BusinessDay 02 Sep 2018

BDSUNDAY BUSINESS DAY

Why President’s refusal to sign PIGB will cripple oil and gas industry p. 13

Why we need more quality varsities in Nigeria – Vice Chancellor p.18

??Guinness Nigeria’s 2018 PAT

Sunday 02 September 2018 Market & Commodities Monitor Brent Oil

5yr Bond

$77.42

0.15 14.96%

Gold

10yr Bond

$1,205.60

0.07 15.13% 20yr Bond

Cocoa

0.00 15.07%

$2,336.00

inside C002D5556

Vol 1, No. 232 N300

How PDP may ruin its chances

BY OUR REPORTERS

W

ith 166 days to the commencement of the 2019 general election in line with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), many Nigerians have become inquisitive to see who emerges as the standard bearer of the People’s Democratic

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for three percent of total mortality the chances for successful treatment you got the gene,” she said.

Experts say that to reduce the rise in hood of survival, higher costs of care, cancer cases in Nigeria, there is need deaths per annum.

Cancer is a class of diseases charac- avoidable deaths and disability from for adequate or effective control measures to curtail the disease, adequate terised by out-of-control cell growth. cancer.

Fear of the outcome of diagnosis, funding to enhance early detection and There are over 100 different types of cancer, and the type of cell that is ini- religious beliefs, financial constraints treatment.

Runcie Chidebe, the executive direcand low awareness of cancer signs, tially affected classifies each.

The challenge is that this number symptoms and facilities are some of the tor of Project PINK BLUE, said people is set to increase given that there are reasons for delay in cancer diagnosis. can protect themselves against cancer Larne Yusuf, a general medical prac- with a vaccine. People rarely go to hos102,000 new cases of cancer every year.

This means that about 240 Nigerians die titioner working in a private hospital, pital or adopt preventive measure in every day or 10 Nigerians every hour told BusinessDay that cancer affects their wellbeing, except they are carried from cancer. Nigeria’s cancer mortality millions of Nigerians each year, includ- to the hospital.

“Over the years, there have been ratio of 4 in 5 affected persons is one of ing those in treatment and those supseries of information dissemination porting their loved ones. the worst in the world.

“It is not easy to talk about cancer, through different avenues to people The burden of cancer in Nigeria is heavy but it is largely being ignored due anyone can develop cancer at any point on the importance of vaccination, espein his or her life time, but some people cially polio but little emphasis has been to poor record keeping.

Based on the reality, cancer care is are more at risk due to factors such as focused on cancer prevention through not where it should be in Nigeria due genetic, habits, environment and some vaccination or vaccines against cancer.

“The National Health Insurance to lack of adequate cancer screening, are caused by chronic infections.

“Cancer is preventable; we must Scheme (NHIS) should cover cancer awareness and cancer treatment cenBO tres. This means many citizens suffering therefore, end the ignorance about can- treatment and Nigeria’s National Canfrom the disease eventually die miser- cer and save lives. More efforts should be cer Control Plan should be budgeted directed in the area of massive awareness for and implemented. We could prevent ably incalling pain and for agony.the ose cancer death by 25 percent. e aThe d good o f news R ohowever, c h a s is that early of the general populace,” Lanre said.

“We also want to urge the Nigerian Education and screening are major diagnosis of cancer generally increases korocha, Imo State components of early detection. Experts government to invest in cancer care o v e r n o r, o v e r t h e and make cancer a health priority. I am say people need to adopt better lifestyle utcome of the Auappealing to all Nigerians to please go choices to reduce the prevalence of 8 local government for screening regularly and make it a cancer in Nigeria. e state should chan“What I always tell people is that routine,” said Chidebe. ger to the House of According to the World Health Orthe lifestyle modification for cancer atives, which last prevention is not different from lifestyle ganisation (WHO), there are about 29/59 against a bill modifications that should be adopted 24.6 million people living with cancer constitution to abfor hypertension or diabetes mellitus,” worldwide, while about 12.5 percent of e Independent Elecsays Oge Ilegbune, a general practitio- all death is attributable to cancer. issions (SIECs) and Cancer mortality can be reduced if ner, head of strategy, development and ependent National outreach at Lakeshore Cancer Centre. cases are detected and treated early, ommission (INEC) According to Ilegbune, “Most of the through early diagnosis and screening. ers to conduct local Recommendations according to the risk factors cut across the pathology . and it still boils down to a healthy life- World Cancer Research Fund InterConstitution of the style: regular exercises, balanced diet, national (WCRFI) research show that ublic of Nigeria (as avoiding smoking, reduction of alcohol about a third of the most common mpowers the states intake, reduce stress, get a good sleep, cancer are preventable through nutrie State Independent as they are directly or indirectly linked tious diets, maintain a healthy weight ommissions for the to cancer. It is important to be cautious and regular physical activity.

Avoid high calorie foods and sugof the environment in terms of pollocal government lution, including exhaust fumes from ary drink, limit consumption of energy dense foods high in fats or low in fibre. vehicles and other machines. ng how SIECs have However, being physically active for “If you notice that several people Dogara e tools in the hands have died in your family due to the at least 30 minutes every day is equivaparty in every state, lent councillorship to brisk walking; limit sedentary same form of cancer or a related cancer, reasoned that only ship wards in the December 2, 177 seats in the habits such as watching you can do a genetic testing to know if December onduct free, fair and 2017 local government election 19, 2015 television. local governal government elecin Udom Emmanuel’s Akwa Ibom ment elections in Ayo Fayose’s here in the country.

State, results of which were Ekiti State, which was boycotted 7, it moved to strip rejected by the APC, citing the by the APC in the state. ments of the power state electoral commission’s lack On May 23, 2015, a few days olls at the grassroots of independence. before he was due to hand over ntee democratically That was how PDP won the power to the current Governor local government chairmanship positions in all Nyesom Wike in Rivers State, ough elections to be the 17 local government areas Chibuike Amaechi, current miny INEC. and all the councillorship seats ister of transportation, hurriedly h e m a t t e r, w h i c h in the 258 electoral wards in the conducted local government e 33rd item on the November 4, 2017 local council elections in the state in which stitution Alteration elections in Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s APC won all the chairmanship y the Senate, came Enugu State. seats in the 22 local government , the Senate voted in That was how APC cleared all areas where elections held and he proposal, among the 20 local government areas, 297 out of 302 councillorship ntended to ensure 37 local council development seats. PDP boycotted the elecor the LGAs, with areas and all the councillorship tion, citing court injunction which ident Bukola Saraki seats in the July 22, 2017 local at the responsibility council elections in Akinwunmi ng local government Ambode’s Lagos State.

That was how taken away from the APC swept all the seats in the given to INEC. June 3, 2017 local government PDP won all the roposal was killed elections in Samuel Ortom’s r of the House of Benue State, an election in which 16 chairmanship ives as it could not BSIEC declined to release details seats and 177 equired two-thirds, of votes scored by the candi. dates, just as PDP cleared all 17 councillorship gerians have continchairmanship positions in the re a comatose local December 21, 2016 local governseats in the system, where the ment elections held in Okezie December 19, 2015 ave either preferred Ikpeazu’s Abia State. ppointed caretaker APC won all the 14 chairmanlocal government s or have resorted ship positions in the January 2, angaroo elections, elections in Ayo 2016 local council elections held rds the end of their in Zamfara State, just as the party Fayose’s Ekiti which only the party also cleared all the 22 chairmanns all the available ship seats and 234 councillorship State, which was he opposition always seats in the March 12, 2016 local boycotted by the government elections in Sokoto how PDP swept all State.

APC in the state the 31 local governThat was how PDP won all and 329 councillorthe 16 chairmanship seats and

in Nigeria, which2018 translates to 72,000 while delayed diagnosis lowers likeliSeptember

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One ticket, too many contenders

11

CancerNewsFeature survivor: ‘I realised it grows vor: ‘I realised it grows inside inside of you’ e cancer scourge of you’

surges 249% to N7bn

Party (PDP).

The reason is simple. It is the PDP that has what it takes to do battle with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The other eighty nine (89) parties could be said to be mere pretenders.

So far, the PDP parades the largest number of presidential aspirants. It is this large number that appears to be of serious concern to many members of the party and may have also raised the adrenaline

level of some of the aspirants who consider themselves as “bonafide” owners of PDP. The aspirants include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former governor of Kano State and senator representing Kano Central in the National Assembly Rabiu Kwankwaso; ex-chairman PDP National Caretaker Committee, Ahmed Makarfi as well as former governors Ibrahim Shekarau

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Politics

LG election sham: The G election sham: blame is on House of The Repson House of Reps ame is

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‘Obasanjo, only solution to Oyo ADC crisis’ AKINREMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

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ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo is the only solution to the ongoing crisis rocking the state chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Iseyin/ Itesiwaju, Afeez Adekeke, has said.

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Okorocha

ordered that status quo be maintained.

In the January 11, 2014 local government elections in Anambra State, the ruling APGA cleared all 20 chairmanship seats in the local government areas where elections were held as well as 304 councillorship seats out of the 327 wards in the state. PDP managed to garner 12 councillorship seats, while the Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA) and UPP secured one councillorship seat each.

Kwara State held local government elections on October 26, 2013 in which PDP, the party at the helm of affairs in the state then, swept all the 15 chairmanship and 181 councillorship seats in the state.

On October 5, 2013, PDP won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State. Even though the election was boycotted by all the other political parties, the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission said the poll was “free, fair, devoid of violence and other forms of irregularities”.

As far back as August 7, 2010, in the dying days of the Ikedi Ohakim administration in Imo State, the governor conducted local government elections in which his party, PDP, won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats, even though ISIEC had claimed that a total of 20 political parties participated in the election.

So, it is clear that this has been the trend. The only exception to this general trend would be the Federal Capital Territory, where APC won 43 councillorship seats, PDP won 14, and APGA won five councillorship seats in the April 9, 2016 council elections in the area. APC also won the chairmanship seats in AMAC, Ku j e , Kw a l i , Bw a r i a n d Ab a j i council areas, while APGA won in Gwagwalada.

The other would be the May 12, 2018 local government election in Nasir El-Rufai’s Kaduna State, where APC won 14 chairmanship seats out of 23, and PDP won four, while elections in five local government areas were rescheduled for June 16.

It was this system that Okorocha has exploited. His party, APC, won all the 27 chairmanship seats and 636 out of the 645 councillorship seats in the state in the August 25 election that the State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) claimed was contested by 13 political parties. ISIEC announced that the Accord Party, Re b u i l d Ni g e r i a Pa r t y, Ko w a Party and People’s Redemption Party won one councillorship seat each, while elections were cancelled in four wards in Oguta, Isu, Ezinihitte Mbaise and Aboh Mbaise over electoral violence.

Opposition PDP, APGA and UPP boycotted the election, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) rejected the outcome, alleging that the election was marred by irregularities.

EXCLUSIVE

2019: Why we slashed INEC budget by N200m – NASS panel OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja

F

resh facts have emerged as to why the National Assembly Joint Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) slashed the Commission’s 2019 election budget by N200,272,500.

In a document exclusively obtained

by BDSUNDAY, the joint committee explained why it reduced a total of N200,272,500 from four line items of the Commission’s budget for the conduct of the forthcoming General Election.

It would be recalled that the panel had cut down the INEC budget from N143,512,529,455 to N143,312,256,955,

representing a reduction of -0.13 percent.

Chairman of the joint committee, Suleiman Nazif (PDP, Bauchi State) had disclosed that its recommendations would be forwarded to the Appropriations Committee and the National Assembly leadership for further legislative action.

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Sunday 02 September 2018

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Perspective

Ambode: Taking tourism to the next level AYO OYOZE BAJE

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ruth be told, one outstanding aspect of the leadership style that has given Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State the winning edge over his contemporaries is his futuristic approach to governance. In fact, one unique feature of his achievements so far attests to the fact that he had a thorough thinking through, on exactly what to do with the instrument of political power even back in 2014 before he became the governor.

That reminds one of late Steve Jobs, who remarked that the key element to the success of Apple Computers was traceable to the indepth planning stage with his team of top technocrats and technologists before they hit the ground running. Similar thing could be said about the accountant-turned-politician, over three years down the leadership line.

For instance, his ‘I BELIEVE’ spectacular musical concert back held in 2014, soon after he clinched the gubernatorial ticket on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC party marks him out as one who understands the ever increasing power of the Entertainment/Tourism industry.

Ever since, his administration has followed suit with the One Lagos end-of-year musical concerts as well as the Lagos-at-50 extravaganza featuring the brightest and the best Nigerian acts such as Olamide, Wizkid, Davido amongst several others. So remarkable is his focus on entertainment/tourism that French President, Emmanuel Macron came all the way down to Lagos, where he danced Shaku-Shaku steps at the African Shrine, before his country won the prestigious World Cup. What does that tell us? That tourism goes beyond a merry-making matter.

So compelling is the growing influence of the sector that the United Nations designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

As one of the world’s largest economic sectors, Travel and Tourism creates jobs, drives exports, and generates prosperity across the world. Tourism provides an enormous opportunity to

Governor Ambode

We are preparing the grounds for a major source of employment and prosperity. When you see us continue to plead for the control of wasting federal assets like the National Arts Theatre, National Museum and National Stadium and possibly declare our intention to have the Muritala Mohammed International Airport concessioned to us; we are focused on our tourism sector further showcase the tremendous economic, social, cultural, environmental, and heritage value that the sector can bring.

On his part, Ambode understands the impact of tourism in galvanizing a hitherto oil-dependent economy like that of Nigeria. He must have had the requisite knowledge, like the former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, (16 September 1923 – 23 March 2015), that worldwide,

the tourism industry has experienced steady growth almost every year for several decades. Available figures show that International tourist arrivals increased from 528 million in 2005 to 1.19 billion in 2015. Figures were forecasted to exceed 1.8 billion by 2030. Indeed, tourism in Singapore is such a major industry and contributor to the economy, that it attracted 17.4 million international tourists in 2017, more than 3 times of Singapore’s total population. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 ranked Singapore 13th out of 136 countries overall, which was the third best in Asia only behind Japan (ranked 4th) and Hong Kong (ranked 11th).

It is instructive therefore, that his administration is consciously investing huge resources to develop an enduring infrastructural architecture. Such would ensure that the state’s tourism potentials are fully harnessed for all round economic growth and development.

He made this known during the Lagos Tourism Summit with the theme “Destination Lagos: Towards A Sustainable Tourism-Driven Economy” at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, precisely on April 16, 2018.

The good aspects of his administration’s policy thrust in this direction are predicated on safety and security; the provision of functional and diverse venues for the arts, culture and festivals. Not left out are the creative industry, recreation and wildlife. Let it be noted however, that much needs to be done in the areas of partnerships with the private sector and also the mass media in projecting, promoting and propagating the ideals of this noble cause.

One has noted with great delight the bold bid by the state to reclaim 50 hectares of land at the Oworonsoki end of our lagoon. The government has also cleared a whole stretch of coastal land at Badagry, Epe and Marina.

This move, according to him is to ensure that the prime waterfront at these areas are not taken over by shanties and slums. In addition, more funds are being committed to providing jetties and expanding access to waterways.

It is with leadership foresight that the administration has embarked on some ambitious road, fly-over and modern bus terminal constructions. In his words: “We are preparing the grounds for a major source of employment and prosperity. When you see us continue to plead for

the control of wasting federal assets like the National Arts Theatre, National Museum and National Stadium and possibly declare our intention to have the Muritala Mohammed International Airport concessioned to us; we are focused on our tourism sector.” This is great vision at work.

Little wonder that he confessed that the tourism sector contributed about N800billion to the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017.

And this figure is expected to double or treble in the next 5 years. This is possible if there is strict adherence to the Tourism Master Plan which is focused on six key sectors including Culture and Heritage, Film, Art and Entertainment, Business Tourism, Nature and Adventure, Medical and Wellness, Beach and Leisure.

If all these are carried to the letters, the likes of Nike Art Gallery, owned by Nike Okundaye which is arguably one of the top African art galleries, meant to inculcate the core principles of cultural heritage to the people of Nigeria will receive more visits patronage. So also would top-range hotels such as Eko Hotels and Suites, Sheraton Hotel and Tower, the George Lagos, Eastgate Hotel, Lekki enjoy wider appeal.

In fact, exotic beaches and places such as the Whispering Palms, La Campa Tropicana, Oniru Beach, Elegushi Royal Beach, Atican Beach Resort, Eleko Beach, Tarkwa Bay and the iconic Badagry with the first storey building and the Slave port would come alive as tourism destination of choice.

And since Lagos state is promoting national unity; with it as a melting pot for people of diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, cohabiting peacefully it should take interest in those people’s annual festivals, as it is with Eyo Festival, to upgrading them to international standard.

For the state to match up with other leading world tourism destinations like Miami; São Paulo; Dubai, Singapore and Tokyo as well as African cities such as Cape Town, Cairo, Marrakech and Accra, the right infrastructure has to be put in place. Tourism is big business and the earlier many of us get actively involved the better it is for us and the country.

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Cover One ticket, too many contenders Continued from Page 1 (Kano), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto), and Bukola Saraki, Senate president.

Others are incumbent Sokoto State governor and immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal; his Gombe State counterpart Ibrahim Dankwanbo; Datti Baba-Ahmed, Stanley Osifo and Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

The genesis of fear/apprehension The foundation stone for envy and feeling of neglect was laid at the 81st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, where Uche Secondus, national chairman of the party, gave equal rights to the returnee “prodigal sons” and the loyal members who have toiled for many years.

Secondus, who was overwhelmed with joy over a momentous harvest of many parliamentarians in a single swoop without an election, opened his mouth and made a promise considered as sweeping as that of Herod to the damsel that pleased the king with her dance steps. The promise led to the cutting of John the Baptist’s head.

After praising the defectors for the courage they displayed by returning to the PDP, Secondus promised that the returnees were entitled to all the rights and privileges available to any member.

Before then, the leadership of the party had met with Bukola Saraki in Ilorin, Kwara State and entered into an agreement on power sharing in the party.

Other promises were also made.

This “excessive pampering” agitated the minds of some “loyal” members and they began to question the essence of their loyalty.

Godswill Akpabio, a former minority leader in the Senate, who recently moved to the APC from the PDP, said he decided to leave the party because of its “poor reward system”.

In the last few weeks, the utterances of some of the presidential aspirants of the PDP tended towards attack on individuals rather than dwell on issues and why they are in the race. They are not sure that the process of selection would be credible enough as to guarantee a level playing ground.

Many observers say that the selection exercise may be explosive given the array of aspirants, each claiming to be the most suitable candidate.

The belief in many quarters is that had all the aspirants been “authentic” members, there would have been less friction, but with many returnees joining the fray, selection appears more difficult.

Eric Attim, a public relations

practitioner and social affairs commentator, said that the PDP needed all the wisdom it could muster to have a crisisfree primary considering the large number of aspirants and the utterances of some of them.

He also said he did not see any need for such huge number if they really meant to serve their fatherland.

“A situation where every one of the aspirants believes he is better than the other, even when they know that they do not have the spread to win a national election, then you begin to ask yourself, what is the motivation?

“If the motivation is to see a well-governed country, I think the most rational thing to do would have been for such people to truly identify someone who has the clout and wider reach across the country, and support such an individual rather than dissipating energy and resources,” Attim said.

“Let me give you an instance, some weeks ago we heard that Kwankwaso visited Atiku at his residence in Abuja. The question again is, what did they discuss? If the meeting was to work together, why is it that both of them have publicly declared, separately, to contest the primary?

Something tells me that some of them are pretenders. I see some of them as moles planted there.

Some are there as wayfarers. If the primary does not go in their favour they are likely to either jump out and meet those who sent them or they move into some of the mushroom parties and pick their presidential tickets, just to answer presidential candidate,” he further said.

Conflicting interests of presidential aspirants Suleiman Yusuf, an astute politician, expressed the sentiment that conflicting interests among PDP presidential aspirants could tear the main opposition party apart.

Presidential aspirant and former caretaker chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Ahmed Makarfi shares same sentiment.

The ex-Kaduna State governor cautioned against a repeat of the past where crisis engulfed the party immediately it lost the last presidential election.

Is PDP at a crossroads?

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the party had learnt from its past mistakes. He added that events to the build up to the last general election, which saw mass defection from the then ruling PDP to APC, would not repeat itself.

The PDP spokesperson explained that the party had the wherewithal to manage both returnees and old members.

“You know the PDP is a structured party. And we have always had an understanding of the

Atiku weeps as he picks nomination form, at the weekend.

principle of fairness, the principle of togetherness,” he said.

According to him, “What happened in 2014 was a sad experience for our party. Arising from that situation, we have learnt our lessons. Also, don’t forget that PDP as the father of democracy is in its 20th year of existence. So, we have passed the teething stage where little problems would cause division.

We are dealing with a party that has become mature over time.

So, we don’t envisage the kind of crises that we had in the past to manifest with these defections into our party.

“We can manage the returnees and old members. We have even set a template and our people are abiding by it.

“The template is a framework which the party has given to the respective states to deploy in managing the situation in respect of the accommodation of those who are coming in”.

Wale Ogunade, an analyst, said that the high number of presidential aspirants could compound the party’s woes.

“I don’t see them going anywhere; I hope Makarfi, Lamido and co. would agree to step down for someone like Atiku. If the PDP goes into the primary the way things are now, I foresee danger, and they could eventually play into the hands of APC and Buhari.”

Consensus the way out The alleged ill-feelings by some aspirants may have necessitated the call for signing of an undertaking by all the aspirants. Some analysts also advised the party to adopt a consensus arrangement.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, spoke about “code of conduct” ahead of the primary.

He said: “It is an undertaking and it will be signed by all our presidential aspirants. The undertaking will tell the aspirants what the party expects from them before, during and after

the primary.

“The undertaking will make it clear that all the signatories must abide by the decision of the party concerning the primary.

“The party is already preparing it and I want to say again that it will be binding on all those that are taking part in the presidential primary and are signatories to the MoU.” The planned undertaking was recently confirmed by Atiku Abubakar.

“This is an issue that came up last night, we had our first meeting with members of the national working committee of the party and it was agreed that before the conduct of the primary, there would be a meeting; and that we would sign an undertaking to support whoever that emerges as candidate. We have been assured of transparent primaries by the party,” Atiku said.

Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, one of the aspirants, during his recent visit to the party leadership in Edo State, said: “If after assessing all the aspirants and you find one that is better qualified than me to meet Nigerians’ political, socio-economic aspirations, I assure you that I will join other party members to work for the party’s victory for us to provide the alternative leadership.”

Seun Ogunbanwo, a political analyst from the Lagos State University (LASU), said that the large numbers of presidential aspirants was healthy for democracy in the country.

“Depending on how you look at it; the large number is also good for the polity. We expected it; I saw it coming with the mass defection. They must be careful so that things would not go against them. But it can be to their advantage if they could cooperate and come up with a consensus presidential candidate”.

‘Obasanjo, only solution to Oyo ADC crisis’ Continued from Page 1 The legislator was among the fifteen members of the state House of Assembly that met Obasanjo in Abeokuta to finalise their resolve to move from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to the ADC. Crisis had hit Oyo State chapter of ADC with members of the Unity Forum, a group within the party, last Thursday, issuing a seventy-two-hour ultimatum to the National Executive Committee (NEC) to address the imbalance that arose as a result of the state congress of the party.

Also, a group within the party, Frontline Solidarity Movement (FSM), had earlier alleged that former governor Rashidi Ladoja and former secretary to the state government, Michael Kolesho had planted their loyalists as members of the newly-constituted state executive of the party and hijacked the whole structure of the party by imposing their cronies as key executive members of the party.

While speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the state capital, he urged all leaders of the party to work together in their bid to capture the state in the 2019 general election, stressing that «Obasanjo is our guide, he has the solution, he is the solution to the ADC crises.”

According to him, “All of us met him in Abeokuta and we finalised that we are moving from the ruling APC to the ADC, he should prevail because he is our father.

Ladoja was invited to join the party, though the reconciliation is ongoing, there is a need for us to work to send APC away in 2019.

“We should meet him as a matter of urgency; meet Obasanjo again on how to resolve the crises”.

Adekeke, who assured that Obasanjo›s intervention would put an end to the crises within the party, said he was surprised that Ladoja who was invited to join the party about three weeks ago has allegedly hijacked the party from members of the Unity Forum.

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News

2019: Why we slashed INEC budget by N200m – NASS panel Continued from Page 1 Titled ‘Justification for Deduction’, the table is divided into four columns namely: line item, description, proposed amount, amount deducted and reason.

The panel reduced N50,272,500 from ‘Grassroots Enlightenment Forums and Outreach Activities in Local Government Areas’ on the grounds that political parties were ‘already involved in the sensitisation exercise’.

It deducted N71 million f r o m t h e ‘ Pr o d u c t i o n a n d Ai r i n g o f El e c t i o n Ji n g l e s ’ which was initially allocated N471,985,000, pointing out that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Ministry of Information should partly bear the burden, as they made provisions for them in the 2018 Budget.

In the same vein, it slashed the allocation for conduct of training for Continuous Voter Registration officials at Registration Area levels from N300 million to N250 million, saying this has partly been captured in the 2018 Budget.

Also, the joint panel removed N29 million from N359,490,000 earmarked for ‘Monitoring of 2019 General Elections for Regulatory Compliance’. It submitted that monitoring has been concluded and that ‘compliance is assured’.

In a letter dated July 11, 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari had called on the National Assembly to vire the sum of N228.8 billion which includes funds for the conduct of the election and other critical projects, from new projects, which he claimed they inserted into the 2018 budget to the tune of N578.3 billion.

The President explained that out of the amount, N164 billion would be for 2019 elec-

tions budget (out of which N143 billion should be appropriated for INEC this year) while the balance of N64 billion would be used for execution of some critical projects.

The document was read on the floor of the Senate on July 17, 2018 before both chambers of the National Assembly proceeded on a two-month annual recess.

Election Monitor decries delay in approving proposal With exactly 166 days to the 2019 General Election billed for February 16, 2019, analysts have expressed concern over delay in approving the proposal.

Already, activities for the election have commenced in earnest, as political parties have slated this month and early October for the conduct of their primaries in line with the timetable and schedule of activities for the exercise released by the electoral body.

In a press statement sent to BDSUNDAY, the National Coordinator of Election Monitor, Abiodun Ajijola, said it would portend danger if the proposal is not approved as soon as

possible.

He emphasised the need for National Assembly members to put national interest above personal interest by approving the request.

As it stands, there are no indications that the National Assembly would reconvene to consider the request before the September 25 adjourned date, as the Appropriations Committee is yet to consider and approve the joint INEC committee’s report.

“It would be negligent to describe the current situation as normal just because the effects of the current delay of passage of the INEC budget have not yet been felt. No responsible government should wait until there is a full blown crisis to take corrective and preemptive actions when there are clearly ominous signs ahead if the current trajectory is maintained.

“It is also important to note that the National Assembly had since June 2015 to work on the current Electoral Act amendment bill but chose to only submit it for assent in February 2018 despite promising

President Muhammadu Buhari being received on arrival in China for the 2018. summit of the Forum of China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)..

that it would be passed before the end of 2016,” Ajijola stated.

He called on President Buhari to take every step necessary to save Nigeria from an impending political crisis. This, he stressed, “would certainly have grave security implications for which he has a fundamental responsibility to all Nigerians.

National security is primary and every government is first expected to secure the lives and property of its citizens and delaying passage of an election budget is tantamount to delaying the elections which has a last date that it can be legally conducted. Therefore since this is inherently a security situation the President should treat it as such”.

Chronology of 2019 election budget On August 17, 2018, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally issued the Notice for the 2019 General Elections essentially kicking off the elections.

The N242 billion 2019 elections budget submitted by President Buhari was read on the floor of the Senate on July 17, a week before lawmakers embarked on annual recess.

Since then, both the Executive and the Legislature have been trading blames on the matter.

With information sourced from Election Monitor, below is a timeline of the elections budget.

11 July, 2018 The President sends a letter titled ‘Request to Virement and Supplementary 2018 Budget’ addressed to the Senate President. The letter proposes N242,322,600 for the conduct of the 2019 General Elections. Out of this sum, N189,207,544,893 is budgeted for INEC (i.e 2018 supplementary - N143,512,529 plus 2019 budget N45, 895,015,438).

17 July, 2018 The letter was read on the floor of the Senate.

24 July, 2018 Police barricade the residence of Senate President Bukola Saraki, as he outsmarts them to preside over the defection of 14 APC senators to PDP. The National Assembly adjourns for its annual recess till September 25, 2018 without approving the elections budget.

7 August 2018 Armed operatives of Department of State Services (DSS) lay siege to the National Assembly. NASS leadership meeting cancelled.

8 August 2018 INEC top management team meets with NASS leadership to discuss the 2019 elections budget.

9 August 2018 Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Yussuf Lasun announces that the National Assembly would reconvene either on Tuesday August 14 or Wednesday August 15 which did not happen.

15 August 2018 Th e C o m m i s s i o n m e e t s separately with the Senate and House Committees on INEC for budget defence sessions.

16 - 18 August 2018 Th e C o m m i s s i o n m e e t s with the National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC for further budget defence, as lawmakers divide along party lines.

27 August 2018 Joint Committee rejects INEC’s proposal of N189 billion, adopts Buhari’s N143 billion request for 2018.

28 August 2018 Commission meets with joint panel, adjusts proposal to N143 billion.

30 August 2018 National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC overrules Buhari on source of election funding, slashes INEC budget from N143,512,529,455 to N143,312,256,955 (a reduction of N200,272,500).

The President in handshake with Nigerian delegation as he arrived China

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News Inability to determine appropriate price delays APC sale of nomination forms …PDP, SDP begin sale of forms …APGA begins this week

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James Kwen, Abuja

here are strong indications that the inability of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to commence the sale of nomination forms for its forth coming primaries are due to the inability of the party to determine appropriate prices of forms for all categories of offices.

The ruling party has yet to commence sale of nomination forms weeks after the 17th August official date given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political parties to begin issuance of nomination forms to their aspirants.

Though the issue of cost of nomination forms was said to have been extensively discussed at the last Thursday National Executive Committee (NEC)

meeting of APC, no decision was reached on the price for each category, BsinessDay gathered.

Simon Lalung, Plateau State governor, told journalists at the end of the NEC meeting that after deliberations, the National Working Committee, NWC of APC was mandated to come up with figures at a later date.

“The cost of nomination, we debated that and I think we left it again to the NWC taking into account some of the views that were expressed to come out with a reasonable figure. And any figure will be accepted we don’t need to come back to NEC to rectify,” Lalung said.

Up till the time of filing this report, APC NWC was yet to fix the price for the nomination forms.

However, the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) began sale of nomination forms nationwide early last week.

Oshiomhole

Expression of interest and nomination forms for the presidential aspirants cost N2,000,000 and N10, 000 , 000, respectively, totaling N12 million. For the governorship category, nomination and expression

of interest totaled N6 million, while the Senate forms summed to N3 .5 million.

House of Representatives and House of Assembly categories are for N1.5million and N600, 000, respectively. National del-

egates and ad-hoc delegates are to pay N20,000 and N5,000, respectively.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Austin Akobundu, the forms for the Presidential, Governorship, Senate and House of Assembly are to be purchased at the National Secretariat, Abuja. National secretariat categories are to be collected and submitted at the party’s National Secretariat, Abuja.

Akubundu said that all female aspirants are exempted from payment for the purchase of nomination forms for all offices except national and ad-hoc delegate categories.

He also announced that the party reduced the cost of nomination forms for the House of Representatives from N2 million to N1 million in order to enhance the inclusion of young persons in the democratic process.

Similarly, Social Democratic Party (SDP) last week commenced the sale of nomination forms and it pegged the cost of forms for Presidential aspirants at N11million. The cost for governorship forms go for N5million, Senate N3.5million and House of Representatives N1.5million, while State Houses of Assembly forms cost N500,000.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) said it would start selling its nomination forms this week as disclosed by Ifeanacho Oguejiofor, the party’s National Director of Publicity.

Efforts to find out whether other major political parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have begun the sale of nomination forms proved abortive as the party’s National Chairman, Raph Nwosu could not be reached on his mobile phone.

2019: IGP, US ambassador, Ooni, others solicit violence-free elections YOMI AYELESO, Akure

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head of the 2019 general election, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has advised political actors and their supporters in the country to be mindful of their utterances in order not to hit up the polity.

The police boss stated this while speaking at a one-day security seminar in Oshogbo, Osun State capital.

The Seminar organised by the police authority with the theme: ‘Imperatives of Police Collaboration with Essential Stakeholders: Towards Secured, Free, Fair and Credible Elections in Nigeria’ was chaired by Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, vice chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo Ile-Ife. While lamenting the conducts of politicians in the country ahead of 2019, Idris said that they should desist from speeches and actions that could spark violence and discredit the forthcoming elections.

“They should desist from

arming of political thugs and making hate speeches before, during and after the elections which may likely precipitate violence,” he said.

According to the IGP, the successful provision of security during elections could only be effective with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.

“As the 2019 general election is fast approaching, it is important we begin to hold regular consultations with our stakeholders to fashion out ways of delivering violence-free elections that will be adjudged free, fair and credible in the observation lens of both local and international observers.

“It is in the realisation of this, that regular consultation like this becomes very important. It provides the needed opportunity for conversations around the election.

Information gathered during these gatherings will complement our usual intelligence on elections security; areas likely to be violence-prone may be revealed during discussions. The information gathered will certainly guide

our deployment strategies to determine where to concentrate our resources and manpower,” he further said.

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, in his remarks, explained that the US government would offer neces-

sary support for the country to have a successful election next year.

The US envoy disclosed that the Osun election would be a pointer to what to expect in the 2019 general election, appealing to all stakeholders to eschew violence

before, during and after the election.

“We are committed as a nation to a credible and violence-free elections in Nigeria, starting from the Osun governorship election come September 22.

“What happens in Osun

L-R: Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ogun State, Bimbola Ashiru; Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, and Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Demola Sogunle, at the official commissioning of the $250 million Gateway Brewery in Sagamu, Ogun State … recently.

election will have some effects in the country. I want to urge the politicians and their supporters to avoid any form of violence. All we want is peaceful elections,” Symington said.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi commended the Inspector General of Police for organising the seminar which gives stakeholders the opportunity to discuss ways to ensure violence-free elections, urging them to replicate same by bringing together all political actors in the country.

The Monarch said: “It is the right of the people to elect their leaders but things should be done properly. The state and indeed the nation is greater than all of us and we must come together to live in peace with our neighbours.

We don’t want any violence,” he said.

Also speaking,the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission,Prof Mahmood Yakubu promised that the commission would conduct free,fair and credible elections in September 22 in Osun state and the general elections.

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News

Why I joined APC - Kalu …Flags off construction of 5km road in Abia UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia.

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rji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State and senatorial aspirant in Abia North Senatorial zone on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that before he joined the party, he consulted President Muhammadu Buhari on what he would do for Ndigbo.

He said the President promised to start the 2nd Niger Bridge and the completion of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway among other federal roads in the South-East.

Kalu made the revelation in Arochukwu Local Government Area when he formerly flagged off the

5-km NDDC road from St Paul’s Junction to Ubila Ututu which he said he attracted to the community from Federal Government.

At the occasion, which the people of Ututu also used for the grand reception of Kalu, he told the gathering that the road would be ready for commissioning in October this year.

The Abia APC chieftain hinted that he had attracted the construction of Umuahia-Abam-OhafiaArochukwu road from the Federal Government which has been awarded to Heartland Construction Company Limited.

“When I wanted to join APC, I approached Buhari and asked him what he would do for me. He promised me that he would complete the 2nd Niger Bridge which is now 50 percent

ready. If we vote for Buhari for 2nd term, it will be the turn of Ndigbo come 2023,” he said.

Kalu enjoined all to vote for him for the Senate and all APC candidates during the 2019 general election for more dividends of democracy.

He blamed the present administration in the state for being deceitful by not living up its promises made to the electorate.

Stephen Kalu Nwankwo, one of the stakeholders of Ututu Community, in his speech told his people that he could not have asked them to follow the wrong way.

“I am asking you to follow OUK and APC. When OUK was governor, workers and pensioners’ salaries and pensions respectively were paid as and when due,”

Kalu

Abia establishes sanitation courts in 17 councils UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia.

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o w a r d s achieving cleaner environment, the Ab i a St a t e Government has established mobile

environmental sanitation courts across the 17 local government areas of the state and assigned magistrates for the trial of offenders.

Aham Uko, commissioner for Environment disclosed this in Umuahia during this month environmental sanitation exercise

in the state.

Uko said with the establishment of the courts in all the council areas of the state, the environment in the state would be wearing a new look as residents would be compelled to keep their environment clean to avoid being prosecuted.

L-R: Most Rev Peter Jasper Akinola, former Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion; Ibikunle Amosun, governor, Ogun State; Oluyinka Kufile, Aro of Egbaland, chairman, Qualitec Industries Ltd; Florence Ajibike Kufile, his wife, and HRM Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, at the 70th birthday celebration of Chief Kufile in Abeokuta, recently.

“My view is that we have been recording improvement constantly. It is my expectation that by the end of the year we will witness more improvement,” Uko said.

The Commissioner, who acknowledged the fact that various parts of the state were being threatened by gully erosion, said his ministry has embarked on the census of all the erosion sites.

“We are taking census of all erosion sites in Abia.

We will start the evaluation process with a view to tackling the menace. We are doing things that can bring some level of palliatives,” he said.

He hinted that even though the menace was beyond the control of the state government alone, World Bank executives have promised to assist the state in tackling the erosion menace.

The commissioner attributed flooding in the state to dumping of refuse into drainages by residents, adding that efforts were being made by his Ministry to start the desilting of drainage for easy flow of water.

Nwankwo said.

Onny Igbokwe, a chieftain of APC and former Transition Committee Chairman of Arochukwu Local Government Area, in his speech said that he had defected to APC where there was light.

“OUK is my friend and mentor. That is why I joined him to bring more dividends of democracy. Recall that during my tenure as the TC Chairman, I was always grading the OhafiaArochukwu road to make it passable for our people. We should vote for Buhari and other APC candidates come 2019,” Igbokwe said.

Dan Okeke, another stakeholder and chieftain of APC from Ututu thanked Kalu for his magnanimity in attracting the construction of the road because Ututu people had never had so good.

RCCG dedicates building after 24 years of its existence Josephine Okojie

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n order to further expand the frontiers of the gospel as ordained

by God, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, national overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has dedicated another church building 24 years after its existence.

The church, Glorious Church, Gloryland zonal headquarters, located in Palmgrove, Lagos state has a capacity of 450 seats after being renovated and refurbished with almost N20 million to meet modern standards.

Obayemi, who led other men of God to cut the plaque at the dedication ceremony, said the building shows that God works in a wonderful way as it took different men of God with different visions to actualise the goal.

Joseph Adeyokunnu, the provincial pastor said the building was a testament to the mystery of God and despite the fact that it took that long, the glory of the latter shall be greater than the former.

Also speaking during the dedication, Yomi Lawal, the zonal pastor, said the original plan was for the dedication to be held in December

Obayemi

but events shifted it forward to end of August.

Lawal said though he was transferred to the church three years ago, his vision of making the church a befitting place and the insistence of, Adeyokunnu the provincial pastor, spurs him on to see to the completion, adding that it was all due to God’s grace.

He said expansion and acquisition of surrounding buildings for use by the church is part of the long term goals of the zonal branch in fulfilment of the visions of RCCG to reach more people.

According to him, “God’s vision will always come to fruition no matter the delay as long as it is His as he will raise an army to make it happen,” he said.

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News

PDP has enormous responsibility in nominating sellable candidate – Dankwambo IDRIS UMAR MOMOH, Benin

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brahim Hassan Dankw a m b o, g o v e r n o r of Gombe State and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, has said that the party has enormous responsibility of nominating a presidential candidate that would provide political leadership to Nigerians.

Dankwambo made the remarks during consultation with leaders and delegates of the state chapter of the party’s presidential primary scheduled for next October.

“God has given us enormous responsibility and we should use this responsibility very well to elect a candidate that will provide leadership for Nigerians.

This time now we are very few, maybe in Edo state not more than 50 or 60 people will take decision for more than the millions other persons in the state “For any person we are bringing collectively, we should take a decision that we are providing alternative to the about 200

Dankwambo

million Nigerians that are waiting for us. In this case, we should bring a very good alternative to Nigerians. For the alternative to be very good we have to sit down and think. We should not be doing what we are doing before. We should sit down and have criteria of identifying the kind of person that we will present or be good alternative to Nigerians.

“In doing so we should asses all the aspirants that come here to woo your support and vote, so that before we go to convention we have already identified and aligned with the person that we feel will be a very good alternative for Nigerians, because whatever we want to do but Nigerians can also do whatever they want to do”, he said.

The former accountant-

general of the country, who described himself as the most capable and qualified aspirant that can provide leadership for the country and give the party victory in the presidential election, promised to work for any of the aspirant that emerged the party’s flagbearer.

He said, when given the ticket and win Presidential election, he would bring his experience to bear to revival the ailing economy, provide security, address unemployment among others.

“If after assessing all the aspirants and you find one that is better qualified than me to meet Nigerians’ political, socio-economic aspirations, I assure you that I will join other party members to work for the party’s victory for us to provide the alternative leadership,” he added.

Responding, the state chairman of the party, Dan Orbih commended the presidential aspirant’s civility and maturity in going about his campaign that is devoid of attacking personality.

Akwa Ibom denies concession of Oron terminal ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

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h e Ak w a Ib o m State government has denied that it has given out the Oron marine terminal for concession, saying any report to that effect is false and without any foundation.

Charles Udoh, commissioner for information and strategy, who stated this, said the state government “is in no way committed or indebted to any company over any concession agreement.”

According to him, allegations that some officials of the state government were involved in deal to concede the terminal to any company for N184 million “ is a desperate attempt to tarnish the image of the state government in a bid to circumvent due process and unduly influence the legal process.’’

He said Rock Marine services approached the state government for

concession of the marine terminal at Oron, but was unable to show adequate proof of ability to embark on a project of such magnitude including proofof-funds and evidence of competence and technical partnership.

The commissioner said the state government has petitioned the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) for a thorough investigation.

It however, reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Akwa Ibom State remains a safe haven for Foreign Direct Investment and genuine investors.

Rock Marines Services had alleged it was swindled by four top officials of the state government to the tune of over N184million under the false pretence of giving concession for the Marine Terminal at Oron.

It was also gathered that the state government turned down a request by the company for a Memorandum of Understanding over the Oron terminal.

Kogi moves to empower youths through legislation Victoria Nnakaike, Lokoja

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he Deputy Majority Leader, Kogi State House of Assembly, Ahmed Mohammed has said the House would soon pass into law, a bill for the establishment of a youth development commission to provide a sustainable policy guide for youth activities in the state.

Mohammed disclosed this at the NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja while speaking at a press conference recently as he described the bill as a necessary tool for youth development.

The deputy majority leader who doubles as the sponsor of the bill, stated that the Yahaya Bello ‘New Direction’ administration was on course in the direction of youth inclusion and involvement in governance, as evident in the composition of the governor’s cabinet.

Mohammed, who also represents Ankpa I state constituency in the House, said that the bill had its first reading on March 6, and the second reading on April 18, adding that it was ready for public hearing.

“It is my earnest desire that we call for a public hearing on this bill as soon as possible and expedite action towards having a robust law for the development of Kogi State youth.

“I therefore, solicit the

support of my honourable colleagues to give this bill the necessary attention it requires for the good of the youth and our dear state”, he said.

In his contribution at the occasion, Majority Leader

of the House, Bello HassanBalogun, pledged to support the bill for accelerated passage, stressing that that it has become necessary that youths be empowered in the state.

Hassan-Balogun implored

the youths to cut their cloth according to the quantity of their materials, rather than live a false life. He further urged them to acquire skills to engage in one or more trade, to augment their incomes and make life more

Marie Macfoy, State Head, SME Lagos zone, Globacom; Joe Odumakin, president, Women Arise for Change Initiative, and Kemi Fadipe, Ag. Head of Unit, Call Centre, Globacom, at the presentation of Best Women Enterprise Support (Company) to Globacom by Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD) at the Nigerian Women Digital Agenda Summits and Awards (NWDAS) 2018, held at the Oriental Hotels, Lagos.

meaningful.

Okwutepa Oseni, executive director, Voice of Youth Initiative and Coordinator, Kogi Youth Advocacy Cluster on The Youth Development Commission bill, said there was need for sustainable policy for youth development, adding that this year’s International Youth Day theme; Safe Spaces for the Youths, was very important for sustainable youth development in Kogi State.

Oseni, maintained that the Kogi State Youth Development Commission would help to create jobs and economic development opportunities through a legally established independent and recognised institution.

“It will attract counterpart funding from the Federal Government and International donor agencies to fund youth development programs and activities in the state and as well bring about partnerships.

“It shall also bring about sustainability on youth development and empowerment programs and consolidate all the efforts of the present administration in the areas of industrialisation, job creation and security”, he said.

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News Ondo speaker empowers 200 widows YOMI AYELESO, Akure

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bout two hundred widows have benefited from the 2018 widows relief programme sponsored by the speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyeloogun under Oleyelogun International Foundation (OIF).

The programme, which was held under Oleyeloogun International Foundation( OIF) at the Ifedore Local Government Secretariat was well attended by dignitaries, including the governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi; Olusegun Ajimotokin, Kuti Towase, commissioner for Women Affairs, Omowumi Ola-

tunji, APC leaders, traditional rulers across the local government, among others.

Flagging off the presentation of palliatives/relief items to the windows, Governor Akeredolu lauded the speaker for the good gesture which he said would improve the lives of the beneficiaries. He commended Oleyelogun for representing his constituents well.

He equally used the occasion to advise the beneficiaries and other eligible voters in the council area who have not registered or collected their permanent voter’s card to do so immediately to enable them participate in the coming elections, saying that their vote is their right to elect leaders of their choice.

The governor explained that the present administration in the state is doing everything to empower

women, noting that many women-oriented programmes including Microcredit facilities, empowerment and skills acquisition are being put in place to bet-

ter position women and give them their rightful place in the scheme of things.

Akeredolu disclosed that all the ongoing projects in various communities in If-

edore will cut across all wards in the local government, adding that government will continue to do its best to put smiles on the faces of the people of the

state.

Speaking at the event, Rt. Hon. Oleyelogun who is lawmaker representing Ifedore State Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly, explained that the gesture was borne out of his desire to care and cater for the needs of widows in the local government area.

“My quest to alleviate the suffering of the widows arouses my interest in my past experience in supporting them in the little way.

I am proud to say that my long years of investment in the lives of the less-privileged people was part of what inspired me to set up Oleyelogun International Foundation (OIF), long before I set it up. The objectives of Oleyeloogun International Foundation are to build the family and the nation,” the Speaker said.

20 Kwara students benefit from RIM Foundation scholarship scheme SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

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afiu Ibrahim Bilal (RIB) Foundation, a pet project of senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, has awarded 20 students with N2 million.

The students of Kwara South origin in various universities across the country were presented with a sum of N100,000 each in the scholarship scheme of Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim.

Three beneficiaries were picked from each of the seven local governments in Kwara South Senatorial District including Ifelodun, Offa, Oyun, Irepodun, Isin Oke-Ero and Ekiti.

Speaking at the formal presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries in Ilorin, Babatunde Mohammed, the former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, described the financial assistance as apt and timely and congratulated the legislator for embarking on the gesture.

Mohammed, who chaired the brief ceremony, urged public office holders to emulate the benefactor, as he even admonished the beneficiaries to face their studies and shun distractions

throughout the duration of their academic pursuits.

In his remarks, a member of Board of Trustees of RIB Foundation, Professor Kenneth Adeyemi, said the scholarship was a golden opportunity and warned the students against misusing it.

“What we are doing today is what everybody should be happy about. To our beneficiaries, you have an opportunity that many don’t have. It is a golden opportunity for you, others who are very brilliant pray for this. I want to appeal to you not to misuse it at all,” he said.

The Director General of RIB Foundation, Bosun Lawal, said the foundation has been doing a lot in the area of education, which he identified as the core mandate of the foundation.

He disclosed that the scholarship would run for the period of the academic programmes of the beneficiaries in their various higher institutions of learning, adding that others would also be accommodated.

He said: “RIB is known for promoting education, community development, manpower development and the likes. This is another milestone that we have achieved now, we hope to sustain it. We know that the level of poverty within Nigeria system is high. The

Vice President of Nigeria in March mentioned in a newspaper that the number of those within the poverty line has increased to 110million.

“So, we believe that if we can assist parents to support these bright children, we would have more people to give back to the society in the future. It is one of the principles and objectives of the foundation to promote educational excellence.

“All our activities are mainly for human and community development. Regardless of whether the Senator is still in politics or not, he has always said that his foundation is established for the development of his people whether in office or out of office.

“The selection was done through the data obtained from JAMB. JAMB gave us the list of five best in seven local governments in Kwara South and we chose the best three for this edition. Hopefully in the future, we would be able to accommodate more. So, we have 21 beneficiaries in this maiden edition and they are spread across Federal and State Universities of Nigeria.

“We are giving them on an annual basis, so far they can sustain this academic excellence. On annual basis, we would be paying them N100,000 to subsidise their academic pursuits”.

L-R: Adebola Adegunwa, CEO, Rite Foods Limited; Fatimah Adegunwa, his wife, and Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State, at the 2018 Ojude Oba festival in Ogun State.

SundayBusiness Start-ups urged to shun loan-taking when starting businesses Victoria Nnakaike, Lokoja

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p coming entrepreneurs have been advised to shun the idea of taking loan when starting a business. Olumide Adeleyi, a graduate of Agric Economics from the University of Abeokuta who also is the CEO of 20 STUĎIO, has said that it was better to take loan when an entrepreneur wants to upgrade an existing business than to go for loan when starting a business.

He lamented that businesses in Nigeria were like doing “blood money”, where you have to take loan

that you must pay back with the interest, adding that this has led to entrepreneurs not strategising in Africa.

He stressed that in Nigeria the huge endowments, which were supposed to be a source of blessing to citizens, had been turned into curse as all the endowments have been mismanaged.

Adeleyi urged participants and students to plant their seeds in fertile land, train and retrain themselves very well for a better achievement He emphasized that in doing business; one must take risk, and make necessary documentation to draw clients closer to your business empire.

“If you are somebody who can bear the risk, there is nothing shameful being an entrepreneur. Take the right pictures of what you do and document, show your impact, business model and document them,” he said.

He equally emphasized that as an entrepreneur you need those pictures to tell your story, adding that “from that documentation you then know how your model is and how it has been helping other people”.

Adeleyi was one of the resource persons at a summit recently organised by the International Youth Empowerment Summit (IYES) at the Federal University, Lokoja.

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PhotoSplash

L-r: Collins Timothy, general overseer, Olive Mountain of Prayer and Praise Ministry Ijegun; his wife, Rosemary Timothy; Jecinta Ortutu, women president, Maria Abumere, and Prince will Inyang, during the National Women Convention theme’ they that sow in tears shall reap in Joy ‘ Olive Mountain of prayer and Praise ministry Ijegun in Lagos on 26/8/2018.PHOTOS CHiNYERE IKEANYI

L-R: Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Demola Sogunle and Managing Director, International Breweries Plc, Annabelle Degroot; at the official commissioning of the $250 million Gateway Brewery in Sagamu, Ogun State.

L-R: Head Coach, UAM Tillers Priscilla Vande; Team Captain, UAM Tillers, Odenigbo David Ebuka; Team Captain, UNIMAID Dessert Warriors, Isaac Daniel and Head Coach, UNIMAID Dessert Warriors, Daniel Usman at the pre-match press conference for the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) final first round match between UAM Tillers and UNIMAID Dessert Warriors in Makurdi..recently

L-R Hon Chibuike Oziri Nwachukwu, State Chairman Imo ANRP With Tope Fasua ANRP Presidential Aspirant discussing during his presidential declaration at International Conference Centre, Abuja recently.

L-R: Ahmed Bola Tinubu, national leader APC; Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman, APC; Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President, and President Muhammadu Buhari, during APC NEC meeting in Abuja, yesterday. Pic Tunde Adeniyi

L-R: Raufu Aregbesola, governor, Osun State; Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, chairman, Osun Election Campaign Team; Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, national chairman, APC, and Rochas Okorocha, governor, Imo State, during the Inauguration of Osun State Election Campaign Team in Abuja. Pic Tunde Adeniyi

L-R: Abubakar Suleiman, managing director, Sterling Bank; Toyin Sanni, chief executive officer, Emerging Africa Group, and Ijeoma Obatoyinbo, managing director, FBN Quest Funds, during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Panel Session on Financial Inclusion and Wealth Management in Abuja…Wednesday

L-R: Afolabi Oladele, Olayimika Phillips, Omowunmi Adedurotimi , company secretary , Wole Abegunde Chairman, Niyi Toluwalope Interim CEO and Tony Egbuna, all members of the board of directors of eTranzact International Plc at the annual general meeting of the company in Lagos.

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NewsFeature

China offers more opportunities to Nigeria, Africa as FOCAC summit begins in Beijing INNOCENT ODOH & HARRISON EDEH

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xperts are upbeat that the 2018 summit of the Forum of China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled for Beijing, China between the September 3 and 4 has bountiful opportunities for Nigeria and other African countries to exploit in their growing diplomatic and trade ties with the People’s Republic of China.

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari will address the Summit in recognition of the strategic importance of Nigeria in the trade and investment with China. President Buhari is in China with a large entourage of businessmen and significant players in the private sector as well as key cabinet ministers and some state governments who desire to invite critical Chinese investments to their states.

Chijioke Ekechukwu, director-general of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) told BusinessDay that it is a winwin situation for Nigeria and China, while urging them to position to harvest chunk of the expected fund. According to him, “It is important that we spearhead the China/Africa Business cooperation and benefit from the $60billion concession for infrastructural development of Africa. It is a win-win for both Africa and for China.”

The Director of Centre for China Studies (CCS), an Abuja intellectual think tank, Charles Onunaiju, who is also a writer and public affairs analyst, told BusinessDay in an interview that Nigeria stands to benefit more from FOCAC because of the huge opportunities in the country. He noted that five years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping, proposed the initiative of building the Silk and Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which is an expanded part of the FOCAC, stressing that the Belt and Road Initiative is open to all countries.

According to Simon Ileuma, a deputy director in the Nigeria’s Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Nigeria is ready to participate fully in the summit saying “we have collected programmes and projects from the MDAs and sent to the President for his consideration because our ministry is the coordinating Ministry for the FOCAC.” Speaking further on the FOCAC, Celestine Okeke, Team lead, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises advocacy and support Initiative (MSMEs-ASI) told BusinessDay that the gov-

ernment must articulate high growth sectors to invest the funds targeting infrastructure.

“Government should articulate high growth sectors it can invest the funds in with a view to not only providing basic infrastructure, but also guaranteeing a multiplier,” Okeke said.

He noted further that the government should take deliberate measures to improve its trade relations with China, and be strategically positioned for a frontline dealing with China.

The theme of the Beijing summit is “China and Africa: Toward an Even Stronger Community with a Shared Future through Win-Win Cooperation.”

Through this theme, Chinese Government has assured Nigerians and other African countries of its determination to expand its investments in critical areas of Nigeria’s economy to boost the burgeoning bilateral ties between China, Nigeria and the rest of the continent.

Since the inception of FOCAC in 2000, the benefits in terms of trade and investment, infrastructure development, education, energy (notably the $5.8 billion Mambilla Hydro –power project) expansion in agriculture and industry have started coming in bountifully into the Nigerian economy and social life.

On Thursday, July 12, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu

As the largest developing country in the world, China takes deep pride in its ever stronger partnership with Nigeria, the largest developing country in Africa

President Xi Jinping of China Buhari, formally flagged-off the Abuja Light Rail Mass Transit Project, constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC). This exercise has opened the rail for commercial services, which according to experts is fated to change the face of transportation in the Nigerian capital and could create about 10,000 jobs.

The Managing Director of CCECC, Jack Li, averred that the Accelerated Light Rail project is significant and beneficial in the sense that it is the first light rail in West Africa. He added that it was funded by China EXIM Bank with a concession loan of $500 million offered to the Nigerian government on preferential buyer credit agreement. He said further that the growing bilateral ties between China and Nigeria will be strengthened with the support of his country in both railway development and technology.

The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian, had said that all these investment drives are contained in the increasing bilateral collaboration with Africa.

He said this while making his remarks at the Forum of ChinaNigeria Production Capacity and Investment Cooperation in Abu-

ja recently even as he advised Nigeria to take advantage of the September summit to close the infrastructure deficits as China is willing to expand the investment with more funds.

Since FOCAC was launched in 2000, the Chinese government has remained consistent in its support funds to Africa. In the last FOCAC summit in Johannesburg in 2015, the Chinese government released $60 billion to Africa and is said to be preparing to make available about $100 billion, during the Beijing summit, from which Nigeria and other African countries can draw resources to improve their infrastructure and boost trade.

Pingjian noted that China has invested heavily on infrastructure development in Nigeria, saying “in Nigeria, the Abuja-Kaduna railway, Africa’s modern railway with the Chinese technology and standards, was commissioned in July 2016. The Abuja rail mass transit project, the first urban railway in West Africa was commissioned in July 2018. The Lagos-Ibadan railway broke ground in March 2017.

“The construction of the Lekki Deep Water Port, the largest port in West Africa, and the Zungeru hydropower station, the largest

hydropower station in Nigeria are well under way. In the past year alone, the two sides have concluded concessionary financial arrangements to support five more major projects in Nigeria.

Tens of thousands of jobs have been created for Nigerians by projects contracted by Chinese enterprises or partly financed by the Chinese side.

“As the largest developing country in the world, China takes deep pride in its ever stronger partnership with Nigeria, the largest developing country in Africa. It is our firm belief that the China-Nigeria cooperation is brotherly south-south cooperation between two equals and is indeed mutually beneficial.

China remains committed to stepping up its cooperation with Nigeria in agriculture, manufacturing, industrial capacity and investment, infrastructure, energy, culture and people -to –people exchanges, and other areas,” he said.

The Chinese President Jinping had said that the Belt and Roads component of the FOCAC though originating from China belongs to the whole world. “Africa, being part of the historical and natural extension of the Belt and Road, has been an important participant in the initiative. The cooperation between China and Africa under the Belt and Road Initiative will generate more resources and means, expand the market and space for African development, and broaden its development prospects,” he added.

The Belt and Roads focuses on connectivity in the five areas including policy, infrastructure, trade, financing, and people to people exchanges. China seeks to align the initiative with the UN’s sustainable development and prosperity.

Belts and Roads was launched in 2013 and it refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road which seeks to serve as platform for international cooperation, and create new drivers for shared development to benefit more countries and peoples globally.

There is a general optimism that the Belt and Roads initiative will bring economic cooperation, regional integration, as well as sustainable and speedy economic growth for Africa through infrastructural connectivity. The initiative will also open new way for Africa’s economy, which is undergoing robust economic growth to integrate with the global economy. The Belt and Roads is also important particularly in terms of closing the Africa’s infrastructure gap.

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NewsFeature Cancer survivor: ‘I realised it grows inside of you’ …How to tame the cancer scourge ANTHONIA OBOKOH

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visited the doctor because I was having an unusual pain in my leg, X-rays did not show anything abnormal, but the doctors recommended a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) just in case. On June 6, 2013, Dozie found out he had cancer of the bone.

Osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer found mostly in children and teenagers, was discovered in his right femur, or thigh bone. Within a month of being diagnosed he began chemotherapy. “I didn’t know anything about cancer, I didn’t know anything about chemotherapy,” he says. “It was really cruel. I would not wish that for anybody.”

Dozie Chukwu is an architect and surveyor; a graduate of the University of Lagos recollects his two-year journey of painful struggle to survive cancer.

“At a point, I got to realise that cancer is in you, it grows inside of you and you cannot just ignore it, if you hope it will just go away, it won’t.

“Cancer is a serious disease, you have to take it seriously. It dragged me through the darkest hour, it has been a long journey, but I will get there and stay in control and take the wheel all the way,” Dozie said.

“My ordeal makes me understand pain. This is besides the drugs, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, the surgeries and the anxiety that you would die soon. But cancer is not a death sentence” he recounts.

“The harsh dots on my skin, the breakdown of hair scarp, the gradual deterioration into a skeletal figure, and the disappearance of the real me, the agony and the pressure on the cells in my body that give me pains in my bone, it is a hard experience for the cancer sufferer.”

But Dozie is among the lucky few who survive cancer. He lived to share his experience.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) cancer is responsible

for three percent of total mortality in Nigeria, which translates to 72,000 deaths per annum.

Cancer is a class of diseases characterised by out-of-control cell growth.

There are over 100 different types of cancer, and the type of cell that is initially affected classifies each.

The challenge is that this number is set to increase given that there are 102,000 new cases of cancer every year.

This means that about 240 Nigerians die every day or 10 Nigerians every hour from cancer. Nigeria’s cancer mortality ratio of 4 in 5 affected persons is one of the worst in the world.

The burden of cancer in Nigeria is heavy but it is largely being ignored due to poor record keeping.

Based on the reality, cancer care is not where it should be in Nigeria due to lack of adequate cancer screening, awareness and cancer treatment centres. This means many citizens suffering from the disease eventually die miserably in pain and agony.

The good news however, is that early diagnosis of cancer generally increases

the chances for successful treatment while delayed diagnosis lowers likelihood of survival, higher costs of care, avoidable deaths and disability from cancer.

Fear of the outcome of diagnosis, religious beliefs, financial constraints and low awareness of cancer signs, symptoms and facilities are some of the reasons for delay in cancer diagnosis.

Larne Yusuf, a general medical practitioner working in a private hospital, told BusinessDay that cancer affects millions of Nigerians each year, including those in treatment and those supporting their loved ones.

“It is not easy to talk about cancer, anyone can develop cancer at any point in his or her life time, but some people are more at risk due to factors such as genetic, habits, environment and some are caused by chronic infections.

“Cancer is preventable; we must therefore, end the ignorance about cancer and save lives. More efforts should be directed in the area of massive awareness of the general populace,” Lanre said.

Education and screening are major components of early detection. Experts say people need to adopt better lifestyle choices to reduce the prevalence of cancer in Nigeria.

“What I always tell people is that the lifestyle modification for cancer prevention is not different from lifestyle modifications that should be adopted for hypertension or diabetes mellitus,” says Oge Ilegbune, a general practitioner, head of strategy, development and outreach at Lakeshore Cancer Centre.

According to Ilegbune, “Most of the risk factors cut across the pathology and it still boils down to a healthy lifestyle: regular exercises, balanced diet, avoiding smoking, reduction of alcohol intake, reduce stress, get a good sleep, as they are directly or indirectly linked to cancer. It is important to be cautious of the environment in terms of pollution, including exhaust fumes from vehicles and other machines.

“If you notice that several people have died in your family due to the same form of cancer or a related cancer, you can do a genetic testing to know if

you got the gene,” she said.

Experts say that to reduce the rise in cancer cases in Nigeria, there is need for adequate or effective control measures to curtail the disease, adequate funding to enhance early detection and treatment.

Runcie Chidebe, the executive director of Project PINK BLUE, said people can protect themselves against cancer with a vaccine. People rarely go to hospital or adopt preventive measure in their wellbeing, except they are carried to the hospital.

“Over the years, there have been series of information dissemination through different avenues to people on the importance of vaccination, especially polio but little emphasis has been focused on cancer prevention through vaccination or vaccines against cancer.

“The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should cover cancer treatment and Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan should be budgeted for and implemented. We could prevent cancer death by 25 percent.

“We also want to urge the Nigerian government to invest in cancer care and make cancer a health priority. I am appealing to all Nigerians to please go for screening regularly and make it a routine,” said Chidebe.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are about 24.6 million people living with cancer worldwide, while about 12.5 percent of all death is attributable to cancer.

Cancer mortality can be reduced if cases are detected and treated early, through early diagnosis and screening.

Recommendations according to the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRFI) research show that about a third of the most common cancer are preventable through nutritious diets, maintain a healthy weight and regular physical activity.

Avoid high calorie foods and sugary drink, limit consumption of energy dense foods high in fats or low in fibre.

However, being physically active for at least 30 minutes every day is equivalent to brisk walking; limit sedentary habits such as watching television.

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Sunday 02 September 2018

Feature Road traffic accidents: When prevention is better than cure ODINAKA ANUDU

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anuary 13, 2017. Mangled bodies of passengers of a Hiace bus littered the Onicha-Ugbo end of the Lagos-Benin expressway.

Heads were rolling on the ground, separated from their bodies. Two commercial buses had had a head-on collision, resulting in the death of six people, with 11 others injured.

Onlookers watched as the injured writhed in pains. They were possibly afraid of being asked to pay hospital bills by the doctors. Some could also be afraid of being accused of murder by the police if they should take the victims to hospitals.

Two passers-by summoned the courage and provided firstaid services for the struggling victims. This is the story of Nigeria, where lives seem to mean little to the government and its agencies. But this is a story for another day.

Blood is flowing on Nigerian roads. Families are constantly in tears and sorrow for losing their loved ones—bread winners, in many cases.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently released a report entitled, ‘Road Transport Data for Fourth Quarter 2017’, revealing that 1,306 Nigerians died in road accidents in the fourth quarter of 2017. That’s the last three months of 2017.

The report showed that out of the number, 1,019 were male, representing 78 percent; while 287 were female, representing 22 percent.

In February this year, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) came up with another report which recorded 4,410 deaths by road accidents in 2017.

The report said there were all together 7,937 road crashes in 2017, with 23,392 victims injured.

The numbers were worse in 2016, when 4,527 accident victims died, with 26,749 injured.

Analysts attribute the rising rate of accidents to rapid growth in urbanisation.

In 2012, the United Nations Organisation (UN) put Nigeria’s urbanisation rate at 51 percent, suggesting that over 80 million people lived in the cities. Currently, the UN says this number is growing at an annual rate of 3.5 percent.

“Consider a city like Lagos.

This is the smallest state in Nigeria with a size of only 3,345

The erosion sites within Ndogo Community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.

square kilometres. Yet you have over 20 million residents.

And you have almost 12 million cars in the city. Tell me how you won’t have high rate of road traffic accidents?” asked Usuala Nkem, an economist and urbanisation expert.

“As people move from villages to cities, they change their economic well-being and acquire cars, bikes and bicycles.

What we should do is now to strategise and focus on prevention of accidents and injuries,” Nkem said.

Talking about prevention, Nigeria has a number of federal and state agencies that work to reduce road traffic accidents across the country. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is in charge of monitoring and enforcing traffic rules on federal roads. The Nigeria Police also has a traffic arm, with a responsibility to control, movement of vehicles and checkmate transport-relate crimes.

But each of the 36 states has its own traffic agency that performs similar functions in town and villages. Notable among them is the Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA), which is seen as the most effective and efficient. All the traffic agencies monitor

compliance to traffic rules and regulations. They ensure that drivers have their licenses and sometimes check whether they have fire extinguishers or not.

However, analysts worry that Nigerian agencies do not take sufficient preventive measures.

For example, BusinessDay has observed that traffic agencies do not request drivers’ licenses and fire extinguishers from commercial vehicle drivers. Yet these vehicles ferry more passengers than private cars.

More so, despite being the most populous country in Africa, the country still faces recurring cases of drink-driving, which is seen as the chiefest cause of road traffic accidents.

“Often it is an innocent person who suffers, not the driver who is over the drink drive,” says the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, a British charity that aims to save lives and prevent life-changing injuries which occur as a result of accidents.

The maximum blood alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (80mg/100 ml).

In Scotland, it was lowered to 50mg/100ml blood on December 5, 2014.

In Northern Ireland, the limit is the same as in England and Wales, but there are plans to lower it, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents says.

However, Nigeria does not measure alcohol limit in the blood and does not have the technology to do so.

“We can begin to use breath tests and analysers. Anyone above a certain level of alcohol in their blood should then be stopped from driving and even prosecuted,” said Ike Ibeabuchi, managing director of a chemical firm.

Moreover, the rate of fire accidents on roads is high. In 2016, Lagos State alone recorded 115 cases of fire accidents involving takers. Nwanovim George, former chief fire service, Lagos State Fire Service, said in early 2017.

“We wish to advise our drivers to be careful on the road and to always make use of their fire extinguishers anytime there is fire,” George said.

Samuel Adewumi, an awardwinning Nigerian inventor, recently introduced a new technology called Fire-Boss Automatic Extinguisher designed to automatically forestall fire outbreaks resulting from car

accidents, which is mostly responsible for most deaths by road accidents.

Up till now, his technology is not used by any state.

Nigerians are also asking drivers to check their vehicles before leaving each day. A number of commercial bus drivers leave as early as 5am in major cities without doing proper examinations of their brakes, fuel tanks, steering and other parts of their vehicles.

“Careless drivers ‘litter’ our roads. They wake up in the morning and pick up passengers without buying fuel and checking the functionalities of their vehicles. At each metre, their vehicles break down and passengers set down and do some pushing,” an angry Hamzat Abdullahi, a trader in Kwara State, north-central of Nigeria, said.

“They ‘pack’ 20 passengers in buses that are supposed to take 14 passengers. In many cases their vehicle doors are so strong that it is only them that can open the doors. If a fire incident occurs or armed robbers attack, no one can escape. This is the height of irresponsibility on their part and the part of traffic agencies,” Abdullahi said.

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Feature Why President’s refusal to sign PIGB will cripple oil and gas industry OLUSOLA BELLO

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he nation, particularly, the oil and gas industry, was thrown into a rude shock last week following the refusal by President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), a segment of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The expectation had been high because there is the general belief among investors and many players in the industry that if the bill is signed into law, the oil and gas industry would have access to a new life line which would increase the tempo of activities in the upstream of the industry, The action of the president is a big setback to the industry, the nation and the economy generally, especially for a country that operates a monolithic economy.

In the past 11 years, there have not been any major exploratory and seismic activities in the sector. All the investments into the sector so far have been for production and not exploration. The country has been claiming that it has 37 billion oil reserves for several years. But it has not been able to make new discoveries thereby depleting even the so-called 37 billion barrels on daily basis. This is because of the uncertainty that has surrounded the passage of the PIB With all the efforts put into making the document by the National Assembly members and the general public, this coupled with the interest it has generated both locally and internationally, operators were very optimistic that the President would this time around assent to the bill, no matter the anomalies associated with it. Such gray areas (the shortcomings) could be fine-tuned later as it becomes operational.

The global extractive industry watchdog, Publish What You Pay (PWYP), had stated that Nigeria is losing N3 trillion annually for failing to put in place a proper legislation for the oil and gas industry. The concerns of Nigerians and stakeholders alike stem from the fact that past legislatures had promised to pass the PIB, only to renege at the end of their respective tenures.

The prospect that the other segments of the bill, which are fiscal, host community, would be signed into law when work on them is completed, is very slim given what has happened to the PIGB. Obviously, the much expected investment inflow into the oil and gas industry may be far from coming because of this development.

President Buhari refused to sign into law the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill on account that the bill is permitting the Petroleum Regulatory Commission to retain as much as 10percent of the revenue generated in oil and gas industry.

He said the bill unduly increases the funds accruing to the commission to the detriment of the revenue available to the Federal, States, Federal Capital Territory and Local Governments in the country.

Ita Enang, senior special assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, disclosed this while briefing State House Correspondents.

Other reasons include, expanding the scope of Petroleum Equalisation Fund and some provisions in divergence from

President Buhari

“By convention, it is inappropriate to speak on the content of executive communication addressed to the Legislature until same has been read on the floor in plenary” this administration’s policy and indeed conflicting provisions on independent petroleum equalisation fund.

He also stated that some legislative drafting concerns which, if assented to in the form presented, will create ambiguity and conflict in interpretation.

“By convention, it is inappropriate to speak on the content of executive communication addressed to the Legislature until same has been read on the floor in plenary”, he said.

But the question is, how much would the Petroleum Regulatory Commission

President Buhari

generate that retaining 10percent of the revenue would become an issue? From statistics, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which would be replaced by the commission, does not make more than N500billion annually. This is from licenses, permits, signature bonuses and fees and not from the crude oil sold.

The Department of Petroleum Resources is so incapacitated currently because it is poorly financed to the extent that it finds it difficult to perform its functions without compromising its regulatory role.

Does the government want to cripple the commission by starving it of the necessary funds?

Certainly, the issue of 10 percent revenue to PRC is not a good reason for the bill not to be assented to.

Enang said he had pleaded for the understanding of the legislature that due to the misrepresentations in the public domain and apparent deliberate blackmail which if not promptly addressed may set both the executive and the legislature against the public and even the international investment community.

This action by President Buhari has consequently elicited barrage of reactions from oil and gas industry stakeholders who expressed disappointment over the issue.

This is a big drawback for the country and oil and gas industry in terms of investments as expected investors would now be considering taking their money to other parts of the world, said one of the stakeholders.

Godswill Iheatu, immediate past president of Petroleum Club, said he expected the action of the President, given the fact that if the bill was to be signed into law in its current status, it gives a lot of power to the director-general of the Nigeria Petroleum Regulatory Commission which will take over the functions of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

He however, said it was better to have a financially strong institution.

Dada Thomas, managing director of Frontier Petroleum and current president of the Nigeria Gas Association, told BusinessDay that he was disappointed over the development.

“We thought if the bill is assented to, it would give the industry the lee way to operate transparently and also promote accountability in the oil and gas industry which is what this government has been championing. The 8th Assembly has lost the PIB again,” he said.

“Would it now take between 20 to 25 years to pass a single bill into law?” he asked.

According to him, “For a country that is asking for foreign investment, this is not the way we should go.”

Abiodun Adesanya, managing director of Degeconek, said the action has stalled creation of jobs and increased unemployment. He added that valuable times and money spent on putting together the document have been wasted.

“We have suffered enough as a people over this matter”, he said.

Already, a significant decline was recorded in foreign investment inflow into the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry in the second quarter of 2018, as total capital imported into the industry between April and June 2018, dipped by 70.98 percent, compared with the amount imported in the first three months of the year.

According to data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS’ Nigerian Capital Importation report for the second quarter of 2018, foreign capital inflow into the oil and gas industry declined by $60.77 million to $24.85 million in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $85.62 million recorded in the first quarter.

However, no reason was given for the sharp drop in foreign capital inflow into the oil and gas industry, but analysts have consistently blamed the decline in investment on uncertainty in the industry, following the delay in the assent of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), and the non-passage of the remaining variants of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The report further stated that the oil and gas industry accounted for 0.45 percent of the $5.514 billion total capital imported into the economy in the second quarter, compared to its contribution of 1.36 percent to the $6.3 billion total capital imported in the industry in the first quarter.

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Deception as a common trademark

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Sunday 02 September 2018

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

T

hey are common sights on major roads across the country. They are vehicles with divine messages of hope, belief, righteousness, piety, patience, love and fairness. The messages are printed in such colourful and attractive fashion that easily attracts curious attention.

At first, the general presumption at the sight of such vehicles is that, with such unambiguous godly messages, the drivers should be heavenly bound characters who are just marking time in this sinful world.

Experience has, however, shown that drivers, and sometimes, occupiers of such vehicles, often act in manners that make nonsense of the messages convey by their vehicles. Sometimes, drivers of the piously embed vehicles drive in such reckless, disorderly and ungodly fashion that make one wonders if they are actually serious about messages their vehicles convey.

This, of course, is the tragedy of our nation. Metaphorical representations of such vehicles and drivers abound in every facet of

our national life. They are everywhere. They occupy high places at the corridor of power. They hold high offices in religious circles.

They occupy strategic positions in the education sector. They even operate within the various national security outfits. These are men to whom talk is cheap.

They are men who don’t act what they preach. They are men of two parallel worlds. In the inside, they are snakes. But they pretend to be doves at the outside. Hypocrisy is their stock in trade. Deception is their trademark. They sing the national anthem with pride; recite the national pledge with relish, but stab the nation in the back at the slightest prospect.

As a nation, we have not made much progress partly because of our hypocritical and deceitful inclinations. At their inaugurations, our leaders often swear by the holy books to uphold the constitution and operate in the fear of God. With several stories of several billions of naira either missing or being misappropriated, over the years, one begins to wonder if they actually believe in the sacredness of their oath of office. It is amazing how we play fools with God. Whom do we actually take God for? A dumb deity who sees and hears nothing?

We have turned deception into an art. We claim ours is a constitutional democracy but in all honesty we operate a system that promotes injustice and slaughter justice on the altar of political

expediency. The end justifies the means. Mind you, this doesn’t just start now; it has been a long standing tradition. While some hapless guys rot in prison for offences considered trivial, many who should have been forgotten in jail remain strategically positioned at the corridor of power determining the fate of millions of their ill-fated compatriots. When an incurable drunk is behind the wheel of a priceless exotic car, your guess is as good as mine. This, of course, has been the unfortunate tale of our country.

Unfortunately, the hypocritical bug has gotten to hitherto revered religious institutions where, naturally, one should expect a reasonable measure of godliness and piousness.

Today, we have prophets, seers and clerics, of all shades, who desecrate the name and altar of God, like the biblical Esau, for a pot of porridge. The altar of God is now being corrupted by men who claim to know God but whose god is actually mammon. How does one explain the double standard of a ‘man of God’ who preaches faithfulness to marital vows but himself secretly keeps several concubines. Regrettably, these so called ‘men of God’ boast of a passionate and highly fanatical followership. Talk of the blind leading the blind. What a pity!

The traditional institution is not equally faring better. Today, across the country, we have re-

spected monarchs, who occupy sacred ancestral thrones, but carry themselves in manners that could actually incur the rage of the gods. f you have ever given your car to a mechanic to fix or you have had course to deal with plumbers, electricians, carpenters etc, you will appreciate the ingenuity of the average Nigerian at cutting corners! Ironically, these are people with varied religious convictions.

Virtuous such as discipline, integrity, hard work, honesty and selflessness have taken the back seat. Gone are the days when student unionism was anchored purely on principles and ideological leanings. Today, student union leaders secretly hobnob with the very oppressors that they are supposed to boldly confront. If Mandela had acted in such a manner, perhaps, South Africa would still be under political bondage today!

A nation that is built on falsehood and deception will continue to breed nutty and boorish people. No nation makes real progress with such people. If we must get it right as a nation we need to uphold truth, honesty and integrity above other such brazen self centered values that have stunted our growth as a nation.

It is not enough to make a profession of faith. We need to match faith with corresponding work.

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

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Sunday 02 September 2018

TheWorshippers Giving: An act of godliness that must be done with understanding The doctrine of the sower and reaper is one of the parables and teachings of Jesus Christ to his disciples and the church. SEYI JOHN SALAU writes on seed sowing and lessons for Christians.

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ucky Dube, the late South African reggae artiste, in one of his popular songs, said, “What type of rich man are you; who doesn’t care about the poor people? There you read it in the Bible; but don’t understand what it says: It says blessed is the hand that giveth than the one that taketh. Does it make you feel happy when you see another man starving, when you see another man with no food? Does it make you feel great, maybe, to see another man, without a thing?”

This tune clearly sets the mood for one of the most topical issues in Christendom today, especially here in Nigeria. Jesus was critical of the Jews for often dividing the Old Testament into the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. However, in each of those three divisions, we read about the concept of seed sowing in the bible; setting an example for us as believers of the scriptures in today’s world.

The Lord’s Parable of the Sower spoke about a sower that went forth to sow seeds in the fields.

In explaining the parable to his disciples, Jesus said, “The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11).

However, in explaining the parable further to his disciples, Jesus said the seed is God’s word, then it follows that the action of the sower sowing seed symbolises or represents a person sowing or teaching the word of God. However, seed sowing in today’s world has been abused by many a preacher who have tied the concept of seed sowing to material gains, playing down the initial concept of the word, which it symbolises.

While it is true that seeds can at times produce fruit without human efforts in sowing, the concept of seed sowing collaborating the word of Jesus Christ, where he

Tunde Henry-Temile, senior pastor Barnabas Generation

said “the field is ripe for harvest,” as a lesson for Christians to send out the word in anticipation of kingdom harvest.

It is possible that a seed (word) could be spilled out of a container, fall on the ground, and eventually produce fruit. In the same way, a person that has never met a Christian could read the Bible and afterwards, produce a heart that already knows the truth and wants to obey it. However, if the believer fails to sow the seed, there will be no spiritual harvest.

However, what we found in Christendom today are preachers and pastors who promote seed sowing with material and tangible returns for harvest. These are usually referred to as “prosperity gospel preachers” who are strong

advocates of the word/work of faith movement that often talk about seed sowing, faith offerings, and the hundred-fold returns. A seed faith offering to these prosperity preachers could only come as money given in faith that God will multiply; in return to the giver.

The more money you give as a believer in God’s vineyard; depicting the level of faith you have as a Christian; the more rewards (money) you get in return. These prosperity preachers often solicit gifts to their ministries by promising such in-kind returns: “sow a seed of N100,000 and trust God to give you back double.” Their appeals for money usually come with a spiritual and scriptural backing such as “God wants to bless you with a miracle” or “Jesus is bigger

CAN charged Christians to help improve living standards of less privileged

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he Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi Chapter, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, recently urged Christian faithful to pay more attention to the living standard of the less privileged in the society, at the 2018 August Women Convention of St. John Paul ll Parish, Nkeleke Echara in Abakaliki.

Nwali, who double as the Special Assistant to David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi state on Religious and Welfare Matters, said Christians should contribute to the wellbeing of the less privileged as they would obtain rewards from God. According to Nwali, contributing to better the lives of the downtrodden in a way is contributing to the things of God and improving on the socio-economic activities

of people.

“Partaking in the improvement of the less privileged ones, attract reward from God. Let us build the culture of respect in the place of worship and avoid being distracted with irrelevant activities,’’ said Nwali urging the participants at the convention to live practical Christian lives to build the nation.

Rachael Umahi, wife of the

governor, urged the women to investing on the needy and show good character, conducts and respect for their husbands to build a good society.

“The greatest investment is the one you are doing for the less privileged ones and we will also account for those attached to us on the way we treat and brought them up,’’ she stated.

Cecilia Alieze, president, Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of the parish, said the women had contributed to building the peace for the progress both in their families and the society.

Represented by Irene Iduma, the secretary of CWO, Alieze said, “The 2018 August convention will add more values to our lives and constant maintenance of peace will be achieved not only in the church but the society.’’

than your worries” or “Jesus will supply all your needs” with the likes. However, they have the right bible quotations to support their teachings on sowing for the gospel with references like Mark4:8; Mark 4:14; or Malachi 3: 10.

In the recent past, the story on seed sowing has generated heated debate about the essence of the act itself, raising questions like: should we give solely because we want to reap benefits; is it right to give and expect rewards in return under the new covenant dispensation; are we compelled to give to the church/ men of God; and does God expect the poor to give in sowing seed for God’s blessings?

Tunde Henry-Temile, a Port Harcourt-based clergyman and senior pastor of Barnabas Generation, in explaining the concept of seed sowing in Christendom to BDSUNDAY quoted “2 Corinthians 8:1-5” and said, a farmer sows seeds with an expectant intent of abundance. Seed sowing in the church is not different from giving money; material possession; a show of love; visitation and prayers for fellows.

Are we compelled to give to the church/men of God? The word compel gives a signal of force or obligation to do something. Giving is not just an act, but a ministry.

It leads to generational impact.

2 Corinthians 8 tells us about a set of people in Macedonia who love God but were very poor. Paul knew their misery and didn’t want to bother them about the urgent needs of the parent church in Jerusalem. When the people got the wind, they were angry with Paul for depriving them from giving.

The Bible says they begged again and again for the privilege of giving to the believers in Jerusalem. Paul was surprised because they even gave more than he expected. These people gave not because they

were compelled to but because they loved God and understood the ministry of giving. No wonder Paul could pray for them in Philippines 4:19.

“But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) We were taught in science that radiation leads to condensation of the clouds which later fall back to the earth as rain. This is described as ‘water cycle’. This I likened to the ministry of giving. Our sincere giving goes like radiation to saturate the clouds and it comes down like rain. I can’t guarantee you the time lapse for the process but I know it will definitely rain down.

This is what the Macedonia church understood.

We can give out of little or nothing but make sure it is without grudges. Give with joy and love even if what you have is sparingly.

The Bible says God loves a cheerful giver.

Giving to men of God Apostle Paul asked a question in 1 Corinthians 9:11, “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your carnal things.” He went further in verse 13, “Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?” (See also Romans 15:25-27).

Giving to the church/MOGs and other fellows is a godly act but should be done with understanding and with a cheerful heart. God is not a taskmaster but He had given man the simple principle of giving in Genesis 8:22.

Apostle Suleman to pastors: Don’t denigrate the altar of God

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eneral Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleiman has urged preachers of the gospel, especially those in the habit of inviting comedians who take delight in using the name Jesus Christ to crack jokes, not to denigrate the altar of God. The cleric who queried why no comedian uses the name of

Mohammed to crack jokes in Mosques, was of the opinion that such comedian would be killed.

He however urged Christians to stand in defense of clergymen as they get dragged online.

Apostle Suleman who was preaching at one of the church’s branch in Edo State recently, said people seems not to have regard for the things of God. “Imagine comedians will be cracking jokes and using Jesus for joke, calling Jesus Bros J and a pastor doesn’t go to the altar and give him sound slap. Can you joke with Mohammed like that,” he asked.

In recent times, many pastors have raised concerns about bringing comedians to the altar to make fun of name Jesus Christ, as they consider it an act of denigrating the name of Jesus and the church of Christ.

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Inspirations Cultural Christianity

PASTOR I.S JAMES ACTS 14:8-12

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his message is more of an instructional than a teaching. Today, I will probably be saying some things that I would rather not say and you might find offensive and I would like to apologise upfront for this.

Some of the behavioural patterns I have seen exhibited by people under my care as a pastor have been rather troubling & I would like to address some of them in this message in instructing us to help us measure up and conform to the fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ.

John 8:20-24

Here Jesus is having a discourse in the synagogue (today, we’d refer to this as being in Church). We can also conclude that He was speaking to Godly people in the synagogue.

Let’s list some of the main points of this passage of Scripture that we’ve read: 1. Jesus in this passage was telling the unbelieving Jews listening to Him that they’d die in their sins except they believe that he was the Messiah.

2. He also made clear that He is from above, while the listening audience is from beneath/below.

3. That they’re from this world while He wasn’t from this world.

(John 17:14) “I have given them Your word and

the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” In this passage, Jesus is praying for His disciples. Here we see that a disciple is someone who’s received God’s word into his life. They are believers.

He then points out that the world will hate you (because you’re not part of them) if you’re a believer. If you’re not hated by the world, then it’s probably because you’re no different from them yet.

The disciples (just like the Jews) were part of the world before, but when Jesus came and brought them the word, they stayed with Him & believed in His divinity. They thus became called out of the world.

So, generally speaking believers in Christ who have received His word & believed in His substitutionary death for their sins, burial & resurrection, have been called out of the world (separated from its lifestyle & mannerisms) and don’t belong to it anymore. It means they live in the world, but they aren’t of & don’t belong to the world anymore.

So, where then do we belong if we aren’t of the world anymore?

(Phil. 3:20) “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 2:19b) “… but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” Our citizenship is of heaven, and we are of the Household of God – God’s family. We don’t belong to this world anymore, when Christ called us, our citizenship was transferred from the world to heaven. You are now a member of God’s family.

However, you can’t belong to two families at the same time. You can’t claim to be a part of God’s family while still behaving like you belong to the world.

(Psalm 68:6a) “God sets the solitary in families…”

If you don’t accept this call of God to join

His family means you’re still in the world.

There are also some people who’ve apparently answered this call of God, but their lifestyles are no different from that of the world as they still THINK and ACT like they belong to the world and not heaven.

What is Cultural Christianity? It’s a brand of Christianity practiced by those who claim to be in Christ, but they think, act & have a mindset like the people of the world.

Everything they feel, see & understand is interpreted in the light of their traditional upbringing. These are Christians who have left the world, but their minds are still imprisoned by the world. They are saved, but they still are not saved.

They are supposed Christians who have come out of the world, but they are controlled by the mindset that’s from the world and not

by God’s word. As mentioned earlier, this is as a result of their upbringing - education, culture, tradition, etc.

Man is a spirit, who has a soul & dwells in a body. The spirit is that part that resembles God; it’s that creative spark from God that brought man to life. The soul is another spiritual aspect of man; it’s the seat of your mind (conscious and subconscious), emotions and will.

A quick flashback to one of our previous topics Paradigm Shift will remind you that the mind is split into the conscious & subconscious parts. The conscious part of our minds is the one we have control over and with which we think & reason. It’s the part of the mind that can be educated & empowered intellectually. Everything that you store in the conscious part of your mind eventually seeps into your subconscious and most involuntary actions we make issue from the subconscious part of our minds.

You can consciously reprogram your mind to receive or reject the information you obtain; you make judgments in the conscious

part of your mind. However, once information is stored in (the conscious part of) the mind, it tends to seep into the subconscious.

How Do You Feed The Subconscious?

1. By becoming aware of it with your conscious mind 2. By staying long enough with that thought, idea or practice (continuous meditation & repetition) 3. By involving your emotions (either positive or negative) You (as an individual) are the sum total of your subconscious. Your subconscious is shaped by what you have been exposed to, from what you’ve carried over from the world, been taught by your parents, learnt by watching others, the media and cultural influences.

The combination of all these factors & influences is what has shaped your subconscious and personality; they’ve made us what we are today. This as you can see is a result of a lot of influences over a long period of time, so it definitely can’t be changed instantaneously.

How do you change the wrong notions that are in your subconscious?

1. Make a conscious effort to learn & focus on the right thing.

2. Practice the new things you’ve learnt to be right repetitively.

3. Love the new notion/action.

Following these steps will see you superimposing a new way of thinking on the wrong notions in your subconscious and this will lead to your acting out the new, right way of life subconsciously.

Dr. Iruofagha James is the Founding Pastor, Glory Christian Ministries, Odo-Olowo Street, Apapa/Oshodi Expressway, Ijeshatedo, Lagos. www.isjames.org Tel: 08060599144

Change The Channel

REV. YOMI KASALI

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@rev.yomikasali

elevision has become one of the most powerful information tool in today’s world. Statistics have it that most people have their views shaped by what they watch on television; there is almost a Channel for anything you want to watch in civilized countries; education, News, information, entertainment, movies, sports, etc. are just a few of the options usually available on television, ranging from the good, the bad and the ugly, everything is available. We have to flip through those channels sometimes looking for what might be of interest to you with so many options available but it depends on the moral rectitude of the person watching to Change the Channel for their edification.

The Bible tells us to diligently protect our hearts by guarding what goes into it through the gateways to the heart, The Eyes and The Ears. Solomon charged his son in Proverbs 4 v 20-23 – My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them

not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy he art with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

The two gateways to the heart of man are the Eyes and Ears from the above passage of scriptures. You will become what you hear and see, therefore be careful how you expose yourself to your own peril, be bold to Change the Channel or else the Channel Will Change Your Life.

This is what I have done in the last two years or so with respect to ‘fake news’ on political affairs, I have had to Change The Channel because of my heart, I don’t want to expose my heart to poisonous information that is pushed out daily about people that I like or admire. That is why I do not even watch some Christian programs again because of the values of the preachers they feature regularly. These Channels have the power to Change Your Life if you don’t Change The Channel today.

5 REASONS TO CHANGE THE CHANNEL

1. YOU BECOME WHAT YOU SEE: Jacob used this rule to increase his flock in the house of Laban when he placed the cattle.

And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so

the feebler were Laban’s, and the stronger Jacob’s. And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels – Gen. 30: 41 – 43.

2. FAITH COMES BY HEARING: Paul revealed the secret of faith to us as a product of what you hear often and regularly, so you develop trust and faith in what you hear on television.

3. THE HEART DEVELOPS YOUR CHARACTER: As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. You are a product of what is in the abundance in your heart. Remember our Lord said, ‘out of the abundance of man’s heart, the mouth speaks.’

4. BEWARE OF ADDICTION: Some people that have been addicted to pornography acknowledged that they could not

Change the Online Channel that got them addicted and destroyed their moral lives by killing their consciences. It is addictive.

5. THERE ARE MANY OTHER OPTIONS: The final reason to Change the Channel is because of the options available to you daily. Don’t get stuck with the wrong Channels but just change it and protect your heart.

Remember, if you do not CHANGE THE CHANNEL, the Channel Can Change Your Life.

Be inspired.

Shalom.

Rev. Yomi Kasali is Senior Pastor, Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA), Surulere, Lagos

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Sunday 02 September 2018

Interview What makes the Technical University, Ibadan differ from Polytechnics and Universities of Technology? have had to answer this question several times and we have to keep on explaining to the general public for them to understand the main difference between the newly established Technical University and other universities and polytechnics. The polytechnics were supposed to be centers where people who have skills are trained, where you have technicians and technologists.

Universities are supposed to be centers where managers are trained, so the polytechnic graduates are expected to have the skills but not so much of the theoretical or the managerial ability, they are supposed to work under managers and the universities are supposed to have more of the theoretical and managerial abilities, with less of the skills. The Technical University is an institution where you combine the two, where the people who have the technical skills combine it with both theoretical and managerial skills, so that will differentiate the product of the technical university from the product of the polytechnics.

But even we can interrogate that further, when you look at the graduates from the polytechnics, a lot of issues being raised are that are they really having the skills they are supposed to have? When you even look at the graduates from the conventional universities, the question has been raised that can they live up to the expectations of the society based on the certificate they possess? I keep on saying that the issue in Nigeria is not just about the knowledge gap, it’s about the skills gap.

We have a skills gap in Nigeria today whether you go to the conventional university or polytechnic, at the end of the day when the graduates come out, they cannot serve as plug and play, whether in the industry or in any organisation and the technical university has come on board to ensure that we do not only address the issue of knowledge gap but the issue of the skills gap in this country.

The Federal Government keeps granting licenses for the establishment of private universities in addition to public universities. Do we really need some of these universities?

When we talk about many universities, I think we are not really putting it in context, especially when talking about our population.

Look at the UK for instance, how many universities do we have in that country alone, what is the population of the UK itself? So, in terms of population I believe we do not have enough universities in Nigeria if we are going to create access for those who are qualified.

So, the issue of more universities is not a problem. We actually need more, but I believe we need to go beyond the issue of expanding the access, we need to talk about even improving the quality, so that we do not over-emphasise expanding access without actually considering quality and what will become of those students when they graduate, will they become half-baked, will they become use-

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Why we need more quality varsities in Nigeria – Vice Chancellor Ayobami Salami, a professor of Space Applications and Environmental Studies, is the Vice Chancellor of the First Technical University, Ibadan. In this interview with AKINREMI FEYISIPO, he explains how the institution is different from polytechnics and the University of Technology, the unique courses offered, the standard of education in country and why the country needs more universities, among other issues. Excerpts:

Ayobami Salami

ful to themselves and the society, will they not be angry when they finish and they have their certificates which are not useful to themselves or the society?

This is what is actually fueling the increase in crime rate. You have youths who believe they have wasted a lot of their years going through a training which at the end of the day it is not useful to them and it’s not beneficial to the society.

Is our education in Nigeria actually falling and what do you think is missing in the education sector?

Well when you ask the question whether the standard of education is falling, I want to say that it is actually in relative terms. Let me give you an example, when the University of Ibadan started, how many students were in the class?

How many lecturers do they have?

What were the facilities available?

So if you can merge the number of students with the staff and the ratio, plus the products you have at that time, and then compare it now. Like then, you have ratio 1-3, but now you have like ratio 1-50.

If the lecturers are achieving the standard they are now, you will find out that they are putting more than then, so it is easy to begin to blame the lecturers or blame the students that the standard is falling, but we are comparing apples with onions, so you have to compare apples with apples and that is actually what we want to get right, and we are getting it right by the grace of God at the first technical university; we want to make sure that the facilities are there. We want to make sure the students and the staff ratio are there, we want to make sure that conducive environment is

guaranteed, we want to make sure that we replicate what people look for outside Nigeria.

The name of the institution was changed recently, having passed through legislative process; what do you have to say concerning the change of the name; do you think it will give the institution the desired result?

Recently, the Act establishing the university was amended by the Oyo State House of Assembly based on the proposal sent to the House. Let me say that first, about the change of name, I don’t know whether it’s a change of name or a modification, it used to be called technical university, now you insert the word “FIRST” before technical university. We are now First Technical University. Let me explain the reason, by the grace of God, what we are starting, ten, fifteen years

down the road it’s going to be a model that many governments and many private sectors would be able to replicate in several places and therefore from the word go, it’s important, aside from our position in history.

Historically, we have many technical universities in other parts of Africa, we have in Ghana, East Africa and South Africa, but you can go and cross-check it, none of these universities started as technical universities, they started as polytechnics that eventually metamorphosed into technical universities. Just like you have colleges of education that are upgraded to universities of education but in the whole of West Africa, we are the first university that was conceived, established and operating as a technical university.

Just like you hear of First Bank, when you hear of the bank you don’t need to argue, you know that its the first bank in the Nigerian territory, so that is one aspect of that amendment to really assert our place in history but apart from that, that amendment also allows the university now to fully operate on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model so that we can be an hybrid of both the public and private sectors. So that we can combine the advantages of the public universities with those of the private universities, eating our cake and having it at the same time, which allows us to enter into robust collaborations with the private sector, in furtherance of the mission of the university to ensure that the laudable goals of this institution are archived.

Let’s face the fact; it’s only when people want to play politics they don’t really want to say the truth.

The fact remains that we know that education is social responsibility, but the reality of it is that government has not been able to fully fund tertiary education to the level expected and there is no free lunch anywhere, so if government is not ready to really pay the full bill and then we don’t want the parents to pay it, then definitely there’s going to be deficiency on the part of the product.

Now we are the university that is having the support of the government of the public institution, where at the stage we are allowed to also leverage all the opportunities available within the private sectors, so that at the end of the day we will be able to have the capacity to do what is expected of us and there will not be problem with respect to expected product.

At what point in time did you consider the PPP arrangement?

Let me say now and clearly that the university is owned by the Oyo State Government, the first technical university yesterday and today is 100 percent owned by the state, but what the government has done is to allow the private sector to come and complement its effort so that the burden will not rest squarely on the government due to limited resources. The reality on ground is that this makes the university to be able to generate and access the resources needed for full implementation or execution of this mission.

Government realises the fact that given the competing demands

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Interview and the available resources, the government will not be able to shoulder the responsibilities alone, so, it is now giving a window for the private sector to come and complement its efforts, but its not a profit making venture with the private sector coming in. Let me tell you the type of partnership we are going to be having with private sector.

Firstly, we are looking at business partners that can only operate within a limited space within the technical university, like you want to build hostels, you can come and then we arrange that.

But beyond that, we are also looking for angel investors, these are people who see that this is a mission and an objective that is worthy, something they have been yearning and crying for but they don’t see the avenue or they don’t see anybody that actually approximate that vision. They have the resources, they have the mind but they don’t see anybody doing things they want, they want to support us, they don’t want to be known, they are not looking for profit, they are not looking for name, they are not looking for recognition, they just see a worthy cause and let me say within the first year we have operated we have had angel investors. Up till today, they are not mentioned, they just see that this is something that is good for this country and want to be part of it.

We also have legacy donors, they are not looking for profit but they want to immortalise their names. They see a worthy cause, they want to say I’m part of it and not that they are expecting anything. We have an example of a legacy donor, who is AMNI Petroleum International Limited, the Chief Executive, Tunde Afolabi, decided to build AMNI International Institute in this university and that will cost over N1bn. The Institute is going to be named after AMNI but they are not expecting any profit, they are not looking for any reward or any returns, but they just see that this is a mission that is worthy of supporting and there are so many legacy investors that are not looking for avenue, they are looking for worthy causes to be identified with but they don’t seem to have enough, they are looking for where they can put their resources and they would be glad that they are part of this project, part of this success story, so these are the kind of investors we are looking at.

So, when we talk of the PPP, we are not talking in terms of let us come and share profit ,this venture is not for those who are looking for profit ,anybody looking for profit should look elsewhere.

Can you lead us into your programmes and the relevance of those courses to the Nigerian system?

Let me first of all say that before we commenced the full academic activities, the National Universities Commission (NUC) which is one of the regulating agencies in the educational sector in Nigeria decided to conduct what is called resource verification to this university from July 12-14, 2017, and the aim was to access our facilities, human and material resources and know whether we can actually deliver on what we promise to deliver,

Ayobami Salami

based on what is available. By 4th of August 2017 we were given approval to run 15 programs, let me put it on record that we actually applied to NUC for 14 programmes, but when NUC came here and saw what we have, both in terms of facilities and human resources, they said we are qualified to have 15 programs so one was added, based on what we have on ground.

The academic programmes we have are Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Full Science and Technology ,Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroluem Engineering, Microbiology, Industrial Chemistry, Physics with Electronics, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics.

Now the relevance of these programmes we are running that are not common in other conventional universities, for example Bio-Medical engineering, in Nigeria of today perhaps only University of Lagos(UNILAG) is running this, they started with us, they started last year and we also started last year, so in Nigeria today, there are just two universities running the course. In the country presently, we use a lot of sophisticated equipment that are imported, which are not manufactured in Nigeria here and when they break down we don’t have people that can either maintain or repair them. So what happens when they break down you have to fly in experts from outside the country to come and either maintain or repair, and at a point in time you have to look for money to buy another one. So, you find out that you spend a lot of money

to buy equipment because of lack of maintenance and adequate requirements, within two-three years they are gone and this has been on for so long because we can’t take care of them. So we are filling this skills gap by running BioMedical engineering so that these sophisticated medical equipment can be maintained and repaired by the people that are trained within this country.

On Cyber Security, I stand to be corrected, I don’t know of any university in Nigeria that is running a BSC programme in Cyber Security and we keep on saying this is a digital age, we want to move

We are also looking for angel investors, these are people who see that this is a mission and an objective that is worthy, something they have been yearning and crying for but they don’t see the avenue or they don’t see anybody that actually approximate that vision

to E-Governance, E-Banking, ESecurity, E-Banking, we are talking about the issue of Boko-Haram insurgencies and one of the major problems that goes with the digital age is the issue of Cyber Crime, the Central Bank has been talking about it, security agencies have been talking about it but I keep on saying it, by global ranking, Nigeria is Number three in the world in cyber crime after United States of America and United Kingdom, but we don’t have people who are trained, who are skilled to really deal with that. This university is set to train a set of people that can actually make sure that they mitigate the issue of cyber crime in Nigeria.

Also, when you are a good software engineering you don’t need to look for a job, all you need is your laptop, internet connectivity and be your room, you can just write programs and make your money from it. So any good software engineer does not need to go around knocking at doors. You look at the problems that people are having these days because everything is running on software now, accounting systems are running on software, banks, so on and we don’t have many universities where software is being taught .

But I think FUTA has started running software engineering, these are the areas where gaps are needed to be filled. Even the ones that are known, like you talk of mechanical engineering, the way we also trained our students here is different from the way they will trained in conventional universities because what will be the justification for them to come to a technical university to study mechanical engineering, then they can go to University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University, but attending a technical university is going to be the unique advantage, that will be our selling point ,even if you go and read this program in other universities, the way we train our students is different. We trained them to fit the purpose.

In this institution, we divide our programmes into two components, 60 percent of instructions is taken by lecturers, 40 percent is taken by professionals in the field.

You are trained both by the lecturers and industry professionals, so our products are not just ordinary products; they are products of both the university and the industry.

We have signed an MoU with the Nigerian Institute of Engineers, with the private sectors to reserve spaces for our students for industrial exposures where facilities for their training are available.

I keep on saying it that I worked in the conventional university for 30 years before coming here as a pioneer vice chancellor, there is what is called Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) one of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) program. SIWES more or less now is just to fulfill all righteousness because they don’t have places; they just come and submit the report.

But the our institution, based on our agreement and our MOU with the private sector, we secure spaces for our students ,where facilities are available for their training ,we don’t send a mechanical engineer just to go to pure water

factory and just spend six months and just write your report.

No, we have signed an agreement with the private sector and when they are there, they will be faced with the real life situations and challenges.

Their projects are their products, every student before they graduate, must solve a societal problem. They must in their final year, do something that brings practical solution to problems in their field of study. The industries will tell us their challenges and this challenge is what will turn to the products for the students.

Also, our students go to the school of entrepreneurship and vocational studies, in this school you enroll for two major vocations of your choice which are related to your training. You will go through that training for three years, then you will be certificated in those two vocations, and when you are done in your third year , you are now asked to write a business proposal based on those vacations.

With this, industries have indicated interest to partner with us to sponsor some of those projects so while the students are still in the university, then we can begin to have this project executed and we will monitor them.

All these, we plan to take place in the third year but I am happy to tell you that it has started happening right from the first year.

The World Bank on its own, after looking at what we have been doing, and then seeing that we fit into the kind of expectations they are expecting, they wanted to come and work with us. There is a boot camp for Tech U students sponsored by the World Bank presently ongoing and they are taking our students through vocational training based on what we have thought them. When rounded off, three of the best ideas will be supported by the Bank. They are going to award prizes for the first, second and third, and that money is not going to the pocket of the students, it’s going to finance that idea. So we thought it was going to happen in the third year but to our pleasant surprise it started happening at the first year just because some people notice what we are doing and they decided that this is something they want to identify with.

If we look at the situation now, very soon, ASUU may be going on strike. Will the university be affected?

The first technical university will not be plagued by the strike epidemic that is common in public universities in Nigeria. Once you bring your students or your children to the institution, once the student does not fail, you can predict when the student will graduate. We are going to run a stable calendar, remember I told you this is not just a private university, it’s a public university with a private sector orientation and so the issue of industrial crisis does not arise. Let us really interrogate what’s actually the reason for industrial crisis? The major reason for industrial crisis is the welfare of staff, its when the employers or labour fail live up to the expectations and renege on the agreement they made with the workers, that the workers now begin to disrupt the system.

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Interview How to drive infrastructure growth through public-private sector partnerships, by Abazie MORITZ ABAZIE is the chairman of Strides Group, the owners of Strides Energy & Maritime Limited. In this interview with some journalists, he speaks on how to push economic growth and the need for increased public-private partnership to bridge infrastructural gaps. KENNETH ALISON brings you the excerpts:

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hat must Nigeria do in the area of infrastructure building to tap from its vast population?

As I have always stated, development economists will always attest to the fact that availability of quality infrastructure can directly raise the productivity of human and technical capital. This includes access to roads, improved education, market for farmers’ output, energy, amongst others. All these facilitate private investment and improve job and income levels.

Government’s investment in infrastructure activates the economy because when the economy is starved of infrastructure, human development is retarded and the economy cannot attract investment. Nigeria, or any other country in our situation, should put together a financial and business model for massive infrastructural development; there is no alternative to that.

A public-private partnership has been found to be the most effective model for doing this, as the model aligns economic goals of government with profit motives of the private sector, and with that, we can drive infrastructural development.

Energy for instance, is a great input to other infrastructural subsectors, and so have a very high social impact; we cannot make any meaningful growth or improve income level or job creation in the economy without fixing the energy supply and that is how it works and as well affect other sectors of the infrastructural layout.

How long will it take for the country to make headway in critical development infrastructure?

We cannot put a timeframe to that, because there are so many deciding factors at play in determining the infrastructural investment growth of any nation.

In our own case, the dynamics is a bit complex; the strategy formulation is something that we must get right or we have always gotten right as a nation, but the execution of the blueprint is a problem.

We need to gauge the political and institutional capacity and design a medium and long-term strategy. So, it’s all about the political will and institutional capacity; even when the political will is there, do we have the institutional capacity too?

If these two things are not aligned, we cannot put a timeframe, as it is a project execution issue that starts with policy formulation and determined by political will.

All these are things that you

Moritz Abazie

can’t measure or put a figure to in our nation today, but we just have to get started.

Most of the times we do a lot of blueprints, design strategies, but when we get to execution, we fail.

Again, the country needs to get started, but to put a timeframe is not feasible at the moment.

How best can Nigeria leverage the public-private partnership model in its quest for development?

When we talk about publicprivate partnership, we are looking at the government partnering with the private sector to create a transparent and sustainable model that is not susceptible to the political fabrics of the nation.

The government can take a fund for instance, set up a management for it, invest or provide its own contributions into that fund, determine the areas it wants to intervene in terms of infrastructure, and design investment packages that will be attractive to private investors.

The goal of private investors is to make profit; while the goal of government is to provide infrastructures that will activate growth in the economy.

So, the alignment of these two goals and objectives creates a business case – if the government provides 30 per cent and private investors provide 70 percent, for

instance, and investment is made, and the business takes off, the government can also divest and commit the recovered resources into similar ventures of this nature.

That is one model that can be used to reduce risk perception of investors as a result of government presence.

Still talking about infrastructure, how far can oil/gas revenue go in addressing these deficits?

Relying solely on oil and gas revenue to meet all the country’s needs has not served us well over time; in fact, if you balance the nation’s oil and gas wealth against its total population, we cannot be said to be oil and gas-rich.

But even at that, with our present circumstance, our gas sector can still be developed further as there are more potential in our gas sector, which we are yet to develop effectively.

There are reasonable opportunities to maximise our revenue from the sector by removing impediments to investment, which we are yet to do. This will help the nation’s revenue stream, and there is no doubt about that.

But even then, the government lacks the capacity to make any meaningful investment in infrastructural capacity building without relying heavily on debt funding. This is because we are finding it difficult to cover our

current expenditure or provide necessary funding for our security challenges.

We cannot say that the oil revenue will continue to provide us with necessary leverage to develop our infrastructure.

So, what are the available options now?

The option available now is to open that sector up for private investment by putting together investment packages and economic architecture that makes it attractive. We are relying so much on debt funding and that is a difficult approach because we are increasing the debt-servicing burden of the government.

It can only whittle down the capacity of government going forward, to even meet its recurrent expenditure.

We need to look at other economic models for doing this without over burdening the nation with debts.

In your view, is Nigeria’s gas resource underutilised?

Presently, we are still flaring gas, and this is because a lot of proposed projects for harnessing this gas are yet to take off for various technical reasons – some arising from legal constraints.

If these constraints can be removed and the projects take off, there are various uses of gas apart from its use as source of energy, which is in high demand globally.

Gas is a feed-stock for a lot of in-

The goal of private investors is to make profit; while the goal of government is to provide infrastructures that will activate growth in the economy

Sunday 02 September 2018

dustrial manufacturing activities including fertilizer production, plastic raw materials production.

The gas resource we have is capable of providing an impetus to a complete industrial sector, capable of supporting the entire economic needs of the nation.

Countries like Iraq, United States, Russia, are investing heavily in this area and pushing to leverage on the global interest on gas because it is a clean energy, and most nations of the world want to clean up their environment So, the demand is high, and we have a responsibility to develop and leverage on it while the market is there.

On the other hand, how can the country really depend on its solid mineral deposits?

Prior to the oil boom, solid minerals contributed hugely to the economy and provided revenue for infrastructural development.

But since the discovery of oil, the whole dynamics changed and the sector was neglected; now it will require a lot of investment.

We need to put structures in place to make the sector attractive to investors. We need to give the sector the required attention.

I don’t think the sector has been positioned to make huge impact or provide the revenue needed to fund infrastructural development.

It’s still a long way to go.

What do you think are the real implications of the late passage of the 2018 Budget?

Government expenditure is the major driver of economic activities in the country; so, delay in the investment funds arising from late passage of the budget will reduce industrial activities and have negative impacts on all sectors of the economy.

The delay in passage and implementation of the budget can cause huge economic decline.

So, the non-expenditure on government’s developmental agenda or delay in passage of budget or disbursing the necessary funds into the economy, will affect project execution, infrastructural development. Projects will suffer, contractors who work in this sector will be out of job, unemployment level will increase, economy will be denied the multiplicity effect of the government expenditure, and this will worsen all economic indicators.

Which sectors of the economy do you think will be worst hit by this delay?

All sectors will be affected because if you observe over time, we have been experiencing delays in the passage of the budget and it has become a normal thing in the country.

If you look at the performance of virtually all companies in the stock exchange, you will find out that in the first two quarters of the year, the performance is always poor. The second two quarter of the year is when economic activities begin to pick up. That is because the budget implementation begins in the third quarter.

So, the moment the economy is starved of the financial flow that comes from government expenditure, it affects everything in the system.

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Interview ‘Kids’ Lit Quiz will produce a generation of readers-thinkers-leaders’ Kids’ Lit Quiz is an international literature quiz competition that aspires to challenge, engage, reward and extend students’ recreational reading.

MALUCHI CHUKWUEMEKA, national coordinator of Kids’ Lit Quiz in Nigeria, speaks with CHUKS OLUIGBO, assistant editor, on the benefits of the competition for participating students, schools, and the country at large, as well as the procedures for participation. Excerpts:

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ow would you explain Kids’ Lit Quiz to someone who has never heard about it?

I will use its moniker to describe Kids’ Lit Quiz, which is simply ‘The Sport of Reading’. Just picture children who love sprinting, jumping, lawn tennis, taekwondo or other sports preparing for it and later participating in it to win a prize, then picture a team of four children who love reading books preparing by reading, then participating by representing their school to win a national prize, and if possible, an international one.

What are the aims of Kids’ Lit Quiz and what impact do you think it’s going to have in Nigeria?

Kids’ Lit Quiz aspires to challenge, engage, reward and extend students’ recreational reading. It acknowledges that all types of literature are valued and positively affirmed. Its intention is to promote wide reading across a range of genres and themes. The Kids’ Lit Quiz comes into Nigeria at a time when children’s reading is under threat from other social influences. It actually comes highly recommended by other developed nations with research to back it up.

So, Nigeria is so fortunate to be the first all-black nation to participate in such an international literature quiz competition and will make others want to follow suit. This will boost the country’s international image amongst other developed nations as well as give the schools who participate and come out tops bragging rights. Besides, there is the added benefit of meeting with students from other countries as well as exploring other cultures through books, having a broad worldview and the confidence of being international players and not local champions. For the children who participate but do not win, a love of reading is now inculcated in them which cannot be taken away as no knowledge from books is wasted and it could come in handy in the future. The improved reading culture will help them to prepare for their internal school exams without being cajoled to read. The country will now be known to breed a generation of readers-thinkersleaders who can hold their own and also command respect in the international turf. So, it is a win-win situation.

Given the poor reading culture in the country, do you think Nigerian kids can compete favourably with their peers from other participating countries?

When I assumed the role of the national coordinator of the quiz

others are scared that it might expose them as not being up to international standards in terms of the books which they expose the children to if they don’t do well, but no one and definitely no country is a know-it-all. We are all work-in-progress. No one is out to expose anyone but to help everyone to improve. We have received lots of positive feedback from over 20 schools who wish to participate and whom we also call regularly to follow up and encourage as the children prepare for the competition with their coaches. It actually starts small in most countries where the quiz is introduced, before everyone gets to know about it and wants to be a part of it.

shaku or participate in a reality television show. We have a good number that have greater aspirations. We had to look deep to find them. Just as gold is not found on the surface, you dig deep to find such children. If I must add, a great deal of the work falls on the parents.

What are the criteria and what is the process for schools that wish to participate in Kids’ Lit Quiz? Does it come at any cost?

The children must be aged 10-13 years and must be under 14 years of age on July 1st in the year of the world final. This is why in Nigeria we target secondary schools.

A team consists of four students who could be mixed (girls and boys) or all girls or all boys who must all be from the same school.

It is expected that their school uniform or school ceremonial outfit is won during the heats and national final. If no school uniform, then smart dress. A school can enter a minimum of one team and a maximum of four teams (16 children from all the four teams).

There is a participating fee of $100 (N36,000) for a team of four children, which is uniform in all Kids’ Lit Quiz participating countries.

Have you held any programmes in the country and what has the response been like?

No programme has been held in that sense. What we are currently doing is sending out information pack which contains an inaugural letter, WWWWH (who, why, when, where, and how) document, registration letter, 50 pretest questions to test the children, guidelines for participating in the quiz as well as reading ideas. We also made a short promo video which accompanies the e-pack and helps the schools understand how the quiz is run and the benefits to the Nigerian child. We have sent out e-packs to about 200 secondary schools in Lagos and its environs because of the age requirement for the quiz, which is 10-13 years, with a follow-up call to ensure that the e-packs were received. The schools who do not send a mail acknowledging receipt or who do not have a working mobile line are then visited with a printed pack. The school’s response is two-sided as a good number are enthused and excited to participate in it, while

Being that Kids’ Lit Quiz is international, is there some general syllabus for all participating schools across the world?

The Kids’ Lit Quiz is all about reading for pleasure. We want students to read unfettered by a list. It is our belief that a list acts as a test in disguise and this has worked in other countries. On the quiz arriving in Nigeria, we discovered that most schools don’t have a regular and updated reading list which goes with the children’s ages and this posed a great challenge. So, to continue in its vision of rewarding readers and so as not leave anyone out, the international quizmaster, on my request, compiled a list of books used in past world finals to serve as a guide to reading. The list is inexhaustible and the children are expected to just keep on reading all the books that they can lay their hands. Inasmuch as the quiz is international, the international quizmaster also asks questions which are specific to the country that is hosting him. For instance, part of the 50 pre-test questions sent out to schools has some

Chukwuemeka

in Nigeria, I knew what the quiz would do for the country, but was sceptical if we had children who could compete favourably with other national champions.

This scepticism was heightened after the 2018 world final held in July in New Zealand where Australia won and I saw how the children from other countries performed. But my husband allayed my fears and told me that some parents in Nigeria actually take time to raise readers. We then decided to go on a search for parents who were intentionally raising readers despite all odds in the country as well as encourage Nigerian parents to raise readers. Thus, the journey of awareness, encouragement and discovery started in July with a series on Instagram and Facebook tagged ‘lioness mum/ lion dad’, where a Nigerian parent who resides in Nigeria and is raising reader(s) is featured every Friday. Guess what? I have been blown away by the parents whom we have featured and their certified bookworms. So, I am more than confident at this point that we have children who can compete with national champions from other countries as the series has also encouraged other parents to step up with their children’s reading.

Besides, the schools that we are communicating with also have some great readers. I guess that I would say that not every child in Nigeria wants to dance shaku

questions from Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Cyprian Ekwensi and other African authors’ books and African folktales. This helps us identify with our own, even as we identify with the international community. The children from other countries are also expected to read our books as we read theirs, thereby fostering an exchange of culture, beliefs, history and tradition. So, yes, there is a list which serves as a guide.

There are also questions on the website (www.kidslitquiz.com) which are updated regularly and which the students can use to test themselves.

Who funds Kids’ Lit Quiz in Nigeria?

The success of Kids’ Lit Quiz all over the world is entirely dependent on financial and product support of corporations and private sponsors who in turn will receive international recognition on the website and at the national event. In addition, the individual/organisation will be seen as one who helped to introduce a new generation of Nigerian children to a revived reading culture. For more details on sponsorship, they can visit the website or contact me for the sponsorship proposal package.

What should the public look out for from now on?

As I said earlier, Kids’ Lit Quiz Nigeria is creating awareness on social media through posting encouraging posts on reading as well as through the ‘lioness mum/lion dad’ series which will end in September. The next three months from October to December will showcase schools/libraries/bookshops in Nigeria that are trying to improve the reading culture through their activities. We are in talks with a coach who won the world final with her team and the schools who register by the 31st of October 2018 should expect the tips received from this coach to be passed to them.

This will help them with their preparation. We also have a media partner on television whom we will visit sometime in January to talk about the quiz. They have promised to air the quiz in Nigeria. Then, the moment which we have all been waiting for will kick off on Saturday, February 9th, 2019 with the Lagos mainland and Lagos island heats. The Nigerian national final will take place on Sunday, February 10th, 2019.

Wayne Mills, the quizmaster, has confirmed his arrival. He writes all the questions and asks them for quality control purpose. We plan on getting a Nigerian author to give out the prizes to the top schools and give a speech at the grand finale. No overly big names for now, but if the sponsors want them, who are we to say ‘no’?

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Sunday 02 September 2018

Politics 2019: What are Kwankwaso’s chances?

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INIOBONG IWOK

ormer Kano State G o v e r n o r, R a b i u Kwankwaso, recently declared his intention to contest the presidential ticket of the main opposition, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in an elaborate ceremony held in a hotel, Abuja.

Kwankwaso announced his intention in the presence of thousands of his followers, and some leaders of the PDP across the country, which include exEdo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion, immediate past Kano Deputy Governor, Hafiz Abubakar, and the National chairman of the Reformed All Progressive Congress (rAPC), Ibrahim Galadima.

Kwankwaso said he decided to vie for the nation’s top position because he realised that the country needed a solution to the myriads of problems which had bedevilled it for many years.

He promised to give priority to tackling the security challenges of the country, revitalise the economy and provide infrastructure, among others.

“Today, I declare that I am going to vie for the office of President Federal Republic of Nigeria under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party,” the Senator said as he received cheers from his supporters.

“I stand on my honour to offer a paradigm shift in leadership.

There is no gainsaying that all is not well with the polity. It is also clear that the same mindset that created and escalated the problems cannot be used in resolving the on-going crises in our nationhood and national development,” he added.

These include security, economy, social challenges, infrastructure, human capital development and global competitiveness, education, research and innovation.

Agri-business, healthcare delivery, international relations, youth and women empowerment, national unity, cohesion and restructuring.

“I intend to offer positive change. Change has again become inevitable. To live is to witness changes because change is an inseparable part of living.

Come May 2019, the narrative of helplessness, buck- passing, division, poverty, insecurity, and hopelessness must change to turn to a new dawn of confidence in building a one well restructured Nigeria,” he said.

Kwankwaso further promised an equal society where every Nigerian irrespective of tribe or religion would have equal opportunity, stressing that his administration would strive

Kwankwaso

on purposeful leadership, while frowning at impunity.

“I assure you that while I do not have the prophetic power to predict the future, we certainly have in us the ability to create the future that we want.

“On this day, as I stand before you, I offer you a valuebased leadership anchored on our national ethics as outlined in Chapter 2 of Section 23 of our Constitution.

“We will provide a leadership where everybody is free and equal; where Nigerians see themselves as Nigerians first and as Ibo, Yoruba, Hausa, Ijaw, Ibibio, Fulani, etc second; where citizens are self-assured and self-assertive; where they are confident and competent; where they want to do what is right no matter whose ox is gored. I want to lead a Nigeria where people are educated and exposed beyond the confines of their tribe, religion, linguistic group or place of birth.

“I want to lead a Nigeria where citizens respect their leaders, and leaders lead and forge a team to promote and protect the interest of all Nigerians.

“I want to lead a Nigeria where all are comfortable anywhere

and on any positive Kwankwaso ruled Kano state between 2003-2007, and between 2011- 2015, recently defected from the APC to the PDP, after falling out with incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the party, despite last minute effort by President Buhari to convince him to change his mind.

He has a rich portfolio of experience in public positions, having served as a former Minister of Defence under the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration, and currently a serving Senator

I want to lead a Nigeria where citizens respect their leaders, and leaders lead and forge a team to promote and protect the interest of all Nigerians

representing Kano central Senatorial district.

This is not the first time Kwankwaso would be declaring for the nation’s top seat. In 2014, he contested for the APC presidential ticket but placed second behind President Muhammadu Buhari in the APC primary.

During his reign as the governor of Kano State, he was noted to have transformed the education sector of the state, by investing in infrastructure in schools, building of Almaijiri schools, granting scholarship to several indigenes of the state to enable them pursue professional courses and masters programmes abroad.

However, Kwankwaso has been having a running battle with his presumed political godson, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who he installed as governor of the state.

Ganduje, upon assumption of office had shifted allegiance to President Muhammadu Buhari, vowing to do everything within his power for the President’s reelection in 2019.

Speaking recently, Ganduje said that kwankwaso had lost political relevance in Kano State, accusing of him of failing to initi-

ate any project, or visit his constituency since he was elected into the Senate in 2015.

“For over three years he has been sleeping in the Senate without sponsoring a bill that will positively impact on the lives of Nigerians. This is a clear indication that he has nothing to offer; he is just being boastful; for over three years he has not visited his Kano central Senatorial district, he has not executed any project either,” Ganduje said.

Analysts are of the opinion that it may be a herculean task for Kwankwaso to clinch the PDP ticket, considering the heavy weights who are equally vying for the party’s ticket. They stressed that even if he clinched the ticket, his popularity was not strong enough in the southern part of the country to win the Presidential election.

National leader of the Yoruba Patriotic Front, Soji Adejumo, said that the group would not support any presidential candidate who would not support the clamour for restructuring of the country, stressing that Kwankwaso has never been known to be an advocate of restructuring.

“For us now, the issue on ground is about restructuring of the country and there is no evidence on the ground from the Kwankwaso group that they are in support of restructuring,” Adejumo said.

“As far as we are concerned here in the southwest, it must be priority, but we would engage the presidential aspirants and get to know their views on this, and from there we can make up our mind on them, and we would then know who is serious or not,” he further said.

Idowu Omolegan, an analyst, said that Kwankwaso had the right as a Nigerian to contest for the post of president of the country, but added that the political platform he was contesting under may work against him.

Omolegan stressed that Nigerians had not forgiven the PDP for the sixteen years of its misrule in the country which he said was responsible for the country’s current woes.

“He is free like any other Nigerian to contest, but he did well in 2014 APC primary and even had more votes than Atiku; he is from Kano where the former Kano governor, Shekarau has also pledged to work with him.

Don’t forget the voting population in that state.

“However, he may not win because of the party he is contesting under, the PDP. The party still has a stain in the eyes of Nigerians, and they have not forgiven them for putting us into this mess for sixteen years that they were in power,” he said.

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Politics

LG election sham: The blame is on House of Reps CHUKS OLUIGBO

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hose calling for the head of Rochas Okorocha, Imo State governor, over the outcome of the August 25, 2018 local government election in the state should channel their anger to the House of Representatives, which last year voted 229/59 against a bill to alter the constitution to abrogate State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) further powers to conduct local council polls.

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) empowers the states to constitute State Independent Electoral Commissions for the conduct of local government elections.

But seeing how SIECs have become mere tools in the hands of the ruling party in every state, the Senate reasoned that only INEC could conduct free, fair and credible local government elections anywhere in the country.

In July 2017, it moved to strip state governments of the power to control polls at the grassroots and to guarantee democratically constituted local government councils through elections to be conducted by INEC. W h e n t h e m a t t e r, w h i c h became the 33rd item on the Fourth Constitution Alteration Bill passed by the Senate, came up for voting, the Senate voted in support of the proposal, among other ones intended to ensure autonomy for the LGAs, with Senate President Bukola Saraki upholding that the responsibility of conducting local government elections be taken away from the state to and given to INEC. But the proposal was killed on the floor of the House of Representatives as it could not secure the required two-thirds, or 240 votes.

And so, Nigerians have continued to endure a comatose local government system, where the governors have either preferred the use of appointed caretaker committees or have resorted to holding kangaroo elections, mostly towards the end of their tenures, in which only the party in power wins all the available seats, with the opposition always kicking.

That was how PDP swept all the seats in the 31 local government areas and 329 councillor-

Dogara

ship wards in the December 2, 2017 local government election in Udom Emmanuel’s Akwa Ibom State, results of which were rejected by the APC, citing the state electoral commission’s lack of independence.

That was how PDP won the chairmanship positions in all the 17 local government areas and all the councillorship seats in the 258 electoral wards in the November 4, 2017 local council elections in Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s Enugu State.

That was how APC cleared all the 20 local government areas, 37 local council development areas and all the councillorship seats in the July 22, 2017 local council elections in Akinwunmi Ambode’s Lagos State.

APC swept all the seats in the June 3, 2017 local government elections in Samuel Ortom’s Benue State, an election in which BSIEC declined to release details of votes scored by the candidates, just as PDP cleared all 17 chairmanship positions in the December 21, 2016 local government elections held in Okezie Ikpeazu’s Abia State.

APC won all the 14 chairmanship positions in the January 2, 2016 local council elections held in Zamfara State, just as the party also cleared all the 22 chairmanship seats and 234 councillorship seats in the March 12, 2016 local government elections in Sokoto State.

That was how PDP won all the 16 chairmanship seats and

Okorocha

177 councillorship seats in the December 19, 2015 local government elections in Ayo Fayose’s Ekiti State, which was boycotted by the APC in the state.

On May 23, 2015, a few days before he was due to hand over power to the current Governor Nyesom Wike in Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, current minister of transportation, hurriedly conducted local government elections in the state in which APC won all the chairmanship seats in the 22 local government areas where elections held and 297 out of 302 councillorship seats. PDP boycotted the election, citing court injunction which

That was how PDP won all the 16 chairmanship seats and 177 councillorship seats in the December 19, 2015 local government elections in Ayo Fayose’s Ekiti State, which was boycotted by the APC in the state

ordered that status quo be maintained.

In the January 11, 2014 local government elections in Anambra State, the ruling APGA cleared all 20 chairmanship seats in the local government areas where elections were held as well as 304 councillorship seats out of the 327 wards in the state. PDP managed to garner 12 councillorship seats, while the Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA) and UPP secured one councillorship seat each.

Kwara State held local government elections on October 26, 2013 in which PDP, the party at the helm of affairs in the state then, swept all the 15 chairmanship and 181 councillorship seats in the state.

On October 5, 2013, PDP won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State. Even though the election was boycotted by all the other political parties, the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission said the poll was “free, fair, devoid of violence and other forms of irregularities”.

As far back as August 7, 2010, in the dying days of the Ikedi Ohakim administration in Imo State, the governor conducted local government elections in which his party, PDP, won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats, even though ISIEC had claimed that a total of 20 political parties participated in the election.

So, it is clear that this has been the trend. The only exception to this general trend would be the Federal Capital Territory, where APC won 43 councillorship seats, PDP won 14, and APGA won five councillorship seats in the April 9, 2016 council elections in the area. APC also won the chairmanship seats in AMAC, Kuje, Kwali, Bwari and Abaji council areas, while APGA won in Gwagwalada.

The other would be the May 12, 2018 local government election in Nasir El-Rufai’s Kaduna State, where APC won 14 chairmanship seats out of 23, and PDP won four, while elections in five local government areas were rescheduled for June 16.

It was this system that Okorocha has exploited. His party, APC, won all the 27 chairmanship seats and 636 out of the 645 councillorship seats in the state in the August 25 election that the State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) claimed was contested by 13 political parties. ISIEC announced that the Accord Party, Rebuild Nigeria Party, Kowa Party and People’s Redemption Party won one councillorship seat each, while elections were cancelled in four wards in Oguta, Isu, Ezinihitte Mbaise and Aboh Mbaise over electoral violence.

Opposition PDP, APGA and UPP boycotted the election, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) rejected the outcome, alleging that the election was marred by irregularities.

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Politics

Buhari’s policies have no impact on the lives of Nigerians – Ikuomola FEMI IKUOMOLA, a former member of the House of Representatives and the newly elected chairman of the Accord Party (AP) in Lagos State, in this exclusive interview with INIOBONG IWOK, speaks about the state of the party, its chances in the 2019 general elections, among sundry issues in the polity. Excerpts:

Y

ou have just resumed office as chairman of Accord Party in Lagos. What is the position of your party in the state?

We just had our state congress, where new officials were elected. Currently we are trying to harmonise the affairs in the party, speaking with members across board, and the people have agreed that we need to move forward. The Accord Party is on ground in each local government area in Lagos State.

We are very strong in at least 16 local government areas of the state.

The party had a strong showing at the last local government elections in the state. It was the only party that could challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Does that give you confidence?

Yes. We are on ground. The problem we have in Lagos State is that with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), there is no way we would have a credible election in the state. The election was not free and fair and our party was rigged out. In Lagos State, the governor has a hold on LASEIC. They say he who pays the piper dictates the tune. The party tried its best to challenge the result of that election in court, but it seems the court is still part of them.

But there is a report that some chieftains of your party are currently on the verge of defecting to another party. Is that so?

We are unaware of this defection, particularly that of Hon. Dauda Kakoare, the House of Representatives member in Lagos. We would talk to him.

I don’t see why he should defect, but if any member feels he

wants to leave, we would allow such individual to go. We have to tolerate each other, and I don’t think we should put personal interest above the unity of the party.

What are your immediate priorities?

My immediate goal is consultation among stakeholders in the party; that should be done within two weeks, and we would meet with all aggrieved members and prepare for the coming elections.

Is the Accord Party part of the current alliance by the opposition parties?

Well, such decision depends on the decision of the national leadership of the party, but what they said may not be binding on us here in the South-west; we may have our view and position on issues.

How strong is your membership drive?

We are embarking on strengthening our membership and we would try to rejuvenate the party. The party is still strong, we are the third force. I have enough experience in politics to be able to move the party forward.

What is your assessment of the Buhari-

Femi Ikuomola

led administration?

I don’t think the present government is doing what is right.

The people with President Muhammadu Buhari are only after what they would get, I mean his kitchen cabinet. Look at the former SSG, what has happened to him, including several other people in this government? What is happening now is worse than we had before. Yes, they may be doing their best in the anti-graft war, but it is one-sided, and they are only after the people who were in the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Godswill Akpabio defected to the APC because he was trying to avoid criminal arrest. Some people were promised something to defect also.

These are the issues to me.

What is your view about the presidential election?

Unless something miraculous happens, I see a run-off, and it is time the election reordering controversy between the National Assembly and INEC is resolved.

They are still arguing about it now, but I am sure there would

would be watching. With all the things they are doing, there has to be an improvement from the last elections, but I doubt.

be a run-off.

Would your party present a candidate in the general elections in Lagos or join an alliance?

We would challenge for positions. We have governorship candidates here in Lagos and all other positions. When the time comes, we would see and resolve things; we don’t want to announce it yet.

Do you think INEC can conduct credible elections in 2019?

INEC has no choice, the world

The commission recently registered more political parties.

What is your view on that?

Most of the people who own the party are only trying to use the party to negotiate. A lot of what we have now are husband-and-wife parties; they don’t have structures. How many of them have offices here in Lagos? In the South-west here, the ADC and Accord Party would come together to fight for the survival of the South-west. In the North, Sule Lamido would be there; Arewa has not come out to say who they want to support.

Do you think the president would give up power if he loses the election?

The president does not have a choice than to give up power. The United States predicted that the country would collapse some years back, I hope this would not

lead us to that. I think he has no choice than to give up power if he loses the election.

What is your assessment of Buhari’s policies?

What the government is doing is stampeding the people; it is not making any impact on the lives of the citizenry. What would people do with N10, 000? I would have thought they would provide infrastructure, create jobs, which would make people employed.

What is the meaning of building houses that people cannot afford? They are not building educational institutions or health centres; we are not making any progress.

What is your assessment of the Akinwunmi Ambode ledadministration in Lagos?

Is Ambode working? Look at the roads he is building; they are having two layers instead of eight layers. I am an engineer and I know. These are the issues.

I would ask him when the time comes for us to meet. What is he doing with the funds?

Lack of party ideology is fuelling vote buying – Ananaba Paul Ananaba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and public affairs analyst, in this exclusive interview with Iniobong Iwok, speaks on the state of the nation, the Muhammadu Buhari administration, among other issues in the polity.

H

ow do you react to the recent wave of defections by politicians in the country?

Part of the constitutional rights of Nigerians which section 140 guarantees is political association; it is their fundamental right to change their political association and persuasion. However, it is a different thing morally to be moving from one party to the other. Our democracy has not developed to that point where we would be having ideology. Check the PDP and APC, what is their ideology?

For those that have defected, especially in the National Assembly, is it compulsory they must vacate their seat?

The Supreme Court has put that to rest. When there is division in the party, you can defect.

I am happy also that our politicians are willing to take it court so that the court could decide if when they defected there was crisis in the party. Let the APC go to court. It is a constitutional and legal matter which the court should be left to handle.

The APC has the right to make such call; it is left for Bukola

Saraki [Senate President] and the rest of the defectors to say if they would quit their position.

Are you surprised that the APC is breaking up so soon?

It is about the fundamentals.

Do we have ideology? We don’t have any party that is based

on ideology in Nigeria. For example, I am a social democrat; anywhere I go, I would vote for the party. The fact that you are in the Senate does not mean that you have political ideology.

When I was in school in the 70s, we had parties that had ideology and they won elections.

Politics is not about winning elections everywhere; you win where your people are, and they agree with your ideology.

Unfortunately, Nigerians believe the American and British system is the best for us; we should evolve our own system which works for us. The Nigerian constitution does not take cognisance of the people, that is why when you form party of people with different ideology, they would disagree on very little issues. Until we develop our ideology and people join party based on that and the government is based on that, we won’t

make headway. Go to America, it would be difficult to convince Republicans to join the Democratic Party.

Every party must have ideology. That is what makes politicians compatible. And that is what I am saying; we must not have more than 50 parties if they have ideologies. We just have everybody setting up parties for their personal interest.

How do you react to the coalition of political parties in the country against the APC? Coalition is a normal thing; it happened in the Second Republic, it is practiced globally. What I am saying is fusion of different forms of parties.

With the current defections in the country, we may not know; we may just wake up one morning to discover that there have been defections to the other side. It is not clear if the current defections are over; it is only when the candidates have emerged that you can conclude.

What is your assessment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration?

I am not going to rate the president alone. He has done well in some areas and he has not done well in other areas.

However, I think he understands this.

Unfortunately in Nigeria, we don’t have rating agencies that rate people.

I can’t rate him on my own because it would be subjective; I need some level of research into the ministry and agencies to see. But it is left for Nigerians to decide if he has done well and deserves a second term in office. All I can say that there should be level playing field for everybody; there should not be vote buying.

How damaging is vote buying to our electoral system?

I think the lack of ideology in the parties is why we are seeing vote buying in the system. When there is ideology, if Lagosians are Republicans, they would vote for a Republican candidate. Vote buying takes place because the parties have no ideology. If your party does

not have value, you would buy votes. In the Nigerian constitution, it is the party that wins election.

Do you think INEC has done enough in checking and prosecuting those involved in vote buying?

Personally, I don’t blame INEC; it is a failure of the National Orientation Agency that has not done its job. NOA should

be carrying out enlightenment campaigns, which should be on-going across the country, so that Nigerians can see that vote buying is a plague.

There is little INEC can do. The constitution does not say INEC should sanction; that is why we call for the setting-up of election offences and related offences commission and special court. The National Assembly should set up electoral offences commission and then empower special court to deal with election offences. These are the issues. Up till now nobody has been prosecuted for electoral offences in the country.

There should be no vote buying; we should deepen democracy so that the timeframe when election results are released is reduced. Right now there is less argument about elections result figures; people are no more contesting that, it is about vote buying at the polling units.

What is your view on the antigraft war?

What are the other pertinent issues that must be tackled ahead of the general elections?

The anti-graft war is going on well. It has not reached its destination and we have moved on, but I urge the president to continue to strengthen it; nobody should be above the law.

You are from Abia State. What is your assessment of the administration of Okezie Ikpeazu.

Does he deserve a second term?

With the decision of the Court of Appeal on election sequence, INEC and the National Assembly should come together and agree on election sequence.

All hands should be on deck.

He has done well. There is no serious contender in the state with him for the position. In the last three years he has initiated different programmes. Four years may not be enough for

him to finish these projects; he needs another four years to finish them. If a new person comes in there, he would abandon these programmes and start new ones. That is the problem we have in Nigeria. Get into Abia State, we are moving forward. Ikpeazu has initiated the Aba free trade economy zone which the Federal Government is involved now.

The former governor of the state, Theodore Orji, is in the Senate but appears silent.

What do you think?

Well, you can go and speak to him in the Senate, but I think he should be respected; he made a fundamental contribution to Abia State when he insisted that power should go to Abia South. Before that, there were grievances and agitations.

There has been peace in the state because of that singular act. People should respect him based on that act.

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Politics The place of tolerance in 2019 general election

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he ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and, indeed, the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would do well to abide by the principle of “live and let live” ahead of the 2019 general election.

This is the view of analysts following some developments which tend to portray the government as intolerable of the opposition.

The advice also goes to state governors across the country who may be tempted to employ the instrument of intimidation and “Machiavellian ways” as Nigeria inches toward the elections.

The elections next year should not be a reason to use instrument of coercion against perceived opponents.

With the notice of election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the collection of forms for all elections by political parties at the Commission’s headquarters in line with released timetable and schedule of activities for the 2019 general election, the stage has been well set for the exercise.

The major events being expected now are party primaries which, according to the INEC schedules, are expected to be rounded off on October 7, 2018, including resolution of disputes arising from the primaries.

As expected, most of the 91 political parties have begun to make preparations to beat the timetable. However, aspirants for different positions have continued with their consultations across the country.

One of the issues that now agitate the minds of observers is the possibility of a credible election. The readiness of the government, both at the federal and state levels, to play liberal and allow the opposition parties carry out their campaign without hindrances has become an issue of concern.

The refusal by sitting governments to allow the opposition the use of public arenas for their political rallies, from the look of things, appears to be the major battlefront ahead of the elections.

During the gubernatorial election in Ekiti State last July, the decision of the Ayodele Fayose-led administration in the state to deny the chieftains of the APC access to the Akure International Airport for their last-minute rally before the election drew wild outrage.

By the same token, Fayose’s decision to commandeer all the public transporters to the Government House, impounding their buses, just to ensure that APC faithful would not find it easy to get to the venue of the mega rally was also flayed. Many observers wondered why a sitting government should be so intolerant to the point of blocking a facility that is meant for the public all in the name of politics. Fayose got a bruised neck for that action.

Now, for the Federal Government, through the Federal Capital Territory Administration, to toe that same condemnable path is not a good sign for the 2019 elections. The APC-led Federal Government last Tuesday was said to have prevented Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from using the Eagle Square and

Rabiu Kwankwaso

Idris Ibrahim

the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, as venue for his formal declaration as presidential aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Kwankwaso was said to have secured approval for the use of the venue, but in a twist of events, the FCTA administration, through the managers of the facility, Integrated Facility Management Services Limited, was to later quash the earlier approval.

Kwankwaso clearly blamed the cancellation on the FG. “We at the Kwankwaso Campaign Council see the development as a handiwork of the government in power who will not see anything good in growing our fledgling democracy as a no levelplaying field has been created to allow for the viable opposition in the country,” his campaign organisation said.

Apart from denial of use of facility, state-owned security personnel stayed away from the event that eventually held at a private facility, Chinda Hotel, Abuja.

Instead of policemen, the Askarawan, the security arm of the Kwankwasiya, was on ground to ensure that there was no breach of peace.

An analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the most annoying part of the shenanigan was the flimsy excuse given to withdraw the approval earlier given on the use of Eagle Square.

“They talked about the day being a working day and that the event would

disrupt the usual workflow of the federal secretariat. This is infantile and a mockery of our democracy. I thought that Nigeria had passed this level,” the analyst said.

With the development, there is the fear that more of such denials would come and state governments may replicate it, which may also engender tension in the polity.

The former governor of Kano State and senator representing Kano Central has been in a running battle with the leadership of the APC. In June, while the party was at the Eagle Square, Abuja, for its convention, Kwankwaso decided to visit Atiku Abubakar, one of the presidential aspirants on the PDP platform.

Explaining his reason for staying away from the convention in a statement, Kwankwaso said, “I wish to inform the leadership of the party and the general public that we had wanted to be part of the national convention but regrettably all the congresses that we conducted at the wards, local government councils and at the state level were not recognised by the outgoing national executive council of the party. Therefore, I felt that presenting ourselves at such an important event will not be in the overall interest of the entire convention that is assuming we are allowed access into the convention ground.”

His disagreement with the APC culminated in his defection, on July 4, to the PDP. Analysts have expressed fears that the treatment meted out to Kwankwaso may signal a trend that the Federal Government may employ against members of other parties in the run-up to the elections.

Analysts also fear that this form of intolerance can trigger crisis and can lead to radicalism in society.

They also urge state governments to allow the opposition parties in their domain to conduct their activities without provocation and intimidation.

A situation where a state government insists that no other party would hold rallies in any part or certain parts of the state may provoke altercations or employment of harmful objects.

Instead of policemen, the Askarawan, the security arm of the Kwankwasiya, was on ground to ensure that there was no breach of peace

2019: Why I rejected PACT’s consensus presidential candidate - Moghalu INNOCENT ODOH, Abuja

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ome hours after presidential aspirant of the Alliance for a New Nigeria (ANN), Fela Durotoye was unanimously elected as the consensus candidate of the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT), presidential aspirant of the Young Progressive Congress (YPP), Kingsley Moghalu, rejected the pact.

Durotoye, 47, will be flying the flag of Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) on behalf of 10 other aspirants in the 2019 general election.

The election was monitored and observed

by Oby Ezekwezili, Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, who described the process as transparent and credible.

In a statement issued by the Kingsley Moghalu Support Organisation (KMSO), the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said “I am firmly in the race for President of Nigeria in 2019.”

He urged all his presidential support groups to continue with his ambition to become president in 2019. He said: “This is despite the arrangement for a consensus candidate among the young presidential aspirants under the aegis of Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT), which today (Thursday) produced an outcome that has left many Nigerians expressing surprise and disappointment.”

Moghalu reeled out reasons he disagreed and pulled out of the PACT arrangement as follows: “The arrangement had unravelled even before the final selection of the consensus candidate. Only seven aspirants participated in the final voting out of the original 18 aspirants, mainly because many of the aspirants had withdrawn from the process. Four candidates who were present in the meeting this morning withdrew from the process even while the voting process was ongoing. Therefore, PACT did not produce a truly consensus candidate.

“Clause 13 of the PACT Memorandum of Understanding asserts the supremacy of the constitutional rights of the aspirants to pursue their political aspirations.

“I therefore have chosen to continue without distraction to pursue my vision in the presidential race for 2019 in the national interest and in deference to the overwhelming outpouring of support for my candidacy from all parts of Nigeria.

“I will remain focused on the objective of providing a competent leadership that will help unite our country and build a nation, wage a decisive war against poverty and unemployment, and restore respect for Nigeria in the society of nations. It is my humble and well-considered view that the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria requires competence and experience in these three vital areas.

Speaking to BusinessDay on Friday, the National Chairman of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party National (ANRP), Tope Kolade Fasua, who is also contesting the presidency, disagreed with the process that produced Durotoye, describing it as “shambolic” even as he urged Moghalu to continue pursuing his ambition.

“I told them to expand it and also have an open debate but they did not take that route and I told them that it is too early and no need rushing it but they wanted to rush it so I left them.

“I wonder why Kingsley will walk into such a soccer punch but I have called him to continue to pursue his ambition,” he said.

But speaking to BusinessDay on Friday, one of the contestants to the PACT, and a presidential aspirant of the Alliance for New Nigeria, Elishama Ideh, said that the process that produced Durotoye as the consensus candidate was free and fair adding that she had to accept it

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Politics What does Durotoye’s emergence as presidential candidate mean to the youth?

ZEBULON AGOMUO

H

istory was made on Thursday, August 30, 2019 when Fela Durotoye emerged as the consensus presidential candidate of a coalition of political parties under the aegis of Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT).

At 47, Durotoye cannot be said to be a youth going by the United Nations’ definition of youth, yet he may fit into the bracket in the eyes of Nigerians.

The UN, for statistical purposes, defines ‘youth’ “as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years, without prejudice to other definitions by Member States”.

Before the development, each of the 11 aspirants that make up PACT had traversed the length and breadth of the country making consultations and speaking on their programmes in the event they are elected president in 2019.

Prominent among them is Kingsley Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who has, however, pulled out of the Thursday decision. Same as Yele Sowore, another aspirant.

Recall that the Nigerian Intervention Movement (NIM), a platform that emerged following former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s advice to President Muhammadu Buhari to exit power in 2019, had aimed at enthronement of youths onto the nation’s political leadership stool.

In a letter written to Buhari in January, Obasanjo had listed what he believed was wrong in the current administration, and canvassed a “Third Force” to redeem the country.

Durotoye

Recently, the NIM, chaired by Olisa Agbakoba, a former national president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and co-chaired by Abdul Jelil-Tafawa Balewa, adopted Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), a relatively new party, as its platform to contest the 2019 general election.

Explaining the reason for the adoption of ANN, Agbakoba said that the party shared in its vision and ideology to build a better Nigeria.

“It is trite to state that the majority of Nigerians have been overwhelmed by the extant quality of politics going on in our dear country as manifested by self-serving politics.

“For us in NIM, the whole essence of political leadership and government is the

welfare and wellbeing of the citizenry,” Agbakoba said.

He further said that there was the “need to restore hope to this country”.

“The NIM was formed on 28th November 2017 by a new breed leaders of conscience towards breathing a new life of constitutional democracy and good governance trajectory that will engender a new Nigeria that works for all of us,” he said.

In his reaction to the 13-page statement issued by Obasanjo advising President Buhari not to seek re-election, Akin Oyebode, a professor of international law and jurisprudence, had said that Nigerians should be grateful to Obasanjo for his intervention at a very critical period in the nation’s history.

He had also noted that Nigerians were in a hurry and that they did not want as president a geriatric who would be creating excuses for non-performance.

Durotoye’s emergence may have provided the youth the much-needed opportunity to take over power next year. The youth population in Nigeria is estimated to be over 50 percent, one of the highest percentages of youths in any country.

A report in November 2016 by Bloomberg stated that “Nigeria’s population reached 182 million this year with more than half its people under 30 years of age”.

It is agreed that there is a youth bulge in Nigeria, as such, this segment is supposed to be in the majority in the voting population.

For a long time, the Nigerian youths have clamoured for generational power shift. They have argued that power had consistently remained in the hands of the older generation without much to show for it.

Following the letter he wrote to Buhari,

Obasanjo had initiated a move to galvanise the youth population to take over power from the older generation.

On July 25, 2017, young Nigerians marched to protest against age barriers on political posts in Abuja. They marched toward the National Assembly, calling for lawmakers to remove the age barriers on political posts, including the presidency. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) stipulates that the president has to be at least 40, while senators and state governors have to be 35.

On Tuesday, May 29, 2018, the President promised he would assent to the bill to pave the way for more young people to contest elections in Nigeria.

A day after the pledge, on May 31, the president, in a dramatic way, signed into law the #NotTooYouYoungToRun Bill. He jocularly urged the youths not to run against him but to wait till 2023.

The law has reduced the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35, and state governors and senators from 35 to 30.

The age limit for state assembly is now 25.

Now that a “youth” has emerged as a consensus candidate for 2019, would that automatically mean that those clamouring for generational power shift would massively vote for him?

In the 2015 presidential election, Buhari polled 15,424,921 votes to defeat the then incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, who had 12,853,162 votes. Total number of registered voters that year was 68,833,476.

Now, with the population of youths in Nigeria put at over 100 million, taking over power from the older generation through the ballot should be as easy as ABC. Or shouldn’t it?

Oyetola: Set for a productive leadership in Osun

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LEKAN ADEBISI

eadership in tough times requires men with clear vision and a rare sense of service that will add value in governance for the good of all.

At this point in Osun State, the choice of Gboyega Oyetola, a certified insurance broker, entrepreneur and politician as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is informed by not only his intelligence and integrity but competence and character.

Oyetola, who hails from Iragbiji in Osun State recently celebrated his 60th birthday, born September 1954, had his primary and secondary education in Ifeoluwa Grammar School, Osogbo, and further moved to the prestigious University of Lagos for his Bachelor’s degree and later a Master’s degree in 1978 and 1990.

A man with cognate experience in political administration and governance, having served in Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s eightyear administration as the Chief-of-Staff since 2011.

Oyetola’s capabilities as the Chief of Staff made him relevant and convincing, that he earned the support and confidence of civil servants, politicians, youth and the citizenry.

His innate characteristics depict a man who can lead, define and address issues without aggravating the problems.

At a time Osun State needed an experienced technocrat that could confront the challenges of grappling with the lean revenue, indebtedness, contractual obliga-

tions, collapsed infrastructures and unpaid salaries, the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola-led administration required a strategist imbued with integrity, competence, sacrifice and ability to wriggle the state out of the scary economic predicament as a Chief of Staff.

The searchlight beamed on Adegboyega Oyetola to help initiate improvements, cultivate new innovations in the provisions of infrastructure and to unwaveringly render corresponding services to the state as a tested technocrat and successful businessman.

On the assumption of office, he improved upon the existing policies of the government and within a short time, the administration confronted the hydra-headed challenges headlong and laid a solid foundation of prosperity.

With his imperative leadership style of distributing and applying material and manpower resources at every opportunity, his philanthropic gesturestraveled to places he has never been to and endeared him to the grassroots and the people, portraying him as a progressive politician who helped renew public trust and confidence in the government.

In recognition of his sterling qualities in all spheres of life, he has been decorated with an array of awards of leadership, outstanding performance, and excellence in public service.

As the Area Manager at the Leadway Assurance Company Limited between 1980 and 1987, he displayed obsessive assertion to operations and ensured the product lines under his watch yielded bountiful gains for

the company.

In the sharks invested waters of Insurance, he stayed afloat as the underwriting Manager between 1987 and 1990 at the Crusader Insurance Company Limited before he joined the Alliance and General Insurance as Technical Controller till 1991.

As a man above average in his ability and quality, he desired freedom and veered off corporate world and flung his whole life into business.

With candor and experience, he swiftly responded to the challenges of the new environment to establish SilverTrust Insurance Brokers Limited, where he deployed dynamic interaction and financial acumen to competitive advantage, battled ceaselessly over market shares and created a template for a profitable growth in the future for the company.

Oyetola

His strategies; thinking and ability to excel at all times prompted his appointment as the Executive Vice Chairman at the Paragon Group of Companies, with interests in Oil and Gas, Mining, and Real Estate since 2005 until 2011.

Adegboyega’s business acumen and ability to understand the fundamental practice of management threw at him the Chairman’s seat of Ebony Properties Limited, having served as a director at Pyramid Securities Limited.

Cerebral and enigmatic, he has demonstrated bravery, sagacity, and love for the people. His emergence as the flag bearer of the party like his slogan ILERIOLUWA, is only divine, a pact with God which reflects in the huge endorsements and acceptance he has been enjoying from party faithful who are daily galvanising supports for him.

Oyetola is coming to the helm of affairs in Osun with a roadmap towards setting explicit targets and creating necessary growth that will safeguard the lives of the people, empower and create jobs for the teeming youths, protect the integrity of the private sectors, give life to start-ups, raise innovative entrepreneurs, give confidence to investors and sustain the momentum of growth. For a purposeful leadership in Osun, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola is fit to pull Osun through the current meltdown to prosperity, peace, and tranquility. *Adebisi, a social affairs commentator, wrote in from Osogbo, Osun State.

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AssemblyWatch From the Red Chamber

OWEDE AGBAJILEKE

I

t is no longer news that Senate President Bukola Saraki has officially declared his intention to run for the office of the President under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

What is, however, news is that the nation’s Number Three Citizen took guests by surprise by announcing his ambition.

A l re a d y , 1 2 o t h e r a s pirants have indicated interest to jostle for the PDP presidential ticket in the primaries billed for October 5 and 6, 2018.

They include: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former governor of Kano State and senator representing Kano Central in the National Assembly Rabiu

2019: Is Saraki taking his luck too far?

Kwankwaso; ex-chairman P D P N a t i o n a l C a re t a ke r Committee, Ahmed Makarfi as well as former governors Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Jonah Jang (Plateau) and Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto).

Others are: incumbent Sokoto State governor and immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal; his Gombe State counterpart Ibrahim Dankwanbo; Datti Baba-Ahmed, Stanley Osifo and Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

Although there had been speculation about Saraki’s interest in contesting for the nation’s top job, he had earlier hinted two weeks ago in an exclusive interview with Bloomberg that he was contemplating vying for the position.

In the buildup to his declaration, he embarked on nationwide consultations across the country including visits to former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, his Rivers State counterpart Nyesom Wike among others.

Addressing the gathering which consisted of #NotTooYoungToRun campaigners, PDP National Chairman, U c h e S e c o n d u s , f e d e ra l lawmakers and members of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), the medical doctor-turned-politician outsmarted and ambushed participants when he used the platform to advance his political ambition.

Although the #NotTooYoungToRun Movement has disassociated itself from the Saraki’s declaration, the Senate President has once again shown that he is a master strategist in the political game. While other presidential aspirants spent millions of naira organising events to declare their presidential ambition, he drive home his point, spending less resources.

Recall how he outsmarted his former party, APC, to contest for the Senate Presidency in the June 9, 2015 election when he disguised in a small car to beat National Assembly security while his colleagues converged on the International Conference Center (ICC), foiled a coup to oust him as Senate President on July

24 when police barricaded his residence unknown to them that he had left the house before their arrival and smuggled himself into the hallowed chambers.

Unwittingly, the Federal Government made him more popular when it failed to secure his conviction at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over false assets declaration and the Offa Bank robberies.

Just like William Shakespeare noted in his play, Macbeth that “There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face,” the Kwara Central lawmaker has been calculating, plotting and scheming without betraying his emotions.

Jude Egbas captured it succinctly in his piece titled, “Is Saraki the smartest politician in the country?” when he noted that: “Saraki’s brand of politics doesn’t win him many friends. His methods can be viewed as detestable from a moral standpoint. However, you don’t get very far in politics by playing nice. Saraki is shrewd, manipulative, cunning and ambitious. He’s always been that way.

“And he loves a good

On the controversy on INEC budget

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ontroversy on the N189.208 billion budget for Independent national electoral Commission (INEC) in preparation for the 2019 general elections to me, is simply a reminiscence of the narratives as contained in the Book titled: ‘Agbalowomeri, Baale Jontolo’ authored by J. F. Odunjo and published by Longsman Green in 1958. The storyline was about the greed of the political elites who feed fat on the state resources and the poor. They are like the ‘Rich man’ who never feel the pains of the ‘Lazarus’. They’re never satisfied just like Proverbs chapter thirty, verses fifteen and sixteen of the Living Bible (TLB) aptly captured it! “There are two things never satisfied, like a leech forever craving more: no, three things! No, four! Hell, the barren womb, a barren desert, fire.”

Without any gain saying, the face-off between the Executive and National Assembly may trigger unnecessary crisis for the 2019 general elections, with the hard stance of the leadership of the National Assembly against President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for the virement of N189.208 billion from the total sum N578 billion unilaterally re-appropriated (inserted) in the 2018 Appropriation Act, for their respective constituency projects.

According to the joint Senate and House of Representatives’ Committee, President Buhari was asked to drawn down from the

N943.5 billion Service wide Vote, which is an omnibus account that none of the previous government has ever accounted for.

Based on previous investigations I conducted on the annual federal budgets, all federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) draw ‘slush funds’ from the Service Wide Vote. I recall very vividly in the seventh Assembly, how some MDAs raised alarm before the House Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, of receiving several millions and billions of naira from the SWV account without any formal request from the ciustodican of the fund.

From my archive dated back as 21st December, 2014, I was able to draw from Olamilekan’s lamentation on the SWV fund, which he simply described as “a slush fund used to settle the boy in government,” adding that the disbursement of the SWV contravenes the provisions of Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.”

The lawmaker never minced words by saying that the SWV fund “has been administered without anybody being allowed to ask for its credits and debits. As I’ve said, service wide vote is an omnibus approval that’s gotten through the nation’s budget. Because amounts expended from that vote head at the end of the day is usually more than what was approved by the National Assembly over the years!”

According to a media report

dated 11th March, 2014, there was no documentary evidence on whereabouts of N24 billion released to a government agency from Service Wide Vote in 2010 for Police Pension Fund.

Adeola who expressed worry about the misappropriation of the country’s resources, described the account as “a slush fund used to settle the boy in government.”

It was interesting to learnt that the SWV account, overhead/current are always at 100% implementation level while the capital component of Nigeria’s annual budget is mostly below 50% level under any democratic regime.

But my argument to fund the 2019 election from the Service Wide Vote does not support the National Assembly which also failed over the past years to give account of how it has spent the statutory N100 billion approved for zonal intervention/ constituency projects, talkless of other ‘padded’ for various constituency projects which usually form larger chunk of majority of MDAs’ annual budget.

I will not seize from urging the National Assembly to look critically into the N189.208 billion budget proposal submitted by INEC for the 2019 election. While having another glance at the proposal, I discovered most of the items enlisted in the documents ought to be through the annual budget template.

On Speaker Yakubu Dogara’s political ambition, nothing has

been heard so far from the Number Four Citizen barely few days to the expiration of the timeline set for submission of forms by all the political parties. Going by the timetable issued by the INEC Chairman, Yakubu Mahmoud, in Abuja, party primaries for the presidential, governorship, federal and state elections would begin on 18th August and end on the 7th October, 2018, while the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections would commence on 4th September and end on the 27th October, 2018, respectively.

According to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), sale of forms is expected to close on the 6th September, 2018 while the forms All Progressive Congress (APC) is yet to commence the sale of forms.

But the leaked time-table however showed that the ruling party is to elect its flag-bearer into various political offices on the 19th September, 2018.

According to a letter dated 17th August, 2018 credited to Adams Oshiomhole, APC National Chairman, the party’s candidates for the House of Representatives elections will also come up on the same date.

The letter further stated that the party’s national convention will take place on Saturday, 8th September, 2018 by nationwide congresses to elect delegates to the convention.

On the 20th September, 2018, all party members will elect candidates for the senatorial election to

fight. He came face to face with his late dad, Olusola Saraki, politically and won.

He’s sparred with members of his family politically and won. For Saraki, the end often justifies the means.

For Saraki, the game is the game. It’s not often pretty, but it works”.

Notwithstanding, the biggest threat to his presidential ambition is his religion and tribe. From all indications, identity problem will be his greatest undoing as most Nigerians do not see him as a ‘core Northerner’, neither do the Yoruba’s view him as one of them.

Personally, I see the declaration as a negotiation instrument, having become the beautiful bride by surviving various plots against him by the authorities. Just t h e w a y R o c h a s O ko ro cha and Rabiu Kwankwaso planted their loyalists in the governorship and senatorial positions in the buildup to the 2015 elections, contested the APC presidential primaries and returned to vie for the positions after they lost out, Saraki is acting the same script should he lose in the PDP presidential primaries.

From the Green House With

KEHINDE AKINTOLA be followed on Monday, 24th September, 2018 by the nomination of governorship candidates and on Saturday, 29th September 2018 by the nomination of candidates for House of Assembly election. Going by all of these submissions, a stitch in time, will save nigh for the Honourable. All eyes are on Mr. Speaker to declare his stand soonest either formally or informally.

According to the time table and schedule of activities for the 2019 general elections, the conduct of party primaries including the resolution of disputes arising from primaries were slated for 18th August, 2018 and 7th October, 2018 for national and state elections while that of the FCT Area Council is slated for between 4th September and 27th October, 2018.

Monday 3 September 2018

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BUSINESS DAY

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Sunday 02 September 2018

SundayBusiness Port Harcourt business leader reveals how to lead businesses through turbulent times IGNATIUS CHUKWU

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he medical doctorturned entrepreneur who has huge interests in maritime and oil/gas gives insight into how to prepare for stormy times. He says no corporation is too big to crash, and that agility and capabilities are the secrets of survival rather than plans and ambition.

Most corporations in Nigeria, especially those in violence-prone regions like the Niger Delta, have faced difficult situations and some have had to shut down or relocated, but one medical doctorturned entrepreneur has rather grown phenomenally within this same situation. Emi MembereOtaji, former commissioner for health in Rivers State and now the president of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), has released a treatise on how to navigate a business through turbulent times.

The chairman of Princess Medic-Clinics Limited delivered a special presentation at the Nigerian Institute of Management in their July 2018 continuing learning and development programme where most leading minds on management, finance, and economic planning gathered to review the spate of business failures and the way out, especially in a distressed economy. They specifically looked at how to survive in violence-prone regions with case studies and examples from success stories.

Membere-Otaji, who has continued to harp on need to diversify away from core oil and gas businesses by companies in the Niger Delta in the face of receding oil business and advent of new energy, told the experts that turbulence in business which is characterised by sudden, significant, and cascading changes in today’s world, does not recognise or respect the organisation’s status in the industry. He said its effects are noticed irrespective of the strategic plan of a business, managerial experience or brand recognition.

Membere-Otaji is a graduate of the University of Lagos (Medicine) and the MC’Donough School of Business (US) as well as a fellow and recipient of the “Award of Excellence” of the Nigeria Institute of Management, fellow of the College of Health Sciences & Technology, Rivers State, and award winner and model winner of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State chapter. He agrees that today, organisations (both private and public sectors) operate in an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VOCA) environment, adding

Emi Membere- Otaji President PHCCIMA

that this often leads to irrational demands and that leaders have to face strong and relentless oppositions to survive and it could escalate the conflicts towards a downward spin.

Understanding business turbulence Whatever makes an organization not to meet set objectives and targets is turbulence.

The one-time chairman of West African Glass Industry Plc, a former director of Pabod Breweries, and adviser to Governor Peter Odili on Privatisation and Investments warned that business turbulence could also be from internal factors, despite external factors.

“It could be in form of force majeure, such as natural disasters, willful sabotage, acts of war or terrorism. Others in this category of external factors include insecurity, government policies (actions and inactions including policy flip flops), fiscal and monetary instability and product/service disruption from competitors. On the flip side is turbulence from internal factors, including fraud, failures in leadership or strategy, or product/ services issues,” he said.

Membere-Otaji is active in the business sector. He is the chairman-Marine Trade Group PETAN and member, Petroleum

Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), vice chairman of the Maritime Trade Group of NACCIMA, founding member of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), trustee of the Marine Equipment Owners Association (MEOLAN), chairman, Board of Directors of Clearline International Limited (HMO) as well as a member of the National Economic Council Committee on Export Promotion. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Oil & Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) and director–ECOWAS Regional Sea link Project Company.

Learn fast, adapt and respond His tip is that an organisation’s ability to survive turbulence is not necessarily to create stability in the firm alone but the ability to learn fast, adapt and respond to changes and uncertainties thus always adding value no matter what comes along. “By always wearing the thinking cap, the business should be in proactive not reactive moods,” he said.

Bill Gates puts it succinctly that “success today requires the agility and drive to constantly rethink, re-invigorate, react and re-invent”.

The coordinator of Sealink Implementation Committee and Governing Board member of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping

(NCS) and University of Port Harcourt Business School thinks that building the culture of agility is key to organisational survival.

“Agile leaders and organisations see turbulence or change as an opportunity not a threat. They are always proffering solutions when their firms face headwinds.”

Situations that created turbulence or change to businesses The business leader gave instances of turbulence experienced globally and in Nigeria to press home his points: “The invention of cell phones with cameras was a big blow to the survival of camera manufacturers like Kodak. Commencement of Uber services has severely disrupted taxi business in some cities. The advent of online shopping has challenged the survival of the conventional brick-and-mortar shopping halls in some countries.”

In Nigeria, he said government’s opening of the nation’s borders and policy flip flops have seen to the collapse of most manufacturing concerns like the textile industries. “Insecurity including kidnapping, militancy, etc. have severely affected businesses in some key Niger Delta cities since the late 2000s. This has led to relocation, outright closure or mere survival of some businesses leading to some once bustling industrial areas and prime residential properties now empty in cities such as Port Harcourt and Warri”.

He added: “Insecurity from ethno-religious crisis around the Plateau killed tourism business around Jos and other neighbouring towns decades ago. Insecurity in the North East from Boko Haram attacks has killed many businesses in the area. The recent herdsmen-farmer’s clashes in Nigeria are obviously threatening agro-business around the North Central states.”

In 2016, he pointed out, from a combination of fall in crude oil price, tightening of foreign exchange controls and certain actions and inactions of government; he said Nigeria went into economic recession with many businesses’ ability to survive severely challenged. “Many never recovered even with the country’s GDP, now in the positive territory.”

Way out: Showing how to lead a business through turbulence, the top business leader pointed to what he called ‘Leadership and Agility’. He said: “As business leaders with thorough understanding of the complexities, disruptions and turbulence, our organizations are facing, it is pertinent to ponder on some issues: Is the level of agility in the organization high enough to surmount business turbulence, to ensure increase in performance

and growth? Is the leadership team poised and wired to articulate and exert agility in the organisation? Does oganisation’s leadership serve as effective role models for personal resilience and creating agility work environment for others to follow?”

Relying on authorities like Mckinsey and Michael Wade, he described agility in business as the ability of an organisation to renew itself, adapt, change quickly, and succeed in a rapidly changing, ambiguous, turbulent environment.”

The key elements for success today are not plans and aspirations, but agility and capabilities.

Capabilities (or access to capabilities) are required to compete effectively in a given position, and agility is required to make shifts in that position in response to a changing environment.”

8-point organisational capabilities On how to succeed, Membere-Otaji gave eight tips to his fellow experts as critical factors to achieving organizational capabilities; Fully access and acknowledge the facts and reality; Improve client and employee relationship management; Be responsive and agile; Employ efficient-cost control measures for short-term sustenance and long-term viability; Revisit the strategic plan; Put in place product/service innovations; Execute well and make quality a key ingredient to the business growth; Exploit existing capabilities and explore new business opportunities and new markets, customers, products, potential disruptions etc. In essence the organisation should be ambidextrous.

He also gave what he considers important tips on three leadership personal capabilities: Exhibit transformational leadership; Be visible; Rebuild purpose.

He said the entrepreneur must reaffirm the vision and strategy for the business, set realistic short term goals and be clear and concise about what needs to be done.

Conclusion Membere-Otaji, who just clocked 60 years of age, and who credits almost everything about his success to his mother (a nurse), said: In summary, in terms of high turbulence, survival cannot and should not be taken for granted as good leadership is about making hard choices, doing the unexpected and sometimes the seemingly impossible, even in the face of opposition. In an environment of high turbulence, the leader must put up emotional resilience and ‘espirit de corps’.

“When you cannot anticipate everything (or even anything) you should trust your instincts or gut-feelings, stick to your beliefs and stand by your values.”

Sunday 02 September 2018

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SundayBusiness Total E&P boosts local economy with N40m soap factory in A/Ibom ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

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s part of efforts to boost the local economy, Total E &P, an oil producing company has laid the foundation stone of a N40 million soap factory in Ekpene Ukim, Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The groundbreaking event which attracted top government officials, oil company executives and members of the traditional institution is an initiative of the business and enterprise development unit of the company.

Francois Le-Cocq, deputy managing director, Port Harcourt district of the company, said the project was not part of any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), adding that it is the belief of the company that the factory would go a long way to engineer the further development of the local economy in a sustainable manner.

Le Co-Gocq said the business and enterprise development unit of the company has the mandate to identity, nurture and grow business in the local communities outside contract driven activities in the oil and gas industry.

“Our belief is that by engaging our people in these

Greenwich Trust: Leveraging bonding to raise productivity ODINAKA ANUDU

I L-R: Yvonne Isichei, former ED ,keystone bank/Council Member (CIBN); Segun Ajibola, former deputy governor Central Bank of Nigeria Victor Odozi , president Bank Customers Association of Nigeria ; Uju Ogubunka (BCAN) and Chris Edordu, pioneer president Afreximbank’s, during the 3rd Biennial Bank Customers Summit .theme rights and obligations of bank Customers Organized by (BCAN)held at Lagos.

activities, they will grow and be able to sustain themselves beyond oil and gas,’’ he said.

Represented by Marcel Ukwu, senior advisor, community development, the Deputy Managing Director described soap as an everyday utility item used by every household which is required on a daily basis adding that the factory when completed would create 48 direct jobs and more than 100 indirect employment opportunities.

“We will continue to

work towards the creation and support for small and medium sized self sustaining opportunities in our local communities as they are the bedrock for future growth,’’ he said.

He urged all to be involved in the project to enable it realise its potentials that would be of mutual benefit to the people.

In his remarks, Oman Esin, commissioner for transport and petroleum resources, thanked the company for establishing the factory in the state and reiterated the

determination of the state government to support the growth of small and medium scale businesses.

The commissioner, who described the project as life-touching, urged the company to ensure that international best practices are adopted in the factory to ensure a healthy and sustainable production and urged other oil companies operating in the state to emulate the example set by Total E&P by setting up more factories to address youth unemployment in the state.

n a bid to ensure adequate productivity and work-life balance culture, Greenwich Trust Limited, a leading investment banking firm, held an exquisite family funfair to foster bonding amongst staff and family.

Speaking at an interview with newsmen at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos, Kayode Falowo, group managing director, Greenwich Trust Limited, said that the essence of the event was to appreciate members of the Greenwich family.

“The family funfair is a special occasion to appreciate our families, spouses,

Falowo

and children. It also gives us an opportunity to interact and bond with each other in a relaxed mood.

Personally, I have also been able to identify and interact with wives, husbands, and children of the Greenwich family”.

Falowo said Greenwich Trust Limited was an organisation putting staff and family at heart and were always concerned about their work-life balance.

He stated that this was the first time the company would be doing such an event and hoped to sustain it in the future to ensure that families knew each other, socialised and networked.

The programme would increase staff productivity because a happy staff member was a productive staff, he stated.

Falowo used the occasion to appreciate God for his love and kindness for Greenwich Trust Ltd. “ Ho n e s t l y, Go d h a s helped us achieve beyond our expectation. From a monoline of the business of 50 to 60 staff, today, we operate in various sectors such as asset management, investment banking, security brokerage, manufacturing, trustees, and registrars, among others, with over 500 staff,’’ he stated.

18 galleries to display over 50 pan-African artists at ART X Lagos exhibition

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RT X Lagos, West Africa’s premier international art fair will hold from 2nd to 4th November 2018 at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. ART X Lagos is one of the most important art fairs on the continent, showcasing the best and most innovative contemporary art from the African continent and Diaspora, with the intention of widening Nigeria’s connection to the international contemporary art scene.

The inaugural edition of ART X Lagos in 2016 welcomed 5,000 visitors to The Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, and last year’s edition saw the figures double to close to 10,000. Over the past two years the fair has welcomed representatives of international institutions such as the Tate Modern, Zeitz MOCAA, and the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian, while hosting some of the

country’s most prominent dignitaries including His Highness the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

The 2018 edition of ART X Lagos will feature a selection of Africa’s leading established and emerging artists, speakers and performers.

Further detailed information will be announced in September 2018.

Eighteen leading African galleries will participate at the Fair and include: Addis Fine Art (Ethiopia), Afriart Gallery (Uganda), Arthouse – The Space (Nigeria), Artyrama (Nigeria), Bloom Art (Nigeria), Circle Art Agency (Kenya), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), Nike Art Gallery (Nigeria), Nubuke Foundation (Ghana), Out of Africa Gallery (Spain), Retro Africa (Nigeria), Signature Beyond (Nigeria), SMAC Gallery (South Africa), SMO Contemporary (Nigeria), Stevenson (South Africa), TAFETA (UK), Thought Pyramid

(Nigeria) and Tiwani Contemporary (UK).

ART X Talks, the highly sought-after talks program will return to ART X Lagos, with key stakeholders in Africa’s art economy discussing important themes pertinent to the state and evolution of contemporary art in Africa.

ART X Talks, curated by Missla Libsekal, will hold on Saturday November 3rd and Sunday November 4th 2018. The program will include a special talk by a keynote artist who will be announced in September.

The Interactive Projects, at the fair will also feature a series of diverse and exciting art installations curated

by A Whitespace Creative Agency, that visitors will be encouraged to participate in, making the fair an entertaining day-out for all attendees.

The Art X Live, the dynamic live art and sound performance will hold on

Saturday, November 3, 2018 to surprise and thrill guests.

Launched in 2016, ART X Lagos is West Africa’s

foremost international art fair, designed to showcase the best and most innovative contemporary art from

the African continent and to widen Nigeria’s connection to the art scene across Africa and internationally.

L-R: Ovie Adasen, Ideas Lead, Stanbic IBTC; Demola Sogunle, chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Bunmi Day-Olagunju, chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management and Adeleye Agunbiade, Fintech Associate, CcHUB, at Stanbic IBTC Idea Open Day event in Lagos, recently

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Sunday 02 September 2018

SundayBusiness Legislative reform and drive towards model mortgage

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o mortgage sector stakeholders in Nigeria, the need for a functional mortgage system cannot be over-emphasised. This is why the drive towards a model mortgage is receiving all the attention that it requires.

At the fore-front of this drive is the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) which is riding on the relative successes it has achieved in the past couple of years of its establishment and pushing for the adoption of a model mortgage and foreclosure law by the states.

As part of efforts at growing a mortgage system that will drive affordability, the company is presently driving a legislative reform in the mortgage sector by proposing a model mortgage and foreclosure law by key pilot states including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Kano and Ogun states.

What the company is driving at, according to one its directors whose primary mortgage bank is a major shareholder in the company, is to get various states houses of assembly to pass foreclosure laws as a prelude to mortgage-backed affordable housing delivery.

This is good news for home seekers who may need mortgage facility because foreclosure law, upon adoption, aims to

Spiritonomics

Debo Atiba

www.spiritonomics.org

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he design of man according to God is for man to get his nourishment from the WORD, because man is a product of the WORD (1pet.1:23, James 1:18). Your sustenance is a product of your essence, what you are made of. Beyond the parlance of man being physical, man is a spirit, he has a soul and he lives in a body. Because the

fast tract the process for creating legal mortgages, ensuring timely resolution of disputes and creating an efficient foreclosure process.

According to the authorities of the mortgage refinancing company, the model mortgage and foreclosure law is in its final form for engagement with 21 pilot states committing to the implementation of an enabling environment for the development of the mortgage market.

The company hinted that it would be focusing on building capacity and completing outstanding operational activities. “We will be embarking on an aggressive drive towards the procurement of an ICT infrastructure for the mortgage industry, the completion of our second tranche equity capital

raise, and most importantly the completion of our first round of mortgage refinancing; we will work hard to meet our mandate to revolutionize the Nigerian mortgage landscape”, an official of the company hinted.

The company has demonstrated uncommon resolve to live out its mandate with refinancing of some mortgage banks. Mortgage operators have described this refinancing as a milestone and, according to Ben Akaneme, Imperial Mortgage’s managing director, “this is an outstanding achievement in the march towards the realisation of affordable and single-digit interest rates for mortgages in Nigeria.

He assured that his bank would continue to strive to achieve its mission of enabling easily accessible and affordable mortgages

The desire of NMRC, the Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is to achieve single digit interest rate, but we are not there yet because the market does not allow single digit interest rate

Talking Mortgage with CHUKA UROKO (08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com)

to Nigerians in order to ensure housing for all.

NMRC seems to be conscious of the demands and obligations inherent in the Nigerian business environment as it assures that it will continue to anchor all its services on global best practices, good corporate governance and strict risk management practices.

By now, the company might have got from its shareholders the approval to, among other things, increase their capital base for three main reasons including capital adequacy, mortgage refinancing and procurement of necessary infrastructure.

As at the time when this request was made, the shareholders who saw the need for capital adequacy for the company, especially for its mortgage refinancing function, could not, however, come to terms with the management‘s explanation on the issue of infrastructure and, therefore, insisted that the capital raise be put on hold until the management was able to spell out those items of infrastructure that made the capital raise necessary.

NMRC came into the Nigerian

mortgage market on a very high pedestal, promising a major shift in the interest rate regime in the market. But the authorities of the company have said that, though it is a partnership between the government and the private sector, the company operates as a private sector-led institution, relying on the market to determine interest rate on mortgage loans, meaning that the rate that applies to commercial loans also applies to its mortgage.

“The desire of NMRC, the Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is to achieve single digit interest rate, but we are not there yet because the market does not allow single digit interest rate”, the official said, adding, “as it is today, we cannot meet the single digit interest rate until we are able to reach that point where the market allows it”.

Right now, the company is working under market conditions hoping that, over time, as the market deepens and grows, the issue of single digit interest rate will be expected. Whatever the rate is today, the desire is to drive it down to single digit.

God, at no point must God be left out of our consciousness as our helper and deliverer. Our place of security is in God. The world we live in is the one which the devil has taken time to establish his systems and processes before Jesus came. Our adversary, the devil is already defeated but not caged. He still parades himself to the whole world as though he is still in charge, and most times it appears so. Except there is a koinonia between us and the Holy Spirit to keep the fire of God in our lives burning bright, we are preys in his hands and have no solution to his antics.

So knowing God intimately is not an alternative. My life as a businessman adhered closely to God, as I consider it impossible to survive in business without God in an environment like ours.

If you choose not to know and serve God, then you have no choice but to serve the devil and he would enslave you and make your life miserable. In business each day churns out its own challenges these challenges we are confronted with are out of this world, and you are expected to resolve them otherwise they bury you. If you don’t have God on your side, then you would face a free fall and you will be a prey in this fallen world. Our prayers should be that God Will open eyes to know the purpose of His word on our lives and that we may work worthy of it.

As we dumb down towards the end of the year, make the WORD of God your priority.

Marketplace: Word effect body of a man is formed from the soil, his sustenance physically comes from the soil. But the most important part of a man is his Spirit, the communication point between himself and God. For God is a Spirit...The WORD of God is the food of the Spirit, our spirit, it contains our essence (...the WORD that I speak, they are Spirit and life, John 6:63). So our mainstay as believers is the WORD of God. As physical food is to our body, so is the WORD of God to our spirit man. We are never designed to live outside the WORD; we are never supposed to live daily without the WORD of God. If indeed that is true and it is, then every area of our lives should be governed by the word of God, whether it is our career or business they are all inseparable. While this is true

in itself, it is not true in the lives of every believer doing business or in one career or the other. There is a disconnect, because of a general perception that God sleeps in church and can only be met or visited on Sunday, so His reality is far from us.

If for whatever reason we dare to call his name in the course of our business or in the office; it doesn’t necessarily mean we believe Him to come through for us, it is just a cliché that we are used to. Our hope and trust are not in Him. Many may debunk this assertion but it doesn’t make it to be untrue. Many will remain in the same position throughout life because their trust and faith are either in their ability, or in another man. The consequence of this is total WOEFUL. As carrier of

Remain blessed. @Spiritonomics

Sunday 02 September 2018

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BDSUNDAY 33

SundayBusiness Value chain process for zonal agric development Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

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he huge potentials inherent in agriculture for job and wealth creation, especially with regards to the Nigerian nation have never been in doubt. Policy flip-flops and the neglect of the sector over the decades since the discovery and exploitation of crude oil is what has compounded our self-inflicted economic woes.

For instance, Nigeria’s annual food importation stands at $22 billion according to Chief Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ogbeh.

He spoke few days back on the topic: “Technology and agricultural revolution: a tool for economic growth” at the 19th edition of Catholic Brothers United in Lagos, lamenting that the situation was unsustainable as it poses danger to the nation’s economy.

Th e s o r d i d s c e n a r i o o f Nigeria’s food import is such that as at 2011 the country exported $3.4 billion worth of crude oil to the United States (U.S.) but got a paltry export of $150 million The latter also imports $4 billion worth of coffee every year as its citizens consume about 400 million cups

Property Logic With Akhigbe Dominic

of coffee per day but Nigeria, a coffee- producing country is yet to key into this waiting export market. That underscores the call by the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) for the sector to be given the desired attention.

On his part, President of the Catholic Brothers United, Mr. Emmanuel Okoro, said that the country can attain self sufficiency in food production, if she strengthens her entire agricultural sector, adding that current challenges facing the sector include poor infrastructures, dormant research facilities, limited food processing and inconsistent government policies among others. Well said.

The truth however, is that the change in government in 2015 has adversely affected the fillip given to the sector by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan through the Ministry of Agriculture with the focus on strengthening agricultural value chain. Had it been sustained perhaps, the sector which used to be responsible for 40 per cent of the GDP and the employment of 70 percent of the rural populace would have become the needed catalyst for sustainable economic development.

It is interesting to note that as at June 2012 there was increased collaboration between some states and the Federal Government in moving the sector forward. For instance, the then Minister of agriculture, Dr. Adesina Akinwunmi was in Ogun state to flag off the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), which was in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).This formed part of the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES).

A similar visit to Osun state got the minister so impressed

by the giant steps taken by the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola-led administration in massive food production that he promised the Federal Government will give the state concession to use the railway infrastructure at Lagos. That would facilitate the distribution of its products to other parts of the country.

Also, back then the Federal Government gave N350 million to 61FADAMA Associations in Plateau state, as part of the Stage Three of the programme aimed at boosting all-season farming in the state. In Rivers state, then Governor Rotimi Amaechi had cause to tell members of Ogbum-Na-Abachi Community Council who paid him a courtesy call, to be ready to urge their children to embrace the new drive for increased food production to create more jobs and ultimately wealth. Said he: “We are rehabilitating RishonPalm. We are establishing 2,000 hectares of banana farm in Ogoni area, 3,000 hectares of cocoa farm in Etche and several fish farms all over the country.”

In spite of these laudable efforts, there is still much more to be done to gain maximum economic benefits from agriculture. One of these is the development of the value chain model in the food security sector, according to Jacques Taylor, the Head of Specialised Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank. He has listed factors responsible for constricting business activities in poor countries to include reduction in international trade barriers such as tariffs, export fees, import quotas and global distribution of goods and services. Taylor has therefore, suggested that the value chain model as has succeeded in Honduras, if adopted by Nigerian would benefit the farmers, transporters, processors as well as those involved in packaging and marketing of the finished

products.

He went further to suggest w h a t t h e B R AC E D St a t e s (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta), coincidentally all of the SouthSouth geo-political zone should be doing in this regard, especially with adding value to cassava, even for export.

But it goes far beyond that.

There should indeed, be a sustained close collaboration between the Federal Ministry o f Ag r i c u l t u r e a n d s t a t e governments in developing a Master Plan for agricultural rejuvenation all over the country.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, while at the helm of the nation’s political affairs established Presidential Task Forces on agriculture to identify the areas of comparative advantage and core competence of each of the zones, in order to increase production. We have to take it from there.

For instance, from the NorthEast and North-West zones the major cash crops whose potentials should be developed include sorghum, millet, maize, ground nut and rice. They are all grains, the first listed three of which could find industrial use in the brewery sector of the economy. If we revive the backward integration policy as promoted by the defunct Ibrahim Babangida-led military regime, some small and medium scale industries could spring forth that would add value to the raw products.

From the North-Central geopolitical zone, arguably the food basket region of the country we have yam, cassava, cashew, sesame seed, sugar cane and rice in abundance. Others are fruits such as oranges, grape, guava, pine apple and vegetables including tomatoes, onions and sweet potatoes. What is lacking is the modern preservation and processing technologies to add

the economic value that would sustain their all year-availability.

They would also serve as intermediate products in the local market and even for export.

Virtually all the southern states, divided into the zones of South-West, South-East a n d So u t h - So u t h p r o d u c e cocoa, coffee, cassava, yam, cocoyam, oil palm and rice in appreciable amounts. The value chain required would be the processing most of them into the intermediate products that would have longer shelf life or are of more export value. These include cocoa beans, coffee, cassava starch, flour, feeds and chips, palm oil, palm nuts and processed rice. The added advantage is that most of these states have port facilities for export of these intermediate products, if well structured to meet international standards.

Another area that could make Nigeria economically buoyant is the use of bio-fuels as Brazil is currently doing. In 2010, for instance, Raizon was established as a multi-billion dollar joint project between Shell and a Brazilian ethanol producing company, Cosan. It produces 2.2 billion litres from sugar cane both for local consumption and export. There, cars run on both. We can do a similar thing here in Nigeria because several states, both in the North and South grow sugar cane in abundance. We should adapt the technology to earn extra export revenue while reducing our over dependence on crude oil. As severally highlighted agriculture is renewable. Fossil fuel is not.

Baje is Nigerian first Food Technologist in the media ayobaje@yahoo.co.uk; 08057971776

The intrigues about land titles “The reason why men enter into society is the preservation of their property…”

--John Locke

J

ohn Locke FRS was an English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers and commonly known as the father of Liberalism (according to Wikipedia).

John Locke died in October 28th, 1704. His quote cited above came long before his demise. Today; this quote has become more relevant in the

narratives of property ownership with definite respect to Real Estate. No one demonstrates confident ownership of any Real Estate variable without an unencumbered Proof of ownership to same. This is what is clearly referred as Title. If otherwise done; such a fellow only wallops in the illusion of real ownership. It is in view of the above assertion that we would take a cursory look at THE INTRIGUES OF LAND TITLES as a welcome back pack for our various teaming readers who have unavoidably missed us in the last two months when we consolidated on other very important assignments thrown

at us by those who reposed confidence in our capacity to emancipate them from political emasculation.

Your darling Column that enriches your nomenclature with undiluted information about Real Estate and Property is back with new Property peps that are expected to help mitigate if not totally take away the usual harrowing hassles associated with procuring, disposing or managing your Real Estate derivatives.

Just keep hanging on to PropertyLogic Incorporated; your One Stop Property Information Mall.

PropertyLogic Incorporated is a huge community that can

serve as a profitable medium to reach your target audience. Do you doubt me? As far back as 2016, close to fifty thousand persons read a single write up titled: When Regularization does not come to the rescue on: www.govandbusinessjournal. com.ng /when-regularization-does-notcome-to-the-rescue/ We are even larger today. Just keep visiting www.govandbusinessjournal.com.ng/propertylogic Incorporated and do not hesitate to reach out to us when there is need to reach your business target audience.

Now, let hit the ground running

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EquityMarket

Guinness Nigeria’s 2018 PAT surges 249% to N7bn ...market share increases to 29% as profit margin rises to 5% TELIAT SULE

G

uinness Nigeria announced its full year audited report for the period ended June 30, 2018 last week, with improvement seen across different sections of its financials. The brewery giant posted N142.98 billion as gross earnings, representing 14 percent increase over N125.92 billion made by the company in similar period in 2017. The rise in gross earnings also implies that Guinness Nigeria slightly increased its market share by 1 percent from 28 percent in 2017 to 29 percent in 2018.

“Over the year ending 30 June 2018, despite continued challenges in the operating environment, Guinness Nigeria delivered a strong performance. Revenue increased by

14% as both beer and mainstream spirits’ net sales grew double-digit.

In beer, Guinness, our largest brand, saw strong growth as it benefitted from increased marketing activations around football. Mainstream spirits also delivered double-digit growth driven by innovation launches and new formats”, Baker Magunda, Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria, said.

“During the year, gross margin was down 4% to 34% largely driven by inflationary pressure on our raw material costs. However, this was more than offset by reduced distribution and administration costs and resulted in operating margin improving 130bps. Marketing spend increased 18%, ahead of revenue growth, as we continue to invest behind our brands”, he added.

Inflationary pressure and the challenges in the nation’s business envi-

ronment impacted its cost of sales which rose by 22 percent during the period from N77.6 billion in FY 2017 to N94.4 billion in FY 2018. In the financial year that just ended, Guinness Nigeria, Champion Breweries and Nigerian Breweries incurred N298.8 billion as costs of sales as against N258.6 billion in 2017, implying that the average growth in the nation’s brewery industry’s cost of sales in the fiscal year 2017/2018 was 16 percent.

In spite of the surge in Guinness Nigeria’s cost of sales above industry average of 16 percent, efficient finance cost management assisted its management to reduce finance cost by 42 percent from N9.78 billion in FY 2017 to N5.64 billion in FY 2018.

This is expected to reduce further in the coming years following the commencement of the issuance of its commercial paper program and the

acceptance of its long term facility by the Bank of Industry (BoI), both with lower costs of capital.

Guinness Nigeria is expected to issue N100 billion worth of commercial papers in tranches or series of amounts and at such dates, discounted values, coupon rate as may be determined by its management subject to regulatory approval. In addition, the Bank of Industry has accepted the offer to provide long term loan and working capital to the tune of N10 billion and N5 billion for 7 years and 3.5 years respectively. Profit after tax (PAT) for the period skyrocketed by 249 percent from N1.92 billion in FY 2017 to N6.72 billion in FY 2018.

Consequently, profit margin for FY 2018 rose to 5 percent in contrast to 2 percent at the end of FY 2017.

Meanwhile, Guinness Nigeria sourced 30 percent of the industry raw materials locally in FY2018. With

N82.32 billion raw materials sourced locally, Guinness Nigeria increased the raw materials it sourced locally by 8 percent in FY 2018 when compared with N76 billion worth of raw materials it sourced locally in FY2017.

Local sourcing of raw materials by Guinness, Nigerian Breweries and Champion Breweries amounted to N272.15 billion in FY17/18, and that amounted to an increase of 7 percent when compared with N254.81 billion worth of local raw materials they all sourced in FY16/17.

Guinness Nigeria has proposed to pay N1.84 dividend per ordinary share for shareholders whose names appear in the register of members as the close of business on September 21, 2018 while payment date is September 25, 2018. Its share price closed at N95 per share on the last trading day of August, translating to 1.1 percent increase YTD.

Unemployment, high cost of capital weigh on PZ as full year profit falls by 48 per cent

P

TELIAT SULE

Z Cussons Nigeria’s full year profit for the period ended May 31, 2018 declined by 48 percent to N1.93 billion from N3.69 billion it realised in corresponding period in 2017. Analysts have however attributed this to a number of factors including high cost of sales, low inventory turnover, high unemployment rate with its attendant effects on disposable incomes of Nigerians.

Cost of sales during the period rose by 12 percent from N50.3 billion last year to N56.1 billion in the current period, which erased the 3 percent increase in revenue of N80.6 billion in FY 2018 as against N78.2 billion in FY 2017. Interest cost increased geometrically by 187 percent from N290.5 million in 2017 to N832.4 million in 2018.

With higher cost of sales , PZ expended 70 kobo to produce a good

in 2018 as against 64 kobo in 2017.

Raw materials, finished goods and engineering spare parts inventories fell by 9 percent. When the inventories are disaggregated, the most decline was recorded by finished goods and goods for resale inventories that fell by 29 percent during the period.

Supporting the fact that lower disposable incomes of Nigerians affected their consumption in the last one year, domestic sales recorded a marginal increase of 1 percent while export rose significantly by 45 percent.

“PZ is into two lines of businesses which are the branded consumer goods and durable electrical appliances. Due to fall in disposable incomes as a result of high unemployment rates in the country, the durable electrical appliances witnessed reduced patronage in the financial year that just ended”, Fola Abimbola, an analyst with CSL Stockbrokers said.

Sales of the branded consumer goods rose marginally by 7 percent from N54.8 billion in 2017 to N58.5 billion in 2018. On the other hand, the sale of the durable electrical appliances fell by 6 percent to N22.1 billion in contrast to N23.5 billion during the period.

However, both segments witnessed significant decrease in profit after tax. Profit after tax from the consumer goods business segment fell by 27 percent from N2.24 billion in 2017 to N1.63 billion in 2018.

Similarly, PAT from the durable electrical appliances business segment fell by 80 percent from N1.45 billion last year to N296.6 million in 2018.

Unemployment rate in Africa’s biggest economy stands at about 18.8 percent with millions of Nigerians who are able and willing to work unable to find jobs. The high cost of capital and exchange rates have had untold hardship on Nigerian businesses in recent times.

Senior independent non-executive director trades in Seplat shares

S

eplat Petroleum Development Company hereby notifies the authorities of the Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE) of the Sale of 95,238 ordinary shares registered in the name of Lexican Consulting Limited, a company wholly owned by Michael Richard Alexander, a Senior Independent NonExecutive Director of the company which was purchased by Michael Richard Alexander in his personal capacity.

The above transaction has not re-

sulted in a change of beneficial ownership, with Alexander continuing to hold a direct interest in 115,238 ordinary shares which equates to a voting interest of 0.019% (based on Issued Share Capital of 588,444,561).

This notification is made in accordance with Rule 12 of the Amendments to the Listing Rules of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Article 19 of the EU Market Abuse Regulations.

At the transaction price of N136 per share, the cross deal amounted to N12.95 million.

Sunday 02 September 2018

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BDSUNDAY

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BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

How far can Buhari assuage Nigerians with new strategic re-branding moves?

DANIEL OBI

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resident Muhammadu Buhari is making frantic efforts to prove critics wrong on his fitness to continue in office beyond 2019, and the allegations bordering on nepotism.

The high point of such criticism about Buhari fragility came early last week when the United States President, Donald Trump was said to have described Buhari as ‘lifeless’. Buhari had ended a meeting with Trump in April, this year, but it was reported that Trump was heard telling his aides that he never wanted to meet someone so lifeless again.

Trump’s and other wide statements that Buhari is not fit for second term in office gained ground with his frequent visits to London for medical attention.

Buhari spent a greater part of last year in a hospital in the United Kingdom, treating some illness unknown to most Nigerians. Since then, he has been returning to London regularly for medical check-up usually presenting such visits as vacations or routine check-ups.

Although the President’s outward appearance appears to have improved, those very close to him say he is still very sick. Some analysts have associated the poor economic performance to his health challenges. The analysts believe that the economy is presently left in the hands of those who surround him - undertakers, who are in government for their bellies, and not technocrats.

Sensing that the health of the President is going to dominate campaign issues across regions towards 2019 general election, his handlers prevailed on him to trek 800 meters on August 18, 2018 in Daura, Katsina State, his home town, after Eid-el Kabir prayers.

Immediately, after the exercise, which his media handlers considered a feat, they replied critics that

Buhari

Buhari was fit to run for 2019 election against their speculations.

“I think the President has done one thing today – that the issue is not how old one is but how fit he is; how healthy he is. Now that the President has proven his fitness and well-being, to continue in office is a settled matter. I think that if people want to campaign against him they should do so on issues that are of significance to Nigerians. The President is fit, he is healthy; he is good to go for second term,” the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, GarbaShehu said.

At the wake of the alleged “lifeless” reference to the President’s meeting with Trump trended, a group, Buhari Movement Organisation (BMO), also in a statement said: “President Muhammadu Buhari is fit and capable to run for the 2019 election and oversee the affairs of the country for four more years. President Donald Trump’s hate speech notwithstanding.”

The BMO in a statement signed by Niyi Akinsiju and Cassidy Maduekwe, its chairman and secretary respectively, noted that this was not the first time the US President was heard to make such derogatory

remarks at World leaders, and thus President Buhari would not be distracted by such.

In another development, Daily Trust, last week published a report on Senate’s approval of N488.7 billion federal project for states. The report said the Senators had, before proceeding on their annual recess in July, approved the money for 21 states through a promissory note programme requested by President Buhari.

The report explained that Buhari said he made

the request for the establishment of the promissory note programme and a bold issuance to settle inherited local debts and contractual obligations.

“It has become imperative to clear obligations including unpaid obligations to pensioners, salaries and promotional arrears to civil servants and petroleum marketers,” Buhari was quoted as saying.

The report, with graphical illustration showed the allocation to states and geo-political areas. North Central received projects valued at N26.6 billion,

In order to win election in 2015, Buhari and his party made a number of campaign promises to Nigerians. Reviving the economy and employment were top on the pledges. But today, Nigerians cannot hold on to any of those promises fulfilled instead, many citizens have lost their jobs while businesses are facing difficult times

North East N11.1 billion, North West N75.1 bn; South-East N69.6 billion; South-South N89.1 bn, and South West N215.7 bn.

To an analyst, the request by Buhari is a subtle response to those crying for marginalisation and an attempt to woo converts from other regions, especially as 2019 election approaches. Though, according to Daily Trust, the approval is raising dust especially among the North, but it is yet be seen how the approval will create loyalty for Buhari.

In the recent time, President Buhari has been hosting presidents of other nations, especially from Europe. The latest visitor is British Prime Minister, Theresa May, who visited Buhari as part of her visit to some African countries.

At a meeting, President Buhari assured May of his commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2019 and commended UK’s support at strengthening democratic institutions in the country.

In July this year, French President, Emmanuel Macron was in Nigeria. Reports also said that German Chancellor, Angela Merkel would soon tour three West African countries, paying visits to Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria.

No doubt, these are achievements for present administration which has hardly hosted top country leaders; but however strategic Buhari’s recent rebranding moves could be, especially in the run-up to the 2019 elections, some Nigerians still think that the President is really not fit for another four years administrative haul.

Again, the President is facing criticism for the slow pace on some critical decisions bordering on the economy. For instance, it took him six months to swear in ministers at a time the economy needed drivers to steer it out of mud.

The devaluation of the currency did not come at the right time when the external reserves were under pressure. In the spirit of corruption, some Nigerians had expected him to question Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun on NYSC alleged forgery. He also failed to ratify CJC until his deputy,Osinbajo took the bulls by the horns to act swiftly on it. His decision that Abacha loot of $322 million would be shared to indigent faceless Nigerians also received wide criticisms and considered by many as “economic harakiri”.

In order to win election in 2015, Buhari and his party made a number of campaign promises to Nigerians. Reviving the economy and employment were top on the pledges.

But today, Nigerians cannot hold on to any of those promises fulfilled instead, many citizens have lost their jobs while businesses are facing difficult times.

President Buhari may have made some achievements (in the estimation of some observers), but much of the high hopes has remained unmet. He is equally not helping matters with unbalanced appointments and the corruption war, which is perceived as selective and targeted at the opposition. Nigerians are watching to see how all the recent re-branding moves will push his profile for his quest to return to his beat in 2019, through the ballot.

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Arts Chika Idu and his intriguing art forms

Stories by OBINNA EMELIKE

S

ometime last year, the Wheatbaker Hotel Ikoyi offered its sprawling lobby, surrounding walls and open spaces to two established Nigerian visual artists for the exhibition of their works.

The joint exhibition witnessed 40 mind-blowing artworks presented in varying media of sculpture, installation, oil and acrylic on canvas and watercolour on paper.

But most visitors spent more time at the works of one of the artists because of their sheer uniqueness, aesthetics, topicality, and the creative ingenuity of the artist. Of course, Chika Idu, the preferred artist by the visitors, used his works to touch on socio-political issues from different viewpoints that further engaged the viewers.

The works also addressed Nigeria’s need to progress and evolve into an equitable society through subtle political and environmental messages.

Truly, Idu, whose works are inspired by everyday living, plays across intriguing art forms. More also, most of his works are often characterised by a heavy texture and hazy rendition technique, which he calls ‘light against

The other life by Chika Idu, 122 x 91cm, oil on canvas,

visual distortion’. Explaining the light technique, he says, “There are particles of dust all around us and each particle receives and deflects light.

Since I do not see so clearly in human concept, I will share with the world what I see and how I see it”.

Over the years, Idu has been critical of injustice and poor welfare for the citizenry,

2016

especially children through some provocative masterpieces. For the past 18 years, he has been committed to exposing the plight of the African child through his works.

Recently he began an environmental campaign on the health risks faced by children living in coastal slums.

In one of his recent exhibitions tagged Evolving

State of mind by Chika Idu, Oil on canvas, 122 x 91cm, 2013 - 14

Current, his strong figurative and personal style was easily recognizable, which traced his trajectory and stylistic development. As well, his technique involves the exhaustive priming of his canvas.

His broad oeuvre embraces themes such as traditional Nigerian ceremonies, musicians and landscapes. Several of his paintings are imbued

with narrative content. They depict children engaging in various forms of activity; on the way to school, praying, reading or swimming.

Beyond being an established painter, Idu is also an accomplished portraitist. In some of his portraits, his canvases portraying the beauty of the African woman with her pouted lips and lithe supple

body are built up thickly with palette knife and sometimes fingers.

Sometimes, more fluid figures and forms populate his canvases, while the texture and materiality of his chosen media always baffle first-time viewers and even established art enthusiasts.

The Delta State born painter was instrumental in the creation of Defactori Studios, which today has become an art movement among Nigeria’s new generation artists and also created Nigeria’s first Water Colour Society of Artists (SABLES). Idu has been a part of numerous group exhibitions and has had five solo exhibitions including at the Homestores and Terra Kultur Galleries in 2015.

Besides teaching art at the Lycee Francais Louis Pasteur, a French international school in Lagos, Idu has an active studio practice in Ikorodu, which he established in 2000 after graduating with a major in painting from Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State.

Of course, his works, which are characterized by heavy texture and hazy views, can be found in many private and public collections across the globe and are often on display in galleries across Lagos, especially the Wheatbaker Hotel and Temple Muse in Ikoyi and Victoria Island respectively.

AFRIMA releases nominees list

…South Africa’s Shekhinah, DRC’s Maître Gims, emerge most nominated artistes for 5th AFRIMA

M

aître Gims, Democratic Re p u b l i c o f Congo-born international recording artiste and rapper, and Shekhinah, South Africa’s fast rising songstress and songwriter, have received seven nominations each to emerge highest nominated artistes for the 5th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

The African Union Commission, AUC, and the International Jury of AFRIMA released the highly anticipated full list of the regional and continental categories of the annual awards ceremony to the public on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 via the media and on the AFRIMA website, www. afrima.org.

Closely following the top contenders are Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and Ethiopia’s Betty G who each earned six nominations; while Simi (Nigeria) and Nasty C (South Africa) got on the 5th AFRIMA nominees list with five nominations apiece.

In its position as the big-

gest awards event on the continent, AFRIMA rewards the continent’s music professionals in 36 regional and continental categories including four new awards categories namely African DJ of the Year; Best African Dance/ Choreography; African Lyricist/Rapper of the Year and Best African Act in Diaspora, introduced in June 2018 to give room for expansion and inclusiveness in the African music industry.

The regional category, which consists of Best Female artistes and Best Male artistes in the five regions of Africa, features 79 nominees while the Continental Category which honours exceptional work in different African music genres, boasts of 260 nominees with both categories making up a total number of 339 music professionals and songs nominated for the 2018 edition of the continental awards.

This year, through the 8,009 entries submitted by African music professionals across the globe and the

painstaking work of the International Jury of AFRIMA embodied by 13 renowned African music and culture professionals assessing the submitted entries, the 5th AFRIMA Nominees List has remained true to the AFRIMA tradition of discovering authentically fresh African voices and music while also recognising the hard work

and diligence of consistent chart topping music makers.

Commenting on the final nominees list and how the jury arrived at finding the best musical works within the year under review, Tabu Osusa, AFRIMA Juror representing Eastern Africa, said, “This year, AFRIMA registered a record number of entries in its competition. We

Nigeria’s Simi has earned five nominations for the awards

were very pleased to notice that mostly new talents have entered the competition.

The 13 jurors had a hard task going through over 8000 talented and creative entries. It resulted in heated sessions and far from unanimous decisions. Being an odd number of jurors revealed to be a blessing allowing us to make decisions by the majority.

After a lot of sweat, long discussions and late hours, the jurors designated the best artistes in each given genre.

It is now up to the public to go through this process and help to find the new African talents!”

Leading the nomination pack, Maître Gims’ has received nods for Album of the Year (for his March 2018 released ‘Ceinture Noire’ album); Artiste of the Year, Best Artiste in African Pop, Song of the Year, Song Writer of the Year, Best African Collaboration and Best Male Artiste in Central Africa.

Similarly, Shekhinah’s seven nominations also gave her a slot each in the Album of the

Year category and Producer of the Year (for her October 2017 released ‘Rose Gold’ album); these are as well as Song Writer of the Year; Best African Dance/Choreography; Best Artiste in African RnB & Soul; Revelation of the African Continent; Producer of the Year; and Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa.

Diamond Platinumz gets an Album of the Year nomination for his 2017 compilation titled ‘A boy from Tandale’, in addition are his nominations for Artiste of the Year; Best Artiste in African Contemporary; Best Artiste in African Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall; Song Writer of the Year and Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.

Betty G, Ethiopia’s jazz artiste, is amongst the top nominees with six nominations including, Album of the Year (for Wegegta, June 2018); Artiste of the Year; Best Artiste in African Jazz; Best Artiste in African Rock; Revelation of the African Continent and Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa.

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Arts Shuga Band consolidates 20 years on stage with coated concert

A

band has not only conquered Nigeria but even gone ahead to headline multiple shows and events on the international scene.

Over the two decades, Akiin Shuga, the founder of the band, defied the odds both personally and professionally to build the band from nothing. Aa well, he has also picked raw talents along the line and polished them into great instrumentalists and singers. Today, he is overjoyed at how far they have come but insists that Shuga Coated Concert will be nothing compared to anything the fans have ever witnessed from the band.

“We are overjoyed at being able to remain consistent in a very dynamic event industry for 20 years.

It is no small feat because we have seen many come and go. It is by the grace of God and the support of our friends all over the world who continued to patronize us. I am excited because I can remember when this started. I know the struggles and the battles we fought

OBINNA EMELIKE fter rising to become Nigeria’s leading musical band, the Shuga Band led by Akiin Shuga, polio survivor and ambassador, has concluded plans to become the first musical band to host a prestigious live show at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Sunday, October 21, 2018.

The live show, which is tagged ‘Shuga Coated Concert’ will feature major performances from the professional Shuga Band, creating a musical experience through the times, and offering the highly experienced and versatile hosts with loads of surprises.

The Shuga Band, which started two decades ago has had several performances including played for many Nigerian presidents, governors, captain of industries, and corporate bodies. With its many cross cultural representations and performances in almost all geo political zones in the country, the

Shuga Band Shuga Coated Concert

personally and professionally to remain grounded and committed to excellence.

Yes, today we are referred to as Nigeria’s most prestigious live band but we did not start like this. We had to pay our dues”, he said.

Commenting on what the public, clients and fans should expect at the Shuga Coated Concert, Akin Shuga said, “We have had hundreds of performances all across Nigeria. But what our friends who attend Shuga Coated concert will experience will be nothing compared to anything they have seen from us before. We are taking it ten notches higher. This is a celebration of our fall and rise but more candidly, it is a celebration of those who have stood by us and made us their preferred for 20 years.

I can assure you that we will deliver a world-class musical experience”.

Shuga Coated concert will take place on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at Eko Convention Centre to a premium audience who can get a pass to the show.1

FT Africa Summit to feature Nigerian cultural, artistic speakers

T

he annual Financial Times Africa Summit is broadening its scope this year from business, politics and economics to the arts with the featuring two cultural and artistic speakers from Nigeria.

The two speakers; Toni Kan, an author and Bolanle Austen-Peters, a multigenre culture producer, are part of a very select group of 23 high profile speakers expected in London, United Kingdom, on October 8, 2018, for a series of panel conversations around the hot button issues on the African Continent.

At t h e s u m m i t , Ka n and Austen-Peters will rub shoulders with Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest businessman, Mo Ibrahim, the continent’s moral philosopher, Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister, Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s current president, Pravin Gordhan, South Africa’s Minister of Public Enterprises and Dambisa Moyo, internationally acclaimed Zambian economist, who sits on the Board of Chevron Corp.

The Nigerian speakers from the art sector are invited as part of carefully chosen cultural and artistic speakers, “both to shake

up the debate and to reflect Africa’s growing global influence in art, architecture, music and film”.

Austen -Peters owns and runs a space that includes a gallery-which has produced a few art auctions in the last five years- a 300-seat theatre, an adequately stocked bookshop by Nigerian standards as well as a heavily patronised eatery specialis-

Toni Kan

ing in African cuisine. She has a production company that has delivered theatrical plays which have toured the country and the UK and she has been involved in movies as a co-producer.

On the other hand, Kan has published two collections of poems, two novels and a collection of short stories. His widely received latest novel, The Carnivo-

rous City, an uproarious guide to Lagos through the instrumentality of prose fiction, has sold over 6,000 copies, which means it is a mega best seller in Nigeria.

Last year, Mr. Kan, who titles himself “Mayor of Lagos”, started a website Thisislagos, which presents news and features as well as light hearted columns focused on happenings in the city.

Two panels to which the two of them are closely connected are the Infrastructure Panel, with a keynote speech on Investing in African Art and the Environmental, Social and Governance Panel, with a keynote address on My Lagos.

Mr. Kan will be speaking on My Lagos and then will be interviewed by David Pilling, FT’s Africa Editor.

The Summit will conclude with the CEO panel with interviews by FT editor Lionel Barber, followed by the Summit Dinner “providing a worthy networking opportunity for all participants.

Now in its 5th year, the parley is organised by Financial Times and it features C-Suite level individuals in business, politics and economics, as well as heads of state committed to making business central to their development goals.

Genevive Nnaji’s Lionheart sets for premiere at TIFF 2018

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ionheart’, directorial debut by Genevieve Nnaji, has been announced as an official selection in the Discovery Section of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) slated for September 6-16, 2018.

Set in South East Nigeria, ‘Lionheart’ tells the story of a young woman, Adaeze Obiagu (Genevieve Nnaji), who becomes saddled with the responsibility of running her sick father’s business under the suffocating supervision of an intensely crude and eccentric uncle. Her competing business instincts and family obligations become a catalyst for drastic change not everyone is ready to embrace.

“I love filmmaking and I am grateful to have had the chance to share my love with millions over the years.

Lionheart is the beginning of a journey to explore and express my creative interpretation of storytelling, particularly African stories. Africa is a possessor of the most compelling stories as yet untold, and we are determined to tell our stories, our way, through

our voices, to the world. And TIFF is the perfect launch for the film”, she said.

Genevieve Nnaji, who will also be seen at TIFF performing alongside Kate Beckinsale in ‘Farming’, a highly anticipated film from Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje , the director, was also celebrated at TIFF 2013 in ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’.

A story about hard-nosed rivalry and often contrarian efforts to rescue an ailing business, Lionheart is all about family drama, female empowerment and a humorous charmer,” Chinny Onwugbenu, the producer, said.

“We assembled a cast of Nigeria’s most respected and revered screen icons including; Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh, Onyeka Onwenu, Kanayo .O. Kanayo, Chika Okpala, Kalu Ikeagwu, Sanni Mu’azu, Yakubu Mohammed, Ngozi Ezeonu, Peter Okoye (P-Square) and Chibuzor Azubuike (Phyno). It serves to make the film truly representative of a Nigeria not often seen on screen today”, the producer explained.

‘Lionheart’ will premiere in Nigeria in a theatrical release in December 2018.

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Bliss with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo

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Sunday 02 September 2018

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

I used to wish I didn’t have this physique- Anita Joseph

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nita Joseph is one actress that is blessed with a figure that most men (and even some ladies) drool over. But then, the actress has said that there was a time she had wished she didn’t have such physique.

In a chat with Bliss recently, the actress said her body shape has made so many men get attracted to her.

“At some point in my life and career, the way men disturbed and followed me about, I was so mad that I had ask one of them ‘mma o bu olu’ which means ‘is beauty a crime?’ But right now I can never wish I didn’t have this great shape ‘biko’. I am so s grateful I got it for free.”

In fact, Anita is so proud of her shape.

With her voluptuous backside, Anita is always snapping photographs and posting on her social media handles. But she claims she doesn’t post those pictures to show off her God’s given assets.

“I just love keeping and capturing memories. Pictures are reminders of places and things. It’s not because I have a great figure that I am always taking photographs. And I am not even the only one who loves taking picture; a lot of people love pictures more than I do.”

And even as she breaks the internet with her photos and great body, Anita is one actress who has experienced cyber bullying from fans and foes alike.

She told Bliss she doesn’t allow negative comments on social media to affect her.

“In the past, it used to get to me so much. But right now, it doesn’t anymore. I just read it, sink it in and digest it.”

Even the latest trending story concern-

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opyright Society of Nigeria has called on its members across the country, other stakeholders in the music industry and lovers of music in Nigeria who are sympathetic to the plight of creative people in the country, to speak up especially as the society marked the annual No Music Day yesterday (Saturday).

Making the call in Lagos, C O S O N Ch a i r m a n , Ch i e f Tony Okoroji said, “Creative people in Nigeria cannot afford to keep quiet as Nigeria goes through another electioneering campaign process in which no one offers any direction for the development and optimal deployment of the millions of Nigeria’s creative talents for national development.

We will not be taken for granted any more “The time has come to make

it abundantly clear that it is only politicians who have developed a sensible long-term plan for the progress of our industry and have shown clear interest in the development of the nation’s creative industry that can count on our significant support and votes when the time comes” Continuing, Okoroji who spearheaded the 2009 campaign, said that it has become imperative that appropriate action be taken to remind the different politicians canvassing for votes across the country that the disease which necessitated the hunger strike of 2009 has not quite been cured and that at this time that other nations are building their growth on the creative economy, Nigeria must take important steps to protect its creative industries to ensure the socio-economic progress of the nation.

ing her and her alleged relationship with a popular married man who allegedly bought a house for her in South Africa, the actress chose to keep mum about it.

“It’s something I don’t want talk about. It is my private life.”

The actress, who delved into music at one point in her life, also said she decided to cool down a bit concerning her music career.

“Music is very jealous. Doing music and movies together is not easy at all both are attention demanding.

It’s like marrying two wives that you know are classy women and you must give them attention. That was exactly what happened; music movies are jealous lovers. But I am coming back on track,” she said.

Acting’s my first love – Rotimi, filmmaker

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COSON urges artistes to speak up to politicians

ollywood director and filmmaker, Elijah Tolu Rotimi, has said he was actually an actor before he delved into movie direct-

ing.

Now one of the major filmmakers especially in the Yoruba movie industry, the director, in a recent chat with Bliss, said he was into stage acting many years ago before he went to the New York Film Academy to study filmmaking.

“I started acting right from when I was in school. I had passions for entertainment and I did a lot of stage plays when I was in the university. I even set up a group back then,” he said.

The filmmaker who is fondly called Originator, told Bliss how he left acting to become a director.

“When I left the university, it wasn’t easy to get roles. I started as a script writer and gradually, I became a production manager and eventually, I went to New York film school where I studied filmmaking. Then I came back and became a director.

“However, since I became a director, I have had the opportunity of putting myself in some roles. I can create roles for myself if I want to.

I enjoy being a filmmaker but once in a while, I act in some roles and give myself maybe two or three scenes in a movie. However, I enjoy being a director. The director calls the shots.”

And as a director calls the shots in a movie, some up and coming actors have also complained that some directors ask them for sex for roles.

Reacting to the allegation, Rotimi said there is sexual harassment in every facet of life.

“I know there are some young actresses who would say they were asked for sex for roles.

But I have also known so many other actresses who said they were given roles and nothing was

asked from them. Sexual harassment happens everywhere, it is not only in our industry,” he said.

And since some budding actors find it difficult to make it in the industry, Rotimi said the blame should be channeled to the audience.

“The audience is the cause of it. No audience would go to the market to buy a movie that has unknown faces. Even the online TV, the cable stations and TV stations, they all want to air movies with known faces. After shooting a movie, remember you still have to sell the movie and make your money back.

So the market is really the reason that aspiring actors do not really grow in the industry.”

MTN celebrates Durbar with Kwara residents

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ust recently, the city of Ilorin experienced mega fun and residents could not hold back their excitement during the Durbar Festival.

Sponsored by MTN Nigeria, the rejuvenated edition of the Dubar festival in Ilorin the Kwara State capital was a whole lot of fun, excitement and full of energy as the telecom company threw its weight behind the festival.

Well over 500 horses were on display during the festival and virtually everybody was in gay and joyous mood as they danced during the parade.

MTN Nigeria joined in the celebration as part of its effort to promote the rich cultural heritage found throughout the Nigerian landscape under a bigger initiative – Kulture Fest.

Kulture Fest, an initiative of the ICT company aims to support, enrich and showcase the diverse culture that is spread all over the country to the world.

Under Kulture Fest, important festivals and traditions like the Ofala Nnewi, Argungu and the recently concluded Osun/Osogbo festivals have been aided.

Sunday 02 September 2018

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Entertainment Thrills, frills at Legend ‘Real Deal Experience’ in Lagos CHUKS OLUIGBO

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ntense musical performances, hilarious stand-up comedy, funny and poetic eulogies, entertaining games, role play as well as enlightening brand education and prize award. All these and more were on offer, penultimate Saturday, as Legend Extra Stout hosted hundreds of fans in Nigeria’s entertainment city, Lagos.

The event which held at Abesan mini stadium, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, saw consumers treated to non-stop entertainment and excitement, with several regular attendees hailing it as exceptional, surpassing all possible expectations.

The Real Deal Experience show is a music and comedy show conceived by Legend Extra Stout, the unique bittertasting premium stout, fully brewed from the finest natural ingredients and bottled under the best international quality standards.

Fans and lovers of music were treated to great performances from the street kings Mr Real and Slim Case. The duo thrilled fun-loving partygoers by delivering electrifying performances and lighting up the night in separate performances. Their energetic stage presence was thrilling, so much so that the audience began an unending sing-along from Mr Real’s ‘Legbegbe’ to Slim Case’s

‘Guy Code’ returns to demystify the modern man ...as season 2 premiers on MTV Base

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eed to know about everything from man-scaping to man-crushes, the rules of drinking and dating or factors to consider before popping the sacred “will you marry me?” question, then MTV Base’s top-rated series dubbed ‘Guy Code’ is for you.

Call it snitching , but the show which is returning for its second season is a strong and smart comedy series that provides viewers a hilarious how-to manual full of tips to push the envelope and open the dialogue about the wonders and woes of manhood.

To every game there are rules, the principles of which may evolve in response to trends and new societal ideals, but the foundation of the code is constant. This in fact is the bedrock of masculinity, as there is a reason why guys act the way they do – good or bad.

As a matter of fact, the reason why some guys appear interestingly indefinable is be-

cause they have mastered the precious code of masculinity.

And as you’ve already guessed, the supposedly un-cool and annoyingly predictable guys exercise the opposite of the code. This mysterious code has been termed ‘Guy Code’.

It is the manual of manhood that guides their action and reaction to various circumstances, especially in relation to the opposite sex. Every bro knows the code and almost every bro lives by them.

Sp o n s o r e d b y Gu l d e r, a premium beer from Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guy Code is not your regular television series.

It is dramatic yet real; comical yet genuine.

Set to premiere today, September 2, 2018, on MTV Base, Guy Code will feature today’s top comics, musicians, experts like Igwe2pac, Lynxxx, Kunle Remi, and Ehiz, balanced with strong feminine perspectives from some of your favourite female celebrities like Seyi Shay, Toni Tones, and more.

‘Otumba Lamba’.

As a show of their excitement and appreciation of the duo, some members of the audience, not wanting to be outdone by the music stars, went up stage to display some energetic dance moves.

Ifu Ennada and co-host, comedian De Don, gained mastery of the audience. They kept the audience on the edge of their seats all night long with their humour-filled anchoring of the event.

The stellar performances

spiced up the night. The performance from other musical artists and rib-cracking comedy were indeed the icing on the cake.

O v e r t h e y e a r s , Le g e n d Real Deal Experience has been known for its legendary ‘taste, tell and win’ competition, and this edition did not prove any different. The competition is a blind taste test and participants were made to tell the difference between the taste of Legend Extra Stout and other stout brands.

Winners went home with exciting prizes like flat screen TVs, generators and refrigerators, among other household items. It was an ecstatic feeling to the amusement of some members of the audience who were thrilled by how consumers blind-spotted the unique taste of Legend from others.

Prior to the show, Emmanuel Agu, portfolio manager, mainstream lager and stout brands, NB Plc, affirmed that the brand was increasing the stakes at the Lagos edition and that the edition was centred around giving back to Legend’s esteemed consumers for their loyalty.

The show lived up to its promise. Fans were so thrilled they all commended Legend Extra Stout for putting up an amazing show.

Le g e n d Ex t r a St o u t w a s launched into the Nigerian market by Nigerian Breweries in 1992. It is best enjoyed chilled with friends.

Gbenga Adeyinka, Maltina share happiness at LaffMattazz Ilorin

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he city of Ilorin was lit up recently with the mother of all comedy events as Gbenga Adeyinka the First and premium malt drink, Maltina, thrilled fun-seekers with LaffMattazz.

The event tagged “Loud in Ilorin 2: The Return” held at the Arca Santa Arena with Gbenga Adeyinka doing what he knows how to do best. He showed everyone present why he’s called the CFR (Comedian of the Fed-

eral Republic) and the GCON (Grand Comedian of Nigeria).

His performance was supported by several top comedians who took to the stage to make fans laugh their hearts out. Comedians who rocked the show include Omo Baba, Peteru, Helen Paul, Kenny Blaq, Ayo Ajewole aka Woli Agba, Odogwu the Comedy Machine, and several others.

The amazing lineup of comedians ensured there was abun-

dant cheer to go round, but that was not all. LaffMattazz lovers in Ilorin were also treated to worldclass musical performances by superstar entertainers who graced the stage.

Fans danced and partied to the music of the Alaga Ibile himself, Reminisce; Penalty singer, Small Doctor; Shaku Shaku master, Slim Case; Mr. Real aka Mr. Legbegbe; CDQ; Jaywon; Faze; Destiny Boy, among others.

The show was truly the perfect way to wrap up the holiday weekend and Gbenga Adeyinka, who promised to deliver an amazing show to the people of Ilorin, thoroughly delivered on his word.

Sponsored by Maltina , a brand committed to sharing happiness, the comedy show featured fun games, lucky dips, and spinning the wheel where lucky consumers got the chance to win amazing prizes, such as mobile phones, TV, standing gan, Maltina goody-bags, and more.

LaffMattazz “Loud in Ilorin 2: The Return” is over, but it is an experience that the people of Ilorin will not forget in a hurry.

40 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 02 September 2018

THINGS TO DO IN LAGOS It is another Sunday Funday and as always, I have somewhere for you to be at! Here are a few events happening today that will thrill you:

Escape the Hustle, Getaway for the weekend VIOLET E. JOHNSON

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etaways can be very rejuvenating especially if the location chosen is one surrendered by nature – trees, beaches etc.

The good thing about it is that you don’t necessarily have to go far to enjoy one. There are several resorts in Lagos that you can enjoy a 3-day stay or like we usually call it ‘’a weekend getaway’’.

Inagbe Grand Resort Inagbe Grand Resort offers a blend of nature and an outstanding landscape. It is an environment where you get to truly enjoy peace of mind.

There are rooms, a restaurant, Children’s park, Horse ranch, swimming pool, football pitch and a lot of other fun attractions.

This serene resort is about 15 minutes from Victoria Island, Lagos by boat ride or a charter boat from the Regatta Jetty on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (formerly Queens Drive) in Ikoyi axis.

La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort A list of resorts in Lagos will be incomplete without making mention of La Campagne Tropicana. This resort has been in existence for over two decades and is recognized even outside the shores of Nigeria.

It is situated along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, about an hour’s ride from Victoria Island, Lagos. Fun activities you can indulge in include: a walk on the beach, horse riding, hiking, fishing, beach soccer and volleyball among other things.

La Campagne Tropicana is known as one of the best resorts in Lagos for an exclusive romantic getaway.

Kamp Ikare Resort This lovely and ideal weekend getaway spot is located very close to Ikare Village Badagry, Lagos and accessed only by boat. A little outskirt of town doesn’t hurt anybody.

The resort has cabins that provide a good view of the sea, private beach gardens and more.

It is very suitable for retreats and most especially getaways.

Sunday 02 September 2018

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From Lagos With Love #TheMovie

MarketPlace with the CEO of the YellowGate Restaurant, Eno Ojabo

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remember walking into the Yellow Gate Restaurant and saying to myself, wow, everything is of the yellow family in hear, and I said to Ene, it smells like food in here. Ofcourse it smells like food, it’s a restaurant, was the response I was waiting to hear, but instead the sweet and elegant chef Ene, said order whatever you want, it’s on the house!

Ene isn’t just a cheerful giver, who loves to cook and understands the magic of food, her meals are amazingly delicious. Your first bite will instantly take you back to your mom’s kitchen.

Breaking even with sales, join us on this week’s episode of BusinessDay MarketPlace, as we took a tour around the restaurant and also had a chat with Ene Ojabo.

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remiered by Polo Avenue at the Film House cinema in Lekki phase 1 on the 26th of August 2018, From Lagos With Love is one movie everyone should see.

It was well attended by Nollywood stars and celebrities such as Kate Henshaw, Juliet Ibrahim, Obi Asika, Osas Ajibade, Toni Tones, Hon. Desmond Elliot etc .

From Lagos With Love follows the story of three couples — one of them being the perfect love story, while the other seems to be a forbidden love. The film explore parental pressure on relationships, showing the ugly truths about a family’s impact on our choices.

The movie stars Enado Odigie, Damilola Adegbite, Shaffy Bello, Bimbo Manuel,

Sharon Ooja, John Oga, Nonso Bassey, Etim Effiong, Funke Kuti among others.

It is produced by Urban Vision Tola Odunsi and Akin Akinkugbe and is distributed by Filmone Distributiion Ltd The movie featured Alist articles and it showcased the real African culture and heritage. They talk about each of the sibling finding love and settling down apart one of the sisters who was the prettiest and most successful and yet could not find a Prince Charming. They had a routine of spending Christmas together, which brought all kids from far and wide They had a unique story line, nice locations-and a few cast, who made it worth while.

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very long time. So I have no problem with cooking the food that guests eat out of my restaurant, but because it’s a functional restaurant, I can’t do it all by myself.

Food business in Nigeria is serious business, so how do you deal with competition?

Life itself is a competition, just do your thing and ensure you’re doing it right, because I believe that if you do things right, and you keep a standard, you won’t have a problem. So at Yellow Gate, what we do is that we ensure we attend to our customers, wherever they are, whoever they may be. We are consistent and we ensure our services are super.

Do your prices change when there’s a hike in market prices?

Yes everything changes when there is a hike in

Tell us about Yellow Gate restaurant The Yellow Gate Restaurant was formed in 2015, and since I’ve always been passionate about anything food, I wanted a location where I could serve people. For me it wasn’t just all about serving people, but serving the African Delicacy.

Before now I had a mobile food truck, called Nini’s Mobile Kitchen, where we prepared the food in the truck and drive to various locations to serve it, including events. We had a lot of fun doing that for two years, but wealsohadlogisticsissues,wehadproblems with Lagos state, as well as maintenance of the truck. That’s when my decision to get an actual location was made. Home made African and Continental food had to be served to my customers/food lovers, but not out market prices, but what we try to do as much as we can is to accommodate those changes. We stretch of a moving van. ourselves and bend a little more. We try to manage Have you got other Chefs or do you always do the our resources and still give out good quality meals.

It’s not easy, but your service and standards have cooking yourself?

Back when I was in the university, I used to have to be constant. people come over for lunch or dinner and they’ll Truth is, customers will always notice if the price of ask if I can cook. My answer is always yes I can’t just food changes, and that’s not always too good for a growing business. cook, I cook well made Nigerian dishes.

To be honest, when I was growing up, I always watched my mum cook not just for our immedi- Drawing from that, do your costs ever run higher ate family, but she’ll cook for about 10-15 people than your profits? and she’ll say let’s just have it down for any unan- Sometimes it does, because you can’t really predict nounced visitors. So I’m sure that’s where I got it the market. But what we try to do is manage the situation so that it doesn’t affect us so bad, that the from.

So back to your question, I cook myself, but I can’t customer begins to feel it too. always be available to cook. So I employed some chefs to help me out when I can’t actually get my Do you presently manage any other business? hands dirty. But it’s my baby and I love it. I actually My first love is my restaurant, so most times I’m love to cook and that has been my passion for a here. I can’t say for a fact that I manage other businesses, because food is where my heart is.

Would you consider The Yellow Gate restaurant profitable at the moment?

Well it has it’s days, but the best decision I’ve made is moving from a mobile food truck to an actual location. There are challenges but I’m happy. I cook and sell food and that’s what matters to me.

Where do you see Yellow Gate in the nearest future?

I see us opening more branches and going international.

Interview By Uzochikwa Akumah

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Sunday 02 September 2018

Life&Living

When retail therapy becomes hazardous

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JUMOKE AKIYODE-LAWANSON

etail therapy is shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer’s mood or disposition. Ideally, anything therapeutic should cheer you up or excite you, as the case may be but sadly, not every therapy is good therapy.

Confused as to why retail therapy can sometimes be bad and have a reverse effect? There is no doubt that repeatedly engaging in retail therapy is a recipe for debt which is a burden and finally leads to unhappiness.

‘Retail therapy’ is the go-to-word for most women especially after a heart break, disappointment or any sort of emotional trauma. It is a common belief that spoiling yourself by buying something new will make us feel better – especially when it is something that may contribute to

enhancing a lady’s self-esteem or confidence, such as clothes, shoes, makeup or just a relaxing day at expensive beauty spa. The natural little high that comes along with this is very normal and for the majority of people will not become problematic.

However, it becomes hazardous when you over indulge – like many other habits. Hence, it is advisable to keep it minimal and seek more solace in other things that don’t necessarily

have to cost a dent in your pocket.

Therapists have advised that if you find yourself having uncontrollable urge to shop when you are sad, depressed, anxious or even angry, you should ask yourself a few questions to determine if your shopping behavior is unhealthy so as to avoid regrettable decisions.

Do you get the urge to shop particularly when you are experiencing negative emotions? Do you find it

Top cities to visit if you absolutely love art IFEOMA OKEKE

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rt is a diverse range of human activities in creating visual, auditory or performing artifacts (artworks),expressing the author’s imaginative, conceptual idea, or technical skill, intended to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power. For lovers of arts and travel, it will be thrilling combine your two passions by visiting some of the best art destinations the world has to offer.

From street art capitals such as Berlin and New York to the worldrenowned galleries of Paris andFlorence, great art can be found in all corners of the world. Whether you’re inspired by the work of old masters, love contemporary art, or you just want to soak up some healthy creative energy, here’s our list of the 10 best cities to visit to satisfy even the most insatiable art lover.

Paris, France If you’re an art lover, Paris should be at the top of your destination list. With too many fantastic museums to mention, perhaps it’s best to start with the biggest and oldest. Built in the early 12th century, The Louvre was previously used as a royal fortress.

Another must-visit gallery is Musée d’Orsay, situated in the former, ornate Gare d’Orsay railway station.Here, you’ll find the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world.

For contemporary art, be sure to visit Modus Art Gallery, which showcases an eclectic, ever-changing collection. Other mentionable contem-

porary galleries include Yvon Lambert, Galerie Xippas, and La Maison Rouge.

New York City, USA Home to world-famous museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York can be overwhelming for an art lover. While we naturally recommend visiting these world-famous museums, you can also explore some of the less sign-posted art locations within New York’s contemporary art scene.

Whether you stay within Manhattan or head out to the outer boroughs, you’re bound to have plenty ofoptions.

For a more raw view of the city’s art, head to Bushwick (in Brooklyn) to explore graffiti art-covered streets, hang out with the local creatives, and visit cutting-edge contemporary galleries that showcase emerging talents.

Berlin, Germany Berlin is one of those cities where art can be found around every corner. It’s a place where the urbanlandscape is constantly changing, with new street art seemingly popping up overnight and older pieces being covered or changed. Perhaps the most famous spot for street art is located in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district, where part of the historical BerlinWall is now used as the longest open-air gallery in the world.

Miami, USA Home to Art Basel—one of the world’s most prestigious international art fairs—Miami’s vibrant art scene offers a full menu of artistic delights. For galleries galore, visit the Wynwood Arts District, where you will find over 30

contemporary art spaces and studios.

Here, you can also take a street art tour with Wynwood Art Walk.

We also recommend the waterfront Perez Art Museum for the best of modern and contemporary art.

Tokyo, Japan With hundreds of galleries scattered among skyscrapers, back streets, and old towns, Tokyo is one of the most exciting places to visit for its art. Tucked away in an old neighborhood of traditional wooden houses and temples, SCAI The Bathhouse is one of Tokyo’s most prestigious contemporary art galleries. The former 200-year-old bathhouse is now a white-walled art space, but still retains details of its past, such as wooden lockers where bathers would have stored their shoes before taking a dip. Past exhibiting artists include Anish Kapoor and Tadanori Yokoo.

For art with a view, head to the Roppongi entertainment district and to the top of the 54-story RoppongiHills Mori

difficult to resist the urge to shop during these times?Is your behaviour resulting in negative results effects (e.g., are you getting yourself into financial debt; do you feel guilty afterward; is it creating conflict with your partner or family?

If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you are likely engaging in shopping behaviour that is unhealthy.

According to globeandmail.com,

Tower skyscraper. Here you’ll find the legendary Mori Art Museum, where over the years its ever-changing exhibitions have included the polka dot installations of Yayoi Kusama.

Florence, Italy If Renaissance art is your thing, Florence is the city for you. Explore the colossal collection of the Medici family at the Uffizi, which includes masterpieces by Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, Da Vinci and more. To complete your Renaissance masterpiece tour, head to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s iconic David sculpture.

For your contemporary art fix, visit Florence’s Centro di Cultura Contemporanea Strozzina, also known as the “anti-Uffizi.” Through themed exhibitions, this gallery is devoted to showcasing the best of contemporary Italian art.

Barcelona, Spain Barcelona is a must-see destination for art lovers, as it’s home to Museu Picasso; one of the biggest Pablo Picasso collections in the world. But the Spanish hub has a lot more to offer besides Picasso, including large collections of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque art displayed at Museu Nacional d’Art. However, a trip to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without marveling at the architecture of Gaudi.

London, United Kingdom London is home to all styles and eras of art, so it’s a great city to visit if you want to see a bit of everything. You can find classics from Van Gogh at the National Gallery, modern art masterpieces from the likes of Picasso, Hockney, and Warhol at Tate Modern, as well as many

a health, fitness and lifestyle blog, there are a few things that you can do to work on this.

‘First, articulate the negative effects of your behaviour. Write them down and be specific and then put this list somewhere visible. Second, identify which particular moods tend to increase the likelihood that you will engage in “retail therapy.”

Work to regulate these negative emotions. Seek treatment for underlying mood issues if these have been unaddressed. Try instead different activities that will intrinsically improve your mood, such as visiting with a friend or going for a walk.’

Joti Samra, a psychologist suggests that you ‘consider what environmental triggers urge you to shop (e.g., a fight with your partner, a bad day at work). Work on a solution to these situations because targeting the underlying cause will be more effective than focusing strictly on the shopping behavior.’

According to Samra, you need to put a price to your behaviour. ‘What is this costing you on a monthly basis?

And how is that interfering with other short- and long-term financial goals you have?’

Finally, she says you should make a commitment to change your behaviour. Be specific about what you are going to do. And start immediately.

contemporary gems at Saatchi Gallery.

For a less-formal setting, visit Shoreditch, a creative inner-city district in the East End. Here you can marvel at some of the city’s most impressive street art and even join in on an Alternative London Walking Tour, led by the local street artists and creatives.

Beijing, China Having seen a recent boom in contemporary art, most of Beijing’s art can be found in 798 Art District.Here, former industrial buildings have been transformed into contemporary art spaces and open-air installations.

You can find pretty much any type of art—from photography to sculpture to fashion design.

For Chinese historical art, check out the Poly Art Museum which features ancient bronze works from the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

Chicago, USA While Chicago is home to world-class institutions—such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Institute of Chicago—it’s a city where you don’t have to be indoors to see great art. While wandering around the central business district, The Loop, you’ll find plenty of public artworks including Anish Kapoor’s iconic Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. You can also find an untitled cubist sculpture by Pablo Picasso, which was the first of Chicago’s public art pieces to be installed in 1967.

However, if the windy city lives up to its nickname, and the weather is just too much to stay outdoors, head to the former warehouse district, River North, where there’s over 100 contemporary art galleries to explore.

Sunday 02 September 2018

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Travel

Back to the Smiling Coast OBINNA EMELIKE

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urray! The Gambia is fully back on the trail after enduring a rough patch in her democratic experience. With the many tourists that thronged the small West African country this summer, it is evident that the coast is now clear for travelers who want to experience this country of sunshine, wildlife and sandy beaches.

As a confirmation, leading travel advisors are urging tourists all over the world to come explore this smiling coast of West Africa.

Sandwiched on both sides

by Senegal with a just enough coastline of its own, The Gambia, which is aptly tagged the ‘Smiling Coast’, is an open society whose arms are flung open to receive every visitor – irrespective of faith, race or social leaning. Though small, with a population of roughly two million people, the country offers a prime spot for worldclass bird-watching, exciting escapes made possible by its unspoilt sandy beaches, sprawling wildlife sanctuary and a rich sense of history.

However, there are some attractions, activities and excitements that stand the destination out among others in the West African region.

To make the most of your trip in The Gambia any day, you should look out for these attractions and activities: Discover history at the Kunta Kinteh Island If you have ever seen the mind-blowing adaptation of Alex Haley’s film, Roots: The Saga of An American Family, you will understand why Kunta Kinteh Island is popular among tourists to The Gambia, especially African Americans and the Diasporas. The island is named after the lead character in this slavery-inspired movie and retains the relics of one of the darkest hours in the black history. Like the Island of Gorée in Senegal, the Kunta Kinteh Island offers a refreshing glimpse into the agonizing slave trade that swept through Africa as far back as the 15th century.

It is situated on the old fort of the former James Island and represents the last piece of African soil seen by most black slaves before being ferried into transatlantic ships by colonial overlords. For a richer experience, it is advisable to visit the adjoining villages like

Floating hotel, Gambia Abreda and Juffure, and opt for a Roots Cruise by boat and experience the tradition of precolonial Africa. You can go for the mother of all adventure cruising on River Gambia and have fun till you drop.

Explore its abundant game reserves The Gambia is the smallest country in West Africa, but yet boasts of some of Africa’s most quintessential safaris. Often underrated by safari buffs, The Gambia constitutes about seven parks and a community wildlife – the Bolong Fenonyo, 66 forest parks and collectively, they account for an estimated 3.8 percent of the country’s total land mass. In 2013, The Gambia was rated as one of the top 10 safari parks in Africa.

Mix business with pleasure Travel forecasts for 2017 have shown that this year would witness the renewed quest for business and leisure travel, which loosely denotes business trips peppered with good doses of fun. The Gambia is a destination where a business trip can be as fun as a vacation, due to the sheer diversity of laid-back spots that offer a refreshing time away from the grindstone.

These hangouts are most ideal for discerning travelers

who desire to chillax and be entertained the African way.

You could stroll into the Ngala Lodge in the cool of the evening and savour the symphony of The Police Jazz Band while you sip a drink or two. Or simply go all the way traditional by watching an energetic drumming band with a rhythm that gets you tapping your feet.

A stay at the Coral Beach Hotel is most recommended as it offers you that exiting mix of optional tours that would

Roots Heritage Trail in The Gambia

make your trip all the more unforgettable.

Explore Africa’s modest capital city Banjul may not command the imposing magnificence of Lagos or the vibrant culture of Johannesburg, but it sure houses some of the most intriguing attractions unexpected of a city of that size. A trip to The Gambia is incomplete without exploring Arch 22, which is regarded as the most striking feature of this city. It was cre-

ated by a Senegalese architect Pierre Goudiaby and formally unveiled in 1996 to mark the second anniversary of Yahaya Jammeh’s coup d’état. At the Liberation Avenue, the choked aisles of the colorful Albert Market are an interesting sight to behold. From gift items to wears and house-old needs, you will be spoilt for choice as you swing around this bubbling market.

And just about 20km away from Banjul is Serrekunda, the nation’s largest and busiest city and commercial nerve centre.

This city, which was founded in the 19th Century by Sayerr Jobe, a Wolof royal from Koki, Senegal, has transformed itself from a modest town to modern destination where people flock for adventure and sales bargains. The everbustling Serrekunda Market is shoppers’ haven that offers an endless stream of products.

As a tourist, you could browse the alleys and labyrinth of stalls for a jumbo of highly affordable imports and shop more for less.

From Serrekunda to Banjul, Sukuta, Bricama and the many unforgettable thrills offered by this small nation, The Gambia is certainly your value-for-money destination where you rediscover the forgotten treasures of Africa.

Sunday 02 September 2018

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BDSUNDAY 43

Travel

Five top places to travel solo Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

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ne of the top reasons people don’t travel as often as they’d like, aside from financial and time constraints, is the lack of a travel partner. For many, doing simple activities like eating out alone or seeing a movie solo can cause a wave of nervousness and anxiety, so the mere thought of solo travel is out of the question.

A fear of solo travel is common, but it can hold you back if you’re constantly waiting for someone else to travel.

Traveling alone can be fulfilling and life-changing, and if the opportunity presents itself, it is an experience not to be missed. If you want to travel more in the New Year and don’t want to wait for your friends to get the ball rolling, these are the places you’ll want to visit as a solo traveler.

Hamburg, Germany Skip Berlin and spend time browsing the architecture and art scene in Hamburg instead. The secondlargest city in Germany, Hamburg has a vibrant art scene that offers something for everyone. With acclaimed permanent collections of

German Romantic painting, as well as contemporary photography and varied temporary exhibition programmes of internationally renowned artists, Hamburg’s reputation as a prominent arts capital is firmly established. Here, Culture Trip guides you through the eclectic cultural venues every art lover should visit.

Seville, Spain Seville has just as much history and culture as Barcelona and Madrid, but the

NCAT graduates first MCC participant

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he Flying School o f t h e Ni g e r i a n College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, has graduated its first Multi Crew Cooperation Course N0. 1 (MCC.1) on 27th August, 2018 with four participants.

Three participants were sponsored by Arik Air and one from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. The ceremony had in attendance Abdulsalami Mohammed, the Rector/ chief executive of the College, and Mohammed Barau, the head of Flying Sc h o o l a n d o t h e r t o p management officials of the College.

In his welcome address, Mohammed Barau, the head of Flying School said that the fresh graduates are the brand ambassadors of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, in the Civil Aviation industry and urged them to know the technological world in real time and help the present comatose civil

aviation industry. During the ceremony, individual students were recognized for their outstanding overall academic performance study.

In his address to the graduates, Abdulsalami Mohammed, the Rector/ chief executive of the college said, the MultiCrew Cooperation (MCC) course the first of its kind was designed to train single seat pilots in the team skills necessary for the safe operation of complex, multi-crew, jet aircraft.

Speaking further t h e Re c t o r s a i d , t h e training focuses on teaching participants the fundamentals of operating as a crew in the multi-crew airline environment adding that the course offers participants the opportunity to practice and develop the skills necessary for leadership and support roles in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO).

city has its own unique style and is traditionally not as crowded as the more famous Spanish cities. Seville is famous for its enormous Catedral and soaring La Giralda tower, but there are tons of places to discover the city’s rich history. Stroll along the Guadalquivir River for scenic views or walk through the streets of Barrio Santa Cruz to discover the local flavor of Seville’s tapas bars, boutique shops

and outdoor plazas. To maximize your time in the sun, amble through the gardens of Parque María Luisa or uncover the royal story of the Real Alcázar palace. See it all before your afternoon siesta, which will help you prepare for nightlife that’s been known to entertain visitors and Sevillanos alike through the early morning hours.

Toronto, Canada If you want to explore a

North American city that feels absolutely nothing like the U.S., Toronto is the place to go. Toronto, the capital of Ontario and the country’s largest city, is home to a dynamic mix of tourist attractions, from museums and galleries to the world famous CN Tower and, just off shore, Toronto Islands. The city also offers a vibrant Entertainment District, featuring the latest musicals and other performing arts, and the historic Distillery District. The city center is still relatively easy to navigate, with many of the top attractions within walking distance of each other and a subway system to cover longer distances.

Bordeaux, France Bordeaux has a lot of the culture and romantic vibes you’ll find in Paris, minus the excessive tourists traps. Also, the port city is a wine lover’s dream.

With its urban elegance and provincial charm, Bordeaux is an appealing tourist destination in a beautiful region of Southwest France.

Bordeaux is called the “Port of the Moon” because of its romantic location on a crescent-shaped bend of the Garonne River. In this splendid setting that allowed trade to flourish, the city has a rich cultural heritage dating back to antiquity. UNESCO

declared Bordeaux a World Heritage Site in 1998 thanks to the city’s wealth of architectural treasures. More than 350 buildings are classified as historical monuments.

Cape Town, South Africa You can’t go wrong in an affordable, cosmopolitan city known for its beautiful coastline, nature, art scene and world-class wine region.

The real question here is what can’t you do in Cape Town. This is a city brimming with adventure, culture, and culinary arts. Start your day with a morning trip up Table Mountain; with clearer skies in the early hours, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the city. From here, you can head to Boulders or Clifton Beach for some sun, sand, and surf, or you can experience the Mother City’s rich history.

Robben Island and The District Six Museum both do a fantastic job recounting the city’s struggle to overcome apartheid. Bo-Kaap and Greenmarket Square provide a fascinating glimpse into Cape Town’s Afrikaan and Muslim traditions. Just make sure to dedicate some time to the city’s wine culture: Touring the vineyards at Constantia or sipping a chilled white along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront are interesting things to do.

Lagos plans big for Akwaaba African Travel Market as host city

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ith the changing face of the city of Lagos amidst massive infrastructural reconstruction of the city, delegates to the 14th Akwaaba Tourism Expo will be treated to the taste of Lagos as never before. You have heard all the stories of Lagos. Some good, some bad; but no report is better than a personal experience.

Th i s i s w h a t t h e Government of Lagos t h r o u g h i t s Mi n i s t r y of Tourism is promising delegates to this year’s African Travel Expo. This hosting is in line with effort to make true the vision of

Akinwunmi Ambode, the governor of Lagos State, to transform Lagos, Africa’s most populous city and the second largest economy in West Africa, in creating an enduring architecture for the business of tourism to thrive to support continuous prosperity of the state as it targets its low hanging fruits of its massive entertainment, culture and heritage.

The Governor earlier in the year noted that the State is channeling a lot of resource to creating an enduring architecture for the business of tourism to thrive, with an understanding that tourism does not stand on its own;

that it is the infrastructure supporting it that actually allows it to thrive; hence, the upbeat about putting the infrastructure in place.

Akwaaba African Travel Market is the biggest Travel Expo in West Africa and has been hosted in Lagos for the past 13 years and it annually attracts visitors and Exhibitors from over 20 nations. Lagos State will be hosting a special day at the fair on the 11th of September at Eko Hotel and Suites. The Lagos day will see special cultural and artistic presentations to showcase the best of Lagos.

The Government of Lagos State has promised the organisers all needed institutional support to make the event not only remarkable but successful and at the same time memorable! City Tours will be provided for visiting Tour Operators to know the city better in order to market its attraction to their clients.

La g o s i s Af r i c a ’s

entertainment capital and its leading business destination. So a lot of entertainment has been lined up to make the stay in Lagos memorable. Lagos will be having a Special Pavilion for the 3 days of the event and visitors can sample traditional Lagos Cuisine from the 9th to 11th of September.

This comes as the Nation Council for Arts and Culture NCAC, will celebrate the Nigerian Day on Sunday the 9th, same day as the Jollof rice war between Nigeria, Ghana and Gambia.

There will be Exhibitions by leading Tourism and Tr a v e l c o m p a n i e s across Africa , Aviation Conference, Youth in To u r i s m c o n f e r e n c e , Gambia Day event, Ethiopia Day, Africa Top 100 Tour Operators conference and Awards, thrills by the Carnival Calabar group, a taste of Dubai, Namibia, South Africa and other Destinations at this year’s show.

Sunday 02 September 2018

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BDSUNDAY 45

Health&Science 170 drivers benefit from shell Nigeria gas medicare programme in Ota

N Dexa Medica team (from the left- Emma Ughonu,Deborah Olarewaju,Esther Chinedu, Aishat Ogunsanya, Mariam Alabi) administering free health services Ipaja market, Lagos.

Boska initiative provides relief at Ipaja market, Lagos

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ANTHONIA OBOKOH igerian Healthcare needs to reduce the reliance on outof-pocket (OOP) health payments and provide social health protection for citizens. In this bid, major pain killer Company, Dexa Medica makers of Boska on the 30th of August, conducted another wave of its Pain Free Day initiative at the Ipaja market to help consumers stay fit.

The Pain Free Day initiative was aimed at improving consumers’ health and raising awareness of the risks associated with inadequate care of oneself.

The Pain Free Day event gave the opportunity for consumers to meet health experts who provided full range of health services

including administration of drugs and focal glasses for eye correction, ear and nose defects.

The Pain Free Day initiative was aimed at improving consumers’ health and raising awareness of the risks associated with inadequate care of oneself.

Tunde Ojedokun, Brand Executive Dexa Medica said, “From qualitative findings, we observed that exposure to high temperatures can make existing illnesses seriously worse (for example trigger a heart attack), cause serious permanent injuries (damage to the brain or other vital organs) as a result of untreated heat stroke, and in extreme cases result in death, and to know that Boska brand is available to help them stay fit during this harsh economic period”.

However, we observed that

seventy per cent of consumers often catch the flu during rainy season resulting in body breakdown if not attended to. ‘’ I am confident that Dexa Medica will continue to improve the delivery of quality health care for consumers in the months ahead.

“Hence the strong reason for an initiative like this in rainy season to help consumers stay fit while saving up to meet up with other areas of needs.

“DexaMedica has a strong track record of developing superior quality drugs that have helped consumers measurably improve their health.

“This Pain Free Day edition is specially designed to keep consumers fit as they go about their domestic and work activities,” said Ojedokun.

o fewer than 170 public transport drivers benefited from general medical consultation and screening services organised by Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) as part of the activities marking the 20th anniversary of the gas distribution company.

The one-day programme held recently in Ota, headquarters of Ado Odo/Ota Local Government area of Ogun State, saw the drivers screened for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), blood sugar, cholesterol, malaria parasite, and HIV,” according to the press statement made available to BuinessDay. “There were also eye checks, prescription lenses, dental care, pharmaceutical services and distribution of insecticide-treated nets,” the statement added.

Speaking at the opening session, Ed Ubong, managing director of SNG, represented by the company’s operations manager, Niyi Salami, described the health programme as part of the many community-focused initiatives of Shell Companies in Nigeria to support efforts by government at all levels to make life better for the people.

According to Ubong, the health and safety of the people are critical and we see our company as continuing to play a role in supporting the efforts of government to take promotive, preventive and curative healthcare to the people where they work and where they

live,” “This can be achieved by ensuring quality state of health of public transport drivers including their sight, safety standard on our roads will be enhanced and this will help to reduce health-associated carnages on our roads.”

The programme was held in collaboration with Ado-Odo/ Ota Local Government; Ogun State Ministry of Health; and the state’s Primary Health Care Board (PHCB).

Babatunde Ipaye, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, commended SNG for the health programme among its many other supports to the host community in Ogun State. He also praised another Shell company, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, for its robust medical outreach programme in Ogijo, also in Ogun State.

Akinwumi Fajola, Shell’s Regional Community Health Manager, who led the medical team advised the drivers not to ignore early signs of health challenge which he said could help in prompt and effective management of hidden medical conditions by medical officers.

In attendance at the programme were the representatives from the state’s Primary Health Care Board, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, Ado Odo/Ota Local Government and Community Development Associations.

Sedentary lifestyle: Here are some dangers attached

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ANTHONIA OBOKOH

vent of sedentary lifestyle is becoming a significant public health issue. Sedentary lifestyles look like to be increasingly widespread in Nigeria despite being linked to a range of chronic health conditions.

The combination of the physical and mental impact to health makes a sedentary lifestyle particularly problematic.

Sedentary time is defined as time spent in any waking activity done while sitting, including working, eating, watching TV or time on a computer.

Experts say that high levels of sedentary time - more than seven hours a day - increases the risk of an early death, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, even if people are physically active at other times of the day Nigeria with a large and increasing middle-aged office workers have increased risk from sedentary lifestyle.

Sitting for long hours is a sedentary lifestyle, it will not only affect your healthy living but can cause pain in your back, shoulders, hips, neck and also office back “Getting up and moving during the day will help prevent pain in your back and in your joints.

According to the government’s 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults should be getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

However, dangers of a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to obesity, diabetes, cardiovas-

cular disease, some types of cancer and early death.

Oladoyin Odubanjo chair, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Lagos Chapter said, it is essential to reduce the amount of time spent being sedentary in addition to doing

more exercise.

“A more active lifestyle can significantly reduce the chances of chronic health conditions, mental health disorders, and premature death.

“We have to be very careful with our living condition, many people are exposed to sedentary lifestyle and the government needs to improve in assisting the masses from the prolong stay in traffic events,” said Odubanjo.

A 2018 study of 1,237,194 people found that those who exercised reported fewer mental health problems than those who did not.

It is best to combine a variety of cardiovascular exercises, such as running or cycling, with strength-training exercises, which can include weight training or body-weight exercises.

Going for at least three 30-minute runs and doing two 30-minute sessions of strength-training exercises per week would be sufficient to meet the minimum physical activity guidelines.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

Sports 2019 AFCON Qualifier: NFF Enyimba plans new revenue sources- Anyansi team off to Seychelles GODFREY OFURUM, ABA

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A

Stories by ANTHONY NLEBEM

two –man advance member of the Nigeria Football Fe d e r a t i o n (NFF), led by the Director of Competitions, Ayobola Oyeyode, is set to depart for the capital city of Seychelles this weekend for next week’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Super Eagles and the Pirates of Seychelles.

The advance party has been mandated to engage with the officials of the Seychelles Football

Federation on all matters of logistics regarding the comfortable stay and conducive preparation atmosphere of the Super Eagles ahead of the match.

Officials informed thenff.com that matters such as accommodation, feeding, local transportation, training pitch and security would be addressed.

The team will also assess the match venue and pass information to the Eagles’ technical crew.

Nigeria –based members of the Super Eagles’ technical crew and backroom staff will depart Nigeria on Sunday, to prepare

for the arrival of the players who are expected to start arriving on Monday. Goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa will travel with the crew that will fly from Abuja.

The Seychelles Football Federation has already scheduled the Group E, Matchday 2 encounter for the Stade Linite in Victoria, which is capital city and also within the island of Mahe, one of the main islands in the archipelago of 115 islands that is Seychelles. The match kicks off at 4.30pm Seychelles time (1.30pm Nigeria time) on Saturday, 8th September.

he management of Enyimba International Football Club of Aba, Abia State, is set to partner with private firms to boost the finance of the club and make it independent of government funding.

This is following the commissioning and handover of the newly refurbished Enyimba Stadium, to the management, by the Abia State Government.

Anyansi Agwu, chairman, Enyimba International Football Club, in a post match conference, held Wednesday, after its last group game against CARA Football Club of Brazzaville, expressed Joy over the return of the Peoples Elephants, as Enyimba is known as, to their home turf.

Enyimba was away from Aba, for about 30 months, while work on the remodeling of the playing surface and other facilities went on.

Anyansi observed that playing away for that long, was a burden to the club

Eaglets arrive Niamey for WAFU B U17 tourney T

he contingent of Nigeria’s U17 boys, Golden Eaglets, has arrived in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic for the WAFU B U17 Tournament which serves as the qualifying competition for the 2019 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

A total of 16 players and members of the technical crew and backroom staff departed Abuja aboard an ASKY airline flight on Friday morning. The remaining four players as well as Head Coach Manu Garba and Team Administrator Sirajo Hassan, who could not travel on Friday as there were not enough seats available on the flight, will fly from Abuja on Saturday morning.

A new format approved for the competition at the CAF Extra-Ordinary General Assembly which took place in Rabat 13 months ago means countries in each regional block gather in one country within the block to play a qualifying tour-

and the State Government.

“It also denied us the support of our fans.

“You could see that we had full capacity today, despite the fact that it was a mid week game and the heavy rain.

“It is an indication that our fans were eager to support their team. I am so happy and grateful to God that made it possible. I am also happy that we did not let out supporters down, by ensuring that we got the needed 3 points, to top our group and qualify for the quarterfinals of the African Confederation Cup”, he stated.

He commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, for rehabilitating the stadium, which according to him has further raised the rating of Enyimba.

“I have been a club administrator for about 20 years, I have won competitions with Enyimba, we have posted good results for Nigeria, being the first Nigerian club to win the CAF Champions League twice (Back to back) and we are respected, because of our records, but people do not respect us because of our pitch.

“However that is a thing of the past, as our new play-

ing surface and other facilities ranks among the best in the country and Africa at the moment.

“The Governor has not just established an industry for us; he has also lifted the lives of everyone in Abia State, because football is business”.

He stated that the new stadium will create direct and indirect jobs in Aba, stressing that their return to the venue, would not just bring joy to the people, but also contribute to the economy of the State.

“This new facility would test our administrative abilities. We are going to unfold a lot of projects; soon you will see Enyimba media. We are going to partner organizations to boost the revenue of the team and become independent of government.

“As long as I am still here, I will lay a solid foundation for whoever that is going to take over from me.

Enyimba defeated CARA Brazzaville, by a lone goal, to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2017/2018 CAF Confederation Cup.

20 EAGLETS FOR WAFU B TOURNEY nament, as against the old format of home-and-away qualifying series.

Only the winning team from each of the blocks (apart from the block of the defending champions that will produce two teams) will qualify for the final tournament, slated for Tanzania next year.

The Eaglets will play their first match of the tournament on Monday, against

their Burkina Faso counterparts, before taking on Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday and Benin Republic next week Sunday. Host Niger Republic will trade tackles with Ghana’s Black Starlets and the Baby Hawks of Togo in the 7 –Nation WAFU Zone B. Five of the 20 players selected for the tournament

by Head Coach Manu Garba (who led Nigeria to win the

FIFA U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates five years ago) are from the U15 National Team, otherwise known as Future Eagles – proof that the NFF/Zenith Bank Future Eagles Championship is indeed a worthwhile venture. The U15 boys won silver medals in the football event at the 3rd African Youth Games held in Algeria last month.

Goalkeepers: John Ikedinachukwu Amah, Joseph John Essien, Joseph Ayomide Oluwabusola Defenders: David Akulo Ishaya , Sunday Cletus Odey, Clement Chigozie Ikenna, Sani Abacha Suleiman, Muhammad Ibrahim, Adam Agba’a Mustapha

Mi d f i e l d e r s : Sa m s o n

Okikiola Tijani, Hassan Hussaini, Saviour Johnson Isaac, Olatomi Alfred Olaniyan, Peter Agba , Babatunde Jimoh Akinsola, Ibraheem Olalekan Jabaar, Akinwunmi Ayobami Amoo

Forwards: Oluwatimilehin Lawrence Adeniyi, Olakunle Olusegun Junior, Favour Akem

Sunday 26 August 2018

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BDSUNDAY 47

Sports

I’m one of the greatest football managers- Mourinho

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Stories by ANTHONY NLEBEM

mbattled Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, said he remains “one of the greatest managers in the world” despite his team’s poor start in the Premier League season.

Mourinho demanded respect from the media after Monday’s 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, United’s second defeat in their opening three games of the premier league campaign, and he continued the theme ahead of Sunday’s trip to Burnley.

“I have won eight titles. I’m the only manager to win in Italy, Spain and England,” he told reporters.

“Not small titles, proper titles, and my second place last season was one of my greatest achievements in football,” he said.

Mourinho won the Serie A title with Inter Milan in 2009 and 2010, the Spanish title with Real Madrid in 2012 and three English Premier League (EPL) titles with Chelsea. He also won the Portuguese league twice with Porto.

“I am the manager of one of the greatest clubs in the world, but I am also one of the greatest managers in the world,” he said, defending his record at United where he won the Europa League in his first term in charge and then sealed the EPL runners-up spot last season.

“I had last season great success. I had great

success last season, that’s what you probably don’t want to admit.

“I analyse my performance myself, and for me its more important what I think than what you think,” he added.

Asked if he would still consider himself to be one of the greatest if he failed to win a title with 20-times champions United, Mourinho said: “did you read any philosopher?.

“Hegel says, the truth is in the whole. Its always in the whole that you find the truth.”

He then turned the tables on the media. “do you ask that question to the manager that finished third in the EPL last season?

“To the manager that finished fourth? To the manager that finished fifth?” he asked.

Mourinho also explained his decision to stand in front of the fans at the end of Monday’s defeat and applaud them.

“In relation to me, I know the majority of the stadiums are used to the winning manager jumping around, go up to the crowd and putting his face in front of the camera.

“With me that is not happening.

“Normally when I win, I’m the first one to leave, but a defeat at home, an important defeat at home, that’s the way I am. I have to go to the pitch and see the reaction.

“The reaction could be both ways and it went in a way where I felt really humbled and the team felt really supported,” he said.

Sprint champion Bolt makes football debut in friendly

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amaican Olympic sprint champion, Usain Bolt, came off the bench to start his football career with Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in a preseason friendly at Gosford.

However, Bolt later conceded that he would need more time to get up to speed.

The 32-year-old, who is hoping to win a professional contract ahead of the Mariners’ 2018-19 A-League campaign, was greeted by a crowd of nearly 10,000 as he stepped onto the pitch.

The match played at the team’s base north of Sydney, saw Bolt coming in as a substitute in the 72nd minute against an amateur select side.

WiththeMarinersalready leading 6-0, a relaxed Bolt pulled off a few step-overs on the left wing and was inches away from connecting with a close-range tap-in.

There were a few heavy touches and the occasional loss of possession in the final few minutes, which showed Bolt still has plenty of work to do.

After the Mariners sealed a 6-1 victory, Bolt acknowledged that he would need at least, four months to build up his fitness levels and perform at his peak on the football pitch.

“Probably four or five months… to get fit, two months. Four months from now, I’ll be playing like one of the guys,” he said.

“It was good; it was

United face tough UCL hurdle ahead of Liverpool, City, Chelsea games Manchester United are in for a tough fixture ahead of three of their most important matches of the 2018/19 campaign.

United are faced with an unenviable run of fixture congestion following the Champions League group stage draw.

United face a tricky test in Europe this season after being drawn in a group alongside Juventus, Valencia and Young Boys. Jose Mourinho’s side have also been drawn to take on Derby in the Carabao Cup. United’s first tricky run of fixtures comes ahead of their trip to face Chelsea in the Premier League, with their crucial league encounter falling just three days after they welcome Juventus to

what I expected. I was a bit nervous, but as soon as I got on the field it went away.

“My fitness is much better. The more I play, listen and train the better I’ll get,” he said.

Bolt’s attempt to transform himself from global athletics superstar to professional football player has generated huge public-

ity for the struggling Mariners, who finished bottom of the 10-team A-league last season.

It has also drawn skepticism, with Adelaide United coach, Marco Kurz, questioning Bolt’s open-ended trial, saying the A-League should focus on recruiting proven talents and improving Australian youngsters.

Old Trafford.

United also face a possible disadvantage ahead of the first Manchester derby of the season. City and United both play on Wednesday 7 November, with United travelling to face Juventus while Pep Guardiola’s side face Shakhtar at home.

It doesn’t get any easier for Mourinho and his side, with their final group game away against Valencia coming just three days before an away trip to face Liverpool in the league.

In contrast Jurgen Klopp’s side will be welcoming Napoli to Anfield on the Tuesday night, giving them an extra day’s rest ahead of the fierce clash.

Here are Manchester United’s league games

around the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.

Matchday 1

Saturday September 15 - Watford (Home) Wednesday September 19 - Young Boys (Away) Saturday September 22 - Wolves (Home)

Matchday 2

Saturday September 29 - West Ham (Away) Tuesday October 2 Valencia (Home) Saturday October 6 Newcastle (Home)

Matchday 3

Saturday October 20 Chelsea (Away) Tuesday October 23 Juventus (Home) Saturday October 27 Everton (Home)

BDSUNDAY

NEW YOU CAN TRUST

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SUNDAY 02 SEPTEMBER 2018

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Between national interest and the rule of law Quotes: “Let me reiterate this administration’s commitment to due process, merit and total observance of the rule of law as central pillars of a prosperous and democratic society,” -President Muhammadu Buhari, September, 2015.

“The individual rights of alleged offenders must take second place, in favour of the greater good of society,’’.

- President Muhammadu Buhari, August, 2018

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et us begin with this inspiring story about Socrates, the averred Greek philosopher. He was convicted on dubious charges and sentenced to execution in 399 BC. His friend, Crito, visited him in prison to tell him that the guards had been bribed and that arrangements had been made for his escape. But Socrates refused to leave the prison. He told Crito that he had benefited all of his life from the laws of Athens and that he could not betray them as a matter of either convenience or necessity.

Perhaps, our current crop of political leaders could borrow a leaf from Socrates. He was convinced that nothing good could ever be achieved by wrongdoing. He put the interest of Athens far above that of his safety. He believed firmly in the rule of law. But are we anywhere near it, considering the recent political developments, especially here in Nigeria?

Indeed, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka described Buhari’s second statement as “dictatorial recidivism” in his recent press release titled, ‘Pernicious Doctrine’. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) said the statement was “dead wrong”. On their part, Leaders and Elders of Nigeria under the aegis of Northern Elders Forum, NEF; Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan Niger- Delta Forum, PANDEF, as well as the Middle Belt Forum, all described it as pointing to “very frightening indicators in the political climate that must be addressed as Nigeria, as a country, was at a crossroads and if not checked, the country would be in a very serious danger”. And activist lawyer, Femi Falana, added the clincher by reiterating the fact that, “in democratic societies human rights are at the core of national security itself”.

One is talking of course, about President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent address presented at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Abuja. He had insisted that individual rights of alleged offenders would not be spared when national security and public interest were threatened. But we need to quickly sift public interest from that of politicians in power.

Perhaps, we now know why, in spite of patri-

otic appeals from across the country, \the blood-letting armed herdsmen have not been declared as a terrorist group, with the speed and fervor that visited that of IPOB? Perhaps, we now understand why several court orders on granting bail to former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and the Islamic leader, el-Zakzaky have been brazenly disobeyed.

And why a human rights advocacy group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP has denounced it. In fact, it has through a letter written on May 11, 2018 addressed to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Mr. Diego García-Sayán called on the United Nations to prevail upon President Buhari to put a stop to willful disobedience of court judgments by his government.

One’s personal appeal here is that Mister President should take a broader look at the Nigeria of our founding fathers’ dream and be more cautious in his public utterances that border on our unity.

It leaves much to be desired the way he had responded to the question thrown by Dr. Pauline Baker, the President Emeritus of The Fund for Peace, who inquired about security in the Niger Delta area in July, 2015. That was barely two years after he assumed office. President Buhari looked at Dr. Baker and said, “I hope you have a copy of the election results. The constituents, for example, gave me 97percent [of the vote] cannot in all honesty be treated on some issues with constituencies that gave me 5percent”. That statement made at the US Institute of Peace caused his audience to cringe in utter shock, as reported by Sahara Reporters.

Was it not in a similar manner that he had described millions of job-seeking, hungry and angry Nigerian youths as ‘lazy’? Of course, it was. That was during a panel appearance with world leaders at the Commonwealth Business Forum in London as reported by The Cable in April, 2018.

Incidentally, both statements were made outside Nigeria’s shores. Talk about the obvious, embarrassing distortions to the grains of branding by our number one citizen. Yet, there is more to it all than meets the eye.

Simply put, the Nigeria our dear president periscopes is different from that of say, a NigerDelta militant; that of the pro-Biafra Ibo youths in the South-East, an Afenifere chieftain in the South-West geo-political zone, or a Myetti Allah calling the shots up North. But you can

AYO OYOZEBAJE Baje is Nigerian first food technologist in the media and author of ‘DRUMBEATS OF DEMOCRACY’

Perhaps, we now understand why several court orders on granting bail to former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and the Islamic leader, elZakzaky have been brazenly disobeyed

you blame him much for this? Yet, this recent development triggers some salient questions.

Do we as a nation have any common, binding political philosophy to drive our leaders’ vision, no matter their party persuasion? None, as far as one is aware.

Viewed from a holistic perspective, one is seriously concerned about the variant of democracy we currently practice here in Nigeria, that vests obscenely enormous political and economic powers at the centre undermines any form of sustainable peaceful growth. It is little surprising therefore, that not a few of our political leaders believe that their personal interests are that of the entire state, or country, no matter how vindictive, vengeful and vile-filled they may appear to be.

They therefore, turn themselves into tin-gods to be feared and worshipped instead of cultivating the goodwill of the people by doing what is right and in the best interest of the nation. Mind you, President Buhari is not the only one being discussed here. They may change from the khaki to the ‘agbada’ but their stiff, self-serving interests ride roughshod above that of the collective will of the people.

How for instance, would millions of patriotic and far-sighted Nigerians feel today if Buhari has a change of mindset and gives a nod of approval for the political restructuring of Nigeria, which would engineer more people-oriented policies and programmes in a more competitive format?

As proposed by Professor A.V. Dicey, the rule of law means equality before the law by all persons, observance of all laws by persons and authorities and, of course, obedience to court orders made by competent courts of law. It should not be misconstrued by the authoritarian principles of The Prince, the handbook through which Machiavelli argued that a ruler with a worthy objective is justified in using evil means in order to achieve it. No. As Soyinka rightly warned: “The rule of law, however, outlasts all subverters, however seemingly powerful”.

Quick Takes

Off the Cuff Moghalu, what went wrong?

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insley Moghalu, the Young Progressive Party’s (YPP) presidential aspirant, has pulled out of the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT) alliance, which produced Fela Durotoye as consensus candidate last week Thursday.

Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was one of the first young Nigerians that declared interest to contest the presidency of Africa’s most populous nation with the incumbent President Mohammadu Buhari in the country’s general election that will be holding in February 2019.

Moghalu comes off as a highly urbane and cerebral young man that trained as a political economist, lawyer, and former United Nations official. He is a professor and a Distinguished NonResident Fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Massachusetts, United States.

He served as Chairman, Board of Directors of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and the Financial Institutions Training Centre, and is the founder and President of the Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation (IGET), a new think tank based in Abuja.

These are the impeccable and unassailable credentials Moghalu puts forward as an aspiring president of Nigeria, giving him almost automatic acceptance among the corporate world, the boardroom gurus, the academia and, especially, the young generation of Nigerians who, disillusioned and marooned in a gerontocratic enclave of recycled leaders, can no longer wait to see change happen.

But only a couple of days ago, Moghalu surreptitiously walked into what many have described as the theatre of the absurd wherein he disrobed himself of his many beautiful colours and accepted to dance and leave the stage naked.

“My focus, for now, is the people of Nigeria and not on party platforms that have in the past been mere vehicles for capturing political power,” he said in his declaration speech, adding, “while I have been approached by a number of political parties, the movement that I am part of will decide which one we will join.”

Though Moghalu eventually pitched tent with YPP, his decision to not only opt for the PACT arrangement, but also to yield to the eventual result of what was reported as an election simply shocked his friends and those who admired his already growing trajectory.

After the emergence of Durotoye from among

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18 aspirants that made up PACT, the ex-CBN deputy governor was quoted as saying that what happened was the way to go in a democratic setting, meaning that he commended the process and also hailed the outcome.

Therefore, to have pulled out of that alliance and questioned the emergence of the “consensus candidate” amounts to speaking from both sides of the mouth which, in any sane society, erodes strength of character and smears integrity.

He said the outcome of the exercise “left many Nigerians expressing surprise and disappointment”, meaning that, in his reasoning, the right candidate from that PACT did not emerge and, perhaps, that right candidate would have emerged if he was the one.

Political pundits are of the view that Moghalu’s action smacks of inconsistency which may be too expensive for him in the days ahead as some of his supporters may begin to see him as someone who cannot be trusted or relied upon, presenting him also as a typical traditional Nigerian politician who, like the chameleon, changes with both the circumstance and the environment.

Chuka Uroko

This is the total number of vehicles involved in road crashes in second quarter (Q2) of this year according to NBS report.

Desperate moments

These are desperate moments in Nigeria. Politicians are increasingly doing some bizarre things in the name of seeking relevance. A good number of them who have been in political wilderness are now seeking rehabilitation under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The most ridiculous aspect of their action is the type of words coming out of their mouth. They concoct stories and tell outright lies to receive soft landing in the broom party.

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