BusinessDay 02 Feb 2020

Nigeria risks anarchy in 2023 without holistic electoral reforms 15

War in Lulu-Briggs’ house: Is it love for the late sage or love for his wealth?

22

Extreme policing, extreme torture in Port Harcourt, Rivers State 26

‘Forensic fireworks’ at NDDC and the travails of Joi Nunieh

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Vol 1, No. 299 N300

Mixed feelings in Lagos

Visa restrictions: Aregbesola heads committee to address …As enforcement of ban on ‘Okada’, ‘keke’ begins US requirements ajor roads in Lagos cycle and tricycle riders were out of (keke).

Presidency The state government had reyesterday, Saturday, the road following the commence-

F

ederal Government on Saturday said it has set up a committee headed

by Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola to “Study and Address” the issues raised in the updated security requirements raised by the United State’s government leading to the imposition of Visa restrictions on Nigeria.

Presidency, in a swift reaction to the restriction, said “Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and its international allies espeSee page

M

1st February, 2020, wore clean looks as the army of commercial motor-

Tony Ailemen, Abuja

ment of the enforcement of the ban by the state government on motorcycles (okada) and tricycles

Fashola administration. It had also marked out areas that are cently rolled out its plan to begin considered no-go areas for Okada enforcement of the law that had See page 3 been enacted during Babatunde

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Tomie Balogun’s investment journey and how you can benefit from it

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Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State governor (right), being introduced to Ms Sonia Darracq (left), Agriculture counselor, at the French Embassy by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jerome Pasquier (centre), when the French diplomats paid the governor a courtesy visit at the weekend.

Counting the economic cost of Coronavirus fear in Nigeria See page

FG’s prompt response heart-warming - BMO

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Lassa fever, still a pain in the neck

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Cover

Counting the economic cost of Coronavirus fear in Nigeria …FG’s prompt response heartwarming - BMO …Lassa fever, still a pain in the neck AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

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n the wake of the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus in China, countries that are close allies of China, including Nigeria, began to take measures to ensure the virus does not come into their own countries.

In Nigeria, the Federal Government quickly deployed health experts at various points of entry, to mount surveillance. This deployment comes at a huge cost in terms of equipment, time and other resources.

The Coronavirus outbreak in China has also denied many Nigerians the opportunity to either return to the country where they are based or travel there for business transactions. Many businesses in Nigeria are already counting their losses as a result of the development.

A dealer in electronics, who was billed to travel to China a few days before the outbreak became public, shared his experience.

“I was to travel towards the end of January to buy goods, electronic items. I usually go there to buy those things for my shop. It was during my preparation to do so that the announcement came about the Coronavirus. It also affected some of my colleagues. This has slowed down our business, but then it is only the living that can talk about business. I am even happy that I had not travelled before the announcement,” the businessman said.

Coronavirus outbreak and the fear within Nigeria, just like other countries of the world has been agitated in recent time over the outbreak of Coronavirus that has resulted in the death of many in China and several other Asian countries.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are normally transmitted between animals while some can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient.

The first case of this new disease was confirmed in China on the 7th of January, 2020 and preliminary investigations showed that most patients either visited or worked in the Huanan Seafood wholesale market, Wuhan City.

Afterwards, exactly on 20th of January, 2020, about 278 laboratory-confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV infection with six deaths already reported to World Health Organisation (WHO) since the first case was reported on the 31st of December 2019.

According to the Conservation, many of the initial cases of the outbreak were thought to have contracted the virus through animal-to-human transmission

from the market, but human-tohuman transmission has also been established.

For example, in a household or health care setting, several known coronaviruses circulate in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Research has it that an infected person shows severe respiratory symptoms like cough and breathing difficulties while death is a rare outcome, and occurs mostly in patients with underlying illness.

Sadly, no specific treatment has been found for the disease caused by the new coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms can be treated, meaning that treatment is based on the patient’s clinical condition.

Coronavirus and implication for Nigerian economy Experts believe that the outbreak of Coronavirus in Asian countries especially China holds serious implications for Nigeria’s economy as a good number of Nigerians travel to China every day to transact businesses.

“As Nigerians shun China as directed by the Ministry of Health for a period of time over the new virus, businesses will be affected, the economy will be affected, so also many families down here that heavily rely on businesses with China,” Theophilus Amah, a businessman, told BDSUNDAY. Amah, who expressed worries over the development, said: “This is coming at a very bad time; a time when many businessmen are groaning under the border closure that has grounded many genuine businesses. Now, look at this.

China remains one of the countries that have robust trade relationship with Nigeria. We can see how China has almost become everything to Nigeria in terms of road construction, technology transfer, etc. The outbreak of Coronavirus at this time is indeed a big blow on our economy.”

Recall that GozieAkudolu, president-general, South-East Amalgamated Markets Traders Association (SEAMATA), recently appealed to its members to shelve, for now, all business trips to China and other Asian countries to avoid being infected with the virus.

Restrictions on vessels from China, Thailand, Asian countries To prevent the outbreak of the deadly disease in Nigeria through the seaports and land borders, the Federal Ministry of Health has placed vessels from China, Japan, Thailand and South Korea on strict surveillance.

Under the new regulations at the seaports, all vessels coming to Nigeria from the affected countries must notify the Port Health unit at the seaports and land borders, failing which, the vessel would not be allowed into the nation’s territo-

L-R: David Ugolor, executive director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ); Maryam Uwais, special adviser to the president on Social Investment; Raliya Mohammeed, representing the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, and Anne-Beatrice Bullinger, deputy head of mission Pascal Holliger, during the silver jubilee public lecture of ANEEJ, titled ‘Africa and the Challenge of Poverty’ held in Abuja.

Pic by TUNDE ADENIYI.

rial waters.

OlokodanaAbisola, director of the Port Health Services at the Lagos Ports Complex Apapa, said agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Plant Quarantine Services and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), among others, have all been put on red alert.

According to him, the Port Health also sensitised all port stakeholders on the outbreak of the deadly virus and on the need to take precautionary measures to ensure that the disease does not creep into Nigeria through the seaports or land borders.

He stated that crew members of vessels from the affected countries would be subjected to health screening including taking their temperatures to ascertain their health status before they would be allowed into the nation’s territory.

The screening exercise, he said, informed the need for the vessel to notify the Port Health office 48 hours before its arrival.

Surveillance at five international airports The Federal Government also placed surveillance at five international airports in Enugu, Lagos, Rivers, Kano and the FCT. Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, who disclosed this in Abuja recently, confirmed that government would also set up intermultisectoral committee to scale up surveillance and vigilance.

According to him, the committee will help to detect suspicious cases and ensure containment.

“The committee shall com-

prise of critical stakeholders in the health, security, aviation and transport sectors and also include development partners, bearing in mind that, air travellers are likely carriers of the virus. The risk of importation is possible in all countries. However, the ministry wishes to assure all Nigerians that the capacity to detect, access and respond to this and other public health challenges are put in place,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the good news was that the Chinese Government has on their part, extended its Lunar New Year holiday to contain outbreak.

It recently announced on 27 January 2020 that the Lunar New Year holiday will be extended to 2 February 2020 as a measure to effectively reduce mass gatherings, block the spread of the epidemic, and to better safeguard the safety and health of the Chinese people.

Lassa fever, still a pain in the neck While the relevant authorities in Nigeria are doing everything to ensure that the Coronavirus does not come into the country, they are presently contending with fresh outbreak of Lassa fever, which has become a yearly endemic occurrence in the country, especially during the dry season.

Today, cases of Lassa fever are currently being recorded in several states in the country.

From January 2018 to the week ending 18 February, the number of weekly reported Lassa fever cases, increased from 10 to 70 cases.

Also, from late-February to early

March, there was downward trend in the weekly reported number of Lassa fever cases with less than 20 cases reported each week in March and only five new cases reported in the week ending 15 April 2018.

At that time, the Federal Government established Lassa fever case management centres in three states including Ebonyi, Edo, and Ondo States. The facility also had care workers trained in standard infection prevention and control (IPC) as well as in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and case management.

In Rivers state, WHO facilitated the reactivation of Emergency Operation Committee, chaired by then Commissioner for Health.

WHO is also supporting decontamination of residences and health facilities associated with the three cases.

BDSUNDAY recalls that between late December 2015 and January 14, 2016, there was serious outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria and that resulted in 53 deaths in 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Then, the outbreak was more widespread with 10 states, 140 suspected and 30 confirmed cases.

The case fatality rate (CFR) was significantly high at 53 or 37.9 percent of all cases.

The affected states were Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Oyo, Plateau states and the FCT, with Niger being the most affected with 48 cases and Continues on Page 4

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Counting the economic... Visa restrictions: Aregbesola heads...

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16 deaths.

Isaac Adewole, then minister of Health, who declared the outbreak, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to quickly contain it. He assured the public that “Nigeria had the capability to diagnose Lassa fever” and that “all confirmed cases were diagnosed by the country’s laboratories”.

Adewole also directed all health facilities in the country to emphasise routine infection prevention and control measures as well as free treatment of patients.

Furthermore, he advised family members and health care workers to always be careful to avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.

Bashir Abba, WHO State Coordinator for Kano, reported that 60 Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), 37 secondary health facilities medical directors, 55 community health workers, 40 medical laboratory scientists and 44 nomadic representatives were sensitised on surveillance and case management of Lassa fever.

FG’s response time good - Expert Chikwe Ihekweazu, a senior honorary lecturer on Infectious Diseases, University College London (UCL), stated that the urgency with which the nation’s health system braced up for the outbreak of Coronavirus, shows that Nigeria, seems to have learnt big lessons from the havoc meted out on its citizens during the Ebola outbreak in 2014.

“The Nigerian Ebola Virus experience provides valuable insights to guide reforms of African health systems in preparation for future outbreak of infectious diseases,” he said.

According to him, the Nigeria Centre for Disease

Control (NCDC) is currently coordinating a multisectoral technical group that is assessing and managing the risk of importation of the disease into Nigeria.

To achieve this, NCDC has been in close communication with WHO and it is closely monitoring the situation globally while the Port Health Service unit of the Federal Ministry of Health has been placed on alert and also heightened screening measures at the points of entry.

On the other hand, the ministry has advised travellers from Nigeria to Wuhan, China to avoid contact with sick people, animals (alive or dead), and animal markets.

BDSUNDAY understands that travellers from Wuhan to Nigeria may be asked questions upon arrival by the Port Health about symptoms of illness and travel history, after which they would be advised to report immediately to NCDC if they feel ill after a trip to Wuhan.

FG’s prompt response heartwarming - BMO The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for its timely intervention to stop the entry of the virus into our country.

In a release signed by its Chairman,NiyiAkinsiju and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, the group said that the Federal Government had immediately responded by mounting surveillance counters across the international airports in the country as well as shutting down the Panda supermarket, a Chinese supermarket that had on its counters expired seafood and other harmful products.

BMO said the nefarious activities of the supermarket came to light based on a report by a whistleblower to the Federal Competition

Continued from Page 1

Consumer Protection Commission (FCPC).

“We believe that these and other preventive measures taken by the Buhari administration are remarkable and aimed at safeguarding the health of the citizens. In the past, Nigerians were left at the mercy of foreigners who import all kinds of consumables without considering the harmful effects on the health of Nigerian consumers.

“Fortunately, under the present administration, the welfare of the citizens is at the forefront of government policies and programmes.

“We condemn the discriminatory practices of the Chinese supermarket against Nigerians, and commend the Buhari administration for its efforts at putting the health of its citizens first,” it said.

cially on matters of global security.

“Accordingly, President Muhammadu Buhari has established a committee, to be Chaired by the Hon. Minister of Interior, to study and address the updated U.S. requirements. The committee will work with the U.S Government, INTERPOL and other stakeholders to ensure all updates are properly implemented” The statement which was signed by Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina, Presidency noted that “The DHS states the suspension of “immigrant visas” became necessary following a review and update of the methodology (performance metrics) adopted by the U.S Government to assess compliance of certain security criteria by foreign governments”

The statement added that “This resulted in certain enhancements on how information is shared between Nigeria and the U.S.” Nigeria, with over 8018 immigrants visa in 2028, account for the most immigration to the US, according to statistics from the State Department The measure which was announced on Friday by the American government revealed that Sudanese and Tanzanian nationals will no longer be allowed to apply for “diversity visas,” which are available by lottery for applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the US. The American Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf however stated that the restrictions will not affect non-immigrant visas given to people for temporary stays – including visitors,

those doing business or people seeking medical treatment The restriction lumps Nigeria with nations like Kyrgyzstan and Sudan that have large Muslim majorities, even though about 50 per cent of people in Nigeria and Eritrea are Muslim.

“On 31st January 2020, the United States (U.S) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced temporary travel restrictions on six (6) countries including Nigeria.

“For Nigeria, the restriction is the suspension of the issuance of “immigrant visas” to Nigerian passport holders only. This suspension shall come into effect on 21st February 2020.

The suspension does not apply to other U.S visas such as those for official, business, tourism and student travel” the statement added.

L- R: Imo State Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku; Governor Hope Uzodinma; secretary to the State Government (SSG), Cosmas Iwu; and Head of Service, Chibuzor Iwuagwu when the governor was at the State’s Secretariat to assess facilities.

Mixed feelings...

Continued from Page 1 and keke.

Insisting on the enforcement of the ban, the state government said Okada and keke had been responsible for many accidents in the state and had provided a means for “quick-get-away” for criminals who often dispossess unsuspecting residents of their valuables.

“From 2016 to 2019, there were over 10,000 accidents recorded at the General Hospitals alone. This number excludes unreported

cases and those recorded by other hospitals. The total number of deaths from reported cases is over 600 as at date” “The rate of crimes aided

by Motorcycles (Okada) and Tricycles (Keke) keeps rising.

Motorcycles(Okada)andTricycles (Keke) are also used as getaway means by criminals,” the government said.

Although divergent views had trailed the enforcement of the ban as some people argue that given the chaotic gridlocks in many parts of the state, ‘okada’ and ‘keke’ had

become “necessary evil,” the state government went ahead to carry out the enforcement yesterday.

As the enforcement began, major bus stops across Lagos that had served as Okada and keke parks were deserted by the okada and the keke operators A commuter, who was on Apapa-bound bus from Ojuelegba in Surulere, commended the state government for having the will to enforce the ban.

“I sincerely commend the state government for the

enforcement. How can you have an army of youths from the North invade Lagos under the guise of riding okada, yet they are perpetrating all manner of crimes across the state? Look at how everywhere is free; I only hope that the state government will sustain the enforcement and then come up with measures that will alleviate people’s trouble in the days ahead,” the commuter said.

In a message posted on his twitter handle yesterday, Gboyega Akosile, chief press secretary to Governor Ba-

bajide Sanwo-olu, said: “Dear Lagosians, the restriction of #Okada and #keke NAPEP in some identified LGA’s and LCDA’s takes effect from today (yesterday). For the avoidance of doubt, Govt will carry out FULL enforcement of the policy. Kindly spread words to your friends, neighbours and colleagues.

Thank you.”

Recall that previous administrations in the state, especially, those of Babatunde Raji Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode had announced similar bans, but they were

not enforced, despite the rolling out in 2012 of the State Traffic Law which prohibits the operation of ‘okada’ and ‘Keke’ on major highways in the state.

Government has always relaxed its enforcement drive, with the riders becoming more emboldened to ply the restricted routes.

Proliferation of the motorcycles on major highways and bridges has even become more pronounced with the advent of online ride-hailing companies like Gokada, O’Pay and Max.ng.

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Tourism’s role in rural development across Africa highlighted at 11th Investour Obinna Emelike

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he role of tourism and investment in African development took centre stage at the FITUR travel fair in Madrid, Spain, as sector leaders joined the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for the 11th edition of INVESTOUR (Tourism Investment and Business Forum for Africa), which saw the participation of over 20 African ministers and heads of delegations.

Supported by Casa Africa (representing the Spanish Government), the International Tourism Fair of Madrid (FITUR) as UNWTO’s official partners and in collaboration with Côte D’Ivoire, the latest meeting of Investour focused on the continent’s potential on creative industries, as well as, on the potential benefits of diversifying the tourism sector,

in particular as a means of driving rural development.

Against the backdrop of FITUR, the round table discussion explored the untapped potential of gastronomy tourism and the growing African fashion industry, particularly with regards to attracting international tourists. In addition, a session was also dedicated to the presentation of 10 projects aiming at the development of tourism in various countries in Africa, such as South Africa, Zambia, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Côte d’Ivoire.

The forum came on the back of the UNWTO General Assembly unanimously approving its Agenda for Africa 2030, a roadmap and strategic framework for tourism for sustainable development and inclusive growth. At the same time, the 11th edition of INVESTOUR was held during UNWTO’s Year of Tourism and Rural Development, with

this theme the main focus of discussions between tourism leaders from both the public and private sectors.

While opening INVESTOUR 2020, Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO secretary-general, said: “The creative industries, including a thriving fashion industry, culture and gastronomy are all increasingly relevant ‘pull factors’. They are encouraging visitors to see another side to Africa.

Investment in these sectors will pay dividends, not just for investors themselves but, equally or more important, also for African society as a whole.”

Also during FITUR, UNWTO released its latest data on international tourist numbers and trends. The data shows that international arrivals to African destinations reached 71 million in 2019 and grew by 4 percent when compared with the previous year. The trend is expected to continue over

the years ahead, and UNWTO has stated its commitment to supporting its African destinations grow

their tourism sectors responsibly and sustainably.

Next month, Côte d´Ivoire will host the 1st UNWTO

Global Tourism Investment Forum in Africa, a landmark event for the continent and its tourism sector.

Rio Ferdinand, a former Man United Captain and Guinness Global Ambassador (right), with his entourage on arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, weekend.

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News Civil war 50th anniversary: Osinbajo stresses need to embrace dialogue to avert repeat

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UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia. ice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the greatest tribute that Nigerians owe to the memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice to the nation is to always ensure that the circumstances that led to the Nigerian civil war are never re-enacted but always ensure the use of dialogue in resolving issues.

He stated this while speaking at a town hall meeting organised by the Ken Nnamani Centre for Leadership and Development at the National War Museum Umuahia to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Nigeria civil war.

Osinbajo described the civil war as a defining national tragedy that had scared Nigerians as a people and had caused loss of opportunities for national advancement, with promising lives cut short in their prime, families ruptured, communities sacked and environments polluted.

He however, said that 50 years down the line, the nation had invested in national integration, peace building and reconciliation and further called on all to be open-minded as the nation’s historical mission was to create a substantial quality, an economic and social power house capable of powering the country and continent to prosperity and renown.

Th e V i c e Pr e s i d e n t

stressed the need to ensure fairness, justice and equity amongst all ethnicity and religious groups and appealed to elders to refrain from poisoning the minds of the younger generations but spur them into taking advantage of opportunities available to them in the country as well as enable their visions and aspirations to flourish untainted by the biases of the past.

He noted that one of the challenges of the country was the provision of opportunities and hope for the teeming youths who he described as

energetic and dynamic and extolled South-East for being home for Nigeria’s most entrepreneurial sons and daughters.

Osinbajo revealed government’s commitment to providing Nigerian youths with tools and resources that would enable them make the most of their lives through collaboration with donor agencies. Ken Nnamani, the convener of the meeting and former Senate President, earlier in a speech, said that the event was a highly significant milestone in the life of Nigeria

as a nation and described it as an occasion for reflection.

He said the Centre thought it appropriate to organise an event that would bring together leaders and citizens to reflect on the war and its legacies while charting a course for our common future.

The event featured an interactive session.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, in his speech, stressed the need for a national narrative where events of the war would be reviewed to chart a way forward for national unity.

Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO secretary-general, speaking at the event.

FG urged to adopt ‘whistle-blower policy’ in fight against hard, illicit drugs GODFREY OFURUM, Aba

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he Federal Government has been advised to adopt the “whistle-blower policy” in the fight against hard and illicit drugs in the country.

David Anyanwu, special adviser to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, on Drugs and Narcotics, who gave this advice in an interaction with newsmen in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, stated that the fruits of whistle-blower policy in economic crime fighting, could be replicated, if extended to the fight against hard drugs.

He noted that Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán, the Mexican drug kingpin’s re-arrest

after escaping prison, and the tracking and killing of Rivers state-based blood-thirsty Don Waney followed monetary rewards attached to information on them.

He said that encouraging citizens to volunteer information on crimes happening around them would enable security agencies to operate better and more efficiently.

“Since my appointment, we have been working with other security agencies to ensure that we reduce drug abuse to the barest minimum in Abia State.

“By the grace of God with the support of the Governor and the creation of the Ministry of Homeland Security, we are going to reduce drug consumption in Abia, to the barest minimum.

“And with Abia people understanding that security is everybody’s business and giving information on what is happening in their area, the state will not be the same again. “Security is not meant for just a group of people because we all know that insecurity is like a virus, it can affect me, you and everybody else.

“If it does not affect you directly, it must affect your family members, your siblings or friends.

“Fighting drugs in society is very important, because hard drugs obscure the morality of the addicts who in turn do things with impunity.

“There is hardly anybody that commits violent crimes, be it murder, rape, kidnapping, human trafficking that

is not associated with drug abuse, so we must do everything we can to reduce the menace of it,” he said.

Anyanwu explained that his office was working with the Ministry of Homeland Security, which is now employing people to educate Abians, vigilance groups and transport unions on assisting agencies to secure the State.

“We are going to sensitise the people recruited by the ministry on the effects of hard drugs in the society and other areas of securing our neighborhoods.

“We are going to tell them that 95 percent of violent crimes in our society are drug-induced and when we eradicate drug abuse, crime rates will also reduce”, he observed.

Return of more Abacha loot, signifies global trust in Buhari administration - BMO

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he decision by the Island of Jersey and the United States of America to repatriate an additional $321million looted by the late head of state, Sani Abacha is a clear vote of confidence by the international community on the Buhari administration.

This, according to the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), is because the administration spent the first tranche of the returned loot on the ‘poorest of the poor’, in line with the conditions tied to the return of the fund by Switzerland during the first term of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, BMO noted that this is a clear departure from the preceding Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) years in office when repatriated funds were relooted by top government officials.

“That was the first time since 1999 that Nigerians had a fair knowledge of how a tranche of the repatriated Abacha loot amounting to $322.5m was disbursed under the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) to 30,778 beneficiary households.

“At the time, Switzerland entered into an agreement with the Buhari administration, it was common knowledge at the international stage that previously repatriated funds were re-looted. “ Th i s i s w h y c i v i l society groups led by t h e Af r i c a n Ne t w o r k f o r En v i r o n m e n t a n d Economic Justice (ANEEJ) were empowered by the international community, through the Monitoring o f Re c o v e r e d As s e t s through Transparency and Accountability MANTRA project, to keep a close watch on the disbursement of the recovered fund to the target beneficiaries.

“Like many Nigerians, we are aware that one PDP-era Finance minister said in 2007 that a total

of $2.5bn was recovered and spent on projects in a number of ministries including Power, Works, Health, Education and Water Resources.

“And in June 2014, Liechtenstein returned $227m of the Abacha loot but there is no concrete proof, until recently, that recovered stolen funds were used on victims of corruption in Nigeria.

“So it is gratifying that the second tranche of $321m to be received from the Island of Jersey and the US would be spent on critical infrastructure including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Second Ni g e r Br i d g e a n d t h e Abuja-Kano Expressway.

“These are projects that anyone using in the future would remember as infrastructure that a chunk of stolen public fund recovered from a former head of state was spent on”.

BMO expressed the conviction that public funds stolen in the PDP years would, on being recovered, be utilised on tangible projects and people-oriented initiatives.

“The renewed commitment of the Buhari administration as expressed in the activities of the anti-graft agencies in going after corrupt officials and their cronies is a good one.

“Many Nigerians are now confident that a number of these people, including those who are fugitives from the law, would end up having illicit assets and cash stashed in safe havens forfeited to the country.

“We are also satisfied with President Buhari’s directive that assets recovered from thieving public officials, locally and internationally, are to be sold off in a transparent manner to ensure that they are not re-looted in the future.”

The pro-Buhari group also challenged PDP and its leaders to prove that more than $3bn Abacha loot was not re-looted by government officials during the party’s sixteenyear rule.

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News Benue records new case of Lassa fever - Health commissioner ENJAMIN AGESAN, Makurdi.

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enue State Government has disclosed that a case of Lassa fever has been identified in the state. Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Ongbabo Sunday, has said.

T h e h e a l t h commissioner made this known Friday while interacting with newsmen in his office shortly after the celebration of end of a year party organised for the staff of the ministry.

Ongbabo explained that the new case of Lassa fever has been identified barely four months after the state government confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever with one death.

He said a suspected case of Lassa fever, which was taken for laboratory investigation, tested positive and the victim had been quarantined and treated, the ministry had taken necessary measures to avoid the spread.

The commissioner said the government had set up an Emergency Operations

Centre for the treatment of suspected cases of Lassa fever and other potential epidemics in the state.

He emphasised that the Emergency Operations Centre, which is established in conjunction with the Centre for Disease Control, is expected to carry out surveillance on all kinds of potential epidemics.

8,865 Abia youths benefit from YESSO, World Bank skills acquisition programme UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

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bout 8,865 Abia youths have benefited from Youth Employment and social support operations,(YESSO-public workfare), skills acquisition training, a World Bank assisted programme.

Friday Nwalozie, head of YESSO in Abia, disclosed this to BDSUNDAY at the weekend in Umuahia.

He said that beneficiaries who are indigent and vulnerable persons were drawn from six pilot local government areas of the state.

The pilot LGAs are: Ohafia , Umunneochi (Abia

North), Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South (Abia Central) while Ugwunagbo and Ukwa East are from Abia South. Nwalozie hinted that Abia is the only state that benefited from the entire South-East.

He hinted that Abia keyed into the programme in principle in 2012 but could not benefit from the scheme due to non-payment of counterpart fund.

He however, disclosed that when Governor Okezie Ikpeazu assumed office in 2015, the state keyed in fully for the scheme since then, adding that the governor has been paying the counterpart funding.

The Abia YESSO Head

said through World Bank single register for selected beneficiaries is kept so that there would be no interference, adding that a person captured could not be removed because single register is adjudged as the best way of selecting poorest people who are solely the beneficiaries of the scheme.

He also pointed out that school drop-outs were also captured in the scheme for them to acquire skills.

Nwalozie further said that the beneficiaries of the training were each given monthly stipends of N7,500, noting that some of the beneficiaries have started petty trading, courtesy of their monthly stipends.

He said that the Benue State Government has put adequate measures in place, including awareness campaigns and the training of health caregivers on early detection of infection, prevention, management and control of the disease.

In a earlier address to the staff of the ministry, the health and human services commissioner, Sunday Ongbabo advised the staff of the ministry to be dedicated to their duties as he will take zero tolerance to lateness to work and other practices that will affect effective functioning.

Th e c o m m i s s i o n e r, who is barely a year in office, promised to create good working relationship b e t w e e n t h e s t a f f, commissioner, permanent secretary and directors.

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he future is set to take flight as the maiden edition of the Eko Robotic Championship holds in Lagos on October 1st.

Eko Robotics Championship which will be an annual event seeks to take an inclusive approach to scale the impact of robotics education across West Africa and increase students’ interest and involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics by engaging them in a yearly hands-on Robotics engineering games and contests.

The convener of the Championship, Olaoluwa Balogun, who is also a Software Developer and robotics educator, said the event is about educating and inspiring young people across

Africa to innovate, collaborate, and drive real-world solutions to Africa’s pressing challenges through the use of home-built technology.

The championship is open to young people (ages 8 to 23 years old) in primary schools, secondary schools and tertiary institutions from across West Africa.

Intending participants outside schools are encouraged to apply.

Registration has commenced and it is free for young people who desire to have the skills that will make them excel in a technology-driven world.

Registration closes on 29th of February 2020. Robotics kits that participants will need to prepare for the championship will be sent to the qualified teams at no cost.

Chieftaincy tussle in Kogi community: Bello sues for peace VICTORIA NNAKAIKE, Lokoja

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he people of Akwu Community in Ankpa Local Government Area have been called upon to sheath their swords and give peace a chance; this is coming at the heels of violent eruptions that greeted the community over chieftaincy tussle Wednesday.

Governor Yahaya Bello gave the advice in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, while reacting

to the violence over chieftaincy tussle in the community which led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

Bello said there were procedures for appointment, confirmation and coronation of chieftaincy title in every chiefdom, warning that his administration would not tolerate violence and any act that breeds breakdown of law and order.

“The people of Akwu should follow such procedures rather than taking laws into their hands. Any further breakdown of law and order in the area will not be con-

doned and the perpetrators of this crime will face the full wrath of the law.

“The traditional rulers should keep their doors open to entertain complaints from their subjects at all time.

“While we sympathise with those affected by this unfortunate incident, the government will go after those who carried out the violence,” he said.

According to him, “Every life is precious to us as government; anyone found committing any act of violence for whatever reasons will face the full wrath of the law.”

Kwara Gov signs 2020 budget to ‘drive growth, fight poverty’ SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

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( L-r ) President of Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Funmilola Ojelade, immediate past president of APWEN Felicia Agubata, managing director Energy Training Center , Ibiene Okereke, past president APWEN Fumilayo Kadiri, and immediate past chairman Institution of Mechanical Engineers Lagos chapter Segun Fadeyi during the flag off ceremony “SheEngineer Invent it ,Build it” organised by APWEN recently in Lagos.

Eko Robotic Championship to hold in Lagos

wara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has assented to the 2020 appropriation bill, saying the document was designed to truly rebuild the state in a manner that uplifts people from poverty and addresses infrastructural deficit.

Abdulrazaq commended the House of Assembly for the thorough scrutiny of the budget proposal and for its speedy passage, recalling how he had told some members of the executive that the lawmakers were empowered to make input into the budget because they are

the direct representatives of the people.

In the assented budget, the capital expenditure was reviewed to 55percent, up from 53 percent the Governor had presented on December 18.

The parliament also cut the recurrent expenditure to 44 percent, further down from 47 percent in the original copy. Overall, the budget increased by N476m in favour of capital expenditure.

“This is not a rubber stamp budget. I know what is in it and I agree with it in totality. I know there are changes but I agree with it because as representatives of the people, you’re closer to the people and can make input into the budget. It’s all

for the good of our people,” the Governor said shortly after signing the budget.

Apart from various budgets which he says would drive socioeconomic and infrastructural growth, Abdulrazaq explained that provisions were deliberately made to lift as many people as possible out of extreme poverty.

He specifically commended the lawmakers for approving the Social Investment Programme Bill which he had since assented and for making further provisions for it in the 2020 budget “for the benefit of the poorest of the poor in our society.”

“It is a programme that will help the poorest of the poor and increase our GDP.

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Sunday 02 February 2020

NewsFeature How Nigerian refineries can operate in a sustainable manner

…$7bn needed to upgrade nation’s 3 refineries to produce environmentally-friendly Olusola Bello

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or Nigerian refineries to operate in a sustainable manner and remain competitive, they must squarely face the challenges that confront other refineries.

They must improve staff competencies, reduce operational inefficiencies, effectively manage assets in a manner that responds to changes in market demand and improve margins.

In addition, refiners must earn market rates of return for investors, as well as returns sufficient to make investments in expansion, technological improvements, possible business restructuring, and to meet environmental regulations, both with respect to refined product specifications and refinery site operations and expansion.

Unfortunately, the challenge for sustainable operation of our local refineries is majorly threatened by crude oil supply to refineries/product evacuation issues, poor maintenance, lack of processes and equipment upgrades and funding problems.

The pertinent question is, what long lasting corrective actions can be taken to address the core issues confronting our refineries so that they can remain competitive and profitable?

Previous studies have looked at the problems confronting the refineries and recommended solutions that will make them operate at levels at the time they were designed. This study specifically addresses measures to be taken by the owners to make the refineries remain competitive now and in the nearby future.

This refining improvement study was therefore commissioned to assist FOSTER/OPM Ltd put in place a plan for ensuring self–sufficiency of petroleum products in Nigeria, within a strong commercial framework, in the shortest possible time.

Relevant data for the study were obtained through records, discussion with key stakeholders, brainstorming, and personal experience. These data were analysed in tables and charts.

Based on the data analysed, the key findings of the study are summarised below: In the last 18 years (19972014), our local refineries have operated at a combined average capacity utilisation of about 22percent, placing the country at the bottom of the ladder among African refineries. In addition, all the indices for profitable operations of the refineries are absent as fuel and

Oil-refinery

loss combined statistics for the last 10 years for the three refineries averaged over 9 per cent on crude oil processed. Good performing Refineries average 5-5.5 percent in fuel and loss.

According to Solomon Associates, a renowned energy benchmarking organisation, a 2 per cent improvement in fuel and loss in 100,000 barrels of crude oil per stream day (BPSD) refinery is reported to save a refinery of over $20-30million a year.

Our refineries were built using technologies that were available in the early seventies and mid-eighties. Today, several of these technologies and equipment are obsolete and have become difficult to maintain and unsafe to operate.

While the industrialised world and most developing economies have taken advantage of advancements in refining and petrochemical technology in areas of processes, automation, and information/computer technology, to significantly improve operability and profitability, our government owned refineries are yet to catch on.

The analogue instrumentation control system in the Kaduna refinery is an example of obsolescence of vital equipment in the refinery. The control system is completely obsolete as there are no manufactured spare parts to maintain it. The refinery has since been slated to have a modern distributed control system over the years but failed due to funding constraints.

On-going rehabilitation of the refineries at a reported estimated cost of $760m only addresses some critical equipment in the refinery and not obsolescence of the processes and equipment.

Funding constraints still remain a key issue in the ongoing refineries rehabilitation programme.

The study also revealed that the demand for light and middle petroleum products outstrips supply and it is widening over time. Our local refineries will be unable to close the product supply gap.

Consideration and approval for setting up a new Greenfield refinery by DPR in the country should be therefore be based on maximising PMS and ATK output. The new Greenfield refineries to be built in Nigeria should mandatorily meet AFRI5 standards for PMS and Diesel specifications.

However, it is worthwhile mentioning here that refinery availability at 90 percent plant capacity utilisation strictly depends on a secure business environment, where pipeline vandalism is completely absent. Unfortunately, security remains a very serious threat to the Downstream Petroleum assets and the security issues impacting so negatively on the industry within the last decade should be addressed once and for all.

However, the entry of Dangote refinery threatens the survival of government-owned refineries if measures are not taken to upgrade them so that they can profitably compete in the domestic market. The study revealed that it will require an estimated investment of about $7 billion to upgrade the three refineries to produce environmentally-friendly fuels that meet Euro-5 fuel quality specifications.

In general, petroleum markets in Nigeria favour consumption of light and middle distillates. Modular refineries

that process local crude oil leave these markets with large amounts of fuel oil for which there is no effective market.

There is high production of fuel oil with modular refineries which is value destroying. This is because a barrel of fuel oil is worth less than a barrel of crude oil. On the other hand, their limited capacity utilisation also means that they are not able to produce enough ‘white products’ to satisfy local demand.

In addition, the use of fuel oil to fire furnaces in local industries is on a rapid decline since the advent of natural gas that is cheaper, cleaner and abundantly available nation-wide. Apart from the fact that their net operating margins are very low and sometimes negative, there must be a veritable and secured outlet for fuel oil produced by these categories of refineries if they are to profitably compete and remain in operation.

Currently, there is only one modular topping refinery (1000BPSD) operating in the country at Ogbele in Rivers State. The refinery currently produces only diesel but it will soon be producing other product such as Aviation.

The study clearly revealed that it is virtually impossible for NNPC to operate its refineries, crude oil and products pipelines nationwide profitably, unless government takes drastic measures to eliminate all acts of pipeline vandalism in the country. The repeated repair intervention by NNPC after each act of vandalism for several years calls to question the integrity of existing pipelines that are over 35 years of operation without adequate maintenance on them.

Nutritional goal is key to a successful 2020, says expert Josephine Okojie

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lusola Malomo, a registered nutritionist and National publicity secretary of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), has advised Nigerians to take care of their nutritional needs to achieve a successful 2020.

Malomo made the call at the January edition of his monthly healthy living dialogue, an initiative supported by Chi Limited.

He said it was widely accepted that people will have different benchmarks for how they want to define a successful year but that achieving nutritional goals should follow a universal guideline, which must be adhered to if one wants to live healthy.

He stated that amongst the most common goals people set for themselves in the New Year are those regarding health, fitness and eating habits.

He added that such goals include the resolution to drink more water, visit the gym once a week, eat fewer carbs, take on a sport, and others.

He stated however, that what is more viable is consistency and tenacity to the goals, rather than setting new ones.

The nutritionist said research conducted in the UK to know those that stick to their New Year resolutions shows that 43 per cent do not keep their resolution up to a month.

“The one goal we need to have posted on our walls is to focus on our health. Having this overarching goal may look too broad, but being healthy involves everything we set as individual targets, such as eating a balanced diet, drinking pure fruit juice, taking long walks, or using the stairs,” he said.

“This one resolution requires that we are mentally committed to being healthy, and we should take on any activity that ensures our health.”

“While we are looking for specific activities that we need to stay healthy in 2020, having a mindset of being healthy ensures that we do not get disheartened when we miss a gym time or eat a bar of chocolate,” Malomo added.

He said the focus on health should be based on getting the right amount of nutrients every day and that various studies have confirmed the potential health impact of the bio-actives found in 100% fruit juice.

Typically, he noted, dietary guidelines recommend a vitamin and mineral intake, preferably from fruits and vegetables as part of an overall balanced diet.

According to Malomo, concerns that the natural sugar content may adversely affect diet quality or energy intake are unfounded, as 100% fruit juices are a “source” of key micronutrients, as some nutritional compounds in fruit juice have greater bioavailability than in the fresh fruits from which they are derived.

“There is no doubt that we all want to have a better year than the last, but what we must do this year is to ensure that we have the recipe to come out on top.”

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Feature ‘Nigeria First’ as new foreign policy thrust in a changing world Innocent Odoh, Abuja

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n Thursday, January 16, the Federal Government announced that the new foreign policy thrust of government will be premised on the philosophy of ‘Nigeria First’ a new dimension in the nation’s diplomatic trajectory that gives primacy to the vital national interests of Nigeria and above all the protection of its citizens and their businesses around the world.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, made this known while briefing the diplomatic corps in Abuja even as he unveiled a list of nine priority areas in the second term of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. He noted that the key areas include; building of a virile economy, enlarging agricultural output, energy sufficiency, expansion of transport and infrastructure, amongst others as the new focus of the administration.

“This second mandate, we have nine priority areas the government has identified. And these are to guide our policy direction over the next four years.

“One is building a thriving and sustainable economy; enlarging agricultural output for food security and export; attain energy sufficiency and power and petroleum products; expand transport and other infrastructure development; expand business growth, entrepreneurship and industrialisation; expand access to quality education, affordable healthcare and productivity of Nigerians; enhance social inclusion, reduce poverty, build systems to fight corruption; improve governance and create social cohesion and improve security for all,” Onyeama said.

Onyeama stated further that the government will pursue a realistic foreign policy that will reflect domestic realities of the country.

“So, you can also call it a ‘Nigeria First Policy.’ But that will not be very original because I think somebody else might want to claim a copyright on using first for a country having interest or promotion of foreign policy. But basically, it is going to be a ‘Nigeria First Foreign Policy,’” Onyeama added.

The dynamics of international diplomacy had perhaps compelled Nigeria to have a strategic rethinking and reorganisation of its foreign policy objectives after a thorough scrutiny of its engagements with the outside world since the nation gained independence in 1960.

At independence, Nigeria made Africa the centerpiece of its foreign policy thrust. This Afrocentric policy gave Nigeria a lot of leverage in the continent and raised her profile following the enormous

Onyeama contributions the nation made to strengthen African unity and solidarity and to free other African countries from the shackles of Western colonialism. Nigeria won the prestigious title of a ‘frontline state’ because of its absolute loyalty to the African cause. Its investment in resources and men to restore the dignity of Africans were profound.

Nigeria made perhaps the largest contribution to the liberation struggle in Southern Africa. In Angola Nigeria was instrumental to the efforts to bring peace to the nation. Nigeria’s contribution to the independence of Namibia remains unrivalled till this today such that when Namibia became independent in 1990, Nigeria was the song on the lips of every Namibian.

Apartheid South Africa had Nigeria as one of the most formidable and vicious opponents of that shameful regime that tried to entrench the dehumanisation of people based on colour. Nigeria is said to have invested nearly 60 billion dollars to free South Africa from the bondage of white supremacists and sustained this fight until genuine democracy was installed in 1994, when Nelson Mandela became the first black man to lead South Africa after majority rule started in that country.

Nigeria was instrumental to the ideas which crystallised into the birth and formation of the defunct Organisation of African Unity (OAU) formed in 1963. This platform pushed for Africa’s economic development, unity and the protection of Africa’s interest.

This later transformed into the

current African Union (AU) during a summit in Durban South Africa in 2002.

The history of peace keeping operations around the world will not be complete without mentioning the huge role Nigeria played to bring peace and stability to troubled spots around the world.

Nigerian troops were sent to the Congo Democratic Republic in the 1960s to help quell the crisis that hit the country after it gained independence. Nigerian troops were in former Burma, later called Myanmar where they distinguished themselves and became the repository on how to manage crisis and restore peace to war-torn nation’s without necessarily taken sides.

There are many more of Nigeria’s involvement in peace keeping operations around the world and too numerous to mention.

In the West African sub-region Nigeria bestrides the diplomatic landscape like a Colossus with a matchless zeal that has drawn a greater part of her resources to give peace and unity to the region.

Nigeria’s former Head of stated Yakubu Gowon, was among the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) founded in 1975 to chat economic development and regional integration. Today ECOWAS is one of the world’s very viable regional blocs and this is largely attributed to Nigeria’s contributions.

In the early 1990s when crises broke out in Liberia and Sierra Leone, Nigeria under the then military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, mobilised the ECOW-

AS Monitoring Group called the ECOMOG and managed the crises in these countries and today both countries’ are peaceful and democratic. Nigeria gave its blood, money and energy to save these two countries’ from total anarchy.

However, despite the unrivalled contributions Nigeria has made to bring peace and stability to the world, Nigeria perhaps did not attach conditions to the investment it made. Nigeria may also not have received commensurate returns to its immense contributions. This is where it faces the grim reality of real world politics and changing dynamics. Today, it is doubtful if most of the countries that benefited

So, the foreign policy of any nation should be centered around national economic interest as well as national security interest and not any superfluous political solidarity.

So it is very important that Nigeria get its foreign policy right at this point in time especially in a world that has become completely globalised

from Nigeria’s contribution are willing to give in return. In some extreme cases, Nigerian citizens living in some countries are daily molested and killed and their property destroyed.

Nigerian citizens have become regular victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa and other places in Africa where Nigeria assisted in their times of need. The principle of reciprocity has been jettisoned by these nations. This is perhaps why the President Buhari administration decided to review the nation’s foreign make more attuned to Nigeria’s national interests. Nigeria may not be willing to abandon the Afrocentric foreign policy but has become incumbent on the nation to redirect its foreign policy objectives to now serve its economic interests first.

Speaking to BDSUNDAY on the new foreign policy thrust, an in international relations and security expert, Dahiru Majeed, expressed support for the Nigeria first foreign policy thrust.

“It is a step in the right direction.

The foreign policy of any nation is very important for their economic wellbeing. We live in a global world in competition among the constituent members. Competition for a common market, competition for global resources, and successful nations have been able to calibrate their foreign policy away from just being a moralist tool for political solidarity to realist policy for economic advancement of respective nations.

“So, the foreign policy of any nation should be centered around national economic interest as well as national security interest and not any superfluous political solidarity. So it is very important that Nigeria get its foreign policy right at this point in time especially in a world that has become completely globalised,” he said.

He added that it is only through a realist foreign policy that is wellorganized economically that a nation secures fairer share of global resources through multilateral and bilateral engagements with other interested parties.

Majeed tasked Nigerian leaders to vigorously pursue the Nigeria First foreign policy initiative because that in itself is a way to resuscitate the Nigerian economy and restore its glory.

“Foreign policy should manifest in Nigeria’s outlook in West Africa sub region. Nigeria should use foreign policy to push for a place in oversea investment and negotiate a fairer share of common market in the sub region,” he said.

The new foreign policy thrust appears to be a total reawakening to Nigeria in the face of its unparallel generosity to the rest of the world.

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Sunday 02 February 2019

Feature ‘Forensic fireworks’ at NDDC and the travails of Joi Nunieh

Many say corruption is fighting back as Nunieh suffers hacking, identity theft, certificate scandal, boycott of contract verification order, and attempts on her life

W Ignatius Chukwu

hat President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a t t h e Ni g e r Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was forensic audit but what he may be getting seems to be ‘forensic’ warfare and fireworks. This may be aimed at derailing, delaying, or outright disruption of the forensic audit. The target seems to be Ogoni-born Joi Nunieh, who was appointed into the waiting board to represent Rivers State but was surprisingly declared as head of an interim management committee and thereby the Acting Managing Director of the Commission.

Since early January 2020 when Nunieh, daughter of the first Ogoni lawyer, announced a contract verification exercise which requires contractors to go to the states where the contracts took place to go and register it and get it verified by an interim panel, hell seems to let lose.

Those who probably believed the forensic audit would not start, may be shocked the turn it was taking. Verifying a contract is being seen as setting the foundation of being found guilty, like one admitting and pleading guilty even before the charge is announced. Inside sources said many contractors held many nocturnal meetings where they resolved not to participate or at best to disrupt it.

Nunieh herself has been courting the tongue of the serpent. She gave verve to the forensic audit by always describing it as the only way to save the NDDC, a stand that many big politicians may not like. Politicians from both divide (PDP, APC) seem deeply enmeshed in contracts in the place and may not be ready for any serious scratch.

She it was who revealed that one senator alone had over 300 contracts and that 120 were paid for without any scratch of work.

This alone seemed to give the world a preface of the book of forensic audit ahead. She followed this by disclosing that one man was pocketing N1billion every month to help collect statutory funds from the oil companies mandated by the NDDC Act of 2000 to remit to the Commission. The scandal was that such remittances did not pass through an intermediary and is done by transfers or instruments, not Ghana-Must-Go bags and escorts. Not a few were angry.

Worse, she has since stopped payments and has come up with her verification ‘kamikaze’ poison that many think should not be swallowed without a fight.

The forensic warfare had to be launched.

Minor travails The first obstacle that Nunieh faced was effort not to recognise her as CEO of the NDDC. The Senate was made to reject her position, insisting that those cleared should be inaugurated.

The budget of the Commission for 2020 was ignored until the Senate order was implemented.

Some said she was imposed by some members of a cabal and not known to the President. She seemed to overcome this when the President indicated affirmation of her appointment.

The next was her email account that was hacked and used to solicit for payments for jobs especially for Ogoni women to be given employments. She and her aides came out denouncing and denying the claims, saying her account was hacked and her identity stolen.

Insiders said had that not been dictated early enough and publicly denounced, detractors would have harvested enough

evidence to supply to the security agencies and the presidency to show that the person sent to fight corruption at the NDDC was rather boosting it.

Subtle boycott of the verification exercise is said to be the next strategy to delay or discredit the exercise and get it discarded. At the various centres in the nine states, lines were scanty. It was obvious that an agency that had over 1200 contracts would have crowds at the centres, but the opposite was said to be the case.

At a point, the scenes showed images of a failing exercise.

Major travails The major script came when a group opened a scandal saying Nunieh forged her certificate.

This is a scandal that usually claims the head of the target. The group, a civil society one named Niger Delta Anticorruption Coalition (NDAC) called on President Buhari to sack Nunieh. They did not call for investigation first.

The group seemed to go to its core objective when it called on the president to order the immediate stoppage of the ‘Contract Verification Exercise’.

The call was contained in a press statement signed by Executive Director of the group,

L-R: Ibanga Bassey Etang, NDDC acting executive director, Finance and Administration; Joi Nunieh, acting managing director, and Cairo Ojougboh, chairman of the Verification Committee and the NDDC Executive Director Projects, during the inauguration of the committee at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Boniface Akpoebi, in which the group accused Nunieh of forging a degree of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. They said contrary to claims that she studied Law at the Rivers State University of Technology (UST), that she rather allegedly dropped out of the university.

The group also alleged that Nunieh also forged the National Youth Corps Service (NYSC) certificate and that she never partook in the mandatory one year national scheme.

Akpoebi stated: “We have it on good authority that the Acting MD of the NDDC did not graduate from RUST as she claims. She dropped out of the programme and went abroad. There’s no record she went to the Law School and we know she went abroad after a minor accident. When she came back from abroad she started claiming to fight for the Niger Delta cause. Joy Nunieh should be removed from the NDDC. She will not allow the forensic audit ordered by the president to be carried out. Currently, she has sent people to do verification instead of forensic audit. What are they verifying?

“Joy Nunieh has been bribed by politicians to witch-hunt some top Niger Delta leaders and we won’t allow that to happen. Let her go and sort her certificate issue with RUST and NYSC.” The media aide to Nunieh did not find the allegation weighty enough to be dignified with a response. The Special Adviser (Communication), Ibanga Isine, reminded newsmen that the alleging organisation was not registered in the first place. He also made it clear that the onus was on the person alleging to produce proof, not to ask the victim to do so.

Heavy hammer Nunieh and her defiant fight for the soul of Nigeria On January 28, the NDDC, through a group it called Coalition of Civil Societies Organisations for Governance and Change Initiative (CCSGGI), said to be led by one Okpokwu Ogenyi (all Idoma of Benue State names) as convener, signed a 30-point bullet attacking Akpoebi and his team.

The Ogenyi group not only condemned those they called idlers parading as CSOs/activists ready to serve as attack dogs, but said: “It’s illogical, incoherent, patently inchoate, and offending to understand an assemblage of matured men could anchor such a fluid allegation on a respected woman of virtue and leader. They based their conclusions on no empirical or verifiable evidence.”

The Ogenyi group wondered whether the Akpoebi group was present at the so-called FIB Headquarters in Abuja where they claimed that Nunieh was unable to present her certificates and pleaded to rush home to

bring them and never returned.

“The CCSGGI wonders whether members of the CSO were also part of the FIB vetting panel. In any case, they recoiled from presenting concrete evidence to the public to support their claims.”

The defending group pointed to the fact that Nunieh has worked and held several public offices, including serving at the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, (HYPREP).

“Therefore, having staged a bad outing, the group consoled itself by boasting of nationwide protests to press for her sack, if Mr. President fails to direct the Inspector General of Police, Director-General, Department of State Services, the ICPC to commence investigation and prosecution of Dr. Nunieh for alleged forgery.”

No going back In a firm declaration, the CCSGGI said: “But let truth be told.

We are all aware that the NDDC, an agency created by the FG to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region, has become a cesspool of corruption for decades. And President Buhari’s action to sanitise the agency by ordering a forensic audit of the NDDC, the main mandate of the Dr. Nunieh-led NDDC Interim Management Committee attracted eulogies to the President.

“It is commendable that the NDDC boss has her eyes fixated on sanitising and repositioning the NDDC for optimal performance beneficial to the region.

So, any attempt to distract her focus will not be condoned or tolerated. As a bona fide son of the Niger region who knows exactly what transpired in the Commission before now and fully aware of Dr. Nunieh’s courageous efforts, I felt it imperative to mobilise my colleagues to stand up in defence of an apostle of a great Nigeria.

“The Verification Committee is designed to clean the Augean stable for the proper forensic audit of the commission as ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. The committee has a two-week duration to submit its report. But news filtering from the Commission is unpleasant with startling revelations of mega frauds in the commission.

We still remember the popular case of a serving Senator. He was single-handedly awarded about 300 contracts by the NDDC; out of which 120 of the contracts have been fully paid, but none executed. The hired CSOs failed to stage a protest on the matter.

“It is incontestable that the so -called or non-existing CSO peddling the hogwash against Dr, Nunieh is the typical expression of “madness.” It is instigated by those who mindlessly looted the resources of the Niger Delta region. It is unfortunate that Continues on page 11

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BDSUNDAY 11

Feature

Why expansion of Abuja light rail may take longer time than expected

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James Kwen, Abuja raffic congestion which is beginning to surge in the nation’s capital, Abuja would likely linger for some time as expansion of the Light Rail Project intended to provide solution seems a mission impossible in the nearest future .

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which is handling the project, said the projection of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) that 10 additional stations will be built to open phase II of the Light Rail is not obtainable because much work is not yet done.

Traffic congestion in Abuja is now so heightened that most times it takes an upward of two hours to move from the City Centre to densely populated areas like Kubwa, Apo and Nyanya, especially during rush hours like in the mornings when residents are going to work, and at close of work.

Ordinarily, movement to and fro the City Centre to those areas should take between 15 and 30 minutes if there was an alternative means of transportation like the rail system.

The Abuja Light Rail is mainly intended to reduce the traffic congestion and offer an enhanced travel experience to the commuters in the FCT. But speaking to BDSUNDAY, an official of CCECC who did not want to be named in print doubted the expansion of the project as it was not certain whether FCTA has even paid its 15percent of the counterpart fund for the supply of the additional coaches.

The source was however, certain that three additional coaches would be delivered this year, noting that unless the rail lines or lots are extended, the available line cannot accommodate the remaining 48 coaches.

“This year alone, from the

Rotimi-Amaechi

projections of the FCT Minister, 10 additional stations will be built but if you ask me I don’t see much work being done and that naturally will bring us to the question of funding.

“When you come to financing you see what Amaechi is doing in Lagos-Ibadan, he talks with confidence, you people must finish it before October.

He talks like that because the Ministry has taken care of its commitment.

“If actually they (FCT) pay their counterpart fund because if you look at most projects going on in Nigeria, they are financed

by Chinese Exim Bank. The question is: has FCT been able to secure its part of the deal?

“Counterpart funding is based on your ability to fulfil your own part of the deal. Chinese Exim Bank is ready to give you money but that small 15percent that you are supposed to add to it before you can access the loan is not there. Somebody is willing to give you 85percent, bring 15percent you don’t have it because it is big money when you convert to Nigerian currency,” the CCECC official said.

When contacted, a Director in the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, in charge of the projects, declined comments but admitted that funding was the problem. A consultant on the project recently said it would take about $7 million to carry out engineering works for the

lot 2 to be completed.

Kayode Opeifa , a former Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, confirmed that the project could provide residents with a transportation system for mass movement of people and goods between satellite towns and the FCT, reduce travel times and provide residents with an environmental friendly transportation.

Opeifa added that when completed, the Abuja Railway Project will, “link people in the satellite towns to the city, promote tourism and improve quality of life and it would be tourist delight”.

Awarded in 2007, the project is divided into Six (6) Lots and with total length of 290 kilome-

tres, comprising: Lot 1A & 3 with a total length of 45.3 kilometres which starts at ldu lndustrial Zone via Gwagwa-Diedie and terminates at Gbazango Station in Kubwa (18km).

Lot 2 is from Gwagwa via Transportation Centre (Metro Station) to Nyanya/Karu while Lot3, from Transportation Centre via ldu lndustrial Zone to Nnamdi Azikiwe international Airport.

Lot 4 is rom Kuje Satellite town to Karshi Satellite town with the remaining legs of the Transit way line 2; Lot 5 from Kubwa via Bwari to Suleja; and Lot 6 from Airport via Kuje and Gwagwalada to Dobi.

Phase 1 of the Abuja Light Rail consisting of Lot 1A & 3 with a total length of 45.3 kilometres was commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2018 with three coaches conveying people from the Metro Station in the Central Business District (CBD) to the Nnadi Azikiwe International Airport with a brief stop-over at Idu interchange for passengers going to Kaduna.

However, since the project was inaugurated, there has been no expansion even as the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello had told the President and Nigerians that phase II had commended.

The Minister had said: “I am

pleased to inform Mr. President and distinguished guests that the FCTA is working on phase ll of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project to cover a distance of 32.54km from Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway at Garki Area 1 via the transportation Centre to Gwagwa and from Bazango Station to Kubwa”.

He disclosed that the FCTA had taken delivery of 3 coaches for initial take-off while the 48 were being expected as the Administration had concluded an infrastructure soft loan agreement with Exim Bank of China for the supply of the remaining coaches.

The supply and maintenance of the 48 coaches and their maintenance for three years cost US $194,008,602.43 out of which the China Exim Bank was to fund the project to the tune of US$157,001,049.89 (85percent), while the FCTA was bring a counterpart fund of US$37,007 (15percent).

Towards the end of last year, Bello said by the middle of 2020, more coaches under construction would arrive and 10 additional stations would become operational on the Lot 1A & 3.

This was last week corroborated by the FCTA Transport Secretariat Secretary, Alice Achu that the delivery of first set of Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) will be taken in the first quarter of 2020 to boost the regular operation of Rail Services covering Kubwa, Idu, Air Port and Metro Stations.

Achu said arrangements have been concluded for the “procurement of Transaction Advisor for the supply of Rolling Stock and Operation of Abuja Rail Lots 1A and 3.

“Completion of Abuja Rail Mass Transit Phase 2 Addendum- 1 and supply of Rolling Stock and Depot Equipment including 3 year maintenance.

“Commencement of Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project Addendum 2, construction of Lot 1B (26.7775 km) and the remaining part of Lot 1A (5.76 km) and exclusive bus lane”.

you to remain courageous and undaunted in the discharge of your duties bearing in mind that patriotic service to your nation elevates and etches your name on marbles colored with gold.

“Finally, may we warn the detractors to change their style of business or be ready to be disgraced by Nigerians, as any attempt to tarnish the image of the interim management committee Chairman at NDDC will be rejected. It will be stiffly resisted by the Nigerian people on whose behalf Dr. Nunieh is working hard day and night to make life more meaningful for Niger Deltans in particular and all Nigerians in general.”

Conclusion Will the travails fizzle out

or would they upgrade? Facebook pages of some media aides in the Commission have mentioned attempts to life.

What is clear is that the contractors refusing to come out seem to have broken ranks.

Many have now rushed out to verify.

In western nations, waivers and plea bargains help to court those with minor offences to come and volunteer confessions that may reduce the burden of proof on the Commission and also get them squeal on the hardened ones. It works there.

Can the Nunieh team try this, and will it cause a boom in findings and help the Commission move forward?

Abuja light rail

‘Forensic fireworks’ at NDDC and the travails...

Continued from page 10 these very enemies of the people are out to ruin the integrity and reputation of a woman whose only sin is accepting Mr. President’s charge to rid the NDDC of corruption and mal-administration. We have no doubt that the NDDC boss has maintained a firm level of integrity anywhere she is assigned to perform a national duty.

“And their failure to corruptly influence her to bow to dubious deals or soft pedal has raised a clan of enemies angling for her removal from office. It explains why months after she was screened and assumed office, no one raised the fake NYSC discharge certificate until she

inaugurated a Verification Committee. These infantile antics are familiar and cannot constitute a stumbling block to her determination to restore sanity in the Commission. They have barked at the wrong person. Dr. Nunieh is woman who has no skeletons in the cupboard and the enemies should think of another plot to frustrate her administration.

“Let us put it in clear terms to the leeches that the NDDC boss is carrying out a very tasking job and, inevitably, she must trample on lions and lionesses that once defaced humanity at the NDDC. These are the veiled angry contractors and their collaborators who are out against a woman ever ready to catch

the fraudulent contractors in their tracks. Those chasing her shadows to stab should ask their conscience what the NDDC boss has done apart from preferring to serve her country in the patriotic posturing, which President Buhari has continued to govern the country in the last few years. The allegations against her are not just unfounded, but totally baseless and should be discountenanced by all Nigerians as the handiwork of Nigeria’s desperate ‘Esaus.’

“The CCSGGI recognises the laudable and manifest initiatives, reforms/innovations Dr. Nunieh has impinged on the administration of NDDC now.

Those scared have genuine reasons to be afraid. We encourage

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Feature

How Nigeria keeps missing the point on its inventors, inventions

A

DESMOND OKON

nthony Lawrence was among the two other kids who were celebrated at the last edition of Indomie Independence Day Awards—an annual carnival for children found to demonstrate acts of bravery.

‘Heroes’ they call them, or at least, that is the term with which the organisers and promoters of the event, Dufil Prima Foods, described them and branded the event since inception in 2008.

But for Lawrence, it was a big night and the branding did not matter. All eyes were on him as he danced to traditional tunes that announced his entrance into the giant hall at Federal Palace Hotel.

Of course, it was also his parents’ big moment as they joined their under-15-year-old son.

Now, finally on the stage, all lights and attention were on him. As he received his plaque and other items; his feelings were better felt than expressed: “Thank you Indomie”, he stuttered before a crowd of the great and the good.

Lawrence was honoured for displaying creative ingenuity leading to the creation of a prototype police van, with sirens and a remote control to make it move and wail. Such awards usually fall in the ‘Intellectual Bravery’ category.

But that was not his first creation. The lad told journalists that he has a natural talent for making cars. “When I sleep, I see some cars in my dreams. When I wake up, I’ll start to manufacture the car. I pick my materials from the dustbin,” he muttered into reporters’ midgets and added that his father helps him with funds.

“My daddy buys superglue and anything I need,” he said.

Appreciating Dufil Prima Foods for the recognition, Lawrence, who at the time was a junior school student in Osu Technical College Mbano, Owerri, Imo State, and aspires to be an engineer, said things that were not taught in the school.

“Sometimes, when I get up early in the morning, I’ll see this boy sleepless, using his scissors to do these things. So, He said ‘dad, this thing you see me doing, please, I need money tomorrow.

I want to buy gum; I want to buy some old, used cartons, pans.’

I do give him money,” said his father, an electrical technician and small-scale poultry farmer.

He went on to share more of the boy’s exploits and stated that as at the time this interview was conducted, little Lawrence was on his way to constructing an aircraft and what was left were the ‘electronic gadgets that will lift that aircraft.’

“He controls it with a remote

Babaetsetunokan Orighoye and his device

which he constructed. When I get to Imo State, I’m going straight to the governor to show him all these things,” he said speaking on getting support for his son’s development.

As he spoke, this reporter reminded him of other Nigerians who had novel inventions and developed them to a working stage but were neglected and have since remained forgotten.

The reporter wanted to know if it worries him that his son might end up like the rest, especially since he mentioned a common name the others believed in toothe government.

More troubling for me was Lawrence’s request: “I want the government, any person that can help me develop my dreams to help me manufacture a big car.”

His plea came from a place of innocence and perhaps, because he had just stood before a crowd to receive an award (which to the discerning, could be for promotion) he had the illusion that the government cares about his surefooted exploits.

But those who have tried Lawrence know better. The boy’s police van was a little few of the potentially great inventions that had come out of Nigeria but were killed because the government, both state and federal refused to fund them.

Seven years ago, the story of Durojaiye Kehinde Obasanjo made the news. He had developed a car that was intended to move on land, water, and air. The project was started in 2009 and

Durojaiye Kehinde and his jet-car

took him two months and two weeks to get to a working stage.

By 2013, Obasanjo was able to get it to move on land and water, but getting it to fly was the problem…he needed funds.

“Unfortunately, my financial capability cannot complete the flying aspect”, he told SaharaReportersTV in a 2013 interview when he was seen soliciting funds from Lagosians who were amazed at the creation and wanted a demonstration.

The invention, which drew the attention of the media when he started driving it around Lagos, had a locally built engine, and Obasanjo said he had the technical know-how to complete the project, but funding was an impediment.

“I need about N15million to fly it and make it stable on air.

It will move on land, move on the sea, and fly perfectly. I need nothing less than N15million.

At the stage of the project, the aviation enthusiast had spent N950, 000, and the funds were from demonstrating the project to people, family donations, and selling video CDs,” he said.

To get the needed funds, he approached banks, the state and federal government as well as the private sector, but no response came from anywhere, he said.

“This year (2013), I met with Lagos and Ogun State governments, they promised to send delegates to inspect the project and I’m still expecting,” he said.

He further said that he met with

them in February of that year, and he was still expecting them by August when the interview was conducted.

“The Federal Government also sent me a letter that they would get in touch with me when the need arises. I’m expecting them. They asked me to continue the project,” he adds.

Ni g e r i a h a s a n e l e c t r i c ity problem—one that governments perpetually use during campaigns—either to increase megawatt generation or build supporting infrastructure. But it had a chance (and still does) to solve this problem if a little and genuine interest had been shown to Babaetsetunokan Orighoye electricity-generating device called PABOT Engine—a renewable power plant.

Orighoye’s Unique Renewable Energy could generate power within the range of 5KVA, 10 KVA, 15 KVA, 20 KVA to 5 megawatts, which can also scale up to generate megawatts of power for the national grid. It has also

to the agricultural sector, including palm fruit blender for kitchen purposes, cassava-peeling machine, weed-clearing machine, vegetable, and fruit slicing machine also for kitchen use and a multi-purpose planting machine for cassava and yam.

All these reportedly occurred in 2003. Fast-forward to 2019, a man with such talents was said to be languishing in poverty and overwhelmed with unmet family responsibilities.

“I have sacrificed almost all my money for the research activities…I am being faced with lots of financial challenges for I am giving my all to the research, which has led to untold hardship for me and my family, as I cannot meet our basic needs such as feeding, clothing, shelter and even caring for my children’s education.

“I am appealing to the federal and state governments for financial assistance to develop the invention for mass utilisation by the people, who are in dire need of reliable power supply,”

Olumide Peter Adesina and his luxury Keke

been described as eco-friendly, making it significant in addressing or reducing climate change effects, and can also be installed anywhere.

However, for over 10 years since 2010, the Delta State indigene has been trying to get funds from his state government as well as the Federal Government to further the project and massproduce it for Nigerians. But the only help his state has given him was to facilitate his trip to exhibit the project at the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology’s Technology and Innovation Exposition in Abuja.

Top politicians he met at the Abuja expo, like Ogbonnaya Onu, reportedly promised to help him. The ministry also promised to provide grants to enable him scale up the production of the generator. But as usual, nothing has happened to date.

Although, Orighoye has secured a patent for his creation, investors are yet to show any interest.

As a 300-Level student in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ille Ife, Osun State, he manufactured other machines beneficial

he told Vanguard. “The Federal Government knows about my invention…,” he said.

Obasanjo and Orighoye’s story are just a few. Late last year, a secondary school leaver’s invention drew wild attention.

With no background in engineering, Emeka Nelson, 26, created a hydropower generator, with a maximum capacity of 1000 Watts and a voltage that fluctuates between 220 and 240, he told the BBC. Emeka has also invented a machine that can transform waste into petrol, diesel as well as into tiles and roofing sheets.

Other inventions by Nigerians reported in 2019 were a luxury tricycle (kekenapep) with doors, a tricycle powered by solar energy, and another powered by electricity as electric vehicles are beginning to emerge.

But the questions are, why are they not on Nigerian roads, why are there more Bajaj tricycles in Nigeria? Why does Nigeria rank amongst the highest importers of Bajaj transport products including Tricycle and Bajaj Motorcycles?

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Feature Insecurity: Have the service chiefs run out of ideas?

INIOBONG IWOK

I

Emeka-Nelson2 at his lab

“When compared to the rest of the world, even the rest of Africa, many of these inventions are not ground-breaking. Investors would invest in something they see a chance of profitability in.

Only the government can invest in these inventions, it wouldn’t necessarily be for returns in the short run, but to improve upon and encourage local inventors to spring up,” said Sydney, founder of Cash Box.

Durojaiye Kehinde and his jet-car He said the government needs to do more to encourage local investors, stating that when the government takes the first step, then investors can follow suit.

“The government should create a fund to support inventions, improve the state of our university of technologies, give our inventors the support they need to be able to improve on their inventions. I believe they should fund it, if not for anything, at least, to encourage our local inventors to keep doing more research and development, and in the nearest future it would become a profitable project,” he said.

But Frank Eleanya, BusinessDay’s tech analyst views it dif-

Hydropower Machine

ferently. He believes that the idea that the government should fund tech start-ups is not tenable because “there are lots of things that the government is doing.”

For him, tech start-ups require infrastructure and enabling environment for their businesses to thrive and invariably attract investors to help funding their projects.

“What start-ups need is not funding from the government.

They need good roads; they need light, enabling environment essentially. If you look at start-ups that government has funded, most of them got funded maybe with USD10,000 dollars or USD50,000. How much is USD10,000 for a business that wants to thrive? If you get USD100,000 right now as a business, you’re not likely to last till next two years because of operational cost,” Eleanya said.

Investors are looking for an environment that enables businesses and makes it easy enough for their businesses to grow and an environment that encourages the innovation. According to him, “They need to create that channel,” adding that government could begin with making innovation relevant in schools.

“The school angle comes in.

So, start-ups can actually collaborate with a state university and they come up with an innovation together and also most importantly what start-ups need is collaboration across the board.

No start-up with an innovation can work it alone,” he further said.

“So, it is not a government thing. What you need are investors with bigger money who are not risk-averse and can give you time to build. The government doesn’t have that kind of money.

So, the kind of money you need to build an innovation, government cannot give it to you,” he said.

n recent times the security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated and assumed a frightening dimension.

Perhaps, for many Nigerians the magnitude of bloodshed and lives lost since the Boko Haram insurgency began in 2010, could only be compared to the nation’s bloody civil war era of 1966-1970.

Another frightening dimension to the Boko Haram insurgency has been the incessant attacks and killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

These herdsmen have terrorised Nigerians, destroyed properties and communities, maimed, kidnapped for ransom, while leaving trails of anguish in the heart of the people.

Today, banditry and kidnapping for ransom have become a business venture, with many cases reported every day across the country and victims including some top security officers such as soldiers and police being held in the dens of the kidnappers until ransom was paid.

The situation which initially appears to be a Northern problem has now assumed a national dimension.

On daily basis, the combined impacts of kidnapping and banditry have led to loss of many lives, and property, leaving many people homeless.

It is sad that the security situation has worsened despite yearly increased budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Defence and reports of purchased of logistics and other equipment to the military to aid the insurgency war.

Just last week, more than 20 people were killed by unknown gunmen around Kwatas village, in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.

Kwatas, is a community neighbouring Plateau State University.

Last July, along the Benin-Ore expressway Olakunrin Fasoranti daughter of Afenifere leader was murdered. The police authorities and many people in Ondo State had said she was killed by suspected herdsmen in a kidnap attempt.

However, several months after no one have been brought to book, while investigations into the brutal killing appear to have stopped.

This is one of many of such killings that happen every day across the country without the culprits being apprehended to face the law.

The killings and kidnapping have become a daily occurrence and ritual in Nigeria.

Observers say the impunity in the system and the inability of the security agencies to bring perpetrators to book has fuelled the attacks and killings across Nigeria.

The worsening security situation necessitated informed the Governors of the Southwest states to recently launch ‘Amotekun, the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The six state governors said the security outfit would tackle the

challenges of insecurity, including kidnapping and banditry in the region.

Despite virulent criticism that has trailed the outfit, the governors say they are pressing ahead with the plan.

Recall that in 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari was seeking election for his first term in office and in 2019 for re-election for a second term, a major focus among his key campaign promises to Nigerians, was to tackle insecurity and win the war against insurgency, But there is increasing fear among Nigerians that President Buhari may be losing the war against insurgent, largely due to his reluctance to change his service chiefs.

Perhaps, the comment by President Buhari last week, that he was surprised at the current surge of security challenges across the country paint the hopeless picture of the situation at hand and goes a long way in indicating that events had overwhelmed President Muhammadu Buhari and his service chiefs. Security expert say, President Buhari’s comment paint a picture of hopelessness, they say insurgency war are won on strategies and it appeared that the current set of service chiefs have lost touch with events on ground or lack the needed support from their colleagues.

In the last few days, there have been increased calls for the President to sack his service chiefs since they appeared overwhelmed and appeared to have lost ideas on security situation in the country.

“Personally, I think they have overstayed their time in those positions. They are fatigue, their time is up they should be allowed to go and rest let have another set of people like they say ‘new broom sweeps better’.

“From the chief of Defence staff to the Minister of Defence they should all go. Many officers are being killed; it is not reported we can’t continue this way,” Tunji Shelle, a former chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, said.

Last, Wednesday, Senators overwhelmingly called on the President to, as a matter of urgency, sack the service chiefs,

contending that they have done their part at the moment, but are out of ideas and have overstayed their welcome.

The Senators’ views were corroborated by, the Publicity Secretary of the Igbo apex body, Ohanaeze, Uche Achi-Ogbaga who said they had exhausted their ideas, adding that there is an urgent need to engage people with new ideas to tackle the security crisis in Nigeria.

According to him, “You see, the concern crept from the corresponding media reports to the effect that the President is himself shocked at the level of banditry or insecurity in the country. One would wonder because if the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is in shock, then defenceless Nigerians should be in coma.

“If after five years at the helm of affairs of Nigeria as President, all he could offer is to still express shock, one should be able to say that he has no solution to the threat without being controverted by any rational and apolitical mind.

“Recall that the government has demonstrated at many fora that Boko Haram has been defeated. Today, Boko Haram is still attacking ferociously, killing innocent and defenceless citizens and more. “Other deadly criminal outfits, including dare-devil, kidnapping and massacre-infested herdsmen, are springing up here and there.

“The implication is that the government is not living up to its responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of its citizens because nothing is more precious than life and if not given priority of protection, everything is lost,” he said.

Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin said the service chiefs are long overdue for sack, stressing that their long stay in office may lead to grumbling among junior officers.

“If records are anything to go by, we should expect nothing from this than the hollow rituals. The only pleasant surprise we can get is a sack of the service chiefs. They are long overdue for sack for their ineffectiveness and constituting themselves into stumbling blocks to career rises of other officers,” he said.

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Curtailing fire outbreaks in Lagos

Frank Aigbogun

editor Zebulon Agomuo DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGY, INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS Oghenevwoke Ighure ADVERT MANAGER Ijeoma Ude FINANCE MANAGER Emeka Ifeanyi MANAGER, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Obiora Onyeaso BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (South East, South South) Patrick Ijegbai COPY SALES MANAGER Florence Kadiri DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Linda Ochugbua GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (North)

Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (South) Ignatius Chukwu HEAD, HUMAN RESOURCES Adeola Obisesan

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

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Send 800word comments to comment@businessday.ng

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MANAGING DIRECTOR Dr. Ogho Okiti

@Businessdayng

Tayo Ogunbiyi Ogunbiyi is of the Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

C

onsidering recent spate of fire occurrence in which billions of Naira worth of goods and property were destroyed in Lagos State, it has become extremely essential for all and sundry to pay immense attention to safety issues.

Recall that barely two weeks after the sordid Abule-Egba pipeline fire incidence that threw drew both local and national attention, the popular Amu Plank Market in Mushin, Lagos, also recorded another distrarious fire outbreak that resulted in colossal loss of goods and properties. Just as the state government and the people were grappling with this unfortunate occurrence, the famous and ever bustling Balogun market in Lagos Island was also engulfed in fire. Many are yet to really come to terms with the monumental losses they have incurred as a result of the tragic event.

This development is bothersome, bearing in mind its effects on socio-economic life. The price of fire incidents is apparently huge.

It results in pains and deaths to victims, loss human and material resources as well as damages to equipment and structures. It is, therefore, discouraging to note that most of these disasters are not acts of God, but rather the products of human errors and carelessness.

Risky acts such as storing of petroleum products at homes and reckless use of cooking gas are common causes of fire outbreaks in our society. Storing of petroleum products at home is especially a sheer act of inconceivable thoughtlessness that must be discouraged.

Equally, many people close at work or leave home without ensuring that all electrical appliances are shut down to prevent outbreak of fire in case of power surges. It is also dangerous to keep matches and other ignition materials within the reach of children. Other causes of fire outbreaks are careless attitude towards electrical outlets, faulty electrical wiring, damaged electrical appliances, heating gadgets, unattended stove and gases, uncontrolled children’s attitudes towards inflammable materials among others.

To stem the tide of further fire disasters in the state, it has now become crucial for all offices and homes to have efficient fire extinguishers. This is in addition to having functional knowledge of their usages. It is also imperative for everybody to acquire safety information in respect of fire outbreaks.

We all need to be aware that fires could generally be put off by water or sand while a special foam chemi-

cal could be used to quench oil fire.

People using gas for domestic or industrial purpose need to be more vigilant. Ovens and stoves should be shut off to prevent outflow of inflammables and food flaming.

Additionally, well-meaning individuals, related government agencies and organisations need to embark on fire safety and emergency management.

A research conducted by a nongovernmental organisation with focus on fire prevention, control and management, Fire Disaster Prevention and Safety Awareness Association of Nigeria (FDPSAAN), shows significant low level of awareness on fire safety in Nigeria. Less than 2% of the over 140 million Nigerians have the required basic fire safety knowledge.

The issue of safety which once occupied a major place in the programmes and plans of every level of government is now treated with levity. Within the context of Nigerian laws on safety, the National Fire Safety Code, for instance, seems to have been dumped in the thrash-can. The code is a set of rules guiding fire prevention and control in all public buildings in Nigeria. It is, therefore, imperative that existing laws on safety are strengthened and strictly enforced in order to achieve a safer society.

The present administration in Lagos State is poised to ensure a safer and better environment for all residents. To this end, it has embarked on pragmatic strategies aimed at repositioning all emergency agencies in the state. It has put in place mechanisms aimed at

strengthening collaborative efforts among these various agencies.

But for such pro-active measures as this, the effects of current fire episodes in the state would have been more complicated.

The Lagos State Safety Commission as well as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, are currently at the vanguard of creating consciousness on the dangers of unsafe practices that cause fire and other disasters in the state.

Similarly, the state’s Fire Service currently boasts of modern fire -fighting equipment such as 32 Dragon pumpers’ fire-fighting trucks, extrication and rescue equipment, breathing apparatus, provision of utility vehicles, improved welfare packages for staff among others. This is in addition to having a passionate and fearless workforce.

However, for the fire-fighters to perform optimally, it is important that they are given the right of way by motorists during emergency operations. Provocative acts such as attacking or cursing fire fighters, while on duty, must be discontinued. Fire fighters are our brothers and sisters who have chosen to take on such a delicate job in order to safeguard the safety of everyone. We must do everything humanly possible to assist them in positively discharging their duties.

Meanwhile, residents across the state should continue to take advantage of the state emergency lines, 767 and 112 (tolls free), to contact relevant agencies in case of any emergency.

Imo Itsueli Mohammed Hayatudeen Afolabi Oladele Vincent Maduka Opeyemi Agbaje Amina Oyagbola Bolanle Onagoruwa Fola Laoye Chuka Mordi Mezuo Nwuneli Charles Anudu Tunji Adegbesan Eyo Ekpo Wiebe Boer Paul Arinze Boye Olusanya Ayo Gbeleyi Haruna Jalo-Waziri Clement Isong

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Politics Nigeria risks anarchy in 2023 without holistic electoral reforms Iniobong Iwok

T

he large-scale violence and irregularities which characterised last Saturday’s re-run elections held in 28 constituencies in 11 states across Nigeria again brought to the fore the increasing agitation for a holistic electoral reforms and the amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act to, among other things, accommodate electronic voting.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had rejected the results of the re-run elections in some states and alleged that its officials were abducted and forced to compromise the processes.

The commission particularly mentioned the incident in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State where several of its officials were said to have been forcefully abducted and diverted to an undesignated location where they were forced, under duress, to manipulate the election results in the Local Government Area.

The election was, however, said to be marred by low turnout of voters at the LGA, especially in Ukana, the Minister of NigerDelta Affairs, Godwill Akpabio’s ward.

It must be said that the problems which characterised the re-run elections are not new, neither were they surprising, considering the fact that recent elections in Nigeria had followed the ugly pattern.

Just last November, the Kogi and Bayelsa States’ off-season gubernatorial and the run-off senatorial elections were marred by violence and intimidation of voters, mainly between the supporters of the nation’s two largest political parties, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the elections, several people were killed. In Kogi State in particular, the violence was widespread between supporters of the PDP and the APC, and reports had it that armed men drove to a polling unit and opened fire on people.

Cases were widespread of fake policemen who dressed in SARS uniform and armed touts that disrupted voting and snatched ballot boxes in units where their candidates were losing.

Political thugs moved about freely, dispensing fury to political opponents of those who hired them. Acheju Abuh, the Women Leader of Wada Aro Campaign Council, Ochadamu Ward, was said to have been burnt alive in her home town by alleged jubilant supporters and thugs said to be celebrating their party’s victory.

Similarly, large scale violence was noticed in Bayelsa State where armed touts, allegedly attacked several polling units and disrupted voting exercise, while carting away voting materials in several polling units across the state.

After the conduct of elections in both states, it was alleged that more than 16 people lost their lives from violence that characterised the elections.

Elections in Nigeria have increasing become a do-or-die affair, with politicians desperate to win at all cost.

Similar situation was noticed in the 2019

Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman

Ovie Omo-Agege

Chekwas Okorie

Mike Omotosho

general election, and the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) in its final report had said that overall, the elections were marked by severe operational and transparency shortcomings, electoral security problems and low turnout.

The Chief Observer of the EU EOM, Maria Arena, said that the relatively low levels of voter participation, showed the need for fundamental electoral reform.

Overall, the EU EOM fell short of branding the exercise shambolic.

The EU also noted that 150 persons were killed during the elections, saying however, that the numbers were not definitive.

Analysts said that the increasing violence in national elections in Nigeria could be blamed on too much attachment to money and the winner-takes-it-all style of politics.

They also noted that the huge salaries and perks of office enjoyed by politicians in a country full of beggars and army of unemployed Moreover, it is believed that the high scale of electoral violence has been encouraged because of the level of impunity in the system and inability of the security agencies and INEC to punish electoral offenders.

Condemning the violence-ridden elec-

tions in recent times, Obinna Chidoka, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, said: “I think the APC has crafted and developed a very dangerous template in running elections. I think that is what they have done.”

“If you look at what has happened in Kogi and Bayelsa states, the future of democracy in this country is threatened by this dangerous trend. This dangerous template of trying to win elections at all cost, whether by violence or over-voting, by everything that is out of the norm, out of the books, and that is what has happened in Kogi and Bayelsa states,” Chidoka said.

Wale Ogunade, lawyer and national president of Voters Awareness Initiative said: “The problem is that there is impunity in the system, culprits are honoured rather than made to face the law. It emboldens them to do more; that is the problem we have. Just look at the recent Kogi State election, the way the PDP women leader was burnt to death, nobody was brought to book, and even a chicken cannot be killed like that.

“If care is not taken, the INEC chairman and the RECs would be kidnapped next time; until we imbibe the fear of God and do things

with common sense in us, this madness may not stop.

“Part of the problem is that our electoral system is winner-takes-all. When a governor assumed office he do what he likes, and you cannot even reach him to make your suggestions, even ordinary councillor and local government chairman. They live a flamboyance lifestyle and become rich at the determent of the people.”

“What we urgently need now is intense voter education, so that Nigerians would be more conscious of these dangers. The talk about setting up Electoral Offenders and other related offences Commission must be taken seriously,” he further said.

As the country prepares for the Ondo and Edo State gubernatorial elections this year, political observers are of the view that if the country is serious about curbing electoral violence, concrete steps must be taken to punish electoral offenders to serve as a deterrent. They also insist that electronic voting has become a necessity, the time of which has come.

This view was corroborated by Chekwas Okorie, the nation chairman of the United Continues on page 18

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Sunday 02 February 2020

Politics PDP will consider merger to win 2023 - Secondus

Prince Uche Secondus is the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview, the opposition leader bares his mind on plans by the party to merge with some parties to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, the alleged failures of the APC administration, and the urgent need for electoral reforms, among other issues. SOLOMON AYADO brings you the excerpts: There is a view that the PDP under your leadership has been lethargic, not really playing opposition roles. Beyond the issue of press statements, it has not been able to mobilise Nigerians to against the failings of the ruling party. Have you made attempts to understudy the role of opposition parties in other climes and how they were able to take over power from the ruling party? he PDP is the strongest opposition party in Nigeria. And you know, we don’t behave as if we’re on the street. We have men of high integrity in the leadership of the party. We do our opposition constructively; it must not be out of place and within the laws of our land. We cannot be seen on the street carrying weapons; maybe what is expected is that we become violent, no, no. We are very constructive, we are very strong and if you are in government, you know the feelings. Today (Tuesday) alone, the Minority Leader Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe gave a bombshell; he called for resignation of Buhari. So it’s not by press conference or issuing of statements, and of course, you know what happened last week. The entire country was grounded to a halt, not only in Abuja but across the states. When occasions demand, we will let the people know. But our plans and our strategies are in place.

We are also aware of the other countries like Ghana, Kenya, even the United States have passed through what we are passing through in opposition and we’re doing better. It is those who are in government that are behaving like opposition because they are used to be in opposition. So, I believe that we will do everything within the laws of our land and we’re doing quite a lot, planning, strategic initiatives that are in place. We have the intellectual arm that is the PDI; people are walking silently. You are aware that in the last NEC meeting we also announced that we’re establishing a committee to review and assess what happened in 2019. All of these are towards putting our party in the right track, walking towards 2023 if all the electoral laws would be amended to conform to modern day technology where even people can stay in the confines of their homes to vote and their votes will count. So, all of that we are working towards.

Last week, we called the National Assembly to quickly take their first front agenda and let them make it a priority, about the electoral laws because all of these issues that are happening in our country today: insecurity, bad economy, corruption, have to do with those who are in government. So, that should be first and foremost thing that the National Assembly in this New Year should do. They should amend all our electoral laws, bring everybody together so that the people will have the right to vote not like that woman in Kogi, who voted and was burnt alive. So,

desire to run for the office of the President, you are free to contest.

There is the rumour that your party is planning to change its name?

I am quite glad that you know it is a rumour and I would regard it as gossip. And everybody, every free thinker is allowed to think but we never considered name change. It has never happened and no suggestion but like you said, it is rumour and anybody can throw the rumour to his face. It is not being considered by our party at all, it is not part and parcel of our agenda for now.

T

Is your party considering a merger?

Why not; when the time comes, if there is need for people to pull their resources and pull their strength together, it can happen, it is possible. Our focus is in making sure that our party is strong and viral and ready to win election.

Uche Secondus

we will keep this going on and that woman became the symbol of democracy in Nigeria. So, we are on the right track and we want to assure you that we can do it and we can do it better.

The Buhari Media Organisation is making mockery of your party that for 16yrs in office, you could not complete your party headquarters...?

It is entirely business of PDP to determine when we are ready to pack into our new secretariat. We have secretariats, we have offices and as you know, we have one at Wadata and another one at Legacy. That one is still under construction; so, be patient till we pack over there, but we have very good offices.

What is your party doing about one of our colleagues, Agba Jalingo who has been in detention, and the matter is traced to one of your governors in Cross River State?

You are aware that the Governor of Cross River met with the President yesterday (Tuesday) and on his way out, he was interviewed by your colleagues and he had to explain what happened; how water entered melon. So, I refer you to the statement of the governor because we are all concerned and if it is true, a proper investigation will be carried out and I believe that what the governor said, you are aware of it. So, you don’t need me to say much about that until a final decision is taken but we are concerned generally because this is a country that believes and of course, it was the PDP that came out with the Freedom of Speech Act and we believe in it. Our President, Goodluck Jonathan signed it and so we believe in free press and free speech.

A lot of PDP stakeholders, especially the governors have shown disloyalty publicly to the party; they have no allegiance to the party and your administration has lost the capacity to call them to order. What is happening?

You see, democracy is fast deteriorating in our country because of the style of the Federal Government. As you can see, it is door-die, or winner-takes-all; people are not patient, hunger in the land, insecurity and that may be what is contributing to what you are witnessing today, but our position is very clear.

Even in those states not controlled by PDP, you still know that we have critical stakeholders in those states who are firmly on ground. And you know also that in 2019 election, we won in those states that are not ours and that shows clearly that we are moving forward with democratic ideals and principles but you never can tell. There may be one or two places where we may have what you just described but we believe that it will come on and off until we arrive at the right destination not just for our party but for our nation also.

Where is the party going to zone 2023 presidential ticket?

Today, we are more concerned about rebuilding our party. When the time comes for the nomination of a Presidential candidate, the party will come out with its position. You know the Constitution allows everybody, whether you are from north, whether you are from south to contest. No one is going to stop anyone from contesting even when it is zoned to a particular region and I am talking about in the past. So, every person still has a right to contest; if you are qualified and

Your party is divided especially in the House of Representatives where the issue of Minority leader has split members of your party. Can your party put its house in order as it approaches 2023 elections?

I want to assure you that our Distinguished Senators are working hard in the Senate.

Yes, we have issues in the House of Representatives and we are working hard to resolve them. And we believe that any member of PDP, not necessarily those in leadership, is free to voice out what is going on in government and so that is why we are working hard to reconcile those in the House of Representatives but Senate is in order and the Senate is moving forward.

There is crisis in APC. What is your party doing to take advantage of the crisis and clinch the governorship seat in Edo State as the election is coming closer?

We are working very hard in Edo State. We met with the leadership and stakeholders of Edo State last week and I believe that our people are coming together, very strong and you are aware that the state belonged to PDP before the APC took it from us. So, we are working hard to regain Edo State.

Your party spent 16 years in office and the only thing it could put in place regarding electoral reforms is the card reader. Many believe that if your party had been honest enough and not benefiting from electoral fraud, there could have been a more solid reform which could have made it difficult for individuals or groups or parties to rig elections?

If you recall when PDP came into power in 1999, I want you people to rewind a little bit because we must know where we were coming from and where we are now. It took 16years for us to carry out electoral reforms which gave us what we have and which was not implemented. First, the laws were analogue. Second, there have been several reforms within the 16years and it became

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Politics Rerun elections reveal APC, PDP real strengths James Kwen, Abuja

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esults of Saturday, January 25 rerun elections have revealed the real political or electoral strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The performance of the APC and PDP showed a sharp departure from the general election as both parties made in-roads in states where they could not win at the February and March polls.

In Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Niger and Sokoto where PDP was almost declared persona non-gratta at the general election, at least, for the States and National Assembly polls, the party put an impressive performance at the rerun elections.

Also, APC won the rerun in Cross River and Imo States where PDP maintained firm grip during the general election.

According to election results in Kano State, declared as the home for the APC, Aliyu Yako, the PDP candidate was declared winner of the re-run for Kiru/ Bebeji Federal Constituency with 48,601 votes to defeat Abdulmumin Jibrin of APC who polled 13,507 votes.

The PDP also won the re-run House of Assembly election for Agwara Constituency of Niger State where its candidate, Bello Ahmed polled 5,884 votes to beat 11 other candidates in the election.

In Sokoto State, PDP won all the re-run elections for Sokoto North/Sokoto South and Isa/Sabon-Birni federal constituencies of the State.

PDP candidates, Abubakar Abdullahi of defeated the incumbent APC lawmaker, ABala Hassan of All Progressives with 68,985 votes against 42,433, votes cast to claim Sokoto North/Sokoto South House of Representatives seat while Sa’idu Bargaja of PDP floored Sani AminuIsa of APC with 44,490 against 41,048 to clinch the Isa/Sabon-Birni Federal Constitu-

Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman

ency seat.

In Bauchi State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the two candidates of the PDP winners of the Gamawa and Zaki federal constituencies’ by-election and supplementary elections While Auwal Jatau of PDP returned winner of Zaki Federal Constituency of Bauchi State with 15,405 votes against Umar Tata of the APC who got 15,307 votes, Madaki Gololo of PDP scored 21,223 to defeat the candidate of New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) who scored 15,004 votes.

The rerun election in Kaduna produced Comfort Amwe of the PDP as winner of the Sanga constituency seat in the Kaduna State House of Assembly with 19,815 votes, defeating Haliru Gambo-Dangana of the APC who scored 19,688 votes.

On the other hand, in Cross River State,

a PDP stronghold, Alex Egbonna of the APC was declared winner of the Yakurr/Abi Federal constituency rerun as he polled 29,716 votes to defeat John Lebo of the PDP, who got 26,039 votes.

In Imo State, the APC emerged victorious in Okigwe North Federal Constituency as its candidate, Miriam Onuoha garnered 23,690 votes to floor Obinna Onwubuariri of the PDP who got 10,010 votes.

It could be observed that the results of the rerun elections were different from what was obtainable at general election because the influence the presidential and governorship candidates had on the general election was reduced during the reruns.

Another possible factor that might have influenced the reruns’ outcome could be the ability of the electoral umpire, INEC and security operatives to perform their roles

better than at the general election because of enough manpower to cover few areas.

INEC itself expressed satisfaction with the outcome of reruns as it noted a marked improvement in compliance with its processes and procedures during last Saturday’s rerun elections in 28 constituencies across the nation.

It commended the voters, security agents, the media and election staff for their praiseworthy conduct but condemned violence and irregularities in some States, particularly Akwa Ibom where the polls took place.

Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC) stated this at the end of the Commission’s meeting which reviewed the conduct of Court Ordered Rerun elections.

Okoye however, said, the deviant behaviour by a few persons determined to subvert the people’s will was noticed in a few areas in the course of the elections and these isolated incidents minimally affected the peaceful and orderly exercise in only four (4) of the 28 constituencies where elections were conducted.

He stated that consistent with the Commission’s resolve to sanction electoral bad behaviour, the Commission took the following steps to protect the process: “In Akwa-Ibom State, where the officials of the Commission were abducted and diverted to an undesignated location and forced to compromise the elections in Essien Udim Local Government Area, all the polling units involved were identified and their results discountenanced.

“In Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the activities of bandits prevented the Commission from deploying to a few polling units, but the Commission successfully conducted elections and declared results “In Abi State Constituency of Cross River State, officials of the Commission were abducted and thus prevented from deploying in eight (8) polling units, and all officials of the Commission that were abducted have been rescued and accounted for.”

PDP will consider merger to ... like rhetoric and you know part of it, part of our challenge was that the Constitution of our country must also conform with the desire of the change and reform which we proposed before we handed over in 2015.

It was the PDP that equipped the INEC with all the data and with all the machines and also the transmission of result sheets electronically but when this government came, they discarded all the structures that were put in place even though the electoral law didn’t quite capture it because of the impediment of our constitution because a major aspect was that we need also to change a major aspect of our constitution as regards the electoral reforms and this requires everybody.

When we called a few days ago for electoral reforms we are not calling only the APC, the PDP everybody in our nation because we must move forward. Now, 16years was not a joke. I suppose you should appreciate that PDP has done very well bringing us to where we are today and it is left for those in government now to quickly, all the structures are there, in fact, the last amendment that was done in the 8th Assembly, President Buhari refused to assent to that Bill to become law. Election results can be transmitted from the voting point to the centre. The President refused to sign it, so why are you putting the blame on PDP? The 8th Assembly amended the electoral laws so you don’t put that blame on PDP; put it squarely on the door step of APC government. They are now in govern-

ment for 5years running; so put that on their door step. And we believe that if we don’t at all do the needful and reform, we cannot move forward as a nation, we can’t. So, we don’t want to join issue with APC; we don’t want to join issue with anybody but what we want is electoral reform that will be good for everybody. People should have the right to come and vote and not be killed and that is the right of all citizens.

A sitting governor of your party was publicly campaigning for a governor of another party in another state. Why could the party not call him to order?

Being a governor does not deprive an individual from airing his own individual view.

I am quite sure you understand that. He hasn’t come out openly to say, ooh, this is PDP position. If he has aired up his views in terms of Edo, I am quite sure that people

can in a democratic world and free speech, people can have the right to do so, but that is not the position of PDP. And it is time for our country to move from a situation of sentiments and emotions and all what not. We don’t listen to gossips, some may be correct, some may not be correct, but let’s drop this idea of rumour or not rumour and you link it to PDP. Our position is very clear, we are going to contest for the election in Edo; we are asking for reform and that is the position of the national leadership of our party.

The PDP under your watch is being perceived as being weak in terms of discipline.

Some time ago, governor of Rivers State accused his counterpart in Bayelsa of antiparty activity, insisting that you are aware and you did nothing. Again, there is this view that whatever happens in Wadata was planned in Rivers State and that your leadership is tied to the apron string of Governor Nyesom Wike who tells you what to do.

How do you respond to these issues?

Anything that has to do with our governors and the altercation between the governments of Rivers State and Bayelsa State, I think we should just, because it has made headline news and we don’t want to go into it. I don’t think that is going to help to build a party. Those who want to destroy would want to dig up emotions. So, I believe that enough is enough. What we do behind the scene is not to the knowledge of the press and we are not ready to disclose that because we have our strategies. You may think that is the weakness, but that’s the sign

of strength. The way you think it may not be the way we think and I have been in this party long before Governor Wike became governor. I’ve been the chairman for River State for eight years, the national organising secretary for four years, deputy national chairman and acting national chairman, all that time where did I take the directive from when I was Acting Chairman? Is it now that I am a full-fledged chairman that I have to take the directives? That is rumour and blackmail and we’re not ready to pay any attention to such. In politics, normally in Nigeria, people gossip and then carry rumour from one place to the other which gets to Media executives like you but you rightly ask your question. I don’t know where you’re coming from, you can go do your investigative journalism, whether any of the things you have said here is the truth and you also know the truth and the truth will prevail at the end of the day.

A gale of defection has hit Imo State and many of your members are decamping to APC. Are you not worried about this development?

On defection, of course, it is a Nigerian syndrome. It is part of the deteriorating situation of governance given by the APC, starving the people and causing insecurity that is what we are experiencing today not only in Imo but in some other states too. And our position has been properly articulated by the press conference of the National Publicity Secretary and that’s our position.

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Sunday 02 February 2020

Politics Forget the brouhaha, who is more PDP than Governor Umahi?

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Francis Nwaze, Abakaliki he headline that has recently sold several papers in millions has been: Umahi PDP, PDP Umahi; Umahi APC, APC Umahi. Many have held firm that the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr.

David Nweze Umahi, is somewhat playing double standard with PDP and APC. I have held myself from wasting my time reacting to such unfounded rumours from naysayers who don’t understand the workings of a political party and its allegiance but I am prompted to set some records straight.

Testimonies of Governor Umahi’s steadfastness and commitment towards the building of People Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi and Nigeria in general have continued to resonate, even as jobless fault finders kept on searching for loophole to penetrate into. These fault finders are sponsored agents of power hungry politicians, and political desperados, whose core job is to mislead the general public with false/twisted information. They ensure the twisting of every statement from Governor Umahi to give him a bad image before the masses without recourse to the fact that Umahi has paid his dues and cannot be merely dragged on the mud by fabricating lies on the pages of newspapers as his developmental strides speaks heavier than failed mission.

For the records: Governor Umahi was a successful businessman/contractor before joining politics as the PDP acting Chairman in 2007. His outstanding leadership led to his subsequent conferment as the Party Chairman in 2009-2011

David Umahi

before his nomination by the then Governor, Chief Martin Elechi as his Deputy between 2011 - 2014 before he contested under the People’s Democratic Party which campaign was coordinated by the Divine Mandate Campaign Organisation against the will of godfathers and victoriously won the election in 2015.

Since then and as I write, Umahi has remained in PDP even before becoming the Party State Chairman and is firmly still in the party with not exit plan in sight.

The Problem: Governor Umahi was brought up in a Christian home in Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State and was taught how not to disrespect and/or abuse elders/leaders. Umahi has also refused to play politics with his personal relationship with anyone.

For Governor Umahi, politics starts few weeks to the election time and ends immediately after the Election Day after which the next should be work, work to serve those that have enthroned him.

This style of politics has made him relate freely with everyone without party affiliation while permanently placing political neophytes to keep wondering and bamboozled.

To further confirm the political style of Governor Umahi, President Muhammadu Buhari, while addressing traditional rulers during his visit in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State for his second term campaign reiterated that Umahi never talked about party and politics on their several meetings but has always focused on how Ebonyi and Igboland will be developed.

The same was corroborated by Chief Audu Ogbeh during his time as the Minister of Agriculture on December, 2018 when commissioning fertilizer blending plant in Ebonyi. The former Minister stated that Umahi understands politics as he does not talk party except how to develop Ebonyi.

He further recommended a brand like Umahi for Presidency remarking he represented the kind of president desired for a continued economic emancipation of Nigeria.

Few important points to note: Among all the Governors in PDP, Umahi delivered Ebonyi 100percent to PDP, Presidential, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly inclusive in the 2015 elections and did same in the just concluded 2019 election.

Okowa/Umahi headed the Committee that delivered the most transparent party congress which birthed Atiku/Obi

as the party flag bearer in the 2019 PDP Congress.

Umahi, during his time as a party Chairman, built the biggest and most beautiful party secretariat across the country. The elegant and fine furnished structure is still standing firm for the party in Ebonyi State.

Governor Umahi has remained a true party man from his time as Party Chairman to his time as Deputy Governor and throughout is first tenure as Governor and he is still a true PDP even till tomorrow.

During his time as a deputy governor, many stakeholders decamped to Labor party but he held the party strong in Ebonyi, he delivered the party and emerged the Governor.

Governor Umahi has dutifully and honestly delivered on several party national assignments.

Having read the above, I may be tempted to ask, who is more PDP than Umahi?

Conclusively, paid journalists have attempted to gag Governor Umahi and ensure he never joke while making speeches, a character of Umahi that gives him joy.

They have attempted to stop him from relating with people he knows before party but interestingly, all their efforts on the pages of newspapers are effort in futility.

If Umahi has interest in decamping to any other party other than PDP, he will snap his finger and make it happen but when a king is resting in his palace and passerby’s are insinuating that he is not at home, he simply laughs and says ‘what a joke?’.

Governor Umahi is PDP, has paid his dues as a true party man and has no intention to jump exit the party. If they bring you fake story about Umahi and PDP, discard it and keep to your front as Governor David Nweze Umahi _dey kankpe in PDP.

Nigeria risks anarchy in 2023 ...

Continued from page 15

Progressives Party (UPP), who said that effort should be made to strengthen the electoral process and give legal backing to electronic voting as a solution to the current logjam.

“The electoral offenders and related offences commission would help, but I am more interested in prevention rather than punishment. Those who do not want to obey the law can still be punished, but I think electronic voting is the way forward.

“This would help eliminate all these problems, and the rate of politicians taking case to electoral petition tribunal and to the court would reduce. What is happening is that the courts are the ones determining who rules the people because of our flawed elections,” Okorie said.

According to him, “Our party made this recommendation in 2012 to the National Assembly, the then PDP Jonathan-led administration. We canvassed the amendment of the law to give way for electronic voting but we were ignored. The National Assembly went ahead and amended the Electoral Act and said electronic voting should wait.

“They strengthened the existing system for manual voting. At that time, we had card reader and INEC had just procured laptops, and other items which would have aided the process. But because the PDP wanted to remain in power for 60 years, they threw our

proposal away.

“But since that election where Buhari was elected in 2015, things have gotten worse. The National Assembly must amend the Electoral Act to ensure full deployment of electronic voting for 2023 and give legal backing to it.”

“Through this, results would be transmitted directly from the poling units to an INEC server and there would be no ballot paper to cart away. These boys would have no job to do and there would be fewer crises in the system,” Okorie said.

Deputy Senate President, Ovie OmoAgege had also acknowledged the problems and the need for a holistic amendment, when he recently introduced a bill for comprehensive amendment of the Electoral Act No. 6 of 2010.

The bill, co-sponsored with Senator Abubakar Kyari of Borno North Senatorial District, is now making its way to public hearing, having scaled second reading with overwhelming support in the Senate.

Omo-Agege said that the bill would also mandate the INEC to publish the voters’ register for public scrutiny at every registration area and on its website, at least, seven days before a general election.

According to him, “It also mandates INEC to suspend an election in order to allow a political party that loses its candidate before or during an election to conduct a fresh primary to elect a replacement or new candidate.”

He said the bill would grant agents of political parties the right to inspect original electoral materials before the commencement of election, define over-voting to include situations where total votes cast also exceed total number of accredited voters.

According to him, “It is a decisive response to a plethora of our Supreme Court’s decision inviting the National Assembly to make sensible amendments to the Electoral Act. “And I believe it is responsible for us to take the apex court’s constructive guidance on issues that fundamentally affect our democracy.

“This apart, Section 153 of the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended, specifically and expressly empowers INEC to issue regulations, guidelines, or manuals for the purpose of giving effects to the provisions of this Act and for its administration thereof.”

The deputy Senate president further said: “The pervasive non-compliance with the Guidelines, Regulations and Manuals would carry clear consequences for people who think violating electoral due process is a rewarding exercise.

“The proposed Bill to amend the Electoral Act would focus on resolving issues surrounding INEC’s introduction of modern technologies into the electoral process, particularly accreditation of voters.”

He also said that the bill would grant agents of political parties the right to inspect original electoral materials before the commence-

ment of election, define over-voting to include situations where “total votes cast also exceed total number of accredited voters’’.

But the national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Mike Omotosho, doubted the sincerity of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to support any holistic electoral reforms that would enable an amendment to the Electoral Act in view of the current agitations for electronic voting.

“Personally, I doubt if this APC government would initiate any holistic electoral reforms that would give way to electronic voting. They would amend the Electoral Act, yes, but would they support electronic voting? They know with this, manipulation of election results would be drastically reduced. Why did Buhari refuse to sign it into law before the 2015 general election?

“With what we have seen in recent elections, it has become inevitable; you can see that everyday people are crying for it. Look at what elections have become; simply a mess; it is a do-or-die affair. The question is, how long can we continue with this? Personally, I am of the opinion that we should also have a commission to punish electoral offenders; they should work with security agencies and INEC, because it appears they are helpless.

“The situation has worsened in recent times because no one is punished, our party has made its position known to them,” Omotosho said.

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Women’s World Tomie Balogun’s investment journey and how you can benefit from it T he Millennial Investor, Tomie Balogun is a Certified Financial Education Instructor, and CEO of the Green Investment Club. Balogun, in this interaction with Modestus Anaesoronye, gives insight into her investment journey, career tips, and key lessons on how to find a business, and also succeed in it.

Work with people who share your vision When I got accepted for my MBA, I realised I wasn’t going to be earning steady income for 2 years and I had been working for 4 years and earning a good salary yet I had no significant savings to show for it. It was clear my personal finance habits had to change if I didn’t want to keep repeating the same cycle all my life.

Thankfully, I found like-minded friends who were my MBA class mates at the time who shared the same sentiments. We decided to start an investment club for 4 key reasons; to pool our individual funds together so we could have a lot more cash to invest, to get access to bigger investment opportunities, to share the rewards and risks of investing together and to hold ourselves accountable to our financial goals.

Your story will always be an inspiration to someone I started my personal blog where I shared about various themes in 2014. In one of my blog posts, I shared about starting an investment club and I got so many questions; that was when I knew there were others in the same boat as I was when I started who really needed information on how to get their finances in order and make investment decisions in Nigeria.

One blog post led to another and I received requests for a workshop. This led to me holding multiple workshops where I shared my practical investment experience and invited experts to share as well.

We are in the Millennial Age Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are the demographic cohort following Generation X and preceding Generation Z. Researchers and popular media use the early 1980s as starting birth years and the mid1990s to early 2000s as ending birth years, with 1981 to 1996 a widely accepted definition. It is an identity given to a specific set of people with similar core values and needs. Based on research, millennials are well-educated and much better connected.

They are less religious and are getting married later and having less children when they do.

They are just as optimistic as any previous generation. They don’t look up to brands or institutions or figureheads as much. The future, they know, they must build for themselves with their friends and peers. They also know they must take control of their own

Tomie Balogun careers, think independently and for them lifelong employment is a fairy tale. It’s all about lifelong learning, being on the move, being in control.

Financial illiteracy is still on the rise While we may be educated, we do not have adequate access to information on how to make investment decisions and avoid scrupulous scams who promise too-good-to-be-true returns.

We need to ask more questions on the credibility of these investment platforms or opportunities. What are they doing to earn the promised returns? Is it a legitimate business or simply a Ponzi scheme? Do they have clear operational activities? Corporate governance? These questions need to be asked more often.

Have a clear investment goal When we have clear goals and a good understanding of the factors that influence investment decisions, we can make better

investment decisions based on our personal philosophy.

Someone else who has a personal goal to travel the world, as most millennials plan to these days, might decide to take advantage of safe liquid investment options or high-risk passive income investment options to earn more income. If he/she decides to stay safe, the person is most likely a conservative investor or already has a high risk portfolio, if he/she decides to invest in high risk options, it might mean that he/she’s current income cannot meet the travel goal or he/she already has an investment portfolio that consists of safe investment options and can afford to take the risk.

Never stop learning from experts I started out sharing my knowledge as a certified financial educator and personal investment experience with the members but over time, we have invited other experts

and thought leaders who have practical investment experience to share these experiences with members of the club.

Consistency yields results Starting the Green Investment Club was an experiment. I blogged weekly on my personal website, www.tomiebalogun.com, about my investment club and received so many requests to start one for those who thought they didn’t have the right friends to start an investment club with. I took up the challenge and started the Green Investment Club in October 2017.

35 people signed up for the initial run of the club and by the 3rd month, we had over 100 people on a wait list waiting to join due to the results they saw members of the club achieve. Today, we have about 1,000 members who live in 13 countries.

Learn from your failure When I and 4 other friends started our financial investment club in 2013, we were excited about the prospects of what we

could achieve. We had read so many Silicon Valley investment success stories and I guess we were a bit naïve about what we could achieve in Nigeria.

We set out to invest in small businesses with great impact potential and the ability to scale.

One of our very first investments was in a carpool service business for young working professionals.

This was before the advent of Uber in Lagos.

This service was in demand and we saw the opportunity to help the owner scale up his operations. We invested and as MBA graduates, we thought we had mitigated all the risks that come with investing in a small business. Apparently we didn’t mitigate the risk of multiple bounced cheques.

It was a great lesson for us to always make an investment decision based on the integrity of the person or small business owner first before we consider the growth potential of a business.

The lessons from this transaction have stayed with us, helped me make some more critical investment decisions after wards and teach others how to avoid these mistakes too.

Change is constant, so be dynamic Back then, we didn’t have as many investment options or platforms like we do now. We had only the traditional investment options; stock market, money market, small businesses to work with when we started our investment club. Today, there are so many fintech platforms that help you save, invest and earn passive income. There are mobile apps that give you access to invest in treasury bills, the stock market, alternative investment opportunities like agriculture and real estate, transportation etc. and we haven’t even scratched the surface of the full potential of these innovative changes.

Investigate trends I do not invest based on trends anymore. I only invest in what is right for me at a certain point in time based on budget and specific goals. I believe this frees from the pressure to catch on to any trends. I reach out to experts to learn as much as I can about the trend and based on the information shared, I decide if it is right for me at that particular moment or not.

To cap it all, she made a prediction on the future of investment in Nigeria. According to her, “There will always be investment opportunities in Nigeria. In fact, the current economic landscape is a perfect opportunity for investment. There are micro and small businesses in different sectors that need capital to grow and employ more people. These micro and small businesses account for over 80 percent of businesses in Nigeria. They offer a savvy investor a great opportunity to invest and contribute to growth in the economy.

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Sunday 02 February 2020

Life&Living The best time to travel during pregnancy

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Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson

regnant women normally worry about so many things, trying as much as possible to avoid pregnancy complications. Travelling is definitely one of their worries.

Thoughts of whether the cabin pressure will affect the baby or whether sitting for too long on a long haul flight might induce premature labour.

According to Konga Travel and Tours, a 21st century lifestyle travel booking agency, choosing the best time to travel is essential owing to the need to avert complications in pregnancy which may harm the mother and unborn child.

The first trimester and the end of the third trimester are associated with problems that a pregnant woman would do well to avoid, hence it has advised against heavy activities such as travelling during these periods. ‘‘The best time to travel during pregnancy is between week 14 and week 28,’’ Konga Travel disclosed in

a knowledge-sharing piece circulated to its customer base.

Also, American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, affirms that: ‘‘Peak pregnancy problems occur in the first and towards the end of the third trimesters. During mid-pregnancy, your energy has returned, morning sickness usually is gone, and it is still easy to get around.

Paying attention to the way you feel is the best guide for your activities.’’

Indeed, the advice from Konga Travel comes in handy for thousands of Nigerian women who usually engage in birth tourism. Equally important, birth tourism refers to the practice of traveling to another country for the purpose of giving birth in that country. The main reason for

birth tourism is to obtain citizenship for the child in a country with birthright citizenship.

Research indicates that as much as 23 percent of pregnant Nigerian women insist on having their children abroad. Consequently, birth tourism has become a big business, running into $28bn annually.

Equally important, statistics from

the Medical Tourism Association holds that “23 percent of Nigeria’s population has access to a combined buying power in excess of US28 billion dollars, mostly made up of professional and middle-class Nigerians whose desire to seek privileges such as better health care services or simply dual citizenship options for their child/children is on the rise.’’

In addition, the Konga Travel advisory serves as useful information for women whose jobs involve a lot of mobility and who may find themselves having to travel a lot.

Konga Travel is Nigeria’s foremost omni-channel travel booking company.

Having emerged on the scene less than two years ago, Konga Travel, which was recently named the Most Innovative Agency by global airline, Virgin Atlantic, has distinguished itself.

Within a short space of its existence, the company has grown nearly 25 percent on a month-on-month basis, acquired all the requisite and major travel certifications and rolled out multiple physical store locations nationwide.

Ways to discover a profitable rental property IFEOMA OKEKE

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ne of the ways to achieve your goal of having a reliable passive income stream and becoming a success in the real estate market is finding a profitable rental property As real estate investors, we all start out wondering how to find rental property to buy. The better question we should be asking is how to find a good rental property and what we should look for in our next investment property.

Middlechase Properties Limited, a real estate investment and development company in Lagos which specialises in luxurious yet affordable housing gives a guide you on how you can start investing in Rental Property with no money or credit of your own even if you’ve never bought your first real estate deal. They include the following: Get a trusted real estate agent Ideally, the first thing you have whenever you are ready to pull a trigger and decide to buy your rental property or add to your rental portfolio is to consult a trusted real estate advisor. A reputable real estate agent or broker can mean the difference between a successful hunt for a rental property and coming up empty.

He or she should know the neighbourhood well, and advise you on which properties are best suited to your needs. This is especially important if you are looking for properties out of your current town or area. His or her knowledge of the area can be invaluable.

The quality of the neighbourhood Another major factor to put into consideration is location! Location!!

Location!!!

The quality of neighborhood that you buy a property and will actually influence both the types of tenants you attract and your vacancy rate.

So, the better the neighborhood in the mind’s eye of the tenant the less

likely you’re going to have a vacancy issue. The flip side is that if they don’t like it as much, guess what you’re going to have? A vacancy rate and every time you have that vacancy rate, your profit will be down and definitely, you wouldn’t want that to happen. So get it up by first exploring the neighborhood before you buy the rental property.

You can drive through the community and make sure that that’s what you want before you pull the trigger on that property as well.

Look at property taxes You need to be aware of how much money you’re going to be losing to property taxes every single month and every single year. High property taxes aren’t always a bad thing especially to neighbourhoods in the excellent place.

But keep this in mind that the two don’t normally go hand-in-hand with higher property taxes equals highly desirable area.

However, if they do in your case, then you’re more likely to be able to track long-term tenants and have a low vacancy rate. So what you want to do is you’ll want to talk to homeowners in the community and websites that talk tax information for that property in your area. If you don’t want to go through all the stress, then find a reliable and trusted real estate agent and they will be glad to pull that information for you.

Academic institutions The next that you want to consider are the schools and specifically if you’re dealing with family sized or extended family sized accommodations, you might want it to be considering the quality of the local educational facilities in and around your rental because what’s going to happen if you have for instance, a three or four or five bedroom rental property, who you are going to be attracting realistically are growing family that might want to be in a specific zip code and maybe the right home out there or they’re not able to buy a home on their own or maybe the right home is unaffordable for them

right now for where they want to be but your rental is just the right price for them to live in. And it just so happens to be in the right school district for their kids to be able to get the education that they want.

The higher the school rating the more likely you are to find a long term tenant in the form of parents and their kids that are going to be in that school district for the whole time.

Crime The truth is that no one wants to live in an area full of crime scenes. So what do you do and how do you know if your rental is in a hotspot for crime.

If you’re a local, you could take a drive through it. Maybe you already know what the rap is or maybe you don’t know what the rap is or you drive through it and check it out for yourself and you check it out at different times of day and see if it’s going to be within your comfort to purchase in that area.

However, the best place to go for anything that has to do with crime statistics or something related is actually go to the police department or a public library in your area. With them, accurate crime statistics for the various neighbourhoods of the city that you’re living in can be accessed.

Population growth and job market

The local job market of that city is almost a major determinant. If there is going to be growing employment opportunities, then two things must be checked: First, you’re going to be having a lot of people flocking that city and there will be less homes available than the number of people coming in. With these indices, rate of appreciation will go up, resulting to a huge return on investment.

Also, people will probably live there for at least one to two years where they figure themselves out, getting their employment situation taken care of and they are able to start learning the new city and learning where they want to live themselves.

So if you hear of a major announcement or a notice that a company is moving into the area that you want to purchase a rental in, that could be a good thing if you get there before and ahead of time so that you’re not the one getting stuck with the already home appreciation from another speculative or savvy real estate investor that’s going to sell it to you because they’ve already rented it out and they want to cash in on their home appreciation.

Amenities around the neighbourhood Another question you have to resolve is what’s going on with the poten-

tial neighbourhood and what are the projected projects such as new parks, new malls, gyms, movie theatres public transport hubs, commercial activities etc. that typically attract renters.

For instance, not every renter has a vehicle. So being close to major transit or being somewhere around where they can have a little hub spot so to speak for transit is very important to them.

Another thing might be in malls and gyms and everything within a walk able distance maybe one mile out maybe two miles at the most. That can also appeal to people because it’s a really quick thing for them to get over there.

Building permits and future development What is the municipality planning and what information is available on any and all new developments that are coming or have been zone in and around the area rental. Knowing about the planning of new apartment buildings, business parks, malls, then is probably a good growth area is a good sign if you have these three things. At the same time, watch out for new developments that could hurt the price of the surrounding areas.

Listings and vacant seats If there’s unusually high number of listings for one particular neighbourhood that are rentals or listings that are actually being resold, it can be either sign of a seasonal cycle or it can be as a sign that the neighbourhood just has gone bad in people’s opinion.

In the case of owning that rental property, your tenant has to feel good as well for them to want to be renting that property. And if you ideally want long term tenants, so you lower your vacancy rate and make sure that you’re not in the bad area. Therefore, keep an eye on those things for fluctuations and realize whether they’re seasonal or whether there are other issues; underlying factors that should that will let you know and give you an idea which a possible vacancy rates can look like over 12 month cycle .

Sunday 02 February 2020

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Bliss with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo

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Email: chiwuagwu@yahoo.com Phone number (sms only) 08057511893

NECLive back with a bang Sauti Sol signs

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D Africa, owners of the NETng and producers of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) has announced a new format for the 8th edition of the long running conference to be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

According to the organisers, NECLive will be expanding its format to accommodate new activities, events and programmes in order to deepen its impact and shore up its contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment and creative industry.

NECLive 8, the organisers revealed, will be expanded into a two-day event featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, training workshops and masterclasses, product exhibitions, awards show, performances and multiple satellite events holding in venues around Lagos.

With the theme, “Building The Future”, the organisers said NECLive 8 will explore various ways of maximizing the potential and impact of recent strides in distribution, cinemas, events, promotions, exhibitions, productions and festivals, and how stakeholders can erect the infrastructure necessary to build the desired future for Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry.

“Since the 2019 edition of

deal with UMA

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NECLive, we have been working hard behind the scenes to redesign the entire NECLive experience.

Our goal is to offer more value to all attendees, our brand partners, entertainment industry professionals, performers and creatives in Nigeria, and we believe the 2020 edition will deliver this objective,” says Femi Falodun, ID Africa CEO. In his remarks, Ayeni Adekunle,

A

caused the camp to struggle with the provision of food, lavatories, shelter, classrooms and teaching aid, medicines, antenatal and postnatal kits, trauma therapy, and others.

This first episode shows the journey the Airtel teams embarked on to evaluate the campsite and its residents. The result of their evaluation is a commitment by the network to provide, among other supplies, toilet facilities, drugs, electricity generators, fans, school desks and books, and school bags for the 3,732 children on the camp.

Ogunsanya noted that Airtel Touching Lives must continue because it represents a core value of the organisation. “Airtel Touching Lives,” he stated, “is premised on the philosophy that if the strong continues to support the weak, society will excel and triumph at a quicker pace”, adding that “business is not only about returns on investments; business is about

ent to their fans garnered 400,000 downloads in that period alone.

Having toured successfully across Africa, the US, Europe and Australia, the chart-topping band has received the recognition and respect of both their fans and the industry, taking home international awards including, BET Awards, an MTV EMA for Best African Act and MTV AFRICA Award for Best African Group.

Last year, the band opened their own record label; Sol Generation Records, with the sole mission of developing and introducing new iconic live African acts. Founded on the ethos of discipline, order, passion and endurance (DOPE),

generation of fans throughout Africa.

The band released their well-received debut studio album, ‘Mwanzo’ in 2008, followed by, ‘Sol Filosofia’ in 2011, which amassed multiple accolades in the form of awards and nominations. The music video for the single ‘Coming Home’ earned them the Best Music Video award at the Kisima Music Awards, as well as, the Best Fusion Artist/Group of the Year award. Their collaboration EP with South African rapper and producer, Spoek Mathambo was released in 2012. The music video for the single ‘Range Rover’ was shot at an old Dutch ammunition factory in Zaandam, Netherlands, which has since become a cultural heritage site. ‘Live and Die in Afrika’, their 2015 third studio album was released for free download for 48 hours. This early Christmas pres-

it’s pitched to attract authentic songwriters and shape shifting musicians, who will pen soundtracks to peoples’ lives.

Sipho Dlamini, MD of UMG South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa enthused, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Sauti Sol, one of the most innovative and creative groups to have broken through from Africa in recent years. Universal Music Africa is dedicated to helping the best African music talent reach new audiences around the world and we are excited to welcome them to our global UMG family.

We look forward to working together with them to ensure they are able to authentically celebrate Africa through music and to help introduce their unique blend Afropop to new listeners everywhere.”

Founder and Convener of NECLive, also said, “We set up NECLive eight years ago as an intervention to rally everyone towards building the industry of our dreams. Eight years on, we are glad to witness and facilitate the transformation of our home entertainment, our music and our media. And we are calling on the government, practitioners, fans and investors to come to the party.”

Airtel Touching Lives returns with Season 5 irtel Touching Lives has returned with the fifth season and it seems the telecoms giant flagship corporate social responsibility programme is all set to tackle more far-reaching projects across Nigeria.

In his keynote at the launch event, which was held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel, Mr Segun Ogunsanya said, “With the current Season, we are focused on big projects that will impact thousands of Nigerians in large communities.”

The preview of the first episode of the new season, which was played to high profile guests, including Vice President Yomi Osinbajo; Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami); and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; Airtel Touching Lives showed how the telecom colossus confronted the most cumbersome issues at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno.

Before Airtel’s intervention, the facilities at the camp were stretched beyond limit for the inhabitants, whose population crossed the 30,000 mark in 2018. Camp managers revealed that in January of 2018 alone, new arrivals exceeded 3,000 as the Boko Haram terrorist group displaced more people from villages around Borno.

These swelling numbers

niversal Music Africa, UMA, a division of Universal Music Group, UMG, has announced the signing of an exclusive recording agreement with awardwinning Kenyan Afro-pop collective, Sauti Sol. The Kenyan Afro-pop band is comprised of vocalists Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi and guitarist, Polycarp Otieno.

The agreement will give the band access to UMG’s global network around the world and will allow greater opportunity for the band to reach new audiences globally, whilst continuing to satisfy and excite their dedicated fanbase with bold, creative campaigns that will engage a new

purpose and meaning.”

Airtel Touching Lives takes the format of a reality television show, allowing the public to nominate causes, communities and underprivileged person or people with special needs. Airtel thereafter evaluates and selects the causes to support and the rehabilitation project are filmed and broadcast on terrestrial and satellite television stations.

By filming the projects, Airtel aims to inspire other corporate organisations as well as wellmeaning individuals to join in supporting the less advantaged across society.

Inhis remarks,the Governorof Lagos State, Mr Babajide SanwoOlu said the grand programmes of Airtel fall within the reasons politicians are voted into office.

“Airtel is a partner in progress,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Thanks to Airtel for going out of their normal realm to truly touch lives.”

AMVCA 7 ready to roll

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ovie lovers are all anxious to know those nominated for this year’s edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and before the end of the week, their suspense would ease.

Bliss gathered that Africa Magic will announce nominees in all 28 categories in the AMVCA 7 on Thursday, 6 February 2020.

The AMVCAs Nominee announcement will be hosted by Nollywood’s Linda Ejiofor and Ibrahim Suleiman and will be broadcast live on Africa magic channel.

Talking about the ‘big’ announcement, Channel Director, Africa Magic, Wangi MbaUzoukwu, said, “The journey to selecting the nominees from over 2000 entries received for this edition has been a long but exciting one. Judging from the caliber of entries received, we are once again reminded of the important role the AMVCAs play in shaping the African film

and television narrative. We invite you to tune in Sunday, 6 February as we announce the talented creatives who have made the cut and have set themselves apart in the industry”.

Since its launch in March 2013, the AMVCAs continues to inspire and celebrate contributions of African filmmakers, actors and industry specialists as they promote the growth of the continent’s film and television industry. For the 7th edition, awards will be presented in 28 categories, with seven categories open to public voting and 21 being categories to be decided by the AMVCA panel of judges with the inclusion of a new category, The MultiChoice Talent Factory Award.

The 7th AMVCAs is brought to viewers across the continent

by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice and is proudly sponsored by Amstel Malta.

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Sunday 02 February 2020

Insight

Zainab Ahmed: An hon

Faith, however minutely, and the expected result are indistinguishably synonymous. Mrs. Zainab Shamsu have had a good measure of that all too important asset- Faith in the Nigerian economic development. He through institutions and market places with recognition and honours for her efforts, demonstrating clear all are proud of you.” This is how members of family and committee of friends of Mama, as she is fondly called, succinctly put it, in a congratulatory message to her, considering the milestones that she has recorded. When she was faced with the herculean task of seeing the country out of recession not long ago, it was her determination to undertake measures for the basic restructuring of the economic base of the country, resolving to adopt a far-reaching national approach.

Nigeria exited the recession, through a collective strategy that she was able to pursue effectively.

After the resignation of former Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, in 2018, to fill the space, President Muhammadu Buhari swiftly appointed Ahmed to take over. In 2019, the President reappointed Ahmed Minister but with an added portfolio and responsibility to also oversee the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. This was a clear testament of her capability and the trust the President

has had in her. Ever since her appointment, she is one of the very few female ministers who have proved their mettle, performing excellently well, most especially in the area of finance, economy and fiscal policies, also confirming the notion that she was to be number one hard-nosed realist in that the economy needed a watershed – a speedy, credible workout for the elimination deadbeats.

No wonder, therefore, that the members of her family and committee of friends are wont to add: “You have been picked from the big crowd because in the last couple of years, you have worked as hard as your body could carry you and your best effort has paid off.” With this honour on one hand appearing as a no lark in the sky unsoiled by the mud of human plodding or a happy-golucky achiever who perpetually churns out optimistic policies to restore the Nigerian economy, she has shared with the finery of this institution, among others, which has recognised her quiet severity and passionate intensity

“

It is not out of place for Ahmed to be honoured and acknowledged, and not just for her sake, but because a university’s recognition of its outstanding performers provides the building blocks for the enhancement of its stature

“

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rom the outset it has, for Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, been exacting her mandate to bravely launch out her first order of business as an immensely important project: fixing Nigeria’s economy. She, who appears to have divinely been made for the job, had taken a periscopic view of the economy, knowing from the beginning that it was going to be a promise to strictly keep the workouts and to ensure that the process does not only move on but yields the expected result.

Then there were skeptics but now there is the toga for conviction in this administration, even at the International Monetary Fund/World bank, and in the financial world that everything arguably looks to comparatively be in order, given Ahmed’s grand faith in the revival and the growth of the Nigerian economy and the many economic initiatives taken up in company of her colleagues to see the economy afloat. Since her appointment, the country has been able to point significantly to the promising satisfactory index of general well-being in the last one and half years of her being in the saddle as the Honourable Minister of Finance.

So far, there are clear signs of result that deserve to be described as ‘remarkable’ which has already attracted honours to her from different institutions.

“We are very happy about the news of your conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Accounting from the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Your carriage and mien, teamwork, dedication, friendly and people-centeredness, have always shone immense light on your effort. We

with which she manages the affairs of the country’s economy. On the other hand the university has by this honour proven its value, for it would have been a great miss indeed, if, for want of presence of mind and promptitude, it failed to honour her.

The Honorary Doctorate Degree is a token of support by which the university has also highlighted the increasing impact it is making in the Nigerian management sphere through past students, especially on the economic management stage with its grooming. Though, it is not out of place for Ahmed to be honoured and acknowledged, and not just for her sake, but because a university’s recognition of its outstanding performers provides the building blocks for the enhancement of its stature.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Ganiyu Olatunde, would readily disclose that: “The Minister is a good ambassador of the institution and has also contributed immensely to the development of the country. The choice by the Academic Board to confer on her the Honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) is to further cement her commitment to pushing beyond boundaries and further committing herself to the challenging task ahead in repositioning the country’s finance and economy.”

The honour has attracted commendations to an Amazon who does not believe in perfunctory disposition, irrespective of the pressure of ensuring the country takes her pride of place in the comity of nations. “We are proud of your contributions and accomplishment in the service of our great country.

This is a personal recognition which we all cherish. Congratulations on your Grand Success, Mama!,” a message put out by members of management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning reads.

She, who prefers traditional food, loves to spend quality time

with her family and to have good chats with her close friends. She also likes to exercise when she is able to as an all-round fellow; she tries to equally juggle her responsibilities for quality impact wherever she finds herself. To her children, her role is three fold; she is a mother, a friend and a mentor: She likes attending to every interest her grandchildren express, and engages them in such a way that changes their taught process for good. She is very compassionate and caring, giving of

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nour well deserved

una Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, makes a notable figure that must er foray into the pursuit of the Nigerian economic management and its revival bristles and resonates rly that indeed as always, faith does not fail, more so with work. Writes Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi economics and investment, she had rather been hard pressed to live her life in such an exemplary manner that holds a great practical lesson for those who aspire to success in their own lives, more so transcending international boundaries. Essentially, her role in the management of the Nigerian economy obviously makes her a key player in the lobby for technology transfer nay other important fields through the encouragement of foreign investor wishing to invest in various areas of relevance to the nation’s economic development. It is indeed ‘hurray to an achiever’ for the milestone. Aside the hard life of a technocrat, she, with no pet, loves a flock of pigeons that have made home on a tree in her house and she ensures the birds are always provided with food and water.

For the little period, she as the Finance Minister has thus worked and pursued the path of full diversified economic development. No wonder: “As you reach this milestone, we the members of family and committee of friends use this great opportunity to congratulate you on this big achievement.

She daily has been stressing the desirability of economic revolution of sort for the country in which all stakeholders must be fully involved. According to her, the relationship between economic development and standard of living cannot be denied; there must be economic growth through strong capital formation and the use of such capital formation for productive activities. In her words: “Productive activities define economic growth, and economic growth would in turn manifest in improved standard of living.” She notes that productive activities entail four sectors: the industrial, the agricultural, the extractive and the service sectors.

Her position is that government is working to ensure favourable environment for productive activities through policies, regulations and monetary and fiscal measures, in the overall interest of the country.

The spirit of achievement has been driving her towards success; she, whose level of persistence and tenacity to getting important assignments successfully completed is extremely high, has been trained to help the economy stay in good shape.

The ingredients of her success are solid leadership, optimal strategic utilisation of resources, sound economic management, and strong sense of diversification. These are all attributes which Mama possesses. Her strategic diversification focuses on agriculture, tourism, encouraging adding value to production and exports. She ensures government supports the informal sector of the economy through financial help for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and improving the overall Nigerian business environment.

Ahmed’s sound economic management and strong sense of diversification underscores the need for true diversification with its objective given paramount importance. She is to always emphasise private sector investment, particularly in the non-oil sector, promoting local or domestic enterprise, job creation, poverty alleviation, preserving fiscal discipline, and human capital development. She, a manager with a clear focus, who would not want to compromise the desire for Nigeria’s infrastructural development, seriously encourages inward foreign direct investment (FDI), undertaking to largely combat corruption, pluck leakages, ensure low tax rates, ease of doing business, and stable macroeconomic environment.

In preparation for Budget 2020, economists, politicians, activists, and the generality of Nigerians and interested foreigners had begun to assess the performance of the economy during year 2019 as a prelude for articulating the proper direction of policies and programmes for Budget 2020. Some people and organisations have indeed prepared an action agenda for the government, which goes beyond the span of a budget year. The Ministry under Ahmed, in collaboration with some stakeholders, has also done its homework regarding how well it has so far faired in the management of the economy. The 2020 Budget,

who are in politics and plays it.

Her best moments are when she engages in challenging tasks, be it at the office, home or with professional friends. She enjoys her private life of objectivity such that nobody can get her to say hurtful things about anyone. She would always address issues and not people, and as a wonderful team leader, she has room for everyone, the experts and those who may need subtle scaffolding for themselves for growth.

Mama, extremely generous only with what belongs to her, knows her limits and would not forget that things entrusted in her care are only available for the purpose they are meant. Having

“

She is to always emphasise private sector investment, particularly in the non-oil sector, promoting local or domestic enterprise, job creation, poverty alleviation, preserving fiscal discipline, and human capital development

“

her time and of course always making sacrifices for them. Outside of the office, Mama loves intellectual discussions and spending quality time with her grandchildren. Her ideal vacation is to be at home with her loved ones around her, especially the grandchildren.

If Mama had ever dreamt of becoming an accountant, living a quiet but active life, and being fascinated with books on self-development, productivity, leadership and management,

through much of her effort which resulted in returning the national budget fiscal cycle to January - December, has been passed and signed into law. The assessment of the performance of key macro parameters/indicators is to reveal great economic upbeat with government scoring high in the area of policy stability and in the initiation of programmes to enhance transparency in governance which Ahmed takes very seriously.

Not a politician though, she admires and respects those

believed so much in giving, she has sponsored even her personal aides and many others to become academic graduates thereby empowering them and depopulating the poor group. She, who has also taught her children to engage in the manner of giving, would extend her generosity to the less privileged. Mama, who would trust people first until they disappoint her, forgives quickly, but keeps a distance from those who have woefully erred. She, however, finds something good in everyone.

22 BDSUNDAY

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BDSUNDAY 23

Zainab Ahmed: An honour well deserved Faith, however minutely, and the expected result are indistinguishably synonymous. Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, makes a notable figure that must have had a good measure of that all too important asset- Faith in the Nigerian economic development. Her foray into the pursuit of the Nigerian economic management and its revival bristles and resonates through institutions and market places with recognition and honours for her efforts, demonstrating clearly that indeed as always, faith does not fail, more so with work. Writes Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi all are proud of you.” This is how members of family and committee of friends of Mama, as she is fondly called, succinctly put it, in a congratulatory message to her, considering the milestones that she has recorded. When she was faced with the herculean task of seeing the country out of recession not long ago, it was her determination to undertake measures for the basic restructuring of the economic base of the country, resolving to adopt a far-reaching national approach.

Nigeria exited the recession, through a collective strategy that she was able to pursue effectively.

After the resignation of former Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, in 2018, to fill the space, President Muhammadu Buhari swiftly appointed Ahmed to take over. In 2019, the President reappointed Ahmed Minister but with an added portfolio and responsibility to also oversee the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. This was a clear testament of her capability and the trust the President

has had in her. Ever since her appointment, she is one of the very few female ministers who have proved their mettle, performing excellently well, most especially in the area of finance, economy and fiscal policies, also confirming the notion that she was to be number one hard-nosed realist in that the economy needed a watershed – a speedy, credible workout for the elimination deadbeats.

No wonder, therefore, that the members of her family and committee of friends are wont to add: “You have been picked from the big crowd because in the last couple of years, you have worked as hard as your body could carry you and your best effort has paid off.” With this honour on one hand appearing as a no lark in the sky unsoiled by the mud of human plodding or a happy-golucky achiever who perpetually churns out optimistic policies to restore the Nigerian economy, she has shared with the finery of this institution, among others, which has recognised her quiet severity and passionate intensity

“

It is not out of place for Ahmed to be honoured and acknowledged, and not just for her sake, but because a university’s recognition of its outstanding performers provides the building blocks for the enhancement of its stature

with which she manages the affairs of the country’s economy. On the other hand the university has by this honour proven its value, for it would have been a great miss indeed, if, for want of presence of mind and promptitude, it failed to honour her.

The Honorary Doctorate Degree is a token of support by which the university has also highlighted the increasing impact it is making in the Nigerian management sphere through past students, especially on the economic management stage with its grooming. Though, it is not out of place for Ahmed to be honoured and acknowledged, and not just for her sake, but because a university’s recognition of its outstanding performers provides the building blocks for the enhancement of its stature.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Ganiyu Olatunde, would readily disclose that: “The Minister is a good ambassador of the institution and has also contributed immensely to the development of the country. The choice by the Academic Board to confer on her the Honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) is to further cement her commitment to pushing beyond boundaries and further committing herself to the challenging task ahead in repositioning the country’s finance and economy.”

The honour has attracted commendations to an Amazon who does not believe in perfunctory disposition, irrespective of the pressure of ensuring the country takes her pride of place in the comity of nations. “We are proud of your contributions and accomplishment in the service of our great country.

This is a personal recognition which we all cherish. Congratulations on your Grand Success, Mama!,” a message put out by members of management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning reads.

She, who prefers traditional food, loves to spend quality time

with her family and to have good chats with her close friends. She also likes to exercise when she is able to as an all-round fellow; she tries to equally juggle her responsibilities for quality impact wherever she finds herself. To her children, her role is three fold; she is a mother, a friend and a mentor: She likes attending to every interest her grandchildren express, and engages them in such a way that changes their taught process for good. She is very compassionate and caring, giving of

her time and of course always making sacrifices for them. Outside of the office, Mama loves intellectual discussions and spending quality time with her grandchildren. Her ideal vacation is to be at home with her loved ones around her, especially the grandchildren.

If Mama had ever dreamt of becoming an accountant, living a quiet but active life, and being fascinated with books on self-development, productivity, leadership and management,

economics and investment, she had rather been hard pressed to live her life in such an exemplary manner that holds a great practical lesson for those who aspire to success in their own lives, more so transcending international boundaries. Essentially, her role in the management of the Nigerian economy obviously makes her a key player in the lobby for technology transfer nay other important fields through the encouragement of foreign investor wishing to invest in various areas of relevance to the nation’s economic development. It is indeed ‘hurray to an achiever’ for the milestone. Aside the hard life of a technocrat, she, with no pet, loves a flock of pigeons that have made home on a tree in her house and she ensures the birds are always provided with food and water.

For the little period, she as the Finance Minister has thus worked and pursued the path of full diversified economic development. No wonder: “As you reach this milestone, we the members of family and committee of friends use this great opportunity to congratulate you on this big achievement.

She daily has been stressing the desirability of economic revolution of sort for the country in which all stakeholders must be fully involved. According to her, the relationship between economic development and standard of living cannot be denied; there must be economic growth through strong capital formation and the use of such capital formation for productive activities. In her words: “Productive activities define economic growth, and economic growth would in turn manifest in improved standard of living.” She notes that productive activities entail four sectors: the industrial, the agricultural, the extractive and the service sectors.

Her position is that government is working to ensure favourable environment for productive activities through policies, regulations and monetary and fiscal measures, in the overall interest of the country.

The spirit of achievement has been driving her towards success; she, whose level of persistence and tenacity to getting important assignments successfully completed is extremely high, has been trained to help the economy stay in good shape.

The ingredients of her success are solid leadership, optimal strategic utilisation of resources, sound economic management, and strong sense of diversification. These are all attributes which Mama possesses. Her strategic diversification focuses on agriculture, tourism, encouraging adding value to production and exports. She ensures government supports the informal sector of the economy through financial help for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and improving the overall Nigerian business environment.

Ahmed’s sound economic management and strong sense of diversification underscores the need for true diversification with its objective given paramount importance. She is to always emphasise private sector investment, particularly in the non-oil sector, promoting local or domestic enterprise, job creation, poverty alleviation, preserving fiscal discipline, and human capital development. She, a manager with a clear focus, who would not want to compromise the desire for Nigeria’s infrastructural development, seriously encourages inward foreign direct investment (FDI), undertaking to largely combat corruption, pluck leakages, ensure low tax rates, ease of doing business, and stable macroeconomic environment.

In preparation for Budget 2020, economists, politicians, activists, and the generality of Nigerians and interested foreigners had begun to assess the performance of the economy during year 2019 as a prelude for articulating the proper direction of policies and programmes for Budget 2020. Some people and organisations have indeed prepared an action agenda for the government, which goes beyond the span of a budget year. The Ministry under Ahmed, in collaboration with some stakeholders, has also done its homework regarding how well it has so far faired in the management of the economy. The 2020 Budget,

who are in politics and plays it.

Her best moments are when she engages in challenging tasks, be it at the office, home or with professional friends. She enjoys her private life of objectivity such that nobody can get her to say hurtful things about anyone. She would always address issues and not people, and as a wonderful team leader, she has room for everyone, the experts and those who may need subtle scaffolding for themselves for growth.

Mama, extremely generous only with what belongs to her, knows her limits and would not forget that things entrusted in her care are only available for the purpose they are meant. Having

“

She is to always emphasise private sector investment, particularly in the non-oil sector, promoting local or domestic enterprise, job creation, poverty alleviation, preserving fiscal discipline, and human capital development

“

“

F

rom the outset it has, for Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, been exacting her mandate to bravely launch out her first order of business as an immensely important project: fixing Nigeria’s economy. She, who appears to have divinely been made for the job, had taken a periscopic view of the economy, knowing from the beginning that it was going to be a promise to strictly keep the workouts and to ensure that the process does not only move on but yields the expected result.

Then there were skeptics but now there is the toga for conviction in this administration, even at the International Monetary Fund/World bank, and in the financial world that everything arguably looks to comparatively be in order, given Ahmed’s grand faith in the revival and the growth of the Nigerian economy and the many economic initiatives taken up in company of her colleagues to see the economy afloat. Since her appointment, the country has been able to point significantly to the promising satisfactory index of general well-being in the last one and half years of her being in the saddle as the Honourable Minister of Finance.

So far, there are clear signs of result that deserve to be described as ‘remarkable’ which has already attracted honours to her from different institutions.

“We are very happy about the news of your conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Accounting from the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Your carriage and mien, teamwork, dedication, friendly and people-centeredness, have always shone immense light on your effort. We

through much of her effort which resulted in returning the national budget fiscal cycle to January - December, has been passed and signed into law. The assessment of the performance of key macro parameters/indicators is to reveal great economic upbeat with government scoring high in the area of policy stability and in the initiation of programmes to enhance transparency in governance which Ahmed takes very seriously.

Not a politician though, she admires and respects those

believed so much in giving, she has sponsored even her personal aides and many others to become academic graduates thereby empowering them and depopulating the poor group. She, who has also taught her children to engage in the manner of giving, would extend her generosity to the less privileged. Mama, who would trust people first until they disappoint her, forgives quickly, but keeps a distance from those who have woefully erred. She, however, finds something good in everyone.

24

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Sunday 02 February 2020

Sunday Special

War in the Lulu-Briggs house: Is it love for the late sage or love for his wealth? …Wife, step-son, fight to finish …Battle rages from Nigeria to Ghana and back …VIPs, including governor, step in but hurry back

T

IGNATIUS CHUKWU & SAM ESOGWA he Lulu-Briggs family is one of the most famous and wealthiest in Kalabari ethnic nationality in Nigeria. The high chief, now late, Olu Benson Briggs, popularly called O.B. Lulu-Briggs, is one of the few Ijaws that captured oil wells or oil mining licence (OML) early and did not sell the licence. He turned his into what is now known as Moni Pulo Petroleum Development Company (MPPDC) which employs hundreds of youths and mints wealth per day.

Signs that trouble would explode any day the patriarch would depart were everywhere because he was not strong any more (sick) and his second wife, Sienye, managed the oil company for years. One of his daughters from another wife was a top manager. His first son, Dumo, once worked there before creating his own oil empire with waves in Lagos. It was clear that any day the old man would go to his Maker, there would be both internal strife (succession and hierarchy issues in the company) and intrafamily warfare that would send fires to Moni Pulo. This appears to have started already.

Lulu-Briggs lost his own father (Benson Snr) very early and this did not deter him from confronting life and conquering it through Mandilas, Karabaris and the Nigerian Ports Authority, and making enormous wealth from oil. Many say his descendants who rather enjoyed more than him to his ripe age of about 90 and who many expect to have had a head-start in life seem not to be alright but eager for what is left after death; or is it more than that?

Both Sienye and Dumo insist they are in the fight for the integrity and love of the old man but many observers say the open warfare points to the opposite. Those, who do not like the scandal of leaving the wealthy sage in the cold rooms in Ghana, say the sage tried to solve the impending crisis by carefully scribing a will, but the same will has become the cause of crisis.

Glimpses from it indicate that much (including the oil company) was left for the wife, Sienye, while the sons did not get much, but sources close to the wife argued that both father and sons had estranged relationship while the man was alive. Many say the sons would have tried to resolve most issues while their father was alive to avoid conflict upon his death.

That not done, the will seemed to speak with anger and hatred on the sons and threatened to disinherit them from the little given to them, should they create problems.

The will also threatened to reveal a letter that allegedly contains the anger of the sage on his sons, but that this would only be if they made trouble.

The fighting strategy from the sons has however, shifted the battleground from the will to the cause of the old man’s death, and also creating doubt around the will.

Culture has been imported into it, subsuming the legal rights of a widow or the weight of a will over the cultural high grounds of the

sons. Insinuations from the sons are that the wife created the will, but they have not produced the one that should be the genuine one.

A source close to one of the generals told his close associates that the old man who was till his death the chairman of Moni Pulo and that of his foundation, could not have failed to write a will, nor could he have failed to protect the sensitive will in the hands of top lawyers that he had frequent access to. Sources said his brains were very alert to the end because books written on him were read to him and he approved every single phrase. So, pinning the fight around cause of death and suspected murder could succeed

in discrediting the beneficiary of the will and thus discredit the will, as a fighting strategy. Attacking the will straight could be dangerous, so, flanking, as they call it in law, could be the better strategy, sources explained. The outcome could be for peacemakers to set aside the will and table middle ground resolutions which parties would be pressured to accept.

Since the death occurred in the middle of 2019, many dates have been fixed for burial but none worked. Each party has pointed fingers at the other for the hitches.

It is not known whether the top men and retired generals that were close to the high chief are helping to resolve the dispute or are rather lining behind one or the other. What is open is that many chiefs and elders have intervened to no avail. The most prominent was the outburst of the state governor, Nyesom Wike, who promised to take over the burial of the elder statesman to reduce scandals. Instead, the meeting of Kalabari elders summoned for the matter rather created its own scandal where the Kalabari monarch was berated for hosting a governor from a sister state without approval.

The governor later expressed exasperation on the matter, saying the wife was too difficult. Details of what the governor tabled and how it was approached by each party were not made public. The matter returned to the court in Ghana.

Lulu-Briggs early life: hard work, humility According to newspaper publications in October 2015 when he clocked 85, Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs (OON, DCF) is the quintessential father of the fatherless. “Born 85

years ago into the royal lineage of Chief Iniikeiroari Young Briggs, to Papa Benson and Madam Rachel Kioba Harrison Briggs in the idyllic, quiet town of Abonnema in the Kalabari kingdom, the trajectory of his early life was abruptly interrupted by the early demise of his father.

Despite the rough start to his early years, over time, providence and God’s favour set him soaring above all adversaries. His resilience and hard work rewrote the history of his rugged childhood experience and today he is ranked the 31th richest man in Africa by Forbes magazine.

“The measure of a man is not in the setbacks he experiences but how he overcomes those setbacks.

The young Olu Benson overcame his setbacks with resolve. After his education in Abonnema, Jos and later in the United Kingdom, he plunged into his professional career, which saw him working in various capacities in the then Mandilas and Karabaris and later in the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in 1955.”

For such a focused and determined young man, it was just a matter of time before his uncommon work ethic and deep seated humanitarian spirit earned him early recognition in the work place. The management of the NPA quickly recognized his passion for ensuring equity in the work place and accordingly transferred him to the Industrial Relations Department of NPA. There, he rose to the position of Principal Industrial Relations Officer and was later promoted to the position of Head of Division, Eastern Ports, a post from which he voluntarily retired in April 1978.

During his time at NPA, Chief Lulu-Briggs attained a number of milestones. He served as Secretary of the Workers’ Union of the organization for over seven years.

During this time, the innovations like the establishment of a staff canteen came into being. The high chief was also the chairman of the MaritimeTradeUnionFederationof the Eastern Ports from 1968-1971.

In addition, apart from being one of the founders of the Rivers State Council of Labour, he also served as its President between 1970 and 1972.

The investor After a stint in the public service, where he had a meritorious career, Lulu-Briggs moved out into the larger society as a successful entrepreneur and politician. His fundamental values of hard work, tenacity and integrity continued to stand him in good stead, as he successfully set up businesses like Rachael Hotels Limited and Lubrik Nigeria Limited in

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Sunday Special the mid-1980s. In 1992, he founded Moni Pulo Limited, an indigenous oil exploration and production company and thereafter went on to set up Krakrama Investments Limited in 2003 and Lubrik Construction Limited in 2007.

Apart from his unwavering faith in God, the High Chief is motivated by the desire to build excellent and sustainable institutions. As Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Moni Pulo Limited, High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs has sought to make the company a leader in the areas of operational excellence, local content and proactive corporate social responsibility. These areas of emphasis have helped attract the best indigenous and national talents to the company and ensured continuous goodwill and total support for the company from its various host communities. In addition to his interests in oil and gas exploration and production, the High Chief has interests in Construction, Real Estate and Banking.

His exploits in life are not limited to entrepreneurship. His name also rings a resounding bell in the political arena. His foray into partisan politics was guided by the same principles - integrity and diligence.

As one of the founding members of the now defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Rivers State, he rose to the position of National Deputy Chairman of NPN in 1980 and remained in that position till 1983. Chief Lulu-Briggs later contested for the post of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the now defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). Unsurprisingly, he left active partisan politics with his head held up high and his reputation untainted.

His love in action If this was all the High Chief achieved in his life, coming as he has, from humble beginnings, it may have been enough; but not for this man! Totally driven by a desire to positively impact the lives of others, this large hearted, detribalised Nigerian has increasingly poured out his love, time and resources into caring for others; showing them care that they cannot possibly reciprocate. Some may call it philanthropy but High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs prefers to see it as living well through Love in Action. This is reflected in many ways such as through his corporate scholarships which have enabled thousands of Nigerian children and youths receive qualitative education at the primary, secondary and tertiary school levels within and outside the country.

Education is of extreme importance to the High Chief. For him, with the right education, exposure and experience, Nigerian run organisations can compete favourably with international organisations. Being a man who puts actions behind his passions, High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs has endowed a Chair in Petroleum Geosciences in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He has also built, equipped and even renovated many secondary schools in Rivers State.

On the international scene, he has made, among other contributions, an endowment to support gifted but indigent students regardless

of race or ethnicity in the Department of Petroleum Engineering in the University of Texas at Austin in the USA. The life of High Chief (Dr.) O.B. Lulu-Briggs has been guided consistently by the biblical injunction to love your neighbor as yourself and this has been praticalised in the deep concern he evinces in the life and plight of others - especially the less privileged at home and abroad.

In 2001, Chief Lulu-Briggs and his beloved wife, Seinye, conceptualised and began their Care for Life Programme under the auspices of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation.

Through this Foundation, they have organised well over 20 Free Medical Missions in Rivers Sate, Bayelsa State, Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State. This aside, the lives of indigent and aged rural dwellers have been improved through providing them regular allowances, life giving provisions and fully paid care givers in cases where the senior citizens have no able relatives in residence.

One would have thought this was enough-but for the High Chief, love has no boundaries for he has gone on to provide a magnificent edificethe Biokpo Recreational Centre at Abonnema- where the elderly visit daily, to socialise, relax and receive any on-the-spot medical attention they may require.

It’s no wonder that the motivation for the actions of High Chief (Dr.) O.B. Lulu-Briggs stems from his Christian faith. Having received the salvation and promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, the High Chief not only demonstrates this love by his sharing resources and time, he has also set up the Chiefs-In-Christ fellowship, a Christian faith-based gathering of chiefs, traditional rulers and others in leadership positions, preaching the same gospel of love and salvation to them.

The testimony is that “The high chief, O. B. Lulu-Briggs, built a mon-

ument of love worthy of emulation.

It would serve us all well to study and emulate the life of this national treasure.”

Those so far interviewed say what is not clear is whether those he left behind have emulated this life of peace and love to others.

Dumo’s position Those behind Seinye say they are angered by Dumo’s position and allegations. They said Uche Woke, a media aide to Dumo, had, on December 39, 2019, published on Facebook 9in his fb name, Uchman Dela Rosa) that Seinye was responsible for the death of her husband.

Dumo’s man further alleged in his publication that Seinye, after allegedly murdering her husband, smuggled his corpse to Ghana and deposited it in a mortuary there in the absence of his children.

Woke was also said to have al-

leged in his publication that Seinye went to court to stop her husband’s children from having access to their father’s body for burial and that she hurriedly organised an autopsy without following the lawful procedures and guidelines meant to guarantee transparency as ordered by the court, adding that she was so concerned about her husband’s wealth that she read a certain Will before burial, relocated companies and packed her husband’s property to unknown destinations.

The publication sought to corroborate Dumo’s earlier allegation that Seinye killed his father –her husband – for which he wrote a petition to the Inspector-General of Police on 19th April, 2019, through his solicitors, Abu Samson and Co., Attorneys & Solicitors of Law, demanding for an investigation of the death of his father.

Is the fight about multi-billion naira estate?

Widow’s revelation The widow, Seinye O.B. LuluBriggs (PhD) finally opened up on why her step son is fighting her.

Speaking through her spokesman, Oraye St. Franklyn, in a statement made available to the media recently, Seinye said that Dumo was planning to destroy her husband’s legacy and undermine his last will and testament. She spoke in reaction to a publication from the Dumo camp on the outcome of the case in Ghana.

But reacting to the allegations

by Chief Dumo and his media aide, Seinye described them as false and malicious, adding that they were aimed at denigrating her person.

The statement by Oranye St. Franklyn, reads in part: “Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs recalls that the trauma suffered by High Chief O.B. LuluBriggs in standing in the dock as an accused person, watching his son and friends prosecute him for fraud and trying to wrest the company he founded from him over two decades ago was enough to have killed him. Fortunately, the great man survived that, including serial heart attacks, lived for many years after and continues to live on today in the hearts of many who love him.

“Dr Seinye Lulu-Briggs is amazed at the character of a son who transferred documents to his father who at the time was battling a heart attack in order for the ill man to sign over his shares to the son as he (the father) was being rushed overseas for treatment. What other purpose could that have been for, other than in anticipation of his father’s death?

She is further amazed at the audacity of the son who would later refuse to handover the share transfer documents back to his father when God saved him and he survived the heart attack. For the High Chief to have survived that heart attack could reasonably have been quite upsettling for the conspiring sons as it complicated their plans. Perhaps, it is the same reason the son saw, addressed and consented to his aides to address his own father as being dead while he was still alive.”

Putting the records straight, Seinye reiterated that her husband, the high chief, Lulu-Briggs, died in Accra, Ghana, on December 27, 2018 shortly after arriving for his annual vacation, noting that all his seven

children, including Dumo, were at the mortuary on December 29 to see the corpse at least twice, after which Dumo arranged with the managers of the mortuary to make a casket with which to convey the corpse for burial, with him and his elder brother, Senibo, later returning to the mortuary to inspect the casket that was delivered there.

Revealing the real reason why Dumo is fighting and accusing her of killing their father, Seinye said it was because of her inability to set aside her husband’s Will and allow Dumo to take over the high chief’s four major companies and property.

The statement reads: “The allegation that Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs killed her husband, High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs, began after she was threatened by Dumo Lulu-Briggs, her step son, right before his pastor that if she didn’t give him four legacy assets namely: Moni Pulo Limited, Sombreiro House (her matrimonial home), Rachael Hotel and the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, he would go public with an allegation against her that she killed her husband. Seinye Lulu-Briggs told Dumo Lulu-Briggs that he knew she didn’t kill her husband and that what he wanted would mean setting aside her husband’s Will.

“She reiterated that she told him that she had no powers to do so, that moreover the Will provided for the well-being of his children, grand children and future generations of whom Dumo’s first son is the only grandchild mentioned by name and bequeathed with a property in the Will.

“She, however, agreed to gift 50 percent of her shares in Moni Pulo Limited to all seven children of High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs, which Dumo demanded for himself alone.

He accepted the offer and later declined it in writing.

“Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs also told Dumo that most of his father’s assets were bequeathed to a trust that he had set up by himself during his lifetime. As such, she had no powers to cancel the trust and or redistribute the said properties as Dumo would have wished.

“Failing to satisfy his untoward and unreasonable demands, Dumo Lulu-Briggs wrote a petition to the Nigerian Police Force falsely alleging that she killed her husband.”

BDSUNDAY gathered that the petition resulted in an investigation by the police into the circumstances surrounding the death of High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs and culminated in an autopsy test being conducted on the body of the late High Chief on Friday, 19th July, 2019, at the 37 Military Hospital, Accra, Ghana, in the presence of both Seinye and Dumo’s medical representatives.

The result of the autopsy, despite showing that O.B. Lulu-Briggs died of natural causes, is still being contested by Dumo Lulu-Briggs who believes that it was manipulated.

Conclusion Dumo is expected to respond in writing as he always does through his trusted media aides. And the scandal spirals from level to level while the sage lies-in-state in a foreign land.

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Sunday 02 February 2020

Crime Watch Death of Chima in Mile1 E-Crack Squad:

Extreme policing, extreme torture; and the mechanic dropped dead … Rivers DPP frees the rest Ikokwu 5, but another 52 arrested, 29 still in detention …Wife, survivors cry for help …Boy who admitted crime says he was given count of 3 at gun point to admit or die …Horrific injuries tell rest of the tale IGNATIUS CHUKWU

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newlymarriedmechanic, Chima Ikwunado, allegedly died under extreme torture in the hands of E-Crack squad domiciled at Mile One Police division in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, close to end of December, 2019. The rest of the Ikokwu 5 as they are now known around the world who have just been freed opened up at a press briefing Friday, January 31, 2020, at D/Line, giving horrific details of how the young man died.

Chima was arrested with four other mechanics and technicians at about 7pm on December 19, 2019 for driving one way at Agip Road area while coming from Ikokwu area. The construction of three flyovers and many other access roads made many roadsintheGardenCitytoblock,leading to many using any escape route.

From the moment the five men were arrested, torture allegedly took over and man’s inhumanity to man showed itsuglyface.Thefive were accusedofarmedrobbery,meaningthat they must have robbed the two cars (Toyota Camry and Toyota Corrola) theywerefoundin.Theirprotestation of innocence meant nothing to the fivepolicemenunderE-Crackthatapprehended them. Two were bundled intothebootofaLandRoverwhilethe rest rode along in the two cars.

At the Mile One Station, extreme torture allegedly took over until some days later, the master, Chima, dropped dead. The two boys, Osaze Friday and Ifeanyi Osuji, said they carried his corpse from the cell to outside to report that their leader had died, but that the death evoked no single regret or pity from the police team. Thus, Nigerians woke up to a heroic feat by one Erepamo Eradiri and Chinedu Ezenwaliri (car owners) when they raised alarm about the plight of their auto mechanics named late Chima Ikwunado, Victor Ogbonna, Osaze Friday, Ifeanyi Osuji and Ifaenyi Onyekwere.

The Police authorities acknowledged the detention of these lads with their Eagle Crack Squad led by a Superintendent of Police, Benson Adetuyi, domiciled in their Mile 1 Police station. On the 21st of January 2020, the police informed the public that the late Chima Ikwunado, the primary suspect, had died as a result of increased sugar levels in his body and this information they obtained by conducting an autopsy on him.

According to a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) report, on the 23rd of January 2020, the police deliberately charged the remaining four boys for cultism and armed robbery to a court without jurisdiction

L-R: Victor Ogbonna, Ifeanyi Osuji, Osase Friday, and CSOs leader, Enefaa Georgewill, at the press briefing after the release of the survivors. and they were remanded in prison to wait till the 23rd of February 2020.

But, on January 29, following mass protests and international uproar, the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Port Harcourt discharged and acquitted the boys following a report from the office of the Director of Prosecution (DPP) which found no incriminating evidence linking the Ikokwu 4 with the charges.

This was more so because the owners of the so-called robbed cars had sworn to affidavits stating that they willingly gave their cars to Chima for repairs, and that they never reported the cars stolen. The CSOs led

by Enefaa Georgewill said: “We have carefully followed the matter as it unfoldnotunmindfulofthechallenges of an undermanned, ill equipped, ill-trained and undisciplined Nigeria’s first line of defence of its citizens, the Nigeria Police. The serial abuse of the rights of these boys by the police and its arrogance has compelled us to gather here today.”

Chima’s pregnant wife, Adaugo, who had been fainting intermittently, said all she wanted was for her husband to come back home. The CSOs and Ohanaeze Ndigbo coalition demanded the release of the remaining

survivorsandreleaseofChima’sbody for autopsy. The boys were released the next two days.

Injuries and testimonies in horror The testimony of the survivors rightfromthetimetheywerearrested in December 19, 2019 till January 29, 2020, and the kind of injuries on their bodies, are a picture of the new Nigeria not of our dream. Every single method seen with the Libyan terroristsseemedtohavebeenperfectedby the Nigeria Police or the crack squads.

Theoperativeswouldmachetesomeone’s head without question. They would tie them up hand and feet and hang them from morning till night, asking them to tell the truth.

One said he was made to witness his colleague’s head cut open and was given count of three to confess to being an armed robber and cultist. He said he admitted so, just to live. Based on that, they now went to work on Chima to equally admit, but he kept swearing his innocence until his body made up of bare bones, allegedly bleeding of blood and water, gave up at about 5.30am that fateful day. The evening before he died, according to his co-prisoners, Chima could not eat the rice that was brought. The testimony said after his last round of

Survivors of Ikokwu 5 coming out of prison on Jan 29

Mustapha Dandaura, Rivers State commissioner of police torture, he could only crawl with buttocks. Another colleague was using only belly to crawl like a snake. That was the level humans were reduced to at the Mile One Police Station.

How Civil Society Organisations aremourningthedeclinetobarbarism in the police.

Eugene Abels: The Extra Step Initiative: We have seen fatal injuries everywhere. Thanks to those helping in the fight. What is on show is serial institutional abuse and failings. We have a police system where citizens are picked up without warrant order, detainedtoanylengthoftime,killedat will, buried in shallow graves without fear of any consequences.

We now have Ikokwu 29 in detention just for protesting what happened to Ikokwu 5. We now have the arrogance of the Nigeria Police: Imagine arresting people in front of their shops; charging them to wrong courts, case shifted to February 28, 2020 and citizens serve prison terms technically, indirectly.

The boys, who survived the ordeal from December 19, 2019 to January 29, 2020, were kept in inhuman conditions in prison where people were

packed like fish in a carton, gumming each other like rows of sardine. They were never given their constitutional right to contact their parents to know where they were, until weeks later.

Police now have a death squad and torture chamber in Port Harcourt where they hang people upside down like bats for endless hours. This is barbaric. SARS just changed name to E-Crack.

In all this matter, what is the CommissionerofPolicesaying?Whatisthe Inspector-Generalsaying?Whatisthe Provost Marshal of the Police (if any), the Police Service Commission, or the National Assembly saying? Why is the presidency keeping so quiet?

The police are depreciating daily. The Armywon’tdothisbecausetheyhave functional office of Provost Marshal that can arrest even a General.

We commend the Rivers State government that acted at last to save the rest of the Ikokwu 5. Let them also free the protesting Ikokwu boys now in prison.

Enefaa Georgewill of CSOs Coalition Breaches: The police criminally arrested people going about their lawful business. There was no report against them. The police are committing killings, disposal of bodies and autopsy without relations, and abductions. Another set of 29 Ikokwu men are clamped in detention and prison merely for asking questions about their five colleagues. They are framed with heinous crimes and sent to wrong courts.

They are visiting pains and injuries on the wife of Chima, his father and unbornchild,plusrelationsofhisboys.

We hear the Rivers State police command wants to investigate the matter butwedonottrustthemtobeneutral.

Let the IG set up a team to investigate this. Let the police return the office of Provost Marshal in the police. The National Assembly should step into this matter.

Let the Rivers State government help to release the Ikokwu 29 freshly detained. The governor should speak up on this matter, for any side. This is happening in your state.

The Civil Society Organisations and families of the victims will sue the police.

Others: Today in Port Harcourt, it seems to be a crime to be found with two ATM cards by the police. Some have paid dearly for it. A police officer told human rights lawyers in the court premises yesterday that these special squads established by the CP or IG are wreaking havoc on citizens. They even hang around banks and if they look at you, they could pick you to far destination and force you to empty your account to them. Police is now a revenue yielding unit. Police officers too are sad.

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Crime Watch

One of the survivors of Ikokwu (Ifeanyi Onyekwere) with a festering sore

Adam Mohammed, IGP Magistrates in Rivers State should exercise their rights and move into detention camps and see the condition of inmates. They have the power to free persons or ask the case to be sent to court immediately. The boys whosurvivedthisnightmarerevealed in confidence that there are 97 of such cases in their cell alone.

Ohanaeze: Felix Onwuma We thank the CSOs, press and many groups that are fighting on this matter especially the release of the four. Igbos want to bury their son.

Igbos do not leave their dead ones.

The Ikokwu chairman was invited bythepolicebutwaslettogolater.We are watching. Rivers State is a peaceful place, let nobody cause friction and start crisis.

Citizen’s report on the Chima killing Joseph Obari, lawyer and journalist, posted what he knew on his social media handles Thursday night.

Ikokwu 5: Shoddy police cover-up inPortHarcourtgivesinsightintotheir evil tactics As the world prepared for Christmas last year, five young men in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, fell into the snares of a Nigeria Police squad, called the E-Crack Team, operating from Mile 1 Police Station. What seemed like a ‘normal’ encounter with law enforcement agents was to set in motion a horrendous chain of events that would shock the world.

All through the Christmas and

New Year festivities, the families of thefiveIgbotradersandartisans were in palpable fear over the lives of their loved ones when they were informed of their arrest and detention on the allegation of snatching two cars.

Curiously, on December 30, 2019, the police released the two “snatched” cars to their owners.

When one of the owners of the allegedly stolen cars went on social media to tell the world that the mechanic to whom he gave his car for repairs was being framed by the police for armed robbery, pressure was mounted on the police and they went into bizarre frenzy to cover up their lousy asses.

Fearing the worst, the families contacted a lawyer who swung into action to secure the release of the five men. His interactions with the police confirmed the fears of the families: the young men had been severely tortured, subjected to terrible inhuman treatments and were in poor state of health.

Then the bombshell! One of them, Chima Ikwunado could not be accounted for as the police rushed on January 9, 2020 to create information charging them with cultism and armed robbery. The charge sheet which is dated January 9, claimed that they were arraigned on January 6. The Information presented to the Chief Magistrates court alluded to “others at large”. The police were taciturn on the fate of Chima. Then news filtered in that Chima was dead and all hell broke loose.

All of Rivers State rose in condemnationofthepolice.Peoplecalledradio stationstonarratesimilarordealsinthe hands of the police and how they paid huge amounts of money to escape the fate of the five men who became known as the Ikokwu 5. Ikokwu is an expansive area of Diobu, in Port Harcourt famous for vehicle spares. The dealers and technicians that support the market are mainly Igbos.

Of course, the Chief Magistrates Court lacked jurisdiction to try the suspects and remanded them in ECrackcellintheso-calledPortHarcourt Correctional Centre. With strident calls and scathing criticisms from the public, the police was forced to admit the death of Chima and went for a last

ditch attempt at cover-up, saying that theyoungmandiedof,waitforit:HIGH BLOOD SUGAR! It was the outcome of an autopsy procured by the police and the police alone.

If they thought that the statement would douse agitations, it only succeededininfuriatingthealreadyangry residents. Colleagues of the victims at Ikokwu marched out in protest, but the police went after them. Their protestwasfrustratedand29ofthem were arrested and locked up. They are yet to be released. To add salt to the injury, the Rivers State government issued a statement warning of dire consequences should anyone disturb the peace and urged all law abiding residents to go about their usual businesses.

Tension was in the red zone Fahrenheit. Ohanaeze Ndigbo leaders in Rivers State, civil society organisations, the NBA and others rose to the occasion, demanding justice for the dead and the incarcerated, specifically, the release of Chima’s body to the family for independent autopsy and the release of any person detained in connection with the ECrack adventure. The pregnant wife of the deceased mechanic came out to debunk the insinuation that her late husband was diabetic.

In the ensuing melee, the gentleman who blew the lead on police cover-up, owner of one of the ‘snatched’ cars, informed the world that he was being threatened by some persons.

Then on Wednesday, January 29, the Port Harcourt Chief Magistrates Court discharged and acquitted the four surviving persons. It was acting on the advice from the DPP which revealed that the suspects had no case to answer; the charges against them by the police were unfounded and should not have come up in the first place, because they were mere speculations.

“We discovered that the allegations against the boys were mere speculations and unfounded and it is not a matter we could be able to prosecute”, Rivers State Director of Public Prosecution, Ibiene Mbano said.

When eventually the surviving four men were released, the sores and scars on their bodies told the gory tales of what they went through in the hands of the monsters that call themselves policemen. One of them came on air to narrate how they were hung on crossbars behind the police station and systematically tortured to confess to being criminals. Their repeated denials only incensed the fiendish squad which included a woman. They maimed and brutalised them until Chima’s body could not take it no more and he was dragged away never to be seen till now.

The question is: how did we get here? How did we recruit beasts and gave them the powers to cage us?

How did our police personnel lose their humanity? How are policemen able to disobey the law with impunity; frame up people on barefaced lies and get away with it? What really is wrong with us? What kind of leaders do we have? What kind of society are we leaving our children? The answers to all thesequestions arefrightening. We are in a society where values are fast being eroded; a sick society!

The Ikokwu 4 have regained their freedom, but it doesn’t end there. It should NOT end there. They deserve compensation. They are in urgent need of proper medical attention, especiallyoneofthemwhosewounds are looking gangrenous.

Fear grips Abia community over murder of youth leader by mobile policemen GODFREY OFURUM, Aba

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ear and anxiety have taken over the Ugwuati community in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, followingthekillingofNwamakaOgbuji, a youth leader, by mobile policemen attached to the Enyimba Economic City (EEC) Land Acquisition Committee.

Members of the community are alleging that Ogbuji was killed, becauseheandsomeotheryouthsofthe community are opposed to the State Government’s plan to take their land for the purpose of the proposed EEC. As at when filling this report, two victims of the shooting, Chetachi Iheamata and Chika Nwankwo were still in the hospital, where they are battling to survive bullet wounds.

The victims, who were still in severe pains, could not speak to our reporter,butsomeeyewitnesseswho arefriendsofthevictimssaidthatthey don’t feel safe in their community anymore.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, an eyewitness said “Everyone is afraid. The killing of Ogbuji was painful. “The desperation to grab our land for God knows what may take more lives, because that land is all we have, as a people.

“Our people are not yet ready to lose our land, because we don’t understand what they mean by Enyimba Economic City. We hear them talk about it on radio, but as for me, I thought it was already in existence somewhere, not knowing that Ugwuati, my fatherland is what they’re talking about.”

Anothereyewitness,whoalsoprefers anonymity for security reasons said,“Iwasabouttogotoworkonthat terrible day, when an announcement came from the town crier that some persons were coming to discuss with the community from government.

“I waited to know why they came.

Even Ogbuji was not at the meeting, because the announcement came late. I believe he must have left, because I asked and was informed that he left for Uratta.

“They didn’t arrive early as announced, but I waited patiently at the hall. I was outside the hall when Ogbuji, came in while the discussion was going on and the youths, who were around appreciated his presence.

“When he discovered the reason behind the meeting, he reiterated our earlier stand when that matter was initially brought up, which is that we cannot mortgage our future and that of our families on a project we don’t understand anything about.

“His statement was reechoed, by the youths in unison and everywhere was charged, as people started moving out of the hall.

“Meanwhile, Ogbuji had already left the hall heading home just a few meters outside the hall where I was standing, I heard a gunshot and the bullet hit him on the back of his neck.

“Watch the picture very well you will see he was shot from behind.

Is that how a bullet can hit someone who was dragging a gun? Some people scamper for safety, including myself.

“I heard three more gunshots, which I later discovered was fired at

Chris Ezike, commissioner of police Abia State. two of our brothers; Chetachi and Chika, who tried to run close to help Ogbuji, when he slumped”.

“There was nothing like trying to take riffles away from police officers.

You can see that everyone is afraid.

Our traditional ruler and the elders have kept mute. Nobody wants to talk to avoid attracting the wrath of government”.

A community elder, who reluctantly spoke anonymously, described the situation in Ugwuati, as disturbing, andurgedtheAbiaStateGovernment to respect the opinion of the people.

“I don’t know why government will be involved in this kind of issue, knowing full well what this community went through in 2010-2011. Just 10 years after we had peace, some persons have started doing abnormal things again.

“I’m begging them to let us enjoy our lives, no matter how poor we are.

Our people are farmers, the youths vowed never to bring bad name to Ugwuati again after the horror days, which are now 10 years behind us.

They went into farming seriously, as a way to make ends meet.

“But some of our brothers, who got one post or the other in government are busy pointing fingers at people they see as obstacles towards making their masters happy, but the truth is that nobody in his right senses will go and invest in a community that didn’t volunteer their land to be used forsuchaproject,becausedisputewill remain inherent.

“We don’t want to give out our land, but the government wants to take it by force. Does that show a peaceful resolution? Now, a hardworking young man was killed for daring to stand up his right, probably, as a warning to others, who may want to oppose their mission in Ugwuati.

“To show you how peaceful we’ve become, even the people they left behind, while running away after killing Ogbuji,wereprotected,byourpeople untilsomesoldierscametotakethem.

“I beg government to please leave our land for us. I was able to run with two legs, 10 years ago, during the volatile period in this area, when Osisikankwu was in charge. I can’t run again.

“I beg them to please allow us to do our farming and live in peace”, the source pleaded, Ene Okon, commissioner of Police, Abia State, while confirming the incident, stated that some youths of Ugwuati, armed with machetes attacked police officers and also dragged their riffles with them when thetriggerpulledandkilledOgbujiand injured others.

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‘We have a covenant of prosperity in the Lord as believers’ Pastor Adesoji Ajayi, president, Christ Apostolic Mission Church (CAMC), in this interview speaks on the covenant of prosperity enjoyed by believers in Christendom, the youth ministry and the church expansion. Excerpts by SEYI JOHN SALAU You have led the church for about two decades; how do you balance life between the physical and spiritual expansion of the ministry? nything you keep into the hand of God is securely kept. The Bible says I will keep him in perfect peace those that have trust in me because they have their confidence in me. Any prayer you pray without adding anything to it, God will answer. We don’t have any security here and there is nothing that is coming that God doesn’t reveal. And the Lord is my witness, I don’t think there is anything; people say they use amulets or whatever, I have never seen such a thing but this place is kept, we give glory to God. If you want divine security, then put your hope and trust in God. He said anything you ask in his name he will do. There are lots of people that mix things; the last sacrifice; the last atonement has been done. We don’t atone without blood shedding, he shed his blood. He used his flesh for sacrifice; he used his blood for atonement. Christ has done that for us, you don’t need to put anything on your body. Christ has done the final sacrifice.

Churches thrive on the strength of the youth ministry; how do you mobilise your youths in the face of distraction and drifting to other churches?

Without prejudice, there is no denomination without its rascally or radical ones. Then we have more of those who have dedicated their love to the Lord. If you see what they did during our convention you will know that the Lord did make a covenant of prosperity with us.

We have a future and the youth are doing their best; we are going and they are coming behind us.

When you see youths that are relying solely on the word of God, we were not as lucky during our time, the covenant of prosperity didn’t come during our time, the covenant of prosperity is working during their time.

During the 100 days and the 40 days fast the Lord asked me if I promised you your daughter will be a doctor, will it happen in a single day? I said no; He said so give me time. They have their teething problem, the process is on and they are growing: we are old but our age is not commensurate with our growth but we thank God. In the committee of denominations we cannot be pushed aside, we have been on TV since 2001 and there is no

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weekend that we have missed it. I recently paid 150 percent Christmas bonus, what I used to pay my staff in the secular is what I pay, they have their leave bonus and they are all happy praising the Lord.

Earlier, you spoke about covenant of prosperity; how have you kept the focus?

Number one thing is that you constantly focus on God and believe in the Lord that there is nothing He cannot do; again don’t be hasty, be patient with the Lord; with patience a hen will walk. But if you are not patience with the Lord you will not enjoy the prosperity of the Lord and we are not looking at other big churches; the Lord told me between the lion in the forest and the cat in the house which one enjoys better.

The lion lives in the forest when it rains it rains on its head, when it wants to eat it suffers.

The one in the house is the one you bring food to. It is protected. I once had a dog, one day it refused to eat, I found out its plate was not washed and it refused to eat until its plate was washed. We may be small, but our challenges are smaller, we enjoy more than the big ones, our problems are limited and we can be likened to the nation of Israel; they may be small in size but the Lord has interest in them.

The covenant of the Lord is with them that is how it is with us and it is predicated on the five points: prosperity, I mean financial prosperity, good health, marital prosperity, Holy Spirit prosperity, longevity prosperity. It is not because we are big.

Israel is one of the smallest yet to be 15million, the whole world recognise them as the holy nation, Jerusalem is recognised as the holy city as muddy as it is. So, holy city; holy land, but as tiny it is, the Lord has His special attention on it.

The church in Somolu and the expansion of Idi Oro; what is the implication for your ministry if you say the church is small?

Anything the Lord says, just do it without any hesitation. I was part of those who went to Somolu, we couldn’t get a space.

One year we were in our meeting when He said tell them the last rent is the last you will pay in the rented place. I told them, people can bear me witness. A few months later we got a land as God would have it, we were asked to come for the land even the Baale of Somolu was there and the road that leads to the place is the best road today in

Adesoji Ajayi

Somolu. After Somolu it was Idi-Oro but there was nothing to show for it. There was a land in front of the church blocking our frontal view; we used to pass through the side to the church.

There was a building on it, it was demolished and the owner sold it to somebody, the owner now said he wanted to sell it.

He said N2million; we didn’t have it, we were so poor and so in 2008 I went to Somolu on my annual visitation - then the house has been sold and fenced and my Vice President said they have sold the land, an Igbo boy had bought it. I was about lamenting, then I heard Him say by 2013 I will collect it for you. He didn’t say I will sell because the owner didn’t put any advert. So, by 2008 they did all they could, no action; they took a bit of the sand and stone from the place and did 21 days prayers, nothing happened, they went to Oba Ojuwoye, the Oba of Mushin nothing happened.

I had forgotten; in 2013 I went for the annual harvest, the Lord said come next year we are entering this church from the front and not the side, the ‘area boys’ had put all manner of rubles on it, the driver that took me there asked, ‘have you now known the owner?’ I said no. my elder brother called me and asked, ‘have you bought the land?’ I said no, then January 2013 I went

to visit the parish, the very first parish I do visit annually, then the vice president said Daddy hope you have not forgotten, I said forgot what? He said that you said the Lord said we are getting the land this year 2013. Then the parish pastor sitting by my right, I said Akinyele get the owner of this land for me, whoever assist you your Daddy will give him N200,000 just to get the owner.

He said yes sir. The following day, there was a fight on the land then one of the ‘area boys’ fighting said, the owner of the land so and so cannot even tell me not to come here again; you are telling me not to come here. When God wants to do a thing nobody can stop Him. Then the pastor said so this man knows the owner. Then immediately after the fight he went to meet the boy, you were mentioning the owner of the land, do you know him? He said yes now, we were boys together in Idi-Oro those days, I know him very well.

He told him my Daddy said he will give you N200, 000 if you can get him the owner of the land; he said ‘that is no problem; I will get him but if you don’t fulfil the promise I will deal with you.’ Just to get the number, he said okay, he went to the man’s office and the following morning my pastor phoned me he has got the number.

Hello is that so and so? he said yes, I told him I am Pastor

Adesoji Ajayi, the president of the church adjacent your land.

I have a message from the Lord for you. He said what is the message sir? I said the land in front of our church, the Lord needs it for evangelism. He said how can the Lord need the land? I said listen; he said he promised to compensate you massively, you are a businessman and you need the support and the goodness of the Lord, give it to the Lord. He said he knows the story. When we wanted to sell the land N2million you couldn’t pay, I said that is story, tell us the price, I bought it for N28million and spent seven million to renovate, if you give me N35m I will sell it, I said give me N25million, he said no, no. I said no problem, I will send my lawyer; give it to the Lord we are ready to buy, he negotiated for N30million. I phoned him back; I said its okay, the N30million how much tithe do you want to give to the church? He said Daddy I’m I supposed to give my tithe to your church? N30million, the tithe is N3million, why can’t you divide it into two? He said I have given your lawyer N1million; so give me M29million, let us share the N2million into two, he said no daddy, give me N28million. I said okay, I told him in three months see what the Lord will do for you.

It was just like a drama. I called the Controller of Account to raise a cheque, under three days he gave us the C-of-O. The voice of the Lord!

When the Lord directs, do you have any hesitation?

There was a pastor looking for the fruit of the womb for 17 years, the Lord told me to tell him to come to Abule Egba; He would give him a child. Six years after, we wanted to do transfers, as I was holding my biro to do the transfer, the Lord told me no transfer; I promised the pastor fruit of the womb, no transfer for anybody. That was why it took a long time before we did transfer because of one person. We were praying one day; the Lord said your travails are over. Few months later his wife got pregnant, she had triplets because He knows he had been waiting for so long. She had triplets, one died. I said what happened? He said he had been paying tithe for twins, not triplets. May be, that was what happened. But God is faithful, even beyond twins, there was no reason for the third child to die because the doctor had very successful cesarean session, the Lord is faithful. I said you caused it, we are products of our faith; your faith will make you whole.

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BDSUNDAY 29

TheWorshippers Inspiration With Rev. Yomi Kasali

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t’s 2020, a new year and new decade; many people aren’t conscious of the difference and others are simply not seeing anything special about this new year and decade.

Yet I am very excited and energized because of what this season affords me in terms of opportunities and closures. I have an opportunity to put an end to the last decade’s woes and struggles, start this new one with verve and passion; set my clear goals

Push yourself and strive for the pursuit of Happiness as a child of God within the boundaries of scriptural dictates.

I’ll be sharing my humble thoughts on the key to greatness and happiness which I’ve observed in many successful men in scriptures and this world as well. This Key really has nothing to do with Faith but a statement of Fact, but men of Faith have used it to demonstrate their convictions and persuasions in God as a matter of Fact, hence my considerations of this critical Key to man being an achiever in personal pursuit of Happiness.

Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Philippians is where I derive Inspiration Today, this Key is shared as a testimonial of faith by Paul to the church and It’s what I call, ‘Self-Push’ or ‘SelfPress’.

‘Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if I may apprehend that for which also, I am apprehended of Christ. Brethren I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things

which are before, I PRESS (PUSH) towards the mark of the high calling of God...’

These words are divine, revealing and deeply Inspiring in my opinion and every time I read them, I get goose bumps.

The Key to your greatness and success this year is to PUSH YOURSELF in certain areas of your goals and dreams. Many believers are lazy in action but strong in confessions of faith. We sit down, do nothing and just confess the Bible and some prophetic words from heaven then expect fulfillment of the same without any sort of Press or Push from us.

We think success will fall on the laps of believers who aren’t pushful in the areas of their prophetic convictions. I beg to disagree because the proof of belief is work for ‘faith without works is dead’.

I taught on this principle

CAC Victory Land holds empowerment programme for members, community SEYI JOHN SALAU

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hrist Apostolic Church (CAC) Victory Land, GRA, Ikeja yesterday organised a business to business (B2B) initiative tagged Periscope to empower members of the church and its host community, aimed at deepening business knowledge of individuals and providing an avenue for propagating the gospel.

The maiden edition of ‘Periscope’, a quarterly seminar/exhibition organised for entrepreneurs, professionals, artisans, job seekers, students and young school leavers held at the church auditorium.

Israel Ajanaku, pastor of the church and zonal superintendent, Victory Calvary Zonal headquarters, while speaking on the initiative, said that the church’s role is to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation and the public. “ Ch r i s t Ap o s t o l i c Church, GRA, Ikeja, is a

church set up to teaching biblical principles so that her members might be grounded in faith. But due to the increasing numbers of members that are job seekers and for some stuck in their professional careers, there’s a need for the church to equip members with entrepreneurship skills,” Ajanaku said.

According to Ajanaku, the church was committed to equipping members with entrepreneurship and planning skills as well as biblical principles that will ethically enrich their businesses. The program would empower, improve business management skills and educate members and the community about economic empowerment that is Christ-centred and spiritually fulfilling,” he stated.

Other objectives of ‘Periscope’, according to Ajanaku, include creating awareness for businesses owned by the congregation and the immediate community. The programme also seeks to educate participants in

discipleship and stewardship through economic empowerment governed by vision.

Besides, ‘Periscope’ would enhance cooperation among members with similar business interests and motivate them to act as, “Christian corporate citizens fulfilling the goals to lead, evangelise, assimilate and proclaim the message of Jesus Christ,” he further said.

Olufemi Michael Oguntade, chartered accountant and former managing director of Portland Paints and Products Nigeria Plc, will facilitate the programme, while the managing partner of O.M. Associates, a consulting firm that consults for the Federal Inland Revenue Service, will take a masterclass on business and entrepreneurship.

Apart from the masterclass, ‘Periscope’ commencing by 10 am, and holding at the church premises, 20, Joel Ogunnaike, GRA, Ikeja would also feature an exhibition of goods and services.

in our church and had to clearly distinguish Contentment from Complacency so that our youthful members will roll up their sleeves and get to work now that the decade has begun in earnest. We have to condemn complacency and commend contentment because the latter is related to possessions while the former speaks about purpose.

5 Keys to pushing yourselves Do not compare yourself with others but push yourself to be better than yesterday: •Paul didn’t mention anybody in the scriptures • Paul mentioned God’s purpose for apprehending him • Paul was focused on doing more and not quitting on last success

2. Push yourself to your God inspired goals for life: •Paul was concerned with God’s plan for him • Purpose driven pursuits • Paul pushed himself towards the mark of God’s high calling 3. Understand the high calling or higher calling in life: • Some f us are not aware of the High Callings of God • There are other lower callings in life • We are called to live in peace and prosperity (lower calling) • We are called to be fruitful and multiply (lower calling) • We are called to live in health and wealth (lower calling) • But the High Calling is what will bring REWARD in heaven, the main purpose why you are SAVED 4. Do not look back when pushing forward: • Remember Lot’s wife • We must intentionally FORGET those things which are behind • The most important things are the successes of yesterday

• Yesterday has Power to stop us from moving to tomorrow 5. You must press and not wait for situations or God to Push you forward: • ‘I Press’ were the Words used in the scriptures not someone else • You must put yourself under some Pressure • You must ‘drive’ yourself but not be over driven • It’s the Press that you Inspire that Produces the Wine you Drink I hope you have been Inspired to Push Yourselves this year and decade. I will see you on the top because I am sure you will get there if only you PUSH YOURSELVES Drop me a note of acknowledgment and encouragement and also follow me on my Social media handles below: Instagram: @yomi_kasali Twitter: @yomi_kasali Facebook: www.facebook. com/revyomikasali Youtube: www.youtube. com/revyomikasali Be Inspired!

Rev Yomi Kasali is Senior Pastor, Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA), Surulere, Lagos.

RCCG to prioritise medical outreach, as city-wide crusade, ‘The Outpouring’, holds at TBS, Lagos SEYI JOHN SALAU

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he Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has disclosed its resolve to prioritise medical outreach for the 2020 city-wide crusade, ‘The Outpouring’, scheduled to hold at the main bowl of Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos on Sunday 9 February.

The 2020 edition of the crusade tagged ‘Victory Without A Fight’ was borne out of the vision of the general overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye to reach out to the unchurched population in the city. The purpose is to bring salvation, healing and deliverance to as many as possible in line with the vision/mission of the RCCG and to prepare participants for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Johnson Odesola, the assistant general overseer, Admin. & Personnel, RCCG disclosed this recently, saying that the church is giving attention to medical outreach during the annual outpouring programme. He noted that a healthy citizen is a healthy nation.

According to Odesola, the programme is strategic to the nation as Nigeria clocks 60 in October 2020, given the fact that the country is at the moment grappling with some socio-economic challenges.

He expressed the optimism that multi-dimensional problems confronting Nigeria would receive solution at this year’s outpouring because of the Prophet of God ministering at the crusade, adding that if he went to Zambia and declared peace on the nation and it came to pass, his declaration of peace and wellness this time around on Nigeria too would be established.

“We have the option of holding the programme in different places but we chose that it would be better to go to the source where Nigeria’s independence was openly declared. I still remember when years gone by, Zambia was having challenges; the man of God went there and declared on Zambia. That nation was transformed,” he stated.

According to him, Nigeria needs more of spiritual solution than physical; assuring Nigerians that every logistic in terms of security and pro-

vision of 300 vehicles at various motor parks to convey participants to the venue had been concluded.

He however, lamented the level of insecurity in the country, berating those contending with security initiative of the southwest governors to secure lives and property of their people, when it was obvious that security could no longer be guaranteed by the Federal Government.

“As much as possible, any arrangement that would secure the people should be embraced by those who love lives and any state that wants to follow suit should indeed be encouraged.

“Already, there is JTF in the North and I do not see the reason anyone should make the evolvement of Amotekun an issue and to me, I would say that leaders in the South-West are on the right path,” Odesola said.

He however, charged the Nigeria Police to liaise and collaborate with the authorities behind the creation of ‘Amotekun’ so that they can work together; noting that creation of the security outfit does not have anything to do with secession.

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Sunday 02 February 2020

Travel

The enthralling sacred grove in Osogbo

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hile Osogbo, the capital city of Osun State, may be a sleeping town for those who have not visited, yet the city offers much attractions to culture enthusiasts and tourists who dare visit.

In the outskirt of the ancient town lies one of the last remnants of primary forest in south-west Nigeria. The forest is so dense, rich in biodiversity, as well as, host of the Osun Sacred Grove, the second World Heritage Site in Nigeria.

The sacred grove is regarded as the abode of Osun, the goddess of fertility and one of the pantheon of the Yoruba gods. The landscape of the grove is dotted with a meandering river, sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures and art works in honour of Osun and other deities. The sacred grove, which is now seen as a symbol of identity for all Yoruba people, is probably the last in Yoruba culture.

It testifies to the once widespread practice of establishing sacred groves outside all settlements.

Set within the forest sanctuary are forty shrines, sculptures and art works erected

The grove

in honour of Osun and other Yoruba deities, many created in the past 40 years, two palaces, five sacred places and nine worship points strung along the river bank with designated priests and priestesses.

The new art installed in the grove has also differentiated

it from other groves. Osogbo is now unique in having a large component of 20th century sculpture created to reinforce the links between the people and the Yoruba pantheon, and the way in which Yoruba towns linked their establishment and growth to the spirits of the forest.

T h e restoration of th e grove by artists has given the grove a new importance: it has become a sacred place for the whole of Yorubaland and a symbol of identity for the wider Yoruba Diaspora.

The grove is an active religious site where daily, weekly and monthly worships take

place. In addition, an annual processional festival to reestablish the mystic bonds between the goddess and the people of the town occurs every year over twelve days in July and August and thus sustains the living cultural traditions of the Yoruba people.

The grove is also a natural herbal pharmacy containing over 400 species of plants, some endemic, of which more than 200 species are known for their medicinal uses.

Most importantly, the groove host thousands of guests including indigenes, other Nigerians, African diasporas, especially from Brazil, Haiti and the United States of America to the one month long Osun Osogbo festival every August.

However, the town offers many other art and cultural attractions. It is home to many visual artists, especially wood carvers, while quality local textile art and weaving are abundant.

Timeless artifacts and local fabric designs are among survenirs that remind of your visit to the art and culture hub.

The grove awaits your visit this year.

FITUR is a good platform to market and promote Ghana –Akwasi Agyeman

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kwasi Agyeman, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority, has said that Fitur International Tourism Fair presents an opportune ground for the West African country to sell and promote its tourism offerings and investment opportunities.

Fitur International Tourism Fair, which is held in Madrid Spain, is a leading event where tourism stakeholders and businesses converge each year to network and drive investments into the global tourism industry.

This year’s fair held from January 22, 26, 2020, while consolidating on the sauces of previous editions. Speaking at the fair where the Authority took a stand at t h e ex h i b i t i o n g ro u n d s , Agyeman said, Fitur helps the country to reach the larger Latin American market while offering a unique networking platform.

“Fitur is also in Madrid, which is home to the UNWTO and so in terms of tourism networking, is a place we get to meet the movers

and shakers in the industry. The added advantage of Fitur for us is the event s t o re o f w h e re t o u r i s m investment products are showcased and discussed and we’ve picked up a few new tricks of the trade coming in to Fitur,” he said.

He added that the event has facilitated fruitful conversations between Ghana a n d o t h e r We s t A f r i c a n countries on ways by which they can work together towards an integrated tourism marketing strategy.

“We have also had very good conversations with other African countries who are represented here strongly; Cameroon, Cote d’ Ivoire on the West Africa Tourism Project; we believe that multi-destination is the next big thing for tourism.

We can work together for all of us to derive the benefits.

“During the Year of Return we saw an increasing number of people come to Ghana and wanting to visit Togo, Benin and other places and people who had also wanted to come to Ghana use this same

Ghanian delegates at the country’s stand at the just concluded Fitur in Madrid, Spain.

destination as route to the market. So this is the time for us to work very closely together and I will say so far so good, we’ve been very encouraged by the response that we received,” Agyeman stated.

The CEO is appreciative of the support the organisers and the UNWTO have given

them to showcase Ghana and offer training to their personnel to build their capacities in the use of ICT tools”.

“The UNWTO has also been very accommodating, prior to Fitur, they gave us the opportunity to bring in three of our digital team members for training; digi-

tal is the next thing in tourism and we believe that the training they also got will help enhance the work they do on VisitGhana platforms.

We thank UNWTO, we thank the organizers of Fitur and we thank the Spanish people for their warm hospitality to us all here in Madrid,” he emphasized.

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BDSUNDAY 31

Travel

Why it’s not worth paying for an upgrade on a long-haul flight Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

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ast week, someone wrote that a Boeing 787 cleared the north coast of Western Australia. It was 5.05pm on Tuesday, and the flight from Perth to London Heathrow was due to land in exactly 12 hours. But instead of a civilised early evening departure, Qantas flight QF9 took off just before midnight and is currently four hours late.

One can only imagine that most of the passengers aboard the aircraft registered as VH-ZNI (isn’t the internet wonderful?) are cheesed off. But some will be less annoyed than others: the people occupying the business class cabin of 42 lie-flat beds, who I hope were currently slumbering soundly. They have paid enough for the privilege.

Some, though, may be sleeping smugly as well as snugly: the economy class passengers who successfully bid for an upgrade to business.

Westbound QF9 and its eastbound counterpart QF10 are the only nonstops between Europe and Australia, and the route is mainly operated for the corporate traveller, for whom companies will pay a pretty premium.

I imagine that Qantas keeps a few posh seats deliberately free for selling at high prices to last-minute business travellers at, or close to, the maximum fare of £3,500-plus.

(Yes, that is one way.) But airlines are good at predicting loads.

With more than a year’s experience on this route, Qantas presumably knows it will have some spare capacity that it can upsell to economy passengers by inviting them, by email, to bid. Such an auction system is ideal because it avoids revealing fares that wildly undercut

the prices paid by “real” business passengers.

One traveller on the route has just asked me whether she should try to upgrade at the minimum bid of £900. The answer will ultimately depend on her sense of value and robustness of credit card – and, of course, it may be entirely academic if her bid proves insufficient.

The response is that it’s good to have that opportunity. However, some may not want to pay £900 – close to £1 per minute – for the privilege of business class on a 17-

Air Peace to begin flight operations to Mumbai in March, Tel Aviv to follow

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ir Peace is set to begin flight operations to Mumbai, India in March 2020.

This is just as the airline has also concluded arrangements to commence flight operations to Tel Aviv in Israel, by taking advantage of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA between the two countries which has been dormant for some time now.

This was disclosed by Allen Onyema, the managing director of Air Peace Limited, during a media parley with aviation correspondents in Lagos to say thank you to the journalists for their support to Air Peace and other domestic airlines in the country.

Air Peace boss said Airlines like Aero Contractors should be supported on its Maintenance Repair

and Overhaul, MRO facilities by other airlines so that it can graduate from C-checks to D-checks and by so doing other countries will begin to patronise its MRO. He said the support to domestic airlines have become imperatives considering the huge direct and indirect jobs such entities are creating in the country.

He said airlines like Air Peace, Arik Air and others should be commended for their ability to touch lives, reduce unemployment and crimes.

Onyema while thanking the Journalists for reducing the high level of over sensationalism of air returns, urged them to join hands to fight the international stigmatisation of Nigeria as a bad country abroad.

“Let us not join other people to

stigmatise our country, is not good for the image of our country,” Onyema urged the media.

He observed that today, Nigerian airlines cannot get dry lease on aircraft because of international stigmatisation of the country.

Onyema who said though there are some bad eggs everywhere, warned that the blanket categorisation of the country is not good.

He noted that the over reporting of air returns in the country has drastically reduced.

Onyema thanked the federal government for designating Air Peace on the international routes and also for helping to address the issue of multiple designation giving to foreign airlines in the country.

He lauded Hadi Sirika, the minister of Aviation, for addressing the issue.

Air Peace boss also commended the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Shimon Ben-Shoshan for his role in making the flight to Israel possible.

He said Air Peace is waxing stronger on the Sharjah Dubai route with affordable fares for Nigerians.

In his words, “eight months on the Dubai route, Air Peace is still waxing stronger and charging low fares which can afford Nigerians the opportunity to travel to Dubai without breaking the banks”.

hour flight. That amounts to some very expensive sleep and slightly better food and drink.

In fact, I am confident I wouldn’t: £900 buys some wonderful travel opportunities, and while sitting upright all night one could always plan those adventures – made possible by not opting for the upgrade.

Yet, if you happen to be travelling with a companion that could change the proposition. If the cabin crew were prepared to allow it, I can see that splitting the business class seat into eight or nine hours each would

have some appeal. You could both enjoy some fancy catering (which would generally benefit the person choosing the first half) and decent sleep (the last eight hours would be best).

On any route when you are flying long haul from an airport a long way from the airline’s base, you can ask the manager on duty at the check-in area if last-minute upgrades are possible. Once the final loads are known, it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that something like £500 might do the trick.

Finally, for a traveller, upgrade trick isn’t an actual better seat – just more space. Both going from Perth to London and in the opposite direction, the traveller made sure Ihewas last on the plane, and successfully scoured the economy cabin for two empty seats together.

Currently, there’s a particularly good chance of that. The decision to avoid Iraqi and Iranian airspace requires a sub-optimal flight path, which in turn means that the full payload of economy passengers cannot be carried.

With mandatory empty seats, extra elbow and legroom abounds in economy – which, as the plane battles headwinds towards Christmas Island with another 15 hours to go, is good news for those in the cheap seats.

Nigeria receives six new diamond training aircraft from Austria

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he federal government of Nigeria has announced the acquisition of six new Diamond training aircraft for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria.

Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, announced this via his twitter handle @hadisirika shortly after inspection of the new equipment in Austria alongside Mohammed Abdulsalami, the rector of the aviation school.

His tweet read, “Just received in Austria, six new state-of-theart aircraft for NCAT Zaria. To be delivered within 3 weeks.”

“The fleet increase for the school is ‘in our effort to catch up with technology in line with our approved roadmap.

“Our efforts have earned Zaria the status of ICAO Regional Training of Center of Excellence, “said Sirika on NCAT’s attainment of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO’s Regional Training Centre of Excellence

status.

The rector of the school, Abdulsalami in December 2019 during the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) Gateway Forum hinted journalists in Lagos at the plan to take delivey of new aircraft for training in the first quarter of 2010 to boost aircraft fleet and enhance training capabilities of the institution.

“The acquisition will increase its fleet of trainer aircraft to enhance its training capabilities,” said the rector.

He said acquisition of more trainer aircraft will create a window for its young pilots to gain more flying hours to prepare them ready for the job market.

The rector said: “The whole idea of getting more training aircraft is that it will greatly enhance our training capacity. By breaking down the aircraft orders into batches until the twenty target is achieved is part of strategy to equip the college for efficiency.”

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Sunday 02 February 2020

Arts ‘Beautiful Wilderness’, epic musical, comes to stage with twists, turns OBINNA EMELIKE

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he musical play is an adaptation of the novel ‘A Beautiful Wilderness’ written by the prolific writer Dupe Olorunjo and will be produced and directed by the legendary Gbenga Yusuf.

Scheduled to run from February14-16, 2020 at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos, it will set the stage for mesmerizing scenes, relatable narratives and gripping twists and turns. ‘Beautiful Wilderness’ musical play will show for three consecutive days by 4pm and 7pm daily.

“What is real and what is not is left for the audience to decide”, the producers said.

Seasoned with free-flowing poetry, riveting dances and enchanting music, ‘Beautiful Wilderness the musical’ is a must-see stage splendor.

The plot revolves around the stereotypically successful business tycoon that is Keanu Omira (played by Patrick Diabuah). Omira is an easily recognizable boss-man by any working class subject as he believes he has got the world in his pocket. Being one who does not suffer fools lightly, he is truly bewildered when the rug is pulled from beneath his feet and he takes off on a journey into the un-

known. In this 4D-nightmarecome-alive, he must make a choice; to either retrace his steps or be lost forever. The musical play parades other topnotch actors like Tosin Adeyemi, Omololu Sodiya, Aisha Onitiri, Eden Attah and many others.

Produced by Seeing Through the Arts Production Company, the family show speaks of humility and kindness as part of the best human virtues to possess. It explores a different kind of love that gives freely but expects noth-

ing in return. Dupe Olorunjo, executive producer of the musical play and author of the novel ‘A Beautiful Wilderness’, believes that stories have the power to expose the reality of where we stand and help us envision where we should be.

She also states that all positive stories birthed in our hearts deserve a telling.

“I have written four novels, all within the inspirational fiction genre, and my hope every day is that each one will continue to influence my audience to embrace life-changing pos-

R&B Communications unveils creative partnership with Isaac Emokpae

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ll roads led to the new office of R&B Communications in Ikoyi, Lagos, last Thursday, as the communications agency announced its 2020 creative partnership with Isaac Emokpae, one of Nigeria’s jewels in the visual art sector.

The partnership, which was aptly tagged,’The Idea Loom’ is the first in a series of annual collaborations between R&B Communications and Nigeria’s foremost creatives.

‘The Idea Loom’ is also Isaac Emokpae’s interpretation of the synergy between R&B Communications and its publics; a unique call for unison, harmony

and sustainability in business.

Speaking at the event, Isaac Emokpae described ‘The Idea Loom’ as “homage to ideas; a celebration of thought and its power, which when properly weaved and harnessed can achieve great and far-reaching consequences”.

Adeoye Omotayo, executive director, R&B Communications, explained that “R&B PR has enjoyed a very long, deep and meaningful relationship with Nigerian arts, culture, film, music and entertainment over the years. We are therefore honoured to have top talents from this growing sector treat our walls and our space

L-R: Adeoye Omotayo, executive director, R&B Communications, Isaac Emokpae, visual artist and Remi Okunlola, partner chairman of R&B Communications, at the unveiling ceremony.

as canvas for showcasing the incredible works that they do.”

Speaking further, Remi Okunlola, partner chairman of R&B Communications, explained that “The Idea Loom will adorn the walls of our headquarters for the next 12 months, when another of the nation’s foremost creatives will be invited to shine their creative floodlights on the next 12 months of our collaborative endeavours”.

R&B Communications is parent of R&B Public Relations, a top class communications agency; Ghost RB, a world class creative agency; R&B Media, content development agency; R&B Technologies, augmenting brands using technology; and R&B ACE, supporting arts, culture & entertainment with communications.

Isaac Emokpae is a fine visual artist who uses the most simple application of varied media to evoke deep psychological reflection. A constant student of duality, the question of how human souls interact forms the basis of his works.

Friends, associates and clients of R&B Communications are hereby invited to view Isaac Emokpae’s work at their convenience over the next 12 months.

sibilities, sometimes outside our normal reach”, Olorunjo said.

Talking about how she was inspired to write the novel, she revealed that it happened while she was trapped in Lagos traffic one morning.

“I was sitting in the car, frustrated, when my eyes were drawn to a lame beggar.

He must have just arrived and was unpacking his things including his begging bowl.

I watched him closely and realized …This was his entire life; he wasn’t concerned with

the traffic, with issues in the corporate world, the stock market, Lagos gossip, celebrities, owning a car, designer clothes… nothing. Then I also understood that he didn’t choose that world. In fact, each one of us in a different life, a different family, a different environment could have easily been sitting in that beggar’s shoes. The story of ‘A Beautiful Wilderness’ from the beginning to the end was formed in my mind that morning”. I trust that our exposure to this story will help us appreciate all we are and all we have including our blessings and the love God has surrounded us with, Olorunjo concluded.

Gb e n g a Yu s u f i s t h e creative director at Seeing Through the Arts Production Company. Recently, he produced and directed the acclaimed ‘Legends: the Musical and also produced and directed Red Velvet— Waje’s first album concert. Yusuf is excited to be on the ‘Beautiful Wilderness’ project, not just because he is producing and directing it, but because it is an amazing story of love and faith.

As the producer and director, he said:“It is not a regular story and so our decision to stage ‘Beautiful Wilderness’ during the Valentine period was intentional, because, the musical play shows us a dif-

ferent kind of love. It is the highest form of love…one that has depth. I will say this to you, no matter what your schedule looks like, make time for yourself, or your loved one or ones, as the case may be, to come see this show. Do not miss the ‘Beautiful Wilderness Musical’.

“The musical play shows how crucial our decisions are and how they come to bear on our love life, relationships, businesses and also to us personally. We follow the story up the corporate ladder, through the alleys of poverty, over the bumps of the marriage institution and finally to a point of self-reflection on our own life journey. It is a family show, which connects with different age groups and social classes and one we are quite proud of.”

Ticket prices range from N5000 (regular) to N15,000 (VIP). There will also be an all-expense paid lunch date up for grabs for six lucky couples who pick up the Couple Ticket.

They also have charity tickets for sale where you get the opportunity to treat a senior citizen to seeing the show and getting a love pack.

So if you are up for the ride this valentine; either by yourself or with your better half or even your better half and some quarters (children), Beautiful Wilderness is a must-see.

NCAC, Belgium to partner in cultural exchange this year

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igeria, through the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Kingdom of Belgium, are planning cultural exchange, which is expected to be a major programme in the culture sector this year.

Explaining the rationale for the cultural exchange, Daniel Dorgent, the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria , disclosed that the initiative was informed by the need to come together and work on projects, which would be of mutual benefits to both nations through presentation of fashion exhibitions, music and dance, art and crafts, cultural festivals among other noble initiatives.

The envoy unveiled the exchange programme while on a visit to the NCAC, soliciting collaboration from Olusegun Runsewe, director general of the Council.

Dorgent said Nigeria was a country with great potential adding, “we stand to benefit from some of these interesting potential.”

He also stated that the project could involve Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora.

Olusegun Runsewe, DG, NCAC

On his part, Runsewe promised to provide the necessary logistics like venue, publicity and security to ensure a successful outing.

Runsewe observed that Nigeria and Belgium have a long relationship in sports while sharing mutually beneficial economic ties with no less than 40 Belgium companies doing well in Nigeria.

According to the NCAC chief, “As far back as 1984, over 11 Nigerian professional footballers plied their trade

in the Belgian league. You will recall also that in the last Olympic, Nigeria and Belgium played the volleyball final.”

S p e a k i n g f u r t h e r, Runsewe added that, “As a body we have collaborated with Iran, Bangladesh and China. So, for your exhibition, we will put in our best to ensure the programme meets international standards.”

The meeting ended with the exchange of promotional materials between the two nations.

Sunday 02 February 2020

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BDSUNDAY 33

LifestyleHomes&Suites

Paul Ojenagbon pauloje2000@yahoo.com

Enchanting residences on stable of Fort Knox

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eal estate development firm, FortKnox Properties is immensely gifted with an excellent craftsmanship of churning out exceptional residences that attract sustained admiring stares. For now, they do not do too many units of homes as they would rather incorporate more quality than quantity into their projects.

Another trait is that they appear to be more comfortable with Terrace development than detached, apartments or any of the others. Their operational location is in Eleguishi area of Lekki, largely in Ilasan and Ikate.Ilasan is at the Fourth Roundabout on the Lekki-Epe Expressway between Ikate and Jakande. On their impressive stable are Beaufort Residences,Knox Residences and Fort Residences.

Beaufort Residences,the firm’s premium project is an ongoing development consisting of 6 units of deluxe 4- Bedroom Terraces with steward’s room. It is located at Ilasan, Eleguishi-Lekki. It is slated for completion and delivery this year. Beaufort is a gated and fully serviced community provided and served with modern amenities. The houses are planned to be run with premium fittings and fixtures and marked for excellent finishing. Main

features of the houses are luxurious master bedroom, voluminous ensuite bedrooms and ample two living areas. The kitchens are fitted and ready to use in accordance with

the beautiful design. The curvy and varied balconies give more appeal to the front view of the apartments.

Beaufort Residences is set in a serene environment with charming landscaped exterior. Each terrace is guaranteed dedicated parking that accommodates a minimum of two cars. Water is derived from borehole and processed through a treatment plant. It is served with a central generator of appropriate capacity to make up for outages from mains electricity supply and each unit is installed with its own prepaid meter. Exorbitant billing has a wrong address here. Security is guaranteed round the clock with corporate security outfit going about their beats.

Knox Residences is a completed development comprising 4 units of state of the art 3-Bedroom Terraces attached with steward’s room and offers discerning home buyers ultra

modernity and excellent value for money,yet peaceful location in Ilasan, Lekki.The land is bestowed with a superior title of governor’s consent.

Only a unit is left of Knox Residences belying the immense appeal the project has drawn. The precise location is a secure neighbourhood that enjoys good proximity to Lekki Phase 1 and the Lekki Expressway.

Knox Residences is also fully serviced and enjoys similar amenities and features as in Beaufort.

The master bedroom comes with walk -in closet and private balcony.

The doors are imported high security multi-sound doors. Knox is graced with a modern aesthetic design and the exterior landscaping is appealing.The kitchens are fully fitted with premium appliances.

An immediate feature of uniqueness of Fort Residences is that this development is located in Ikate,Eleguishi,some distance away from the others nearer to Lekki Phase 1. Interestingly too,it is fully sold out. Fort Residences comprises 4 units of 4-Bedroom Terraces attached with boys’ quarters.

It is serene,secure gated community with paved access roads. In this development,the developers offers options of carcass or fully finished to home buyers to elect their choice.

The estate is well drained and the interest on the land is registered title. The terraces in Fort Residences with all rooms ensuite and one room boys’quarters are well ventilated and spaciously delivered to provide comfort and luxury to the discerning home buyers. It is fully serviced and enjoys comparable level of amenities with Knox and Beaufort Residences.

Payments have been well structured to be flexible and to ensure convenience. Importantly,mortgage finance is available. Price range for a unit in Beaufort Residences varies between N65-70million depending on the mode of payment elected by a home buyer. An initial deposit of N15million is required. A terrace in Knox Residences attracts a price tag of N52 million.Although sold out,it was N50million and N60million for carcass and fully finished units at Fort Residences.

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Sunday 02 February 2020

Protests, solidarity greet LASG’s ban on ‘Okada’, ‘Keke’ Stories by JOSHUA BASSEY

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he ban on the operations of commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke) is already jolting Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial city.

While some residents are showing solidarity and calling on the state government to extend the ban to many more areas, including residential estates, others are fuming and asking the government to rescind its decision.

On Friday, January 31, irate motorcycle operators alongside their supporters stormed the seat of government at Alausa, Ikeja, to protest the ban, which they claim will ruin their business and deny them means of livelihood.

A day before the protest, Thursday, January 30, some residents of Ajao Estate, in Oshodi/Mafuloku area of the state, were at the State House to support the government as well as register their displeasure that their estate was not explicitly captured among the areas that Okada and Keke are barred.

They want the ban fully extended to their area to forestall what they described as “security breach” in the neigbourhood.

The concerned residents under the aegis of Ajao Estate Central Community Development Association said they could no longer

sleep with their two eyes closed as a result of fear and insecurity arising from uncontrolled operations of commercial motorcycles.

Chairman of the community association, Martins Adegboyega, who led others to the State House, described the presence of Okada in their community as “unwarranted invasion”, stressing that members of the estate no longer feel safe with the continuous operations of Okada in Ajao Estate.

The petition sent to the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signed by the residents’ legal adviser, Leo Ikeagwu, reads: “Our estate has been taken over by criminals in the guise of Okada riders. Their activities had been banned in the estate since 2015 after they

engaged the police in a fight.

These criminal elements are back in our community in full force.

“We have watched helplessly the influx of Okada riders, who, to our dismay, now block the entrance into Ajao Estate from Ejigbo, causing heavy traffic jam and security breaches. Bag snatching is now on the increase and pedestrians are now in fear.

“It is worthy to note that an eight-year-old boy was recently kidnapped by some criminal elements who used Okada to operate.

But, for the quick intervention of some vigilant security guards, who blocked the entrance gate; it would have been different story entirely.

“All residents of Ajao Estate can no longer sleep with their eyes closed as a result

‘How to curtail incessant fire outbreaks on Lagos Island’

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hairman of Lagos Island local government area, Adetoyese Olusi, has stressed the need for the education of residents and traders in the area against fire outbreaks.

Olusi identified their failure to adhere to safety rules and regulations as the major cause of frequent fire disasters in markets within the Lagos Island.

Lamenting the frequent loss of lives and property by residents and traders to inferno in the area, on Friday, said: “For instance, there is always a strict regulation that you must leave some metres before installing generating sets, but the buildings are now too close for comfort.

“We need education of the whole of us on fire safety because any slightest mistake can cause a lot of damage. We need more of enlightenment and education in terms of keeping the

environment tidy, enforcing rules and laws.

“We are all enforcers, if every individual that walks on the street sees a law breaker and he or she is ready to go to any length that law should be enforced, we would all be able to sleep in comfort,” Olusi said.

He noted that in spite of the fire outbreaks, many traders at Martins and Ali Balogun Streets were still engaging in indiscriminate trading around the area of fire incident.

The chairman said the local government had the responsibility to enforce laws by applying sanctions against defaulters, while it is the duty of both the Federal and the State governments to enact the relevant laws.

“It is unfortunate that people blame government but we residents and traders are responsible for the frequent fire outbreaks.

“Government regulates but the governor, commis-

sioners and chairman cannot come to the market every day. Once there is a regulation laid down, we are all supposed to keep strictly to it. But how many traders and developers keep to the regulations?

“We should all know that lawlessness is not in the best interest of us all,” Olusi said.

He, however, commended the efforts of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Federal Fire Service, Julius Berger and other relevant agencies for working hard to contain the fire outbreak in his area.

Recall that the popular Balogun Market, on Martins Street, Lagos Island, was on Wednesday gutted by fire said to have sparked off from a generating set. Seven buildings within the market were burnt, leading to the collapse of two of the buildings, with goods worth millions of naira destroyed. No life was lost in the inferno.

of fear. Those who return from their various work places at night are no longer safe. We humbly request an immediate action that will be put in place to continuously check this influx of Okada riders, so that we can be at peace once again.

But in seems like a counter move, protesting Okada operators, mostly of Gokada, O’ ride, and Maxoda, stormed the state House of Assembly on Friday, accusing the government of being insensitive to their predicament.

They demanded for regulation of their operations, rather outright ban, saying “this is what we depend on for our livelihood.”

One of the protesters, Steve Orajiakwu of O’ ride alleged that the state gov-

ernment failed to consult with them before the ban was announced.

“We are not happy with the way the ban was announced. We are running a democratic government and when decisions that touch the lives of people are to be made by government, the people should be consulted. We were never invited for discussions. We know government is concerned about security and lives of people as well as influx of all manner of people into Lagos.

Our bikes have tracking devices and cameras. We went for blood and eye test.

We went for intensive training. Government should call us and see possibility of regulating rather than banning,” Also, Uche Ekemiri of Gokada said: “We pay tax to government and we are ready to have license. Government just woke up one day and ban us and I don’t see reasons they should ban us. This is what we do for a living.”

A female operator, Ebina Sandra, of G-Pilot said the proceeds from riding commercial motorcycles have helped her to further her education and appealed to the state government to have a rethink.

“I studied accountancy and finished my OND from Yaba Tech. This is the job I do to train myself in school. If I leave this job, there is nothing else for me to do. Government should regulate

us and not ban us. We are professionals. This is what we do to feed our families.

Where do we go from here,” she lamented.

Bisi Yusuf, a member of the House of Assembly, representing Alimosho constituency 1, who addressed protesters on behalf of the speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, commended the peaceful demonstration, but urged them to abide by the new ban pending when the state government will look into their request.

“Protest is an ingredient of democracy. We commend you for peaceful demonstration. We will go through your petition.

“However we urge you to keep cool and keep to the law until we call you back.

Government has made pronouncement on the issue.

Don’t allow anybody to hijack the protest because you will be held responsible for it. Very soon, we will call you.

Maintain the law. It is when government sees your conduct, they will know what to do,” he said.

The state government last week banned Okada and Keke from operating within the urbanised local areas of the state, including Ikeja, Surulere, Oshodi/ Isolo, Apapa, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, among others, citing increasing accidents, loss of lives, insecurity and disregard to the Lagos State Road Traffic Law of 2018 as amended as some of the reasons for the action.

LASEMA boss, ex-lover in legal tango over N45m property

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n Igbosere High Court has fixed February 7 for the adoption of final written addresses in a case of a N45 million property dispute, involving a top Lagos State civil servant, Olufemi Oke-Osanyitolu.

Oke-Osanyitolu, directorgeneral of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and his former lover, Olaide Ibraheem are in court over ownership of the plum property.

The property is located at No. 1, Baba Yusuf Close, Alausa, Lagos and allegedly belongs to Oke-Sanyitolu.

Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye fixed the date on Friday after hearing submissions from the defence counsel, Adeoye

Asaolu and Akin George, the lead state prosecutor.

Ibraheem, also a top civil servant, is the director of administration and human resources in the Lagos State Office of Civic Engagement.

She was arraigned on May 22, 2017 and faces a threecount charge of forgery, forcible entry and criminal damage to the property, which allegedly belongs to Oke-Sanyitolu.

During the trial, four witnesses, including Oke-Osanyitolu, his personal assistant and a signature expert, testified for the prosecution.

Six witnesses, including Ibraheem, a surveyor and a police officer testified on behalf of the defence.

Oke-Osanyitolu in his testi-

mony told the court that he and the defendant were former lovers and top civil servants working for the Lagos State government. He said that during the course of their relationship, he needed accommodation for his ailing mother and had sought Ibraheem’s help in getting accommodation.

Oke-Sanyitolu said the defendantnegotiatedthepurchase of the property on his behalf for N45 million from the former owner, one Baba Yusuf in Kano.

The LASEMA boss told the court that he made payment in installments for the property via one Luqman Salami, his personal assistant and that he paid a balance of N1. 5 million the day the Deed of Assignment was signed.

Recruitment in health sector restricted to core medical professionals, says Lagos

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he permanent secretary, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Eniayewun Ademuyiwa has said that only core professionals in various fields of medicine are qualified to apply for the ongoing recruitment exercise by the commission.

Ademuyiwa clarified that

the exercise is restricted to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, laboratory scientists, radiographers, dentists and medical records officers who seek employment with Lagos State government.

He restated the determination of the government to address the manpower deficit

in public health institutions across the state through the employment of competent and qualified medical personnel.

While advising applicants to complete the forms accurately, the permanent secretary stated that all required documents must be submitted along with the application forms.

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CapitalMarket Fidson Healthcare returns to profitability amidst declining sales TELIAT SULE

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idson Healthcare has returned to profitability. This is evident in its fourth quarter and full year results for the period ended December 31, 2019 which showed that the firm made N39.09 million and N312.02 million as profit after tax (PAT) in the fourth quarter of last year and for full year 2019 respectively.

Compared with same periods in 2018, Fidson Healthcare posted a loss after tax of N5.64 billion and N97.45 billion in the fourth quarter and full year 2018.

The return to profitability came amidst declining sales, owing partly to reducing purchasing power of the consumers and the general business environment of the country. Gross revenue for the last quarter of 2019 stood at N3.59 billion while for the entire 2019, the pharmaceutical giant realised N14.06 billion as gross earnings, compared with N4.78 billion and N16.23 billion in the corresponding fourth quarter and the entire 2018.

Fidson has three major product segments which are over the counter (OTC), ethical and consumer products. Revenues from OTC and ethical products declined by 7.6 percent and 8.4 percent respectively last year compared with 2018. In 2019, OTC accounted for 44 percent of Fidson’s revenue while ethical products contributed 56 percent.

Further analysis showed that both the product lines were responsible for the bulk of the companies’ cost of sales. In 2019, in spite of the fact that the ethical products contributed more to the overall revenue of the company, it cost Fidson N49 to generate N100

revenue for both OTC and ethical products. That was higher than N46 the firm expended in 2018 to generate N100 revenue for each of the two product lines.

Notwithstanding the return to profitability, investors remained unimpressed as the stock price has shed 16.1 percent from its share price year to date. At the close of business last Friday, the stock price of Fidson Healthcare closed at N2.60, representing 16.1 percent depreciation year to date.

Market participants applauded the decision the management made last year to seek foreign partnership, which people believed would lead to transfer of technologies, improved management and the adoption of good

corporate governance. In other words, the return to profitability might not be unconnected with the strategic moves made by its management in the course of last year, resulting in a partnership with Ohara Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a leading Japanese pharmaceutical company limited in July 2019.

“Fidson Healthcare Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, hereby announces the execution of a strategic alliance with Ohara Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, a leading Japanese healthcare company. This alliance is a result of Fidson’s recent Rights Issue which saw Ohara’s shareholding in the company increased to 21.57%. The strategic alliance is aimed at sup-

porting Fidson in fulfilling its commitment to provide the Nigerian market with the latest healthcare products and services. Ohara, being a major player in the Asian pharmaceutical market, will bring cutting edge technology and innovation through technology transfer, expertise, and knowledge sharing to enhance Fidson’s excellence and ascendency in the Nigerian pharma space.

“The alliance holds promise as a significant growth driver for both companies, particularly as a major factor for the development of local pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria. The significance of collaborations of this nature to the emerging Nigerian healthcare system is evidently enormous,

given the rapid population growth, the healthcare state and the living standards of the larger population in the country. Given this growing population, there is no doubt that Nigeria is in urgent need of a rapid improvement in the standard of healthcare delivery. This can only be accelerated through modernization and technological intervention which the alliance with Ohara aims to deliver”, the company announced last July.

In the last few years, Fidson has consistently paid dividend to shareholders. In 2017 and 2018, the company paid N0.15 per share as the final dividend around September. Analysts are unanimous that the firm won’t let investors down this time around.

NSE launches Growth Board to support fast-growing SMEs

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he Nigerian Stock Ex c h a n g e ( N S E ) h a s launched its Growth Board in line with its drive to deepen the Nigerian capital market and provide support for fast-growing companies at The Exchange, Lagos on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.

The Growth Board aims to encourage Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in their growth phase to seize the opportunity of raising long term capital and leveraging the NSE’s varied products and services to achieve their long term business objectives.

Speaking during the launch

ceremony, Oscar Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, NSE said, “SMEs have contributed about 48% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the last five years according to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics. This segment of the economy also accounts for 96% of operational businesses and 84% of employment. Despite these significant contributions, SMEs face significant challenges, including lack of right-sized and right-priced financing. With the launch of the Growth Board, the Exchange is, therefore, offering issuers relaxed entry criteria as well as less stringent ongoing listing

requirements to allow for greater accessibility to finance, global visibility and credibility through corporate disclosures.”

In delivering real value to the SME sector, the Growth Board restructures current market segments along a company’s entire lifecycle i.e. It offers issuers the opportunity to either list on the Entry Segment – for companies with a market capitalization from N50m, or the Standard Market – for institutions with a market capitalization from N500m. Furthermore, the segmentation of the boards provides alternative options for interested investors to participate

in each company’s growth journey.

To achieve the listed company’s growth strategy and listing objective, The Exchange will also be collaborating with various strategic business partners and value-added service providers.

Onyema said, “We have partnered with relevant stakeholders to design a suite of cost-effective services to give listed companies a competitive edge within their respective industries while stimulating investors’ interest through enhanced information delivery.

These services include pre-listing diagnostics; Institutional Services (including audit services, financial

advisory, legal advisory, corporate strategic advisory); Investor Relations; Analyst Coverage, Corporate Access and Corporate Governance.”

Onyema went on to invite growth companies represented at the launch and the 97 companies featured in 2019 Companies to Inspire Africa (CTIA) jointly produced by the London Stock Exchange and PWC Africa to join the NSE Growth Board ecosystem and use the platform to achieve their strategic business objectives.

There are over 30 million small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria.

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Sunday 02 February 2020

BookReview ‘Whither Nigeria?’

Author: Goddy Ikeh Reviewer: Bunmi Makinwa It is such an interesting journey to read through Goddy Ikeh’s ‘Whither Nigeria?’. lthough we have kept in touch spasmodically over the past three decades and few years, little did I know that he has reminisced, embraced oftentimes, and agonised often about Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

Even as I did the same in my own careers and life over several continents.

In his book, Whither Nigeria?, Goddy brought to bear his many years of experience as a journalist, public commentator, analyst and keen observer of the world. He wrote and stated his opinions using

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the facts, expressed views of others and his own perception. He praised when he thought that it was deserved. He would give as much as he took of others’ opinions; and sometimes he would chastise and blame government officials even at the highest office of the state or country when he saw it fit.

The essays in this book cover many grounds. One reads on and on, fascinated by the writer’s keen observation of national and international issues. In this book, it is clear that the author seeks as much as to state his position as to document what actually happens.

Goddy was keen to state how bad things were, even as he reflected the

expressed views of government officials. There was little to praise about Nigeria.

Th e b o o k s a t i s f i e s those who want to have historical facts. It also aggregates many sides of issues that occupied the polity and public at various times.

Academics may have their take as much as social observers and politicians, who are interested in reconstructing the past as a means to understand the present, and speculate on the future.

The author uses various styles of writing to tackle issues. Sometimes reportorial, other times news agency features and in other instances freely opinion writing, he has

put together a compilation of very readable chapters.

GIK has many things to say; he has said lots here.

But given the extensive scope of his coverage of life, politics, policies and development, he has much

more in stock.

This book is but one first volume. I encourage him to continue to take up the challenge of documenting life and events, how they make sense and nonsense; and how humanity grows,

stutters and fails.

- Makinwa is chief executive officer, AUNIQUE Communication for Leadership, New York, USA & former Africa Regional Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Sketches With with Zebulon 08054691823

Yahaya Bello’s second coming in Kogi The ‘Powerful’ lawmaker from Kano

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hen he first assumed office as Kogi State governor, expectations were high that as a youth, he was going to really going to be an ambassador of peace and development. But Bello’s four years was a disaster. While the first tenure lasted, many groaned in pain and gnashed their teeth. As a result of unpaid monthly salaries to civil servants, some workers died in penury, families got destabilised and many children whose parents were civil servants dropped out of school.

The situation in Kogi was

so bad that many residents were so sure that if the November off-season gubernatorial election were allowed to be credible, Bello would not return as the governor.

But against all permutations, he returned, anyhow. Bello’s misgovernance was not hidden. It was glaring even to the blind, so glaring that many chieftains of his party with conscience believed he had no business going back, but because they did not want the state to go to another party, Bello was given huge support even from the seat of power in Abuja to make a forceful return. Before the election; a member of the

party’s apparatchik had to kneel down begging Kogites to have mercy on Bello and give him a return opportunity. And so, Bello came back.

While swearing in his commissioners on Wednesday, Bello urged them to be accessible to the people. Many of those who heard him began to ask “what happened?”

They doubted the sincerity in his voice and concluded he was merely acting. “Reach out, be accessible, approachable and serve the people with humility,” he said.

You know in Nigeria, politicians are the greatest actors, not those in the Nollywood. In his first term, Bello treated Kogi people with distain. He believed he was all that mattered in the state. He tolerated no one, especially those who spoke out against his mis-governance. Today, he is preaching tolerance and ordering members of his cabinet to make themselves accessible to the people. Is this for real? Recall that he engineered the impeachment of his deputy simply because the man didn’t like his ways.

Is it possible that this leopard will change its spots? Days ahead will tell.

(Some National Assemblies do ave em)

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ith the army of out-ofschool children in Kano, who roam the streets and main roads begging for alms; simply known as Almagiri, some indigenes of the state are adding wives upon wives and breeding children like lower animals.

The shameful display last week of a member of the House of Representatives who represents Duguwa/ Tudun Wada federal constituency of Kano State, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, showed how unfortunate things have become in Nigeria.

At a time, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II is hammering on the need for Moslems to reduce the number of women they marry in line with modern/economic realities; a parliamentarian was busy showcasing his harem before the House. He was in the lower chamber with his four women and broke the silence of the house with their introduction.

“Mr. Speaker, I would like

to let you know that with me today here, are my four respected wives. Mr. Speaker, these four wives you have seen have produced 27 kids for me, and I am still counting. I am still counting,” he said.

He further bragged: “Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, I asked them to rise here to respect the house on behalf of my family. And one of the reasons is to let you know that when members call me a powerful man; I am not only powerful on the floor of the house; I am also

powerful at home.” This is insulting to all Nigerians, who expect quality legislation from their elected representatives. Rather than use the time for useful deliberations on how to move the country forward, someone, who by virtue of the level of backwardness of where he comes from and the people he represents, should be more concerned with anything that could change the negative narrative of his people, he is parading his harem in vain glory. Who will deliver Nigeria from her bondage?

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Kiddies ngnwaogu@yahoo.co.uk

APWEN kicks off new project for girl-child …counsels female students to embrace engineering

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Ngozi Okpalakunne

irls in secondary schools have been advised not to rule out engineering as a future course of study in the university.

Speaking at the Flagg off of ‘SheEngineer Invent it, Build it’, a capacity building project of the Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN), Project Manager, Felicia Agubata observed that many girls are deterred from entering the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics(STEM) workforce due to outdated stereotypes that still exist.

Agubata also encouraged female students in post primary schools to study STEM which will enable them enroll for courses like engineering in the university, adding that female engineers make everything, from bridges to engines, Information Technology systems to cosmetics.

Enumerating some of the factors that deterred girls from going in to science related career, she said: “From toys that are targeted at boys to portrayal of STEM professionals in the media, women are led to believe that there is no place for them in this field. “An engineer is commonly depicted as a burly boiler man in oily overalls or a reclusive, introverted computer programmer. In reality, engineering is a hugely diverse and exciting sector with amazing opportunities for males and females alike”.

However, she disagreed with the generally held belief that women are not strong enough to be engineers, adding, “Ibilola Amao is the principal consultant of Lonadek, an oil and gas consulting company. For her, one of the biggest myths of the profession is that you have to be big and strong to work in these sectors.”

But she can certainly do just as much as her other male colleagues. Rather than strength, she believes “imagination is the biggest key” for making a success of it. Stella Uzochukwu is an electrical engineer and an innovator. She is the founder of Oddyssey Educational Foundation.

She asserts how little physical exertion is required from her role too. It’s all indoor, mostly computer-based work, or sitting in a lab working with components. Being an engineer is not necessarily about brawn”, Agubata noted.

Also, she counseled girls not to think that their hands must get dirty as a female engineer.

In her words: “The current president of APWEN, Funmilola Ojelade is a chemical engineer with Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company as the production manager. And it’s not just getting grease and applying tools. She works in the office too. She is not covered in grease to do her job. Even if she is, what’s wrong

School children receiving peace education from West African Peace Building, Nigeria.

with that? Female engineers often get told that they don’t look like an engineer.

“But in an industry with such a vast array of roles – from computer software and engineering design to nanotechnology and bridge construction. You don’t have to wear overalls to excel in the sector.”

To her, women are not timid to be engineers as history had it that female engineers might have struggled to hold their own in a room full of male colleagues.

For those who are of the opinion that women are not good at science, technology or mathematics, Agubata said: “According to a statistical paper published by the Women’s Engineering Society, girls are now more likely than boys to achieve high grades across nearly all STEM subjects. It’s true that the proportion of girls pursuing these subjects further drops off dramatically, but the above statistics suggest cultural norms and other factors are to blame, rather than a lack of ability”.

Giving brief background of “SheEngineer”, she said is a capacity-building programme under the remit of the Royal Academy of Engineering United Kingdom, a delivery partner for the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).

She expressed gratitude to the academy for counting her worthy to be recipient of the grant.

On her part, president APWEN, Funmilayo Ojelade described the project as a dream comes true, adding “SheEngineer Invent it, Build It” project is in-sync with the strategic objectives of APWEN’s development master plan, its advocacy mandate and its gender and diversity policy framework which places emphasis on engineering education and

training in skilling and re-skilling the Nigerian workforce by strengthening the capacity of our local workforce to bridge the yawning skill-gap in our society, while encouraging inclusion and gender participation in engineering services to meet the desired socioeconomic objectives of community-based engineering projects and practices in Nigeria.

“Our desire to meet the global requirement of promoting diversity, has provided APWEN with the impetus to be the first professional association to advocate for girl child STEM education in Nigeria and also among the professional engineering institutions in Nigeria to work towards the development of a gender and diversity policy to encourage the inclusive growth of members from diverse backgrounds.

“Our role as a professional association is to provide leadership, source for requisite manpower and target beneficiaries to drive the idea and make the project most impactful, and also monitor and evaluate the projects to ensure that they deliver on their intended milestones within the project duration”, she added.

According to her, APWEN will execute the project by training female engineers and STEM teachers as well as mentoring pupils in STEM. This, she explained will help to promote STEM and ultimately increase the number of female engineers in sub-Saharan Africa that will solve Africa’s problems.

The programme attracted many female students from different Unity secondary schools across Lagos state. Some of the girls who spoke in an interview lauded the organisers of the event for the initiative.

Jokes 1. Why did the cookie go to the hospital?

Because he felt crummy.

2. was the baby strawberry crying?

Because her parents were in a jam.

3. What did the little corn say to the mama corn?

Where is pop corn?

4.How much does it cost a pirate to get his ears pierced?

5. What did the limestone say to the geologist?

Don’t take me for granite!

6. What do you call a duck that gets all A’s?

A wise quacker.

7. Why does a seagull fly over the sea?

Because if it flew over the bay, it would be a baygull.

8. What kind of water cannot freeze?

Hot water.

Poem I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed—and gazed—but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.

By William Wordsworth

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Sunday 02 February 2020

SundayBusiness Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

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ne critical area o f t h e n a t i o n ’s economy which the President Muhammadu Buhari administration should reverse the ugly trend of institutional neglect and decay is that of the country’s research institutes. It is pertinent to point out that for the diversification policy to agriculture to succeed, far-reaching scientific researches that impact positively on the quality of life of people must be taken more seriously.

Doing so will build on the successes so far recorded in the Anchor Borrowers Programme, t h e Pr e s i d e n t i a l Fe r t i l i z e r Initiative and the much-publicised Food Security Council.Our research institutes, most of which are under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology have to be well funded with prompt release of needed grants. This would provide the enabling infrastructure and breed a crop of competent manpower, as the engine room to drive the muchtouted vision on agriculture as the alternative to crude oil.

Of equal significance is the need for them to form a workable synergy with the organised manufacturing sector through the Ministry of Trade and Commerce to mass produce their findings.

The imperative of funding our research institutes That done, there would be a multiplier effect on job creation, availability of qualitative and yet affordable products to the end users. Unfortunately, most of our research findings and products are still stalled at the pilot stage.

This is unlike the Malaysia situationwhose model of Vision 20-2020 we adopted years ago.

But here, most of our research institutes are bedeviled with a plethora of institutional problems that could undermine the nation’s march to the global space of reckoning in the field of science and technology.These include the persisting decrepit infrastructure, inadequate funding, absence of a holistic data to capture at a glance most of such findings, the stage at which they are and their commercial viability.

A similarugly scenario has played itself out in most faculties of science and technology in our tertiary institutions and the universities ofagriculture spread across the country. In fact, one of the reasons why Nigeria is lagging behind even some East African countries in the development of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and bio-technology is the inexcusable neglect of our research institutes.

T h a t notwithstanding,remarkable achievements have been recorded by some of the nation’s research institutes,no thanks to the indomitable and irrepressible spiritof the average Nigerian in the face of daunting odds. One of the most inspiring examples is the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi(FIIRO). It came into being as an idea of an economic mission to Nigeria back in 1953 by the World Bank.

In spite of the obvious constraints the fecund minds at FIIRO have over the years innovated and invented products in the areas of food,drinks,

industrial raw materials,essential oils,cosmetic and soap production,in addition to services in the fields of engineering, textiles testing, Consultancy and Counselling. These include the popular mechanized cassava processing into fufu, lafun, starch, garri and soy-garri. Others in the food sector are the production of soy dadawa from soybean, banana and plantain flours and the 10 percent cassavawheat composite bread and confectionery production.

Amongst the drinks are the bottling and preservation of palmwine to extended the shelf life, something many thought impossible.There is the distillation of potable alcohol, preservation of Zobrodo drink and that of Kunuzaki. In a similar vein the industrial raw materials include sorghum malt production, textile starch from cassava, gums from Gum Arabic, alcohol from cassava peels, animal feed from cassava, fibre board from wood and nonwood particles, pottery and ceramics production and Plaster of Paris (POP).

Similarly, flavouring and perfumery extracts from plants, body, hair pomade, laundry and toilet soaps and traditional black soap are notleft out.In the engineering department are the design andfabrication of equipment and machinery, machining of spare parts, glass blowing and electroplating of metals.

Pa i n f u l l y, d e s p i t e t h i s exemplary display of the creative in g e n u it y o f t h e s e s e lf le s s Nigerians fellow citizens still continue to massively import products we can conveniently produce locally at exorbitant costs.

The story is no less cheering at the Cocoa Research Institute o f Ni g e r i a ( C R I N ) , Ib a d a n .

Es t a b l i s h e d a s f a r b a c k a s

1964 and despite decades of government’s utter neglect great scientists there have defied the mind-bending circumstances to record meaningful, groundbraking cocoa-based products.At its inception its mandate was on cocoa alone,with regards to breed ing,agronomy,pathology,pest and disease control.But it has since expanded its research frontiers to include cash crops such as kola nut, coffee, cashew and tea.

But CRIN is not well funded.

What with a library left in dusty decay for decades, epileptic power supply and of course research grants that are few and far between.That notwithstanding, reports have it that some of their highly dedicated staff have had to use their personal funds to update their knowledge in and outside the country.For instance, it is noteworthy that CRIN has through its self-created EndUs e - Re s e a r c h De p a r t m e n t embarked on the marketing of its valuable products. This unit has the responsibility of developing various products from five aforementioned mandate crops.

There are over 20 products of CRIN now being pushed in an aggressive marketing drive to the end-users by themselves instead of handing them over to the National Extension Service.

Amongst the brands are wine, soy-choco, poultry feeds and cocoa beverages. Indeed, soycoco, one of its most nutritious products made from soybean milk and cocoa come in different flavours of milk, kola, coffee or cashew.

The unique attribute of soychoco is that the flavours are produced manually and sold in small units,at affordable prices locally.Another area of scientificbreakthrough is that of wine processing.CRIN has so far developed teawine,kola wine and cashew wine all of which have

appealing flavours and taste. The brains behind the product were so confident of what they have on their hands that they wasted no time in requesting for NAFDAC Registration.They also contacted foreign experts to bring machines to ease processing.

In addition, CRIN scientists developed choco-garri some six years ago, meant to add nutritive value to the carbohydrate-rich staple food which is one of Nigeria’s favourites. This can be taken cold and not prepared with hot water like garri.

Th e a g o n y o f a l l t h e s e astounding breakthroughs is that the proposed end users are largely ignorant that their fellow citizens have produced such nutritious products that would have been made available at affordable cost.CRIN therefore,needs state-of-the-art facilities to quicken such processes as fermentation,drying,roasting, tempering and wrapping of the chocolate bars If we truly want to be reckoned with in the global sphere as an emerging scientific/ technological country such as India,Cuba,and the Asian tigers the current administration must step up efforts at funding all our research institutes as well as the public universities.There should also be a synergy between our local researchers and Nigerian sc ientists/ inv entor s in the Diaspora to work out areas of benefit to the country. The time to act is now!

We s a l u t e t h e c o u r a g e , commitment and sense of patriotism of Nigerian-based scientists/technologists for achieving feats against all odds.

Baje is Nigerian first Food Technologist in the media ayobaje@yahoo.co.uk; 08057971776

FMCGs, electronics, power, automobiles, online marketing top consumers’ complaints - LASCOPA SEYI JOHN SALAU

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he Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) activity reports of complaints and mediation for last quarter of year 2019 (October-December 2019), show that fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) classified under the manufacturing sector, electronics, discos (IKEDC, EKEDP), automobiles, online marketing (Jumia, konga) top consumers’ complaints under the period.

These complaints cut across critical sectors of the economy, especially the chemical and Agro-Allied sectors, pharmaceuticals, property, hospitality and beverages. While

the total number of complaints recorded under the period were put at 73. The numbers of complaints resolved are 65, while four cases are ongoing, and another four of the

Kemi Olugbode, general manager , LASCOPA

complaints received by the agency are currently being pursued in court.

Similarly, LASCOPA assisted consumers in Lagos to recover over N25 million as rewards and compensation from different transactions within the period under review. This was disclosed during a public enlightenment campaign and sensitisation held recently in Ikorodu and Badagry, aimed at educating consumers on their rights towards preventing the marketing of hazardous products in Lagos.

Kemi Olugbode, the general manager of LASCOPA said consumers have rights which must not only be promoted but protected from any form of unfair trade practices. She noted that the sensitisation tagged, ‘Know Your Rights’

was initiated by the state government to ensure that consumers in Lagos State are educated on their rights to enable them seek redress.

Olugbode further stated that since commencement of duty in Match 2018, LASCOPA has been able to successfully resolve over 80 percent of the various complaints received, mostly through mediation.

However, in ensuring that consumers’ complaints are swiftly addressed, there is a need for the agency to maintain its presence in all local government and local council development area of the state. This she said will ensure rights of consumers, especially at the grassroots are well protected.

Olugbode urged the stakeholders to collaborate with the pres-

ent administration by providing office space for the agency to thrive in their respective locality.

She equally charged Lagosians to take advantage of the existence of LASCOPA to lodge any complaint they might have on infringement of their rights as consumers of goods and services, reiterating that the services of the agency are free.

Olusegun Onibude, chairman of Badagry Local Government who was represented by Andrew Akotome Gbetogo, the vice chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, said that the presence of LASCOPA in the area will not only enhance development; it will equally ensure that the rights of the people of Badagry are promoted and protected.

Sunday 02 February 2020

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SundayBusiness Enyimba Economic City: Abia communities accuse Sterling Bank partners LASG to feed 158,000 pupils in 32 schools government of forceful acquisition of land

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UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

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ommunities in Asa clan of U k w a We s t Local Government Area of Abia State have accused the state government of using “intimidation and force” to annex their land for the development of Enyimba Economic City (EEC).

The oil-rich communities that claimed that they no longer have enough land for farming activities, asked government to take the project to other LGAs like Obingwa with huge landmass.

In a press statement signed by Onwubiko Dike, and Ik Ajuzieogu, president and secretary general of Asa Development Union, respectively, the people accused the EEC development team of killing one of their own on January 15, 2020.

The statement read in part: “We Asa people declare that agents of Enyimba Economic City have deployed intimidations and naked aggression against Asa people in their morbid quest for forceful acquisition of Asa land.

“The high point of this impunity is the incident that occurred at Ugwati Asa on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 where the visiting EECD team murdered Mr. Nwamaka Ogbuji through gunshots.

The two other victims of the gunshots, Mr. Chetachi Ihemata, and Chika Nwankwo are in critical condition in the hospital.”

According to the statement, the community never attacked the visiting EECD team contrary to claims in some media reports.

“Ugwati people did not attack the visiting EECD team that fateful day to warrant the shooting which resulted in the death of Ogbuji and terrible injury on two others.”

The statement also refuted claims by the EECD Coordinator, David Akomas that Asa people had willingly surrendered their land to government, adding that there is a pending court suit by the people against government’s attempt to forcefully take over their land.

“That in the face of the subsisting court case against the acquisition of Asa land for EECD with suit no HUK/41/2019, it is absolutely reprehensible, repugnant and unconscionable for Akomas to feed the unsuspecting public with the fallacy that Asa people have given their land freely to EECD. “The abundant truth is that Ukwa West LGA has about the smallest landmass in Abia; and as the only oilproducing area in the state a

Ikpeazu

substantial landmass of Asa people interspersed with oil pipelines such that a small patch of land is left out for agricultural activities from which majority of Asa people eke out a living. In essence, EECD should be taken to other LGAs like Obingwa with huge landmass.

“Asa Development Union is saying never again will Asa land be appropriated for patently ill-fated developmental projects by successive administrations that have been the lot of Asa people as seen in Obuaku City Development, Ogwe Golden Chicken, Umudobia International Market, and Omumauzor Abattoir Project”.

The multi-million dollars Economic City initiative of Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration in partnership with some international bodies including AfreximBank and IMF already has the nod of the Federal government who acquired 20 percent equity shares according to the state government.

Ikpeazu had at the second edition of the AfDB-led Africa Investment Forum (AIF) held in South Africa in 2019, secured US$ 430 million funding for the 9,803hectare economic city which cuts across three LGAs of Ukwa West, Ukwa East and Ugwunagbo.

Government said the N500 billion Project would create about 625,000 new jobs in the next 10 years, thus making Abia Africa’s new industrial hub.

Suleiman Ukandu, commissioner for Lands and Survey in his reaction, accused the communities of resisting development in the state.

“Government condemns in unmistakable terms pockets of resistance from a few of the communities in Ukwa East, Ukwa West and Ugwunagbo L.G.A, hosting the Enyimba Economic City,” he said in a statement.

Ukandu, who addressed newsmen in Umuahia after a tour of the affected loca-

tions, described the development as unfortunate.

He revealed that acquisition of land for over-riding public interest was the sole responsibility of the state government and in tandem with the instant land laws.

In a press statement signed by Uzomba Ekwuribe, the Ministry’s Director of Information, and made available to n e w s m e n i n Um u a h i a , Ukandu disclosed that the state government under the leadership of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has always protected the interest of the people in all its developmental initiatives and drives, insisting that the state embarks on land acquisition in collaboration with donor communities and leaders.

The Commissioner who condemned the “unnecessary resistance to land acquisition in the state”, implored every Abia citizen to accept the fact that land is a basic factor of production that ignites development.

He called on Abia communities and leaders to demonstrate patriotism, pointing out that such pockets of resistance negated government developmental paradigm shift and counterproductive.

He urged Abians to assist the development based government of Gov. Ikpeazu, to meet its global target, improve its internally generated revenue, improve the industrial base of the state and enhance the welfare of the citizens.

Ukandu further solicited the cooperation, partnership and support of all traditional rulers, community and town union leaders particularly where government has acquired land for development purposes. He warned that government’s development efforts should not be unduly and unnecessarily hindered in the interest of generations yet unborn.

terling Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading commercial bank, has partnered with the Lagos State Government (LASG) to feed about 158,000 children in 32 public schools for five days in the Lagos Island area of the state.

The bank disclosed this recently at an event to appreciate volunteers who participated in the pilot stage of the project recently.

Snacks4Thought, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Office of Civic Engagement, which is still at the pilot stage, is designed to feed disadvantaged children from Nursery One to Primary Six in public schools in Lagos State.

While commending Lagos State for the initiative and the successful outcome of the pilot, Education Sector Lead of Sterling Bank, Ms. Eniola Obe, explained that the bank decided to partner the state government on the Snacks4Thought initiative because the project aligns with the education component of its HEART of Sterling programme which focuses investments in five critical sectors of the economy. The sectors are health, education, agriculture, renewable energy and transportation.

Obe explained that the bank is willing to partner with operators in both public and private sectors as part of efforts to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.

She said 270 members of staff of Sterling Bank across all levels participated in the

project as volunteers across the 32 schools earmarked for the pilot stage, which represents a total of 2,700 volunteering hours in January alone.

She commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative and described it as an outstanding one, adding that it will help to address the twin social menace of hunger and poverty.

She expressed the hope that the initiative will be a continuous effort between the state government and private sector partners.

The Education Sector Lead observed that from available records, out of 15 million children who enrolled into primary schools yearly, only 5.4 million of them gain admission into secondary schools because of poverty and inability of their parents to pay school fees as well as feed them.

“So this is something all of us have a responsibility to take care of,” Obe said, stressing that every stakeholder must dedicate resources and make commitments towards taking care of the children.

She said Sterling Bank has committed itself to the feeding of 100 children every day in Lagos State and encouraged well-meaning citizens to be part of the initiative because it is something which the bank is very passionate about.

Also speaking , Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, said the Lagos State Govern-

ment launched the Snacks4Thought initiative as part of an effort to encourage primary school children to stay in school and complete their primary education.

Adebowale remarked that the importance of the initiative could not be over-emphasised as snacks served as breakfast for pupils in the participating schools in the Lagos Island area would help to energise them and make them attentive during classes while also improving school attendance as could be observed from the various reports from the affected schools during the pilot stage.

According to her, the initiative would also “serve as an incentive for higher enrolment and retention of pupils in schools in the state and this, without doubt, would have a multiplier effect on the Team’s agenda of the state government as it would lead to quality education which would facilitate the breeding of a generation of citizens that would uphold societal values and sustain the growth of the state and the country.”

She remarked that volunteers responded massively at short notice and commended them for their selflessness, time and energy brought to bear on public service.

Princess Adebowale called on private sector operators, philanthropists and development partners to join hands with the state government to sustain the project because the government cannot do it alone.

31st Enugu International Trade Fair kicks off March 13 Regis Anukwuoji/ Enugu.

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he 31st Enugu International Trade Fair with the theme ‘Advancing the Growth of SMEs through Corporate Governance for Rapid Economic Development’ has been scheduled to hold from Friday 13th March to Monday 23rd March,2020.

The President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Emeka Udeze announced this at the Chamber’s 46th Annual General Meeting held at the ECCIMA office complex, Enugu.

He said: “Strategies for its successful hosting as well as roadmap for its successful organisation have been

put in place while actions towards realising them have also been taken”.

According to Udeze, the marketing of the fair commenced last year through direct and indirect marketing and that the Chamber had created full internet platform by utilisation of the cloud internet services to ensure that both local and foreign participants can register through their web site.

He also used the forum to invite members, other organisations and institutions, government and international agencies to participate in the landmark fair which is packaged for value addition to all stakeholders.

The AGM would end the tenure of the present president of ECCIMA, Emeka

Udeze for a new executive that would be led by the first Deputy president of the Chamber,Emeka Nwandu.

The Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who declared the meeting open through the secretary to the state government, Uchenna Otuanya promised to partner with the organised private sector in the state to ensure steady economic growth by creating good business environment.

The archbishop of Enugu, Emmanuel Chukwuma appealed to the Federal Government to have mercy on business operators in the south east and build the permanent site of Enugu international trade fair to standard.

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BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Nigeria’s rankings: A tale of acceptance, rejection DANIEL OBI

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igerian government officials sometimes run awa y with various characters and statements largely due to Nigerians most of who are probably naïve.

In the past, some government officials had made statements that are entirely not true, either to deceive Nigerians or take un-merited credit. In other climes, they will be forced to resign but in Nigeria, they are hardly taken to task.

The probable lack of understanding, apathy or lack of interest in governance issues among many Nigerian citizens has encouraged some government officials to say things at will.

In October last year, there was celebration in Nigeria’s corridor of power when Nigeria moved up 15 spots on the global Ease of Doing Business index released by the World Bank but some of the players in the same corridor rejected similar ranking recently

by Transparency International which scored Nige-

ria low on corruption.

In the Ease of Doing Business ranking, Nigeria is now ranked 131 out of 190 countries. Nigeria was ranked 146 in 2018. Apart from Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Togo, Bahrain, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Kuwait, China and India were also named as part of the top 10 reformers globally.

The World Bank Report also indicated that the Africa’s populous nation, under Muhammadu Buhari as president is now one of the top 10 most improved economies in the world for the second time in three years.

Following the ranking, the Presidency immediately responded by saying that “over the past four years, Nigeria’s score has steadily improved in the World Bank Doing Business Report, after years of alleged decline in both score and ranking in the years preceding 2016.

Buhari expressed delight with the World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business Index (DBI) which ranked Nigeria 131 out of 190 countries, up 15 places from 146th position last year.

Other government officials also welcomed the ranking The Minister of Trade

a n d I n v e s t m e n t , Ni y i Adebayo was quoted as saying that “The steady improvement in Nigeria’s ease of doing business score and rank is a testament to the reforms implemented by this administration over the past four years in line with the reform agenda being implemented at national and sub-national levels across the country since

the establishment of the Pr e s i d e n t i a l En a b l i n g Business Environment Council by President Buhari in July, 2016.”

Contrastingly, those in the same corridors of power recently rejected the latest Corruption ranking

by Transparency International which listed Nigeria poor on fighting corruption. They described the ranking as baseless.

According to the latest anti-corruption watchdog index, Nigeria dropped two places from 144th to 146th position out of the 180 countries that were surveyed worldwide.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the anti-graft agency, EFCC, separately, according to a report condemned the Transparency International 2019 report

2020: E-commerce trends that will redefine the sector Olukayode Kolawole

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he future of e-commerce is both exhilarating and daunting for players in the sector, depending on how receptive they are to the dynamic nature of the sector.

With the current outlook for 2020, the market is growing rapidly and there are changes that will help businesses grow while there are also new challenges that some businesses may possibly not keep up with.

H o w e v e r, d e s p i t e these challenges, there are definitely opportunities to look out for. For instance, according to Statista, the global e-commerce retail revenues are projected to grow to $6.54 trillion by 2023 as against the 2019 worldwide e-commerce sales of $3.53 trillion. Players in the sector will profit from the various trends, which are potent to transform the e-commerce sector in Nigeria into a profit-making venture.

The rise and rise of mobile shopping According to the 2019 Jumia Mobile Report, 85%

of the Nigerian consumers on the platform shopped via their mobile devices that is via mobile web and the Jumia mobile App. This is rather unsurprising because at the end of 2018, there were over 5 billion unique mobile subscribers across the globe, and 60% of the connection was through mobile devices, according to GSMA, 2019.

Internet users peaked at 3.6 billion. Locally, there were over 172 million Nigerians (87% penetration of the Nigerian population) who had access to mobile devices, whereas only 112 million Nigerians had access to the internet. While the number of mobile/smartphone users might have increased yearon-year, its penetration is still very insignificant.

Internet connectivity and the availability of affordable smartphones continue to drive an increasing uptake of mobile shopping. The year 2020 will witness the entrance of new, affordable mobile devices and, the government’s efforts to expand the reach of the internet through the various mobile operators, will further drive increased mobile

shopping.

Voice commerce will be on the rise A 2017 data show that about 13% of U.S smart speaker owners say they make purchases by voice; the numbers are projected to grow to 55% by 2022 according to OC and C Strategy. In the U.K alone, the total spend on voice shopping has increased. However, in Nigeria Google trends show that the interest in voice commerce has not generated any substantial data but the number of people verbally describing the products they want to purchase rather than browsing about the product has increased, and this is becoming a trend. The

fact that other countries are growing in this aspect is a major reason to latch on this. E-commerce players in Nigeria should look for ways to integrate voice commerce in their respective platforms.

E-commerce platforms doubling as an advertising platform for businesses The number of unique visitors on most e-commerce platforms is enormouslyhuge.

Although, while not all of them visit the platforms to order an item, most of them use the prices listed on the platforms as a benchmark for validating price difference in offline stores. The increasing number oftrafficbeingwitnesseddaily on e-commerce platforms presents a compelling case for monetizing this huge advantage. Many advertisers are seeking for innovative ways to reach their target audience, and leveraging e-commerce platforms with reach across the continent will deliver on such objective.

Therefore, e-commerce platforms are expected to play big in online advertising as it provides significant opportunity to grow core offerings and profitability.

Alibaba has already become

the market leader in digital a d v e r t i s i n g i n Ch i n a .

Amazon is estimated to have generated huge ad revenue.

Jumia is building a robust online advertising to help other businesses manage their ads, reach more buyers and increase sales.

Brick & Mortar stores will continue to shrink, as most of them will embrace online It is important for retailers to keep in mind that the digital channels already play a role in consumers’ buying decision and thought process.

A significant percentage of offline shoppers use their mobile devices in-store to look up products and read reviews. Customers research products online before making it into the actual store.

Shopping online is far more convenient and quicker. There are more sales, no lines, and there is far more selection.

Brick and mortar retail outlets will continue to shrink unless customers have very good reasons to visit a store in person.

More SMEs and big brands will leverage e-commerce to drive growth As businesses expand beyond their local markets,

that ranked Nigeria poor on the fight against corruption.

Malami in a report in Premium Times said there is no ‘evidence’ to back the poor ranking of Nigeria on corruption. According to the report, Malami challenged Transparency International to provide statistics from which the organisation came to the conclusion that the country performed poorly.

On its reaction, EFCC in the report said “The claim and inference by TI that Nigeria ranks the fourth most corrupt country in West Africa is totally unacceptable, as it is evidently not supported by any empirical data , especially when placed side-by-side with the remarkable achievements of the Commission in the past years” .

It is surprising that the government officials accepted one global ranking without questions but rejected another international ranking.

What is expected of government officials is to accept the corruption ranking as they did to Ease of Doing Business but with promise to do more on the fight against corruption.

both big, small and mediumsize businesses are expected to leverage e-commerce for growth in 2020.

Extension of logistics services to third party Fast and on-time delivery of products to customers will continue to play a major role in e-commerce. However, to address infrastructure challenges such as logistics, large network of leased warehouses, pick up stations for customers and drop off points for merchants will form a trend in 2020.

E-commerce platforms will extend their services to third parties in 2020 to address critical infrastructure i s s u e s . Te c h n o l o g y, innovation, partnerships and collaboration will play a key role in addressing logistics challenges in order to stay competitive and profitable.

Fintech will overtake Payment on Delivery While most online shoppers in Nigeria still prefer payment on delivery, this is expected to reduce drastically by the end of 2020 because the rise of Fintech is changing the narrative.

Olukayode Head, PR & Communications - Jumia Nigeria

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Ogun Watch Abiodun inaugurates largest ICT library in Nigeria, domiciled in Ogun-owned varsity ...as minister of finance, paramount ruler, retired general bag doctorate degrees

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Stories by RAZAQ AYINLA

overnor Dapo Ab i o d u n o f Ogun State has inaugurated the largest Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in any Nigerian University at the stateowned Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago Iwoye.

The complex sits 3,000 persons at a time and it is fitted with computers, printers, free wifi facilities and training program required to make learning and teaching easier for researchers and staff of the university.

Governor Abiodun and the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed jointly cut the tape to declare the ICT centre open as they were also conveyed round the centre and the Administrative office, which was also inaugurated as part of the 28th and 29th Convocation ceremonies of the institution.

The Minister, Ahmed; the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and retired Major General Shamsideen Awosanya were honoured with honorary doctorate degrees.

At the event, Governor Abiodun urged Nigerian graduates to use the knowledge gained in their

fields of study to proffer practical Solutions to the numerous challenges confronting the nation.

He said as those who had received both academic and moral training should think of things that would benefit not them alone, but the society at large and not to go about seeking jobs.

“One thing is sure; all of you are leaving the University with your certificates documents to go to the university of life where there is no paper certificate. Your certificates are what you can do for yourself and what you contribute to the development of humanity.

“The University had inculcated in you necessary employable skills, expertise and Technical competence needed to fit in and

compete well in the outside world. Your education is to set you on the right path and make you a better global citizen”, he said.

In her welcome address, the Pro-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Mosun Belo-Olusoga noted that the university had gone through massive infrastructural development in all of its campuses and advised the graduating students to be positive, proactive, focused and live their lives with passion.

Ganiyu Olatunde, Professor and Vice- Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, stated that a conversation was ongoing with various corporate organizations on the need to construct 100 units of housing for staff of the institution, which

he said would boost the residential status of the institution, adding that the university under his charge had ensured prompt and regular payment of salaries.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed noted that the task of service to the nation is a collective one and a responsibility that everyone carries.

She said that as a product and an alumnus of the institution, she is glad to be associated with the relentless effort of the institution in producing some of the best brains that have made significant, social, economic and political development of the country.

L-R: Shamsudeen Awosanya, retired major general; Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and national planning; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state and Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland at the 28th and 29th Convocation ceremonies of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye on Friday

FG picks Ogun, Ondo as Southwest centres for cocoa, rice multiplication programme

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gun and Ondo states are to serveasapioneer in the Southwest for the Federal Government mechanisation programme for the production and multiplication of cocoa and rice in the country.

The Minister for Agriculture, Mohammed Sabo Nanono gave this indication while on a courtesy visit to the State Goverrnor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state in his office at Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta, The Minister said, “Ogun is one of the states in the Southwest that we have interest on in two vital areas of cocoa, rice production and in agricultural mechanisation which is going to affect 632 Local Government Areas across the country. We will consider Ogun as one of the states that will be the pioneer

in the southwest.”

Nanono, who regretted that Nigeria was still planting cocoa that takes more than seven years to yield, while her neighbours have developed through the assistance of ECOWAS fund, new varieties of cocoa that yield in less than three years, said that it was time to embrace the new methods.

He said that the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has come up with a package of developing new varieties of palm oil in Calabar and cocoa in Ondo State, noting the Federal Government was still discussing with FAO to chart a new way forward.

“When we take it overall (globally), we have to forecast on new varieties of cocoa that will yield in two and a half years across board not only in Ondo State, but other

States in the southwest. We are going to the make the programme on cocoa a national and not a state issue.

“We are going for agricultural mechanisation. 632 Local Government Areas will be affected. There will be processing centres, about 140underanagreementwith the Brazilian government, with Brazilian and European Banks to finance this project but it is going to be private sector driven.

“TheFederalGovernment will support and guarantee the facilities for the supply of Directors and in each of the 632 Local Government, there will be service centres and these centres will entail one director, an Information Technology and administrative office, a workshop and a warehouse for raw materials and finished products”, he explained.

Responding, Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the choice of the state to pioneer the Federal programme on agriculture in the southwest was a signature to the agricultural policy of his administration, which was aimed at ensuring food security and a source of employment.

He said the State with more than 16,000 square kilometres, of which 12, 000 square kilometres which was arable, has potentials for the cultivation of food and cash crops including cocoa, cotton, palm oil among others.

Governor Abiodun, who promised to support the Federal government towards the successful implementation of the new programme, said his administration was looking at cultivating cotton and rice as well as resuscitating its over 6,000 hectare of palm oil plantation.

Ogun moves to control erosion-induced disasters with $5m World Bank grant

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pparently disturbed by incessant negative effects of erosion-induced natural disaster such as flooding, mudslide, among others, Ogun state has finalised plans to access $5 million World Bank grant which is being sought in collaboration with the Federal Government as part of preparation and implementation of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in the state.

Amos Abu, World Bank Task Team Leader of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management, who led a delegation of the bank and officials of NEWMAP on a visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta, said the state was the latest to be factored into the project owing to the high quality of its team whose members have shown energy, commitment and enthusiasm.

While clarifying that Ogun state had also met some conditions set for qualification of the grant such as transparency, candour, accountability, probability and commitment which are focal points of prerequisites, Abu said, “We have assessed your project team and we discovered they are capable. We have assessed your readiness, commitment and internal control mechanisms that will ensure that the resources that the bank will be bringing to partner with you will be used for the intended purpose. “ We h a v e t h e r e f o r e agreed that based on the quality of engagement with your team and the way they answered all our probing questions as well as the proposed work plan, we are convinced that when this money is released, it would be used for purpose.

“So we are happy to announce that we will be releasing the sum of five million dollars to the state. This is against two million dollars which we normally give to state. We want to assure you that we will work with your team, so that we can begin to see the transformationary results that the NEWMAP is delivering”, he assured Abu said NEWMAP has started to finance half of the state for the acceleration of the design process just as the priority size which the state has put forward like the erosion site at Sagamu, IjebuOde, Ilaro, Ota and IsheriOlofin, have been noted.

The team leader commended the Goverrnor for assembling a formidable team that has a common objective of delivering the dividends

of democracy to the people, adding that NEWMAP has also come up with an idea of having quick wins that could deliver alternative means of livelihood that could lead to environmental sustainability and immediate job creation for the people.

Responding, Goverrnor Abiodun expressed happiness that the state has been incorporated into the project.

He noted that his administration since inception has held series of discussions with the bank on how it would assist the state in tackling the menace or erosion affecting some parts of the state.

“We have been engaging the World Bank before I assumed office and raised this issue of NEWMAP, knowing that we were practically late and the kind of ecological challenge that we have in the state. I must appreciate the level of cooperation that allowed us to be a participant in NEWMAP. “I want to also say that the level of commitment that you have seen from our team is not an accidental; it is deliberate. It is because we have a good team - people with the right skills for the job and the fact that we all have a vision that we all keyed into and the vision is to be a focused, qualitative administration characterised by good government.

Whatever we need to do to facilitate this project will be done as our government will as usual, be accountable and transparent”, the governor assured.

Speaking in an interview, the National Project Coordinator, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management (NEWMAP), Salisu Dahiru noted that the fund to be released was meant to start preparation, particularly on activities that would be needed to ensure that the identified sites are quickly attended to.

He commended the zeal with which the state was willing to tackle issues of erosion with every support available.

Dahiru added that no fund was pre-allocated to any member state, but that the funds are released based on demand, adding that the funds are released after the designs were ready and the cost properly investigated.

“The way Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project is designed is such that no fund is pre allocated to any state, it is demand driven, if designs are ready for this five sites and the cost is done, whatever amount is required for them to be fully implemented is what will be allocated.

42 BDSUNDAY

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PhotoSplash

(L-r) Chairman of the event, Preye Ogriki, keynote speaker, president/ chairman of chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Dame Olajumoke Simplice ,chief host , Blakey Ijezie, during a tax seminar on Finance bill 2019 organised by Okwudili Ijezie &co Chartered Accountants held recently in Lagos.

Emeka Okafor, MD, Interra Networks; Abibat Olatunji, legal officer, Association of Information Communication Technology Local Content (ICTLOCA); Remmy Nweke, editor, Digital Sense; Lola Olukuewu, founder/CEO, TOPAS Hub; Babatunde Akhihiero, ICT manager, NCDMB, representing the executive secretary of NCDMB; Edith Udeagu, secretary, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA); Ogbonnaya Ugoma, deputy director, licensing and authorization, NCC, and Adebunmi Akinbo, secretary, governing board of ICTLOCA, at the success stories of Local Content in Nigeria, organized by ICTLOCA, in Lagos. Pic by David Apara

Blakey Ijezie, (middle) in a group pictures with speakers and participants at a tax seminar on Finance bill 2019 organised by Okwudili Ijezie & co Chartered Accountants held recently in Lagos.

L-R: Ranga Nathan, finance head, Bhojsons Plc; Vishant Dalamal, MD, Bhojsons Plc; Sarki Sylvia, director of gender, Nigeria Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative (NYAGGI), and Alabi Akeem, national coordinator, Nigeria Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative (NYAGGI), alongside members of staff of the company, at the presentation of Golden Role Model Award to the MD, Bhojsons Plc, in his office in Lagos.

L-R: Akpobome Ogude (a.k.a Ogusbaba), senior special assistant to governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Talent Development; Francis Omatseye, Edigbe of Warri Kingdom; Ogiame Okenwoli, Olu of Warri, and Johnson Amatserunleghe, Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom, at a courtesy visit, to the Olu of Warri Palace in Ajamimogha, Warri, by the SSA to the Delta State Governor on Talent Development to spread the goodwill of the administration in anticipation of the Delta State Talent Development Summit, holding this year.

L-R: Angel Gurria, secretary-general, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), receiving the “Sahara GreenLife” jute bag from Pearl Uzokwe, director, governance and sustainability, Sahara Group, at the OECD’s Private Finance for Sustainable Development Conference in Paris, France

L-R: Muyiwa Ayojimi, company secretary/general counsel, International Breweries (IB) Plc.; Ridwan Oloyede, partner, privacy and data protection and legal services, TechHive Advisory; Temitope Oguntokun, country lead, sustainability and stakeholder management, IB Plc.; Otunba Michael Daramola, legal and corporate affairs director, IB Plc. and Theresa Umeakunne, compliance manager, IB Plc, at an awareness and sensitization programme organised by IB plc to commemorate the World Data Privacy Day in Lagos

Lagos Mainland Lions Club carried out Operation ‘Feed the Hungry’, at Beggars Colony Okobaba by third Mainland Bridge, Lagos

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BDSUNDAY 43

Sports

No El Clasico tie in Copa del Rey draw

T

he quarter-final draw of the Copa del Rey did not throw up anysurprises,withRealMadrid, Barcelona and the current holders, Valencia, all avoiding each other.

This round, which is still be a one-legged tie, will take place between February 4 and 6, with the dates and times set to be announced later.

Real Madrid will host Real Sociedad at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, a game which will see Martin Odegaard return to his parent club with the hope of knocking out Los Blancos.In a repeat of the

2015 Copa del Rey final, Athletic Club will play Barcelona, although this time the Blaugrana will have to go to San Mames.

On the first day of the season, an Aritz Aduriz screamer saw the Basques beat Barcelona 1-0 in LaLiga Santander, with that game also having taken place at San Mames.

Meanwhile, Granada will welcome Valencia to the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes and Mirandes, who beat Sevilla 3-1 on Thursday night, will face Villarreal at the Estadio Municipal de Anduva.

Buhari seeks private sector support in sports development

Tony Ailemen, Abuja

P

residentMuhammadu Buhari has called on private sector investors to join hands with the government in youth and sports development in the country.

The President stated this at a ceremony to receive the “Torch of Unity’’ and flag-off of its movement across Nigeria, heralding the National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Benin City, the Edo State capital, in March this year.

President Buhari reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue supporting and providing the enabling environment for the development of sports at all levels. ‘‘I am pleased to receive the National Sports Festival “Torch of Unity’’. It is a symbolic representation of the Unity, Peace and Solidarity amongst Nigerians, especially the athletes and officials in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. ‘‘Since the inception of the National Sports Festival in 1973, the Games have been a useful avenue for interaction, integration for our youth, sportsmen and women and a platform for states to showcase their best in sports. ‘‘It is for this reason that the

Federal Government intervened to host the last edition of the Festival in the FCT in order to salvage the sports fiesta from permanent closure. ‘‘I wish to commend the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Federal Capital Territory for hosting the event in 2018,’’ he said.

On sports development in the country, the President applauded the Ministry for initiating the Adopt an Athlete or Stadium Campaign, noting that it is one of the useful ways to create opportunities for participation by firms and individuals.

He, therefore, invited sports lovers and enthusiasts to take advantage of the Adoption Campaign to be part of raising the banner of sports in Nigeria.

On the 2020 Olympics and Paralympic in Tokyo, Japan, scheduled for July 24 – August 9 and August 25 - September 6, 2020, respectively, the President used the occasion with the sports fraternity to wish the country’s athletes the best of luck at the games, urging them to be good ambassadors.

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, FCT! Ramatu Ti-

janni, presented the touch to the Youths and Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, who in turn handed over the “ Touch of Unity” to the President to flag off it movement across the 36 states of the country.

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare said with the flag off, the Torch of Unity is expected to move round all the States and the Federal Capital Territory before finally arriving Benin City on March 22, 2020, for the opening ceremony of the 20th Edition of the ‘‘Nigeria Olympics.’’ ‘‘The Torch of Unity for the National Sports Festival carries with it the objectives of the festival itself, chief amongst which is to symbolise unity, peace, friendship, tolerance and hope among Nigerians. ‘‘When the Torch moves round the cities and people see it, they begin to properly realise the games are here, and it always brings a good feeling to everyone,’’ he said.

The Minister also thanked the President for identifying with the Festival, noting that his performing the symbolic lighting of the Torch of Unity is a testimony of the importance the administration attaches to youth and sports development in the country.

Bale to stay at Real Madrid

R

eal Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale will not leave the club in January despite leaving the Wales forward out of his latest squad.

Bale, 30, was omitted from the 19-man Real squad that will face local rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy reportedly travelled to Madrid for talks with Real president Florentino Perez over a late move for Bale.

“I don’t contemplate the possibility of his departure,” Zidane said on Friday.

Prior to the squad announcement, he added: “He’s with us and I’m going to count on him. We’re all here to play tomorrow and he has to be ready.”

The Welshman, who joined Real from Tottenham in 2013 for a then world-record £85.3m fee and has a contract until 2022, has scored twice in 12 La Liga appearances this season.

Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett said it was “ridiculous” to suggest

“one of the best players in the world” would leave Real on loan amid links to Tottenham earlier in the January transfer window, adding it was is “unlikely” Bale would leave the Bernabeu this summer.

Speaking on Bale’s situation, BBC Sport’s European football expert Guillem Balague said: “Gareth has been injured but I feel he will be strong and ready for the last months of the season.

“He decided he wanted to leave at the end of this season.

No offer has arrived at the moment. So it is even possible he would stay, which in the eyes of the club is not ideal.”

Talking points as Mourinho renews hostility with Guardiola Anthony Nlebem

J

ose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will meet for the 23rd time when Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

Spurs begin matchday 25 in sixth place and six points below the Champions League places where City currently reside.

The defending Premier League champions are set to relinquish control of the crown but they are determined to notch up another win against a fellow ‘top six’ rival.

Here are the Stats ahead of the cracker: Tottenham are winless in 6 Premier League games against Man City (D2 L4) since a 2-0

win in October 2016 at White Hart Lane.

In all competitions, Man City have lost 3 of their last 5 away matches against Spurs (W2), losing their most recent game in April 2019 in the Champions League.

City have won their last 5 Premier League away games in north London (vs Arsenal and Tottenham) – as many as they had in their first 40 such games in the competition (W5 D10 L25). No team has ever won 6 consecutive top-flight away games against the two sides.

Only versus Everton (26) have Tottenham won more Premier League matches than they have against Man City (23).

Indeed, seven of Spurs’ last 10 league wins against Man City

have come on home soil.

Tottenham have lost two of their 6 home league matches under José Mourinho (W4), as many as they lost in their final 15 home games under Mauricio Pochettino (W9 D4).

City have scored in each of their last 23 Premier League away games, since a 0-2 loss at Chelsea in December 2018 – only Arsenal (27 in November 2002) and Manchester United (24 in August 2002) have had longer such runs in the competition’s history.

This is the 23rd meeting in all competitions between Spurs boss José Mourinho and Man City’s Pep Guardiola – Mourinho has lost 10 games against the Spaniard, four more than he has against any other manager.

BDSUNDAY

NEW YOU CAN TRUST

I

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Lagos state’s support for the UN ‘HeforShe’ campaign

W

omen are the vessels of life. Only they know the secret pains of childbirth and the sheer weight of the poverty, the insults and the health challenges they endure, all in the bid to nurture the boys to men. The unfortunate situation however, is that not a few of such men grow up to degrade, demonise and even deny the women their rightful place in the scheme of things. But the time has come for that puerile paradigm to change for good. This time around, the shift should be skewed in favour of the womenfolk. And why not, as such a noble move would eventually benefit us all.

Interestingly,all these and more came to the foreduringthe recent launch of the United Nations ‘HeforShe’ Campaign as canvassed by the Chief Gender Champion(CHC) for gender equality, amiable Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State. Launched by UN Women in 2014 the global campaign is a solidarity movement aimed at engaging men and boys to become the change agents.And honestly, there could have been no better Nigerian politician to hold aloft the torch of Gender Equality, at this material time than him. Ample empirical evidences give life to this claim.

For instance, even before the event he had received an award as the numerouno champion for gender parity in the country.

In fact, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, and specifically Lagos state there are 12 eminently qualified women in the Executive Council, including several female permanent secretaries. In addition, the engineers carrying out several constructions of infrastructures, including drainages across the state are all women. Sanwo-Olu is therefore, demonstrating his firm belief that women are incredibly endowed with potentials that if rightly harnessed would galvanise societal growth and development.

Backed with the tacit support of his committed wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke SanwoOlu the state engaged in a series of related activities for a stretch of 16 good days in the past year. It was to drum home the message

“Men should create more space, for the women to walk beside them and not behind them” - Gov. BabajideSanwo-Olu of Lagos state of zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women, including domestic violations of rights such as wife battering, rape, incest and brutalisation of minors.

Beyond that Sanwo-Olu has been walking the talk on women empowerment, not by mere rhetoric but through impactful actions through the Ministry for Women Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation (WaPa). As reflected in his speech during the momentous occasion, such empowerment programmes would henceforth be on quarterly basis.

In a critical, thought-provoking treatise he observed that statistics in different countries, spanning centuries, in terms of populationreveal that the ratio of womento- men hovers around 51-to-49 or similar range. To him, what that portrays is the need for gender equality. You cannot have two hands and disenfranchise one! Only when you put the two of them to work that you stand to achieve better results.

Said he: “Why would we want to disenfranchise a better half of the population which happens to be women?It’s a simple analysis for men to understand and realise that it’s when we work with both hands that we can do better.

“In Lagos State we are committed to reflecting and appreciating the other half of us and that is why we have a higher percentage of female permanent secretaries.

Women do not need to fight for equality but men should be the ones supporting and fighting for them.

Furthermore, he sees the ‘HeforShe’

Campaign as a clarion call on the male gender to sign up to this laudable initiative. The reason is simple- it is an idea that the society as a whole would benefit from. He urged the men to grant women a wider space “to walk besidethem instead of behind them”. They should therefore, eschew all forms of misgivings and violations of the rights of women, be they their wives, daughters or mothers.

As well articulated by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecelia Bolaji-Dada the campaign is in tandem with the THEMES Agenda of the Sanwo-Oluled administration. It is when both men and women enjoy peace, security and gender parity that meaningful progress could be made in the society. She was also delighted by the presence of traditional rulers, several NonGovernmental Agencies(NGOs), the Managing Director of Polaris Bank, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru and of course, the UN Women Deputy Executive Director, Åsa Regnér.

It was he, Regnér who expressed immense delight that Lagos state government was championing the ‘HeforShe’ Campaign in Nigeria. This is a country, which though leads the African continent in several developmental parameters ranks abysmally low in promoting gender equality, with a dismal 0.825ranking! That Sanwo-Olu could have as many as 12 female members of the executive council was therefore, a source of joy for him and the UN. Other Nigerian leaders should therefore, take a cue from Lagos state, whose leadership focus is “visionary”.

He likened it to the efforts of the International Monetary Fund(IMF) whose macro-economic view of investing in the health, educational and economic empowerment of women was yielding an expanded revenue tax base. Lagos, he noted was doing a similar thing with Balogun market.

Regnér commended Sanwo-Olu for championing gender equality in

Ayo OyozeBaje Baje is Nigerian first food technologist in the media and author of ‘DRUMBEATS OF DEMOCRACY’

a similar way that the likes of Emmanuel Jean-Michael Macron, the president of France, Paul kegame, president of Rwanda and Uganda’s president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have been doing. They all have been at the fore front of bridging the historical imbalance between women and men in their respective countries.

It is instructive to note, that in a bold bid to strengthen the critical issue of gender equality in the state, the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), has assured that relevant laws were being put in place against domestic violence in all its manifest ramifications.

With the decoration of Gender Champions the clear message has been sent across the strata of the society, to make the desired change for gender equality. Those so decoratedincluded the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Attorney General of the State, Moyosore Onigbanjo; Managing Director, Polaris Bank, Tokunbo Abiru; Oba of Elegushi land, Saheed Elegushi; representatives of the Christian and Moslem faiths as well as Youth representatives.

As the Managing Director of Polaris Bank, Abiru, who pledged financial support for the Campaign canvassed, it is time for like minds to join hands in the frontal battle against gender inequality. To do so, let us all reflect on the words of Regnér, who rightly noted that, “government is efficient only when there is diversity of opinions” and that would come from men and women, who enjoy gender equality.

Quick Takes

Off the Cuff

Travel ban: Punish those responsible, not Nigerians, Atiku tells US

F

ormer Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has urged US authorities not to punish Nigerian people with the visa ban allegedly placed on Nigeria but those in the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, who are allegedly responsible for the increasing level or terrorism in the country with their glaring failure to address the matter.

Major news reports in the last couple of days noted that Nigeria is one of about seven countries that will suffer the impacts of an extended visa restrictions planned by the President Trump administration, following to the increasing presence of deadly terrorist groups and their increasing activities that have killed scores in Nigeria in recent days.

Atiku, in a statement he personally signed on Saturday, expressed sadness over the visa ban on Nigerians by the Trump administration.

“I understand the reasons given by the Trump administration (the failure of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration to share information and to address issues of terrorism), the ban does not take into account the pro-American sentiments of the Nigerian public and the solidarity previous Nigerian administrations have had with the United States.

“I urge the government of President Donald

Trump to consider the history of US-Nigerian relationships. Nigeria was one of the few African nations that joined the US led coalition during Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991, when the United States championed the liberation of Kuwait,” Atiku said.

The Wazirin Adamawa also admonished the US President to also consider the pivotal role Nigeria, in partnership with the US, played in bringing peace to Liberia, an American sphere of influence, that now enjoys democracy because Nigerian blood and money paved the way for peace in that nation.

He noted that Nigeria has also consistently voted in support of the United States and her allies at the United Nations and other multi-lateral world bodies. He added that Nigeria is perhaps, the biggest trading partner that the United States has in Africa, even where Nigeria had alternatives.

“Nigerians love the United States and have been a major force for the positive development of that great nation: 77 per cent of all Black doctors in the United States are Nigerians. Nigerians are also the most educated immigrant community in America. Surely, the US stands to benefit if it allows open borders with a country like Nigeria that is able to provide skilled, hardworking and dedicated personnel in a two-way traffic.

“The current Nigerian administration may have its deficiencies and deep faults, but the Nigeria people ought not to be punished for their inefficiencies.

“Once again, I call on President Trump to consider adopting measures that individually target those in government who have failed in their duties, rather than target the entire Nigerian population,” Atiku urged.

Since the rumour became widespread in the last few days, that the United States was contemplating on adding Nigeria on the list of countries to experience the visa restrictions, apprehension has been very high.

Reacting to the imposition Saturday, the Federal Government said it had set up a committee headed by Rauf Aregbesola, Interior minister, to “Study and Address” the issues raised in the updated security requirements raised by American government leading to the imposition of Visa restrictions on Nigeria.

The Presidency said that “Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and its international allies especially on matters of global security.”

Innocent Odoh

14% MTN Group says it is looking to reduce its majority shareholding in its Nigerian subsidiary by 14%.

The company hopes to raise $4 billion from the sale of some of its assets.

The company is also looking to sell some of its stake in IHS Holdings, the largest operator of wireless towers

On Point!

“Once again, I call on President Donald Trump to consider adopting measures that individually target those in government who have failed in their duties, rather than target the entire Nigerian population”.

Atiku Abubakar, former vicepresident of Nigeria, speaking on the immigrant visa ban placed on Nigeria by the United State

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