BusinessDay 03 Feb 2019

2019: We are ready – INEC Replies parties’ allegations Says, ‘We stick to the law’

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How Lagosians are paying the price for Ambode/lawmakers’ feud

As BRI project, Imota Rice Mill, LASUTH upgrade, dredging of 5 ferry routes, others stalled

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JOSHUA BASSEY

ver before the October 2018 All Progressives Congress’ (APC) governorship primary election in Lagos, the relationship between the executive arm of government led by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the legislature led by Mudashiri Obasa, the speaker, had been that of mutual suspicion.

Governor Ambode had refused to heed the directive of the powerbrokers in the state not to seek re-election for a second term in office. He had insisted on contesting the primary election which had to be shifted three times before it eventually held on October 2, 2018.

The top echelon of the APC in Lagos, led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor and chairman of Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision making body for the party in the state, simply viewed Ambode’s insistence as affront. Ambode went ahead to lose the governorship ticket to Babajide SanwoOlu, the preferred candidate of the GAC and majority of the party’s faithful in Lagos.

From that moment, it became obvious that the governor was not going to have it smooth anymore. Majority of the 40-man state House of Assembly are Tinubu’s loyalists and hold allegiance to him. So also are several appointees in Ambode’s cabinet.

It was no surprise therefore, that amid the primary election’s crisis, Ambode’s deputy, Idiat Adebule, some commissioners and special advisers refused to swim along with their boss.

Not even a fence-mending broadcast on October 3, 2018

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Undaunted Osinbajo moves on with rally, despite helicopter crash p. 4

BDLife Sunday 03 February 2019

LAUNCH OF PROJECT 100: Simbi Kesiye Wabote (l), executive secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), decorating Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, minister of State for Petroleum Resources, with the commemorative pin of Project 100, an initiative that will drive transformation in the oil and gas sector industry. The event took place in Abuja.

As Nigerians in UK protest suspension

obel Laureate, Wole Soyinka; human rights activist, Olisa Agbakoba; son of former Prime Minister, Abdul Jalil Tafawa

Market & Commodities Monitor

via state-owned Lagos Television, in which Ambode accepted defeat and declared it was time for various political actors in APC to join hands and move

Onnoghen: Soyinka, Agbakoba, Balewa, Awolowo threaten ‘Third Force war’ on Buhari INNOCENT ODOH, Abuja

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Balewa; daughter of the late sage Obafemi Awolowo, Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu and other activists will this week launch nationwide protests against President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to suspend Chief Justice

2019: Any hope for APC in Zamfara?

of the Nation (CJN) Walter Onnoghen.

This was disclosed in a communiqué issued at the end of the emergency national consultation of the Third Force leaders and allies in Lagos. A copy was made

available to BDSUNDAY Saturday by Anthony Kila, spokesperson for Alliance for Defence of Democracy (ADD).

Other members of the coali-

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News How Lagosians are paying the price for Ambode/lawmakers’...

Continued from page 1 Lagos forward had sufficiently pacified the ego of the powerbrokers who felt that Ambode went too far by daring them to contest in the primary election in the first place.

Since the controversial primary election, Ambode has been struggling with governance in Nigeria’s economic capital with nothing seemingly working.

The governor does not currently seem to be enjoying the full support of the Lagos’ APC leadership while the state lawmakers are at his jugular, threatening impeachment over allegations of ‘gross misconducts’ part of which is that he’s spending funds not appropriated and approved by the House of Assembly.

At the centre of deepening disagreement between the executive and legislative arms of government is the 2019 Budget which has not been formally presented by the governor or passed by the lawmakers.

Sources informed that flowing from the primary election crisis which left Ambode’s cabinet divided; most commissioners could not provide timely input to get the budget in a form ready for presentation to the house in the usual window. Ever since then, attempts to present the budget proposal have been unsuccessful, due to what some described as political grandstanding. There is also the allegation of armtwisting of the executive to release huge sums of money (state funds) to prosecute the 2019 general election.

At a press conference at the Lagos Airport Hotel last Thursday, some civil society groups alleged that the move by the state of House of Assembly to impeach Ambode was to force him to open the state’s treasury and release a whopping N100 billion to the power-

brokers to fund the 2019 general election.

According to the groups, the allegation of gross misconducts, spending of nonappropriated fund and delayed budget presentation are but a smokescreen, as the real reason is Ambode’s refusal to oblige their request.

Leaders of the group, Mark Adebayo, Lawson Babajide, Toyin Raheem coming under the umbrella body- Coalition Against CorruptionandBadGovernance (CACOBAG), alleged that “Ambode’s fresh trouble started because he refused to part with N100 billion for Tinubu to fund his “political protéges running for public offices in the 2019 elections in and outside the state.”

During the press conference tagged ‘Lagos State Assembly is becoming a political abattoir for the murder of democracy in Nigeria,’ the CACOBAG said: “We are watching with keen attention the whole developments surrounding the current show of shame and shall mobilise Lagosians against the governor should he succumb to the blackmail of the prebendalist political class in the state to loot the state’s treasury at their behest.”

Before Thursday’s press conference, another group operating under the aegis of Legislative Probity and Accountability (LPA) had protested against the impeachment move and requested the state House Assembly to account for the N28.8 billion allegedly collected as running cost.

However, Sanai Agunbiade, majority leader of the House, at a press conference he addressed after an emergency plenary of the house the previous day (Wednesday), explained that the lawmakers were not witch-hunting Ambode, but wanted due process on the appropriation bill.

The due process, according

to the legislator, is for the governor to formally lay the budget before the house as required by law.

But while this conflict lasts, observers are worried that the estimated 21 million residents of the state are being denied the benefits of progressive governance, especially in the area of infrastructure development.

Insiders name some of the key projects that ought to have been completed but now dragging as a result of the grandstanding to include the International Airport Road up to the Oshodi Interchange.

The airport road is designed with added advantage of expanded lanes, streetlights and better traffic flow such that air travelers would no longer get stuck in traffic congestion thereby missing their flights.

The Oshodi Transport Interchange is another iconic project being slowed down.

This, together with the international airport road, would provide visitors to Lagos with a positive outlook.

Same goes for the Lagos Bus Reforms Initiative (BRI) for which 820 buses have been imported as part of the first phase of the project intended in the long run

to inject 5,000 high capacity buses into the Lagos public transportation system.

Consideration to the main suppliers is that local assembly plants would be put in place. A number of bus terminals, depots, bus stops and lay-bys are at near completion.

The state has also invested in Intelligent Transport Systems and Operational Control Centre. This project, apart from improving the transport situation in Lagos, is expected to create 8,500 direct and 4,000 indirect jobs.

Also dragged down is the Ayinke House within the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). This long-famed maternity hospital has been in a state of disrepair going to six years now. Significant modernisation has taken place with works nearing completion.

There is also the dredging of five ferry routes with work standing at about 80 percent completion stage.

Completion would make it possible for the immediate deployment of six modern ferries purchased by the government. This is intended to improve water transport thereby reducing

the strain on road transport.

Also coming to a standstill is the Imota Rice Mill in Ikorodu. On the back of the success of the Lake Rice partnership with Kebbi State, the Lagos government had decided to establish this 32-ton rice mill.

This would not only create job opportunities, but address the potential food security challenges as the population continues to grow with a net of about 90 people coming into Lagos every hour.

The Pen Cinema flyover in Agege is another project affected by the politicking in Lagos. The project, which is within the constituency of Obasa, speaker of the state House of Assembly, is not likely to be completed before the end of the Ambode administration. But a delayed break would extend the logistics challenges resulting from constructions of this magnitude.

Lagos has been known to be the destination for arts, entertainment and tourism, especially with the record number of visitors over the December period. Notable projects to reinforce these include: Construction of the JK Randle Centre and the Onikan Stadium. These

are other key projects initiated by the government with immense benefits to Lagosians, but now suffering serious setbacks.

Analysts are of the view that infrastructure development initiative stimulates economic development.

They warn that if the budget stalemate continues, there would be more telling effects if operational costs relating to emergency and security matters, including funding the ‘light up’ Lagos project, escalate.

Timothy Olawale, director-general of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), observed that the government being the largest single employer of labour in the state must necessarily resolve the budget, as it has the potential to impact civil servants’ salaries and pension obligations.

Lagos, he said, can ill-afford a “short down”.

He believed it’s time for the executive and legislative arms to immediately address the budget debacle. The completion of the pending projects, he said, would give the in-coming administration a good platform to continue to address the massive infrastructure gaps in the best interest of Lagosians.”

‘Every country making progress is led by people who...

Continued from back page be consequences for nonperformance.

I will build a new foundation for Nigeria On the economy, there are three major strategic pillars of my vision. The first is to build a nation (nation building). How do you build a nation? I raised that question at the Presidential debate that my government will be different from every other government because I will

come with a foundational approach to the problem of this country. It doesn’t mean we are not going to pursue the low-hanging fruits; the quick fixes that citizens would want. I understand that every citizen is asking how soon are we going to begin to have constant supply of electricity?

But you see, if you don’t address the question of Nigeria, it’s all a waste of time because the absence of a nationhood is what prevents good governance.

The politicians are just coming there for their own reasons, because there is no nation; there are just a conglomeration of tribes that behave like crabs in a basket- each one trying to pull the other down.

And because you have not addressed the problem of nationhood, when they come into government, they can’t move the country forward. So, is Nigeria a nation? I say no, we are a country; even at that it is

questionable; given much control, government has lost over a lot of its territory, you can validly question the real state of Nigeria’s integrity.We will build a nation, first by setting a philosophical foundation of the worldview for the Nigerian state. Why are we Nigerians? What is our national ambition? Where are we coming from? Where are we going? Why is the world the way it is? What is our strategy to get to

where we think we are going? What is our value system? What is the theory of knowledge- how do we learn? Every country that is making progress is led by people who think. How do you move forward if you don’t think?

We will lead the constitutional restructuring of this country; returning it to a proper federation. No big country like ours, with multiple ethnicities that can function well as a unitary

state. Today, Nigeria is a unitary state, in reality. We will work with women as our equal partners and we will work with our youths as leaders of today, not tomorrow. That’s the first part of my vision, the second is the economy. And the third is foreign affairs.

Here, our ambition is to be strong at home and powerful abroad. I am the only presidential candidate with experience in all these three things.

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Onnoghen: Soyinka, Agbakoba, Balewa, Awolowo ...

Continued from page 1 tion include, former military

Governor of Kaduna State, Umar Dangiwa; Christian cleric, Tunde Bakare; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’aba, and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, who have been mandated to produce the ‘3rd Force’ Consensus Presidential Candidate before the elections.

The coalition is worried by the current threats to Nigeria’s nascent democracy, national stability and credibility of the 2019 election, especially as occasioned by the constitutional crisis allegedly foisted

by President Muhammadu Buhari on the judiciary, leaders of thought, presidential candidates, leaders of political parties, Civil Society and labour movements, stakeholders and allies of the third force movement.

After what they called a thorough and painstaking analysis of issues involved in this heightening constitutional crisis and its impending implications and backlash on the credibility of the forthcoming 2019 election, the historic gathering took the following positions: “That President’s Muhammadu Buhari acted precipitately and in breach of the Nigerian Constitution to have suspended Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria without following due process of the law governing the suspension/removal of the CJN and therefore, should in similar stroke ensure the effective reinstatement of the CJN to allow him face judicial investigation as provided by the constitution “That the 2019 election tribunals constituted by Justice Tanko Mohammed purportedly acting as Chief Justice of Nigeria is null, illegal and of no effect to the extent of the foundational constitutional harakiri committed in his appointment as well as the erroneous rush to constitute the electoral panels. So the meeting demands their immediate disbandment for a lawful set of tribunals to be inaugurated to neutralise the suspicion that the Presidency is desperate to manipulate electoral justice ahead of the 2019 polls “Furthermore, to ensure effective political force for the

L-R: Sola Mogaji, senior manager, Marketing Communications, Globacom; Olumide Iyanda, publisher, qed.ng; Bisi Koleosho, deputy chief operating officer (Technical), Globacom, and Mayor Akinpelu, publisher of Globacom Excellence magazine, at the presentation of Globacom’s New Communication Direction in Lagos weekend.

3rd force to be able to stem the brewing constitutional crisis threatening the base of Nigeria’s democracy and nationhood and to checkmate contrived antics of the ruling class to rig the 2019 elections, stakeholders at the historic meeting decided to come together once and for all under the umbrella of a rainbow coalition named Alliance for Defence of Democracy (ADD) to mobilise all allies and sympathisers of the new third force agenda in launching a major mass resistance against government’s impunity and infraction on the Nigeria’s constitution and to ensure future deterrence.’’

The communiqué also noted that the new Coalition also set up two major committees to facilitate the activities of ADD in the interim and to declare nationwide mass protests for a date to be announced next Wednesday after a conveners’ tactical meeting in Abuja. The planned mass action is aimed at compelling the President to apologise to Nigerians and reverse his illegal action against the Judiciary and the rule of law The group however, proposed a Conveners Council of eminent leaders and political icons, who believe and are committed to producing a Credible Alternative Force in the 2019 elections.

The body of eminent persons are to be chaired by Wole Soyinka, who will be assisted by a collegiate, which include; Abubakar Umar Dangiwa , Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) Ghali Umar Na’abba, Tunde Bakare, Oby Ezekwesili, Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, Tokunbo Dosumu Awolowo and Femi Falana.

They are expected to serve as a panel of eminent jury that will endorse a consensus presidential Candidate from among “fourteen credible presidential hopeful” shortlisted by the forum to be adopted at a 3rd Force summit scheduled to hold on 12th February 2019 in Abuja, the statement said.

“Outstanding and Credible Fresh breed Presidential Candidates and Political Parties so far shortlisted for consensus candidacy or alternatively electoral synergy/ collaboration of the third force for 2019 elections are the following: Olawepo Hashim, People’s Trust (PT); Omoyele Sowore, African Action Congress (AAC); Kingsley Moghalu, Young Progressive Party (YPP); Ali Soyode, Yes Electorate Solidarity (YES) and Adesina Fagbenro Byron, Kowa Party (KP).

Others are; Chike Ukaegbu, (AAP); Shipi Moses Godiya, All Blending Party (ABP); Durotoye Olufela, Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN); Peter

Nwangwu, We the People of Nigeria Party (WPNP) and Ahmed Buhari, Sustainable National Party (SNP).

The list also include; Tope Fashua , Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP); David Ize-Iyamu (BNPP); Donald Duke, Social Democratic Party (SDP) and John Dara, Alliance of Social Democrats, (ASD).

The meeting was moderated by Prof Anthony Kila who was elected as ADD Spokesperson and Olu Agunloye, who became Chair, Contact and Mobilisation at the national Consultative Meeting.

Meanwhile, a group of Nigerians under the aegis of Concerned Nigerians Living in the UK (CNLUK) weekend stormed the Nigerian High Commission in London to stage a peaceful protest.

The group was protesting the illegal suspension of Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the perceived harassment of opposition figures by the federal government.

Some of the protesters, who were holding Nigerian flags, also carried placards with inscriptions like “no voters’ intimidation by police”, “free and fair elections in Nigeria”.

The convener of the protest, Wilson Diriwari, in a statement, said the aim of the protest was to kick against

the suspension of Onnoghen and to also call for free and fair elections.

“We the Concerned Nigerians Living in the U.K. are kicking against all forms of political impunity and social injustice in our motherland, Nigeria,” he said According to CNLUK, Nigerians in Diaspora are kicking against unleashing of terror by the presidency on opponents from other parties.

“As Nigeria prepares for the 2019 elections, we have observed that the incumbent government of President Muhammadu Buhari is unleashing fear and terror on opponents from other parties and this is unacceptable.

“As this atrocity continues to play out, it is becoming very clear that the Buhari government is not prepared to shift position.

“The implications are terrifying and leave us worrying about our relatives back home that might get caught up in whatever ensues next.

“Buhari’s government said it would not accept any foreign “meddling” after the European Union, the United States and Britain raised concerns over last week’s suspension of Nigeria’s most senior judge just weeks before February 16 presidential election,” Diriwari said.

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News

Undaunted Osinbajo moves on with rally, despite helicopter crash

Y

emi Osinbajo, vice president of Nigeria, has escaped another helicopter crash yesterday. But that’s not the news, the real gist is that rather than get depressed by the sad incident, the Ogun Stateborn senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) went ahead with the campaign rally in Kogi State.

On Saturday afternoon, a helicopter conveying the Vice President to a campaign rally in Kogi State crash-landed in Kabba, about an hour drive to Lokoja, the state capital.

Confirming the incident on his twitter handle; @akandeoj, Laolu Akande, senior special assistant on media and publicity to the vice president, said: “VP Osinbajo’s chopper crash lands in Kabba, but he and the entire crew safe. He is continuing with his engagements and plans for the day in Kogi State”. “...God has kept us safe and alive, delivered us from death so we can do more for our people &

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

country,” VP adds in his remarks at the Obaro of Kabba’s palace, his first stop in his ongoing visit

to Kogi State”, Akande tweeted further.

As well, the Vice President

tweeted on his handle @OsinbajoNews two hours later saying, “We’re winners and will continue to be, those who wish us failure will fail.”

However, the Kabba incident is the second helicopter mishap that Osinbajo has escaped in seven months.

It would be recalled that on June 7, 2018, a helicopter that was conveying Osinbajo from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada in Abuja, was forced to land, few seconds after takeoff.

The vice president was a special guest at the school’s graduation ceremony of Senior Division Course 1/2018 participants. The helicopter had earlier taken the vice president to the college for the ceremony.

However, while taking off, it could not ascend beyond the tree level, before it emitted thick smoke and landed on the same spot few seconds after takeoff.

Osinbajo later left the college by road.

2019: We are ready – INEC …Replies to parties’ allegations …Says, ‘We stick to the law’ …PVC collection ends February 8 ZEBULON AGOMUO

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he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is ready for the successful conduct of the 2019 general election.

The Commission gave the assurance Saturday in Lagos at a special interactive session with media executives on its level of preparedness for the elections.

Festus Okoye, INEC’s national commissioner and chairman, information and voter education, who gave the assurances on behalf of INEC, also used the occasion to address the allegations by some political parties that it was pandering to the whims of some parties.

“We are not pandering to anybody, but to make sure that parties registered in Nigeria must obey the rules. At the end of the day, it is the Nigerian people that will judge us and history will be there to judge us also. We insist on doing things according to the rules and in accordance with the Constitution,” Okoye said.

Announcing the readiness of the Commission, he said: “The Commission has enhanced the Smart Card Readers in readiness for the 2019 elections; it has eliminated the use of Incident Forms; introduced the use

of braille jackets, magnifying glasses and assistive posters for persons with disability; validated the framework and regulations for IDP voting.”

Okoye informed the media that “The 2019 general election will involve the 91 political parties and a total registered voting population of 84,004,084. The election will take place in 1,558 constituencies and 774 local government areas. The collation of result will take place in 8,809 registration Areas. The collation of result will take place in 8,809 Registration Areas/wards and in 119, 973 polling units and 57,023 voting points nationwide.

“The Presidential election will be contested by a total of 73 candidates, while the governorship election will be contested by a total of 1,068 candidates. The 68 Area council seats in the federal capital territory will be contested by 806 candidates.

“The commission will also conduct Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. 806 candidates will contest the election. This involves 105 chairman candidates and 701 councillorship candidates.”

According to him, “The Commission has identified and has started recruiting collation and returning officers, from senior academic staff of various federal universities in Nigeria. Based on

the number of registered political parties participating in the elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission will recruit 2 collation officers each for the 8, 809 Registration Areas to facilitate timely collation of results.

“The Commission has concluded the identification and recruitment of over 814, 453 ad-hoc staff for the election and their training has commenced in all states of the federation. The Resident Electoral Commissioners are supervising the training programs. We are confident that the Commission will recruit the required number of ad-hoc staff for all the strands of elections.”

“The Commission has signed MoU with Transport Workers Unions for the deployment and retrieval of election materials in safe and timely manner. The Resident Electoral Commissioners have met with the unions in the transport sector and are perfecting issues relating to deployment and retrieval of materials in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Commission,” he said.

He further said that “the collection of the permanent Voters Cards continues at the local government offices of the Commission. The Commission will suspend the collection of Permanent Voters Card on the 8th day of February, 2019 and thereafter,

recall all uncollected PVCs for safekeeping pending the conclusion of the two strands of elections in the electoral calendar.

“All the States Offices and Local Government Officers of the Commission are taking delivery of non-sensitive materials. The commission has delivered the bulk of the non-sensitive materials required for the conduct of the elections to the States and the Local Governments while the remaining are in the zonal stores of the Commission and will be distributed at the appropriate time.

The various branches of the Central Bank of Nigeria are presently receiving sensitive materials for the conduct of the 2019 elections.”

The national commissioner disclosed that about 116 domestic election observers and 28 foreign observers have been accredited for the elections.

Reiterating the commitment of the Commission towards delivering credible elections, Okoye said that although INEC was aware of the too many challenges on its way to achieving success, it would nonetheless “conduct the election based on legal and constitutional stipulations, and will continue to conduct its activities in total obedience to the rule of law and due process.”

The Economist insists Atiku will win presidential election INIOBONG IWOK

T

he Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Africa is insisting that Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of Nigeria’s main opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will win the February 16 presidential election.

In a message on Twitter at the weekend, the influential magazine, which in 2015 had previously predicted victory for incumbent, Muhammadu Buhari, over former president Goodluck Jonathan, stated though that the margin was becoming narrower as the election approaches, Atiku and his political party will win the presidential election. “#NigeriaDecides2019 : Less than 2 weeks before #Nigeria‘s presidential election. Abubakar has floated idea of corruption amnesty. It is arguably an impolitic time for such a delicate proposal”.

“Abubakar is hard-pressed to convince voters that he is a clean politician, having been on the receiving end of numerous graft allegations in the past.

“We retain out forecast for #Abubakar to win, but expected margin of victory is narrowing as the poll approaches.” EIU Africa tweeted.

The magazine had initially predicted in 2018 that Atiku would win the forthcoming presidential election.

“Abubakar’s pledge is to reinvigorate the economy with promarket reforms. Both candidates from the northern Nigeria, where Buhari’s support base lies, presage a fierce contest there,” the EIU had said.

The Economist further stated that, “with the vote likely to be split in the North, Abubakar will find it easier to garner support from the country’s south, which has traditionally been a safe haven for the PDP. The Magazine added that “this gives Abubakar an edge, as popular frustration over the rise in joblessness and poverty (two of the biggest voter concerns) on Buhari’s watch, as well as growing insecurity in central Nigeria.

But Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s Minister for Information and Culture had then described the Economist’s prediction as fake news.

“We have all read that the intelligence unit of The Economist said the PDP will defeat the ruling APC in 2019,” Mohammed said.

“We have also read that the international financial institution HSBC said Nigeria’s economic development will be stunted if President Buhari gets a second term “Let me state clearly that these reports are based on fake premises and, therefore, qualify as fake news. It is a psychological warfare by those who have been badly hit by our policies,” he added.

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News Magu warns banks’ compliance officers against money laundering, terrorist financing Innocent Odoh, Abuja

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he Acting Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has called on financial institutions in the country to desist from laundering illicit funds for corrupt politicians and criminals.

Magu gave the charge during the general meeting of the Association of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks In Nigeria, ACCOBIN, which held on Thursday, January 31, 2019 in Lagos, a statement issued by by the Acting Spokesman of the commission, Tony Orilade said.

Magu said many politicians, who had stolen the nation’s commonwealth, had begun to repatriate the stolen funds to the country for the purpose of influencing the elections through vote buying and compromise of election officers.

The EFCC Chair also charged members of the group to join hands with the Commission to ensure that the coming election was not compromised, adding that the impact could be grievous and devastating.

Magu

He said: “We are all under a civic duty to comply with our various responsibilities and ensure that we do the needful to obey the laws and regulations governing the elections.”

He added that political inducement had now taken other forms and tagged in different names such as “stomach Infrastructure”,

“empowerment schemes”, “non-interest yielding loans” and “outright cash handouts”, among others.

Magu, who described members of the group as stakeholders in the fight against corruption, said: “Your obligations are not different from your usual filing of suspicious transactions reports to the relevant

authorities, and the prompt filing of currency transaction reports as well as foreign transaction reports.

“We have also observed the upsurge of illicit financial flows into the country through the borders and it is disheartening to see the role financial institutions play in facilitating the flows of these funds into the country.

“It is obvious now that financial institutions serve as intermediaries between law enforcement agencies and the criminals.

“At a simple push of the button, so much is moved to any jurisdiction of their choice.”

He added that no country could combat the flow of illicit funds without the cooperation of financial institutions, adding that “in most cases, it is the financial institutions that provide the means, logistics and strategy for the criminals to thread on.”

He said investigations revealed that foreign properties bought with proceeds of crime were sold, and the proceeds transferred to Nigeria through international banks as legitimate funds that could be used to finance several activities including elections.

2019: Dont promise unachievable projects, programmes, Oyo ZLP governorship candidate warns candidates Akinremi Feyisipo, Ibadan

T

he governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli has warned candidates seeking peoples’ votes against promising unachievable mouthwatering projects and programmes.

According to him, rather than building castles in the air and promising “unachievable mouthwatering projects and programmes; God is watching all and we must be mindful of what becomes of our promises during and after leaving office.”

Alli, who spoke at the palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwa as part of the party’s campaign tour of the state called on other candidates to be truthful on the promises being made to hoodwink the electorate ahead of the forthcoming elections.

He said: “A contestant in another party was saying he would offset the debts of pensioners immediately he is sworn- in, this is a fallacy, ask him how he will do it, the debt

under Governor Abiola Ajimobi is about N40billion and the total monthly revenue of the state is about N10 billion.

“If anyone boasts of what they intend to do, let’s ask them, how will they? In our own case, we have done it once under our able leader, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, 30 children per class; prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities; good road constructions and many more, and this is what we want to continue.

Sharafadeen Alli

Alli, a former Secretary to the State Government, said “thank God, our leader has said it often and often that I played a major role in the success story and this has equally been buttressed by a co-contestant, Adebayo Alao Akala, Kabiyesi, you can be rest assured that I will hit the ground running,” He, however promised that if voted to power in the coming general election, he would always confer with traditional rulers so as to

make communities a focus of ZLP administration’s developmental projects.

Alli, who was in company of a former governor of the state and leader of the party, Rashidi Ladoja said, communities will be involved in maintaining adequate security as workshops and seminars will be regularly organized for the youths in various communities saying that this would make them relevant in the scheme of things.

Also stressing that with this, crime rates in the state would reduce He further stated that he was ready to fix the roads so that farmers will have easy access to where they will market their farm products.

Alli told the traditional rulers of his commitment to make the welfare of workers his priority by paying their salaries on the 25th day of every month just as he stressed that pensioners, especially those in the primary schools will start receiving their pensions from their last school of employment.

Cross River IRS commences sensitisation campaign for voluntary tax compliances MIKE ABANG, Calabar

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he executive Chairman of the Cross Ri v e r I n t e r n a l Revenue Service (CIRS) Akpanke Ogar says his agency has commenced a sensitisation and enlightenment campaign of the tax paying public to secure their buy in for voluntary tax compliance Akapanke said this at a press briefing as part of sensitisation campaign for voluntary tax compliance in a bid to improve the state IGR. According to him, the campaign is part of efforts by the service to reposition its service and redefine its relationship with tax payers in the state.

He noted that the campaign is designed to improve the CRIRS,s base,

increase the number of tax payers in the informal and structured sectors of the state economy as well as improving the collection of taxes of the informal sector.

The IRS boss further disclosed that the campaign would also aim to acquaint tax payers with various modern means of tax payment, including online platforms and other channels towards growing compliance levels among populace. ‘’We will deploy a robust social media platforms in reaching our tax payers and have a viable feedback mechanism to address grievances from tax payers,” he said.

“CRIRS,s target was to grow the tax base by increasing the compliance level from its current 8percent to 30percent within the period of the campaign.”

Monarch, elders, demand unconditional release of abducted Wike’s aide Ignatius Chukwu and Gladys

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he abduction of an aide to governor Nyesom Wike has continued for days, contrary to public expectation that he would be released soon after. Now, the Rumueprikom Council of Chiefs in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State through their chairman, Prince Weli – Wosu, and two others, have appealed to the kidnappers to release their son unconditionally.

Twelve days after kidnappers abducted Anugbum Onuoha, the Special Adviser on Lands to Governor Nyesom Wike at Ada George Road in Port Harcourt, his whereabouts are still unknown despite the assurance of the police to effect his release.

Onuoha and Wike hail from the same community. Rivers Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), Nnamdi Omoni, had assured on the day of the incident that the Command made contact with sister security agencies and other security stakeholders with the aim of ensuring speedy and timely release of the victim.

He had stated thus: “This is unfortunate, and as a Command, we are touched by this development and will go all out to ensure his speedy and timely release.

The commissioner of police has given a marching order to all the Tactical Units, including the IGP (Inspector – General of Police )

Anugbum Onuoha

Monitoring Unit to work round the clock and ensure that the victim is released in record time.

“Contacts have been made with sister security agencies and other security stakeholders in this direction. The Command wishes to appeal to the members of the public, to avail us with useful information that can lead to his unconditional release.

“The public is hereby assured that there is no cause for alarm, as the already existing peace in the state will be sustained.”

But hope seems dim as the aide to Governor Wike is still missing. According to the elders, On behalf of the elders, chiefs and the entire people of Rumuepirikom Kingdom, council wishes to state that we are pained that one of our sons, Onuoha was kidnapped by unknown gunmen, yesterday.

Onuoha is said to be a peace-loving individual, friend and lover of all. “We urge those responsible for such act to release him unconditionally”, his people said.

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News Akeredolu signs N193bn 2019 Appropriation Bill into Law YOMI AYELESO, Akure

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overnor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of On do s t at e has signed into law the 2019 appropriation bill with a sum of N193 billion.

The house of Assembly had passed the appropriation bill into law , increasing the budget by N3 billion.

The governor,who presented the budget to the house of Assembly December 31st,2018 said that the main objective of the budget is to advance the State to the next level through completion of the ongoing projects across the State.

He noted his administration would continue to take the issue of workers’ welfare seriously while soliciting the voluntary cooperation of all residents in the State to be faithful in the payment of their taxes and levies.

Governor Akeredolu who signed the appropriation bill into law at the Excos Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, explained that the 2019 budget was prepared on the basis of the inputs garnered during Town Hall Meetings with various stakeholders across the State and the 5-point development agenda of his administration.

Akeredolu

According to him, the 5-point development agenda is the major platform upon which the aspirations and dreams for the State shall be translated into tangible and life transforming projects or programmes in the 2019 fiscal year.

He said, “The 2019 budget, aptly christened the Budget of Advancement, which has just been signed into Law, has a total size of N193.903 billion “Of this amount, N10.369 billion representing 5.3% is for Debt Service; N9.568 billion representing 4.9% is for Statutory Trans-

fers to OSOPADEC and the 10% share of Independent Revenue to Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) of Local Governments in the State “The sums of N83.852 billion and N90.113 billion representing 43.2% and 46.5% are for Recurrent Expenditure and Capital Development respectively.”

The Governor added that the government was not unaware of the challenges posed by inadequacy of funds to effective and impactful budget implementation.

He pointed that the chal-

Nosak Group urges govt to tame smuggling in Nigeria SEYI JOHN SALAU

lenges faced are not unconnected to the government’s inability to grow Independent Revenue to a level where it can cover most of the state’s recurrent expenditure from funds generated internally.

“It is also disheartening to note that some Development Partners, in recent times, have failed to meet up with their terms of agreement. “ he stressed.

The Governor disclosed that his administration has resolved to sustain the use of ICT to help drive independent revenue generation so as to block loopholes.

He said: “Our administration intends to continue to approach all issues of governance with the required gravitas. We shall proceed with renewed determination, despite the stated challenges “I wish to assure you that this budget will be implemented, faithfully, in our quest to deliver the dividends of democracy and good governance to our people “ We will make sure that we have good value for every naira spent. We anticipate creation of more jobs for our youths. We shall deepen our engagement in developing infrastructural facilities.

“Provision of functional education and qualitative health care services remain our priorities.”

YEF empowers 50 adolescents with skill acquisition Gbemi Faminu

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ouths Empowerment Foundation (YEF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has empowered 50 adolescents in Lagos State with various skills acquisition and internship opportunities.

Speaking at the second graduation ceremony for the 2018 beneficiaries of the future project, Iwalola Akinjimo, executive secretary of the foundation, stated that the programme was aimed at helping young boys and girls to acquire vocational skills and different trainings to develop and prepare for a successful future.

Akinjimo stated that the programme was sponsored

by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in conjunction with the foundation, while advis-

ing the youths and adolescents to utilize every opportunity they get and leverage to do exploit.

The Executive Secretary, further charged the strive to develop themselves, and build relationships that will add value to them and their business, while urging parents to expose their children to societal risks so they could learn.

Michael Nwose, Head of

youth segment, FCMB, said that FCMB vision was to empower young Nigerians to succeed, urging the beneficiaries to beneficiaries to utilize the opportunities well, learn to be patient and hardworking.

Omoniyi Iyanda, team leader corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability reporting for FCMB, stated that the bank was passionate about em-

powering youths, adding that it was the second set of 50 individuals being empowered by the programme.

According to him, “this graduation ceremony makes it a total of 100 young individuals in total with some engaging in vocational trainings and some in job shadowing that have benefited from this program.

“This is part of our efforts to give back to the immediate environment where we have benefitted from and as a corporate citizen; FCMB is passionate and will be actively involved in empowering youths and providing strong platforms for them to discover a well-defined path to their future”. Iyanda said.

A beneficiary, Chiamaka Okoye, who graduated from a fashion designing institute, commended the foundation for empowering her, promising to effectively utilise her skills.

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osak Group, an indigenous Nigerian industrial conglomerate, has urged the Federal Government to checkmate activities of smugglers especially along Nigeria land borders, as a way of ensuring a successful implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the government.

The group, which operates companies in key economic sectors of Nigeria agribusiness, financial service, manufacturing, real estate, and retail business, sees activities of smugglers as a serious challenge to ERGP and the economy.

Toni Ogunbor, the chairman of the Nosak Group said smuggling is a huge loss of revenue for the government, while lack of accountability in theCustoms activities serves as damage to the economy.

“Government should put in competent hands that will ensure the right things are done to oversee the border.

A secured border will help to put an end to or ameliorate the current unholy price war experienced by local manufacturers,” said Ogunbor.

Ogunbor said this at the annual group management

retreat to review 2018 and to chart objectives for 2019, leveraging on the group’s comparative advantage with the theme “Strengthen the chain through the customer”.

Ogunbor in his statement commended the management team for surmounting the challenging business environment to achieve results contributing to the growth of the Nigeria economy. “2018 was a more challenging year compared to 2017 but we are happy that the challenges didn’t overwhelm us. This is the result of hard work and dedication”, Ogunbor stated.

Effiong Essien, the senior special assistant to the President on ERGP Implementation (Agriculture and Transportation), in his presentation ‘Executing your next growth agenda – what ERGP has for you’, said “In the execution of your growth agenda, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) recommends driving innovations to boost the economy of Nigeria as a collective responsibility of the private sector operators, government and tertiary institutions. The intersection of these segments would accelerate capacity development to drive agriculture innovations,” said Essien.

Election: Secondus warns against reduction of South-East votes OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja

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ational Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) not to tamper with the votes of the South East geo-political zone in this month’s General Election.

Speaking at PDP presidential campaign rally in Enugu State Friday, Secondus cautioned that the votes of the South-East must not be reduced under any cause.

“We want to warn INEC again that you cannot reduce the votes of South East. By your manipulation and conspiracy, you cannot reduce the votes of South East because on that ballot is a son of South East. So, you must be very careful. What we witnessed in Kano yesterday at the APC rally, President Buhari brought in mercenaries, two governors from Niger Republic with arms, money and people to come and vote to influence our elections in Nigeria,” he said.

Also, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, recalled with nostalgia that the South East was not marginalised during the reign of PDP in terms of appointments and projects.

He listed positions enjoyed by the South East during PDP reign to include: Deputy Senate President, PDP National Chairman, Central Bank Governor, Minister of Finance, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, among others.

He said with the emergence of Peter Obi as running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the PDP would return to power in the forthcoming election and the area would have its rightful place.

In terms of infrastructure, Ekweremadu said the PDP started the Second Niger Bridge, that the PDP also gave the South East “access to the international community through the international airport, just to name but a few.”

“So there is nothing the PDP has not done for us. So, we are committed to PDP. When we get to 16th of February, we will vote for Atiku Abubakar as our president with Peter Obi as his Vice President.

“And all our National Assembly candidates will be returned to the National Assembly. And we will repeat it on the 2nd of March when we will elect our governors and members of the state Houses of Assembly. I believe this is the wish of our people,” he said.

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Sunday 03 February 2019

News For anybody to suggest that I am working for PDP is criminal - Usani Usani MIKE ABANG,Calabar

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inister for Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani, has dismissed insinuation in some section of the media that he is working for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Senator Ben Ayade for the 2019 general election.

The Minister said it was unfortunate that for 16 years under the PDP leadership he never romanced with the party and now that the party is in opposition at the federal level people will be accusing him of working for the party.

Usani disclosed this at the Obong of Calabar Palace during a courtesy visit by President Muhammadu Buhari before the presidential campaign rally held at the U.J Esuene stadium.

The Minister said those who wanted to embarrassed the President during the presidential rally at the stadium are those

Usani

who are planning to defect to PDP after the general elections.

“I had always supported President Muhammadu Buhari since 1999 to 2015 even before I was appointed Minister, and that is why I put all my eggs in one basket he stated,” he said.

“We all know that this

administration came in at difficult period we must be able to speak out against the propaganda that the president is the cause of Nigeria problems that were created 50 years ago,” he said.

The minister insists that he is not a green pasture politician who moves to where food is ready.

‘Leadership DNA, culture, key organisational tools for engaging talents’ SEYI JOHN SALAU

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ormostorganisations andHumanResource (HR) professionals in Nigeria, the leadership DNA and organisational culture are two key elements needed to solve the challenges of attracting and engaging talents, especially millennias.

Therefore, it is pertinent for organisations that wish to attract and engage talents to note that it is their engagement initiatives that lead to retaining talents; however, it is not enough to attracts, HR professionals have to make sure talents are engaged so as to have them retained.

“Retention is all the things we do on a daily basis, making

sure that we do them well and fairly,” said Yemi Faseun, the head, HR (Interim COO), FBN Quest Merchant bank, at the 2019 Learning Leaders’ Forum of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) held in Lagos on Thursday, 31 January.

Faseun who spoke on “Attracting and Engaging Talents’’ opined that the essence of engagement is to add to the bottom-line of the organisation, hence HR professionals must adopt strategies to extract the right values from the employees for as long as they are within the organisation. “…but what we are saying is that within those two/three years that they are with you, keep them

engaged so that it will lead to productivity.

“Statistics have shown that people do not leave good organisations, rather they leave bad managers.

Therefore, if managers and leadership are bad and the communication process/ channel are not good; and if there is constant fiction between the employee and the line manager; that employee will not stay,” Faseun stated.

Speaking further on strategies HR professionals can deploy to manage and engage talents within the organisation; Faseun stated that how HR manage the people and management processes is important, hence the right communication must be put in place.

NGO decries increased incidences of teenage pregnancy

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s the society struggles to keep sane and moral values, a nongovernmental association (NGO), Ladies of Virtue (LOV) Foundation for Girl Child, has decried the loss of values that has put the young ones, especially the girl child, at risk.

The group wants more attention to be given to the girl child as they are faced

with increasing pressures and hazards in form of sexual assault and harassment, rape, gang rape and unwanted pregnancy.

The founder of Ladies of Virtues (LOV) Foundation for the Girl Child, Mrs Oluwakemi Olujitan stated in her program, an evening of Intense Worship & Thanksgiving tagged ‘Cries And Shouts in Zion’ that it was imperative to guide the girl

child from her early stages even now as the moral fabrics of our society has been torn apart.

Mrs Olujitan who is a mother of four girls added that her outfit has been in the forefront of girl child empowerment for more than six years. “The girl child is a very special person with immense potential even as we the female is an upgrade of the male.

No division in ACOMORAN, national president says Felix Omohomhion, Abuja

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ational president of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle & Motorcycle Owners Riders & Repairers Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Banangida Shehu Maihula, has refuted the reports that he has been suspended .

Reacting to a national daily publication over the weekend in Abuja that he is no longer the president, Maihula said there was not truth in the publication.

Flanked by national officers of the association, while speaking with journalists in Abuja, he said the crisis is being instigated by a branch chairman who is under instigation for allegedly embezzling the association’s funds to the tune of over N5bn He asked the general public to disregard the publicatio, stating that no member out-

side the national convention can suspend him. He said that the association’s constitution is very clear on the procedure of removal of any elected official.

He said the association remains one indivisible entity.

He advised the teeming members of the association to come out and vote en mass on the election days for candidates of their choice, noting the association has not taken position on a candidate to support in the presidential election on February 16.

Maihula, encouraged members to go back to their various states and local governments to collect their PVCs for the election.

He used the opportunity to warn some unscrupulous elements in the association not to engage in anti-union activities by declaring support for any particular candidate, noting the national executive of the union would soon meet to decide on who

to support.

He said the elections offered opportunity for the 12-million strength association “to vote the right persons come 16th February and 2nd March as this is the right time for the association to use its 12 million votes to vote in right persons into elective positions.”

He said when the amalgamated association decides to support any candidate, he will be that person concerned about welfare of members of the association and that politician who is prepared to grant soft loan to enable members own their cycles rather buying with huge interest loan.

Maihula said: “I also want to this opportunity to sound a note of warning to every member of the association that want to be used by unscrupulous elements, as no one is bigger than the association.

Diaspora Lakeview, Thesaurus Gardens collaborate to provide Nigerians with affordable homes Anthonia Obokoh

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n a bid to ensure that Nigerians home and abroad own homes, Diaspra Lakeview Estates Ltd has partnered with Thesaurus Gardens to provide affordable housing.

This joint venture seek to improve and restore confidence of Nigerians abroad who have always wanted to invest in Nigeria but have fallen victims to land grabbers popularly referred to as ‘Omo-Oniles’.

Bolaji Olasode, managing director and CEO of Thasaraus Gardens Limited, while addressing the press recently laid emphasis on the need to partner with Diaspora Lakeview Estates Limited.

According to him, the strategic partnership, which both companies have formed, will

bring about a peace of mind in acquiring property.

He went further to state that a unique feature of this estate is the waterways.

“A special waterway transport system will be developed through which people can travel by sea to all parts of Lagos State. He noted that the cost of land at the Diaspora Lakeview Estate will appreciate rapidly and the return on investment is speculated at 100 percent in 2years,” Olasode said.

“The property is located in a prime area and in the neighbourhood of other estates namely: Emperor Estate, Fara Park, Crown Estate, Sunview Estate, Vintage Estate and Novare Mall,” he said.

Also, Prince O WilliamsJoel chairman of Diaspora Lakeview Estates Limited, said “this innovation in real estate will seek to provide an outstanding level of ser-

vice, excellence, expertise, and security in securing real estate investment and development.”

“We act in the best interests of our clients who are domiciled abroad by offering unquestionable ethics on all land transactions.

Through this joint venture, we are restoring people’s confidence in investing in Nigeria, having fallen victims of fraudsters in the past,” he added.

He stated that the Diaspora Lakeview Estate is one of its kinds because the company brings the land to the door steps of its clients.

He noted that the estate will boast of 24 hours power supply, Internet services, waterways transportation, amongst others and would be the first CCTV powered estate in Nigeria with 24 hours armed security service and good road network.

Lagos 2019: Agbaje pledges to turn Badagry into commercial hub Iniobong Iwok

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imi Agbaje, the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, has expressed his readiness to transform Badagry town into a business and commercial hub if voted into power.

Agbaje said this during a courtesy visit to the Akran of Badagry, Ahlu Menu-Toyi 1, in his palace in Badagry at the weekend.

The governorship candidate lamented the deplorable state of the roads leading to the town, and promised a reconstruction of the major highway leading into Badagry. He also promised that his administration would equally empower the

people of the town.

According to him, “It is disheartening to note that the roads leading into this town have reached a worse state. I remember being here shortly before the last 2015 elections and the roads, it were not as worse as it is no It will be a matter of high priority under my watch.

Agbaje, who is contesting the gubernatorial election in the state for the third time, reiterated his resolve to formulate economic policies that would make Badagry a technology and business hub centred around the Lagos State University in order to jumpstart the industrialisation of the town, just as Stanford University beckoned the development of Silicon Valley in United States.

“This way, the town will be self-sustaining with the capability of attracting investors and companies thereby guaranteeing employment opportunities. In the long run, attendant economic boom resulting from this venture will reduce the number of people commuting from the town.

“This will ripple down, less road congestion, better standards of living and meaningful existence for our people of Badagry,” Agbaje said.

Responding, the paramount ruler of the town, Menu-Toyi, prayed for Agbaje and wished him success in the gubernatorial election, while urging him to remember all the promises he made and promptly accomplish them if he wins the election.

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News 2019: Bello drums support for Buhari in FCT James Kwen, Abuja

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inister of Fe d e r a l Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Bello has called on the electorate in the FCT to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election bid for continuity and sustainable development.

Bello, who made the call at the “Say Women” event, organised by the FCT All ProgressiveCongress(APC) Women and Youth Movement at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, also stressed the need for voters to vote in credible candidates of the APC vying for positions for credible leadership.

He said voting for APC from top to bottom (President to Councilors) in the upcoming election would ensure that Buhari gets the necessary support to take Nigerians to the next level and warned party supporters to desist from any act that

Bello

could jeopardise the electoral process in the FCT. “I want you to note that apart from voting for President Buhari, you also need to vote in all other APC candidates vying for the different positions. This will ensure that the President gets to work with people with like minds and vision of the party.

Anything short of that could derail the plan of the party to take Nigeria to the next level”, Bello said.

The Minister commended

the FCT APC women leader, Mrs. Hairmary Aipoh, for putting together such an event that brought together chieftains of the party as part of the campaign plan to ensure victory for the party at the polls.

In her goodwill message at the occasion, wife of the President, Aisha Buhari called on electorates in the FCT to vote en-masse for President Buhari and urged Nigerians to rise up to expectation and ensure another four years for

MTN Foundation upgrades Sickle cell DNA lab for prenatal diagnosis in Lagos SEYI JOHN SALAU

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n keeping with its corporate responsibility and promise of reducing mother and child mortality rate in Nigeria, MTN Foundation has completed the installation and upgrade of advanced Prenatal Diagnostic equipment at the DNA laboratory of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria (SCFN). The upgraded facility was handed over to the National Sickle Cell Centre in Idi-Araba, Lagos on Tuesday, 29 January.

With this latest upgrade and equipment installation, the DNA laboratory now

operates at full capacity, capable of providing end-toend diagnosis of sickle cell anemia for unborn children of expectant mothers. Specifically, the new equipment will enable doctors diagnose a baby’s sickle cell status before birth, empowering parents with the ability to make informed choices concerning their child’s health.

According to the SCFN, about 1-in-4 people in Nigeria are healthy carriers of the sickle cell gene and over 150,000 children are born annually with symptomatic sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease) is a disorder of the blood caused by inher-

ited abnormal hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein within the red blood cells). The abnormal hemoglobin causes distorted (sickled) red blood cells, which make the sickled red blood cells fragile and prone to rupture.

Prior to the MTN Foundation intervention, all test samples had to be taken abroad for further analysis and diagnosis after preliminary tests were conducted in Nigeria as the country lacked the capacity for such tests.

Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, the chairman MTN Foundation, said the foundation will continue to support the DNA Laboratory in keeping to its commitment to improve health care delivery and capacity development in Nigeria’s health sector.

“With one in four Nigerians carrying the sickle cell gene, investment in research and technology in this field ensures that the Sickle Cell Centre continues its invaluable work of empowering our mothers and children with access to cost-effective, life-saving in-country care,” said Adelusi-Adeluyi.

Secondus asks INEC to disqualify Buhari over mercenaries at APC Kano rally OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja the President.

Represented by Pauline Talen, former deputy governor of Plateau state Aisha however cautioned against any form of violence before, during and after the elections and particularly called on women to make time on election day to ensure that they cast and guard their votes.

In a keynote address, former senator representing the FCT, Khairat Gwadabe emphasized the need for Nigerians to be patriotic wherever they find themselves.

Gwadabe lauded the achievements of the President Buhari led administration and told all to support the 4+4 movement to enthrone the President and his team for another four-year rule.

“There is nothing wrong with Nigeria that cannot be cured with what is right with Nigeria. And what is right with Nigeria is to support this government and take it to the next level. If you have not collected your PVC, go and do so and encourage others to do so”, she said.

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ational Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify President Muhammadu Buhari for allowing foreigners to participate in its presidential rally.

This comes as Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, has finally laid to rest speculation that he is working for President Buhari’s re-election in the forthcoming poll.

The National Chairman was responding to the presence of two governors, a traditional ruler and other supporters from Niger Republic at the APC rally in Kano State.

They spoke on Friday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, at the PDP Presidential Campaign Rally.

According to Secondus, the development portends grave danger not only for national security but also the sanctity of the nation’s electoral process.

“Let me warn INEC that

what we witnessed yesterday (Thursday) at Buhari’s rally in Kano is the worst that we have seen in this country, where mercenaries like governors and traditional rulers from other countries came in their numbers from Niger, Chad with money to influence elections in Nigeria. All the papers have reported it. Now we ask that INEC should disqualify Buhari for bringing mercenaries to influence elections in Nigeria,” he said.

He urged the people to come out en masse and vote for the party’s candidates at the presidential, National and State Assembly elections, a call stressed by former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim.

Secondus also presented the party’s flag to its governorship candidate and governor of the state, Dave Umahi.

Earlier, Umahi called on those he described as mischief makers to deliver their states rather than spread rumours that he is not supporting the PDP. He assured that the state would deliver 100 percent to the Peoples Democratic Party.

More cancer awareness needed to break cycle of ignorance in Nigeria – Experts …as world marks Cancer Day ANTHONIA OBOKOH

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xperts in the healthcare sector in Nigeria have called for more cancer awareness to change the deplorable health challenge posed by the incidence of cancer to Nigerians.

Under the theme “I am and I will- World Cancer Day 2019- all about your story and your commitment- it calls for personal commitment to help reduce the global burden of cancer, Nigeria inclusive explores.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 9.5 million people worldwide were expected to die from cancer in 2018- about 26, 000 cancer deaths a day and that number is predicted to grow.It further estimates that over 100,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer yearly, while about 80,000 die from the disease.

This brings the consequences of the cancer epidemic to 240 Nigerians every day or 10 Nigerians every hour, dying from cancer. WHO noted that the country’s cancer death ratio of 4 in 5 affected persons is

one of the worst in the world.

Ifeoma Okoye, radiologist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) and founder of Breast Without Spot, said that late presentation of Breast, Cervical, and other cancers will continue to increase in the country, unless Nigerians did something more proactive than we have been doing in the past. “The major drivers for the high morbidity are fear, reluctance to accept fee for screening and the unaffordable medical bills associated with late presentation.”Okoye urged the Nigerian public to be cancer aware.

“Know the causes and risk factors so that appropriate precautions can be taken to modify or avoid them. In addition to prevent and reduce the risk of cancer, individuals should refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, be physically active, and have a balanced diet,” she said.

Okoye stated that the fear that fuels the wrong perception, could only be overcome if Nigerians can change the narrative through improving early detection, increasing opportunities for free screening,

andassistingindigentpatients to cope with their medical bills. These interventions will improve survival statistics, she noted.Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It can affect almost any part of the body.

The growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize to distant sites.

Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding exposure to common risk factors, including tobacco smoking. In addition, a significant proportion of cancers can be cured by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, especially if they are detected early.Analysts in the healthcare industry also say that the steady rise in cancer cases among Nigerians is an indication of inadequate or ineffective control measures to curtail the disease.

They also argue that for universal health coverage of Nigerians, there is an urgent need for the government to include cancer treatment under the NHIS operation, pointing out that with that, more people will be able to afford the treatment and also go for screening.

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PhotoSplash

NoMAP 1L-R: Ayo Farinu, Chief Executive Officer, SWIFTA Systems & Services; Adedotun Eyinade, Program Manager, Nigeria Off-Grid Market Acceleration Program (NoMAP); Vera Nwaze, Managing Director, Azuri International and Heather Onoh, Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Smarter Grid International during the Press Conference Announcing the Integration of the Initial Five Solar Home Systems Companies into SWIFTA’s Omnibranches Platform in Lagos today

L-R: Chijoke Obiako, multipro Port Harcourt Marketer; Ginny Tewatia, brand manager, Indomie Relish; Sherry Momoh, University of Port Harcourt Student, and Gaurav Srivastava, Branch Manager, Multipro Port Harcourt, at the launch of Indomie Relish at the Port Harcourt Mall, recently.

From left: Chief Finance Officer, Protection Plus Services Limited, Adhagwa Michael; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Yewande Sadiku; and Chairman, Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Mr Foluso Phillips, at breakfast meeting in Lagos NAN

L-R: Osa Oviawe, Panel Moderator; Peter Kuti, co-panelist, and Omolaja Odunuga, medical director, GSK, at the 50th Annual Conference of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, Ibadan.

L-R: Fola Akinkuotu, guess lecturer/managing director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); Peter Dauke, deputy commandant, National Defence College (NDC), and Chijioke Wigwe, Provost of NDC, during the Airspace Safety and Security Lecture in Abuja.

NAN Audu Ogbeh, minister of agriculture and rural development, (r) and Ricardo Guerra de Araujo, ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria, during the consultation on the National Livestock Transformation Plan ( NLTP) and the Green Imperative, at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

NAN

Adeniyi Osinowo, commandant, National Defence College (NDC), (l) presenting an award to Fola Akinkuotu, guess lecturer/managing director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), during the Airspace Safety and Security Lecture in Abuja. NAN

L-R: Ibe Kachikwu, minister of state, petroleum resources; Oze K. Oze, head, sponsorships, events & content management, FirstBank; Abdullahi Ibrahim, executive director, public sector, FirstBank, and Olalekan Adenekan, group head, energy, FirstBank, at the FirstBank exhibition stand during the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit sponsored by FirstBank in Abuja

12 Inside Lagos

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Sunday 03 February 2019

LASG sensitises drivers, stakeholders on accident-free roads Stories by JOSHUA BASSEY

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n continuation of efforts at keeping the roads safe for all users, the Lagos State government is engaging drivers of all categories in safety talks.

Speaking at a workshop in Ikeja, on Friday, Ladi Lawanson, the state commissioner for transportation, said the discussions with drivers were aimed at improving the attitude of road users through regular, continuous and re-certification of all professional, commercial and private drivers.

According to Lawanson, the state government has put all necessary machinery in place through the Lagos State Drivers Institute an agency under the supervision of the ministry of transportation, to ensure that training, retraining and recertification of drivers are conducted regularly with of inculcating the right driving culture desirable in a mega city.

Lawanson said that the engagement with the drivers would further provide an avenue to educate all stakeholders on strat-

L-R: Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation; Liu Quin, manager designs, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC); Kehinde Bamidele, deputy director, Rail Modernization and Rehabilitation Ministry of Transportation; Amadu Wahab, special adviser on Rail Modernization to the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation, and Leo Yin, deputy project Manager, CCECC, during the inspection of Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge in Agbado Area in Lagos on Friday. NAN

egies and techniques needed for safe driving while keeping them abreast of policies of the government regarding transportation He expressed the hope that at the end of the training session, participants would have been

Prioritise teachers’ welfare, Ambode tells TESCOM

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overnor, Akinwunmi Ambode has charged the board members of Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to give top considerations to teachers’ welfare and ensure employment of only qualified professionals to teach in public secondary schools in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration of the board and swearing-in of some newly promoted permanent secretaries, Ambode said it was important for the public officers to justify their appointment by working ultimately in the interest of the people.

He said the passage and signing of the TESCOM bill was a great moment for the education sector in the state coming after eight years of several attempts.

According to him, the development was made possible because of the unrelenting efforts of the government to strengthen the education sector.

“With the knowledge that education plays a very vital role in the development of our society and that a society cannot thrive above the level of its educational attainment, the passage and signing of this Law was very essential.

“In fulfillment of the provision of that law, we have just inaugurated the board whose responsibility will be to ensure that the objectives of the law are achieved.

“For avoidance of doubts, let me state that one of the major

aims of this law, which shall be a key responsibility of this board, is to ensure improvement in the welfare of our teachers and also ensure that well qualified teachers are recruited into our public secondary schools.”

The governor observed that seasoned educationists and administrators had been carefully selected based on their track records for appointment into the TESCOM board, expressing optimism that the state would witness rapid improvement in the education sector, particularly at the secondary level.

“You will agree with me that if we are to achieve the kind standard we desire in our educational system and also lay a good foundation for the future development of our state in terms of quality manpower, we must give adequate attention to maintaining highly motivated and effective teaching personnel.

“I, therefore, charge the chairman and members of this board to study very carefully the provisions of the law in order to fully understand their role and responsibilities expected of them. I also enjoin you all, to ensure that due process is followed in all matters that would be brought to your attention and for your decision,” Ambode said.

The TESCOM board is headed

by Olabisi Ariyo. Others members are Jacob Ashaka, Sidikat Smith, Adeleke Oluseun Kara and Adijat Kuburat Hassan.

equipped with adequate knowledge to change their perspective on road safety culture.

Making a presentation at the event, the corps marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi stat-

ed that the highway code was the first thing to be considered when training a driver because without it, the training given is incomplete.

While lauding the Lagos on its efforts and contributions to-

wards the advancement of the transport sector of the country, he nevertheless pointed to increasing population and congestion as a major confronting Lagos.

According to Boboye, the focus on drivers’ responsibilities, training and enlightenment, health and compliance with traffic rules and regulation would ultimately aid the state government’s persistent efforts in building a smart city.

The corps marshal assured that the FRSC would work against the production of halfbaked drivers by driving schools across the country because of the danger such drivers pose to other road users.

This, he said, would be done through the standardisation of programmes in approved driver schools across the country. He said modalities have also been put in place to check the activities of deviant driving, adding that the highway code was the first requirement any driver must get and master before getting on the roads.

“Lagos is a smart city that needs to be made smarter,” Boboye said.

No hijab no peace in Lagos, insists MSSN

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agos State area unit of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has threatened to mobilise millions of members to shutdown Lagos if harassment of students wearing hijab persists.

The organisation at a press conference to commemorate the 2019 World Hijab Day, Thursday, in Lagos, said members were being harassed and intimidated in public schools in Lagos.

Head of the MSSN in Lagos, Basheerah Majekodunmi, who addressed journalists, narrated the agonies of female Muslim students in the country. She lamented that some of the students were subjected to emotional trauma for wearing hijab to schools.

She, however, explained that de-

spite the circular issued by the Lagos Stategovernmentandthejudgment of the Appeal Court favouring the use of hijab, female Muslim students still faced tough times.

She said: “In the hands of government officials, especially teachers in public schools, our members are regular victims of physical and verbal assaults. The recent one being the slapping of a female Muslim student at Ikosi High School by an official of West African Examination Council (WAEC) for resisting to pull off her hijab. Other cases abound from Agbede Community Grammar School and Yewa Grammar School in Ikorodu, to Iba Estate Senior High School in Ojo. “Before we got to where we are now on the issue of hijab,

there were several legal engagements. The Appeal Court granted us all the reliefs we sought at the lower court and pronounced on our inalienable right to adorn the hijab not only in public secondary schools but in all spheres of education and life.

In November 2018, the Lagos State government issued a circular to all principals of public secondary schools instructing them to allow students, who want to wear the hijab on their uniforms do so.

“When the Lagos State government issued the circular, we thought relief had come, but it is utterly unfortunate that some school authorities and some deviant teachers are working against the circular.

Teenager charged with possession of illegal arm

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teenager, Michael Undie, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate Court over alleged illegal possession of a gun and live ammunition.

Undie, 19, was charged along with one Lati Ibrahim, 43, on a two-count of conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms.

The accused, both of whom reside at Ijegun, Satellite Town, Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts.

According to the prosecutor, Benson Emuerhi, the accused committed the offences on No-

vember 30, 2018, at 10.30p.m. at No. 3, Baale Street, Ijegun.

Emuerhi said that the accused were apprehended by the police from Ikeja during a routine check.

“They could not give a satisfactory explanation on how they came about a locally made gun and live ammunition.

“Such weapons in their possession need an approval from the Inspector-General of Police,’’ he said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 330 (d) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 330 provides for a two-year jail term for unlawful possession of arms and ammunition while Section 411 stipulates two years’ jail term for conspiracy.

The chief magistrate, Olufunke Sule-Amzat, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

Sule-Amzat ordered the sureties should show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State government. The case has been adjourned until March 25 for hearing.

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Corruption, rule of law and the desecration of justice

Frank Aigbogun editor Zebulon Agomuo DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja

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

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n Nigeria , corruption is worse than any killer disease one can ever think of. From independence till date, corruption has been bad news for our dear country.

It was recently estimated that over $300bn have either been outrightly stolen or misappropriated by government officials and their collaborators since the advent of the current political dispensation in 1999.

It is quite clear that if Nigeria must live, corruption must die.

But then, for corruption to really expire in the country there is a big hurdle to cross. This hurdle is called the rule of law. The rule of law underlines the power and weight of law within society, principally as a restraint upon behavior, including that of public officials.

For democracy to sufficiently thrive, supremacy of the rule of law must be jealously guarded.

The rule of law presupposes that no law breaker must go unpunished. Thus, theoretically, the rule of law provides a legal

framework to wage war against corruption. But then, in reality, it is not really that simple as the rule of the law equally protects corrupt individuals since they are presumed innocent until proven legally otherwise.

This, in essence, is the dilemma in the war against corruption.

Over the years, corruption has found comfort in the provision of the rule of law to strengthen its evil hold on the nation. So, all it takes for an alleged corrupt individual or institution to escape from or frustrate the wheel of justice is to hire a group of very brilliant legal luminaries, who understand the strength and weakness of the law, and use same to the full advantage of their client.

Since corruption has provided corrupt chaps enormous access to ill gotten wealth, money is not likely to be a problem in the scheme to subvert justice. On the long run, rather than the law taking care of corruption, corruption takes care of the law.

Ultimately, corrupt individuals become atrociously arrogant as they revel in their above the law status.

Confronted by the enormous wealth and the smart legal backing of corrupt public officials and ‘powerful’ individuals, the law simply becomes a mere paper tiger and a toothless bulldog. Of what use is a properly crafted law that cannot be enforced? So, Nigerians are dispirited about the success of any war against

corruption. There is now a despondent feeling that, characteristically, corruption would always have its way, no matter what the law says.

Does it now follow that the law aids corruption? Has corruption become so deeply entrenched in our system that the law has become helpless to hack it down? Though, past experiences point to the fact that the law might no longer be sufficient in the war against corruption, the truth, however, is that corruption is not bigger than the law. There is enough in the law to annihilate corruption from the land.

Unfortunately, the judiciary, which ought to be the temple of justice, is as corrupt as other institutions in the country. Allegations of fraudulent deals and gross misuse of office by judicial officers have continued to increase. Not a few judges have been accused of collaborating with criminals and corrupt individuals to undermine the judicial process. At every stage in the judicial system, one is confronted with unbelievable monumental acts of corruption. From the Investigating Police Officer, IPO, to other judicial officers involved, at one stage or the other, in a corruption case, one is bound to come face to face with the awesome ingenuity of corruption machinery in the country.

For the war against corruption to be effectively fought and won, a total overhaul of the na-

tion’s legal institution is urgently needed. Judicial officials who undermine the judicial process must be fished out and punish appropriately. It amounts to sheer desecration of justice for unjust individuals to superintend over the justice system. Justice cannot be said to be served in a system that allows men and women with distorted and flawed value system unhindered space in the judicial process. The law is meant to trounce evil and evil doers. In any society where the reverse is the case, injustice would reign supreme. Sadly, this is the path we have been treading for years. Obviously, it has led us to nowhere.

If we are to move forward, we must change our ways.

A democracy consists of three vital organs of government namely; the executive, legislature and the judiciary.

The legislative arm formulates policy and enacts it as law, the executive carries out policy in action while the judiciary applies the law according to rules of procedural justice and resolves disputes. In a democracy, in order to guarantee fairness, transparency and accountability, the existence of a free and fair judicial system is a must. Overtime, a society can survive a warped political culture, but one is yet to see a society that thrives with a deformed judicial system.

Ogunbiyi wrote in from Alausa, Lagos.

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Sunday 03 February 2019

Perspective 2019: As Gov. Udom Emmanuel makes the difference OLUWOLE AKINYEYE & OLISA AGBAKOBA “A noble leader answers not to the trumpet calls of self promotion, but to the hushed whispers of necessity”.

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-Mollie Marti n Nigeria’s determined drive towards having in place visionary, purposeful, committed and courageous leadership, a few patriots have made their marks.

These are people who connect tellingly between the vast natural endowments that God has so graciously offered us and the ignoble pit of pervasive poverty some miserable millions of citizens are still stewed in.

Sad to note however, that while we are quick to castigate our political leaders for non performance; we are slow to note and commend those who are genuinely making the difference. And even showcase them as sources of inspiration to the new generation and others yet to come.

We would therefore, be denying ourselves the honours of history if we fail to identify such leading lights. One who, in my humble estimation eminently qualifies is the highly determined, goal-getting, yet selfeffacing Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom known for his “dakadda” (arise) initiative. He served as the Secretary to the state government under his predecessor and political mentor, Godswill Akpabio .

Then he distinguished himself as a worthy son of the soil, to be trusted with political leadership.

If perhaps, you are still wondering what magic wand he waved to attract an unprecedented mammoth crowd to the recent PDP presidential campaign rally , held at the state stadium, look no further.

It is nothing but sheer, peerless performance. As the revered thinker, Artika Tyner rightly noted, “the heart of the leader is manifested through service to others.”

It would be recalled that while assessing Akpabio’s achievements in eight years, he humbly admitted to the fact that, “the state has been transformed from the pedestrian destination that nobody ever considered visiting, to a mustsee wonder of infrastructure development, a prized destination, an economic hub and recreational get-away”. But he was not going to rest on his oars, as he took over the baton in the relay race of political leadership in Nigeria.

With a clear-cut agenda of what he wanted to stand for, and having identified his people’s most pressing challenges and proffering pragmatic solutions to them , Udom, has

Udom

focused his main policy thrust on industrialization. He knows, as other true leaders do that getting his people from the trap of mindless misery would not be by giving them fish, but by teaching them how to fish!

Good enough, nearly four years down the line, his people are applauding one of the country’s youngest achievers. His footprints cut across the wide spectrum of roads and infrastructural development, quality education delivery, manpower development and agriculture.

Others include healthcare delivery, rural development, empowerment , workers’ welfare and capacity building, rural development, culture and tourism as well as social welfare.

For instance, within the first three years in office, remarkable achievements were recorded in the critical areas of solid infrastructural development, with over 1700km of roads and 35 bridges constructed. besides, there is the completion of the state secretariat annex, the construction of 2nd airport runway and upgrading of airport main runway to category 2. There is an effective flood control at Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo and the imposing 21- storey, modern office complex emerging to the radiant horizon. Interestingly, Akwa-Ibom is the Only state to own and maintain an airport independently!

Realizing the Malcom -X maxim that sound education is the key to a brighter future for the children, Udom has risen up and done the needful. The state, once regarded as backward now has in place Free and compulsory basic education in all public schools. Udom’s administration has taken over seven community secondary schools in addition to the construction and renovation of 62 school blocks.

The state has also adopted strategic interventions in tertiary institutions providing the enabling learning environment with roads, well equipped libraries, laboratories and equipment as well as academic blocks. The upgrading of Akwa Ibom state College of Arts and Science, Nung Ukim, Ikono to College of Science and Technology stands the state in good stead.

...the heart of the leader is manifested through service to others

What more, the procurement and distribution of free text books as well as other educational materials have gone a long way towards lifting the state to enviable and historymaking academic feats.

To facilitate this there are subventions to public primary and secondary schools boosted by over N600 million WAEC fees for indigenes in public secondary schools annually! This again, is commendable.

Even more so is the pragmatic focus on the industrialization of the state, to create the needed jobs with the attendant wealth creation. So profound is this move that the areas of the national production capacity other states hardly thought about have taken the attention of this innovative administration. These are enhanced by 153+ MW Ibom Power Plant and 3 sub-stations.

For instance, we now have in place the Syringe Manufacturing Factory as the largest in Africa. Others include the pencil and toothpick manufacturing factories. What about the electric digital metering solutions manufacturing factory, the resuscitation of Peacock Paint industry and the flour mills and coconut refinery?

What about the Ibom Deep Seaport, the Ibom Industrial Park/ Jetty, the Plastic Manufacturing Factory and the Fertilizer

Blending Factory? They are all there as worthy testaments of his administrative Midas touch, adding immense economic values to the people’s lives.

Fully aware that the citizens’ health is their wealth, the government provides free medical services for children below 5 years, pregnant women and the aged. There are also over 25 containers of state-of-the art medical equipment and the construction and upgrading of secondary healthcare facilities across the state. Noteworthy also are the reconstruction and equipping of the General Hospital, Etinan, the ongoing reconstruction of Ituk Mbang General Hospital and the reconstruction of Ikono General Hospital. These are just a few of the impact being made in the sector.

In the field of agriculture, the state boasts of the 11,000 hectares coconut plantation, the 1,600 hectares cassava plantation in 15 LGAs (FADAMA) and 4,920 registered rice farmers, with 450 youths trained on cocoa maintenance. Others include subsidized fertilizers, oil palm and cocoa seedlings, the Akwa prime hatchery – 10,000 day old chicks weekly and the provision of free improved corn seedlings amongst others.

As for related rural development there are over 300 projects spread across the 31 LGAs. Also, there over 400 interministerial rural intervention projects and the rehabilitation/ construction of over 500km of rural feeder roads that are ongoing .

Furthermore, on the manpower development and workers’ welfare, Gov. Emmanuel stands out as one of the goodhearted ones known for the regular and prompt payment of salaries and entitlement to public servants. He has walked the talk on the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities to retired workers. The release of backlog of promotions from 2012 to 2014 affecting 10, 352 public servants stands him in good stead.

Too numerous to mention are the praise-worthy strides so far taken on Youth Empowerment and Capacity Building, Social Welfare Schemes as well as Culture and Tourism.

All said, Governor Udom Emmanuel has given breath to the unfailing element of Trust between the leaders and the led in governance. He is fulfilling the promises he made back in 2015 and putting wan smiles on the faces of the good people of Akwa Ibom state, the Land of Promise.

Dr. Oluwole Akinyeye, head, Maritime Unit Olisa Agbakoba Legal; Email – oluwole@oal.law

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Personalty of the week Sani-Omolori: When your work speaks for you KEHINDE AKINTOLA

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ithout any gainsaying, Mohammed Ataba SaniOmolori, the incumbent Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), has done creditably in changing the landscape of the National Assembly since assumption of office on the 16th May, 2016.

Within this short period everyone can attest to his dexterity towards up-scaling the facilities and technological proficiency of the bureaucracy and workforce in general. Under his watch, definite landmark transformation has taken place, ranging from massive renovation of the buildings, improved security, parking lots, among others. He also introduced the click-in tech for across the institution with a workforce of over 5,000 legislative workforce within the system. Never can one forget to mention the introduction of Open Week which gave ample opportunities to Nigerians, CSOs, CBOs to interface with the members and management of National Assembly.

Going through his work and professional experiences, one cannot but acknowledge the propensity of Sani-Omolori towards making National Assembly a hub of democratic institution across Africa.

Sani-Omolori, who spoke recently at the international conference of Public Administration, organised by the Department of Public Administration of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, with the theme: ‘Public Administration in Time of Reforms’, exhibited passion for institutional reforms and the need for the repositioning of legislative service, a departure from what he inherited.

In his drive for a professional and highly motivated workforce that will deliver efficient services at all times, Sani-Omolori inaugurated a Committee on Personnel Audit on Tuesday, 20th December, 2016 with the mandate to ascertain the actual staff strength, structure and distribution of staff required for an ideal legislative management system etc.

According to his profile, SaniOmolori attended many Local and International courses, seminars and conferences, including: a Legal Drafting Course at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in 1991; another course in legislative drafting at the Royal Institute of Public Administration, London in 1992; and the Public Law Centre, New Orleans, Luciana, USA in June, 2001.

Sani-Omolori enjoys membership of the following Local

L-R: Mohammed Umar, permanent secretary, Human Resources, representing Mohammed Sani-Omolori, clerk of the National Assembly; Hon. Pally Iriase, deputy chief whip, representing Yakubu Dogara, speaker, House of Representatives, and Frank Aigbogun, publisher/CEO of BusinessDay Media.

and International Bodies: The Nigerian Bar Association; African Bar Association; International Bar Association; Commonwealth Lawyers Association; Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsels; Society of Clerk-atthe-Table; and Association of Secretary-Generals of Parliaments, etc.

To different people, SaniOmolori means many things.

While some simply know him as the Clerk to the National Assembly of Nigeria, several others define him using his epic qualification as consummate lawyer, an accomplished technocrat, a great philanthropist and a servant leader.

Until recently, many never knew that he’s of the Royal Family of the former Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, the late Mohammed Sani-Omolori, in Okene, on the 7th June, 1961.

He started his early education at the Native Authority (Central) Primary School, Okene between 1966 and 1971. He had his secondary education at the Government secondary School, (now Abdul Azeez Attah Memorial College), Okene from 1972 –1976.

Prince Sani-Omolori briefly served as a temporary employee of the Local School Management Board, Okene in 1976. Thereafter, he proceeded to the Katsina College of Arts, Science and Technology (KCAST), Zaria for his Advanced level Certificate from 1977 to 1979.

After leaving KCAST, he was admitted into Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in 1979 for the Law Degree and he graduated in 1982 with LL.B (Hons). Upon graduation from ABU, Zaria, he proceeded

to the Nigeria Law School, Lagos in 1982 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1983 as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He participated in the National Youth Service Corp Scheme (NYSC) in 1983. His first place of primary assignment was the Sokoto State House of Assembly.

He subsequently transferred his service to the Headquarters of the 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Nigerian Army,

We commend their dedication, and we note the daily work that they put in pushing the boundaries to get a world class service delivery for the people of Nigeria. We were very meticulous in analysing the dignitaries for these awards and our team of analysts and researchers, who were joined by a review committee vigorously

Sokoto as a legal Adviser.

Upon successful completion of his NYSC programme in 1984, Barrister Sani-Omolori had a stint of legal practice in the firm of Baba Amartey Chambers: Nasir Ajana and Company between 1984 and 1985. He also served as a Private Secretary to his father who was the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and the Chairman of Ebira Traditional Council.

His public service career began in 1985 with his engagement as a Legal Officer with Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. In 1990, he joined the services of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) as a Legal Officer where he served for exactly one year. In 1991, he took up an appointment with the National Assembly office.

His career in the National Assembly has been challenging. Here, he was tasked with establishing and nurturing the Legal Department from its inception to its present status. He became the Acting Director, Legal Services Department in 2002, a position he held until 2006. In 2007, he was promoted to the substantive rank of Director and worked in that capacity until 4th February, 2010 when he became the Clerk, House of Representatives in the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a position he occupied till 16th May, 2016 when he became the Clerk to the National Assembly.

His leadership traits date back to his early days as a youngster while in school. His humility endeared him to several of his contemporaries in his school days, who elected him into several positions of responsibilities as follows: Secretary, Debating Society (1975); President, Social Club (1975 – 1975); Secretary,

Muslim Students Society (1975 – 1976); Publicity Secretary, Ebira Students Association (1975); Secretary-General. KCAST Students Union (1977 – 1978); Member, KCAST Students’ Parliament (1978 – 1979); Publicity Secretary, Kwara State Students Association, KCAST Branch (1978 – 1979); Secretary, Ebira Students Association, KCAST Branch (1978 – 1979); Vice President, Muslim Students Society, KCAST Branch (1978 – 1979); Member, ABU Students Union Parliament, Kongo Campus (1979 -1980); Assistant Secretary, Law Students Union, Kongo (1979 – 1980); Assistant Publicity Secretary, Muslim Students Society, Kongo Branch (1979 – 1980; and Secretary-General, Students Union, ABU, Zaria (1981).

At the Excellence in Public Service Awards Night held at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the Clerk of the National Assembly was ably represented by members of the management of National Assembly namely: Mohammed Umar, Permanent Secretary, Human Resources; Rawlings Agada, Director Information and Christopher Asheka, Director, Protocols.

In his opening remarks, Frank Aigbogun, Publisher/CEO of BusinessDay Media explained that the ‘Excellence Public Service Award’ was conceived to celebrate performance and commitment of those in public responsibility.

“The Awards highlight excellence, visionary leadership and outstanding job performance in the public sector. BusinessDay conceived the Public Service Awards to celebrate the exceptional work, and commitment of those in positions of public responsibility who have helped to translate government priorities and promises into real results.

According to him, the award was in recognition of those leaders in public institutions who are pushing the boundaries in world class service delivery.

“We commend their dedication, and we note the daily work that they put in pushing the boundaries to get a world class service delivery for the people of Nigeria. We were very meticulous in analysing the dignitaries for these awards and our team of analysts and researchers, who were joined by a review committee vigorously, examined the various nominations that we have before arriving at a list of award winners this evening.

“I can assure you that coming up with the list of the award winners is not an easy task given Nigeria’s large public sector and competing positions of leaders of these department and agencies of government,” Aigbogun said.

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VOXPOP How realistic is the new minimum wage?

T

Jonathan Aderoju he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the N27, 000 approved by the Federal Government. It insists on N30, 000 for all workers. This comes with too many unanswered questions.

David Ibidapo Economic and Financial Analyst The recent N27, 000 state and N30, 000 federal minimum wage approvals by the Federal Government in response to the agitation of the labour union do not eventually increase the purchasing power of citizens.

The new minimum wage of state increases slightly the purchasing power of its citizens by $25 at an exchange rate of N360/$1 to $75. However, compared to an exchange rate of N198/$1 five years ago, new state and federal minimum wage is $15.9 and $7.6 lower respectively.

While the new minimum wage doesn’t increase real income value of the state’s citizens due to the persistent devaluation of the naira, it however, increases debt levels of states significantly assuming debt as a major source of financing new wages.

From my analysis, a 50 percent raise in minimum wage of state workers would increase average monthly personnel cost of states by 50 percent.

The implication of this is that most states could be devoting their entire internally generated revenue to the payment of workers’ salaries alone.

Meanwhile, most states however, with the exception of Lagos, Rivers, Kano and Kastina have average internally generated revenue below budgeted recurrent expenditure.

While Nigerian states struggle to reduce their domestic and foreign debt portfolio, the approval of the new minimum wage by the FGN may likely pile more pressure on the debt profile of these states.

The inability of many state governments to generate significant IGR independent of monthly FACC allocation suggests serious headwinds ahead given the cloudy outlook for crude oil demand and prices in the global market.

Damilare Equity manager Well, the truth must be

said that the purchasing power of the current minimum wage is not sufficient to meet the basic needs of the least paid worker. As a matter of fact, the value of the N 27000 and N30000 proposed now in dollar value ($75 and $83) is lower than the purchasing power of the 18k last five years ($90) if you use the then exchange rate of 198/$1 and 360/$1.

However, the major reality on ground is that 31 of the 36 states in Nigeria do not generate enough internal revenue (aside the monthly FAAC allocation) sufficient pay their current recurrent expenditure not to talk of if it is increased.

Hence, the best option should have been to compel government to implement policies that will encourage domestic production of goods & services at a cheap cost so that peoples’ purchasing power can improve.

For instance, if my salary is N5000 and it can only buy 2 cargos of rice, I will prefer a government policy that will reduce the cost of a Cargo to N1, 500 so that I can buy 3 cargos and still get N500 change from my salary than the one that will increase my salary to N7000 while rice also increase to N3, 500.

That’s what Nigeria is doing now and in the long run people will not be better off because prices will spike and what we call ‘money illusion’ will take place. People would not be better off in the long run...

Ayo Bamidele, Civil servant No, I don’t think it is. It’s just a temporal fix for civil/ public servants. The bad economy will eat up the increment in no time. In Nigeria we have the problem of not thinking ahead, no foresight. What I believe could have been better to do is to ensure that politicians’ salary are scaled with the current minimum wage, it is only then they will feel the effect of the economy just how the masses are feeling it and I’m sure that will make them work on getting the economy back in good shape.

Christopher Mgbeose, Finance consultant There is a misconception or misunderstanding by many people concerning the

Damilare

Emeka micheal ucheaga

minimum wage. The constitution provides for a federal legislation on the national minimum wage. Anybody, government or organisation that is an employer of labour can decide any amount not below the minimum wage.

So the proposed minimum wage of N27000 is not for state civil servants. Any state can decide to pay any amount above N27000.

Emeka Michael, Analyst I don’t agree with the fundamental concept of minimum wage, I think the price of labour has to be fixed with demand and supply and not by what the government thinks at that point in time.

Since there is a minimum wage I think it only makes practical sense. We have

adhered to the laws of the minimum wage, on which they were formed; now they set the minimum wage at N18, 000 the last time that was 2011, if you try to do the cost of living as at 2011 and today that N18, 000 is a joke. People should actually be able to receive between 60 to 80 thousand naira per month, because it would really be able to afford for you to buy now what you would have been able to buy in 2011 to put in perspective that the purchasing power of Nigeria has been eroded around 12 percent per annum since 2011 so if you simply compound the N18,000 by 12 percent over the last 6 years that should actually put you at N36,000 as minimum wage; now they negotiated for N27000 and N30000, the big problem is, can the government be able to pay that kind of wage? So there are only two things that can happen; its either the government borrows more to pay N27,000 and N30,000 or they have to downsize.

Amamchukwu Okafor, Research Analysts The answer to the question does not lend itself to easy treatment. It is fair only because it represents a compromise between the two “waring” parties, and especially in the light of the students who have been at home since the industrial action, putting their entire life on hold. They need to return to school. However, when we consider that the government is solely responsible for the impoverishment of its own citizens, the N30,000 becomes immediately appalling as it does no good.

Recall that the high inflationary environment and unemployment emphasize dependence on those who earn any form of income and the propensity to consume of the low-income earners is high. Again, the excuses given to avoid paying a higher, realistic wage does not hold.

This is because the current Minimum Wage Act already excludes a significant number of MSMEs from paying minimum wage; larger firms already pay above minimum wage. Therefore, there is if any, little pass-through effect on inflation and unemployment as argued by many.

Chris Mgbeose

Ayo

David

Amamchukwu

Sunday 03 February 2019

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17

Politics Why APC picks holes in Atiku/Obi claims on TV show James Kwen, Abuja

T

he ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as fictions and lies, the claims of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and his running mate, Peter Obi when they appeared on a Television Show tagged: ‘The Candidates’ Wednesday night in Abuja.

The Candidates, which is a town hall meeting organised by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation for Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates of political parties to answer questions from the audience had earlier featured Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo, Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates of APC. The APC Presidential Campaign Council in a reaction to the performance of Atiku/Obi on the programme said: “Yesterday, Nigerians watched with shock and dismay the barefaced lies and outright dishonest claims of the Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in the television show tagged ‘The Candidates”.

Festus Keyamo, director of Strategic Communications, APC Presidential Campaign Council in a statement on Thursday in Abuja told Nigerians that some of the lies by Atiku/Obi in the programme include the claim that at handover in May 2015, Nigeria’s GDP growth rate was 6percent.

Keyamo however, said, it is a welldocumented fact that at handover, the GDP growth rate was 2.35percent, the economy was on a free fall as the GDP growth rate had dropped for three consecutive quarters and debunked Atiku claims that recession was caused by the APC government.

“Fact Checked Truth: With a consistent and rapid drop of our GDP, their Coordinating Minister of the Economy at that time, Okonjo Iweala, former Central Bank Governor Prof. Charles Soludo and the Central Bank Governor at the time, now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, warned the PDP Government and Nigerians that we were headed for a recession.

“Lie Number 3: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar claimed that security challenges were restricted to the North East during their time. Truth: Nigerians will recall that the Boko Haram activities had spread all over the North East, North West and North Central. For instance, UN Headquarters, Police Headquarters, a Bus stop in Nyanya, a prominent Plaza in Wuse II were all bombed during the era of the last government in Abuja.

“A church or Mosque was bombed every week in 2013/2014. The herdersfarmers’ clashes were the deadliest in 2014, claiming over 1,300 lives in a short period across the North. Boko Haram occupied over 17 Local Government Areas and hoisted their flags, effectively establishing a caliphate in the North

Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi at the Television Show

East. All these happened before the coming of this administration.

“Lie Number 4: Peter Obi claimed that out-of-school children grew to 13.5 million under this administration. Truth: The figure of 13.2 million out-of-school children was a 2015 survey by UNICEF. An alarm was raised by several global bodies then because the figure had grown from 10.5 million in 2010 to 13.2 million in 2015, despite record earnings of the Government at that time. In other words, Peter Obi’s claim is self-indicting.

“Lie Number 5: That Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as a Customs officer, said there was nothing wrong at that time with setting up a company that had dealings in the Ports that were under customs supervision. Truth: The Code of Conduct for Public Officers was first enshrined in the 1979 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Atiku Abubakar co-founded the company, as a serving customs officer, three years after the 1979 constitution came into operation.

“According to Section 1 of the 5th Schedule to the 1979 Constitution, a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities. By establishing a company involved in Port-related business at a time when he was an officer in the Nigeria Customs Service charge with managing the Ports, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar definitely put himself in a position where his personal (business) interest conflicted with his duties as a public officer.

“Lie Number 6: Peter Obi claims Nigeria has recorded poverty now. Truth: Despite high oil revenue, according to the World Bank, extreme poverty under PDP grew to 112 million in 2013

through 2014, compared to 86 million today. India pulled their citizens out of poverty for over two decades by using the same methods Nigeria is now using today”, he narrated.

Keyamo further argued that, “in summary, one would have thought that in the course of the programme, ‘The Candidates’, Atiku/Obi would have modified the lies they told earlier in their campaigns and make it consistent with reality as most of them were already fact-checked by independent bodies and proven to be lies. Alas they have continued on the same path, believing that ‘If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed’.

“First and foremost, Nigerians should take note that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar defined Corruption as “the use of your privileged position to either enrich yourself or enrich your relatives or even

Despite high oil revenue, according to the World Bank, extreme poverty under PDP grew to 112 million in 2013 through 2014, compared to 86 million today. India pulled their citizens out of poverty for over two decades by using the same methods Nigeria is now using today

your friends”. When this is juxtaposed with his earlier statement in Lagos, that he will enrich his friends if he becomes President, we can safely conclude that he will be fully in the business of corruption if he becomes President.

“Secondly, Atiku/Obi made it clear to Nigerians that conflict of interests as a public servant should be the norm as, during their tenures, they found absolutely nothing wrong then and today, with investing public funds in enterprises they own or their families own.

For instance, Kadaria ran Peter Obi into a ditch when she asked him if his family was not enriched as a result of using public funds for his family business ‘NEXT’.

“Thirdly, their claim on experience in running anything public or private cannot stand any act of scrutiny. The Presidential candidate, who is easily a major contributor to our huge unemployment problem today as a result of his corrupt privatisation programme, counts this failure as a huge experience and wants to repeat same if elected.

“Finally, their proposed Agriculture Programme which they claim to have put together to lift majority of the people out of poverty is a version of what is already being implemented by the present government under the Anchors Borrowers Programme and the Government Enterprises and Empowerment Programmes.

“After watching Atiku/Obi on that programme, it has become clear to all Nigerians that our public institutions and commonwealth would be in grave danger if left in the hands of these dodgy and questionable characters who have no morals and no scruples about using and misusing public funds for private gains”.

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Sunday 03 February 2019

Politics

2019: Any hope for APC in Zamfara? ...Yari, Marafa differ on imbroglio

B

James Kwen, Abuja

arely two weeks to the general election when political parties are crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s to cruise to victory in all states of the Federation, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) hope to win Zamfara State is almost dashed.

This is as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained its firm stand on not accepting APC candidates for the state despite legal fireworks, hence no candidate has been featured there on the final lists released for National Assembly, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

Recalled that INEC had rejected APC candidates from Zamfara on account of non-compliance with the October 7, 2018 deadline for the conduct of party primaries.

The Commission in a letter dated October 10, 2018 to APC titled: “Failure to Conduct Party Primaries in Zamfara State within the Stipulated Time Frame”, said it is not expecting any list of candidates from the party from Zamfara State.

The letter read, “You would note from the timetable that the conduct of party primaries is scheduled to take place between 18th August and 7th October 2018. Kindly also refer to the last schedule communicated by your party to the commission on the dates of party primaries nationwide, including Zamfara via your letter Ref. APC/ NHDQ/ INEC/19/18/51 dated 3rd Oct. 2018.

“However, report received from our office in Zamfara State shows that no primaries were conducted by your party in the state. Notwithstanding that our officials were fully mobilized and deployed. Based on the provisions of Section 87 and 31 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the commission does not expect that your party will submit names of any candidates from Zamfara State.

“For clarity, our position is that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not be fielding candidates for the governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly Elections in Zamfara State for the 2019 for the general election”.

In a swift reaction, Adams Oshiomhole in a letter also dated October 10, 2018 disagreed with INEC that APC conducted primaries in Zamfara and prevailed on the Commission to capture party’s candidates for the 2019 for the 2019 polls.

Oshiomhole explained that, following the high level of friction, disagreements and threats of violence by various political camps before

Abdulraziz Yari

the primaries, all the aspirants met at City King Hotel, Gusau, to find a truce.

“After hours of intense horsetrading, a consensus was reached within the spirit and context of the Electoral Act and the constitution of our party on the basis of which a list was produced which was confirmed/affirmed by all delegates present. This was done in strict compliance with Section 87 (6) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).

“Therefore, the claim in your letter under reference that “no primaries were conducted by your party in the state, notwithstanding that our officials were fully mobilised and deployed” could only be referring to their observation that actual voting did not take place, which is not the only mode prescribed for producing candidates in the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).

We, therefore, affirm that indeed, primaries took place in Zamfara State, he said.

The Zamfara APC primaries were shrouded in controversies arising from face - off among Governor Abdulraziz Yari, Mansur Ali, Minister of Defence as well as Kabiru Marafa, Zamfara Central Senator factions and the Governor allegedly hijacked the primaries in which he secured Senatorial ticket and all his anointed candidates.

While APC was said to be surreptitiously making overtures to INEC to accept its candidates from Zamfara, the Commission true to its position, released first and final lists of National Assembly candidates without those from the State and the same thing applied in the first list for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates.

Unfortunately, however, as INEC was preparing to release the

final list for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates, two conflicting judgments were passed by High Courts in Gusau and Federal Capital Territory, FCT on APC primaries in Zamfara.

A High Court sitting in Gusau, Zamfara State presided by Justice Muhammad Shinkafi ruled that APC actually conducted primaries in the state and should be allowed to present candidates for the electoral contest, and directed INEC to accept candidates from the party for Zamfara State in the Forth coming elections.

But a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu ruled otherwise that INEC acted within its powers by refusing to accept the list of candidates from the Zamfara State chapter of the APC as it was not the fault of INEC that APC failed to conduct a valid primary within the period scheduled by the electoral body.

Consequently, Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education in a statement at the end of a management meeting last

...Marafa, who argued that the verdict of the Federal High Court should be respected

by INEC, described that of the Zamfara High Court as a black market judgment

Wednesday said the Commission, “maintained its original position that the party in question did not conduct primaries and therefore, in line with Section 87 of the Electoral Act 20l0 (as amended), is not eligible to field candidates for the National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly elections in Zamfara State”.

According to the statement, “the Commission reviewed the situation concerning the All Progressives Congress (APC) fielding candidates for the Governorship and State Assembly elections in Zamfara State. Commission noted that there are two court judgements on the matter one from a State High Court in Gusau and the other from a Federal High Court in Abuja.

“The former judgment clearly said that the APC conducted primaries in Zamfara State, contrary to the position of the Commission.

On the other hand, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the party did not conduct valid primaries and therefore is ineligible to field candidates for the elections.

“The Commission would like to reaffirm its commitment to obeying all court judgments, even when it disagrees with them. However, these are clearly two contradictory judgments delivered by two courts of coordinate jurisdiction on the same day”.

Be that as it may, APC is hopeful that there are available legal means it will exploit to ensure that the party’s candidates from Zamfara contest the soon to be held polls.

Lanrie-Issa Onilu, APC National Publicity Secretary maintained that, “we heard INEC is relying on the fact that courts of equal jurisdiction have given conflicting judgments. We can understand that. What it thus means is that it is not over and we will continue to take steps. We are very certain, we did the right thing.

“The primaries held, INEC was not satisfied with that but it is our right to field candidates and we would follow up all the legal means to ensure that our candidates stand for elections in this 2019 general elections in Zamfara.

“It also shows for people who are discerning to ask that question, is this supposed to be the APC that INEC is or ought to be working for? And this is what we are going through in the hands of INEC that PDP has repeatedly claimed is put in place to rig elections for APC. “May I remind all of us, that we had primaries in Zamfara which was affected by conflicts but the process allows for three different options.

You could go for indirect which is an electoral college, you could go

with direct that allows every card carrying member of the party to vote for their chosen candidates and then thirdly, you go by consensus. We have the right under the constitution to exhaust these options. We did so”.

Meanwhile, the two Boxers in the ring, Yari and Marafa differ on the ongoing imbroglio in Zamfara as the former hailed the judgment

by Zamfara High Court which favoured him and later condemned it but praised the one by the FCT High Court which serves his purpose.

Yari told journalists that, “thank God for answering our prayers of seeking for justice. You remember sometimes in October, we have been struggling whether there were primaries or not in Zamfara state with INEC, even though we believed that we had undergone all the processes and today, God did it once again for us by giving us victory.

“The court accepted that Zamfara APC conducted its primaries and based on the witnesses presented in court. So, we Zamfara people are happy with the outcome and we thank the department of justice and the judges who stood on their ground to ensure that justice is granted.

“It is not too late. Some of us that were given opportunity or encouraged by the president to go and seek for justice some of them are still in court. So, this victory for today is not late. I can tell you in the entire Nigeria, Zamfara is one of the states that APC is sure of 90 percent”.

“There are two judgments; one party has gone to court here in Abuja seeking that they should be given right to write names and submit to INEC and the judge said ‘what madness, what is the use of INEC?”, he stated.

Contrarily, Marafa, who argued that the verdict of the Federal High Court should be respected by INEC, described that of the Zamfara High Court as a black market judgment.

He threatened to approach the Appeal Court if INEC, which claimed to be studying the two judgments, decided to allow the APC to field candidates for the election.

According to him, “Even if it means APC loses in Zamfara State, I don’t give a damn. After all, the crisis that we are in today started with the APC itself.

“The governor (of Zamfara State) is going around whipping up sentiments that INEC should not accept the court judgment delivered in my favour because the APC would lose Zamfara if the party did not present candidates for the election”.

Sunday 03 February 2019

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19

Politics As PDP chieftain hints that APC would not get back to the ballot:

Wike says nobody can manipulate elections in Rivers

Pledges intensive health projects in second term

D

Ignatius Chukwu

angerous hints that may spell doom for the embattled but rival All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State emerged at a rally on Thursday, January 31, 2019, where a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state boasted that the travails of the main opposition party would not abate.

APC was barred by a Port Harcourt High Court from contesting the elections and this was upheld also by a Port Harcourt Federal High Court. The appeal has been on but the electoral umpire (INEC) has since removed the APC from the ballot. APC says it will come out of the problem at higher courts but the PDP candidate for Rivers East Senatorial District, George Sekibo dropped this hint: “APC sowed the wind and they were reaping the whirlwind. APC will not escape their self-inflicted crisis.”

Many APC leaders have continued to point fingers at the PDP and the state governor for allegedly using their influence in Rivers judiciary to get damning verdicts for an APC chieftain fighting to stop his party. The APC leaders believe that their member was working with the state governor to undo the party. The PDP is believed to have upper hand in the judiciary due to many reasons. Such a hint seemed to confirm the fears of most APC members and the optimism of many PDP members.

Sekibo, a former transport minister and senator who was unseated by the APC from the senate and wants to go back, said Okrika people were totally in support of the Rivers State Governor.

He said that the visit was to celebrate the movement towards Brick House and the various Assemblies.

The state governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has however warned that nobody would be allowed to manipulate the elections of the state irrespective of the deployment of soldiers and security agencies he described as pliant.

This is as the governor commissioned the Okrika Island Water Reticulation Scheme. The new water scheme would cover 11 kilometres of the Island community. He also launched health plans for another local council area.

The governor stated that Rivers people have resolved to defend their votes across the 4,442 polling stations, though he did not mention where such resolution across board was made.

Speaking during the PDP campaign rally at Okrika Local Government Area on Thursday, January 31, 2019, Gov Wike said that the choice of the people must prevail. He said: “Nobody can subvert the will of Rivers people during the forthcoming general elections.

Anybody who comes to rig in the state will face the consequences. Allow Rivers people to vote persons of their choice. Nobody can steal our votes in

???????????????

Wike

Rivers State “.

He said that he has used his mandate to keep his pledges to the people. He assured that his second term will be used to improve on his quality achievements.

“Ensure you defend your votes. Nobody can hijack materials here in Okrika”.

The governor assured Okrika people of the provision of electricity, key infrastructure, and presence in government.

He called on the people to overwhelmingly vote for Atiku Abubakar and other PDP candidates during the forthcoming elections.

Rivers State PDP chairman, Felix Obuah, presented PDP candidate for Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator George Sekibo, PDP candidate for Okrika/Ogu-Bolo Federal Constituency and PDP Candidate for Okrika State Constituency, Linda Somiari Stewart to the people for the 2019 General elections.

Former Nigerian International, Adokiye Amiesimaka said that Governor Wike is a faithful servant of Rivers people who proven himself as an indigene of all the 23 Local Government Areas.

He charged the people to cast their votes exclusively for PDP and stand to defend their votes from riggers.

Commissioner for Youths, Akuro Tobin said the governor’s projects will

create a good future for the youths of the state.

Remnants of APC members in the area defected to the PDP during the campaign rally.

Meanwhile, Wike, who has been rolling round the state campaigning with the APC in view due to court orders, has pledged to intensify health sector development during his second term.

Gov Wike also stated that 40 percent of the 7000 civil servants to be employed by his administration would be allocated

Nobody can subvert the will of Rivers people during the forthcoming general elections.

Anybody who comes to rig in the state will face the consequences. Allow Rivers people to vote persons of their choice.

Nobody can steal our votes in Rivers State

to the health sector.

Speaking during an interactive session with the health sector on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Gov Wike said several key infrastructural facilities have been developed in the course of his first term.

“Our first term has been used to revive the health sector. Several key projects sited in different parts of the state have given the sector a new lease of life. We met a decayed health sector, but today the health sector is functional.

“We have reconstructed 13 General Hospitals in the state. And we are constructing Zonal Tertiary Hospitals in different parts of the state. These health facilities have reshaped the sector”, he said.

He added that the administration will also invest in the training and retraining of Medical Professionals during his second term.

“We will focus on manpower development in the state’s health sector. The training and retraining of health professionals will receive very important attention “, he said.

The governor stated that his administration will complete and commission the ultra modern Mother and Child Hospital in the next three months. He said that the equipment of the hospital are on ground.

He said that his administration initiated and built the College of Medical Sciences at the Rivers State University, while the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital has been established.

“About $16million dollars has been expended to acquire equipment for the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. The hospital has been positioned to serve Rivers people and meet their health challenges “, he said.

The governor urged the medical professionals to stand firm and vote for the PDP to start the recovery of the country at the national level.

Governor Wike said the revolving loan scheme for private medical practitioners has run into a hitch because the doctors refused to pay back the loans.

In her remarks, Commissioner for Social Works, Mrs Inime Aguma said that Governor Wike has fulfilled his key promises in the health sector and should be given the opportunity to consolidate .

Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Rivers State, O. Adebiyi, thanked Gov Wike for the investments in the health sector. She assured the governor of the doctors support for his re-election.

Rivers State Chairman of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Nurse Regina Kuru said that steps taken by Governor Wike to improve the health sector will be rewarded by total support from the nurses.

Chairman of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Dr Mrs George Opuda commended the governor for his commitment to healthcare delivery.

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Sunday 03 February 2019

Politics Anambra, Ohanaeze and Atiku endorsement CHUKA UROKO

T

he Igbo of the South Eastern part of Nigeria are very great people. More than any other socio-cultural grouping or ethnic nationality in the country, the Igbo are associated with trade and commerce. They are industrious and enterprising with entrepreneurial and unyielding spirit.

They are so commercial and businessminded that even the very illiterate ones in that region are ingenious when it comes to matters relating to business. In this respect, they are fast in thinking, smart in calculation and swift in dealing with intricate and even confusing business relationships.

Besides trade and commerce, the Igbo are among the top 10 brightest intellectuals to come out of Nigeria and, indeed, Africa. They are also among Nigeria’s best thinkers, inventors, and specialists in various fields of human activity. They are everywhere on the face of the earth and wherever an Igbo man is found, he is there by merit and/or personal efforts, not by any primordial considerations.

They are, indeed, a rare breed. But, in matters of politics, these people in all their smartness, ingenuity and high intellectual bent are a pitiable lot. They are the lowest political schemers, or so it seems. In particular, the political class in that region comes off easily as naïve, self-seeking and short-term opportunist incapable of exploiting the great resources of the region for the bigger picture.

The Igbo are not only rich, they are also well read; they are not only bold, but also audacious. Yet, they have not been able to harness all these to form a formidable block, be it political or economic, to make them not only competitive, but also great players in the affairs of the wider Nigerian society.

What is lacking here, unfortunately and regrettably, is a collaborative spirit and unity of purpose which other tribes in the country have used to position themselves in a way that has made them beautiful brides for foraging suitors in the country’s political calculations.

Unfolding events in the build-up to the upcoming general election in the country have exposed the Igbo and how not to

Atiku

play politics in a society ruled by ethnic and religious sentiments.

The most recent of these events, which is fundamental and critical in estimating the relevance of the Igbo in both present and future political calculations in Nigeria, is the endorsement of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), by Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Ohanaeze is the region’s apex sociocultural organisation that binds the entire region together. It is the equivalent of Arewa Consultative Forum (AWF) and Afenifere in the Northern and Western parts of the country respectively. These organizations are the mouth-piece of their respective regions and their views, which are collectively taken, represent the views of everybody and are regarded as sacrosanct.

The outrage that followed the Ohanaeze’s endorsement of Atiku could only be likened to a wildfire and was more ferocious in Anambra State where the state government took time off governance schedule to tell the world, through a press conference, that they were not part of the endorsement.

In Igbo land, Enugu State is well regarded as the cultural home of the region, having served as the capital of that region from the colonial days. But Anambra stands out as the commercial, industrial and intellectual hub of the entire region.

In this state , it is easy to get over 50 men that are much richer than some of the South Eastern states. This is also the home of the Great Zik of Africa and many other statesmen like Alex Ekwueme, Emeka Anyaoku, Charles Soludo, etc.

In the current dispensation, Peter Obi, former two-term no-nonsense governor of the state, is Atiku’s running mate. Obi governed Anambra State and left a legacy of prudence and discipline in governance.

Infrastructure and education never had it good in Anambra until he mounted the saddle.

It beats as much as it confounds the imagination that it is the same Anambra that opposes this endorsement more than any other part of Igbo land. One had actually thought that the state would lead the campaign for an Obi vice presidency. But that is not happening.

Arguably, the Igbo man needs basic education in politicking, especially in a varie-

gated society like Nigeria. There are ready lessons to learn. Besides incompetence and health issues, President Muhammadu Buhari is an ethnic bigot that should not lead a country like Nigeria, but his people are comfortable with him and are forcing the rest of us to like him willy nilly.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a highly cerebral pastor and professor of law, has been reduced to an errand boy who has no say in what happens or comes from the presidency, but his people are still clinging onto him simply because he is their own.

In spite of everything, they still support and encourage him. That is politics oiled by collaboration.

Orji Uzo Kalu former governor of Abia State and Obiora Ozobu, a former Secretary General of Ohaneze,are vehement in condemning the Atiku endorsement, describing it as a hoax and personal invention of the President General of the organisation, Nnia Nwodo.

It is true that an average Igbo man is republican in nature and an ardent believer in self-determination. But those attributes can only serve in a narrow world of selfcontentment. National and even international diplomacy, especially in matters of politics, demands sacrifice, accommodation and tolerance for the wider interest of all stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Perhaps, there is no better time than now for the Igbo nation to ‘wisen up’, accommodate and tolertate one another, and forge a united front to pursue common interest, realizing that the most vilified, excluded, neglected, misunderstood, envied and even hated Nigerian is an Igbo man.

Igbo people need to collaborate and, at this point, the wisdom of the ant is critical.

The true value of collaboration is shown when the stakeholders can take stock of their individual objectives and each discovers a far improved outcome that would have been impossible to achieve alone.

Bernd Meyer is a professor at the faculty of Information Technology, University of Monash.He spends his working life considering ants and their collective decision-making skills and says these unique creatures have so much to teach us about collaboration to achieve a collective goal- keeping the colony. Like the ants, the Igbo need to collaborate to keep their colony- Igbo land.

2019 elections: Igbos must vote to be relevant in Nigeria-Ibem GODFREY OFURUM, Aba

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ba South State Constituency candidate of Restoration Party of Nigeria (RPN) Goodluck Ibem, has appealed to electorates in the SouthEast region not to boycott the forthcoming general elections in the country.

Ibem in an interaction with BUSINESSDAY in Aba, observed that refusing to vote in the elections, is a thoughtless action that would amount to disenfranchising the zone of its political rights.

“Any South-Easterner that refuses to vote in the elections, should know that he/she has thrown away the zones political rights.

“As a matter of fact, I and other contestants, politicians and statesmen in the zone will be embarking on a rally to sensitize our people on the need for us all, to vote in the forthcoming elections.

Ibem, who claimed to be the most qualified candidate, among other contestants for Aba South State Constituency, because of his experience and qualification, explained that he is going to the State House of Assembly, to be part of a system that will make laws that would bring positive change in Abia State.

He observed that oversight function is the primary duty of a lawmaker, which over the years has been ignored by successive house members, representing Aba North constituency and promised to revive it, if elected into the house.

“I am not pleased with what I have seen so far, I want to make things right for my constituents. I will perform that duty assiduously for the good of my people.

“I will sponsor bills on education, health and other social amenities, to improve the standard of living in my constituency.

“I am promising my constituents that I

will deliver on my promises, because I have a clear cut purpose of going to the House of Assembly. I have integrity, better mental capacity, strength of character and above all, I am a man with overflowing zeal to become a blessing to his people.

He continued “I am the most credible candidate, contesting for Aba North State Constituency in the forthcoming general elections, come March 2, 2019.

“I am a graduate of Banking and Finance.

I have served as a personal assistant to a member of Abia State House of Assembly.

As a student, I was a member of the student parliament.

“Presently, I am chieftain of Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), just to mention a few.

As a matter of fact, I am proud to have passed through the tutelage of Late Dr. William Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo. I learnt a lot from him.

The RPN candidate commended the pres-

ent resident electoral commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commissioner, for the steps he has taken so far to ensure that electorates in Abia State collect their Personal Voter Cards (PVCs), before the commencement of the elections.

“I am confident that INEC under the leadership of the present resident electoral commissioner (REC) in Abia State will conduct a free and fear election. The steps he has taken so far, in ensuring that everybody collects his/her PVC and other educational programmes, conducted by the commission, in preparation for the forthcoming elections, clearly suggests that he would conduct a free and fear election”.

On his choice of RPN, as a platform to realize his dreams, Ibem, explained that RPN is people oriented, noting that accountability and transparency is the party’s watchword.

According to him, RPN is determined to return Abia State to God.

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El Anatsui,

inside

LIFE&LIVING

ARTS Travel ENTERTAINMENT @Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 21

the African artist of global acclaim

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Arts El Anatsui, the African artist of global acclaim

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OBINNA EMELIKE f you have an eye for the arts, particularly visual art, you must have come across many enthralling works that display the sheer creative ingenuity of El Anatsui, one of Africa’s living art legends of global acclaim.

From local museums in Accra, across Nigeria to UK and top global museums, El Anatsui’s works delight the viewers. Born in Ghana in 1944, the 75 years old artist lived a major part of his life in Nigeria where he makes his arts, particularly the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he taught from 1975 until his retirement in 2008 as Professor of Sculpture.

The uniqueness of his works is that they are directly linked to traditional African art, rich history and vibrant culture, which he uses to create forms that depict a fluid notion of Africa and serve to enrapture viewers from all over the world. His first sculptures were made of wood, carved and painted to resemble artifacts commonly found in African centers and marketplaces.

He is also a master of breathtaking installations. He has drawn particular international attention for his iconic “bottle-top installations” made from distinctive largescale assemblages of thousands of pieces of aluminium sourced from alcohol recycling stations and sewn together with copper wire, transformed into metallic cloth-like wall sculptures in a way that can draw connections between consumption, waste, and the environment.

Again, he uses poetic and evocative titles for his works that open a range of possible interpretations even more, while also inviting an emotional response on a personal level.

Beyond using Africa as the centrepiece of his works, he also draws on his environment, both natural and manmade, as a source of material and inspiration.

Of course, his rightful place in art history is guaranteed, courtesy of his works, which are often regarded as focal points and core pieces and also held in an impres-

El Anatsui

sive number of both private and public collections across the world.

Trailing his journey so far, he began to work with the rigid materials in the late 1990s for which his art is best known today: liquor bottle tops and metal foil from bottlenecks woven together with stiff copper wire to create large sculptural works. This change in materials, as well as in method and practice, has solidified Anatsui’s work as part of a twenty-first-century postmodern tradition, while simultaneously anchoring it within the tradition of his native culture.

In the early 2000s, he amazed art lovers and collectors with his spectacular wall hangings made from bottle caps and copper wire.

Each piece is an intricately thoughtout and put together masterpiece, offering a beautifully aesthetic

Broken Bridge II by El Anatsui on the New York High Line between W 21 Street and W 22 Street.

work of art, as well as a piece that is cut through with meaning.

“When I set out to do work, I want something that would arrest people at least, draw them closer, so they can decide for themselves whether it’s really beautiful,” he said at the opening of his exhibition in Denver, Colorado in 2013.

During his exhibitions, curators are offered the rare opportunity to drape and fold each piece in the ways they choose, presenting many exhibitions that were never same.

In 2010, he presented one of his most enthralling exhibitions entitled ‘When I Last Wrote to You About Africa.’ The exhibition, which was organised by the Museum of African Art was unique because it unveiled an extensive retrospective of his work, as well as

toured venues in the United States for three years across galleries and museums.

The Gravity & Grace: Monumental Works by El Anatsui, which exhibited in 2013 was phenomenal.

But among his most recent major recognitions are: in April 2015, where the famous Venice Biennale granted El Anatsui the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement award, a prize that recognises not just the current successes internationally but also El’s creative leadership among two generations of artists operating in West African and Honorary Doctorate by Harvard University on May 26, 2016. In 2017 he was awarded the Praemium Imperiale, the first Ghanaian to win the international art prize.

His other major exhibitions include; Venice Biennale (1990 and

2007), Johannesburg Biennale in 1995, Gwanju Bienniale in South Korea in 2004 and the anthology exhibition Africa Remix, which toured Düsseldorf, London, Paris, Tokyo, and other cities in 2006–7.

As well, his works are in numerous public and private collections including the British Museum, Centre Georges Pompidou, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum Kunst Palast, Nigeria National Art Gallery, The Museum of Modern Art, and the Smithsonian Institution.

Giving honour to whom it is due, El Anatsui holds Uche Okeke to a high esteem, as well as, a mentor.

At 29, he welcomed the invitation from Uche Okeke to teach at the University in Nsukka, Nigeria. That was shortly after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sculpture and a Postgraduate Diploma in Art Education from the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana.

However, he gives credit to his Alma Mater for pushing him and his folks to discard the European themes, style and curriculum to develop authentic African sources for their works, which are being appreciated even by Europeans today.

But as the African art community, lovers of his works and global museums are rolling out drums to celebrate this great African son at 75, he insists on having more to offer and is willing to do so despite his age. Cheers to a legendary artist at 75!

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Arts A night of African flavor

DStv expands content offering with more channels

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Obinna Emelike isiting Abuja , the Nigerian capital city, during weekends may be boring as most residents, especially civil servants and politicians travel for engagements outside the city, and return Sunday evening or Monday morning.

Well, the city still offers some exciting activities during weekends to engage and thrill those who cherish spending their weekends in Abuja.

The Coconut Beach at Sheraton Abuja Hotel is now the address for those looking for all-round every Friday. The exclusive and secured venue kick-starts a fun-filled weekend with its enthralling Wazobia Night; a compelling Friday Night sit-out for the hotel’s in-house and walk-in guests.

Of course, the name implies variety of excitements from different part of the country, and the offering lives up to that expectation every Friday since it was launched.

The uniqueness of Wazobia Night is beyond the high quality food and drinks on offer. Rather, the live African music band that delights guests with sounds from the major Nigerian languages and cultural heritage holds the major attraction.

Guests are sure of being entertained in their moth-

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er-tongue or hear familiar jokes. This singular act is a selling point for the offering, and also attracts foreigners who come with the hope of learning and enjoying the cultural heritage of the country alongside the indigenes in a very relaxed and secured environment.

As well, the Wazobia Night, activated to recharge and entertain the hotel’s guests after a long week of hardwork, also offers best of local delicacies. As the

occasion suggests, the hotel delights its local and international guests with pure African delicacies prepared by top class chefs and served with very chilled beer and premium wines.

Explaining the rationale behind the offering, the management of the hotel said the hotel came up with the initiative to calm the nerves of guests after a long week of hard work and to foster friendship among families and friends in an elevated

environment.

“We have put together assorted African dishes which will be served alongside premium wines and beer from the Nigerian Breweries which will be served at the event for your utmost delight. Nigerian Breweries is one of our partners, hence we will be selling all Nigerian Breweries brands at an affordable discount of 40 percent”, the management said.

Now, the leisure offering has grown in bouquet,

appeal, attendance and patronage, the management assured of its sustainability and urged Abuja residents to stay back in the city on weekends to enjoy exciting packages, especially Friday Wazobia Night.

“We will also be entertaining you with Live African Music band that will be delighting you with sounds from the major Nigerian languages, among other attractions within the hotel”, it concluded.

Access Bank partners CNN on promotion of African arts

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ccess Bank is the inaugural sponsor of CNN’s newest programme, Africa Avant-Garde, which will tell stories across CNN’s TV and digital platforms about contemporary African culture.

The sponsorship marks five years of CNN Intern a t i o n a l C o m m e r c i a l ’s (CNNIC) partnership with Access Bank, with the new campaign demonstrating the rich and vibrant arts across the continent.

The introduction of Africa Avant-Garde adds to CNN International’s unique offering of shows dedicated to African business and culture – CNN Marketplace Africa, African Voices and Inside Africa.

This week sees the first content go live on CNN Style’s special Africa AvantGarde page, accompanied by exclusive Access Bank branding, and featuring multimedia stories about

the innovative designers, talented artists and those driving creativity in Africa, such as Laetitia Ky and Stephen Tayo. The debut Africa Avant-Garde programme, broadcasting in March, will focus on contemporary African art and will feature El Anatsui, Yinka Shonibare

A Zimbabwean artist at work

and Kehinde Wiley, among others. The series will also cover African music, film and fashion plus interviews with cultural figureheads.

Airing quarterly on CNN International, the 30-minute TV shows will open and close with Access Bank graphics.

Reaching affluent audi-

ences across the globe, the campaign will also be amplified across social media using Turner’s Launchpad capabilities to create awareness about Africa and its culture with a mind to changing the narrative.

Cathy Ibal, VP, CNNIC said: “We are delighted to

build on our relationship with Access Bank by launching this new series to showcase the stunning talent and creativity throughout Africa.

The multiplatform campaign, with a focus on storytelling and precise targeting, will ensure that CNN’s global audience will be engaged with Access Bank as they learn more about the exciting arts in Africa.”

Herbert Wigwe, group managing director/ CEO, Access Bank, said, “At Access Bank, we have always been committed to driving innovation, supporting African creative talents, and retelling the African story. We are excited to partner with a global media house to let the world know that there is so much to celebrate in Africa.

This partnership is one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment and resolve towards changing the narrative and we are confident it will be a huge success.”

ultiChoice Nigeria is once again expanding the content offering on its DStv platform with the introduction of three new channels from the stables of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and a brand-new local entertainment channel which started on January31, 2019.

The 24-hour channels which are: NTA 2, NTA Parliament, NTA News 24 and POP Central TV will air on all DStv packages in Nigeria only.

NTA News 24 is an English language general news channel, providing news on current affairs, business, social, economy, sports, entertainment, as well as in-depth discussions and analysis of topical issues from varying perspectives, insightful discussions with experts on current regional and international developments.

NTA 2 is a Free-to-Air general entertainment channel providing movies, music, events, talk shows and much more while NTA Parliament will focus on providing live coverage of sittings of the Legislative Arms of Government, National Assembly (State and Federal), House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as discussions and analysis of political, economic, social technological and legal issues affecting Nigeria.

POP Central TV is a popculture entertainment platform dedicated to culture expressions through diverse content creators across different subcultures, vocations, interests and groups.

Speaking on the launch of the new channels, John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, said: “With the launch of these channels, we have once again enhanced our local content offering and provided our customers with more options to choose from. The new NTA channels and POP Central TV channel will showcase authentic Nigerian content from news to general entertainment that will keep customers in and out of Nigeria abreast of the happenings within the country”, he said.

MultiChoice Nigeria has continued to expand the content offering on its DStv platform with even more sports, news, general entertainment and Free-to-Air channels, including Channels TV, Africa Independent Television (AIT), SilverBird Television (STV), Television Continental (TVC), Lagos Television (LTV) and AREWA24.

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Sunday 03 February 2019

Entertainment

CeeC, Dakore, others celebrate Burna Boy as Star brand ambassador

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frobeat sensation, Burna Boy, is the new brand ambassador for Star Lager Beer, signalling a new relationship between the brand and Burna.

The Afro-pop sensation had a remarkable 2018, with his accomplishment exceeding many expectations. The announcement was made at the Circa, Lekki, Lagos on Sunday, January 27, 2018, where Burna Boy and the Star Lager brand team celebrated with a select few media, consumers and friends of the brand.

The announcement, which was made at the Circa in Lekki, Lagos, was preceded by various clever visual cues and social media content which had generated massive curiosity ahead of the official unveil.

Star Lager is one of the biggest brand supporters of music, and its efforts in the Nigerian music industry has seen the brand host events such as Star Quest, Star Music Trek and Star Mega Jam. More recently, Star Lager sponsored a series of A-list musical events in the month of December, one of which included the Burna Live Concert.

Now with the announcement of Burna Boy as brand ambassador, Star Lager has once again shown its renewed interest in the

Nigerian music industry.

Burna is one of the leading artistes in the Nigerian music industry. Fresh off a hugely successful concert, he is perfectly poised to become one of the greatest musical acts of our generation.

Speaking on the new deal, Burna Boy said, “Star is one of the most reputable brands in the country, and I am thrilled to join the Star family. I often try to entertain and inspire with my music and this is a brand value I can communicate with this new association with Star. I have always been a huge fan of the brand and I believe together we can inspire Nigerians to shine on to the brighter side of Life.”

Also speaking on the unveil,

Jordi Borrut Bel,Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, expressing his delight said, “We have always had strong interests in Nigerian music. The talent and the potential for greatness that our music industry has, is truly immense. Burna Boy is, without a doubt, one of the biggest music exports from the shores of West Africa.

“With this new brand association, I believe we have the opportunity to use this relationship to tell the Star story and position Star as the leading brand for the aspirational Nigerian who believes he can take on the world.

We are excited about this collaboration and we look forward to a very productive 2019 with Burna Boy.”

IGoDye sets out to offer N1.8m to Nigerians during the electoral period

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Jonathan Aderoju

rancis Agoda popularly known as IGoDye is one of the Nigerian comedians and celebrities who are playing active roles in politics.

The stand-up act who is an ambassador for some movements recently urged Nigerians to stand for peace as the upcoming 2019 election draws nearer.

The comedian whose active role in political activities has been noteworthy released a video in which he urged people to shun violence during elections and avoid fighting for politicians or any political party at that.

Even more, he said that many should stand for peace in the 2019 election which is soon going to take place. According to him, nothing compares to the price of having peace and being able to keep it.

As an addition to his support for peace during the 2019 elections, IGoDye took to promising about N1.8 million to Nigerians who could publicly declare that they will stand for peace. He instructed them to do a video to that effect.

In a viral video, IGoDye plainly expressed his thoughts and hopes for a violence-free election with people voting amicably and their votes going on to eventually count.

However, the veteran humour

merchant proved he is abreast with the manner in which Nigeria has been and is being ruled by the leadership class as he x-rayed some of the problems challenging the contemporary Nigerian society.

While lamenting how the government has continuously failed the electorates, he took a swipe at the state of the country, condemning the government’s failure to live up to expectations.

He further said that “After many years of our independence, the leadership class has failed to provide most of the basic needs; electricity, water, shelter, employment and qualitative health services, just to mention a few social responsibilities that have been denied us, due to the leadership structure in Nigeria.”

He challenged Nigerian youths to take responsibility for their future and that of their children by actively participating in the governance of the country. “However, there is a need to redefine our political lives guided by the beauty of the future, which ought to be built on the potentiality of the younger generation. Regardless of the shortcomings and the perpetual motive of the present leadership class that has dislodged the youths from active governance, we have a responsibility as Nigerian youths to stand

with someone; one of us, whom the system had once identified as a leader of tomorrow that tomorrow is today. It’s a gift given to every youth in the world to take charge of their destiny. We have no reason as Nigerian youths not to advocate for youthful leadership. I have severally spoken on this premise. I believe the journey must begin now, to liberate us from the retrogression standard fitted on us, blackmailing the youths that they are not ready for leadership. We can only prove them right if we fail to use all our platforms, positions and personality to effect the desired change.”

“In all sectors, from entertainment, educational pursuits, sports, media and social media, Nigerian youths have showcased brilliancy, just to mention a few.

Even in foreign lands they have continued to make innovations and have attained remarkable heights in various fields of human endeavor”, he added. He argued that if it were possible, the younger generation would be the best choice of leadership for the country to change for the better.

Recently, IGoDye also addressed the current president of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari in an open letter. He posed some questions to the leader and pointed out some issues himself.

“The Call”, Arole’s bold experiment

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he Call is a struggling attempt to make impact in Nollywood’s comedy genre. It is not a failure; it is a learning process for the cast and production crew. Considering the fact the movie is a low budget one, like all experiments, there is an opportunity for improvement. This is not to make an excuse for lack of near perfection in movie making, but to recognise the challenge that fresh movie makers meet when they want to break-even in the movie industry.

‘The Call’ is Oluwatoyin Bayegun a.k.a Woli Arole’s first movie.

The film was directed by James Abinibi and Produced by Felix Olojegede. It starred Yinka Quadri, Woli Arole, Kelvin Ikeduba, Yinka Quadri, Woli Arole, Kelvin Ikeduba, Hafeez Oyetoro, Samuel Ajibola, Etinosa Ogbemudia and Segun Arinze among others.

‘The Call’ is a fair attempt but a successful comedy in the sense that the core goal of comedy is to reveal human folly viz a viz making social statements. The story/script can be ranked average; though not compelling, it is engaging. The subject matter of the movie is really predictable considering Woli Arole penchant to weave his act around the burgeoning religion/ prophesy industry, for instance his special appearances in ‘Skinny Girl In Transit’ as a prophet ; and in some of his comedy skits.

The story is about a heady young man unconscious of his gift of prophesy which he accidentally discovered in a very bizarre circumstance. After the discovery of the gift, he decided to commercialise it and this led him to a long journey of mixed realities. ‘The Call’ as a story is very pragmatic for its exposé of the charlatans that predates on unsuspecting Nigerians with different spiritual needs and the arrogance of some of these prophets once they begin

and all other aspect of the movie to a state that can be reckoned as good quality.

There is this lack of lustre among the cast, except for Segun Arinze and Hafeez Oyetoro whose successes in their performances could be attributed to the fact they were given familiar roles. Though the duo was successful in their roles in the movie, they did not bring in anything new. I hate when actors are too predictable in the execution of their roles. When actors are too static, hardly take dynamic roles or cast against their type, such actors become too predictable.

Woli Arole struggled along with Etinosa Ogbemudia. Their performances in some of the scenes were unconvincing for instance Etinosa Ogbemudia’s first scene portrayed her as a simpleton rather than as someone in love. The waka pass supermarket attendants if they won’t work hard to improve need to find a different calling but definitely not in acting, particularly the lady that acted as manager.

The best performance for me is Samuel Ajibola with his O shemi shemi, oshe mi she mi shemi lines.

He was outstanding in his attempt to make an impression. However, I find it irritating the stereotyping of Igbos in movies. Must every Igbo man have an accent? It is becoming unacceptable that artistes will give in to unfounded tribal stereotypes instead of correcting such through their arts.

I understand why the production was not top notch. It requires the best to give the best. The sound of the movie was poor. You remember it was raining as Arole’s mother was in labour? In that scene, the sound of the rain was not convincing. It was sounding more like ‘I better pass my neighbour generator’ than it was sounding like rain. Some of the ‘below average’ moments in the movie were not just because of low budget. Take for instance the

to make an impression. The director could have given much more in harnessing the different aspects of the movie to make a better impact.

A good director makes good use of what is available, polishing it to shine brighter. In this regard, the director failed by making the ordinary still ordinary. For instance, the cast is not definitely Alpha artistes in Nollywood but the notion that a movie can only be successful when it stars popular acts is misconceived. It is the duty of the director to push the story, the performers,

sign post at the mortuary where Arole went to look for a job. The signpost was a bit far from the mortuary building; in fact it was as if the arrow sign was pointing to another building. Either it was the fault of the set designer or the cinematographer for failing to make it reflect exactly where it should. On the other, the sound track is original and made a lasting impression. I can still remember it: ‘Oshebi shebi shebi’. You may want to spare your time, money and popcorn for ‘The Call’.

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Life&Living Healthy living: Ways to colon cleanse at home

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Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson

ecently, the need for colon cleansing seems to spring up in many conversations; on social media, real life conversations, on TV and just everywhere. I know some technology analysts claim that the use of artificial intelligence allows your phone or computer listen to in on what you’re saying. Like if you talk about buying a bag, the next thing you notice are all sorts of ads for bags on your Facebook or Instagram newsfeed and i kind of believe that because everyone seems to be talking about the need to cleanse your colon for a healthier lifestyle.

One important organ in the digestive system is the colon, also called the large intestine. Colon health is a significant part of digestive health. Some people claim that colon cleansing, otherwise known as colonic irrigation which involves flushing the colon with fluids to

remove waste will help for easy digestion and help relieve issues like constipation, irregular bowel movements and may even reduce the risk of colon cancer.

I watched a television show, where a health expert was brought on to talk about the importance of colon cleanse and since I had started seeing it everywhere I thought it’ll be nice to write about how to get your colon cleansed naturally in the comfort of your home. I reckon a lot of people might be interested in knowing how to do this, as it can be quite embarrassing going to a clinic to have them all up I your private area trying to get rid of all your poo.

You can do these simple things to boost or “cleanse” colon health naturally at home and it is also quite safe if done correctly.

Water flush Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is a great way to regulate digestion. People who support a water flush for colon cleansing rec-

ommend drinking six to eight glasses of lukewarm water per day.

Also try eating plenty of foods high in water content. This includes

fruits and vegetables like watermelons, tomatoes, celery and lettuce.

Saltwater flush The salt water flush which is made by simply adding two tea spoons of sea salt in a glass of lukewarm water and drinking early in the morning before eating anything, works like magic, especially if you’re experiencing constipation and irregularity. Do this in the morning and in the evening, and make sure to stay home near the bathroom for a while after the cleanse. You may need to go to the bathroom multiple times.

High-fiber diet Fibre is an essential macronutrient often overlooked in the diet. It’s found in whole, healthy plant foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and more. Plants contain cellulose and fibers that help “bulk” up excess matter in the colon. They also regulate constipation and overactive bowels, while boosting helpful

bacteria as a prebiotic.

Juices and smoothies Juices are popular colon cleansers.

These include fruit and vegetable juice fasts and cleanses, like master cleanses.

Probiotics Dieticians and nutritionists suggest that adding probiotics to the diet is another way to cleanse the colon. This also boosts overall health in many other ways. You can get more probiotics by taking probiotic supplements or adding some apple cider vinegar to your drinking water.

Also, eat lots of probiotic-rich foods, like yogurt, kimchi, pickles, and other fermented foods.

Herbal teas Trying some herbal teas may assist digestive health via the colon. Ginger, garlic and cayenne pepper can also help. Try a cup of herbal tea three times a day to cleanse your colon.

Lilly’s secret: Why underwear should look as attractive as your everyday outfit IFEOMA OKEKE

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ne of the first things we do in the morning after having our bath is to put on a fresh pair of

underwear.

It’s the backbone of any good wardrobe, along with bras that actually fit us. If we’re being honest, though, our skivvies often play second fiddle to bras; we tend to put more careful thought into our bra choices, but selecting what goes on bottom warrants equal consideration.

There is nothing as stressful and inconvenient as having on underwear that is just too tight or made of poor fabric. In addition to these, there’s a lot of product out there, some would say too much. No doubt this has left you with an overwhelm-

ing set of questions about the latest must-haves.

So, with the help of our Lilly’s secret, we are not only able to get comfortable and attractive underwear but undies that are the latest mast-have.

Lilly’s secret is all about Pants for thin and plus size people, bras, lingerie, extra-large bras, waist trainers, tights for plus sizes and every other underwear.

Lilian Afegbai, owner of Lilly’s Secret, who is also Nollywood producer hints that her undies come in all kinds of varieties including lace, push up, cotton and several others without compromising the comfort of ladies with diverse shapes and sizes.

Afegbai also hints that her wears are affordable. “I want students to be able to buy it from their small pocket money. I want someone from the street or any random person to

be able to afford it. We have bras and pants for as low as N1,000 to N5,000. The high earned ones range of N8,000 to N9,000.

“These products are made by me in Turkey, but I’m looking at doing my production here. As a result of the condition of electricity in Nigeria and other costs, I took it down there because it is way cheaper. But I’m also looking forward to doing made in Nigeria because I feel that we have very industrious people and hardworking talented young people in Nigeria.”

Speaking on how she realised her dream on starting Lilly’s Secret she disclosed, “Right from when I started developing boobs, I have always loved this. I never knew it was going to happen so soon, I used to think, probably when I am married I will work on this, I used to think it was something I wasn’t going to be able to do.

“It looked larger than me. Last year in March, I started telling myself that I could do this. Then I started making enquiries, booking tailors, but I was way scared. Towards the end of last year, I had a store, a friend was opening a mall and she called me and advised that I should get a space since I was planning on getting something. I felt sceptical about it, the thoughts of rent and other expenses scared me, but then I paid for it even before it was ready, because I spoke to myself that I need to get to work.

“I told myself even if I had a million naira, I will start. I wasn’t going to wait until it was a hundred million. I told myself that if I do not start that I will keep nursing this dream and it may never come true. I am a goal getter, if I say I want to do it, I just do it. I nursed it literally for few years but to make this production come to pass, it was just five to six months.”

On how the name ‘Lilly’s Secret’ came about, she said her Lilian, means ‘a sexy goddess,’ adding that she is the secret to women’s beauty.

Speaking on what inspired her to set up Lilly’s Secret, she said “It was my love for looking good, for lingerie and looking good behind closed doors that inspired me. I love colours, and I want to make people feel sexy, I want them to have confidence in themselves with how they look. There is this beauty that comes with wearing nice under wear.”

On the future of Lilly’s Secret, she has this to say “It will go international and viral. I want for it to be ordered online and people calling to say I’m shipping to America. Another thing, Lilly secret is going to be a brand trying to cater for every size. You can walk into Lily’s secret and ask for any bra size we have it, if you want it customized, we can get it done for you.”

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lending more credence to the assertion by women of attaining equal or even more productivity potential like the men; and this is no attempt to run down or belittle the men, who are still proving their mettle in the volatile banking world.

At First Bank, GTBank and Access Bank, these industrious, enterprising and

very active women who sway as the chairman, board of directors of their respective banks and they are not disappointing the shareholder by any stretch of imagination or suspicion. This is on account of their rising performance indices since they came on board at their respective bank and they are not

leaving any one in doubt that they still have more in stock to take their bank to the next higher level; and this could be serving as a pointer to other banks and corporate bodies that women could indeed be better managers at the highest echelon of administrative and executives organogram. The women have been arrived and they are showing positive stiff competition to their men folk on the corporate ladder. Little wonder, since this photograph went rivalry it has attracted and generated rave review and comment from several national and international bodies especially those that take the issue of women strongly. And this is a positive sign that there is much in stock for the women in the nearest future.

Keystone Bank boss, Obeahon Ohiwerei, wows guests

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he rich will always showcase their affluence and wherewithal whenever the opportunity comes knocking on their doors. This was exactly what the banking guru; Obeahon Ohiwerei brought to the fore recently in Lagos, as he wowed the guests at his birthday, sparing nothing to fete his distinguished who cut all across all sectors of the economy, especially the corporate world with all the paraphernalia of royalty and candour. The event which took place at the extravagant Prest Boat Cruise, Lekki, Lagos last weekend has been touted in many quarters as the most expensive and luxurious birthday bash of all time

and may take a long time for another birthday of that magnitude to supersede it. Ohiwerei, the Keystone

Bank managing director has been having a swell time of late, culminating in a lavish birthday bash to

celebrate the addition of another year to a successful life, he treated every single socialite and celebrity Alister that graced the occasion with expensive wines continuously flowed into wealthy throats like torrential rain while nobody could resist the temptation of the numerous exotic delicacies on offer. Ohiwerei is someone who is known not to do his thing in small measures even at his work place, he is known to be a stickler for uncompromised excellence, diligent and astuteness; and all these virtues may have inadvertently rubbed on his social, domestic and private lifestyle.

All these came to materialized at his last birthday soiree.

Sade Morgan ups her ante

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ast emerging corp o r a t e Am a z o n , Sade Morgan is no doubt reveling in her new designation at Nigerian Breweries. She has every reason to rejoice following appointment as the Corporate Affairs Director and member of the Nigerian Breweries Executive Committee (EXCO) reporting in this capacity to its Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel. Prior to her joining Nigerian Breweries, Morgan was the Public Affairs and Communications Director to the Nigerian Bottling Company, a member of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company group

Sunday 03 February 2019

Bolatito Adebola

Super corporate amazon takes the shine hat a man can do, it’s often said a woman can even do better. The women folk in Nigeria, especially in the banking sector, have been giving their counterpart on the other side of their gender and equal run for their money. Gone are the days when the banking world in Nigeria was overly dominated by the men, from the lower rungs of the officer cadre to the highest level of management.

These days several young ladies with strong and solid academic and professional pedigrees, now occupies sensitive and very demanding positions hitherto occupied by the men. The trio of Ibukun Awosika, Osaretin Demuren and Mosun Belo-Olusoga are

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where she held the role of Communications Director and successfully drove a broad stakeholder management, business sustainability and CSR agenda , where she designed and executed strat-

egies and go-to-market plans. In her role as Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs. Morgan will strengthen the company’s non-crisis stakeholder relations and drive a strategy led relationship with government, regulatory organizations, host communities, the media and non-governmental organizations to reinforce the company’s philosophy of Winning with Nigeria.

Mrs. Morgan started her career in 1993 in legal practice and subsequently worked across several industries and markets in Africa, Middle East, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. She was seconded to BAT Middle East and North Africa in

2006 sharing EXCO responsibility for the strategic management of the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) business unit. Following her diverse operating company experiences, Mrs. Morgan was assigned in 2013 to the BAT company headquarters in the United Kingdom with Regulatory and Marketing counselling and engagement oversight of the BAT group’s 86 Eastern Europe, Middle East & African (EEMEA) Region country markets. She is a member of the Institute of Directors, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and Chairman of the Food and Beverages Recycling Alliance (Nigeria).

UBA’s Chief Kola Jamodu bows-out gracefully

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s one chapter ends, another begins, welcome to your new found freedom, and all of the wonderful things you’ve done for us will not be forgotten. Congrats on the fruits of your hard labour, this exactly how the Africa’s UBA Bank congratulated the exit of one of their non-Executive Director, Chief Kola Jamodu, CFR, from the Board which took effect from January 28, 2019, following the expiration of his tenure. Chief Kola Jamodu, CFR joined the UBA Group in January 2007 and served on the Board of the Bank for twelve (12) years, successfully completing three (3) terms of four (4) years each. Amongst other Board roles, Chief Kola Jamodu, CFR also served as the Chairman of the Board Risk Management Committee. The Board of United Bank for Africa Plc would like to express its appreciation to Chief Kola Jamodu, CFR for his commitment, leadership and extensive contributions to UBA Group. The Board wishes him the very best in all his future endeavours.

In his 70s, Chief Kola, FCA, CFR served as First Nigerian Finance Director of Paterson Zochonis Group of Companies, (PZ), the first Nigerian Managing Director of a trading subsidiary of PZ and the first Nigerian Chairman and Chief Executive

Officer of PZ for 10 years.

Chief. Jamodu joined PZ in 1975, where he recorded a number of achievements.

His expertise lies in the areas of accounting, finance and management. He has had a long spanning career with PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc. He is a recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR), Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR) and a recipient of the National Productivity Merit Award - adjudged the most Productive Chief Executive.

He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School, Boston, Mass. USA.

AITEO boss, Benedict Peters, garners another award

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t has been a season of awards galore for the quintessential businessman, Benedict Peters, the indefectible and proactive oil mogul who seats atop industry leader company, AITEO Group. Just as his Vanguard Man of Year awards is still running the mill, another deserving and meritorious awards knocks on his door to add more to his already full feather of awards and recognition. This time around, the businessman per excellence acknowledged as the ‘African Icon of the Year’ by the Foreign Investment Network (FIN) and Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources Honorary Patrons Dinner and Awards Night held in Abuja recently. The award was an acknowledgement of Peters’ significant contribution to oil and gas development in Africa, his visionary leadership, distinguished service and transformational disruption of a sector dominated by international oil companies. Peters is passionate about youth empowerment and has donated generously to sup-

port football on the African continent. Through Aiteo, he sponsors the Nigerian Football Federation, Aiteo CAF Awards, Aiteo Cup (The Federation’s foremost Cup in Nigeria) and a team in his company’s host community. Beyond oil, Peter’s group has investments in mining, agriculture, infrastructure development, electricity generation and distribution, with a fast-developing retail distribution network. The group has been expanding rapidly, extending its transformational operations to different countries across Africa and Europe.

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Travel Why government should make tourism a priority in its agenda - ANJET OBINNA EMELIKE

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s the year unfolds with uncertainties, the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), has charged the government at all levels and the organised private sector (OPS) to pay serious attention to tourism development and promotion.

The body of organised travel journalists, writers and bloggers, lamented that despite the vast potential and comparative advantage that the country has in tourism that the government has continued to pay lip-service to the sector, not bothering to create the right policies, incentives and environment for the private sector to invest in tourism businesses.

Also, ANJET wants all the presidential, gubernatorial and other political aspirants in the 2019 general elections, (none of them is focusing on tourism, except a few of them already in government), to see the need to base their economic blue print on tourism.

ANJET said that the nation is suffering and missing out greatly from the economic and other developmental benefits that it would had reaped from the sector given that it is a money-spinning one and presently a leading sector that serious minded countries have paid attention to, following the all – time high record performance over the years.

As well, tourism is a huge revenue and employment generator with $7.6 trillion revenue (about 10% of global GDP) and 277 million jobs; representing one out of every 11 jobs in the world in 2014. Last year international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion mark, amounting to six per cent growth, ahead of 2020 projection.

Africa countries recorded a meager 67 million tourists with no one sure of the numbers that visited Nigeria because there is no verifiable statistics to that effect. Besides, at the local level, less than 10 percent of Nigerians travelled for tourism related activities while many tour-

Lagos street carnival

ism outfits closed shops due to lack of patronage and domestic airlines flew fewer passengers due to the exorbitant fares and operational issues associated with domestic airlines.

To stem this tide, the travel writers are calling on the federal government to put tourism at the forefront of its economic blue print. To this end, it advocated for the bringing back of the culture and tourism ministry as the present arrangement of lumping tourism with the Information and Culture Ministry has not yielded the desired results.

To achieve it desired purpose, they said the ministry should be manned by a true and tested professional, with vast experience in business and understands the metrics of tourism as a business and not a socio – cultural event as it has been the case with the ministry.

The ministry, they said should be

able to effectively and professionally coordinate the activities of the sector by working with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to produce a tourism blue print and policy for the country as well as among others tinker with the National Tourism Master, which since it was reviewed last year no one knows the content.

Also, the tourism writers want to see the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) come out of the closet and not live under the shadows of the ministry to take on its statutory responsibilities of developing, marketing and promoting Nigeria tourism with attention on domestic tourism but not closing the door on the international scene as witnessed in over five years as Nigeria completely absented itself from international tourism expos and meetings where it had before made huge gains.

ANJET also wants to see NTDC

take on its regulatory duty to stamp out the all comers affair status that tourism has recently assumed in the country. While economic solution should be proffered to the issue of registration, grading and classification of hotels and other related tourism outfits as this is very crucial to building a virile tourism industry with eyes on international best practice.

The National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), which has over the years allowed itself to be relegated to the background, ANJET said should be more forward looking and take seriously its human capacity building functions by engaging with the various stakeholders, especially the hospitality industry in order to ensure that the National Occupation Standard (NOS) is effectively implemented.

ANJET also charged the various stakeholders, particularly the mem-

bers of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and the federation itself, to shake off its lethargy and see tourism as a serious business and go all out to invest in it and engage the government seriously in funding the sector and putting in place the needed infrastructure for their businesses to thrive.

Another area that the body drew attention to is aviation, decrying the present status and lack of synergy between it and tourism.

Going forward, they call for alignment between the two bodies as it exist elsewhere where aviation and tourism are seen as sesame twins and not separate bodies.

To this end, they called on the government to give serious attention to the rejuvenated Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT), which the present minister said has come on board but happenings within the sector prove otherwise.

A deliberate branding and marketing communication mix, they said is urgently needed for the country if it ever wants it tourism sector to make any impression both on inbound and outbound tourists.

They decried the present situation where the present minister has turned to the government and ruling political party megaphone at the expense of tourism.

According to the body, this is one reason while culture and tourism should have a separate ministry from the present information and culture ministry so that the information minister will focus on government while the tourism minister becomes the number one brand ambassador of the country by leading the branding and marketing communication effort and see that every communication from the government takes into cognisance implication for the tourism sector.

Therefore, ANJET said the country should wake up to the global realities and potential in tourism as it can boost the economy beyond the imagination of anyone if adequately funded and the right attention given to it as international example has shown.

Tifa Travels boosts Nigerian travel industry with first Lufthansa City Centre

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ufthansa City Centre (LCC), a global body for travel agencies that warehouses other service suppliers and inventories in the travel industry, has boosted the Nigerian travel industry with its recent launch in the country for the first time ever.

The office complex of LCC, a body, which has presence in over 250 countries, including Kenya, Ghana and now Nigeria, was commissioned recently by Tifa Travels at Ikeja in Lagos.

For Adelola Adewole, chief executive officer and managing director of Tifa Travels, it was an epoch making event and also a dream come through for her and her team, as she had dreamt of having a global outlook in her operation and an affiliation to LCC provided just that.

According to her, having made the kind of impression and success in the Nigerian market, there was the need to reach out to the global market to consolidate on the gains that the agency has made over the years and push its agenda to the next level.

Therefore, having LCC, for her, is a perfect match as its vision, mission

and commitment are in line with the core values of the travel agency.

With recourse to the sincerity, efficiency, organisation and competency for which Lufthansa is known globally, she said Tifa Travel will operate in the same wave length and replicate the proverbial ‘German machine’ ethos of Lufthansa in all its operations. ‘‘We now have added - on value to pass on to our clients by joining LCC. It is to ensure that our clients get the best of products and services available in the global travel market,’’ said Adewole, adding that ‘‘we now have a bigger family around the world and a global reach available to our clients.’’

Of course, you need to crow over such a powerful reach with over 250 offices of LCC at your beck and call across the world. What this means, she explained, is that clients of Tifa Travels anywhere in the world were LCC affiliates are based are guaranteed first class products and services once they walk into any of the offices as clients of Tifa Travels Nigeria.

It is a thing of pride for Tifa Travels to be the first affiliate of LCC in Nigeria, she said, adding that

L-R: Pablo Castro, senior business development manager, Lufthansa City Centre; Adewole, chairman of the company; Adefope; Adenike Macaulay, general manager, sales, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, Lufthansa Group; Adelola Adewole, chief executive officer and managing director of Tifa Travels, and a guest,during the commissioning of the office complex in Lagos. it is a business expansion, which they have to build on as they are expected to have offices across the different operational bases of Lufthansa in Nigeria, which presently operates from Port Harcourt and Abuja beside Lagos.

The only challenge the business

expansion poses, according to her, is the fact that Tifa Travels will be expected to operate on the same level as Lufthansa, a journey she said Tifa Travels is quite prepared for. ‘‘It is an uncharted course but familiar as the challenge is that we must deliver service on the same

level as Lufthansa,’’ she disclosed.

Speaking on the development, Pablo Castro, senior business development manager, Lufthansa City Centre, who flew in from Spain to attend the event, said it is an exciting moment and a thing of pride for him to come to Nigeria to witness LCC’s entry to the market.

According to him, LCC, which was birthed by Lufthansa in 1991 but now operates independent of the airline, has presence in over 94 countries. As a family of travel agencies, he said that the company was established to work with emerging countries and economies.

On the criteria for a travel agency to get affiliation with LCC, Castro said: “They must be International Air Transport Association (IATA) licensed, that is a priority and they must provide travel agency service, and this has to be approved by Lufthansa.”

He recommended Tifa Travels to the Nigerian market, explaining that with LCC as partner, Nigerians should expect the best of services delivered in a world class environment and culture as associated with Lufthansa’s culture of excellent service delivery.

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Sunday 03 February 2019

Travel

How inspiring houses, buildings are made out of old aircraft A Bristol Freighter hotel in Woodlyn Park, Waitomo, New Zealand One of the last allied

Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

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reativity comes with selecting materials for houses. Some people feel if they’re going to make a building out of reclaimed materials, then why not pick some previously-used materials that are awesome? Like an entire airplane? Here are some of our favourite homes, restaurants and more that incorporate decommissioned airplanes.

Hotel Costa Verde from a Boeing 727 in Costa Rica The 1965 Boeing was transported from a plane graveyard in San Jose to the Costa Rican jungle, and nestled on a 50-foot pedestal.

The luxurious hotel is full with hand-carved Indonesian teak furniture and two air-conditioned bedrooms, an ocean-view terrace and some wild neighbours like sloths and monkeys.

Boeing 727-200 in a middle of a forest in Oregon (by Bruce Campbell) Campbell reused some of the original equipment instead of removing them from the old Boeing. The cockpit is the reading room and the movie theater (with a computer monitor); the floor is transparent and he’s using the original water tank.

Lisunov Li-2 as a confectionery in Budapest, Hungary From 1 9 6 1 t o 19 7 3 there was a Lisunov Li-2 (the Soviet license-built

planes out of Vietnam was modified into two hotel rooms and moved to Woodlyn Park in New Zealand.

Boeing 727-200 Hotel Costa Verde from a Boeing 727 in Costa Rica

version of the legendary Douglas DC-3, produced between 1939 and 1952) in the suburb of Budapest.

It was home to a bakery named Small Pilot.

Ilyusin Il-18 hotel in Teuge airport, Netherlands The Ilyusin Il-18 was built in 1960 and it served in the East German airline company Interflug for 22 years after it was a government plane between 1960 and 1964. The nearly 130 ft (40 m) long plane is a now a single luxury suite with jacuzzi, infrared sauna, huge televisions, air conditioning and a lovely mini bar.

A Douglas DC-3 as a café in Mangaweka, New Zealand The Cookie Time Café DC-3 was used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1945, and has a total log book time of 42764 hours until

1981. In 1986 it was renovated and it’s still standing in the same place after more than 26 years.

Il-18 as a restaurant in Abda, Hungary The old Il-18 worked between 1967 and 1989 as a cargo plane. In 1990 it was moved to a small city and converted to a 180-seat restaurant, but the place went bankrupt in 2000. In 2008 it re-opened as a retro club.

C-47 House in Chile This plane crashed in 1974 in Chile with a six man crew and a 10-year-old son of the pilot. The boy came back 24 years after the accident, found the plane, and turned it into a house.

A body of an Il-18 jet on the second floor, somewhere in Russia Sometimes they use the parts of planes in designs of houses etc, but mainly those

are detached villas or some sort of bars or cafes like this one Russian plane bar.

Those Russian house owners went even further and attached for some reason a Russian TU jet body to the second floor of the multi stored building.

If that’s an apartment, then just imagine how jealous the neighbours are now.

Decommissioned Boeing 747 converted to a modernist house, David Hertz Architects, Malibu, 2011 This house is built from a decommissioned Boeing 747, the floating roof made out of the plane’s wings result in a curvilinear home with large floor to ceiling windows to take in the sights of the Malibu mountains and Pacific Ocean below.

The roof is from wings, and the other parts were included in the rooms.

Walt-Disney-Concert-Hall

Hotel Costa Verde from a Boeing 727 in Costa Rica

British Airways to paint aircraft with much-loved design from airline’s history

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s part of its 100year birthday, British Airways has announced it will be painting a Boeing 747 in the much-admired design of its predecessor British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC).

The livery from the 1964 – 1974 BOAC era will adorn a B747, reg: G-BYGC. The aircraft will leave the paint shop in Dublin and arrive in to Heathrow on February 18, before entering service the following day. This coincides with the 50th anniversary of the first Boeing 747 flight only a few days earlier.

The BOAC 747 will be the first aircraft to receive a popular design from British Airways’ past with more details of further designs to be revealed in due course. Aircraft which receive the retro liveries will fly British Airways’ routes, proudly showcasing some of the popular designs as part of the airline’s centenary celebrations.

All new aircraft entering the fleet, including the A350, will continue to receive today’s popular Chatham Dockyard design.

AlexCruz,BritishAirways’ chairman and CEO, said: “So many British Airways customers and colleagues have fond memories of our previous liveries, regularly sharing their photos from across the globe, so it’s incredibly exciting to be re-introducing this classic BOAC design.

“Our history has shaped who we are today, so our cen-

tenary is the perfect moment to revisit our heritage and the UK’s aviation landscape through this iconic livery.”

The 747 has been deliberately chosen for the BOAC livery as it is a later variant of the same aircraft type that adorned the design when it was initially in operation.

The BOAC livery will remain on the Boeing 747 until it retires in 2023. By this time, British Airways will have retired the majority of its 747 fleet, replacing them with new state-of-the-art long-

haul aircraft. This includes taking delivery of 18 A350s and 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the next four years – which feature new cabins and are more environmentally efficient – as well as another 26 short-haul aircraft, all part of the airline’s £6.5bn investment for customers.

On August 25, 1919, British Airways’ forerunner company, Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited (AT&T), launched the world’s first daily international scheduled air service between London and Paris.

In 1924, Britain’s four main fledgling airlines, which had by then evolved into Instone, Handley Page, Daimler Airways (a successor to AT&T), and British Air Marine Navigation Company Limited, merged to form Imperial Airways Limited.

By 1925, Imperial Airways was providing services to Paris, Brussels, Basle, Cologne and Zurich. Meanwhile, a number of smaller UK air

transport companies had started flights and in 1935, they merged to form the original privately-owned British Airways Limited, which became Imperial Airways’ principal UK competitor on European routes.

Following a Government review, Imperial Airways and British Airways were nationalised in 1939 to form British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). Continental European and domestic flights were flown by a new airline, British European Airways (BEA) from 1946.

BOAC introduced services to New York in 1946, Japan in 1948, Chicago in 1954 and the west coast of the United States in 1957. BEA developed a domestic network to various points in the United Kingdom, including Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

From 1946 until 1960, BOAC and BEA were the principal British operators of scheduled international

passenger and cargo services - and they preserved Britain’s pioneering role in the industry. The 1950s saw the world enter the passenger jet era - led by BOAC, with the Comet flying to Johannesburg in 1952, halving the previous flight time.

Additional airlines began to pass into BEA’s ownership and in 1967, the Government recommended a holding board be responsible for BOAC and BEA, with the establishment of a second force airline, resulting in British Caledonian being born in 1970.

Two years later, the businesses of BOAC and BEA were combined under the newly formed British Airways Board, with the separate airlines coming together as British Airways in 1974.

In July 1979, the Government announced its intention to sell shares in British Airways and in February 1987 British Airways was privatised.

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Politics I am optimistic that APC’s candidates will be on the ballot in Rivers - Peterside Dakuku Peterside, director-general of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and a political leader in the opposition party, in this interview, speaks on the political crisis in Rivers State, the delisting of candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the ballot, among other issues. Excerpts: As the Deputy Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, are you comfortable with what is happening in the party now, especially the removal by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of names of candidates of APC in Rivers State on the list of candidates that will vie during the February 16 and March 2 general elections? olitics is a process, it is not an event. It involves a number of activities and usually there will be an outcome. What is going on in the Rivers State APC is unfortunate, but it is part of the political evolution process. I am pained that it even happened in the first place, but I know that it is not the end in itself.

What has happened in Rivers APC is some sort of temporary setback. I am optimistic that APC’s candidates will be on the ballot. I am very, very optimistic. I know that the judiciary is an important component of the political process. You cannot talk about politics, without talking about the judiciary and the roles of the judiciary, but my confidence is that ultimately, this issue will be resolved and APC’s candidates will be on the ballot, they will run the elections and Rivers people will have options. They will choose the candidates of APC above the other political parties.

The other political party (People’s Democratic Party) has disappointed Rivers people on all fronts. What the party (PDP) has done in the past three years and some months is to make more and more people lose confidence in the institution of government of Rivers State. They have embarked on outright lies, concocted stories and half truths. Rivers people are indeed tired of the mess. They cannot wait to get rid of the current government of Nyesom Wike. APC provides Rivers people the alternative, but unfortunately, we are going through our own challenges.

Let me take advantage of this opportunity to plead with all members of APC to remain calm, confident, loyal and keep trusting the Almighty God. The end of this tortuous journey will come and it will be to God’s glory. All hope is not lost. Indeed, no hope is lost. One thing I am pretty sure of is that at the end of the tunnel, there is light and it will be to God’s own glory.

We have embarked on series of engagements to get all the sides of the party and to get different interests in the party to understand that it is in our own interest to work together, that it is in our own interest to pursue the path of peace, unity and of course working for a common purpose. You cannot have a team, if you are not working for a common purpose. If you have persons working together at cross purposes, they will never achieve result.

The only way to achieve result is when you work towards a common purpose. That actually makes you a team. We are a team of patriotic and progressive citizens of Rivers State, who want the best interest of Rivers State, as against our opponents in the other party (PDP), who are self-serving and usually pursuing their own narrow opportunistic interests.

from the current situation?

In all cases, there is always room to do things differently, even for the best of the best.

There is no case where you have only one way of achieving result. So, it is possible that things could have been done differently and we would have got different outcome, but I do not think that is the issue now. We have gone past that stage.

The issue is that there is critical need for all of us to come together to work towards a common purpose. There is the need for all of us to lay aside our different interests and the different weights that thus far oppress us.

I want to reassure members of APC and indeed all Rivers people that the APC will be on the ballot, there is need for all of us to be calm, there is need for all of us to work together and there is need for us to remain confident of the judicial process, that it will turn out for our good, ultimately. Most importantly, beneath all of this is the need for unity and the need for us to work as a team.

No one person can do it alone.

P

Dakuku Peterside

You are very close to Transportation Minister, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, who is the leader of APC in Rivers State and the South-South zone, but some members of your party in Rivers State are accusing him of being responsible for the crisis and that he should be blamed for the confusion.

What is your reaction?

It is not true that the Hon. Minister is responsible for the crisis. I do not believe that this is the time for blame game. A lot of things happened and blame game will not help us in any way. So, even as the leader of the party, it is wrong for me to join in the blame game.

Depending on where you are standing, people accuse different individuals of being responsible. Some persons would say some persons are over ambitious outright and that because of their ambition, we are where we are. Some said some persons were uncooked in their language. Some accused the young people in the party of not handling their emotions with maturity.

People have right to hold their opinions.

You cannot hold it against anybody for holding an opinion. One thing that all of us have built consensus around and we are unanimous about is that there is a time for war and there is a time for peace. This is the time to ceasefire, engage with one another and to allow the common interest to prevail, over our narrow parochial interest.

No man’s ambition should be superior to the collective interest of the party (APC) and Rivers people. Not mine, not anybody’s own. Nobody’s interest should be superior to the interest of the collective.

So, I do not believe in the blame game.

I do not support it. I will not embark on it.

Rather, it is for all of us begin to engage with people. Let them see reason why we must all come to the table and agree on the best way forward and indeed work out a way forward, so that we will go and take over

Government House, Port Harcourt from May 29, 2019 and begin to change the narratives in Rivers State.

One of the governorship aspirants on the platform of APC in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, who represents Rivers South-East Senatorial District, earlier stated that for peace to reign in Rivers APC, the governorship candidate of the party, Tonye Cole, must step down for him. Will the option actually ensure peace in the party, considering the fact that Rivers APC does not have candidates for the forthcoming general elections?

It is not true. I have had cause to engage with Senator Magnus Ngei Abe and he could not have taken that position. I can say it on good authority that his minimum condition cannot be that Tonye Cole should step down for him to become the governorship candidate of APC in Rivers State. He has never said so. He realises the need for all of us to work together and I believe that reason will prevail at the appropriate time.

Are there plans to settle out of court?

All options are on the table. There is nothing anybody can rule out. What matters to all of us is the victory of APC in the elections and whatever needs to be done and whatever should be done will be done, to ensure that we all operate on the same frequency, to deliver the party (APC) in the elections.

National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) elections are four weeks away, while the state’s elections are six weeks away. That is not a lot of time in politics. It is actually time to consolidate and get the buying-in of the people of Rivers State, get their support, coast home to victory and sing the victory song for the good of the people of Rivers State.

Would members of Rivers APC have done things differently to get different result

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, accused Transportation Minister (Amaechi) of being behind the trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, and his eventual removal Friday by the President. Is it true?

Nothing can be more spurious, laughable and childish than that statement by the governor of Rivers State. I am not taken aback at all, because the governor is known to promote lies as truth, he has also acquired the status of a pathological liar. Wike is a man who concocts stories, distorts facts and presents half-truths as the truth.

In this specific instance, there is no iota of truth in it. Rt. Hon. Amaechi has absolutely no hand in the matter. He is not a judicial officer, he is not an intelligence officer and he does not work for any of the intelligence agencies.

I cannot understand the connection between the work of the intelligence agencies, the anti-graft agencies and the judiciary. There is absolutely no iota of truth in it.

Wike claimed that transportation minister had conversation with somebody that he (Amaechi) was behind the CJN’s travails.

There is no truth in it. It is the trademark of Rivers governor to concoct stories. Rivers people and other Nigerians know Wike for who he is. So, I do not believe that anybody will take him seriously.

As alleged by Governor Wike, is it really true that members and leaders of APC in Rivers State have Plan-B of working with the governorship candidate of Accord Party, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, who until about three months ago was a governorship aspirant on the platform of APC, in case you are not successful with the court cases?

Wike is not a member of APC. Wike is not a member of our political family and he cannot be a member of our political family. When Rivers governor embarks on these kinds of wild lies and baseless allegations, they ridicule him. There is no truth in having Plan-B or working with Dumo Lulu-Briggs.

30 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 03 February 2019

Feature

‘Delta Quality Garri for Export’ launched to take Deltans to commercial farming level

U

MERCY ENOCH, Asaba nfolding events in Delta State have revealed that garri farmers in the state would be moving from subsistence farming to commercial farming, a development that is expected to increase their family finances as well as boost the economy of the state.

This is because the coast is now clear for them to do so following the launch of ‘Delta Quality Garri for Export’, an initiative aimed at ensuring the exportation of the staple food beyond the shores of Nigeria.

They must not just target the local consumers in Nigeria but also consumers internationally because the ground has been prepared for them already. Consumers are readily waiting for their garri because it has already been marketed to them as a high quality product.

The farmers’ part is to do large scale cassava farming to enable them have huge harvest that would meet the demand out there.

Garri is usually produced from cassava root and undergoes various processing stages until it comes to powdered form and finally fried and preserved to serve meal purpose. The Delta farmers are required to fry the garri to meet the standard given to them.

The demand is already there and the market is not the problem as the state government has taken that burden off their shoulder as off-takers to buy off their garri.

Four garri processing units and

a garri factory now exist in the state, all for the sake of processing, packaging, labeling, branding and sealing of the product for export.

The product with the name ‘Delta Quality Garri for Export’, was launched last week, thereby unveiling the product which comes in 2kg satchet and 10kg bag and therefore, put the state in the national map as garri exporting state.

The launch was part of the activities marking the 2019 edition of the state’s job creation product exhibition where YAGEP/STEP youths were trained and established by the state government in their various chosen enterprises, showcased their products for the public to see and patronise them.

Recall that on assumption of office in 2015, the state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa had expressed regret that farmers in the state had taken more of subsistence farming. “We want to take it away from that to more of a business amongst our people”, he asserted.

With that burden, he ensured the state executive council approved the project management committee chaired by the chief job creation officer of the state, Eric Eboh and they were charged with the implementation of the production of high quality garri.

The central objective of the state government was to create sustainable and assured market for the state’s agricultural produce based on fair prices.

Eboh said the project management committee achieved a milestone in three main areas, namely: human resource capacities for the production of high quality

exportable garri in Delta State; in the area of export infrastructural development, the initiative was able to establish the automated factory for the packaging, labelling, branding and sealing of a high quality garri in Delta State.

The four processing units for the processing of the high quality garri are Owa-Alero, Nte-Enugu, Abavo and Urokpor. The packaging capacity is in 2kg satchet and 10kg bag even as the food export initiative project has put the state on the national food export map.

Shimite Bello, the executive

”

For us to get to where we are in terms of cassava, we have to involve our time, we have to go the Nigeria Export Promotion Council and find out what was needed

”

secretary, Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DEMSMA), who also doubles as a member of Delta Quality Garri for Export, said the governor has done a good job in terms of trying to actualise the SMART agenda and moving from talking about Delta Beyond Oil to actualizing it.

“From all the areas he was looking at is the agricultural sector and he wanted us to look at the products where we have comparative advantage and the number one area we have comparative advantage is cassava because all the 25 LGAs are into cassava farming, cassava processing and cassava trading”, she said.

She had said: “For us to get to where we are in terms of cassava, we have to involve our time, we have to go the Nigeria Export Promotion Council and find out what was needed. We also looked at the Federal Government zero initiative to engage with them and see what and what are the aspects. We also consult with NAFDAC to ensure that they check the quality of the cassava because a lot of our products when they get abroad, they sometimes get turned back.

So, we also wanted to ensure that we have zero reject.”

Speaking while launching the product, Gov Okowa commended the committee for a job well-done.

He expressed hope that in the next few years to come, the initiative would become very impactful on the people of the state “because I know that we are garri

farmers, and I know that with this step we have taken, there is going to be a life-changing event for our people.”

He urged Deltans to look out for the prosperity that follows the initiative while expressing hope that the committee would stay in touch and ensure that the product remains in its best quality form that would put the state in the map as a major garri exporter just as he hoped that the production would be strong.

He also urged the Ministry of Agriculture to keep in touch with farmers and the various farming unions to ensure that the production is not in any way deterred; to also ensure that as it is produced, people are able to also export, working with the committee.

Delta State is seen to be blessed with very rich soil conducive for growing virtually every crop, with most of the cassava farmers producing limited quantity.

With this initiative however it is expected that more youth and women would get themselves involved in agricultural production, particularly cassava production instead of limiting themselves to subsistence level. With this also, they are expected to get out of poverty line and achieve what is called prosperity level, said Festus Agas, Secretary to the State Government.

From all indications, it is believed that the launch of ‘Delta Quality Garri for Export’ would take the people of the state to commercial farming level thereby, changing their lives and economy for the better.

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BDSUNDAY 31

Feature

African churches boom in London’s backstreets

O

SIMON DAWSON & WILLIAM SCHOMBERG

n a cold, grey Sunday morning, in a street lined w i t h s h u ttered builders’ yards and storage units, songs of prayer in the West African language of Yoruba ring out from a former warehouse that is now a church.

The congregation, almost entirely dressed in white robes, steadily grows to around 70 people as musicians playing drums, a keyboard and a guitar pick up the pace of the hymns. Some women prostrate themselves on the floor in prayer.

In the sparse formerly industrial building, its interior brightened by touches of gold paint, a speaker reminds the group of a list of banned activities — no smoking, no drinking of alcohol, no practicing of black magic.

In a street outside, a pastor flicks holy water over the car of a woman who wants a blessing to ward off the risk of accidents.

The busy scene at the Celestial Church of Christ is repeated at a half a dozen other African Christian temples on the same drab street and in the adjacent roads - one corner of the

thriving African church community in south London.

Around 250 black majority churches are believed to operate in the borough of Southwark, where 16 percent of the population identifies as having African ethnicity.

Southwark represents the biggest concentration of African Christians in the world outside the continent with an estimated 20,000 congregants attending churches each Sunday, according to researchers at the University of Roehampton.

Sponsored Stories Reflecting the differ-

ent waves of migration to Britain in the 20th Century, Caribbean churches began to appear in the late 1940s and 1950s as workers and their families arrived from Jamaica and other former British colonies.

African churches opened their doors in London from the 1960s, followed by a second wave in the 1980s.

Migrants, many of them from Nigeria and Ghana , sought to build communities and maintain cultural connections with their home countries by founding their own churches, often founded in private homes, schools

and office spaces.

As the communities grew, the churches moved into bigger spaces in bingo halls, cinemas and warehouses, gathering congregations of up to 500 people where services are streamed online by volunteers with video cameras.

Th e r e i s a s t r i k i n g contrast with the empty pews at many traditional Church of England churches where congregations have dwindled for years.

“We pray for this country,” said Abosede Ajibade, a 54-year-old Nigerian who moved to Britain in 2002 and works for an office maintenance company.

“People here brought Christianity to Africa but it doesn’t feel like they serve Jesus Christ anymore.”

An y o n e t r a v e l l i n g around south London on a Sunday morning will see worshippers, often dressed in dazzlingly coloured African clothes, making their way to churches, each with their different styles of worship.

Hymns are sung only in African languages in some temples, or only in English at others. Some pastors take worshippers for full immersion baptisms in the cold of the English Channel. Others believe that when congregants suddenly start speaking in unknown languages it marks the presence of the Holy Spirit.

But the researchers from the University of Roehampton found things that many churches have in common, including a drive for professional advancement, a commitment to spend three hours or more at Sunday service and typically very loud worship.

“That is how we express our joy and gratitude to God,” Andrew Adeleke, a senior pastor at the House of Praise, one of the biggest African churches in Southwark, in a former theatre.

“The church is not sup-

posed to be a graveyard,” Adeleke said. “It is supposed to be a temple of celebration and worship and the beauty is to be able to express our love to God, even when things are not perfect in our lives.”

For some, the noise from amplified services is a problem, leading to complaints to local authorities from residents.

Bu t m a n y c h u r c h e s face bigger challenges than unhappy neighbours: Some provide food for people struggling to make ends meet, or work with young people at risk of recruitment by gangs.

Andrew Rogers, who led the University of Roeham pton r esear cher s, said pastors had to juggle retaining the churches’ African identity while appealing to children of first generation immigrants, many of whom have never lived outside Britain.

They typically have a more liberal world view which can be hard to reconcile with conservative Pentecostal teachings.

Rogers recalled speaking to one pastor who lamented he was unable to talk about religious miracles to his children.

“If the church doesn’t adapt, then they are going to leave and look elsewhere,” Rogers said.

NISER points way to resolve farmers-herders’ conflicts in Nigeria

F

AKINREMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

ollowing incessant killings in different parts of Nigeria as an aftermath of farmers-herdsmen conflicts, the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) has canvassed for an enduring policy by the Federal Government to tackle the menace.

To t h i s e n d , N I S E R wants the authorities to strengthen security arrangements for herders and farming communities especially in the north central zone.

These are part of recommendations of the Political and Governance Policy Department of NISER on “Strategies for Resolving Conflicts Between Farmers and Herders in Nigeria” at the Institute’s monthly seminar series held in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The Institute urged Government to control the circulation and possession of illicit firearms and ammunition, especially automatic rifles and also strengthen cross-border cooperation with neighbouring countries’ security

forces.

Presenting the seminar report, a research fellow from the Department, Hakeem Olatunji Tijani noted with concern that the main triggers of conflicts in various communities in Nigeria include grazing land and water scarcity, damage to crops and plants, obstruction of traditional migration routes, and livestock thefts, among others.

While anchoring most of the conflicts on increasing population, climate change, environmental degradation and changing patterns of resource use and supply, he lamented that these have continued to have serious implications for the political economy “hence the urgent need for Nigerian Government to act proactively to avoid more catastrophic outcomes.”

The NISER research group expressed concern that main strategies at curbing the perennial conflicts between the farmers and the herdsmen had focused more on manifestations rather than the root causes of the conflicts.

It therefore recom-

mended “effective stakeholders’ engagement and interaction through dialogue, implementation of relevant policies to address incessant problem of acute water shortage and drought as some of strategies capable of resolving the conflict.”

As part of measures to boost security, the research group urged Government and security agencies to sustain and improve on early-warning systems, maintain opera-

tional readiness of ruralbased police and other security units; and encourage communications and collaboration with local authorities.

NISER further advocated the establishment and strengthening of conflict mediation, resolution and reconciliation mechanism at state, local and community level, especially in areas that have been most affected by conflicts.

It then canvassed for the establishment of grazing

reserves in consenting states in order to minimise contacts and friction between herders and farmers noting however that this should be temporary measure until when ranching will be established for the animals.

As a long-term measure, NISER urged the Federal and State Governments to consider addressing environmental factors that are driving herders’ migration to the south.

According to the report , this will require step-

ping up implementation of programmes under the Great Green Wall Initiative for the Sahara and the Sahel, a trans-African project designed to restore drought handed exert degraded environments and livelihoods including in Nigeria’s far northern belt; and developing strategies for mitigating climate change impact in the far northern States.

The Institute urged Government to coordinate with neighbours to stem crossborder movement of nonNigerian armed herders, to regulate movements across borders, particularly of cattle rustlers, armed herders and others that have been identified as aggravating internal tension and insecurity in Nigeria.

It however advised Government to encourage the establishment of cattle ranches all over the country using the instrumentality of public private partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The NISER team stated that the establishment of ranching holds promise for sustainable peace between the farming communities and the pastoralists.

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Sunday 03 February 2019

Feature

Ekere’s resignation: Did he jump or was he pushed?

S

Stories by ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK

ince the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was sacked last week, it has been greeted with mixed reactions in many quarters.

The timing of the resignation of the erstwhile managing director, Nsimi Ekere, which coincided with the dissolution of the entire board less than three years after the inauguration, has also raised huge dust.

Ekere, who was the former managing director, is flying the governorship flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general election in Akwa Ibom State, and this explains why the dust has refused to settle. In fact, Ekere appears to be in the eye of the storm.

The question on the lips of many indigenes of the state is, ‘did he jump or was he pushed?’

While APC has laboured to explain that its governorship candidate did resign in line with the provisions of relevant laws guiding participation in elections, others have maintained that by sacking the entire board, Ekere was not spared.

They have pointed out that the resignation letter as presented by Ekere and dated 25 January, 2019 came too close to the day the board was sacked which was announced on 29 January.

Ufot Ebong, a senior spe-

cial assistant Technical Matters and Due Process, said that the former managing director of the NDDC allowed himself to be pushed into believing that discerning Nigerians would believe that while the board was sacked, he was exempted from the tsunami that hit the board.

“Why did Nsima Ekere allow himself to be pushed into this kind of falsehood? If indeed his resignation letter is dated January 25th, 2019 that should mean he wrote it on that day. Let’s agree with him that he also submitted it on January 25 going by the stamped date on the letter, he just confirmed that he was indeed sacked.

“If Mr. President dissolved the board on January 25th and reconstituted it, it follows that the decision was taken long before then. A memo for dissolution and reconstitution must have emanated from the appropriate quarters, passed through due process before it got to the president for his approval,” Ebong said.

According to him, “Members of the new constituted board must have been nominated and passed through security checks before getting to the president.

“If indeed he wrote and submitted the letter on same day the president dissolved the board one can comfortably say as we speak, the said letter may not even have gotten to the president except he will like to tell us that he sat with Mr. President to write

Nsimi Ekere

the letter which the president received himself.”

“But if his letter was submitted to pass through due process to get to the president, I can assure him that the president didn’t see his resignation letter as at the time the board was sacked and if the president’s schedule, especially these periods, is anything to go by, the president has not even seen the letter in question, if any.

“He needn’t go through this lie. The board has been sacked, period,” he further said.

However, according to the APC, the controversy is yet another ploy by the PDP to parry attention away from

its abysmal failure.

In a statement by Eseme Eyiboh, spokesperson for the APC campaign council in the state, he was emphatic that Ekere resigned his appointment as the managing director of the commission.

“The rumours of sack are not only false, but maliciously contrived to deceive the unwary. “We state that contrary to the rumours of sack being circulated by the opposition People’s Democratic Party and their orchestra of self pity, Nsima Ekere only formally resigned his appointment as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, in accordance with

extant Electoral Act, which stipulates that a candidate holding public office must resign from such office, at least 30 days to the election he is contesting,” Eyiboh said.

“The preparation for Nsima Ekere’s resignation was already afoot since two weeks ago, with tidying up of handing over notes and documentations involving relevant departments in the commission, as well as last minute official commissioning of completed projects.

“Having turned in his resignation letter to the presidency, with commencement date of January 25, 2019, Obong Nsima Ekere met with top management team of the commission in a most emotional valedictory meeting of NDDC management, before he formally bowed out on the date.

“Nsima Ekere’s tour of duties as the Managing Director of the NDDC has been adjudged as the golden era of the Commission. It witnessed the massive completion of hundreds of thousands of hitherto abandoned projects littered around the catchment states of the commission.

“He reorganised the corporate governance system of the commission to meet international best practices, ensuring that contract management of the commission became better organised and result oriented,” he further explained.

According to him, “He cancelled non-performing

contracts worth over N200 billion, which attracted attacks from failed contractors and their corrupt political backers.

“Nsima Ekere’s Administration at the NDDC also saw a remarkable commitment to the core mandates of the commission and concentrated on programmes and activities that had direct impact on the people. With the superlative performance at the NDDC, it was inconceivable for the PDP and its agents to even give a thought to his being sacked.

“Rather than being sacked, the presidency commended him on his commitment to the commission and to the people of the Niger Delta.

“The announcement of the appointment of a new Acting Managing Director and the dissolution of the extant Board is entirely the prerogative of the federal government and if the presidency decides to use the opportunity provided by the resignation of Obong Nsima Ekere to further rejig the commission in furtherance of its mandate, it has nothing to do with our candidate.”

The APC spokesman further said: “We know that the PDP is clutching at any straw they can find to shore up its empty campaign, which is devoid of any substance.

“Instead of dwelling on rumours, PDP and its candidate should be telling the people of Akwa Ibom State why they deserve a second term.”

Osinbajo: Entrepreneurial bank to grant low interest loan to Nigerians

T

he entrepreneurial bank being planned by the Federal Government will provide low interest loan to Nigerians when operational.

Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s vice president who stated this during the governorship campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, added that the Federal Government is determined not only to provide jobs for the youth but would ensure that the youth have quality jobs.

“We are starting the Entrepreneurial Bank to give loans at low interest rate to those who have Plans for the future,” Osinbajo said.

The vice president disclosed that the home grown feeding programme of the federal government has provided meals for 9.2 million children so far adding that 6.8 million eggs were being given out to school children weekly.

According to him, “The home-grown feeding pro-

gramme has created hundreds of jobs for food vendors and cooks across the country”, adding that with the N-Power programme for unemployed youths, every young Nigerian would be taken to the “next level of development by the Federal Government.”

He disclosed that the federal government has plans to replace crude oil with palm oil pointing out with the availability of palm oil in Akwa Ibom State, the state would be among the first beneficiary of the plan.

The vice president who was in Akwa Ibom to launch the traders’ money scheme appealed to the people of the state to vote for APC and ensure that Akwa Ibom State remained in the mainstream of governance rather than being in opposition.

“We have found here palm oil which will be a replacement of crude oil, so this local government is going to be number one. That is one of the reasons that you must

join the Federal government under the APC. “Akwa Ibom should not be in opposition. There is every reason for you to join so that you become part of the next level. All of the young people

Vice president, Yemi Osinbajo

who are here, the government of President Buhari is determined to make sure that not only do you have jobs, you have quality jobs. That is one of the most important things we are doing. That is why you

must support APC. “N-Power is only the beginning; we are starting something called the entrepreneur bank. That bank is for giving loans to men and women like this in N-Power who have a plan for the future. The loans will be given to them at very little interest rate so that they can start their own businesses, and so that they can make progress.

“When we said in 2015 that we will start N-Power, they said it is impossible, how can you employ 500,000 people but we have done it.

When we said we are going to do home grown school feeding, today we are feeding 9.2million children all over Nigeria. They say it is impossible but home grown school feeding is here. Home grown school feeding used 6.8million eggs in one week, and we are expanding it,” he said.

In his remarks, Nsima Ekere, the governorship candidate of the APC, promised to domesticate the social investment programme of

the Federal Government in Akwa Ibom State if elected as part of efforts aimed at poverty alleviation Ekere who recently resignedhispositionasthemanaging director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) reiterated his campaign promise based on five pillars of change which include wealth creation and the creation of new clan of entrepreneurs among others.

According to him, the contribution of the state to the national economy would be in the area of palm oil development adding that attention would also be to improve the health, education and the social intervention programme.

Others including Don Etiebet, a chieftain of the party, Umanah Okon Umanah and Sam Ewang as well as Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of the state assured the Vice President that APC would be returned as the winner of the upcoming general elections in the state.

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BDSUNDAY 33

Interview

Why I want to serve my constituency

Violet Olaitan Williams, an entrepreneur with several years of experience in the banking and maritime sector, is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the House of Representatives in Lagos Island Constituency1. In this exclusive interview with Iniobong Iwok, she talks about the 2019 general elections and her decision to aspire for the House. Excerpts:

W

hy are you aspiring for the position of the House of Representatives?

This is not my first attempt. I contested in 2007, I came second for the party ticket; this time I was unopposed.

When I contested in 2007, the skills I had then were not as sharp as what I have gathered in the last eleven years. That is why I said I have decided to exercise those skills. It was after I contested in 2007 that I got to know about the maritime sector. Incidentally where I am now is my ancestral home and you know we are blessed in terms of that here.

My grandmother was raised here. This is where my family was raised; it used to be a bungalow. It has always been there. This area used to be the residence of the elites of Lagos such as the Williams Pearse , Salvage. This used to be then initial settlement of Sierra Leoneans, so you expect education.

The indigenous people have been in dominance since, so I want to bring back the glorious days of this locality, because if you look at it, I grew up here, from primary schools to universities. I got married here, so I have good memories of this place.

In those days, trade flourished, and we had tourism; we had floating bukar owned by Dr Maja. This is the motivation. I want to bring back the memories. I have to plough back to the community which is paramount. I am an indigene of this place. We need the infrastructures, we need to open up Marina, we need to open up Ijora. What you don’t know, you don’t know; the only way out is to allow someone that knows the community to represent us.

I am a grassroots person right from my early stage. This town Olowogbowo has been my village and we’ve been here.

Those are the reasons I have decide to give it a shot, to give it a second attempt, to get it right because our people don’t know the synergy to get it right.

More so, the names Lagos and Marina, are not Nigerian names.

They are Portuguese names; they came to Nigeria through water and when they came they said this place looked like somewhere in Portugal and they named it after that place.

When I was growing up, I never knew the importance of this place; they used to say: where there is water they can never be impoverished.

Lagos can never be put to shame. I don’t know why we can’t promote the resource of my constituency.

Priority is to open up the marina sector It is to open up the maritime sector, which would increase our GDP. We can be self-sustaining. But you see, the place is in bad shape. What you hear often is useless music; that is not self-sustaining. We need better infrastructure. Look at the roads, schools. All we hear is immoral.

The level of moral decadence is at the highest level. We need

Violet Olaitan Williams to revive the old culture, where education is given priority, Infrastructure is inadequate here. Go to the schools, the social amenities are lacking.

Recently I took someone in the neighbourhood to hospital, but I was surprised that the place was an eyesore, and the government is collecting all sorts of levies from the people. When you raise such money from people, this place should be self-sustaining. If you go abroad that is the way it is done.

So my first priority would be on education, followed by health and maritime. The people have to fill the impact of governance What has been your experience from the campaigns so far?

You know like I said before, my childhood was in this neighbourhood. Right from the days of NRC, SDP AD, I have been a grassroots person. The people have been welcoming; I have not had any challenge except the NURTW people who have vandalised my posters.

I reported to the Police command at Ebute-Ero, and also petitioned the Commissioner of Police in the state. The DPO came that Night and gave them a strong warning, that Lagos would not tolerate such incidents.

But they are still vandalising it.

They said it is from above, that no PDP posters should be on the island, that the APC owns Lagos. I am not a violent person, but

I will fight in line with the law and Constitution of the country.

How have you been received by your constituency?

My approach is different. The APC doesn’t campaign; they don’t have programmes. What they often do is to give them token and say thank you, and you can see the poverty rate across the society.

In December I had a medical outrich. I partnered with Emzor paracetamol. I did that for one week. I did it in my home town.

The people were saying: how can someone who has not been elected be going on her way to do this, while the incumbent does not care or deem it fit to do this. So, my people want me and we are waiting for the election. I am sure of wining.

Are you confident that INEC could conduct free and fair elections in the country?

INEC is a sell-out. Look at what happened in Osun gubernatorial election. There was nothing conclusive in that election. That judgement is unfair. Look at what has been happening in Lagos. They just do things arbitrarily. I have always been an agent of my party.

Over the years, there has always been connivance of INEC and any party in power to rig elections in the state. So what i ma saying is that there as nerve been any free and fair elections in Lagos.

I recalled Jimi Agbaje election.

Nobody can tell me that Jimi Agbaje

votes was not manipulated. Moyo Ogunlewe also won that election in his constituency, but just between Kosofe and the coalition centre they stuffed in Alimosho ballot papers. So I don’t trust INEC. All that is in the past, I can tell you it would not be business as usual; where ever they want to go my people would be there, it would be bumper to bumper. Whatever bus they would use in collating the result my people would be there this time around in Lagos.

But the APC is the ruling party in the state, they still have majority support?

No. They are unpopular. The people will reject them. What they are doing is to collect the PVCs of people, it is a plan to use it for vote buying and that is one aspect of vote buying and intimidation.

There are market women who have voiced out their opinions on the issue, they are being caged and cannot voice out their opinion.

What is happening is that the people are being intimidated to vote for APC and I feel sorry for them.

What is your perception of the trader moni scheme?

Trader moni is vote buying.

Why did they not do it in the last three years of this administration?

The Buhari administration has been for three and half year now, it is an obviously clear case of vote buying. We have seen the forms; they don’t even give them the ten thousand naira, it is subjected to you voting for them. I am sad and disappointed in the vice president of the country; for him to be physically going to the market, that is the highest form of indignation.

Nigerians are discontented with politicians and the state of affairs in the country. Is there hope in sight?

Do you know that most people that contest election in Lagos are products of god-fatherism. Once they give you chances you have to give them back when you get to office. But in a PDP administration it cannot happen.

Thank God the incoming President Atiku Abubakar who is a disciple, an apostle of restructuring of the country. So charity must begin from home. When I am elected there is no need for me to change my phone number because I am a product of this community, an indigene. I don’t have any other home, my generational home is here and we can’t sell it.

But there have been criticism from some aspirants over the manner the PDP primaries were conducted in Lagos.

In Lagos PDP we went through rigorous primaries, especially for the gubernatorial primary. We all saw the way it went. Our own was held and it was transparent. I contested. It was held in Markafi. You know PDP, INEC and the parties keep changing dates of the elections, so the primaries were keenly contested in this local government.

Some pundits are of the view that Legislative should be parttime, considering the cost involved in running the Legislature

in Nigeria. Do you agree?

Am not a politician, am a professional, I only want to plough back to the society. It is not all the time you allow an illiterate to represent you. Some of us should be able to recover what they have stolen.

We should speak out, and I believe I can make an impact on my people.

That is why I am in business; I am not aiming to depend on government; I want to serve my people.

It should be part-time, I am home, and if they say full time, I am ready to represent my people nicely, but I can’t live my business for politics.

What is your reaction to President Muhammadu Buahri’s refusal to sign the amended electoral Act into law?

It is fear of failure that makes him not to sign. He knows he will not win the election. It would have solved a lot of problems, even the CJN problem we have now would not have arisen, if he had signed that Act. It is fear of failure, fear of being booted out of office, it is a shame to the whole of Africa.

A lot of women are looking up to you. What is the message to them?

Tenacity is the key. I told you I contested this same position in 2107, it’s about eleven years ago.

But the issue is, a lot of women perceive politics as a man’s terrain.

I was in the maritime sector; I was also in banking, where I left as a manager. This is a male-dominated environment, you have to be focused, I can only saying that no man can march us because we are nation builders. We can build home. I am a widow and I have a successful lawyer as a son. If I can do this there is no way you cannot do it as well.

We need to show what we can do and as women we need more unity.

Your constituency is mobilising for Atiku. What are his chances?

Atiku is the man to beat; he has been to Lagos twice; his Lagos rally is not concluded yet. Atiku will stage a mega rally in Lagos soon. The whole Lagos would be shut down and we will swallow the opposition.

He is a man who is experienced having been a vice president; Atiku will win the election, and give priority to education, trade would flourish, it would be in the front burner and he will restructure the country.

So how do you intend getting the vote?

House to house. Like I said before, I am a grassroots person. The only fear I have about the election is the NURTW guys in Lagos Island who go on intimidating people of this constituency during elections.

The APC use them to chase peoples away from the voting so they can manipulate the process; that is the only challenge I have.

Lastly, voters should be vigilant.

Do not allow anyone to intimidate you. Follow your conscience. This is the time for us to change the way things are done here. In the Jonathan era, the people came out and voted for me. Let also come out this time and change this constituency together.

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Our plans to get Nigeria working again - Atiku, Obi Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Peter Obi, appeared at ‘The Candidates’ - a political forum moderated by Kadaria Ahmed. They spoke about their plans to get Nigeria working again and cleared the air on some raging controversies. BDSUNDAY transcribed the session, as was captured by OWEDE AGBAJLEKE, for your reading delight. Excerpts: Will you make EFCC fully independent?

How would you reform the criminal justice system, given the lack of confidence Nigerians have in it to deliver justice against public officials and politicians who are corrupt? y quarrel with our judicial system is that there is too much delay. If we can shorten the delay so that justice is seen to be meted out immediately, the better for us.

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What in your view is responsible for that delay and how will you tackle it?

Atiku: It is by looking at the legislation and also the procedures being adopted by the Judiciary. We have to sit with the National Assembly and the Judiciary. Do you know that the cases we initiated in our administration are still in court? Now, where is the justice there? We set up the EFCC. I brought the piece of draft legislation from Brazil. And it was based on that draft that EFCC legislation was crafted.

When it was eventually passed by the National Assembly, EFCC did not even have the money in the budget to start operation. I lent them N300 million from the privatisation proceeds and said ‘You better get to work’.

The following year when there was budgetary allocation, they paid the money. Most of the convictions that you are hearing today were cases that we started in our administration.

What kind of reform will you carry out in the Judiciary as well as agencies charged with investigating corrupt crimes?

Atiku: I have already indicated to you the kind of reform I want to undertake. That reform has to shorten the period of investigation by investigative agencies.

How will you do this?

Atiku: You have to legislate. This is a country that is governed by rule of law.

So, you can only use rule of law to approach issues. And therefore, you have to legislate. In other words, investigative agencies must have a time limit within which to investigate. There must be a time limit within which to prosecute. And there must be a time limit for the Judiciary to dispense justice.

How practical is it?

Atiku: Why is it that other countries are doing it within a shorter period? Are they denying justice to their citizens? Not necessarily that I want to put statute of limitation for investigating certain types of crimes. I don’t like statute of limitation.

Because sometime you let criminals go.

In this era of technology, what financial investigations will not be able to do within a specified, reasonable period of time, I believe it is doable.

What happens to existing cases?

Atiku: I believe there will be need for dialogue between the various branches of government. We are at a very crisis point in this country on the issue of fight against corruption. We can’t afford delays. Before we review our procedures and laws, I

Atiku Abubakar

think there is need we do something immediately. And I believe everybody will understand me if you really intend to fight corruption.

Would you consider an amnesty for people who have been involved in corrupt practices?

Atiku: Why not? I give you an example of Turkey. The country gave an amnesty and all the money abroad came back to Turkey and the government said ‘when you bring the money, there is even no taxation. We want you to invest in manufacturing, technology, real estate. And look at Turkey today. It is like any other European country in terms of development. And they drew a line. Why not? We could consider it.

Are you aware that implementing it would be problematic and could send the wrong signal to Nigerians?

Atiku: Personally, I have considered it.

Yes, it will be problematic but what have they been able to achieve? Let me tell you what we achieved when we came into office to fight corruption: there was a recovery panel set up by (former) President Obasanjo under my chairmanship with then the Attorney General and the National Security Adviser. And by calling various people who had been alleged to have stolen money, we recovered over $4 billion paid back into the treasury. If you were to go and prosecute these people, up till now, you would still be prosecuting them and that money would have been denied.

It all depends on what you intend to achieve whether it is moral rectitude or you want to see a fast development of your country from proceeds of corruption.

The United States Senate Committee mentioned your wife by name in a case involving Siemens which was fined on

Peter Obi

charges of corruption. What are your views involving that specific case in which your wife was fingered?

Atiku: My view about it is that my wife has not been indicted, my wife has not been charged. So, I don’t accept that view.

Do you feel the need to clear this since it is like a moral burden on you?

Atiku: The company was fined for a number of offences committed, not necessarily on the issue of my wife’s account. What I can tell you is that my wife has never been indicted and never been charged. So, there is no way you can hold my wife accountable. My wife is an American, mark you. There is no way they would not have charged her to court or indicted her.

Has she been to America since that report came out?

Atiku: She has been travelling to America.

Of course, she does very regularly.

However, I must say that one other serious corruption that is facing us is elections rigging. It is also a form of corruption.

Why can’t we not have an Election Fraud Commission so that we bring to book any individual whether he is a member of any political party or a staff of INEC or even a member of the security services who infringes any electoral laws? It is becoming a very serious issue. So, if it requires us to have a special investigation bureau called Election Fraud Commission, why not?

This country requires a leadership that is pro-business, pro-private sector so that we can get out of this mess that we found ourselves.Twenty one million young men and women unemployed, we have never had it this bad in this country.

What are your plans for the poorest of the poor?

Atiku: We have moved people in the middle class during the PDP administration than we have in the APC administration

today. The middle class is completely eliminated. And you have to have a middle class before you can uplift the ones on the bottom. Because it doesn’t just happen like that.

Does this mean if you became President, Nigeria’s poor people have to wait a little while?

Atiku: One of our major plans is to create jobs. And the greatest job creation sector in this country is agriculture. And our agricultural policy seeks to empower the farmers to be more commercially oriented. Where they cannot, we have a system whereby they will be supported and assisted.

How is it different from the Anchor Borrowers programme of the Buhari administration?

Atiku: Go to Kebbi and see whether it is not fake. It is fake. You have the rice farmers (in Kebbi) but how many of them? They are very few instead of them to expand (to other states).

It is the same programme but you will just do it better.

Atiku: In fact, the PDP was doing it better when we introduced the purchase of fertiliser on your mobile phone and our agricultural output was much higher than the present administration.

Given what Obasanjo said about you in his book, ‘My Watch’, why should Nigerians employ you?

Atiku: If the referee has changed his mind and says that the applicant is now the best applicant and I recommend him for employment.

Some of his allegations were quite specific.

Atiku: You must know that nobody has been investigated by Obasanjo more

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Interview than myself. If Obasanjo could not find me guilty of any wrongdoing, then I don’t think those statements stand.

Did he lie about you?

Atiku: I am not here to say that. It is up to my employers to say if I have been employed or not. But if I was the most investigated politician or public officer and I was not found wanting, then it is up to my employer to believe what has been said or not.

How do you intend to end the lingering herders-farmers clashes in Nigeria?

Atiku: I believe that the best solution to the farmers-herdsmen clashes is to try and enlighten our herdsmen on the use of feeding lots, which can conveniently be established all over the country. Because we have a number of factories that are producing animal feeds. There is need for an extensive public enlightenment with these herders. To adopt this solution is a way to minimizing as much as possible the herdsmen-farmers clashes. It is an old conflict dating back to the years of the Prophet. America has faced the same thing. Eventually, the solution they found was the establishment of feeding lots all over the country. There, even the herders will find that their cattle have more milk and more beef. And therefore they can earn better income if they adopt that system.

How will it work?

Atiku: Each state government through extension services can enlighten the herders. It used to happen before. Only that it has been abandoned. And if you enlighten and teach them how they can remain in one place with the feed lots. It costs a little bit of money but the income they are going to generate from the milk and beef will far exceed their expenses. It has to be over a period of time.

Are you aware that some states may not like that?

Atiku: When we introduced nomadic education, at least we were able to get them to settle in one place. Now the nomadic education system was abandoned.

I have a guy who is today a Ph.D holder. He started from nomadic school.

What is your opinion about the antigrazing law in Benue?

Atiku: We have to look at the constitutionality of those laws. I am not sure whether they come with the provisions of our constitution which guarantees free movement and the right to decide wherever you decide to live in the country.

Your manifesto also talked about cutting corporate tax. Explain the rationale for that.

Atiku: The rationale behind that is that when you reduce corporate tax, you give incentive to investors to come in and invest. And when they invest they create jobs. And when those jobs are created, the people who get employment also pay taxes. So, in all cases where you reduce corporate taxes, you have seen the GDP going up.

You will find where we also talked of infrastructure, power, ease of doing business and so on. All these things tend to definitely direct investors on where to invest. By the time you take a holistic view of all this, you will see investments coming in.

Obi: If you talk about the issue of tax and lowering (corporate) tax, look at all the places where there have been fast devel-

opments. Let’s take Dubai for instance. It was a desert when they told everybody no tax. The world came there. So, when you lower tax, the world will come in. We are talking about private sector-driven economy. You need the private sector to come and invest.

Where will the money come from?

Obi: The budget of South Africa is $120 billion, 55 million people. The budget of Nigeria is $30 billion, 198 million people.

What it shows is the missing link. The missing link is that South Africa has put their economy, knowing the deficit, that everything has to be driven by the private sector. So, it reduces corruption. So instead of going to build airports where you will put your relations to run them, you put it in a private sector hand where they can go to the capital market, borrow money, do it more efficiently. It helps your capital market to grow. By that, you create more jobs.

People are saying that privatisation under you as head of the economic council during your time as Vice President, was not a huge success as you claim. How will you react to that?

Atiku: Well, in any policy that you implement, you are bound to find some mistakes here and there. But in the overall, if you look at the reform of our government and also the privatisation, you will find out that it is a huge success.

What did you do then as Vice President that you will not do if elected as President?

Atiku: I will give you an example: when we were in office, we sent a bill to the National Assembly to make education compulsory for every Nigerian child from primary to secondary education. But you know, education is virtually a state and local government affair. And as a result of that legislation, we established the Universal Basic Education and also imposed taxes. And all these revenue is remitted to states and local governments to help educate these poor Nigerians who cannot get education. Eventually, most of these money was mismanaged at the state and local government levels. And going through the legislation, I discovered that we made a mistake. We did not have a provision to penalise any level of government if they fail to implement those policies. And I think if I have another opportunity, I will return the law to the National Assembly and insert a penalty clause to say where a state or local government is given money to invest in public education and it decides not to do so, we will have the right to penalise or take their money from even the Federation Account. And intervene directly in the education of those kids.

Let me tell you what I did. When I was Vice President, I took a tour to Anambra State during the administration of Governor Mbadinuju. I found out that the public schools were closed for two years.

I came back and met the President and said: ‘This governor will never be allowed to go back’. He said: ‘Why?’ I said I found out that all the public schools in Anambra State overtaken by weeds. For two years, they were not open. Believe me, I made sure Mbadinuju never went back. This is how I feel about education. But for education, I will not be what I am today.

If you lose elections, will you accept the results?

If the elections are adjudged to be free, fair and credible, why not? I have lost elections before.

Benue South: Why I will take over seat of David Mark - Adoko Candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP)for the Benue South Senatorial District in the 2019 election, Light Adoko (Oleka-Leya) is upbeat that his track record, purpose, education and connection with the people will deliver to him the seat of Benue South Senatorial District that was dominated in the last twenty years by former President of the Senate, David Mark. In this interview with INNOCENT ODOH, Adoko, promises to use quality representation to lift his people out deplorable poverty. He stresses that although Mark is not contesting the election, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), former Minister of Interior, Patrick Abba Moro and others cannot stop him because his ideas resonate more with the people who are yearning for a new direction which he represents. Excerpts: What motivated you to contest for Benue South Senatorial District? hank you very much. My running for this position is born out of sheer determination and by God’s divine direction to see to the living standard of people of Benue South especially the women and children. By women I mean those in the category of widows and those who are already in businesses and then of course our youth many of who have taken to self –help because of the lack of government attention on their plight.

Many of them have dropped out of school and are doing menial jobs to survive.

My zone, Zone C use to be rated as having the highest number of HIV patients in Nigeria.

That to me is a poor testimony of a people so endowed intellectually, agriculturally and economically. So I want to be able to harness all of these potentials to see how I can lift the living standard of the people especially this category of people that I have mentioned.

So, I believe that I am the most qualified and I stand a better chance of winning the election.

I am young, vibrant and by the grace of God I understand the needs of the people, I relate better and closely with the people because my representation will bring about servant leadership with the people. You are aware that my opponents have been in the system, and so we are tired of them because they have failed the people and the people are aware of this. That is why the people are massively behind me so that we will bring about that paradigm shift that the country as a whole is yearning for.

How much of influence does your party, the ADP, have in your zone?

My party stands on a tripod of fundamental political principle of all -inclusiveness, empowerment of our youth and women and party supremacy. Since we came into Benue in 2017, the enthusiasm of the people is highly encouraging. As I speak we have party structures at the state level, at the senatorial zonal level, local government levels, ward levels and even the polling unit levels. Our membership has continued to increase and quite a number who are disenchanted with the old parties are now members of our party and the party is striving and increasing by the day. So in terms of membership strength I can assure you that we are on ground in Benue especially in Zone C. We have quite a number of prominent people who are members of our party. So we are fully on ground and we are set to change the narrative as we want to ensure that all our candidates win this election. The good thing about it is that the people have asked for an alternative and we are here to give them the credible alternative.

There will be a fierce contest for the seat of Benue south dominated by David Mark in the last twenty years. You have Abba Moro and others to contend with and you have vowed to disrupt the old order. Do you really have the wherewithal to take the seat of Mark?

I am going by God’s divine direction and I also know that I have people, who will help me bring this project to reality. Talking about David Mark, he has given Idoma people not just quality representation in the last twenty years that he has spent there, and in fact the number of years he has spent there is an attestation of his acceptability by people of Benue South. During

T

Light Adoko

his tenure you will agree with me that Idoma race came to the political fore of Nigeria and to that extent he has raised the ladder and anyone who has come to take his seat to represent Benue south should be bringing something different, something that the people have not seen before and that is what I want to bring about.

I believe that as leader, if he sees something that is a promise he will recognise it. I rely on the strength of God and the people who are yearning for a change and I want to use this opportunity to call on him and to all well-meaning Idoma leaders to join and support me to bring this great light that has come to the Idoma nation. So it is not about the party but about the individual. I am bringing honesty, sincerity and integrity and purpose to the table.

God is sending me to the Benue people as a light to the people to liberate them from the chain of operation that has held them down for all these years. You need to go to my place, poverty stares you in the face, the women are suffering, the youth are suffering and that is what I want to change through my representation. I am bringing on board capacity development, I want to build the capacity of those already engaged in agriculture, in commerce, in business and in trade. I also want to economically empower our women. I have worked with non-governmental organizations that have done economic empowerment and I have the experience. It does not take rocket science to do this. I want to bring experience to play. I also want to give a lot for our education.

Throughout my campaign, I discovered that most of the youth here are out of school; the reason is that they cannot pay for their WAEC, NECO final exams. Some of them their parents cannot afford to pay N30,000, N40,000 to pay for this things and there is just no hope. That is why you will notice that in my place, cultism has escalated because the youth find solace in such things. I believe something better can be done. I clearly understand the problems and I am going there address them.

36 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 03 February 2019

Kiddies The bird with two heads

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Winner of last year Indomie Independence Day Awards (IIDA) Intellectual bravery Category, Master Elijah Ephraim Umanah; winner of Social bravery Category, Master Nengi Ayomide Pepple and winner of Physical bravery Category, Master Victor Olayiwola at the 2018 Indomie Independence Day Awards (IIDA) held in Lagos.

Developing good table manners

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ou have seen kids who throw food across the table, are loud during a meal and seem to lack any kind of manners. However, kids can learn table manners, no matter how old they are. Having table manners shows that your child is disciplined, well-behaved and reflects positively on your parenting skills.

Utensils Proper use of utensils can be taught to kids when they’re young. Teach your child how to properly place food into his mouth with a fork and where to place the fork when finished eating. If your child is old enough, teach him how to cut with a knife and hold his fork. Ask your child

to place a napkin in his lap when he’s eating and place it next to his plate when he’s finished.

Body language Body language at a table can show if a child has good table manners. Elbows should be off the table during a meal and your child should sit straight in his chair. Slouching at the dinner table could indicate bad table manners. Ask your child to wait to eat until everyone at the table has been served. This can show consideration toward the other diners.

During the meal Some of the most important manners occur during the meal. Teach your child to ask

politely for something that’s out of her reach, saying “Please” and “Thank you” every time. Ask your child to eat slowly, to put small bites into her mouth and to chew with her mouth closed during the meal. Tell your child to not slurp while drinking or when eating soup. If your child accidentally belches, ask her to say “Excuse me.”

The food Tell your child to show appreciation no matter what kind of food is served. Have him choose other types of food on the table instead of refusing the food he doesn’t like. If he tries something and doesn’t like it, ask him to refrain from making a face. Food should always be swallowed and never spit out.

Short story

The cave that talked T

here was a lion who ruled over a certain part of a jungle.

One day, he could not kill a single animal after wandering around the jungle in search of food. It was late, and the lion started returning despite being very hungry.

On his way, he saw a big cave, and thought to himself, “It is certain that some animal must be living in this big cave. Such a nice cave cannot be un-inhabited. At sunset, whatever animal living here is bound to return.

I shall hide inside the cave and wait for my dinner to arrive.”

The cave was the home to a jackal, who arrived a while after the lion had hidden himself inside. While entering he noticed the footprints of the lion leading into the cave, but could not find any footprint coming out.

He thought, “If a lion has indeed entered, I will be dead as soon as I enter. But, how can I be sure? There is no reason for me to stay away from my home if there is no lion inside. I must find out a way to confirm if the lion is still inside.”

The jackal thought of a plan, and standing in front of the cave, began to shout, “Hello Cave! Hello Cave! Can I

Isadol pupils presenting Hausa culture at a programme held at the school premises.

come inside?”

For some moment, he waited in silence and shouted again, “Hello Cave! Have you forgotten our understanding of all these years? I always wait for your reply before I enter.

Why are you silent today? I shall then go to some other cave if you do not reply.”

On hearing this, the lion thought, “The cave must reply the jackal when he returns at sunset. It is because I am

inside that the cave is not replying today. I must invite him on behalf of the cave if not the jackal will go away.”

So, the lion replied from inside the cave, “Hello Jackal, you may enter. It is safe inside.”

The reply was even more frightening due to the echo from the walls of the cave. The jackal at once knew that the lion was waiting for him to enter and make a meal of him. He ran off as fast as his could carry him.

nce upon a time, there lived a great bird named Uluku on the banks of a lake.

The bird was strange because he had two necks with two heads, but shared the common body.

One day, as the bird was wandering, it found a delicious looking red-golden fruit.

One of the heads mumbled, “Oh, what a delicious looking fruit. I am lucky to have found it.

I am sure the fruit is sent from heavens only for me”. On saying so, he started eating the fruit with pleasure. While eating, he kept on praising how it was the most delicious fruit he had ever eaten.

Hearing and seeing all this, the other head requested, “Oh dear, please also allow me to taste the fruit that you are praising with all your heart”.

The first head did not want to share it, so he laughed and said, “We share the same stomach.

Whoever amongst us eats the fruit, it goes to the same stomach.

It does not matter who eats the fruit. Moreover, since I am the one who found this fruit in the first place, I have the right to eat it myself.”

This selfishness of the first head hurt him very much, and he went silent with disappointment when he heard the first head’s reply.

Few days later, as they were wandering the second head found some fruits.

The fruits were from a poisonous tree. He declared to the first head, “You are a deceitful person.

The other day you had insulted me by not sharing the delicious fruit.

Now I am going to eat this fruit and avenge your insult”.

The first head pleaded, “Please don’t eat this fruit, it is a poisonous one. We share the same stomach.

If you eat it, we will both die” Mocking the first head, the second head replied, “Shut up!

Since I am the one who found this fruit in the first place, I have the right to eat it myself”.

Knowing what would happen, the first head began to cry.

The second head ate the poisonous fruit without bothering the first head’s requests. As a consequence of this action, immediately the poison digested, the bird died.

Thus, both of the heads lost their lives.

The tiger who wore white gloves Gwendolyn Brooks There once was a tiger, terrible and tough, who said “I don’t think tigers are stylish enough.

They put on only orange and stripes of fierce black.

Fine and fancy fashion is what they mostly lack.

Even though they proudly speak most loudly, so that the jungle shakes and every eye awakes— Even though they slither hither and thither in such a wild way that few may care to stay— to be tough just isn’t enough.”

These things the tiger said, And growled and tossed his head, and rushed to the jungle fair for something fine to wear.

The jaguar jeered.

The antelope shouted.

The panther pouted.

Everyone screamed “We never dreamed that ever could be in history a tiger who loves to wear white gloves.

White gloves are for girls with manners and curls and dresses and hats and bow-ribbons.

That’s the way it always was and rightly so, because it’s nature’s nice decree that tiger folk should be not dainty, but daring, and wisely wearing what’s fierce as the face, not whiteness and lace!”

They shamed him and shamed him— till none could have blamed him, when at last, with a sigh Then!—what a hoot and and a saddened eye, yell and in spite of his love, upon the jungle fell he took off each glove, The rhinoceros rasped! and agreed this was The elephant gasped! meant “By all that’s sainted!” all to prevail: said wolf—and fainted. each tiger content with his lashing tail The crocodile cried. and satisfied The lion sighed. with his strong striped The leopard sneered. hide.

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BDSUNDAY 37

TheWorshippers ‘We don’t have a government that listens’ Charles Shedrack is a reverend with the Church of God Mission International, Amuwo Zonal Headquarters Lagos. In this interview with Seyi John Salau, he speaks on the church’s vision for the year with the theme, ‘Give me 2019’ and also calls on the church to speak the truth without fear of intimidation. Excerpts: ‘Give me 2019’ sounds more like a prophetic declaration, what inspired theme? think that the theme is an inspiration from the Holy Spirit. It is a programme I have done for the last 10 years in the various churches that I have been to (about three churches) over that period.

It is meant to help prepare the people for the year spiritually and otherwise. It is a time when we come together to wait on the lord and pray; trusting God that at the end of it all we will take possession.

In the realm of the spirit we have taken possession of the year 2019. We bring our petitions before God; we come with our plan, purposes, target for the year, and present them before the lord. Apart from prayers; it is a time we teach over the course of the programme, give people direction and help them realize that prayers alone will not do it.

Prayer is good but we need to work hard, smart and depend on the wisdom of God. Above all, we also need God’s direction. In the course of the year, God will be willing to speak to us to give us direction; to know what businesses to go into and what businesses not to go into.

Most believers go into businesses that fail and at the end of it we blame God. But if you look at it very well, God actually spoke to you and told you not to do that; but most times we are not sensitive.

Apart from the spiritual angel to the programme, what are

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Pastor Yomi Omiyale Resident pastor, Lighthouse International Christian Centre (LICC), Lagos Teacher of the Word and a Tax Accountant omiyaleyomi2013@gmail.com 08077587734

G

enesis 49:21”Naphtali is a hind let loose; He giveth goodly words”. The Hind is a kind of deer often referred to as the red deer. The red deer is one of the fastest animals in the world and can run up to a speed of 70 Kilometres per hour.

In today’s scripture, Jacob compared Naphtali to a very fast animal and gave the reason for the comparison - he giveth goodly words.

As earlier stated in previous devotional, words have a crucial role to play in accelerating a destiny that has been hitherto delayed. We discussed the importance of words spoken by a spiritual authority over a person’s life and how such words have the ability to catapult a destiny

Reverend Charles Shedrack of Church of God Mission, Amuwo Headquarters

you putting in place to teach the people in the area of business and empowerment?

Well, the primary purpose of the church is the spiritual aspect, but we put together business seminars where we bring in professionals to teach the people, especially at the group level – men forum, women forum and at the youth forum.

The challenges of these groups are also different. We

bring in people that could help teach the people – professionals: high caliber professionals; professionals also at the lower level up to the extent of market traders so that people can maximize values. A trader should be able to calculate her profit no matter how small, even if you are selling sweet and candy; you should be able to know there are 100 pieces of candy in a pack, and if I bought

for N100 and sold N120; that means my profit is N20.

So, these are some of the little things we put together in the course of the year at the various departmental levels, even at the teenage forum. At their level of direction for choice of career, wanting to write WEAC, and JAMB, we try to see how we can help them.

Away from the programme, the case of Leah Sharibu comes to mind as we discuss teenagers knowing she is of that age bracket. Is the church doing enough for this teenage girl?

No we are not doing enough and it hurts me. But you cannot shout more than your level can take. On social media, there are several advocacies on Leah Sharibu but we know that until the fathers of the faith come together and lend their voices; and it is also unfortunate that you have a government that does not listen even if you shout and talk.

But then we should be talking and shouting; let it be that they do not listen.

Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have spoken but the only challenge I think we have is the consistency – we have not been able to make it consistent, and we have also seen some men of God that spoke out in the recent past; the government came out hard on them and some of them were threatened with various levels of blackmails, while some had their houses surrounded.

Whether those allegations

were true or not, it is not for me to say, but the most important thing was that it was immediately after they spoke out that we find some of these allegations and probably those ones that their houses were surrounded and the ones that were threatened with arrest.

If you observe recently the men of God have not been speaking out as they should, but I think that we should speak. The civil society is there; they should speak, even if you look at generally in the country, the civil society, the religious organisations, even the newspaper houses are very moderate in their reportage.

It is only from social media that people hear things; the regular newspaper houses are all silent and when you look at it, you think that the government is doing a lot to make sure that the voices of people are not heard, but everybody should do what they can do.

Should Nigerians and the church keep quiet for fear of intimidation from the government: would that be right?

No, it wouldn’t be right, but I think that CAN in recent times have spoken out a few times.

But what I said earlier was that we should be more consistent in our cries and advocacy. We should be more consistent and it is that consistency that will make the government to listen. I think the consistency is not there, but credit to CAN. It has spoken out on the issue of Leah Sharibu, in the issue of intimidation and some of the things that has happened in the polity recently.

Parental blessings: Key to supernatural acceleration to the next level in life.

Words spoken by a person’s biological parents also have a crucial role to play in accelerating a person’s destiny in life. We must ensure that our biological parents always speak blessings into our lives. This is a practice that the patriarch fully understood which is unfortunately being lost among modern day Pentecostals.

Abraham blessed Isaac before he departed the world. Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau before he departed the world. Jacob blessed his twelve sons before he died. David blessed his household on several occasions during his lifetime. Your biological parents must regularly speak blessings into your live if you truly desire supernatural acceleration.

I think I should also add that such blessings spoken by biological parents might be limited if your parents do not partake of the fruit of your labour. Yes: Isaac was a very wealthy man in his lifetime. Jacob and Esau

were his sons and were also tenants in his house. However when Isaac was about to bless them, he still demanded a venison. It was not out of want but for their sake.

A mouth that has not eaten the fruit of your hands can not bless the work of your hands. I am a young man and of just a few years but I am an observer of Life. I can tell you for a fact that the reason for many people’s struggles and delays is simply because their biological parents are not happy with them.

I am yet to see any man or woman who was cursed by his parents and still succeeded in life. In some cases; a spiritual authority can break the curse of a parent provided that the parent who issued the curse is no longer alive.

For instance, Jacob cursed Reuben because he dishonored his bed by committing adultery with one of his wives. That curse ravaged the Reubenites for a while until Moses an anointed Man of God broke the

curse by saying, “let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few”.

However if the parent who issued the curse is still alive, in most cases the spiritual authority will still be led by God to direct you to make amends with such a parent. The only instance where a spiritual authority can revoke the curse of a biological parent is if the curse is undeserved.

A curse causeless shall never come - Proverbs 26:2.

Any curse issued against you has no power if you did not do anything bad. The integrity of the Righteous shall preserve Him. In conclusion, I also need to add that it’s not until a parent curses a child that the child becomes cursed.

Some people have never been cursed by their parents but they are still under parental curses.

What do I mean by this? Your attitude and behaviour towards your biological parents will either birth a blessing or release a curse.

It’s up to you.

The moment some young men marry, their mother suddenly becomes a witch and is abandoned.

The same mother that took care of them from child birth. If man is unjust, god is just. Some other young men are living in affluence in the city while their poor parents who sold all they had to ensure that their children became educated are suffering in abject poverty in the village.

When such parents depart the world then these carnal men throw big parties to celebrate a parent that they never took care of. God is watching in 3D. And those ladies who are always praying that their mother in law should die should not forget that they will also become mother in laws very soon. What goes around soon comes around.

So are you experiencing delay, struggles and retrogression in life and destiny? Maybe you need to settle your scores with your biological parents and parents in laws.

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Sunday 03 February 2019

SundayBusiness Retail mortgage and dearth of wealth-building products

T

he dawn of each day heightens the fear among mortgage industry stakeholders that the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) may end up another great expectations after Charles Dickens’.

Increase in liquidity in the mortgage system which is part of the mission of the refinance company was expected to enable the primary mortgage banks (PMBs) whose mortgages are being refinanced to activate their retail bank units and start churning out wealth-building products for consumers.

A number of these PMBs have their mortgages refinanced and expectation is that they should be originating products, especially consumer products, that can enable home ownership or ownership of house-hold items, or products that can help subscribers raise equity from their homes.

Activities in the mortgage market before the banking sector reform was quite interesting. The foray of many commercial banks into retail mortgage after the banking consolidation and recapitalisation led to the evolution of a competitive business environment, and a culture of efficiency and innovation among the operators.

Institutions had to develop competitive spirit not only to remain in business, but also to increase and

make good returns on shareholders’ investment such that innovative ideas, especially in product origination, became the norm.

The market was awash with products, especially those that would enable consumers have easy access to homeownership. Some of the mortgage institutions took it a step higher with the creation of products that would enable property owners build wealth from their property and yet enjoy the comfort of such property.

Consumers look back to those days in the market and are asking where these products from which they could build wealth and make a difference in their investment or assets. They have not forgotten such products as First City Monument Bank’s (FCMB) ‘Unlock your Cash’ and former Bank PHB’s ‘Home Owner’s Advantage’ which are the kind of products that they need today in the face of the downturn in the economy.

FCMB’s Unlock your Cash, a variant of the bank’s flagship mortgage product, ‘MyHome’ is one of the most popular refinance products in Nigerian mortgage market. This gave opportunity to people who had worked hard to build or buy their homes to let those homes work for them by releasing the funds comparative to the value of the property towards meeting other life needs.

Procurement and Supply Chain

with Gob-Agundu Uche Branch chair (CIPS), Nigeria

Harold Nwariaku M.Sc, FCIPS

I

n every organisation, there are policies (written or unwritten) that guide decision making.

From multipage folders – sometimes automated, to the thoughts and whims of the ‘Oga’, these policies are the guiding rails of activities of employees and departments within the company.

For those people who say that their organisations do not have any, I will only ask you to wait patiently until you or someone else does something to disrupt operations; you will become aware (very quickly) of these policies!

Now, policies are guidelines for action set up by government and non-government organisations that define the way they want to work. Policies are like big signboards that say, “Look out, this is how I want to do things!”

They inform insiders and outsiders of what is allowed, and more importantly, what is not allowed within that space. In fact, one of the reasons they say African businesses don’t outlive their

founders is because of the absence of business policies.

W i t h Pr o c u r e m e n t , t h i s becomes even more critical, because in most organisations, the Procurement department is the only funnel through which money goes out. If the main avenue through which resources are spent doesn’t have strong guidelines, there is a risk that such an organisation will not remain in business for long.

I will now address 2 major benefits of having a good procurement policy in your organisation Th e f i r s t i s C o n t r o l – a comprehensive procurement policy gives you control of your operations and puts you in charge of your work. This means that you get to write your own manual. A lot of work in procurement has to do with managing exceptions.

You have a process for getting things done, but your boss, or an important stakeholder wants it done a different way. With a well written policy, you can capture typical exceptions and how they should be handled; who requests for them and who approves them. Learning this early in my

Some customers who had been forced, in the past, to borrow short tenured loans of 3 to 5 years now have the opportunity, through this refinancing option, to access the product where the bank pays off the loan owed the financial institution and provides more manageable repayment amounts that ease the customer’s cash flow through the bank’s longer tenors.

For existing home owners, the bank allowed them to unlock up to 70 percent of the value of the property if they lived in it and 60 percent if they didn’t. It also provided home owners the opportunity of registering their titles making their properties mobile and ensuring that they were working for them just like share certificates made stocks fluid.

Ladi Balogun, then group managing director and chief executive officer of the bank, remarked then that they had been able to impact positively on tenured loans in the market by providing longer tenure.

“We have been able to offer long tenured loans to the Nigerian mortgage market. Our observation before we entered the market was that only short term loans were available, making mortgages very unaffordable to the average salary earner.

“Now, with a longer pay back period, repayments are more manageable, with the option of reducing

Talking Mortgage with CHUKA UROKO (08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com)

one’s principal outstanding when his economy improves or even leveraging more funds as the property value appreciates”, he said. This kind of statement is rare in the mortgage market of today.

The Home Owners Advantage floated by the defunct Bank PHB was another wealth building product that, by its name, gave advantage to homeowners to build wealth on such homes.

The product was different from traditional mortgage financing in the sense that it allowed those who own their homes and had valid legal titles to them to raise finance out of their property for a fixed period.

The finance they have raised could be used to buy new assets or create new investments, grow their wealth and live better life.

Over all, these are the kind of products that both home owners

and those who want to own one are longing for. According to them, mortgage products should be able to meet the needs of its consumers.

What obtains in the market presently are generally unaffordable and do not give any advantage to existing or prospective homeowners.

Mortgage operators, however, insist that they have ‘something for somebody’ in the market.

In all these, Resort Savings and Loans’ RIMPLAN, an acronym for Resort Investment Plan, and Trustbond Mortgage Bank’s HomePlan stand out. According to the authorities of these banks, subscribers to the RIMPLAN, the explain, is a well thought out product aimed to encourage savings towards homeownership and it facilitates timely and favourably priced mortgage delivery to the subscriber.

Procurement department without policy = Car without steering Procurement career completely changed the way I managed expectations. Don’t sit down frustrated and feeling like a victim under the pressure of so many noncompliant requests. Rather, build those exceptions into your policy, and take control!

The second is Audits – Internal and External Auditors are the bane of procurement organisations. No matter how hard you’ve worked through the year, an audit report can make you feel completely helpless. These auditors can find frozen snow in a desert! They seem to target the only transactions you failed to regularize, and they end up making a big deal out of those. However, if you recognise that they are only doing their jobs, and that audits will never go away, you can learn to embrace them, and work with them to improve your processes. Use the feedback from the auditors to strengthen the weak areas of your policy documents and include a process for self-reporting violations. You must also note that an auditor will only evaluate your work based on the policy documents you have, and this further builds on my case for a well written, comprehensive policy document!

Let me begin to address elements of a good policy document.

Responsibilities A good procurement policy should define the roles and approval levels of the key players

in an organisation who are involved in the procurement process. From the Board of Directors, down to the requester; every approving authority and user of the policy should be listed (by role and not by name!), and their duties with regard to the procurement process should be mentioned. From setting up the policy document itself, to price forecasts, budgets, cost saving targets: to how the supplier database should be managed, when and how to evaluate supplier performance: to which documents should be preserved for audit purposes and for how long. There must be no ambiguity with regards to who should be responsible for certain processes, and the level of authority that person has within the process. This is the first step to having a process that is inclusive, and helps everyone in the organisation know and play their part without fear of violating the policy.

Procurement standards What is in scope of the procedure document and what is not?

What is the requisition (RFx) process? How should ‘requisitioners’ buy stuff? What process should they follow?

When and for what amount of spend should a Purchase Order be required?

When do you need a contract?

Who should approve contracts?

What are the conditions for any of the above to be carried out?

Are there other policies linked to these that need to be consulted for clarity?

Where are these other policies located?

Now you may think that your organisation is too small, or that decisions are made at the whim of your Boss; but what if you were to draft a document detailing these criteria and show it to your Boss for his review and approval? What if this document showed him/her how your organisation could be more audit compliant, and how it would make your processes up to date and how it could only be updated and approved with his input? Any good boss would want that, and will reward such an employee. Of course, these procedures are more mandatory for companies that are listed on the stock exchange, but small companies grow, and my suggestions are for Procurement people who want to develop themselves, and take their career into their own hands. This article and others like it, will help you grow, succeed within the industry, and save your company the headache of a failed audit. ….To be continued Harold Nwariaku, is a fellow of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, CIPS. He is the Principal Consultant at Harold &Co, a Procurement/Supply Chain Consulting firm.

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BDSUNDAY 39

SundayBusiness Nutritional benefits of the fruits-in-season Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

V

ariety is the spice of nutrition, as it is with life. But few of us capitalise on this nature’s truism. In fact, God has been so gracious enough as to make available to us-especially people living in the tropics, with special reference to Nigeria- a wide variety of highly nutritious, colourful fruits, season-in, season out.

Ordinarily, we should avail ourselves of their immense health benefits. Unfortunately, we would rather go for sundry carbonated, fizzy drinks and fried, fatty snacks that are of low calories and nutritional values than go for the fresh, juicy fruits. But when we fall sick, we spend far higher amounts on seeking for cure by depending on processed drugs!

Yet, fruits and vegetables are natural sources of muchneeded nutrients such as vital vitamins, valuable minerals, phyto-chemicals in addition to carbohydrates, proteins and

Spiritonomics

Debo Atiba

www.spiritonomics.org

H

ow do we fare when it comes to forgiveness?

What is forgiveness?

What does God call forgiveness? These and many other questions exist for us to solve. A man has rightly spoken about the selfish nature of man, how we judge others by their actions but judge ourselves by our intentions.

What a double standard way of living! Probably if we judge others by their intentions as against their actions we would not be too quick to condemn them. Do we remember

lipids. But they are the most neglected of all food items.

While some people consider them as inconsequential to their health, others say they are too expensive! That is where the mistake lies.

Let us take a closer look at what we stand to gain by the daily consumption of fruits such as apples, oranges, grapes, pine apple, lemon and watermelon.

Apples Nutritionists say an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

And this is because it provides 1,500mg of Vitamin C. Do not complain that apples are costly because there is value for money as they are rich in anti-oxidants and flavonoids, more so the purple types.

Content wise they are rich in potassium and soluble fibre. But do not use it with sugar, flour or butter because of chemical reactions that could cause allergies. On their functions they prevent respiratory diseases and oveoporosis in women. They enhance the activity of Vitamin C to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

In addition, they are effective in reducing the risk of colon, prostate and lung cancer and Type-2 diabetes. They also assist in removing toxins from the body while also helping women to lose weight and enhancing the power of memory.

Oranges On their part, oranges are rich in Vitamins A, C., folic acid (folate), fibre, potassium, polyphenols, pectin,­ flavonoids, limonoids (d-limoline), calcium, magnesium, iron, 170 phytochemicals in orange.

As for the functions, oranges are anti-inflammatory. The health-protecting agents are

twice in the orange pulp which we often throw away than in the peel. For instance, the peel is rich in limonene that stops cancerous cells before they even begin. Oranges also protect the heart, prevent tumour, birth defects, cervical cancer, stroke and diabetes. They are good at elevating good cholesterol (high density lipo-protein, HDL) and lowering bad cholesterol (lowdensity Lipo-protein, LDL).

Above all, they quicken the healing of wounds, improve blood circulation and are antiageing.

Grapes are rich in vitamin C, boron contain resveratrol (red type), phenol, flavonoid and powerful anthocyanin.

Grapes are effective in fighting infection. It is a nourishing and reinvigorating fruit for sick people. It keeps off osteoporosis (weakening of bones at old age), prevents heart disease and helps to eliminate wastes, especially uric acid. It is good against renal failure and reduces cholesterol accumulation. It prevents cancer, increases blood flow and lowers stress level.

Lemon With regards to its contents, lemon is rich in vitamin C. In fact, a glass of juice contains 30mg of Vitamin C. It is also rich in anti-oxidants such as bioflavonoids− powerful against skin hemorrhage, tuberculosis (pulp & peel) and frequent miscarriage. It is also medicinal against beri-beri, rheumatism, cold and cholera (lemon juice taken frequently).

Am o n g s t i t s n u t r i t i o n a l benefits is that it has powerful anti-oxidants and is therefore, anti-ageing. It is effective in healing wounds fast, facilitates blood flow and is effective

against sore throat once mixed with honey. It also prevents edema (swelling of foot and thrombosis) especially in some pregnant women. It is useful against cancer, stimulates saliva flow for those with dry mouths and is effective against joint pains as it dissolves the citric acid which causes the pain.

One is advised to squeeze the juice of lemon into a cup of hot water and take this on empty stomach, first thing in the morning and stay for 45 minutes before taking breakfast.

Bananas Bananas are rich in potassium , vitamin B6, lectins and protein.

They also possess fibre, calcium, phosphorous, iron and vitamin C. They are cherished because they protect consistent consumers from urinary disorders and tuberculosis. Also, they protect the heart as they lower blood pressure−by lowering blood cholesterol levels.

It also prevents anaemia and constipation, cures heart burns, stress, stroke and ulcer. There are anti-fungal and antibiotic chemicals in peel and pulp of ripe bananas. Taking bananas everyday can prevent stomach disorders, skin rashes and asthma.

It is advisable to eat the ripe one because unripe ones may be difficult to digest.

Pine apple This fruit contains bromelin , vitamins A , B-groups and C. Essentially, its functions include the use for tendering/ softening meat, wound healing after surgery and act as antiinflammatory. This makes it good against arthritis. It also lowers blood cholesterol level (the leaves) and promotes digestion.

Watermelon

This fruit is considered an ideal health food: for more reasons than one containing 92% water. It is high in lycopene, potassium, rich in citrulline amino acid, vitamins A and B6. It also contains thiamine, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, flavonoids, carotenoids, tritropenoids and beta-carotene.

It is recommended for good eyesight, boosting immunity against diseases and retains good memory. It enhances shiny skin, hydrates the body, good for bone and joints health.

It is good for heart health, as it increases blood flow by opening up the blood vessels. It reduces body fat, reduces swelling of b o d y (i n f l a m m a t i o n) a n d facilitates flow of urine(diuretic).

Unlike alcohol and caffeine from coffee that put strains on the kidney watermelon is good for the functions of muscles and nerves. It reduces diseases caused by the eating of animal protein products such as meat(suya), egg and milk.

It maintains healthy skin, teeth and mucus and increases immunity to diseases. What more, it quickens healing of wounds and prevents cell damage.

For all these and more, one is encouraged to go for the fresh fruits mentioned and several others, the nutritional benefits of which will be highlighted with time.

Have a fruitful week ahead!

Baje is Nigerian first Food Technologist in the media ayobaje@yahoo.co.uk; 08057971776

‘Forgive us our trespasses...’(Matthew 6:12) how we feel when we are judged unjustly by our actions by others, even though our intentions were right? At such times, we experience the loneliest period of our lives, we feel let down and abused. We are sober and discouraged for such act of brutality meted against us.

If only we can remember those times, we would be slower at judging others. I am not surprised God has to give this as a condition for us to receive forgiveness. He knew the nature of man, the hardness of man’s heart to never want to FORGIVE when hurt. However to save us from ourselves he had to make this conditional.

Peter wanting to quickly get the issue on forgiveness over with asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” The answer of Jesus to the question shows that forgiveness is not a game of numbers but a heart of love. The issue of forgive-

ness is a very important issue in our lives. We err many times, and this inadvertently damage our relationship with one another and consequently affect our relationship with God. The whole issue of this discuss is about how easy we receive forgiveness from God, but difficult to give it to others. And the above scripture is meant to grant us forgiveness from God because we have forgiven others. Our inability to do this precludes us from enjoying the mercy of God in the area of forgiveness. When men hurt us and leave us shocked in disbelief by their evil act, do we remember to pray for them or we just assume eternal judgment is theirs? In what way do we show love after we have been let down?

Of course, to most us they should fall down and die. That is usually our first response to such events.

However we must never forget the fact that the mercy of God still

seeks them out for more chances.

On no condition must we give up on anyone, and assume that they can never change. You will only be right if you are their God. You and I have hurt other people too knowingly or unknowingly, and here we are today holy and called of God. Whoever gave up on us because of our foolish way of thinking and behaving, forgot the place of God and his love that God has for us. Our God is a God of many chances. The fact that it is a possibility that we ever hurt others shows we are not different from others. When we conclude on a man as being past forgiveness, we automatically underestimate the love of God for humanity.

God does not love us because of what we did right; he loves us unconditionally because he is a God of love. God has asked us this question in Romans 14:4 “who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will

judge whether they stand or fall.

And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.”

When we refuse to forgive others, we hinder our prayers from being answered. We can pray and fast intensively, however this does not move God’s hands. Fasting is meant to change you, by making you more responsive to the leading of God. (Mark 11:25) And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Satan knows this very well so he cooks up reasons why we must never see eye to eye and why we should never forget but retaliate.

You will do yourself a lot of favor by abstaining from pre-judging anyone. Your sole responsibility as a child of God is to love unconditionally.

Remain blessed as you forgive others as they trespass against you. @spiritonomics

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Sunday 03 February 2019

SundayBusiness Globacom to boost financial inclusion with Glo Mobile Money

I

...Announces direction for 2019 with innovative products

nnovative telecoms company and leader of digital revolution, Globacom, has announced a new product, Glo Mobile Money, which will help accelerate financial inclusion to over 60 million unbanked people in the country within a short time.

While unveiling the company’s new communication direction for 2019 at a media forum in Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Globacom’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Technical, Mr. Bisi Koleosho, announced that the Glo Mobile Money is an agent network which will hasten the drive towards a cash-light Nigerian society and will help to boost overall economy of the country.

According to him, the new payment solution, which enables financial transactions on the mobile phone, will provide for safe and secure transfers to re-

duce physical cash management. The solution will allow instant transfers with 24/7 availability with Agent network ready for all payments including merchant, salary, person to person transfers. The solution will also facilitate insurance payments, fixed deposits, international transfers and loans.

Koleosho explained that the Glo Mobile Money does not require high end devices and is not data dependent.

Globacom announced the Glo Mobile Money product along with several other services and products which will position Nigeria to tap into the benefits of the global digital revolution in 2019.

One of the other products announced is World Connect, a new product designed to keep busy executives connected to their offices from anywhere in the world. World Connect

offers “the most affordable roaming data” in and out of 60 countries with over 6.4 million wifi hotspots worldwide including leading airports around the globe.

The other solutions announced by Globacom on Friday are Glo Drive, Glo Health, Glo Entertainment Portal, Glo Call Connect Service, World Connect and Glo Titi, the Artificial Intelligence platform.

Glo Drive, offers limitless storage capacity in the cloud, while Glo Health Care is a digital health assistant designed to offer Nigerians access to best doctors in the world directly on their phone.

The Glo Entertainment Portal provides millions of digital entertainment content through Glo Café while Glo Artificial Intelligence platform will engage customers directly and assist them to get information about data plans, prepaid plans and Value Added Service (VAS). With this platform customers can buy their plans, resolve issues and ask questions 24/7 without any human interface.

To make all these solutions effective and seamless in operation , Koleoso also announced massive investment in infrastructure and network renewal saying that Globacom has “...invested massively in new technologies to introduce these products which we believe will redefine business, social and personal pursuits”.

Capri-Sun unveils new 100ml pouch size

A

t a retail price of N50, Capri-Sun, the favourite fruit drink of children in Nigeria, has been introduced in a new 100ml pouch size in order to meet an increasing consumer demand for more exciting and unique options.

The new pouch size is an addition to excite consumers with the goodness of CapriSun, but more importantly, to give them the power of choice.

Still with the same delightful signature taste and playful pouch, the Capri-Sun 100ml pouch is handy, pocketfriendly and keeps to the brand’s promise of ensuring a taste of fun in every pouch.

Consumers will enjoy the variety of options, ease and convenience in the 100ml pouch, as well as its healthy, naturally tasty and satisfying experience that promotes

an atmosphere of fun and adventure.

The introduction of the new 100ml pouch size is in keeping with current trends, and is based on a richer understanding of consumer desires to enjoy handy, affordable, convenient and unique Capri-Sun experience in exciting options.

For now, only available in Orange and Apple variants, the launch presents a key advantage to drive value and excitement into the category by offering an appealing product option in line with consumer expectations.

According to Deepanjan Roy, Managing Director of Chi Limited, the Capri-Sun 100ml pouch size is uniquely designed in response to consumer demands.

“Capri-Sun’s playful pouch and signature taste which lead to unique experiences of

fun, adventure and carefree pleasure, have made it the preferred fruit drink for children in Nigeria. The 100ml pouch size will delight consumers who have craved for handy and pocket-friendly product choices,” he stated.

The Capri-Sun 100ml pouch size now joins the 200ml by pouch size, which is available in cartons of 40 and 16 pouches and retails for N70, on the market shelf.

It is available in all departmental stores and neighborhood shops located across Nigeria.

Trusted by mothers for its health benefits and widely popular with children across Nigeria for its delicious taste, Capri-Sun is made from natural ingredients, with no artificial sweeteners, and no preservatives. It is healthy, great tasting and filled with lots of energy and fun.

Going Digital With

Wison Moore

• Epileptic power supply.

• Internet Connectivity problems – think phone and data.

• Business executives who don’t appreciate the value of digital marketing.

• A much diverse audience with different cultures and needs.

• Not-so-easy availability of hard currency through most of your ‘friendly’ banks.

Perhaps, as you read and contemplated on those challenges, you might have wondered whether there is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

“Our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change”. -Martin Luther King Jr. As you let that quote marinate, buckle up because I am going to conclude this article on the exciting and amazing opportunities of digital marketing in Nigeria for businesses and employees.

Let’s get started.

Though many people have a poor definition of digital marketing, it is simply ‘The marketing of goods or services using electronic devices and the internet.

Electronic devices include radio, Television, electronic billboards and electronic games.

Therefore, digital marketing involves online and offline marketing.

Digital marketing opportunities for businesses One of the most talked about benefits of online digital marketing is that a targeted audience can be reached in a most cost-effective and measurable way.

Additionally, internet digital marketing makes it ridiculously easy to builda brand as well as drive insane traffic to your website, which leads to leads, conversion and sales of your products or services.

How big is the number of internet users in Nigeria?

The statistics provided

by Statista shows that the number of internet users in Nigeria would be 93 million people in 2019. This number is highly significant for businesses in Nigeria and for companies or organizations that want to engage with

Digital marketing opportunities in Nigeria (2) In part 1 of this article, I addressed the digital marketing challenges in Nigeria. Do you remember them? The digital marketing challenges in Nigeria are: Nigerians on the internet.

Today’s consumer is incredibly demanding, wants instant information and is impatient to a fault.

Therefore, if your business is not able to deliver agile, helpful, engaging, relevant and accurate information about your brand, business, products or services on the channels where your audience is, your competition would.

Savvy companies are using offline and online digital marketing as part of their holistic marketing strategy.

Some of the Online Digital Marketing Strategies include: 1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 2. Search Engine Marketing and Pay-Per-Click Advertising 3. Social Media Marketing 4. Content Marketing 5. Affiliate Marketing 6. Influencer Marketing 7. Email Marketing 8. Viral Marketing 9. Mobile Phone Advertising Internet digital marketing strategies prove awesome benefits. It is ridiculously effective, economical and enables businesses to reach different customer segments in amazing ways.

For instance, you can use Google Adwords to help your company become more customer-centric as you measure the impact of your Ads immediately.

When used correctly and effectively, all of these aspects of digital marketing can skyrocket the sale of your products and services.

Digital marketing opportunities for youths and professionals According to the World Health Organization (WHO) - the world is rapidly ageing.

A whopping two billion people will be 60 years and older by 2050, more than triple the number in 2000.

Interestingly, this demographic change has major implications for the global economy.

Some of the world’s biggest economies are facing a shrinking workforce and diminishing fertility rates.

While two billion people will be 60 years and older by 2050 in developed countries, the figure is not the same in developing countries.

So what that means is that in the coming years, the

developed countries will be needing tons of workers due to their ageing population while the developing countries will have plenty of youths needing work.

In fact, the beauty of digital marketing is that most of the work can be done remotely. And speaking of remote work and digital marketing opportunities, have you heard of Andela?

Andela’s website answers the question - ‘what is Andela?’ It says: “The Andela Fellowship is a new kind of work and learning experience. The initial months of an Andela Fellowship involve immersion simulative training in full-stack (front-end and back-end) development skills. After >1,000 hours of instruction, you begin work for local or international Andela partners as a remote software developer, supported by the Andela ecosystem.”

This places African computer programmers to work remotely for American corporations. By training Nigerian computer programmers, the thinking went, Andela’s office in Lagos would speed the development of the technology industry in those countries. “Technology is the exact opposite of an extractive industry,” says Jeremy Johnson, Andela’s chief executive officer. “Success begets success.”

Please go to nigeria.andela.com to apply to the Nigerian Fellowship.

Get certified By Google in the Fundamentals of Digital Marketing After you get certified in digital marketing by Google, you can work for companies and organisations outside of Nigeria, while in Nigeria. www.remotasks.com/‎ https://www.indeed. com/ We have discussed the challenges of digital marketing in Nigeria and the opportunities for businesses and young professionals. Next week we will go into a detailed discussion on remote work and how companies and employees benefit from such a work arrangement.

Moore is Director of Marketing Anaconda Marketing Ltd, a Lagos-based Digital Marketing Agency +234 080 579 37786 wilson.moore@anacondamarketing.com.ng http://anacondamarketing. com.ng

Sunday 03 February 2019

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Davos 2019

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Some notable quotes from Davos 2019 From comments on global growth, the U.S.-China trade conflict and the prospect of higher taxes, the World Economic Forum has made headlines once again. CNBC takes a look at the most memorable quotes over the past week from the snowy Swiss Alpine resort of Davos.

Angela Merkel

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n a veiled swipe at President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she had “grave doubts” about a changing approach to global affairs in which compromise and multilateralism seemed to be lacking.

“There is a new approach that we see in the world today, an approach that harbours doubts as to the validity of the international system, they say ‘shouldn’t we look after our own interests first’ and then out of that develop an order that is good for all,” she told an audience on Wednesday.

“I have my grave doubts that this is the right way to go about it,” she said via a translation.

Wang Qishan

The Chinese vice president’s eagerly-anticipated speech came ahead of a March 2 deadline for the U.S. and China to strike a new trade deal.

“For the Chinese and U.S. economies, I believe they are in state of (being) mutually indispensable,” Wang said, according to a WEF translation.

“This is a reality; either side can’t do without the other side. So, the conclusion is that there has to be a mutual benefit and win-win (relationship),” he added.

Matt Damon

Ray Dalio

Ray Dalio, the founder of the world’s biggest hedge fund, said that raising taxes on wealthy Americans in response to income inequality could have huge and unintended consequences on markets.

“How tax rates are changed will have a huge effect on incentives and could have a huge effect on capital flows, and that will have big effects on markets and economies,” Dalio said in an interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Dalio made the comments in response to a question about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s proposal to roughly double the top tax rate.

Award-winning actor Matt Damon talked politics, revealing which Democrats he would like to see in the White House.

“There’s going to be a huge Democratic field. I love Joe Biden and especially now, particularly with our institutions under such attack,” he told CNBC Wednesday.

“I think it would be a great signal to the world if we put somebody who was established and very stable and very wise back in charge.”

George Soros

John Kerry

Mark Rutte

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resident Dona l d Tr u m p found support from an unlikely source in Europe — Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte — who told CNBC that the president could be a catalyst for muchneeded reforms.

“The U.S. has voted and Trump is the president and maybe he will be re-elected ... So we

have to work with him, and I think he is an opportunity,” he said.

“He is an opportunity to make changes to some of those multilateral institutions that we hold dearly, like the World Trade Organization (WTO) which is not functioning very well. Or take the United Nations or European Union — there are many issues to solve,” he added.

JairBolsonaro Brazil’s newlyelected populist Presid e n t Ja i r Bo l s o n a r o addressed the world’s business elite, vowing to transform Latin America’s largest economy into a more investmentfriendly country.

“Brazil’s economy is still relatively closed to foreign trade and to change that situation is one of my administration’s major commitments,” Bolsonaro said Tuesday.

“You can be sure that by the end of my term in office, our economic team, led by Minister of Finance Paulo Guedes, will position in the ranking of the 50 best countries in the world to do business,” he added.

Christine Lagarde The International Monetary Fund’s Managing Director, Christine Lagarde, said that the current slowdown in China’s economy is “legitimate,” but warned it could pose a major risk if the downtrend started to accelerate.

“Should the slowdown be excessively fast, it would constitute a real issue both domestically and probably on a more systemic basis,” Lagarde told a CNBC-hosted panel.

Marc Benioff

John Kerry had a one-word answer when asked his message for President Donald Trump: “Resign.”

The former secretary of State and Democratic U.S. senator from Massachusetts made the declaration while speaking on a CNBC panel. Kerry, who lost in his bid to become president in 2004, first hesitated to answer the question, lamenting that Trump “doesn’t take any of this seriously” before calling for his resignation.

Billionaire investor George Soros launched a blistering attack on Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, describing him as the “most dangerous” opponent to those who believe in open society.

His comments come as the Chinese state continues to set up a broad ranking system to monitor its citizens, giving them a social credit score. “I want to call attention to the mortal danger facing open societies from the instruments of control that machine learning and artificial intelligence can put in the hands of repressive regimes,” Soros said.

Silicon Valley has driven San Francisco into a “train wreck” of inequality, with homelessness being a severe issue in the city, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff told CNBC. Benioff added that though the Valley is the home of “an incredible technology industry” that “every city in the world craves,” some executives in the sector are ignoring issues such as gentrification and homelessness.

“In some ways, San Francisco is the canary in the coal mine,” Benioff said.

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Sunday 03 February 2019

BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Is the African retail market ready for the digital boom?

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ore and more African consumers are coming online and their commercial habits are evolving faster than any other demographic in the world. By 2020, consumer spending in Africa is forecasted to exceed $1 trillion annually according to McKinsey’s Global Institute. It is evident that the African market is ripe for a digital retail boom.

Internet penetration in Africa is paving the way for online retail growth and it is revealing the way African consumers choose to pay.

Most of the African e-commerce platforms connect global brands with the continent’s emerging consumers.

With the growth in internet penetration in Africa and mobile becoming the primary tool through which people engage, the trend suggests that it’s inevitable that African consumers will migrate to e-commerce.

Adesh Kisten, head of sales at instant EFT payment service i-Pay talks to IT News Africa about how new technologies empower African merchants and their customers and how e-commerce is booming in Africa.

What can African retailers gain from using technology?

First, they can tap into the underbanked market. In African markets, where credit is often treated with suspicion and cash is still king, lowcost banking providers tend to stay away from lending or credit facilities. Technology is seen as a way to keep the costs that traditional banks have to bear in check – resulting in millions of clients having access to online banking via smart devices but no way to shop online.

Instant EFT solutions open the world of e-commerce up to those “uncarded” millions, creating exciting new markets for merchants and consumers alike.

Second, they can tap into the tech-savvy youth market. These 18

to 30-year-olds have grown up with technology, they expect technology, and they’re early adopters. So keep an eye out for innovative new technologies that have caught the eye of the younger crowd – it can add tremendously to a retailer’s bottomline.

What opportunities do new technologies offer African etailers?

I’ll stick to commenting on new payment technologies, where the biggest opportunity for African e-tailers lies in actually completing the sale. Traditionally, bank-tobank payments involve an arduous manual process, resulting in a high rate of abandonment. Not only does this impact on the efficiency of collections, but there are safety and security concerns as well. New payment technologies, like instant EFT, offer solutions that are simple and easy, and make it much easier to complete the payment than traditional EFT solutions do. For instance, using i-Pay, transactions are concluded in less than 15 seconds using a scalable Web-based system

that is completely cardless.

Technology is also, simply put, the gateway to the youth market – the convenience factor alone (making a payment in seconds rather than minutes) is a huge attraction for them.

New technologies also empower merchants and their customers to embrace a more cost-effective, secure, and mobile environment to make the transaction process as smooth as possible.

Why is it important that etailers have an alternative payment method?

First and foremost, pragmatism.

As witnessed over successive Black Fridays in South Africa, traditional payment methods have consistently failed to keep up with surges in transaction volumes, falling over and preventing the sale from being completed – with devastating impact on e-tailers’ bottom lines.

The hyper-availability of alternate payment methods, which are inherently better-suited to ecommerce, has enabled e-tailers to offer their consumers options to complete

the transaction more conveniently, reliably and securely. This is effectively illustrated by the messaging from South Africa’s largest e-tailer, Takealot.com, on Black Friday 2018, directing its customers to use instant EFT payment options such as i-Pay. Furthermore, as more African financial institutions align themselves to meet the unique challenges of the continent by offering digital solutions, the digital payments market in Africa is seeing unprecedented growth. Significant investment in infrastructure and technology has accelerated growth in Africa over the past decade, establishing it as the second-fastest growing economic region in the world. According to the Digital Access: The Future of Financial Inclusion report from Mastercard Foundation and IFC, a financial inclusion project run by the two in Africa has seen $300-million in monthly transactions from 7.2-million new digital financial services users and 45,000 new banking agents since it launched in 2012.

With the global digital payments market valued at $32.5 billion in 2017, and projected to reach $86.76 billion by 2023, there is no arguing the potential that alternative digital payment methods offer.

What can e-tailers do to deliver a superior shopping experience to customers?

While traditional cash and card payments will still be here for the foreseeable future, alternative digital payment methods are disrupting how online and in-store purchases are done. In a continent where mobile is king and there are concerns about having large amounts of cash on hand, the flexibility, security and convenience that digital payment technologies provide both the customer and the merchant set the scene for digital payments to become commonplace.

Do you think retailers in Africa are embracing the connected retail revolution?

Gulder redefines brand position, urge consumers to “own their journey” Anna Omale

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rand owners of Gulder, a beer brand have announced new brand positioning for the brand going into 2019.

Popularly revered for being the Ultimate beer, and known for its sleek golden brown bottle with the iconic helmet, Gulder will now be extending its market penetration by redefining the brand to Nigerians, urging them to own their journey.

The “Own Your Journey” phrase has just been introduced as the beer brand’s tagline, as Gulder seeks to alter its messaging to reflect its current brand position and craft a better narrative that can connect with its target audience.

This fresh brand perspective will oversee some new creative directions which will further help distinguish Gulder from all other competing beer brands. Plans are already in place to launch a series of events that will cut across various media channels to communicate the fresh new identify of the Gulder brand.

The beer brand in 2018, introduced its bold new label design.

The new label design, showcases one of Gulder’s strongest brand assets, ‘The Gulder Knight’, which is faced forward giving the Gulder brand a more progressive outlook and a new tagline inspired by a fresh perspective themed “Looking Forward”.

This change further cemented Gulder’s position as the drink for the modern man.

Since its launch in 1970, Gul-

der has often set high standards, achieving various milestones during its illustrious years as the “The Ultimate Beer”. This often led to the brand being regarded as Nigeria’s most innovative beer brand. Now with its decision to urge consumers to “Own Their Journey”, Gulder is set to up the ante by challenging

Nigerians to take charge of their quest for success and their proverbial journey towards achieving their personal and professional goals.

Shedding more light on the new brand position, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Emmanuel Oriakhi, said, ‘Gulder is one of the oldest beer brands in Nigeria, and as we continue to evolve as a brand, we feel the need to continually redefine what Gulder represents.

This is not a complete change of direction, we are simply crafting a narrative that allows us communicate our brand values better.

We want to encourage Nigerians to be proud of their quest for success. As young Nigerians, we are all on a journey towards achieving our personal and professional goals. This journey is what we want to celebrate’.

Yes, and it’s paying off for them.

For instance, the rising popularity of alternative payment technologies means that merchants often experience a rapid increase in the number of successful transactions being made on their sites from both existing and new users that enjoy the service. Some merchants have seen user growth of up to 70% month on month since introducing new payment channels. That translates to savings in credit card fees and reduced cash handling fees that go straight to the bottom line.

Given that most alternative payment providers only take a small percentage of each sale, none of the monthly or transaction fees typically associated with online gateways apply. This means that fees will never outweigh profits.

For small merchants trying to compete with bigger, well-established brands, this provides further impetus for growth.

What will be some of the biggest retail trends in 2019?

Like Nielsen, I believe that in Africa, retail will transcend physical and virtual borders, as internet access across the continent improves.

And, as BMI Research indicates, decreased data costs are likely to equal increased e-commerce, omnichannel will be adopted at a much greater rate as consumers demand anywhere, anytime access, and we’re likely to see greater adoption of global shopping days like Singles Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

I also believe that we will see some of the trends predicted for the US and UK spilling over into the African market. For instance, in the UK the IGD Retail Analysis identifies seamless stores, where technological advances will drive shopper expectations and the evolution of the physical store.

Similarly, Forbes’s US prediction of faster shipping in e-commerce is likely to materialise in Africa. Culled from Bizcommunity

Nigeria stands still for BBNaija auditions

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UDITIONS for the fourth edition of Big Brother Naija began today February 1 and going by the pictures and comments on social media, this year’s auditions have recorded possibly the highest population in the history of the series. This spike could be attributed to the increase in audition venues from six to eight.

They include: Abuja, Benin, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Warri.

Thousands of young people flooded the venues with hopes of being chosen as housemates in the Big Brother Naija House competing for the ultimate prize.

As expected, the Lagos venue has been adjudged to have hosted the largest crowd with an estimated 6,000 BBNaija hopefuls on day one of the auditions and a total of 13,000 participants across the 8 cities.

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EquityMarket Newrest ASL becomes the 100th firm to delist from NSE since 2002 Stories by TELIAT SULE

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hareholders of Newrest ASL, have mandated the management of the company to proceed with their plan to voluntarily delist from the Daily Official List and from the Main Board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE).

The authorisation was given at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the firm which was fuly convened and held on January 29, 2019 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State.

“Pusuant to the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the company dated 18th December 2018, consent hereby accorded to the Board , by the members of the company, to seek voluntary delisting of all the shares of the company from the Daily Official List and from the Main Board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange where the shares of the company are currently listed, subject to the listing rules of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and all other applicable laws.

“The board be, and is hereby authorised to do all such acts, deeds, matters , and delegations that may be required for giving effects to the above resolution”, a statement signed by LPC Solicitors, the company’s secretary, said.

By the time this decision is implemented, Newrest ASL will become the 100th company to get delisted from the NSE since 2002.

In 2002, two firms, Imprest Bakolori and Dumez Nigeria, delisted their shares from the NSE. CFAO Nigeria was the only firm which delsited its shares voluntarily in 2007. In 2008, a total of 19 firms delisted their shares from the Daily Official List of the NSE. Notable amongst them were Sun

Insurance Plc,Intra Motors, Atlas Nigeria, Enpee and Tate Industries, among others.

In 2009, a total of 11 companies were delisted from the NSE while only two firms got their shares delisted from the NSE in 2010.

Twenty-one (21) firms delisted their shares from the NSE in 2011, and that was the year the highest number of firms got delisted in a financial year. Three (3) firms were delisted in 2012, while 4 were delisted in 2013.

In 2014, six firms were equally delisted from the NSE; 4 firms in

35 stocks gain in January 2019

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hirty five equities listed in the different sub sectors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) appreciated in value in the first month of trading in 2019. The share prices of 18 stocks remained uncahnged while 57 stocks are laggards. C & I Leasing, with 407.9 percent price appreciation, topped the list of gainers as it closed at N9.07 per share.

Royal Exchange closed at N0.29 per share to record 31.8 percent share price appreciation in January 2019.

Construction giant, Julius Berger, had ist share price rise by 29.4 percent to close at N26 per share while the share prices of Sterling Bank and Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) apprecaited by 25.8 percent and 23.7 percent

respectively, as the top five most appreciated stocks in January 2019.

The share prices of Abbey Building, Cadbury, Capital Hotels, Chams, Conoil, Courtville, CWG, Enamelwa, ETI, FTN Cocoa, Jaiz Bank, May and Baker, Morison Industries, Standard Insurance, Tantalizers, remianed unchanged during the period. Others in this category are Transcorp Hotels, Tripple Gee, Universal Insurance and NASCON Allied Industries .

The worst performing stocks are Newest ASL and Chi whose share prices declined by 18.4 percent each; Beger Paints which fell by 18.6 percent; Glaxosmithkline and Flour Mills that fell by 19.7 percent each, while the share price of Resort Savings fell the most by 60 percent.

2015, and 15 in 2016. In addition, six companies got their shares delisted in 2017 and four in 2018 .

On January 25, 2019, Great Nigeria Insurance had its shares delisted from the main board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange to be the 99th firm to be delisted since 2002.

When analysed by reasons for delisting from the NSE, 70 firms were delisted by regulatory mandate, either by the Nigerian Stock Exchange or the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

Nineteen firm got delisted voluntarily, four were nationalised by

the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) while others were delisted through merger and aqcquisitions.

Analysts have adduced different reasons as to why companies may want to delist their shares from the NSE, such fulfilling the strategic plans and objectives of it founders and their inability to fulfil post listing rules.

“The choice to list or delist is a strategic decision that is embedded in a company’s phylosophy and growth plan. Whilist ASL may have been listed to drive growth through increased access to capi-

tal and enhanced governance, the major shareholders may have fulfiled these objectives. Moreso, the region makers in ASL may have a change in strategy and such strategic shift may be best suited by taking the company private, said Abiola Rasak, head, investor’s relations, the United Bank for Africa (UBA). “ Most of those companies are closely held with little float.

There is therefore no incentive or business as imperative as to stay public”, said Kemi Akinde, senior analyst with Meristem Securities.

Unaudited nine months results ended September 30, 2018 indicated that total revenue increased by 42 percent from N2.83 billion in 2017 to N4.03 billion in September 2018. Other income rose by 136 percent from N281.5 million to N663.6 million. Finance income from continuining operations rose by 478 percent to N1.09 billion up from N189.4 million in corresponding period in 2017. Profit after tax from continuing and discontinued operations increased by 296 percent to N1.09 billion from N276.8 million in corresponding period in 2017.

Incorpoared on June 12, 1996, Newrest ASL started its operations as Air Services and Logistics Plc, it got listed on the main board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on July 25, 2007. The company is into flight catering, running of restaurants in airport lounges and other outlets. At a board meeting held on November 19, 2015, the board of the company recommended to the shareholders for approval the change of the company’s name from Airline Services and Logistics Plc to Newest ASL Plc. At a cuurent market price of N6.45 per share, Newrest ASL has 634 million shares outstanding as at February 1, 2019.

Guinea Insurance denies suspension by NAICOM

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he managment of Guinea Insurance Plc has debunked the rumours making rounds that it has been suspended by the regulatory body, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

The newspaper report(not BusinessDay & BD Sunday), says that “NAICOM has suspended Guinea Insurance because of its failure to appoint a substanstive managing director and for failure to secure reinsurance traety, among others.”

“On the basis of this, we are constrained as a company to set the record straight by informing the general public, business as-

sociates, shareholders, prospective investors and policyholders that the report posits compelling stand for a rebuttal as the Board of Guinea Insurance PLC had on 15th February 2018 appointed Babatunde Oshadiya as managing director/chief executive officer of the Company and the proposal for his appointment was submitted to NAICOM for approval. The said notification captioned “Guinea Insurance appoints Oshadiya MD/ CEO” was uploaded on Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) portal’, a statement signed by Godson Ugochukwu, chairman, board of directors stated.

“Meanwhile, on the reinsurance treaty, there is available and incontrovertible evidence showing that Guinea Insurance Plc has a treaty back up for 2019 packaged by its lead reinsurance broker-Glanvill Enthoven Reinsurance Brokers Limited. On the 17th December 2018, Glanvill Enthoven Reinsurance Brokers Limited sent the Guinea Insurance Plc 2019 reinsurance treaty cover notes to the company, which documents have been duly delivered alongside all contractin signed slips as evident in the acknoledgement letter stamped as “received

by NAICOM on 18th December 2018”, Ugochukwu added.

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Sunday 03 February 2019

CRIME WATCH 300 Okada riders invade Ayade’s office, attack security personnel

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MIKE ABANG,CALABAR

ver 300 motor cycles Friday invaded the g o v e r n o r ’s office and attacked some security personnel on duty and smashed glass doors, windows, while the governors and his team was on a campaign tour to Bakassi local government Area of the state.

The rampaging okada riders had dragged the corpse of their members allegedly killed Friday by the task force in charge of special services attached to Ani Esin who is special security adviser to the governor for southern senatorial district.

The victim, an okada rider, was said to have been beaten to a coma by members of the task force until he became unconscious.

The incident was said to have happened in Ikot Ansa, close to the popular St Patrick College.

He died while being taken by his colleagues to a health facility. His death.

This drew the ire of the colleagues The protesting okada riders had arrived the governor’s office and effort-

lessly overpowered three unsuspecting, unarmed security personnel made up of an officer of the NSCDC, and two policemen.

They damaged the security paraphernalia at the main gate, tore the official security registers, went for the main entrance (reception) and smashed the glass doors as well as the office of the protocol who also joined Ayade at his campaign.

As they became more violent, reinforcements of armed soldiers from 13 Brigade of Nigerian Army and policemen from the nearby

state police command arrived.

They had shot several times into the air to scare and disperse the stubborn crowd of okada riders and onlookers but a couple of the okada men were not so lucky as the combined team of soldiers and policemen arrested and thoroughly beat them up.

Reacting, state Police PRO Irene Ugbo explained that the victim fell from his motorcycle and died when the task force team wanted to arrest him for violating government ban on okada plying major road.

Ogun: Police arrest Man, 47, over alleged murder of lover RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta

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peratives of Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 47-year old man, Kazeem Adebayo who allegedly murdered his 30-year old lover, Abosede Adesanya over N500,000.

The suspect, who until his arrest resided in Ijebu-Igbo and was arrested following a complaint by the mother of the deceased, one Amoke Onasanya, who reported the case at Ijebu-Igbo Police Divisional Headquarters on the 25th January, 2019 said that her daughter received a call from her man friend on 24th of January 2019 and that he had got a plot of land for her to buy for her mother, consequent upon which the deceased left home with the sum of N530,000.

She added that hours after she left home, her cell phone was switched off and she had not been reached since then. Upon the report, the said man friend, Kazeem Adabayo was invited by the Police at Ijebu-Igbo Division, but he denied knowing the whereabouts of the deceased.

This prompted the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu to order the Deputy Commissioner of police in charge of State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Wale Abbas to take over the investigation with the view to discovering the mystery behind the sudden disappearance of the victim who was a mother of five.

The technical investigation taken led to the

discovery of a shallow grave right inside the suspect’s house. When the grave was dug, the decomposing body of the victim was discovered.

It was at this point that the suspect confessed killing the deceased and taking possession of the N530,000 on her.

He confessed further that he used a club to hit her on the head which led to the deceased death and subsequently buried her in his house, in order to cover any trace of the woman’s death to him.

He also confessed that he had used N30,000 out of the money he took from the deceased to settle an outstanding debt while the remaining N500,000 is being kept with one of his friends.

Meanwhile, the corpse of the deceased has been deposited at General Hospital morgue for post mortem, while the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu has directed the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department to expedite action into the investigation in order to arraign the suspect before a Court of Competent Jurisdiction as soon as possible.

Court admits evidence showing how ex-Kano Gov Shekarau, others shared N950m Diezani bribe INNOCENT ODOH, Abuja

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he trial of a former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, continued on February 1, 2019 with Justice Lewis Allagoa of a Federal High Court, Kano, admitting in evidence, the statements made by Shekarau and two others with whom he is facing money laundering charges.

Shekarau is standing trial along with Aminu Bashir Wali and Mansur Ahmed on a six-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N950, 000, 000 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) only.

A statement issued on Friday by the Acting Spokesman of the commission, Tony Orilade, said they are alleged to have taken possession of the said sum, which was “part of an unlawful act of Diezani Alison-Madueke”, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, for gratification purpose, in the build-up to the 2015 general election.

The statements made

by the three defendants under interrogation, were tendered in evidence by the prosecution led by EFCC counsel, Samuel Chime. They were admitted in evidence and marked as Exhibits A, A1, A2, B and C. The court also admitted in evidence a receipt of payment and a letter both from Fidelity Bank as Exhibits D and D1, respectively.

Prosecution witness, Mahmud Tukur, an operative of the EFCC, told the Court how investigations revealed that they colluded and collected the N950 million from Fidelity Bank and distributed same among members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Kano.

He said: “After concluding the investigation, it was revealed that N950 million was received by the 2nd and 3rd defendants on the 9th March 2015 at Fidelity Bank Plc Murtala Mohammed Way Branch Kano and was handed over by the 2nd and 3rd defendants to the chief detail of the 1st defendant on the consent of the 1st defendant and the N950,000,000 was transported to the house of

the 1st defendant where it was distributed on the 27th of March 2015.”

He noted that the handling of the cash for the distribution contravened the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, as it was above the threshold permitted by law.

Tukur further told the Court that Shekarau got N25 million, while Wali received N25 million, with

Mansur getting N10 million.

Tukur, whose testimony began on January 31, 2019, had while been led in evidence by Chime, told the Court that the EFCC received intelligence report that Diezani warehoused N23 billion at Fidelity Bank, in Lagos, out of which N950 million was “directed” to be given to the PDP in Kano, which was received two

days to the 2015 presidential election, by Wali and Mansur.

He said: “Having received this report, a case file was opened for the intelligence and we commenced investigation by visiting Fidelity Bank’s Muratala Mohammed Way Branch, Kano and we interviewed the Business Manager, Aliyu Dau Aliyu and the operation manager.

“In the course of the interview, they confirmed to us that they gave the 2nd and 3rd defendants the sum of N950 million and shortly after that, they provided us with the receipt of payment alongside the identification document of the 2nd and 3rd defendants via a letter dated 27th April, 2016.”

Under cross-examination, S.T. Ologunorisa, SAN, counsel for the 2nd and 3rd defendants, asked Tukur if he had the account name and number of the bank account that Deizani used to “warehoused” the N23 billion.

“It was an intelligence report that we acted on,” he replied.

Ologunorisa then asked

if he was aware of the fundraising dinner that generated over N20 billion for the PDP, to which Tukur responded that he had no knowledge of it, the statement said.

The prosecution, thereafter, called its second witness, Saheed Adeolula, a former staff of Fidelity Bank Plc branch that allegedly received the money.

Adeolula told the court that his bank had sometimes in March received instruction from the Headquarters for the release of the sum of N950 million to the 2nd defendant who was accompanied by one other person, the statement added.

The witness informed the court that before releasing the money, he called to get confirmation from the Divisional Head of Operations who told him to carry out the transaction as instructed.

“We then approached the Central Bank of Nigeria to get the money because there was not enough money at the branch and due to the delay from the CBN, the transaction was done in the night,” he said.

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Health&Science Social Media strategist sets to improve hygiene among girl-child in Nigeria … takes ‘Give A Girl Child A Pad’ campaign to Ibadan IFEOMA OKEKE

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s part of his Corporate Social Responsibility popular social media strategist Pamilerin Adegoke a.k.a “The Pamilerin” kicked off his pet project ‘Give A Girl Child A Pad’ in the last quarter of 2018 at the Alapere senior high school, Ketu, Lagos State.

According to Pamilerin, ‘the economic situation in Nigeria is already bad enough and its sad to realize that a lot of women and young girls can’t even afford something as basic as a pad, so my team and I came up with the idea to do the best we can to ensure as many girls as possible get access to sanitary pads’.

The first edition took place in November at the Alapere

How alcohol affects allergies

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lcohol has links with many potential health problems.

Th e s e r a n g e from heart and liver damage to a greater risk of certain cancers. For some people, alcohol can also make allergy symptoms worse.

People who experience discomfort, such as stomach cramps, hives, or other unusual symptoms, after drinking alcohol may have one of the following: allergic symptoms due to immune system problems that result from alcohol consumption alcohol intolerance due to digestive issues allergic reactions or an intolerance to ingredients other than alcohol, such as the histamines in red wine and the gluten in beer and some hard liquors worsening allergy symptoms due to the effects of alcohol Allergy symptoms that alcohol makes worse Drinking alcohol may worsen allergy symptoms, including sneezing and coughing.

Researchers are exploring the complex relationship between alcohol and allergic reactions.

One report, which the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) cite, found a link between high levels of alcohol use and high IgE levels. IgE is an antibody that suggests that a person may have allergies.

People should note,

however, that its authors do not propose that this means that alcohol causes allergies.

Instead, they state that the data indicate that alcohol interacts with a component involving the body’s allergic response.

According to Phil Lieberman, who speaks on behalf of the AAAI, other studies have shown links between drinking alcoholic beverages and the following allergy symptoms: Asthma Headaches Nasal blockages Itching Sneezing Nasal discharge Coughing Hives Allergy types that alcohol worsens Consuming alcoholic beverages has links to increases in allergic reactions.

The AAAI report that, in general, alcohol: lowers the amount of an allergen necessary to cause a reaction makes allergen-related allergic reactions develop more quickly increases the severity of allergic reactions One older study in people with asthma found that over 40 percent of participants

said that drinking alcohol prompted allergy or allergylike symptoms. Also, 30–35 percent said that it made their asthma worse.

Drinking alcohol can also make cases of hives worse.

It is best for people who have gluten intolerance to avoid beer, unless it is gluten-free.

It is also important to remember that ingredients besides alcohol can cause some symptoms.

The following ingredients can cause allergy-like reactions in people sensitive to them: Yeast Hops Barley

Grapes Certain alcohol processing techniques can also trigger reactions for people in the following ways: Aging: Drinking alcohol that has aged in wooden barrels can prompt allergic reactions in people sensitive to tree nuts.

Wine treated to improve clarity and color: Such wine may contain ingredients made from dairy, egg, or fish products and cause symptoms in people who are allergic or intolerant.

Beer or wine treated with sodium metabisulfate: This process may cause reactions in people with asthma.

Culled from Medical News Today (MNT)

Senior High School, Ketu where 1300 sanitary pads were distributed to secondary school girls and just a few days ago, the train moved to the ancient city of Ibadan in Oyo State where students of People’s Girls Grammar school and Isabatudeen Girls Grammar school got their share of free sanitary pads.

Over 1500 sanitary pads were shared in Ibadan.

In the words of Pamilerin, ‘we’ll continue to do the best we can to help the girl child and let them know that they are not alone. In the coming weeks, the train will move to other South Western States in the country’.

However organisers are calling on both the private and public sector for support on this laudable project.

ACT foundation targets cancer-free Afric

… Joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Cancer Day 2019 MICHEAL ANI

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ith a mission to reduce the spate of cancer, leading grant-making non-profit organization, ACT Foundation has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the iconic World Cancer Day. This globally recognized observance day is celebrated annually on February 4 to sensitize people on the menace of cancer as well as on its prevention; while galvanizing support for people living with cancer.

Themed “I am and I will”, the uniqueness of the 2019 World Cancer Day lies in its individualistic call-to-action, clamouring for a personal commitment to impacting the future and creating a cancerfree world.

Lending her voice to this celebration, Osayi Alile, CEO, ACT Foundation, stressed the need for people, organisations and governments to come together to stamp out cancer.

She noted that the negative far-reaching effects of cancer have made the deadly disease a key area of intervention in the health focus of ACT Foundation.

Alile said, “At ACT Foundation we strongly believe in a cancer-free Nigeria and a cancer-free world, and to achieve this we have lent our support to organisations that are actively involved in raising awareness as well early detection and prevention in the areas of prostate, breast and cervical cancers”.

In over 25 months of existence, ACT Foundation has partnered with over 7 cancerfocused nonprofit organiza-

tions and impacted the lives of over 10,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria.

“Through raising the public knowledge and understanding around cancer, we reduce the fear of the disease, increase understanding, dispel myths and misconceptions, and change behaviours and attitudes towards it,”Alile added.

Cancer remains a growing concern in our world as statistics provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals that every year over 9.6 million cancer deaths are recorded globally.

This number is more than the deaths caused by HIV/ AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. This is further heightened by research forecasting that by 2030, cancer deaths will have risen to 13 million.

To improve the efficacy on the fight against cancer, the battle cannot be left in the hands of government or civil society alone, individual philanthropists and private sector players must implement resource-appropriate strategies on prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer, so as to save up to 3.7 million lives every year.

Alile furthered reiterated ACT Foundation’s commitment to combating cancer stating that the organization will continually provide immense support to nonprofits who encourage and sustain awareness on cancer prevention and early detection”.

The World Cancer Day is a reminder for individuals to show support as well as raise their voices collectively, take personal action and urge the governments to do more in the fight against cancer.

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Sunday 03 February 2019

Sports In Numbers: How Premier League January spendind slumps to £180m

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Stories By Anthony Nlebem

remier League clubs put the brakes on spending during the January transfer window with a total sum £180million, falling for the first time since 2012.

Top-flight teams prioritised loan deals, often with an option to buy in the summer, rather than permanent signings as club executives shy away from what one has described as being asked to pay crazy money for players.

Football managers and pundits described it as one of the quietest transfer windows experienced in almost a decade.

The spending of Premier League clubs in January accounted for 51% of transfer fees paid out by Europe’s top five leagues.

Nearly a third of the total expenditure was accounted for by Chelsea’s £55million outlay for Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund.

2018 winter transfer window saw top flight clubs shell out £430million, with big money moves including Virgil van Dijk bought for £75million and Aymeric Laporte for £50million.

Most of the major transfers this January saw players leaving Premier League sides, with Brahim Diaz moving from Manchester City to Real

Madrid for £15.5million, Mousa Dembele moving to Guangzhou R&F from Tottenham for £11million and Schalke shelling out £9.6million for Manchester City’s Rabbi Matondo.

Tim Bridge, director in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: “As we approach a decisive phase of the season, Premier League clubs’ January transfer spending has been relatively muted in comparison to what we have seen in previous years.”

January spending was at £225million in 2011 but fell to £60million in the following year.

It doubled the following year, and remained steady at £130million in 2014 and 2015, before jumping to £175million, £215million and £430million over the last three seasons.

The £180million transfer bill means total gross spending by Premier League clubs in the

2018/19 season is an estimated £1.4billion, the second-highest season ever following record spend of £1.9billion in 2017/18.

Other findings from Deloitte included the socalled Big Six accounting for 43% of the January expenditure, lower than last January when this figure stood at 62%.

Equally, those in the bottom six of the table spent £20million – compared to £70million in the same period last season.

Championship clubs spent £60million in the window, more than double last year’s total of £30million, Deloitte added.

Across the summer and January transfer windows combined, Premier League clubs spent an estimated £1.4 billion. That figure is the second highest for an entire season following record spend of £1.9 billion in 2017/ 2018.

The Premier League re-

mains the highest importer of overseas talent, with 72% of the players bought by clubs in 2018-19 coming from abroad.

Chelsea completed the biggest signing with the acquisition of winger Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund for £58m, but they loaned the USA international back to the Bundesliga leaders until the end of the season.

Chelsea also brought in Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain on loan from Juventus for the remainder of the campaign - with the option to buy him outright for 36m euros (£31.4m) this summer.

Bournemouth were one of the busiest clubs, completing three deals. Striker Dominic Solanke came in from Liverpool for £19m, as did right-back Nathaniel Clyne on loan, while Wales defender Chris Mepham joined from Championship side Brentford for £12m.

Copa del Rey: Two Clasicos in four days

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arcelona and Real Madrid will do battle in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, while Valencia face Real Betis in the tournament’s other clash.

Th e r e w i l l b e n o chance of a Clasico cup final as many were craving, but the two great rivals will square up over two legs for a spot in the May showdown.

The first of the two semi-final matches will take place on 6 February at the Camp Nou at 9.30pm CET. Then, two El Clasico matchups will be witnessed at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in four days: first on 27 February for the second leg, before their LaLiga

Santander meeting.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have not met in the tournament since the 2014 final where Los Blancos won 2-1 in extra-time through a Gareth Bale wonder goal.

It will be the eighth two-legged semi-final matchup between the pair, with the last one coming in the 2012/13 season which saw Madrid win 4-2 on aggregate.

Real Betis and Valencia will compete in the other semi-final, with the former having the added motivation of reaching the grand final which will be hosted at their home stadium.

Total powers Nigerian athletes to victory at World Para Powerlifting Championship …As Nigeria finished top with 42 medals

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eading player in the oil and gas sector, Total Nigeria will be powering the 2019 edition of the World Para Powerlifting Championship.

Cameroon, Cote d’ Ivoire, Ghana, Guniea, Central African Republic, Tanzania and host nation Nigeria makes the list of seven African nations that will be participating at this year’s World Para Powerlifting championship taking place in Lagos, between 28 and 30 January, 2019 at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

Speaking at the opening ceremony to herald the commencement of competition, Nicolas Terraz, Country Chairman,

Total Nigeria said Total is proud to be part of Powerlifting Sports in Nigeria “Total is delighted to support the hosting of the 2019 Para powerlifting competition because the ideals of para sports are very much aligned to Total’s vision of diverse and inclusive societies where everyone is enabled to contribute.”

Eighty athletes from seven African countries will be competing for laurels.

“We are really excited to welcome all the athletes from various parts of the world. It is always a great delight to see people from all over the world assembled in one place and sharing the

same passion for sport.

The energy, the enthusiasm, the friendships, the solidarity, the triumphs, the celebrations and even the defeats pay tribute to our shared humanity and the greatness we can achieve when we come together as a team!

I salute your great efforts and achievements in this sport.”

Nigerian team finished top with 20 gold, 15 silver and 7 bronze medals, making a total of 50 medals as Nigeria continue to show their dominance in Para powerlifting sport.

Feyisetan Are, head coach of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting team stated that he is proud of the achievements of

R-L: Representative of Nicolas Terraz, Managing Director, Total E&P Nigeria Limited, Engr Vincent Nnadi, Executive General Manager, CSR, Total E&P Nigeria Limited in a warm handshake with Roland Ezeruike, as Lucy Ejike looks on at the opening ceremony of the International Para Powerlifting Competition held in Lagos on 27, January 2019

the team and expected a resounding victory.

“I am happy with what my athletes have been able to achieve on home soil, they all performed excellently well.

“I remember that sometimes last year, i vowed that we are going to host and win this competition and I thank God that it has come to reality.

“I must say that the

future of powerlifting in Nigeria is bright, the upcoming athletes really proved their worth in the championships and we will continue to nurture them to stardom.

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BDSUNDAY 47

Sports

Dalung, Pinnick, Dikko meet Super Eagles kit sponsor NIKE

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Cairo stadium to be revamped ahead of 2019 AFCON

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Stories By Anthony Nlebem

head of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be hosted by Egypt, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said that the stadium will be upgraded to host the games.

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) runs from June 7 until June 30.

He also assured that

tha renovation would be completed within the next three months.

There will also be a number of other stadiums hosting AFCON games across Egypt, like Al Salam Stadium (Cairo), Alexandria Stadium, Haras El-Hodoud Stadium (Alexandria), Suez Stadium, Port Said Stadium and Ismailia Stadium.

In January 2019, Egypt won the bid to host the

AFCON after winning majority of the votes against South Africa.

Initially, Cameroon was set to host the cup, however, that changed following delays in its preparations and the rise of violent separatist uprising.

Egypt previously hosted the tournament in 1959, 1974, 1986 and 2006 and won the cup a record of seven times.

hieftains of the Ni g e r i a Fo o t ball Federation (NFF), led by Minister of Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung were in London to meet with Super Eagles kits sponsor, NIKE in a view of reviewing the performance of a new and robust contract signed

by NFF and NIKE in November 2018.

The meetings would also dwell on merchandizing, as well as previewing and authorization of a new kit design for the National Teams to be launched in the summer of Year 2020.

Barr. Solomon Dalung, with President of the Nigeria Football Federation and 1st Vice President of CAF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick and NFF 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman and Member of FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee Shehu Dikko will attend the first of the meetings on Thursday evening at the NIKE UK office in London.

NIKE officials confirmed to thenff.com on Thursday morning that Super Eagles’ stars Alex Iwobi, of Arsenal FC of England, and Leicester City FC’s Wilfred Ndidi, have also been invited

to attend the previewing of the design to give player options and suggestions. They added that they are delighted to have Nigeria’s Minister of Sports attend the meetings.

NIKE and the Nigeria delegation will also firm up strategy to set up outlets (and online platforms) across Nigeria to ensure NIKE kits and other merchandise are more available to fans across the country and the world.

It is best practice for the world’s leading kit manufacturers to invite top officials of their clients to preview and authorize a new design before the said piece is produced and launched for use.

It would be recalled that NIKE’s special design for Nigeria for the 2018 FIFA World Cup,

which sold out on the streets of London hours after it was released onto the market on the first day of June last year, was previewed and authorized by the NFF bigwigs in Year 2016.

The current designs would remain until the 2020 Olympics when the new designs would be launched.

Production would only begin on the new design after the previewing and authorization, and would be launched in July 2020, on the margin of the Olympic Games in Tokyo. It would serve the various National Teams between 2020 and the early months of 2022, before a new design would be released for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after the Super Eagles must have qualified.

Wilder says confident of a rematch with Fury Real Madrid president Florentino Perez tops Spain’s football rich list

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BC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is “100%” certain a rematch with Britain’s Tyson Fury will take place.

The pair fought a controversial draw in Los Angeles in December, with many people believing 30-year-old Fury had won, despite being knocked down twice.

American Wilder, 33, said: “I think 100% it’s going to be done, it’s just a matter of time.

“It’snotifithappens,it’swhen ithappensandwearelookingat late April or early May.” The original fight was scored 115-111 for Wilder, 114-112 for Fury and 113113, with Fury’s second knockdown in the 12thround proving crucial.

The draw was the first time either man had not been victorious in a professional fight, after Wilder had won his first 40 contests and Fury had won his previous 27 bouts.

For Fury it was his first title match-up since he beat Wladimir Klitschko for the

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hree LaLiga club presidents are amongst the richest people in Spain, according to the annual list produced by national newspaper El Mundo.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is the highest of the trio, and is placed at 40th on the list with an estimated worth of €1.2 billion through his ACS Group,

IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO belts in 2015 before he was out of boxing for more than two years.

“A lot of people doubted Fury because of the outside things going on in his life but he had six months of training, he showed up and gave a great performance,” added Wilder.

“It was so controversial and everywhere I go it’s all that people are talking about and they want to see a rematch. I can’t see myself drawing with anyone - there has to be a winner. This is what people want and I’m so excited.

“His team are all scared and they do not want him to fight but Tyson Fury is a man of his word.”

Wilder, who said a rematch with Fury would take place either in Las Vegas or the Barclays Center in New York, was asked about the chances of fighting Anthony Joshua, who holds the IBO, WBA, WBF and WBO titles.

“Everyone has to fight everyone,” said Wilder. “We have to move on with my career and they (Joshua’s promoters) tried to slow it down as they felt they were the man of the division and everything ran around them.”

which provides infrastructure for global projects.

Villarreal president Fernando Roig is 52nd of the list of Spain’s 200 most wealthy, with an estimated fortune of €930m, accrued via his ownership of the Pamesa Ceramics company, as well as involvement in national food production companies.

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cezero is down in 195th, with a worth of €230m, generated primarily through his involvement in film production in Spain - with an estimated 80% of Spanish cinema produced via his company.

Also included on the list are Jaume Roures, at 193rd, and Miguel Angel Gil Marin, in 192nd, with fortunes of €230 and €240m respectively.

Marin is the Chief Executive of Atletico Madrid, and major shareholder, with a 51% stake in the club, compared to Cezero’s 14.6% share. He is also involved with property development, including Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

Roures has amassed his money through media, and he co-owns a 24% stake in Mediapro, which is valued at €430m. The company recently secured the rights to show Ligue 1 football in Spain from 2020 to 2024 and Serie A matches until 2021.

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NEW YOU CAN TRUST

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‘Every country making progress is led by people who think’ Kingsley Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and presidential candidate of the Youth Progressives Party (YPP), at a hangout Friday night in Victoria Island, Lagos, with young progressive Nigerians, shared some of his visions and why he is in the race to win. Below are his words as captured by ZEBULON AGOMUO, Editor, who was in attendance.

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Nigerians yearning for a true leadership ne of the things that strikes me so much in all the places we have been to and with my interactions with fellow Nigerians is just how much people are yearning for a change in leadership. The masses, the grassroots in this country really want change. The people who do not want change are the elite, the middle class; they are the ones that are holding this country down; they are the ones that are killing this country. They are killing this country by their cynicism; they are killing our future by their selfishness. They have their good jobs; they don’t want to go and register to vote; they don’t want to get involved in societal change and some of them are just afraid; afraid of the status quo, who they know is not working for them or working for the people. They say to themselves, ‘Well, as long as I have my nice job and I live in Ikoyi or Victoria Island am Ok’. But what about the 90 million people who are extremely poor? Every society that is looking up and making progress, it is the middle class and educated people who should lead but because the middle class has abdicated its responsibility in this country, our future is now decided by people who are saying ‘give us money, give us money’, everywhere. These are

the people who are deciding our future; the crooked and corrupt politicians would come and give them N3000, N5000 or even three bottles of beer, they sell their votes. This should not be happening in a country that has a large number of enlightened citizens; it is the people like us who should be out in front telling people what we should be doing.

We have a society where the worst rule the best. People are very happy with themselves in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and in their clubs; I call it a fake life.

Count me out of fake life That’s why I am doing what I am doing; I decided to stop living a fake life. I am ok. I don’t need to be doing this; I have been a United Nations official for many years (17 years); went from the entry level to the highest career rank; I have been a deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; I have founded my own Strategy and Risks consulting firm in Switzerland that’s doing quite well; I have been a professor of International Business and Economic Policy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, which is one of the top graduate schools of international affairs and one of the top universities in the world. I have founded my own think-tank, The Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation. Why have I left all that to run for president of Nigeria; when I am not moneybags; when

I am not a career politician? It is because I decided that my personal success means nothing if this country continues to go the way it is going. I have children, four children; all of them are very interested in their country; they want to come back; they want to make their lives and career here, but I know that if this country continues the trajectory- rising poverty, rising unemployment, rising population growth- what then is the future?

Time to get out of pretence But we like to deceive ourselves; we pretend that we are not seeing all these things, because a lot of developments are going on in Ikoyi and Victoria Island. Every few years the ambiance changes- new shops, new cars, new homes, new developments for the upper class and we think we are making progress.

But the vast majority of our people are getting poorer and poorer. By 2050, it is projected that our population would be 400million at the current population rate and what would happen? Of course, there would be social implosion and a very miserable existence for most of our people. Some people have to wake up; some people have to say ‘No, we can’t allow this to continue to go on’; so, I brought out myself sacrificially and it took a lot of courage I must tell you; and it is that courage that I was able to find in myselfto do what I am doing- to challenge the

old political order in the country.

Need to be courageous It is that courage that I want in all the people in the middle class. I want all of us to find that courage.

This is because it is courage that changes things; slavery would have continued if some people were not courageous enough to challenge things- both blacks and whites. Colonialism would have continued if people like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah did not rise up. Civil Rights Discrimination in the United States would have continued if Rosa Park had not been courageous in her fight in the Montgomery Bus Boycott following the equally courageous action of Claudette Colvin, American nurse, who refused to give up her seat to a white woman on a crowded, segregated bus. So, courage is very important; courage is the most important element of change in human society. The courage to challenge what is not right; the courage to move forward, the courage to challenge the status quo; the courage of innovation; the courage of entrepreneurship. You can’t be a successful business entrepreneur if you are not courageous; so, that same courage you should apply it into politics.

I won’t be an accidental president I had planned what to do when I get into power on May 29. It is not going to be an accident. It will not be ‘not my will’ or that

Atiku in Abia, Edo, urges Nigerians to protect their votes … Secondus wants boarders shut till after election

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Former deputy governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),

I was planning to go for Senate then something happened and I became president. No. I have thought about it. I know what our country should look like and I know what I would like to do.

I wrote a book when I decided to go into this competition. It is called ‘Build, Innovate and Grow: My Vision for Our Country’. So, that book is a vision and a plan, it is not a promise; politicians make promises, I am not a politician. We have a plan and we will execute it.

In my presidency, there are going to be four important offices and they will be very close to me. They are Office of the National Strategy (responsible for laying out the vision and layout the linkages); The National Office of Risks Management. I am going to bring risks management into the governance of Nigeria.

What are the risks that make leaders/presidents fail? Why do politicians make promises but not keep them? (This office will help me manage political risks, strategic risks and operational risks). There will be the Office of Human Capital Development, and Performance Management Office.

In my presidency, there will Continues on page 2

Quick Takes

Across the States

residential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to protect their votes in the February 16 and March 2 general election.

This comes as he decried the participation of foreigners at the APC Presidential Rally in Kano State.

Atiku, who spoke on Saturday at the PDP Presidential Campaign Rallies in Abia and Edo States, charged the people of the two states to vote and remain at their polling booths until the votes are counted and recorded.

“On the 16th of this month, when you vote, it is about your future. Stay there. Let them count there. Let them enter the results on the form and let them paste it before you go. If you don’t do it, they will cheat you, they will rig the election.

“You see how they are bringing people from Niger and Chad. They will come in your own country and turn you into slaves. Don’t agree. After that, you can now go home. Make sure they don’t rig you because they are rigging your future. They have already destroyed this country.

“This is the first time we are having 21 million people out of jobs. Never in this country. And you

Kingsley Moghalu

are the people. Most of you are out of jobs. It is APC that has caused this problem for you. So, drive them out, vote them out, send them home,” he said.

The former Vice President promised to return the country to the days of prosperity, as witnessed in the days of PDP. “I want you to vote for PDP so that you can have jobs, so that you can have businesses, so that you can have enterprises. Whatever you want to do, we want you to succeed. We are not like APC. You know what PDP has done for this country. When we came in, the price of crude oil was $11, yet we saved money to pay all our foreign debts. And we saw prosperity, we saw GSM revolution technology. Everything, we brought them to this country. We want to continue on the path of that prosperity. So, I appeal to you to vote PDP,” he added.

Highlights of the Edo rally was the defection of APC chieftains to PDP, including business mogul, Osamede Adun, popularly called Bob Izua.

In Abia State, Atiku was earlier given a traditional title of ‘Ahaeji eje mba’ by the state traditional rulers council.

On his part, PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus charged Nigerians, especially those living in boarder states of the North not to sell their Perma-

nent Voters Card (PVC) to foreigners.

He accused the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) of importing foreigners from Niger and Chad Republics to buy up Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from Nigerians with a view to manipulating the results.

Secondus called on the Ministry of Interior to consider closing the nation’s boarders in those areas until the elections are over.

He warned the Independent National Electoral Comission (INEC) to do everything to avert the thwarting of the will of Nigerian people on the election as that would breed violence.

He said: “When we raise alarm about their rigging plot they get uncomfortable because they want us to keep quiet and let them manipulate the election but such will lead to violence and we want peace”.

Other speakers at the rally in Abia and Edo states include the Vice Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the former Senate President Adolphus Wabara as well as the National Organising Secretary of the party an indigene of Abia State, Austine Akubundu, a retired colonel.

OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja; IDRIS UMAR MOMOH /CHURCHILL OKORO, Benin

N313m

That is the amount budgeted for purchase, maintenance and fuelling of generators in three of Nigeria’s government offices; State House, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing in 2019.

Fasanmi speaks on Buhari “I want all of you to work and vote for Muhammadu Buhari who has performed very credibly and I think he deserved second term in the office. He is the only candidate that is campaigning about corrupt-free society. I am pleased that all the South West is under the APC fold”.

- Ayo Fasanmi, factional leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba social-cultural group, speaking on the group’s endorsement of President Buhari for second term.

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