states observed the over proliferation of illegal weapons, inadequate logistics and challenging terrains as militating factors”, it said, while calling on the leadership of security agencies to mop up arms in the two states.

The statement signed by the Spokesman of the Commision, Ikechukwu Ani, said it received 31 distress calls to its advertised dedicated telephone numbers.

“Most of the complaints were on snatching of ballot boxes and indiscriminate shootings. There were also complaints on other election malpractices such as vote buying and multiple thump

printing,” it said.

Ani said “the commission monitored the conduct of police officers on election duties in Bayelsa and Kogi States on Saturday, November 16, 2019 and observed that the Police were professional in their conduct during the elections, while the activities of illegal armed men over-stretched the capacity of these officers to protect the voters and the electoral materials”.

It said that commission’s monitoring team also observed that the Police were early at voting centres and had adequate presence in most places.

The commission covered the three Senatorial districts in Kogi State and two in Bayelsa states, Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa East.

PSC leader of delegation and Commissioner in the commission, Austine Braimoh, said the commission will continue to hold the Police accountable for its actions or inactions.

On the Bayelsa and Kogi states Governorship election, PSC said the conduct of the police was above average.

“The commission calls on the leadership of the security agencies to immediately take steps to mop up these arms to safeguard the nation’s democracy”, it said.

INEC Chairman Announces Shutting down of Civil Society Election Situation Room Chuks Okocha in Lokoja

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu yesterday announced a shutdown of the Election Situation Room through a tweeter message.

It was not ascertained as at press time why INEC boss took the decision, instead of the usual practice of allowing for the full announcement of the gubernatorial results before the situation room is shut down.

The situation room had worked only for two days before it was shut down through the tweeter message.

However, his followers

on tweeter kicked against his action.

A source at the commission said the abrupt shutdown may not be unconnected with the comment by Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room that called on INEC to cancel Saturday’s governorship and senatorial elections in Kogi State.

The statement from the situation room said the call was necessitated by high levels of violence and electoral malpractices that characterised the election in the state.

The Situation Room also expressed disappointment with the conduct of the governorship election in Bayelsa State which it said fell below standards.

WORTHY HONOUR...

L-R: Director, Global Operations PR and Strategy, Africa Advancement Forum, Amb. Itchy Odins; Director, International Cooperation, Managing Board Africa Advancement Forum, Amb. David James Egwu; Prince Ned Nwoko; and Country Representative for Nigeria, Africa Advancement Forum, Mr Derrick Akakabota, during a presentation of Africa Advancement Award to Nwoko in Abuja ...recently KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Lagos Police Arrest Four Suspects for Traffic Robbery, Murder Sunday Ehigiator Lagos State Police Command weekend said it has arrested two suspected traffic robbers and recover an iPhone 7 plus mobile phone.

The command, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, said two suspects, Sylvester Uzor and Azeez Ibrahim, were arrested on November 11 following a tip-off operation.

“On November 11, 2019 at about 11.30 a. m., acting on a tip-off, operatives of Bariga Police Station arrested one Sylvester Uzor, aged 23, and resident of No. 128 Moradeyo Street, Agboju in Lagos and his accomplice one Azeez Ibrahim also 23-year-old of No. 16 Jane’s Onifade Street, Iyana Ipaja with a black iPhone 7 plus.

“They were arrested along

Community Road, Bariga. The suspects snatched the phone from one 28-year-old Femi Omojolowo at about 08:30 a.m.

“The suspects have confessed to the crime. They have been charged to court,” the statement said.

In a related development, Elkana revealed that the police have apprehended a 54-year-old Segun Mopoderun, suspected to have murdered a 58-year-old Oposanwo Gbenga following a minor altercation between them.

“On November 16, 2019, at about 06.30 a. m., one Segun Mopoderun, 54-year-old of No. 3, Iyanu Oluwopo Street, Off County, Ogba-Aguda Agege allegedly poured hot water on one 58-year-old Oposanwo Gbenga of the same address, during an altercation between them.

“The victim was rushed to hospital for treatment where he

later died. The corpse has been deposited at Ikorodu General Hospital Mortuary for autopsy.

“The suspect has been arrested by homicide detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba.

“Investigation is ongoing, the suspect will be charged to court,” the statement added.

Also, Elkana in a separate operation, said the command has arrested a driver, suspected to have caused the death of a passenger through reckless driving.

According to him, “On November 13, 2019, at about 12.30 p.m, a case of fatal motor accident involving three Toyota cars and a motorcycle at Masha overhead bridge was reported at Surulere.

“A driver of a black Toyota Camry with registration number Lagos BDG 24 FL named Meshach Baba of No. 10, Odogbolu Street,

Off Ademola in Aguda, Lagos was coming from National Stadium with top speed inward Masha when he swerved to another lane and hit a Bajaj motorcycle with a rider and his passenger and also hit two vehicles that were equally coming from Shitta inwards the National Stadium.

“The passenger of the motorcycle died on the spot. Name and address of the passenger are not known yet. Indication showed that he might be a painter because of stains of different colours of paints in his clothes.

“The corpse was deposited at Randle General Hospital Mortuary, Surulere. The damaged vehicles were removed from the road for VIO inspection.

“The driver who caused the accident has been arrested.

Investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court.”

Chidoka Seeks to End Feud with Anambra Monarch David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka A former Aviation Minister and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osita Chidoka, has pledged to end feud with the traditional ruler of Obosi, his community in Anambra State, Igwe Chidubem Iweka.

Chidoka who spoke yesterday during a church service to mark the10th year anniversary of his conferment of the traditional title of Ike-Obosi by the community at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Obosi, Idemili North, said he was ready to reconcile with the monarch if he would accept.

Chidoka had been at feud with the monarch after he

and two other persons were suspended from the Obosi traditional council of chiefs for alleged sacrilegious act.

He said “What we are going today is thanksgiving to God for all he has done for us; all we have achieved is not by our making but because God is faithful.

“We are grateful because in March this year, my younger brother, Obinna was running for House of Representatives; unfortunately there was crisis, people were maimed and killed in Obosi.

“God saw the purity of our hearts and restored our mandate at the Court of Appeal. So, in line with the message of the

priest, I want to apologise to the Igwe that he should forgive any wrong I have done him.

“I was alone in this and I take full responsibility. So, Atta-Obosi and Akamposi Obosi who were suspended alongside with me should be left out of this.

“I am sorry and I have forgiven those who I offended, we need peace in Obosi,” he said.

Chidoka thanked his father who consented that he should be given the title 10 years ago, saying being Ike-Obosi came with some much blessing and also a burden to be a blessing to Obosi.

“My father supported me and agreed that I be made

Ike-Obosi; that title made me to be the head of the family but 10 years after he is here with me in the church and my mother too,” he said.

Arch Deacon/Vicar of St. Andrews Anglican Church, Venerable Ikechukwu Ihemtuge, who delivered a sermon entitled “Oh God Our Help in Ages Past,” said only fools said in their hearts that there was no God. Ihemtuge thanked God for giving Chidoka the grace to come on his volition to come and thank Him. He urged parents to train their children so that they could be people they would be proud of in future.

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MONDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

AFCON 2021 QUALIFIER

Super Eagles Hammer Lesotho 4-2 to Stay on Course Duro Ikhazuagbe A brace and an assist by Victor Osimhen plus two other goals

by Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze gave the Super Eagles a 4-2 victory against Lesotho in Maseru yesterday evening.

The victory keeps Eagles perched on top of Group L of the qualifying round of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

As it has become the sad tradition of Nigerian teams of late, Super Eagles fell behind after 11 minutes when Nkoto Masoabi rose highest between two defenders to nod powerfully beyond Daniel Akpeyi after the Crocodiles broke on a counter attack.

This was only a minute after Osimhen had rattled goalkeeper

Moerane Sekhoane with a stinging shot from outside the area.

Only last Wednesday in Nigeria’s opening game of the series against Benin Republic, Eagles also conceded a second minute goal to the Squirrels in Uyo before rallying to win 2-1.

In the battle of Maseru yesterday William Ekong’s flying free kick from 24 yards in the 17th minute, was parried

by Sekhoane, and nine minutes later, Alex Iwobi brought Nigeria level following hard work by Victor Osimhen.

The former U17 World Cup winner saw his pull-out intercepted by a defender, chased the defender, retrieved the ball neatly and passed to Iwobi to drive into the net at the far post Five minutes later, Osimhen

again rattled the Crocodiles’ goaltender, but in the 36th minute there was to be no stopping Nigeria as Samuel Chukwueze rose between two taller defenders to nod home a well-weighted pass from Osimhen for the Super Eagles’ second of the evening.

Livewire forward Osimhen still had time for two attempts before half time.

In the second half, Nigeria went all out and after Osimhen had clipped the crossbar and saw another shot parried to safety, the gangling forward slid full length to score Nigeria’s third from a cross by defender Ola Aina in the 74th minute.

Osimhen again worked hard to create a glorious chance for

substitute Ahmed Musa in the 80th minute, but the captain inexplicably missed from inside the box.

Fittingly, the Lille of France forward would score a second, latching onto a brilliant pass by substitute Ramon Azeez to poke beyond Sekhoane in the 84th minute to virtually assure of the maximum points.

However, defender Chidozie Awaziem enabled a respectable scoreline for the home team when he diverted a pull-out into his own net with Akpeyi wrong-footed and with only two minutes left in regulation time.

With six points and six goals, the Super Eagles have started this race well and strong. Home matches against Lesotho and

Sierra Leone will be completed by trips to Sierra Leone and Benin Republic in the final phase of the qualifying series next year.

Also yesterday, Benin Republic made up for their defeat in Uyo last week by picking all three points in their clash Sierra Leone.

In Group A of the qualifiers, Chad Republic lost 0-2 to Mali while Guinea defeated Namibia 2-0.

Mali and Guinea are join leaders while Namibia are just a point short.

In Group B, Uganda defeated Malawi 2-0 while South Sudan lost 1-2 to Burkina Faso Uganda and Burkina push Malawi down from the top of the table.

In Group C, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana snapped a 1-0 victory against Sudan. It was sweet recovery for South Africa that lost their opening game to Ghana.

In Group I, Eswatini lost 1-4 to Teranga Lions of Senegal while Congo Republic hammered Guinea-Bissau 3-0 to pick maximum points.

Senegal win their second match of the campaign and establish a three-point gap over the other teams in the group.

Cameroon made it a 1-0 away in Kigali against Rwanda after playing a draw at home on Match-day 1. The Indomitable Lions assume leadership of the group temporarily.

Osimhen: It’s Disrespectful Comparing Me with Ighalo Lille striker Victor Osimhen who was Man of the Match of yesterday’s AFCON 2021 qualifier between Lesotho and Nigeria in Maseru, has insisted it is wrong to begin to compare him with 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Golden Boot winner Odion Ighalo.

The former Nigeria U17 international, scored two goals and assisted in the other goals as Nigeria cruised to victory in the southern African nation.

Osimhen inherited the Super Eagles number nine jersey from Ighalo after the former Watford man called time on his international career in July 2019.

While admitting that he’s still learning the trade, Osimhen said it was disrespectful for such comparison. ‘’There is no comparison between me and Ighalo, what he has done for the national team is far from what anybody

can compare me and him with. ‘’He is a legend like everyone of us are saying, I spoke to him about it and he gave me some candid advice which has been helping me, not just in the national team and also in my club,’’Osimhen told all Nigeriasoccer.com’s Victor Modo via YouTube. ‘’For people to compare me and Ighalo, for me it is disrespectful to do such. He’s a great player of course, we know what he’s done with the pressure coming from left and right, he still kept his cool. ‘’It’s disrespectful to compare me and Ighalo because we are different players and there are some things I watch in his game and try to add into mine. ‘’He’s more experienced than me, I am still growing up, I am still trying to learn a lot so I think for me to be compared with him I don’t think it’s the

45th Ikoyi Ladies Golf Championship Tees-off Nigeria’s most prestigious Lady’s Golf Championship is scheduled to tee-off at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos tomorrow. The event will run from Tuesday November 19 to Friday November 22, 2019 with ladies from several countries already signed up for the event.

Lady Captain of the section, Lola Ajibola, said yesterday that the event would feature the best skilled lady golfers in the country competing.

This year’s event is supported

by Total, First Bank Nigeria Limited, Megamound, The George, Spar, JustFood West Africa, UBA, Zircon Marine, Flour Mills Nigeria, Amni Petroleum, MTN and a host of others sponsors.

According to her, “the event is one of the few that have the seal of approval of the global golf bodies in the country, which automatically bestows a word ranking point for good performance at the event. “This year’s entry comes from virtually all major clubs in the country and besides ladies always look forward to our event as an homecoming

of some sort,� she noted.

The event would be judged over 36 holes from Wednesday November 20 to Friday November 22.

The Publicity Secretary of the club, Ify Onukwuba, added that, a cocktail party would be hosted for participants of the event. “November 19th is the official practice day for the event and we would be hosting all players to an evening of cocktail meet and greet, draws for schedule of play for the main event.�

She added that the participation of international players also speaks to the high levels of competition and reputation of the the event.

Nkoli Mouka, another member of the committee added that the championship is a stroke-play event and winner would be the player that returns the best gross score, in the three days of play. “We are expecting a highly contested championship and beyond the overall winner of the gross event, there is a plethora of rewards for all participants, including nett, longest drive, nearest to the pin among others.�

L-R: Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and Chidozie Awaziem celebrating Nigeria’s 4-2 victory against Lesotho in Maseru ...yesterday

Amapakabo Hanging on to National Team Job after Series of Failures Inspite of series of failed attempts to keep Nigeria afloat in recent qualifying tournaments, Coach Imama Amapakabo has defended his position and not ready to step down.

In the spate of one and a half months, the coach led Nigeria to failed title bid at WAFU tournament, CHAN final qualifying tournament and last weekend failed to get his team to football event of next year’s 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games following elimination in the

group phase at the ongoing tournament in Egypt. “We were unlucky and unfortunate to go out because we gave everything, but it’s totally out of my hands,� he said. “I know that, as a coach, you come under pressure. We have to look at the future - this (Olympic hopes) has ended, whichever way we want to look at it.�

Amapakabo was handed the managerial role of Nigeria’s under-23 side and its team for locally-based players on a

permanent basis in September after the football authority (NFF) decided against reinstating Salisu Yusuf.

He was second assistant to Nigeria’s senior team’s coach Gernot Rohr at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and worked with Yusuf as Nigeria finished runners-up at last year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.

Amapakabo is aware that his position has become untenable following his recent failure,

but said that it is up to his employers to make a decision on his future. “I can’t say anything now because it all depends on what the federation wants in terms of going forward.� he added.

Nigeria - bronze medallists at Rio 2016 - won the 1996 Olympic football tournament and are the first African country to complete an Olympic medal sweep having won a sliver medal in Beijing in 2008.

Temple Jam Basketball Tips off with Gidi Giants The Temple Jam Basketball Tournament will tip off today in Lagos as a new basketball club, Gidi Giants is launched.

The invitational basketball tournament which will showcase seven Nigerian clubs and one from Ghana is scheduled to start by 12 noon at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Gidi Giants are making their debut in the exciting world of basketball with the competition showcasing lots of talents in the country.

A member of the Gidi Giants management team said the

details of the team would be made public in the course of the competition.

The Temple Management Company in conjunction with the Lagos State Basketball Association announced last week that eight clubs from within Nigeria and across Africa would participate in the inaugural Temple Jam Basketball Tournament.

The teams arrived in Lagos yesterday when they start off with their photo shoots.

Eight teams: Gidi Giants, Nigeria Potters (which replaced

Kano Pillars) Oluyole Warriors (Oyo), Comets (Ondo), Anambra Flames, Gombe Bulls and Tema Harbour City (Ghana) have been confirmed as the participating teams.

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 matches will hold on a daily basis except for Saturday which would serve as a rest day before the final game and closing ceremonies on Sunday.

55

Ëœ ͚΀˜ ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY

MONDAYSPORTS

Ronaldo Scores 99th International Goal as Portugal Qualify for Euro 2020 Hazard scores brace in Belgium’s 4-1 demolition of Russia

Cristiano Ronaldo was made to wait for his 100th international goal as defending champions Portugal edged past Luxembourg 2-0 to qualify for Euro 2020.

Fernando Santos’ 2016 winners required victory to confirm second spot in Group B and finish three points clear of Serbia, who drew 2-2 against Ukraine.

Ronaldo tapped in his 99th goal to seal victory with four minutes remaining.

Bernardo Silva’s ball over the top had allowed Bruno Fernandes to fire the visitors ahead after 39 minutes.

Ronaldo must wait until the next international break in March

for the chance to become just the second male player to reach 100 goals for his nation.

He is now just 10 behind Iran legend Ali Daei’s world-record tally of 109, after ensuring his most prolific calendar year for Portugal with 14 goals.

The Juventus forward struck his ninth international hat-trick on Thursday against Lithuania to set up the opportunity to hit a century on Sunday.

However, Portugal - and Ronaldo - were left largely frustrated by an organised Luxembourg side on a difficult playing surface, with Fernandes’ control and finish before half-time

a brief spark of quality in a tight game.

Earlier on Saturday, Eden Hazard scored twice as Belgium continued their perfect record in Euro 2020 qualifying with a thumping win over Russia.

The Red Devils, who had

already qualified, were three goals up by half-time through Eden Hazard’s double and a strike by his brother Thorgan.

Romelu Lukaku then added a fourth before Georgi Dzhikiya netted a late consolation for the hosts.

Belgium will play their final Group I qualifier at home to Cyprus on Tuesday.

Russia, who had also already booked their place at the finals, were blown away in the first half following a scintillating

attacking display from Roberto Martinez’s side.

The away side took the lead midway through the first half when Thorgan Hazard picked up his brother’s pass, cut inside and fired into the top corner.

Baby Face, Bobby Girl Shine at 1st GOtv Boxing Night Mini West African Boxing Union (WABU) welterweight champion, Rilwan “Baby Face� Babatunde, and rising female super featherweight boxer, Cynthia “Bobby Girl� were the standout performers at the maiden edition of GOtv Boxing Night Mini, which held on Saturday at the Rowe Park Sports Complex in Lagos.

Baby Face was all menace and speed, knocking out Saheed Lawal in the third of their eightround national challenge duel.

Lawal, who was a replacement for Dennis “The Range� Mbat, who pulled out on account of an accident, gave a good account of himself in terms of defiance.

But the WABU champion’s volume punching at velocity was too much for him, as he was quickly in a daze, forcing the referee to stop the fight.

Ogunsemilore, who won her fight by knockout at GOtv Boxing Night 19, confirmed her status

as a boxer to watch out for. She defeated Roliat “Mummy’s Pet�

Akinsanya by unanimous decision in a thrilling super featherweight bout. The Range boxer exhibited composure and guile beyond her age to outwit her similarly impressive opponent. In the lightweight category, WABU champion, Rilwan “Real One�

Oladosu, stopped Ola Adebakin in the first of the scheduled eight rounds. Waheed “Showmax�

Shogbanmu got the better of Semiu “Jagaban� Olapade. The cruiserweight duel at the show saw fan favourite, Kabiru “KB Godson� Towolawi defeat Olajide Olatunji via unanimous decision.

Among dignitaries at the show were Mr. SolaAiyepeku, Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission; Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, President Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C); Mr. Remi Aboderin, WABU President and NBB of C scribe; and Ms Jennifer Ukoh, Public Relations Manager, GOtv.

NESG Partners Sports Ministry to Chart Roadmap for Devt Ugo Aliogo

The Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sport Development have concluded plans to host the first interministerial technical session on sports industry development, between November 19 and 20 at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to a statement made available to THISDAY by the NESG, it is expected that the reform of the industry would contribute to the socio-economic indices of the Nigeria economy by increasing participation in sport.

The statement further noted that the partnership would enable the creation of jobs, promoting greater employment of youth, generating revenues from sport related activities and targeting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution of 2-3% to the economy within five-10 years.

The statement added: “The outcome of the inter-ministerial technical session and the proceedings of the breakout sessions will form an integral

part of the ongoing reform process towards a new national sports industry policy that will accommodate objectives of all stakeholders in the public, social enterprise and private sectors for a vibrant sport industry, capable of contributing to the growth of the socioeconomic indices of the Nigerian economy. “In addition to the honourable ministers of the six ministries identified above, the event will also have in attendance, heads of their relevant departments and agencies as well as selected chieftains from various economic sectors, multilateral agencies, social enterprise organisations and experts in both academic and practice of Sports. “The inter-ministerial technical session is jointly hosted by the Ministry and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and is a part of the NESG’s Sports Industry Thematic Group 2019/2020 Work Plan. This is expected to dovetail into the National Sports Industry Policy Dialogue which will be held next year as part of the events marking the National Sports Festival (Edo 2020).�

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 99th goal yesterday as Portugal defeated Luxembourg 2-0 to qualify for Euro 2020

NPFL: MFM Pip Rangers to Sustain Good Run in the East Lobi shock Pillars in Kano Plateau United kept their place at the top with a hard fought 2-1 win against visiting Wikki Tourists of Bauchi at the new Jos stadium before a huge home crowd.

However, the talking point of the day may well be MFM FC of Lagos second road win against Oriental sides after beating Rangers 1-0 just as they did Heartland on opening day.

None of the two wins on the day can diminish Lobi Stars feat in Kano where they had the better of former champions, Kano Pillars.

Wikki began the day level on points with Plateau and were looking on going tops with a possible win away from home as they did on Matchday 2. The Bauchi side took the lead on the 12th minute through Jackson Daniels. However, Coach Andy Maikaba’s men drew level 12 minutes before the break through Mustapha Ibrahim, before Abbar Umar scrambled home Itodo’s throw-in, 10 minutes after the restart for the winner.

Tony Bolus guided MFM to their second win away from home in some stylish fashion, when they stunned Rangers in Enugu, with Chuks Kenedinum’s goal just

MFM FC players saluting Enugu fans after humbling Rangers 1-0 at the The Cathedral

before the break. Similar result was recorded in Kano, as Pillars, without their inspirational captain, Rabiu Ali, lost by a lone goal to visiting Lobi Stars. Douglas Achiv was the scorer for Coach Gbenga Ogunbote’s side.

At the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, eight time champions, Enyimba stunned Akwa United 3-1, to go second on the log. Austin Oladapo had given Abdallah’s men the advantage on 13 minutes through a penalty, before Stanley Dimgba and Samson Obi grabbed the second and third on 30 and 33 minutes respectively. Mfon Udoh’s clever chip could only help reduce the

deficit for the Promise Keepers six minutes before the break.

Tasiu Lawal’s penalty on 64 minutes helped Katsina United to a lone goal victory at home to visiting Nasarawa United. Danladi Umar had earlier denied the striker from a similar scenario on the 40th minute.

Elsewhere, Phillip Auta’s effort on 32nd minute salvaged a point for Abia Warriors at home to Kabiru Dogo’s Sunshine Stars. The Akure side earlier took control of the game with Fuad Ekelejuoti’s goal on 19 minutes.

Less than 42km away from

Umuahia, Heartland FC had to rely on Nnonshiri Samuel’s 63rd minute penalty, to salvage a point at home to visiting Akwa Starlets FC. The Uyo side drew first blood through Femi Ajayis goal six minutes before the break.

Chigozie Chilekwu’s header was the difference between FC IfeanyiUbah and Rivers United in Nnwei, while Efe Yarhere and Sunday Williams aided Warri Wolves to a 2-0 win at home to newcomers Adamawa United.

Mubaraka Abdulsallam, Isaac Oduro, Otukhe Egbo and Williams Nmesitionye were the scorers as Delta Force humbled Jigawa Golden Stars 4-1. The visitors consolation came through Ali Musa on 62 minutes.

NPFL MATCH DAY 3 (RESULTS) Wolves 2-0 Adamawa Plateau Utd 2-1 Wikki Katsina Utd 1-0 Nasarawa Kano Pillars 0-1 Lobi Ifeanyiubah 1-0 Rivers Rangers 0-1 MFM Enyimba 3-1 Akwa Utd Heartland 1-1 Akwa Starlets Abia Warriors 1-1 Sunshine Delta Force 4-1 Jigawa GS

Karis Award to Honour Nojeem Maiyegun Nigeria’s first athlete to win an Olympic medal, Nojeem Maiyegun, will be honoured at the 24th edition of the KARIS Award scheduled to hold on Sunday 15th December 2019 in the main auditorium of the Household of God Church at Ikeja.

The KARIS Award was introduced by Rev Chris Okotie of the Household of God Church in 1996, in line with his

philosophy that “greatness does not consist in being great, but in the ability to make others great.�

The award recognizes and gives a cash reward to a Nigerian citizen who must have distinguished himself/herself through his/her contribution to the development of the country in one area or the other, but his/ her contribution has not been adequately recognized.

Maiyegun, won a bronze

medal in the lightweight division of the boxing event at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

He also won a bronze medal two years later at the Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica, Professor Emeritus, Chike Obi, the famous mathematician was the first winner of the award, while the first person from the sporting family to win

was Hogan Bassey; he was named winner of the 3rd Karis Award in 1998.

Emmanuel Okala, MON, the former National Team, and Rangers International Football goalkeeper, became the second sports person to win the award when he was named winner in 2011. Maiyegun will become the third person from the sporting fraternity to be named winner.

TR

Monday November 18, 2019

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Price: N250

MISSILE Edo Govt to Agba “In case Agba has stayed away from home for too long and has forgotten how highly we revere our great king and custodian of our culture and tradition, he is hereby reminded and warned to keep the political rascality currently being choreographed by the suspended National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole, far away from our great king� – Edo State Government warning the Minister of State for Budget and Planning, Clem Agba, to leave the Oba of Benin out of the ongoing quarrel between Oshiomhole and Obaseki.

NNIANWODO GUEST COLUMNIST

Alex Ekwueme’s Dream for Nigeria will Never Die

T

oday is exactly two years since the cold hands of death took our former Vice President, erudite, incorruptible, unassuming and astute Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme. His burial was a deserving state burial. The tributes from erstwhile political foes and friends poured ceaseless encomiums on him as a statesman. It is amazing how Nigerians, friends and foes alike, hardly say anything negative about the dead. What is however remarkable in all the tributes paid to our revered leader in those sad moments is the unanimity of most of them on Ekwueme’s incorruptibility, patriotism and committed service to his fatherland.

As I write about Ekwueme today, I will not continue with the tributes but I will like to raise a few issues arising from his life and death which continue to give our country a troubling image of a people who may never recognise the paths to their greatness.

I had the distinguished pleasure and rare opportunity of serving in the Shehu Shagari/Ekwueme government at a very impressionable age. Special Assistant to the President at 28 and Minister of Aviation at 30. In these positions I had very intimate working relationships with both the President and the Vice President. President Shagari was a committed nationalist, a meticulous administrator and an exemplary bridge builder. Vice President Alex Ekwueme was the intellectual vault of the government, the friend and loyal ally of the President, and the enforcer of all government decisions. Because of his loyalty and closeness to the President, he wielded enormous influence but his comportment, demeanor and language portrayed the opposite. His mien was gentle. He tried to convince you rather than intimidate you in his encounter. He lived out his oath of office in his incorruptibility and complete allegiance to his country.

He virtually knew every section of the Constitution and would not allow the Executive Council to unknowingly flout any of its sections. Between him and the President, the chemistry was superb. Sometimes they just needed to glance at each other without uttering a word and resolution was achieved with a contagious application to all their subordinates.

Planning was his major responsibility as Chairman of the Economic Council.

He took this duty seriously and was determined to lay the structural foundations for our growth. For the first time, Nigeria had a Ministry of Science and Technology; the Steel Mills gained priority in the budgets. Education was conceived as the surest path to the future.

Food security, known then as Green Revolution, was a cardinal policy of government. The nepotism and divisive ethnic passions which characterised Nigerian politics disappeared. Even though their party, the NPN had no majority in the National Assembly, this

Ekwueme

did not portend political tension and insecurity. The opposition headed the House of Representatives as Speaker and fielded ministers in the cabinet, while his party provided the President of Senate. Leaders of all the parties in the National Assembly were hosted in strategic meetings by the Vice President on any bill intended to be put before the National Assembly. Ekwueme, a consummate Board Strategist, navigated through those meetings with consummate skill and diplomacy. Most bills of the

government sailed through the National Assembly without much acrimony. The government worked. I have continued to wonder why that government was overthrown by those who had nothing ideologically opposed to it except a vain desire to attain power. Regrettably, that development opened a gateway for meaningless military coups that stultified our growth as a nation and left us in our present beggarly status.

Many political pundits have argued that the 1983 coup was intended to forestall

Vice President Ekwueme, we mourn you, we remember your scholarship, your unwavering commitment to making our country a better governed place, a richer economy and your philanthropy. Please forgive us for not heeding to your recommendations. If the dead can help the living, please do not desert us. We can still turn around

an Ekwueme succession as President.

If Ekwueme had succeeded Shagari in 1987, he would have long abdicated the position in, for the farthest, 1995 but our democracy would have been stabilised and more productive. What have we indeed learnt from this recklessness?

Nothing. After the military interregnum of Babangida/Shonekan/Abacha and Abdulsalami, what followed? Babangida’s transition was aborted by, in the views of many, an attempt to avoid the emergence of a President from the wrong place.

If Ekwueme can’t be, certainly Abiola, even if a Moslem, cannot be.

Shonekan too could not be tolerated.

Abacha then designed a conference which gave birth to a national consensus of six political zones authored by Dr. Alex Ekwueme. Had those zones formed the basis of Nigeria’s administrative structure, we could have been more of a wonder than Rwanda. Why was Alex Ekwueme denied the Presidency and about 14 years later his formula for the restoration of political cohesion and growth in Nigeria buried? Has anyone offered a better solution? I hear someone say that our problem “is not structure but process�. What process? The process that gave birth to an electoral system that makes us the laughing stock of the world. Tell me any nation that seven months after their elections are still in the courts disputing the transparency of their process. Tell me any country that is Federal in name and constitution but running a unitary system- all because we must not recognise that Alex Ekwueme saw tomorrow today.

Two years after Ekwueme’s death, we cannot feed ourselves, Housing is elusive to urban and rural dwellers. Education is falling in standards. Infrastructure is despicable. Health care is tragic. Rule of law is upside down. The debate for restructuring still rages.

Against this gloomy background, our sources of revenue are dwindling. Oil will soon become a disposable source of energy and so our national revenue will collapse. As national income dwindles, businesses will collapse, so will VAT and other forms of taxation – import duties, company taxes etc. Chaos and danger looms because we did not heed Ekwueme.

Vice President Ekwueme, we mourn you, we remember your scholarship, your unwavering commitment to making our country a better governed place, a richer economy and your philanthropy.

Please forgive us for not heeding to your recommendations. If the dead can help the living, please do not desert us. We can still turn around.

Rest in perfect peace our dear father and statesman.. r$IJFG +PIO /OJB /XPEP B MBXZFS FDPOPNJTU QPMJUJDJBO JT UIF 1SFTJEFOU (FOFSBM PG 0IBOBF[F /EJHCP GPSNFS .JOJTUFS PG *OGPSNBUJPO BOE $VMUVSF BOE GPSNFS .JOJTUFS PG $JWJM "WJBUJPO

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