THURSDAY 4TH JULY 2019

MAN, LCCI Back FG’s Decision to Sign AfCFTA Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja, Obinna Chima and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja announced his preparedness to sign the African Continental

Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in accordance with recommendations of the Presidential Committee on the Impact and Readiness Assessment of AfCFTA. The president's commitment to sign the agreement confirms

THISDAY'S exclusive report last week that Buhari, after receiving the committee's report, would sign the agreement.

The president’s decision received immediate support from his allies, Manufacturers

Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI), who had stood with him in his objection to the agreement on the ground that it might open up the Nigerian market to imported goods at

the detriment of the domestic producers.

A statement by a presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said Buhari would be signing phase one of the agreement while attending the Mid-Year Coordination

Meeting of the African Union and 12th Extraordinary Summit on AfCFTA in Niamey, Niger Republic in a few days’ time.

According to the statement, Continued on page 6

DISCOs: TCN Responsible for National Grid Collapses...

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Atiku Begins Petition against Buhari Today... Page 6

Buhari Demonstrates Wisdom, Suspends Ruga Settlement Policy NEC: It’s inconsistent with national livestock plan Ortom, others hail abatement Deji Elumoye, Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu There was widespread relief yesterday as President Muhammadu Buhari demonstrated wisdom and leadership, and suspended the implementation of Ruga settlements, a policy seeking to solve endemic

herders’ confrontation with crop farmers nationwide by establishing cattle colonies.

With widespread opposition to the policy accross the country, the President shows he was the father of the nation and directed a review of the policy seeking consensus among stakeholders.

Continued on page 8

Senator Risks Imprisonment, Suspension from Senate over Assault on Woman Apologises to Nigerians

Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna Should he be put on trial for allegedly assaulting a nursing mother at a shop in Abuja and convicted, Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo, representing

Adamawa North in the National Assembly, risks being jailed for five years.

Abbo, who is currently under probe by the Senate and the police, also faces being suspended from the Senate for 14 legislative days.

Continued on page 8

Court Restrains APC, Police from Disrupting Edo Assembly ... Page 6

ROYAL VISIT...

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) and Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, during a courtesy visit by a delegation of Edo State traditional rulers to the Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday godwin omoigui

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Court Restrains APC, Police from Disrupting Edo Assembly The Federal High Court sitting in Benin City has restrained the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Edo State Command, from interfering or disrupting members of the Edo State House of Assembly from performing

their constitutional duties.

The order of Justice M. G. Umar, while ruling in an ex-parte motion filed on July 3 by the applicants, the Clerk of Edo State House of Assembly, Alhaji Yahaya Omogbai, and the Edo State Government, also affected APC spokesman, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, all defendants, their servants and agents.

In the court documents, which THISDAY obtained yesterday, Justice Umar granted an interim order “restraining the defendants by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or privies from interfering with, obstructing or harassing, in any manner whatsoever, the plaintiffs in the performance of their constitutional duties

as the legislative arm of the Edo State Government pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.”

He also restrained the APC, which is the first defendant in the suit, either by itself or through its servants, agents, officers or privies “from further publishing in any newspaper

or other media, any inciting publications concerning the inauguration of the Seventh House of Assembly of Edo State, and the election of the speaker and deputy speaker, which took place on June 17, 2019 in the Edo State House of Assembly.”

The court further granted an interim order restraining the

defendants from disparaging the integrity of the House of Assembly or taking any steps that could breach the peace, order and good governance in the state pending the determination of the motion on notice.

Justice Umar adjourned the case till October 9 for further hearing.

Atiku Begins Petition against Buhari Today Alex Enumah in Abuja The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 23 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and his party will today kick-start the legal fireworks to prove their petition against the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The stage for the commencement of the legal fireworks was set yesterday in Abuja following the adoption of the modalities and structure for the hearing of the petition reached by all parties in the petition.

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) yesterday also refused to grant Atiku's request to reopen the application of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against his petition because the application lacked merit.

Counsel to parties in the petition had on July 1 agreed on how they would conduct hearing in the petition of Atiku and the PDP against the re-election of Buhari.

Atiku and PDP are among three other petitioners challenging the outcome of the presidential poll that handed a second term to the president.

Some of the grounds on which the petition is anchored include substantial non-compliance with the electoral laws and

intimidation.

Atiku and PDP in the petition marked: PEPT/02/2019 and filed on March 18, are seeking alongside three other petitions the nullification of the victory of Buhari in the presidential poll.

However, at yesterday's proceedings, which signalled the end of the pre-hearing session, the Chairman of the panel, Justice Mohammed Garba, informed the court that the proposition of the lawyers as regarding the modalities of the hearing of the case has been adopted and hearing in the petition would start today.

However, the tribunal refused to grant Atiku's request to reopen the APC application against his petition because the application lacked merit.

Atiku and the PDP in a motion filed on June 24, had asked the tribunal to expunge the proceedings of June 11 from the court's record, wherein the court reserved ruling in the APC's motion seeking dismissal of the main petition for being incompetent and lacking merit.

The tribunal after taking submissions of counsel in the matter on July 1 had fixed yesterday for ruling in the application.

However, the five-member panel in a unanimous decision refused to grant Atiku's request because the applicants failed to

adduce any cogent reasons why the proceedings of June 11 as relating to the APC's motion of May 15 should be set aside.

The petitioners had predicated the application on the grounds that the tribunal had on June 11 allowed the APC to withdraw a motion in which they had already filed a counter affidavit and went on to adjourn ruling in the other motion they didn't respond to.

The APC, in two separate motions dated May 14 and 15, had urged the tribunal to dismiss Atiku and PDP's petition or strike out certain parts of the petition for being incompetent and lacking merit.

The petitioners, however, filed a counter affidavit opposing the motion of May 14 alone and filed a notice of preliminary objection against the two motions.

However, when the matter was called on June 11, counsel for the APC, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), orally applied for the withdrawal of the motion of May 14 and moved that of May 15, urging the tribunal to hold that the petitioners did not file a counter to their motion.

Lead counsel to the petitioners, Dr Levy Uzoukwu (SAN), orally told the tribunal that the third respondent did not notify them before the withdrawal of the motion of May 14 for them to respond to that of May 15.

He added that the petitioners filed a notice of preliminary objection to the motions for being abuse of court process.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Garba held that the mandatory seven days for Atiku to respond to APC’s motion on the competence of his petition had expired.

He ruled that there is evidence that Atiku's legal team was served with APC's motion on May 16, a day after it was filed.

He said it was a fatal error for them to have chosen and elected to file only notice of objection while refusing to file counter affidavit as required by law to dispute the claims of the APC. Furthermore, the tribunal disagreed with Atiku on the issue of fair hearing since his lawyers were present in court during proceedings but chose to conduct their petition in their own way.

"We agreed that the court has the power to exercise discretion but in the instant case, the discretion has to be exercised judicially and judiciously; and since the petitioner in this matter did not advance cogent and verifiable reasons for exercising discretion in his favour, we hereby refuse to do so," the tribunal ruled.

The tribunal also agreed with Fagbemi that the application did not meet necessary requirements

for which a court can set aside its own decision.

The tribunal stated that in the instant case, no evidence was advanced by the petitioners to justify their failure to comply with mandatory seven days within which to respond or to oppose the motion duly served on them on May 16.

The tribunal added: "From the established fact, the petitioner failed to make out case for setting aside proceedings of June 11 and also failed even up till today to file counter affidavit. Therefore, the motion by the petitioner that his argument be reopened is bound to fail and is hereby dismissed for lacking in merit.”

The APC had in the motion of May 15, prayed the tribunal to void and strike out Atiku's petition on various grounds of alleged irregularities and non-compliance with the Legal Practitioners Act, or in the alternative strike out several paragraphs that were not supported by facts and laws.

Among others, Fagbemi prayed the tribunal to remove 10 states in the list of states where Atiku alleged electoral malpractices took place in the February 23 presidential election.

The states are Borno, Yobe, Niger, Katsina, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe and Kebbi.

The grouse of APC were that

the petitioners failed to disclose the specific polling units where the alleged infraction took place thereby making their claims imprecise, nebulous and vague.

Fagbemi also applied for order of the tribunal to strike out paragraphs where allegations of thuggery, arrest, intimidation and coercion were made against Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police and several other individuals who were not joined as defendants in their petition.

APC also applied that the claim by Atiku and the PDP that Buhari was not educationally qualified to stand for the presidential election be expunged from their petition because it is a pre-election matter which the tribunal has no jurisdiction to adjudicate upon.

Besides, APC also asked the tribunal to strike out the petition for failure to comply with mandatory provisions of paragraph 4 and 7 of the first schedule to the Electoral Act 2010 and section 134 of the 1999 Constitution.

The APC similarly faulted the petition for being incompetent and in gross violation of section 2 and 24 of the Legal Practitioners Act and therefore urged that the petition be struck out together with the list of documents and list of witnesses to be relied upon by the petitioners.

best. Of course, there would be challenges, just as there are opportunities, just like the ECOWAS, which we have remained part of.

“Given Nigeria’s status and the role we have been playing in facilitating trade in the continent, we have to be part of it. You cannot influence something from outside, you have to be part of the discussion to make input.

“So, it is good that we have agreed to sign so that we can be on the negotiation table to get the best out of AfCFTA,” Yusuf explained.

Commenting on the decision by Nigeria to sign the agreement, Vice President/ Sovereign Analyst at Moody’s, Aurelien Mali said: As the largest African economy, Nigeria’s membership of the African Continental Free Trade Area will play a key part in the trade bloc reaching its maximum potential. However, important structural challenges remain. Power generation and logistics infrastructure are weak in most countries in the trade area, both of which play a crucial role in supporting trade and manufacturing in Africa.”

Also, a Senior lecturer, Department of Economics, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Bongo Adi, said: “First of all, the benefit of free trade can

never be over re-emphasised especially given the gravity.

The gravity model shows the concentration of economic activities such as export and imports within a free trade area.

“Nigeria given its dominance in Africa as the largest economy in Africa, the most populous and in every way, the most dynamic, cannot be said to be doing very well.

“So, Nigeria is a hub of African business regardless of the fact that the economy is not doing as good as Ghana, Rwanda or some other countries but that does not take anything away from the place of Nigeria as the strategic business hub of Africa.”

He further added: “Nigeria opening up gives enormous power to Nigerian businesses and even individuals. Having a free trade is an enormous advantage to Nigeria and that is why some of us didn’t understand why the government didn’t want to sign it in the first instance.”

But the Chief Executive Officer, Eczellon Capital, Mr. Diekola Onaolapo, maintained that the presidency should look more closely at the pros and cons of the agreement.

"I can only hope that we, in the near term, derive the benefits that its (AfCFTA) proponents think we are going to have from it. The AfCFTA is

a positive initiative, however, its touted benefits are more futuristic and do not necessarily address many current, clear and present, issues that may prevent its long term vision,” he said.

MAN, LCCI BACK FG’S DECISION TO SIGN AFCFTA countries which signed the first level of the agreement would then go into country level discussions leading to treaties after safeguards are agreed to.

Shehu recalled how Buhari, while receiving the report last week, made it clear that the federal government would be seeking to include terms that engender the development of policies that promote African production, among other benefits.

“Africa, therefore, needs not only a trade policy but also a continental manufacturing agenda. Our vision for intraAfrican trade is for the free movement of 'made in Africa goods.' That is, goods and services made locally with dominant African content in terms of raw materials and value addition.

"If we allow unbridled imports to continue, it will dominate our trade. The implication of this is that coastal importing nations will prosper while landlocked nations will continue to suffer and depend on aid,” the president had stated.

However, after months of consultations, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), yesterday endorsed the decision by the federal government to sign

the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Top officials of MAN and the LCCI as well as analysts that spoke in separate interviews with THISDAY, said Nigeria joining the continental trade deal would provide opportunity for the country to contribute in strengthening the agreement.

This is just as Moody’s, one of the leading global rating agencies, in the note to THISDAY said as the largest African economy, Nigeria’s membership of the African Continental Free Trade Area would play a key part in the trade bloc reaching its maximum potential.

The presidency had yesterday said on its Twitter handle: “Nigeria is signing the AfCFTA Agreement after extensive domestic consultations, and is focused on taking advantage of ongoing negotiations to secure the necessary safeguards against smuggling, dumping and other risks/threats.

“Let me state unequivocally that trade is important for us as a nation and to all nations.

Economic progress is what makes the world go around.

Our position is very simple; we support free trade as long as it is fair and conducted on an equitable basis.”

The AfCFTA aims to eliminate tariffs between

member states, creating a market of 1.2 billion people with a combined GDP of more than $2.2 trillion.

Apart from Nigeria, only Eritrea and Benin have chosen not to join the zone.

Speaking in an interview with THISDAY, the President of MAN, Mr. Ahmed Mansur, said the concerns of his association had been addressed by a committee that was set up by the president.

He added: “Our concerns were basically that we should understand the impact of the agreement on our economy and business before we sign, so that we do the right thing and for our economy not to suffer.

“So, the committee that was set up by the government undertook a wide study to understand issues around the AfCFTA and we are satisfied with the steps taken so far.

So, we are in support of the government going ahead to sign the agreement.”

On his part, the Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Muda Yusuf, said his members are fully in support of signing the agreement.

“The AfCFTA is workin-progress; when you are part of it, you continue to fine-tune it until you get the

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NEWS BUHARI DEMONSTRATES WISDOM, SUSPENDS RUGA SETTLEMENT POLICY An attempt by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to start the implementation of the policy in 12 pilot states had caused national uproar with the governors of the Southeast, South-south, Middle Belt states, in particular Benue and Taraba States clearly objecting to it on the ground that it is unconstitutional because it violates the Land Use Act. They received support from social critics, including Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, who seeing the groundswell of opposition from socio-political groups, including Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum as well as youths from opposing states, warned that the policy, if not carefully considered, could precipitate a national crisis.

The federal government, however, calmed frayed nerves yesterday by halting the herders’ settlement plan.

It said it was suspending the plan to establish the settlements because doing so would violate the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) it earlier had approved.

But southern leaders, under the aegis of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF); pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere; and its Niger Delta counterpart, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), faulted the federal government's suspension of the Ruga settlements and called for its abolition.

Rising from a meeting

of the National Economic Council (NEC) Committee on Farmers-Herders' Crisis, presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in the State House, members described Ruga as a deviation from the features of NLTP, which they said included the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and ranching.

There had been a controversy on whether Ruga, which was to have pilots in Sokoto, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Taraba, Katsina, Plateau, Kebbi, Zamfara, Niger and Benue States, was the same as NLTP. The controversy got to a head when Miyetti Allah, an association of cattle owners, alleged that Ruga was being supervised by the vice-president, a claim Osinbajo swiftly dismissed as untrue.

The controversy deepened on Monday when the Chairman of Northern Governors' Forum (NGF), Mr. Simon Lalong of Plateau State, told State House reporters that Ruga and NLTP meant the same thing but only had different names.

But Lalong's claim about both programmes was punctured yesterday by the NEC committee of which he is a member when the committee said the idea of Ruga was antithetical to the spirit and letter of NLTP. However, following the tension generated by Ruga across the country, Osinbajo had summoned the NEC

committee meeting yesterday where components of the programme were reviewed and found to be at variance with the NLTP. A member of the committee and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, who was detailed to brief reporters after the meeting, said NEC resolved to announce the suspension of Ruga in line with the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, any state willing to implement Ruga must do so in line with the stipulations of NEC and in observance of inherent challenges there-in.

He said: "We are aware today (yesterday) that Mr. President has suspended the implementation of Ruga programme, initiated and being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, because it is not consistent with the NEC and the federal governmentapproved National Livestock Transformation Plan, which has programmes of rehabilitation of displaced IDPs, resulting from the crisis and also development of ranches in any willing state of the federation. The word is 'willing state of the federation.'

"The National Livestock Transformation Plan – its beauty is that what NEC and the federal government approved is a voluntary programme to all the 36 states who may like to participate.

"So, it is not compulsory. It is any state that is willing that

will key into the programme.

"Any state that is interested in this programme is required to bring up a development plan that is geared towards the implementation in line with our own programme here that is unique to his state based on the challenges that he has in respect of the crisis. That’s the decision of this committee."

Besides Umahi, other governors at the meeting were Lalong and Atiku Bagudu(Kebbi) and Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Martins Nasir.

In a swift reaction to the suspension, Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, whose state was vociferous in condemning the scheme, described the action as victory for all peace loving Nigerians.

According to the governor, the rejection of the Ruga settlement model was not personal but rather a struggle by the people of the country against impunity and injustice.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Terver Akase, in a statement, said Ortom commended Buhari for heeding the calls of the people for the suspension of Ruga.

He added that the decision to suspend the programme showed that Buhari heard the voices of majority of Nigerians on the matter.

Southern Leaders Insist on Cancellation However, the SMBLF, Afenifere

and PANDEF have faulted the federal government's suspension of the settlement programme for herdsmen.

But the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, commended the suspension of the proposed scheme for herdsmen, urging the federal government to initiate policies and programmes that would unite rather than divide the country.

SMBLF, Afenifere and PANDEF said rather than the suspension of the project, the federal government should cancel it outright Spokesman of Afenifere and SMBLF, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, stated that the group would have hailed the government decision as being responsive "but for the 30-day ultimatum issued by Coalition of Northern Group on the same day the suspension was announced."

He said: "Reasonable people are bound to suspect that a suspension, not cancellation, was announced to allow the threat givers to pound the sections of the country opposed to the plan to submission."

On his part, the National Secretary of PANDEF, Dr. Alfred Mulade, canvassed for the cancellation of the project.

"This is just not the best thing to be done. The federal government should go a step further to do the needful. And, that is, outright cancellation of that idea because it is anti-peace, progress and development of Nigeria.

"The Ruga shouldn't be mentioned at all. It is against the collective peace and survival of the people of Nigeria. Then the federal government should tender an unreserved apology to the nation, for putting Nigerians through trauma of an unholy concept of Ruga," Mulade said.

In lauding the federal government for suspending the scheme, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged it to promote programme that would unite rather than divide the country.

The organisation’s President General, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who spoke to THISDAY through his Media Adviser, Chief Emeka Atamah, said the suspension of the programme had further shown that any policy or programme in which the stakeholders are not effectively carried along would collapse.

He said: “This is a clear indication that it’s always good to consult widely before taking any decision that will affect the people. Before taking any decision, government must think of the ripple effect on the people.

“The need for clarity and openness don’t need to be overemphasised. The vehemence in the rejection of the Ruga settlement across the country shows the country is highly divided.

“Government must, therefore, seek for ways of uniting the people instead of coming up with Ruga.”

SENATOR RISKS IMPRISONMENT, SUSPENSION FROM SENATE OVER ASSAULT ON WOMAN The assault, which happened in May, but whose video of the incident leaked on Tuesday, triggering a nationwide outrage, received condemnations yesterday from Abbo’s party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is from the same Adamawa State like the senator; Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), among others.

Abbo, in a statement yesterday, however, apologised for his behaviour and begged Nigerians for forgiveness.

Giving an insight on what could happen should Abbo be put on trial, a lawyer, Mr. Joel Akomolafe, told THISDAY that if the case is established, the senator could be charged for assault and battery, and if found guilty, might be jailed for term ranging between three to five years as provided by Sections 262 to 264 of the Penal Code, which deal with the offence.

He said the sentence could be less, between three months and one year if it could be proven that the senator's action was not intentional but provoked.

But he called for caution, stating that the senator may probably have acted in self defence or retaliation since the camera only showed just a part of what transpired.

Another lawyer, Mr. Frank Chude, who shared the same sentiment with Akomolafe, however, stated that the punishment could be more than five years if there were grievous injuries, which include loss of an eye, blasted eardrums, among others, to the victim.

He added that the judge, however, could exercise his discretionary power by giving the senator option of fine or imprisonment, or both, if convicted.

At its plenary yesterday, the Senate set up a seven- man ad-hoc committee to probe

the alleged incident.

Also following the order by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, for the investigation of the incident, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has invited the senator for questioning.

THISDAY gathered that the senator might be charged for criminal assault.

The Senate committee, headed by Senator Sam Egwu, representing Ebonyi North, which has two weeks to submit its report, commenced sitting behind closed doors, shortly after yesterday's plenary.

Abbo, a fresh senator, if found culpable by the committee after investigation, may be suspended for a maximum of 14 days.

According to Order 67(4) of the 2015 Senate Standing Rules, which is being used by the Ninth Senate, titled: “Suspension after Naming, “When a senator is named by the President of the Senate, if the offence is a minor one, the President of the Senate may order the senator to withdraw for the rest of the legislative day; but if the matter appears to the President of the Senate to be of a more serious nature, the President of the Senate shall put the question on motion being made, no amendment, adjournment or debate being allowed, that such suspension being for any time stated in the motion not exceeding 14 legislative days."

The Senate's resolution to probe the incident was sequel to a motion moved to that effect

by Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna Central).

Sani, who came through Orders 14 and 15 of the Senate Standing Rules, said the incident must be investigated and appropriate action taken if the senator involved was found guilty.

According to him, he received no fewer than 111 calls from concerned Nigerians within and outside the country over the

alleged assault, since Tuesday.

"The viral reportage of the incident is highly damaging to the senator concerned and the Senate as an institution. My image is at stake as a serving senator and I believe the image of other senators too," he said.

Also contributing, Senators Bamidele Opeyemi (Ekiti Central) and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), made similar submissions which made the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), to call for the composition of an ad-hoc committee .

President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, in his ruling, said the Senate as a responsive and responsible institution would not condone any act of violence from any senator.

He set up the seven-man committee to thoroughly investigate the incident and report within two weeks.

Other members of the committee include Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central), Mathew Urhoghide (Edo South), Dauda Jika (Bauchi Central), Danladi Sankara (Jigawa North East), Stella Oduah ( Anambra North) and Mohammed Sani (Niger East ).

However, the police have invited Abbo for questioning.

THISDAY gathered that the embattled senator is expected to appear before the police today.

A video that has gone viral on social media captured the senator assaulting a woman who was trying to settle an argument between him and a sales woman.

The sales woman had complained about one of the three girls in the company of the senator, who had vomited in the shop, wondering why she could not go outside to vomit.

The woman’s comments were said to have infuriated the senator, who flew into a rage and accused her of poisoning

the air-conditioning system.

In the ensuing arguments between the senator and the sales woman, the nursing mother, who was described as her friend, tried to intervene but the senator slapped her three times unaware that a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) was recording the incident.

The senator's police orderly witnessed the assault without taking any step to stop it.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Mr. Bala Ciroma, told THISDAY yesterday that the command had extended an invitation letter to the senator.

He also said the police had established contact with the victim of the assault and has commenced investigation in earnest into the case.

"I have been to the Senate with my detectives to extend the invitation to him. We expect to see him by tomorrow (today)," he said.

An earlier statement by police spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba, had said the IG had ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault by Abbo.

"The IG directed the commissioner to provide a personal and round-the-clock supervision of every facet of the investigation, including the forensic analysis of the video currently in circulation as well as the actions/inactions of the policeman seen in the video footage,’’ the statement said.

Reacting to the incident yesterday, the PDP said as a lawabiding and upstanding party, it detested and condemned such an act of lawlessness and callousness as exhibited in the video.

“Our party is also shocked that the harmless victim of the unprovoked assault is said to be a nursing mother, who ought to be protected.

“Though this is a personal conduct of an individual, which has no bearing with the culture

of our party, the PDP, however, holds that no responsible person will condone such an attitude.

“In the light of this, the NWC has commenced investigation into the matter and summons Senator Elisha Abbo in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP and code of conduct of our members,’’ PDP stated in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan yesterday in Abuja.

Atiku also condemned the assault and called for a probe into the incident.

The former vice president, in a tweet through his verified Tweeter handle, @atiku, said: “I’ve seen the alleged assault video involving Senator Elisha Abbo. The video is sad, inexcusable. I know the senator quite well. But the law is clear and leaders must lead by example.

“I advise him to publicly apologize, voluntarily go to the police and show a good example expected of a young leader. I also call on our party, the @OfficialPDPNig to take necessary disciplinary action and the @PoliceNG to ensure the law takes its full course.”

Dabiri, also in a tweet, criticised the senator’s action, saying that with his character, it is surprising how he defeated Senator Binta Garba in the last election.

In his reaction, Falana said he had written the InspectorGeneral of Police to investigate the Abbo over the assault.

Falana, at a conference on ‘Agenda setting for citizens’ interaction with stolen assets recovery: Abacha loots recovery and utilisation as case study,’ organised by Human Environmental Development Agenda in Abuja, said he would press for the arraignment and prosecution of the senator if he was indicted.

“Of course, since he is presumed innocent until the contrary is proven, as they

say in Nigeria, we are asking for investigation but if he is indicted, of course, we are going to press that he be arraigned and prosecuted for assault occasioning harm punishable under the penal code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” he added.

Senator Apologises, Begs for Forgiveness The embattled senator, however, apologized yesterday to Nigerians and all mothers for his conduct.

The senator, who addressed a press conference at the national secretariat of the PDP, said his action was regrettable.

Abbo, who sobbed while reading the text of speech, asked that he should be forgiven, adding that to err is human and to forgive is divine.

He said: "I personally apologise to Barbra and her family for my action, which has brought immense discomfort in our body polity. "l have never been known or associated with such actions in the past in my life. Regardless of what transpired prior to my expression of anger, I am sincerely sorry and plead that all men and women of good conscience should have the heart to forgive me. To err is human, to forgive is divine.

"To the Church of God everywhere in the world, I am sorry. As an Ambassador of Christ, much is expected of me.

"My family and religious upbringing do not give approval to such conduct and for this, as a leader, I seek forgiveness before God and all those who feel offended by my action.

"Indeed, this episode has taught me a very great lesson both as a private citizen and a public officer, particularly as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, upon whom public confidence is reposed on me.”

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

DISCOs: TCN Responsible for National Grid Collapses Chineme Okafor in Abuja Electricity distribution companies (Discos) in Nigeria yesterday blamed the frequent collapse of the national grid on Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN) lack of standard power protection equipment at its transmission substations.

The Discos, in a statement in Abuja by their umbrella body, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), slammed the TCN for the poor showings of the grid, stating that “poor transmission network protection” was responsible for the nine system collapses recorded so far in 2019.

On Sunday, the national grid experienced another system collapse barely 43 days after

the previous incident.

The TCN on that occasion said the Discos were responsible for the collapse because they rejected electricity loads allocated to them.

However, ANED in the statement, which was signed by its Director of Research and Advocacy, Mr. Sunday Oduntan, said the Discos regretted the unfortunate accident that occurred on Sunday at TCN’s Benin substation, which left Nigerians in blackout for hours.

“The Discos remain available to offer their technical assistance to TCN, to ensure that our valued customers do not remain in darkness,” it said.

It added that the failure of the TCN Benin substation was the second of such occurrence in the same city within a year.

The Discos said they had records of the trend in burnt transmission stations and failed transmission substations of the TCN in Lagos, Calabar, Abuja, Enugu and Onitsha as at May 8, 2019, which they alleged were caused by inadequate transmission protection mechanisms and procedures.

They also expressed displeasure over TCN’s practice of arbitrary load dumping on them whenever it had challenges managing energy on the grid. This, they added caused commercial and technical problems to them.

According to them, these alleged deficiencies of the TCN were captured in a July

2017 System Adequacy Report published by the Independent System Operator, a department of the TCN. ANED said a properly protected transmission system would isolate faults but “unfortunately, the resultant effect is that we have experienced the ninth total black out in Nigeria this year - five times in January, once in April, twice in May and once in June - a rate of transmission failure that is in excess of one blackout per month - far beyond any international standard.”

It also added that over 100 partial and total transmission system collapses have been recorded since the sector was

privatisatised in 2013.

The Discos said rather than trading blame, the TCN should focus on realising actual delivery of its acclaimed 8,100 megawatts (MW) wheeling capacity.

“The current figure is based on nothing more than a computer simulation,” the Discos added.

It urged the TCN to address its radial transmission network for better power delivery, and procure the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to monitor the grid and trace system collapse faults.

According to ANED, the Managing Director of the TCN, Mr. Usman Mohammed, in 2018, had agreed that a functional SCADA system would show

clearly activities on the grid.

On the $4.3 billion investment the TCN said would be required by the Discos to upgrade their networks, ANED said they were regulated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and as such not allowed to invest more than $150 million per year or $13.6 million per Disco annually.

“However, this cannot happen unless such related funding is allowed in the regulatory framework. We believe that it is only when all NESI’s stakeholders decide to work together that we will be able to anticipate and solve these unfortunate events,” ANED added.

Buhari Rejects 17 Additional Bills, Assents Nine Others Deji Elumoye inAbuja President Muhammadu Buhari has rejected additional 17 out of the 318 bills passed by the Eighth National Assembly.

This is just as the Senate yesterday affirmed a motion directing the executive to ensure the replacement of old oil pipelines spread across the country.

Buhari at the last count, has however, assented to nine other bills passed by the eighth National Assembly .

Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, who made this known to journalists yesterday explained that President Buhari decided not to communicate with the Ninth Assembly on the rejection of those bills because the new lawmakers cannot take any decision on the rejected bills.

He, however, promised to engage the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly on the rationale behind the rejection of the bills.

According to him, the current assembly cannot take action by way of commenting or overriding any of the rejected bills because the law forbids the federal lawmakers to do so.

The 17 rejected bills, Enang revealed, include Adeyemi Federal university of Education (Establishment) Bill; Federal University of Education, Kano, Bill; Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill; Federal University of Education Zaria, Bill; National Security Agencies Protection of Officers Identity Bill; Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency Bill; Environmental Managers Registration Council of Nigeria Bill.

Others are Industrial Development Income Tax Act Amendment Bill; Defence Research and Development Bureau Bill; Animal Diseases Control Bill; Good Samaritans Bill; Chattered Institute of Directors of Nigeria Bill; National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Establishment Bill; Federal University of Wukari (Establishment) Bill; Warehouse Receipt and Other Related Matters Bill; Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Agency Bill; Nigeria Automative Industry Development Plant Fiscal Incentive and Guarantees Bill; Nigerian Film

Commission Bill; and Proceeds of Crime Bill.

Enang also named the nine bills assented to by President Buhari.

The nine bills assented to by Buhari were the Police Trust Fund Act, Nigeria Natural Medicine Establishment Act, FCT Management Board and Health Insurance, Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Defence Bill.

Others are, Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria Bill, National Institute of Construction Technology and Management (Establishment) bill, National Agricultural Seed Council bill, Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Amendment), FCT Primary Healthcare Board.

The rejected ones were Adeyemi Federal University of Education (Establishment) Bill, Federal University of Education Kano, Bill, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill, and Federal University of Education Zaria, Bill.

Others were the National Security Agencies Protection of Officers Identity Bill, Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency Bill, Environmental Managers Registration Council of Nigeria Bill.

Also rejected were the Industrial Development Income Tax Act Amendment Bill, Defence Research and Development Bureau Bill, Animal Diseases Control Bill, Good Samaritans Bill, and the Chattered Institute of Directors of Nigeria Bill.

The list also included the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Establishment Bill, Federal University of Wukari (Establishment) Bill, Warehouse Receipt and Other Related Matters Bill, and the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Agency Bill.

Buhari also rejected the Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plant Fiscal Incentive and Guarantees Bill, Nigerian Film Commission Bill and the Proceeds of Crime Bill.

Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday called on the federal government to replace all old oil pipelines in the country following a recent oil pipeline explosion at Komkom Town in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State which claimed many lives and property.

DEATH KNELL TO RUGA …

R-L: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi; Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong; Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; and Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Seth Crowther, during a meeting of the representatives of the Technical Committee of National Executive Council (NEC) on Farmers/Herders Crisis at the State House, Abuja...yesterday

CAN Disowns Fatoyinbo, Says COZA Not Member of the Association Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Following the allegation of rape against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) by Busola Dakolo, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied the clergyman, saying COZA is not a member of the association.

In a statement signed by its National Director, Legal and Public Affairs, Kwamkur Samuel Vondip, CAN said: “The association recognises that COZA, to the best of our knowledge, is not a member of any of the families that belong to CAN.

“CAN, as an association, is equally sad that there have been recurrent allegations of rape and infidelity against some gospel ministers and other Christians as well.

“While efforts must be made to get to the root of the matter through thorough investigation, the association condemns totally any act of infidelity either by a pastor or any member of the church of God. Immoral relationships with anybody in the society are against the teachings of the Bible and the church, and we urge all believers all over the country to run away

from them.”

The association, therefore, urged all ministers of the gospel to shun all appearances of evil, especially unregulated closeness to persons in the church, adding that rape by every standard is sinful and an act of wickedness.

On the flip side, CAN also strongly appealed to all Christians to avoid blackmail against any brother or sister in the church for whatever reason.

The statement read: “The association understands the challenges of preachers who, by virtue of their position as parents of all in the church, may stand

the danger of being accused. All Christians, leaders most especially, must be circumspect in the way they walk, not as unwise but as wise, understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

Calling on the security agents and the judiciary to redouble their efforts in prosecuting the various cases of rape and other heinous crimes that are presently bedeviling the society without fear or prejudice, CAN empathised with the ladies who leveled allegations against Pastor Fatoyinbo and other ministers whose stories are trending presently.

PDP Accuses Gbajabiamila of Attempt to Impose Minority Leadership Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday rejected what it described as the attempt by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to impose leaders for the party in the House of Representatives.

PDP said it had duly written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, after consultation with other minority members in the House of Representatives, notifying him of members that were selected for leadership positions in the House of Representatives, in line

with dictates of the rules and parliamentary practice.

But THISDAY gathered from some lawmakers that the position of the PDP was not in line with the House of Representatives’ Rule 8 Section 7, which states that it is only members that would pick its leaders and not the party.

It was further gathered that there are nine opposition political parties in addition to the PDP. However, PDP was alleged that ahead to appropriate all the four minority positions without input from other minority parties.

The letter read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives was endorsed by 111 members

of the minority party as against the 147.

But in a statement by the spokesman of PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbkndiyan, the party alleged that the speaker attempted to smuggle in names other than those recognised and forwarded to him as the leaders of the Minority in the House of Representatives.

“The PDP, in the strongest terms, cautions against this abuse of rules, parliamentary practices and procedures as well as the convention and we urge the speaker to respect the rules and read the list submitted to him by the leadership of the PDP.

”For the avoidance of doubt, the list forwarded to the Speaker by the PDP is as follows: Hon. Kingsley Chinda - Minority Leader; Hon. Chukwuka Onyema- Deputy Minority Leader; Hon. Yakubu Barde Minority Whip; Hon. Muraina Ajibola - Deputy Minority Whip”.

However, the other minority parties in the House selected Ndudi Elumelu as the Minority Leader. He is from Delta State.

Other minority officers selected include: Toby Okechukwu as Deputy Minority Leader and Gedion Gwani as the whip.

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House in Rowdy Session over Announcement of Principal Officers Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja The House of Representatives was yesterday thrown into confusion with some aggrieved members making frantic efforts to grab the mace after the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, announced Minority Principal Officers of the house.

Gbajabiamila, who said 90 opposition lawmakers from nine different political parties signed for the nomination of the principal officers, announced Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, Delta State) as the Minority Leader.

Others announced are the Deputy Minority leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu State); Minority Whip, Hon. Gideon Goni (PDP, Kaduna State);

and the Deputy Minority Whip, Adesegun Adekoya.

Trouble however started at about 2.30 p.m. when aggrieved members of the main opposition PDP opposed the announcement.

It took a timely intervention of some sergeant-at-arms to prevent the lawmakers from seizing the mace while some lawmakers were set for brawl.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP), whose name had been forwarded to the House of Representatives, moved a point of order, attempting to prevent the Speaker from reading a letter said to have been signed by 99 members of the minority parties but he was ruled out of order on the grounds that only the PDP cannot not determine who leads

the minority.

Relying on Order 6 Rule 1 of the House Rules, Chinda contended that members of minority parties should have chosen from among themselves, someone with experience to lead them, arguing that where the House rule was not clear on the procedure, the House ought to have followed precedence or follow a resolution of the House.

Addressing journalists at the House of Representatives, Chinda said: “We speak to you as members of the minority caucus

in the House of Representatives.

Let us very sincerely apologise to you and to Nigerians for the fracas that took place today in the House. It is not in our character as very responsible people. It is not our wish that we should go that way. It is also not proper. But as parliamentarians, we will not sit down and see our rights being trampled upon. So, we sincerely apologise to Nigerians.

“The issues are that of the minority leadership. It is standard parliamentary practice that in parliament, minority leadership

comes from amongst minority parties and the correspondence is always sent by the major minority party. In our case, that was followed. The PDP held discussions with other minority parties, agreed on a leadership in the parliament and forwarded a letter to Mr. Speaker, dated June 21, 2019. A copy of the letter was received on June 26, 2019.

“Yesterday, the Senate, in compliance with democratic practice, read out the letters from the APC and the PDP. Of course, there were dissenting voices. The

president in his wisdom advised senators who were aggrieved to go back to their parties and resolve the issues.

“However and very unfortunately, in the House of Representatives, the reverse is the case. We came today only to hear our dear Speaker attempting to read what he termed as correspondence from a conglomerate of political parties; that some members had endorsed some other persons as minority leaders aside the one that was forwarded to him by the party.”

Access Bank to Build 15-Storey House in Ogun Femi Ogbonnikan in Abeokuta The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, yesterday disclosed plans by its organisation to build a 15-storey high-rise building and a creative arts and entertainment village in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

He also said the bank will build an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) software and content development hub in the state.

Wigwe who made this known in Abeokuta, while on a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said that Access Bank was looking at a sector that would sit on four major hubs, adding that entertainment, information technology and skills, Nollywood and music industry would be looked into.

“I am talking of a sector that will sit on four major hubs - first is entertainment, the second is IT and vocational skills, which will basically ensure that several people from these great state and neighboring states will be trained and given high quality power as far as intellectual content is concerned; the third has to do with Nollywood and the fourth has to do with music,” he said.

Also, he noted that Access Bank was looking at establishing a support system in Abeokuta,

while also it is aiming at starting the construction of a 15-story building that would help to support their contingency plan for Information Technology, affirming that work would start later in the year “The second is a project that is dear to me and which is to ensure that we start looking at establishing what we refer to as a support system for Access Bank out here in Abeokuta, we are determined to put up a 15 story building out here in Abeokuta which will basically help support contingency plan for IT, help support us as far as our contact center is concerned, ensure that we give Ogun a befitting center if you like, compared to other world class institutions that intend to come out here.

“We will start construction of that site later this year, we will ensure we put our map fully out here in this beautiful city,” he said.

Wigwe added that the creative sector which has being taken for granted for a long time could employ between two and three million people if looked into.

“The creative sector is a very important sector that people take for granted and if you look at the context of Nigeria, if we get it right, perhaps, coming out of Ogun State, you will find out that we will provide employment over the next five years to perhaps two or three million people coming out of that sector,” he said.

NNPC Pays $833m Cash Call Debt to ExxonMobil Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday said it has defrayed the cash call debts owed an International Oil Company (IOC) Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) with a payment of $833.57 million.

It said in a statement from its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, that its full settlement of the debt to Mobil occurred barely two years after it signed a cash-call repayment agreement with it and other Joint Venture (JV) partners in oil and gas production.

According to the statement sent from Abuja, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said this at a commemorative close-out ceremony to mark the conclusion of NNPC/MPN cash call repayment agreement, adding

that the feat was a product of determination and hard work.

Baru, according to the statement, stated that NNPC’s management came up with the novel cash-call exit strategy to boost investors’ confidence and grow Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

He added that the payment did not in any way undercut remittances to the Federation Account as it was achieved through revenue from incremental production.

“It is gratifying to note that within two years of this agreement, the NNPC/MPN JV significantly executed in incremental activities that generated adequate proceeds to liquidate the $833.57 million cash-call arrears, whilst ensuring that revenue flow from the JV to the federation remained stable,” Baru said in the statement.

PRISON REFORMS ON THEIR MINDS…

L-R: Enugu State Chief Judge, Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu; Deputy Governor of Enugu State; Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and Chief Judge of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Justice Ishaq Bello, during the visit of members of the Presidential Committee on Prisons Reform and Decongestion to the Government House, Enugu … yesterday

Minimum Wage : Lawan Wants NLC to Shelve Strike Action Deji Elumoye in Abuja Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, has pleaded with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to shelve its planned strike action over the reported delay in the implementation of the N30, 000 minimum wage by federal and state governments.

Lawan made the plea yesterday when the executives of the NLC and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), led by Ayuba Wabara and Sunday Sabiyi, respectively ,paid him a courtesy visit.

He called for further

understanding and patriotism by the labour, adding that some states have started paying the agreed minimum wage.

“So, we should not encourage personal issue to overshadow our collective responsibility to nation building.

“We will journey with you to ensure absolute implementation of the minimum wage by the federal government,” he said.

Lawan also called on the PASAN leadership to collaborate with the management and leadership of the National Assembly, urging them to present issue-based arguments instead

of engaging in strike action to press home their demands.

He assured that the Ninth assembly will not be distracted but remain focused in pursing growth in every sector of the country.

Speaking earlier, Ayuba had pledged the commitment and collaboration of the labour unions to the federal legislation.

Also speaking, PASAN Chairman, Sabiyi urged Lawan to use his wealth of experience as a ranking senator to the service and protection of the interests of the people.

He also used the forum

to table the demands of the parliamentary staff in the National Assembly, which include implementation of 2018 arrears of 28 per cent and balance of 50 per cent consolidated legislative salary, implementation of condition of service recently approved by the eight National Assembly, training of staff, health insurance and life insurance premium.

Meanwhile, the Senate president also yesterday inaugurated two Ad-hoc committees on Senate Legislative Agenda; and Media and Public Affairs.

INEC Asks Election Observers to Submit Reports Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahood Yakubu, has decried the non-submission of reports from the civil society groups that monitored the last general election in the country.

In his address yesterday at the review session of the last general election, the INEC chairman said that a critical component of the requirements for accreditation of observers is the submission of reports and recommendations in the format provided for in Chapter 5 of the commission’s guidelines for election observation.

“So far, less than 50 domestic

and foreign observer groups have submitted their reports. More specifically, only 42 domestic observer groups have submitted their reports representing only 26 per cent of the 120 accredited groups. “The commission wishes to appeal to all accredited observers (domestic and foreign) to submit their reports in earnest so that we can aggregate their cumulative recommendations in our ongoing evaluation of the 2019 general election,” stating that yesterday’s meeting was not a substitute to observers’ obligation under our guidelines.

Yakubu said that the objectives of the review session were primarily to exchange ideas, share experiences and examine new

options by which the conduct of elections in Nigeria can be enhanced.

According to the INEC chairman, it was for this reason that the commission accredited observers for all the elections, whether general or off-season.

He explained that during the last 2019 general election, “a total of 159 groups were accredited as election observers -120 domestic and 39 foreign. Collectively, these groups deployed 73,562 observers - 71,256 domestic and 2,306 foreign.

“The breakdown of the accredited observers by gender shows that out of the 71,256 domestic observers deployed to the field, 51,320 (72 per cent) are

male while 19,936 (28 per cent) are female. For foreign observers, out of 2,306 persons deployed, 1,711 (74 per cent) are male while 595 (26 per cent) are female.

“A very important dimension to election observation is the effective participation and deployment of observers representing persons living with disabilities. Nigeria is the first country in Africa to accredit PWDs as election observers in their own right. I want to place on record our appreciation and pledge for continuous support to Inclusive Friends, the Albino Foundation and all other organisations representing persons living with disabilities,” Yakubu explained.

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

HOW NOT TO TREAT A GOVERNOR

Taraba Governor, Darius Ishaku, deserves an apology from the Police, writes Abdullahi Salisu outrageous act of humiliation of a very senior public servant – a sitting governor of a state who enjoys immunity under the constitution of the country.

T

hey came in several vehicles dressed in full battle gear. Sophisticated guns and bulletproof vests complemented their smartly ironed green-ongreen police uniforms. Their destination was the Abuja private residence of Darius Dickson Ishaku, executive governor of Taraba State. And their brief was to obtain some incriminating evidence, no matter how little, against the governor for the purpose of framing him up as a gun runner.

All entreaties by their fellow police men on guard at the entrance to the house to tarry awhile for the keys to the apartments to be brought so that entry into the building would be easier and less destructive fell on deaf ears. They opted for the use of force, using heavy iron equipment they had brought with them. By the time they were through with their evil mission, the building had become a shadow of its former self. Doors and windows were smashed, beds and tables were broken, air conditioners and refrigerators damaged while the ceilings were pulled down, all in their desperation to get “something” to take back to their masters for the purpose of nailing the governor and members of his family.

They found no such thing. It was, indeed a failed mission. I’m told that up till now, that is, over three weeks after the incident, the police high command and their masters are still leaking the wounds of failure of this outrageously embarrassing assault on Governor Ishaku’s privacy and his constitutionally guaranteed immunity as a sitting governor of a state in Nigeria.

The police authorities, according to reliable information, are so disappointed and embarrassed by the scandal that the failure of the invasion of the governor’s privacy turned out to be for them.

It was for this reason that they have been unable to issue a public statement to explain it. Truth is that they have no convincing explanation for this primitive act which has gone into the nation’s history books as one of the most arbitrary and obnoxious violation against the person and office of a state governor.

But information available to this writer is that the invasion was a premeditated action intended at “punishing” the Governor for his courage in defending his people against the incessant attacks and killings in the state by the Fulani militia men. The police high command was said to have organized the invasion on the basis of spurious allegations that the governor had a large collection of arms and ammunition and huge amount of money in the house.

The plan was that the items would be recovered and the news of the recoveries trumpeted even beyond the nation’s borders in order to humiliate the governor and project him as unworthy of his people’s respect and support. That was the architecture of the plot that eventually failed.

Surprisingly, the nation’s usually very active human rights clan has failed to raise a voice against this unlawful invasion of the privacy of a sitting governor. The press, too, has been curiously silent. We have seen no editorial comments condemning this

So far only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Ishaku’s political platform and his colleagues in the PDP Governors’ Forum have condemned the invasion and demanded explanation. Yet, the police have offered none. They have just reluctantly ordered a probe which is being handled in a manner that will produce no useful results. They only intend to use it to exonerate themselves.

The police should show remorse. Governor Ishaku and his family deserve public apology. The police should organize a press conference to be addressed by the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu to publicly accept responsibility for the illegal invasion of the governor’s house, give full explanation on their motive and exonerate the governor and his family. He should also publicly give an undertaking to guarantee the safety and life of the governor, that of members of his immediate family and his close aides.

This invasion by the police is a serious matter, especially if taken alongside some other unsavoury developments that happened earlier and related to the governor. Shortly after Ishaku’s re-election for a second term, there was a threat to kill him.

The threat was linked to a certain group that was also linked to the political opposition in Taraba State. Then came the wicked rumours of the governor’s supposed death, also packaged and orchestrated by people connected to the political opposition in the state. All of these point in the direction of an invidious agenda against Governor Ishaku that ought to be a subject of police probe.

Unfortunately, the police that are supposed to investigate these dangerous developments around the governor are part of this intricate web of controversy and conspiracy. The invasion is a big evidence against their neutrality.

DOORS AND WINDOWS WERE SMASHED, BEDS AND TABLES WERE BROKEN, AIR CONDITIONERS AND REFRIGERATORS DAMAGED WHILE THE CEILINGS WERE PULLED DOWN, ALL IN THEIR DESPERATION TO GET ‘SOMETHING’ TO TAKE BACK TO THEIR MASTERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF NAILING THE GOVERNOR

The public and the press must rise and ask the critical questions on this issue. Why is Governor Ishaku being targeted for humiliation, even elimination? What really is his offence? Is it wrong of him to have opted to serve his people diligently?

I know he had always asked security agencies to show more commitment and become less biased in their handling of security issues in Taraba State. That was not too much of the chief security officer of the state to ask for. He never failed to express appreciation for the much that security agencies were always able to do towards the maintenance of law and order.

And he is on record as one of the governors in Nigeria who did the most to facilitate the job of the security agencies. Certainly, Governor Ishaku deserves better treatment from the police and other security agencies. Anything less will amount to an unfair treatment for the governor.

THE PROBLEM WITH RUGA SETTLEMENT Olusegun Adeniyi writes that the Ruga Settlement scheme is ill-advised

F

rom Oyo to Osun to Ekiti, Ondo and Ogun States, Oodua Investment indeed has vast expanse of land in the South-west that is not put to any productive use. “In Imeko, Ogun State, we have 4000 hectares. In Ekiti at Oke Ako via Ayedun Ekiti after Ipao, we have 12,000 hectares.

We should grow our own cattle and let the state governors that have power over land explore these opportunities”, the man wrote before adding, “Ruga on our land is being canvassed because we that own the resources are neglecting them. When problem arises, let us look at the business advantages that we can explore from it. We can create so much employment if we think out of the box.”

In a tweet on Tuesday, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State more or less endorsed that position. He argued that while the reason for the idea of ‘Ruga Settlements’ may be understandable, “it does not truly factor the interests of every state. We have a youth unemployment crisis our ranches can address. Ondo State must prioritize agriculture due to the arable nature of our land. A lot of our land is already earmarked for forest reserves.” In rejecting the establishment of ‘Ruga Settlement’ in Ondo, just as his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr Kayode Fayemi had earlier done, Akeredolu added: “The FG must understand why we need to be strategic in our decision making. We implore the FG to revisit the proposal based on feedback from the different states and act accordingly.”

If the idea of RUGA is about animal husbandry, there is hardly any part of the country where there are no abandoned ranches from the First Republic that the states can revive aside the River Basins of the Second Republic that are also lying fallow. But this would require more than the current whimsical approach that raises suspicion about the real intention. Given how fragile peace has become in Nigeria, introducing a controversial policy without in-house consensus and wide consultations with critical stakeholders was always going to be a problem. The deceitful manner in which the implementation was being handled made it difficult to counter the argument of those who insist there was a sinister agenda behind it.

Three news items have been trending in Nigeria in the past week: The rape allegation against the Senior Pastor of COZA, the ‘Ruga Settlement’ palaver and the assault on a woman by a Senator. There is a way in which we can connect the three issues in that they speak to both violation and impunity.

In one of the online forums where ‘Ruga Settlement’ was discussed with a measure of moderation, a commentator wrote: “There is a Ranch stretching from Mokwa to Kanji with all facilities including aircraft landing strip, clinic, workers housing estate, swimming pool, refrigerators, etc., owned by Niger State government that can accommodate all the cows in this country. It gets its electricity directly from Kanji...whatever happened to

it?”

Responding to the question, another person cited what happened to the Native Americans and the Australian Aborigines as a reason why the ‘Ruga Settlement’ idea could be a ruse, before he added: “…what they are attempting now is completely something else, in terms of its nature, scale and long-term effects. It has nothing to do with agriculture or agrarian reform; but a clever device for altering the ethnic, cultural and religious identity of Nigeria by stealth - through a combination of open borders and ethnicbased land redistribution for the Fulani and related ethnic groups....”

While I do not subscribe to such a conspiracy theory, for a project that has both national and international security implications, it is difficult to understand why no buy-in was sought before contracts were being awarded for the construction of ‘Ruga Settlements’ by some rogue civil servants. There is also no evidence that the money being spent was appropriated by the National Assembly. This is aside the fact that the implementation was coming at a time the president is running the country as a sole administrator with neither a cabinet in place nor officially announced aides.

That we are faced with economic challenges that require modernization of old modes of production is not in doubt. But the approach to the problems associated with the changing security and social integration challenges in our country is at the root of the current crisis. At a

period when an atmosphere of ethno-religious suspicion has replaced the previous harmonious coexistence, somebody ought to have anticipated that whatever its merits, implementing a Ruga scheme demands more than merely awarding contracts.

With the VP insisting that the project he superintends is different from the ‘Ruga Settlement’ idea that both MACBAN official and presidential spokesman said was being implemented, it could only be one of two things.

Either Osinbajo became uncomfortable with the idea he was driving or he found out about a different conversation happening elsewhere that he was not privy to. At the end, it turned out that the strings were being pulled by some civil servants in the ministry of agriculture who definitely must have powerful enablers.

With the crisis generated, it was no surprise that the process had to be suspended. Under the prevailing circumstance, a continuation of the ‘Ruga Settlement’ idea may open up new spaces of conflict - a case of digging a ditch to fill a pothole. Staying action for proper consultations so that there could be an elite consensus as a way forward therefore makes more sense. However, with contracts already being awarded from Abuja in what looks like another transactional enterprise, we may not have had the last of this project. As the federal government therefore comes to terms with the fiasco it created over the suspended Ruga Settlement project, I hope sufficient lessons will be learnt on how not to drive public policy in a diverse society like ours.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

EDITORIAL Back To School In The North The authorities should think out-of-the-box and enrol many children in school

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t a public forum last week, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) President, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, raised both an alarm and a call to action which the authorities in Nigeria must heed. “What we see is a cycle of illiterate parents giving birth to illiterate children who will also produce illiterate children and the cycle continues. That cycle of inter-generational illiteracy must be broken,” he said. In April this year, the Federal Ministry of Education revealed that a national personnel audit of both public and private schools in the country discovered that there were 10.2 million out-of-school children nationwide.

That majority of these children are in the north is not in doubt and was confirmed by the report.

Yet without good education, the future of children is already mortgaged with the attendant danger of making them IF WE MUST SPREAD susceptible to antiLITERACY IN THE NORTH social vices. Indeed, WHERE THE NUMBER ample evidence OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL exists that the social miscreants and CHILDREN HAS BEEN ON religious bigots, A STEADY RISE, THERE including the Boko IS AN URGENT NEED TO Haram insurgents EXPLORE THE SANUSI that have been OPTION wreaking havocs in North-east of the country today, are largely recruited from the army of uneducated people who grew up without any hope for their future. Most of the girls who are married off at tender age are also predominantly from rural areas, and mostly with no education.

Early in 2017, the Emir of Kano, Mohammad Sanusi 11, advised northern governors to use mosques to offer primary education instead of constructing new classrooms in the midst of scarce resources.

Sadly, nobody paid any attention to him. According to the emir, since there were many mosques in the northern part of the country, they could function as primary schools during the day time and in between

Letters to the Editor

afternoon and evening for obligatory prayers. This would slash considerably the amount spent on school infrastructure while more attention and funds would be devoted to the training of teachers and welfare. “When you convert these mosques to institutions of learning in your domain,” said Sanusi, also a former governor of Central Bank, “you simply bring education to the door steps of citizens at less cost.”

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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

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n endorsing Sanusi’s proposition, Alhaji Ismaila Modibbo Umaru, Secretary of the Muslim Council of Nigeria in Adamawa State said as long as the mosques were well kept and their sanctity as holy places observed, the idea was good to pursue. “During the time of the Prophet, mosques were centres of learning and scholarship, so our mosques can be used as classes so long as their sanctity will be respected as places of worship,” he said. Dr. Mansur Ibrahim, also an Islamic scholar in Sokoto, said parents who could not afford to send their children to even public schools, would send them to schools “managed by our mosques.”

In the history of Islam, teaching children in mosques is nothing new. Mosques were centres of learning and scholarship. The first ever school linked to a mosque was reportedly at Medina in 653 and by 900 “nearly every mosque had an elementary school for the education of both boys and girls.”

Renowned Islamic universities like Al-Azhar and many of its contemporaries were former mosques.

Sanusi indeed credited his suggestion to his trip to Fez, Morocco, where he visited a mosque performing its routine function as a place of worship, and a university.

In many of the rural communities, children study under trees. In the urban centres that have the luxury of being provided with classrooms, many of them are dilapidated with leaking roofs, cracked walls and without windows. In many cases, children sit on the floor as there are no reading tables and chairs for them. If we must spread literacy in the north where the number of out-of-school children has been on a steady rise, there is an urgent need for the governors to explore the Sanusi option.

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.

RAPE IN NIGERIA AND THE LAW

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fter allegations of rape made by Busola Dakolo against pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA, the media space is awash with tales of many cases of sexual assault and pedophilia. While we must be careful not to condemn the accused to guilt until they are proven guilty by a competent court of law, however, it is evident that we are nation with so many victims of sexual assault.

Hardly would you go through the dailies without reading of sexual assault. However, nobody is bothered as the victims are those without connection and the social media coverage is to punish and bring their assaulter to the court of public opinion. Had Bukola Dakolo lacked the celebrity connection, her story would have been one of the several cases thrown to the dustbin.

While sexual predation in our university system is gradually being exposed by several sex- for- marks scandals, two major sources of sexual abuse have continually being thrown under the carpet: sexual abuse by family members or religious leaders - they are continually being covered and the victims forced into silence. It seems we are a people who value family stability and religious comfort over justice for victims.

Day after day, tales of young girls defiled by family

members (fathers, uncles, brothers, family friends) and young boys defiled by family members are exposed. However, little progress is made in getting justice. In most of the exposed cases, it is after several occurrences that the mother of the victim would be forced to talk and when they do, most of the cases are not followed to the logical conclusion of the perpetrator getting sentenced. There seems to be a routine in most of the cases: settlement out of court after pressures from family members and the reason is the same - the precious name of the family must not be dragged in the mud. In a twinkle of an eye, the victims are sacrificed to protect the name of a family pedophiles and criminals.

The religious centres have also become a hotbed for sexual abuse. The religious leader- member relationship is a very deep one as the average member sees the leader as a god who is to be revered. This automatically presents a loophole for any criminal on the pulpit to exploit. In a state of continued illusion of their members in them, cases of sexual assault are seen just like a flash in the pan. Many women facing challenges believe the religious leader is a solution to their problems and are often lured by the preacher to bed. Women desperately seeking children are the most victims of this.

Many childless women have ended up carrying the baby of

a prophet because sex with the prophet was proposed as a solution. In some cases the religious leader forces himself on his victims and after the act, cajole and threaten them with spiritual propaganda. The “touch not my anointed” chorus is chanted and the victims fearing a spiritual backlash and the fear of going to hell go into eternal silence.

As a country, our law protecting minors against sexual abuse is weak. Not many Nigerians know that the age of consent is 18 and sex with anyone below 18 is a crime. In contrast to the law anything goes in the Nigerian reality. A Nigerian senator had got married to a 13- year- old; many Nigerians take advantage of girls below 18 because the girl’s family is not well to do and they can provide some means of subsistence for the girl. Many even flaunt on social media what in a sane society would land them in jail. It is my belief that enforcing this law and jailing offenders would go a long way in curbing sexual predation.

As the revelations and confessions of sexual abuses rage on, we must know that a rapist or pedophile let off the hook because of family connection or religious position would never show remorse but he would become bolder in perpetrating the act on other innocent victims.

Bright Ogundare, brightogundare@gmail.com

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THURSDAY JULY 4, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JULY 4, 2019

POLITICS

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

‘All is Not Well With the APC’

Femi Ogbonnikan holds a conversation with Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), immediate past National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress on the consequences of brazenly flouting the electoral processes, abuse of the party’s constitution and the Rule of Law

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ow do you view what happened in Lagos State recently with regards to the emergence of a new leadership in governance of the state?

I have no problem with the mode of succession in Lagos State, as far as it is in compliance with the Rule of Law. For me, it is what the masses want. Eventually, the people are the determining factor.

I have no quarrel with the procedure.

The only people that I, possibly, have problems with, are the electorates.

What is your problem with the electorates?

There are so many problems with them.

Poverty is one of them. There are too many poor people in the state these days. They, hardly, are able to reason objectively about the propriety or otherwise of anything.

Poverty is one challenge. Ignorance is another challenge. Thirdly, parochialism is another challenge. Fourthly, and that is by extension, out of poverty, moneypolitics. Then, thuggery or violence is another issue. These are the issues, more or less, in my very strong views that are militating against a genuine succession line.

Would you say that the people are genuinely at the centre of the process?

We are beginning to see it in the Northern states and you can see that in a lot of places where President Muhammadu Buhari won convincingly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors lost. You can see the sophistry of the electorates there. They are beginning to understand what the issues are. That is what I have been canvassing for, nationally, all over, that electorates, generally, must be informed. It is the duty of the elites to do some of these works, particularly, the education of the masses on what should be the determining factor when they are exercising their franchise.

Do you foresee an ‘o to ge’ (it is enough) revolution happening in Lagos?

As far as I am concerned, it is a natural process that is inevitable. I have said this thing repeatedly. I have not come across any empire in the world or dynasty that lasts for ever. I have not. I am sure that, God, in His divine wisdom, must have structured it that way. There is nothing anybody can do.

What is the point of your departure from the establishment or from power structure in Lagos State?

I have said it one million times and I am repeating it again, the difference is that, I am not a professional politician. I am just a professional that is interested in good governance and by extension, I have to be part of the political process.

The professional politicians know how to do their own. As far as I am concerned, there are certain minimum standards that must, at all times, be our guiding principle. Those are the ones I personally urge people, to at least, imbibe so that at the end of the day, we can have good governance.

If you are now kicking against the laid down process now, it has been alleged that you were a beneficiary at the formative stage...

What is the process have I benefitted from? There is no process. I have never attempted, let alone, contested an election. How would I have benefitted, then?

Imposition is a function of an election.

Nobody quarrels with appointments. If you are elected a governor today, if you

Banire like, take all the commissioners from your bedroom. It is your discretion and nobody would quarrel with you. But in elections, there are rules and regulations that bind the process. That is my contention, that those rules and regulations must be respected. The failure to do so continues to hurt the system. That is my own contention. I am not even interested in contesting. I have never been a beneficiary of such a process. It is not possible.

Recently, it was alleged that you and some people brought Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to Lagos during which the former FCT minister was accused of attacking the person of the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, over his dominance of politics in Lagos.

How did this happen?

I don’t need El-Rufai to come and lecture us here about godfatherism. I have always detested godfatherism and my position is, ‘I don’t care’. I don’t want them to see the position of El-Rufai as evil. The good news is that, you must have read about Baba Adeboye too, on his position on godfatherism, recently.

That it is something that is evil and that is what I have been condemning. It doesn’t help the system at all; it does not allow quality people to emerge; it doesn’t allow genuine people to emerge; it doesn’t allow transparency in the system; and it doesn’t allow institutions to function. I have always been against it and that is my own position. I don’t need El-Rufai for that. I don’t need any other person.

One thing about democracy is freedom of information and freedom to express yourself. That can’t be curtailed by anybody in what ever form, particularly, those who claim to be democrats. We are bound to continuously disagree till eternity. That is the beuty of democracy, but the ignoramus that would wake up to question your own opinion, rather than say their own opinion, to advance arguments. That is the problem. These are the people I don’t dignify most times, because it is not worth it. My principles are the

ones that I believe in. I will continue to advance them, except you can advance superior argument why I should move away from mine.

How do you feel about the recent losses suffered by your party (APC) at the election petition tribunals, particularly the loss of Zamfara state governorship candidate and senatorial seats in some other states to the opposition PDP candidates?

I have predicted all these. If you read my last report, those that I wrote and also sent to the President before my exit from office. I predicted that, all these things would happen. It is no surprise to me.

In fact, we are lucky that most of these primaries have not been challenged. If they have been challenged most of them would have gone the same way. That has been my contention for a long time.

There is a need for us to continuously respect the Rule of Law. It is only when you respect the Rule of Law that you would get the joy, otherwise, you would incur the wrath of the Rule of Law. When we are getting this kind of result, it is the wrath of the Rule of Law that is at work, because we have disobeyed the Rule of Law. It is no news to me. It is not surprising at all. That has been my own contention.

What did you say to the party before you exited from office after the expiration of your tenure?

My position has been simple. It is the even an advice, “let us go by the Rule of Law.” We have the Constitution of the party; we have the Electoral Act; and we have the Constitution of Nigeria. These are our governing legislations which we must continuously adhere to. Failure or refusal to adhere strictly to the Rule of Law will lead us to nowhere than where we are now, that we are unhappy with.

For me, it is not a matter of choice. I have continuously warned that, if at the end of the day, it is found that we have violated the Rule of Law, then, we will have ourselves to blame. There is no other advice than to continue to adhere to, or,

subscribe to the constitution of the party and the Electoral Act. They should let us live by the dictates of the Rule of Law. What are the likely implications of the European Union (EU) report on the 2019 general elections on Abubakar Atiku’s petition against President Muhammadu Buhari?

Unfortunately, I have not read it, not even in the newspaper. I stumbled on it on social media, but unfortunately, I have not been able to read it at all. I don’t even know what the content is, except I get a copy of it. As a responsible person, I won’t comment until I read the report.

Our people are dangerous. They can cook up petty things for you to digest.

Can APC survive beyond 2023 with its present structure?

It depends on the way we are able to put our house in order. Except we want to pretend, all is not well with the party.

That is the reality. The only way we can get out of it is to apply the Rule of Law and go back to the basics. If we can apply what the rule of the party says, that is the only way we can sustain the legacy of the party.

Are you still a member of the APC? It is a question that is a bit tricky. Honestly, my position is, I tend to tell people clearly that, I am a Buharist. I can’t say proudly that I am a member of the APC again. But I can say, I am a Buharist. It is as simple as that. At this moment now, I only follow the person that I believe in. If I don’t believe in you, I will move away. I have said it from day one, that the combination of President Buhari and Osinbajo are the people that I believe can shape the destiny of our country, positively. Except we are able to see any other credible human being, like them. I have not been able to see anybody that can fault or challenge their credibility, because beyond competence is integrity.

You must hold on to your integrity. Once people can’t fault that one, then, some of us that believe in integrity will continue to believe in them, rather than any platform.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JULY 4, 2019

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POLITICS

‘There Must be a Law to Prohibit Abandonment of Uncompleted Projects Inherited by a New Administration’ Victor Ogunje dialogues with Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele who represents Ekiti Central senatorial district on issues concerning the new leadership of the National Assembly and the attempts

by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State to turn around the economy of the state

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ance between the doctrine of separation of powers, interdependence and checks and balances; while jealously safeguarding the independence of the legislature as an arm of government.

overnor Fayemi has sworn-n the chairmen of boards and parastatals. What is your charge to them in view of the economic situation of

the state?

To begin with, Governor Fayemi has done well with these appointments in spite of the very lean purse of the state government.

Expectedly, the new appointees would have to make sacrifices and think more of how to make Ekiti great. The essence of an appointment is to serve the people and not yourself. If this still remains sacrosanct, then they must join hands with Dr. Kayode Fayemi to move the state forward. They must not forget the fact that the expectations of our people are very high. If you move round Ekiti, virtually all the strata of our society had been abandoned before Governor Fayemi came on board and that was why the teachers, market men and women, civil servants, pensioners , drivers, ‘okada’ riders are all expectant. It was disheartening that the immediate past government owed as much as between five and eight months salary arrears of civil servants and pensioners and since government is a continuum, Governor Fayemi has taken up the assets and liabilities and he is doing everything to defray all outstanding bills in due course. As of today, Governor Fayemi has earmarked the sum of N100 million monthly for payment of pension and gratuities instead of N10 million under the last administration.

All these are ongoing and our people have implicit confidence in us and that informed their opinion to vote for us in the July 14, 2018 governorship election, as well as, in the 2019 general elections when our party recorded 100 percent electoral success across the state. Looking at the combination of all these factors, the appointees must know that they came at a most challenging time and they must demonstrate their patriotic zeal by being committed to the policy thrust of this administration, rather than self interest. Going by the antecedents of many of the appointees, I have no doubt that they are credible men and women of integrity who would work hard to add value in the overriding public interest even despite economic challenges.

Governor Fayemi had solicited the enactment of a transition law to enforce continuity of government. Do you align with this in view of differences in manifestoes of parties?

Though political parties in Nigeria might be different, but the problems confronting our people are almost the same. Go to the North and South, East and West, the problems bedeviling our people are those of poverty, unemployment, insecurity , corruption, economic deprivation , environmental crisis and many others. So, I believe efforts being taken by the government in power are geared towards settling all these crises, but the methods and approach might be different. I align with Mr. Governor that there must be a law prohibiting abandonment of uncompleted projects inherited by a new administration from the preceding administration on account of not belonging to the same party. If you check properly, this has been one of the main reason why our people are experiencing sufferings. It marveled us to see a government abandoning a project or policy of the previous government just to ridicule that government. If you check your records, Governor Fayemi introduced the social security scheme in his first term and Youth in Commercial Agriculture and other safety net programmes, but all had fizzled out before he came back for the second term and he had to begin again to bring them back to life. This will cost money, time and energy while our people will be at the receiving end. That was what actually distinguished the APC government from others. We are democrats and we demonstrate this by

Coming down to your district in Ekiti. What are you bringing on board to combat the menace of poverty in the state?

I have a record in Ekiti as a good representative of the people and this is not my own making, but it has been the impression of my people about my performance when I represented Ado/Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015. During that time, I attracted 89 projects that actually helped my people in no small measures and that part accounted for the enormous support I received from them when I was given the ticket to represent Ekiti Central senatorial district at the Senate . So, I ran on a record and my people should expect the best from me by the Grace of God. I am particularly elated because the state government has been initiating policies that can resolve the issues of unemployment, poverty and poor economic situations of our people. As a federal lawmaker, my utmost priority would be to attract federal projects that would be of help to my people as this will complement what the state has been doing . The areas of human capital development and economic empowerment to youths and women will also be given priority .

Bamidele our commitment to the ethos of democracy by embracing continuity in governance.

This you can see with the way President Muhammadu Buhari has been doing. All the projects initiated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan were given attention. In actual fact, the suggestion made by Governor Kayode Fayemi was apt and well thought out and this will serve the nation well if the law is promulgated.

What of the projects some people consider as patronage to members of the and not in the overall interest of the people? Why should such projects be continued by a new administration?

If there were faults in the way and manner a project was conceptualised or implemented, the government in place enjoys that latitude to amend and do the necessary correction to meet up with the standard expected, but the idea of jettisoning a project that had gulped multi-million or billion Naira public funds should be discontinued. It should not be part of our culture and way of life. It forms part of the drains that waste public funds and cause serious angst in the system.

Senator Ahmad Lawan emerged the Senate President having been pushed forward by the APC for the 9th Assembly.

What should Nigerians expect?

Nigerians should expect progress, peace, stability and development in terms of robust and hitch free executive -legislative relationship. You can’t deny the fact that the eighth National assembly under the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki and the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara had frosty relationships with the executive arm and this in actual fact slowed down governance, but this one will be different. The combination of Senator Lawan and the Speaker Gbajabiamila of the House of Representatives constitute an embodiment of knowledge and experience and this will help President Buhari, Nigerians and even the legislature. If you look at the whole gamut of government, the legislature is very important because it is the intellectual organ of government, that is where laws are made for good governance at the executive arm and where sensitive issues of national interest are debated and

passed into resolutions to guide government policies and this forms the basis for why that arm must see the executive arm as ally in progress and development of a nation, rather than a rival or enemy culminating in muscle flexing and all that. Their emergence as leaders of the ninth assembly has brought a paradigm shift in the politics of our nation, it has redefined it. It was a product of party supremacy. In the eighth assembly, some lawmakers defied the party and worked with the opposition to defeat the party’s choice. But this was different and showed that parties as vehicle for electoral contests have a say in who becomes what either at the executive or legislative arms. We have to thank the National Corking Committee of our party, led by our hyperactive chairman, Comrade Adam Oshiomhole as well as President Buhari, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, our governors and other leading stakeholders of the party for bringing to life the doctrine of party supremacy, because APC is the majority party and should automatically have a say whenever issues of national interest come up.

What of the fear that the leadership of the National Assembly having been influenced by presidency and APC could make them pander to their dictates?

Both Senator Lawan and Rt. Hon Gbajabiamila are too experienced to be rubber stamp leaders. They understand this legislative work and know when to maintain a hard stance and when to soft pedal. Let me also add that those saying that were just not familiar with the modus operandi and structure of the National Assembly. If you study the voting pattern, Senator Lawan and Hon Gbajabiamila got non partisan support and votes that transcended the number of members, which shows that all the parties will have a say before critical decisions are taken. However, the APC came into power to make tremendous positive impact on the lives of the people and that is why the present leadership will cooperate with President Buhari for his dream of leaving a country that we can all be proud of realizable. In a nut shell, I can boldly and confidently say that there won’t be frosty relationship and we shall key into the APC’s agenda , but this won’t make the leadership to be a lame duck . We will strike a healthy bal-

As a lawmaker from the southwest, how do you see the alarm being raised that kidnappers are on rampage in the region?

This should be a source of concern to everybody, because no sustainable development can be achieved where people are not secured. Of recent, there were reported cases of kidnapping along Aramoko-Erio-EfonIwaraja Road . But my fear was assuaged because everybody is now taking the issue of security serious, we are no longer leaving it to the police alone to do. Again, the security outfits are taking the matter very serious and responding to the situation in a serious way. If you drive along that road now, you will see police checkpoints at frequent intervals trying to checkmate influx of criminals to the zone. Again, all the six governors from the region met in Akure, Ondo State capital recently and decided on how to deal with the situation and the results are being felt by way of aggressive mobilisation of our traditional and religious leaders as well as their subjects in all the nooks and crannies of the towns on the need to report strange faces to the security for proper action. Everybody is now vigilant and I believe this will help in taming these criminals, because everybody is involved in the fight.

Do you have confidence in President Buhari to be able to rise to the occasion?

Absolutely. If you see how President Buhari mobilised the security to end senseless killings in Benue and environs, then I have no reason to doubt the capacity of this government on the issue of security.

Even, if you look at the Boko Haram attacks in the North-eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, what we now have is occasional bombings unlike before when it was a daily occurrence. This is because the Buhari administration has actually won the conventional war fare while Boko Haram has resorted to guerrilla tactics. Of course, it is not yet Uhuru in that regard but everything must be done to encourage the administration to sustain and eventually defeat terrorism in all its ramifications.

The banditry in Zamfara, Katsina and Niger states as well as the emerging cases of kidnappings in the South-west must become a thing of the past.

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 08152252325

Giving Back through Mentorship Chiamaka Ozulumba writes that the International Visitors Leadership ProgramAlumniAssociation is bent on giving back to the society by mentoring young students in public secondary schools in Lagos

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o whom much is given, much is expected. This saying rings true for the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) Alumni Association. For them, the need to nurture budding youths on acquiring leadership skills is one of the ways they are giving back to the society.

The association came about due to the recognition they received from the US Consulate, as leaders in various their communities in Nigeria. They cut across all works of life, discipline and were randomly selected by the consulate for the giant strides they have achieved in their various fields. To be an alumni, the mentors undergo a three weeks experience program in about six states in United States where they interface with individuals in their own fields and learn leadership roles and skills that they will implement on their arrival back to Nigeria in various projects.

In lieu of giving back, the “Mentoring Project in Public Secondary Schools in Lagos” was created and in line with the Ministry of Education’s directive, they were assigned two districts within the six education districts and worked with four Public Secondary Schools; Eric Moore High School Surulere, Ajigbeda High School, Surulere, Agidingbi High School, Agidingbi and Central High School, Okota for this years’ Leadership Mentoring program.

Staunch believers in catching them young, their focus is on mentorship, thus exposing the youngsters to courses and skills like career development, handling peer pressure, personal development plans, decision making, time management, self motivation, etiquette and mannerisms, identifying their skills, maximising potentials to succeed and understanding Identifying their skills , maximising potentials to succeed and understanding their study habits, among several others.

Recently, it was the second graduation ceremony at the Oregun High School, Ojota, Lagos. The program began on March 11, 2019 with classes held for one hour in the four selected schools and lasted six weeks with the students coached on Leadership Skills Training, Education USA, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Series of Evaluation were also carried out.

The Leadership Mentoring program was designed by the IVLP Alumni Association to develop academic, personal and social competencies in high school students to prepare and equip them for leadership roles in the society. The mentors also retrained themselves further following directives from their manuals before setting out to coach the secondary school students who were tutored on various subjects on how to deal with peer and societal pressure, choose their friends, identify their areas of influence and choose their respective careers devoid of external influence and held interactive sessions with their mentors on educational opportunities opened to them in the United States.

It also gave voice to the girl-child, teaching them not relent but continue to forge ahead irrespective of gender or background even when the odds are against them. Mrs Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin an alumni of the association, who is a CNN Hero Award runner up and a Girls’ Advocate plus Founder of Pearls Africa Youth Foundation, a non-governmental organisation aimed at educating young girls with technology skills, during an interactive session with Ajigbeda Girls High School shared her life experience to motivate the students to strive to do better as hard work surely pays and not to succumb to peer pressure.

The participating students were also

The Leadership Mentoring program was designed by the IVLP Alumni Association to develop academic, personal and social competencies in high school students to prepare and equip them for leadership roles in the society

Mr Russell Brooks with mentors and students

US Consulate Mr Russell Brooks with IVLP Alumni

Mr Russell Brooks with the IVLP convener, Mrs Omowale Ogunrinde

encouraged to use all what they have learnt during the training to improve their way of living and also use the knowledge they garnered to educate their peers more on the opportunities opened to them, with Ajigbeda High School already a notch ahead as the participants have already set up Peer Counselling Sessions on Tuesdays in their school, where they teach and interact with their peers mostly SS1 and 2 students sharing their knowledge, further more boosting the programs’ initiative of touching the lives

of students in Public Secondary Schools.

The graduating students were given certificates of participation by Mr. Russell Brooks, the Public Affairs Officer of the United States of America Consulate, Lagos.

The program which in its second edition saw 240 graduands pooled from the selected schools, as each school had 60 participants. The increase in the number of students participating in this years’ program shows how strong the program is striving as against 130 participants the program

had last year with just two schools.

The project has mentored an estimated 370 students in six schools across the six educational districts in Lagos with 26 mentors involved with this year’s project.

Awards were presented to them for the work they put into the program, working closely with school counsellors, teachers and vice principal academic coaching this peer mentoring groups founded by the graduates to guide them.

Students were full of accolades for the program’s organisers and praised the mentors for all their input with Miss Ifeoluwa Martins, an SS1 pupil of Ajigbeda High School, speaking on how the interactive sessions helped her stop being timid and turned her into a courageous, smart and outspoken teenager who is no longer afraid of the crowd but speaks up to make sure her voice is heard.

Miss Olajumoke Balogun of the same secondary school and class said the program helped her tremendously to stop being “claustrophobic”. She has stopped being an introvert and actively interacts with her peers and seniors alike without fear.

The convener and alumni of the association, Mrs Omowale Ogunrinde rendered her heartfelt gratitude to the US Consulate for being a major sponsor, her fellow mentors who took time out of tight schedules every week to impact knowledge, touch lives, help develop the students socially, academically, psychologically in all aspects of life.

She thanked them for taking the pupils as their own without prejudice. Ogunrinde was grateful to Mr Russell Brooks for having an interactive session with students where he urged them not to relent in their endeavours and pursuits of a bright future.

He extoled the importance of education as the gate way to an industrious and fulfilling life and as the world is moving fast, the students should also gear up and work hard. He was full of praises for the mentors of the IVLP as they have given back to the communities all what they learnt during their own training in the United States and left no stone unturned when impacting knowledge during their mentoring program.

Brooks encouraged the students from the respective public secondary schools to use what they learnt during the Leadership Mentoring Sessions to improve and develop Nigeria in their own little way to increase development and prosperity in the country.

In his words “these young people represent the future of Nigeria; by giving back to them; by encouraging them to become young leader; by encouraging them to take education seriously; by encouraging them to work to develop their communities; that would produce a better future AHe urged them to take education very seriously and prepare themselves for the world in which they will live in, which is a globalised world, where they will have to compete with those from other countries in the fields of business and education as the world is more interconnected than ever before.

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#THISISNIGERIA Oluseun Onigbinde

When Will We Stop Shouting “Up NEPA”?

T

wo decades ago, I had a chore of buying kerosene in Itutaba-Oje, Ibadan. Then, I walked the 5km journey back home on Aromolaran Street, Old Ife Road. I would take this pain as I had spent 5naira transport fare on sweet oily “buns” that I cherished so much. More importantly, I mostly kept my eyes on the incandescent light along the way. I really wanted power to be at home. Our family had no luxury of generators as “I-better-pass-my-neighbour” had not been retailed as it is today. So, I kept looking around for the lit incandescent bulb that someone carelessly left on. Once I neared home and found none on a bunch of houses, I knew the verdict: there was no power. Sometimes, I prayed so hard that NEPA restored power by miracle. Sometimes, I relished in joy once the bulb flickered. It was a loud bang of "Up NEPA", a din of joy from children and peers. Sometimes, such joy is pricked in two minutes. There was no pattern, because it could be right before a football match or even five minutes to a Sunday afternoon soap opera and it was a tale of disgust. A sad tale that my young mind could not unbox, on why exactly this was our fate as a country. Sadly, it remains our fate, twenty years after.

In the last six months, Nigeria’s electricity grid has collapsed at least 9 times. That means the entire country, plugged to the grid, was thrown into darkness. In 1999, in those innocent years of asking why power was never available, Nigeria generated only 1,750MW for the entire nation.

Arresting the problem from a generation standpoint, the Obasanjo government would proceed to deduct $8bn from the Excess Crude Account to fund power plants. Analysts rose the decibel level to believe that the absence of the policy framework that liberalizes the entire process as evidenced by the incredible gains in the telecoms sector, was the problem.

The Obasanjo government successfully created a policy framework backed the 2015 Act, unbundling PHCN, but putting the sector mainly in the hands of private sector, the stories changed. Despite the 20-year journey and billions of dollars poured in, Nigeria still does less than 4,200W on an average with few spikes along the 5,000MW corridor. The difference between by experience twenty years ago is that we now have cheaper alternatives in small-sized generators, but the grid gives too little in the end. So, when will this really end?

I will classify Nigeria’s power problem mainly into three things: weak economics, industry-wide opacity/capacity and weak regulation. It is unfortunate that the 2014 power privatization did not put power assets in the hands of those with capacity to fix them. DISCOs (distribution companies) later claimed that they did not get adequate information on the assets that they were buying. So, we have issues of DISCOs rejecting power load given to them to be distributed.

This is because the tariff across the entire space makes little economic sense and the distribution infrastructure is the weakest in the value chain. DISCOs partly wallow in debt due to inadequate pricing and the N700bn relief provided by the CBN was not enough.

The feedback from government was there is a need to end the industry-wide opacity in the estimated billing system by providing automated meters. The poor economics of the power sector has made it impossible to secure large private investments, putting the only source of funding back to government.

Government investments will never be enough to scale the impact needed in the sector.

Nigeria has been going around in circles on this with NERC adamant that tariff will not rise till electric meters are well circulated. The entire value chain - gas producers, GENCOs,

Power Line

Transformer

PHCN NEPA

DISCOs - needs price correction. This is the fundamental of any functional market except Nigeria is waiting for Dangote, as it did for the petroleum refining sector.

The other side of the crisis is the lack of transparency in the entire sector. DISCOs have been fingered to have not be truthful in AT&T losses and their escalating operating costs has been a constant question. The Ministry of Power has also questioned them for poor investment in the distribution network that could only barely withstand 5,000MW. There will be a radical level of transparency across

board for Nigeria to rapidly improve its power situation. There have been comments from DISCOs that even generation companies (GENCOs) inflate their capacity charges just to claim more resources from the bulk trader. The radical transparency will involve all the partners along the value chain--DISCOs, GENCOs, NBET, Transmission Company of Nigeria, NERC & the Ministry of Power. The industry currently operates on low trust.

The third challenge has been regulatory structure pandering to partisan interests. NERC raised the tariff in January 2015, citing the need

to move towards cost-reflective opportunities.

However, weeks before the 2015 election, the tariff was reduced just to assuage Nigerians.

This recently was revealed more in the public altercation between Sam Amadi, the former NERC Chairman and the Eyo Ekpo, a former commissioner in the regulatory body. Why will a regulatory body pander to partisan interests? Why was the administration of President Buhari not able to walk back on this citing the anomaly close to the elections? As I explained in a tweet, it is not uncommon to hear the Minister blame NERC, NERC putting the blame on DISCOs, DISCOs also singing their song on the weak assets and the lack of transparency. The blame cycle has been going on and on while Nigeria wallows in darkness. The type of regulation that would fix the Nigerian power challenge requires all hands-on deck to see their faults in the sub-optimal levels in the power sector. The regulatory structure must also be able to separate the wheat from chaff and take out those without the requisite capacity to run DISCOs. Since the FG is also a shareholder in the DISCOs, it won’t be out of place to come to a place of mutual interest with DISCOs where shares are reduced in order to improve investment in DISCOs. Recapitalization of DISCOs, finding a cost-reflective tariff across the value chain, radical transparency on all fronts, a regulatory structure that seeks answers and not finger-pointing as well as quality service delivery mechanism is the way out of this mess.

So, when will we no longer shout “UP NEPA”? Stats say that Nigeria’s needed current consumption is around 19,000MW and if we are going to achieve scale with the grid, it might take another 15 years to get Nigeria to have a generating capacity that’s able to constantly wheel that out. Also don’t forget that the capacity of the transmission line is less than 7,000MW and it needs a spinning reserve to prevent the constant breakdowns.

More bizarre is the fact that our distribution capacity is around 5,200MW. Unfortunately, the poor tariff pricing and poor governance has created uncertainty for potential investors. The government must combine mechanisms of debt and equity to invest rapidly in distribution and transmission systems. Investments up to $40bn might be needed. Nigeria’s gas infrastructure is still inadequate to deliver power to new stations (over 2,500MW of stranded capacity due to weak gas pipeline & poor distribution capacity), transmission network would need to be tripled and distribution capacity, quadrupled.

The massive technical know-how that makes Nigeria reliant on China in developing hydro plants such as Mambilla also calls for the need to deepen capacity. How many years will it take for all these to happen?

Will the country’s industrial capacity rise with its ever-increasing population? Today, we need 19,000 MW; in another decade, it might rise to 30,000MW. South Africa with nearly a quarter of Nigeria’s population currently distributes over 40,000MW (and still recently has power outages), so this is a moving crisis.

In a country that has not added more than 3,000MW of stable distributed power in 20 years, how long will it take Nigeria to reach the threshold of even 20,000MW in two decades? If we rely on the current circus, the scape-goating, lack of mutual honesty and leadership to end this crisis, it won’t take a cynic to know that in another two decades (except a technology breakthrough that makes the grid irrelevant), we will still be shouting “Up NEPA” or a loud hoot that pervades our streets when the bulb flickers.

- Oluseun Onigbinde is the Co-Founder and Lead at BudgIT.

22

THURSDAY JULY 4, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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COURTESY VISIT

L-R: MD, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt. Fola Akinkuotu; Director of Finance and Accounts, AnieďŹ ok Umoh and Chief Operating OďŹƒcer, Ibom Air, George Uriesi, during the visit of the management of Ibom Air to NAMA headquarters in Lagos‌recently PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

Experts Call for Increased Investment in Digital Infrastructure Stories by Emma Okonji Information Technology (IT) professionals, under aegis of Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), have stressed the need for improved investments in digital infrastructure in the public and private sector business.

They were of the view that investing in digital infrastructure, remained one of the fastest ways to transform Nigeria’s economy, adding that the development of such infrastructure is critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The IT professionals made he call at the just concluded CPN organised IT Assembly, held in Abuja.

TELECOM Former Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Peter Amangbo, in his keynote address, stressed the need for improved investments in digital infrastructure, as a means to get the country positioned for the fourth industrial revolution that is knowledge-based.

Amangbo, who was represented by the Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc., Mr. Umar Ahmed, said the new era would witness shifts of monumental proportion, enabled by the convergence of the physical environment and digital space, and driven by ubiquitous connectivity, virtual reality, artificial

intelligence, robotics, and cloud computing, combining to enable the Internet of Things (IoTs).

According to Amangbo, “It may not be heavily prevalent in our local environment currently, but this wind of change is intensifying. It will bring massive disruptions to the traditional ways we have been doing things. “Making the appropriate investments and adjustments is key to our relevance in the global economy of the future.

One major area to invest is in digital infrastructure both at the public and enterprise levels. “The enabling environment for entrepreneurship and development of start-ups should also be created through progressive regulation of sector players.�

The President of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Professor Adesola Aderounmu, also aligned his thoughts with the keynote speaker, explaining that the IT sector has kept its trajectory of organic evolution and revolution going forward in Nigeria and the entire word because it is a unique industry where change, innovation and transformation are constant phenomena shaping the present and defining the future.

Aderounmu reminded the professionals that technology trend were relentlessly evolving at the speed of the future, such that they must all keep up with the trends or risk missing the train. “So, it is instructive that the Continued on page 24

Groups Oppose Anti-digital Rights Bill Disturbed by the passage of the anti-digital rights bill across some African countries, some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Human Rights Defenders in the continent have called for the repealing of the law, describing it as huge restriction of the right of citizens to freedom of expression.

Citing a recent case in Tanzania, where the country’s parliament passed into law on June 27, 2019, the amendments to the written laws despite pushback from civil society and human rights defenders, the CSOs called on African governments to consider passing bills that promote freedom of speech and association.

TELECOM The Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments No. 3 of 2019) bill was made public on June 19 under a “certificate of urgency� to speed up its passage. The discussions concerning the bill began in Tanzanian Parliament on June 21, 2019. Members of civil society raised their concerns over the short notice to provide feedback on the bill on the morning of June 21.

While condemning the bill, Paradigm Initiative, a digital rights organisation, which has operations in Nigeria, Tanzania and other regions of Africa, stated that if such bill was to be passed, it would restrict the

right to freedom of expression, assembly and association, and placing impermissible restrictions on civil society organisations’ operations.

The Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative Gbenga Sesan, explained that the laws proposed to be amended included the Non-Governmental Organisations Act 2002 (NGOs Act), Society Act, Trustees and Incorporations Act and The Companies Act 2002 among others. These four laws, according to him, were among the main laws which govern Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Tanzania hence raising concerns over whether this was targeted as well as the previous laws to further compress democracy

in Tanzania.

Director of Programs at Paradigm Initiative, Tope Ogundipe, said: “On June 21 and 22 2019, some CSOs managed to submit their views before Parliamentary committees in Dodoma, and days after, the Parliament passed it with only a handful of recommendations being carried forward’’.

According to Ogundipe, “The role of civil society in fostering development and protecting human rights can not be underestimated. CSO’s have not only provided jobs but have contributed to positive development in various sectors of the economy and wellbeing Continued on page 24

Ă’Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ù××ÓĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ě™ Ěš Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ĂšĂšĂ™Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂœË› Ă?Ă˜ĂœĂŁ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă•ĂĄĂ&#x;ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă—Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x; Ă‹Ă? Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœËœ Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ? Ě™ ̚˛ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ĂšĂšĂ™Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ—Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ëœ ĂœĂ™Ă?Ë› Ă—Ă‹Ăœ Ă‹ĂœĂŒĂ‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŒĂ‹ĂžĂžĂ‹Ëœ ËŤ Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă? åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ù××ÓĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ËŞĂ? ÚÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă™Ă? ĂšĂ&#x;ĂžĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂ?Ă‘Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ ÒÙÖĂ?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÙÚÞÓ×Ă&#x;Ă— ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÕĂ?Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‘Ă?ĂžĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ù××ÓĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ËŞĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂŁ Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ?ÓÑÒÞ˛ˏ Ă•Ă?Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x; Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă’Ă‹ĂŽ Ă‹ ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ Ă™Ă? ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“ĂœĂ? ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù× ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă— ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂŁ Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă?ÚÙÕĂ?Ă?Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ù××ÓĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŒĂ‹ĂžĂžĂ‹ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽĂ?ĂŽË› Ă•Ă?Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x; ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă—Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ™ĂœËœ Ă”Ă™Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă? ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă?ÓÚËÖ Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ÚÞĂ?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Í°ÍŽÍŽÍąËœ åÓÞÒ ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŽĂ?ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ—Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă?Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă–Ă– ĂŽĂ?ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă– ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ–Ă?ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂšĂ™Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă?ËÚËĂ?ÓÞã ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă“Ă‹Ă“Ă?Ă™Ă˜ åÓÞÒ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?ËÚËĂ?ÓÞã ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ë› Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă– Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœËœ Ă‹ Ă?Ă?ĂĄ ĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă•Ă? ËÑÙ˛ Ă?Ëœ ÒÙÖÎĂ? Ă—Ă&#x;ÖÞÓÚÖĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?ËšĂ?Ă?ĂœĂžĂ“Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă– ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă“ĂšĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă˜Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ÓÞÓĂ?Ă? ĂŒĂ™ĂžĂ’ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞËÞĂ?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ě™ ̚˛ Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă?ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‘Ă‹ĂœĂ˜Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂĄĂ“ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă?ĂŽ Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ù××ÓĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?ĂšĂ&#x;Þã Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœËš Ă?Ă‹ĂŽËœ ĂšĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ—Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ Ă?âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ëš Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ™Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ“Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? Ù××ÓĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂŁ ÞÙÙÖĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă‹Ă? Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂŽĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă™Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ ÚÙåĂ?Ăœ Ă?ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă—Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ëœ Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?ÓËÖÓäĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ù×ÚĂ&#x;ĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ă?ÞÓà ÓÞã Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă– Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ăœ ÞÙ ĂŒĂœĂ“ĂŽĂ‘Ă? ÞÒĂ? ÎÓÑÓÞËÖ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ–Ă?ĂŽĂ‘Ă? Ă‘Ă‹ĂšĂ? Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă“Ă‹ĂœĂ“ĂžĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă–Ă“Ă¤Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă’Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă™Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă?ÒÙÙÖĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂ?ĂœĂžĂ“Ă‹ĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă?ÞÓÞĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ë›

iSON Wins Award

Ă“ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă?ĂœĂ–ĂŁ Ă“ Ă“Ă—Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽËœ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ‘Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ËŤ Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹ĂœËŹ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ͱ͎ͯ͡ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù× ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? Ě™ ̚˛ Ă’Ă? Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă‘Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă“ ËŞĂ? Ă?Ù××ÓÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă™Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?âĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ËŞĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù× Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁËœ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă’Ă?Ă–ĂŽ Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž ĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă• Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ë› Ă“ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ ĂŒĂ?Ă‘Ă‹Ă˜ ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă“Ă˜ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ĂŽĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒËÞ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ă?âĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ?ĂŁĂ™Ă˜ĂŽË› Ă’Ă? Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă“Ă Ă? ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ ĂŒĂ?Ă‘Ă‹Ă˜ ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă‹Ă?Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ–Ă?ĂŽĂ‘Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁËŞĂ? Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă“ĂšËœ Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă¤Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă?ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ě‹ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă™Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ËŞĂ? Ă?ÚËĂ?Ă?Ë› Ù××Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ?Ëœ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă–Ă™ĂŒĂ‹Ă– Ëœ ĂœË› ĂœĂ‹Ă Ă“Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ă—Ă‹Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽËœ ËŤ Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă‹ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă? Ó×ÚËĂ?Ăž Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?ÞÓÖÖ Ó×ÚËĂ?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? åÓÞÒ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ăœ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ—Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ ĂŽĂ“Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?Ăœ Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“Ă? Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă¤Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÙÚÞÓ×Ă&#x;Ă— ĂžĂ?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁ Ă?ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ë› Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˘ĂžĂœĂ?Ă—Ă?Ă–ĂŁ Ă’Ă™Ă˜Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă Ă? ÞÒÓĂ? Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ Ă‹Ă? Ă“Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ—Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă“ Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ“Ă‘Ă’Ăž ÚËÞÒ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? Ă—Ă™Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĚ‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ?Ë› Ăž Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ ĂžĂ?Ă?ÞË×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ù××ÓÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ăž ĂšĂœĂ‹Ă?ÞÓĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă“Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?ËŹË›

NIGF to Focus on Digital

Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ÚËĂ?Ăž Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă’Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ăž Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™ĂœĂ&#x;Ă— Ě™ Ěš Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă?à ÙÖà Ă?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă Ă? Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ăž ÚÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ ÎÓËÖÙÑĂ&#x;Ă? Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă— Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžË›

Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂŒĂ“ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂšĂ? ÞÒĂ? ÎÓÑÓÞËÖ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ăž Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™ĂœĂ&#x;Ă— Ă&#x;ÖÞÓ̋Ă?ÞËÕĂ?ÒÙÖÎĂ?ĂœĂ? ĂŽĂ Ă“Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŁ ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ě™ Ě‹ ĚšËœ Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă&#x;Ăš Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă™Ă? Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ě™ Ă™ ĚšËœ Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁ Ă?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ě™ ĚšËœ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ù××ÓĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ě™ ĚšËœ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă‘Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ě™ ĚšËœ

Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă?Þã Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ ÒËÚÞĂ?Ăœ Ě™ ĚšËœ ÓÑÓÞËÖ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă‹Ëœ ĂœĂ?ËÞÓà Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁ Ă?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ě™ ĚšËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă™ĂŒĂ‹Ă– Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂŁĂŒĂ?Ăœ ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ě™ ĚšËœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă–Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ăž Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ Ă?ÞËÕĂ?ÒÙÖÎĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă? Ă’Ă™Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ͱ͎ͯ͡ Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ăž Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™ĂœĂ&#x;Ă— Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? Ă™Ă˜ ͯͯÞÒ Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŁËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡˛ Ă’Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă—Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ͱ͎ͯ͡ ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă? ËŠ Ă˜Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÓÑÓÞËÖ Ă™Ă—Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂĄĂ?ËÖÞÒ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžËŞË›ËŞ

“To encourage the existing players in the industry particularly the traditional JV partners, NNPC undertook to settle all outstanding cash call arrears amounting to $5 billion in 2015. Till date, we have defrayed over $2 billion. All these efforts are geared towards sustaining investment and renewing investor confidence�

GMD, NNPC,

Dr. Maikanti Baru

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T H I S D AY Ëž Í˛Ëœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

EXPERTS CALL FOR INCREASED INVESTMENT IN DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE chosen theme for this year’s edition of CPN IT Assembly echoes the national mantra of the new government that has just been inaugurated at the Federal level. “The new national government’s thematic slogan is Next Level in governance, while CPN’s chosen theme for this Assembly is Digital Infrastructure: Defining the Next Level. One quick inference from this thematic coincidence is that the IT industry practitioners in Nigeria must continue to be digital light bearers, showing the right path to sustainable national development and secured future through ICT,� Aderounmu said.

CPN President, Professor Charles Uwadia, noted that infrastructure had always been important to a nation’s economic growth and success, but stressed that the infrastructure needed for today’s economy was rapidly changing with advances in Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs).

GROUPS OPPOSE ANTI-DIGITAL RIGHTS BILL of the nation.�

In a statement issued by the Tanzania Human rights defenders coalition (THRDC) along with over 300 other CSO’s, it stated that the urgency of passing the bill did not give reasonable time for the public to comprehend the implications of such a law. In attempts to push back, movements such as Change Tanzania published an online petition to collect signatures to lobby the parliament to give more time for comments before passing.

However despite collection of over 900 signatures in a span of two days, the petition fell on deaf ears.

According to Sesan, the need to stop anti-digital rights bill became necessary to dissuade other African countries from passing such bill. Sesan added, “The country has passed a series of oppressive laws in a short span of slightly over a year when they first released the changes to the Electronic and Postal Communications Act (EPOCA) in March last year.�

Foundation Seeks Adoption of AI Technology in Healthcare Stories by Emma Okonji

per cent of healthcare provider organisations, life science companies, and technology vendors to healthcare are using artificial intelligence technology, adding that by 2020, these organisations will spend an average of $54 million on artificial intelligence projects.

Akinbo stated further that many AI technologies were cropping up to help people streamline administrative and clinical health care processes. “Various professionals and reports predict that artificial in-

telligence and machine learning (AI/ML) will diagnose disease better and earlier, treat illness more precisely, and engage patients more efficiently than today’s healthcare system does. On top of this, AI/ML is expected to streamline business operations and restore sanity to the clinician experience�, he said.

He also noted that the major technology giants have ventured into healthcare and thus already changing the future of healthcare and promising more radical

changes for the better in the nearest future.

On why the health care providers need to embrace technology, particularly, machine learning, Akinbo stressed that “machine learning undoubtedly helps people to work more creatively and efficiently.

Basically, you too can delegate quite complex or monotonous work to the computer through Machine Learning-starting with scanning, saving and filing paper documents such as invoices up to organizing

and editing images.�

He noted that the Foundation supports initiative that deploys ICT solve healthcare problems in Africa. He listed 10 ways AI is changing healthcare now and will in the future to include: Managing Medical Records and Other Data, Doing Repetitive Jobs, Treatment Design, Digital Consultation Apps, Virtual Nurses, Medication Management, Drug Creation, Precision Medicine, Health Monitoring and Healthcare System Analysis.

The African ICT Foundation (AFICTF) has advocated that artificial learning and machine language will change the future by improving treatment design, fine tuning diagnosis and improving accuracy and speed of detection, improving clinical administration, patient experience and general human life.

The Foundation made its position known in a paper presented at the annual seminar of the Lagos University Medical Society, hosted by the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, with the theme: Artificial Intelligence in Health, designed to inform the members of the profession about latest technology advancement in health care.

A member of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Mr. Oludare Akinbo, who spoke on the topic: ‘AI in Medical Practice-Future of Healthcare’, noted that media attention had largely centred on the ability of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to transform how clinical care is delivered through better diagnostics and treatments.

He disclosed that there were 121 digital health companies leveraging AI/ML and have raised a total of $2.7 billion with 206 deals from 2011 through 2017, which just over 10 per cent of all venture dollars invested in digital health during that period.

He said funding for AI/ML companies peaked in 2016 at $776.4 million representing nearly one-third of total funding to AI/ML companies since 2011. L-R: MD/CEO Plus TV, Kayode Akintemi; Divisional Head, Managed SMEs, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osaigbovo Omorogbe; Managing Citing a 2016 report from CB Director, Leapworld group, Funke Susan Medun; Government worker, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Insights, Akinbo said about 86 Nigeria (SMEDAN), Jide Majiyagbe, at a panel discussion to mark the 2019 MSME’s Day, held in Lagos‌recently

CELEBRATING MSMES

Expert Seeks Increased Adoption of Cryptocurrency The Chief Executive Officer of Kurecoinhub, Mr. Tega Abikure, an expert in Blockchain and digital currency, has advised the federal government and governments of African countries to consider the adoption of Bitcoin as a currency for storage of national reserves.

According to him, “Cryptocurrencies are changing the face of the global financial world and bitcoin is at the forefront of this.

African countries can benefit from its acceptance and value-addition by keeping some foreign reserves in the currency. If adopted, this can help to improve the finances

of African countries.�

Abikure who spoke with journalist in Lagos on the benefits of digital currency like Bitcoin, said there was need to consider a switch to bitcoin as a currency for foreign reserves in view of its global acceptance as a legal tender and also its persistent trade by individual and global corporate bodies.

Abikure, whose firm has launched what has been acknowledged as Africa’s largest Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Project, chided African governments for adopting a sit-and-look posture on cryptocurrency adoption and

regulation, at a period when many other countries outside were going ahead to develop a robust cryptocurrency system.

According to him, Africa always tends to be late in adoption of global technologies and systems, adding that the adoption of cryptocurrencies is another area the continent is lagging behind.

He said: “People and nations all over the world are taking this seriously, building viable projects and infrastructures around bitcoin to safeguard their future and that of the nations. But in Africa it seems we are the ones on the

far side of major adoption. “We are waiting for others to finish eating up the good stuffs and leaving for us scrums to live on. We just need to understand that Bitcoin, kurecoin and other highly valued cryptocurrenecies are here to stay and we can only become major stakeholders in this new reality if we can start taking decisive steps now.�

Abikure urged industry leaders on the continent to learn from the countries that were taking decisive steps to secure the future of their nations by taking cryptocurrenices seriously.

He identified some countries

such as United States of America, Estonia, China and South Korea as nations that African countries should emulate.

The finance expert also noted that USA had become a global reference point on cryptocurrency regulation and virtually all other nations were looking up to USA to provide directions for others to follow.

He also said South Korea remained a regular host of Bitcoin conferences and has provided a friendly climate for the local Bitcoin community as a way of becoming a global leader in cryptocurrencies

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ äĂ?

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

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

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

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

‘Terrestrial Fiber Infrastructure Key to Africa’s Digital Economy Growth’ Experts at the ‘Africa Panel Session’ of the 2019 International Telecoms Week (ITW), which held recently in Atlanta, USA, have stressed the importance of broadband infrastructure investment in facilitating the growth of Africa’s digital economy.

Speaking on the theme “Enabling Africa’s Digital Economy�, Principal Analyst at TeleGeography, Patrick Christian, evaluated the African digital economy, noting that the

study of global trends shows that Africa is maintaining its position as the fastest growing region in terms of internet usage, though data volumes remain lower than other parts of the world.

Christian, underscored the importance of the role content providers such as Google, Microsoft and Facebook, play in driving Internet traffic and the expectation that their traffic on the continent will increase with the growth of Africa’s

digital economy. It is expected that having more content beginning to reside and be exchanged within Africa, will add tremendous benefits to the ecosystem.

A panel that included representation from MainOne, Google, Avanti Plc, Angola Cables, CSquared Africa, and WIOCC engaged in compelling discourse that highlighted these and other key factors for development in Africa’s digital economy. The dialogue

centered on the notion that the development of the terrestrial network is key to growing the digital economies of all African countries, a point that was further emphasised by MainOne’s CEO, Funke Opeke, who stated that the organisation had working relationship with the Lagos State of Nigeria to enable digital transformation through the deployment of 2500km of fibre across the state, adding to the almost 1000km of fibre

currently deployed.

According to Opeke “Our immediate focus is to ensure we have fibre to the towers, fiber to schools, health care facilities, and other government agencies, fiber to the enterprise/business districts, and with a density to reach within 1km of the majority of citizens in Lagos. We envisage having network density whereby over 60 per cent of the population is within 1km of fibre access with the planned deployment.�

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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͳ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Omoniyi: Govt Must Provide Unrestricted Access to Right of Way Managing Director, VDT Communications, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi, spoke with Emma Okonji on the company’s expansion plan into retail broadband service, and the need for government to protect indigenous ICT companies. Excerpts:

W

hat is your view about ICT regulation in Nigeria?

Regulators need to come up with policies that will protect indigenous companies and help them to survive, rather than relying so much on the gains from foreign multinational companies. For some time now, there has been policy summersault in the industry and in the country, which is not good for business growth and sustainability, especially with indigenous companies. But even at that, I still give kudos to the telecoms regulator, which is the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its initiative in promoting telecoms business with workable policies. But we still need them to do more in the area of protecting indigenous telecoms companies.

Broadband penetration has reached 33 per cent but Nigerians still lack ubiquitous broadband access, especially in the hinterlands. What is your view on this?

Yes, broadband penetration is increasing and we are happy about that as a business but we need ubiquitous broadband to work with, and also to operate in the hinterlands.

Operators are afraid to invest in broadband in the hinterlands because of the low commercial value of the business over there, unlike the coastal areas where we have beehive of broadband activities. We need capital to invest in the hinterlands because taking investment to the rural communities and the hinterlands is quite expensive, and that is what the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the NCC seeks to address.

Having been in the ICT industry for over 18 years, what in your views are the best policies government should implement to enhance industry growth?

Government should begin to think of policies that will enhance innovation and growth in the ICT industry. If I have the opportunity to influence government policies, I will look at policies that will promote indigenous companies, especially small companies and protect them to enjoy maximum growth. Today, the Treasury Single Account (TSA) is driven by indigenous software called Remita, developed

by SystemSpecs. So we need more of such encouragement and support to indigenous companies operating in the country. We also want government to implement policies that will compel government agencies to use technology to drive governance. Technology in governance saves government a lot of money, it promotes growth and reduces corruption. Again there should be policies that will harmonise government activities and address the issue of government agencies working in silos.

VDT Communications was part of Bitflux consortium that won the 2.3GHz spectrum in 2014 that was auctioned

by NCC. What is the state of service rollout since then?

Bitflux was set up as a special purpose vehicle to bid and acquire the 2.3GHz spectrum to enhance our strategy for the rollout of retail broadband services to our customers, and Bitflux eventually won the bid. Since 2014 that we won the spectrum licence, we have been using it to provide certain services to customers, but we are now extending the service to retail broadband service for our customers, which was recently launched. So the major product that we have been building on the 2.3GHz spectrum, which is our retail broadband service, has just been launched in Lagos, with plans to extend it to other cities across the country.

Before the launch of the retail broadband service, you were into enterprise business service. How well have you covered the enterprise business space, now that you

services are clustered around Lagos and its environs. What are your plans to extend services beyond Lagos to the hinterlands where your services are also needed?

We have expansion plan to go beyond Lagos, but operators that cluster around Lagos and offering services around Lagos should not be blamed because Lagos is the economic hub of Nigeria. Most of the operators are mostly funded by private capital and they need to make returns, hence the concentration around Lagos where several activities take place and where the chunk of the market is. But even at that, Lagos alone does not represent the entire Nigeria and we are aware that our services are needed in several areas outside Lagos, hence we have expansion plan to go behind Lagos. From the Lagos launch, we plan to extend our services to places like Ibadan, Onitsha Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. After covering these cities, we will further move to cover ten other major cities in the country.

Omoniyi

are moving into retail broadband business?

We have been in the enterprise broadband market for some years, and now we are giant in that field. VDT is known all over the enterprise market for quality and timely provision of services in that market segment.

With just three branch offices in 2001 when we started the enterprise business, we have, today, expanded that business to over 35 branch offices across the country and our customers are delighted with our service deliveries. So we want to take that same success to the retail broadband market and ensure that our retail customers also have a feel of quality service at affordable prices.

The retail broadband service is built on your 4G LTE Advanced technology.

What makes this technology different from the 4G LTE technology that is known to other operators?

Government should begin to think of policies that will enhance innovation and growth in the ICT industry. If I have the opportunity to influence government policies, I will look at policies that will promote indigenous companies, especially small companies and protect them to enjoy maximum growth

What makes our 4G LTE an advanced technology is because of out kind of infrastructure that we are using to offer the service, which is a brand new infrastructure that was built from the scratch to offer LTE services. Today the world is beginning to talk of 5G technology, which is a technology for the future. So our 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) Advanced technology platform, gives us an edge over others that are still offering broadband service on 3G and 4G technologies. The added equipment to our 4G LTE Advanced technology is actually advanced with high speed of downloads and browsing, and providing qualitative service experience to customers.

Since 5G technology is the technology for the future, do you have plans to switch from 4G LTE Advanced technology to 5G technology anytime soon?

5G technology is the technology for the future but it is not available in the country yet. Since our 4G LTE Advanced technology is close to 5G technology in terms of speed of operation, we will definitely be one of the first operators to switch to 5G when it eventually gets to Nigeria, because our infrastructure is primed for that already.

How will your expansion plan from enterprise broadband service to retail broadband service help Nigeria to achieve its dream of digital transformation?

The digital age is already with us and we are currently playing in that space. So with the rollout of our retail broadband services, it will further boost our chances as a nation to achieve digital transformation, because most of the services that will be supported by our retail broadband service are geared towards digital payments, which will definitely improve our chances of digitalising the country’s operations, including government services. Many payment service providers have been licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and they are riding on our technology to provide digital services to the people, which is a sure way of achieving our digital transformation drive as a nation.

VDT is one of the operators whose

Now that VDT is venturing into retail broadband service, it is likely going to face the challenge of right of way from state governments in deploying its services. How do you intend to address the challenge?

Right of Way (RoW) has been a major issue to telecoms operators who want to expand their networks and need to lay fibre optic cables for expansion, but the fastest way to expand and reach the masses, is through wireless technology, and the wireless technology also requires fibre connectivity to link the different base stations.

So both the wireless operations and the fibre optic operations use fibre connectivity and therefore need the RoW access to lay fibre cables, which often times is a challenge as state governments come with all manners of restrictions through arbitrary charges before issuing licence on RoW. But with our 4G LTE Advanced technology, we will be using high broadband radio interlink to connect to base stations, even though that is not the best way to link base stations because we need backup links to our backhaul. Government must do well to provide unrestricted access to Right of Way in order to expedite the process leading to network expansion.

How will you cope with market competition in the retail broadband market where other players already exist?

Focusing on retail broadband is a natural evolution for us and competition will not deter us because we are simply living our vision.

The retail broadband market is big enough to accommodate us and we are going there to make a difference with our technology that provides affordable and reliable services.

We are just out to deliver qualitative retail broadband service to the people.

VDT is expanding at a time when Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are going out of business, no thanks to harsh economy, what has kept VDT afloat?

It is true that we operate in a very difficult economy and in a harsh business environment that have forced many ISPs to go under, but here we are waxing stronger based on our application of some basic tenets, coupled with the Grace of God. We have learnt to maintain singular focus in business and it has helped us to remain in business all these years. Again we have a dedicated team of staff members who also key into the values of the company and have shown a lot of commitment to the growth of the company. When we started 18 years ago, we were focused on our line of business and we became master of the business over time. Some ISPs went down largely because of the type of technology they built on, which is the CDMA technology that was later overtaken by better technology, which is the GSM technology. The CDMA technology did not have alternative and expansion became very slow, unlike the GSM technology that is flexible and can ride on other technologies.

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Evans/Katsoudas: Political Will Required in Poverty Alleviation The Co-Founder/CEO, Global Citizen, Hugh Evans and Chief People Officer at Cisco, Francine Katsoudas, spoke with Emma Okonji on their recent partnership to eradicate global extreme poverty by 2030, using various forms of technologies. Excerpts:

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ell us about Global Citizen and your mission to Nigeria?

Global Citizen is a worldwide movement community for the eradication of extreme poverty by 2030 and for us Nigeria is a critical nation in the fight to end extreme poverty.

Many state governors in Nigeria, including the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have affirmed their commitment to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We are aware that part of the political campaign promises of most of the governors were geared towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include eradicating poverty in their states and we are glad about this. When we visited the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, recently, he also affirmed the commitment of the federal government to invest in human capital and eradicate poverty in the country, and we are excited about all these commitments coming from the state and federal governments of Nigeria. When the Vice President talked about federal government’s commitment in investing in human capital development, he mentioned areas like health, education and food security across Nigeria, which is critical to the achievement of SDGs. So when Global Citizen and Cisco embarked upon a huge partnership recently, it was focused around what can be done to accelerate progress towards the achievement of SDGs over the next 18 months, and we all realised that working in Nigeria is in line with what Cisco is already doing in Networking Academies (NetAcads) in Nigeria, which underscores what we will be doing together with Cisco in mobilising youths to take action to achieve SGGs in Nigeria. It is critical that we achieve long them progress in this area and that is exactly why we are in Nigeria for this visit.

Global Citizen and Cisco recently announced a partnership to work together in eradicating poverty by 2030. Of what beneďŹ t is this partnership to developing economies?

Global Citizen focuses on eradicating extreme poverty and the partnership with Cisco will help in achieving the target. We are looking at it from two fronts by using the Cisco Networking Academy and access to technology and skills development to achieve the target on poverty eradication by the year 2030. We believe that the two major areas that could help economies get out of poverty are education and digital access, and we are going to focus on these two key areas to achieve the target, since we are closely aligned in our thoughts and agenda.

Given the task about eradicating global extreme poverty, what makes you think you can achieve the target through this partnership by 2030?

The good news is that the world has made enormous progress in the eradication of poverty globally. About 36 years ago, 52 per cent of the world’s population lived in extreme poverty but today, that figure has reduced to 12 per cent. So it is possible to eradicate poverty if we continue to work together to address it, but we need the political will of governments and the social will of the citizens, because it is not going to succeed without collaboration.

The partnership between Global Citizen and Cisco is therefore critical because we need the participation of the private sector, the government and the civil society and if everyone comes together to play their roles, we will definitely achieve our goals throughout strategies. Last year, during the 100 anniversary celebration of Nelson Mandela of South Africa, the CEO of Cisco,

large targeted audience.

What is government’s role in facilitating and supporting the initiative?

It is about holding government accountable on its many promises to the citizens.

So the platform will be used to monitor government and ensure that all government policies and promises are kept by government. For example, if there was an earlier announcement or promise from government during election campaign, we would use the platform to consistently remind government of its promises. Again government is one of the biggest stakeholders in public and private businesses, especially with the push to boost food security and eradicate extreme poverty. At the federal government level, there is need to support government programmes and initiatives that are geared towards poverty eradication. We are currently in talks with government and we are appreciative of government’s commitments and readiness to support the initiative. We need to this consistently in such a way that it will help government provide the basic needs and infrastructure that will drive development and eradicate poverty.

Evans

Katsoudas

Chuck Robbins, got on stage and announced the Global Citizen/Cisco Youth Leadership Prize, which was focused on finding a young person from around the world with exceptional work to eradicate extreme poverty. The prize was awarded to a young female activist from Kenya, who was focused on food security in Kenya, with innovative technology to unlock M-Pesa, which is the local currency for mobile money in Kenya and the currency was used in providing school meals for children across Kenya. She started with just a few hundreds of people and scaled up to thousands and she had a dream of having over a million children attended to at schools to enhance food security for Kenyan children. She believed that when children are fed, they could have great understanding for learning at their schools. So together with a young lady, the power of Cisco technology and investment and the Global Citizen platform, we can mobilise to archive greater results.

Although ending extreme poverty will not happen overnight but we have to begin the process and we need the federal government of Nigeria, the Lagos State government and other state governments to play their part to achieve huge success in eradicating extreme poverty in Nigeria.

which pegs it at people living below $1.90 per day. It is also a case where children die for lack of basic immunization or lack basic healthcare and access to quality education.

According to World Bank, 10 per cent of the world’s population lives on less than $1.90 a day and 2.1 billion people lack reliable access to safely-managed drinking water.

Based on that, we see Nigeria just overtop India with the highest number of people living in extreme poverty. So we are focusing our initiative not only in Nigeria, but also across West Africa countries where poverty rate is equally high and we will be using Cisco assisted technology solutions to address the challenges posed by poverty in these regions, with a view to eradicating poverty by 2030. We will use the available technology to monitor government and ensure they keep to the promise they made to their citizens on implementation of policies that will boost food security. We do this because most often, political leaders make lots of promises to alleviate the sufferings of the people but do not keep to such promises as time goes by. So our Job as a group is to make sure government implements all policies made for the common good of the people. So we do more of advocacy to protect the rights and privileges of citizens.

How will Nigerians beneďŹ t from the global initiative?

Yes, it is a global initiative and the citizens of every country around the globe are the targeted beneficiaries. Ending extreme poverty is a major goal for United Nations and that is what Global Citizen and Cisco are also driving at, in line with our goals. Cisco has a lot of projects deigned to eradicate extreme poverty, hence we went into partnership with Global Citizen that have same vision like Cisco.

How will you describe poverty in line with the partnership initiative and how do you intend to use technology in eradicating poverty in 2030?

The notion of poverty in itself is relative and so we need to define it based on the purchasing power of citizens in a given country, which the amount of money someone can pay for a particular item in a particular economy, based on the inflation and the standard of currency in the economy. So we define it just the same way the World Bank defines poverty,

What role will technology play in driving the initiative?

Technology will play a significant role in entire process of the partnership deal between Global Citizen and Cisco. We have since recognised that technology would enable us to touch and affect the people to engage them and to make them productive. So we are looking forward to bringing Cisco technology to achieve this by creating amazing experience for the entire world. Cisco is a technology company and we will leverage on its technological expertise to use the Cisco technology to drive the initiative. The Cisco technology is one of the things that attracted Global Citizen to enter into the partnership with Cisco. Technology is changing everything in all sectors of the economy and we strongly feel technology will make the difference.

Unlike traditional charity, we will use technology to communicate like sending emails to citizens on the platform, and pre-populate such emails to reach out to

How do you manage funding and who takes responsibility of funding the initiative?

We are not really concerned about funding because the initiative is about partnership and we are looking at commitments from both parties to drive the outcome. The initiative is more of an advocacy to put government on its toes in eradicating extreme poverty, using the latest Cisco technology in achieving it.

So funding from a particular source is not the motive, but we will however source for multiple sources of income to develop the initiative in a more faster way. The partnership involves the company’s commitment to funding and technology to help end poverty, playing a vital role in making progress towards the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development and ending extreme poverty by 2030.

Through this multi-year partnership with Global Citizen, Cisco will equip advocates and activists around the world with the 21st century skills and tools they will need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the world’s most marginalised people.

How will businesses beneďŹ t from this initiative?

Businesses have a responsibility to use our influence to effect real world change and drive positive impact in the world to solve for many social and economic problems, including poverty. For businesses, the main focus area tends to be on driving value to shareholders, growing the business and delivering innovation to customers. As business leaders, we must take responsibility to help those who are left behind. In today’s world, we bear an obligation to address how to make growth inclusive, extending it to those who most need opportunities to improve their lives, educate their children, access healthcare and benefit from the digital economy. Again as business leaders, we need to alter our focus and think more broadly about what we can do to help those in need around the world, to be even more inclusive and truly make a difference in people’s lives.

Inclusive growth not only extends opportunity to those who need it, it can also improve economic and political stability.

People also want to work for companies who are doing what’s right. We live in an incredible time that is full of possibility. if we are going to see our world live up to its full potential, we need more business leaders to join these efforts to build more opportunities for everyone around the world.

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BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

Students to Represent Nigeria at Global Robotics Olympics Stories by Emma Okonji Five Nigerian students drawn from secondary schools across the country tested to be tech savvy, have been selected to represent the country at the next First Global Robotics Olympics in Dubai this October.

The students - Kosi Ugoji, Isaac Ibidun, Gbemileke Ogunrayewa, Sonia Bendrewere and Toluwaniyin Ojo-Osagie were selected from a try-out session with over 50 secondary schools in attendance.

Founded by philanthropic inventor, Dean Kamen to inspire a passion for science

and technology leadership and innovation among the world’s more than two billion youths, First Global Challenge provides the framework for an Olympicsstyle robotics event that drives home the importance of obtaining the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills needed by future leaders to overcome the greatest challenges facing the world.

This year’s theme ‘Ocean Opportunity’ draws attention to the critical issue of ocean pollution to educate everyone on the need to take action to preserve oceans and wildlife.

The theme promotes collabora-

tion and cooperation among teams, to solve some of the world greatest problems. Each team will be required to build a robot that will join forces with other robots from other teams to take out pollution from the ocean.

Managing Director, Aramex Nigeria, Faisal Jarmakani, cosponsor of the First Global Olympics, said: “Our continued sponsorship of the First Global

competition is a testimonial of our believe in Nigeria and the Nigerian youth. As a nation with a growing youth population, this platform will further catalyse our potential to solve our own problems and some of the world’s greatest challenges using technology.”

Describing the opportunity as “life changing” Jarmakani said: “This is the third consecutive year we are sponsoring Team

Nigeria and we have seen remarkable outcomes in the lives of these students and champions. Majority of them have received scholarship opportunities to top universities in Nigeria and abroad. We believe they will use the knowledge acquired to shift the needle on economic technological advancement.”

CEO, Roboglobal Educational Consulting and National Co-

ordinator of the programme, Mrs. Remi Willoughby, said: “In Africa, we need children than can think and collectively file solutions to their problems.

By guiding these children to develop the skills to be critical thinkers and problem solvers, Africa and indeed Nigeria, will learn to solve its own problems by itself. This is the only way we can compete evenly in a technology driven world.”

Forum to Address Financial Inclusion Gap In order to bridge the existing gap in the country’s financial ecosystem, where regular account activity of customers is put at 36 per cent, the organisers of Digital PayExpo, have said new technology innovations that are geared towards addressing financial inclusion gap in the country would be on display at this year’s Digital PayExpo, scheduled to hold next week in Lagos.

Announcing the technology innovations that will address financial inclusion gap at a press conference in Lagos, the Managing Director, Intermarc, Jacqueline Jumah, said: “Despite many transformative innovations and initiatives in driving financial inclusion and increasing adoption levels among customers, regular account activity remains a challenge at 36% activity levels. There appears to be a greater focus on increasing the number of included customers rather than a focus on the user experience and innovation that drives adoption and the long-

term account usage, especially for middle and low-income segments. Providers therefore lose out on profitability by failing to optimize the customer value proposition, and this has caused increasing concerns as to whether financial inclusion is sustainable, or whether financial service providers can deliver financial inclusion through commercially viable businesses.”

Jumah, who was represented by the Marketing and Event Associate at Intermarc, Haulat Musa, however, explained that new technology solutions that would be on display at the Digital PayExpo, would go a long way in addressing some of the challenges.

According to her, “This year’s agenda seeks to address the increasing need to understand the business case for financial inclusion and to leverage technological innovation to improve the customer value proposition in financial services, through commercially viable approaches.”

Skyroam, Smile Telecoms Partner on Mobile Data Service Smile Telecoms has announced that it has formally entered into partnership with Skyroam Simo.

The partnership is expected to enable more Africa mobile users to seamlessly connect to 4GLTE mobile network with improved coverage, faster speed, and more flexible plans.

Explaining what informed the partnership, Smile’s Group CEO, Ahmad Farroukh, said: “Smile is a leading 4GLTE carrier in Africa and we are always open to new and innovative technologies to bring continued value add and benefits to our users.

Our partnership with Skyroam SIMO will leverage its leading position in global virtual sim platform and together bring the best service and value to our pan-African users.”

“The Simo App emerges at the right time to bring access and affordability to mobile data for millions of Africans struggling today with expensive internet prices that keep them out of the market entirely. Skyroam SIMO and its unique Virtual-eSIM

technology can deliver seamless 4G data connection to any user automatically switch to the best 4G network nearby, ensuring the best reliability and speed,” Farroukh said.

“In addition to that, Skyroam Simo helps carriers to develop their market at nearly zero cost by improving the efficiency of acquiring new customers, to ease the hassle of traditional sales channels, and to drive more value by improving the relationship with their customers.

The partnership will enable more Smile users to leverage Skyroam’s platform of over 135 countries and 200 mobile networks with best coverage and speed, is a big leap forward amongst Africa operators,”Farroukh further said.

Founder and CEO of Skyroam, Jing Liu, disclosed that “Skyroam Simo would work with Smile Telecom to bring explosive growth in mobile data usage.

We will continue to innovate together with leading partners around the world to meet the demands of users where mobile

PRODUCT LAUNCH

L-R: Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. David Suh; Business Development Manager, Technology Distributions, Mrs. Damilola Sanya; Executive Director, Operations, SIMS Nigeria, Mr. Ike Eyisi; Actress, Mrs. Dakore Egbuson Akande and H.O.D, Consumer Electronics, Mrs. Remi Ogunsan, at the launch of the Samsung 8K QLED TV held in Lagos...recently

FG, Huawei Train Civil Servants on ICT

Firms Partner to Enhance Customer Satisfaction

Oluchi Chibuzor

Hamid Ayodeji

The federal government in collaboration with Huawei Technologies, recently concluded training for 1000 civil servants under the Information Communication Technology (ICT) for Change Programme.

A statement disclosed that it was the second phase of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the federal government of Nigeria and Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, as part of Huawei’s CSR initiatives aimed at supporting the automation of government processes and bureautic procedures in Nigeria.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, while addressing the last batch of participants of the training workshop in Abuja, said the vision was to develop an elite core of public servants that can stand shoulder to shoulder with any public servant internationally.

Oyo-Ita, commended Huawei for always contributing and investing heavily to the growth of ICT in Nigeria.

“We are beginning to build the foundation so I’m excited and highly appreciative of Huawei Technologies’ help through this civil service rebirth.”

She added that the training

by Huawei Technologies was a significant contribution to achieving the 2017-2020 Civil

Service Strategy Reform agenda to improve the capacity of civil servants in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria.

She added that if well harnessed, the skills derived from the training could help reduce corruption in Nigeria and aid in the process of transparency.

“If you look at any country where technology is being applied wholly with operational processes you will find that there is improved accountability, transparency, efficiency and even retrieval process for records is extremely efficient.

“If we are able to apply technology within Nigeria public service system which is what we are doing now, you find out that the level of transparency and accountability will become very high,” she added.

The Communications Manager, Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, Adereti Emmanuel, stated that “As Huawei celebrates its 20 years anniversary in Nigeria this year, Huawei has been at the forefront of collaborating with all stakeholders to deliver growth to the ICT industry and affect the lives of all Nigerians”.

“Huawei is eager to continue to support all stakeholders including the federal government of Nigeria with more CSR Initiatives which will build capacity, improve skills and transfer world class knowledge for all,”he added.

As part of efforts to continue supplying customers with the best products and services through the use of technology, Jumia Foods Nigeria has partnered So Fresh to deliver healthy fresh food products on demand to its customers.

The Managing Director, Jumia Foods, Guy Futi, who spoke on the partnership in Lagos, said it was part of efforts to deliver the best customer experiences and expand the services it provides to its customers with its technology.

According to him, one of Jumia Food’s drives to sustain expansion has been to keep providing the best on demand food services to consumers which has enabled the firm to experience a forty per cent growth in the past three months.

Futi said: “We have been partnering with various fresh healthy food service providers to deliver the best on demand customer experience, as well as improving on our operations and marketing strategies.

“The partnership is another channel for So Fresh to sell its fresh healthy food to customers and also expand its customer base. We are exposing our customers and technology to So Fresh so that they have more options for purchase for their consumers.”

Speaking further, he said; “Having this in mind I know

this definitely helps grow the technology and agricultural space of the country which eventually generates an economic growth.

This also gives So Fresh the opportunity to increase their overall sales and awareness for their product services and menu.”

“Due to an increase in sales

by So Fresh, the farmers who actually produce the raw materials that are used to make the fresh food experience better because the demand for their farm products has grown which has enabled them to generate more revenue,” Futi added.

The Managing Director, So Fresh, Goke Balogun, while speaking during the media briefing, said: “We pioneered the healthy food industry in Nigeria so this partnership with Jumia Foods, a leading delivery platform in Nigeria feels so natural.

“We have changed the perception of how people eat and think of food by introducing various fresh tasty healthy foods at their demand and also at our various outlets.

“Eating healthy should be a part of our day to day life not just once in a while when we feel like. This has inspired us to make sure fresh healthy foods are available to every consumer at their own convenience. Jumia has come in at the right time to help us continue to grow our brand.”

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Succession as Challenge in Marketing Communication Industry Raheem Akingbolu takes a look at the growth trajectory in the nation’s marketing communications industry and expresses concern over how lack of succession plans by the founding fathers in the industry is making it difficult for firms to outlive their founders

C

lub 100, a documentary programme by CNN is always a delight to watch for people who are keen about brand building and growth as it chronicles, from time to time, brands that have lived, remained relevant and attractive for 100 years. Among others, brands like Guinness, Coca Cola, King Gillette and Panasonic, have been featured on this programme.

According to its anchors and promoters, a successful business is about more than making money but about building a brand and the best brands go on to become household names.

Through Club 100, viewers have been given tips about the humble beginning of the many global brands. Guinness has been brewing beer for more than 200 years when Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on the St. James’s Gate Brewery in 1759. Gillette’s shaving history dates back to 1901, after King Gillette created a personal safety razor to cut back on constant trips to the barber. In 1886, a pharmacist in Atlanta created a flavored syrup initially intended as medicine. Today, the Coca-Cola Company has more than 500 brands and 4,100 drinks around the world.

Panasonic’s attachment plug launched the electronic giant’s 100 years ago and still relevant in the market. One interesting thing about the brands that have been x-rayed on this programme is that none of them has African background.

Nigeria’s Experience Beyond the Marketing Communications industry, experience has shown that most Nigerian indigenous brands in the real sector, hardly outlived their founders.

This explains why what remains of the Abiolas, Ojukus, Odutolas and Dantatas are mere crumbs of their businesses. In some cases, most of the businesses have also folded up, while some are struggling to survive. In the marketing communication industry, the story is the same as many of the early Advertising agencies have since gone into oblivion. For instance, 30 years ago, agencies like Lowe Lintas, Grand Advertising Limited, OBM, Promoserve Limited were the agencies to watch but today, they exist only in name. Though Lintas still manages to do a few businesses but it is a known fact that the creative firm is already in the Intensive Care Unit, awaiting its final knock-out. This is also the case of agencies like STB McCann and Rosabell that are now in state of comatose. There are many others that are already patients, awaiting surgical operation.

A case of greed and ambition The questions are; is it lack of visionary leaders or bad employees? Are Africans not capable of managing brands or the market not favourable for advertising business growth? Reacting to these questions, the Deputy Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Dr. Jide Johnson, reasoned that the problem is complex. In an interview with THISDAY, Johnson blamed agency owners for always building businesses around their family as well as blaming some young Nigerian professionals who are always eager to be independent of their employers.

He said, “Is it lack of visionary leaders or bad employees? Yes. Are Africans not capable of managing brands or the market not favourable for advertising business growth? No. Let me start by saying that agency owners in Nigeria live as if they will not die again. The problem is that everybody is wise in Nigeria and that is why Nigerian business owners, including the agency owners think only of themselves and their families alone.

“As a result of this, the moment they

Centuries Advertising died with the crisis.

The existing clients couldn’t continue with Promoserve because Olabode had moved with the largest chunk of the staff. Of course, the clients couldn’t trust Olabode either and that ended the life span of Promoserve, a successful advertising brand,” Ajayi stated.

President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Ikechi Odigbo

see a young man or woman they employ few years ago growing, they start suspecting him or her. The next minutes, the guy or lady get axed as a result of suspicion that such a person may end up hijacking the business. There is no way we can build an agency brand of the future if we don’t allow experienced people working in the agency to get a buy-in in the business after decades of working to grow the agency.

“This is not to say that some of the employees are not liable too. Nigerians are always in hurry to be independent and that is why we see proliferation of agencies. Of course, if it’s discovered that Mr. ‘A’, a Chief Operating Officer in agency ABC is diverting briefs to another agency

If we must build strong brands in the marketing communications industry, people must grow, they must be trained and they must be prepared to take over. Yes, they will make mistake because nobody is totally infallible but they will learn from it and master the business. Above all, after spending a quality time on the business, they should be allowed to be part owners

by proxy, it will be suicidal for the owner of the business to keep him. Finally, for Nigerian agencies to be transferred from one generation to the other, there must be a well cut-out sustainability theory.

Without that, we are just scratching things in the surface; we are not there yet,” Also speaking on the issue, the Managing Director of Media Edge, a Public Relations firm, Mr. John Ajayi, believes that most of Nigerian agency owners don’t groom new leaders. But like Johnson, he blamed many successful professionals in paid employment arrangement, who always see themselves as competitors to the business owners.

“If we must build strong brands in the marketing communications industry, people must grow, they must be trained and they must be prepared to take over. Yes, they will make mistake because nobody is totally infallible but they will learn from it and master the business. Above all, after spending a quality time on the business, they should be allowed to be part owners.

It is through this that Nigerian business owners can be immortal like the Arthur Anderson or the Ogilvy of this world.

“Having said this, I must confess too that some Nigerian agency owners have genuine intention to make their businesses outlive them, but for the lack of loyalty, distrust and internal competition on the part of the employees. Let look at the most celebrated case in this regard which involved a respected practitioner many years ago, Chief Kehinde Adeosun of the Promoserve fame and Mr. Allan Olabode, who later set up an agency called 24 Century Advertising Limited.

“Adeosun, genuinely groomed Olabode to take over from him when he thought he had reached the peak of his career but the latter stabbed the old man on the back as he wanted to wash Adeosun hands off the business. Allan Olabode was bent on taking over the business but men and women of goodwill in the advertising industry stood with Adeosun and pushed out Olabode.

“He was later blacklisted today which explain why you don’t see him involve in the activities of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria and other relevant professional bodies. The rest is history as both Promoserve and 24

Today’s agencies and fear of the unknown Insight Communications, Rosabel Advertising Limited, Promoserve Limited and Centrespread Advertising Limited. These names belong to agencies that carry the baton of second generation advertising agencies. They started in the late 70s to the early 80s.

For instance, Insight Communication was built and nurtured by Biodun Shobanjo.

Insight has not only built brands but has equally become a brand on its own. Today, the agency and the likes of Centerspread, SO&U, Prima Garnet and five others have also been caught in the web of succession.

With available information at the disposal of our reporter, the owners appear to be confused on what their future look like. While some of them seem to have made mistake of wrongfully identifying successors, some are preparing the ground with for their children to succeed them.

Insight is an agency that has groomed many top managers, who are currently doing well in either client or agency side.

Between 1998 and 2018, exactly 20 years, when the agency groomed and developed talents like Olu Akanmu, Emeka Okeke, Christian Idahosa, Lawrence Mba, Kayode Oluwasona, Feyi Olubodun, Joachim Aguzuo Atunwa and Sam Osunsoko, many thought the business owners should have identified an ideal Managing Director that would take it to the next generation from the list. Unfortunately, many of the above mentioned consummate professionals allegedly left the business unceremoniously as a result of suspicion or internal politics.

In the same way, the Public Relations arm of the business - Quadrant MSL, has done away with two Managing Consultants, in the last two years. For Nigerian agencies to survive the scourge, many business analysts have advised the business owners to look beyond emotion and sentiment while thinking of successors. They have also been advised not to get carried away with family business syndrome that have compelled a few of them to appoint their children as either Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director.

To buttress the point that children may not necessarily take after their parents, a Public Relations practitioner, Mr. Ganiyu Olowu, made reference to the case of the First managing director of Nigeria’s first advertising agency, Lintas and founding member of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Chief Ifeanyi Moemeke. According to him, the then Lintas MD thought of preparing one of his children -Chukwudi for the future but the plan failed.

“Like many Nigerian business owners, the late Nigerian creative titan, Chief Moemeke had prepared one of his children –Chukwudi and in fact encouraged him to study Mass Communications. The young man obliged and graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos. As soon as he finished NYSC programme, he was drafted in but the zeal and craft for advertising business were not there. Aside the fact that he couldn’t take over from his father, he didn’t even stay long to grow through the rank to the top,” Olowu said.

With new technology and trend that have naturally created barrier for the old practitioners and lack of sustainable model, the future appears bleak for the nation’s marketing communication industry.

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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͳ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

BUSINESSWORLD

SMALL BUSINESS SOLUTION

Making Profitable Investment in LPG Gas Bottling Business Godwin Uba

W

est African economy is forecast to improve in the near future. According to African Development Bank report, the regional growth is projected to average of about 3.6 percent in 2019 and 2020.

The projection is based on gradual recovery of commodity prices especially gold, cocoa, cashew nuts, iron ore and oil prices. There is also a recorded improvement in production.

It was also reported that the region’s growth is being overshadowed by the continent’s biggest economy, Nigeria. It was reported that Nigeria dominance and with very slow growth rate will affect the entire continent.

Therefore, there is need for the federal government to increase revenue generating initiatives to reduce the debt service to revenue ratio. Here we discussed on how to make profitable investment into cooking gas The price of kerosene is rising every day, to the extent that it has gone beyond the reach of poor homes in the country. At the same time the price of cooking gas is decreasing. The implication is that many homes have shifted from kerosene to LPG cooking gas. With this trend the demand has increased tremendously and calls for more investment in this area.

In this investment profile the writer examines on how to make a profitable investment in the LPG Bottling and Marketing business.

Introduction Nigeria has so many investment opportunities in various sectors, gas & oil manufacturing, financial estates etc.

The gas and oil sector as well as other sectors are expanding and investment opportunities open up on daily basis.

For our economy to grow new productive industries must be established.

This will generate employment provide raw materials for our industries; generate physical development and above all self-sufficiency.

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) offers a tremendous investment opportunity within the petrochemical industry. The LPG is an industry specifically developed to cater for the nation’s industrial and domestic gas requirements. LPG is needed in almost every aspect of economic activity. For instance, it is highly demanded by the automotive industry, manufacturing plants and electricity generation via thermal energy.

At the domestic level, most households, particularly the middle and upper classes of the society now depend on gas for cooking purposes.

Hotels, catering outfits, restaurants and bakers all demand the LPG as an alternative source of energy since the

firewood and kerosene stove are fast becoming obsolete.

Following the unprecedented demand for LPG in Nigeria and attendant scarcity of the product which has resulted in sharp and arbitrary price increases, the distribution of gas products has been deregulated. Consequently, private individuals and firms can now set up LPG plants. Government has made this product available.

Before now, a 12.5kg cylinder now sold for N3, 200 and N4, 000 and this range is considered high and unaffordable for many Nigerians. Today the price has come down to between N2, 000 and N2, 500 which is considered moderate and affordable.

Sources of raw materials The required raw material for this project will be sourced 100 per cent locally as a by-product of petroleum refining activities. Thus, our refineries at Warri, Port-Harcourt and Kaduna will supply the raw material. Apart from the refineries, many independent marketers import bulk of LPG Cooking gas to ensure regular supply to small and medium scale gas bottling and marketing companies. Prospective investors can now establish small and medium gas filling (bottling) and marketing businesses.

Project location The project should be located in any part of the country. The site should be accessible but isolated from residential buildings. Existing infrastructures such as good roads, nearness to the market and experienced manpower should equally be considered.

Equipment and machine The required facilities include storage tanks, filling shed, containers, cylinders, and pump/compressor. There should also be a workshop for servicing cylinders. Machinery and equipment include gas storage tanks complete with fittings, filling heads and scales, chain conveyor, piping and valves as well as fire-fighting equipment. Details will be given to prospective investors.

Labor requirement Labor requirement will include a plant manager, engineer, marketing manager, accountant, supervisors, operators, drivers and messengers etc. all employees should be trained on fire prevention and safety measures.

Bold warnings against the use of naked fire should be erected at strategic places. All the details including source of machinery and equipment, licensing procedure, plant layout, labour and management, filling operations, safety bankable feasibility report for prospective promoters are available on request from the writer.

Capacity of the plant The proposed plant will have a capacity for filling 500 cylinders of 12.5kg each day. Operating at 75 per cent capacity for 280 days per annum, a total of 105,000 cylinders will be filled and sold at a conservative market prevailing. The capacity could be decreased or increased depending on the desire of the promoters.

Project take-off cost For the actual cost of establishing

the project, there should be a comprehensive feasibility studies, putting into consideration the proposed location of the project by the promoters.

Based on our analysis the promoters can generate a turnover of over N126million in the first year.

Viability analysis of the project indicates that the initial capital outlay will be recouped within the first year of business. The reason is not farfetched. Gas is now consumed in large quantities by Nigerians, particularly those residing in the urban areas of the country.

Apart from the short payback period, the NPV, IRR and profitability index all point to the immense financial benefits which will be derived by any serious investor who takes advantage of this investment opportunity offered by the gas industry.

Implementation Process To go into this project, there is need to carry out a comprehensive feasibility studies and draws a very realistic business plan. After this the financing arrangement will be concluded. There are opportunities for one to borrow from some specified financial institutions that will be given to prospective investors on request.

The writer will assist in conducting a comprehensive and bankable feasibility studies reports; procurement and installation of all the required machines & Equipment, test running and training of the staff. For details contact the writer.

-Uba, is of the Global Trust Consulting and can reached on 08034494437

Abiru Calls for More Support for SMEs Polaris Bank Limited’s Managing Director/CEO, Tokunbo Abiru has described SMEs as catalyst for economic growth whilst pledging the support of the financial institution to advance the growth of entrepreneurs and businesses that operate in that space.

Abiru stated this recently, while playing host to the Class 24 of Fate Foundation’s Emerging Entrepreneurs Program (EEP) at the Bank’s corporate head office. Notably, Polaris Bank

provided funding for four of the participants on the EEP program.

The EEP, a flagship training program of FATE Foundation, is a highly interactive in-depth leadership and business management training aimed at equipping participants with the necessary tools and knowledge required to re-vision, grow and scale their businesses.

The visit was part of the team’s learning process aimed at providing mentorship for the 17

entrepreneurs on the EEP program; the opportunity to rub minds with the Polaris CEO who fielded different leadership and business questions from the team.

Abiru, who received the delegation welcomed the team and commended the 17 entrepreneurs of Class 24. The delegation represented key growth segments of the economy from different sectors such as: food, clothing, drinks, sustainability, manufacturing and real estate.

According to Polaris

CEO, “It is interesting to note that some of you are already employing a minimum of 5-8 staff in your respective businesses and some even more. For us however as lenders and enablers of business, we must deliberately continue to look at your business segment and the likely areas we can continue to give support and encouragement,” he added.

On her part, the Executive Director, Fate Foundation, Adenike Adeyemi, after introducing the entrepreneurs

disclosed that the program is in its 9th week and they have so far covered a lot of grounds viz; strategy, financial management, cash flow management, talent management, outsourcing, risk and legal advisory. The ultimate plan she noted is to enable them develop a five year strategic blueprint for their respective businesses.

Also in attendance to receive the delegation from Fate Foundation were key executives of the Bank viz; Ayo Abina, Directorate

Head, Southern Business and Femi Aribaloye, Divisional Head, Enterprisewide Risk Management, among others.

Polaris Bank provided funding for four of the participants on the highly sought after EEP. The four beneficiaries of the sponsorship who are also CEOs of their businesses include: Adunola Arowolo of K4 Twins; Uloma Amaghachi of Jenny & Jessy; Beauty Johnson of Diet Munchies and Mrs Omolara Reubens of Haoz Affairs.

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GPTW Honours 96 Women, Companies About 96 firms and women who have distinguished themselves in industry and top management received certification and awards at the 2019 Great Place To Work (GPTW) 6th Annual Awards held in Lagos recently. The awards went to outstanding personalities and companies in various categories.

The awardees bagged the awards after a rigorous selection process. It attracted entries from over six African countries including Kenya, Cote D’ Ivoire, Senegal and South Africa, Namibia and Egypt.

The Group Managing Director/ CEO, GPTW, Kunle Malomo, said the special recognition was not aimed at recognising only winners, but also to instill good work practices in work places.

He the company’s vision entails expanding the good work place culture across Africa, adding that the coming editions would feature about 300 companies and over 100 persons.

Malomo, said the awards that started six years ago has become a huge success, stressing that the company is aiming at taking it to all states of the country, as it would be expanded to 100 award categories.

He added: “We are in 22 countries across the world. We decided to expand our scope as most multinationals whose subsidiaries worn the awards in Nigeria requested that the certification should be carried out in their sister companies domiciled outside Nigeria. “The Managing Director of a company in the USA who is also our client that was listed for the award few years back, said that after winning the awards, that his company was rated high which helped them to win compensation of $68 million as

compensation packages for senior executives, which is bigger than the company’s annual profit.�

On her part, Women Leaders Awards category, Temitope Balogun said, “I am excited, this moment is bigger than me and kudos to the organisers for recognising the achievements of women in the workplace. My emergence is an encouragement to continuously contribute as well as give my best wherever I find myself. My sincere appreciation goes to my leader Dr Adebola Akindele for giving me the platform to thrive in Courteville. I have always tried to be the best I can at all times. In Courtevile, we create an environment where Team Members can thrive, Happy, committed and engaged. “I have always tried to be the best I can at all the time, while trying to also carry people along as the Head of the HR. I tried to make people committed and fully engaged. I took to mentoring people that come across me during the course of their duty in order to bring out the best in them so you don’t see people as robots, you think about their personal life so as to create work-life balance for them.�

Earlier in his speech, the keynote speaker, Austin Okere, said Great Place To Work was out to create value-shared personalities, stressing that the awards are aimed at impacting companies and individuals such that they would become internationally recognised. “We want 100 per cent engagement of companies and people, as it will improve the best working place practices of companies, as well as lead to employees best practices in the work place. We are aiming at building a better Nigeria through these awards that are being rolled out today,� he added.

Ahmad Urges FG to Constitute PenCom Board Ebere Nwoji The pioneer Director General of the National Pension Commission Commission (PenCom), Muhammad Ahmad, has called on the federal government to constitute a governing board for the Commission.

He lamented that lack of board for the Commission makes execution of its regulatory roles difficult.

Ahmad, who stated this in an interview with THISDAY, at the just concluded National Insurance Conference in Abuja, said government should set up a board for the commission just as it did for the Security and Exchange Commission(SEC) . “PenCom, as a regulator needs a board. When a regulator has a board, regulation becomes easy, rule making becomes easier, supervision and compliance become much easier. The government should give PenCom a board as soon as

possible just as it did for SEC. We need a board and when you have a board, it provides the direction,� he said.

Also, Mr. Issa Aremu, of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said the non-constitution of the board of PenCom was completely unacceptable and smears danger for a reviving economy.

President Muhammad’s Buhari, had in April 13th, 2017 dissolved the governing board of PenCom. Since the dissolution, PenCom has been operating under a management and administrative system led by an Acting Director General, Mrs Aisha Dahiru-Umar .

Section 25 (1) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, recognises the importance of the board of the government agency as it states that the Commission’s board shall formulate and provide general policy guidelines for the discharge of the functions of

the Commission, monitor and ensure the implementation of the policies and programmes and shall also carry out such other functions as are necessary or expedient to ensure the efficient performance of the functions of the Commission.�

Section two of the Act further reads: “The board shall have power to approve rules and regulations relating to the appointment, promotion and disciplinary measures for the employees of the Commission and fix remuneration, allowances and benefits of the Commission. “It shall also regulate its proceedings and make standing orders with respect to the holding of its meetings, notices to be given, the keeping of minutes of its proceedings and such other matters as the board may, from time to time determine.�

But reliable sources at the Commission told THISDAY

that though the law establishing PenCom gave it some level of freedom which some similar government agencies do not have, adding that the lack of a functional board was obviously not accelerating activities in the Commission as it limits the amount of funds that can be approved for the agency.

This has continued to attract condemnation from organisations such as the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA).

According to NECA, the federal government’s failure to constitute boards for some of its agencies including PenCom, posed some risks for the sensitive agency to be left without a board while managing over N9 trillion accumulated assets.

This has prompted stake holders in Pension sector to continuously demand for immediate constitution of the board for the commission

Job Creation: EdoJobs, GIZ Commence Training for 100 Youths BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY L-R: Head, Corporate Communication, Saharah Group, Mr. Bethel Obioma; Director, Governance and Sustainability, Pearl Uzokwe; Baale of Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs) in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft fßr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH’s Skills Development for Youth Employment in Nigeria (SKYE) programme has commenced training for 100 youths in Computer Aided Design (CAD).

The CAD training was focused on architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, interior design and project management.

The Chief Executive Officer, Riverbank Technologies and Engineering Services Limited, Mr. Ayoola Jolayemi, said the training for youths would help in addressing unemployment in Edo State.

He noted that at the end of the training, participants would have the opportunity to become self-employed, employ other persons and contribute to wealth creation in the state. He said the first phase of the training which was scheduled to last for a month, would be for 100 persons, with 20 participants each to be trained on Architectural CAD, Mechanical CAD, Electrical CAD, Interior Design and project management.

Jolayemi, urged the trainees to be focused and determined, adding that the programme offers them the opportunity to be gainfully employed. He added that the training on Architectural CAD, Mechanical CAD, Electrical and Interior Design will focus on 2-dimensional designs before the participants will then move on to the use of 3D auto-CAD. He explained that at the end of the programme, examinations would be conducted for the participants (70% practical and 30% theory). Jolayemi expressed appreciation to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, GIZ and EdoJobs for providing the opportunity for youths to learn in-demand skills in the state.

A consultant with Edojobs on skills development and entrepreneurship, Mr. Olaniyi Omole, said the programme is robust and will link the participants to various high-profile companies where their services are needed for employment.

He noted that EdoJobs is not only focused on training but also engaging with a number of high-profile companies in the state where the trainees will be matched for employment at the completion of their training.

Olo-Jowon Oke-Oja Ijora, Alhaji Tajudeen Igbalaiye; Managing Director, Asharami Synergy, Mrs. Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, and Chief Ariyo Okosi, at the launch of Sahara Group’s project on Greenlife at Ijora, Lagos‌ recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

KPMG Launches Insights Centre Peter Uzoho KPMG in Nigeria has announced the opening of the KPMG Insights Centre in Lagos. The firm’s first and foremost Digital Centre was designed to provide digital solutions to its clients to become more competitive in the industry.

The Centre which is located in Lagos, according to a statement, brings together the firm’s collective capabilities across signal sensing, design thinking, data and analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, strategy, business process and technology. “With the rate and pace of disruption in the market, KPMG is constantly focused on making strategic short and long-term investments that address market disruption and support a transformation journey,� Senior Partner, KPMG in Nigeria and Chairman, KPMG Africa, Kunle Elebute

said.

He added: “We are excited to open the KPMG Insights Centre in Lagos. This helps us to bring together our capabilities in innovation, facilitation and leading/ emerging technologies in a new way that represents how KPMG is transforming businesses across the industry and how we can help our clients succeed.� “I would like to congratulate KPMG for putting this Insights Centre here in Nigeria, which is the first in Africa, and I think this will really help to transform the way that we do business,� said Aliko Dangote. “Going forward, I’m sure this will help in taking us to the next level, and this will assist in our own businesses by predicting our customer behavior, and our operations in various industries because we have a lot of industries that are very complex, but this will help sort out our issues and help us run our businesses. It

is more reassuring to see that with this kind of innovation, our businesses will be smoothly run. “We are at about 4 billion dollars revenue now, and we are going to 30 billion dollars but with this kind of innovation, we are very comfortable; so I must congratulate KPMG,� the President of the Dangote Group added. “We are very impressed with the Insights introduction into various innovations; the digital economy that KPMG is introducing in Nigeria, which we understand is one of its kind in Africa and obviously the 17th of such in the Global KPMG activities,� the founder of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, said. “We are very impressed with the AI (Artificial Intelligence) and the innovations, and we do think that’s the future, and many organisations will look forward to partnering with KPMG in this regard.�

The emergence of disrup-

tive technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud, augmented/ virtual reality and platform business models promise greater efficiency and lower costs, but many organizations find it challenging to capitalize on these new technologies. KPMG is able to help businesses navigate the signals of disruption that are impacting their business, establish strategic approaches to evolving their business models, financial models and operating models, and design technology solutions that can support their organizational needs.

A vast majority see technology as the only significant disruption their business faces. The KPMG Insights Centre enables the firm to anticipate technology advances and monitor the signals of disruption in order to support the modernization of business, including human-centered design thinking and ways of working.

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Unity Bank CEO Mentors 600 Young Professionals Hamid Ayodeji Unity Bank Plc has thrown its weight behind the 2019 YP (Young Professionals) Lagos capacity building workshop, which featured mentorship of 600 young, courageous and ambitious professionals by 60 Captains of industry in Lagos.

The programme was an avenue for the participants to build potential career defining relationships with mentors found among industry chieftains facilitating different roundtables.

According to the organisers, the YP capacity building workshop was exclusively targeted at young professionals of 35 years old and below, who in their professional or career pursuits are already budding entrepreneurship initiatives. “We therefore convocated 60 breakfast roundtables to create interaction, experience and knowledge sharing in addition to giving opportunity for participants to benefit from consulting with captains of industry after the workshop�, Wale Adenuga, promoter of Unboxed Conferences and YP, Lagos, has stated.

Commenting on the lender’s support for the programme, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Unity Bank, Mrs. Tomi Somefun said the bank was interested in the program due to its transformative and pivotal concept in promoting young professionals in the Micro, Small and Medium scale Enterprises (MSMEs) space.

This, she said was in line with the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YEDP).

She stated that Unity Bank has a technology-driven banking platform, a lifestyle product with an innovative app known as UniFi that

appeals to undergraduates, young school leavers and professionals in early career life, as well as young and educated craftsmen setting up workshops and businesses to achieve their aspirations, adding that the mentorship outreach connects with the Bank’s youth market proposition.

Somefun, therefore shared the optimism that the creativity of participants has received a boost from our interactions in this workshop. “There are so many challenges associated with berthing a business in the country but by plugging into the ideas and experiences shared by captains of industry in this workshop, the minds of the young professionals has opened to a whole new world of opportunities to enable them start building businesses if they have not started already, and equally deepen their market base to even grow beyond micro, Small and Medium level they might have been operating,� she added.

The 2019 YP, Lagos is a relaxing atmosphere created for 10 people with an industry leader sitting around to take and answer questions and share insights on various aspects of entrepreneurship as well as guidance on ways to overcome challenges over a breakfast table that has been set up.

Every participant received certificate of participation signed by the leader on their table. Unity Bank partnered with other institutions such as the Bank of Industry, etransact, Mascot, mobihive, Niger Delta Exploration & Production Plc, among others, to ensure the success of the programme.

The CBN’s YEDP was launched on 15th March, 2016 to enhance the deployment of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Nigerian youths for maximum economic development.

KEDCO Workers Gets Salary Increment Francis Sardauna in Katsina The management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has said it has increased the salaries of 1, 500 of its workforce in order to boost their performances and efficiency in the company.

The increment according to the company, was an enhanced compensation package to reward over 1500 employees who have put in their best in 2018 which made the company to achieved 60 per cent of its revenue generation.

A statement issued in Katsina by the company’s Head of Cooperate Communications, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, said the increment followed the conclusion of the 2018 performance appraisal.

Shawai, in the statement said after the conclusion of

the performance appraisal for the year under review, the management deems it fit to increase the salaries of some staff based on their performance. “Over 1, 500 staff benefited from the increment which ranges from 2 percent to 6 percent. The increment is effective from Jan 2019. This implies that beneficiaries will get arrears from January 2019 to date,� he said.

He charged the beneficiaries to rekindle their efforts in order to meet the company’s 75 per cent collection efficiency target for 2019, which he said would lead to more rewards for them.

Shawai quoted the Managing Director of the company, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, to have assured the company’s workforce of better days ahead.

Sahara Power ReafďŹ rms Expansion Plans Peter Uzoho Sahara Power Group’s Managing Director, Kola Adesina has said the company will continue to implement expansion plans through investment in diverse energy mix and partnerships to enhance the capacity of the power sector to meet anticipated energy demand growth in Sub Sahara Africa (SSA).

Adesina who spoke at the Oil and Gas Council’s Africa Assembly in Paris said the SSA region needs to build “robust capacity� to respond to “disruptors� in the energy sector by way of economic growth, rising demand in Africa, shifting energy mix, changes in the market structure and dynamics, growing share of private investment in Power, and in increased Regional Power Pooling.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Economic

Outlook had predicted that SSA growth was set to pick up from three percent in 2018, to 3.5 per cent in 2019, before stabilising at per cent over the medium term. About half of the region’s countries are expected to grow at 5% or more, which would see per capita incomes rise faster than the rest of the world on average over the medium term. “As a foremost energy provider in Sub-Saharan Africa, Sahara Power Group is committed to its target of increasing the Group’s generation capacity to 5,000MW via different energy mix. This, in addition to other innovative interventions across the value chain in the region, is being driven by ongoing investments and partnerships,� a statement quoted him to have said.

Sahara Power Group is one of the largest privately owned vertically integrated power com-

panies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Group comprises including Egbin Power Plc (largest private thermal power plant in SSA), Ikeja Electric (one of the largest privately run power distribution companies in SSA) and First Independent Limited. Sahara Power has five power plants across several locations with capacity totaling 2040MW, with potential for generation into the sub region through the West Africa Power Pool.

Adesina, whose presentation focused on: “In his presentation “Power Sector - Shifting Patterns and Rising Challenges – An Operator’s Perspective�, said amid the expected energy demand growth in the SSA, the sector needs to tackle low electricity access and consumption, low Creditworthiness due to current tariffs, Inadequate Power Infrastructure and Insufficient Regulatory, Policy and Institutional frameworks.

“Half of Africa’s population lives without access to electricity. The industrial sector is responsible for more than two-thirds of SSA’s total energy use. Average Electricity consumption is about 150kWh per capita. Coal is still the largest fuel source for generation in SSA�, he stated.

In Africa, there are changes in the market structure and dynamics in the power sector because of a shift from a centralized, government owned, to private sector participation.

Already, vertical unbundling – the process of ‘unpacking’ integrated utilities into separate generation, transmission and distribution companies, have been the preferred option for countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Also, there is the emergence of management contracts, commercialisation, IPPs, and electricity regulatory and legislative amendments.

CAPACITY BUILDING

L – R (Seated front row): FirstBank’s Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Dr. Remi Oni;Group Head, Human Capital Management & Development, Rosie Ebe-Arthur; Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan; Independent Non-Executive Director, Cecelia Akintomide; and Chief Risk OďŹƒcer, Olusegun Alebiosu, with graduands during the graduation ceremony of the FirstBank Leadership Acceleration Programme held in Lagos‌recently

Lagos to Spend N1.5bn on Wetland Regeneration and Parks Segun James The General Manager of Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, has said the state government will spend over N1.5billion in the next two years to regenerate the Gbagada-Maryland wetland which serves as drains for flood in the Lagos mainland area.

Adebiyi-Abiola, also disclosed that the wetland was now being encroached by developer despite the fact that the place is not

only on flooded area, but not habitable for human.

She lamented that the state’s wetlands were under threat even as she warned that nobody should buy land on wetlands.

Adebiyi-Abiola disclosed that LASPARK was working in conjunction with some nongovernmental organisations to develop a framework for the project.

She said the project was expected to be completed within the next two years barring any delays nor hiccups.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Seun Gbogboade, a landscape architect and spokesperson for Lagos Urban Network, a consortium of NGOs on conserving wetlands in Lagos state, said the idea behind the conservation effort was to keep the wetlands “alive� for the benefit of future generations.

He lamented that despite the fact that government had banned development of wetlands, some people have sold places like the Odo Iya Alaro at Maryland and the Gbagada to developers.

Gbogboade wondered how people could ever think of developing wetlands which are perennially flooded during the raining season.

Besides, he stressed that since the wetlands also serve as drain from flood water, houses built on wetland may be washed away anytime.

He, therefore, urged the state government to accelerate work on the park and save the wetland which serves as storm water control from being encroached upon.

Adeduntan “We are pleased to be recipients of these awards, especially as they add to the spice of an eventful 2019, the year of our 125th anniversary.

Indeed, the awards are a reflection of the confidence Nigerians reposed in us and our digital channels as well as a reward of our efforts in driving the various cashless initiatives of

the Central Bank of Nigeria. “We are very committed to providing cost efficient payment services to our discerning individual and corporate customers leveraging on the most modern and secure payment channels.

We commend Interswitch for their giant strides in promoting electronic payment processing in Nigeria�.

FirstBank Wins Awards First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced that it won three awards at the Interswitch Connect Sales Dinner & Awards Night held in Lagos, recently.

The awards won by the bank at the event were: Most improved Mobile Banking Application, Highest Transacting Bank (across Interswitch’s Solutions) and Highest Number of Verve

Transacting Cards (Unique Cards).

According to a statement, FirstBank processes about 25 per cent of monthly transactions on the Interswitch platform and has over 7.5million Verve Cards issued.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola

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AfCFTA: As Africa Awaits Nigeria Although the African Continental Free Trade Agreement has officially gone into operation, Ugo Aliogo, Oluchi Chibuzor and Hamid Ayodeji, write on Nigeria’s continued delay to sign the agreement

O

n May 30, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) officially went into force. According to a research, the agreement signed by all but three of Africa’s 55 nations, establishes the largest free trade area in the world since the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995.

The research explained that if the remaining countries join, AfCFTA would cover more than 1.2 billion people and over $3 trillion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). While it is hoped that AfCFTA would unlock Africa’s economic potential, its implementation still faces some challenges.

The African Union (AU) commenced the negotiation for AfCFTA in 2015, with the hopes of boosting intra-African trade, which falls behind trade within other regional blocs.

Presently, only 15 percent of African exports go to other African countries, compared to intra-trade levels of 58 percent in Asia and 67 percent in Europe, just as high tariffs and colonial-era infrastructure make it easier for African countries to export to Europe or the United States than to each other.

Presently, more than 75 percent of Africa’s external exports are extractives, such as oil and minerals. Progressively, African nations hoping to secure sustainable economic growth are shifting away from the volatility associated with extractive exports towards industrialized goods. While overall intra-African trade is miniscule, 42 percent of it consists of industrial goods and this number is expected to grow under AfCFTA. “Nevertheless, AfCFTA will face a number of challenges before it can be considered a success. The agreement has been ratified by 22 African countries, but implementation will be gradual as countries continue to negotiate tariff schedules, rules of origin, and commitments for service sectors,” the report stated.

Still Waiting for Nigeria It has been noted that the agreement’s most obvious shortcoming is the absence of Nigeria, which along with Benin and Eritrea, has not signed up to AfCFTA. It was learnt that Nigeria pulled out of negotiations due to concerns that AfCFTA membership would harm domestic manufacturers. However, it after more than a year of hesitation, there were signals last week that Nigeria may soon sign the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This was after the submission of the report of a committee established to review the concerns about the possibility of our country becoming a dumping ground for all manner of goods from the continent.

“Our reports show that on the balance, Nigeria should consider joining the AfCFTA, and using the opportunity of the ongoing AfCFTA Phase one negotiations to secure the necessary safeguards required to ensure that our domestic policies and programmes are not compromised,” said committee chairman, Dr. Desmond Guobadia said.

Commenting on the deal, the Head of Research, FSDH Merchant Bank, Ayo Akinwunmi, explained that President Muhammadu Buhari in his first term delayed the signing of the AFCTA because he noted that there was need to study the document clearly to ensure that there is benefit for Nigeria.

He remarked that when a country expands its market, what it means is “that instead of selling your goods to its immediate population, the country has the Africa market to sell to.”

Akinwunmi further stated that the trade deal tries to ensure that Africa has the economy bloc to expand her goods and services; “however, it has one disadvantage, when you are in a relationship or partnership.”

According to him, “It is someone or few who have something to offer that will benefit more from there. If you don’t much to offer, you will benefit much, you may become a doping ground. If we produce things in Nigeria and we sign that agreement, it means that there is wider market for what we produce.

But let’s be clear about it.

“It is countries that have comparative

Marina

advantage in the production of certain goods and services that will benefit from it. Nigeria has to develop comparative advantage, maybe they are weighing the process to see how it will benefit Nigeria and what do we have to also sell to earn money from into Nigeria, so that these guys don’t come to take advantage of us?

“The challenge for me is how do we build local competitiveness to ensure that what is produced in China and sent to Nigeria, doesn’t come cheaper than what is produced here because as a rational consumer if what is produced locally is more expensive than what is imported, we will go for what is imported.

“There is no loyalty that says that we must patronise Nigeria made goods. But we must ensure that we spend our money rationally to get the same value or utility. The continental free trade is going to benefit us and expand the country’s market.”

FG’s Position President Muhammadu Buhari last month said Nigeria would be guided by ‘‘national interest’’ in its decision on the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, said Buhari made the promise while receiving the National Council of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) led by its president, Mr. Mansur Ahmed.

According to Adesina, Buhari said he was prepared to receive the report of the committee set up to assess the potential costs and impact of signing the agreement establishing the AfCFTA on Nigeria.

According to him, the president recalled that the Presidential Steering Committee on AfCFTA Impact and Readiness Assessment Committee was inaugurated on October 22, 2018, with the mandate to assess the extent to which Nigeria was ready to join the agreement, and what the impact of doing so would be.

The statement said the committee was initially given 12 weeks to conclude its assignment, after holding wide consultations with industry groups and stakeholders, including MAN, adding that Buhari told the leadership of MAN that AfCFTA is on the agenda for the upcoming African Union (AU) Summit in Niamey, Niger Republic, in July. ‘‘I don’t think Nigeria has the capacity to effectively supervise and to ensure that our colleagues in AU don’t allow their countries to be used to dump goods on us to the detriment of our young industries and our capacity to utilise foreign exchange for

imported goods,’’ Buhari said.

The statement added that Buhari promised to look into MAN’s presentation, highlighting issues of concern to the manufacturing sector, including the AfCFTA, Export Expansion Grant and other incentives as well as challenges with the 2019 fiscal policy measures, recent increase in NAFDAC charges, the Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) (Amendment) Act, 2019, among others. ‘‘I assure you that I know the enormity of our problems in terms of population growth rate and teeming young people. ‘‘We need to move very fast, and the government will try and encourage you as very much as possible so that the problem of unemployment and the provision of other services relative to our population and state of development can be tolerated,’’ Buhari was further quoted as saying.

According to the statement, earlier in his remarks, MAN’s president outlined some credible policies that have driven the economy forward in the first term of Buhari, commending the administration for what he described as consistent efforts to sustain the growth trajectory anchored on improving the business environment.

Threat of Competition However, despite Nigeria’s delay in signing the agreement, a report has pointed out that the Nigerian market faces new competition from businesses in member countries across the continent with inward flow of goods and services.

PwC, one of the leading professional services companies, stated this in a report titled: “Thriving in a New Africa,” obtained

by THISDAY. According to the report, competitors from neighbouring countries could take advantage of existing trade agreements such as ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) to access the Nigerian market simultaneously, through an ECOWAS country like Ghana, which has existing trade agreements with Nigeria under the ETLS, that allows it to obey the Rules of Origin (ROO) requirements.

It stressed that while Nigeria remains the largest economy in Africa, there are several countries with businesses that have the scale to compete with Nigerian businesses in terms of productive capacity, exports and logistics.

It pointed out that the new trade environment would drive more competitive trading market in Africa for Nigerian businesses.

“While Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, there are several countries with

businesses that have the scale to compete with Nigerian businesses in terms of productive capacity, exports and logistics.

“In addition, there are smaller countries with the comparative advantage to penetrate the Nigerian market.

“Consequently, Nigerian businesses must adapt to the new form of competition on the back of the new trade environment created with the AfCFTA. Additionally, Nigerian businesses must learn to position themselves to take advantage of the new markets that have been opened up.

“It is important to note that this article does not aim to offer an opinion on whether Nigeria should sign the AfCFTA agreement.

The objective of this article is to provide Nigerian businesses with ideas on thriving in the new trade environment created by the AfCFTA,” it added.

In its assessment of intra-African trade, it stated that trade in the region was dominated by commodities and natural resources as the key exports, noting that trade in the continent forms less than three per cent of global trade.

“With intra-continental trade at 15 per cent, Africa compares unfavourably to Europe (67%), North America (48%), Asia (58%), and Latin 2 America (20%) , which have drawn on vibrant intra-continental trade to sustain growth, economic development and integration into the global economy.

“In 2017, intra-African trade was estimated at US$135 billion, growing by nine per cent year-on-year from US$124 billion in 2016.

“This growth was primarily driven by South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Nigeria, which jointly accounted for over 37 per cent of intra African trade in 2017. In 2017, Namibia and Zambia became the second and third largest contributors to intra-African trade respectively,” it stressed.

Furthermore, it pointed out that Nigeria remains one of the main drivers of intraAfrican trade, with its total of eight per cent by eight per cent in 2017, from a contraction of 27 per cent in 2016.

“It is important to note that while the listed figures are the official figures, unofficial trade, including diaspora remittances, contribute to intra-African trade, while there has been a recent increase in intra-African trade, the rates are still significantly lower than other continents.

“In order to boost economic growth and prosperity on the continent, it is imperative that African countries improve trading with each other, and invest in infrastructure to drive trade,” it added.

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Group Organises Seminar for Youths Ugo Aliogo As part of its desire to tackle the issue of unemployment in Nigeria, the Ladies of St Mulumba, VGC Sub Council Lekki II, Lagos State, recently organised an employability seminar for the youths in different parishes under the sub council.

Speaking at the seminar in Lagos recently with the theme: ‘The Hiring Process: Things You Should Know’, the President, Ladies of St Mulumba, VGC Sub Council Lekki II, Lady Nnenne Ukairo, said the seminar was focused on hiring process such as tips to write good curriculum vitae and tips for successful interview.

“The key focus of the seminar is that we actually want to assist the youths of Nigeria, (graduates and the unemployed) who have been shut out of the hiring process due to poorly-presented Curriculum Vitae. We are aware that in Nigeria, there are many qualified youths

seeking for jobs, but are not well aware that your Curriculum Vitae is one of the very important steps in the employment process.

“You must have a well-written curriculum Vitae expressing and defining you and your qualification before a recruiting company or Employer can move to the next step of inviting you for an interview,” she said.

She explained that after the seminar the youths would be better positioned to write good curriculum vitae that would earn interview invitations, and ultimately secure jobs.

According to Ukairo, the knighthood embarks on charity initiatives such as visiting the hospitals, prisons, adding that this seminar is one of the charity activities of the knighthood “and I think at this time in Nigeria, it is very necessary to educate and assist the youths on the subject with the view to positioning them

for employment.”

She added: “This is one of our charity activities. The next charity activity might not focus on this, it might focus on another initiative.

For the youths of Nigeria, we have had a lot of programmes ranging from pro-life, to instil morality and the sanctity of life. We have also had skills acquisition programmes in other parts of the country.

“Next empowerment programme for our Sub-Council will be a follow-up on this training and another area of need, entrepreneurship. Today, we are focusing on academics for those who wish to secure paid employment having successfully acquired educational qualifications” Also speaking at the event, the Vice-President, Ladies of St Mulumba, VGC Sub Council Lekki II, Mrs. Theresa Chiejina, noted that the seminar provides an opportunity for members of the knighthood to contribute their time

and talent to youth development in the country.

She further stated that unemployment is one of the challenges facing the youths in the country, adding that the seminar is aimed at positioning the youths on how to secure job opportunities, while also building their employability skills.

“Some of the youths attend interviews, but they are not well equipped so they have lost courage on how to properly present themselves; they are not aware of what the employer is looking for or what is expected of them.”

“But with this training, we can help them to get focused.

So if you know that you are qualified for a job, the way you approach it is different. And if you are not qualified, you will be able to know what other skills required of you, then you can go and fortify yourselves,” Chiejina added.

PROMOTING GREAT PLACE TO WORK

L-R: Chairman, Great Place To Work, Ghandi Olaoye; Group Managing Director, Kunle Malomo and Executive Director, Micheal Tosin-Oni, during the sixth edition of the award ceremony held in Lagos...recently

Cooperative Society Promotes Disability Inclusion Oluchi Chibuzor The Multipurpose Cooperative Society of the Total E&P Nigeria has sponsored an initiative for People with disability (PWD) in the country. It was to raise awareness on the need for a robust inclusion programmes for the group.

The Head of Legal, Compliance and Communications of Total E&P Cooperative, Mr. Henry Hector-Amiwero, disclosed in Lagos recently that the initiative was known as ‘Diary of a Special Needs Mum.’ According to Hector-Amiwero,

“We advocate that although PWD are different, they can make a difference even in our nation. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) promotes the full integration of persons with disabilities in societies.

“Government shall ensure that the education of persons living with disability, particularly children who are blind, deaf or with multiple disabilities, is delivered in the most appropriate languages, modes and means of communication for the individual, and in environments which maximises academic and

social development,” he said.

He maintained that disability inclusion addresses the discrimination that may come from people who are different and implored government and stakeholders to promote proactive measures that would affect their lives.

“To systematically engage with PWD to deliver meaningful participation and consultation to ensure that their views are reflected in all aspects of the response including assessment, design, delivery and monitoring and evaluation.

“To contribute to developing and maintaining the knowledge

and skills of humanitarian actors so they are able to identify the needs of marginalised people and deliver appropriate and accessible assistance, Work with those responsible for humanitarian coordination to ensure that coordination mechanisms guarantee the needs of all affected people.

“To collect, fully disaggregate, and utilise data for different population.

Effective data mining to understand the needs of affected demographics could be done in collaborations with the National Bureau of Statistics for proper extrapolation of information,” he added.

Food, Agriculture Vital for Sustainable Future, Says FAO Ugo Aliogo with agency report The Director-General, Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO), José Graziano da Silva, has noted the growing realisation that food and agriculture must play a vital part in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that the FAO provides a neutral forum to address global issues of trans boundary dimensions.

According to a statement on the FAO website, Graziano da Silva, made the remarks recently to representatives of member States at the closing of the 41st session of the FAO Conference.

Da Silva in the statement said: “In a world in which tensions between nations or ideologies undermine progress towards a better future, your work during this Conference has helped to make FAO more ef-

fective in responding to the many demands on its services.”

He added that conference saw the highest number of participants - over 1,300 delegates from 196 countries.

The DG, FAO further explained that many of the major issues related to healthy food systems, sustainable agricultural development, “and responsible environmental stewardship can only be addressed through joint work between countries and

relevant partners.”

Graziano da Silva reiterated the call for governments to encourage the production and consumption of healthy, locally produced foods to address the growing issue of obesity and overweight.

He recommended measures such as the introduction of taxes on unhealthy food products as well as easier-to-understand and more comprehensive food labels.

‘Technology Adoption Will Boost Infrastructure, innovation’ Emma Okonji Industry experts have stressed the need for technology adoption to leapfrog the challenges of infrastructure in Nigeria. According to them, technology would remain the ultimate game changer for any country Gross Domestic Product (GDP), hence the need for more technology adoption and innovation in the country.

The experts said this during the pre-launch of Semicolon in partnership with Henley Business School with the theme: “Linking Technology, Innovation and Education (TIE).

The Chief Executive Officer of Semicolon, Sam Immanuel, noted that there were many technology hubs but that the school is aimed at grooming techpreneurs with problem solving skills.

He added that the partnership was a journey to catalyse innovation in Nigeria by equipping the talented youths with skills required in the fast changing world of work that continues to embrace digital strategies,.

According to Immanuel, “We have been privileged to learn first-hand some personal stories of sacrifice and hope for a better future. This will be built on a foundation of productivity and economic development that spurs new dreams.

“Semicolon is a community for innovation and entrepreneurship. We count ourselves privileged to embark on this journey in partnership with the Henley Business School.”

He stressed that the initiative was designed to communicate inclusiveness and build the next generation, adding that it is taking an ecosystem that partner others.

Speaking on its commitment to the initiative, Vice Dean Africa, Henley Business School, JeanPieree Choulet, said it would build knowledge and equip people for the world of the future.

He explained that the idea is to be a Nigeria business school with a transformative impact on Nigerians to grow talents, detect innovation and equip the people to thrive.

“We have a strong idea that can be done with collaboration in purpose and education.

We want to do more with Semicolon to become an innovative catalyst. We are inspired and excited by the dynamism and creativity we saw in Nigeria.

“Our new partnership is a perfect match, with Henley providing the management expertise and semicolon the digital innovation. It is more than just a business school. Students develop and apply their leaning to real life situations.

This creates future leaders with strong business acumen, who are responsible and have a wider perspective,” he added.

CNBC AFRICA Launches Centre to Combat Climate Change CNBC Africa, has announced the launch of Nazanin Alakija’s the Social Accelerator for a Green Economy (SAGE) Innovation Centre to combat climate change and other environmental issues in Nigeria.

The S.A.G.E Innovation Centre is a groundbreaking accelerator with focus on developing SME ventures and entrepreneurs in developing countries ‘Green Economy.’ The centre would help to build resilience to climate change by enacting programs that would implement best practices for a healthy environment, thereby empowering social entrepreneurs across Nigeria and Africa.

The Founder, S.A.G.E Innovation Centre, Nazanin Alakija, founder, revealed that there was a critical need for attention to be paid towards climate change especially in continents or regions plagued by poverty.

Alakija, further stated that climate change was the greatest threat and defining issue of the present age and led to hazard and degradation, thereby posing great threats to lives and property globally.

“So, SAGE Innovation Centre is borne out of my vision to help combat the effects of climate change upon us and ensure we win the war against environmental pollution of all sorts,” she noted.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 08152252325

2 0 1 9 W O R L D D R U G S D AY

Ending the Scourge of Drug Abuse As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, experts say the country is sitting on a time bomb with over 14 million Nigerians living on hard drugs. However, Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry hopes to change the narrative through campaigns and establishment of rehabilitation centres. Ayodeji Ake and Sunday Ehigiator report Kemi Adeniji is not a happy woman. She wakes up every day with a hollow in her heart because her once-brilliant son, Ayodeji Adeniji, is now a shadow of his former self.

He is addicted to illicit drugs as a means of escapism, thus thwarting his mother’s dreams and wishes for him.

It was not always so. A few years ago, Kemi was the happiest woman on the planet when her son gained admission into one of the private universities in Oyo State. To her, he will graduate and become the pride of the family.

But she was wrong. Peer pressure didn’t allow Ayodeji concentrate in school. By the time he was in 200 level, and at age 20, he was consumed by the bad influence from his hostel mates. He had become addicted to Indian hemp.

Kemi spoke to THISDAY during the commemoration of World Drug Abuse Day, organised by Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry (CADAM), an offshoot of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

“When he first gained admission into the institution, he first complained that 300 level and 400 level students were merged in the same room with him, and that they take Indian hemp which makes him dizzy,” Kemi recalled, adding that he was later relocated to another room.

“But I was called upon one day to come to his school, and it was then I realised my son has started living on drugs. He used to dislike bathing room slippers, but that was what he was wearing. The school security then told me he was expelled. I did all I could to restore him back to class, but I was told to write an appeal which eventually ensured he was only given a one-year suspension.”

Since then, Kemi has not known peace, she used to have five shops, but has now sold three; all in a bid to ensure her son stop drugs.

She moved from pillar to post until someone eventually introduced her to CADAM where her son is currently receiving mental health treatment.

Prevalence in Nigeria Ayodeji is just one among over 14 million Nigerian youths presently living on hard drugs in the country.

Experts say the rate of consumption of illicit drugs and other dangerous substances have reached a serious and alarming proportion with Nigeria moving towards being one of the highest hard drug consuming nations globally.

The abuse has been broadened to include prescription medications like Opioid analgesic, tramadol, codeine containing syrup and benzodiazepines. In fact, 14 percent of the world’s population of opioids abusers are Nigerians.

Some other nonconventional substances are also commonly abused, like inhalants, lizard dung and bio-generic fumes.

In a recent publication by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on the prevalence of drug use in Nigeria, the country recorded a prevalence of 14.4 per cent which is more than twice the global average of 5.6 per cent and it was observed that drug use was most common among those who were between the ages of 25 and 39.

In Nigeria alone at least 14.3 million people between the ages of 15 and 64 used drugs during the period under review (2017) with one in seven persons in this age group involved.

This is against a global average of one in 20 persons.

It is also worthy of note that one in four people who abuse drugs are women. It is therefore not surprising that most of the crimes

Drug abuse is on the rise in Nigeria

perpetrated in the society are by teenagers and youths who are under the influence of drugs.

According to the Director General, CADAM, Mr. Dokun Adedeji, women constitute 25 per cent of drug abusers in Nigeria, hence the need to also put special interventions in place for them, as it is the case for men.

He said: “That is also reflected in the admission into our rehabilitation centres where women population is below 10 per cent at any time.

Generally speaking, in a recent publication on the prevalence of drug use by UNDOC, Nigeria recorded a prevalence of 14.4 per cent which is more than twice the global average of 5.6 percent and drug use was most common among those who were between the ages of 25 and 39.”

Process at CADAM He said CADAM has over time engaged in education to curb drug abuse and has established rehabilitation centres to provide treatments.

“CADAM prides itself in its world class rehabilitation facility in Epe, Lagos State. We provide treatment and rehabilitation services to about 200 drug dependent persons every year. They undergo 12 months program. We empower beneficiaries with skills such as IC, home economics training, photography and other empowerment programs,” he said.

He further charged the government on involvement and commitment in order to forestall the scourge of illicit drugs in Nigeria.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Our Crisis of Drugs and Substance Abuse’ Adedeji said there was need for strong campaign and advocacy to curtail the menace of drug abuse in the society.

He said: “CADAM is a faith based nongovernmental organisation under the auspices of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and we have been helping drug dependent people since 1991. We have turned out over 2000 graduates from our rehabilitation centres in Akute and Epe, most of whom had undergone a 12-month drug rehabilitation program and

have fully been integrated back into society and doing well today.

“As a faith-based NGO, we have found the church as a pivot in reaching out to both young and old. Our Church Engagement Program (CEP) is that in which we take up every opportunity given to educate christians on drug abuse and its menace and offer a helping hand to those who need counselling and treatment as the case may be. This is ongoing in RCCG parishes in Lagos State.

This could be extended to other churches as the need arise. Same would be implemented in other states overtime. CADAM prides itself in its world class rehabilitation facility situated in Araga, Epe, Lagos State. Here we provide treatment and rehabilitation services to about 200 drug dependent persons every year,” he said.

Charge to Government Adedeji, who charged the government to tackle drug abuse head on, said there was need to establish credible drug rehabilitation centres across the nation as there were only few places where drug victims and dependent persons can access treatment and rehabilitation in the country.

He said: “At this time, we should work on non-stigmatisation of drug patients. There is also need for intensive advocacy to attend the prevailing ignorance of Nigerians youths on dangers inherent in drug abuse.

Support for Drug Victims The Director, Rehab and Field Operations, CADAM, Mr. Anthony Nkem, harped on adequate support for drug victims.

He said: “Drug abuse is a public health issue and not a criminal issue. The drug dealers should be punished adequately, while the drug users need help which is the only reasonable way because in all circumstances, they are helpless. What we are saying in essence is that drug users shouldn’t be criminalised.”

Role of Parents The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP), Mrs. Adejoke Orelope, represented by Deputy Director Programs, OSSAP, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnamchi-Ukaegbu, commended CADAM on the initiative in bringing stakeholders together to brainstorm against drug abuse in Nigeria.

She said: “CADAM’s event is strategic and I must say it is a welcome development because it focuses on social development that will help Nigeria curtail the menace of drug abuse most especially among our youths. The federal government has declared it a state of emergency for us to do something to reduce the effect of drugs and substance abuse. This event is directly related to the United Nations sustainable development goals three talking about health and wellbeing of our people. So, we can say this program is a way of achieving that goal.”

As a mother, she urged parents to cultivate the habit of educating their children on the effect of drug abuse.

“As a mother I felt bad because it is what’s going on in so many homes. Their children are dropouts because of drugs. As parents, we should advise them against it, she said.

Priority The Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Amb. Ayoola Olukanni said the national figures from surveys has shown millions of Nigerians were on drugs, adding that there was need to give the fight a priority.

Olukanni emphasised on the need to educate young Nigerians early enough, adding that government should have a national policy against drug abuses.

He said: “We have to development new policies because drugs are unfolding every day. We must follow the trend so that we can quickly come out with national policies to address the growing epidemic.

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NEWS Girl, 17, Seeks N2.5m to Correct Lower Limb Deformities 17 years old Blessing Maria Ijachi is calling on kind hearted Nigerians to support her treatment of severe genu valrum with N2.5 million so she can walk again.

Blessing, who has been suffering from the disease commonly referred to as severe bowing of both limbs, dropped out of school in 2016 due to unabating harsh pains. But there is a ray of hope to put an end to her eventual total reduction to a liability, if only she is able to afford the cost of surgery.

Born to Mr.& Mrs. Ijachi of Otada Local Government Area of Benue State, Blessing, who was born in Lagos, started having problems with her legs from the age of two and half years.

“By the age of three, the pains as my mum told me, were becoming too severe, I was taken to the General Hospital, Ikeja and referred from there to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.

“Igbobi prescribed a surgery for me at that age, my dad was

required to donate blood for me for the operation but he was sick at the time and he passed on.

We couldn’t raise the money after my dad’s death, so, it was impossible for us to go back to Igbobi for the operation.”

But even with the pains, Blessing managed to go through elementary school and then her Junior Secondary School (JSS). But the pains and level of deformity worsened as she grew older and it eventually became impossible for her to walk to school daily, sit all through in the class and walk back home.

Hence she dropped out.

Blessing’s hope has been raised again in by the medical team in Igbobi led by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Izuagba Emekahave who confirmed, after all required tests have been carried out, that she can indeed walk again after the surgery.

To assist, donations can be made to John Blessing Maria, Guaranty Trust Bank, Account no. 0468466784.

Back Pain Causes 40% of Disability, Says Expert Ayodeji Ake Pain physicians have revealed that back pain accounts for 40 per cent of disability cases and that at least 80 per cent of persons will have back pain in their lifetime.

Speaking during a twoday healthcare stakeholder’s conference held in Lagos recently, and organised by Genesis Special Hospital, as well as Lagos Neurosurgery Course, tagged: ‘New Horizons in Brain and Spine Disorder’, the Board Certified Intervention Pain Physician, Dr. Debo Adebayo, noted that back pain could be one of the causes of social economic setbacks of a country due to loss of jobs and less income generation by those affected.

He said: “This meeting is

focused one sharing with the public and stakeholders on what actually happens with spine diseases that causes back pain which develops from chronic injuries or the effect of age.

“Back pain accounts for 40 per cent of disabilities. Not only that, it is one of the major causes of unemployment, loss of jobs and income in developing and developed countries.

“The increased population here in Nigeria is becoming more sophisticated with citizens asking what options exist for management of their pain other than surgical interventions.

“New interventions that are routinely available or given to people who visit developed countries are now available in Nigeria. Secondly, our colleagues who have been at the

fore front of managing these patients now have the access to utilise the services that those of us have to complement their work here in Nigeria. “ A lot of Nigerians go overseas for this and the cost of obtaining tickets and the provision of service is huge.”

Consultant Spine Surgeon, Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spines (FOCUS), Ghana, Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, said back pain may not have been caused by injuries, adding that it could be as a result of strain, obesity or muscle-pull.

On preventions, he added: “back pain can be prevented by employing good body mechanics, proper sitting positions, appropriate chairs in offices and homes, exercise,

weight loss, and basically managing your body well in terms of movement.”

Speaking on the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Special Hospital, Dr. Roger Olade, said obesity was one of the causes of back pain as he urged Nigerians to go for medical checkups.

“What Nigerians have to do is to pay attention to their health. We should all have doctors we see for checkups when we are well and not only when we are sick. We have patients who present late.

“This often happens because these patients first go to church for prayers and seek solutions elsewhere before presenting to the hospitals, and by that time it becomes super expensive,” he said.

UNICEF Says Nigeria Loses N455b Annually to Poor Sanitation, Open Defecation Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that the Nigerian government loses N455b annually due to poor sanitation and with a third of that cost as a result of open defecation in which Nigeria ranks second globally after India.

It also stated that according to the findings from the latest Water Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASH NORM) survey, 47 million people, a 24 per cent of the population, practice open defecation.

In its 2019 latest bulletin which champions “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet”, the children’s fund disclosed that more than 100,000 children under five years of age die each year due to diarrhea, of which 90 percent was directly attributed to unsafe water and sanitation.

It recalled that in November 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari declared a state of

emergency in WASH sector, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment for eliminating open defecation in the country, and launched a national campaign to jump start the country’s journey towards becoming Open Defecation Free by 2025.

It said:” Open defecation has an economic, social and health impact on national development. Nigeria loses about 1.3 per cent (N455b) of GDP annually due to poor sanitation and a third of that cost is as a result of open defecation.

“More than 100,000 children under five years of age die each year due to diarrhea, of which 90 per cent is directly attributed to unsafe water and sanitation.

“Leveraging on what is currently working in states and local government areas and communities certified as ODF, this campaign is a national movement hinged in policy advocacy, public advocacy, and private sector engagement.”

NAFDAC Suspends Implementation of NewTarrif Martins Ifijeh In a quick move to douse tension and assuage the yearnings of stakeholders in the pharmaceutical, food and allied industries, the governing council of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has suspended implementation of the new tariffs which came into effect on June 1, 2019.

The Chairman, NAFDAC Governing Council, Hon. Inuwa Abdul-Kadir, who stated this during a press briefing in Lagos recently, said stakeholders affected by the new tariffs will henceforth revert to payment of the old tariffs until further notice.

Abdul-Kadir said the council

has considered substantially the inputs of the stakeholders in arriving at a new tariff regime which will soon be released by the agency after doing all the needful including sensitising the public before it becomes effective.

According to him, the suspension of the new tariffs was borne out of NAFDAC’s avowed commitment to the promotion of the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

He said: “The need to carry along our stakeholders in decision making is in line with global best practices. NAFDAC will continue to promote the manufacture, exportation and importation of good quality products.

BRINGING BHCPFTO DELTA

Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (l); and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Abdulaziz Mashi Abdullahi, during a courtesy visittothegovernorontheRollOutofBasicHealthCareProvisionsFundinDeltaStaterecently

Experts Urge FG to Provide Integrated Health Polices for Aged People Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Experts have called on the federal government to provide integrated health policies for older people in Nigeria, saying there is need to make the country’s age friendly.

The experts also stressed the need to provide health insurance or subsidised healthcare for old people.

Speaking at the first distinguished public lecture and opening ceremony of international training programme in Gerontology and Geriatrics, organised by Dave Omokaro Africa Institute on Ageing and Development (DOFRIAD), Prof.

Funmi Togonu-Bickersteth, of the Department of Psychology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said there was need to provide health policies that support individuals at various stages in life.

Earlier, the Executive Director, DOFRIAD, Dr. Emem Omokaro,

said in spite of the youth-budge, there was increasing number of older persons in Nigeria and Africa.

According to her, “what we have in Nigeria and other regions is that we have simultaneous challenges. There is focus on employment, enrolment in schools, reproductive health, lowering indexes of maternal and infant mortality, hence there is the tendency to ignore older persons because you think they have already done their bits.

“Our elders grow old does not mean they are not human being.

Their values are still with them.”

Omokaro noted that there was need for the government to put in place framework to tackle the problems being faced by older people.

She stated: “Government should look at ageing as a development issue, mainstream its challenges into developmental policy, and then come up with a pragmatic framework to address it.

“The policy framework has to come from government, without a policy, you don’t have an action plan. Give us the legal framework, the policy framework, the strategic implementation plan, then everybody goes to work.

“We look forward to reintroducing such bills to the 9th Assembly and we need the legal foundation for the policy to work.”

Also, the Chairman, Governing Board of DOFRIAD, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, said the organisation was a response to challenges of glaring deficit in aggregated data on older persons as well as gaps in policy, normative and pragmatic action frameworks on ageing in Nigeria.

He stressed that over the years in Nigeria, the development of responses and policies to address implications of increasing absolute numbers of older persons and perceived

challenges of this cohort of population 60 plus, appear to be halfhearted, ad-hoc and reactive, as ultimate care of the old continues to fall solely to family.

Expo stated: “Challenges and their structural components leading to yawning gaps in support systems for older persons are traceable to ageism, discrimination, misperception and obvious limited institutional and personnel capacity, including knowledge of ageing as a population issue in development and the economic and socio-cultural opportunities that can accrue from inter-generational synergies, life course and human right approaches to development.

“Also, not properly evidenced, are the demographic dividends that can be harvested from investment in the capacities of older persons and the growing need for geriatric health care services and products.”

36

T H I S D AY Ëž THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

HEALTH

Reversing Drug Abuse by Nigerian Youths At this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held on June 26, stakeholders in the anti-substance abuse movement in Nigeria, ranging from non-governmental organisations to public officials and private business, gathered at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja to take stock and chart the way forward, writes Gboyega Adebayo

S

ubstance abuse is a global phenomenon. It has been argued that different regions in the world ‘specialise’ in various kinds of substance abuse. From 1998 to 2002, opiate addiction ruled Asia, Europe, and Australia; South America was predominantly affected by cocaine addiction, and the African problem was the addiction to cannabis. However, in North America, drug addiction seemed evenly distributed between the use of opiates, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, and other narcotics.

Drug abuse rose to alarming levels by 2018. “Both the range of drugs and drug markets are expanding and diversifying as never before� was the opening sentence of the Preface of the World Drug Report 2018 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The world appears to be at an all-time high, in every sense of the statement. And from every indication, Africa is a red zone. “We need to raise the alarm about addiction to tramadol, rates of which are soaring in parts of Africa.�, the preface continued.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines substance abuse as “the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.� WHO explains that “Psychoactive substance use can lead to dependence syndrome - a cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance use and that typically include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, persisting in its use despite harmful consequences, a higher priority given to drug use than to other activities and obligations, increased tolerance, and sometimes a physical withdrawal state.�

This ‘dependence syndrome’ has left whispers of pain, agony and death in its stead. Globally, 450,000 people died in the year 2015 as a result of drug usage. 167,750 of those deaths were a direct result of drug use disorders. It appears to be a doomsday prophecy all around. From 2010 to 2015, deaths directly caused by drug abuse increased by an alarming 60 per cent.

An estimated number of 275 million people (ages 15-64) globally, used drugs at least once in 2015, which means that one in every 18 people had interacted with a drug.

Drawing an inference, drug users increased by 20 million from 2015 to 2016. These figures are driven home by the fact that in the late 90s, globally, there were approximately 180 million drug users.

The most populous black nation in the world has begun expressing its strength in unfavourable situations - in a 2016 interview, the former Director General, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Otunba Ipinmishoa stated that roughly 40 per cent of Nigerian youths abused drugs.

And the leading culprits? NOI Polls survey concluded that marijuana, codeine and alcohol are the most abused substances in Nigeria, “particularly amongst teenagers and young adults aged between 15 – 29 years.�

Furthermore, a 2016 report by the UNODC highlighted the country as a major trafficking hub for controlled substances especially cannabis, with many young Nigerians in large urban areas arrested for drug-related offences. In North-west and South-east Nigeria, solvents and inhalants are more prevalent in rural areas, while in much of North-western and North-central Nigeria, the abuse of local plants via smoking is huge.

In 2018, the Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, at a symposium on the problem of drug abuse/substance abuse in Nigeria at

L-R: Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro; Chairman, MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Wife of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma; and Director, MTN Foundation, Hon. Reginald Okeya, during the National Conference for the MTN-led Anti Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit TraďŹƒcking held in Abuja, recently

the University of Benin, Edo State, explained Nigeria’s substance abuse problem. “The most commonly abused drugs in the country are tramadol and codeine.

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain and is the most abused medicine among addicts.

It has no effects on the respiratory system, but overdose causes arrhythmias, cramps, coma and death. In Nigeria, it is regulated as the 50 and 100mg dosage strengths but very high dosage forms of 200 and 225mg have infiltrated the market.�

Beyond usage, is the problem of distribution. “There is also noticeable increase in smuggling of tramadol capsules. Codeine can be obtained as an over-the-counter painkiller and cough medicines in Nigeria, but consumers often become addicted. The risk of addiction is great, and in many countries including Nigeria, consumers are required to have prescriptions for all opioid-based medications. In Nigeria, despite the fact that all codeine-containing products are locally manufactured and are prescription-only-medicines (POM) since 2012, some products are smuggled into the country as unregistered products. The reclassification as POM did not stem the trend of abuse partly due to non-adherence to the provisions made for prescription.�

There were reports of the seizure of 40 feet containers of tramadol and other controlled pain-killer drugs with a duty paid in the value of N3,060,000,000 at the Onne Port, Rivers State in November 2018.

Many of the complaints in regard to curbing this debilitating phenomenon have been lack of proper records as cases of substance abuse are not properly documented for record purposes and for references. There are also complaints of insufficient support to tackle the mammoth problem.

In a bid to lend a helping hand to address this growing national problem, the MTN Foundation and various bodies and associations, such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria, Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry (CADAM), Freedom Foundation, Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Nigeria

Network of NGOs (NNNGO), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police, among others, launched a multi-stakeholder initiative called the Anti Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), to increase the awareness of substance use and addiction by Nigerian youths.

The campaign which kicked off on December 19, 2018 in Ikoyi, Lagos, began its state activation in Lagos in February 2019 and has made stops in Imo and Rivers States.

Following its highly anticipated national conference held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, it will continue in Bauchi and Kano States. Each state activation spans two weeks and involves direct engagement with the youths in each locale. There have been targeted activities in educational institutions (primary and secondary, as well as tertiary institutions) in various locations in Lagos, Imo and Rivers States.

The influencer training has quickly become a popular fixture in the campaign’s schedule.

The training is an empowerment workshop for individuals who are influential in various fields of endeavour - in order to educate these individuals and spread awareness on substance abuse which will enable them to operate as advocates; multi-stakeholder collaboration that will build a strong network of people, organisations and bodies committed to ending the scourge of substance abuse; etc.

ASAP has been described as aiming to shine a spotlight on the prevalence of drugs and controlled substance abuse, highlight the health and social risks involved, and deliver interventions and fieldwork campaigns that reduce the rate of first-time users of addictive substances within the 10 to 25-year age range.

The national conference which gathered prominent names in the anti-substance abuse movement in Nigeria commemorated the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drugs Day). Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbanjo, the Wife of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria stressed the need for a united movement against the scourge of substance abuse, “I call upon us all to join this army, for we are told this multiheaded monster requires a multi-stakeholder intervention and I call upon each one in this

hall of all ages, all professions, different gender.

I call upon each of us to join the resistance movement, for we must all have a resistant movement.�

Nonny Ugboma, Executive Secretary of the MTN Foundation, shared the ASAP experience so far, “The past few months have been humbling in many ways. As an organisation, ASAP opened our eyes to a more in-depth understanding of the scale of the problem of substance abuse in our country. Each day that passes reinforces the need for a sustained fight against the menace of substance abuse.

We call on everyone to join in this fight, your support is invaluable and together, we will show our young ones that a drug-free life is indeed possible and doable.�

The programme which utilises user-generated content campaign tagged ‘My Brighter Future’ has set itself some lofty goals that include preventing, reducing and stopping first time and habitual substance abuse among young people aged between 10 and 25 years in urban and semi-urban Nigeria.

The company is utilising exciting ways, such as music, drama, dance, among others, to spread its message to its core audience.

The Riveting Limited’s play, Area Boy, centred around substance abuse, is now a must-watch in each participating state. Students around the country have also been thrilled by exciting performances by singer and anti-substance abuse advocate, David Jones David.

Substance abuse is a hydra-headed problem that can only be addressed with the full support of everyone and not just creators of initiatives such as ASAP; the nature of this problem requires the cooperation of everyone and the support of the people from every facet of human interaction.

An end to substance abuse will require support from policymakers as well. More laws that target the multiple sides of this phenomenon will supplement giant strides made by the numerous organisations and bodies threading this path. With laudable initiatives being spearheaded by ICT companies that have an expansive reach, the country appears to be on the right path. t"EFCBZP BO BOUJ TVCTUBODF BCVTF BEWPDBUF XSJUFT GSPN "CVKB

37

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

NEWS

Nigerian Surgeons Move toTackle MedicalTourism Martins Ifijeh Sendi Joseph should still be wheelchair bound by now. The 26-year-old was paralysed from the waist down immediately after falling off a ladder whilst fixing a fitting on a very high ceiling in a building in Abuja.

Joseph is a hard-working young man. He was working till 2am to get a job done for a client in Abuja.

Perhaps, that was his saving grace. What would have happened if he had been working in the village? Definitely, the story would have been very different.

However, timely intervention by the Brain & Spine surgery consortium team, led

by Neurosurgeon, Dr Biodun Ogungbo, a team of empathetic rehabilitative staff and a patient with dogged determination may have been his saving grace to avoid permanent disability and to regain his mobility.

Joseph’s story was told in

an animated video which was released by the team recently.

The 48 seconds video gave a brief outline of what occurred but did not show the emotional burden of a young man at the blossoming age of 26 with ambition bubbling within, thoughts of marriage and children at the fore front of his mind.

Joseph lost his footing and fell off the ladder. His whole ambition and life flashed across and all appeared shattered as he fell backward from the ladder landing on his bum. The wind was knocked out of him such that he could not breathe as he lay back on the floor.

He was unaware that he had been knocked unconscious; when he opened his eyes, he saw people surrounding him, calling his name repeatedly. They tried to lift him up which was when it hit him: he had no sensation and could not move from his waist down. The date April 30 is forever etched in his mind. On

that day, at 2am he could not walk, did not know when he had to pass urine or defecate, his mother’s face flashed before him.

He could imagine her crying, he said. He was numb, thus he could not remember if he cried.

He narrated, “In our village, when it comes to spine or bone injuries, the first point of call is the traditional bone setter. Most hospitals are not equipped to deal with cases of severe spinal injury and paralysis.”

Indeed, many hospitals even in the towns and cities not only lack the facilities but finding a doctor to attend to you during the day is often a big issue. Death rates especially following trauma are disproportionally high in our hospitals, as is death from child birth and simple malaria.

Joseph was initially rushed to three different hospitals and rejected for one reason or the other. One hospital could not manage spinal injury, the other had no bed to admit him and a

third was too expensive.

So, he was referred to BASS and had an emergency operation the very next day. He had broken his spine and suffered complete spinal cord injury. At the operation, the pressure on his spine was relieved and his bones were stabilised. There was no hope of recovery of his sensation or movement in the legs. Regardless, he was commenced on active and serious rehabilitation, physiotherapy and expert nursing care.

Remarkably, fortune smiled on him and he started noticing movement in his legs within a few weeks. From then on, his recovery happened in leaps and bounds and today, he has full function of his legs with full power (plays football) and normal sensation. He has gained full control of his bowel and bladder function and has normal erection.

No more worries about producing grand-children for

his mother.

Joseph was lucky that Abuja has skilled neurosurgeons. He was lucky to have been directed to BASS where surgery was carried out at an affordable cost and he left the hospital within four days, walking without aid in six weeks.

Today, his scar is barely visible and he looks forward to everything any 26-year-old would. This story will touch and inspire you to believe in the Nigerian project.

The BASS in Abuja, started off as a special purpose vehicle to make spine surgery acceptable in Nigeria.

According to BASS Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr Biodun Ogungbo, “We came into the picture in 2015 to promote spine surgery and help reverse medical tourism into Abuja. This is what we call Spine Fixed in Abuja. This was essentially to demonstrate quite clearly that spine surgery can be performed safely in Abuja

and in Nigeria as a whole.

“We have achieved that purpose as spine surgery is now attractive and many more surgeons have joined in providing exemplary services to the Nigerian patient. We made spine surgery sexy! BASS is focussed on improving outcomes in brain and spine surgery through collaborations with other hospitals and specialists. We regularly publish our outcomes, morbidity and mortality with emphasis on doing better through this simple audit of practice.”

The consultant neurosurgeon said many hospitals in Nigeria do not collect or report such outcomes data and BASS is hoping to blaze the trail.

Ogungbo added, “It is vitally important and the transparency will improve local confidence.

This story is typical of the great and sometimes miraculous recoveries that can occur once care is provided in a timely and efficient manner.”

African Industries Group Partners Lagos Blood Transfusion Committee Oluchi Chibuzor The African industries Group (AIG) in its bid to help create awareness on the importance of voluntary blood donation among its workers and society at large, has partnered with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion committee in an effort targeted at saving lives through the Blood Donation Camp Initiative.

A similar programme has also been carried out in other subsidiaries of the group like African Steel Mills Ikorodu and African Foundries Limited, Ogijo.

Speaking at the Blood Donation Camp to mark 2019 World Blood Donor Day with a theme, “Save a life Give Blood: Give Blood Give Life”, held recently in, Ogun state, the Chief Executive Officer, Steel and Projects, Agbara Complex, African Industries, Sohan Baghla said blood donation is the biggest gift to mankind and is more than money.

He said before any donation

there is always an educational training for workers at the Blood Donation Camp, to enable donor to have adequate information on what it takes to give blood and the benefits, noting that one pint of blood saves three persons.

According to him, “Our company policy allows anybody to feel free to donate blood, which we have been doing for the second year now with over 200 pints of blood in all since we begin the Blood Donation Camp.

“As a law-abiding system incorporated organisation, we are committed in the overall well-being of our workers which is one of the reasons we organised this initiative to our workforce and the community to understand the significance of the exercise.

“Blood donation is more than money and is the biggest donation you can make towards saving the lives of other people in society and to the needy persons.”

A Health Expert Urges FG to Decentralise Activities of NEMA Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A Professor of Public Health, University of Ilorin, Gordon Osagbemi has called on the federal government to decentralise the activities of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to all 774 local government councils in the country.

This, he said would assist the agency to be more effective and efficient in the management of disaster cases in the country.

Osagbemi made the call in Ilorin recently while delivering the 182nd inaugural lecture of the University of Ilorin, entitled, “Disaster and Public Health Emergencies: Proper Prior Preparations Prevent Poor Performance”.

According to him, “the decentralisation of NEMA to all the 774 local government councils

in the country would go a long way to ensuring effective delivery of its constitutional mandates to Nigerians.”

He said: “Disasters and public health emergencies are a time long occurrence that exert great tolls on lives and properties with global consequence.

“The effects are felt among all age groups with high levels of mortality and morbidity and its activities should encompass all aspects of disaster management including disaster mapping, surveillance, preparation response, mitigation and research,” he said.

Osagbemi stated that government should ensure that mechanism are put in place for the sustenance of the activities of international agencies and organisation after they might have left programme intervention areas.

L-R: Site Director, GSK Nigeria, Mr. Peter Obasa; Marketing Activation Manager-Pain, Consumer Healthcare- Nigeria, Mr. Ayo Iyiola; Panadol Toughie, Lady SGT Diana Okwudi; and Legal Director, GSK Nigeria, Mr. Uchenna Uwechia at the official launch of the Panadol Toughies Campaign in Nigeria, held in Lagos recently

Group Raises Awareness against Female Genital Mutilation

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Society for Life Changers and Good Parental Care (SOLIFE) has charged stakeholders in Osun State to beef up campaign against Female Genital Mutilation, (FGM) with the creation of community awareness to eradicate the practice.

The Chairman, Board of Trustee, SOLIFE, Mr Aremu Stephen, who disclosed this at the opening ceremony of a three-day Camp Project for community based organisations and women groups in Osun State recently, said the rating of the state as number one on the hierarchy of the six FGM most endemic states was disturbing.

He said: “Championing the intensive advocacy against female circumcision through the Camp Project meeting is to sensitise the people of the state on the dangers and disadvantages of FGM and to discourage the practice made paramount, based on the health

risk associated with the practice, as well as the pattern and trend of medicalisation.”

At the program funded by Positive Action for Girls and Women, Aremu described the act as bad culture, which he said was disheartening and barbaric in modern day.

“Rigorous campaigns and sensitisation against FGM will be taken to the market women, community development associations, religious places of worship, motor parks, local government health officers, birth attendants, as well as traditional rulers so that more people will be aware that it is bad and should be eradicated.

“FGM exposes its victims to HIV and other health implications ranging from dangerous infections arising from unsanitary conditions severe bleeding, as well as pain and trauma, with mutilated infants, girls and women facing irreversible lifelong health risks among other consequences,” he said.

Emeka Offor Donates $3.5m towards Polio Eradication r"T /JHFSJB BXBJUT 8)0 DFSUJGJDBUJPO BT QPMJP GSFF DPVOUSZ Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Businessman Emeka Offor has bolstered the effort towards the eradication of wild polio in Nigeria by donating the sum of $3.5 million to the Rotary Foundation in combating the scourge.

The National Chairman, Nigeria Polio Committee of Rotary International, Dr Abdulrahman Olatunji Funsho, made the revelation during the End Polo Now campaign, where Offor and two artistes, Inetimi Alfred Udom (Timaya) and Chibuzor Azubuike (Phyno), were presented as ambassadors of Rotary International.

Funsho described the $3.5 million received as the largest donation by an individual to Rotary Foundation in the whole of Africa. He said that since 1998, Rotary had spent over $270 million in curbing the spread

of the polio strains that afflict many people with paralysis in Nigeria. He also stated that the federal government budgeted about $50 million in fighting the virus from mutating last year.

Funsho told reporters that over $50 billion is required over the next 10 years by governments and international donors to completely eradicate the polio scourge all over the world.

He further alluded that since Nigeria has not reported new outbreak of Polio cases since September 2016, the country is awaiting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to later this year classify the country as a polio non- endemic country.

The proposed removal of Nigeria from the list will now leave Afghanistan and Pakistan as the only countries where the polio strains are still active. The two countries accounted for the 32 global cases of the wild virus this year.

38

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í˛Ëœ 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

AMCON, ICPC to Collaborate on Debt Recovery Ugo Aliogo The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye on Wednesday in Abuja disclosed plans by the commission to collaborate with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) towards the recovery of the N5 trillion owed AMCON by obligors.

He made the declaration when he received the Board and Management of AMCON led by the Corporation’s Board Chairman, Dr. Muiz Banire.

Owasanoye, who received the AMCON delegation at ICPC headquarters while describing the huge debt profile of AMCON as sobering situation especially as the figure represents about 50 per cent of Nigeria’s 2019 budget, further said the situation had become existential challenge for the country since the few people who are holding the country to ransom are still walking free and waxing strong in the society.

Considering the positive impact, the funds would have in the economy if recovered.

Owasanoye was quoted in a statement to have declared

that the time has come for the ICPC and other relevant sister agencies to partner AMCON and support the debt recovery drive. He however pledged that the ICPC under his leadership was ready to work with Ahmed Lawan Kuru, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AMCON and the board members to recover as much of these debts as possible before sunset.

Recalling that the Vice President, Prof. Yomi Osinbajo had also raised concerns over the huge debt in a similar forum, the ICPC Chairman said, the commission would be interested in tracing the transactional history of the different loans especially the high profile ones with a view to establishing any irregularity, which could have contributed to its hard-core nature, with obligors refusing to pay “We have to be practical in our approach. Something needs to be done and very fast too given the approaching AMCON sunset because this is public funds we are talking about here. We need AMCON and ICPC to work closer and develop a strategy that would work. We need the public to know the opportunity cost of the huge debt to the

Nigerian economy, we need to share information as sister agencies locally and internationally and treat this matter as a last lap race by setting up a joint taskforce to deal with this sobering issue,� he added.

The ICPC boss, who was of the opinion that obligors of AMCON were made to face the music, which he said would serve as deterrent to others, further added, “If these matters are not properly challenged and well treated, we can predict based on history that these set of people or their clones would repeat this circle of borrowing and would tell you that in the past, some people borrowed and defaulted and nothing happened.

So something has to be done.�

Earlier in their submissions, both Banire who led the delegation and Kuru, highlighted some of the high-profile obligors of the Corporation including some 350 individuals that account for 80 per cent of the entire debt obligation.

They also reiterated the fact AMCON would at this time in its lifespan need collaboration of the ICPC to go after these obligors especially since AMCON on its own does not have the powers to invite, arrest or prosecute obligors as the only option open to AMCON remains the court.

Barclays Nigeria Rebrands, Now ABSA Barclays operations in Nigeria has officially re-branded to Absa, in line with parent company Absa Group’s strategic plans on the continent.

In line with this, Barclays Stockbrokers Nigeria Limited has been renamed to Absa Securities Nigeria Limited, and Barclays Securities Nigeria Limited is now known as Absa Capital Markets Nigeria Limited.

The change comes after parent company Barclays Africa Group was renamed to Absa Group in July 2018, as part of its separation from UK-headquartered Barclays Plc. According to a statement, the move would allow the company embark on a new era as a standalone African banking group with global scalability.

Part of the Absa Group’s separation agreement with Barclays Plc was to “remove the Barclays brand from all assets

by mid-2020 at the latest. The change in name and brand for the Group’s Nigerian operations is thus well ahead of schedule.� “Nigeria is one of the first countries outside of South Africa to change to the Absa brand, and we are excited to break new ground under our new brand.

The new brand is an expression of the Group’s new identity as a forward-looking bank in a digital era and will bring refreshed energy and optimism to our local operations,� Co-Head of Investment Banking of Absa Nigeria, Feyi Olusanya said.

Other Barclays-branded assets in other markets across the continent would change to Absa at a later date to be announced later, the statement. “Products and service functionality will not be affected by the re-brand, although the visual look and feel will change, and customers are urged to be vigi-

lant about potential fraud. The continent-wide rebranding from Barclays to Absa is considered one of Africa’s most ambitious rebranding programmes, with offices, stationery, signage, branches, digital interfaces, and so much more requiring change across 12 markets. “As Absa, the Group announced a new growth strategy in March 2018, prioritising cultural transformation, restoring the Group’s leadership position in core business areas, and developing pioneering propositions for customers and clients. The strategy is expected to double Absa’s share of bank revenues in Africa, with Nigeria a market of interest to the Group,� it added.

Absa has been present in Nigeria since 2010 and provides investment banking, securities trading and global markets products through its Nigerian licensed subsidiaries.

L-R: District Police Officer (DPO), Festac Police Division, Lagos, Obong Okon; Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, Nosak Group, Judith Aikhoje; Group Executive Director, Operations and Production, Osaheni Ogunbor, and Chief Security Officer (CSO), Joseph Agugoesi, during the mid-year training for the Group’s Security Personnel held in Lagos...yesterday

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Money Supply (M3)

31,794,803.44

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

6,333,064.28

Money Supply (M2)

25,461,739.17

-- Quasi Money

14,773,076.98

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,688,662.18

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,711,763.59

---- Demand Deposits

8,976,898.59

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

18,990,400.78

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

12,804,402.66

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,062,986.22

---- Credit to Government (Net)

2,980,229.66

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

7,093,619.43

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-4,144,571.43

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

23,082,756.56

--Other Assets Net

13,258,583.57

Reserve Money (Base Money

6,811,192.37

--Currency in Circulation

2,100,129.91

--Banks Reserves

4,366,259.05

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

Solomon Elusoji

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

As part of its commitment to empowering young girls in Nigeria, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has announced plan to partner with a non-profit organisation, the Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) to organise the annual LEAD Camp, a week-long program designed to identify, convene and coach exceptional female students from across the country.

Union Bank had partnered with JAN for the past four edition. LEAD Camp’s mission is to inspire and empower young girls to become high-achieving women leaders. In order to achieve this mission, the participants are taken through a series of activities including leadership workshops, panel sessions and media projects administered by HOD consulting,

Union Bank.

Speaking on the program, Executive Director of JA Nigeria, Simi Nwogugu, emphasised the impact created by LEAD camp thus far and thanked Union Bank for their unwavering support and commitment to the cause. “The LEAD Camp’s effect on the participants is phenomenal,�

Nwogugu said.

Also commenting on Union Bank’s continued support for the LEAD Camp initiative, the Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, said the program provides the bank with the opportunity to “cultivate and encourage a strong leadership mentality� in young girls while preparing them to “fill leadership positions in the future.�

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

Union Bank, JAN to Empower Adolescent Girls a global leadership development company that serves Fortune 500 companies in the United States and Nigeria.

The girls have the opportunity to engage in enlightening discussions with Union Bank employees and other leading women from the private and public sectors in Nigeria. They also participate in conceptualisation and development sessions to discuss critical issues such as career, financial literacy and health, including secual reproductive health.

In the past 18 years, JAN has curated the event to nurture young girls in Nigeria on their journey to becoming successful women. This year would not be different as 50 girls are expected to be hosted at the camp from the 7th to 13th of July 2019, in the initiative sponsored by

(MILLION NAIRA)

NOVEMBER 2018

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ Í° Ͱ͎ͯ͡

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $63.95 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $65.71 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

39

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͳ˜ 2019

MARKET NEWS

SEC Reduces Cost,Time for Transmission of Shares Goddy Egene

efforts to claim such dividends.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has further reduced the time, processes and costs of the transmission of shares from a deceased to the beneficiary. This move, according to the commission was in line with its determination to reduce the quantum of unclaimed dividends in the Nigerian capital market and encourage beneficiaries of deceased investors to step up

In an amended draft on the operating framework for transmission of shares, SEC reduced the timeline for the transmission of deceased’s shares from three weeks to one week. Going by that, registrar shall ensure that shares of a deceased are transmitted within a week of receiving the request from the administrators or executors.

The registrar was also

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

required to transmit the Letter of Administration to the Probate Registry within 24 hours of receipt of same for verification.

The administrators/executors are, however, required to provide letter of Introduction introducing themselves as the legal representatives of the Estate. The letter should also indicate the names, addresses, signatures and BVNs of the individual Administrators/ Executors.

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Also required are original Death Certificate from the National Population Commission (NPC) for sighting, original probate letter or Letter of Administration for sighting or the Certified True Copy (CTC) from a Notary Public.

Others are copy of newspaper advert placed by the Court or Gazette, any evidence of ownership of the investment i.e. CSCS statement(s) of the deceased, original share certificates, dividend stub or

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

dividend warrants or bank statement(s) showing receipt of dividend(s) into the account(s) of the deceased.

“Where the Administrator/ Executor cannot provide these requirements, the Registrar may require confirmation through insurance, indemnity or interview” the SEC stated.

SEC explained that registrars are also disallowed from charging fee on dematerialisation of share certificate and mandating of accounts for

O F

electronic dividend. However, change of address, name or mandate shall not attract more than N100 per request while update of update of signature capture and scanning shall not be more than N200 per signature.

The SEC further states that any registrar that violates the provisions of the rules shall be liable to a penalty of not less than N1 million and an additional sum of N20,000 for every day the violation persists.

0 3 / 0 7 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

40

˾ THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index declined –Ϭ͘ϯϯй͘ Yesterday, the Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index shed 0.33% to ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕Ϯϳϵ͘ϳϳ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ ŝŶ ZENITHBANK (-ϭ͘ϬйͿ͕ DANGCEM (-ϭ͘ϲйͿ ĂŶĚ FBNH (-Ϯ͘ϯйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ Ϯϲ͘ϰй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

Sell-KīƐ ƌĂŐ ĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬ /ŶĚĞdž͙ NSE ASI down 0.1% dŚĞ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ǁĂƐ ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƚŚŝƌĚ ĐŽŶƐĞĐƵƟǀĞ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ in DANGCEM (-ϭ͘ϲйͿ͕ ZENITH (-ϭ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ MOBIL (-ϵ͘ϳйͿ ĚƌĂŐŐĞĚ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬ ŝŶĚĞdž ϳďƉƐ ůŽǁĞƌ ƚŽ Ϯϵ͕ϯϳϱ͘Ϯϱ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ zd ůŽƐƐ ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ Ăƚ -ϲ͘ϱй͘ ĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐůLJ͕ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ůŽƐƚ Eϴ͘ϴďŶ ŝŶ ǀĂůƵĞ ĂƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĚĞĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ƚŽ EϭϮ͘ϵƚŶ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ ϭϴ͘ϱй ƚŽ Ϯϯϳ͘ϳŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĨĞůů ϯϭ͘ϱй ƚŽ EϮ͘ϬďŶ͘ dŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ MORISON ;ϰϰ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ UBA ;ϯϰ͘ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ and STERLING ;ϯϮ͘ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ZENITH ;Eϱϰϭ͘ϭŵͿ͕ GUARANTY ;Eϯϳϱ͘ϭŵͿ ĂŶĚ UBA ;EϮϬϵ͘ϲŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ

ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ůĂƌŐĞůLJ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŽĨ ϲ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ǁĂƚĐŚ ƚƌĞŶĚĞĚ ŶŽƌƚŚǁĂƌĚ ƐĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ &Z/ d ŝŶĚĞdž ǁŚŝĐŚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕ ƵƉ ϭ͘ϳй͕ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ WAPCO ;нϲ͘ϬйͿ and CCNN ;нϯ͘ϲйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƌĞďŽƵŶĚĞĚ͕ ƌŝƐŝŶŐ Ϭ͘ϱй ĂƉŝĞĐĞ ŽŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ of ďƵLJ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ WAPIC ;нϵ͘ϯйͿ͕ UNILEVER ;нϰ͘ϮйͿ ĂŶĚ DANGSUGAR ;нϮ͘ϴйͿ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŇŝƉ ƐŝĚĞ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ĚĞĐůŝŶŝŶŐ Ϭ͘ϳй͕ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ Ă ůŽƐƐ ŝŶ MOBIL (-ϵ͘ϳйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ƐĞůů-ŽīƐ ŝŶ ZENITH (-ϭ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ FBNH (-Ϯ͘ϯйͿ ĚƌŽǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž Ϭ͘ϲй ůŽǁĞƌ͘ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϳdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϲdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞĐĞĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ϭϲ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ Ϯϯ ƚŚĂƚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ dŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ǁĞƌĞ BOCGAS ;нϵ͘ϵйͿ͕ ACADEMY ;нϵ͘ϳйͿ ĂŶĚ WAPIC ;нϵ͘ϯйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ MORISON (-ϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ FIDSON (-ϵ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ MOBIL (ϵ͘ϳйͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞƌƐ͘ DĂƌŬĞƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ bearish ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚŝƐ ƚŽ ďĞ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŝŶ ƐƵďƐĞƋƵĞŶƚ

7 R S * D L Q H U V T ic k er

P ric e

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 R O X P H P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

B OC GA S

4.54

9.9%

M OR ISON

44.5

-10.0%

A C A D EM Y

0.34

9.7%

UB A

34.1

-2.4%

WA P IC

0.47

9.3%

ST ER LN B A N K

32.1

0.0%

J A P A ULOIL

0.25

8.7%

Z EN IT H B A N K

28.2

-1.0%

OA N D O

3.95

8.2%

FB NH

20.0

-2.3%

C ILEA SIN G

5.50

8.1%

GUA R A N T Y

12.5

0.0%

C H IP LC

0.30

7.1%

T R A N SC OR P

8.1

-1.8%

WA P C O

13.25

6.0%

A C C ESS

6.5

1.5%

UN ILEVER

32.00

4.2%

WA P C O

6.3

6.0%

CCNN

14.50

3.6%

F ID ELIT YB K

5.5

-1.2%

ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƐƚĂLJƐ ƐŽŌ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ǁĞ ĚŽ 7 R S / R V H U V

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 D O X H

ŶŽƚ ƌƵůĞ ŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐƐŝďŝůŝƚLJ ŽĨ ƐŽŵĞ ĞŶĚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƚĂŬĞ ĂĚǀĂŶƚĂŐĞ ŽĨ ĂƩƌĂĐƟǀĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƉƌŝĐĞƐ͘

T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

M OR ISON

0.54

-10.0%

F ID SON

4.55

M OB IL

Value

P ric e C hg %

541.1

-1.0%

-9.9%

GUA R A N T Y

375.1

0.0%

158.00

-9.7%

UB A

209.6

-2.4%

M B EN EF IT

0.20

-9.1%

FB NH

128.1

-2.3%

J B ER GER

19.95

-8.9%

M TNN

93.0

0.0%

LIVEST OC K

0.47

-7.8%

WA P C O

82.4

6.0%

UN IT YB N K

0.60

-7.7%

ST ER LN B A N K

72.1

0.0%

UA C N

6.10

-6.9%

OKOM UOIL

59.2

-3.1%

C UST OD IA N

5.80

-4.1%

A C C ESS

42.2

1.5%

62.00

-3.1%

D A N GF LOUR

32.8

0.6%

OKOM UOIL

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

T ic k er Z EN IT H B A N K

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Ola Belgore | obelgore@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com Oluwarotimi Ashimi | oashimi@afrinvest.com

Adedayo Bakare | abakare@afrinvest.com

41

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

‘Harnessing Islamic Financing Can Boost Nigerian Economy’ Goddy Egene The development of the Islamic and Ethical Finance Industry within the capital markets is vital to economic empowerment as it provides funding for corporate financing and other capitalintensive projects. The Head, Debt Capital Markets, FBN Quest Merchant Bank Limited,

Mr. Oluseun Olatidoye stated this at a forum in Lagos. He stressed that the opportunities within the Nigerian Islamic and ethical finance market must be harnessed, as ethical assets are gaining momentum as an alternative investment avenue both locally and internationally.

There has been an uptake in financial assets recently, especially

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

with the Sukuk, both from Muslims and non-Muslims. These products have been oversubscribed and in some cases, there has been a challenge by financial institutions to meet the demand. For Muslims, Islamic and ethical finance is a more acceptable form of investment, as there are no interest charges on their investments which comply directly with the tenets

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 02Jul-2019, unless otherwise stated.

of The Quran.

Olatidoye, therefore, encouraged value seeking Islamic and ethical investors to invest in the products offered, and for more financial services institutions, to issue more of these products.

Analysing the success of such asset classes in Nigeria, he said it is important to note that the Sukuk bond issued in the Nigerian

market has been widely accepted, a case in point is Osun state- which was oversubscribed by about 11.4 per cent. The FGN Sukuk I and II have also seen between 5-30 per cent oversubscription, which means that the demand for ethical finance instruments is high.

“If properly harnessed, Islamic and ethical finance could be a key source of corporate financing, and

capital raising for large projects such as funding for infrastructure development, development of the capital markets, and even foster increased financial inclusion - as more individuals who had not been a part of the capital markets investing community are slowly being introduced to, and are adopting Islamic and ethical finance services,” he said.

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 145.29 147.58 -7.55% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 8.11% Nigeria International Debt Fund 270.19 270.19 -1.11% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.88 0.89 4.54% ACAP Income Funds 0.75 0.75 32.29% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.19% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.33 2.35 4.67% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 15.05 15.50 -9.31% ARM Discovery Fund 338.65 348.86 -5.04% ARM Ethical Fund 28.59 29.46 1.26% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.11% 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 95.44 96.11 -5.68% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.41% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.45% Paramount Equity Fund 11.96 12.07 1.31% Women's Investment Fund 106.11 106.84 2.50% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,212.37 1,213.15 8.48% FBN Heritage Fund 142.18 143.13 -0.42% FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 117.72 118.24 6.54% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 117.66 118.18 6.75% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.28% Legacy Debt Fund 3.44 3.44 6.17% Legacy Equity Fund 1.11 1.13 -9.22% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 2.43% 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 N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.14% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 108.51 109.10 1.21% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.58%

INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.18% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.14 2.17 -0.64% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.65% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 132.25 132.34 5.82% 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 1.21 1.23 5.30% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,117.84 1,117.84 6.99% 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 10.60 10.68 -7.90% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.42% 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 1.28 1.30 4.13% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.62 11.71 4.40% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.14% 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 124.96 125.68 3.56% 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 1.04 1.04 7.22% 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 2,363.65 2,375.80 2.11% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 204.97 204.97 7.80% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.89 0.90 -5.79% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 258.31 258.41 6.55% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 152.89 154.56 -6.29% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.76% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,880.30 7,965.96 -7.22% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.12 1.12 3.05% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.20 1.21 0.29% United Capital Bond Fund 1.72 1.72 8.10% United Capital Equity Fund 0.71 0.72 0.42% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.25% United Capital Eurobond Fund 111.50 111.50 3.95% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.13 1.14 3.56% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.40 10.57 -0.47% Zenith Ethical Fund Zenith Income Fund Zenith Money Market Fund

11.16 22.17 1.00

11.30 22.17 1.00

-5.74% 14.94% 12.37%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.40 121.98 52.56

-44.85% 3.61% 1.58%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.57 97.42 80.46

9.67 99.45 81.90

-9.26% -16.97% -9.29%

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

3.50 5.95 12.90 10.85 144.71

3.54 6.03 13.00 11.05 146.71

-12.32% -21.82% -11.84% -12.13% 9.80%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

111.37

17.40%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

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Probe $12bn Missing Oil Windfall under Babangida, Falana Urges EFCC, ICPC Davidson Iriekpen Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, has again resurrected the issue of the alleged missing of the sum of $12 billion oil windfall under administration of General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) military government, calling on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch an investigation on the disappearance of the funds.

Falana also sought the investigation of the $16 billion purportedly spent on generating electricity in the country, as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He stated this in a keynote address delivered yesterday at the conference on ‘Agenda Setting for Citizens’ Interaction with Stolen

Assets Recovery: Abacha Loot Recovery and Utilisation as Case Study,’ organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) in Abuja.

The human rights lawyer wondered why the anti-graft agencies have not investigated the disappearance of the sum of $12.2 billion from under the Babangida’s military junta.

He reminded Nigerians that a few years ago, the SERAP and other five NGOs sought to compel the federal government to recover the huge fund.

But the Federal High Court struck out the case for want of locus standi on the part of the plaintiffs.

Falana noted that since the anti-graft agencies have the statutory power to recover stolen public money it is high time that the missing $12.2 billion was traced.

He said: “Since the probe has been delayed on the grounds

that the federal government could not locate a copy of the report of the Pius Okigbo Panel on reorganisation of the Central Bank. Happily, a human rights body, which has found a copy of the report will not hesitate to collaborate with the anti-graft agencies if they are willing to

investigate the missing fund.

“During the electioneering last year, President Buhari threatened to probe the $16 billion allegedly purportedly spent on generating electricity in the country. This allegation ought to be investigated without any further delay.

“Following the death of the then military Head of State, General Sani Abacha on June 8, 1998, his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), ordered a probe into the looting of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 1993-1998. At the end of the enquiry it was established

that the late dictator stole over $5 billion from the vaults of the CBN through his National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Gwazo. A substantial part of the stolen fund has since been traced to over 140 bank accounts in western countries and some remote islands in the world.”

Edo Monarchs Urge Buhari to Intervene in Obaseki, Oshiomhole Feud President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met behind closed doors with Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In his speech at the meeting which was made available to State House correspondents, the Chairman of the Council and Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’ Edo, Ewuare II, sought the intervention of the President in the ongoing crisis between the state governor, Godwin Obaseki and the National Chairman of APC, Mr. Adams Oshiohmole.

The Oba said: “Mr President, we as traditional rulers in Edo State, are concerned about the crisis between Adams Oshiomhole, the All Progressives Congress National Chairman and his Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, and Edo State House of Assembly.

“If this crisis is not resolved now with immediate effect it may jeopardise the progress of the state.

“On behalf of the good people of Edo State, we kindly appeal to Mr. President to use your good offices to intervene and stop this crisis.

“Personally even though I do not like to interfere in interparty or intra party matters, and always maintain that the Benin Crown is non-partisan, it is however difficult to turn a blind eye because if this crisis is not brought under control, it is likely to jeopardize the

welfare of the masses.

“This is where I, in my capacity as Chairman of Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, supported by members of the Council, will endeavor to broker peace between the warring parties.’’

The traditional ruler also sought presidential intervention in what he described as “poor and ineffective performance’’ of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in the provision of power to electricity consumers in the state.

He revealed that they were in the villa to also congratulate the president over his well-deserved re-election for the second term in office.

He expressed the hope that the ongoing anti-corruption war and other laudable programmes of the government would move the country in the right path of economic growth and development.

He also prayed that almighty God would help the Buhari administration to put in place a formidable team of people of proven integrity that would join him to take the nation to the next level.

The Oba, however, urged the president to provide two Ministerial slots to Edo in the yet to be constituted Federal Executive Council in view of the fact that the state is the only All Progressives Congress (APC) State in the Southsouth.

Julius Berger Appoints Non- Executive Director The Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. has appointed Goni Musa Sheikh, an engineer, as its non-executive director.

The appointment, according to a statement by the Company’s Secretary, Mrs Cecilia E. Madueke, was made at the company’s meeting last month.

Sheikh is a fellow of Nigerian Society of Mining

Engineers (NSME) and member of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSME), The Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN), Council of Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (CMEG) and Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS).

Madueke explained that the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) had been notified of the appointment.

RELIGIOUS AFFAIR…

L-R: Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye, during the inauguration of 2019 Hajj Ad-Hoc Committee in Ikeja…yesterday

BuhariCondemns DeadlyAttack on MigrantCentre in Libya President Muhammadu Buhari has strongly condemned yesterday’s deadly airstrike on a migrant centre near Tripoli, Libya.

The president described as “inhuman, wicked and callous”

such an attack on “helpless and defenceless people.”

The Nigerian leader, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, called for an international investigation.

He said those behind the death and injury of scores of migrants must be made to face justice.

President Buhari noted that the unfortunate attack is a wake-up call to the warring factions in Libya and the

international community to quickly restore peace and stability in the beleaguered country.

He prayed to God to comfort grieving families and grant speedy healing to the injured.

HURIWA Drags Ayade to NHRC over Alleged Political Killings Esther Oluku Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has dragged the Governor of Cross Rivers State, Prof. Ben Ayade, to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over allegations of playing politics with the recent gruesome killings of five members of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Bendeghe Ekiem community, Etung Local Government Area Council of Cross Rivers State.

HURIWA condemned the killings of these citizens and also expressed shock and disappointment with the government of Cross Rivers State for selectively probing the remote and immediate cause of the killing of the three members of PDP, and maintaining a shocking sense of insensitivity regarding

the three other members of the APC who also reportedly lost their lives during the unfortunate fracas that resulted in the fatalities which included the ward leader of the PDP, Mr. Ayuk Ogar.

In a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Commission, HURIWA called for the right processes of investigations.

The group also urged the Cross Rivers State governor to create the enabling environment for a thorough, comprehensive and transparent probe of the fracas and the killings of all those who died irrespective of their political affiliations or persuasion, adding that this is the best way to promote the rule of law and to guarantee equity, equality of rights, social justice to all parties and uphold democracy.

“As committed patriots, we have approached the National

Human Rights Commission to bring to their notice the ugly scenarios of the unconstitutional decision of the government of Cross Rivers State to use the sad incidence in Etung Local government Area Council to witch-hunt the perceived political opponent of the governor only because there is the perception in the governor’s camp that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration may consider on merits the person to appoint as the ministerial cabinet holder to represent Cross Rivers State.

“We have tabled a threepoint demands to the rights commission to constructively mount pressure on the Nigerian Police Force and the Cross Rivers State governor to adhere strictly to best global practices even as there is the urgency for an independent commission of

Inquiry to uncover the remote and immediate circumstances that surrounded the violence that occasioned the killings of five supporters of both the Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress.

“Our basic concern is that nobody should be witch-hunted for not belonging to the same political family as his state governor.

“We have petitioned the National Human Rights Commission to draw their attention to the injustice that is about to happen under the watchful eyes of the Cross Rivers State governor. As a former University Don, the governor ought to follow the due process of the law and respect the fundamental human rights of all the citizens irrespective of the political divisions or affiliations.”

Rice Farmers: CBN Not Indebted to Our Members James Emejo in Abuja The President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Mr. Aminu Goronyo, yesterday distanced its members from an “unfortunate” newspaper advertorial (not THISDAY), wherein a fictitious individual, who claimed to be a RIFAN contractor, alleged that he was being owed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the supply of agricultural inputs.

The RIFAN president said the sponsor of the open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari was unknown to the association and could not have been one of its members as he would have breached due process in the first instance by resorting to the media without first making a formal complaint to the leadership of the association.

Speaking at a press briefing on the issue, Goronyo said no member of RIFAN has reported

any complaint bordering on CBN indebtedness.

According to him, “There was no single supplier of RIFAN that came to our office to complain on whether he has supplied and has not been paid. There is no single day that we can recall that somebody came here to complain.”

He said the publication must have been fabricated by those who wanted to reverse the gains already recorded by the

CBN-backed Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) which he said had ushered in a revolution in local rice production since 2015.

To buttress his point further, he noted that none of its 30 members-comprising 25 input suppliers and five service providers-had direct dealings with the apex bank, rather through the association, and wondered how the said contractor as an individual may have struck such a deal with the CBN.

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No Political Undertone to Badeh’s Killing, Says Panel Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Joint Investigation Panel (JIP) set up by the Defence Headquarters to investigate the killing of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, has said the killing has no political undertone.

The leader of the panel, Maj. Gen. Bamidele Shafa, made the clarification yesterday, while briefing journalists in Abuja.

Shafa said that the attack and killing of the former defence chief in his farm in December, 2018 was purely a criminal case.

He explained that the clarification was in response to the terms of reference given to the panel to ascertain the circumstances that led to the attack and death of Badeh.

He said that 20 persons were involved in the crime, adding that 15 of them had been arrested and had confessed to the crime.

Shafa assured that the fleeing suspects would be apprehended, adding that the attackers used automatic weapons and locallymade guns in the operation, “which was buttressed by the result of the autopsy and

Nigerians Among 40 Killed in Libyan Detention Camp Attack The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has confirmed that some Nigerians were among the 40 people killed in Tuesday night’s attack at the Tajoura Detention Centre in Tripoli, Libya.

The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr. Franz Celestin, who confirmed the development in a statement yesterday, however, did not disclose the number of Nigerians killed in the attack.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that an air strike was launched on the camp holding, with no fewer than 600 migrants and refugeesincluding women and children, were involved on Tuesday night.

Forty migrants were killed, while another 35 sustained injuries according to the Interior Ministry in Tripoli.

Celestin who said he was appalled by the incident, called for immediate end to the detention of migrants and refugees in Libya.

“Appalled to wake up to the news of an air strike in Libya that killed at least 40 migrants, including Nigerians.

“I join the call for the immediate end to the detention of migrants and refugees,” he said.

The IOM and the United Nations High Commission for

Refugees (UNHCR) in a joint statement, expressed concerns over the safety of migrants at Libyan detention centres.

“This latest violence also speaks to the danger both IOM and UNHCR have warned over returning migrants and refugees to Libya after their interception or rescue on the Mediterranean Sea. “Our two organisations strongly condemn this and any attack on civilian life.

“We also call for an immediate end to detention of migrants and refugees.

“We call for a guarantee of their protection in Libya,” they said in a statement posted on the IOM’s website on Wednesday.

They also called for a full and independent investigation to determine how the strike happened and to bring those responsible to justice, especially as the targets were civilians.

According to them, medical teams have been dispatched, while a wider UN inter-agency team awaits clearance to visit the area.

“We remind all parties to this conflict that civilians must not be targets and must be protected under both International Refugees Law and International Human Rights Law,” the organisations said.

Alleged Feud between Usani, Enoh Non-existent, Says Senator’s Aide Ugo Aliogo The Senator representing Cross River Central, Cross River State, John Enoh, has condemned in strong terms the content of a statement by the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), where it was alleged that there was a feud between the senator and the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Usani Usani.

According to a statement made available to THISDAY

by Missang Oyama, the media aide to Senator Enoh, the content of the statement by CNPP of June 30 was not only misleading but a combination of sheer meddlesomeness and outright mischief.

The statement said: “We view the content of the statement as not only misleading but a combination of sheer meddlesomeness and outright mischief. The intent therein is to hoodwink and cajole Cross Riverians and indeed the

leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country which is their actual target into believing that there is a feud between the distinguished senator and the former minister, Usani. What an unconscionable and laughable deceit.”

It also stated that Enoh is not in a feud with anyone in his party, APC, in the state or at the national level.

The statement further explained that the senator is profoundly at peace with everyone and has not in any way engaged in a media war with any of the leaders of APC in the state and won’t do so now or in the foreseeable future.

The media aide maintained that there is no iota of truth in the CNPP statement, adding that the statement only came with a huge facility for deception, “and every discerning mind should see it as worthless tissues of lies that should be confined to a trash bin where it truly belongs.”

weapons recovered from them’’.

He paraded the suspects, including Aliyu Usman a.k.a “Chiroma,’’ 35, who was the leader of the gang; Shuaibu Rabo, 25; and Yahaya Nuhu, 18, before journalists.

Others paraded before the journalists were Musa Muhammed a.k.a Alhaji Lamido Tahara ,45; Ibrahim Abdullahi ,30; and Jibrin Ibrahim, 51.

Shafa said that aside the killing of Badeh, the suspects also admitted that they kidnapped one Joseph Okpetu, who was with late Badeh when he was killed.

According to him, Okpetu was later released after the payment of N2 million ransom.

“The 15 suspects in custody are hereby presented to the public and formally handed over to the appropriate agency

for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.

Shafa said that the panel, which comprised 27 members was constituted by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, to take over the investigation in order to ensure thorough and well-coordinated investigation.

He said the panel was coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency while its members were drawn from the Defence Headquarters, Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police and Department of State Service.

“The panel was assisted by 21 investigators and operatives also drawn from the services and agencies.

“After thorough and exhaustive investigation, the panel made the findings that the attack and killing of Air Chief

Marshal AS Badeh (retd) on December 18, 2018, was criminal and does not have any political undertone,” he said.

One of the suspects, Aliyu Usman, told journalists that he was a taxi driver before he was approached by one Alhaji Maube Gaini living in Kare village in Nasarawa State, to attack a “wealthy man” who owned a farm in Panda.

Usman disclosed that he recruited other gang members who later carried out the attack and carted away a black bag containing an unspecified amount of money.

He said that he initially resisted the overture by Maube to engage in the crime, adding that he had never been involved in crime before the killing of Badeh.

“I was a taxi driver before

that time when I was asked by Alhaji Maube to arrange for the job but I told him I have never done that before but he assured me that there was no problem.

“After we did the job, I handed over the bag to Maube before we were arrested,” he said.

Another suspect, Shuaibu Rabo, said that he was contacted

by Usman that there was a job for him to do, but that he did not know the nature of the job.

Rabo said that he later met other persons arranged by Usman and followed them to the place, adding that when they cited the victim’s car, they opened fire and took away the bag.

He said that was did not know that the victim was the former military chief until he was arrested.

SIGNED AND SEALED…

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun; President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Uche Olowu; and Registrar/CEO, CIBN, Mr. Seye Awojobi, at the execution of linkage agreement between CIBN and LASU in Ojo, Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Obaseki Reshuffles Cabinet, Drops Eight Commissioners Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has reshuffled his cabinet, dropping eight commissioners, nominating six replacements and appointing five Special Advisers.

The cabinet reshuffle was contained in a statement issued yesterday and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie.

In the statement, Ogie said: “The Edo State Government has approved the reshuffle of the State Executive Council (EXCO) with the commissioners named below relieved of their appointments with effect from the date of this announcement.”

Those affected, according to the statement, are: “Joseph Ugheoke, Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources; Magdalene Ohenhen, Commissioner for

Women Affairs and Social Development; Osahon Amiolemen, Commissioner for Infrastructure, and Dr. David Osifo, Commissioner for Health.

“Others are Mika Amanokha, Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties; Mariam Abubakar, Commissioner for Budget; Emmanuel Usoh, Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, and

Dr. Christopher Adesotu, Commissioner for Science and Technology.”

The statement also disclosed the nomination of Damian Lawani, Joe Ikpea, Felix Akhabue, Moses Agbakor, Momoh Oise Omorogbe and Marie Edeko as commissioners, while newly appointed Special Advisers are Kabiru Adjoto, Magdalene Ohenhen, Osaigbovo Iyoha, Andrew Momodu and Ojo Asien.

Falcon to Celebrate 25 Years of Existence Today Falcon Corporation Limited, will today mark her 25th year in business operation with the theme, ‘Falcons: 25 Years of Corporate Excellence’.

The anniversary, billed to hold in Lagos, will bring together key industry stakeholders within the energy and gas sector, Falcon management, partners, investors,

customers and members of staff.

In a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday, the coFounder, Falcon Corporation, Prof. Joe Ezigbo, said the event would provide a platform to appreciate the support and commitment of both external and internal stakeholders.

Ezigbo, who co-founded the

organisation along with his wife, Audrey Ezigbo, said within the last 25 years, Falcon Corporation has distinguished itself in the industry through intentional and consistent delivery of superior solutions that drive economic progress, industrialisation and human capital development across the continent in an ethical

and sustainable way.

He added that the incessant gas flaring in the country which was not only a source of pollution but also depicted a gross waste of national resources, stirred in them the urge to find innovative solutions to derive economic value from gas for the country.

Falola to Deliver Second Distinguished Governance Lecture The second distinguished governance lecture of the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair will be delivered by Professor Toyin Falola on the July 8, 2019, at the OGD Hall of Olabisi

Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State.

Slated to commence at 11.00 a. m., the lecture is expected to attract a wide circle of scholars, policy makers, civil society activists,

university administrators and members of the Board of Trustees of the Professorial Chair.

Falola, who is a Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities

at the University of Texas, and also a globally acclaimed author, writer, academic leader and pan Africanist will address the subject; ‘Governance, Citizenship and the Nigerian State’.

THURSDAY JULY 4, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Super Eagles Train for Penalty Shoot out against Indomitable Lions With the destiny of each team tied to its performance and mother luck at this stage of the AFCON 2019 tournament, Super Eagles have started perfecting the act of penalty kicks in case the match on Saturday ends in deadlock.

Camp source disclosed to THISDAY moments after the last group stage match on Sunday and knowing fully well that qualification into the next phase is guaranteed inspite the 0-2 loss to Madagascar.

Although media men and fans were locked out of the greater part of the team’s training session, it was gathered that all the players were made to go through the penalty kick session.

It was also learnt that many of the players have been scoring their kicks after initial missing the targets.

“When we started, we were able to achieve 65 percent hit on target three percent against the post and the rest were outright misses but now the percentage has improved to 92, meaning going into shootout in Saturday’s match should be positive to the team if all the selected players are in their right frame of minds towards the kick,” an official of the team disclose yesterday.

The official was unable to ascertain if any of the three goalkeepers could be the option should it be clear that the match will go into shoot out.

“At random, I cannot

ascertain whom among the three goalkeepers is our best bet for the match if it goes into shoot outs.

All the three have their shares of stopping the kicks with no clear dominance of any of them.

“I do not think there can be a late substitute to accommodate a particular goalkeeper that may be good at stopping the penalty kicks of the encounter

if the game is to be decided on shoot out,” the camp source explained further.

Nigeria lost 2-4 on penalties to Cameroon at the National Stadium in Lagos in the final match of 2000 tournament in Lagos in which Nwankwo Kanu lost his kick while Victor Ikpeba was controversially counted as a miss after the ball had crossed

the line but the referee misjudged that it was not a legal goal.

Nigeria edged past Zambia in a quarterfinal match in 2010 but had lost to host, Tunisia in 2004 .

The Saturday encounter marks Cameroon’s 84th match, even though the Lions have made two more appearances than Nigeria’s 18th at the Egypt 2019 edition.

Both Nigeria and Cameroon

led their respective Egypt 2019 groups until their last matches.

While Nigeria surrendered Group B leadership to Madagascar on Sunday, Cameroon on Tuesday also failed to live up to expectations and were held to a goalless draw by low rated Benin Republic thus surrendering Group F leadership to rivals, Ghana.

FEMI’S AFCON 2019 FLAKES Arc-rivals in Similar Bonus Dispute

The two old rivals have something in common at the on going Africa Cup of Nations. Money matter. Nigeria and Cameroon were involved in payment disputes in the current championship.

Cameroon players initially refused to board their flight to Egypt, insisting on increase in allowances. Nigerian players initially boycotted training, asking that their allowances for the win against Burundi be paid. But on Saturday, these Stars will put money matters behind to see which of the two countries will qualify for the quarter final. And of course, that will be more money for the players.

Hard Way is the Only Way for Nigeria

Most Nigerians here in Egypt were a bit relieved that the Super Eagles’ anticipated clash with Ghana will not come up after all because Cameroon did not win its last group match against Rep of Benin to finish top of the pile. The relief may have been short lived considering the fact if Nigeria succeeds against the current champions of Africa, Cameroon, Eagles next match is likely to be against host, Egypt next week Wednesday at the Cairo International. Now you understand Nigeria’s hard way in this edition in the land of the Pharaohs.

Cameroon and Goal Drought

Cameroon coach Clarence Seedorf is confident his Lions will find their scoring magic after the defending champions were held to 0-0 results in their last two matches at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Dutchman, whose side must face Nigeria in the round of 16 after finishing second in Group F, said that it was just a question of details and precision, adding that in football there were simply times when the goals dry up.

“Scoring goals in football ... there are sometimes teams that don’t score for weeks, strikers who don’t score for months, we are very confident that our strikers will score goals, our players will score goals,” he told reporters after the 0-0 draw with Benin.

It remains to be seen if Nigeria’s Eagles will open their flanks for the Lions to have easy way.

NIGERIA VS CAMEROON HEAD-TO-HEAD Nigeria Cameroon

P 22 22

W 13 3

D 6 6

L 3 13

F 36 17

A 17 36

GD +19 -19

Madagascar President Charters Plane for Fans Excitement has been building in the Indian Ocean island nation of Madagascar as the team emerged on top of Group B after beating three-time tournament winners Nigeria 2-0.

“Barea”, who take their nickname from a breed of local cattle, will play Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday for a place in the quarter-final.

“After hearing the demands of supporters, President Andry Rajoelina and the Madagascan state have decided to mobilise an Airbus 380, with 480 seats, to transport supporters,” Rinah Rakotomanga, communications chief for the presidency announced yesterday.

The flight will leave Antananarivo on Saturday and return immediately after the game.

But the adventure will not be for free -- tickets cost about $600

including the flight, a seat at the match and meals.

Rajoelina had announced he would attend the match, sparking a campaign to enable other fans to travel.

“Do not go alone to Egypt President Andry Rajoelina, there are supporters who are ready to fill a plane and the empty stadium,” said former opposition MP Guy Rivo Randrianarisoa on social media yesterday.

Madagascar will face a tough game at the weekend -- they are ranked 108th in the world, with DR Congo in 49th.

“Barea’s participation is historic,” said Jean Josue Njakasolo, 38, as he lined up to buy his ticket at an Air Madagascar ticket office.

The price “does not mean anything compared to the honour that our national team gives us,” he said.

Super Eagles players at training ahead of Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash with Cameroon on Saturday in Alexandria.

Fans Unite Behind Super Eagles at Star Fan Park It wasn’t what they expected but the cross section of fans at the Star Fan Park at the National Stadium in Lagos and other designated parks across the country on Sunday remained resolute that the Super Eagles can still go all the way to conquer at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Despite being the overwhelming favourites, the Super Eagles were stunned 2-0 in their last group game on Sunday

by Madagascar.

Goals from Lalaina Nomenjanahary and Carolus Andriamahitsinoro settled the clash in Alexandria as Madagascar surprisingly finished on top of Group B ahead of three-time African champions Nigeria.

As always, it was a carnivallike atmosphere at the Star Fan Park as fans trooped in massively to see the Eagles soar in style into the knock out phase.

The official beer for the Super Eagles provided another electrifying atmosphere, which availed fans to win lots of prizes

as they took part in trivia and other fun games.

While Coach Gernot Rohr’s decision to field a second string side proved costly, the fans at the Star Fan Park described the loss against Madagascar as a temporary setback.

“For me, there is no cause for alarm, I believe the Super Eagles will bounce back after this defeat, it’s just one of those things in football” Adewale Akinwale who was one of the fans at the Star Fan Park on Sunday stated.

Premium brand Star Lager continued with their tradition of rewarding fans for their passion for the Super Eagles and their loyalty to the beer.

A raffle draw was conducted after the Eagles’ game and lucky fans won mouthwatering prizes.

Babatunde Kolawole who is one of the lucky winners thanked Star Lager for bringing the AFCON action closer and also charged the Eagles to rise up to the occasion in the Round of 16.

Also the duo of Abraham Mba and Chukwuka Adimoha who emerged as prize winners in the raffle draw thanked Star for the pleasant surprise while also tasking the Eagles to provide an improved performance in the Round 16.

The Super Eagles, from an anticipated ‘soft’ Round of 16 match with any of the thirdplaced teams in Group A, C and D are now billed to face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Alexandria on Saturday night.

Cameroon Fans Invade Alexandria for Lions versus Eagles Clash Femi Solaja in Alexandria Ahead of the clash between Nigeria and Cameroon on Saturday, hundreds of supporters of the Indomitable Lions have started trooping into the port city of Alexandria for the epic battle.

Nigeria, in the opening three group stage matches of this edition, enjoyed the support of spectatorship because most of the Egyptians still idolize the likes of Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha and many Nigerian ex-

internationals. They rooted for Eagles in large percentage. The presence of Nigerian immigrants in Egypt also helped to give Super Eagles the feelings of home support.

But yesterday, a large percentage of Cameroon indigenes started arriving the quiet city in droves and ready to have their fair share of spectatorship at the 20,000 capacity stadium during the epic clash on Saturday.

Many of the Cameroonians

dressed in their national colours and exhibited some level of confidence that they will get the best out the match considering the fact that they have beaten the Super Eagles when it mattered most in the history of the competition. Out of five record of winning the cup, three of them were at the expense of Nigeria including the controversial win on penalties in 2000 when Nigeria co-hosted with Ghana.

THISDAY learnt yesterday that

the advance party that came in yesterday have started sorting accommodation issues ahead of the arrival of the rest of the supporters that will hit the town on Friday and Saturday afternoon.

“We are coming in batches and our intention is to match your volume of fan-based supporters here. We know we are coming to meet you here and the city is well accustomed to you but we must have our own share of the voice too.

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Tanzania Must Learn from AFCON 2019 Exit, Says Amuneke Tanzania’s head coach Emmanuel Amuneke has said that the Africa Cup of Nations has been a real “eye-opener” for the Taifa Stars following an early exit in Egypt.

Tanzania, who competed in their first tournament since 1980, failed to progress to the knock-out stages and finished bottom of the group with three defeats.

For the former Nigeria and Barcelona winger, it was a telling reminder of how much football has evolved on the continental showpiece event.

“It’s an eye-opener for Tanzanian football. We’ve not been at the tournament since 1980, a lot has happened in 39 years and the game has changed and continues to change,” Amuneke told BBC Sport.

“What’s important is to adapt to these changes and improve as a team. There are lots of lessons to pick.

“Our greatest undoing was our lack of experience. We are not experienced enough because we are used to playing football without so much pressure.

“But we’ve seen in this tournament that when you have the ball, a lot of teams put the pressure on you.”

The East Africans showed promising signs against neighbours Kenya and despite never troubling Senegal and Algeria, they were never embarrassed.

Amuneke, who coached

Nigeria to the 2015 Under-17 World Cup title, said his team would take some valuable lessons from their first bigtournament experience.

“We didn’t show confidence or feel comfortable when in possession of the ball,” Amuneke said.

“In every journey there’s a process of learning. When we go back we need to look at ourselves from a holistic perspective and see how we can develop our football.

“It’s obvious that right now in modern football, if you don’t

have the ability to compete you have no chance of winning that’s what happened to us.

The 1994 African Footballer of the Year, who has managed his country’s youth teams and Sudanese club SC Khartoum, also believes the future is bright for Tanzanian football.

“I’m happy with my players, we all worked hard to be here, they didn’t invite us we earned it,” he added.

“If we continue with the same spirit, improve on what we’ve been doing I think we can grow as a team.”

Copa America : Jesus, Firmino Score as Brazil Zoom Pass Argentina Brazil forwards Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino both scored as they beat arch-rivals Argentina 2-0 in the Copa America semi-final.

Jesus opened the scoring after 19 minutes when he sidefooted in a low cross from Firmino.

Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi both struck the woodwork for Argentina, who have not beaten Brazil in a major competitive fixture since 2005.

A Firmino tap-in secured the win to set up a final against Peru or Chile.

Brazil’s win came at the same Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte where they were thumped 7-1 by Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi felt a number of decisions went against his side as they failed to reach the final for only the second time in the last six Copas.

Messi was particularly aggrieved Argentina were not

awarded a penalty by referee Roddy Zambrano before Brazil’s second goal.

He said: “Brazil were not better than us. They found the net early and the second goal came from a penalty they didn’t award.

“The officiating was crazy.

There were clear penalties, on (Nicolas) Otamendi, on Kun (Sergio Aguero).

“He (the referee) was on their side. In every divided ball or dispute, he went their way.

“It’s not an excuse, but the truth is that, in this Copa, they kept on blowing for stupid things, for handballs, penalties.

“But they didn’t even go to VAR when there were clear plays that should have been looked at.”

Messi, who has won 29 trophies with Barcelona, has yet to win a major title with Argentina with his only success being a 2008 Olympics gold medal.

AIMS Experts Arrive to Measure Onitsha City Marathon Course Promoters of Onitsha City Marathon (OCM) took a bold step, when officials from Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) measured the route for the race on June 30.

The Onitsha City Marathon has been scheduled to hold on Oct.5 in the commercial nerve centre of Anambra State, South East of Nigeria.

At the Head of the 6-man team was a Scot, 67-year-old, internationally acclaimed Marathon Race Measurer, Norrie Williamson based in South Africa.

The team was made up of Nigeria’s well-known personality in Marathon/ Raod Race organisation, Yussuf Ali. He is currently, the General Manager, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, alongside Policeman, Solomon Aliyu, a renowned Athletics coach and Head of Security for the tour.

Others are the Marathon Route Manager, Olawale Olatunji, and Obiandu Anne, the Events Manager and Lewis Omasuwa, a Tartan Track specialist.

Williamson, on arrival with

his team, rode on his bicycle through the 21 kilometre course through the ever busy streets of Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of Anambra State, to take the measurement.

The distance covered the Onitsha North and South and parts of Idemili North.

Williamson was covered by a team from the Federal Road Safety and the Nigeria Police, who assisted in keeping the ever-busy Onitsha traffic jam at bay throughout the duration of the 2 hour-long grueling exercise.

At the end of the painstaking measurement on June 30, Nigeria’s Marathon Race specialist, Alli and current National long Jump record holder, hailed the event as `great’.

He holds the National record of 8.27 metres that he set in Lagos on Aug. 8, 1989.

Alli told Journalists that the Onitsha City Marathon had started out well by commencing with the measurement. ``When you want a race of this magnitude, you need to start with the measurement of the ourse.

Michael Olunga (on the turf) scored a brace as Harambee Stars came from behind to beat Tanzania 3-2

TRANSFER NEWS....

Atletico Sign Felix in World’s Fifth Most Expensive Transfer Atletico Madrid have signed Portugal forward Joao Felix for 126m euros (£113m) from Benfica in the fifth most expensive transfer in history.

Benfica have confirmed Atletico will pay the fee in instalments, after bidding 6m euros more than the 19-yearold’s 120m euro release clause.

Only Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele have moved for more money.

Felix has signed a seven-

year deal with Atletico.

He made his senior debut in August and scored 15 goals last season as Benfica won the title.

Felix is now the secondmost expensive teenager following the 180m euros paid to Monaco by Paris St-Germain for France forward Mbappe in 2018.

The former Porto youth player made his international debut against Switzerland in the Nations League semi-final

in June.

He scored a hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League in April, becoming the youngest Benfica player and the youngest Portuguese footballer to score three goals in Europe and the youngest player ever to do so in the Europa League.

Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann has confirmed he will leave the club this summer, with Barcelona expected to pay his buyout

clause of 120m euros.

On Wednesday, Atletico also confirmed the signings of two players from Porto.

Mexico midfielder Hector Herrera, 29, has signed a three-year deal after moving on a free transfer, while Brazil centre-back Felipe, 30, has joined for 20m euros (£17.9m).

The club also confirmed the sale of Spain midfielder Rodri, 23, to Premier League champions Manchester City in a £62.8m deal.

Man Utd Offer De Gea Improved Offer Manchester United have made goalkeeper David de Gea an improved contract offer in a bid to keep the Spain international at Old Trafford.

De Gea’s current deal runs out in 12 months and efforts to get the 28-year-old to agree an extension have failed.

It is understood United’s latest offer would make De Gea the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world.

He came within a minute of joining Real Madrid in 2015.

Whilst it is felt the former Atletico Madrid man wants to remain in Manchester, it is understood his advisors

believe his status as one of the key figures in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad, and United’s player of the year in four seasons out of five, should make him one of the club’s highest earners.

Out-of-favour forward Alexis Sanchez’s £390,000-a-week contract is

seen as the benchmark.

Senior United figures have previously indicated they would allow De Gea’s contract to run down in the hope an agreement will be reached, even though it risks one of their most saleable assets leaving for nothing at the end of the season.

City Table Club Record Offer of £62.6m for Atletico’s Rodri Manchester City are set to sign Spain midfielder Rodri from Atletico Madrid for a club record £62.6m after paying his release clause, we the La Liga side.

Atletico said that the player’s lawyers and representatives from City paid the release clause to

La Liga on Wednesday.

Rodri, 23, has therefore terminated his contract with Atletico, which was due to run until June 2023.

It will beat City’s previous record of £60m in signing Riyad Mahrez in 2018.

Rodri joined Atletico in May 2018 after three years at Villarreal and made 34 league appearances as they finished second in La Liga. He made his international debut in a friendly against Germany last year and has made six senior international

appearances.

City had made Rodri one of their main targets this summer with manager Pep Guardiola keen to sign a defensivelyminded player to bolster the Premier League champions’ squad.

Thursday, July 4, 2019

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Price: N250

MISSILE PFN to COZA Protesters “The acts that have been alleged are not only criminal in nature but antithetical to the tenets of Christianity and a violent breach of the trust that ought to exist between members of the congregation and a Minister of the Gospel” – The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), warning that it would not shield pastors who feel they can live carelessly and take undue advantage of their congregation members.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

The Problem with Ruga Settlement S cene One: The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammadu Umar, says the federal government has started to establish ‘Ruga Settlements’ for herdsmen in 12 of the 36 states as a pilot scheme for a nationwide programme designed to curb farmer-herder clashes.

Scene Two: Following general uproar, the General Secretary of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Baba Uthman Ngelzarma, reveals that “This Ruga settlement model is a component part of the livestock development and transformation plan that is being implemented under the Office of the Vice-President.”

Scene Three: The Office of Vice President faults the statement by MACBAN: “Contrary to claims reported in sections of the media, Ruga settlements are not being supervised by the Office of the Vice President. Ruga is different from the National Livestock Transformation Plan”, tweeted Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande.

Scene Four: A 13th March letter signed

by Osinbajo’s Chief of Staff, Ade Ipaye and addressed to the Aku Uka of Wukari in Taraba State becomes public. It introduced “Dr Kyantirimam Ukwen who will be conducting the mapping assessment in Taraba” as part of a federal government “strategy for tackling the farmer-herder crises.”

Scene Five: Apparently uncomfortable with media reports regarding the letter, Osinbajo’s office again pushes back with another statement from Akande that “as the said letter itself shows, the reference is to the National Livestock Transformation Plan, as different from RUGA. The two are not to be confused: the one is different from the other.”

Scene Six: A new letter dated 21st May this year, signed by Dr Hussain Adamu, Director Procurement, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development surfaces. Addressed to a contractor in Abuja, it states in part, “I am directed to inform you that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting held on 8th May, 2019 approved the award of contract for the construction of 8 Nos. Ruga Infrastructure with Sanitary Facilities (Red Brick structure) each in Taraba State as detailed in the attached to your company at the sum of N166,336,380.00 (One hundred and sixty-six million, three hundred and thirty thousand, three hundred and eighty Naira)”.

Scene Seven: Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu confirms that ‘Ruga Settlement’, is part of the federal government policy “to settle migrant pastoral families simply means rural settlement in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organized place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products.”

Scene Eight: Following a meeting with Osinbajo, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State reads a statement announcing the suspension of the ‘Ruga Settlements’ project credited to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development “because it is not consistent with the NEC and FG approved National Livestock Transformation plan...”

Osinbajo The suspension yesterday by President Muhammadu Buhari of the controversial ‘Ruga Settlements’ project was the right thing to do. It doesn’t matter how noble the intention was, for such a project to be conceived and implemented, it is only consensus that could have created a sense of ownership which would then lead to sustainability. Yet it was evident that even within the federal government, there was no agreement among important stakeholders about what exactly they were trying to do. And the moment many of the southern governors, including members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) realised they were being traded a lemon for an orange, the idea was dead on arrival.

Before I make my point, let me state that there are very few issues that I have interrogated more on this page than the challenge of Nomadism in Nigeria, essentially because we have a Fulani settlement called ‘Gaa Okanla’ in my village that dates back to more than a hundred years. Most of the current inhabitants are my contemporaries and friends. I have also in recent years visited Fulani settlements in Sokoto, Kebbi and Katsina States and I have shared my experiences and the economic opportunities we are squandering.

Following a previous intervention on this subject in 2016 in a three-part column titled, ‘Herdsmen and the Killing Field’, a former World Bank staff in Nigeria sent me a mail, part of which I ran.

It is worth repeating: “I like the part of your article on ‘Gaa Okanla’ although you left out the fact that Baba Okanla and his children probably speak only Yoruba and Fulfulde.

These types of settlements also exist in several communities in the South-east. I know for a fact that there is a major settlement of Fulani herdsmen in Adada-Nkpologu-Adani-Iggah axis with other minor settlements in AwguNkanu-Abakaliki axis all in Enugu state. They have lived peacefully for years. The Federal Government under a World Bank assisted Second Livestock Development Project (SLDP 1987-1995) established two Ndama Cattle Ranches in Adada in Southeast and another one at Fashola, a town not far from Iseyin in Oyo State in the South-west. Ndama are trypanotolerant cattle (that have some resistance to the disease Tryponosomosis caused by Tsetse flies) which were imported from Senegal. A credit model financed by the then NACB of

five heifers (young female cows) and a bull was designed and disbursed to beneficiaries in these zones only. Most of the beneficiaries were from the communities I mentioned above.

Obviously there will be exchange of labour and technologies between the Fulanis and the indigenous credit beneficiaries. These are some of the changes in cattle ownership in Nigeria that should be encouraged…”

If such a scheme worked in the past, the question to ask is what has changed? I can quickly point to two things. The first is the growing ethno-religious prejudices being fuelled by toxic politics and the manipulation of our differences. In the second part of my ‘Killing Field’ series three years ago, I started with an anecdote of what happened early in 2012 when I took my son to the birthday of a primary school classmate of his at Maitama Amusement Park, Abuja where I noticed a familiar face.

As I muttered almost to myself, “is that not Mrs. Maryam Abacha?” my son (then 8-year old), replied in the affirmative. “Yes, that is his grandmother. His grandfather was General Sani Abacha that you wrote about in your book.” Although I didn’t say anything to that, my son then added with the innocence of a child: “They say his grandfather was a very wicked man. But he is not wicked. He is a good person.”

I will never forget that conversation and the lesson taught me by an eight-year old about how we judge others, not by their actions but by the family or ethnic group they belong to or the religion they practice.

While it beggars belief that a president being accused of ‘Fulanisation’ would handle such

a sensitive issue carelessly, there were also people who jumped into the controversy simply to promote discord, based on some petty prejudices. That explains why what started as an economic/ecological problem has now assumed ethno-religious dimensions with ancient grievances being exhumed for hate mongering on social media.

The second answer can be characterized as insincerity of leadership, mixed messages and incoherent policy formulation and implementation. As Nigerians were told last week by the presidency, the reason for the decision on ‘Ruga Setlement’ is to “stop roaming of cattle herders with the attendant clashes with farmers”. Meanwhile, the same presidency had claimed on different occasions in the past that the herdsmen involved in clashes with farmers are foreigners. Besides, as the law stands in Nigeria today, the rights to land are vested in the governors hence the presidential statement that “government at the centre has gazetted lands in all states of the federation” for Ruga Settlement also raised serious questions.

There is a short piece circulating on WhatsApp credited to a man who claimed to be the last farm manager of Oodua Farms Cattle Ranch at Akunu Akoko (8061 hectares of farm lands) that has five big dams, now abandoned. “We have over 16,000 hectares of land for cattle ranch solely owned by Oodua Investment”, established by the Western Nigeria Government in the First Republic, according to the man.

NOTE: The piece is concluded on page 14

2019 Abuja Teens Conference The 4th edition of an annual conference which brings together teenagers and young adults within Abuja and environs holds on Saturday 17th August. The theme for this year is ‘Nurturing Your Talent; Developing Your Character’ while the speakers are: The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; the Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe; comedian and media personality, Dr. Helen Paul and the Executive Director, YIAGA Africa, Mr Samson Itodo.

The conference, which has had such speakers as wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, veteran actor, Mr Richard Mofe Damijo, businesswoman, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, Deputy EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Richard Young, ace comedian,

Ali Baba and other role models in the society, was conceived so that our young men and women could listen to expert advice on career choices in today’s dynamic and challenging world. Specifically, the objectives include teaching the teenagers to take responsibility for their future; having their imagination fired through interaction with accomplished professionals in the society; making them realize that no matter the odds, they can reach their goals; and also getting them to understand that God still intervenes in the affairs of men.

Usually a day of fun with music, food and drinks, attendance is free but pre-conference registration is mandatory. Kindly direct your Teens to visit the conference website www. rccgteapteens.org.

The Violent Senator That an occupant of the highest legislative body in the country would take the law into his own hands and physically assault a defenceless woman speaks volume about the level to which our society has degenerated.

More depressing is that a policeman at the crime scene who ordinarily ought to have restrained Senator Ishaku Abbo (Adamawa North) became complicit in harassing the victim. It is very reassuring that the Inspector

General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu has waded into the disgraceful conduct of the policeman.

As for the Senator who last night released a personal statement to apologise for his irresponsible behaviour that bordered on criminality, I don’t think that should be the end of the matter. To stop a culture of impunity in our country, some fat cats must begin to pay a price for their lawlessness.

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