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FG Orders Forensic Audit of Discos to Determine Level of Investments Says no money missing from ECA
Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The National Economic Council (NEC) rose from its monthly meeting yesterday with a resolution ordering a forensic audit of electricity
distribution companies (Discos) since the privatisation of the power sector in 2013. The move is coming barely a week after the federal government had threatened the Discos to improve on
their performance or lose their licences. Briefing State House reporters in Abuja after the NEC meeting, presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Deputy Governor
of Edo State, Mr. Philip Shaibu, said the resolution followed the submission of a report by the NEC Committee on Power, chaired by the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai.
According to him, the committee, saddled with the responsibility of ascertaining the status of the ownership structure of the Discos, came up with idea of forensic audit of their accounts, which was
approved by the council. He said the idea behind the audit was to ascertain the level of investments made into the business of power generation Continued on page 9
PDP Names 14-man Panel to Probe Presidential Poll Loss... Page 8 Friday 28 February, 2020 Vol 25. No 9090. Price: N250
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Boko Haram Attacks on Christians Aimed at Dividing Nigeria, Says FG
Appeals to religious leaders, others for understanding, caution Military determined to secure Nigeria, says Buratai
Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Francis Sardauna in Katsina The
federal
government
yesterday raised the alarm that Boko Haram insurgents are attacking Christians to divide the country. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai
Mohammed, told reporters in Abuja that the terrorists’ new strategy of attacking Christians was deliberate to further incite disaffection against the Buhari administration.
However, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the military was determined to secure the country from terrorists just as the army yesterday liberated
143 Boko Haram captives after a fierce battle with insurgents in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State. The rescued hostages include 36 men, 36 women and 54
children. Also, eight insurgents and 14 members of their families surrendered to troops in Continued on page 9
Nigeria Confirms First Case of Coronavirus FG working to identify contacts of Italian who arrived from Milan Ehanire, Sanwo-Olu to hold press conferences on the case by 9am in Abuja and Lagos today
Ejiofor Alike, Martins Ifijeh in Lagos and Deji Elumoye in Abuja The federal government has confirmed the first case of coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, in Nigeria. The deadly virus was confirmed by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, in a statement issued in the wee hours of today that the case is an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos on February 25, 2020. According to the minister, the case was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, which is part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Continued on page 9
HOW TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS BY HEALTH MINISTER
Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in crowd. Make sure you and people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene, meaning cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or into your sleeve at the bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Please call NCDC toll free number which is available day and night, for guidance - 0800970000-10. Do not engage in self-medication Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through official channels on TV and Radio, including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health. Citizens must not abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic. The Federal Ministry of Health, through Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, will continue to provide updates and will initiate all measures required to prevent the spread of any outbreak in Nigeria. Ehanire
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NEWS
Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268
Oil Price Slumps to One-year Low as Coronavirus Reduces Demand At $52, crude value threatens 2020 budget
Ejiofor Alike with agency reports
Crude oil price fell for a fifth day yesterday to its lowest since January 2019 as a growing number of new Coronavirus, known as Covid-19, cases outside of China fuelled fears of a pandemic, which could slow the global economy and lower crude demand. China, the world’s largest energy consumer was the first to be hit by the virus, which has spread globally to over 30 nations and affected the demand for crude oil. The plummeting price of crude oil has raised concerns about the federal government’s capacity to fund the 2020 budget as the key assumptions and parameters upon which the budget was based include crude oil production of 2.18 million barrels per day and benchmark oil price of $57 per barrel. The global benchmark crude, Brent was down 60 cents, or 1.1 per cent, at $52.83 a barrel. It had earlier slumped to $52.53, the lowest since January 2, 2019. The United States’ West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell by 55 cents, or 1.1 per cent, to $48.18 a barrel. It earlier fell to as low as $47.82,
the lowest since January 4, 2019. In the five trading sessions through yesterday, Brent has dropped 10.6 per cent, while WTI has declined 10.4 per cent, their biggest five-day percentage losses since August 2019. Nigeria’s N10.59 trillion budget had assumed a deficit of 1.52 per cent of the estimated gross domestic product (GDP) or N2.18 trillion to be financed through foreign and domestic borrowing. However, with oil trading at $52 per barrel, the budget deficit will escalate above projections. To be able to offset the revenue loss arising from the slump in oil price, Nigeria has to produce above the 2.18 million barrels of crude oil per day projection in the budget but this will be far above the country’s production quota according to the agreement by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). OPEC and 10 other countries, better known as OPEC+, which includes Russia, have been reducing oil supply to support prices, agreeing in December 2019 to hold back 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of output until the end of March 2020.
Court Voids Impeachment of Kogi Ex-deputy Governor Faults CJ for swearing in Onoja Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja A Kogi State High Court, sitting in Lokoja, yesterday declared the impeachment of former Deputy Governor of the state, Simon Achuba, null, void and unconstitutional. Delivering his judgment, Justice John Olorunfemi declared the decision of the state House of Assembly to proceed with the impeachment of Achuba last October as an act of "legislative rascality, devoid of reasoning." The judge noted that he could not understand why the legislators whose responsibility it is to make laws for the state now turned out to be law breakers, choosing to proceed with the purported impeachment even when the seven-man committee set out by the state chief judge to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the former deputy governor had cleared him. He, therefore, granted all the prayers of the defendant to the effect that the impeachment and subsequent swearing in of Chief Edward Onoja on October 18, 2019 is null, void and therefore is of no consequence. Justice Olorunfemi said the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Nasir Ajana, should not have gone ahead with
the swearing-in of Onoja as no further action should have taken place after the "no guilty verdict" of the seven-man committee set up to investigate the deputy governor. Justice Olorunfemi also ordered that all the reliefs sought by the claimant be granted without further delay. Some of the reliefs include recognising him as deputy governor of the state and the payment of all his entitlements. Reacting to the judgment, Ojonimi Apeh who represented Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), counsel to the plaintiff, described the court’s decision as a victory for democracy and rule of law. He commended the judge for the well-researched judgment and the industry put into writing it, adding that they are prepared to meet their opponents at the Court of Appeal should they not be satisfied with decision of the court. Also speaking on the court's decision, Yemi Mohammed, who represented the Justice Ajana, commended the judge for the judgment but absolved his client from blame, adding that Justice Ajana only discharged his administrative duty as there was no court injunction for the new deputy governor not to be sworn in at that time.
Russia has insisted it wanted the current deal to last only until March while Saudi Arabia has been keener for the deal to last longer. Under the deal, Nigeria is expected to export less than 1.8 million barrels of crude oil to the international market but this excludes condensates, not included in the OPEC quota. On Wednesday, for the
first time ever, the number of new Coronavirus infections outside China, the source of the outbreak, exceeded the number of new Chinese cases. The spread to large economies, including South Korea, Japan and Italy, has caused concerns that fuel demand growth will be limited. US President, Mr. Donald Trump, assured Americans
on Wednesday that the risk from Coronavirus remained “very low.” However, Asian share markets fell yesterday as investors feared the Coronavirus spread will disrupt the global economy as quarantines and other measures taken to halt its advance slow trade and industry. Analysts told Reuters that
if an outbreak “continues to worsen in the United States, oil prices will likely decline further.” The United States is the world’s largest oil producer and consumer. The crude market was also watching for possible deeper output cuts by OPEC and its allies. OPEC+ plans to meet in Vienna between March 5 and 6.
BAYELSA HERE I COME... L-R: Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, congratulating the new Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, at the National Economic Council meeting at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday godwin omoigui
Ambode Appeals as Court Orders Resumption of Probe by Lagos Assembly Akinwale Akintude Former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday filed an appeal against the ruling of the Lagos State High Court, sitting in Ikeja, which ordered the state House of Assembly to go on with its probe of the former governor over the procurement of 820 buses meant to revolutionise public transportation in the state. Earlier in the day, Justice Yetude Adesanya had dismissed the suit on the grounds that it was incompetent. In a notice of appeal filed by his counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, the former governor prayed the court to set aside the decision of the trial court and allow the appeal. Besides, the former governor prayed the appellate court to remit the matter back to the high court to allow the chief judge to reassign it to another judge for trial. On the four grounds of appeal, Ambode argued that the trial court erred in law
when it held that the suit he filed was not mature. According to him, any person who assumes that his right is being infringed upon or likely to be infringed upon has the right to invoke the jurisdiction of the court to seek legal protection, which the court has a duty to entertain. He said the lower court erred in law when it held that Section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not apply to the exercise of the powers of the defendants under Section 128 of the constitution. The former governor stated that Section 128 (1) of the constitution provides that the exercise of the powers of the House of Assembly is subject to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. According to him, the trial court erred in law when it held that the claimant action does not disclose a reasonable cause of action. He, however, said his action was a declarative action, which pleaded the facts of the allegations against him, which were not denied by the defendants.
He said the trial judge erred in law when it held that the defendant's objection was properly taken without the defendants filing a statement of defence. Earlier, Justice Adesanya, while clearing the way for the state House of Assembly to continue with the probe, the court held that it will not stop the Lagos State House of Assembly (Ad-hoc Committee) from carrying out its constitutional function of oversight and struck out the suit. Ambode had through Oyetibo instituted the suit against the state assembly to contest the constitutionality of the probe into the procurement of the buses, which were procured based on budgetary approval as part of the Bus Reform Project of the state government designed to revolutionise public transportation in line with global best practices. The respondents in the suit are: Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; House Clerk, Mr. A.A Sanni; Chairman of the Ad hoc
Committee set up by the House to probe the procurement, Hon. Fatai Mojeed and members of the committee. The committee members are: Gbolahan Yishawu, A.A Yusuff, Yinka Ogundimu, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, M.L Makinde, Kehinde Joseph, T.A Adewale and O.S Afinni. The court said: "The claimant (Ambode) has not been indicted. An invitation by an agency of government cannot in anyway cause a breach of the threat of the fundamental rights of the claimant. "I hereby find that the claimant's action as an invitation to the court to cripple the legislative exercise of the statutory power of the Lagos State House of Assembly under Section 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution. "That is not the function of the court and no court of law should accede to such invitation. The claimant's suit is hereby struck out." Ambode had in 2019 approached the court, which then ordered the lawmakers to stop the ongoing probe into the procurement of the buses.
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PDP Names 14-man Panel to Probe Presidential Poll Loss Nigeria still at crossroads over insecurity, says Secondus
Chuks Okocha in Abuja The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has named a 14-man committee to investigate the outcome of the 2019 presidential and other elections and to find out what led to the party’s defeat. The party’s candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar lost to President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 2019 poll by 11,262, 978 votes to 15,191,847. Atiku challenged the results of the election at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal and lost while the Supreme Court, which had his appeal against the tribunal judgment, affirmed the election of the president. The committee is to be chaired by the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed with the party’s Deputy National Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, as secretary. Other members of the committee are Hon. Austin Opara and Senator Stella Oduah from the South-south zone while the South-east has Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwaifuru and Mr. Austin Nnamani. The North-west is represented in the committee by a former Governor of
Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido and a former Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr. Taminu Turaki (SAN). The former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Aliyu Babangida and Senator Istanfanus Gyang are the representatives of the North-central just as the North-east is represented by a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Hon. Hassan Muhammadu. However, there were no nominations from the Southwest yet and no time limit was set for the committee to submit its report to NEC. During the NEC meeting, which held in Abuja, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, said Nigeria was at the crossroads due to insecurity, occasioned by the inept leadership of the administration controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Also, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Aminu Tambuwal and the Chairman of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid Jubrin, cautioned members of the party against imposing candidates in the state congresses scheduled in 26 states, so as to avoid APC’s
mistake in Zamfara State. They called for a transparent state congresses in all the affected 26 states so as to endear the party to the people. Addressing the 89th NEC meeting of the party, Secondus said: "I can report to you that between the last NEC and now, our dear country is still at the crossroads due to the now obvious inept leadership of the ruling APC. The security situation in the country has refused to abate and nothing concrete is being done by the government to ameliorate it and stop the senseless killing of innocent Nigerians." He stated that even when the National Assembly after
reviewing the situation, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to overhaul the security system for greater efficiency, the government has continued to demonstrate insensitivity to the plight of the populace. Secondus added that Nigerians have never been as afraid for their lives as they are at moment. He said in the North-east, the Boko Haram insurgency has returned fully, while the president only felt shocked that the sect still exists. "We are already used to our president not knowing what is going on in the country even though as president, the bulk stops on his table. The president may
have been deceived by the intelligence reports from his field men who continue to indulge in propaganda of claiming that the sect has been defeated even when the situation is worsening with banditry and kidnapping spreading all over the states. "But what do we expect when the president’s chief security adviser is at loggerhead with the president’s number one aide? Your guess will be as good as mine on why this administration cannot move this nation forward.". On Imo State governorship case, he said the party would seek a review of the Supreme Court judgment that sacked its governorship candidate,
Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. On the congresses expected in 26 states of the federation, the national chairman of PDP assured members that the party leadership would ensure rancour-free congresses to make the PDP stronger and more united in states. Also, Tambuwal said the PDP governors would continue to work together in unity and collaborate with the National Working Committee of the party and the leadership of the party. Jubrin also cautioned against making the mistake the APC made in Zamfara State that cost it all elected offices due to crisis arising from the state congress.
Police Avert Clash between Pro, Anti-Oshiomhole Protesters in Abuja Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The police yesterday averted what could have been a major clash between protesters opposed to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole and his supporters at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja. Yesterday’s planned protest was the third in recent times as the demand for the removal of the APC national chairman intensified. The anti-Oshiomhole protesters arrived at the national headquarters of the ruling party at about noon while his supporters got there a few hours later. But to prevent what could have been a free-for-all fight, the security men at the APC secretariat had sent signals to the Divisional Police Headquarters in charge of the area and security was beefed up. While speaking with journalists, one of the leaders of the anti- Oshiomhole protesters, Mr.Umar Musa, accused the party chairman of demarketing the ruling party, adding that there is no going back in their agitation until Oshiomhole is removed. He said: "We are here to
express our feelings; to show or tell the whole world that we are not happy with what is happening in our party. The leadership of this party is getting out of hand and that is why we are here to tell our leaders that Oshiomhole must go; Oshiomhole must leave. "When you look at the situation of our party and what has happened at the last primaries in 2019 you will agree with me that we have no leader. "Since Oshiomhole came on board; there is no progress in the party; there is no any development; no achievement or tangible thing to show you that there is a good example of leadership in the party. So, that is why we say Oshiomhole must go." But Deputy Youth Leader of APC in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Idris Faruk, dismissed those protesting against Oshiomhole as non-members of APC. He said: "If the party is not happy with the national chairman of our party, some of us who are officers wouldn't have come to the streets to react to that effect; but these persons that came to the streets today (yesterday) to protest, I don't think they are members of our party."
IF NOT US, WHO? L-R: Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during the NGF’s meeting in Abuja…. Wednesday night
N1.23bn Fraud: Ex-INEC Chair, Iwu, Seeks Case Transfer to Abuja Says he’s too old to travel
Davidson Iriekpen A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, has appealed to the Federal High Court in Lagos to transfer his N1.23 billion fraud case to Abuja. Iwu told Justice Nicolas Oweibo that at 70 years, he was too old to be making frequent trips from his Abuja residence to Lagos for trial. Iwu is facing a three-count charge of alleged fraud and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC arraigned him on August 8, 2019 before Justice Chuka Obiozor who granted
him N1 billion bail. Following the transfer of the case to Justice Oweibo, the agency re-arraigned Iwu last October 24. The EFCC alleged that he committed the offences between December 2014 and March 27, 2015. The defendant pleaded not guilty. The trial proper did not commence last October 25 as scheduled following the judge’s absence. At the commencement of proceedings, Iwu’s counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), told the court that the transfer was essential so that the defendant would not be subjected to unnecessary hardship. He said Iwu resides in
Abuja but always travelled to Lagos whenever the case came up. “My Lord, this defendant is over 70 years of age and he always travels down to Lagos and books a hotel whenever the case comes up. It will amount to great agony for him to continue with this trial in Lagos,” Raji said. He contended that the transaction that led to the charge occurred in Abuja, thus the case should be tried in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). But EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed the application. He told the judge that all the witnesses listed in the proof of evidence reside in
Lagos and Ibadan, more so, the case was investigated by the committee’s Lagos Zonal office. Oyedepo stated that all the banks officials listed in the proof of evidence to testify and the documents to tender are in Lagos. He told the court that the offence for which the defendant was charged “touches on the economic well-being of Nigeria,” therefore such offence can be tried anywhere in Nigeria. Relying on Section 98 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Oyedepo said only the court’s chief judge could transfer any matter. Justice Oweibo adjourned till March 6, for ruling.
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page nine FG Orders Forensic Audit of Discos to Determine Level of Investments and distribution since 2013
following suspicion that the Discos had been holding on to their own monies, leaving the government with the sole responsibilities of funding their operations. Shaibu said the committee requested for additional two months for the completion of its assignment after which it will formally report its findings, including the result of the forensic audit to the council.
He added that state governments, who are also shareholders in the Discos, have been told to provide details of their investments so far. "NEC also received an update on the review of the status of ownership structure of Discos. The Kaduna State governor briefed NEC on the progress so far made and responses so far received from the general public.
"He also told NEC that they have been carrying out forensic audit of all bank accounts of Discos and also that the state governments should provide details of their investment in Discos. “The committee also sought the approval of NEC for additional time to complete the report in two months and also the statement to file report of investments in Discos," he said. Shaibu explained that
the additional two months requested by the committee was to enable it to unravel the mystique behind the entire privatisation process, including gathering knowledge on the level of investments made by the Discos so far. He said the forensic audit would help the committee to know the degree of investments the Discos had made. “The idea of the audit
emanated from suspicion that the Discos have failed to invest their own monies into the power sector but only rely on getting money from the federal and state governments in violation of the spirit and letters of privatization,” he stated. According to him, even though the entire privatisation process is still questionable, it is not time to lament but rather for the committee to carry out
a holistic investigation of the operations of the Discos and come up with its findings. "One of the reasons why the committee asked for additional two months was to deal with two other issues that arose during NEC; and one of those issues was the issue of forensic and to ascertain the level of investments by Discos.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika Local Government in Adamawa, Lawan Andimi; the killing of Ropvil Daciya Dalep, a student who was also a member of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) and the killing of 11 Christians on Christmas eve, etc, fit into this new strategy. “Some have misinterpreted this to insinuate a systematic campaign to persecute Christians in Nigeria. This is absurd, and very unfair to the men and women who are daily battling the insurgents. “The truth is that having run out of options in their battle against Nigeria, the insurgents are desperate to stay relevant; to stay in the news hence their cowardly and senseless strategy targeting Christians, as part of
their increasing resort to the use of guerilla tactics.” The minister pleaded with religious leaders not to buy into Boko Haram’s agenda. “We want to therefore appeal to our religious leaders, both Christians and Muslims, not to fall for this desperate move by the insurgents; not to allow them to divide us as a people and weaken our resolve to deal the insurgents the mortal blow. “In addition, we must also give our unalloyed support to the military, which has also upped the ante against the insurgents. “The resort to the increasing use of guerilla tactics by the insurgents is a sign of weakness on their part. Contrary to the belief in certain quarters, these insurgents are getting weaker by the day, thanks to the gallantry
of our men and women in uniform,” he stated. Mohammed added that the military was doing well to win the war against insurgency. The military’s success in the ongoing war against insurgents, according to the minister, includes the killing of top ISWAP leaders at two separate meeting venues at Marte Local Government in Borno State a few days ago; a similarly successful attack against the leadership of Boko Haram in Alafa Yagayaga in Borno earlier this month; the killing of Boko Haram chief judge in Lake Chad and the in-fighting in the leadership cadre of Boko Haram, which is the fallout of the pressure on the insurgents by the military.
country’s Ministry of Health and the WHO later announced that the foreign national who was found to be carrying the coronavirus in Egypt had tested negative for the disease. However, Algeria’s health ministry reported the country’s first case of the virus officially, after tests indicated that an Italian who arrived in the country on February 17 had tested positive. Nigeria and Algeria are among the 47 countries in the WHO African region. Nigeria’s case, which was confirmed yesterday, February 27, is the first case to be reported since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January.
different on his arrival in Nigeria as airport health officials merely issued a form for passengers to indicate if they were sick or not. “When we arrived (at) the airport in South Africa, we were not allowed to exit the aircraft for good 30 minutes. Officers of the medical corps of the South African army came into the aircraft and screened everybody before we were allowed to go out. “When I arrived yesterday at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, there was no screening. All we were given is a sheet of paper to indicate whether we were sick, whether we have been to one country or the other, how we’ll be contacted in (an) emergency. How do you know whether I fall sick after I left the airport? This is very frightening,” he said. Boroffice said he brought the attention of the Senate to his experience for the Federal Ministry of Health and other concerned agencies to take note. Lawan commended Boroffice for raising the issue. He said every country in the world was making efforts to ensure that the virus did not cross their borders. He said although the Federal Ministry of Health and other associated agencies were doing their best, their best was not good enough. In a related development, a total of 11 suspected cases of Covid-19 have tested negative, a senior official with the NCDC said yesterday. The NCDC Director General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, told reporters in Abuja that Nigerians need not worry about the virus as they are safe. He said when a high-risk traveller with symptoms arrives in the country, the person would be taken from the airport to an isolation centre and samples would be collected immediately for testing. “If confirmed, appropriate management will commence, but if negative, the person would still be monitored for 14 days and retested. “When a high-risk traveller that is not symptomatic comes into the country, the person is advised to stay at home for 14 days and report immediately if he/she develops symptoms. We
also ensure we collect contact details of the person while an official is attached to the person to monitor him/her daily for 14 days. “If the person develops symptoms within 14 days of arrival in the country, samples would be collected for confirmation. If confirmed, the person goes into our isolation centre where he would be managed appropriately,” he said. Ihekweazu described a high-risk traveller as someone who has had contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case or was travelling from China, particularly Wuhan. According to him, four laboratories in Nigeria have the capacity to test for Covid-19, adding that these laboratories are within the NCDC laboratory network and are in contact 24/7. "We are in close communication with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and other states, and will inform the public once there's a confirmed case in Nigeria," the director general said. Ihekweazu assured Nigerians that the NCDC would continue to closely monitor the outbreak of the virus globally.
Boko Haram Attacks on Christians Aimed at Dividing Nigeria, says FG Banki town in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. But despite assurances by the Nigerian Army, no fewer than 21 persons were yesterday confirmed dead following attack by bandits on Gurbi community of Kankara Local Government Area in Katsina State. The minister, at the briefing in Abuja yesterday, assured the nation that President Muhammadu Buhari has no systematic campaign to persecute Christians. He explained that the insurgents changed strategy and opted to target Christians to create confusion among Nigerians because they were feeling hurt by the military operations. He pleaded with religious leaders not to fall for the war antics of Boko Haram, saying
that the troops are winning the war with the recent killing of a top Boko Haram commander. He said: “Recall that Boko Haram insurgents didn’t use to discriminate between Christians and Muslims when they carried out their attacks in the past. Churches and mosques, Christians and Muslims were attacked without discrimination. “When they targeted motor parks, the religion, gender, ethnicity or political leaning of the victims didn’t matter as long as they inflicted the maximum damage to lives and property. “But in the wake of a renewed onslaught by our tireless military against Boko Haram and their ISWAP allies in recent times, the insurgents have apparently changed their strategy. “They have started targeting Christians and Christian villages
for a specific reason, which is to trigger a religious war and throw the nation into chaos. Apparently, they have realised how emotive and divisive religion can be when exploited by unscrupulous persons. “Lest I am misunderstood, let me repeat: the insurgents, who delude themselves as Muslims whereas they are nothing more than blood-thirsty rapacious killers who subscribe to no religion, have recently started targeting Christians with a view to sowing the seed of confusion between the two great religions. “This did not in any way signify that they have stopped attacking Muslims. But they seem to now have a deliberate policy of attacking Christians. “The attack on a Christian village, Kwarangulum, near Chibok; the killing of the
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Nigeria Confirms First Case of Coronavirus He, however, gave an assurance that it has already started working to identify all the contacts of the patient - an Italian, who arrived the country from Milan. “The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos,” the minister said. He further gave an assurance that the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Health has been strengthening measures to ensure the outbreak in Nigeria is controlled and contained quickly. “The multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has immediately activated its national Emergency Operations Centre and will work closely with Lagos State Health authorities to respond to this case and implement firm control measures,” the minister explained. “I wish to assure all Nigerians that we have been beefing up our preparedness capabilities since the first confirmation of the cases in China, and we will use all the resources made available by the government to respond to this case. “We have already started working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he entered Nigeria. Please be reminded that most people who become infected may experience only mild illness and recover easily, but it can be more severe in others, particularly the elderly and persons with other underlying chronic illnesses. All Nigerians should take care of their health and maintain hands and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including their own families, following the precautions below: “Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser. “Maintain at least one and a half metres (five feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. “Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in crowd.
“Make sure you and people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene, meaning cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or into your sleeve at the bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. “Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Please call NCDC toll free number which is available day and night, for guidance- 0800-970000-10. Do not engage in self-medication “Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through official channels on TV and Radio, including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health,” the minister explained. Ehanire urged Nigerians not to abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic. He pledged that the ministry and NCDC will continue to provide updates and will also initiate all measures required to prevent the spread of any outbreak of the virus in Nigeria. Also, the Lagos State Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of the virus. The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, in a statement issued this morning, said the state government had reported it to the Federal Ministry of Health. “The case, which was confirmed on February 27, 2020, is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the outbreak in China in January 2020. “The case is an Italian citizen who entered Nigeria February 25, from Milan, Italy, for a brief business visit. “He fell ill on February 26 and was transferred to Lagos State Biosecurity Facilities for isolation and testing. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos,” the statement added. Meanwhile, THISDAY
gathered that the health minister will hold a press conference in his office in Abuja today by 9a.m. to inform Nigerians on how the federal government and its agencies hope to tackle the spread of the deadly virus. It was also gathered that the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will equally hold a press conference at the Lagos Marina by 9a.m. on measures and steps the state government will take to contain the virus. Before yesterday’s confirmation of the virus, Ehanire had disclosed that the Lagos State, in collaboration with his ministry, was well prepared and ready to contain the infectious disease, if eventually it broke out in Nigeria. Ehanire gave this assurance after inspecting facilities at the Emergency Response Readiness designated for the Coronavirus victims at the Mainland Hospital, Yaba in Lagos. Responding to rumours of the suspected case of coronavirus, the Lagos State government had earlier yesterday said that the Chinese citizen who was presented at the Reddington Hospital, Ikeja and suspected to have COVID-19, had tested negative to the virus. The Commissioner for Health, Abayomi who made this known through a press statement, noted that the likelihood of COVID-19 infection in this particular patient was very low, adding that the conclusion of investigations and sophisticated testing confirms that there is no case of Coronavirus in the state. Before the clarification by the state government, the Reddington Hospital Group had also described as false, reports that a Chinese national had tested positive to COVID-19 in its hospital in Ikeja. Before the virus was confirmed in Nigeria today, it had spread throughout China and to 31 other countries and territories, including the United States, infecting over 80,000 and killing more than 2,700, the vast majority in China. Africa’s first COVID-19 case was reported earlier this month in Egypt but the
Lawan Decries Improper Screening for Virus at Airports Meanwhile, earlier yesterday, the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, had accused the Federal Ministry of Health of not putting serious measures in place to screen passengers and prevent the outbreak of Covid-19 in Nigeria. He urged the Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare to liaise with the ministry to intensify screening of passengers at the airports and seaports. Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Lawan, earlier yesterday accused the Federal Ministry of Health of not putting serious measures in place to screen passengers and prevent the outbreak of Coronavirus, now known as Covid-19, in Nigeria. He spoke following a point of order by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, who drew the attention of the Senate to the failure of health personnel at the airports and seaports to thoroughly screen incoming passengers. The Senate president explained that he was subjected to screening for Coronavirus on arrival at a South African airport recently, adding that the screening in South African airports usually takes up to 30 minutes before passengers would be allowed to disembark from the aircraft. He said the situation was
TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % JAIZBANK 0.05 0.58 9.4 LAWUNION 0.07 0.95 7.9 NAHCO 0.19 2.89 7.0 MAYBAKER 0.09 1.96 4.8 AIICO 0.03 0.85 3.6 TOP LOSERS NGN % FLOURMILLS 2.00 21.00 8.7 CHIPLC 0.45 4.06 6.9 NPFMFB 0.07 1.05 6.2 STANBICIBTC 2.40 36.10 6.2 OANDO 0.18 3.00 5.6 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,130.00 Volume: 231.528 million shares Value: N4.481 billion Deals: 3,606 As at yesterday 27/02/2020 See details on Page 41
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NEWS
Court Nullifies Participation of PDP in Kogi Governorship Election Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja The Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja yesterday ruled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had no candidate in the November 16, 2019 governorship election in the state. Justice John Olorunfemi of
the High Court 4, in a ruling declared that the party primary conducted on September 3, 2019, which produced Mr. Musa Wada as the PDP candidate was fraught with irregularities, such that an hour-long downpour and sporadic gunshots, which led to the delegates scampering for safety,
The House of Representatives yesterday queried the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over late and non- submission of the audited accounts of the agency to the Accountant General of the Federation (AuGF). The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Wole Oke, at the resumed public hearing told the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Alhaji Mohammed Nami, that the action of the revenue agency amounted to a gross misconduct of the highest order. The committee wondered why such an all-important revenue agency would not have up-to-date audited accounts. Oke stated: “This is very strange, if the FIRS cannot produce an up-to-date audited accounts of its
state, Capt. Idris Wada, as the PDP candidate in the November 16, 2019 governorship election. According to the judge: “Neither the claimant, Alhaji Abubakar Idris nor the defendant, Mr. Musa Wada, can lay claim to be the authentic flagbearer of the PDP, since the primary was inconclusive�.
He pointed out that the claimant who averred that he would have won the primary conducted by the 1st defendant, if the missing votes, which belonged to him were added to his votes, could not convince the court to deliver judgment in his favour. Justice Olorunfemi further
submitted that the second defendant could not convince the court that he actually won the party primary, which was marred by rancour and acrimony, arising from pandemonium, due to sporadic gunshots, that compelled the participants to scamper for safety.
FG, Govs Agree to Plant 25m Trees
House Queries FIRS over Non-submission of Audited Account Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
cannot be said to be fair enough to produce a candidate. The ruling was in a pre-election matter filed by the eldest son of a former governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, Mr. Abubakar Idris, challenging the candidature of Wada, a younger brother of another former governor of the
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
operations; how does it want the Executive arm of the government to prepare the Medium Time Expenditure Frame Work, to the legislature to determine the annual financial budget? “Funny enough, the officials of the same agency will be seen moving around to seal off premises of business outfits over non-payment of their taxes. We are aware that the Executive Chairman of the agency assumed office in December last year, but that should not be an excuse for the agency not to have an up to date audited accounts for accountability.� The committee stressed that the exercise was not aimed at witch-hunting any agency, but to unravel what had happened and correct those identified lapses for Nigeria to forge ahead.
The federal government and the 36 governors of the federation have agreed to plant over 25 million trees across the country. This was the high-point of the meeting between the governors and the Minister of Environment, Mr. Mohammed Mahmoud Abubakar, which was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s pledge to plant 25 million trees. Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, told reporters yesterday in Abuja after the governors’ meeting that the minister had highlighted that Buhari’s pledge was in line with Nigeria’s commitment to its obligation under the Paris Agreement. He said: “State governors commended the Ministry of Environment for driving this initiative. Members pledged
to work with the ministry by ensuring that the right institutional arrangements are in place in all states to ensure that each state supports the tree planting initiative. “Governors agree that states should demarcate areas and gazette them as forest reserves. Governors also addressed the planting of trees that animals do not consume to ensure the sustainability of the forests. This will ensure that state governments get the economic, social and environmental benefits Nigeria’s forests provide.� The governors, he said, were briefed by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, on the Geo-Referenced Infrastructure and Demographic Data for Development (GRID3) programme, designed to strengthen the application of geospatial data for evidence-based decision making in the country.
The chairman of the NGF, said the minister also highlighted several applications of the programme in priority areas of government policies, including food security, health coverage, financial inclusion, survey and demographics and education. According to Fayemi, governors commended the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for coordinating the GRID3 programme, which will be central to development planning going forward. He added that the governors pledged to work with the ministry by providing the right institutional arrangements in all states to ensure that each state supports the generation and management of geospatial data. He explained that this will ensure that state governments have the right information in identifying where people live and how critical services can be most
equitably and effectively allocated. Fayemi said the governors also received a presentation from the Senior Special Adviser to the President on the Presidential Enabling Environment Council (PEBEC), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who briefed them on the activities of the council on the Ease of Doing Business at the Subnational Level. He quoted the presidential aide as saying that some states have already keyed into the project while results have been impressive. He said they also received a presentation from Hypertech Nigeria Ltd on the 3,050MW Mambila Hydro Electric Power Project (MHEPP), explaining that the team highlighted that the project was executed between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Chiha Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC).
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY
NEWS
FG Not Committed to Rescuing Leah Sharibu, Says Mother Mother of Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi school-girl remaining in Boko Haram captivity, Mrs. Rebecca Sharibu, has raised concerns on the commitment of the federal government to secure the release of her daughter from Boko Haram terrorists. Mrs. Sharibu, who spoke in an interview with the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in London, said she has serious doubts on the willingness of the government to secure the release of her daughter. She however said she was in London to seek the assistance of the British Government to free Leah from the terrorists’ captivity. She is due to meet British Prime Minister on Leah’s predicaments. She disclosed that President Buhari did not contact their
family until seven months after the abduction. She also lamented after the president contacted her and sent three ministers, assuring her that Leah was going to be released soon, there has been nothing else from the president. She however said it was against that background she decided to visit London to lay her complaints and seek the British government’s help. “I have come to Britain to lay my complaints; I need their help. They should help me; I will like my daughter to be freed from captivity. “My daughter was abducted among others by Boko Haram terrorists; it was seven months later that President Muhammadu Buhari called me.
” Since their abduction in February, it was seven months later that he called me. “When he called me, he told me that my daughter would return, that she would not stay long.
“Two weeks later, he sent three ministers to our house and they corroborated what Mr. President had told me. The ministers reiterated that Leah would be returned to me, shortly. “The ministers said they were
in my house to reassure me that my daughter would soon return. But since that day, I never heard anything again from the government. “My major worry now is for the government to do whatever
possible and free my daughter from captivity. “Because, I am seriously disturbed, but there is nothing I can do. If the government is doing nothing, what can I an ordinary citizen do?”
Lyon, APC Accept Supreme Court’s Verdict on Bayelsa Onungwe Obe in Yenagoa The sacked Governor-elect of Bayelsa State, Chief David Lyon, has accepted the final decision of the Supreme Court on its judgment that nullified his victory at the November 16, 2019 governorship election. Also, the Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to the people of the state to accept the judgment of the apex court. Lyon, in a statement he personally signed, said though the decision of the apex court to stick to its February 13 judgment dashed the hope of the people of the state, he accepted it in the interest of peace and the development of Bayelsa. He appealed to the supporters of the APC, his loyalists and the people that came out en masse to vote for him at the election to accept the judgment and maintain the peace. Lyon commended the
leadership of the APC at the state and national levels for their tenacity in upholding the principles of constitutional democracy. He said: “The Supreme Court on February 26, 2020, reviewed the judgment it gave against us on February 13, 2020 and decided to maintain its earlier judgment “I am aware of the extent to which this decision has further dashed the hope of Bayelsans as it upturned the democratic mandate of the Bayelsa electorate. “I hereby unequivocally state my decision to accept the Supreme Court verdict however distressing as it is. It is the decision of the Supreme Court, and we are all bound to accept the outcome as law-abiding citizens of this great country. “I wish to appeal to my party faithful, my supporters, all Bayelsans and all lovers of peace and justice to accept this verdict and maintain the peace.
House Probes Ministry, Julius Berger over Slow Pace of Work on Roads Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja House of Representatives has ordered investigation over the slow pace of work on N150 billion Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, AbujaKaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway as well as the 2nd Niger Bridge. The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent National Importance titled: ‘House Mandates Committee on Works to Investigate Julius Berger, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, others over Contract Monopoly,’ moved by Hon. Chudi Momah at the resumption of plenary yesterday. Presenting the motion, Momah noted that there’s evidence of slow pace of work on these three critical projects, which had resulted in traffic congestion, fatal accidents being recorded daily and a downturn in the economy of the states involved in these projects.
He said the use of direct procurement in awarding these projects as against the opening competitive bidding in section 24 of the Public Procurement Act has deprived Nigerians of transparency, due process and potential to save money. Momah expressed disappointment at slow pace of work on the projects despite the prompt release of funds by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). According to him, “These critical projects were designated to be funded under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) domiciled at NSIA so as to ensure proper and prompt funding. As of December 2019, NSIA has released the following amounts: N19,520,949,317.16 to Section 1 of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; N80,242,079,039.46 to the 2nd Niger Bridge; N50,856,044,301.27 to AbujaKaduna-Zaria-Kano road, totalling a sum of N150,619,072,657.89.”
SIGNING A MEGA DEAL…
L-R: Executive Director, Strategy and Innovation, Caverton Helicopters, Ms. Lolade Abiola; Vice President, Training and Simulation, Thales, Mr. Peter Hitchcock; Chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola, Nigerian Ambassador to France, Dr. Modupe Irele; and Managing Director, Caverton Helicopters, Mr. Rotimi Makanjuola, at the factory acceptance signing ceremony of Caverton Level D, Full Flight Simulator in Cergy, France…yesterday
APC Govt Has Failed to Fulfill Manifesto on Federalism, Says Falana James Sowole in Akure Human rights activist and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, yesterday berated the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government for failing to fulfill its campaign manifesto of returning Nigeria to true federalism. Falana stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital, while delivering a lecture organised by the Ondo State Government as part of activities to celebrate the third year of Oluwaroyimi Akeredolu as the governor of
the state. The lecture entitled: ‘The Nigerian Federalism Imbroglio: A Paradigm Approach’, was held at the Ondo State International Event Centre, and was graced by dignitaries from all walks of lives, including traditional rulers, political leaders and people from the corporate world. Specifically, Falana said: “APC declared in its manifesto that it would return Nigeria to true federalism if elected, but five years later, we are still waiting for that to happen.”
The human rights activist, who highlighted some developments that took place in three former regions when federalism was practiced, said developments cannot take place in the country until it returns to true federalism. He berated the current situation where state governments go to Abuja every month to collect money, which is not even enough to embark on developmental projects. The lecturer challenged governors to be creative and create impact in their people. According to the SAN, “You
are not creating wealth. What the governors do in Abuja is to share crumbs from the master’s table, and what you share to us is poverty. “You governors fail to demand what is due to your states from Federation Account. Power of state and local governments had been abdicated to the federal government.” Falana said governors must, therefore, demand new revenue formula to take care of responsibilities of federal government in their states.
Buhari Pledges FG’s Support for Second Review of APRM Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja expressed the willingness of the federal government to partner relevant stakeholders towards achieving a transparent national second peer review process of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The president made the remarks while receiving a team from AUAPRM led by Senator Abba Ali, the Chairman, National Governing Council (NGC) of APRM Nigeria
in the State House. A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said Buhari pledged that Nigeria, through the APRM Nigeria secretariat would organise a participatory and transparent national process for self- assessment and country review. The president, the statement added, said the federal government would partner with states, local governments
and the private sector in the process aimed at entrenching good governance, democracy and inclusive development among participating African countries. ‘’Nigeria will also provide all the necessary and required support to the Country Secretariat of the APRM in accordance with the recommendation of the Forum of Heads of State and Governments of the AU,’’ he said. Adesina also said Buhari welcomed the remarks of the leader of the delegation, acknowledging Nigeria’s significant progress in the ideals and
shared values of good governance and accountability which are at the heart of APRM. ‘’Since its inception, this government has further pursued with vigour programmes that promote democratic values, participatory governance and probity in public life. ‘’We introduced policies, programmes and projects that focus on creating an inclusive and diversified economy, eliminating corruption and restoring peace to conflict areas.
Netflix to Increase Investment in Nigerian Movies Dike Onwuamaeze Netflix has announced that it would increase its investment in Nigeria’s creative industry with the production of “Akin Omotoso Project,” which is its first African original scripted series from Nigeria. The “Akin Omotoso Project” is a six-part series directed by Akin alongside Daniel Oriahi and CJ Obasi. The series would star Kate Henshaw and Ade Laoye in leading roles alongside other
Nollywood greats like Richard Mofe Damijo, Joke Silva. Other members of the cast include Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Kehinde Bankole, Ayoola Ayolola, Toyin Oshinaike, Goodness Emmanuel, Ireti Doyle, Bimbo Akintola, Tope Tedela and Ijeoma Grace Agu. Netflix is among the world’s leading internet entertainment service provider with over 167 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. A news release that was signed by a Representative of
SoulComms, Ms. Janet Adizua, said that drama was set in modern-day Nigeria and shot in Lagos. According to Adizua, the drama would tell the story of Kemi, a goddess reincarnated as a human to avenge her sister’s death. The series would be produced by Rififi Pictures. She noted that Netflix started to invest in the creative community in 2019 in order to bring the Nigerian stories to the global audience. Some of the movies Netflix have helped to produce,
according to her, were Merry Men, The Real Yoruba Demons, The Wedding Party 2, King of Boys as well as Nollywood classics like The CEO, October 1 and The Figurine. The Chief Content Officer of Netflix, Ted Sarandos, said: “Movies like King of Boys, Merry Men and The Bling Lagosian have shown how much our members love Nigerian movies. So, we’re incredibly excited to be investing in Made in Nigeria stories - bringing them to audiences all around the world.”
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2020 • T H I S D AY
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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͰͶ˜ ͰͮͰͮ
COMMENT
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
DANIEL ARAP MOI’S POLITICAL MARATHON Okello Oculi pays tribute to Arap Moi, statesman and Kenya’s former president
D
aniel arap Moi’s visibility in Kenya’s politics rose as Kipchoge Keino blazed into global fame as a long distance runner at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. A school teacher who joined the leadership of Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU), he shared trajectories of Julius Nyerere in Tanganyika, Robert Mugabe in Southern Rhodesia, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in Nigeria. Like Balewa, he had friendly relations with some colonial officials who offered a road map to power. A cartoon in a newspaper in Kenya saluted his death by showing him dancing as iron chains on his legs led to Europeans blowing trumpets. Michael Blundell, a political leader among Europeans owning farms in the Rift Valley on land robbed from minority ethnic groups collectively known as the ‘’Kalenjin’’, allied with Moi and Ronald Ngala from among ethnic groups on the Indian Ocean coastline. KADU would protect minority ethnic interests against the political union of majority Gikuyu and Luo as Kenya surged into ‘’Uhuru’’ (independence). In 1966, Jomo Kenyatta and Blundell would promote Moi to Vice Presidency to replace socialist Oginga Odinga. Oginga’s rival Tom Mboya was assassinated under claims that the United States was promoting him as a potential successor to Kenyatta. Moi swallowed the bitter pill of Kenyatta encouraging Gikuyu cooperative groups to buy up land vacated by European immigrants brutally grabbed from the Kalenjin. ‘’Black colonialism was replacing White colonialism’’. The latent bitterness in this structural violence exploded as neo-genocide against the Gikuyu in the post-election violence in 2007/2008. After Jomo Kenyatta’s death in 1978, Moi invoked a constitutional provision to dash past all the Gikuyu plotters, including Dr. Njoroge Mungai, Kenyatta’s nephew; Charles Njojo, with a reputation for wearing a tuxedo in tropical sunshine; and Mbiu Koinange. To calm down Gikuyu fears, Moi announced a policy slogan known as ‘’Nyayo’’ (Kiswahili for footsteps), hinting that Gikuyus would continue to enjoy benefits accumulated under Mzee Kenyatta’s rule. Critics did not call him ‘’Maradona’’. His Kalenjin ethnic constituency, however, expected a project of: ‘’It is our turn to eat’’; by which he would be following what Kenyatta’s government had done for his ethnic Gikuyu people. Critics noted, however, that while Kenyatta gave land, headship of government parastatals, shares in companies to his people, he insisted that they promoted Kenya’s development. Moi’s cronies acted like Locusts: focused on embezzling budgets of ministries and profits made by companies. A regime
TO CALM DOWN GIKUYU FEARS, MOI ANNOUNCED A POLICY SLOGAN KNOWN AS ‘NYAYO’ (KISWAHILI FOR FOOTSTEPS), HINTING THAT GIKUYUS WOULD CONTINUE TO ENJOY BENEFITS ACCUMULATED UNDER MZEE KENYATTA’S RULE. CRITICS DID NOT CALL HIM ‘MARADONA’
of destructive corruption had succeeded that of Gikuyu’s ‘’primitive accumulation’’. As Professor Peter Anyang Nyong’o argued, Moi was also following the footsteps of European immigrants who had pillaged Kenya. They too had been corrupt, and ensured that Africans were robbed and excluded from economic growth. His political backers among the European immigrants had robbed land from Kissi, Tabeta, Luhya and others. In 2002, the Chairman of the United Kenya Club claimed that Moi went on tours and instructing his entourage to arrange for legal transfers of ownership of flourishing tea farms to him – without consent of, and compensation, to current owner. The East African Community suffered fatal hits from this ‘’Nyayo economy”. The East African Airways, the East African Railways, the East African Telecommunications crumbled under jaws of human crony locusts. Despite the domination of governments of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania by graduates from Makerere University College, they could not protect the institutions of the East African Community from onslaughts by European immigrants working in alliance with an ageing Jomo Kenyatta and a client Daniel arap Moi. Following the collapse of the former Soviet Union, arap Moi’s value (as a NATO ally located opposite the vital oil-rich Persian Gulf and Red Sea route to the Mediterranean Sea), collapsed. He was pressurized by Euro-American diplomats to refrain from rigging the 1992 and subsequent elections. They also disapproved of his resort to physically eliminating political challengers. Kenyans labelled government’s use of motor vehicles to terminate critics as ‘’accidenting’’ political opponents. In engineering participation in Kenya’s political power game, Moi evolved alliances with Somali groups in the north-east and ethnic groups on the Indian Ocean hinterland. In the 2007 elections in which Raila Odinga challenged President Mwai Kibaki, Odinga benefited from this political network built by Moi to counter the numerical strength of a Gikuyu electoral alliance. The police-state which Moi relied on to protect his power, climaxed in an underground torture dungeon labeled as ‘’Nyayo House”. It was disguised by its location in the middle of Nairobi’s corporate area. Kenya’s leading novelist, Ngugi wa Thiongo would have perished there if Moi’s Euro-American allies had not insisted on his release. Professor Micere GithaeMugo fled, on a tip off, to Zimbabwe and later anchored her enormous literary and theatre talents at Syracuse University. Daniel arap Moi sprayed Kenya with a deadly virus as he ran his political marathon.
NIGERIA AND CHALLENGE OF SECURITY Security agencies should collaborate for efficient national security, writes Damian Okoroafor
A
mid simmering outrage over yet another rude revelation of a feud between important government functionaries with grave implications on national security, it is now a sad fact that the security challenges spawned by the Boko Haram insurgency have infiltrated the nation’s security infrastructure like a cancer attacking a vital organ of the human body. In the latest manifestation, it is obvious that the apex coordinating unit of the security agencies, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had been deliberately left out in some crucial security meetings. The circumstances of this disturbing revelation and the loud silence that followed it combine to indicate that all is not well with the official relationships with some important organs of the Presidency. The most rattling dimension of the matter is the NSA’s contention that the meetings summoned by the Chief of Staff were not only ill-informed but also used to counter existing Presidential directives on security matters. Altogether, this episode of conflict in the management of the nation’s security constitutes a major security challenge even without the worsening insecurity unleashed by insurgency, banditry and kidnapping. The growing public concern about the endless deadly resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the North East has put the military command on the defensive in responding to loss of public confidence in the operational dynamics on the battle front. It is now reasonable to give serious thought to the possibility of the external drivers of the Boko Haram insurgency somehow infiltrating the internal management of national security as part of their ultimate agenda for devastating
our territorial integrity, disuniting the polity along ethnic and religious lines and destabilizing the government. Under widespread and worsening insecurity, it would be a strategic offensive for the enemy to target the national security structure with sabotage by sowing seeds of discord in the rank and file’s espirit de corps and fragmenting cohesion of the commands. A brief recall of the emergence of inter-agency conflict and rivalry in the recent past will be helpful in spotlighting the gradual but calculated process of attacking the operational synergy and command cohesion of some of the security agencies and disrupting the political stability of the government. In the background to the tacit crippling of the nation’s security apparatus at a critical time of insurgency increasing outbreaks of serious crime was the unwarranted and unprecedented personalization of command positions leading to personalization of institutional relationships. Public affairs analyst Chris Ngwodo captured the implication thus: “When an institution is rubbished and everything becomes a fair game because of personal clashes, then the system suffers.” Interestingly, this scenario first emerged in the rivalries between the Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd) and the then Director-General of the SSS, Lawal Daura, who frequently flaunted supposed extraordinary Presidential backing for some of his unilateral actions such as disregard of the NSA’s supervisory function and deploying SSS operatives on arbitrary missions. Preventing an EFCC team from arresting former SSS DG Ekpenyong at his residence, leading to a tense standoff was followed by another incident where he shielded ex-Director
General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke from arrest over the $43.45 million recovered at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos by EFCC with a squad of armed DSS operatives. In an earlier inexplicable move, the former DG SSS countered Presidential recommendation for confirmation of Ibrahim Magu as Chairman, EFCC, by the Senate with a damning letter detailing alleged reasons for disqualification. Not even the Nigeria Customs Service escaped Lawal Daura’s bulldozing tactics targeting security agencies aimed at disrupting inter-agency cooperation. He sent a letter to President Buhari accusing the NCS of introducing $25,000 as new Temporary Import Permit (TIP) levy on each vessel that berths to discharge petroleum products in Nigeria, which he said was illegal and could increase the cost of petrol. Hamid Ali, Customs boss told the President that “proper investigation should always be carried out on complaints such as this which cast serious doubts on the integrity of services and organisations with a view to ascertaining the truth,” adding that “the DGSS should therefore be advised to approach issues professionally and not allow sentiments or personal vendetta to drive his actions.” The deployment of hooded SSS operatives to barricade the entrance to the National Assembly was regarded as the last straw that saw to the summary sacking of Lawal Daura by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo. According to the then IGP, Ibrahim Idris who handled the investigations, from statements he made it is possible that he acted the script of “highly-placed politicians” when he “illegally used his position as the then director general of Department of State Services, conspired with his officers and men who wore hoods
and masks, invaded the National Assembly complex thereby preventing members and staff of the national assembly from gaining access to the complex, without any element of crime committed or an invitation by the leadership of the national assembly.” He added that the DSS personnel “acted like mercenaries hired to carry out execution”! These represent some of the alarming instances of the instigation of confrontational relationship among security and related agencies of government the impact of which could only have been disruptive to the espirit de corps and command cohesion critical for operational efficiency in checking insurgency and other serious criminal activities threatening national security and stability of government. It is worrisome that the NSA is still complaining of continued disregard for his office long after the unceremonious departure of Lawal Daura but the greatest shock is the revelation that the high command of the military was now off his radar. The dysfunctional freezing of strategy and command appointments in spite of obvious tactical failure and diminishing morale among troops not to mention public agitation and legislative directive for immediate change provides linkage to the possibility of external sabotage of expected patriotic management of Nigeria’s defense and security infrastructure and operations. Charles Omole, a security analyst, states that “the latest trend amongst countries across the world is bringing together all their security agencies under one command for a coherent and efficient national security, but Nigeria still allows silos amongst security agencies that prevent them from cooperating with one another.” Okoroafor wrote from Port Harcourt
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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
EDITORIAL THE CRUELTY ON AFRICAN MANATEE The authorities could do more to protect wildlife
T
he conservation community is gravely outraged by a recent gory video of an African Manatee being dragged through the street of a coastal community in Bayelsa State. The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is also concerned by this ugly development, particularly because the African Manatee is an endangered species, with a population put at 10,000. We hope the authorities will move beyond rhetoric to ensure such never happens again. There are three species of Manatee in the Nigerian waters, and in some West African countries: The Amazonian, the West Indian and the West African. Researchers say they live between 40 and 60 years in the wild. The mammal is protected by international law to save it from extinction. On Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), for instance, the African manatee is listed as endangered. While laws exist to protect the African manatee in every country in which it lives, these laws are not well enforced, especially in Nigeria. CONSERVATIONISTS Due to this lack of BELIEVE THE MANATEE IS enforcement and A VULNERABLE SPECIES minimal education, BECAUSE OF ITS MEAT, the African manatee population is being OIL, BONES, AND SKIN, WHICH CAN BRING GREAT steadily depleted. Several new studWEALTH TO POACHERS ies of Manatees in Nigeria have begun in the last five years, including at the University of Uyo, Cross River State. Named African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) for the reason that it is found in this region only, the species is mostly herbivorous. But it is believed to be endangered in Nigeria due to hunting and incidental capture during fishing operations, including the use of explosives in rivers. Another substantial threat is habitat destruction due to oil pollution. Conservationists believe the manatee is a vulnerable species
because of its meat, oil, bones, and skin, which can bring great wealth to poachers. It is also hunted for organs used in traditional medicine, particularly the male reproductive organ which scientists say is used as aphrodisiac. In Nigeria and Cameroon, they are sold to zoos, aquariums, online as pets, and are sometimes shipped internationally. These poachers are gradually depleting the very small population of African Manatees to the utter distress of conservationists, despite the campaigns across local populations.
T T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE
T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA
he unprovoked attack of that African Manatee in Bayelsa State is a clear indication that more education needs to be done in addition to strict enforcement of protection laws. However, it is also encouraging that the federal government has promised to take up and treat the case of this particular distressed manatee and other conservation issues with the firmness they deserve. More importantly, the government must take the lead in educating people in coastal communities, as well as those on the banks of rivers and lakes on the imperative of protecting the African Manatee and other endangered wildlife. In doing so, the government should empower local community fishing groups on safe methods and educate school children through well-planned mentorship and training programmes on the conservation of the Manatee and protection of the marine ecosystem. They should be educated on the vital role Manatees play in helping to control the vegetation that can obstruct waterways. They also provide a benefit by processing the vegetation they eat and passing it back into the environment as a form of fertiliser. Interestingly, there have been efforts by some non-state actors in Nigeria to provide alternative livelihoods in catfish aquaculture to Manatee hunters. They were given incentives like training and equipment to enable them stop the killing of Manatees. This programme should be sustained.
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LAETITIA DAGAN`S AGONY
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ate Ms. Laetitia Dagan who was an Assistant Director with the Presidency has been long dead and buried and as with all murder cases, the Police are making efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute her killers. One of the main criticisms of justice especially in murder cases is that it is reactionary in nature, akin to bolting the stable door long after the horse has fled. In Ms. Dagan`s case, she was killed by cybercriminals who lived close to her in Abuja. They broke into her house at night, killed her and set her ablaze after identifying her as the person responsible for their ordeal at the hands of men of the Nigeria Police Force. She had reported them to the Police for disturbing her privacy. It is yet another disturbing incidence of insecurity in the country. These days, it seems that wherever the country turns, it finds itself mired in insecurity. This pervasive insecurity, invidious in its reach, is everywhere. In the North-east it takes the form of Boko Haram`s relentless assault on Nigerians and their lands. In other parts of the country, criminal herdsmen break out upon rural dwellers and their property from time to time like the plague, leaving blood and bile in their wake. Now, to complete the insecurity nightmare is an extensive battery of criminals who specialize in keeping the country insecure, anxious and ultimately overwhelmed. This would include kidnappers, armed robbers, drug traffickers, human traffickers, cultists and cybercriminals popularly called “yahoo boys.” Now, it was into the hands of criminals operating under this last group that the hapless Laetitia fell and met her painful and grisly end. Cybercrime has recently become one of Nigeria`s most formidable criminal challenges. This crime which comes in various forms but is principally perpetrated on the internet has become a honey pot for many of Nigeria`s young people who are drawn by its huge proceeds and relatively easy modes of execution.
Because this class of crimes thrives primarily on deception, the exposure is minimal and the returns huge. Cybercrime also known as “yahoo yahoo” has also become one of the more popular subjects of the Nigerian music industry. Some Nigerian musicians, hugely popular with Nigeria`s young for their gleefully contrarian lifestyles, make music around it, paying tribute to the shortcuts it provides to wealth. In a country still struggling to upgrade its Information Technology capacity, these cybercrimes and criminals provide stern tests for Nigeria`s crime fighting resources. The criminals are mostly sophisticated, highly intelligent and deviously cunning. Their actions continue to harm Nigeria here at home and embarrass the country before the international community. Now, here at home, they have also added Ms. Dagan`s blood to their crimes. They must be made to pay according to law as must be the lot of all those who had in anyway conspired to cheapen Nigerian lives and make the country insecure. Questions must also be asked about how those who killed Ms. Dagan came to find out that she was responsible for their travails at the Police station. It can be inferred that had the identity of Ms. Dagan remained concealed, her murderers would have been forced to desist from disturbing her privacy without carrying out retaliatory attacks against her. Insecurity is a hydra-headed monster that fights back in many ways. As such, the Police and other security agencies in the country who combat crimes must devise protective measures to keep safe all those who provide them with critical information. Unless this is done, citizens who are in possession of information critical to fighting crime would prefer to hug the shadows and effectively derail the fight against crime. Ms. Dagan`s murderers must be made to face the law. Her blood cries out for justice and until this is visited on her attackers, her agony would remain Nigeria`s agony. Kene Obiezu, Abuja
ADVICE AND AVIRUS
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es, we have an epidemic and maybe a pandemic, the coronavirus, but the reaction of many people is ridiculous and often racist. There are reports that the paranoid in the community have already started panic buying of foods and virtually anything they think they might need. This is just silly and annoying. Some of the parents with children at the cities children’s hospital have actually refused to let doctors or nurses that appear ‘Asian’ to treat their children. The doctors and nurses are well aware of the virus and how to maintain a healthy regime. This is silly, racist and potentially life threatening. The local Asian restaurants are virtually empty, and some have closed, maybe permanently, as many of their regular customers fear the ‘Asian’ virus. They may not realise that most ‘non-Asian’ restaurants have a wide range of employees and any health risk eating there is the same as usual. Again, this is silly, economically damaging and racist. It’s time to listen to the people who know what they are doing, the medical experts not the politicians or the paranoid. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2020
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POLITICS
Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY
The Hawks are Circling Again at NDDC Etim Etim weighs in on the season of musical chairs at the Niger Delta Development Commission
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he sack of Ms Joi Nunieh last week as the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC has provided dubious contractors and corrupt politicians another opportunity to betray their anger at the reforms going on at the agency. These compromised politicians and their fronts, some of whom are fraudulent contractors who were paid mobilization fees by the NDDC, but did not execute the jobs, are still asking the President to sack the Interim Management Committee of the agency. They are so scared of the forensic audit and the ongoing verifications of contracts exercise at the NDDC that they have gone back to their old tactics of sponsoring articles and news stories to denigrate the Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio and spread falsehood against the President and the federal government. I have always known politicians to be men of selfish and parochial tendencies, but it is unimaginable that they would openly go against a programme of the federal government that seeks to reposition the commission for the greater benefit of the people. In an article titled “Why Buhari must stop Akpabio’s circus at the NDDC” published in a blog (National Template), Mr. Abiye Tolofari argues that the IMC should be sacked because it is a waste of time. In another piece titled ‘’Akpabio has brought NDDC to its knees’’, written by Festus Ahon and published recently in Vanguard newspaper, the writer spent precious newsprint space insulting Senator Akpabio and President Buhari. The writer curiously alleges that Akpabio has succeded ‘’in arm-twisting Mr President to concede the supervision of the NDDC to him…’’. Such an insulting and intemperate accusation could only come from people with warped minds and cruel agenda. The mere thought that a minister can ‘’arm twist’’ a leader of General Muhammadu Buhari’s calibre is thoughtlessness taken too far. Clearly, these writers are working for people who have personal grudges to grind with the honourable minister. We have identified a few of them. There are those from Akpabio’s home state of Akwa Ibom who believe that the minister is standing between them and their political advancement. They are the ones who sponsored scurrilous articles in the newspapers and online news sites against Senator Akpabio soon after the last general elections, hoping that they could thwart his ministerial appointment. These phantom and hack writers are also paid by some members of the National Assembly who are sad that the IMC has truncated their previous dealings with the NDDC. These spineless politicians have forgotten that the President has access to the most sophisticated intelligence in the country. He is being briefed daily of their clandestine scheming. The President, who ordered the forensic audit exercise, is also aware that these politicians and their fraudulent contractors do not have altruistic reasons for their actions. Everything is about them and their families only. They only indulge in massive acquisition of properly, estates and women. President Muhammadu Buhari is not a man of fickle mind. He is committed to anti corruption war, a major thrust of his administration, and the overhaul and strengthening of the NDDC is a major programme of his administration. There is no amount of newspaper articles that will sway this President from the path of righteousness which will benefit the people of Nigeria. Have they forgotten
so soon who General Buhari is? This is the same Buhari who dealt a fatal blow on economic saboteurs in 1984 by changing the colour of our currency, thereby sending counterfeiters to their waterloo; this is the same Buhari that
pursued drug barons mercilessly when he was a military Head of State and this is the Buhari that has closed our land borders against smugglers and drug pushers irrespective of the wailings of other ECOWAS leaders. So, oh ye! Niger
Supreme Court Draws Line Between Appeal and Review Kayode Ajulo draws attention to the victory for the rule of law recently recorded at the Supreme Court
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t was a day full of lamentation at the Supreme Court as my Lords shed tears as they laid to final rest the rather strange, depressing, disappointing and worrisome application brought before the Supreme Court by the learned counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates at the recently concluded gubernatorial election in Bayelsa state. In the middle of the avoidable lamentation and anger of the Supreme Court in the dismissal of the said application lies a victory not only to the rule of law but also to all members of the bar and the bench, litigants and Nigerian at large. In fact, it is a restatement of the finality of the decision of the Supreme Court. As I have stated before, there is a huge difference between an appeal and a review. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) clearly delineates the original and appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Even though a party has a right of appeal, that right ends upon the pronouncement of the judgment of the Supreme Court on the issues he submitted to the Court on Appeal. This is the position of the law as established by the long line of decided authorities and it is so elementary that second year law students are taught as one of the foundational principles of law. What counsel sought to do by the application so dismissed by the Supreme Court is tantamount to asking the Supreme Court to tell the whole world that our entire jurisdiction is a joke. I am more than happy that the application was dismissed with cost awarded
not against the party the counsel represents but against the counsel themselves. I am sure this action of my noble Lord will further stand as general reminder that the first duty as lawyers is to the court and the rule of law. Irrespective of the professional sentiment and the avoidable sympathy, a legal practitioner’s duty is at all material time to the court and justice. I understand that there are similar applications of this nature before the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court having by its decision made a bold statement that it is the final court in the land, the proper thing to do in this instance is for the counsel who have filed these rather strange application to find a way to withdraw the said application. I am sure that failure to do this will earn the counsel the same punishment meted out to counsel in the Bayelsa application or invitation to review the judgment of the Supreme Court. If it is anything, upon the pronouncement of the judgment of the Supreme Court, the decision of the Supreme Court becomes law and all dissenting opinions becomes at best academic. Perhaps by quibbling such opinion, it might influence the legislators in amending the law in the future. The backyard approach adopted by learned counsel in bringing these applications is rather questionable irrespective of the motivation. I think what happened at the Supreme Court recently will serve as a guideline for counsel in the future. -Ajulo writes from Castle of Law, Maitama District, Abuja
Delta politicians, continue wailing and sponsoring articles against the NDDC, Akpabio and forensic audit. But I assure you that the IMC will succeed in taking this exercise to its fruitful conclusion. On the issue of the former Ag Managing Director of the Commission, I should note that Ms Nunieh was removed from office for insubordination and inability to function effectively at senior executive capacity. The controversy over her NYSC participation did not help matters though. With a new Acting MD in the person of Prof Pondei appointed and the infusion of more hands into the IMC, the President is unrelenting in his efforts to rid the commission of its sordid past. I am however surprised that many of disgruntled stakeholders in the Niger Delta region are still obsessed with the notion that the forensic audit exercise is a personal agenda of Senator Godswill Akpabio. These naysayers and blackmailers, who are no longer feeding off from the contract bazaars, slush funds and underhand deals at the NDDC, are now venting their anger on the Honourable Minister. It is important to reiterate that whether Akpabio remains the Niger Delta Minister or not, President Buhari will never backtrack from implementing the forensic audit exercise. So far, the Federal Executive Council has already appointed the Lead Auditor, Olumuyiwa & Co, who will in turn appoint several other auditors to work with. Their total fee is N318m. Please note that the Lead Auditor is neither an Akwa Ibom man nor a Fulani man! The audit exercise should last about six to eight months from the day of commencement. Senator Akpabio has consistently assured that the exercise is not out to witch hunt any past management team or managing director of the NDDC. Rather, the auditors are mainly to ascertain those contractors who have bolted away with the commission’s upfront payments without executing the jobs. The auditors will also recommend new governance systems for the Commission to cushion it against further abuses. The appointment of Prof Pondei as the new Ag. MD, a professor of medicine and former university VC, attests to the President’s inclination to look outside politics in sourcing key leaders for the agency. I congratulate Prof Pondei and wish to assure him of the support of genuine Niger Deltans in his new assignment. With all these assurances, it is easy to deduce that the unceasing insults heaped on the person of the Honourable Minister and members of the IMC by some politicians, contractors and their paid hack writers like Tolofari and Ahon (assuming they are real persons) are borne out of their guilt. These nefarious individuals and economic saboteurs should be reminded that President Buhari does not flinch once he’s mind is set on a noble cause. If the President had not capitulated over border closure, pursuit of corrupt politicians and terrorists, he will never waver in his avowed commitment to enthroning a new order at the NDDC. It is notable that every key stakeholder in our region supports the forensic audit exercise: the oil companies, development partners, the sociopolitical groups, the NDDC employees and political leaders. It is only the circling hawks, hovering around for their prey, that have been whining against the President and his agenda. Why? -Etim is a journalist and PR practitioner
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PERSPECTIVE
Why Nigeria Should Prevent Lassa Fever Outbreak Ugochukwu Timothy Eze emphazies the imperative for Nigeria to develop a vaccine for Lassa fever as soon as possible
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assa fever is among the group of diseases called the viral haemorrhagic fevers because they are caused by viruses and produce fever and bleeding (especially in the late stage) in persons infected. It was first identified in Nigeria in Lassa Town, Borno State among missionary nurses working in a mission hospital in the town. Since then, Nigeria has experienced several outbreaks of Lassa Fever which usually occur only during the dry seasons between November and March. However, in the recent past, that seasonal pattern has changed as we now have all year round transmission with peaks during the dry season. Also, earlier outbreaks in Nigeria were confined to the North-Central Nigeria with sporadic cases reported in other regions of Nigeria. But in the mid 90s, Edo State began to witness major outbreaks of Lassa Fever and has since become the major hotbed of Lassa Fever in Nigeria. Currently, Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi States are the three leading states in terms of annual number of cases of Lassa Fever recorded in Nigeria. Another important trend to note is the increasing number of cases of Lassa recorded in each successive year since 2016. In fact, in 2018, Nigeria witnessed what was called then the largest outbreak of Lassa Fever in the world in terms of the number of cases, deaths and the states involved. However, the 2019 outbreak surpassed that of the preceding year. The epidemiologists were asking why the large outbreaks were occurring. Could it be that new strains of the virus were driving the large outbreaks or what has changed about the environment or the hosts of the virus? A gene sequencing study of the virus published in 2019 provided insights. It showed that nothing has changed about the virus; the same strains driving the outbreaks in 2018 were the same strains that have caused the outbreaks in the past. It also showed that majority of the cases resulted from rodent to human transmissions with a few human to human transmissions. Therefore, majority of the Lassa Fever transmissions occur within the communities. Since the virus has not changed, why are we witnessing an increasing number of cases and geographical spread over the past four years? The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) gave likely reasons for the observed trend saying that they have become victims of their own success. The NCDC under his leadership has invested so much in strengthening capacity for the detection of diseases of public health importance across the country. Also, it has supported the increase in the number of laboratories for the diagnosis of Lassa Fever across different states in Nigeria. Furthermore, it has supported the increase in the number of designated treatment centres for Lassa fever to three. The NCDC has also supported states to increase the awareness of Lassa Fever and where people can seek help when Lassa Fever is suspected. All these Lassa fever related investments may have led to increased awareness of Lassa Fever and the increased reporting of Lassa Fever over these years. It was worthy to note that though the number of cases have been showing upward trend, the number of deaths due to the disease have been on steady decline. In 2020, we are witnessing another
spike in the number of cases of Lassa Fever and the number of states involved. Nigerians are worried if the agencies responsible for preventing and controlling such outbreaks are doing enough in the face of the
rising cases. It is worthy to note that in 2015, Nigeria has only one treatment and diagnostic centre for Lassa situated in Irrhua, in Edo State. But through the leadership provided by the NCDC we currently
Why Lagos Will Not Condone Reckless Truck Drivers Gbenga Omotosho warns that Lagos State will not tolerate the recklessness of truck drivers on its roads
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ver the last three months, Lagos State has experienced an upsurge in the number of trailers/tankers involved in major accidents on the expressways and major arteries. We will continue to encourage people to do business in Lagos, but we will not allow the lives of Lagosians and visitors to be put at risk. Lagos State will not tolerate the recklessness of truck drivers when transporting goods on our roads. The Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS) is to step up its activities in the government’s bid to stop such accidents involving trucks and others. The government is also curious about the persistence of tanker accidents at the Berger end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the resultant gridlock that trails the incidents, spiralling through the entire Ikeja axis of the State and traumatising motorists and commuters. On Tuesday, two incidents, one involving a tanker that fell and exploded in flames on Kara Bridge on the outskirts of Lagos and the other involving a heavy-duty truck carrying farm products around Magboro, left motorists and commuters stranded on the Expressway till the early hours of Wednesday. The government sympathises with Lagosians on the discomfort resulting from the attitude of careless and reckless drivers travelling from the outskirts into Lagos. We will continue to engage the Ogun State Government as well as Federal Government agencies to identify the cause of the recurring Lagos-Ibadan Expressway accidents
and fashion out solutions. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has been mandated to continue its support for Ogun State and Federal Government traffic and emergency management agencies by providing evacuation expertise and equipment for quick removal of vehicles involved in crashes on the Expressway. Besides, the Lagos State Government will commission an inquiry to ascertain that the accidents involving tankers and articulated vehicles, which seem to have developed a consistent pattern, are not deliberate acts of carnage. Such accidents have consistently happened midweek, specifically on Tuesday and Wednesday, leaving traffic tailing onto the Third Mainland Bridge, Agidingbi, Ikeja and even Oregun, in many instances. The Vehicle Inspection Service will step up its services to prevent issuance of Road Worthiness Certificates to undeserving vehicles, particularly trucks that are not fit to ply our roads. While the Lagos State Government acknowledges the hardship caused by the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by the Federal Government, made more unbearable by the crude attitude of some articulated vehicle drivers, it will continue to engage stakeholders at all levels to explore ways of addressing the thorny issues until an enduring solution is found to the menace of truck and tanker accidents on our highways. -Omotoso is the Commissioner for Information and Strategy
have three designated treatment centres for Lassa Fever and five laboratory networks for diagnosis of Lassa Fever. Also, many teaching hospitals, federal medical centres and state specialist hospitals have been supported by NCDC to receive specialised training in Lassa fever care and have also established their own dedicated units for the treatment of Lassa fever. Subsequently, the death rate from Lassa fever has been on steady decline. However, most people are concerned with the upward trend in the number of cases each consecutive year since 2016. But the right question to ask will be what factors are driving the rodent to human transmission at the community level? These factors may not be entirely known for now, however, many scientific evidence have shown a link between certain practices within communities and the disease. They include agricultural practices such as bush burning, processing and drying of food substances in the open where rodents get easy access to them: nutritional practices such as consumption of rodents as protein source and poor environmental health practices such as poor housing, poor storage of food items, poor cooking of foods and poor environmental sanitation. Risk communication messages prioritizing communities mainly affected by Lassa Fever have been carried out severally. It targets the earlier mentioned practices and trying to show people the link between them and Lassa Fever. However, some of these practices are rooted in the nutritional and economic survival of these communities as an agrarian economy. No matter the number of messages being shared, as long as it has to do with nutritional and economic survival, it may be difficult to change these practices. Preventing Lassa Fever outbreaks will require providing very affordable alternatives to open air drying of food substances; alternative sources of protein for some local communities who depend on rodents for their proteins; good housing that will limit access of rodents to the houses and very affordable rodent proof food storage containers. Until we provide these alternatives which are beyond the health system, we may continue to witness increasing outbreaks of Lassa Fever in Nigeria unless a vaccine for Lassa fever is developed as soon as possible. There are no easy solutions; it will require multiple approaches and multiple stakeholders working together. Governments at the state and local levels of the communities mostly affected by Lassa fever may need to involve the services of agricultural extension workers. These extension workers will have to engage community members to find alternatives to some nutritional and agricultural practices linked with Lassa fever. Rural electrification cannot be overemphasised; availability of electric energy may spur innovations within communities and provide alternatives to sun drying of food substances. Governments at local levels need to support farmers through subsidies including the clearing of their farmlands to discourage bush burning. Legislation against bush burning may be considered. -Eze writes from the Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital
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BUSINESSWORLD
Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875
Í° ÍŻ Ëœ Í° ÍŽ Í° ÍŽ MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT
REPO 3% 3.83 %
CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH
3% 4% 6%
S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE
505.18 % 0.59 % 1.41 %
S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 4.99 % YEAR TO DATE 4.99 %
EXCHANGE RATE ͹͎;˚ͯ ̊ ̊
Quick Takes Airlines Cut Back Flights to Iran
CLOSING GONG CEREMONY
L–R: Head, Risk Management, Courteville Business Solution Plc, Layi Adedayo; Deputy Managing Director, Business Development and International Business, Wale Sonaike; Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar N. Onyema; Group Managing Director, Courteville, Dr. Adebola Akindele; National Council Member, NSE, Kamarudeen Oladosu, and Head, Business Development and upcountry, Courteville, Lanre Lyanda, during a courtesy visit to NSE in Lagos‌recently
NIMASA Set to Tackle Piracy with Multi-million Dollar Vessels Eromosele Abiodun In bid to halt piracy, criminality in Nigeria’s territorial waters and the annual loss of about $2.3 billion to maritime crime, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have taken delivery of two Special Mission Vessels (SMV), an effort they believe will put an end to the menace. The vessel, DB Lagos and DB Abuja are equipped with sophisticated intelligence gathering capability for timely detection and response to illegal activities in the Nigerian maritime domain. The launch of the federal government’s Integrated National Security and Waterways Protec-
MARITIME tion Infrastructure, or Deep Blue Project, the agency said, would drastically reduce piracy and other crimes within Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea once fully operational. The Deep Blue Project command, control, computer communication, and information (C4i) centre commenced operations on a 24-hour basis in August 2019 at the NIMASA base in Kirikiri, Lagos. The number of piracy attacks on merchant vessels has rose in West Africa in 2019. In the fourth quarter of 2019, 64 seafarers were kidnapped in six different incidents, according to the
International Maritime Bureau (IMB). Many of the pirate groups are believed to operate out of Nigeria. Also, in this year, two pirate attacks have occurred, fuelling speculations that the federal government was losing the battle to end criminality in Nigeria’s territorial waters. Speaking during the arrival of the vessel, the Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ekwe Ibas decried the impact of piracy on the nation’s economy adding that the two SMVs will aid in the effort to stamp out piracy. “Piracy is an act inimical to the growth of the Nigerian maritime sector and we are prepared, more than ever before, to give it all it takes to end this nefarious act, � said Ibas, who was represented
by the Chief Security Officer, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral M. M. Bashir. He stated that the officers who would be in charge of the vessels will be given adequate training under the Deep Blue Project so that the special features of the vessels can be adequately utilised for the purpose of combating maritime illegalities. Also speaking, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside said pirates and other criminals on the country’s maritime domain up to the Gulf of Guinea, would soon meet their waterloo, with the arrival and Continued on page 22
‘Why Government-driven National Carrier May Fail’ Chinedu Eze Aviation industry experts have identified factors that may lead to the failure of the planned national carrier, if it driven by the federal government. Although the federal government has said at different fora that the ownership of the airline would be predominantly private and that government would own about five to 10 per cent stakes. However, the process so far has indicated that the proposed airline was being midwifed by government and it has not been clear how the private sector would be wooed to own major shares in the arrangement, as the federal government through the Ministry of Aviation is wholly in
AVIATION charge of actualising the project. So, findings showed that industry experts are skeptical about the success of the proposed national airline. Travel expert and organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, told THISDAY that government should create a situation whereby the private sector is supported by government to set up at least three major airlines and reserve some shares for government in order to give the airlines a national seal. He said government ought to concentrate in building major airports, major maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility and providing the needed
infrastructure so that Nigeria would have modern airports that could compete with the best in the world. MRO, he said, would also enhance profitability for airlines, as they would maintain their aircraft locally, adding that the facility would generate huge revenues too as airlines from other countries would maintain the aircraft in Nigeria. “I think airports are more beneficial than airlines when they are under government management. “Our airlines fail because they don’t have government protection. The recent intervention made by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika by stopping Senegal from having
more designation to Nigeria when it failed to allow Arik and Air Peace to fly to Senegal, is the kind of protection Nigerian airlines need to grow and compete effectively.� He added: “So it is important that government should protect Nigerian carriers. If not, our airlines will get crushed by unfair practices by other countries, in the bid to protect their own airlines. “I know an airline operator that pulled out of Ghana because the country wants to establish its own national carrier. It is obvious that when it does it would no more create equal opportunity for all the airlines operating in
SeveralcarriersaresuspendingtheiroperationstoIraninresponseto theongoingcoronavirusoutbreakinthecountry,Flightglobal.comhas reported. The United Arab Emirates has become the latest nation to banflightstoIran. “All passenger and cargo aircraft traveling to and from Iran will be suspended for a period of one week, and could be up for extension,� the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority is quoted as saying by the state-ownedWAMnewsagency. “ThedecisionisaprecautionarymeasureundertakenbytheUAEtoensure strictmonitoringandpreventionofthespreadofthenewcoronavirus.� The UAE is a transit hub for Iranians given the restrictions placed on operations to their country by US sanctions. Emirates and Flydubai both operate to Iran. Cirium schedules data lists a total of 128 weekly flightsineachdirectionbetweenthetwonationsforFebruary. TurkishAirlinessaid24Februarythatithadceasedflyingtoalldestinations inIranviaTehranuntil10March. TheStarAlliancememberhasalsoextendeditscancellationofservices toMainlandChinauntil29February. “In addition, due to the decree of Turkey’s official authorities, foreign citizenswhowereinChinaandIraninthelast14dayswillnotbegranted entrytoTurkey,�itsaid.Thisrepresents28flightsperweektoIran,Cirium datashows. Oman’scivilaviationauthorityalsotookthestepoftemporarilysuspending flightsfrom24February,inadditiontoitsdecisiontosuspendflightsto mainland China. Kuwait suspended flights to Iran on 20 February, the country’snationalairlinesays,andhasnowcancelledflightstoThailand andItaly.
Lightning Test Required for B737MAX
TheFederalAviationAdministration(FAA)hassaiditplanstoprohibit 737Maxflightsuntileachaircraftundergoesinspectionsrelatedtorisks posedbylightningstrikes.TheagencyonFebruary25th,hadproposed an order related to the lightning concern, which differs from the flight controlsoftwareissuethathaslefttheMaxgroundedsincelastMarch. Theproposedorderstatedthatinadequate,“electricalbonding,�ofpanels atopthe737Max’sCFMInternationalLeap-1Bturbofanscouldallow a lightning strike to disable both the Max’s engines. Electric bonding protects critical systems from lightning strikes. The issue does not affectB737NGs,whichareprecursortotheMAX,FAAsaid. “We are coordinating with our customers to complete the work prior tosafereturntoservice,�Boeingsaid. FlightGlobal reported that the company in December 2019 issued a servicebulletininwhichitrecommendedinspectionsandafix.ButBoeing’s bulletinonlyappliedtosome737Maxandsuggestedairlinescomplete theworkwithinsixmonths.TheFAAproposal,however,wouldrequire inspectionsonall737Max8and737Max9aircraft“beforefurtherflight.� “Theproposedcompliancetimeisbasedonthepotentialforacommoncausefailureofbothengines,�saystheFAA’sproposal.“Thiscondition,if notaddressed,couldresultinaforcedoff-airportlandingorexcessive flightcrewworkloadduetolossofthrustcontrolonbothengines.�
Qatar, American Airlines Seal Deal
QatarAirwaysandAmericanAirlineshavesignedastrategicpartnership andcode-shareagreement.Thedealisexpectedtobringaboutimmediate benefits to customers. These would include increased connectivity, frequentflyerprogrammealignmentaswellasthecreationofhundreds ofnewtravelchoicesforpassengers. Qatarsaidthedealwassignedinamovethatwouldincreasecommercial cooperation, bolster connectivity and create hundreds of new travel optionsformillionsofcustomers. Thenewagreementwouldestablishapartnershipatagloballevelbetween twooftheworld’smostconnectedairlines,linkingsomeofthelargest airport hubs in the US to Hamad International Airport in Doha, voted the Middle East’s best hub and holder of a place in the world’s top five airportsforthelastthreeyears. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker said, “We are very pleased to secure this strategic partnership with American Airlines–anagreementbetweentwosuccessfulandambitiousairlines withasharedcommonpurposetoenhancethecustomerexperience. “Thedealwillbringtogethertwooftheworld’slargestairlinenetworks, increasingchoicesformillionsofpassengersandprovidingseamless connectivity to a significant number of new destinations, in line with QatarAirways’successfulgrowthstrategy.�
“The airline operators in Nigeria have taken self regulation of their operations a notch higher due to increased awareness, quality staff and training� Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),
Captain Musa Nuhu Continued on page 22
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BUSINESSWORLD NIMASA SET TO TACKLE PIRACY WITH MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR VESSELS installation of the critical assets under the Deep Blue Project. Peterside, who was represented by the agency’s Executive Director, Operations, Rotimi Fashakin, disclosed that aside of these two special mission vessels, 10 Fast Interceptor Boats have also arrived the country and seven more are expected later in the year. “Today marks a new dawn for a more secure and stable maritime environment in Nigeria. This milestone in asset delivery inches us closer to full operational take-off of the Deep Blue Project, hence it marks a huge victory for the Nigerian maritime sector in the fight against maritime insecurity,� he said. He disclosed that the DB Abuja and DB Lagos, which are built to be intelligently operated, also served as mother vessels to fast intervention crafts that are able to respond to distress calls swiftly.
‘WHY GOVERNMENTDRIVEN NATIONAL CARRIER MAY FAIL’ that country. “Government can take five per cent stake in three airlines. Five per cent is safe, but for government to start its own airlines, I doubt whether the airline will thrive after five years, but a little government participation in the airlines will help them to survive because of government protection,� Uko said. CNN international anchor and business editor at large, Richard Quest, said recently that Nigeria does not need a government- owned carrier. “The government of Nigeria should not be in the airline business. What you do is that you deregulate your air space, allowing in those who can run the routes for you. “Nigeria does not need a nationally owned carrier. You don’t need the government starting an airline. It will be very nice if investors in Nigeria decided to put their own money into an airline. “South African Airways is a good example of an airline that is in deep financial trouble that you have to question its right to exist. It has so much government’s money poured into it and it has failed to turn profitable. Eventually, you have to say this thing will never be profitable, close it down,� Quest had said.
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Ondo Targets N500bn Investment through Deep Seaport Project Stories by Eromosele Abiodun The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has stated that the development of a deep seaport project in the state will generate more than N500 billion investment to the host communities in Ilaje Local Government Area where the state government is proposing to establish the port. Speaking at the stakeholders’ forum relating to the Environmental Site Investment Assessment (ESIA) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the project, where he met with traditional rulers and representatives of the community in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Akeredolu assured them that the project remained at the top of his list of priorities for the state. Also present were the consultants to the project, representatives of the Federal and State Ministry of Environment and Community Based Organisations (CBOs). Akeredolu, while soliciting the support of the host communities and traditional rulers towards the actualisation of the project, said the state government had spent hundreds of millions of naira on the required studies carried out by local and international consultants. He added the state government was working towards obtaining a Port Declaration for the seaport from the federal government. He said: “The deep seaport and the Industrial City project will attract massive investment to the State in particular and Nigeria in general. The one
singular project that will change this State totally is the port. Building of the port alone will bring about N500 billion economic activities to that area. “This is the most serious business and important project we want to embark on as a government. Every other thing becomes secondary. We have spent millions of naira on the required studies. We don’t have the money but we will set aside as many projects as we can to get this port done so that the quality will meet the standard expected of us by the federal
government. “For us to build this Port of Ondo, there are three levels to these efforts. There is the federal government level, which the state is managing and we believe that we are making reasonable progress. There is the work to be done level, and we have spent millions of naira on the required studies, bringing in local and international consultants. “Another effort by this administration is to make sure there is conducive atmosphere for the consultants to do their work in the affected com-
munities, and that is where our traditional rulers need to come in.� Akeredolu, assured affected communities whose property, farm lands and means of livelihood would be affected by the construction of the seaport of adequate compensation and relocation to comfortable sites. This, he said, was why government placed premium on the processes and procedures of the ESIA and the RAP. The Special Adviser Development and Investment and Chief Executive Officer, Ondo State Development and Investment
Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Mr. Boye Oyewumi, said the port, upon completion, will be a game changer not just for the State but the country. He said it was expected that the Outline Business Case (OBC), which is the last set of reports for the port declaration would be completed before the end of April. The various traditional rulers present at the assured Akeredolu of unalloyed support and cooperation of the Ilaje ncommunity in ensuring the realisation of the port project in view of its benefits to the state.
REWARDING CUSTOMER LOYALTY
L-R: Representative, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Ini Ibok; Mother of Chigozie Nwankwo, Promo winners: Augustina Nwankwo; Salisu Mohammed; Divisional Head, Retail Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Richard Madiebo; Another winner, Adepeju Esther Adepoju; Head, Lagos OďŹƒce, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Suzie Onwuka; Head, Savings Group, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ukpai Ibe, and Branch Leader, Ikota SBU, Fidelity Bank, Ngozi Okonkwo, at the second bi-monthly/4th monthly prize presentation of the Fidelity Get Alert in Millions Promo Season 4 (GAIM season 4), held in Lagos ... recently
NCS, FOU Owerri Intercept Five Trucks of Contrabands Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’ Owerri have announced that they intercepted five trucks transporting five containers laden with 5040 cartons of wine and 143 jumbo bales of garments within the zone. The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olusemire Kayode in a statement said the goods had a duty paid value of N142,300,000. Kayode, said with the tightening of the nation’s borders daring smugglers have changed their tactics by going through the ports to conceal offending articles of trade in containers. Two of the containers, he said, were declared as agricultural spraying machines but had 143 jumbo bales of male and female underwear concealed within.
“We have two containers here laden with ladies and men’s underwear but declared as agricultural sprayer, whereas we have just 23 pieces of the agricultural sprayer in the container. The PAAR was issued and released as agricultural sprayer. “Behind the first layer of agricultural sprayer machines are jumbo bales of pants and bra concealed to evade payment of duty. “Agricultural equipment has five per cent duty whereas garments attract 20 per cent duty and 5 per cent VAT. With the tightening of our borders it is difficult to smuggle though the border, now they have changed tactics and as they change we are steps ahead of them. “We always have credible intelligence from the headquarters. There is nothing you do we do
not know, no matter the time of the day we are always on duty,� he said He added that false declaration under Section 46 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) entails forfeiture to the government. The Comptroller declared that their anti-smuggling activities were structured to outwit whatever strategy smugglers come up with. “Despite government efforts to improve the economy those we see as our albatross will not desist from going against government policies. We have three containers declared as industrial salt and when it was examined no single bag of salt was found in it. “They are laden with red grape non-alcoholic champagne which is prohibited because
it is non-alcoholic and can be produced in this country. You can see the sea of cartons brought into the country under the guise of salt and it is not salt. It is non-alcoholic drink falsely declared to evade payment of duty and this is contraband. It was not even concealed at all,� he noted. He urged smugglers to turn to legitimate trade and key into government policies. “Before government makes any policy it is deliberated on by think tanks that ensure the policy is of immense benefit to the nation. There is a recent policy being put in place regarding milk importation into the country; such policies and prohibitions are deliberated on by experts to see that the things brought into the country will not ruin the economy, will not make
our factories go moribund and in turn give rise to unemployment. It ensures that we will have economic security, “he said. He urged Nigerians not to be hostile to officers in discharge of their official duties but support the fight against smuggling. “We want people to know that under section 11 of the Customs and Excise Management Act if you interfere, hinder or obstruct officers from doing their job you are liable. We were attacked while making the seizures and under section 159 and 165 of the CEMA if you attack an officer with harmful object you could be sentenced to death. We are employed to do our legitimate duty and we are working for the society to see how we can protect and improve our economy,� he explained.
El-Rufai Commends Olam’s Agricultural Investments Hamid Ayodeji Olam Nigeria, one of the leading players in the Nigerian agriculture value chain, has been commended by Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, for paving the way through its agricultural investments. El-Rufai, who was speaking recently at the ground-breaking ceremony for a Tomato processing factory, held at Kangimi, in Igabi Local Government Area of the state, stated that
it was because of the activities of organisations such as Olam, that Kaduna State had become a worthy ground for business, attracting both local and international organisations. The governor noted that companies such as Olam had demonstrated why Kaduna State was ranked as the number one destination for doing business in Nigeria, by the World Bank’s Doing Business Report. He said: “The Kaduna State Government welcomes
this latest investment in the agricultural potential of our state. Olam showed the way back in 2017, when President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned its Hatchery and Feed Mill project that is sited in our Chikun Local Government Area. “Olam’s Feed Mill, Hatchery and Breeder Farms, located along the Kaduna -Abuja Expressway, is a huge investment and the largest such facility in West Africa. “The feed mill sources over
150,000 tons of Corn and 75,000 tons of soybean from local farmers, which has encouraged many smallholder farmers to increase the production of these crops. The large silo and flat warehousing capacity allows farmers to sell their produce on harvest, without having to worry about storage. “Availability of Broiler (meat-producing birds) and Layer (egg-laying birds) dayold chicks was the biggest barrier for Nigerian farmers,
esp. in North, to participate in the poultry sector. Olam now supplies several million, high quality day-old-chicks every month to small poultry farmers, which has helped revive many closed farms and develop new ones. “Olam’s poultry feed, especially Broiler feed, has led to farmers gaining substantial productivity gains, unlocking profitability for them without increasing selling prices of eggs and chicken.�
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‘No More Flight Diversions on Our Airspace’
Stories by Chinedu Eze
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, (NAMA) Captain Fola Akinkotu, has assured the House Committee on Aviation that the recent flight diversions experienced in Lagos has been addressed, with the eventual calibration of the category 3 Instrument Landing System, (ILS) installed at the airport last November. This is just as the House Committee Chairman, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji regretted that by allowing international carriers divert flights to Accra, Dakar and Lome, Nigeria was promoting trade for its neighbours. Akinkotu, gave the assurance recently, when he met with the members of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation investigating the circumstances that led to several diversions of Lagos bound international flights to neighbouring West African countries, alongside his counterpart, the Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), Captain Abdullahi Sidi.
The lawmakers had directed the committee to investigate and ensure that all the acquired landing equipment, (category 3 ILS and other navigational aids) were installed at the designated airports without further delay to forestall further incidences of flight diversions in the nation’s airspace. Nnaji, had at the beginning of the meeting expressed concern of the parliament over the diversions saying, “we are concerned because, for our failure to do what we ought to do, we are indirectly promoting other countries to the detriments of Nigeria. “Whether we believe it or not there is a silent trade war going on between Nigeria and other countries so situations like this can easily be exploited to the disadvantage of our country.” He noted that the entire country was worried and disturbed because aviation has become a more desirable means of travelling due to the prevailing security situation in the country, adding that the development has placed more pressures and responsibilities on the sector, which required
that more emphasis must be placed on safety through the provision of adequate navigational aids. The NAMA boss who stated that the ministry and its agencies were working hard to sustain the over seven years of accident free period achieve by the sector through the provision and installation of modern aids regretted that the diversions occurred explaining that it was largely due to inclement weather. He, however pointed out that if the category 3 ILS installed at the Lagos Airport way back in November 2019 had been calibrated on schedule the diversions would not have occurred despite the bad weather. He however attributed the delay to the interferences that were observed from some of the erected communication masts around the airport during the initial scheduled calibration exercise. “We had to meet NCC to resolve the issue, which resulted in shutting down the affected masts to enable the calibration to hold unhindered,” Akinkuotu said.
NCAA Hails Operators on Good Safety Record The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, has commended the agency and the aviation industry for the air safety Nigeria has recorded in the last five years, with zero accident involving commercial airliner. Speaking in his keynote address during the 2020 edition of League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) training at Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, the Director General NCAA has also recorded consistent successes in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recertification, various
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Audits and the Transport Security Administration (TSA) approvals and noted that the watchdog role of the media motivated the agencies in the sector and the Ministry to work hard to attain such enviable success. “As a matter of fact, the contributions of LAAC to the industry are not recent but age-long and we hope it will continue. The watchdog role of the media has undoubtedly motivated the aviation agency and the supervising Ministry to work really hard. This robust contribution of the agencies has attained global recognition.
“This is not entirely unexpected as the industry has experienced zero accident in the commercial category in the last five years. This is against the background of consistent successes in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recertification, various International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Audits and the Transport Security Administration (TSA) approvals. “It will however, be appropriate to mention that this feat is an industry feat and not only NCAA. The other agencies similarly deserve commendation for their roles in the zero accident run,” he said.
Firm Shortlisted for Leasing Coy, MRO Bid The long plan by the federal government to establish aircraft leasing company and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility may have gotten a headway as the federal government has established a process towards the realisation of the two projects. Having a leasing company and a maintenance organisation would enable Nigerian airlines maintain their aircraft locally and at relatively low cost and also have easy access to securing aircraft from the planned leasing company, as experts pointed out that with the two organisations in place, indigenous airlines going under due to their inability to acquire airplanes or due to high
cost of overseas maintenance would become a thing of the past. These are the key factors that prompted the federal government to make a firm move towards fulfilling its promise to ease airlines the burden of leasing aircraft from international lessors at outrageous cost. The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika who announced this, said the leasing company and MRO facility are the two major components of the aviation sector roadmap of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. A statement from the Ministry of Aviation, signed by the Director of Public affairs, James Odaudu, said at the end of the conferences, one
company, a consortium of A. J. Walters/Glovesly/ Egypt Air was shortlisted out of three for the aviation leasing companies that bidded. “For the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, two companies namely; A.J. Walters/ Glovesly/Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines were shortlisted out of seven that expressed interest,” the statement said. Declaring the Conferences open, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics and Chairman of the Project Delivery Team, Alhaji Muhammad Shehu said the event marked another phase of the government’s determination to ensure the realisation of the projects.
Between Weather Forecast and Air Safety Chinedu Eze The recent cancellation and diversion of flights by both domestic and international airlines due to the harmattan haze early this month has brought to the fore, the importance of the Nigerian Meteorological Agencies (NIMET), which has the responsibility to provide on time whether information to airlines. What was the agency doing during that critical period? Was it able to predict the inclement weather before it happened? Does the agency have necessary equipment? THISDAY gathered that in the last seven years, NIMET has enjoyed a good reputation for being accurate in its weather forecast. Before that time, foreign airlines used to rely on satellite and weather forecast from agencies outside Nigeria that provided weather reports to flights going and leaving Nigeria. But within that period, NIMET upgraded its equipment; acquired Doppler weather radar and other critical equipment that help to accurately predict the weather. Some years ago, a British Airways pilot had confirmed to THISDAY that they now use NIMET weather reports because they are accurate and very reliable. General Manager in charge of research and technical assistance to the Director General, NIMET, Dr. Mansur Bako-Matazu, told THISDAY that the art of flying aircraft depends on prevailing weather conditions and when the weather is not favourable it can cause delays or outright cancelation of flights. “We do give out forecast on daily basis through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). On January 21 we made a forecast of seasonal rainfall and we mentioned the harmattan haze, noting that the weather would go below the standard minima. “But instead of foreign airlines diverting their flights from Lagos to Abuja, they chose to divert to another country. “The haramttan haze was heavier in the south because of humidity and moisture, which mix with the dust haze and trigger fogs, especially in the morning. “This is what reduced visibility in the southern part of the country,” he said. Bako-Matazu, also said NIMET issues accurate weather report because it has improved its forecast with modern facilities. He noted that the current Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika was doing everything possible to support the agency and also to make the airports better, as more people now prefer to travel by air because of the prevailing insecurity. “The harmattan has cleared in the south but it will take more time before it will clear in the north, but it is not heavy. NIMET has Doppler radar, low level wind shear alert system and many other equipment that have enhanced what we do to ensure that we issue
The agency also said that it intends to ensure 80 per cent total coverage of the country by June this year with the installation of the new components
NiMET’s Doppler Weather radar
accurate weather reports,” he added. Meanwhile, NIMET has acquired new radar components for the Doppler weather radar system, which will further enhance accurate weather report. The agency also said that it intends to ensure 80 per cent total coverage of the country by June this year with the installation of the new components. The Director General, NIMET, Prof. Sani Marshi, said the new equipment cost about N400 million. He explained that NIMET was able to get special allocation from the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) arrangement through the intervention of the Minister of Aviation to fund the project. Mashi, disclosed that the components for the radar system were delivered a fortnight ago and ferried to their different locations for installations. According to him, the components would be installed in Ikeja (Lagos Airport) and Kano Airport, stressing that as soon as the installation was done, the American company awarded the contract would then mount the radar on it. “When the contract was designed in 2007, there was a designed problem. The radar was supposed to be mounted on top of a tower. At Kano and Lagos locations, there were towers that were erected in 1974. So, the contract was designed in such a way that rather than constructing a new tower, those old towers of 1974 would be used so to save more money. That was how the project was under-designed. “So, when I took over, I discovered the project got stalled. The contractors inspected the towers and came back with a report that the towers were so weak and they can’t hoist anything because of the heavy load. “The weight of the tower is about 12 tonnes. So, they said it had to be because it was not part of the original contract, they said there was nothing they could do. “So, the components have been delivered last week and they are in Ikeja and Kano. We are going to erect them. Already they have delivered the towers in these two locations. So, as soon as we finish the installation, which will just take about two months, the Americans who were doing the contract will now come and mount the radar on top.” It is expected that NIMET should continue to sustain the accuracy of its predictions by continuously updating its equipment and personnel.
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BeneďŹ ts of Operating International Routes Nigeria will gain immensely when its airlines operate international and regional routes, writes Chinedu Eze
N
igeria loses a lot by having its airspace dominated by foreign carriers, which operate over 95 per cent of international flights. Specifically, the country losses huge forex, its training intuitions are under patronised and as a result the country does not have major maintenance facility. Therefore, if Nigerian airlines were enabled to reciprocate majority of the routes operated by foreign carriers they would obviously grow stronger, employ more Nigerians and support the development of large, strong maintenance organisations through patronage. What this means is that Nigerian pilots and engineers would not be travelling overseas for simulator and other trainings. Airlines would no more be ferrying their aircraft overseas for maintenance and they will attract huge amount of money in foreign exchange. Industry experts projected that the country loses about $3.5 billion annually to the aforementioned, which include repatriated funds by international carriers, cost of overseas maintenance and training. Repatriation of Funds For Nigeria to reduce the huge amount of forex repatriated from the aviation industry by airlines, which was put at about $1 billion in 2019, it must do everything possible to support Nigerian airlines, modernise the infrastructure at the airports and review its bilateral air service agreement (BASA) with countries, which airlines operate into the country. Industry experts posited that one of the reasons why Nigeria was yet to have major maintenance facility was because Nigerian carriers have not become very strong, noting that if Nigeria has very strong carriers, one of the critical things they would do to survive would be to have major aircraft maintenance facility locally. This is because it cost so much to conduct checks overseas, which is one of the reasons why Nigerian carriers suffer undue financial burden. The Accountable Manager of 7 Star Global Hangar Limited, a start-up MRO facility in Nigeria, Chief Isaac Balami, told THISDAY recently that the total cost of aircraft maintenance in West Africa was over $1 billion annually. He said Nigeria had the highest number of aircraft ferried overseas for maintenance and therefore expended about 75 per cent of the said amount. “When you talk about Nigerian airlines you are talking about West Africa because Nigeria is actually West Africa, whether you like it or not; and across the sub-region, over $1 billion is spent annually on aircraft maintenance and that is a fact. Nigeria contributes about 75 per cent of this expenditure. “That is a huge capital flight. Those of us that are in the sector and in MRO business we feel frustrated about it. “This is obviously a serious blow to Nigeria’s economy because I think that if the Aviation Ministry has $1 billion, you can imagine what they will do with it. So the point is that we must stop that leakage. It is not a matter of let’s try; we have to stop it. The private sector has to be involved because government cannot do it alone. “Yes, there is 100 per cent interrelationship between cost of airline failure and cost of maintenance overseas. Aside aviation fuel, maintenance is the second biggest cost for Nigerian airlines and it is affecting our airlines badly. “The issue is when you put Boeing 737 on the ground and it is not flying, you will be losing over $100,000 every day. This is because your fixed cost and your variable cost are known. “You cannot change it because whether you fly or you don’t fly you will still do maintenance; whether it is after 500 hours, 1,000 hours or 18 months, whether it is D-check, whether it is C-check; that you are not flying
Air Peace Boeing 777 does not mean that you won’t conduct checks on the aircraft,� he stated. So if Nigerian carriers are supported to operate international routes, they will reduce the amount of money taken out of the country from the aviation sector, they will also generate dollars, which they will plough back into Nigeria’s economy, which would help to strengthen the value of the naira. For example, Ethiopia Airlines is the highest foreign exchange earner for Ethiopia. So if government supports Nigerian carriers to successfully operate regional and international routes, they will as well generate enormous foreign exchange for the country. Manpower When an airline begins to operate international destinations it boosts ancillary services like ground handling, catering, training school, maintenance and cargo management. All these ancillary services create jobs in addition to the jobs created by the airline. For example, Air Peace has created over 3, 400 jobs. If it adds more international routes to its operation, it would create more jobs. When the airline’s new aircraft order will begin to arrive it will need more pilots, more engineers, more cabin crew personnel and more ground staff. For example, as at 2017, Ethiopian Airlines had almost 14, 000 personnel and the airline projects that this may rise to 20, 000 in the next few years. In the same vein, if Air Peace adds more international routes, it is likely going to grow its personnel to over 6000 in the next five years. The implication is that more youths will be pulled out of the streets. That would be a big gain for Nigeria. As the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema noted, the easiest way to create jobs, as an entrepreneur is to establish an airline. Its profitability is very low margin, three per cent when operating in the best climate, but it creates jobs for the citizens and as noted by industry insiders, the reason why governments support airlines is because they create jobs and help government create opportunities for the citizens who in turn pay taxes to government. Support At most aviation fora in the continent, experts harp on over taxation of airlines by governments in Africa, which see air transport as luxury enterprise. The Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Alexandre de Juniac has urged African government to review downwards the taxes leveled on airlines and airports and to concentrate in developing infrastructure for air travel. He noted that Middle East and Africa are the new frontiers of air transport
growth in the world, regretting, however, that African nations do not currently have developed airport infrastructure that would cop with the growing passengers. In many countries of the world, domestic airlines enjoy certain levels of tax holidays, even when the airlines are fully privately owned. This is to encourage them because they serve as catalyst to economic development of any nation. But in Nigeria sundry charges and levies at airports nationwide, account for at least 65 per cent of airlines’ earnings. Besides the five per cent charge on every ticket bought by passengers, which goes to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other agencies, there are other charges on the operators. These include the second popular five per cent Cargo Sales Charge, Passenger Service Charge of N1000 per ticket on local route, Charter Sales Charge, Aircraft Inspection Fees, Simulator Inspection Fees, Landing Charges, Parking Charges and Terminal Navigational Charge. Government can help local carriers by wiping off some of these charges and also reviewing some of them as a way to support the local operators. Air Fares Nigerians pay exorbitant fares to travel overseas because foreign airlines enjoy a level of monopoly and have always fix airfares that are relatively outrageously high. But it has been noted that foreign carriers crash their fares on routes where local airlines operate. For example, when Arik Air operated to Heathrow London, it checked the fares charged by BA and Virgin Atlantic Airways. It was the same when Medview Airline operated to Gatwick, London. This is also perceivable when analysing the Dubai fares since Air Peace started operation to Dubai via Sharjah in July last year. Emirates and other airlines that target passengers on the route reviewed their fares. So it is the passenger that gains when domestic carriers operate international destinations. Government Backing Industry stakeholder and lead consultant on aviation desk at ETIMFRI International Limited, Amos Akpan, said the government must make it obvious to the countries Nigerian airlines are designated, that it supports the airlines and gives them the full backing they need. “It is very important that the aviation authorities of the countries our airlines operate into be aware that our airlines have the backing of our own aviation authorities. They must know our government will reciprocate the
treatment they give our airlines. “When you demonstrate you are strict with regulations and disciplined in compliance, others will respect what you do and what comes out of is dignified. “The Ministry of Aviation should work with the Ministry of External Affairs to secure designations for our airlines. Our embassies must have a desk that handles aviation matters. International flight operations is economic and technological diplomacy,� he said. Also industry consultant and CEO of Belujane Konsult, Chris Aligbe, said that government should support Nigerian airlines that wish to and have met the requirements to operate international destinations. He said that considering the population of Nigeria and the predilection of the citizens to travel overseas, the country needs about three to four strong airlines for international service. “These airlines are expected to dominate the African regional market. So even if we have a national carrier, government should extend all the rights and privileges given to the national carrier to these airlines because you cannot give certain privileges to national carrier and deny other airlines such privileges,� he said. Aligbe, however, suggested that the Nigerian aviation sector should be declared infant industry and in the next 10 years, government would give it support under which the airlines are expected to grow into strong, big carriers. After that 10 years, airlines that do not meet the set target will no more enjoy government’s support, so government should support all Nigerian airlines, especially the ones operating international service. Funding Akpan, told THISDAY that Nigerian airlines would literally walk with clay feet if they were not getting adequate funding; so one major way of supporting them is for government to facilitate single digit, long-term loans for the airlines with stringent measures attached to the loans. “Nigerian airlines need financial institutions to lend them money on single digit rates for a minimum of 10-year payback period. This is what will give them muscle to compete internationally. “The government needs to solve this problem otherwise they will be sending out airlines with weak financial strength. It is easier to do things properly if you have the capacity,� he said. So the Nigerian aviation industry and the country itself will have a lot to gain when domestic carriers are supported by government to operate international routes. Besides, the creation of jobs, it will deepen the development of the aviation industry in Nigeria.
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WACT to Deploy Freight Forwarder Wants Commercial Additional Equipment Motorcycle Ban in Apapa Reversed in Phase Two Upgrade Stories by Eromosele Abiodun
The West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) has announced that it will begin second phase upgrade of its equipment within the next 18 months. The Commercial Manager of WACT, Noah Sheriff in a statement said the phase two upgrade will consist of the acquisition of three additional Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs) to bring the number of MHCs at the terminal to five; acquisition of 20 Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes (RTGs); 3 Reach Stackers; 13 terminal trucks and trailers and an empty container handler. The upgrade, he added in the statement, will include deployment of reefer racks with 600 plugs capacity, as well as expansion and paving of our current yard by 13 hectares, new workshop and new terminal gate complex. “We anticipate additional volume growth as more and more shipping lines, importers and exporters are developing confidence in our ability to handle their cargo. This further investment is to ensure that we are well prepared to handle this additional business in the future,” he said. Sheriff added that the new investments would increase productivity and improve reliability of cargo delivery whilst reducing port stays and vessel
idle time. All the above will lead to greater customer satisfaction. In 2019, WACT spent $14 million to acquire equipment including two Mobile Harbour Cranes, 14 specialised terminal trucks and two reach stackers. This first phase of investment last year brought high operational efficiency and set WACT apart from other ports in East Nigeria. “Our vision is to make WACT the best performing container terminal in West Africa. We believe this vision can be realised through active collaboration with the Government to reduce the security challenges faced by vessels in our waters, and improved road connectivity,” WACT Managing Director, Aamir Mirza, said. The Chairman, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), Onne Port, Chief Gabriel Okonkwo was quoted to have said: “To be very frank about WACT operation, there has been substantial increase in import volume and to measure up with that, they have acquired a lot of equipment to ease cargo clearance and we commend them for that because they are doing very well. They are keeping up with the demand, they can receive vessels, do loading and drop containers for examination, all at the same time.”
NAGAFF Inaugurates Compliance Team to Check Port Corruption The office of the Vice President, Western Zone, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has inaugurated a compliance team in order to facilitate trade at Nigerian seaports and check port corruption. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at NAGAFF headquarters in Lagos, Vice President of NAGAFF Western Zone, Tanko Ibrahim said the initiative is to partner the federal government in ensuring that corrupt practices militating against trade facilitation are stamped out of Nigerian Ports. Among other things, he said the team would ensure that importers make correct declarations for customs purpose, while at the same time ameliorating challenges faced by freight forwarders with shipping companies and terminal operators. The team, according to the NAGAFF Vice President, would also abolish the use of camp boys by officers of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), put an end to excessive sampling of imported products by agencies at the port and bring about a permanent solution to the traffic gridlock at the port. Ibrahim assured stakeholders that NAGAFF members were ready to comply with government regulations, noting that Customs officers, shipping companies, terminal operators must also do the needful by being compliant to promote good practices at the port. He assured them, however,
that the 100 per cent compliance team is not out to witch hunt any operator at the port. “We are not here to witchhunt anybody, we are here to do what the law says, we would start from our importers, every importer should do 100 per cnt declaration. Secondly, we the freight forwarders, it is our duty to ensure that all our cargo has been examined by the Customs Services, we are tired of being slaves to government agencies. Today, shipping companies and terminal operators, we are just like their slaves, we are tired of this. We have agreed now and we are ready to comply. “Our duty is not Customs alone, people think we are here to face customs, it extends to shipping companies, terminal operators and other government agencies. If you don’t comply, then we would do the needful. I want everybody to understand that we are not alone, the compliance team is not alone, we attached ourselves with government and they are ready to hear from us, “he said. While admonishing his team members,” he said. “Anybody who comes under my leadership must respect himself, they must be loyal, as you see me, I take instructions from my superiors, same thing, they must take instructions from me. Today, NAGAFF is a moving train, if you are ready to join the train, you can come onboard. If you are not ready to join, you should give way,” he added.
Few weeks after the ban on commercial motorcyclists by the Lagos State government, freight forwarding group under the aegis of the Association of Concerned Freight Forwarders and Logistics (ACFFL) has accused the state government of the not considering the plight of the practitioners before coming up with such policy. The Chairman of the group, Mr. Andy Omenogor, in a chat with newsmen in Lagos, maintained that if the Lagos state government had considered freight forwarder they would have exempted Apapa from the ban.
According to him, “Government has taken this our business to be a caricature business. Lagos State government never realised that we the freight forwarders are producing at least 30 per cent of the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of Lagos State. If they have appreciated that they would have exempted the ban on commercial motorcycle in Apapa.” He stressed that it is unfair for freight forwarders to trek round Apapa in the course of doing their businesses. Omenogor advised the state to adopt other strategies to checkmate the activities of commercial motorcyclists in the area rather
than outright ban. “You can strategies a way of doing that by making sure that all commercial motorcycles operating within Apapa are registered. You can go further by ensuring they have uniforms so that they can be controlled and not total ban, “he added. Also, he decried the reduction in imports coming into the country stating that, “Nigerian imports have dropped they should tell us how many vessels are calling in Apapa ports now. Before now we used to have at least close to 3000 containers going out of the ports but now we don’t have up to 200 containers leaving the ports.”
Speaking on the recently announced revenue target for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by the customs command, he said the idea would encourage corruption in the system. “Have you ever seen a world where the government gives task collectors target? It will encourage corruption and they will start giving freight forwarders unnecessary Debit Notes (DN). “How can you give a revenue target instead of allowing them to work the way they have been working? It is only in Nigeria that such things will happen, the ones they have collected so far what have they been able to do with it?, “he said.
FOR SECURED WATERWAYS
Representative of the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and General Manager, Security, Olumide Omotoso (left), and the Leader of Delegation, Research Team from the Kofi Anan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Ghana, Col. Albert Ulrich, during a working visit to the NPA headquarters in Lagos...recently
FG Assures Stakeholders on Onitsha River Port The federal government has assured stakeholders that the Onitsha River Port will commence operation in no distant time. The Managing Director, National Inland Waterway Authority (NIWA), Dr. George Mohgalu, made this disclosure in Onitsha, during the second sensitisation seminar of stakeholders by NIWA within South East Zone, themed: “Reforming the Maritime Sector in Onitsha Priority Areas, Potential Projects and the Way Forward, in Onitsha, Anambara State. Moghalu’s promise is coming after many such failed promises by the past and administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Moghalu said the present administration will in few months conclude the concessioning process for the effective take-off of the Onitsha River Port, adding that the federal government is equally committed to assisting genuine investors to access the Cabotage Vessel Financing Funds in order to boost investment in shipbuilding and repair. He also said NIWA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), for provision of modern life jacket to ensure the hazards in maritime transportation is reduced to the barest minimum. He added: “The federal government is committed to pursuing the expansion of
the nation’s river port system through the development of other river ports to be driven by the private sector including development of Baro and river ports. “The government interest in ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s waterways, informed the repositioning of NIWA to partner with the Nigerian Navy and other relevant security agencies in addressing security challenges especially in the Gulf of Guinea.” Moghalu described water transportation as the most environmentally friendly and most cost-effective mode of transportation. He called on shipping
practitioners and other relevant stakeholders to invest more in water transportation, assuring them enabling environment to boost coastal trade. “Nigeria’s coastline of about 853km offers opportunity for high economic activities for cargo and passenger transport as well as fishing activities. Government is equally committed to assisting genuine investors to access the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund in order to boost investment in shipping building and repairs. Investments in agriculture, mining, solid mineral and manufacturing would bring about the required economic self-reliance, ”he added.
632 LGAs to Benefit from Mechanised Agric Scheme Oluchi Chibuzor The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has revealed that about 632 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the country will benefit from its new agricultural mechanisation programme. The initiative, according to the ministry involves technology package transfer that would cover all stages, from agricultural production to industrial process-
ing and down to marketing and offers an opportunity from groups and investors within the LGAs to partner in the management of the service centers. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Nanono, stated this recently when he received the Executive Governor of Benue State, Dr, Samuel Ortom, in Abuja. He said the policy would ensure that Nigeria achieved
food security, job creation and economic growth, adding that the programme would offer about 632 LGAs a brand new tractor fully equipped with Information Technology workshop, stores for seeds, fertilizer and excess produce. “With these, we will link farmers up with processing industries especially clusters at the local government producing the same thing will be provided with processing plants.
“The investment of potential manager of the service centers may not be more than N5 million to N6 million, but they will own assets worth the tune of N150 million for a period of 15 years. “The loan we are getting can only finance 10,000 tractors. The gap for improvement in terms of bridging the gap in agricultural mechanisation is so huge. But we hope that this will work very well so that the private sector can drive it.”
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Food Security: Group to Train Youths on Agricbusiness in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Some young agricultural experts in Kwara State, under the aegis of the Heart and Capital Limited on Tuesday said they train about 4,000 youths every year on agricultural business initiatives. The initiative, according to them, was to boost food production and enhance the economic growth in the state. The president and co-founder of the organisation, Mr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, who stated this in Ilorin, at the launch of its new agricultural business project called ‘Eterno� said that the training of the young farmers was done in partnership with tertiary institutions on agribusiness as parts of efforts to promote agriculture among youth in the state. He said that, the move was also to encourage youths especially the unemployed ones to venture into agriculture to be gainfully employed and enrich the nation’s economy especially in food security. Olododo, said, “Eterno project being launched today is planned to reduce unemployment, improve economic life of people and promote afforestation through planting of cashew and other cash crops, using climate change methods.� He stressed that, “We partner with several tertiary institutions among. Kwara state University (KWASU) is our first partner. We get to train about 4,000 youth, young farmers every year on opportunities in agribusiness. “We are young and we can understand language comprehensible to young adults. Agriculture had gone beyond
hoes and cutlasses, farming and waiting for harvest. “A whole value chain exists from planting to processing, marketing and others that our youth should be part of�. Olododo added that, innovative agricultural startup in cashew investment, called eterno programme, allows individuals and corporate bodies to have direct access to returns from a cashew plantation over a period of 20 years, using modern technology to build a bridge between the farm and the investors, while ensuring the most efficient production for great returns. He said individuals could invest in one unit of cashew tree for as low as N10, 000. “One thing that sets Eterno apart is the robust return on a one-time investment that spans a period of 20 years. Interestingly, investors will not only start earning returns in the first year, they will also earn as high as 30 per cent in the first three years. “On Eterno, investors’ capitals are guaranteed because there are fully insured. What we have done is to digitalize the investment through our integrated investment platform, Assetmart, which allows investors monitor and evaluate their investment at any given time�, he said. Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer and Cofounder, Umar Oba Adelodun, said, “As an investor, you are not only earning returns on your investment, you will also be contributing to something bigger by mitigating social and environmental factors affecting Nigeria and the world at large such as unemployment and climate change�.
LG Electronics Enhances Consumer Lifestyle with New Products In this new age of digital technology and connectivity, people are living more conscious lifestyles and paying more attention to energy usage and waste management. In this new decade, minimalists are focusing on sustainable living, a report has stated. Owing to this, it disclosed that the LG brand now brings to mind strong association of its company tagline, “Life’s Good�. “LG’s forward-thinking, AIpowered Proactive Customer Care for its leading appliances alerts users to energy usage and water consumption and provides thoughtful advice for improving efficiency and saving money is one of innovations that will redefine our lifestyle this decade. “Similar, the premium LG Signature boasts a line-up full of space-freeing minimalist products. The LG Signature OLED TV R is the perfect example --designed around the philosophy that a TV shouldn’t have to take up much space when not being viewed,� the statement added.
According to the Head of Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics, West Africa Operations, Mr Hari Elluru, “having less things in a smaller environment can be surprisingly calming, more so when matched with a minimalist lifestyle. “This lifestyle can be quite liberating as well but shouldn’t be confused with simplistic living. Doing more with less is about maximizing the at-home experience. Instead of seeing this as a threat, LG views this trend as an opportunity.� Elluru stated that the just concluded 2020 Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas, LG unveiled its framework for the future of artificial intelligence (AI) development. “At CES 2020, we showcased the LG ThinQ technology — one that goes a step further by using deep learning to predict and play a proactive role in the user’s life – from a fridge that can tell you when to buy milk, to a dressing room that picks the best outfits for your body type; LG is giving us a glimpse into the future.�
Mining: New Policy on Royalties Payment Coming, Says FG Kasim Sumaina in Abuja In its bid to increase revenue generation from mining, the federal government on Tuesday said it was set to establish a new policy that would ensure mining companies pay the accurate royalties. The Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, stated this during his tour of two mining companies - Venus Mining Company and Corner Stone Quarry in Dutse, Bwari Area
Council, Abuja. He disclosed that the new policy would require mining companies submit the Printout of their Weigh Bridges to the ministry, so that exact royalties based on their sales record could be accurately calculated and paid to government. He added that the payment royalties to government support funding for infrastructural development for the nation. Ogah, enjoined the management of the companies to ensure they have functional
licence and adhere to mining regulations; saying that the Ministry’s doors are always open to offer guidance. He reiterated federal government’s commitment towards providing an enabling environment for investors to invest in the sector. Earlier, the consultant to the companies, Muhammed Lawal, revealed that Venus Mining Company, a stone aggregate quarry, has the capacity to produce about 40 thousand tones monthly.
He, however, noted that it could produce about 60 thousand tones when the crusher was functioning optimally. He said they ensure they engage in controlled blasting in keeping with mining regulations. Also, the Managing Director of Corner Stone Quarry, Mr. Yilmaz Tavan, said the Quarry began operations in 2016 but had to stop for two years to reposition and re-strategise for better output. He added that as part of its repositioning effort, the company would take
MEDIA LAUNCH
L-R: Chairman, Creativexone Limited, Dapo Adelegan; Assistant Director, Public Aairs, Lagos State Ministry of Information, Aruya Temilade; Managing Director, Creativexone Limited, Doyin Adewumi; Executive Director, iFEST, Owolabi Mustapha, and Managing Director, Mind Innovations, Jahswill Osondu at the launch of iFEST in Lagos... yesterday
Anambra Partners BudgIT on Fiscal Transparency The Anambra State government on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BudgIT on Open Budget System that aims to promote fiscal transparency in the state. This initiative was with the support of the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) programme funded by the European Union, being implemented by the British Council in five states, namely Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano and Lagos. According to a statement, Anambra state government went a step further, having signed up to the Open Government Partnership (OGP), to finalise
its OGP State Action Plan (SAP) 2019-2021, as well as the Anambra State Anti-corruption Strategy (ANSACS) and launched both after the signing of the MoU with BudgIT. “Over the years, BudgIT, through Open Alliance, has been at the forefront of a subnational transparency campaign that encourages and supports states to sign up to the OGP, to foster fiscal transparency, access to information, citizens participation and innovation needed for inclusive development and efficient service delivery for its citizens. With the step Anambra government has taken, it has become the 6th state in Nigeria
to have an approved SAP. “Anambra is one of the 13 states in Nigeria to sign on to OGP initiative but the 8th state to develop a State Action Plan (SAP). This means that five states are yet to develop or approve a plan that captures the commitments of both Government and citizens to be co-implemented by state and non-state actors in the co-creation process under the OGP,� a statement explained. BudgIT’s Principal Lead, Gabriel Okeowo, was quoted to have said BudgIT was glad to work with the Anambra state government and citizens to achieve a transparent fiscal
system by supporting the state with technical resources to make its budget more open, develop citizens’ budget and a web-based feedback mechanism for citizens participation as well as enlist the state on a national web portal (developed by BudgIT) where all states financial documents would be published for increased access and citizen’s participation in the governance process. “BudgIT calls on other states to be bold in their commitment to an open and inclusive government that encourages increased confidence in government and foster development at the subnational level,� it added.
Group Seeks End to Hazardous Chemicals’ Usage in Delta Communities Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has called on relevant agencies in the oil and gas sector to, as a matter of urgency, prevail on Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to stop further use of untreated hazardous chemicals in Sokebolou and Yokiri waterways in Burutu Local Government area of Delta State. The NGO also urged President Muhammadu Buhari; the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Silver; Delta State Governor,
Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and other relevant stakeholders in the region to intervene and save the lives of the people of the two communities. National Coordinator of CEPEJ, a NGO advocating for a cleaner, better and healthy environment, made the allegation in response to calls from indigenes of the affected communities. “Our attention was drawn to the ugly menace and investigation carried out clearly showed that SPDC deposited some unnamed dangerous hazardous chemical into Sokebolou, Yokiri Obotobo 1 & 2, and other
communities’ waterways at Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, which is currently constituting serious health hazards to the people and has also led to the destruction of aquatic organisms living in the waterways,� the group added. They alleged further that information gathered from leaders of the affected communities, Prince Churchill Dose, Chairman Sokebolou community and Engr. Moses Ibilou, Chairman Yokiri community, showed that, “the deadly chemicals were deposited by SPDC Jack-up
rig operations activities at its WELL 73 and has resulted in the death of fishes and other aquatic organisms. “Lives are no longer safe in the communities as their people are coming down with complex health challenges due to the chemical. The chemical is killing fishes and more frightening is that people from other areas are coming to Sokebolou, Yokiri and Obotobo 1 & 2 communities waterways to pick-up fishes killed by the said dangerous unknown chemical deposited by SPDC operations within the communities�, it added.
THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE
NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 08038901925
Ibinabo Oruitemeka: For the Love of Seafood
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Ibinabo Oruitemeka: For the Love of Seafood The narrative for seafood and agro industry in Nigeria is changing and that is partly because Rivers State-born Ibinabo Oruitemeka is bringing her best foot forward into the game with the creation of “Shark House 101” and Shark House Foundation for local fishermen. She recently opened up to REBECCA EJIFOMA on value, impact, resilience, leadership and leaving a lasting legacy
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binabo Oruitemeka, popularly known as the Shark Boss, is a selfless entrepreneur from Ogu/bolo LGA of Rivers State. Just in her early 30s, she has a heavy profile. She is the CEO and Founder, Shark House 101 and Shark Express restaurant. She is also steering the wheel of the Shark House Foundation that caters to local farmers in Rivers, as well as the boss of Laverite Interiors and Boutique. Arranging a meeting with Oruitemeka was one that had to be done with precision and strategy. Even while we were discussing over the phone, one could feel the concern and insight that she has coupled with empathy, little wonder the warmth of ‘under-the-sea’ ambience of her restaurant, where this reporter had a first hand review of the fresh sea food platter freshly prepared. Interestingly, fresh seafood has nutritious health benefits that anyone from around the world can easily relate with. Despite its glaring uncompromised nutrition, fresh seafood was almost in extinction in Nigeria until in April 2017 when Oruitemeka resuscitated it with the creation of “Shark House 101”, which has offices set up in Rivers and Lagos States including the FCT, Abuja. Shark House Foundation Now, this daughter of a former commissioner of Culture and Tourism Rivers State is not resting on her laurels. She set up her foundation to cater to that niche and empower local fishermen who were losing their means of livelihood to water pollution; thereby, living in anguish. “My inspiration is the Niger Delta – Nigeria’s oil and gas rich region with numerous seafood. The suffering and hardship that plagues a region like theirs is alarming. In those days, the basic fishermen were known as the richest,” she decried with passion. Consequently, this Political Science graduate rolled up her sleeves. She knew the fish farming industry needed some shaking if the country must tap from the ditched gold mine. “Shark House Foundation built its core competence around its passion for local fishermen to help them sell their caught fishes with ease and thrills,” she expressed. Interestingly, the foundation empowers the local fish farmers with new, modern fishing materials to help them maintain their boats, and makes sure that they have a ready market for their catch, as well as other social empowerment programmes she runs for them. You could say she harnessed her passion and blazed the trail for the fishermen in their local communities “Yes, I saw the future. I went to the fishermen in my community. Every time I saw how they got down in the dumps, I believed I could help them get out of their woes. For their sake, I will go down swinging”. Challenges and Risks According to the Political Science graduate, the risks mostly are in the know how. “In handling and storing your products to avoid waste, seafood goes bad really fast”. According to her, in the seafood sector, sourcing products on time and having a
course, more like the start up of seafood”, she chuckles. Currently, Shark House 101 retains the status of being the only Nigerian seafood online service that provides fresh food from sea to table round the clock. On going global, the serial entrepreneur said “Shark House 101” initiated the “seafoodloversgang” with subscribers worldwide, gaining supports from other concerned Nigerians across the world. Part of its success story is the fact that Shark House 101 introduced the Louisiana Style Seafood Boil into Nigeria, to which many of its supporters already dub exceptional. Taking Youths off the Labour Market Oruitemeka is not only helping the fishermen or giving Nigerians their lost nutrients but also taking youths off the labour market. “Wow!” she exclaimed excitedly. “I have employed over 30 young people. In fact, young, naive, not learned. I train them to be the best. My manager today was once a waiter. I have chefs today that started as cleaners as well.”
Oruitemeka
stable supply source is the secret to the business. The Shark Boss upholds that the amount needed to start is not the problem but to sustain inventory from the fishermen is the key. “However, give or take, even as low as N100,000 can get you started in trading in sea food. I started with 50,000 naira. No jokes,” she emphasised. Special Skills Needed for Seafood Business In every business, special skills are required. With time, Oruitemeka knew the ropes of the business. “Special skills needed is in the area of sourcing fresh products daily. To have relationship with the fishermen on sea is necessary and also your affordable logistics”. Sadly, she explained that the “environment does not really support my line of work. But we thank God for His Grace. I’m hoping it gets better.” Of course, after the rain comes the sun if not the rainbow. Oruitemeka’s fortune smiled on her. “My banks have been really helpful with good interest rates but they can do more,” she chuckles. Game Plan for Foundation and Fishermen Owing to the fact that Shark House Foundation is geared towards alleviating the people and giving them a platform to flourish, Oruitemeka said her foundation plans to restore the Niger Delta environment and let fishermen keep pace and thrive off their century old fishing trade. Her words: “Get the best sea food from the region and let the fishing profession improve like what we see in other climes.” She takes it to the next level. “I’m looking at the OICs and other environmental activists coming together to have a programme to restore the Niger Delta
fishing sector, provide new and improved fishing equipment to enable us get more out of the sea, and make seafood readily available all the time.” Essentials for a Nigerian Entrepreneur For her, 10 years in any business has a lot to do with innovation. “Any business that survives a decade must have been growing from phase to phase. I believe that a lot of Nigerian entrepreneurs don’t have the creativity to steer a business this long. The lack of passion and education in the sector are also killers”. Owing to the rocky start many entrepreneurs are faced with across the world, the heavyweight entrepreneur lends her voice. “In Nigeria, an entrepreneur needs to be invulnerable because you will hardly have any type of encouragement. You can only thrive here as a soldier”. For this thick skinned business tycoon who smothered her pains with smiles after friends described her idea as a long shot, she chose to go down swinging despite being between a rock and a hard place. “You can imagine starting with little or no support from anyone. Even friends booed me. They labelled me ‘fish woman’. But today I am doing perfectly alright”. Giving a clarion call to upcoming entrepreneurs she said: “Time waits for no one. Do you have an idea? Do not miss the boat. Get to it and be consistent at it.” Shark House Obviously, Oruitemeka continues to count her blessings with thanks to God. “The name ‘Shark House’ came from God. I wanted something different. I taught of calling it ‘seafood’ as a riverine girl that I am, and boom the name came up. ‘101’ is like a university start up
Shark Express, Home of Fresh Seafood It was precisely in 2017, this agro-entrepreneur erupted into the seafood world. Today, her restaurant makes delectable giant prawns, crabs, shrimps, periwinkle, lobster, snails, ocean fresh fish, salmon, shell sea food among a handful of others in a tasty sauce that leaves you longing for more. “My personal satisfaction is borne out of feeding people healthy, this keeps me going. Every time I see the satisfaction from people who visit Shark Express, it gives me a feeling that at least I’m making a small impact. Now, everyone wants to get the nutrients out of the sea,” she enthused. You should know, Shark House 101 introduced the seafoodloversgang hashtag now used worldwide, and the first Nigerian seafood house that has only seafood from Nigeria and also introduced the Louisiana style seafood boil into Nigeria. Indeed, what stands the restaurant out is its passion for local fishermen through its foundation. It helps local fishermen sell their catch easy and get the government into helping them with their needs to get more out of the sea. Charge to Government Accordingly, the ebullient entrepreneur pleaded that Shark House Foundation needs the government to help local fishermen get more livestock out of the sea. “Of course I can only be an entrepreneur because it avails me of the freedom of creativity and financial maneuvers, which develops my wealth creation experience,” she sad confidently. Since its establishment, Shark House Foundation is accepted as a philanthropic gesture which has not only restored means of livelihood but equally given lots of Nigerian fishermen and Niger-Deltans a lease of new lives. Indeed, there is no gainsaying then that Oruitemeka is a troubleshooter having fed more lives with her emulative efforts.
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Rhoda Michaels: Preparing Fashion Entrepreneurs for Global Market Stories by Mary Nnah Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rhoda Michaels Fashion Institute, Ms Rhoda Michaels, has affirmed that her fashion institute is geared towards preparing serious minded Nigerians to take over the international fashion market. Speaking during the institute’s last graduation fashion show, runway, award and foundation launch, Michaels stressed that her institute has constantly set the standard so that her students can compete with the international market. “For you to go into the international market; you need to know whether you can handle the international market. It is not just about the fact that buyers are available. When buyers come to you, can you produce? Can you meet their standard? Can you deliver? “Rhoda Michaels is all about those stages. “ We believe that if you know you cannot handle the international market yet, you don’t go into it but you grow to that stage. We have our students in the growing process so that when international market comes to them, they are ready and would meet the demands�, she noted. She explained further that Rhoda Michaels Fashion Institute is all about the community coming together to create fashion business owners who are seasoned and have gone through the process, adding, “it is not just the training, we also do the management skill, the business skill, the ability to be creative, the ability to even know oneself. “When you know yourself, then you are
One of the graduating students from Rhoda Michaels Fashion Institute displaying her designs during the graduation ceremony
able to extend into other facets of life. So, at Rhoda Michaels, it goes way beyond cutting and sewing, it is your attitude toward life – what you think, how you approach life and who you are as person. “If you don’t know who you are, there is no way you can extend to anything, so we try as much as possible to let our students understand how to combine spirit, body, intellect and everything together to create the whole thing we are seeing in display today.� She said further that training a student depends on how fast and attentive a particular individual is, adding, “we have from three months to 12 months. It is amazing how some people would come and say oh, what you are doing 12 months, we need to do it in three months; that’s a fast-track and they learn and do it. “So, it depends on individual’s race and that is how we treat our students. Your life is an individual race; you are in no competition with anybody.
So if we look at the student’s capacity and it is something he/ she can handle, then you can go for the shorter course but if it is something you cannot handle, then you can spread it. “As you have seen on display today, we have the male, female and children’s wears so when you do all these, it takes 12 months. But if you break it, then you do the female in three months, the male in three months, children’s wear in three months and then bridal in another three months. So, you could decide that you want to do the whole thing in three months and don’t want to wait for a whole year, then you fast-track.� Speaking on her view about the products displayed by her graduating students during the institute’s graduation ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Michaels said, “I am so impressed with what I have seen so far. It shows that the standard at Rhoda Michaels
is quite high. We do not understand mediocrity, laziness, and all that. “ So, what you have seen here today - these students have put in a lot of work, they have gone through so much. We don’t take anything below standard because you are going into an industry with standard, so you have to meet up to standard. So, you would have seen a lot of them here but we are very particular about our screening process, so, those that have our certificates; actually deserve to have the certificates.� On what motivated her to go into teaching fashion, she said, “I started out as a fashion designer but I had issues with my work force. There was nobody to work to standard and I was in the children age production, so it was quite tough to handle that aspect all alone because clients were coming in but I did not have good staff and again, people were coming in constantly asking if I train, so I said let me start training.
‘Start-ups Africa Conference Will Bring Enormous Opportunities’ Founder, Felix King Foundation, Dr. Felix King has said that given the opportunity available at a soon-to-be held Start-ups Africa Conference, the project is going to bring enormous benefits to African women especially. The Start-ups Africa Conference is a two-day business conference that aims to bring together over 1000 female African start-up entrepreneurs, world class mentors, business experts, investors, government leaders and the media to support and encourage female-led businesses. The conference is an initiative of Felix King Foundation, a notfor-profit organisation that helps African women through different entrepreneurial support programmes and ideas
King
that create opportunities for a better community. One of the objectives of this programme, according to the initiator, is to facilitate the growth and success of womenled businesses by providing them with pitching, training, mentorship and networking opportunities. Scheduled to hold between March 27-28, 2020 at the Bal-
moral convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Victoria Island, Lagos, the start-ups Africa hub will ultimately serve as a canvas for women to showcase their masterpiece to the African content as entrepreneurs. Speaking during a press conference recently to announce the forthcoming programme, the initiator said, “It is expected that those people given opportunities also give opportunity to other people so that life becomes easier for everyone. So, the level of opportunity this project is going to bring is enormous. There are the direct and indirect impacts. “When the banks come and these young business owners are able to get loans from the bank at 9 per cent, it is like magic and when you come
for the training section, by the time they finish with you, you would now know whether you are ready or not. So, there are a lot of benefits attached to the whole thing. “And that is why we are reducing the numbers of guest speakers we have lined up because we would rather have more of training and information where participants would learn more than over flock the programme with speakers.� Running with the theme, “Unleashing the Power of Female Entrepreneurs�, the start-ups Africa 2020 live event is projected to be the largest gathering of African female entrepreneurs in 2020. And a place anything can happen. A place where any woman can rise and dreams come true.
Nigerian Kid Artiste, OzzyBosco Inspires Savings Culture in Children Fast growing kid artiste, little Oziomachukwu Favour Mojekwu a.k.a OzzyBosco, a multi-talented young Artiste, who at the tender age of four won the Nigeria “Kids Got Talent�, recently turned teenager with a new perception to life. Also known as OzzyBee, the young artiste’s perception changed to a more proactive approach to things around him as he now sees all monetary gifts to a child as seeds, and such seeds if not wasted but replanted will germinate and give rise to fruits that will yield multiple seeds. It was on the premise that the “UNESCO Child Advocate� awardee, a singer, dancer, actor, motivational speaker and a notable kid philanthropist who has touched many lives and put smiles on the faces of children, launched a Savings Culture Scheme for over 12 children between the ages of three to 17 years tagged OzzyBee Young Savers (OYS) Initiative. As a young Nigerian artiste with huge fan base, OzzyBee sees all his humanitarian projects as a way of giving back to the society. Therefore, the kick-off of the project, spearheaded by the OzzyBosco Smile Foundation (OSF) which is the umbrella body managing OzzyBee, has received the approval and support of Access Bank PLC and was held at one of their mainland branches. According to his mother, Elizabeth Mojekwu, the project is planned to be a continuous venture. She added that OzzyBee’s aim is to encourage young people to cultivate the culture of early savings in in life. This she believes would help in developing the child into a prudent adult who would be financially responsible in his/her approach to life, noting that such child is most likely to be an asset and not a liability to their families or society at large. The OzzyBosco Smile Foundation would continue to contribute towards the growth of the account until the child attains the stipulated age of harvesting.
DubaiTourism Road Show Comes to Nigeria As Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Lagos gear up Mary Nnah and King Akan Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) will be kicking off its annual globetrotting road show across key cities in Nigeria -Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt. This is aimed at further increasing its promotional efforts of the city’s ever-evolving tourism proposition to African tourists. Hence, Dubai Tourism will be joined by 52 partners across hospitality, entertainment and retail sectors to interact with key trade partners in Nigeria. Experiencing strong growth in tourism numbers from Africa in 2019, Dubai Tourism is looking to sustain its momentum, strengthening relationships with key industry stakeholders in Nigeria. Accompanied by a record number of 52 Dubai-based partners, Dubai Tourism 2020 roadshow will make a stop in Nigeria, starting off with Abuja on February 26, Port-Harcourt on February 28 and Lagos on March 2. The roadshow will highlight Dubai’s affordable experiences and the diversity of the city’s offerings to key travel partners in the West African region; spanning across travel, accommodation, entertainment and citywide events, with a focus on family travel. Key elements of the event will include breakout network sessions, partner presentations, one-to-one meetings, an education session and Dubai Expert certifications and a briefing update on Expo 2020. Speaking about the investment Dubai Tourism makes in Africa, Salim Ali Mohamed Dahman, Head of Campaigns – Africa at Dubai Tourism said: “The African region is of significant importance to Dubai and we will continue strengthening our relationships and developing strategic activities in this fast-growing market. “The upcoming road show gives us the opportunity to reach out to all of our key partners, to align on future trade opportunities and ensure Dubai continues to remain top-of-mind for African travellers. “We will continue to be present throughout the year and aim to steadily increase the number of partners we bring with us each year to this landmark roadshow. “In 2019, Nigeria was one of our top performing source markets with a year-on-year increase of 33 per cent in visitor numbers, supported by the increase in seat capacity from Emirates Airline between Dubai and Nigeria in the summer.� The road shows would hold at Edmund’s Multipurpose Event Centre, Wuse 2, Abuja, on February 26, 2020 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; it will hold at LA Kings Event Dome, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt on February 28, 2020 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM while it moves to Sheba Event Centre, 20 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos on March 2, 2020 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Amstel Malta Headlines 2020 AMVCA ČŠ ŠžÂ?ÂœČąÂ—Â˜Â–Â’Â—ÂŽÂŽÂœÇ°Čą Â?Â›Â’ÂŒÂŠÂ—ČąÂ–Â˜Â&#x;’Žȹ’—Â?žœÂ?›¢ȹ Amstel Malta, the headline sponsor for this year’s Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA), recently hosted nominees and guests at the Sponsors Cocktail party at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. There really are few platforms as invested in
celebrating authentically told African stories, Nigerian stories as the AMVCA is and this is a testament to the shared core value of the brand. The sponsorship builds on Amstel Malta’s vision to contribute to the thriving Nollywood industry and the pivotal role
the brand plays in the celebration of the African movie industry. Amstel Malta, produced by the country’s largest brewing company Nigerian Breweries Plc, has always been a partner of the Nigerian entertainment sector. This is evident
in how the brand continues to raise the bar through the talents they celebrate and in their partnerships with the theatre arts industry with Amstel Malta sponsored stage plays providing audiences with an opportunity to catch a glimpse of critical
moments in the nation’s history or celebrate Nigerian literary giants. Speaking at the event, Kehinde Kadiri, Portfolio Manager, Non Alcoholic, Nigerian Breweries Plc., said: “Our movie industry has consistently evolved and
proven itself to be a critical factor in changing the narrative of the continent. Amstel Malta is committed to giving movie fans and enthusiasts exclusive access to have front row seats at the industry’s biggest night while inspiring them to be their best.�
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MUSIC SHOWBIZ
…Your weekly entertainment delight
NOLLYWOOD
Basketmouth’s Blissful Ignorance of Nigerian Media Stories by Vanessa Obioha
C
omedians are generally known to derive content from their observations of happenings in the society they live in, even if the jokes are sometimes exaggerated.You can call them good observers who use humour to address pressing issues.They throw slapstick venom at leaders, deliver humorous banter of the poor while mocking the excesses of the rich. Oftentimes, they attack personalities and corporate entities, albeit with caution. Thus, it has become a given to hear comedians subject a political figure or corporate organisation to a comical onslaught. This has been the style of Bright Okpocha, better known as Basketmouth, one of the top comedians in the country. His fame has been on the rise since the 2000s, with a good measure of attendant pecuniary comfort. Basketmouth’s jokes are often laced with sarcasm. He often relies on cultural norms and behavioural patterns for his content. For instance, in one of his performances in Kenya, he delivered a comical satire on how Nigerians ask stupid questions. In one of his signature, annual fiesta, ‘Lord of the Ribs’, he made fun of the humbling way Nigerian women behave prior toValentine’s Day celebration in order to get gifts from their men. Recently, at the 20th anniversary of CNN’S flagship programme, Inside Africa which is sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc, Basketmouth found humour in denigrating the Nigerian media. He started by expressing his gratitude to the hosts before extolling the consistency of the network which launched almost 40 years ago. He reminded his audience of those early days when CNN was only accessed by the elites in Nigeria. Such cableTV services were not as ubiquitous as it is today. In those days, local channels pitched their prominence on the number of international programmes they had on their slate, thus, CNN news belonged to the class of international content that was accessible to a few and for a limited period. Basketmouth continued in this line of conversation until he launched into an unfortunate mockery of the Nigerian media, which exposed his ignorance and illiteracy. He told the well-heeled audience that CNN journalists are known for their bravery in reporting war. “You will see them at war front, with bullets flying all over them and they are still
Basketmouth and Richard Quest of CNN
reporting.” Such a show of bravura, he said, cannot be found in Nigerian journalists. In the estimation of the loquacious jester, Nigerian journalists can report war and similar crises from a safe distance. Basketmouth had no issues mentioning a federal government-owned medium as a culprit in his jokes. But the comedian was wrong in his assessment of the Nigerian media landscape. While the Nigerian media may be guilty of many wrongs, from its position in the vanguard of the struggle for Nigerian independence to the recent history of fight against despots, the Nigerian media stands tall in good reputation, perhaps only diminished by skewed and dim vision of Basketmouth. It is very uncharitable of Basketmouth and his like to make light and spit on the grave of the heroic men and women whose lives were cut short or had their liberty curtailed
under gruelling circumstances while reporting events such as the ones the comedian cited. Which comedian has been detained or killed for doing his job, like a number of Nigerian journalists, who Basketmouth thinks deserve nothing better than a kick in the face? Does Basketmoutth know Krees Imodibie who worked forThe Guardian andTayo Awotusin, who served Champion Newspapers before they met their untimely death reporting the Liberian War? Not too long ago, Channels Television lost its staff in a bid to report troubled spots. Not to mention those who have been shot at and physically manhandled on the job. The least Basketmouth can do is to allow them nurse their pain and injury in peace. Basketmouth should be educated enough to know that there are processes to reporting a war or other conflicts. Even the CNN journalists that he is awe of do not just pack their stuff and head out to a war zone.
Usually, they are properly oriented on the rules of engagement on self defense and sensitive information they may come across. It certainly was a display of poor judgement on the part of Basketmouth to mock the Nigerian media at an event that celebrated the achievement of an international media. His joke was distasteful (like many such ribald jokes and other funny tales that multiply the pains of the physically challenged) and unpatriotic. It spoke volumes of the black man’s worship of the West. Arguably, no Nigerian media can compete favourably with CNN yet, but the little milestones that we have achieved deserves recognition. Basketmouth should remember that the fame he enjoys today was also made possible by the various features and stories on him by the media he laughs at. Without the Nigerian media, the world may never know of Basketmouth.
AMVCA 2020: A Best Actor Win for Ramsey Nouah? Since the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) launched in 2013, Nollywood actor Ramsey Nouah has only been nominated once in the Best Actor in a Drama/ TV series.That was in 2017 for his intriguing role in the movie ‘76. He lost the coveted award to Sambasa Nzeribe (Slow Country). Nouah who made his directorial debut last year is getting another chance to add an AMVCA to his plethora of awards with this year’s nomination. Interestingly, the film which put him in the spotlight last year,‘Living in Bondage: Breaking Free’ did not fetch him this opportunity. Rather, the Okechukwu Oku directed film ‘Levi’ earned Nouah a spot in the AMVCA this year. Nouah played the titular character, a techsavvy young man who fights for his love and life. Like ‘76 where his role demanded him to explore emotional depths, Nouah interpreted his role peerlessly by displaying
Ramsey Nouah
raw emotions that are viscerally convincing. Of all the nominees in this category, Nouah is the only experienced actor. This may or may not work in his favour. Being a category that is open to the public for voting, Nouah
may want to leverage on his over two decades career in Nollywood to get the highest votes. For a very long while, and perhaps still, Nouah is deemed the poster boy of Nollywood. Call him Brad Pitt of Nollywood. His handsome looks and the intensity with which he interprets his roles makes him one of the sought after actors. Even with young actors gracing the screen, Nouah still has that Midas touch that delights any director. It is in the value that he adds to the script. The way he connects with his characters and embodies them as if they were part of him.Throw in his good looks and you have a charming prince in front of the camera. Last year, the actor who will be clocking 50 this year went behind the camera. It was his first attempt at directing and the outcome of that production, the sequel to the classic ‘Living in Bondage’ fetched him more accolades than he could imagine.
For the seventh edition of the AMVCA, the film fetched 11 nominations. Meanwhile, ‘Levi’ which is putting him in the Best Actor spotlight has only one nomination. Winning in this category would be a well deserved honour for Nouah but the younger actors nominated in the category may pose a threat.There is Timini Egbuson, whose exceptional acting in ‘Elevator Baby’ received great reviews; Swanky J.K.A. who played Nnamdi in the prominent ‘Living in Bondage: Breaking Free’; Efa Iwara was the misguided son of a rich man in the action packed thriller ‘Seven’; and Gabriel Afolayan lights up the screen in ‘Coming From Insanity’. Apart from ‘Levi’, each of the nominated films earned more than one nod, making them strong contenders for Nouah. Perhaps, ‘Levi’ may be the lucky charm for the Nollywood sweetheart.
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Kaffy’s Grand Plans for TWDC 2020 The Queen of Dance in Nigeria, Kaffy has unveiled plans for this year’s edition of The Dance Workshop and Conference. At a recent press briefing, Kaffy disclosed that the three-day event will run into multiple days. “It will now be a four-day event,” she said explaining that the expansion was necessary for the lined-up activities that will mark this year’s edition as she turns 40 and marks 20 years on stage. To mark these special occasions, a dance concert will be held on the fourth day of the conference. “It’s called the Rise of the Phoenix Concert. It is a unique dance concert that will bring fire on stage. It will be a grand display of arts,” says Kaffy. Kaffy was inspired to have a dance conference five years ago after attending other conferences and realised that there were none that particularly addressed the issues of dancers. “We needed an atmosphere where we can have conversations with multiple sectors of the economy and bridge the gap between the informed and uninformed on how they can use their talent to create wealth. We have been telling people through our art
that dance is serious business.” Each edition sees the dancer pushing the envelope, creating ways to make the conference appealing to her audience. For instance, last year, she moved the venue to the Landmark Event Centre in Oniru,Victoria Island, Lagos. She described it as an outstanding experience because “no one expected dance to look good in Landmark Centre. All the testimonies I got from the CEOs of corporate banks were astonishing.They were stunned that dance could pool such a crowd and involve a lot of activities. They realised that dance is a viable business.” Also, Kaffy introduced the first ever dance trade fair at that edition. The idea was to educate the public that there are some businesses that operate in the dance ecosystem such as the cosmetic and hair industries. This year’s TWDC still retains its traditional features such as the conference and the workshop. She describes the conference as a meeting ground for all involved in the business of dancing. “It is where we pour our hearts out, absorb knowledge, find solutions and look at the nearest potential for the industry in the nearest future”says Kaffy, adding that the
workshop is one of the most anticipated sessions. “The very first time that I did the workshop, I brought in AY Hollywood, a notable dancer in the United States. In 2017, I brought 14 people to the show. Because this year is a special event, I’m bringing 20 people. Beyonce’s three top dancers will join us. “We will be bringing dancers from the Latina world and we already wrote to Jet Li and Jackie Chan, hoping they would come because we have included martial arts in the programme.The aim is to make sure that the different genres of dance are covered, and they will also be performing at the concert as well.”Another addition to this year’s slew of activities is the national rehearsal camp. “This is an opportunity for those involved in the dance business to connect. Auditions are already ongoing in different parts of the country. Over 500 dancers will be camped 10 days to the event. We want to be inclusive in everything we do. We are also going to tour 20 cities and teach children dance, and empower 10 dancers to fly out of the country for the first time.”TWDC will run from May 27 to 30, 2020.
Abbeyyte Moves On With ‘Life On The High-rise’ Fast-rising artiste, Omokaro Abiodun Ezekiel also known as Abbeyyte who released his last single a few months ago is out with a new body of work, an EP entitled ‘Life On The High-rise’. In ‘Life On The High-rise,’ Abbeyyte outdoes himself, putting his music across for access by fans and lovers of good music. The body of work comprises love-themed songs such as Egun, Ade Mi and O’Gbadun. Abbeyyte said ‘Life On The High-rise’ is dedicated to lovers of good music.“I had a clear idea what I wanted to achieve with my
new EP. I wanted to give the people nothing other than exceptional and quality music content. I want to give them an experience and create awareness for my music,”says Abbeyyte. The artiste claims that he is here for the long haul. The budding singer who graduated from Igbinedion University, Okada with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration revealed that he has never hidden his passion for music. This spurred him to set up Abbeyyte Studio in the Ikate area of Surulere, Lagos. He also
has interests in hospitality, tech. Rationalizing his music, he explains,“I will describe my music as eclectic and robust with a touch of everything such as highlife, rap, pop and alternative sound. I’ll let the fans decide how they want to receive my sound, I do not want to tag myself.” Yet, the singer says he is not done.“I have a ton of unreleased materials that I have lined up for music lovers. Music is more than entertainment for me, it is my lifeblood. Music is my safe place and therapy. I want the world to share this gift with me.”
Ilorin-Based Musician Empowers Indigenous Artistes Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
There is no doubt that there is a new trend in the entertainment and musical industry across the globe.Young talents are cropping up in every part of the country, using the opportunities that technology availed them to showcase their musical prowess. In Ilorin, Eyanroi Oluwasegun has distinguished himself in making use of music to change the life of the people for better. A native of Aiyetoro in Kogi State, Oluwasegun has been singing since his formative years and this has prompted people to support his musical career. The artist who obtained his first and second degrees from the University of Ilorin, observed that Ilorin has become a hub for young talented artists and should make maximum use of the natural gift in them. Therefore, he has resolved to remain in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital to be a role model and help build and grow the career of young talented artists from the state. Popularly known as Frequencie, Oluwasegun, who is set to release 38 songs of his Extended Playlist (EP) at the end of this month under Soft Life Style (SLS) record label, said he resisted the pressure to relocate
Oluwasegun
to Lagos.Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on his career, Oluwasegun said that he has written over 5000 songs to his own credit while over 702 songs are under various stages of processing. “I started writing officially in 2007. It was the year I first entered into the studio and recorded my first song.” Frequencie featured late Rapper, Dagrin, in one of his songs titled‘E Je Kama Understand Ara Wa’, just as he also collaborated with Sean Tizzle and Vector in other singles. The musician disclosed that he performed at Felabration 2017 on invitation of the Kuti
family because of his genre and type of music, which is modeled after the late Afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. According to him, he is mightily blessed with talents. “I have both talents. I can write my own music and I have the voice to sing my own song. But the finance of sponsoring yourself is very high. So, what I do in the studio basically is that I download different sounds and record myself. I’m also a ghost writer. I am involved in ghost writing because Africans do not understand the occupation of songwriting.” He narrated how he got the invitation to perform at Felabration. “In 2015, I was deployed to Sokoto for my NYSC.When I saw the infrastructure of NYSC in Sokoto and coupled with the way we were fed, it was very painful to see the condition of things there. My colleagues and I decided that we should have a theme song, and that was what made me sing ‘Wazobia’ in 2016. I redeployed to Ilorin because Sokoto wasn’t good for my career.“That year, I got an email from the Fela Kuti family that I should come for Felabration 2017. I decided to be in Ilorin to grow the city and become a role model to young talented children.”
ULTIMATE LOVE UPDATES WITH VANESSA
Fighting Nomination Blues Sundays are gradually becoming a dreaded day for the love guests. It is the day they are put through the emotional task of nominating one another, a duty that they are not happy to discharge. Last Sunday’s live show saw the strains of the nomination on some of the nominees. The love guests were taken to the auditorium band given a card to write down the names of those they wish to nominate for possible check-out. The names were later revealed by Dakore Egbuson-Akande who also disclosed who nominated them. Couples with the highest nominations were Jerry and Meriton (Jeriton), Chiddy and Sylvia (Chivia), Presh Talker and David (PreshDavid), Michael and Cherry (Micherry), Iyke and Theresa (Iykeresa) and Obichukwu and Ebiteinye (ObiEbi). However, Jeriton was saved by Aunty after showing more bonding during the Couple Mission Task with Chivia. While others displayed good sportsmanship, others sought for reason to justify why they were put on the chopping block. There were still couples who thought they needed to explain their decisions. For instance, Sylvia felt their nomination of Jeriton was perceived as retaliation. Sylvia was formerly Jerry’s partner but Jerry didn’t show interest in her. She however found a worthy partner in Chiddy Banks who entered the Love Pad last week. It turned out that Sylvia changed her mind last minute to replace Jerry and his partner with Micherry. Unfortunately, her partner Chiddy, misinterpreted her decision and stuck to the former plan. Feeling guilty, they both decided to explain their actions to the affected couple. There was also Jennifer Koko and Louis (Jelo) spat with Micherry. These two couples nearly came to blows as the latter couldn’t fathom while Jelo would put them up for possible check-out this Sunday. For ObiEbi, life goes on. In the estimation of most of the love guests, they are childish but viewers found them real and funny. Despite the growing tension in the house, some couples are finding happiness. A good example is Double Chris. These two seemed to have found the right connection as their chemistry gets stronger everyday. With less than 72 hours to the live show, viewers are anticipating which couple will have their love story cut short.
DopeMan Twizzy Drops New Single Ugo Aliogo
Music sensation, Tobechukwu Ukairo known as DopeManTwizzy has dropped his new single titled,‘SOLO’.The song which was released yesterday is an afrobeat song that talks about the need for a balance between selfishly chasing one’s passion and maintaining healthy social relationships. “The song
speaks about the balance of ambition and love”, DopeManTwizzy noted.The new single is available on all social media platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, Audiomack and others. According to him, “SOLO’ lyrics explains in whatever you are passionate about, there is that desire to put in extra effort to do it very well in order to stand out. But in bringing excellence and creativity
in your craft, you might suffer separation from others because of the high level of focus.” He further explains that,“also, it might interfere in your personal relationships because you are so focused. SOLO therefore is talking about recognising the need for balance and focus in relationship and life pursuit.”
Chiddy clears the air with Jerry
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Still Unique Even in Death The one year remembrance service of Mrs. Olubunmi Nimota Olabisi Nwobike in Lagos last week clearly demonstrated that her good deeds, while she was alive, will take a long time to fade away, writes Davidson Iriekpen The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Rose of Sharon Parish in GRA, Ikeja was full. The event was the one year remembrance service of Mrs. Olubunmi Nimota Olabisi Nwobike(Nee Adebanjo), the late wife of a senior lawyer, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, who passed on last year. Dignitaries from different walks of life all came to honour her life and time. For four hours, they sang choruses, hymns, danced and prayed all in memory of the departed. To many of the guests, even though Mrs. Nwobike had died a year ago, it was as if she died this year or was just being buried. From every angle, it was obvious that her good deeds while alive still live on. She was like Purple Lydia of Thyatira in the bible, the seller of purple dye, who, even after her death, her good work was heard all over Macedonia. Mrs Nwobikeis the Purple Lydia in many hearts. One by one, most of the people who paid her tribute also likened her sojourn on earth to the biblical Dorcas who went about doing good, and by the time she died, they were wondering why death would be so wicked to take her away. Many in the congregation could not understand why God would take a person He sent to change and impact their lives positively so soon. Despite the fact that she died young, her life was a strong affirmation of the saying that it’s by no means the number of years one lived that matters but the impact such a person made while alive and the lives they impacted. Olubunmi led an exemplary life that proved to be a positive inspiration for everyone that came in contact with her. Her generosity was not limited to her family; friends, associates and in-laws had endless experience of her benevolence. Among those who paid her glowing tribute was the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Mr. Chris Ezem, who described her as an amiable personality, a woman of unparalleled character,
Nwobike
and the best wife, mother and sister anybody would have. He equally said she was a quintessential lady whose memories would endure forever. “Mrs. Nwobike was always warm to everybody she encountered. At home and outside, she would receive you well and give you all the attention needed for comfort. She was very prayerful and committed to the work and things of God. Her memories will never be forgotten. We pray for soul to always rest in peace,” Ezem said. Hon. Latevi Lawson on his part, described Nwobike as a wonderful woman and thanked God for her husband for the choice he made in making her his wife. He also thanked God for their lives and the children they raised together, and asked God to bless them. The Pastor of the church, Emeka Obiagwu, equally described her as the Dorcas of her time due to the lives she impacted while alive. He thanked God for keeping the family since she departed. He advised friends, associates and family members not to forget the family because she emulated King David
in the Bible who because of Jonathan, showed his son, Mephibosheth, love and kindness. In his vote of thanks, her husband, Dr Nwobike appreciated those who attended the memorial service and those who have shown them love since his wife departed. The husband, who is yet to come to terms with his wife’s death, described her as a great woman and mother. He added that she was everything he sought for in life, and that she was always prayerful and that she stored prayers for him and the children that would last them a life time. He promised to always do what will make her happy. Mrs. Nwobike was born on January 28, 1968 to the families of Kabiru Adebanjo of Ijebu – Itele and Fatimah Adeniyi of Ijebu – Imusin, Ogun State. She attended St. John’s Anglican School, Itele, Ogun State between 1974 and 1980. Having sat and passed her first school leaving certificate, she proceeded to Itele High School, Ijebu – Itele, Ogun State from 1981 to 1986. She later attended the Lagos State School of Health Technology at Yaba,
Lagos, where she obtained the Higher National Diploma in Environmental Health Technology. She also, from the same institution, obtained the Diploma in Community Health and was licensed by the National Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria. After graduation, she worked under the supervision of the late Professor John Abimbola Kuti, a Consultant Endocrinologist at the College of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, B-Secours Diabetic Centre, Surulere, Lagos. She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria. After getting married, and due to the pressure associated with child bearing, she disengaged from the service and founded Divine Touch Nigeria, Lagos. Mrs Nwobike, although a born Muslim, embraced Christianity at the very early stage of her life. She was a member of RCCG and an evangelist under the auspices of Christ Covenant Kingdom Global Church, Ibadan. Her evangelism and Christian work took her to many places and won many souls for Christ. With her persuasion and insistence, she, together with her husband, under the guidance of Pastor Ayodele Akinyemi, conceived, built and donated the current Jesus House Parish/Zonal Headquarters, Ikorodu, Lagos State to the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The dedication of that Parish, by Pastor Joseph Osuolate Obayemi, on June 23, 2016 marked the climax of her evangelism career. Before her transition to Glory, she was, in conjunction with her husband and Pastor Ayodele Akinyemi, working on building another parish in Ibadan, Oyo State RCCG. She is survived by her husband, Dr.Nwobike, Miss Oprah H. Nwobike, Miss Hilary O. Nwobike, Miss Deborah Oluwatobi Nwobike, Mr. David Nwobike and Mr. Joshua Nwobike. She is also survived by her aged parents, aged parents–in–law, sister, cousins, nieces, nephews, etc. Iya Ibeji, as she was fondly called, will be deeply missed by her family, the Church and a host of people who knew her.
Russel Smith Unveils New Innovative Approach to Client Service Rebecca Ejifoma With the evolvement in the Nigerian oil and gas industry in indigenous innovation, Russel Smith Group Nigeria has unveiled a new innovative approach, Saab Sea eye’s Cougar XI Electric Underwater Robotic Vehicle, to help in client service in the oil and gas industry. The company divulged this during the media inspection of the equipment at the installation site in Lagos. The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kayode Adeleke told newsmen that the newly acquired hi-tech machinery
would be of immense help in the execution of client’s project with prompt precision and high quality delivery that could be at par with global standard if not above. This, according to him, is achievable because of the high caliber of the technical hands that would man the equipment from time to time. “They are well honed in the business”, he added. The CEO accompanied by the Chairman, Mr. Leslie Oghomienor, further noted that the new tools would add immeasurable values to the industry and to the ways it would be of great edge in terms of peer competition
he stated. Adeleke said that the newly acquired equipment is to boost the company’s ROV Fleet capacity and strength, and in addition strengthen the company’s overall deep water operations. “After thorough research driven by the passionate quest for uncommon client satisfaction, the Saab Sea eye’s Cougar XI Electric Underwater Robotic Vehicle was chosen. For us the choice is ideal based on our essence of innovativeness,’ he said,” he added. Speaking also, the Director Solutions and Market Development of Russel Smith, Mr. Effiong
Okwong, explained that the 2000m rated cougar XT equipment is wide range and six times more powerful, easier to operate. His words: “It is an essential asset that would create immense, added value in our approach to client service with a sustained Mitch and providing effective solutions to Africa’s toughest oil and gas service challenges.” According to Okwong, this is a required path they must beat if they must lead in the industry. “Our zeal to improve on our sound innovativeness is deep doing the uncommon things to the delight of our stakeholders”.
Dr. Arene Celebrates 78th Birthday with Book Launch, Empowerment Network Ayodeji Ake To commemorate her 78th birthday, Women Advocate, Dr. Violet Arene launched a book titled ‘Corruption is Not the Problem’ and official launch of African Women Capacity Building Network (AWCBN), to empower African women. Speaking with enthusiasm at the launch recently in Lagos, the celebrant said at her age, there is a need to speak on the prevailing corruption in the country and also educate the public on the conception of corruption. She said: “My motivation for the book is love. We have to be generative and if at my age I am not putting things right, then I’m a failure. “My words are the words of an elder. I’m an elder and if I didn’t have a chance to stay anything tomorrow because of my age, I have said it all in this book. “Two things uppermost in my heart are women and leadership. I know the problem of Africa is getting leadership but we haven’t gotten it right. “It’s obvious that leadership determines everything and once it’s not right, the shadow of the evil will be cast over the land. Corruption is uppermost and I can say it’s out of everybody’s mouth but we have to review it which is called thinking out of the box. “I ask myself why are women behind? In my thinking and concern, I have learnt that good leadership and women are connected because women are the determinants of the fate of a nation. “ Leaders make nations what they are and so also women make leaders what they as because we are given a divine mandate across the stages of development of human, women are in charge. “Corruption is a fallout from dysfunction in the society. There is not African nation that’s free from ethnic and religious problem. As I have preached in the book that if we love our nation and love one another, the issue of corruption will be reduced and everyone will become a whistle blower. “ In my book, I have also preached patriotism and love for another, by this we will end corruption because we can not shoot down corruption with gun”. Arene spoke on the official launch of AWCBN to assist and empower women by making them valuable and occupying important decision-making positions in the society. “The AWCBN is a timely nonprofit organisation. It is the awaited critical link to accelerate gender gap closure, capacity building in its ramifications of intensified trainings, expertise building, skill enhancement, talents development, personal self-development altogether provide machinery for performance enhancement for women, and eclipsing unnecessary deficits as well as reduction of poverty. “The women’s empowerment agenda summons this critical added value of accelerated and intensified capacity,” she added.
Winners Emerge at FashMode Reality TV Show
LR FashMode Model Winner, Serikudi Azeezat, Publisher and CEO La Mode Magazine, FashMode Director, Mrs. Sandra Odige, and FashMode Fashion Designing Winner, Omotayo Olagunju
Sunday Ehigiator Omotayo Olagunju and SerikudiAzeezat have emerged winners of the maiden edition of ‘FashMode Season One Reality TV Show’. The show which lasted for five weeks and was premiered in January, 2020, came to its climax on February 21, with Olagungu, a designer andAzeezat, a model, winning the N3 million cash prices respectively in the both categories. Speaking with THISDAYabout the show, the Publisher and CEO, La Mode Magazine and FashMode Director, Mrs. Sandra Odige said, “FashMode, is a first if its kind inAfrica reality TV competition, that seeks to promote and shine the light on theAfrican Fashion and Modeling Industry, and eventually present to the continent and the world at large its Ultimate Designer-Model Combo. “Theshowsaw24contestants;12emergingfashiondesigners,and 12 aspiring models, originally put in one house, properly groomed and drilled in all areas of their profession, including research, strategic partnerships,publicspeaking,executivepresentations,masterclassetc. “The show saw top celebrities, like actors Belinda Effah and Linda Osifo, and top entrepreneurs likeAdeolaAdeyemi, andAdedotun Adeyeye of Fresh by Dotun brand, come mentor and teach the contestants on things that will help them grow and be sustainable in their career paths.
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ART WEEKEND
…For pure art enthusiasts
A World of Idealism in Edoki’s The African Dream
Yinka Olatunbosun writes that Joseph Edoki shatters Africa’spolitical stereotypes in this fictional prose titled,“The African Dream” In the light of prevalent conditions in most political climates in Africa, Savannah Republic’s rise to true democracy is almost like a tall story in the book, “The African Dream.” The author repurposed his power of imagination to inform the reader about what happens behind the scenes in a democratic African society that is replete with power plays, dangerous players and legitimised corruption. His central character, Dr. Amedumego Fernando is developed along the plot as an ordinary citizen of little means with no political godfather or strong political party backing who is nursing the ambition of becoming the President of the Savannah Republic. The dare-devil opponent, Halle Bashaland the fiery socialist lawyer, Sule Umonte set the motion for a heated race. Unlike the other opponents, Fernando is a man of integrity who is pushing for reforms in all the sectors of the economy. Call him the man of the masses, he gains an unprecedented popularity with the potential voters that, inturn, stirred the fear in his opponents. Instead of developing stronger punchlines or campaign strategy, the opposition party leaders began to scheme against one another. Bashal, who was favoured by the political class, made an assassination attempt on Fernando just in the eve of
Book Cover for The African Dream
the elections but he survived the ghastly car accident and won.
Through the plot structure, the author carefully developed
At 80, CAC Yaba Celebrates with Mega Music Concert
Fernando into a fearless, restless and selfless leader who leads the republic from a bird’s eye view; carefully selecting ministers in his cabinet to achieve the developmental reforms he had promised the people. But it turns out to be a turbulent sail. First, he dispenses peopleoriented policies such as effective price control and monitoring system, employment structure that aims to improve the quality of life of the citizens and promote acceptable lifestyles. As a president, he is concerned about the hike in the rate of unmarried women in Savannah Republic and decisively tackles it by ensuring that more men are employed so that they are eligible for marriage. All the sectors of the economy that had been under-developed or totally neglected by the previous government are resuscitated by Fernando but not without distractions. The same political powers that paved way for him are working towards discrediting his government using the same instrument of bribery. When direct persuasion fails, these forces resort to use associates as undercover agents to infiltrate the presidency and acquire assets in his name, without his knowledge and consent. The portrayal of Fernando is idealistic compared to the easily recognisable stereotypes such as
At 16, Paula Omokhomion Launches Debut Novel, Aurora
Rebecca Ejiofoma
Yinka Olatunbosun
In Lagos, the drums of celebrations will be rolled out for the 80th Anniversary of the Christ Apostolic Church, Yaba, a multi-generational church. At a recent press briefing, it was disclosed that a mega concert with no fewer than 400 voices will perform during this yearlong programme of events. In addition, there will be a workshop on skills acquisition, free medical check-ups, sporting activities to commemorate the church’s 80thanniversary as one of the earliest Lagos branches established in the 1940s. The organising committee disclosed to the media that the anniversary logo was launched on January 1, 2020. The Superintendent, Yaba District Coordinating Council, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare said the theme for the anniversary is ‘Celebrating the Love of God’. Oludare said: “We are coming together to celebrate love and show love to others. We are going out to spread love; visit orphanage homes to spread the love of Christ. That is what it’s all about; it’s the love of Christ that has brought us together and we are going out to celebrate it in grand style”. The chairman, CAC Yaba 80th anniversary planning committee, His Royal Majesty, Oba Akinola OyetadeAkinrera, Latiiri I, Olubosin of Ifetedo Kingdom, Osun State declared that March 7 is Youth Day. “During this period, the
Aurora, a debut 296-paged novel was launched recently in Lagos by a 16-year old Paula Omokhomion at NECA building, Alausa Lagos to an audience made up of friends and family members. The book, published by Toleve Communications wascompleted during her final year at the Faith Academy shortly before her examinations. For her mother, it was a crucial time in her high school days which was why it was initially disturbing to her. “When she was in S.S.S.2 at Faith Academy, a boarding school, I visited her,” her mother, Maureen Omokhomion recounted. “She handed over a manuscript to me. It was 80-leaves, four of these cellotaped into a piece. She asked me to help her publish it and that she would launch it when she is graduating from the school so that she could give her friends some copies before they’d go their separate ways. I was very angry at first. I told her to face her studies.” At the period, Paula was preparing for the UME and needed more time for studying than writing. But unknown to her mother, writing had become a pastime and a vent to cool off the pressure of intense study hours. At the end of the day, she excelled at her exams. “She was the best graduating student in her class, best in WAEC and UME. She got 11 out of 13 awards upon her graduation. She has written five books but has only been able to publish one of them,” the excited mother said to a cheering audience. In writing this book, Paula defied conventional writing in style and structure. Set in 19th Century England, Paula relied on the power of her imagination to document a period that had only been captured in archival materials. In her speech, Paula expressed her gratitude for those who were present for the launch of her debut literary work. “Aurora is a story of three women and the chain reaction of their terrible ordeal. It’s a lens through which we can see similar situations in life that can either make or mar us. Aurora is a
HRH Oba Akinola Oyetade Akinrera, Latiiri 1, Olubosin of Ifetedo Kingdom, Osun State (Chairman, 80th Anniversary Committee) and Pastor S.E.A. Oludare (Superintendent, Yaba DCC)
youths will be exposed to different skills acquisition programmes. The Youth Day is open to all youths regardless of denomination or faith,” he declared. While fielding questions from the media, Oba Akinrera remarked that prayer had been the strength of the church for decades. “CAC is known for prayer. In Yoruba, the church is known as “Ijo Aladura”. The oldest member of the church will be 100 years old this year,” he revealed. On March 15, a most remarkable mass choir concert will take place right here at the church premises. Preparations are in top gear to make the concert an unforgettable experience. As you may be aware, CAC church Yaba is synonymous with beautiful choral renditions dating back to 1968 when its choir produced the first Christian album in Nigeria.
Mrs. Folashade Jacobs, a former executive director of the Bank of Industry and the chairperson of The Mass Choir Planning Committee said that before October 18, the choir will return to Decca Records to record an album. “I joined the choir at the age of 10, We were the first set to record the very first gospel album,” she recounted, singing the book from the song, “Ko Senibi Jesu.” Health Talk and Exhibition is scheduled for March 21st with experts delivering lectures on health. On March 22nd would be a one-day Free Medical Check-up. Furthermore, His Royal Majesty added that the ‘Walk for Life’ event will not only be for exercise but“ will serve as an avenue to preach the gospelbecause one of the cardinal aims of the celebration is to win more souls for Christ.”
highly tribalistic Chief Montgomery Ikoyiko, the pragmatic Dr. Eddy Kabir and Sir Dan Looker, the Chairman of a faction of the Conservative Convention. The picture of political vampires was cleverly painted in the character of Ikoyiko who sent gunmen after Looker, forcing him to resign from the party before abducting him. Edoki’s book is a courageous portrayal of the political climate in budding democracies such as Nigeria’s and an indictment on the manipulative role of the media in misinforming the people about the true story of governance in the face of large-scale corruption. Through his fictitious characters, he unearths the rot in the judiciary as well as the intrusive part played the traditional rulers. However, his portrayal of a single woman, Mary Agatha in the story is a negative stereotype that inadvertently presents an unmarried woman as a product of cumulative years of materialistic desires, who only wants to marry a rich man and stays single till she is hitched with a fraudster. Having identified the root of the crisis of finding a suitable marriage mate earlier in the narrative, it seems like the author is sounding off a rounded view on the matter. Published by Nookia Ventures Limited, the book with its theme of governance is currently a subject of a film project.
Book Cover for Aurora
Latin word which means ‘a new dawn’ or hope. All the characters are relatable and completely human. My favourite part of writing is the part of the couples and the banters of the household staff,” she said. One of the reviewers and an avid reader, Martha Adejoh described the book as “a masterpiece for a first attempt.” “Aurora is a story of a young girl who suffered abuse and hatred of her step-mother. She later found love in the arms of a young boy who was unjustly killed,” she revealed. Another reviewer and journalist, Tony Okuyemecalled Aurora a “riveting story” where in the author deploys narrative techniques that provide deeper meanings for the reader. “The author builds this book from imagination fuelled by series of books she had read,” he said. The young writer employed narrative techniques such as flashback, foreshadowing and
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T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ
with DR. KEMI AILOJE Info@lifelinkfertility.com; Ă?ĂŒĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ?Ë? lifelinkfertility.com 08033083580
THIRD PARTY REPRODUCTION(TPR)
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) seem to have an answer to every problem regarding infertility, irrespective of the causes, duration of infertility and the age of the couple trying to achievepregnancy. With current trends in the management of infertility, questions like am I too old to ever get pregnant? Can I ever have my genetic baby since my womb or ovaries have been removed? Can we ever be parents since the Doctor said my husband has no sperm? On and on the questions could go and this brings us to this very interesting topic today: Third Party Reproduction. Third Party Reproduction also referred to as Donor Assisted Reproduction, is the term used to describe any human reproduction in which DNA or pregnancyis provided by a third party or donor, other than the two parents(intending parents), who will raise the resulting child. Third party reproduction goes beyond the traditional mother-father model; the third party involvement is limited to the reproductive process and does not extend into raising the child. Third Party Reproduction can be applied to: (i) egg donation (ii) sperm donation, (iii) donor embryos that have been donated by a third person (donor) to enable an infertile individual or couple (intended Recipient) to become parents (iv) embryo adoption (v) mitochondrial donation: a special kind of IVFprocedure in which the future baby’s Mitochondrial DNA comes from a third party. A very useful technique used in cases where mothers have mitochondrial diseases; (vi) use of a Gestational Carrier or Host. A gestational carrier is an individual who carries a pregnancy for an infertile couple or an individual. Gestational carriers are not biologically related to the intended parents or child. (vii) acombination of one or more of the above listed. What is a Donor Treatment? Adonor treatment is where gametes, i.e. sperm, egg, or embryos are provided or “donated� by a third party for the purpose of a third party reproduction.i.e. r %POPS FHHT XJUI PXO TQFSN r 0XO FHHT XJUI EPOPS TQFSN r #PUI FHH BOE TQFSN GSPN EPOPS UIJSE QBSUZ
r&NCSZP EPOBUJPO BOE BEPQUJPO
Egg donation: a donor provides the ova (egg) to a woman or couple in order for the egg to be fertilized and embryo resulting transferred into the recipient woman, for implantation to UBLF QMBDF &NCSZP EPOBUJPO JT XIFSF FYUSB embryos from a successful IVF of a couple are given to other couples or women for transfer using donor eggs and sperm, or in some cases donor eggs and donor sperm. It may thus be seen as a combination of sperm donation and egg donation, since what is donated is a combination of these. Such embryos may also be donated to a “commissioning� couple and gestated by a surrogate where, for example, the “commissioning� woman or the woman of the “commissioning� couple is infertile and is unable to bring a pregnancy to full term on grounds, or is unwilling for social, medical or other reasons, to do so. Sperm Donation: a donor provides sperm in order to father a child for the third party female. Embryo donation: the use of embryos which were originally created for a genetic mother’s assisted pregnancy. Once the genetic mother has completedher own treatment, she may donate unused embryos for use by a third party. It can also be a case where embryos are created using donor sperm and donor eggs. Embryo Adoption: embryos created during a donor assisted pregnancy are adopted to be transferred in a third party recipient with the aim of achieving implantation and successful pregnancy. Surrogacy: an embryo is transferred into the womb of a third party (traditional surrogacy) or a woman is inseminated in order to gestate a child for a third party (straight surrogacy)
It includes all situations where a surrogate carries a pregnancy for another person. Recently there has been tendency to separate the gestational carrier situation from the “trueâ€? surrogate restricting the term for a woman who provides a combination of ovum donation and gestational services. In conventional surrogacy, a surrogate agrees to be inseminated with the sperm of the male partner of the commissioning couple. The surrogate conceives andhands over the baby at the completion of the pregnancy. In this case, the eggs, which is fertilized is therefore that of the surrogate. In gestational surrogacy, a surrogate agrees for embryos to be transferred into her uterus, for the purpose of implantation. Such embryos may have been created either by use of egg donor or the egg of the commissioning woman; the egg may have been fertilized using donor sperm or sperm from the commissioning father, also the commissioning mother may be a single woman and may be using her egg or the donor egg. Surrogacy tourism has become an industry in itself with wealthy couples travel to different places such as India and Thailand to hire surrogate mothers to carry their children for them until the recent ban on commercial surrogacy in India. While some surrogate mothers agree to carry another couple’s child for what they consider to be altruistic (volunteer/humanitarian) reasons, the more common motivation is the financial incentive that couples desperate to conceive a child can offer. Monetary compensation is therefore a powerful incentive in surrogacy. If the intended parents’ circumstances change during the surrogate pregnancy or if the child is born with health problems or disabilities, the infants may be left to the surrogate or abandoned. Intended parents may find that they face unplanned financial costs and inadequate legal protections. Who Could BeneďŹ t From Third Party Reproduction? Couples whose cases involves any of the following may be candidates for third party reproduction Females with: r "HF SFMBUFE EJNJOJTIFE PWBSJBO SFTFSWF
(resultant effect on poor quantity and quality of eggs) r 1SFNBUVSF PWBSJBO GBJMVSF EVF UP UIF GPMlowing r "VUPJNNVOF EJTPSEFS r $IFNPUIFSBQZ PS SBEJBUJPO UIFSBQZ r (FOFUJD &OWJSPONFOUBM PS 6OFYQMBJOFE causes r 4VSHJDBM NFOPQBVTF r /BUVSBM NFOPQBVTF r (FOFUJD NVUBUJPO PS EJTFBTFT r4VSHJDBM SFNPWBM PG UIF VUFSVT XPNC F H due to multiple fibroids etc. r 0UIFS NFEJDBM DPOEJUJPOT F H TFWFSF Asherman’ssyndrome, multiple miscarriages, repeated IVF failure, etc Males who r IBWF IBE B WBTFDUPNZ CZ TVSHJDBM SFNPWBM or sealing of the Vas deference, a means of sterilization) rXJUI JSSFWFSTJCMF TUFSJMJUZ GSPN BOZ DBVTF rXIP IBWF B QSPCMFN XJUI &KBDVMBUJPO UIBU cannot be overcome by current technology r .BMF XJUI VOEFTDFOEFE UFTUJT r .BMF XJUI BOUJ TQFSN BOUJCPEJFT NFBOT the man’s immune mistakenly targets and destroys its own sperm) Couples r8JUI BOBUPNJDBM BCOPSNBMJUJFT r(FOFUJD BMUFSBUJPOT r3FQSPEVDUJWF JODPNQBUJCJMJUJFT QSPCMFNT r 6OIFBMUIZ MJGFTUZMFT FUD Third party reproduction procedures can involve as many as five people: sperm donor, egg donor, gestational carrier, and intended parents, it is therefore important for intending parents to secure their parental rights and make sure they are protected by ensuring appropriate ethical, confidential ,medico-legal agreements are duly consnted to and signed to before the process is started to avoid future pitfalls and conflicts by all parties concerned. Third party reproduction no doubt remains a viable method of having children by intended parents and has been done successfully over the years in Assisted Reproductive Technology /Assisted Conception processes, and couples who require these services need to access them after proper counseling.
Nigeria Police Games 2020: The Thrills, The Gains and More Frank Mba Come Saturday, February 29, 2020 at exactly OPPO UIF /JHFSJB 1PMJDF UI #JFOOJBM (BNFT XJMM LJDL PGG BU UIF GBNPVT &LXVFNF Square in the beautiful and serene city of Awka, the Anambra State capital. The historic event which has as its theme “Promoting Community Policing through Sports� will be declared open by the Special Guest of Honour, the Vice President of the Federal 3FQVCMJD PG /JHFSJB )JT &YDFMMFODZ 1SPG :FNJ 0TJOCBKP 4"/ ($0/ *U XJMM IBWF JO attendance, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, captains of industries, heads of security agencies, key stakeholders and the creme de la creme from the Sports and Youth development sectors, Civil Society Organisations, the media, amongst othFST 5IF FWFOU XJMM BMTP IBWF UIF &YFDVUJWF (PWFSOPS PG "OBNCSB 4UBUF )JT &YDFMMFODZ Chief (Dr.) Willie Obiano, Akpokue Dike 1 as the Chief Host. Over 3000 male and female Police athletes drawn from the 12 Zonal Commands and the Force Headquarters will feature and compete in 31 indoor and outdoor sporting games XIJDI JODMVEF "UIMFUJDT 'PPUCBMM #BTLFUCBMM Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Judo, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Golf, Chess, Squash, ShootJOH ,BSBUF 4XJNNJOH )PDLFZ #BENJOUPO Handball amongst other sporting events. The games readily reminds us of so many police personnel whose names are now etched in gold in the pantheon of sporting greats in the country and beyond. How can one ever forget the exploits and epochal feats of the likes PG "$1 $IJPNB "KVOXB .0/ m /JHFSJB T TU Individual Olympic Gold Medalist, the late SP 4VOEBZ #BEB 0MZNQJD (PME .FEBMJTU %41
4BNVFM 1FUFS m GPSNFS 8#$ )FBWZ 8FJHIU and Inspector Igun, an outstanding police athlete who captained the Nigeria National Team to many international competitions. He was a Gold medalist in the Triple Jump at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica as well as the African Games in Congo #SB[[BWJMMF 0OMZ SFDFOUMZ "41 +PC "UBCPS became the 1st ever Police Officer to be titled Candidate Master of Chess, African Zonal Individual Chess Championship, Monrovia, -JCFSJB &RVBMMZ (MPSZ $IBSMFT B GFNBMF Police Officer distinguished herself the during African Zonal Individual Chess Championship, "DDSB (IBOB "$1 .BSHBSFU &LQF m years National Champion for Nigeria in Discus BOE #SPO[F NFEBMJTU JO UIF "MM "GSJDBO (BNFT JO $BJSP &HZQU 4VOEBZ 0ZBFLBSF m accomplished footballer who scored the first goal at the National Stadium, Lagos during UIF PQFOJOH PG UIF 4UBEJVN #PYFS %VSPEPMB 0MBSFXBKV m UIF OFX "GSJDBO #PYJOH 6OJPO $IBNQJPO BU UIF 'FC TU "GSJDBO #PYJOH 6OJPO $SVJTFS 8FJHIU 5JUMF #PVU XJUI B 5,0 "DDSB (IBOB BOE 'PSNFS 8PSME #PYJOH Council Silver Cruiser Weight of the World and "KBZJ ,JLFMPNP 'MPSFODF m GPSNFS $BQUBJO PG the Nigeria Super Falcons Football Team. She played and won six (6) African Nations Cup, three (3) World Cup Tournament and three 0MZNQJD (BNFT BOE (FPSHF 6TPSP m UIF Nigeria Police Officer that formed the Nigerian 7PMMFZ #BMM 5FBN BOE QBSUJDJQBUFE JO TFWFSBM Olympics qualifying and all African Games. 5IJT JT KVTU UP NFOUJPO CVU B GFX It needs however be mentioned that in spite of the laudable accomplishments by these officers both within and outside the shores PG UIF DPVOUSZ UIFZ MJLF UIF MBUF %$1 #FO Odiase who composed the Nigerian National
Anthem, have remained largely unsung. Yet, the Nigeria Police have continued to produce sportsmen that have always raised the bar wherever they have flown the flag of the nation. This year’s games - Anambra 2020 - will yet again provide ample opportunity for relatively unknown police sportsmen to announce themselves, their talents and competences to the world. It will serve as a platform to discover sporting talents in the Nigeria Police who would re-enact the heroic and historic performances of our Police legends. The games, apart from promoting camaraderie among police officers, will undoubtedly enhance the physical and mental fitness of the participants. Needless to state that since policing is a physically and mentally demanding profession, sports has become a desideratum for every police officer. The Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni, identifies with the unparalleled potentials of Sports in actualising the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) such as Good )FBMUI BOE 8FMMCFJOH (FOEFS &RVBMJUZ Sustainable Cities and Communities and JO #VJMEJOH 4USPOH *OTUJUVUJPOT )F CFMJFWFT UIBU UIF 1PMJDF (BNFT XIJDI JT KVTU B GFX XFFLT UP UIF /BUJPOBM 4QPSUT 'FTUJWBM JO &EP State, will continue to provide the nation the opportunity to harness Sports talents in the country particularly as Nigeria prepares for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games and the $PNNPOXFBMUI (BNFT JO #JSNJOHIBN 6OJUFE ,JOHEPN Anambra 2020 presents the police with the golden opportunity to engage communities and build goodwill with the general public in a manner that will fill the trust gap, strengthen confidence building between the citizens and
police and accelerate the attainment of our community policing goals towards improving our National Security. Our esteemed host, the dynamic and Sports loving Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, the Government and the People of Anambra State, rest assured that this goodwill to host and sponsor the 2020 Police Games will further assist in integrating and re-uniting the Police with the People. We have no doubt that Anambra State will take advantage of the opportunities the Games QSPWJEFT UP QSPKFDU JUT UPVSJTN QPUFOUJBMT BOE commercial prowess, in addition to showcasing its rich cultural heritage and hospitable ambience to the world. It is hoped also that the event will help to fruitfully engage the minds of the Youth in the area and arouse their interest in Sports and policing. Meanwhile, the Chairman, Anambra 2020 Police Games Central Organising Committee, "*( 6TNBO #BCB "MLBMJ NOJ IBT PO CFIBMG of the IGP, called on members of the public in "OBNCSB 4UBUF m UIF MJHIU PG UIF /BUJPO BOE other contiguous cities to come out en-masse to the various centres where the fiesta will take QMBDF m UIF &LXVFNF 4RVBSF "XLB 0UVPDIB 4UBEJVN JO "OBNCSB &BTU -(" 3PKFOZ Games Village, Oba in Ndemili South close to Onitsha, the NYSC camp ground where most of the Indoor Games will take place and the 1PMJDF $PMMFHF 0SKJ 3JWFS XIFSF UIF TIPPUJOH competition will take place. He assures that this year’s games will provide an atmosphere for fun, enthusiasm and unparalleled record breaking performances. t.CB JT B %FQVUZ $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF BOE UIF 4QPLFTNBO PG UIF /JHFSJB 1PMJDF 'PSDF
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COLLAGE EVENTS
RCCG Province Rounds off 50-Day Fasting
L-R:OperationsManager,LegendHotel,Mr.AshleySmit;Americangirleducationadvocate&filmmaker,Ms.ZurielOduwole;SalesManager,Legend Hotel,Mrs.FunmiPhilip-AdewunmiandNationalFundDevt&CommunicationCoordinator,SOSChildren’sVillagesNigeria,Mr.GboyegaFadowoleAje during a one-day training session on film making with Zuriel and children from the SOS Children’s Villages organised by Legend Hotel, Lagos Airport, lkeja...recently
As part of the activities to round off the 50-day fasting and prayers which kicked off globallyintheRedeemedChristian Church of God (RCCG) on January 11, 2020, the RCCG Jesus House Parish, Lagos Province 36, will hold a ‘Night of Prevailing Prayers’ on Friday February 28, 2020. The prayers which would be held at its premises on 35, Lateef Salami Street, Ajao Estate, Lagos, is expected to commence at 10 pm. According to the Pastor-incharge of the Province, Pastor OlaitanOlubiyi,theprogramme Pastor Olubiyi themed, ‘A New Deal, will provide an opportunity for the people to corporately thank God for the strength to go through the 50-day spiritual exercise and seal it up with sessions of prevailing prayers. He explained that in addition to praying on personal and family issues, the congregation at the night service will specifically intercede for Nigeria in the areas of safety, security, healing for the economy and divine intervention in every area of the nation’s life.
Goddie Ofose Convenes Advertising Industry Evening
L-R:CEORealtor.ng,DiranOtegbade;co-speakers,FukundaMbaruandTaherEzziattheHarvardBusinessSchoolforaconferenceontheuseoftechnology in the real estate industry in Nigeria held in Lagos… recently
Imbued with the passion to massively accelerate growth in Nigeria’s marketing communications industry and propel all-round relevance of the industry in the country’s development, Goddie Ofose, one of Nigeria’s top brand analyst and journalist is convening an industry evening summit with the theme “Advertising and the Power of the Nigerian Story”. The event holds on March 6, 2020 at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos. Gboyega Akosile, chief press secretary to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu will be the special guest of honour at the occasion. The lead paper for the evening will be presented by Mr. Lanre Adisa, chief creative officer, Noah’s Ark Limited. Meanwhile members of the panel who will discuss the Adisa’s paper include: Mr. Onyekachi Onubogu, CEO, Frutta Juice and Services; Mr. Amaechi Okobi, Group Head, Communications and External Affairs, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Emeka Oparah, Vice President, CSR and Communications, Airtel Nigeria; Mr. Martin Mabutho, Chief Commercial Officer, Multichoice Nigeria, and Mr. Jaiye Israel Opayemi, chief executive officer, Chain Reactions/ president, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, Others include Dr. Felix King Eiremiokhae, chief executive officer, Oracle Experience/convener The Startups Africa; Mrs. Ijedi Iyoha, acting Registrar/ CEO, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON); Mr. Odion Aleobua, CEO, Modion Communications and Mr Lekan Lawal as the moderator for the segment.
Inspiring Change Conference 2020 to Hold March With just a few weeks away from the Inspiring Change Conference 2020, expectations are high and the unveiling of the keynote speaker and panellists, suggests L-R:GovernorAbubakarBelloofNigerState;GovernorKayodeFayemiofEkitiState;GovernorDavidUmahiofEbonyiStateandMinisterofstate,Education, that this year’s edition will be an EmekaNwajuibaattheNationalEconomicCouncilmeetingheldattheCouncilChambersofthePresidentialVilla,Abuja...recently GODWINOMOIGUI unforgettable experience. Having revealed the theme: “There Is More”, the Twitter conference scheduled for Friday, March 6, will kick-off the conversation at 8am. The host and convener Horton of this, Adesumbo Adeoye will be introducing the conference and its carefully selected speakers, from her twitter handle; @ Convener, Inspiring Change Conference, Sunmbo Adeoye sunmboadeoye. The online conference will run from 8 am- 8 pm, where each hour will be dedicated to a simultaneous chain of Q&A segments between the speakers and the audience. Each speaker will enlighten the public on how they have been able to sustain their careers in areas of Politics, Finance, Technology, Media, Entertainment, Social Entrepreneurship, and Food Processing. The panelists include, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, CEO and Chairman, Nigerian Diaspora Commission; Stephanie Busari, a journalist and editor at CNN International; Adenike Oyetunde, a Lawyer, media personality, author and founder of Amputees United and Osayi Alile, a quintessential leader with over 20 years in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME). Others include Kemi Lala Akindoju, a seasoned actress with 11 years of experience under her belt; Toyin Abraham, a Nigerian actress and filmmaker; Eno Essien, founder of Rehytrack limited, a vehicle tracking company; Sola Adesakin, a finance expert L-R: Managing Partner, Zenera Consulting, Meka Olowola; Personal Assistant to the Managing Partner, Zenera Consulting, Maryjane Ogeah; Zenera and the lead coach and CEO of Smart Stewards and Oluwatoyin Onigbanjo, a Pro Golfer, Monday Eze; Client Service Manager, Zenera Consulting, Idongesit Edet and Executive Director,TAMYConsulting,Tolu Ojo at a reception held for Eze in Lagos...recently journalist, teacher, food artist, and baby food blogger.
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LIFE
Prince B. A. Onafowokan: An Exemplary Nonagenarian Seye Adetunmbi
O
ne is bound to see old age as desirable, beautiful and graceful when you encounter a remarkable Nigerian in person of Prince Babatunde Adedapo Onafowokan (BAO), the founding Chief Executive Officer of Ladgroup Limited. His carriage every Sunday, natural calmness, structured lifetime priorities, well-coordinated and simple disposition to human endeavors over the years point to one fact that he has been truly blessed by God for a distinct purpose among others; so that his life can minister to people around him and the younger generations. For someone of my age who came to settle in Lagos in 1990, I could only see a tiny part of Baba Onafowokan in his Ladgroup days. In order to get a full picture of his amazing profile, it took me some research and facts finding to place Baba Onafowokan in proper perspective in this write-up which I put together to celebrate him on his 95th birthday anniversary. It is amazing to state that within the past 95 years, BAO has been tested as a teacher, as a multinational company technocrat and as a diligent entrepreneur who is humility and empathy personified, also a selfless philanthropist and a keen man of God worthy of emulation. Through His grace, Baba having committed most of his hard earned financial resources in old age to God’s work, he continues to dedicate his time and every other substance at his disposal as a gracefully aging old man to Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion. The Prince of Moko Royal Dynasty, Ikenne and Tunwase Royal Family of Ijebu-Ode; was born on 28th February 1925 at Ikenne in Ogun State of Nigeria. His father was Adeyemi Onafowokan and mother was Oke Makiyeti. He had his early education at Wasimi African Primary School, Ijebu-Ode and St Paul’sAnglican School in Sagamu. His secondary education took him to Abeokuta Grammar School and Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta. BAO gained admission into the University College Ibadan on scholarship which attested to the fact that he was a brilliant student among his peers which is also evident among his children to the glory of God. He was to train as a surveyor but changed the course of study to Mathematics in 1951. Prince Onafowokan passed the London Matriculation Examination in 1950 and the University of London Special Honours Degree in Mathematics in 1954 when he graduated from the University of Ibadan. His brief teaching job started at Ogbomosho Grammar School in 1954 and left in 1955 for King’s College, Lagos. On August 6, 1956, he got married to Mrs Victoria Abimbola Onafowokan nee Ogunlesi (1931-2008), a remarkably resourceful wife, a servant of God and a great blessing to the family. He joined Shell Nigeria Limited and as a management trainee in June 1956 and taught part-time at the Federal School of Science, Onikan from 1957 to 1958. He was appointed Head of Marketing Service and Statistical Forecasting of Shell Nigeria Limited in 1958. He was promoted manager in charge of the Mid-Western Region of Nigeria in 1959 and Manager of the Western Region from 1961. In 1963 to 1964, he was sent to London, Norway and Kenya for advanced management training courses and was seconded to British Petroleum to work in the Retail Division of National Petroleum between 1965 and 1966. On return to Nigeria in 1966, he was promoted to the post of Retail Sales Manager, a position he held till his early voluntary pensionable retirement in 1972. The visionary and perspective prince studied the economic environment and the entrepreneur instinct in him took better part of his decision to go for early voluntary pensionable retirement in 1972. He founded Ladgroup Limited
Baba and Mama
Baba and others
Dr Onafowokan and Seye
Baba
as a commodity trading company in 1971 to essentially focus on international trade based on the economic principle of comparative advantage. Ladgroup was the biggest exporter of
cocoa and other agricultural commodities till 1996, the company won national awards and enjoyed immense financial support from local banks. Record has it that Ladgroup was the first indigenous private company that imported rice from Thailand in Nigeria. The head office of Ladgroup is at 24 Abimbola Street, Isolo. I recall my first visit to the premises in the mid-1990s at the instance of his son, Kunle Onafowokan when Baba gave me an assignment. I was so inspired seeing Mama Onafowokan, the inestimable jewel of Baba Onafowokan and other family members working hard in the office for Ladgroup. It was only a matter of time for the distinguished entrepreneur to be recognized and awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye. BAO in his youthful days was actively involved in sporting activities; he played football, lawn tennis and table tennis. In fact Baba played lawn tennis till middle age and even in old age he took delight in swimming. He is a member of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, City Club and was a former President of Ikeja Lions Club. He served at the initial stage, as a member of the Board
of Governors of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun-State. Unequivocally, he earned the title of the defacto Baba-Ijo of theAnglican Church of theAscension, Ba Opebi, Ikeja Lagos, for his exemplary roles in O the th Church over the years as one of the pioneer members. He is the Patron of the Busy Bees m Society and the Grand Patron of the Choir in So the th church. He is also the Patron of the Elderly Ministry of the Diocese of Lagos West, Ikeja. He M is a member of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne and the President of Men’s and Women’s Ik Auxiliary Guild of the Church. He served as the Au Chairman of the Remo Diocesan Development Ch Committee till 2013. He is the Patriarch of Victoria Co Abimbola Memorial Anglican Church, Ikenne. Ab Before I was privileged to associate close to Baba Ba Onafowokan in the Anglican Church of Ascension, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, it was delightful As seeing him when he was the chairman at the se wedding reception of my older brother, Senator w Olubunmi Adetunmbi, when he got married to O Dr D Mrs Bola Adetunmbi nee Adeniyi at Ilorin in 1990. As a great planner and excellent coordinator, to whenever he was made the Chairman of a ccommittee in the church, he will look out for parishioners with the set skills to support the pa w work of the small group. He drafted me to one of such, a Welfare Committee that was constitu to manage an investment fund initiated tuted to meet the needs of the indigent members of th parish under his chairmanship. It is always the a great pleasure being around him. He is a te technocrat with a meticulous inclination that w not leave anything to chance. When he was will go to commission the church building built going in memory of his beloved wife, I served in the co committee he constituted. During Christmas, o I often receive a gift from him. When I went to th thank him in December 2014 and remarked that i his rice that I usually eat every Christmas, it is in his characteristic sincere and generous smile, Ba said: “God willing you will continue to Baba ea it for as long as possible”. Baba traveled eat ou of the country just before I marked 50th out bi birthday anniversary in 2012 with a public bo presentation. On the last Sunday before book hi scheduled flight he gave me money in an his en envelope for a copy of the book which I later de delivered to him, and he received it with delight. Prince Onafowokan was happily married to Mrs Victoria Abimbola Onafowokan nee O Ogunlesi for 52 years before she joined the saints tri triumphant and the marriage was blessed with fiv children. As a family man, Baba stands out five as an exemplar. How Baba has been able to cope w the challenges of life without any visible with str is a study in contentment and lesson in stress su submitting to the will of God, by surrendering al to Jesus Christ. all To say that I love very elderly people a lot, w would amount to an understatement because f I feel very comfortable with the arugbos. W When Baba celebrated his 80th birthday in 20 I asked his wife, Mama Onafowokan of 2005, bl blessed memory, my encourager and inspirer in the vineyard, for the size of his cap and I m made a special gobi native cap for him with as agba, 1955 etu from the little piece that aso h I have preserved over the years It is the type of vintage fabric that you can’t find around an anymore. You must be really special to me and be above 80 years of age before you can get that ki of gift from me. My greatest joy is that kind th cap became one of his favorites. Now that the Ba is a nonagenarian, I couldn’t think of any Baba be better gift for an exemplary man of God who ha everything, because he has Christ and his has fo is on Jesus, than to celebrate him with this focus to token tribute straight from my heart. He has in indeed brought forth good fruit in old age; and hi beloved family remains fat and flourish. Yes, his it iis assured in the good book that “the righteous sh flourish like the palm tree. Those that be shall pl planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in courts of our God”. Ajinde ara a ma je fun Ba l’oruko Jesu, amin. Baba
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ENTREPRENEUR
Austin Adigwe: Sharing the Gospel of Hope, Love through Music Fast-rising gospel artiste, Mr. Austin Adigwe, who came into the limelight in November last year when his album, “Great God,” became an instant hit and swept through the music world, has come out with another single, “You Alone Can Heal.” Adigwe is a manager with a new generation bank and part-time lecturer with the Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo. In this interview with Mary Ovie, he stressed that his music is tailored to bring hope, spread love and also appeal to youths to shun violence
Y
My music is to inspire, motivate and bring a solution to issues... I am only passing the message of hope, as a lot of things are happening daily and I draw inspiration from them. My music is inspirational, and it gives hope to the hopeless, the needy and the oppressed. My music is love, and it is only love that can heal the wound
u came out with an album last November and you are out with another single, why the hurry? To mundane eyes, people may think that I am in a hurry, not so. I am not in a hurry. My music is not the same with the usual Christian songs. Some sing to make a name, others to make money, but my music is a message of hope. I am preaching to the people, especially the hopeless. A preacher should be seen appealing to people’s conscience all the time. I am a messenger of God. I should be able to relate with the people according to the mandate given to me by Jesus Christ. Are you saying that you are not making money from your albums? Yes, I can say it unequivocally that I am not out to make money but to deliver the message of hope to my people. Money will come, but, for now, I am distributing my music free to people and I am happy about it. Many marketers from all the states of the federation have come to assist in marketing it, but I told them that they should not bother as my mandate is for the music to reach millions of people. I am not a wealthy man, but God has been faithful in his provision. I can’t wait until I am a billionaire before I start giving. I don’t know whether it is wise to start selling my album to the less privileged, orphans and the weak that have no food at home. I know that rich people can afford the music; the people that need it most are the people that I am giving it to free.
about Job who later overcame all his own challenges. That you are having challenges does not mean that God has forsaken you. He is a great God, so you should call upon Him and challenge Him on all the promises he made concerning you. I want people to know that God honours His words because he said His words can never return to Him void.
Are you a philanthropist? I don’t know how you describe who a philanthropist is. But I am giving out my album free. God gave the talent and the inspiration to me. So, freely I am giving back to God, because he said whatsoever you do to the least of your brothers that you do unto me. How would you rate your music? I can’t judge myself but, with the comments that I hear or see in the electronic media, I can say that God is faithful. My music is virtually on every radio station. If you want to know me and see what God is doing for me, go to Youtube, google Augustine Adigwe, or Facebook, a Great God; Twitter: @ausglo and instagram: @austin.diadigwe. I am virtually everywhere, Traffic Radio, Raypower, Naija FM, Nigeria Info and Eko FM, the videos of my music are on my YouTube channel, Augustine Adigwe, and to download the audio version, google Austin Adigwe for the links.
Adigwe
Apart from your work in the studio would you be willing to visit churches for ministration? I am passing a message of Christ, which is love to the world. If I can’t go for ministration in churches, then what am I doing? Yes, I have started ministration in churches. Any church that needs me can reach out to me. May God grant us the wisdom to spend more time on those things that draw us closer to Him, rather than the things that draw us away from Him.
true love for one another. Love will conquer all the strife and corruption. I am preaching love, and the message of love takes time to germinate. When terrorists, robbers, kidnappers and other criminals begin to hear it over and over again, they will begin to feel it. We should not lose hope in Nigeria. God will heal the land. But we need to push my message of love till it gets to Sambisa Forest, Nasarawa, Niger forests, and Abuja-Kaduna expressway. Let’s push the message of love till it gets to killer herdsmen. For those who are jobless, don’t commit suicide. There is still hope. For those who are looking for the fruit of the womb, remember Hannah in the Bible, who stayed many years waiting on the Lord and he did not disappoint as he gave her a male child. Are you facing any challenge? Please, don’t give up, remember people like Job, who faced many challenges, including human and material loss, but at the end he gained more than a hundredfold. Are you looking for a life partner? Hope in the Lord, he will grant you favour.
What is the message you have for Nigerians? I want government to know that the crisis and corruption we see all around us are not going to be resolved by any military might or new laws, but
Why are you interested so much in love? It is a commandment from God that we should love Him with all our hearts and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. But how can you love God
and in the same breath not love His creation? How can God be for you while you destroy the works of His hands? It is time to stand for love, as it is the surest path to peace and harmony. It is not possible to love God without loving your fellow human being that you see. Love conquers all. If you love your fellow human being, you would not shed his blood, you would not sleep with his wife or husband; you would not steal the money they approved for hospitals, roads, schools and other social amenities. Love is fear of God. It is because of lack of love that many things are going wrong. For these reasons, I am crying that we should return to God. Let the message of love flow like the river in our homes, offices, community and everywhere. Why are you into gospel music? I want to preach the gospel of Jesus, which is the ultimate, because life without Jesus is useless. I have brought the message of freedom to the captives and the oppressed and love to the world. Love is what will heal the wounds, and my music will heal Nigeria of sorrow and tears. My music is to inspire, motivate and bring a solution to issues such as reminding that woman who thinks that she would not get her own children to remember Hannah and Sarah in the Bible. I wish to remind that man facing challenges
Why did you choose the gospel genre, which does not yield money like secular music? It is just like asking me not to bear my own children because the world is overpopulated. Of course, you should know that I am not into music basically for financial gains. I am a banker with the FCMB and I have worked in other banks. I am also a part-time lecturer with the Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo. The message of God cannot stop. We cannot have enough good news. God loves and He keeps ministering to living souls. Only the living can praise the Lord. I am only passing the message of hope, as a lot of things are happening daily and I draw inspiration from them. My music is inspirational, and it gives hope to the hopeless, the needy and the oppressed. My music is love, and it is only love that can heal the wound. Why did you single out Nigeria in your songs? I called on God to heal Nigeria because of what we are passing through. We are facing difficult times, but we need spiritual healing. Nigeria needs love, and love is what we need to conquer all the evils and corruption in Nigeria. Love is what we need to stop kidnapping, armed robbery, and killings, including assassinations. Love is what politicians need to utilise the money meant for the public. The message of Jesus is very simple: love your neighbour as you love yourself, and love God with all your heart. Once there is love, people would not go into kidnapping or killing their fellow human beings as if they are killing rams. I am re-emphasizing the teachings of our Lord Jesus. Second, I am encouraging Nigerians to be hopeful and not pessimistic. Nigeria is going through spiritual cleansing. I compare Nigeria to Israel. The children of Israel passed through difficult times. They went into slavery in Egypt, into captivity in Babylon and they fought many wars and they were confronted with many difficulties, but, today, Israel is one country that the world wants to reckon with. Nigeria is like Israel; God will heal us and the world will sing a new song for Nigeria.
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T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͶ˜ ͰͮͰͮ
METRO
…Your city life in print
Relieving Christmas in Anambra Although the Christmas celebration has come and gone, David-Chyddy Eleke who spent the season in Anambra State moving from town to town, relieves his experience
T
he Christmas period is usually marked with fanfare in the South-east, but Anambra has proven to take the shine off other states. This reporter drove through Agulu town in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State on 26 December 2019 to a function in Nnewi, and it was obvious there was celebration in the air. The day before was Christmas, and the euphoria of the celebration was still very visible. This is evident in the number of beautifully dressed children, young men and women who littered the roadside in the town. On both sides of the road were drinking parlours, all filled with men who entertained themselves with drinks, chatting away in high voices in attempt to outdo the sound systems that blasted music in each of the drinking joints. The population of drinkers overflowed from the joints into the road, causing a huge traffic jam in the area. Once in a while, children and youths who milled around the roads broke into a race as they were pursued by masquerades. Even though they all ran furiously as if for their lives, they burst into laughter as they ran - an indication that even though they feared the masquerades, they enjoyed being pursued by them. As we drove by, more masquerades and masquerading youths were seen on the road, most of who blocked this reporter’s vehicle once in a while, asking for money. Celebration was obviously in the air, and the scenario in Agulu is not different from most towns in the state, during the Yuletide. The period surrounding the Christmas and new year celebration is usually refered to as the Yuletide, but in Anambra and other South eastern states, the entire period is - Christmas period. This is why it will not be out of place to see someone who is traveling days after the Christmas celebration saying that he or she was traveling for Christmas. In Anambra, the preparation for the Christmas celebration does not start in December. As early as September, the Anambra State government had begun palliative works of roads in various towns and villages in preparation for the homecoming of its indigenes in diaspora. The Christmas period is usually one of reunion among families, as relatives are bound to return home, no matter where they are based. Some communities even declare what they call mass return, mandating everyone to come back home at Christmas, mostly when there is a festival or crucial ceremony to be held (like the coronation of a new king). It is also a period when the state government tries to impress its sons and daughters in the diaspora about the job it is doing at home - hence the beautification of the streets, towns, patching of roads and others, just to impress the returnees. Typical of the Governor Willie Obiano administration, on December 1, the state government commenced the decorations of streets, roads and parks with beautiful lights along every highway, and the installation of Christmas trees in every available park. The decorations made the state very colourful especially at night. As beautiful as it looked, the opposition in the state however accused the Obiano government of spending a whopping N1.3billion on the decoration. For weeks, the decorations and its cost was the topic of discourse on social media. Not even the denial of the state government that it did not spend that much could stop members of the opposition from accusing the governor of doing so. On the part of the state government, as much as it denied spending that much, it failed to state the actual cost of the decorations. But one thing which everyone remained in agreement about was that the decoration added colour to the state and the celebration of Christmas in Anambra. The days preceding Christmas witnessed a beehive of activities, with the hosting of carnivals and music festivals by the state government. Once done with Christmas on December 25, every celebration shifted to the hinterlands of the state where each of the
Obiano saluting a monarch at an Ofala festival during the Yuletide
189 communities in the state had drawn up a long programme of activities to celebrate the Christmas with. Most communities also held separate music festivals, most, sponsored by money bags or companies in the town. In Onitsha, the ancient kingdom held its 2019 edition of the Golibe carnival; a very colourful festival that saw a huge number of colourfully dressed men and women parading the streets of Onitsha, begining from the palace of the traditional ruler of the kingdom; Igwe Alfred Achebe to Awka road. Some communities used the opportunity to elect a new president general or even traditional rulers, while almost all the traditional rulers in the various communities scheduled their annual Ofala festivals during the period. Football competitions are also hosted during this period by politicians and money bags, while marriages, traditional title taking and others add colour to the period. In Nnewi, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah shut down the entire state with the hosting of his annual music festival. This year’s event featured hip hop stars; Davido and Naira Marley, and succeeded in drawing attendance from across the state. In Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area, Kennedy Okonkwo a young property developer and estate manager also shut down the state with another music concert featuring all the biggest names in the music industry in Nigeria. Ngonadi Radio, a local FM station in Ogidi did not also disappoint in its own music concert which featured the likes of African China and others. Famous billionaire, Engr Arthur Eze whose brother, Igwe Robert Eze is the traditional of Ukpo community also held a colourful Ofala festival, which drew dignitaries from across the world, including notable Obas and Emirs from the southern and northern parts of Nigeria. In Ojoto again, the rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Dr Francisca Nwafulugo also fetèd dignitaries in a colourful thanksgiving celebration on his appointment as the first female rector in the country. It will not be out of place to say that during the period, each community was agog with activities. The period was also a time when people fixed their traditional marriages, wedding and burial ceremonies of their beloved ones, because they can be sure of attendance from friends and relatives who live far away and would not ordinarily have been able to make it. Other activities that set tongues wagging was the burial of Chief Engr Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ezeude and the first Ofala festival of the traditional ruler of Aguleri kingdom, where Governor Willie Obiano hails from. The Chairman of Beloxxi Group, Chief Obi Ezeude in a colourful burial ceremony sent home his
elder Brother, Emmanuel, dragging dignitaries from all over the country to Uke, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state. In Aguleri too, Igbo culture was on display as Igwe Mike Idigo, who took over the reigns of power in 2019, after the death of his predecessor, celebrated his first ever Ofala festival as a monarch. The event drew dignitaries from far and wide and was used to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people. The atmosphere of merrymaking can best be seen in the response an automobile mechanic, simply identified as Oga Onuorah who this reporter called to help fix his car gave - “Oga, I am in my village for Christmas ooo. I will not be coming back until January 5, when we will come to start our hustling again. For now, let me enjoy myself after hustling for the year. Awka will not see me until Sunday evening.” The irony of this statement was that the mechanic himself hails from Nise in Awka South Local Government Area, less than two kilometers away from town - and can almost be considered to be part of Awka town, but in his village, he felt so far away from his usual life as a mechanic. Christmas in Anambra was also a time to show off wealth. People showed off with their dressing, automobiles, houses and flaunted wealth to the envy of the poor. Oga Onuorah in a conversation with this reporter jokingly retorted that, “our major problem in the village now are Malay boys. They flaunt wealth, expensive cars, jewelries, drinks and dresses.” Malay has become a slang, or short for Malaysia, and this is usually used to refer to not just people living in Malaysia, but young men who are on the fast lane; usually drug peddlers or internet fraudsters. Traffic during this period was terrible. The situation was further aggravated by the huge number of siren blasting cars on the road. A friend even joked that he seemed to be the only one who didn’t have a police orderly as everyone who had more than one car had a pilot car attached to their convoy, with security men to help clear the road as they drove by. The law in Anambra that no one except the governor of the state, his deputy, speaker of the house of assembly, ambulances on emergency and other security operatives were empowered to use sirens did not work during the Christmas period. On one occasion, while moving from Abagana to Awka after covering a function, this reporter was stuck for three hours in traffic. This is a journey that would have been done in less than 30 minutes on a normal day. To help ease the problem of traffic, some communities found volunteers who helped to make the roads free. In Enugwu Ukwu, as one drove by,
it was common sight seeing youths all dressed in Enugwu Ukwu Community Development Union (ECDU) apron, and trying frantically to control the traffic, but usually, one has to spend more than normal time passing through the busy road. Reacting to the flurry of activities in the state during the period, a pastor, Mr Elijah Ukachukwu said; “Christmas for our people is more than just celebrating the birth of Christ. It is a period where the people reunite with their folks at home and celebrate. It is just coincidental that it fell during the end of the year, and they use the period to take stock, ease off tension for the outgoing year and of course, coming home will be a time to celebrate too. Even we the religious use the period to hold bazaars and launching. That is the period we get to see the abroad guys who haven’t been home for long. It’s a beautiful celebration. Even those who try to tell you Christmas is not biblical tend to celebrate it, one way or the other.” It was however a pity that at such time when Anambra People always returned home from all over the world, their governor, Chief Willie Obiano was away in Houston, Texas, USA, to celebrate his own Christmas, jettisoning his subjects who would have been happy to meet with him and congratulate him on the good job he was doing in the state. A returnee businessman from Lagos, Chief Uchenna Ojemba during a fundraising ceremony in Aguata community praised Obiano for the good job he was doing in the state, saying that in Lagos, he is now proud to beat his chest and say he hails from Anambra. But he added, “one thing you people should tell the governor when he comes back is that Anambra people are not happy with this his habit of rushing to the US every Christmas. While we are coming back to meet our people here, he is rushing to US. What is there that we do not have here? He has made Anambra fine, let him stay here and welcome us each year, and we will be happy. Tell him we are happy with the good work he is doing.” Of a truth, Obiano has worked hard to develop the state, and unlike previously when indigenes feared to return home for the Christmas celebration for fear of being kidnapped or robbed, the security architecture in the state has taken care of sundry crimes. Done with the Yuletide, this reporter having crisscrossed the length and breadth of Anambra can report that there was no incidences of security breach in communities in Anambra. One can comfortably predict that Christmas returnees from Anambra will no doubt make a return journey at the end of this year again.
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T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͶ˜ ͰͮͰͮ
POLSCOPE
áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͽ ͻ; ͻͽ;
Abacha Loot, Gov Bagudu and The Presidency
I
t must be a tribute to high degree of graft and roguery that about 23 years after his death, his tons of loots are still being recovered from all parts of the world. The latest being the recent recovery of $308 million from the island of Jersey, United State of America. It is amazing that late Gen Sani Abacha was such a devoted thief that there was clearly no difference between his personal pocket and the national till. The total sum of the recovered Abacha loot thus far is more than the annual budget of some five West African countries put together. Many are wont to ask what the recovered loots have been used for, just as many would posit that the loots have been re-looted by sitting government officials. Those who believe the latter are likely to site the foggy so-called agreement between the Federal Government and Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State. It is interesting that it was the United States Information Service (USIS) that literally blew the whistle on the plan to concede $100 million out of the $308 million so recovered, to Gov Bagudu. It is even more curious that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Abubakar Malami was already preparing to ensure the release of the $100million to Gov Bagudu, allegedly because there was an agreement between the then Obasanjo administration and then Senator Bagudu on his share of the loot. The USIS had inferred in an earlier report that Bagudu himself was part of the people who helped to loot the said amount, while he served as an aide to the late Gen Sani Abacha. All along, former President Obasanjo has not spoken to confirm whether or not there was indeed such an agreement. But without pre-empting him, the understanding may have been that conceding such huge amount to Bagudu is on the condition that
Oshiomhole: The Travails of a Fading Godfather
W
hy does it look like the once famous Comrade Governor is losing public appeal? Are you referring to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole? Of Course Who told you he is losing public appeal? Which public?
Malami
he (Bagudu) will provide all relevant details and information that will lead to the eventual recovery of the sum. While that may sound expedient at the time, it remains unclear why Bagudu need to be rewarded at all, let alone with such huge amount. Many think he should be held liable and prosecuted for aiding and abetting that degree of financial pillage.in the first place. It is curious enough that it is people with such baggage that are in position of authority in Nigeria, yet it is even weird to imagine that they will yet be looking to rape the treasury further while we all stand aside and look. Never! However, it is relieving that the presidency has explained that the said amount ($100 million) will not
be given to Bagudu, despite the agreement reached earlier; insisting that the recovered sum will be used for the 2nd Niger Bridge, Lagos –Ibadan road and the Abuja Kaduna road. I suspect that but for the alarm raised by the USIS, the deal between Malami and his Kebbi brother, Gov Bagudu, would have sailed through. And Nigerians would not have known what transpired. It is not out of place to presume that the huge sums so far recovered from the Abacha loots plus all the ones the EFCC has recovered, remain befuddled in similar cloudy circumstances. It makes epic mockery of the fight against corruption being championed by the Buhari administration.
Amnesty for Boko Haram?
I
t is difficult to understand the motivation for the Bill seeking some kind of amnesty for the Boko Haram insurgents. The proponents of the Bill are likely to site the amnesty granted the Niger Delta agitators by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration. But the truth is that the two scenartios are not the same. While the Niger Delta agitators were demanding better ;life for the producersof the oil resources in Nigeria, the Boko Haram insurgents are crusading for the stoppage of western education. While the one is a legitimate demand, the other is rather weird and retrogressive. Again, while the Niger Delta fellows were targeting oil facilities and equipment (with human casualties as mere collateral victims) the Boko Haram is completely indiscriminate in its annihilating agenda of men and materials. Thus, while the Niger Delta agitators were Ideology-driven, the Boko Haram bandits are more or less like blood-thirsty demons, where no one is spared, be they soldiers, women or children or even innocent school children. Apart from the Nigerian civil war, no other security challenge has tasked Nigeria’s economy (human and material resources) as much as the effort to combat the Boko Haram insurgents. The consequences of the war are so far telling and portend even greater danger for the future of the country, what with the army of orphans and widows and a clan of beleaguered
Canticles….
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan
persons all over the northern part of the country. Again, apart from the Nigerian civil war, no other security challenge has engaged the Nigeria security apparatchik as much as the Boko Haram menace. So many soldiers have been lost to the war. It is clearly an insurrection against the Nigerian state. It is even worse by the fact that they are being aided and supported by foreign bodies like ISWAP, ISIS etc. How can we arrest such deadly, disloyal persons and release them, just like that? Does that not simply explain why the rank and file of the Boko Haram fighters does not seem to ever deplete despite the many raids and killings by the Nigerian soldiers? Surely, the soldiers have been battling to over-run the insurgents. While many are killed , many others are arrested. But surprisingly, those arrested are not only detained in prison custody,
they are soon sent to rehabilitation camps where they claim they are to be de-radicalised. The so-called period of de-radicalisation which is about three or so months eventually leads to the release of the captured insurgents back to the society, in what they describe as social reintegration. It is so dreary that in some of the communities, the deradicalised insurgents are rejected by those who know them and their dangerous past. Indeed, many of the so-called de-radicalised persons go back to rejoin the insurgents and fight with even fiercer gut. I therefore do not see the wisdom in trying to strengthen our enemies in the name of being large hearted. There is no reliable statistics to show or prove that indeed, those de-radicalised do turn a new leaf and are helpful either to their immediate communities or even in the help to overcome terrorism. International agencies like Amnesty International has been putting undue and ungodly pressure on the Nigerian army not to kill arrested fighters. But what does AI say when the Boko Haram rebels kill soldiers and innocent unarmed citizens? Amnesry International will then go silent. That double measure is unacceptable. Killers must be killed! If the Boko Haram fighters willfully surrender their weapons and denounce the killer squad, then they could be rehabilitated and placed under careful surveillance, but not those caught in the war front, struggling to kill our people. Why are we eager to save those who want to kill us?
Need you ask? Have you not been following how his popularity rating is on a steep drop? Even his party men and women want him out. The other day, they all organized a big protest demanding his resignation from the headship of the party. His battle with his rebellious(?) god-son, Governor Godwin Obaseki is still raging and even worsening. His war with the man he succeeded, John Odigie-Oyegun is on one corner. The one he succeeded and the onešwho succeeded him are up sin arms against him. Is it not clear something is wrong with the comrade? The Progressive Governors’ Forum are battling him, wanting to throw him out of the party. Some ministers are plotting his ouster, even youths in his native Edo State do not want to see or smell him anywhere in the state. What kind of… (cuts in) Enough of those skewed examples. Do you need to be told that it is all politics? Many f these hatred are sponsored and engineered by those who think Oshiomhole is too frank and straightforward. He is not the typical Nigerian politicians who double-speaks. He makes his point known at all times. Look, it is not a question of being outspoken and straightforward. It is a matter of poor leadership style. He is accused of being greedy, arrogant and intolerant of dissenting views. He suffers a superiority complex, thinking he is right all the time. He is impatient with people. It is a great defect , and it exposes him to too many clashes. These allegations are from those who hate his guts. Don’t forget this is the same Comrade Governor that was so very popular among Nigerians when he sefved as NLC Cjairman,. He was on the side of the people all the time. The people loived him and he loved the people. It was on the basis of such affinity that he won the Edo governorship twice. And he had a successful time as Edo State governor. So… (cuts in) So, what? He succeeded as Edo governor because nobody interfered with his government. But he does not want to grant the sitting governor a breathing space. If possible he would want to the governor take permission and approval from him before he (Obaseki) can even breathe. What kind of micromanagement is that? His fisty grip in the organs of government in Edo State is the root cause of all the troubles. He wants to be the awesome godfather that holds all the aces, not some of the aces . It is not true. As a comrade, one schooled in the deep and delicate art of negotiation for power, Oshiomhole understands the concept of power and politics. He deals fairly and justly with all stakeholders. And you mustn’t lose sight of what amounts to undue insuxx bordination from the sitting governor
Oshiomhole
of Edo State. Have you forgotten how the comrade took Obaseki round Edo State and practically installed him as governor? How can such a one suddenly become so powerful as not to recognize the source from where his power came? Or do you need to be told that the spate of attacks Oshiomhole has suffered in Edo State are orchestrated, planned and executed by Governor Obaseki? What degree of disloyalty is that? Now Oshiomhole has been sufficiently harassed in Edo State such that he would now be scared and reluctant to come to his own state. What kind of politics is that? But you know the comrade has been accused of not only planning to cause chaos and mayhem in Edo State, but also clearly undermining the powers of the sitting governor. He ignores the state governor, who is the chief security officer of the state. Was that how he was treated when he served as the governor of the state? How can he suddenly come to the state without pre-informing the state governor. Didn’t even former President Goodluck Jonathan do just that recently when the latter visited the state to see Chief Igbinedion? So you are saying for failing to inform the sitting governor of his visit to the state, he has to be attacked by youths mobilized by Gov Obaseki? I did not say so. There is no evidence that Obaseki was behind the recent attack on Oshiomhole at the Benin airport. But more than that, all the people clamouring for the sack of Comrade Oshiomhole, are they all also being mobilized by Obaseki? Can’t you see all the widening cracks in the party at various fronts? Can’t you see how the APC is shrinking in size and capacity? If you deny all these, tell me: how many states has the APC lost under the chairmanship of Oshiomhole? Is that the evidence of good leadership? Look, all I can tell you is that the days of Oshiomhole as National Chairman of APC are very numbered. As a soft landing, he may be thrown to some country as either an ambassador or High Commissioner. Ahhhh, that would be doing violence to his career. Adams Oshiomhole is not a diplomat. He does not have the attributes and tendencies of an ambassador. Let nobody take to where he will more than struggle to stay afloat. So, tell him to reset his ways and his methods. He is dealing with the larger public, not trade unionists. Nigeria is a deep and complex entity. You go and tell him yourself, I will give you his address.
40
T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍśËœ 2020
BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE
Experts Advocate Increased Real Sector Investment Goddy Egene Financial and economic experts have stressed the need for increased real sector investment to stimulate economic growth. The experts spoke at the BusinessDay 2020 Nigeria Economic Outlook Conference held in Lagos recently. Speaking at a panel discussion, the Managing Director, Old Mutual Life Assurance, Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, said Nigeria should not lose sight of the huge potential inherent in its human capital. He said there should be more investment in real sector to leverage population growth for
economic development. “Nigeria’s huge population of about 2001 million people is rather a blessing. We have an active population that is attractive to investors. People between the ages of 15-64 years makes up 50 per cent of our population,� Omoshein said. “With the right policies, Nigeria can fully optimise the power inherent in its huge population. We need to focus more on youth entrepreneurship and support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)�, Omosehin noted. As an intervention, Omosehin explained that the insurance sector has the potential of enhancing a
viable environment for engagement for the businesses by undertaking capital investments, while also implementing medium and long term insurance policies, which could support the SMEs. “The insurance sector is capable of accelerating economic growth in Nigeria. According to him, insurance sector needs the right policies to become the backbone of the economy. “With the right policies in place, insurance can encourage long-term savings and mobilise funds to finance critical infrastructure deficit in the areas of transportation, power and housing to accelerate economic growth�, he explained
SMEDAN Launches Registration Scheme to Boost Funding to MSMEs James Emejo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has introduced a nationwide Medium Mass Registration Program (MMRP) to provide tailored and critical hand-holding services to the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the informal sector. The Director General of SMEDAN, Dr. Umar Dikko Radda, said at the end of the exercise, MSMEs registered on SMEDAN official web portal would gain access to funding support, empowerment, training and other facilities provided by federal government agencies as
well as other lending and support institutions at the federal, state and local government levels. He said the exercise also would facilitate the sourcing, developing, warehousing and management of a comprehensive and verifiable database of MSMEs with a view to providing wholesome solution to a formalised subsector of the economy. He said the move was to also ensure that their growth, sustainability and diversification going forward adding that the programme is expected to facilitate the development of a comprehensive database for MSMEs in the country. Radda, also said successfully registered MSMEs would be issued a Digital MSME Certificate,
as well as a SMEDAN Unique Identification Number (SUIN). The on-going exercise aims to integrate over 40 million MSMEs across the country. The information provided would be accessible to donor agencies and multilateral organisations that wish to provide developmental support for MSMEs. He said registered MSMEs would gain subsidised access to specialised advisory and Business Development Support (BDS) services and would be exposed to free mentorship services, participate automatically in government procurement processes, enjoy tax holidays among other incentives.
IFC, Union Bank to Support SMEs, Women-led Businesses The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, yesterday, announced a $25 million local-currency investment in a risk-sharing facility to expand Union Bank of Nigeria’s lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The facility, which would cover as much as 50 per cent of the risk of the bank’s loans to entrepreneurs, aims to help
Nigerian businesses grow and create jobs. According to a statement, with IFC’s support, the bank plan to offer more products and services to women-owned businesses, especially in Nigeria’s conflictaffected Northern and Delta regions, where entrepreneurs face particularly difficult challenges accessing finance, and more than half the population is excluded from the financial system. Speaking about the partner-
ship, the Chief Executive of Union Bank, Emeka Emuwa, said: “Union Bank continues to develop sustainable products and services that promote enterprise and address poverty and financial inclusion. This is in line with our commitment to support the communities within which we operate. The IFC facility is a welcome development which will further deepen our efforts to support Nigerian SMEs and women.�
L-R: CEO, Software Group, Mr. Tunde Oladele; Group Head, Corporate Transformation, FirstBank, Mr. Olayinka Situ; CEO, FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, and Co-Founder/CEO, F27, Filip Genov, at the Annual FinTech and InsureTech summit held at Bulgaria‌recently
MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Money Supply (M3)
35,029,779.72
-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors
7,374,356.91
Money Supply (M2)
27,655,422.82
-- Quasi Money
116,533,891.21
-- Narrow Money (M1)
11,121,531.60
---- Currency Outside Banks
1,625,047.69
---- Demand Deposits
9,496,483.91
Net Foreign Assets (NFA)
13,911,335.83
Net Domestic Assets(NDA)
21,118,443.89
-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)
35,918,179.45
---- Credit to Government (Net)
10,452,199.38
---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA
11,007,422.79
---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)
25,465,980.07
---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)
-14,799,735.56
--Other Assets Net
7,000,253.07
Reserve Money (Base Money
2,005,600.83
--Currency in Circulation
4,677,530.81
--Banks Reserves
317,121.43
Seriki Adinoyi Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Jos Electricity Distribution Company has explained the proposed hike in electricity tariff to its customers. Head, Corporate Planning and Strategy of Jos Electricity Distribution, Mr. Oluwashola Ajala, at a stakeholder section with consumers in Jos, said the average tariff in Plateau state could be increased from N29.81 to N32.94 for single face tariff,
Inter-Bank Call Rate
March 2018 15.16
Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR)
adding that the reason for the proposed increase was to encourage investment in the business. Ajala, said the government which has been subsidising the tariff was planning to channel the subsidy into other critical sectors of the economy like road transport, education and healthcare that are equally important. While lamenting that government had provided N700 billion between 2017 and 2018, and an additional N600 billion between January
2019 and March 2020 without any meaningful output, Ajala alleged that the funds did not get to Discos. He added that the assets that were purchased by DISCO in 2013 were now dilapidated and information that was available as takeover was not validated. So the core investors came and met that the network was in a sorry state and had to manage the archaic network and dilapidated facilities, he added.
Ecobank to Appeal Tribunal Judgment on Tax Liability Ecobank Nigeria yesterday disclosed that it has resolve to send an appeal to the Federal High Court, on the judgement of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), sitting in Lagos, in respect of a disputed tax liability between the bank and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for the 2015 financial year.
Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹
Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month
Jos Disco Explains Proposed Tariff Hike
(MILLION NAIRA)
SEPTEMBER 2019
The bank explained in a statement, that the decision of the TAT was, “for it to pay excess dividend tax on the dividend sum of N5,545,000,000 declared by the Bank from its 2015 financial accounts.� “Based on the decision of the TAT, the excess dividend tax liability is N1,311,673,367 and not N1.6 billion,� it stated. “The bank will be appealing
to the Federal High Court against the decision of the TAT as it believes, based on advice from its professional consultants, that the dividend declared relates to income from sources which are statutorily exempt from tax by virtue of the Companies Income Tax ( Exemption of Bonds and Short Term Government Securities) Order, 2011.
Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)
14.00
Treasury Bill Rate
11.84
Savings Deposit Rate
4.07
1 Month Deposit Rate
8.82
3 Months Deposit Rate
9.72
6 Months Deposit Rate
10.93
12 Months Deposit Rate
10.21
Prime Lending rate
17.35
Maximum Lending Rate
31.55
Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ
OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY , 26 FEBRUARY 2020
The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $54.01 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $55.88 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
41
T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͶ˜ ͰͮͰͮ
MARKET NEWS
Stock Market Slips into Negative Territory as Bears Consolidate Hold Goddy Egene The Nigerian equities market continued with the bearish trend following weak investors’ sentiment and negative reaction to unimpressive corporate earnings. As a result, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index fell by 0.62 per cent to close at 26,808.24, pushing the year-todate(YTD) performance into negative territory. Specifically, the NSE ASI has recorded YTD
decline of 0.13 per cent. However, activity level rose as volume and value traded increased by 1.4 per cent and 63.7 per cent to 231.5 million shares and N4.5 billion respectively. The most active stocks by volume were Zenith Bank Plc (45.6 million shares), Nigerian Breweries Plc (39.5 million shares) and Guaranty Trust Bank ( 35.6 million shares) while Nigerian Breweries Plc (N1.8 billion), Zenith Bank
P R I C E S MAIN BOARD
F O R DEALS
N868.1 million led by value. Sectoral performance showed that three indicators declined led by the NSE Banking Index with 1.4 per cent. It was trailed by the NSE Consumer Goods Index that shed 0.9 per cent, while NSE Oil & Gas Index went down by 0.6 per cent. On the positive side, the NSE Insurance Index appreciated by 0.9 per cent. In terms of price movement, 19 stocks dipped while 13 stocks appreciated. Flour
S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE
QUANTITY TRADED
VALUE TRADED ( N )
Mills of Nigeria Plc led the price losers with 8.7 per cent, trailed by Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc with 6.9 per cent. NPF Microfinance Bank Plc went down by 6.25 per cent just as Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc shed 6.23 per cent. Oando Plc lost 5.6 per cent. Market operators said investors’ sentiments have remained weak since the release of full year results of some leading companies that
T R A D E D MAIN BOARD
A S
showed lower bottom-lines. According to them, the lower profitability of those bellwethers is making many investors become apprehensive of a not-too-impressive earning season. For instance, Nigerian Breweries Plc recently recorded a revenue of N323 billion, showing a marginal decline compared to N324.4 billion in 2018. Cost of sales fell from N197.5 billion to N191.8 billion, while operating expenses
O F
rose from N90.8 billion to N97.1 billion in 2019. Net financing cost grew by 57.4 per cent from N7.5 billion to N11.9 billion. Profit before tax fell by 20.6 per cent to N23.4 billion, compared with N29.4 billion in 2018. A reduction in tax rate made the profit after tax to decline slower by 17.1 per cent from N19.4 billion to N16.4 billion. However, the board recommended a final dividend of N1.51 kobo per share for the shareholders.
2 4 / 0 2 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS
MARKET PRICE
QUANTITY TRADED
VALUE TRADED ( N)
42
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY
MARKET NEWS
Dangote Cement Plc Strengthens Export Terminals Goddy Egene
disclosed this while commenting According to the company, on its future plans following the preparing to export its products Dangote Cement Plc will soon release of its 2019 financial results. by sea in large volume affords it Dangote Cement Plc commended the flexibility to export cement and boost its export sales as it prepares to inaugurate its Apapa, Lagos, the decision of the federal clinker. The company has spent export terminal. This will be government to close land borders, over $95 million to get the export followed by Onne, Rivers State, saying it is good for the economic terminals ready for operations. Speaking on the result, outgoing export terminal. The company growth and should be supported. A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 26shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Feb-2020, unless otherwise stated.
Group Chief Executive Officer, and revenue performance in a Dangote Cement, Joe Makoju, challenging environment. Looking said: “Dangote Cement maintained ahead, I expect an increase in strong financial performance despite volumes in 2020 as we commence a low growth environment, pricing clinker exports via shipping from pressure and increasing competition Nigeria. Pan-Africa volumes were in key markets. The Nigerian slightly up notably supported by operations maintained volume Tanzania and Senegal. I am glad 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.
to report that Tanzania contributed positively at earning before tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA level. In 2020, I believe Dangote Cement will see an increase in profitability in Pan-Africa driven by higher volumes and further efficiency improvements.
DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.89 0.90 6.35% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 34.10% 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 6.57% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.46 2.52 0.06% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 6.39% Anchoria Equity Fund 100.75 101.08 -1.17% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.21 1.21 5.78% 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 15.19 15.65 -0.85% ARM Discovery Fund 345.91 356.34 0.13% ARM Ethical Fund 30.05 30.96 3.33% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.66% 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 98.86 99.55 2.89% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.60% 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 0.08 0.06 7.86% Paramount Equity Fund 11.98 12.19 -4.32% Women's Investment Fund 110.30 111.10 -0.18% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.92% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 103.18 103.75 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 112.34 113.03 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.44% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.94 0.94 0.81% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.41 1.41 6.21% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 6.16% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 5.24% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,209.65 1,211.19 4.07% 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 1,351.27 1,352.45 4.66% FBN Balanced Fund 147.71 148.83 0.61% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.47% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 120.11 120.43 0.73% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 120.86 121.18 0.86% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 124.65 126.23 -4.21% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.44% Legacy Debt Fund 3.70 3.70 1.14% Legacy Equity Fund 1.11 1.13 -1.68% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.09 1.09 0.67% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,061.84 3,095.64 2.64% Coral Income Fund 3,129.43 3,129.43 14.16% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 7.12% 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 5.65% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 118.01 118.60 9.47%
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.39% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.21 2.24 2.56% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 10.62% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 140.49 140.99 12.57% 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 1.19 1.21 1.82% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,118.00 1,118.00 1.79% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 9.43 9.52 -3.80% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 4.25% 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 1.16 1.19 -3.11% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.40 12.51 9.90% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.44% PACAM Equity Fund 1.12 1.13 PACAM EuroBond Fund 103.64 105.51 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 135.07 137.87 8.26% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 1.52% 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 2,521.35 2,532.80 4.49% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 1.04% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 2.81% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 1.48% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 2.62% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.74% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 1.78% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 0.94% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.18 118.18 0.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.20 1.22 -0.22% United Capital Bond Fund 1.76 1.76 1.54% United Capital Equity Fund 0.70 0.71 -1.34% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.56% United Capital Eurobond Fund 112.95 112.95 0.97% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.09 1.10 0.32% 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 10.23 10.39 -0.27% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.61 11.75 0.03% Zenith Income Fund 23.07 23.07 3.78% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.00%
REITS NAV Per Share
Yield / T-Rtn
3.15 120.09 52.41
-67.35% 0.83% 0.69%
Bid Price
Offer Price
Yield / T-Rtn
8.99 93.27 72.03
9.09 95.27 73.38
3.28% 0.87% -2.29%
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
3.40 4.67 12.55 12.05 182.63
3.44 4.75 12.65 12.25 184.63
-4.13% -20.82% 3.40% 15.79% -2.90%
NAV Per Share
Yield / T-Rtn
108.69
17.60%
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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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY
INTERNATIONAL
Trump Considers Travel Bans on Italy, South Korea over Coronavirus US President, Donald Trump, Thursday said he was considering travel restrictions on Italy and South Korea over coronavirus fears, as he sought to reassure Americans worried about the epidemic. But a short while after an upbeat press conference by the US president, health authorities said they had detected the first case of unknown origin in the country, signalling that the virus may be spreading within communities. “I think that there’s a chance that it could get worse, a chance it could get fairly substantially worse, but nothing’s inevitable,” Trump told reporters at the White House. He appointed Vice President Mike Pence to lead the response to the disease. Trump’s message was a step back from a senior health official who a day earlier had urged Americans to be prepared to cancel mass gatherings and said
schools and businesses should look at developing teleworking plans. “It’s not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen,” the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Nancy Messonnier said on Tuesday, citing the global spread of the virus that has now infected 80,000 people and killed more than 2,700, mostly in China. As of Wednesday, there were 60 cases in the United States — 15 detected through the public health system and 45 repatriated from abroad, either from a cruise ship off Japan or from Wuhan, the Chinese city where the first cases were identified. The CDC said the latest case in California “did not have relevant travel history or exposure to another known patient” — meaning it could represent the first instance of “community spread” in the US, though this was not yet confirmed. Community spread means spread
of an illness for which the source of the infection is unknown. Foreign nationals traveling from China within the past two weeks are currently banned from entering the US, and Trump said more countries could be added to the list. “At the right time we may do it, right now it’s not the right time,” he said in response to a reporter’s question about South Korea and Italy. South Korea has almost 1,600 cases, the highest outside China, while Italy has 400. Both countries have reported 12 deaths. “Italy is, you know, a deeper problem, and we’re checking people coming in very, very strongly from those and at some point we may cut that off,” Trump added. On Wednesday night the State Department raised its travel advisory caution level for South Korea to the second-highest, now urging Americans to reconsider traveling there.
Saudi Arabia Halts Pilgrimage Visa over Fears of Coronavirus
Iran’s vice president tests positive for virus
Saudi Arabia on Thursday suspended visas for pilgrims wishing to visit Mecca over fears of Covid-19, the foreign ministry said. This is as the Iranian health ministry announced Thursday, that the Vice President, Massoumeh Ebtekar, has become the latest top official to be infected as the spread of the virus appears to accelerate. The visa suspension is coming some months ahead of the annual hajj pilgrimage. This move came as the Middle East has over 240 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus. Neighbouring countries such as Iran, Kuwait and Bahrain have all reported confirmed cases of the disease. This decision by Saudi Arabia stops foreigners from reaching the holy city of Mecca, the Kaaba, and will also affect travel to Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina. Authorities have also suspended entry to the kingdom to those with tourist visas from nations affected by the new virus. This will affect the holy pilgrimage known as Umrah, which can be performed at any time of the year. The decision showed the Saudi authorities are worried about the outbreak potentially spreading
into the country and are trying to keep out the epidemic as much as possible. Diseases outbreaks have always been a concern surrounding the hajj, as thousands of pilgrims attend from all over the world. With the nature of the new coronavirus, the Saudi authorities might not be able to combat an outbreak of such magnitude. Meanwhile, the Iranian health ministry’s spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour told a news conference that the tally of infections had risen to 245 with 106 more cases confirmed — the highest number for a single day since Iran announced its first infections on February 19. The Islamic republic has the highest death toll from the virus outside China, where COVID-19 first emerged. Among the latest coronavirus sufferers is one of Iran’s seven vice presidents, Massoumeh Ebtekar, who oversees women’s affairs. Ebtekar, a former spokeswoman for students who took 52 Americans hostage at the US embassy in Tehran in 1979, is being treated at home and members of her team have been tested, state news agency IRNA reported. Mojtaba Zolnour, head of parliament’s national security
Guinea Bissau Candidate Swears Himself in as New President Umaro Sissoco Embalo swore himself in as the new president of Guinea-Bissau on Thursday, defying a bitter ongoing row about the outcome of the December 29 elections, an AFP reporter saw. “I swear on my honour to defend the constitution, to respect it and have it respected,” Embalo said before
a crowd at an upscale hotel in the West African state’s capital, Bissau. The ceremony took place despite a continuing legal and political battle over the official results. Defeated candidate Domingos Simoes Pereira has filed a s u i t a t t h e S u p re m e Court.
and foreign affairs committee, also contracted the virus, appearing in a video posted by Fars news agency saying he was in selfquarantine.
CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as AYILARAN AYODEJI OMOWUMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ONI AYODEJI OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEWUCHI GOODNESS IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MADUFOR GOODNESS IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as AKINPELU OLUWASEUN REBECCA, now wish to be known and addressed as MATIMILOJU OLUWASEUN REBECCA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMI OMOLARA MUHAMMED, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMI JEMILATU OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as JAMES ONYEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as JAMES ONYEULOR VICTOR. All former documents remain valid. INEC and general public should take note. This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly written as JACKDAGOGO SOIBIERE in my STANBIC IBTC account instead of DAGOGO-JACK SOIBIERE. Henceforth, l wish to be known and addressed as DAGOGO-JACK SOIBIERE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. 7KLV LV WR FRQ¿UP WKDW WKH EHDUHU RI WKHVH names OKIO CHARLES, OKIO CHARLES TONYE, and OKIO-ALLISON CHARLES TONYE refer to one and the same person. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OKIO-ALLISON CHARLES TONYE. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note
WORLD OF ISLAM
Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com
Your Purpose in Life - 3 Ayoob Khan/IslamiCity (Continued from last week) Having clarified His message to us, our Lord further states (Surah 57:17): Know you (all) that Allah gives life to the earth after its death! Already have We shown the Signs plainly to you that you may understand. Your Purpose in Life If each of us was to ask oneself, “What is the purpose of my life?”, our response would vary from one individual to the other. We generally seek meaning and satisfaction in the routines of life. A doctor may see the healing of the sick as fulfilling his purpose in life. On the other hand, a mason may take pride in his work and feel that his purpose in life lies around mortar and bricks. Others yet, like the terminally ill, may helplessly decide that life just has no purpose at all! Whatever we manage to content ourselves with, can our life’s purpose simply revolve around our short stay on Earth? For those who struggled through many years of dedicated effort and calculated investment in establishing a profession, trade or expertise, death inevitably rips apart their life-long achievements. Having been developed from the fusion of the microscopic sperm with the ovary - then to experience the ups and downs of life, until one’s exhaustive efforts start to reap the desired benefits - the human finds himself bidding farewell to all that he had held on to dearly in the world. Our life’s achievements therefore cannot be the sole purpose of our existence on Earth. Allah clarifies in the holy Quran (Surah 75:36 to 40): Does man think that he will be left uncontrolled (without purpose)? Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in lowly form)? Then did he become a leach-like clot; then did (Allah) make and fashion (him) in due proportion. And of him He made two sexes, male and female. Has not He (the same) power to give life to the dead? Justice demands that there be life after death. When we see someone oppressing masses of helpless people, and he seems to get away with his crimes without being brought before a court of law, it makes no sense that such a person escapes unpunished. Sentencing a multiple killer to death may be fair recompense for one of his victims. However, his singular death cannot be fair punishment for all his other victims. The Quran records Allah’s prediction (Surah 69:25 to 35): And he that will be given his Record in his left hand will say, “Ah! Would that my Record had not been given to me! And that I had never realized how my account (stood). Ah! Would that (death) had made an end of me! Of no profit to me has been my wealth! My power has perished from me!” Man is encouraged to do good with promises of generous rewards. Lacking incentives, we would be like beasts in the wild: living simply for today, trampling upon each other’s rights and wandering in life without purpose. Allah promises (Surah 3:133 & 134): Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord and for a Garden whose width is that (the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous. Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity or in adversity; who restrain anger and pardon (all) men; for Allah loves those who do good. On a lighter note, if we were to question ourselves on what would be the ideal age to live up to, the response will be without hesitation: forever! Despite the fact that our physical body will end sooner or later, we amusingly entertain the wish for living endlessly. Islam explains this desire as the feeling projected from the soul - the spiritual part of man that is destined to live eternally. From the light of the above, our purpose as humans stretches beyond the boundary of the physical body. We must therefore look for clear and reasonable answers to our spiritual needs. Our Creator is our most qualified Guide. His teachings were delivered to mankind by chosen prophets. However, most of these teachings were distorted and corrupted with the passage of time. Our task therefore remains in identifying the original and genuine source of guidance and which is attributed to the Creator Himself. Anything else would be going astray. To employ the guidance of a particular faith, the subject must be scrutinized for consistency of its teachings. For instance, a divine book cannot enjoin moral conduct in one chapter and yet condone evil or immoral behavior in another. The teachings must also provide guidance for man in all aspects of daily life with unfailing remedies. The
code that satisfies these essential criteria will manifest the source of truth - the Maker’s code for our guidance. We can focus on the natural concept of Islam. Its teachings can be put under practical truthseeking tests. When the Quran is the genuine Word of God, does it address our varying needs and concerns i.e. personal, social, other? What does it say about alcoholism, gambling, usury, adultery, racism, oppression, backbiting, jealousy, and other social diseases? What are the guidelines provided for the family regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, love, loyalty, and responsibility? What about the rights of the wife, husband, parents, children, neighbors, orphans, and other constituents of a society - whether the individuals are Muslims or not? When the Creator has instructed man to adhere to His teachings and to follow the practices of His last messenger, does the unique combination of the Quran and the Sunnah provide guidance for all our needs? The holy Quran has been Islam’s invitation to the truth since the time of its revelation, many hundreds of years ago. Many unbelievers had accused it to be the work of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In response to this, Allah defends His Word by challenging man to produce a short piece of text that could resemble the profundity of the Message (providing lasting guidance regardless of location and time) and literary command of the Quran. Every other book has required substantial revision as advancement in time and knowledge highlight its shortcomings. Renowned philosophers could at best provide theories that only served a short period in time and that were soon outlived as circumstances changed. The Quran enjoys a unique advantage. It is the only Word attributed to our Creator that was recorded by the messenger who received its revelation, and which is preserved in its original form. The Quran today stands unaltered and its Message continues to provide guidance for man in the ever-changing needs of modern times. Like an operating manual provided by the manufacturer for the proper use of a device, the guidelines for life is provided by our Maker. The Quran is Allah’s Word, guaranteed divinely against corruption and serving as the direct link between man and Creator. After being given the power of reasoning that helps us to differentiate between right from wrong, and truth from falsehood, our responsibility now rests upon benefiting from the guidance as reasoned in the divine Scripture. Allah says (Surah 76:78): And Allah brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when you knew nothing; and He gave you the faculties of hearing, sight, and understanding: that you may give thanks (to Allah). Everything that we do is accountable to Allah. Islam teaches us that any effort exerted in obedience to the Creator is regarded as an act of worship. Thus, we serve Allah by discharging our responsibilities correctly and in accordance to His teachings. Even the effort of providing for dependents (like parents, wife, and children) and all other common acts of daily life are forms of worship and favored as serving Allah when performed in compliance with His guidelines. In the light of the Quran, Allah guides mankind to serve Him in worship and clarifies to us our purpose in life (Surat 51:55 to 58): But remind, for reminding benefits the Believers. I have only created jinn and men that they may serve Me. No sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me. For Allah is He Who gives (all) sustenance - Lord of Power, Steadfast (forever). When searching for truth in order to understand the purpose of life, one is required to address the Quran without bias and with the intention of seeking guidance. Allah guarantees the light of knowledge to those who seek the truth. The Creator speaks to mankind through the Quran with clear Words of wisdom. These are Words that nurse our troubles and anxieties, with divinely assured peace, and which help us to achieve lasting happiness. When these Words find their natural way to our hearts, our purpose in life will be to follow the teachings of our Creator. We are thus steered to a peaceful life that is not just limited to our worldly abode. Allah reassures us of Paradise (Surah 14:23): But those who believe, and work righteousness will be admitted to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever with the leave of their Lord. Their greeting therein will be: “Peace!” May Allah protect us from straying and guide us to the truth so that we achieve our intended purpose in life.
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY
NEWS XTRA
Caverton Signs Factory Acceptance of Thales Reality H Simulator First helicopter full flight simulator level ‘D’ to be installed in Africa Chinedu Eze Less than one year after the contract signature and before its departure to the Caverton Aviation Training Centre in Nigeria, Caverton and Thales yesterday signed the Factory Acceptance of the AW139 Reality H Full-Flight Simulator in Cergy, France. In a statement issued yesterday, Caverton explained that Thales Reality H Full Flight Simulator level ‘D’, which is one of the world’s most advanced commercial helicopter simulator, would be used to provide superior scenario-based flight and mission training to AW139 helicopter operators across the African continent as well as Caverton’s pilots and crew. With this simulator, the company said it would deliver state-of-the-art training, including initial type rating, recurrent training and proficiency checks for both Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), offshore and onshore missions as well as VIP operations to unprepared landing sites. The statement added that the simulator would enable pilots become certified to fly the AW139 under various civil aviation authority approvals. “It will be one of the most popular helicopter platforms in Nigeria and in the region to be fully immersed in a realistic virtual environment representing Nigerian operational locations and learn to handle a multitude of system failures and overcome very complex malfunctions should they arise in the real world. Pilots can thus train safely in high-risk mission scenarios in a range of adverse weather conditions,” the statement explained. Caverton is a leading indigenous aviation and marine logistics player for the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The company aims to
provide an accessible platform for advanced training and create opportunities for the sector in Africa. This move is a major step forward in company’s strategy to diversify its portfolio of services to include flight simulation training services and thereby support safer helicopter logistics operations.
Speaking on the agreement, the Managing Director of Caverton Helicopters Limited, Mr. Rotimi Makanjuola, described it as an important milestone, not just for Caverton as an indigenous company, but for Nigeria and the African continent. “We pride ourselves in being pioneers in safety innovation and are committed to providing
enhanced training opportunities for our pilots in-country as well as to third party operators across Africa. With this significant investment and with the support from Thales, a globally renowned company, we believe that the simulator will ultimately benefit our customers and increase accessibility to world class flight simulation training services,” he explained.
On his part, the Vice President of Training and Simulation business of Thales, Mr. Peter Hitchcock said his company was “very proud to share a trusted relationship with Caverton and we are committed to help the company improving flight safety across the region thanks to the first helicopter full flight simulator to be installed in Africa.”
Bauchi Gov Reads Riot Act to Bandits, Kidnappers Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has warned that there’s no hiding place for criminals in the state as his administration would ensure a working synergy among the security agencies to make the state safe and secured. Mohammed stated this yesterday at the handing over ceremony of arms and ammunition recovered from criminals by a renowned hunter and fighter of armed robbers and kidnappers, Alhaji Ali Kwara, at the Government House in Bauchi. The governor said the arms were recovered in Burra forest arising from the activities of Kwara in collaboration with the police who confiscated them from bandits who are now at large.
“There are some informants within and outside the town of Bauchi and environs that are helping us to do this. This is also in collaboration between Bauchi State Government, Ali Kawra, the police and other security agencies so that we will be able to have some concrete engagement with a view to identifying all these bandits, armed robbers that have migrated from Zamfara State and other places looking for abode in our forests. “We know there are some in Yankari forest. We know there are some in Lame/Burra forest. We know there are some even along Dass road, based on the intelligence reports we are getting from the State Security Service (SSS) and other security agencies. The criminals should know by now that there is no hiding place for them to stay in Bauchi State,” he said.
NEW SURVEYORS …
L-R: President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; and President of Federation Internationale Geometric (FIG), Professor Rudolf Staiger, during the induction of surveyors in Abuja…yesterday
Ooni Tasks Govts on Citizens’ Welfare Dike Onwuamaeze The Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has charged governments at all levels to pursue favourable economic policies that would raise the standard of living of Nigeria’s citizens. The Ooni, who is also the CoChairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN,) gave this charge during the 2020 edition of the annual celebration of Aje Festival at his Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife on Monday.
Ooni, who is the natural father of the entire Yoruba race worldwide, decried the current economic condition of the country as pathetic, adding that the country’s wealth must be enjoyed by all Nigerians. “As it stands today, Nigeria has a population of few men and women controlling the economy while countless others are languishing in poverty. We cannot continue like this. “For us to progress as a country, we must ensure that our wealth goes round especially to the poor and other vulnerable members of
the society. We cannot keep having strikingly rich few Nigerians and uncountable ones wallowing in abject poverty,” the Ooni decried. He explained that the Aje is the deity for wealth and riches and the annual celebration was to acknowledge its relevance to the people, especially its indispensable nature to us. “Did you see the struggle for it during the procession to and from the Aje temple? That is the spirit of Aje. All of us are not rich because it is not easy to accumulate wealth. “We are not devaluing the
currency by spraying it to our people. We only do it on a special day like this to spread happiness. In the olden days, it was cowries, sometimes ago it was coins, nowadays it is naira notes and we hold it in a very high esteem,” the Ooni noted. The Coordinator of Aje Festival, Ms. Toyin Kolade, expressed happiness for the massive turnout of participants from within and outside Nigeria. Kolade thanked the Ooni for the opportunity to coordinate the festival and pledged her commitment to the development of the Yoruba cultural heritage.
House Investigates Extortions Dangote Restates Support for Border Closure Speaking on the result, Group by Law Enforcement Agents at Africa’s richest man and President across Africa, adding that across Africa is also bearing the of Dangote Group, Alhaji the border closure cannot in desired results as Pan-African Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Lagos Ports Aliko Dangote has reiterated anyway impact negatively on sales volume grew in the year Cement, Joe Makoju, said: Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has commenced investigations into the activities going on at the Apapa Ports in Lagos on alleged unlawful and unwarranted extortions of port users by law enforcement agents. The House directed its Committee on Works and Housing to investigate the matter with a view to finding a lasting solution to the suffering of the truck operators at the port and report back within four weeks for further legislative action. This resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion titled: ‘Urgent Need to Investigate the Unwarranted Extortion of Truck Operators and other Port Users by Law Enforcement Agents at Apapa Ports’, which was moved by Hon. Olusola Steve Fatoba at the plenary yesterday. Fatoba, while presenting his motion, said the House is aware
that the federal government has been making frantic efforts to facilitate ease of doing business at the port, “but that it appears there is a deliberate effort by some people to frustrate the efforts of the government because of their selfish interests.” He noted that the Apapa Ports has been enmeshed in crisis and traffic gridlock over a long time which led to the establishment of a Presidential Task Team to restore law and order on the roads leading to the country’s seaports. The lawmaker explained that the team of law enforcement agents comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) and others are at the port to maintain law and order and control vehicular movement in and out of the port, particularly the movement of trucks going in to load and unload containers at the port.
his full support to the federal government’s border closure policy. Dangote described as erroneous, insinuations that the policy was responsible for the drop in Dangote Cement’s profitability for the year 2019. He argued that the border closure policy is the best for the country’s economy at this point in time. He revealed that Dangote Cement is building its terminals
the company’s performance. Meanwhile; the stock of Dangote cement has remained dominant on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as investors swooped on the stock after the news of a robust dividend as announced by the management of the company. It would be recalled that the company approved that N16 per share be paid to the shareholders despite the drop in profitability. The company’s investment
2019, hitting 9.6Mt from 9.4Mt. Dangote Cement Plant, Mtwara, Tanzania, recorded an increase of 94 per cent increase in volume within the review period. Dangote Cement Plant, Pout, Senegal put up a remarkable performance with sales up more than 100 per cent of rated capacity. The board has proposed a final dividend of N16 per share subject to ratification by the shareholders at the coming annual general meeting (AGM).
“Dangote Cement maintained strong financial performance despite a low growth environment, pricing pressure and increasing competition in key markets. The Nigerian operations maintained volume and revenue performance in a challenging environment. Export sales were affected by the border closure in the second half of 2019. Looking ahead, I expect an increase in volumes in 2020 as we commence clinker exports via shipping from Nigeria”.
FG Declares Nigeria Free of Ozone Depleting Substances Udora Orizu in Abuja The federal government yesterday revealed that it has phased-out the use of ozone depleting substances such as Halons, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) Methyl Bromide and Carbon Tetrachloride in all sectors of the economy.
The Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, disclosed this during the Kigali Cooling Efficiency Programme (KCEP) project stakeholders’ inception workshop on “Improving Energy Efficiency in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Cooling Sector” organised by the Federal
Ministry of Environment in Keffi, Nasarawa State. Abubakar said the government was able to achieve this through the use of the implementation of the Montreal Protocol. According to him, “It is instructive to note that my ministry has been implementing
the Montreal Protocol to phase out the use of ozone depleting substances in all sectors of our economy and over the years have achieved the protocol’s phase-out targets of 2010 for Halons, Chlorofluorocarbons, Methyl Bromite, Carbon Tetrachloride among others.”
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Senate Proposes Stiffer Sanctions for Gas Flaring from 2021 Says Nigeria loses N217bn annually Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday put the country’s annual revenue loss to uncontrolled gas flaring at N217 billion. To stem the tide, the upper chamber is considering the passage of a bill which provides strict penalties for gas flaring offenders from 2021. Leading the debate on the Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Punishment) Bill, 2020, which passed the second reading during plenary, the sponsor, Senator Albert Akpan (Akwa-Ibom North East), stated that available data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) showed that in 2018 alone, Nigeria lost over N217 billion in revenue. He added that oil and gas companies flared a total of 244.84
billion standard cubic feet (scf) of natural gas within the same period. According to him, with the average price of natural gas put at $2.90 per 1,000 scf as of February 16, 2017, the 244.84 billion scf flared translated to a loss of $710million or N217 billion-using the official exchange rate of N305.25 per dollar. Akpan recalled that although the bill was passed by the eighth Senate in 2018, it failed to receive concurrence by the House of Representatives due to time constraints as it was closed to the end of the legislative session. According to him, the bill introduced by the ninth Assembly, which promises guaranteed rapid infrastructural development of the oil and gas sector, will enhance revenue accruable to the government and ensure clean environmental
improvement for the people of the Niger Delta. “The flaring of natural gas produce in association with crude
oil is one of the most dangerous environmental and energy waste practices in the Nigerian petroleum industry.
“Gas flaring affects the environment and human health; results in economic loss, deprives the government of associated tax
revenues and trade opportunities, and deprives consumers of a clean and cheaper energy source and environment.
House Warns NEPZA, Others GRASSROOTS MOBILISATION… Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu; Senator representing Enugu West senatorial district, against Abuse of Extant Free L-R: Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Enugu State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani; and Senator representing Enugu North senatorial district, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, during the grand finale of Trade Zone Regulations the PDP campaign ahead of Enugu LG elections held in Udenu LGA… yesterday Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The House of Representatives has warned the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Free Trade Zone (NFZ), Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) against the abuse of extant regulations on the implementation of the Free Trade Zone across the country. The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso, gave the warning yesterday during an during an investigative hearing into a petition by a former Managing Director of NAHCO, Mr. Baba Yusuf on the alleged breach of extant regulatory laws and regulations by NAHCO Free Trade Zone. The chairman said that what the
petitioner has done is to call for the improvement in the operations and for the government to block all the loopholes, especially where there are alleged illegal business going on, in an areas where there are security lapses. He said: “I want to tell all the operators that this committee has a right even for the sacking of any MD, sacking of any worker who is found guilty of any breaches, but it is not our intention to do that when we have some of us who are willing to work for Nigeria.” Alagbaoso therefore called on all the parties joined in the petition to address the issues, just as he warned that various sanctions including fine and imprisonment term stipulated in the Act might be recommended if they fail to address all the contentious issues raised.
Court Remands Eight for Assaulting PDP Leaders in Osun Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo A Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State yesterday remanded eight members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ilesa Correctional Centre for attempt killing. The defendants are: Olaniyan Jelili (53), Awotunde Nureni (35), Nurudeen Taoheed (30), Tiamiyu Olamide (38), Zaccheus Awosogbon (41), Onikola Adekunle (46), Rasaki Lawal (44) and Adebisi Aditu (45). They were alleged to have attempted to kill PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Diran Odeyemi, and a chieftain of the party, Akin Adeyi. According to the charge sheet, the defendants “on the 10th day of February, 2020 at about 4.00 p.m at the PDP Secretariat in Osogbo, did conspire to commit felony to wit attempted murder, assault occasioning harm, assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace and thereby committed an offence.”
The charge sheet said the defendants “did unlawfully attempt to kill one Diran Odeyemi by hitting him with sticks on his head which made him unconscious for hours.” The charges added that the defendants “did unlawfully assault one Akin Adeyi by hitting him with fist blows and slaps and thereby committed an offence.” The charge sheet noted that the alleged offences were contrary to and punishable under sections 516, 320(1), 355,351 and 249(d) of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol 11, Law of Osun State, 2002. They pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge bothering on conspiracy, attempted killing and assault preferred against them by the police. Their counsels, Sina Adeniran and Nurudeen Kareem, urged the court to grant their clients bail, saying they are still presumed to be innocent.
EFCC Arrests Three for Duping Olubadan’s Second-in-Command Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three persons, Babatunde Ologunja, Olusola Olaoye Babatunde and Olufemi Lawal, for allegedly duping Otun-Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun.
The suspects and others still at large were accused of conspiring to dispossess the revered Ibadan High Chief of a huge sum of money running to about N300 million. Balogun, who is next to Olubadan in Olubadan-inCouncil hierarchy, was a Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial district under the
platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) between 1999 and 2003. THISDAY learnt that his younger brother, Senator Kola Balogun, a serving member of the National Assembly, representing Oyo South, wrote an emotional petition to the EFCC as “a concerned member of the Aliwo family,” seeking
the commission’s intervention in smashing the syndicate and ensuring that members are made to pay for their alleged crime. It was gathered that the younger Balogun feared that the High Chief may have been charmed by the suspected fraudsters as he was still unable to come to terms with the reality of his situation.
FG ORDERS FORENSIC AUDIT OF DISCOS TO DETERMINE LEVEL OF INVESTMENTS “You all know that the issue of privatisation is still questionable but nonetheless, the federal government and governors feel we should not lament. What we should do is look for solution because if government laments, the populace will definitely lose hope. So, they need the additional two months so that when they are reporting to council, it will be holistic so that one council decision will deal with the issue of the Discos,” he added. Also speaking on the matter, Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi, said the government was not happy with the performance of the Discos and had opted to undertake the forensic audit of their accounts to truly ascertain the volume of investments they have made. He said the federal government suspected that the Discos had made no reasonable investments in the power sector, adding that when the mysteries are eventually unravelled, the Discos would be taken up from there. “Of course, nobody is happy with the Discos’ performance...I think the federal government is trying to take the bull by the horn by trying to find out what investments these Discos made towards this privatisation. The first suspicion is that they have made no substantial investment and we will take it when we get all the solutions,” he said. Umahi also spoke on the perceived depletion of the Excess
Crude Account (ECA), dismissing reports that governors had been unhappy with the federal government for allegedly depleting the account from $32.5 billion to $71 million. He said no money was missing from the account and governors were aware of the movement of some money from ECA to the National Sovereign Investment Authority for reinvestment. Umahi while responding to questions on the whereabouts of $325 million from the ECA, said $250 million was moved to NSIA while the balance of $4 million was used to pay for consultancy services. He said: “On the question of ECA $325 million depleted to $71 million and what happens to the $254 million, I will combine with the question with the one that governors were protesting the depletion and that they were not consulted. “First, it is not true. $250 million was an agreed investment by governors and federal government in National Sovereign Investment Authority and they are doing very well. They are handling our infrastructure so nicely that it was further agreed that we should reinvest into it. When these investments are made, the federal, state and local governments all get their investment certificates. So, we are together in this. “You also asked where is the other $4 million? It was used in paying for consultancy services
that would have caused the fund about $500 million. It was renegotiated to $4 million because some people went to court over certain transactions in NNPC and so, the federal government had to engage consultants to handle that. “We would have paid the consultant five per cent of the cost that they were seeking and it would have translated into $500 million. So, if you add $250 million plus $4 million, you will get $254 million and if you add $71 million, you get $325 million. We are back to where we were. So, no money is missing.” Umahi also rejected the idea of regional security, saying as the Chairman of South-east Governors’ Forum, he had told his colleagues that the idea of regional security was unacceptable because it is unconstitutional. “When people continue to mention regional security, as Chairman, South-east Governors’ Forum, I said there will be nothing like regional security but there can be something like regional cooperation, state cooperation because security is state-based. “I watched the Lagos State governor say Amotekun law is state-based because when you talk of regional security, you are talking of something higher than state police. You are looking at one central command, one law, one office and one command and there can’t be anything like that with the present constitution and every governor swore to uphold
the tenets of the constitution,” he said. Umahi also said the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, reported to the council the balances in the special accounts maintained by the federation. “On Excess Crude Account, as at February 24, 2020, the balance is $71, 813941.84. On Stabilisation Account, as at February 24, the balance is N34,186,655,761.82. Development of Natural Resource Account, as at the same date, stands at N101,889,686,452.53,” he said. He also said the minister gave an update on the refund of budget loan facility, adding that N152 million is being deducted every month from the account of each state that took the loan and deductions from January and February had been made from statutory allocations to the states. The governor said the council also deliberated on the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), reviewing the preliminary analysis of survey results, which he said included data capturing analysis, such as the analysis of enumerated data of five gazetted grazing reserves in Adamawa State. According to him, two gazetted reserves’ data were obtained in Plateau and Nasarawa States, adding that data is currently being collected and analysed.
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NRC’s Failure to Fix Railways Stalls North-South Cattle Transport James Emejo in Abuja Indications emerged yesterday that the much-celebrated scheme to move cattle and grains from the northern part of the country to markets, industrial zones and ports in the south has been suspended. In January 2016, the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture (NIRSAL) formally launched the commencement of its National Farm to Market Scheme to enable a low cost and efficient transport link between agricultural producers and consumers across the country, particularly the North to South movement of cattle by rail. The epoch-making event witnessed the movement of the first 15 wagons of 500 cattle which left Gusau, Zamfara State to Lagos. The historic journey lasted for about two days with the final stop at Oko-Oba. The initiative was in collaboration with the Nigeria
Railway Corporation (NRC) and Connect Rail Services. A similar initiative followed in February 2017, when NIRSAL also in partnership with NRC inaugurated the first stage of the initiative, whereby a consignment of 800 tonnes of soybeans left Funtua, Katsina State for Apapa port, Lagos for exports. The scheme was in line with the objective of the federal government on making agriculture a key anchor of economic diversification and aimed to drastically reduce the cost of transportation of grains, enhance the income of smallholder farmers, boost exports and preserve scarce foreign exchange in line with the agricultural promotion policy of the Buhari’s administration. However, barely four years after its take-off, the collaboration had allegedly fallen apart largely due to the failure of NRC to keep to its part of the agreement by ensuring that the rails
Alleged Car Theft: Musician, Iyanya Gets N20m Bail An Igbosere High Court in Lagos yesterday granted N20million bail to a Musician Iyanya Mbuk, popularly known as Iyanya, over alleged car theft. Justice Mobolanle OkikioluIghile ordered Iyanya to produce a surety in the like sum, who should also have landed property in Lagos with a Certificate of Occupancy. The judge warned him to perfect the conditions within seven days, “otherwise the bail shall be revoked”. The judge also insisted that he has a case to answer. The judge said: “I have perused the affidavit and the counteraffidavit of the parties; there is a prima facie case of criminal conversion against him. “However, there is nothing to show that the defendant will interfere with the proceedings of this case and nothing to show that
he will jump bail if granted bail. “Bail is therefore granted to the defendant in the sum of N20 million with one surety in the like sum”. The judge adjourned till May 27 and 28 for trial. The police filed the one-count charge marked LD/9024c/2019, against the singer on March 15, 2019. Iyanya failed to appear in court for arraignment, despite allegedly being served with the charge and hearing notice, following which the arraignment was adjourned six times. Justice Okikiolu-Ighile threatened to invoke the power of the court to ensure Iyanya’s attendance to take his plea. The ‘Kukere’ crooner appeared before the judge on February 4, 2020, following which the charge was read to him.
Coronavirus: Nigerians Urged to Suspend Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged intending pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or to visit the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah to suspend the arrangement until further notice. The move followed the cancellation of the lesser Hajj visits by Saudi Arabia for all foreign pilgrims in response to the spread of Covid- 19 or Coronavirus, which has been reported in many countries. NAHCON announced the decision last night in a statement by its Head, Public Affairs, Mrs. Fatima Sanda Usara. It also described as courageous the decision by Saudi Arabia to ban pilgrims from participating in all forms of lesser Hajj, or Umrah, until further notice as a way of curtailing the spread of the Covid -19 also known as Coronavirus.
NAHCON affirmed its commitment and cooperation with Saudi Arabia, saying the decision was in the interest of Muslim world and humanity in general. It added that the measure was taken in accordance with approved international standards towards curtailing spread of the disease. “This has become necessary following the temporary suspension of Umrah by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19 (new coronavirus infection) that has spread to about 48 countries globally with a record of over 82,164 confirmed cases as at 27th February 2020. “The COVID-19 has recorded many fatalities that has forced some countries with confirmed cases to close down schools and other social gatherings,” the statement said.
were in good condition to ease transportation. Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja yesterday, the Managing Director of NIRSAL, Mr. Aliyu
Abdulhameed said there were damaged rail lines especially between Jebba and Mokwa, which had made it difficult for the north south project to progress. He said:”You see when it is a
pure play NIRSAL without third parties we tend to execute our job. It’s out of the livestock project we have had but when you have too many cooks, they say it spoils the broth.
“Here we are partnering another company that is organising the transportation system, guess what, the biggest elephant in the room- the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
TACKLING TUBERCULOSIS…
L-R: Head, Strategy, World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Programme, Ms Diana Weil; and the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, during a courtesy visit by the United Nations Inter-Agency Task-force on the Prevention and Control of NonCommunicable Diseases and Tuberculosis, in Ikeja... yesterday
FG: BOKO HARAM ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS AIMED AT DIVIDING NIGERIA “The continued foiling by the military of many attacks by Boko Haram; the continued decimation of the insurgents across the North-east; the inability of the insurgents to hold any territory or carry out the kind of spectacular attacks they used to carry out in the past,” the minister explained. Military Determined to Secure Nigeria, Says Buratai Also yesterday, Buratai said the military was determined to secure the country from the terrorists. He reassured the country of the military’s unflinching resolve to pursue its constitutional mandate of maintaining the territorial integrity of Nigeria. A war update issued by the Media Coordinator, Nigeria Army Operations, Col. Aminu IIyasu, said Buratai affirmed the determination of the military to continue to execute its constitutional mandate. “The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, wishes to reassure the general public of the unflinching resolve of the Nigerian Army to continue to execute our constitutional mandate
professionally and responsively for a better and secure Nigeria. “He also thanks all wellmeaning Nigerians for their continued support, goodwill and understanding towards the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army,” it said. Meanwhile, troops of 5 Brigade Mobile Strike Team in conjunction with the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion II and the 145 Battalion (Main) have rescued 143 Boko Haram captives while conducting clearance operations in Guzamala LGA of Borno State. The army listed the rescued victims to comprise 36 adult males, 36 adult females and 54 children. It added that troops of 707 Special Forces Brigade also rescued 17 Boko Haram captives comprising six adult males, six adult females and five children. Besides, eight members of Boko Haram and 14 members of their families of February 21 surrendered to troops of 152 Task Force Battalion, Bama. IIiyasu said the insurgents expressed regrets over their involvement in the kidnapping and killing of innocent people. “The surrendered Boko Haram terrorists include: Tija Bo Isa,
Ba Amodu Aba Kaka, Modu Zantalami, Malam Zantalami, Bakura Aba Kaka (Boko Haram logistics supplier), Bulama Modu Zantalami, Abukar Izahi and Bana Katum”, he added. 21 Killed as Vigilante Groups Repel Bandits’ Attacks in Katsina However, despite the assurances by the Nigerian Army to end banditry in the North-west, no fewer than 21 persons were yesterday confirmed dead following attack on Gurbi community of Kankara Local Government Area in Katsina State The bandits, according to residents, stormed the community at about 4. 17a.m. but were repelled by vigilante groups. One of the residents, Usman Aliyu, who confirmed the incident to THISDAY, said: “The bandits attacked our village this morning (Thursday) but vigilante members in synergy with some of us killed 17 of them. They killed four of our villagers, including a woman.” Confirming the attack, the spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command, Gambo Isah, a Superintendent of Police, said
the bandits, armed with AK47 rifles, invaded the community and killed four persons and rustled unspecified number of animals. Isah said the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, Sanusi Buba, directed the DPO Kankara Division to deal with the situation, resulting in a fierce gun battle with the bandits. “The team succeeded and killed 17 suspected bandits and recovered 80 cows, 108 sheep and a donkey from the hoodlums, which they earlier carted away from the village and other neighbouring villages. “During the attack, bandits killed one Alhaji Sanusi, of YarBakaje; Akilu Isuhu, of Bawa Gidan Mai Ruwa; Nana Husaini, aged 25years of Unguwar Farin Dutse, Gurbi village and Muntari Sama’ila, aged 30yrs of Gidan Korau village all of Kankara LGA of Katsina state while three other persons sustained injuries. “Some of the bandits managed to escape with gun shots wounds. Operatives are combing the nearby bushes for arrest of the fleeing bandits and recovery of their operational weapons. Investigation is ongoing,” he added.
Airtel Blames High Call Drop Rates on InfrastructureVandalism Emma Okonji Airtel Nigeria has blamed the rising rate of telecoms drop calls on infrastructure vandalism and insurgency across networks, calling on the federal government to urgently deal with the menace of vandalism, insecurity and insurgency in order to address the current spate of dropped calls experienced by most telecommunications subscribers. The telecoms company made the call yesterday in Lagos, while addressing journalists about its
travails in providing telecoms services to Nigerians. The Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah, noted that the declaration of telecoms infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure by the government would go a long way in helping to safeguard telecoms infrastructure as Airtel alone recorded 1,022 cases of fibre cuts between July 2019 and February 11, 2020. According to him, 405 cases of the fibre cuts were as a result of
road rehabilitation activities by construction workers, while 617 cases were due to vandalism. Oparah pleaded government to come to the aid of telecoms operators as these activities have resulted in dropped calls, poor network quality, network congestion and poor user experience for telecommunications subscribers across the country. He also urged the federal and state governments to hasten the approval process for right of way for fibre deployment as well
as quicken the Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) approval process, noting that these actions would help solve the problem of network congestion and network failure. Vice President, Network Operations, Airtel Nigeria, Dr. Adedoyin Adeola, explained that telecoms installations across the country were repeatedly vandalised, stolen, bombed and destroyed, thus creating myriad of problems for the network operators as well as the telecommunication consumers.
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Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY
My Best Footballing Moment was in Nigeria, Says Eto’O Kunle Adewale In spite of having played at several icon stadiums around the world and with several laurels to show for his illustrious football career, Cameroon soccer legend, Samuel Eto’O Fils has revealed that his best moment as a footballer was at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. The former Barcelona of Spain striker revealed this at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja on Wednesday night, where he launched the Castle Africa 5s-a continental amateur competition. “I cannot forget Nigeria, that is where I won my first Africa Cup of Nations and it was a special moment in my football career. Nigeria is a special country to me and it’s time for me to give back,” Eto’O said. The Indomitable Lions
of Cameroon won the 2000 AFCON jointly hosted by Nigeria and Ghana after defeating the Super Eagles via penalty shootouts in the final held at the National Stadium, Surulere. Despite winning two Champions League titles with Barcelona and one with Inter Milan, Eto’O surprisingly insisted that it was at Real Mallorca that he had his fondest memory of club level football. “Playing in the finals of the Copa Del Rey with Mallorca was monumental for me at club level because we were a small club and nobody gave us a chance to go all the way. “I also enjoyed great moments at Barcelona but all we won did not come as a surprise to anybody because they knew what we were capable of doing because of the quality of players in our fold,” he
recalled with fond memory. Despite his sour relationship with Spanish Manager, Pep Guardiola, the four- time African Footballer of the Year Award winner said the Catalan Coach developed his football technically more than anyone else. “As a person I have my reservation about him,
but you cannot fault his technical ability as a coach,” he said. Eto’O also charged African football administrators to wake up from their slumber, saying countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon will be at the same level with Brazil if ‘we can get our acts together’. The Cameroonian indeed
hailed the appointment of former Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo, as an assistant coach of the senior national team, saying he hope he would go far in his coaching career. Eto’O, who arrived in Lagos on Wednesday night and was received by the Trophy Lager team in company with International
Breweries management and members of the sports media. Castle Africa 5s is the continent’s biggest amateur 5-a-side football competition involving grassroots teams from several African countries in which the world’s largest brewer, ABInBev operates.
Osinbajo to Declare Open 12th Police Games Saturday The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, is a special guest of honour expected to declare the 12th edition of the Police Games open tomorrow in Awka, Anambra State. Deputy Commissioner of Police and Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, assured stakeholders that the nation’s Number Two citizen will be in Awka for the opening ceremony of the event in which a total of 31 sports would be competed for. Mba added that there were plans to use this event not only to prepare the police athletes for the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Benin but also to begin the process of bringing out athletes that would take over from great police ambassadors like Chioma Ajunwa, late Sunday Bada and Samuel Peter. “We want to take our rightful place in the sports scene. Our athletes have been in camp in the past two months and so we expect the very best at the games,”
Mba noted. A total of 12 zones will be competing at the games with all zones having three states each except zones 2 and 6. Zone 2 comprises only Lagos and Ogun while Zone 6 (Calabar) comprises four states. The Rojenny Sports Centre and the NYSC Camp are some of the venues to be used for the competition. Only on Wednesday, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, pledged his full support to the Nigeria Police towards the realization of the objectives inherent in organizing the biennial games. Dare gave this assurance when the Central Organizing Committee for the Games led by the Chairman, AIG Usman Baba Alkali, visited him in his office during the week. Zone Two emerged champions at the last edition of the competition in Abuja in 2016.
Owan West Agog for MASVI Invitational Cycling Race With 24 hours to the flag-off of the maiden edition of the MASVI/Owan West Cycling race holding across towns of the local government, the indigenes are wearing expectant looks in anticipation of the one-day race. As the organizers of the race led by the Chairman of the National Cycling Commissaires Association of Nigeria, Mr Osaretin Emuze marked the routes for the race Thursday, the people trooped out, looking with grins and asked probing questions about the race. Most of them said they are looking out to welcoming not only the over 60 cyclists and officials expected on the tour but to welcome the Edo State
Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu who is expected to flag off the race. “We are excited to witness a cycling race in our community and welcome our Deputy Governor who is coming to flag it off”, Michael Ilevbare, a cycling enthusiast told;reporters. Meanwhile, Owan West Chairman, Hon. Frank Ilaboya who is the chief host of the competition has assured all that every logistic needed to make the competition a success has been put in place. “I can assure you that we have done our homework and put in place every logistic to ensure we have a successful race”, Ilaboya said.
L-R: Marketing Manager, International Breweries Plc, Bamise Oyegbami; Africa’s football legend and Castle Africa 5s ambassador, Samuel Eto’O Fils; Music artist and Trophy brand ambassador, Falz; Assistant Brand Manager, IB Plc, Ifeoma Igbokidi; Assistant Super Eagles Coach and Trophy 5-A-Side ambassador, Joseph Yobo at the Trophy welcome dinner for Eto’O at the Southern Sun Hotel in Lagos...yesterday
Ighalo Opens Goal Scoring Account as Man Utd Hammer Club Bruge 5-1 Olympiacos knock out Arsenal on away goal rule
Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo on Thursday night opened his goal scoring account for Manchester United as he poke past Club Bruges’ Simon Mignolet for his first goal for the Red Devils. After giving supplications to God for the goal at Old Trafford, the former Super Eagles frontman dedicated it to his late sister, Mary Atole who died in Canada last December. That goal is also the first to be scored by any Nigerian player in United colors. Ighalo - who signed for United in a shock deadline day loan
move from Shanghai Shenhua in January - was part of the resurgent Red Devils that dominated the 10-man Belgian team to pull through to the Last 16 stage of the Europa League on 6-1 aggregate. Bruno Fernandes scored his second United penalty in a week after Simon Deli was sent off for a ludicrous handball to block Daniel James’ shot. The Portuguese, who was at the centre of everything, had a hand in the second as he lifted a pass over the top to Juan Mata, who squared for full debutant Ighalo to tap in from six yards. And Scott McTominay, making his first start following
an injury, side-footed in a third to wrap the tie up before half-time. Fred scored his first two goals of the season in the final 10 minutes as United got the big scoreline their performance deserved. Club Bruges brought thousands of noisy fans to Old Trafford to help with a good atmosphere - but their players could not match their efforts and created nothing of note. The draw for the last 16 takes place to at 12:00 GMT - with United able to face any of the other teams left. Elsewhere in North London, Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed a glaring chance with the last kick as
Arsenal crashed to a shocking Europa League defeat to Olympiacos. Coming with an away 1-0 edge into the game, Arsenal lost 1-2 at the Emirates to gift Olympiacos passage to the last 16 on the away goal advantage. Aubameyang looked like he had once again rescued his side from an abject showing when his superb scissor kick put them in the driving seat. But the visitors punished awful set-piece defending for a second time as Youssef El Arabi poked in. And there was still time for Aubameyang to screw wide from five yards out.The Gunners went out on the away goal rule
Akwa United Star, Effiong, First to Reach Double Figures in Race for Eunisell Boot Akwa United utility man, Ndifreke Effiong has become the first player to score 10 goals in the race to win this season’s Eunisell Boot Award. Effiong, who plays in various positions from defence, midfield and attack, netted his 10th goal of the 2019/20 season in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday when his team Akwa United played host to Warri Wolves at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.
However, Effiong’s goal in added time of the second half could only save the blushes of the ‘Promise Keepers’ from defeat at home as they played out a 1-1 draw with Warri Wolves. The breakdown of the 10 goals scored by the Akwa United man shows that only two have been from the penalty spot while the others have come from open play. The former Abia Warriors
attacking midfielder now sets the pace in the race for the Eunisell Boot Award but will have to look over his shoulders with a very formidable field of chasing pack breathing down his neck. Effiong is now a goal better than Enyimba forward, Victor Mbaoma who fired blanks in his team’s 0-2 defeat at Nasarawa United on Sunday. Mbaoma is currently on nine goals.
The trio of Tasiu Lawal of Katsina United, Plateau United’s Ibrahim Mustapha and Rangers striker Israel Abia are on eight goals each. The Eunisell Boot Award, created by Eunisell, West Africa’s largest independent chemicals and engineering solutions group, aims to help increase the standard of the NPFL by rewarding the season’s top scorer with N200,000 for each goal scored.
Friday February 28, 2020
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Supreme Court to APC Lawyers “I feel like shedding tears that senior counsel in this case would ever bring this kind of frivolous applications during my life time” – Supreme Court berating two APC lawyers, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) and Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), for seeking a review of its judgment on Bayelsa.
AKINOSUNTOKUN Tafawa Balewa and Other Prophecies DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA
“S
ince 1914, the British Government has been trying to make Nigeria into one country, but the Nigerian people themselves are historically different in their backgrounds, in their religious beliefs and customs and do not show themselves any sign of willingness to unite... Nigerian unity is only a British intention for the country.”- Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, 1948. #HistoryVille “During the first coup in January 1966 a small number of officers killed the internationally distinguished federal Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa”-W.F Gutteridge “From the start, there was a clash between the personalities of the Premiers of the three regions -each obviously more important than the scholarly Federal Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa”- Time magazine editorial The burden of Pan Nigerian writers has increased in geometric proportions since the inauguration of the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency. On the haphazard and quite unrewarding journey towards nationhood, the prevailing painfully shocking dispensation has set Nigeria back to bar zero. The tragedy here is that it is almost impossible to be critical of the Buhari Presidency without getting his core constituency involved as collateral damage. The we versus them strategy of nurturing the fanatical support of his political base is so wilfully and childishly bungled that it raises the puzzle whether the prosecutors are deliberately provoking a blow up. In contrast, it is difficult to come across any long standing observer of Nigeria, (including, strikingly, members of the international community who are, with merit, given to harbour very low and critical opinions of African leaders) who would not have something good to say of the cosmopolitan and accommodating first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. For that matter, the coup makers of January 1966 were even said to exercise remorse on the need to eliminate him. The two sample remarks I have given are intended to serve as standard testimonials to the perception of Abubakar as a noble leader. One is from W.F Gutteridge-who comes across in his book, ‘Military Regimes in Africa,’ as one of the most outstanding commentators on the crisis that has held Nigeria prostrate since 1966. The second is a 1958 Time magazine editorial on Nigeria. “When a man of these qualities, proffers an opinion, as he candidly did in the quote above, friends and foes are obliged to take his reflections quite seriously and as made in good faith. If, therefore, the scrutiny attributed to him above, is his honest opinion, where is the need to seek scapegoats for similar reflections typified in Balewa’s disposition and to which Pan Nigerian remedial measures are proffered. Sir Francis Cumming Bruce was the incumbent British High Commissioner
Balewa to Nigeria in the uniquely fateful days, weeks and months of 1966. In that capacity and more than any other individual, he was responsible for persuading the North against secession. Of his encounters with Cumming Bruce, the frontline British journalist in Nigeria in the late 60s, Walter Gould revealed “Cumming-Bruce was able to persuade the Emirs that secession would have been an economic disaster...As Cumming-Bruce stated: ‘But it wasn’t on the face of it easy to get them to change, but I managed to do it overnight. On a second meeting with Cumming-Bruce he greeted me with the comment: ‘I sometimes wonder whether I did the right thing in keeping Nigeria together”. Similarly bitten with buyers remorse, the neo Lugardian establishment pundit, Anthony Kirk Green, soberly reflected, “The tragedy of 1967 is that many of its seeds were not, as is often claimed, sown in October or even July 1966, but in the 1950s or, as some see it, in 1914 or maybe in 1900 itself.” And in his memorandum that crystallised from the 1957 London constitutional conference on Nigeria, the Secretary of state for the Colonies, Allan Lennox Boyd, regretted that “the North fears and dislikes the more educated Southerners and if they were not economically bound to the Federation would be glad to be quit of it. The tribal divisions that remain in Nigeria are so deep that the unity and stability of the country cannot yet be taken for granted.” In its 1958 editorial, the Time magazine captured the scene at the London conference on the independence of Nigeria in 1957 with a sense of foreboding, “Under the great chandeliers of the Lancaster House music room, where Chopin once played for Queen Victoria, the Premiers (Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo) bickered, shot insults back and forth like poisoned darts.” One of the British pioneering historians on Nigeria, Michael Crowther warned that “Any country is, in a sense, an artificial
akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com
creation. In the case of Nigeria, however, union was so sudden, and included widely differing groups of people, that, not only the British, who created it but the inhabitants themselves have often doubted whether it could survive as a political entity”. Hacking back to the roots of Nigeria’s dysfunction, namely British colonialism, Walter Gould reasoned that “It could be argued that if Cumming-Bruce had not interfered, Nigeria would have fragmented into several states, possibly as a confederation, in the style proposed by Ojukwu, and most importantly war would have been avoided. However, Cumming-Bruce was only extending British policy that had been formulated in the run-up towards independence: that Britain’s investments will be best protected if the country was left to run in a ‘safe pair of hands,’ those of the Northern rulers...” The tragic irony of British colonialism in Nigeria is that, at one and the same time, it was the creator of the country and the inseminator of the incurable virus afflicting Nigeria. No one invested in the rancour and ill will plaguing Nigeria, including the very act of creating the country, more than its British patriarch. And in this act of perfunctory cruelty, Frederick Lugard and his women (Flora Shaw and Margery Perham) were unsurpassed. As the holy book entreated, If the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do? ‘This is how Lugard described the baby they had given birth to in a letter to his wife on 9 December, 1916: “These people here are seditious and rotten to the core… the people of Lagos are the lowest, the most seditious and disloyal, the most prompted by pure self-seeking money motives of any people I have met.” Extrapolating from Nigeria and taking off from where her lover left off, Margery Perham seconded: “The dealings between tropical Africa and the West must be different. Here, in place of the large unities of Asia, was multicellular tissue of tribalism: instead of an ancient civilisation, the largest area of primitive poverty enduring into the modern age. Until the very recent penetration by Europe, the greater part of the continent was without the wheel, the plough or the transport animal; almost without stone houses or clothes except for skin, without writing and so without history.” Somewhat echoing Tafawa Balewa in lucidity, I would never have thought of Isaac Adaka Boro, he reasoned that “The attitude of the British to the Nigerian problem suggested that their handing over to Nigeria a political set up of total democratic imbalance and contradictions was satanic and a calculated trap to overwhelm the country with disastrous political upheavals. Surely, their reasons would be that they were reluctant to leave the country and were only forced out by political pressures of certain ambitious citizens of the country...What all lovers of peace and equity would tell them was that they made a mess of Nigeria and
owe a profound apology to the democratic world at large.” And the master himself, Chinua Achebe, illustrates “The rain that beat Africa began four to five hundred years ago, from the ‘discovery’ of Africa by Europe, through the transatlantic slave trade, to the Berlin conference of 1885...that controversial gathering called the scramble for Africa... which created new boundaries that did violence to Africa’s ancient societies and resulted in tension prone modern states’ Chinua Achebe in ‘There Was a Country.’ In Peter Ekeh, Nigeria ultimately lost one of the most outstanding Nigerian pandering intellectuals, “Nigerian affairs have reached a point which calls for the invocation of an olden distinction between the State and the Nation. A State is the organisation that runs the political affairs of a country, with its rulers and its bureaucracy. The people themselves and their history and cultures, their mores and ethical lives, constitute the Nation. When the social and political affairs of a country are well managed by leaders who are responsible and are respected by the people, there is a congruence between the State and the Nation. In such circumstances, there is no need for a distinction between the two. Sadly, Nigerian affairs compel us to separate the Nigerian Nation from the monster that has emerged as the Nigerian State. Increasingly, the Nigerian Nation is being victimised by the Nigerian State”. We lately learned from Fareed Zakaria, “According to the Migration Policy Institute, 59% of Nigeria immigrants aged 25 and older hold at least a Bachelor’s degree, that is nearly double the proportion for Americans born in the US. “It is also more than the proportion of immigrants from South Korea, China, the United Kingdom and Germany. Nigerian immigrants also get high scale jobs, 54% of them are in largely White-collar positions in management, business, science and the arts than barely just 39% of people born in the US.” Zakaria cited the preceding excerpt from a new American Research report which revealed that Nigerian immigrants in the United States made more than $14 billion in 2018 and paid more than $4 billion in taxes in the United States. Zakaria meant the Nigerian country profile as rebuke and exposure of the ulterior motive behind the inclusion of Nigeria in the new list of countries whose citizens are banned from seeking immigration to America by Donald Trump. From the report, it is self-evident that if achievement orientation and merit was the determinant criteria for admitting immigrants to the USA, Nigeria should top the list of desirable immigrants rather than condemning the country to the ranks of persona non grata. It is proof positive that, unencumbered by the virus of British ill will which gave birth to Nigeria in the first place, those citizens who answered to Nigerian nationality, are of equal merit with the best of the world.
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