BusinessDay 04 Aug 2019 by BusinessDay

Wike sacks Rivers’ varsity VC, deputy …Over killings, exam malpractices in the institution Ignatius Chukwu

s shooting and killing return to the Rivers State University (RSU), known for decades as University of Science and Technology (UST), which was respected as Nigeria’s premier university of science and technology,

Nyesom Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike has shown anger, sacking the vice chancellor and his deputy. This was contained

in a statement issued on Saturday, August 3, 2019, by Dagogo Adonye Hart, permanent secretary, Ministry of Education. It said: “Rivers State Governor and Visitor of the Rivers State University, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has relieved the Vice ChancelContinues on page 4

L-R: Ayeni Adekunle, founder/CEO, BHM Group; Tony Agenmonmen, president & chairman Council, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN); Emmanuel Oriakhi, marketing director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., and Alex Okosi, executive vice president & managing director, BET Int’l & Viacom Africa, at the NIMN Investiture in Lagos, where Ayeni and Okosi were inducted as fellows of the institute.

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10 years of bloody campaign: Nigeria bleeds under Boko Haram insurgency

inside

p. 19

Businesses that have boomed in Nigeria since 2015

Low-grade war leaves thousands dead, homeless Despite claim of being degraded, sect remains existential threat

Innocent Odoh, Abuja

igeria is tormented by crises parallel only to some beleaguered countries of the Middle East where mindless acts of terrorism have crippled socio-political and

infrastructure development and created uncertain future. 10 years ago, precisely in July 2009, a scarcely armed group of Islamists called the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati walJihad popularly known as Boko Haram (Western Education is forbidden) provoked an uprising against the Nigerian state and

sowed a seed of unrelenting, but costly insurgency. Perhaps, it was the unheeded warning and lackadaisical approach by the government that intensified the Boko Haram terrorism. The fundamentalist Islamist sect, which started in remote parts of north east Nigeria around 2002 was principally

organised and led by founder and spiritual head, Mohammed Yusuf. The sect seeks the establishment of an Islamic state in Nigeria but their toxic preachments against Nigeria’s secular status and their proposition of violence against the Nigerian Continues on page 2

p. 30

Untold story of childhood cancer in Nigeria

ANTHONIA OBOKOH

4-year old Joseph was diagnosed with kidney cancer (neuroblastoma) 10 months ago at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). He was vomiting everything that he ate and his parents could not figure out what was wrong with him. When he was taken to Continues on page 4

L-R: Gboyega Soyannwo, deputy chief of staff, representing the governor of Lagos State ; Mary Uduk, Ag, DG, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), representing the vice president ; Abubakar Sani Bello, governor, Niger State, and Chuka Eseka, president, Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria, at the 2nd annual dinner and awards night of the association in Lagos. Pic by Pius Okeosis

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Cover

10 years of bloody campaign Continued from page 1

state soon exposed them to scrutiny, arrests and harassments by the Nigerian security forces and a conflict with security forces became foreseeable. On 26 July 2009, following alleged police attempts to emasculate their activities, the Boko Haram devotees, drawn mainly from the rural and urban poor and largely illiterate population of the North east, and acting on the instigation of their leader, dared the Nigerian security forces to a fight. They attacked police facilities in Bauchi State and killed scores of policemen on the pretext that some of their members were allegedly killed during a funeral procession and others detained by the Nigerian police. They freed some of their members incarcerated by the police and also helped themselves with a large cache of arms and ammunition. Clashes between the militants and the police also erupted in Kano, Yobe and Borno states soon after. Former President of Nigeria, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, then ordered a crackdown on the insurgents and in reprisal, the police in collaboration with soldiers went berserk, killing about 1,000 sect members. The sect leader Mohammed Yusuf was arrested by soldiers in Maiduguri on July 30, 2009 and handed over to the police for prosecution but the police inexplicably executed him, claiming he made an attempt to escape. The violent clashes of July 26 2009 sowed the seed of Boko Haram insurgency, which engulfed major cities in northern Nigeria and spread into neigbouring Cameroun, Chad and Niger Republic and led to one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises and the Boko Haram monster remains potent, tearing at the heart of Nigeria with unabated high civilian casualties despite some military successes recorded against the sect. According to the United Nations, 27, 000 civilians have been killed in ten years of the insurgency and about 2 million people have been displaced with property worth billion wasted and economic activities paralysed in the region. The group came to international attention on 14 April 2014, when they plotted and successfully carried out the abduction of over 200 school girls from Chibok, a sleepy village in Borno State, coupled with thousands of other women and children, which they abducted, maimed, raped or forcefully conscripted into foot soldiers and human bombs. The Boko Haram uses minors and veiled women to carry out suicide bomb attacks, they attack people with car bombs and open fire on civilians at public places. In 2015, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Iraq and Levant. But with the collapse of the IS in Iraq and Syria, the Boko Haram has continued with the al-

liance it has built with the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) to remain relevant. That alliance with the ISWAP has become a major threat now such that few days ago scores of soldiers killed by the Boko Haram/ISWAP attack came to the fore. Over 1,000 thousand soldiers were allegedly killed by the group buried secretly in unmarked graves according to Wall Street Journal. The report written by Joe Parkinson said the secret cemetery at the Maimalari barracks grows. “At the northern edge of this city’s sprawling military base, a vast field of churned soil conceals the hidden toll of a deadly offensive by the allies of Islamic State. “After dark, the bodies of soldiers are covertly transported from a mortuary that at times gets so crowded; the corpses are delivered by truck, according to Nigerian soldiers, diplomats and a senior government official. The bodies are laid by flashlight into trenches dug by infantrymen or local villagers paid a few dollars per shift,” the report said. The report also quoted one soldier as saying “Several of my comrades were buried in unmarked graves at night, they are dying and being deleted from history.” The Wall Street Journal also said that “the rapid rise of the Nigerian Islamic State spinoff, known as ISWAP, begins a new chapter for the jihadist movement after its defeat in Syria and Iraq, Nigerian and Western officials said. The group has an estimated 5,000 fighters who have established themselves in the borderlands around Lake Chad, where they are enmeshing themselves into communities, controlling trade routes, taxing the fishing industry and imposing an extremist brand of Islamic justice.” The United Nations has also warned that the crisis of Boko Haram is far from over contrary to the claims of the Nigerian officials that the insurgency has been “technically defeated” and could no longer pose a threat to Nigeria’s corporate existence. United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, stated this at the launch of ‘Holding On,’ a virtual reality experience in remembrance of 10 years of crisis in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. The UN had called “on everyone to please do their best to ensure security and safety aide workers because the operating environment is not easy at all.”

B’Haram’s catalogue of bombings and attacks 2011 Abuja police headquarters’ bombing The June 16, 2011 Abuja police headquarters bombing was believed to be the first suicide bombing in Nigeria’s history. The attack occurred when a suicide bomber later identified as Mohammed Manga drove a car bomb onto the premises of the Louis Edet House in Abuja, the headquarters of the Nigerian police. He was said to have driven all the way from Yola in Adamawa State. The bomber had allegedly intended to kill the then Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim while he followed the IGP’s convoy but was stopped at the gate. About seven (7) people were confirmed dead. 2011 Abuja United Nations bombing On Friday, August 26, at about 11.00am, a suicide bomber drove a car and exploded it at the United Nations Building in the highbrow diplomatic zone in Abuja killing over 26 people and wounding over 60. The Boko Haram sect later that day claimed responsibility for the attack. According to a Reuters “The car bomb vehicle broke through two security barriers. Then its driver detonated the bomb after crashing it into the UN reception area. The bomb caused devastation to the building’s lower floors. The building is said to be the headquarters for about 400 UN employees but it is not clear how many were inside the building at the time of the attack. “A wing of the building collapsed and the ground floor of the building was badly damaged.” December 25, 2011 bomb attacks, shootings in Madalla, Jos, Gadaka and Damaturu, Madalla In coordinated attacks during Christmas Day church services in some northern states, the Boko Haram sect bombed the Saint Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla in Niger State, killing over 40 people and injuring about 60 people. Jos On the same Christmas Day, an explosion rocked the Mountain of Fire and Miracle in Jos, Plateau State capital in north central just as gunmen later fired on police who were guarding the area resulting in the death of one police officer. Another two bombs were found in a nearby building and were disarmed. Gadaka and Damaturu Two explosions were reported in the city of Damaturu, Yobe State capital and another at a

church in the northeastern town of Gadaka. At least, one of the attacks in Damaturu was carried out by a suicide car bomber, who rammed into the building housing the headquarters of the State Security Service. At least, three people were killed in that blast; a senior military commander allegedly targeted, survived. Nyanya Bus Terminal attack On April 14, 2014, a bomb exploded at the popular bus station in Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, killing over 100 people, injuring over 200 others. The bomb went off when some of the high capacity buses were filled to the brim. Boko Haram claimed responsibility. This attack was followed by the infamous abduction of the school girls from a government school in Chibok, Borno state that same day. 2014 Kano bombing On No v e m b e r 2 8 , 2 0 1 4 the Central Mosque (Grand Mosque) in Kano, the biggest city in the mainly Muslim northern Nigeria was attacked by the Boko Haram sect. The attacks were masterminded by two suicide bombers, who blew themselves up and gunmen opened fire on those who were trying to escape. About 120 people were killed and another 260 injured. Another Jos blasts kill scores in July 2015 Again, Jos came under attack that left at least 44 people dead on July 7, 2015. A restaurant and a mosque were targeted on the Sunday night attack masterminded by the Boko Haram. The attacks came shortly after the Ramadan fast was broken, with both sites full of people. Of the 44 dead, 23 were killed at the restaurant and 21 at the mosque, Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said. Attacks on the Army and other hard targets Boko Haram attacks on hard targets are legion. According to one Nigerian columnist, Shaka Momodu, one of the deadliest massacres of Nigerian soldiers by Boko Haram occurred in November 2018 at the 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Borno State. In coordinated attacks, scores of soldiers including the commander of the battalion, Lt. Col. Ibrahim Sakaba, were killed. The exact casualty figure is still a closely-guarded secret. “In the last four years under Buhari, Boko Haram has attacked and sacked 22 military posts, killing hundreds of Nigerian soldiers. The sacked military posts were in Gajiram, Mainok, Rann,

Geidam, Sasawa , Magumeri, Malam Fatori, Gashigha, Kanama , Gamboru-Ngala , Mafa , Damasak,Gudumbali, Garunda, Kunduga, Kareto, Jilli, Arge, Zari, Arege, Metele and Buni Gari. It is an irony that long after its purported defeat, Boko Haram is the one on the offensive, and the military, now its primary target, is on the back foot. “What we have are full savaged and humiliating sacking of military formations and killings of several hundred soldiers including senior officers. The United Nations recently revealed that Boko Haram was in firm control of three local government areas in the northeast, despite repeated denials by this government,” he said. Abductions Chibok Nigeria and the international community were stunned when the Boko haram sect stormed the Government Secondary School Chibok in Borno State and kidnapped about 276 from their dormitory on April 2014. In the first frantic minutes of their ordeal, 57 girls managed to jump from the trucks in which they were transported, and escaped. The remaining 219 were taken away by the fighters. The town has also come under repeated attacks by gunmen with buildings burned and some residents killed. But after years of intense negotiation, Boko Haram released several girls but more than 100 are still missing after five years. Dapchi Abduction On February 19, 2018 the Boko Haram again kidnapped a total of 110 girls from Government Science and Technical College in Dapchi. Some of the girls did not survive. On March 25, 2018 the Federal Government announced that the Boko Haram had returned 106 of the kidnapped girls from. One of the girls Leah Sharibu is still in captivity for refusing to convert to Islam. Expert’s perspective Ona Ekhomu, a security expert, looking at the bloody campaign by the insurgents and the claim by the Federal Government that the sect had been “technically defeated”, said: “We still have two active groups of the insurgents- Boko Haram led by Abubakar Shekau and ISWAP. A few days ago they killed 65 mourners; the other day, they also killed 10 persons and that is too much. Boko Haram has remained an existential threat.”

Sunday 04 August 2019

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Untold story of childhood cancer in Nigeria

…6-10 children diagnosed with Kidney, leukaemia, bone marrow cancer in a month Continued from Page 1 hospital, the doctors prescribed drugs for him, but the vomiting continued. However, when a scan was carried out on him on October 2018, an unusual test results emerged. “His test results came out after three days and he was diagnosed with kidney cancer (neuroblastoma). The doctor prescribed surgery for him to remove the affected kidney, which he had successfully in February,” Joseph’s mother, who spoke with BDSUNDAY on condition of anonymity, said. According to her, “After the surgery, the chemotherapy treatment began, which was very overwhelming and excruciating. At a point, I could not bear the pains my child was going through during the treatment such that, I voluntarily stopped the treatment and I left with my child because to me, these people (the hospital) were going to ‘kill my child’”. But her decision did not go down with Joseph father, who insisted that the boy was better off at hospital than at home. “When we got back to LUTH in January this year, having left there in October 2018, the doctors said my son’s illness was still at stage one and he started the chemotherapy treatment all over again,” she said. According to her, the chemotherapy drugs, which Joseph takes cost as much as N200, 000, but the cost is not the greatest problem as there are many fake drugs in Nigerian market, which kills cancer patients more than the sickness. “I give God the glory because many other children who started

the chemotherapy treatment with my son have died as a result of the fake drugs while some others died because their families could not afford the cost of taking chemotherapy treatment. “We are fortunate to have Joseph, who is a happy and strong boy. He never allows the effects of his treatments to weigh him down. He has been through five courses of Chemotherapy, several transfusions, infusions, ward admissions and treatments. We are preparing to take the next step of Radiotherapy treatment,” the woman said. For Doyin, who was an active and outgoing child, it is another pathetic story. Doyin recently fell down at school and was diagnosed of Osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, found often in children and teens. This cancer was discovered in Doyin’s right femur, or thigh bone. “The ailment turned her life and that of my family upside down,” said the bereaved mother, who lost her five-year old daughter to cancer. “It happened in 2016, we were told that she was going to take the treatment for three years after

Tribal groups in Taraba seeks FG’s relocation of Federal Varsity, Wukari Nathaniel Gbaoron, Jalingo

he coalition of Hausa/ Fulani and the Tiv youths in Taraba on Saturday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately relocate the Federal University Wukari to any part of the state for smooth academic pursuit of Nigerian youths. Aondona Katyo of the Tiv Youth Forum and Ahmed Buba of Hausa Fulani Coalition groups made the call at a news briefing in Jalingo. While Katyo said the continuous existence of the institution in Wukari is inimical to educational pursuit of all peace loving people and unhealthy for academic and non-academic staff in general, Buba referred to the incidence of last Wednesday where some Tiv students of the university and a non-academic staff were abducted and killed in cold blood by the Jukun militias. They also referred to continued blockage of Wukari Jalingo Federal High Way, fishing out Tiv commuters and slaughtering them like chicken as one of the major reconsiderations for the relocation of such an important institution out of the cruel locality.

According to the groups, the choice of Wukari was wrong in the first place going by the antecedent of continuous unrest and the barbaric behaviour of the Jukun youth in the area over the past years. “In fact, the Jukun people, including their elite resident outside of Wukari, ensured that the first appointed Registrar, John Ansho, an indigene of Taraba State from Takum Local Government Area, but of Tiv extraction, was never allowed to resume office simply because he was of Tiv tribe”, they explained. It will be recalled that Hausa/ Fulani workers in the same university had faced the same threats in 2014 during Hausa/Jukun crisis. The situation caused the former University Registrar, Ibrahim Jalingo, a Fulani man, to desert his office completely and flee for his dear life. The leaders added that “With some of these social molestations by Jukun people who believe that every living being in Wukari should or must survive at their mercy, the area doesn’t qualify to host any federal and state academic institution. “We are therefore, calling on the President who is the Visitor to the university to urgently relocate the university to a peaceful location within the state”.

which she would recover. We finished the treatment in November 2018, but unfortunately, the sickness returned this year, and it was very difficult for me to see my baby go through the pains. After the entire struggle, we lost her in February 2019,” she said. Findings have shown that children who live with cancer in Nigeria have been on the rise and their cases mostly end sadly. This underscores the urgent need for strategies to address the problem of childhood cancer in Nigeria. The above mentioned experiences show how many Nigerian families battle for their children to survive cancer ailments. This is due to low rate of cancer cure. The worrying reality, however, is that only few of the childhood cancer cases receive complete therapy as patients die in the course of therapy either from advanced disease, complications of chemotherapy or late presentation. Reports have shown that children, who consume a lot of canned food and drinks containing chemicals have higher exposure to cancer ailment. Also, parental lifestyle, work environment, air pollution, and children,

with still-developing bodies are also vulnerable to cancer risk. In addition to that, exposure to airborne carcinogens such as inhaled asbestos, certain dioxins, and tobacco smoke also trigger cancer in children. A report by Lancet Oncology, Sub-Saharan Africa has the greatest DALY record of more childhood cancer than any other sub-region, and the global finding shows that childhood cancer is the sixth leading cause of total cancer burden globally and the ninth leading cause of childhood disease burden globally with 82·2 percent of global childhood cancer DALYs occurred in low-middle income countries which had more than 80 percent of all cases, and most of these cases ended in deaths and the five-year survival rate was around 35 percent. BDSUNDAY gathered that different tertiary intuitions in Nigeria, including Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and National Hospital Abuja, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto (UDUTH), records at least 6-10 new cases of childhood cancer that are diagnosed every month. This means that there are about 120 new cases in a year. It was also gathered that the 0–4-year age group make the highest contribution and most children die in the course of treatment. “It’s actually becoming rampant. In our centre in Sokoto, what we presently record is 6-10 cases per month. So per year, it would be 60-100 at a rough estimate,” said Aliyu Usman Malami, of the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital,

Sokoto, Nigeria. According to Malami, “In 2017, there was a paper that said that about 358 cases of childhood cancers were recorded. With the stories we have heard since then and what we are seeing currently, there is more of rhabdomyosarcoma, followed by lymphomas in children, Burkitt lymphoma is the commonest. “There is also nephroblastoma, neuroblastoma and leukaemia. These are the commonest types we see in our area. Another common type is retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye),” he added. “The fact is that the actual cause of cancer is unknown. There have been no known causes of the disease. However, it could be attributed to so many things,” said a matron at the paediatrician cancer ward at the LUTH who pleaded anonymity. According to her, “Caring for children with cancers pose a huge challenge on families and the healthcare system. Childhood cancer is fast becoming a significant paediatric problem in Nigeria. “A child coping with cancer needs physical, mental and emotional support. Simply putting them on treatment is not enough. Cancer treatment is often very long-drawn and painful with children suffering from a number of side-effects.” The matron said that with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the cancer of the kidney, about N1-2 million could be spent within the period of treatment and that it takes about nine (9) months, adding however, that it could extend to over a year due to some other unforeseen circumstances.

Wike sacks Rivers’ varsity VC, deputy Continued from Page 1 lor of the Rivers State University, Prof. Blessing Chimezie Didia of his appointment with immediate effect. “Also relieved of his appointment is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Magnus Oruwari. Accordingly, Governor Wike has approved the appointment of Professor Opuenebo B. Owei, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University.” The Statement added that Wike has suspended the ongoing employment exercise at the university. Furthermore, a committee has been set up to investigate the employment exercise and report to the Rivers State governor in two weeks. Recall that Wike had on Friday read the riot act, issuing a query to the vice chancellor following the killings. Simeon Nwakaudu, the special assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media, issued the statement. He stated thus: “Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has formally queried the Vice

Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Professor Blessing Didia, over reports of shooting within the school’s campus. “Governor Wike also queried the Vice Chancellor over recent rampant complaints of ‘sorting’ within the university system. Governor Wike directed the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University to respond to the query in writing within 24 hours”. The reputation of the RSU seemed to crash to the dust over a decade ago until the Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi-administration fished out a UNN-bred veterinary doctor and gifted manager of resources, BB Fakae, to execute a rescue mission. Fakae rebuilt the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RUST) which was recently renamed Rivers State University (RSU) from the scratch, moving it from a derided university of stress and tension to the best state government-owned university in Nigeria by web-ranking. Its services and records were almost automated and “sorting” died to the barest minimum. As Fakae’s tenure ended, Wike, who as minister of state for educa-

tion, worked closely with Fakae to the extent of the UST being the first university to get the N800million special fund, handed the UST to a UNIPORT professor, Blessing Didia. This era was marked with the recall of lecturers sacked by the Amaechi administration for incessant strikes. Some lecturers were openly suspected of creating an era of excessive sorting scandals and cult killings. The UST (RSU) continued to seek its own success outside the Fakae shadow, but evil seems to return. Few days ago, killing resumes, after few years of seeming breakdown of law and order in the university where students said open robbery and intimidation reigned supreme. There is huge apprehension in the university as those who have benefited from the Didia administration seem to panic. The deadline has passed and it is not known what was contained in the reply Didia would have sent in, especially over sorting matters. Wike was proud of the UST when he was minister and hoped to now take it to higher levels, only to hear of full return to the days of the locust; sorting, shooting.

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News Kogi guber: Clerics endorse Usman …Say, ‘he will do better than other aspirants’ VICTORIA NNAKAIKE, Lokoja

s the people of Kogi State prepare for November 16 governorship election, a group of clergymen under the aegis of Council of Ministers in the State, has endorsed Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (rtd), saying that the Lord has told them that among the myriads of aspirants, he is the only one that will lead the state to the promise land. Bishop Paul Johnpaul, spokesman of the group, while speaking at a press conference in Lokoja, said their decision to back the retired Naval officer, besides spiritual revelation, was based on his pedigree, capacity and ability to move the state to enviable heights.

He pointed out that Admiral Usman, who is contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a man of integrity, who has all it takes to take the state to another level of development. He stressed that they decided to speak out because the state needed credible leader at the moment, considering the fact that they are at crossroads, adding that Kogi under Admiral Usman would witness accelerated development. He maintained that Usman has vision and would put the state on sound economic footing if given the opportunity to lead the state, as he equally called on well-meaning people of the state to work in synergy and ensure a positive change come November. Johnpaul stressed the need for the people of the state to support

the retired military officer who, he said, has a laudable and peopleoriented programmes aimed at repositioning Kogi. He equally enjoined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do its best, in ensuring a credible, free and fair process, stressing that considering the ugly experience of the last three-and-half years, the state deserved a better deal. He further emphasised the need for the people of the state to shun all acts capable of causing crisis before, during and after the governorship poll, saying election should not be seen as a do-or-die affair. BDSUNDAY gathered that members of the group were drawn from all the different Christian denominations, including the Pentecostal, Protestants and Catholic.

Enugu primary health care development agency commends UNICEF, targets 95% compliance on exclusive breastfeeding Regis Anukwuoji, Enugu

nugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has commended UNICEF Enugu field office for the assistance and encouragement it has been giving to carry out sensitisation on exclusive breastfeeding programme in the state. Loveth Onwuzuluike, assistant nutrition officer in the agency, who gave the commendation while speaking to BDSUNDAY on the 2019 World Breastfeeding Week and the state’s activities, with the theme ‘Empower patents, enable breastfeeding now and for the future’, said the agency has embarked on grassroots sensitisation of women in all the health facilities in the 17 LGAs in the state, with the hope of achieving up to 95percent compliance in the intervention. The sensitisation exercise, she said, was to educate nursing mothers in the rural areas to have exclusive breastfeeding and all the benefits the children and the mothers stand to gain from it, especially the first yellowish milk. She advised that a mother of a new born baby supposed to place the baby on breast from zero to one hour after delivery, saying that doing so would help in the production of the milk and that the milk has all the nutrients and water the baby would require to fight against any disease in a new born baby. The Agency, she also said, carries the activities of retraining their workers in the health facilities at the rural areas who are in contact with the mothers because

we do not want high rate of death in new born babies. BDSUNDAY gathered that despite all the assistance and advocacy from UNICEF, some of the council chairmen in the state have not really taken the campaign or given it the desired attention in their domain 9rural areas). However, in Awgu Local Government, Bene Okolo, nutrition officer, told our reporter that the campaign for women to key into exclusive breastfeeding was ongoing and that health workers in all the health facilities in the communities give talk on exclusive breastfeeding to nursing mothers and its importance to the children and to the mother who carries out exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Further investigation revealed that lack of fund is a major challenge for the health workers to carry out sensitisation. Local government chairmen believe that the programme to save lives of the children is mainly for Donor Agencies and not their responsibility. Some mothers who spoke with BDSUNDAY called on the state government to extend the maternity leave period for nursing mothers to enable them recover well enough to face the demands of office. They also called on relevant authorities and agencies to carry out more sensitisation on immunization and streamline when the exercise can be carried out in various councils to avail the people the opportunity to partake. It was discovered that whereas immunization exercise is conducted once a week in some local government areas, it is once a month in some other places.

NEMA cautions against building on water ways L-R: Olufemi Babalola, chief executive officer, Gravitas Investments Limited, and Stephane Beuvelet, acting managing director, 9mobile, during the signing of agreement between Gravitas and 9mobile for the deployment of fibre backbone on Gracefield Island, Lekki, Lagos, recently.

L-R: Temitope Oriola, associate professor and joint editor-in-chief, Africa Security, University of Alberta, Canada, and Aliyu Umar Babangida, chief executive officer, Goldwater & Riversand Consulting Ltd, during ‘The Avalon Daily Roundtable on Banditry and Criminality in Nigeria’, in Lagos, recently.

SABY ELEMBA, Owerri

ustapha Maihaja , director-general of the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), has said that building on water ways was a deathtrap and could cause a disaster, warning state government agencies in charge of building control to desist from giving approvals to build on water ways. He urged state governors to muster the political will and courage to demolish such buildings erected on the water ways, stressing that the situation calls for urgent attention. The director general spoke through the Enugu Zonal Coordinator of the Agency, Fred Anusim who represented him in a capacity building retreat in Imo which was organised by the NEMA staff. Speaking on the theme ‘Re-Engineering the Agency for Efficiency and Proactive Disaster Management’, the DG observed that if the water ways are blocked, there will

definitely be flooding in the area because the water will find another channel or direction. He said there was also the need for stronger synergy between NEMA and other disaster stakeholders in disaster management. Mustapha informed that his leadership was repositioning the agency to meet international standard, but warned that disaster management is everybody’s business. According to him, “The essence of the retreat was to raise the capacity of NEMA staff to enable them do the humanitarian job with passion. We have organised this retreat across zones for our staff to enable them see themselves as humanitarian workers who have been called to serve the people”. According to him, “Monitoring and evaluation, better condition of service and provision of search and rescue were key to disaster management.” Evans Ugoh, coordinator of Imo/Abia operations office of the agency, urged the government to muster political courage in addressing the issue of flooding in Imo.

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Okorocha decries Ihedioha’s action against Eastern Palm University, others SABY ELEMBA, Owerri

ochas Okorocha , ex-governor of Imo State and now, Senator for Imo West, has said that it was unbelievable the actions the state government led by Governor Emeka Ihedioha has taken over the Eastern Palm University and the scrapping of other new ones as well as other institutions built by his administration. Okorocha , while dismissing the action as untenable, stated that such showed the speed Ihedioha’s administration wanted to make nonsense and destroy the landmark projects he put in place when he was the governor. This was contained in a release by his media aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, and made available to BDSUNDAY in Owerri.

Okorocha

He said that the Eastern Palm University was a public private partnership (PPP) venture, arguing that what the government

should have done in that matter was to look at the whole scenario, including the legal undertones and then take the appropriate

action in the overall interest of the state, her people and humanity in general. “Equally, scrapping the six universities, four polytechnics and three Colleges of Education built by Okorocha’s government, which have already taken off, with befitting structures on ground and their operational licences gotten, was obviously counterproductive. It was not the best of actions,” he said. He stated that the government would have looked at the ideas or vision behind the building of the institutions and their advantages both short- and long-term and then take things easy with them, in lieu of being hasty in scrapping them. “We want to let Governor Ihedioha know that Okorocha had done eight (8) years as governor and cannot be governor again. He should stop acting as if he is in contest with the former governor. “We are saying this be-

LAWMA female street sweepers charged on diligence, commitment to own growth Chuka Uroko

he female street sweepers working for the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) have been charged to be diligent and passionate with the work they do. The street sweepers, who gathered recently for awards and recognition at an elaborate event organised by Spotlight Africa Network in collaboration with LAWMA, were also advised to be committed to their own growth and development on the job. Oke Maduewesi, CEO, Zaron, and Ayo Megbope, CEO, No Left-Overs, were among speakers at the event who encouraged the women to see the work they do as a stepping stone to greatness and to realise that no one could be more committed to their growth than they themselves. “Journey on fearlessly; stay committed to your own growth and development and boldly invest in your businesses and carry out your work with consistent diligence,” Kate Henshaw, an actress, told the women who were given awards for their efforts at making Lagos clean and also for making a differ-

ence in their communities. The award ceremony was the highpoint of the launching of ‘The LAWMA Women Making a Difference Leadership Awards’, a joint venture initiative that awards, rewards, motivates and inspires women who, through their everyday work, have shown incredible dedication and excellent leadership. The event recognised 150 diligent and devoted street sweepers including those

who lost their lives on duty. These are women who in their everyday work have exceeded all expectations and are worthy to be celebrated. The event which was supported by Sterling Bank, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), media organizations, Coca-Cola, SAS Textile Limited, Galaxy TV, Silver Bird TV, Daviva, Fidelity Bank, Koda Properties, Barrie Billions, hosted notable people including Ola Oresanya, the current

managing director of LAWMA, and Emma Fekoya, unit commander, federal roads safety corps (FRSC). In her remarks, Nonye Mike-Nnaji, President of Spotlight Africa, and managing partner at HSPG Realtors, extolled the virtues of the street sweepers for their exceptional delivery, saying that despite the risk associated with their job and low remuneration, they still remained dedicated to duty.

L-R: Kate Henshaw, Nollywood actress; Oke Maduewesi, MD, Zaron Cosmetics Limited; Nonye Mike-Nnaji, president, Spotlight African Network); Owoseni Funke, LAWMA street sweeper; Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, incoming LAWMA MD; Kemi Michael-Jabagun, public affairs and communication manager, NBC Limited, and Ken Opara, general and regional manager at Fidelity Bank, at the launch and award event in Lagos, recently.

cause the zeal, with which the governor has been destroying and discrediting all that the former governor laboured to put in place, has become worrisome to all Imo people and others too. All the facilities Okorocha used to beautify Owerri, the State Capital, have all been removed as if INEC announced him governor for the sake of removing or destroying all that Okorocha built”, Onwuemeodo said in the release. Following the actions of the Prof. Jude Njoku’s Committee Onwuemeodo said that going by the nomenclature and task given to the Committee, which is “Committee on the review of Newly Established Tertiary Institutions”, the Chairman, Prof. Njoku exceeded the job of the committee by announcing immediate takeover of the Eastern Palm University and Scrapping all the Tertiary Institutions built by Okorocha.

He contend that what was expected of the committee at the end of its findings was to submit their findings or reports to the governor, who would then handover the report to the Attorney-General of the State, to look at all the legal ingredients involved in the establishment of the universities and others, before making any specific pronouncement on them. “Obviously, the governor was looking at the man behind the institutions, Okorocha, instead of looking at their in-built merits both now and in the nearest future. It is also worth mentioning that since his inauguration as governor he has not been able to do any other thing apart from inspecting, removing, destroying and discrediting all that Okorocha did, which means, we didn’t lie when we claimed that Okorocha had more than one thousand verifiable projects,” he said.

UNICEF/NOA advocates EFPs as panacea to maternal mortality UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

NICEF/NOA has said that to arrest maternal mortality rate in Nigeria, women should embrace the Essential Family Practices (EFPs). The advice was given by Ngozi Okechukwu, Abia State director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), at Ibinanta, Igbere in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, during the Social Mobilisation Technical Committee of the Agency informed the women that UNICEF emphasises on the safety of women. Meg Onwu, director, Health Education, Abia State, encouraged pregnant women to register for antenatal services in any government Health Centre close to them and warned that taking traditional drugs, as well as giving birth outside hospitals/maternities was dangerous. Chinwe Eke, the baby-

friendly initiative officer, also advised nursing mothers on the need to breastfeed their children well; stressing that breastfeeding protects the child from diseases. She described breast milk as a complete food and emphasized on the need for mothers to position their babies well during breastfeeding. Felicia Dimgba, president general of Igbere Women Association, home branch, and Mercy Ejieke, secretary, commended the SOMTEC committee for coming to give them vital information concerning their health. The duo, who equally thanked UNICEF for its efforts in ensuring that women are no longer victims of mortality, described the programme as very apt. Rose Ekeoma, a retired health officer, expressed her joy over the content of the lectures by SOMTEC members and disclosed that she had been preaching to nursing mothers to go for antenatal on time.

8 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 04 August 2019

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Agbedi faults governorship ‘zoning’ claims in Bayelsa Samuel Ese, Yenagoa

red Agbedi, a governorship aspirant on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted claims in some quarters that the governorship position in Bayelsa State has been zoned. Agbedi, who spoke in Yenagoa while consulting with his former colleagues in the state leadership of the party who are super delegates ahead the governorship primary election on September 3, stressed that stakeholders in the state did not sit down at any time to discuss zoning. The issue of zoning has been topical in discussions of the governorship election with some politicians saying the position has been zoned to Bayelsa Central Senatorial District while others maintain it is up for grabs. But, Agbedi, a two-term member of the House of Representatives who has held several positions in the party, including state chairman, maintained that zoning has never been used to determine the emergence of party candidates in the past. According to him, aspirants and candidates from

Agbedi

all over the state had always contested party primaries and general election and that for now, four local government areas have produced governors remaining four local government areas. “Leave it to the remaining LGAs,” he said, arguing that Ekeremor, Nembe, Yenagoa and Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Areas that are yet to produce governors should be allowed to contest the 2019 governor-

ship election in the state. Agbedi also assured that if elected governor, he would empower the people as a way of developing local content for them to compete with others as projects would be driven by Bayelsans. He promised to make Brass LNG and Brass Fertilizer Plant realities to create jobs and improve internally generated revenue while assuring that he would encour-

age wealthy Bayelsans to invest up to N3.0 billion in the Agge Deep Seaport project to encourage international investors. Agbedi assured that he would give attention to vocational education to create alternative sources of income for the people, encourage and fund research for innovations on use of local raw materials and ensure power generation. In the area of oil and gas, he told the ad-hoc delegates that he would ensure the building of a refinery for crude oil produced from the oil bloc owned by the Bayelsa Oil Company, saying it would be more beneficial to the state. Another resource he promised to develop is oil palm, wondering why so much attention was being paid to crude oil which costs about $60 per barrel rather than palm oil that costs $572 per barrel. According to him, he would also give attention to sports development as an alternative way of employing the youth, while asserting that he remains the right candidate of the PDP for the November 16 governorship election in the state.

Court orders forfeiture of N150m plaza belonging to Kwara civil servant to the FG SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, the state capital, has ordered the final forfeiture of a Plaza valued at one hundred and fifty million naira (N150million) belonging to one Rasaq Momonu to the Federal Government. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Office had approached the court to give an order of final forfeiture of Asmau Plaza situated in University Road, Tanke Area of Ilorin after a reasonable suspicion that the said property was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity. Delivering the judgment in the case, Justice Sikiru Oyinloye held that the EFCC had fulfilled all the requirements in the suit and thereby ordering that the said property should be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. “I have gone through the application brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; I also

sighted the hearing notice issued to the respondent in the suit, Rasaq Momonu. This Honourable Court is persuaded that he had been served with the court processes. “The application brought by the EFCC is meritorious and granted; this Honourable Court hereby order the final forfeiture of the Landed property known as Asmau Plaza, Tanke Road, Ilorin, Kwara State to the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the judge said. In the affidavit deposed to by Musa Gidado, an investigating officer with the

EFCC, he urged the Judge to order the final forfeiture of the Plaza which is suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. Gidado said: “Investigations revealed that Rasaq Momonu used his influence as accountant with Kwara State Government to inflate and award contracts for the construction of two classrooms at Ogbondoroko and Obanisuwa Community in Kwara State. “Investigations further revealed that the respondent who is a Civil Servant that earns less than one hundred thousand naira in a

month cannot afford to build the house known as Asmau Plaza between 2010 -2012. “That I know as a fact that the respondent was confronted with the above findings by the applicant which he did not dispute and has agreed to forfeit the property known as Asmau Plaza to the Federal Government of Nigeria” Moving the application for final forfeiture, Counsel to the applicant, Nnaemeka Omewa, urged the court to grant the order based on the provisions of Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Omewa said: “My Lord, we have a motion on notice dated 19th July 2019 and filed on the same day, the motion is brought pursuant to section 17 of the Advance Fee fraud and other fraud related Offences; I urge the court to grant the motion.” Oyinloye granted the application and resolved all the issues raised in favour of the EFCC. The Judge also directed that the order for final forfeiture should be published in two National Newspapers.

Excitement as Sanwo-Olu visits Government House correspondents

agos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged the Government House correspondents to be professional in the discharge of their duty, while calling for “fair reportage” of his administration’s activities. Sanwo-Olu spoke when he led senior government officials, including his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat; Head of Service, Hakeem MuriOkunola, and Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Jaji, on a courtesy visit to the State House correspondents at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in the secretariat. The Press Centre is the operation base of all reporters, under the aegis of Lagos Governor’s Office Correspondents (LAGOCO), who are covering activities of the Lagos government. Also part of the Governor’s entourage included the Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, his deputy, Gboyega Soyannwo, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of

Information, Fola Adeyemi. The Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Gboyega Akosile, said Sanwo-Olu’s visit to the Press Centre was a move by the Governor to familiarise himself with the people that are having day-to-day interface with the activities of his government. Describing the Press Centre as a “newsroom” for the State House correspondents, Akosile informed the Governor that the media materials daily sent out from the facility reached over 3,000 media platforms and outlets across the country. This, he said, makes the Press Centre as the ‘most vibrant’ in media capability, expertise and reach. Since his appointment by the Governor, Akosile said he had improved the capability of the Press Centre by setting up in-house digital team and Online Television, christened Lagospress TV on YouTube, which will be operated by the civil servants working in facility.

GE Healthcare, Access Bank partner in financing healthcare providers Obinna Emelike

E Healthcare and Access Bank Nigeria have entered into a partnership to provide Nigeria’s private healthcare providers with equipment financing. Under the partnership, borrowers will be able to secure loans of up to $800,000 negotiable, based on the customer requirement. Access Bank will provide access to loans for eligible healthcare providers, while GE Healthcare will support the program through provision of GE healthcare equipment and technical support. The equipment under the partnership scope includes Imaging Solutions, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound Machines and Life Care Solutions. Borrowers, which qualify for loans include private healthcare providers such as hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres and other private practices offering a broad array of services. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Eyong Ebai, general manager for GE Healthcare West, Central & French Sub-Saharan Africa said, “We are committed to invest in Public and Private Partnerships that innovate new delivery models that will improve access to affordable and quality patient outcomes, as we progress towards Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.

Our partnership with Access Bank will help lift the financial burden off the healthcare providers.” Earlier this year, GE Healthcare rolled out a similar initiative in Kenya in partnership with Medical Credit Fund to provide Small and MediumEnterprises(SMES) with financing for healthcare equipment. “There is a need to provide innovative financing models for healthcare providers especially in the private sector, who currently face challenges accessing financing for purchase of healthcare equipment due to the risk associated with the business. As a financing institution, we are committed to provide financing at both the healthservice-provider level and at health-service-consumer levels to ensure that the people of Nigeria have all they need to live healthy lives”, Herbert Wigwe, CEO Access Bank, said. Access Bank was earlier this year recognized for the second time as the ‘Outstanding Healthcare SME-Friendly Bank of the Year’ at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) 2019. The need to provide affordable healthcare in Nigeria is key to the development of the Nigerian Healthcare sector. Even as the World Health Organisation has identified UHC as a unifying concept and goal for the Government as they strengthen their health systems and discharge their obligations under the right to health.

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BDSUNDAY 9

PhotoSplash

L-R: Prince Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi, Chairman, MTN Foundation; Col. Sani Bello (RTD), NonExecutive Board Member, MTN Nigeria; His Royal Highness, Sarkin Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, Non-Executive Director, Board of MTN Group; Phuthuma Nhelko, Executive Chairman, Board of Directors, MTN Group; and Dr. Pascal Dozie, Chairman, Board of Directors, MTN Nigeria, cutting the cake during the MTN post-public listing event in Abuja on the 24th, of July, 2019.

L-R: Olumide Ajayi, head, technical operations, Zola Electric; Owolabi Obasanu, field service agent; Abdallah H Khamis, MD, Zola Electric, and Anthony Hamilton, chief operating officer, Zola Electric, at the presentation of certificate of completion of Zola Flex Systems installation training to Owolabi Obasanu at Zola Head Office in Lagos recently.

L-R: Grace Udensi, public affairs manager, Lagos, Nigerian Breweries plc; Sade Morgan, corporate affairs director, Nigerian Breweries plc; Folashade Jaji, secretary to the state government, Lagos State, and Grace Omo-Lamai, human resource director, Nigerian Breweries plc, at a Courtesy Visit to the Secretary to the State Government, Lagos State

L-R: Jeni Hall, personal care director, Unilever Africa; Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, founder, Wecyclers Nigeria; Bruno Witvoet, president, Unilever Africa, and Soromidayo George, corporate affairs and sustainable business director, Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, at a facility tour of Wecyclers waste collection hub, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

L-R: ID Cabasa, Music producer; Odunlade Adekola, actor; Mayorkun, Afro-pop singer; Olufunmilayo Ogunbodede, brand manager, Goldberg Lager; Yinka Davies, singer; Adewale Ayuba, Fuji Legend; Dele Taiwo, Juju veteran; Sound Sultan, singer/producer, at the Ariya Repete 2019 quarter-final in Akure. L-R: Salisu Bala Kura, director, finance and accounts, ministry of trade and investmen; Kunle Oyelana, MD, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc (GSK); Edet Sunday Akpan, permanent secretary, ministry of trade and investment, and Omongiade Ehighebolo, director, communications and government affairs, GSK Nigeria, during a courtesy visit by GSK to the Ministry of Trade and Investment in Abuja recently.

Trainees at the third phase of the Agribusiness capacity training by CHI Farms Ltd., in partnership with AFOS Foundation, a German based NGO to grow the capacity of semi-formal educated Agriculturists in Nigeria

Miss Peace Chie receiving an award as the best Biology student, flanked by her mother, Mrs Chie and another parent during the 2019 graduation and prize giving ceremony of Ever Faithful God College at the school premises, Agbara-Badagry express way on 24th of July, 2019.

10 Inside Lagos

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Sunday 04 August 2019

LCCI seeks creation of BRT on Lekki-Epe corridor …wants PPP with LASG on int’l expo centre JOSHUA BASSEY

agos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged for the creation of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor on the Lekki-Epe Expressway as parts of the solutions to the heavy traffic congestion in that axis. Recall that stakeholders drawn from the private sector, including Access and Fidelity Banks, recently met with the government of Lagos State, at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, to discuss possible solutions to the intractable congestion on the island and along the Lekki corridor. The meeting presented various suggestions- ranging from total overhaul of traffic architecture in the area, removal of some of the large roundabouts as well as fixing areas riddled with potholes.

But the LCCI believes in addition to the solutions being proffered, there is the need to create a BRT corridor on the road. BRT is a segregated lane exclusive to high capacity buses and operated either by government or franchised private

operators. “ Mo s t r e s i d e n t s o n Lekki-Ajah corridor have their offices in Ikoyi and Victoria Island; we believe that having a BRT corridor will encourage most of them to drop their cars and commute on buses,”

Residents ecstatic as repair work resumes on Ishawo road

esidents of Ikorodu have lauded the mobilisation of Hi-Tech Construction Company, the contractor handling the rehabilitation of 7km AgricIshawo-Konu-Asolo-road project, back to site. The residents in separate interviews with the media said that the initiative has removed gridlock previously experienced by motorists and commuters along the axis. The permanent secretary in the Lagos State ministry of works and infrastructure, Olujimi Hotonu, had led some journalists on the inspection of the project. Abiodun Sunday, secretary, road committee, Ishawo Community Development Association (CDA), said that the heavy rainfalls had damaged several portions of the road, making it impassable for several months. “This road was a tale of woes before the interventions,’’ he said. Sunday commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for keeping to the promise to fix the road. “This is a good palliative

work and the mobilisation of the contractor back to site is an indication that the government is listening. As you can see, the palliatives have made the road motorable now; the gridlock has disappeared.” A motorist, Siraj Adeniran, also told newsmen at Odo-Afa that the portion was impassable because it was cut off by flood, adding that the dredging and sand filling done by the contractor had brought sanity to the road. He appealed to the government to sustain the palliative works through the rainy season. Adeniran said that the road, when completed would improve commercial activities in the area. He added that it would also reduce crime rate, traffic induced health challenges and cost of maintaining vehicles for motorists plying the route. Also, Bolaji Olomola, another resident said that before the intervention, people usually parked their vehicles at home for fear of the bad road. “We thank the governor for this palliative work, and we know he will continue

the real project very soon after the rains. “Hi-Tech Construction Company has been wonderful too and we urge them not to compromise standard in the choice of the materials for the road,” he said. Briefing newsmen, Hotonu explained that the entire project was 13.6km but was divided into phases. He said that the site preparation and Right of Way (RoW) recovery of the 7Km-Phase One of the project were nearing completion. He said it would cover Agric, Ishawo, Asolo and other communities. Hotonu, who expressed his satisfaction with the quality of job done, stated that: “The road upon completion will serve as an alternative route to the present Ikorodu road. “It will connect the town and the adjoining communities to the Lagos– Ibadan Expressway. “It will also permanently abate flooding on the road and the communities along the corridor, increase both property value and economic activities along the road.’’

said Babatunde Ruwase, president of LCCI during a visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Ikeja, The LCC is also looking to partnering the government in the construction of an international con-

vention and expo centre to be executed via a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The proposed centre has been necessitated by the fact that Lagos remains one of the few mega cities in the world without an international convention and expo centre. According to Ruwase, the centre would be an important trade promotion infrastructure which the state government is best positioned to facilitate. “If the government can provide us with the land, we will mobilise the resources to build it. The location must be strategic, and the land sizable so that it can be befitting of the commercial capital of the largest economy on the African continent,” said Ruwase. He bemoaned the current situation where exhibitions of international rating hold in five star hotels whose cost are prohibitive, thus inhibiting inclusive participation, especially by small businesses; while

others hold in improvised structures and tents. The construction of the centre, he believes will support the LCCI’s quest to making the Lagos international trade fair not just the biggest fair in Nigeria, but also in Africa. Ruwase called for the intervention of the state government towards boosting investment in digital economy. According to him, members of the LCC in the telecommunications sector had complained about the time and cost of getting right of way from the state government, saying that it will be difficult to achieve the dream of digital Lagos, if the situation persists. Sanwo-Olu promised the support of his administration for the actualisation of the proposed international convention centre. On the issue of Right of Way, he promised a more coordinated open access fibre optic lane process toward building a smart city.

‘Female street sweepers are engine room of LAWMA’

anaging Director of Lag o s Wa s t e Management Authority (LAWMA), Ola Oresanya, has described the female street sweepers as the engine room of the organisation, working round the clock to keep the state clean and sustain the environment. Oresanya said this at Ikeja during an award ceremony organised by Spotlight African Network to celebrate the women workforce of the authority for their input towards achieving cleaner and healthier environment in the state. At t h e p r o g r a m m e tagged, “LAWMA women making a difference, com-

munity service leadership awards,” Oresanya said: “I commend the Spotlight African Network, for recognising and celebrating the great roles you have consistently played, in making the environment conducive for all residents and visitors in our state”. “Of particular interest to me, is the safety training course, which the group has planned with the Federal Road Safety Corps for the women. This will go a long way in further equipping the women with basic rules of safety, while on their work beats. I must therefore specially commend your organisation, for the forwardlooking initiative”, he said. Th e L AW M A b o s s

stressed that the award conferred on the women sweepers would further motivate and inspire them to give their best in the task of building the environment that Lagosians would be proud of, adding that the goal of the authority was to achieve a cleaner Lagos. Also speaking at the event, the president of Spotlight African Network, Nonye Pearl Mike-Nnaji, noted that LAWMA street sweepers were the unsung heroines in the authority’s quest to make every nook and cranny of the state livable, stressing the impact of the sweepers in keeping the environment clean, and enhancing security on the roads.

Police nab two cable vandals

wo persons suspected to be vandalising and selling cables belonging to Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) have been arrested by the police in Ilasan community, Lekki, Lagos. Godwin Idemudia, general manager, corporate communications of EKEDC, disclosed on Friday. Idemudia said that one of the suspects was arrested on July 28 by the security operatives, while cutting a cable belonging to the company at Iroko Awe I Substation in Ilasan. According to him, the sus-

pect was immediately taken to Ilasan police division where he confessed to have vandalised that particular substation twice in the past. “It was also discovered that prior to his apprehension, he had already cut and taken away 60 meters of armoured cable and 500mm2 single core cable valued at N2.1 million. “He also stole 150mm2 four core armoured cable valued at N300, 000 and 20 meters earth wire valued at N100, 000 from the substation. “Upon investigation, the suspect led the Police to Itedo area of Lekki where they

arrested the alleged buyer (nameswitheld) of vandalised items,” he said. The general manager said that the suspects, Noak Yaka and Abdulahi Haruna, were on July 31 arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on a three-count charge of stealing, malicious damage and receiving stolen items. Idemudia said that the two defendants had pleaded not guilty to the three charges, whiletheircasewasadjourned until Aug. 19 for mention. He said that the defendants were remanded in Ikoyi Prison pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

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Lagos and the greenery crusade

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Frank Aigbogun editor Zebulon Agomuo DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGY, INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS Oghenevwoke Ighure GENERAL MANAGER, ADVERT Adeola Ajewole ADVERT MANAGER Ijeoma Ude FINANCE MANAGER Emeka Ifeanyi MANAGER, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Obiora Onyeaso BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (South East, South South) Patrick Ijegbai CIRCULATION MANAGER John Okpaire DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Linda Ochugbua ASSIST. SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Florence Kadiri GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (North)

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

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

ccording to climate experts, human-induced global deforestation is responsible for 1825% of global climate change. The United Nations, World Bank and other leading non-governmental organizations are therefore encouraging re-forestation and other activities that promote tree planting to mitigate the effects of climate change. Presently, the focus of the world is gradually drifting beyond the ecosystem services provided by trees to man, but to the vital role they play in empowering people, promoting economic growth and combating climate change. The 14th session of UN Forum on Forests held in May 2019 at the United Nations’ headquarters, New York, where international and regional organisations and stakeholders took stock of the progress in the implementing the UN Strategic Plan for forest 2030, highlighted the critical role of trees in a healthy planet. The strategic plan and the Global Forest Goals of the UNFF14 as a framework for global participation in greening provide a blueprint to promote forest contributions in achieving the Sustainable Devel-

opment Goals (SDGs). The Lagos State Government has been a strong participant in the global effort in safeguarding the earth through its various environmental sustainability project. One enduring and conspicuous approach the State Government has adopted is the greening project. The Greening project is the systematic and comprehensive method of promoting tree planting and regeneration of degraded urban areas. Halting and reversing deforestation The relentless stride at establishing a culture of greening among citizens has placed Lagos among the notable green cities in the world today. This effort was recognized when it was mentioned alongside Johannesburg as one of the most improved and green compliant cities during the Environment Summit (RIO 20+) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2012. With different tree planting crusades, the State government is gradually addressing the growing apprehension on climate change by improving the biological uniqueness of its local ecosystem and upholding the social value in communities across the State. Also, Public-Private Partnership (PSP) model has improved its greening profile as several corporate institutions are currently investing in the landscaping and beautification of several open places across the state. Building on the remarkable antecedent of successive administrations on greening, the p Sanwo-Olu administration has so far showed enough commitment to expand the project to further accentuate the position of Lagos State in

global affairs of sustainable environment. In its THEMES Agenda, health and environment policy of the government is modeled to improve the socio-economic credential of the State. This ambition was recently captured at the 2019 Tree Planting Sensitisation Campaign held in all 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development areas of the State. This comprehensive exercise, which was midwifed by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), was a corresponding concept of greening revolution as it is been celebrated in major cities across the world to make the mother earth a fruitful entity for humanity. All strata of the society participated in the massive tree planting campaign; media organisations, traditional institutions, religious groups, corporate bodies, community development associations, Non-Governmental Organisations, students, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), trade union, market associations including foreign diplomats were actively involved in the exercise. Over fifty thousand trees of 32 species were planted statewide in the process, making the total number of treesin the State exceed 8 million. Thus, the ambition to have 10 million trees adorning the nooks and crannies of the State by 2020 is very much alive. Making tree planting a vital component of urban lifestyle is a progressive stride towards optimizing economic values of green spaces in the state. And developing new opportunities around green spaces to propel the green

economy is another developmental policy of the State. The green economy would undoubtedly provide the platform for this ambitious city to promote its green credentials, improve citizens’ health and sustain the environment. To achieve this, changes are needed in the urban planning strategies and a push for an increase in green spaces is highly imperative. Non-state actors and network of citizens must establish the right attitude that would support Government policy on achieving an eco-sustainable development. Moreover, the government hasstated that certain percentages of our properties must be preserved for greening as stated in the State’s Physical Planning Law and would be re-launching the ‘One House, One Tree’ campaign across the State. The campaign is to ensure that every house in Lagos possesses at least one tree which is believed to intensify the greening project. The message from Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the 2019 tree planting was very apt: ‘’When we make it clean, let us also make it green and when we make it green, we have made it safer and healthier for generality of our people. This is our perfect dream for a prosperous Lagos’’. Since every tree makes a difference, every person that plants a tree also makes a difference. Considering the simple and inexpensive nature of tree planting as well as its numerous advantages, the time to embrace the culture is now. Ogunbiyi is of the Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Dick Kramer - Chairman Imo Itsueli Mohammed Hayatudeen Afolabi Oladele Vincent Maduka Keith Richards Opeyemi Agbaje Amina Oyagbola Bolanle Onagoruwa Fola Laoye Chuka Mordi Mezuo Nwuneli Charles Anudu Tunji Adegbesan Eyo Ekpo

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Sunday 04 August 2019

Politics ‘There must be synergy between executive and legislature to achieve good governance’

Ganiyu Johnson is the member representing Oshodi/Isolo federal constituency 2 in the National Assembly. He recently spoke to a select group of journalists on some national issues, where he said the ninth Assembly would correct the wrong doing of the previous dispensation, INIOBONG IWOK was there. Excerpts: Considering the manner the leadership of the National Assembly was elected, there is the perception in some quarters that it would be a stooge of the executive? here must be synergy if we want to progress in this country. My party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) having got preference for these people did not mean that they were handpicked. The speaker happened to be the most competent lawmaker in the House. If you had seen the pattern of the election you would also noticed that he was voted for en-mass, even the opposition voted for him. The speaker was a popular candidate. Talking about handpicking, I do not agree. If we want progress in the country, there must be synergy between the executive and the legislature; that is the only way we can develop in this country. Nation building starts from somewhere. If we had made mistakes in the past, this is the time to correct it. We cannot continue to have an executive and legislature that would be at logger heads all the time. If some of the blue prints that the executive wants to drive are frustrated because of executive/ legislature imbroglio, it is the electorate that would suffer and that is why this time around, we would like to get it right.

insurgency and we have some of the impressive result he and his men have made. We should try to encourage them so they would continue to give their best.

What is your assessment of the eighth Assembly in terms of independence; some Nigerians say it was the best in recent time? I don’t agree with that. If it was the best when was the 2019 budget passed? It was passed just before it wound up. The budget was presented in October. There was a lot of friction between the executive and the legislature. The President could not even execute most of his programmes. The ninth Assembly will correct most of the anomalies so that we can move forward. You were inaugurated for the first term at the lower chamber of the National Assembly; what does it feel like? It is good to have people from different parts of the federation come together for a single purpose of national development through representation of our various constituencies. We also had the honour of electing our speaker in the person of Femi Gbajabiamila. We hope we would be able to carry out a lot of reforms different from the eighth Assembly, and to also improve on its work. The speaker has assured Nigerians there would be a lot of reforms and we are ready to cooperate with him. I don’t agree with that. If it was the best when was the 2019 budget passed? It was passed just before it winded up. The bud-

Don’t you think that the President should consider changing the service chiefs? I have told you that the issue of security is not something anyone can just dabble into. President knows the best, and he knows why he has not deemed it necessary to change them and I cannot even comment on that. He is the commanderin-chief and he knows what is good for the country.

Ganiyu Johnson

get was presented in October. There was a lot of friction between the executive and the legislature. President could not even execute most of his programmes. The ninth Assembly will correct most of the anomalies so that we can move forward. Some Nigerians are of the view that President Muhammadu Buhari has failed Nigerians in the area of security. What is your view? There has always been insecurity in this country, during the time of successive governments, Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’ Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, there had always been insecurity. Security is a very sensitive issue. It is not something that can be eradicated overnight. If you go to London today, Heathrow Airport, you would see armed police officers, soldiers around the airport. There is no way you can eliminate insecurity 100 percent, it is an on-going process. Government would try to minimise and curtail the occurrence or menace. You cannot wipe it out totally. Recently, the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, gave the impression that insecurity in the country had overwhelmed him and his troop, Nigerians saw that comment as a way of discouraging the soldiers and also implying he wanted to quit. What can you say to that? You can always have bad eggs everywhere

and they were the ones escalating issues. Even in the Bible, out of the twelve disciples there was one bad egg. Judas Iscariot betrayed Christ, not to talk of an organisation. It is normal. People tend to escalate issues. Our party is in firm control and President also is in firm control. The country is safe and people are free to go about their duties without fear. The Chief of Army Staff has been working to fight

I think it is something that dialogue can settle. If various regions can talk, they can come to an understanding and probably buy the idea, especially looking at the inherent benefits of the project, which is meant to tackle herders/ farmers clashes across the country and create employment

Some Nigerians frowned at the comment of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo that the insecurity situation in the country had been blown out of proportion or exaggerated. Can you comment on that? I corroborated that when I said that there are bad eggs in every institution and organisation. The insecurity started before Obasanjo, when the military was in power. Insecurity has always been there during previous administrations of Obasanjo, Yar’ Adua and Jonathan and you cannot start escalating it now. It has always been there. We have pockets of insecurity here and there and the government is trying to manage it. It is wrong to go about escalating it; the truth is that it is not as bad as some people are trying to paint it. This administration is trying so much to curtail the activities of insurgents and other criminalities across the country. What is your view about the Ruga settlement plan, which was eventually suspended by the government? I would commend the President for having taken the initiative. He has listened to Nigerians and that is good. I think it is something that dialogue can settle. If various regions can talk, they can come to an understanding and probably buy the idea, especially looking at the inherent benefits of the project, which is meant to tackle herders/farmers clashes across the country and create employment. I think with consultation or dialogue we would achieve so much in the country. People sometimes accuse President Buhari of being sectional, and that is why bandits in a state in the North would demand that government must negotiate with them before they would stop their nefarious activities. What is your take here? Do you want to believe some of those things? There is freedom of speech and anybody can say anything.

Sunday 04 August 2019

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Politics

House Standing Committees: How Gbajabiamila heeded Oshiomhole’s command of APC ‘not sharing power with opposition’ James Kwen, Abuja

he recent appointment of Leadership of Standing Committees of the House of Representatives revealed that Femi Gbajabiamila has obeyed the command of Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC that the ruling party will ‘not share power with the opposition in the House’. This is as the Speaker ostensibly appointed only loyal APC Members as Chairmen of supposed ‘juicy’ Committees and conceded 25 less juicy Committees to the main opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP and other minority parties members, leaving the majority party with 80 out of the Standing 105 Committees. Recall that Oshiomhole had told House of Representatives members-elect immediately after the general election that APC will not share power with the opposi-

Femi Gbajabiamila

tion PDP in the House, even in the headship of Committees. “We will not share power in the House of Representatives and the

leadership must ensure that critical Committees that drive government are shared only among APC members. So all the Chairmen

1. Appropriation, Muktar Betara, APC 2. Constitutional Review, Ahmed Idris, APC 3. Ecological Fund, Ibrahim Isiaka, APC 4. Federal Capital Territory, Abdullahi Garba, APC 5. House Services, Wale Raji, APC 6. Niger Delta Development Commission, Tunji-Ojo Olabunmi, APC 7. North- East Development Commission, Khadija Bukar, APC 8. Constituency Outreach, Adamu Gawo, APC 9. Federal Character, Abubakar Kusada, APC 10. Agriculture Colleges and Institutions, Munir Baba, APC 11. Agricultural Production and Services, Muntari Dandutse, APC 12. Air Force, Shehu Koko, APC 13. Army, Abdulrazak Namdas, APC 14. Basic Education, Julius Ihovbere, APC 15. Communications, Akeem Adeyemi, APC 16. Customs and Excise Yusuf Kila, APC 17. Defence, Jimi Benson, APC 18. Electoral Matters Aisha Dukku, APC 19. Environment, Johnson Oghuma, AAPC 20. Finance, James Faleke, APC 21. Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Buba, APC 22. Healthcare Services, Tanko Sununu, APC 23. Interior Nazir Daura, APC, 24. Land Transport, Tajudeen Abbas, APC 25. National Security and Intelligence, Shaban Sharada, APC 26. Navy, Yusuf Gagdi, APC 27. Petroleum Resources (Down Stream), Mahmud Gaiya, APC 28. Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Musa Arda, APC 29. Police Affairs, Bello Kumu, APC 30. Ports and Harbour, Garba Datti, APC 31. Power, Aliyu Dau, APC 32. Public Procurement, Nasir, Ahmed, APC 33. Rules and Business, Abubakar Fulata, APC 34. Tertiary Education, Aminu Suleiman, APC 35. Water Resources, Sada Soli, APC 36. Works, Abubakar Kabir-Abubakar, APC 37. Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Safana Dayyabu, APC 38. Capital Market and Institutions, Ibrahim Babangida, APC 39. Civil Societies and Development Partners, Kabir Idris, APC 40. Commerce, Femi Fakeye, APC 41. Co-operation and Integration in Africa, Mohammed Bago, APC 42. Diaspora, Tolu Shadipe, APC 43. Emergency and Disaster Management, Tunji Olawuyi, APC 44. FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Tijani Damisa, APAPC 45. Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Femi Bamisile, APC 46. Financial Crimes, Abudullahi Dutse, APC 47. Housing and Habitat, Mustapha Dawaki, APC 48. Industry, Dolapo Badru, APC 49. Information and Communications Technology, Abubakar Lado, APC 50. Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, Segun Odebunmi, APC 51. Internally Displaced Persons, Mohammed Jega, APC 52. Inter-Parliamentary Relations, Zakari Galadima, APC 53. Justice, Ozurigbo Ugonna, APC 54. Labour, Employment and Productivity, Ali Wudil, APC

of Committees except one that I know it is statutory reserved for opposition which is Public Account, we will have that. “So we will not do the kind of thing that happened the last time in which some APC members as members of the leading party became spectators in the management of the Committees when PDP has majority of strategic Committees. That will not happen in the next Assembly”, Oshiomhole stressed. Juicy Committees in the legislative parlance means those Committees that oversight major government Ministries, Departments and Agencies with huge financial base and influence and carry out critical national assignment such as Appropriation, Constitutional Review, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Education, Defence, Security, Environment, Interior, among others. Consequently, in the 9th House of Representatives, obviously in compliance with the instruction of

Oshiomhole, the following ‘juicy’ Committees have been chaired by APC lawmakers whose loyalty to the party is not in doubt. That notwithstanding, the Speaker has insisted that the constitution of the Standing Committees and appointment of their Chairmen is in tandem with his campaign promises to run an all inclusive House where Committees would be chaired or constituted to the ratio of 60:40 between APC and minority parties. Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau), Member of the House ad- hoc Committee on Media, apparently speaking for Gbajabiamila dismissed insinuations that the Speaker has rescinded on his promise to carry members along irrespective of party affiliations on the leadership of Committees. He stressed that, “21 members of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party and four minority parties’ members have been appointed Chairmen and 30 Deputy Chairmen of Committees”.

55. Legislative Compliance, Dennis Idahosa, APC 56. Legislative Library, Research and Documentation, Gaza Gbefwi, APC 57. Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu, APC 58. National Planning and Economic Development, Olododo Cook, APC 59. Pensions, Alhassan Rumrum, APC 60. Populations, Lawal Idrisu, APC 61. Poverty Alleviation Abdullahi Salame, APC 62. Public Service Matters, Sani Bala, APC 63. Rural Development, Tijani Jobe, APC 64. Special Duties, Sumaila Suleiman, APC 65. Sports, Olumide Osoba, APC 66. Steel, Ali Ibrahim, APC 67. Sustainable Development Goals, Rotimi Agunsoye, APC 68. Youth Development, Yemi Adaramodu, APC 69. Climate Change, Ibrahim Bukar, APC 70. Federal Road Safety Commission, Mayowa Akinfolarin, APC 71. HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, Sarki Dahiru, APC 72. Human Rights, John Dyegh, APC 73. Lake Chad, Ahiru Mani, APC 74. Inter-Governmental Affairs, Akin Alabi, APC 75. Pilgrims Affairs, Abubakar Nalaraba, APC 76. Political Parties Matters, Gudaji Kazaure, APC 77. Privatization and Commercialization, Garba Gololo, APC 78. Urban Development and Regional Planning, Jide Jimoh, APC 79. Women Affairs and Social Development, Wunmi Onanuga, APC 80. Women in Parliament, Taiwo Oluga, APC. The remaining Committees are chaired by the opposition as follows: 1. Public Accounts, Wole Oke, PDP 2. Public Petitions, Jerry Alagbaoso, PDP 3. Aviation, Nwoli Nnaji, PDP 4. Banking and Currency, Victor Nwokolo, PDP 5. Federal Judiciary, Luke Onofiok, PDP 6. Gas Resources, Nicholas Mutuh, PDP 7. Health Institutions, Paschal Obi, AA 8. Local Content, Legor Idagbo, PDP 9. Maritime Safety, Education and Administration Lynda Ikpeazu, PDP 10. Insurance and Acturial Matters, Darlington Nwokocha, PDP 11. Internal Security of the National Assembly, Danjuma Chedeh, APGA 12. Delegated Legislation, Sylvester Ogbaga, PDP 13. FCT Judiciary, Ifeanyi Momah, APGA 14. Niger Delta Ministry, Essien Ayi, PDP 15. Science and Technology, Beni Lar, PDP 16. Solid Minerals, Michael Okon, PDP 17. Anti-Corruption, Nicholas Shehu, PDP 18. Culture and Tourism, Ihama Ogbiede, PDP 19. Drugs and Narcotics, Francis Agbo, PDP 20. Ethics and Privileges, Kolawole Lawal, APM 21. FOI, Reform of Government Institutions, Cornelius Nnaji, PDP 22. Legislative Budget and Research, Mike Etaba, PDP 23. Reformatory Institutions, Ogbee Lazarus, PDP 24. Treaties, Protocol and Agreements, Ossai Nicholas, PDP 25. Waterways, Patrick Asadu, PDP.

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Sunday 04 August 2019

Politics Solution to Edo’s State House of Assembly disagreement is in Edo not in National Assembly - Aguele Peter Aguele, an economist and a farmer is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State. In this interview with IDRIS UMAR MOMOH & CHURCHILL OKORO, the former chairmanship aspirant for Esan South-East Local Government Area spoke on the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly and the way out of the impasse. Excerpts: Edo State House of Assembly has since June been in crisis over the issuance of proclamation letter by the state governor and the subsequent inauguration by the clerk of the house. As a stakeholder in the state project, what is your take on the crisis? an we say there is crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly? The answer is no. The processes as laid down by the constitution are first and foremost that the governor after the end of the sixth assembly will make a proclamation which he has done. It is a constitutional right that he made the proclamation and based on that the house was inaugurated. For me, as a politician and a stakeholder in the Edo State project there is no crisis at all. The House has been inaugurated but unfortunately it is not the 24 members-elect that partook in the inauguration. But once others complete all the necessary processes they stand the chance of being sworn-in. I think all of us are looking forward to that time when all the other members will come and be inaugurated. It is an unfortunate situation because the 24 members are all APC and there is no issue of witch-hunting anybody so to speak, because they are all of the same party. I think others should come down from their hideout and come back to the state to do what the people voted them to do constitutionally. But for me, there is no crisis. It is only a matter of pocket of disagreements and all of that.

not expect that something that is domesticated and our man-made problem is now being taken to Abuja to find a solution. It is a shame because we have a party and the head of the party in the country today, the National chairman of APC, is an Edo man. They say charity begins at home. If we cannot put our house in order, what is it that we are going to tell others? The former governor of the state and who is today by the grace of God, the National chairman of the party, has the capacity to sit down and locally solve the problem. We do not need all these shenanigans; we do not need to run to Abuja to solve our problems, we are only washing our dirty linens outside because at the end of the day when the chips are down they will tell us to solve our problem at home. I want to assure that these problems will be solved locally just as it was created locally. The National Assembly members that directed the governor to issue a fresh proclamation letter know that it is impossible. Because it is even sadder that the lawmakers know that the matters is already in court and you cannot adjudicate on a matter that is before a competent court.

A lot of blame game among the supporters of the parties concerned in the crisis has been going on. Where do you belong in all of this? Are you one of those pointing fingers at other group? I think a lot of people are only trying to make a mountain out of the molehill. There is nothing like Obaseki group or Oshiomhole group. The few groups that you see and hear are just an imagination and creation of some very dubious and parochial groups who want to probably benefit from a crisis situation. There is nothing that Governor Godwin Obaseki is doing today that is not a template of Adams Oshiomhole. If there is anything that Oshiomhole stood for was the fight against godfatherism because it was the bane of the developmental strides and policy thrust of his administration. For me, Governor Godwin Obaseki is a product of Adams Oshiomhole. The only difference is in terms of characterisation. Governor Obaseki is only trying to bring to bear what Oshiomhole stood for. The fight against godfatherism cannot only start and end with Oshiomhole. The baton was passed on to Governor Obaseki. I thank God, the governor has the capacity, competence and character to bring to an end any form of godfatherism in the state. For me, you can only take the baton from somebody who had started it. Governor Obaseki is following the footstep of Adams Oshiomhole in implementing the template. It is true that a lot of people will be offended in the process just like in the days of Adams Oshiomhole. In Oshiomhole’s period, a lot of people were offended because they didn’t really like the fact that he took that battle to fight godfatherism. Also, we are seeing today that people are angry with Obaseki’s decision but the only difference now is that it is within the party. It is not as much as it were at that time when Adams Oshiomhole had to fight those who were in opposition completely. Some of those people who were in the opposition parties have even moved to the ruling party and the governor today recognises that some elements

Peter Aguele in the party are those who are also trying to portray themselves as godfathers. So, he has decided to fight it to its logical conclusion and we are very happy and supportive of him because the fight against godfatherism is the liberation and fight for the people where no one man sits down and decides who gets what. That is what the fight is all about, because we must take the dividends of democracy back to the people who originally are supposed to be the owner of it. So, for me, it is just that a baton has been passed and he that currently holds the baton is carrying on the torch light to bring to an end the problem that can bring Edo State into a crisis situation. Is the crisis not a manifestation your party is not able to manage its victory after clinching all the 24 seats in the House of Assembly in the last general election? After the war, there must be spoils to be shared. Human endeavours have always proven even in the olden days when war is won how to share the spoils of the war becomes the next agenda. That is where you see interest driving the process. If only everybody can go back to the collective decision of the people to say there is a bigger agenda which is Edo must work. If we continue in that light, this so-called crisis and pocket of problems will not have emanated. So, we are hoping that even in the sharing of the spoils, there will be pockets of argument after which everybody will come back to the drawing board because Edo must keep working. We are grateful that we have a governor who believes in the rule of law and the sanctity of the policies of the people. For me and for most of us, I think the governor has the capacity to bring this to a logical conclusion because all these interferences cannot work. I must tell you that politics is local and Edo is a domesticated place. The political land scale of Edo is in Edo and the solution to Edo problems is also in Edo. But to answer your question correctly, yes, the management of the successes is where we are now and I think we will win that as we successful won the election. Some of the grievances the party members have against the governor were the nonconstitution and inauguration of board of parastatals and committee members which are supposed to benefit some of those who worked for the victory. Are you comfortable

with the development? In the management of any organisation, there must be a template. Government and governance is an interesting thing. I, for instance, cannot speak for somebody who is outside and also shouting, why has government not done this and that? But what is important is that there must be resources; resources that are enough to go round; to set up these boards. Of what use is it that a board is set up and it is not functional? The man who is at the helms of affairs should be able to tell according to the resource on ground whether the boards are viable, whether they should be constituted and inaugurated. Because it is important and for the person I know, in the case of Godwin Obaseki, there is no use constituting a board that will be moribund and not functional. I think that whatever he does suits the government of the day in terms of his policy thrust. He will inaugurate boards and all the boards that needed to be inaugurated in the last few years have been inaugurated and I am very convinced that as we go forward, others will be inaugurated. Some members of boards that were inaugurated in the days of Oshiomhole resigned from their appointment simply because they didnot see themselves as functional people. So, you can imagine if Governor Godwin Obaseki had quickly in the first one year inaugurated boards, yet, the boards are not functioning, by now what you will be hearing and seeing are people resigning unnecessarily. We must not pretend that Edo State is sitting on a very limited funds. A lot of people are asking for too much because government is there. So, I am sure when funds are enough, the governor will do the needful as regards the boards and committees. The National Assembly has just passed a resolution directing the state governor to issue a fresh proclamation letter to the clerk for the “proper” inauguration of the 7th Assembly for the 24 members-elect. What is your take on this? First and foremost, I think the National Assembly should be aware that this matter is in court. How is it that they are adjudicating on a matter that is in court of competent jurisdiction? I just feel that there is flagrant abuse of power. At the end of the day, it is the Edo people that are likely going to suffer from all these interferences. I did

As the crisis continues; what is your advice and the best way to resolve it? I do not see a crisis; rather it is a pocket of disagreements. It is not a blown up situation where we say we need help. For instance, we have a functioning seventh assembly in Edo State; commissioners have just been screened and sworn in. It is the primary responsibilities of the House of Assembly to screen commissioners. So, if they have successfully done such a thing, it means there is no crisis. The only time that the laws allow the intervention and interference from the National Assembly is when the house is not able to sit successfully. For me, I would advice nearly 60-70 percent of those who today are already sitting in Abuja on the basis of the fact that some help will come from there, I will say there is no need to go outside and ask for such solution; they should come back home and be inaugurated. The house is functional. Nothing will stop the house from being functional. Sir, when you say Edo State government is sitting on a very limited funds not many people in the state will agree with you because they argued that the state governor collects N6billion annually on security votes, representing an average of N500 monthly, and that the governor would have been magnanimous in spending part of it to pay boards and committee members which to them is a token? First and foremost, I am not privy to such information. The N500million monthly security vote that is allocated to the sitting governor, perhaps, it is specific. In governance, nobody sits down and gets free money. It is money that is earmarked for security. I am sure that you are aware that somebody who was at the head of a security agency is still in jail over alleged misappropriation of security funds in the country. If today we are experiencing a governor whose money meant for security is being diverted to service public officers and politicians, when the time comes for accountability a lot of these politicians will not be there to answer for the amount of money that was spent. So, I am very sure that such amount of money. That means there is a heading for it. It is not free money. It is money meant for something and there is no appropriation for something that does not exist. And for me, I think the onus is on the governor to spend what money that is meant for a particular thing or project judiciously and for the purpose.

Sunday 04 August 2019

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Interview Oshiomhole is the cause of Edo Assembly crisis - Speaker Frank Okiye is the speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly. He speaks in this interview with INIOBONG IWOK on the crisis rocking the state legislature, the threat of takeover by the Senate and the role of Adams Oshiomhole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, in the crisis, among others.

What was the genesis of the crisis in the Assembly? efore the elections, the 24 APC lawmakers who were candidates as at then were already interacting and some of them even as candidates were already seeing me as their possible speaker because of the way I emerged as candidate. So, the relationship was cordial as candidates then and even when we won the elections. So, going into the election that took place on March 9, we all did campaign together and we congratulated one another upon our victory. In fact, when all the 24 of us were declared winner, they started calling me their speaker even before we got sworn in. About eight of them gathered and met with me, two of them were even negotiating what offices they can hold and what committee they can get. Everything was going on smoothly within our fold until the Edo Peoples Movement came up and then trouble started. What did the Edo Peoples Movement do? I just noticed that these same persons that we speak cordially as brothers and soonto-be colleagues started foot-dragging and some were not even picking my calls any longer, then I knew that there was a problem. At the end of the day, everything snowballed into whether the lawmakerelects were willing to be inaugurated, they now started saying that they are waiting for the green light from Oshiomhole and his stance on the house leadership; that if he asked them to vote otherwise, they will vote otherwise, but if he asked them not to vote otherwise then I can be sure of their votes. That was how the whole problem started with the horse-trading and lobbying. What was the position of the Edo State chapter of the APC when the horsetrading commenced since all 24 are from the same party? The party actually stood up to be counted and one must commend the effort of the party in the state. The party made its stance known as to the sharing of offices for the Assembly based on the principle of equity to ensure that no zone or Constituency in the state is left out. They carried everyone along including those who refused to come for their inauguration. That was why it’s irritating and unfair when people said Governor Obaseki was the one who handpicked principal members of the house. In fairness to him, he was not involved in the process. It was the party that devised the framework on the emergence of the leadership of the House based on the principle of equal representation. Go and check it, the constituted leadership in the house is balanced and every constituency has something to show. The party actually came out clearly with its stand as to who are the people that should occupy each of the offices and our names were declared in the presence of stakeholders of the party, all 24 members-elect were present at the meeting. Why didn’t they align with the decision of the party? They were saying all sorts and it was at that point we started having all the problems that we are now having. They said Comrade Oshiomhole, the national chairman of our party, must tell them this and tell them that. They said he is the only one that can talk to them and eventually they told me that Comrade has ordered that they go the

Frank Okiye

other way. Later, they came and said they wanted money. I told them that I have not been inaugurated and I cannot be making a demand for money. They said no, that they know that Governor Obaseki won’t give them money because some of them know the governor before that if he doesn’t give them money at that time, he won’t give them again. They also said that they think the governor is in support of my candidacy and they won’t agree because they don’t want anyone who has the support of the governor as the speaker. So, until the party met with us and rolled out the list of the people they wanted in the office, we all thought it will be easy and over. What really happened at the inauguration day of the 24 elected members? It was clear that they had other ideas than the wish of the party. On the Monday morning that we were supposed to be inaugurated, they acted strangely. You will call Mr. A, he won’t answer; same goes for Mr. B. Some said they are in Abuja, some said they are in Sapele, some said that they have not heard from the Comrade and all kinds of stories but we didn’t know that they went to address a press conference. But before that day, we were all like brothers, we were all meeting like a team, we were all together in the Code of Conduct Bureau. So, the idea of saying some persons had to be invited from a distance was not there. So, for them to say that they were not invited or the invitation wasn’t published in newspapers was just an excuse to invalidate what was legally and logically done. On the inauguration day, about five of us were there at the Assembly at about 2:30pm and we waited for the rest of them. Before we knew it, some others joined us. When we got to about nine, that was around 4pm or thereabout, we told the Clerk that the law does not say everyone must be complete and that since we have formed a quorum, we can now go ahead and get inaugurated. It was after this that the Clerk commenced the business of inauguration and someone nominated me and the nomination was seconded by another and the Clerk asked for a further nomination but there was none. That was how I became

the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly ditto for the Deputy Speaker and other principal officers. So, we rose that day, adjourned sitting and since then we have been sitting. Are you saying that the Edo State House of Assembly has been sitting and conducting parliamentary activities? We have been sitting as a parliament. I just drove out of office after the plenary session. Lawmakers are going about their committee work. We just invited the Commissioner for Works to appear before the House over a matter of public importance. The constitution says when the House is unable to sit, that means when it cannot perform the function it was supposed to perform. And this notification was supposed to be given or declared by the governor of a state who will say that there is no one to deal with his legislative requests like clearance of commissioners and so on. That was what the constitution contemplated, not the National Assembly sitting over a state Assembly as if we are a colony under them. Do they know that they are creating an impression that they are coming to Edo State to come and sit in our chamber? These are not what the law says but if they think otherwise, let them go and test it in the court. So, I don’t understand what they are now saying. Which one comes first, is it the National Assembly to generate crisis and now take over or there should have been evidence of a crisis that the House cannot sit? Has any of the parties approached the court over this issue and is the National Assembly and police aware of such? We are in court; we have sued them and got two separate injunctions and we are going to cite all the cases in court on the pages of newspapers. The other twelve memberelect have also sued and challenged the legitimacy of my speakership. So, which means all the parties in this issue have cases in court already. We have a restraining order against the National Assembly, against the security agencies, against the party and their agents. So, why is the National Assembly trying to usurp the function of the court?

Senator Rochas Okorocha cautioned his colleagues against the swift takeover of the Edo State Assembly. Why do you think the National Assembly is perhaps, working towards a quick takeover of the Assembly which you preside? I have said it before on several occasions that we know who is beating the drum for them in the National Assembly. They have found themselves in position of a stooge to make it look like they cannot think outside the box, it’s unfortunate. It wasn’t only Okorocha that spoke against the undemocratic tendency of the Senate, another lawmaker who is a lawyer from Benue also asked them where the decision they are taking on Edo Assembly is supported in the constitution, where the time and venue of taking over a state Assembly is spelt out. The truth is that the Edo State Assembly and my office as the speaker are not the real target of this crisis. In fact, I can’t find myself anywhere in the whole scheme. The plot is actually aimed at Governor Obaseki and stopping him from getting a return ticket as governor next year. Comrade Oshiomhole is actually after Obaseki, the state Assembly was only a smokescreen to his plans. The idea now is to take over the house, destabilise the state and possibly impeach the governor. The Edo Peoples Movement that originated this crisis has boasted that they will ensure that the governor does not come back for a second tenure. But I said to people that that is not the decision for them to make for our state. We don’t know what Oshiomhole wants. Oshiomhole is the one behind Edo Assembly crisis and he is simply after Obaseki. However, the door is open for the remaining lawmaker-elect, they should come to the Assembly, complete and regularise their documentation and they will be sworn in. What is the way out of the crisis? I guess a political solution to the matter is getting foreclosed by the day and the courts may have to be the solution provider now. The National Assembly should know that the lawmakers that they are purportedly fighting for are already in the court of law. The Senate cannot be seen to be going against its own rule of interfering in any matter that is already before the court. They should not allow themselves to be tossed around. We are a law-abiding people and we are waiting for the verdict of the court on this issue. The National Assembly must take note that they are to act as agents of peace and not merchants of crisis. Edo State has always been peaceful and any attempt for them to carry out this order will certainly disrupt the peace that is currently being enjoyed in the state. The section of the constitution which empowered National Assembly to take over the functions of a State House of Assembly is clearly and unambiguously stated in sections 11(4) and 11(5) of the Constitution. These conditions do not apply here in Edo Assembly as the House has been performing legislative businessesin a peaceful atmosphere with me presiding as the Speaker. Since inauguration, the House has adopted the business calendar, constituted statutory committees, cleared commissioners and passed several resolutions. This is why I advised my colleagues who have refused to be inaugurated to present themselves for documentation and inauguration in other for them to give quality representation to the people who elected them.

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Sunday 04 August 2019

Interview

We have resolved to make of Doing Business index in

Barely two months in office, Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun State, is keen at justifying the manda some media executives at Iperu Remo, his country home, the governor unveiled his first four-year v

ow has it been since you were sworn in as governor of Ogun State? Well, because of the uniqueness of the political landscape in Ogun State and my emergence, to say the least, there has not been a dull moment. Having won the primaries, we held on to that and begin to prepare for the main gubernatorial election. Our focus then was on how and what strategy to deploy to win the election. I am sure that it is needless to say that we operated in the most unfriendly circumstance, and in probably, the most intolerant administration. It was indeed a very charged atmosphere then. But we give glory to God because it was an opportunity for Him to avow his supremacy in our land. When God wants to do something, over a billion men cannot stand on His way. I did not have a doubt that I was going to win the primaries because I was not desperate to become governor, I was only desirous. I had a relationship with the then incumbent but the point of departure was when I said I would like to take over from him. I must have faced the biggest battle in my life to be here, the rest is now history. What is your vision for the state? I have a formidable team, and we want the state to grow, but our approach is different. We have articulated a vision for ourselves, which was based on our experience as we crisscross the state, going through the 20 Local Government Areas, 57 Local Council Development Area (LCDAs) to see situations on ground and to enable us plan effectively and give priority to areas of need across the state. Our visit also provided us opportunity to meet the people and to know the issues they have. Those issues helped us to articulate a vision for ourselves. Our focus is to provide a focused and credible government, while creating an enabling environment with public and private partnership. We believe that if we do that, it will translate into the economic transformation and wellbeing of the state. If the state is economically transformed, there will be progress. So, our vision is to provide a focused and credible government. We are creating an enabling environment with public private partnerships for the economic growth of the state and wellbeing of its people. Our mantra is building a future together, and it is derived from our vision of creating a focused government. We want the economy to grow and to achieve it, we will remain focused. Having put in place our first four-year plan, we will not only execute those plans but also have units that will ensure that as they unfold, they will be measuring our successes and ensure that we

Dapo execute those plans as envisaged in our vision. Beyond being focused, we also want to be qualitative, which means that we are going to be a good administration and that will ensure good governance, which is a consensus-oriented government. It means that we will be equitable, fair, effective, efficient, participatory, and accountable. With that, we will now begin to send the right signals, give this government the right perception because if you want to create an

enabling environment, those you want to attract need to see that you adopt public private [partnership (PPP), that you are accountable, participatory and transparent. We also will ensure the economic welfare of not just the citizens, but also those who work for us to achieve our objectives and the core of those people are the civil servants. They do not need to beg for their rights in this administration. Our commitment to the people is to ensure stable government by paying salaries, arrears, and by making

sure that pension funds are remitted to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). I have assured the civil servants that their salaries would be paid as at when due. The first thing I signed in the office was the wage bill. This is good governance and it is necessary in order to achieve the ambitions of this administration. What are your plans for providing adequate security across the state? Next to good governance is the issue of security. Security is the most

discussed and most disturbing of all the issues we have in the country today. I remember the time when suicide bombing started and they said Nigerians would take part in it because they love their lives. Overtime, it has changed and now happening here. The issue of security is what we are taking seriously because you cannot create an enabling environment without security. Today, Ogun State has the largest number of industries in Nigeria. Lagos is now congested to a point that the next state to reckon with is Ogun. It is truly the Gateway State because you cannot go anywhere in the country without passing through the state, we border five

Sunday 04 August 2019

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e Ogun No.1 on the Ease n Nigeria - Abiodun

ate of Ogun people with some actions already happening across the state. In this interview with vision, among other related issues. OBINNA EMELIKE was there. Excerpts: states, Benin Republic and this has become a security challenge. If they chase criminals in Lagos, they run to Ogun State. Even, some criminals also come from Burkina Faso via some borders between Ogun and Benin Republic. There is no way you can make the state an economic hub if you cannot guarantee the best of safety. Many companies are here because it is convenient and some were pushed out of Lagos due to congestion. This administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus is to pull more of them to Ogun State and we are going to do that consciously. We have resolved to make Ogun No.1 on the index of the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, but security is key. We are rejigging our security trust fund, a bill is being sent to the state house of assembly on it. It is an amendment of an existing bill. Already, there is a chairman, DG, stakeholders in place. The objective of the bill is to pull more funds for the provision of necessary equipment for security operatives to function well and police the state better. We are going to buy drones, cameras, install surveillance systems, tracking devices, among others. We are going to do anything to discourage banditry, cultism, crime among other vices. For us, security is key. You mentioned road infrastructure as one of your focus areas, what are your plans on roads? After security, road infrastructure is key. You cannot attract investors to the state if access to the state is difficult. We are placing premium on roads that connect us to other states. We also going to pay attention to the township roads as attention is often given to the highways leaving out the township roads. How do you expect an investor to take you seriously when roads within the town are not motorable. To ensure good roads, we are setting up Ogun State Public Works Agency. The agency will help in cutting the bureaucracy in the award of third party contracts, and allowing us to use direct labour, which benefit citizens through employment. The bill is in the house already. Though there are roads that the third party cannot construct because they do not have the expertise, yet there are roads within the township and rural roads that can be handled by the agency. They will open them up, grade them, do drainage, put asphalt, among others to make the roads motorable enough for the trucks to take goods from the hinterland to the market. So, we a placing a premium on road infrastructure, seeing it as an enabler of our vision for creating an environment for public private partnership, and seeing it is also as an enabler for other things that we talked about. To that extent, we are looking to award the Lagos-Epe-Ijebu road very soon to ease the traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which I learnt has enough budgetary allocation for completion. But even after completion, there will still be congestion because the population on the Mowe, Ibafo, Arepo axis has grown beyond the projection of those who planned the highway years back. We are looking at alternative roads of which, the Lagos-Epe-Ijebu road is one, the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road, and LagosShagamu-Ikorodu road. We are looking at partnering the federal government on the Lagos-Ota and Lagos-Shagamu roads. The moment these roads are done, the issues of

connectivity and access to the state will be solved. You also mentioned digital infrastructure, how will it boost socio-economic development in the state? We will be looking at how best to conduct business in the state. We discovered that things are still done in the old fashion way and part of our growth is the digital transformation of the state. We believe that we must have digital infrastructure in place to help us monitor and plan better across our health sector, to take inventory of our pharmaceuticals, various primary and tertiary healthcare centers, monitor the number patients going to hospital, digitise the number of students we have in the state, give students PIN numbers that can be used to track them while in school, we can track the actual enrollment, monitor the curriculum that is being taught, and to ensure that teachers do their work among others. Digital infrastructure offers data that enable other developmental planning, it can tell the number of civil servants, how efficient a particular agency is, monitor financial operations among others. So, we are building a digital infrastructure that will be a background to all these things so that we can have a dash board to monitor our success and areas to pay more attention. The digital infrastructure will also impact the ease of doing business in the state. We are also going to establish Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency, a one-stop-shop for investment. The agency will work to ease the requirements and stress of investors wanting to come and set up businesses in the state. The bill establishing the agency is also before the house of assembly. We are bringing someone who is versatile in the business of investment to head it; someone who the business community can trust. How are you handling the political class on expectations on quick appointments? You have seen that coloration in the choices we have made in the past few weeks. Some have been asking why I am not making noise, but the truth is that it is not in my nature to make noise, but to perform. In the private sector, you do not perform by making noise, you strategise, plan and execute. We are not in a haste to fill positions, we want competent people in place to help drive our vision and build the future together. We will not be arm twisted in doing what is not our focus. My appointments will be characterised by competence. What are the pillars of your administration? The first in our pillars is agriculture because we have the land, the

Dapo

Dapo people and the market. Our land is fertile, so we do not see why we cannot be the food basket of the nation and that is what we are striving to be. We are going to partner the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on some agric projects. We are going to allocate hectares of land to youths to farm, in the Anchor Borrower scheme. They will be given the seedlings, we will provide the extension services, and the CBN will provide the fertilizer. It will be like the model farms in Ethiopia run by graduates. As well, Ethiopia makes more money exporting flowers than we make from exporting oil. Education is another pillar for us because the decline in the education sector in the state is embarrassing. We are going to declare a state of emergency in education and overhaul the whole system. We are going to repair and refurbish one school

per Ward across the state. We are also looking at vocational centres and turn some schools to tech hubs, and create a job portal to warehouse skilled youths for employers. Health is another pillar. The health facilities across the state are in shambles and we are going to restore them to life saving facilities instead of death traps. I have been to many of the health institutions, and they are not conducive for health personnel to work. We are focusing on primary healthcare centres because they are the closest to the people and it will reduce pressure on public hospitals. We want to justify the mandate of the people by prioritising their needs. We are going to create industrial park to boost our development plans, as well as, focus on providing housing to people across the state, to all levels of income earners.

We are also focusing on physical planning. The Lagos State governor and I are putting up a joint development commission to ensure good physical develop in many areas we share boundaries. We will also focus on the provision of good roads, good drainages, and efficient movement for citizens. It also needful because people live in Ogun and work and pay tax in Lagos, we need to resolve this. We are looking at Agro processing zone, reviving the Olokola seaport, among other industrial clusters across the state to boost our economy and further the development of the state. These are some of the visions for the first four years, but we need to monitor to see their execution or else you miss out on lifting people and fulfilling the mandate of the people.

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Sunday 04 August 2019

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Interview

We have resolved to make Ogun No.1 on the Ease of Doing Business index in Nigeria - Abiodun

Barely two months in office, Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun State, is keen at justifying the mandate of Ogun people with some actions already happening across the state. In this interview with some media executives at Iperu Remo, his country home, the governor unveiled his first four-year vision, among other related issues. OBINNA EMELIKE was there. Excerpts:

states, Benin Republic and this has become a security challenge. If they chase criminals in Lagos, they run to Ogun State. Even, some criminals also come from Burkina Faso via some borders between Ogun and Benin Republic. There is no way you can make the state an economic hub if you cannot guarantee the best of safety. Many companies are here because it is convenient and some were pushed out of Lagos due to congestion. This administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus is to pull more of them to Ogun State and we are going to do that consciously. We have resolved to make Ogun No.1 on the index of the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, but security is key. We are rejigging our security trust fund, a bill is being sent to the state house of assembly on it. It is an amendment of an existing bill. Already, there is a chairman, DG, stakeholders in place. The objective of the bill is to pull more funds for the provision of necessary equipment for security operatives to function well and police the state better. We are going to buy drones, cameras, install surveillance systems, tracking devices, among others. We are going to do anything to discourage banditry, cultism, crime among other vices. For us, security is key.

You mentioned road infrastructure as one of your focus areas, what are your plans on roads? After security, road infrastructure is key. You cannot attract investors to the state if access to the state is difficult. We are placing premium on roads that connect us to other states. We also going to pay attention to the township roads as attention is often given to the highways leaving out the township roads. How do you expect an investor to take you seriously when roads within the town are not motorable. To ensure good roads, we are setting up Ogun State Public Works Agency. The agency will help in cutting the bureaucracy in the award of third party contracts, and allowing us to use direct labour, which benefit citizens through employment. The bill is in the house already. Though there are roads that the third party cannot construct because they do not have the expertise, yet there are roads within the township and rural roads that can be handled by the agency. They will open them up, grade them, do drainage, put asphalt, among others to make the roads motorable enough for the trucks to take goods from the hinterland to the market. So, we a placing a premium on road infrastructure, seeing it as an enabler of our vision for creating an environment for public private partnership, and seeing it is also as an enabler for other things that we talked about. To that extent, we are looking to award the Lagos-Epe-Ijebu road very soon to ease the traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which I learnt has enough budgetary allocation for completion. But even after completion, there will still be congestion because the population on the Mowe, Ibafo, Arepo axis has grown beyond the projection of those who planned the highway years back. We are looking at alternative roads of which, the Lagos-Epe-Ijebu road is one, the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road, and LagosShagamu-Ikorodu road. We are looking at partnering the federal government on the Lagos-Ota and Lagos-Shagamu roads. The moment these roads are done, the issues of

Dapo

Sunday 04 August 2019

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Interview Being a woman never disqualifies me from rising to the top at Baker Hughes – Okungbowa The Executive Director, Subsea Services, Baker Hughes, a GE Company (BHGE) Sub-Saharan Africa, based in Lagos, Feyi Okungbowa, speaks with HOPE MOSES-ASHIKE about her career path, responsibilities and the company’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy in this interview. Excerpts:

ell us a bit about your background? I was born in London, United Kingdom, and grew up in Nigeria, where I attended University of Lagos Staff School, International School, Lagos and later attended Dunraven School, London. As a teenager, I enjoyed socialising and reading. I had odd jobs throughout university, including working at the BBC Complaints Department, where I gained experience in handling difficult situations. I studied Business Information Systems at University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. Unknown to me then, the course was more about systems thinking as opposed to actual computing! Nonetheless, the course gave me early exposure to strategic management and systems thinking; skills I still use till today. When did you join BHGE and how has your career evolved during your time there? I joined BHGE in 2006 in Credit Control. Soon after, I moved to Project Accounting. It was during negotiations of a key subsea deal that I had an experience that positioned me for a new role in BHGE. I was assigned to support a colleague on commercial deal process. With my curiosity, I soon joined the commercial operations team with this colleague becoming my mentor. Several years later, I became Commercial Operations Leader, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). What is it like working for an organisation like BHGE? How is the culture, values, particularly as it relates to career development and women empowerment? BHGE operates on meritocracy; the sky is the limit in your career regardless of your gender, age or race, provided you perform on the job. BHGE empowers with support structures provided to aid your career. Examples are affinity groups, mentoring and sponsorship programmes, providing access to leadership programmes. I’m a beneficiary of BHGE’s Accelerated Leadership Program (XLP) programme now called ‘Impact’ - an accelerated senior leadership development program through various assignments, locations, roles, businesses. Though a challenging program involving juggling multiple responsibilities (personal, family, etc.), I received immense support from BHGE, enabling me deliver expected outcomes. Tell us about your current role; its responsibilities and contributions to company objectives? My role as Executive Direc-

refurbishment (we are approaching an industry landmark figure of 25 XTs!) translate to shorter times lines, cost efficiencies for customers. Onne’s sophisticated set-up is run by a majority Nigerian workforce. Our supply chain works with local suppliers in adding technical capacity to SMEs. BHGE localisation empowers the industry by developing Nigeria’s capacity for domestic needs and international deployment. With the recent stability of the oil and gas industry, following the volatility and upheavals of the previous five years, how do you see the industry’s future, particularly in Nigeria? Specific to the subsea business, we have moved from the traditional ways of pricing for products and services to a more collaborative effort; with us working more with customers to deliver solutions tailored to desired outcomes. We call this Subsea Connect. This is driving more collaboration and significant commercial innovation to achieve results. This requires more technical expertise from suppliers such as our latest technology Aptara™, which is simpler and lower total cost over the project lifespan.

Feyi tor, Subsea Services for Oilfield Equipment (OFE) business covering Sub-Saharan Africa is accountable for a multimilliondollar business with a head count of 200 full-time employees across SSA. My job involves securing in-region execution of services; including Subsea Production Systems (SPS) equipment, field service and customer fulfilment. I focus on business strategy and people development. Also, it covers localization, supply chain, training/knowledge transfer for business competitiveness. In addition, the role delivers on organisation’s objectives on quality, on-time delivery, customer satisfaction and profitability. Our world-class facilities include the OFE site in Onne, River State - a centre of excellence, run by over 95percent skilled Nigerian workforce, particularly for Xmas Tree (XTs) refurbishment - with customers like Shell, ENI and Addax. Another is a multi-modal facility in Luanda, Angola supporting our full stream offerings i.e. upstream, midstream and downstream, also run by a majority of skilled Angolans. As a woman, you occupy a senior role in a male-dominated industry. How did you rise

to this position? I believe it’s through hard work, pure dedication and not focusing on gender per se. I also believe in mentorship and learning from other people’s experiences. Networking has also been key in my career progress. But most importantly, consistency in delivering results. Fortunately, BHGE’s culture enabled a nurturing and safe environment to foster professionalism. It celebrates diversity of gender, thoughts and orientations in its workforce. What has been the biggest or most impactful project you have worked on at BHGE? My current job is perhaps the most impactful; in terms of the financials, impact on people development, capacity building, and creating a sustainable business in SSA. We started with the localization of the Engineering function through annual recruitments of University graduates into BHGE engineering internship programmes. Also, our ASPIRE program targets young graduates across varied disciplines, exposing them to early career opportunities in Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Project Management etc. Moreover, I am a product of BHGE late ca-

reer programme – IMPACT: an accelerated leadership journey for BHGE senior leaders, globally. Regulation of Nigeria oil & gas industry places emphasis on localisation and local content. How compliant is BHGE in this regard? How is it adding value beyond its commercial interests? For BHGE, localisation is a way of working and key business enabler, rather than just rules and regulation to be complied with. In other words, localization means working sustainably, taking into consideration, stakeholders, contexts and needs. We have made strides in localizing all our operations. For instance, in our subsea business, we’ve implemented a deliberate localization strategy of engineers, technicians and field service personnel through internships, technical programmes and on-thejob training. Our Onne Oilfield Services base is proof of this. In operation since 2002, Onne is an ISO 9001:2015 certified facility’s capabilities include Subsea Production Equipment Repairs, assembly of subsea wellhead and Mud mat, Subsea Tree build & test. These in-country capabilities especially on Xmas Tree

We understand BHGE is bidding for the Bonga Deepwater project, building on the capability in your Onne facility, what are your chances of winning? Bonga is a deal BHGE has been working on over the past 12 years at several rounds. We have spent many years building in-country technical and physical presence and expertise, including a Centre of Excellence in our Onne base. We have completely refurbished 16 trees till date (and on course to achieving 25) as well as built many new trees from this base. In addition, we provide all services of a Life of Field contract from Onne including equipment management, storage, spares, field services deployment, equipment repair, refurbishment and recertification. Onne base has a high bay for large assemblies, gas test chamber, clean room for subsea control modules and Specialty Connector and pipe facility, Subsea Control Module and EDP/LRP refurbishments. We have a strong track record of SPS projects execution and delivery in Nigeria deep waters and SSA. In readiness for Bonga, we have the required infrastructure in country, with a skilled Nigerian team experienced in delivering complex scopes. Our robust supply chain works with local companies to deliver engineering, fabrication and procurement in-country. In all, we are confident of our capabilities in Bonga bid and execution.

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Sunday 04 August 2019

Interview How my engineer uncle inspired me to study mechanical engineering, by CEO, Nenis Auto Care Oduwa Agbonesi is a female mechanic who is determined to reduce the increased rate of road accidents in Nigeria. Agbonesi, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Benin is achieving this through her foundation known as Nenis Foundation, which focuses on creating awareness on vehicle preventive maintenance. Speaking in an interview with Ngozi Okpalakunne recently in Lagos, Agbonesi, who is also the CEO of Nenis Auto Care, maintained that if cars on Nigeria roads are in good condition, the rate of road accidents will drastically reduce. She also stressed the need for parents to encourage their girl-child to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in school. Excerpts:

hat is the relationship between auto care and the increased rate of road accidents in Nigeria? l have been in the business of car maintenance since 2015; l developed interest in it because l realised that l have a role to play, especially in the auto mobile industry as a mechanical engineer. In Nigeria today, we have over 11.654 million registered vehicles and an average of two persons lose their lives every four hours in a motor accident and what does that tell us? It means that there is an urgent need to create awareness on vehicle preventive maintenance. It is in this career that l discovered that a lot of Nigerians and corporate bodies do not take their vehicles to mechanic workshop for preventive maintenance until the vehicle is in bad condition. They will continue to manage the vehicles until accident occurs or the vehicle is about to pack up. Besides, most Nigerian drivers lack education on how to drive carefully and manage their vehicles and that is another factor that leads to road accident. So, in Nensi, we decided to be one of the most effective preventive vehicle maintenance centres in Nigeria, whereby we educate drivers on what it takes to drive carefully. We do this by employing women engineers, because women give attention to details. When you give a woman engineer your car to work on, she will ensure that your car is properly taken of. But, I must commend the Lagos State government, the state has been doing fantastically well, since it started Vehicle Inspection Services, whereby they ascertain the health status of a vehicle before they issue vehicle licence. It is a right step in the right direction, but it is still a work in progress, we have so many cars in Lagos, if all those cars can actually find their way to inspection centres, we will not have weak vehicles on the road again. I think the state government has to open it up, they should not be the only one handling the vehicle inspection services, they can partner with auto mobile garages like us. The fact is that, if one maintains oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vehicle properly, such car owner can use it for ten years without the vehicle developing problem. Also, vehicle manufacturers have come up with a scheduled maintenance and if car owners and drivers can strictly adhere to such instruction, the vehicle will hardly develop fault. By so doing, road accidents that occur

naturally, l like providing solution to problems. That my uncle was solving a problem, he was giving a community water, that was where l got my inspiration; that issue inspired me to go for engineering as a course. While in the university, we were few girls in the engineering department, but l took it upon myself and said that with few girls we can change it by encouraging young girls to study engineering. So, because I want to provide solution to peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problem like my uncle, l decided to study and practise engineering. There are some of my female friends that read engineering; not only mechanical and today they are not in engineering industry, some of them are in the banking industry while some have gone into teaching and other fields. Since l started practising as a mechanical engineer some years ago, God has been helping me. l have a big dream and that is to ensure that Nenis Auto Care becomes the best in Nigeria. There have been challenges particularly in the area of funding, but l have been able to manage alongside running the business. l tried to seek for funds and have been able to get multiple grants from different organisations; l have been able to get entrepreneurship training, from different agencies and that has kept us going.

Oduwa due to poor vehicle maintenance will be reduced. How would you describe Nigeriansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; perception about women mechanic? I think Nigeria is warming up to it, l must tell you the truth, it is beyond a gender thing, even some men still believe that a woman must not touch their cars, but they are gradually changing. Some are now giving their cars to women because women pay attention to details. If a woman is handling your car, you are quite sure that your vehicle will leave the workshop cleaner and properly tightened. They will ensure that the quality of job done is perfect and that is the competitive advantage women have over men in this industry. How were you able to have breakthrough in the industry? While growing up, l discovered that there is this stereotype that women should be in the house, taking care of the family, women are not good in mathematics; women should not be found in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. But those are societal belief, but the fact is that it has been able

to shape the way people think and reason, but l decided to challenge the statuesque. Right from when l was in the secondary school, l got inspired by even an engineer. l have an uncle in my area, whenever there is no water in my community, we will all go to his house to fetch

Oduwa on duty

water. But a day came when l asked my mother the reason my uncle is the only one that provides water for the entire community whenever there is no water and she told me that he is doing that because he is an engineer. It was then l decided l was going to be an engineer;

What do you think is responsible for the fewer number of women engineers in Nigeria? It is perception, because when we were growing up, our parents will give our brothers toys that look like guns and machines while for the girls, they will give us dull baby toys and we will start making their hairs and clothes; that has really shaped what we like. And for us to make a change, parents should be giving the same toys they give to their male children to their female wards and not to encourage them to turn dull babies to beautiful ones. Besides, girls should be encouraged to study sciences in the school and they should be made to understand that science courses such as engineering are not only meant for men but also for women. On the other hand, girls should love mathematics because most of them in primary and post primary schools run away from mathematics. The moment they hate mathematics believing that it is a difficult subject, they will hardly do well in other science subjects that will enable them to study engineering and other science related courses in the university.

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BDSUNDAY 19

THE PROLOGUE

The Miyetti Allah factor in Nigeria

efore 2015, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) was largely unknown, doing its business rather unnoticed. But suddenly, it has become an octopus, stretching across the entire country and wielding enormous influence as though it had the power to kill

and make alive. What has left many Nigerians tongue-tied is the group’s influence on government which now seems to be at the Miyetti Allah’s beck and call. How did Nigeria get to this sorry passé? CHUKA UROKO, OBINNA EMELIKE and AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE take a critical look at the evolution of this group and its seeming unwholesome influence in Nigeria’s political space.

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Sunday Magazine

The Miyetti Allah CHUKA UROKO, OBINNA EMELIKE and AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

rguably, the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 as the president of Africa’s most populous nation and the touted largest economy on the continent threw up a large dose of expectations which, to many Nigerians, were not misplaced given the antecedents of their new bride. With a man known to be a stickler for discipline and ‘apparently’ incorruptible in his first coming as military head of state, Nigerians expected an end to flagrant impunity, especially among the political class. They also expected an end to executive arrogance, lawlessness and flamboyance in government. Judicial rascality reflected in frivolous court injunctions and ruling, and stinking corruption in the civil service heightened frequently with the infiltration of the service by political office holders, were also among the things that Nigerians expected a Buhari regime would put an end to. On the flip side, Nigerians did not, in their wildest imagination, expect the crescendo in the macabre dance that is everywhere now in the country manifesting as kidnapping, wanton killing by known but largely unchallenged persons and groups. Nigerians did not expect the rise and rise of insurgent groups and ethno-religious jingoists hitherto unknown and practically non-existent as we have them now. One of these groups is the Miyetti Allah. This is not an ethnic sociocultural group like the Ohanaeze in the Eastern part of Nigerian; Afenifere in the South West, and Arewa Consultative Forum in the North. But the group carries on with self-arrogated power and influence as though it is above any other group of people in the country. Before 2015, the group was largely unknown, doing its business rather unnoticed, but with the coming of the APC government, they have been emboldened, and curiously, they seem to get government do their bidding. By simple definition, Miyetti Allah is a trade association, just an equivalent of Onitsha Market Traders Association (OMATA) which is out to advance and protect the interest and welfare of its tradermembers. Miyetti Allah is an abridged form of ‘Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria’ (MACBAN). It is a loose partisan advocacy group centered on promoting the welfare of Fulani pastoralists in Nigeria. Increasingly, the group is assuming a larger-than-size image that is making it see itself as being above the law. They have guts and are

extending their influence beyond borders. As a demonstration of this, the group recently brazenly and unilaterally established vigilance groups in states even without the permission or knowledge of state governments. In a manner that truly portrays them as ethnic jingoists and also appears as though they have government backing, the group threatens people from other ethnic groups and goes scot free. They have been able to get government establish special radio station for them and recently, it was reported that they got government to release N100 billion to them for undisclosed projects. Though this amount of money and the payment are still enmeshed in controversy, the group has arrogantly admitted receiving such a humongous amount of money from the government, pointing out that, contrary to media report, the money was for the construction of ranches and not for amnesty. According to the commentators, the silence of Nigerian people does not mean they do not under-

stand or are unable to read the handwriting on the wall. It simply means an understanding that, as a people and as a country, Nigeria and its governance have polarised into ethnic and religious divides and the president of the country takes government and governance to where his interest lies. “The present government in the country is setting a very dangerous precedent; what is happening in the country today had never happened before in its almost 59 years of nationhood. A situation where a president who is supposed to be the father of all chooses to spank one child and spares another with a more grievous offence is absolutely wrong and condemnable,” said Hafis Alao, a social commentator. Alao noted that power was transient, explaining that if the power was residing with one ethnic group and the man who is steering the ship is abusing the power thinking that it did not matter, “tomorrow does not belong to any particular man; another man from another part of the country will take over and it will be payback time. So,

people have to handle power with caution and fear of God,” Alao warned. It is not only that cattle breeders are private business people. They are also a violent and murderous group, yet they don’t get even a reprimand or scolding from the government for all their unwholesome activities, especially their many clashes with farmers. Many of the farmers have been killed by these herders for challenging the invasion and destruction of their farms. Yet, the same government that looks away at these “dastardly acts” will hastily send troops on a Python Dance after armless people innocently and peacefully protesting injustice against them and their total exclusion in the scheme of things in their own country. Usually, government justifies their action by branding the protesters as terrorist groups undermining the peace and economic growth of the country. Going violence Until lately, cattle hearers were known to be innocent-looking,

stick-wielding old Fulani men. Today, cattle breeders, who are members of Alhassan’s MACBAN, are young agile men fully armed with AK47, knives and all. With these lethal implements, they have destroyed farms, sacked communities and decimated villages. But, to the government, they are not terrorists. It is only when government is at its wit’s end that it tells the world that these armsbearing killer-herders are not Nigerians; they are from Chad and other neighbouring African countries. Yet, for the same ‘aliens’ the government wants every state of the federation to donate free land to build ranches and settle them in villages and communities. Perhaps, Nigerians would not have minded the existence of this group, but for their murderous activities. Clearly, it is their arrogant disposition, impunity and penchant to main, destroy and kill that make them a hated and loathsome group. It is difficult to take them in and wish them well. At the peak of the RUGA controversy which the federal government has, in its wisdom, suspended, Miyette Allah arrogantly ordered its members to stay put wherever they were and to defend themselves from other ethnic groups in the country. “The only thing we would say is that we will hold all the governors of those states responsible for their safety and security, but if any ethnic militia, by any name, attacks our members, they should defend themselves in a manner that nobody would try such again,” Alhassan was quoted as saying. Continuing, he bragged again, “we are Nigerians and we have a history. Anybody that thinks he can wake up and take on the Fulani pastoralist is making a grievous mistake, we are well prepared to defend our fundamental human rights of movement in this coun-

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Sunday Magazine

factor in Nigeria try”. A group of people or a trade association with this mindset cannot be said to be friends; they are not bridge builders and, therefore, should be called to order. A radical, national and ethical re-orientation is what they need and urgently too before being given a place in decent communities in Nigeria. But the growing incidence of farmer-herder conflicts and cattle rustling since 2011 brought the previously unknown group into wider consciousness, which now wields serious influence, especially forming vigilance groups in the country where many are still paid to safeguard lives and property of the citizens. But before the advent of the groups, the Fulani herdsmen, (now over 100,000) have been breeding their cows peacefully. Even before and after the colonial rule, there were no violent incidents involving the herdsmen. Today, the herdsmen and the spate of their killings make news headlines daily. According to the 2018 Global Terrorism Index, nearly 1,700 violent deaths were attributed to Fulani herdsmen attacks carried out between January and September 2018 alone. In June 2018, at the height of the attacks of farming communities in the Christian dominated middle belt region, more than 100 people were killed on a Saturday night when suspected herdsmen attacked many villages in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South local government areas of the state. In defence, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria said the killings were retaliation for the theft of 300 cows and also put up same defence for the Benue massacre that included two catholic priests. “Herdsmen in the state had lost about 300 cows in the last few weeks. These attacks are retaliatory. As much as I don’t support the killing of human being, the truth must be told that those who carried out the attacks must be on revenge mission,” Danladi Ciroma, chairman, North-Central zone of the cattle breeders’ association, said. As much as the alleged theft was condemnable, social media went on fire with many asking if cows are now valued more than human lives in Nigeria. Demola Oyemade, a human right lawyer, noted that in sane countries, the right thing would have been to prosecute the killers of over 100 people. As the government failed to do so, he thinks that the communities, like the Fulani herdsmen, would resort to carrying arms to defend themselves. “Nobody has monopoly of violence, and nobody wants to die. So, people in these communities are resorting to self-help to defend themselves, which is expected

as government keeps paying lip service to the prosecution of the killer herdsmen”, he said. Miyetti Allah and guns Again, the incidents of some gun-wielding herdsmen in recent times keep questioning the sources of the sophisticated guns. On July 5, 2019, Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, disclosed that the Federal Government was working with the Miyetti Allah group to discuss how to end the activities of killer herdsmen and also to retrieve the guns from ‘errant members’ of the group. As well, the Buhari-led administration has come under fire recently after it was rumoured to be meeting with the Fulani group and offering them money in exchange for peace. Some people applauded the move as long as it would stop the attacks. Obidike Asuzu, a public affairs

analyst, said that the government’s request to retrieve the weapons was a contradiction of President Buhari’s repeated public claims that herdsmen do not carry weapons that can be used to cause serious harm and has also heaped most of the attacks blamed on herdsmen on foreign invaders who exploit Nigeria’s porous borders to wreak havoc. Tracing the history of the attacks, Dagiri Alkali, a senator, said the herders have been facing many challenges in recent times and needed to fight back in order to survive. The senator, who led a delegation of MACBAN to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja on May 5, 2016, said the Fulani moved into new territories in the country because they had been forced out of their territories in the North, especially north-east by the Boko Haram insurgence, with millions

of cows stolen by them and other rustlers. For Alkali, the problem is compounded by the fact that there are over 20 million cows in the country that need to graze and kept safe at the same time. “ When the reserves and forest were gazetted and reserved for cattle breeders, this incident was not there; but the increase in population has now wiped out the entire grazing reserves in this country ; 400 and something of them all wiped out . And you have a population of about 20 million cows, where do you keep them, and every one of us likes to eat meat”, he said. Toeing same line, the Miyetti Allah group blamed others for the actions of armed Fulani herdsmen. “The current situation in our opinion is fuelled by the draconian laws put in place by some state governments with the singular aim

of chasing our people out of the states simply for ethnic hatred. The anti-open-grazing law in Benue, Taraba and other states is nothing more than a symbol of intolerance and do not in any way intend to solve the farmers/grazers conflict as the livestock breeders interest is neither captured in the law nor in its implementation mechanism”, the group said. The issue is still boiling with more people dying every day by the pullets of the herdsmen. There have also been efforts to resolve the situation. In June 2018, the federal government presented the National Livestock Transformation Plan, a N179 billion 10-year initiative targeted at putting an end to the age-long herders-farmers crisis, and to massively improve the livestock industry. The initiative was condemned by many who said it was a way of confiscating land from other ethnic groups in the country, especially in the southern part where land is a scarce commodity. Emmanuel Onwubiko, head, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), warned against plots to confiscate ancestral lands of indigenous people and to use public fund to set up either cattle colonies or ranches or grazing lands. But Bona Efere, a psychologist, noted many would not support cattle colonies and acquisition of grazing land because of the distrust among ethnic groups in the country fueled by religion, tribalism, nepotism and the fact that much of the land in the country are in the northern part of the country where the Fulanis domicile. “If you look at the politics of Nigeria, where ethnicity and religion play major roles, most people do not see their interests protected, so they will not support any initiative that does not impact their existence. Again, government has also failed to represent the interests of all, it seems when your brother is in power, you do anything and get away with it. It is not ideal to proscribe groups that do not wield arms, while leaving those with track record of killings”, he said. Miyetti Allah in the eyes of Nigerians Just recently, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), turndown an invitation from Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), former head of state, to attend a roundtable on national issues and security scheduled to hold in Minna, Niger State. The forum, in a letter jointly signed by Edwin Clark (PANDEF leader), Ayo Adebanjo (Afenifere leader), John Nwodo (president, Ohanaeze) and Pogu Bitrus (president, Middle Belt Forum), said they turn down the invitation over the Continues on page 22

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Sunday Magazine The Miyetti Allah factor in Nigeria Continued from page 21

inclusion of Miyetti Allah to the roundtable describing it as “a grave insult” to them. “We observed that the roundtable will have in attendance all the national security heads, chief of defence staff and notable Nigerians. We, however, noticed further that in your category of Socio-cultural organisations invited, you listed the following: PANDEF, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Middle Belt Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Leaders Forum, and Northern Elders Forum. “We were comfortable up to that point until we saw the following: Gan Allah Fulani Development Association, and Miyetti Allah,” the forum said. According to them, lumping Miyetti Allah, a trade association for cattle herders and whose members have been accused of various violations of rights, including life, across the country, sends a worrisome signal to them. “It falls into the categorisation of our respected socio-cultural platforms with Miyetti Allah by Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu. We consider the above as a grave insult on our bodies and our coming to a roundtable with the group would mean acquiescence to the narrative that put us in the same bracket with those wielding illegal AK-47 all over the country and inflicting terror on fellow citizens,” they said. They added: “Even if the above was not the case with Miyetti Allah, bringing a trade group like them in the same vehicle with the nationalities organisations would not have been appropriate as there are organisations of their category for fishermen, farmers, spare parts dealers, and poultry owners among others. BDSUNDAY can recall that the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has come under serious attack as it was rumoured that the Presidency has been meeting with the Fulani group, and offering them money in exchange for peace. Meanwhile, Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, who was a guest on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, described Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) as a sociocultural group that can be likened to Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo socio-cultural groups. Shehu, who advised Nigerians not to criminalise the group, also defended the meeting between Mohammed Adamu, inspectorgeneral of Police, and the leadership of the Miyetti Allah. He said the government needed the cooperation of Miyetti Allah to help in tackling weapons proliferation in order to reduce the raising insecurity in the country. Controversial N100bn largesse by FG Shehu denied offering money to the Miyetti Allah group as payoff to stop killings, adding that the most prominent topic of discussion during their meetings was how the cultural group could help the

government to retrieve weapons from its “errant members”. “The discussion between the Miyetti Allah and the government is a ‘win-win situation’ for everybody as they have also tabled their own issues for intervention. A lot of them had come forward to say that criminality is growing among some of their young people because they had been dispossessed of their livelihood, cattle,” Shehu said. Before now, BDSUNDAY gathered that Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of Police, and some government officials were under fire for allegedly promising to pay Miyetti Allah N100 billion as amnesty to curb the rise in banditry, kidnapping and killings. Meanwhile, Saleh Alhassan, national secretary, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, said his group demanded from the Federal Government the payment of N100 billion to herders for the construction of ranches, and not for amnesty as reported. Alhassan said there was nothing wrong if Buhari honoured a promise made by former president Goodluck Jonathan to the farmers to support his re-election in 2015. “If today, the Buhari government sees policy that was there

since 2014 and wants to see how it can be implemented by supporting cattle breeders, not just Fulani but anybody that is breeding livestock, to access facility like the Anchor Borrowers, farmers have with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), I do not think it calls for propaganda,” Alhassan said. He added that after Jonathan left, the initiative was suspended, hence the decision of the group to present the matter to the President Muhammadu Buhari government for implementation. Alhassan said that after Jonathan left, the initiative But the question social commentators are asking is, ‘how many of the policies, even the overtly good ones, left over by the Jonathan administration are being implemented by the Buhari government? Working with Miyetti Allah to achieve peace Surprisingly, it was not only the Federal Government that claims it was working with the Miyetti Allah (the group accused of mass killing) to restore peace in the country as it was reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Monday, June 24, 2019 promised to work with the leadership of the Miyetti to achieve peace and stabil-

ity in the country. Samson Ayokunle, president of CAN, promised in a statement signed by his special assistant, Adebayo Oladeji, in Abuja recently. He urged the leadership of the MACBAN to expose the criminal elements among Fulani herdsmen. Just recently, it was also established that the group was seeking approval to mount road blocks and form vigilante in the South-West and South-East regions, and this request met utmost resistance. For instance, the Southeast Governors’ Forum on Monday, June 24, kicked against the demand by the Miyetti Allah to establish a vigilance group in the southeast to protect their members. MACBAN made the proposal during the southeast security summit held in Enugu, with the aim of proffering solution to lingering clashes between herders and farmers in the region. “I find it extremely strange for anybody to think that none locals in any part of the country including southeast could be allowed to form vigilante outfit. The Miyetti Allah group may have made that suggestion, but no governor will allow that. Southeast governors have their local vigilantes working

with security agencies,” the statement read: It further stated that such demand by Miyetti group is a joke and not acceptable. Similarly, Kayode Ajulo, a human right lawyer, recently raised the alarm that members of Miyetti Allah are now manning Ondo State’s major highways. Ajulo, in a post on his social media page, said he saw members of the group mounting the checkpoints along the highway while travelling from Akoko in Ondo State to Abuja. “On my way back to Abuja on the 22 day of July, 2019, in the company of some security men, we saw two men at the highway around Akoko, Ondo State carrying Dane guns. On sighting them, inquiry was made as to their duty on the highway with guns in their hands, being not uniformed men but we discovered that they claimed to be members of Miyetti Allah,” he reportedly said. Confirming this, Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation, said recently on his twitter handle that Fulani vigilantes are mounting roadblocks and harassing people in South-west, and “when challenged, they brought out Miyetti Allah identity cards!” “Have we become slaves in our fathers land? Every single Yoruba person that supports the All Progressive Congress (APC) should bow their heads in shame! The Fulani are slaughtering thousands of Igbos, Yorubas and other southerners all over the south. Is it so difficult to accept that the Nigerian people are fed up with the barbaric tendencies of the Fulani..?” he questioned. He narrated that Fulani terrorists recently kidnapped three people on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. “Buhari has failed to provide security, has refused to declare the herdsmen as terrorists and has encouraged the establishment of Fulani militias and vigilantes in South-West. They are pushing us to the brink,” he warned. On his part, Leke Akintayo, one of the factional leaders of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), a Yoruba nationalist organisation in Osun State, popularly called Olojongbodu, recently issued an ultimatum on behalf of the Congress during a peace meeting held with the leaders of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, in Osogbo. Akintayo warned the herdsmen to fish out its members involved in the spate of kidnapping, banditry, and robberies across the region in recent weeks. He vowed that OPC waspreparedtodefendthepeopleof the region against criminal elements. “Osun had been adjudged to be the most peaceful state in Nigeria not until recently when the so-called Fulani herders invaded our land and started kidnapping our people. “It was quite unfortunate that some unscrupulous elements tried to find their way to the state through their collaborators to launch attacks on innocent citizens along some highways and we would not allow themtodestroyourstate.Wewould use everything within our reach to ensure that those bad eggs among the Fulani herders are flushed out of the state,” he warned.

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Arts Adumaadan; exploring an artist’s fascination for black, beauty

OBINNA EMELIKE

ince August 1, 2019, a good number of art lovers, collectors and some discerning members of the public have been thronging Didi Museum on #175 Akin Adesola Street in Victoria Island, to see breathing works on display. The skillfully crafted works are displayed in an exhibition titled ‘Adumaadan’, a solo outing of over 14 works by Tokunbo Browne, one of the pioneer students of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Benin. From one end of the exhibition hall to the other, the works delight the eyes, especially with the special effect created with the use of the black pigment on white canvas. As well, trees and female figures are common features of the works, amid the creative ingenuity Browne deployed in creating human face, head and hair from the tree background. One of the intriguing works entitled ‘Entangled 1’, breathtakingly revealed

human hair, face and shoulder representing a full tree including

tree branches depicted with human hair. There are several others

of same semblance and fusion of tree and human face and body. The outcome is wonderful artistic creation. Speaking on the title of the exhibition and what informed it at the opening of the exhibition, Browne said that the word Adumaadan literarily means ‘Black and Beautiful’ and excites him a lot. He noted further that the title is a unique word used by Yoruba men in West Africa, North America, Cuba, Brazil and United Kingdom to describe an exceptionally beautiful woman with spotless dark skin “In my early days, the black pigment held me captive by its incredible power of precision and sophistication”, the artist who produced his first monochrome

piece in 1969 called ‘The Palmwine Drinkard’ said. The artist, who have had successful career in graphics, confessed his fascination with the beauty of black women and the human connection with trees. He noted that Adumaadan strikes the visual sense because of the uniqueness of the canvas. Tracing his fascination with trees, the artist said, “I did my National Youth Service in Jimeta Yola in 1980 before the trouble started over there. At the orientation camp then, there were many trees in human form, which looked like women that are sitting down with their legs spread out. There were lots of them and I was fascinated by that as an artists. I also called other corps members to see the trees and a lot of them were shocked at seeing them”. Following that, Browne has taken time to note everywhere he goes of such trees and how trees mirror the human form. “Then I began to reflect that in some illustrations and that is how this came about”, he said. Browne, who describes his art as minimalist, said he fascination with the black pigment and for art started at an early age. “As a child, when I was 13 years, I was fascinated with the black pigment. So, every time I put black on canvas I get very excited”. Also speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Newton Jibunor, founder of Didi Museum, who doubles as an art collector, commended the quality of works on display, applauding Browne for the sheer ingenuity he brings to bear in his works. Adumaadan, which started on August 1, lasts until August 7, 2019 at Didi Museum.

Benin gets €20m loan for new museum to show restituted heritage

enin is preparing a new home in the city of Abomey for 26 objects of art and cultural heritage looted by French troops in 1894, which France’s President Emmanuel Macron pledged last November to return to the West African country. The institution is due to open in 2021, on the 116-acre Unesco World Heritage site of the royal palaces of the former Kingdom of Dahomey, the AFP reports. The French Development Agency, the public funding group that supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, will loan €20m towards construction.

Gabin Djimass, Abomey’s tourism chief, told the AFP that the objects, which include a throne from the kingdom and bronzes, “are a chance for the survival of the site. They will allow us to build a new museum and make the royal palaces more economically sustainable.” France is still working with Benin on the restitution, the French minister of culture Franck Riester said recently, and there still is no set date for parliament to discuss and approve the initiative. The objects are currently in France’s national collection— which has around 5,000 objects from the Kingdom of Dahomey—

and are held at the Musée du quai Branly in Paris. Macron commissioned a report on the restitution of colonial-era art and artefacts held in European museums that recommended that French museums restitute objects in their collections that were taken from museums of objects seized “without consent” from former colonies in Africa. The controversial report, which sent shockwaves through the European museum world, was picked apart at a symposium in Paris earlier this month. A new programme at the School for African Heritage in the

capital city of Porto-Novo is training a dozen people, who are already involved in the cultural field, for the Abomey museum project. “At a museum, there is more than just the curator,” the programme’s teacher Richard Sagan, a specialist at the National Agency for the Promotion of Heritage and the Development of Tourism, told the AFP. “There is a whole chain of trades, from skilled technicians and craftsmen.” One of the programme’s participants, Messie Boko, currently a guide at a museum in Porto-Novo, said to the AFP: “It is our duty to know how to spread this heritage.”

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Sunday 04 August 2019

Arts

Osun Osogbo festival kicks off as thousands participate in walk REMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

carnival procession to herald the 2019 Osun Osogbo festival has begun with thousands of Osun devotees, indigenes, groups, associations and ethnic nationalities in attendance. The pre-festival programmes will commence on August 5, 2019 while the festival grand procession to Osun grove will hold on August 16 with an all white party and award night afterwards. Speaking after the walk, which kicked off from Betterlife and spanned Ahmadiya - Oja Oba junction - Obate – Sabo junction – Balogun Agoro - Isale Aro – Jolayemi – Isale Osun to the Ataoja palace, Gboyega Oyetola, governor of Osun State, said assured that the state government would provide adequate security during the festival period, as well as, continue to support and enhance the quality of Osun Osogbo to woo more participation. Oyetola disclosed that the festival attracts people from across the world, including

the diaspora and that the government has brought new tourist product, Karaole Odua, which will be used to bring Yorubas in the diaspora to their roots. The governor, who was represented by Obawale Adebisi, supervisor in charge of the Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism Ministry, said, “Our effort is to bring Yorubas

home annually in August during the celebration of Osun Osogbo festival. It will boost participation and enhance the quality of the festival. “ The governor reiterated that he would drive the state economy with tourism aside taking active part in the annual Osun Osogbo festival and other festivals. “What we are doing today is to ensure

that we give necessary support to the community and we also get maximum support in return for government programmes and policies. “The festival every year brings millions of Naira to Nigeria. Though not directly to the purse of the state government but we are planning on capturing more data and register participants so that it can

First Wine Auction In Nigeria and the Celebration of Wole Soyinka at 85

ero and Vivian Asibelua of Winestitute on July 15, 2019, hosted the living legend Professor Wole Soyinka as part of activities marking his 85th birthday. The Wine Auction event was indeed unique as it is a first of its kind in Nigeria. Proudly hosted by Winestitute, the event, which took place in Lagos, was simultaneously to raise funds for the Nobel Laureate’s foundation- ‘Wole Soyinka Foundation’. The African giant Soyinka during his speech, which was received with a roar of applause that filled the auditorium, said: “Since my birthday came along; I have always been feeling ungracious, that other people celebrate my birthday, more than I do. For me, it is a pain except this one. I have been enjoying this one, because of this event”. ‘Kongi’ as fondly addressed by his contempo-

rary, spoke about the idea of celebration by drinking wine and equally creating wealth, and also remain humane to sharing the joyous moments with family and friends. This only goes to agree with the saying by the famous Louis Pasteur, “A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world.” ‘Wine Auctioning’ dated back 17th century and it is

presently pacing the billion dollar venture. But for the record, Winestitute Nigeria and Wole Soyinka Foundation remain the first to auction premium wines in Nigeria, and what a noble way to do it than in the presence of top players in the country. About 200 bottles of wine were specially made for the enigmatic event, serially numbered and each has Professor Soyinka’s signature

L-R: Wole Soyinka, receiving a specially designed bottle of wine from Vivian Asibelua of Winestitute, while Nero Asibelua looks on, at the wine auction marking his 85th birthday in Lagos recently.

bring in revenue to the purse of the state government,” Governor Oyetola said. In his address while receiving the participants of the walk at the palace, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, the Ataoja of Osogboland, said that the insinuation that Osun deity had been sold was fallacy, explaining that the Walk for Osun was to create awareness that the Osun Osogbo festival 2019 was around the corner. According to Oba Oyetunji, “Usually, the celebration of Osun Osogbo festival commences by cleaning of the town called Iwopopo whereby citizens of Osogbo and tourists gather to do the task. But this one is a special occasion, special in the sense that it is awareness to the public that the alleged stolen spirit of Osun is fallacy. Osun deity remains there and we started this year’s own with Walk For Osun, where everyone regardless of the ethnic group came to me and we moved round Osogbo to tell people that Osun remains where she is. “Osun Osogbo is a very significant festival. There is the involvement of UNESCO, which has made the site a World Heritage one. This

places Osun Osogbo on the world map as a tourism destination and the federal, state and local government have shown enthusiasm in promoting Osun festival. The state government is nearer to me and the celebration of the festival is not done only done by the Ataoja, its custodian, and its people but in collaboration with the Osun State Government and they have been upright”. Speaking at the event, Toye Arulogun, managing consultant of the firm managing and marketing the festival, commended government’s efforts at improving on the security situation in the country, pointing out that the insecurity was not terribly bad as being painted. Arulogun said that the Walk for Osun was a contemporary element that was introduced to the celebration of the festival in 2019. “Today, thousands of people walked with us to herald the celebration of 2019 Osun Osogbo festival. The walk signifies peace and unity between different ethnic groups. What we are bringing in is an element of contemporariness, as we cannot do anything about the tradition”.

VSkit takes Pidgin English to next level with new entertainment TV series signed on it, plus hanging a poem written by the foremost African Noble Laureate on the neck of each bottle. Truly these particular set of bottles of wine are collectors’ items. As the first-hand auction began by the Winestitute auctioneer; several POS transactions went down in minutes and many other anonymous biddings went under the gong with all proceeds going to the Wole Soyinka Foundation. In attendance was Governor of Ekiti State- Kayode Fayemi, Duro Oni, JP Clark and wife, Ebun Clark, former minister of Power, Works and Housing- Babatunde Raji Fashola, former minister of Transportation- Rotimi Amaechi, CEO Terra Kulture- Bolanle Austen-Peters, traditional noblewomanErelu Dosumu, co-founder, Sahara Group- Tonye Cole, founder, Fight Against Desert Encroachment - Newton Jibunoh and many others.

J u mo ke Akiyo d e Lawanson

n a bid to make discover young talent with remarkable vocal and expression skills, VSkit Nigeria has launched the first ever Pidgin / Vernacular Dubbing Show on July 28, 2019. VSkit, a short video sharing app with over 15 million users across Africa, announced the maiden edition of the VSkit show tagged, “Voice To Fame” that will feature celebrities like Nkechi Blessing, Mide Martins, Charles Okocha (AKA “Igwe 2pac”) and Yakubu Mohammed. Speaking before the launch, Sean Shu, business development manager, VSkit, noted that the strategic partnership with StarTimes, and celebrities such as Charles Okocha and Nkechi Blessing have the ability to seamlessly connect both the young and old. “Carefully crafted so that it is entertaining, educative and enriching, this show will connect more deeply with users as it employs pidgin and vernacular languages”, Shu said.

According to him, “The maiden edition of the VSkit’ will be very instrumental in helping to bring back our rich heritage in both film making and language. “The celebrities will be required to dub a classic film or TV Series on stage every episode and viewers will vote for them and the contestant with the lowest votes will be eliminated”. The show, which kicked off on July 28, 2018 on TV stations aired 7:00pm on Orisun TV, ST Yoruba and AreaTen TV and 8:00pm on ST DadinKowa TV. The participants so far have demonstrated great enthusiasm throughout the screening and selection and are enthusiastic it will be a great show. “I am very excited about this. Our Nigerian dialects and pidgin seem to be going extinct and this show will definitely bring back the old spice,” Nkech Blessing, said. “I am enthusiastic and looking forward to more of this show. I want Nigerians to do the same as it promises to be a very rewarding show,” she added.

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Life&Living Say bye to skin problems with Dead Sea mud by Rivage

Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson

o one wants to deal with skin impurities which can lead to discolouration, dryness and full blown acne. Both men and women aim for problem free, clear skin and Mud masks can work to remove impurities and dead skin on your body. An added benefit of Dead Sea mud is that the salt and magnesium in it can improve your skin’s functionality by making it a better barrier and more elastic. Dead Sea Minerals and sea salts replenish and balance moisture while purging clogged pores. Rivage, a leading world secret skincare product, has partnered Cascades Luxury to debut Dead Sea mask in the Nigerian beauty and cosmetics market. The beauty product is inspired by the power of the Dead Sea to transform and enhance the natural beauty and health of the skin and hair. Rivage offers a variety of products made from the Dead Sea mud that helps to achieve a hydrating and moisturizing option for skin. The uniqueness of the brands enables it to pull out toxins and other pollutants to help unclog pores and purify the body. Speaking on the advent of the product in Nigeria, Priscilla Ogugua, manager, Lagos Business Development, Cascades Luxury, said, “Rivage offers Dead Sea mud in pure form, which is used as body mask, amid other product lines such as Dead Sea mud soap, shampoo, and shower gel.

“Whether you are searching for Dead Sea salt-enriched cream or Dead Sea mud soap, Rivage offers numerous options to help healthily

care for the body. The healing properties of Dead Sea mineral products prove beneficial for a variety of skin concerns and will leave users looking

and feeling their best.” Ogugua further said that since the dawn of civilisation, the Dead Sea has attracted people seeking

relaxation and healing. The Rivage products sourced from the Dead Sea combines three key elements: mud, water, and salt to confer a wide range of health benefits, which have been assessed and confirmed by independent researches. “The salts, which include potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, and bromides, are used to treat psoriasis, dermatitis, dandruff, eczema, acne, and seborrhea. The salts moisturize, soften and detoxify while promoting cell regeneration - ideal for reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. These benefits of the dead sea that makes it a global centre for medical tourism are infused in the Rivage products”, Ogugua added. Also speaking on the debut of Rivage brand in the Nigerian market, Derrick Memeh, director at Cascades Luxury, expressed delight at the development, and asserted that it is a significant milestone that would provide true and lasting solutions to people seeking natural ways of caring for their skin. “Rivage products are available and affordable at the Cascades Luxury stores. As a leading provider of fragrances, perfumes oils and skincare products in Nigeria, we are pleased to be the official partner of Rivage brand in Nigeria”, Memeh said. Cascades Luxury started its operations in the Nigerian cosmetics industry in 2017, and in barely two years, it has carved a niche as onestop-shop for organic products, fragrances, perfume oils, and skincare products whose scents and quality are authentic, cosmopolitan, confident, racy, and sophisticated.

Five ways to make your breakfast weight-loss friendly IFEOMA OKEKE

reakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day and, in terms of weight loss, your breakfast can set the tone for the day ahead. But what are the dos and don’ts when it comes to starting your day right? Here are nutritionist Kim Pearson’s top five tips to ensuring your first meal of the day is weight-loss friendly.

Don’t Skip Breakfast Unless you’re following a time restricted eating plan with a reduced eating window, which involves starting your food intake later in the day, don’t be tempted to skip breakfast. The chances are you’ll end up paying for it later on. Many clients I consult for weight loss have historically skipped breakfast to ‘save calories’ but end up compensating for this later in the day with sugary afternoon snacks

or an inability to stop eating once they’ve finished dinner. Starting the day with a good breakfast can reduce your chances of overeating later on. Protein Power The most important thing to remember with breakfast is that you want this meal to fuel you right through until lunch so that you’re not tempted to snack on biscuits, and you have plenty of energy and focus to power your morning. Lots of people reach for starchy carbs thinking toast or cereal will kickstart their day, but including a good source of protein is a much better option for slow-release energy and to keep you fuller for longer. Try eggs and avocado on rye bread for a great combination of protein, healthy fat and slow-release carbs that will keep energised and satisfied until lunchtime. Shake it to Wake It Avoid on-the-go options like breakfast bars and biscuits that are usu-

ally packed with sugar and likely to cause mid-morning energy dips and cravings. Instead, if you’re pressed for time, grab a protein smoothie on the way out the door. Combine a scoop of good quality protein powder, a healthy fat source (nuts, seeds, avocado), some vegetables (spinach, courgette), a portion of fruit (mixed berries) and a slug of nut milk into a blender and blitz for

30 seconds. Hey presto, a balanced, nutritious meal that will keep you satisfied all morning. Meal Prep Don’t leave your breakfast decisions to the last minute. Careful planning is a key element in all weight loss and healthy eating regimes. Spontaneous meal deci-

sions, or those made when hungry, are usually the least healthy so consider preparing your breakfast in advance. Egg muffins, chia seed puddings and pre-prepared smoothie ingredients (which can be frozen in portions) are all good examples. This way you can wake up and enjoy the perfect healthy breakfast even before your brain is in gear for the day. Keep a Routine Aim to eat breakfast at roughly the same time each day. Studies have shown that having irregular meals may increase your likelihood of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, regardless of the amount of calories you’re consuming. Regular mealtimes can also help to regulate our circadian rhythms. Some of my clients find themselves so busy they forget to eat when they should. If you find this to be the case, setting an alarm in your phone can help remind you to eat before it’s time to rush out of the door.

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Sunday 04 August 2019

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Travel

Sailing on the blue lake OBINNA EMELIKE

f you are looking for a quality unwinding with nature in a domestic yet alluring destination, there are many breathtaking places to explore. One of such local destinations is Oguta, the hometown of Chukwudifu Akune Oputa (late retired justice of the Supreme Court) and chairman of the famous Human Rights Abuse Investigation Panel (Oputa Panel), Arthur Nzeribe, Charley Boy, among other prominent sons. About 45 minutes drive from Owerri, the Imo State capital, and 27 kilometers on the ever-busy OwerriOnitsha Expressway from Mgbidi junction, takes one far into the heart of Oguta. The town is full of history, prominence and nature. The first impression that s t r ike s f i r s t-ti m e v i s i t o r s is the sprawling mansions along the major roads that speak volume of the wealth in the land. But beyond the beautiful mansions, ‘Oguide’, the Oguta Wonder Lake is a reason to visit. Spanning over 18 kilometres of shoreline, the lake is the second largest fresh water lake in the country after Lake Chad. Void of brine, smarting in the eyes and harmful creatures, the lake caresses visitors’ eyes with its pleasing view, while the evergreen environs ooze out fresh breeze that continuously purify the

Oguta Lake

Oguta Lake atmosphere within. There is a confluence of sort to explore at the lake. A boat cruise to the natural con-

Oguta Lake fluence of Oguta Lake and Urashi River, offer a mini River Niger and River Benue experience at the lake. The

locals and commercial boat services are always on hand to offer you a ride to the confluence point. But when you

get to the link point, the lake still maintains its distinct nature and colouration.

MEM Travels promotes destination Nigeria for inbound Tourism

EM Travels, a fastgrowing travels and tours company in Nigeria, is keen on promoting destination Nigeria for inbound tourism as it showcased beautiful Lagos to a team of 25 Americans and Canadians recently. While in Lagos, the tourists visited many tourism sites including the Lekki Arts and Craft Market, Nike Art Gallery, Terra Kulture, La Manga Beach Resort, as well as, cruising on the Lagos waterways via Prest Cruise experience. According to Kehinde Adeyemi-Abaekere, MEM Travels CEO, promoting destination Nigeria is on the front burner of the organisation as it aims to attract thousands of foreigners to come experience the beauty of Nigeria. “Many people believe Nigeria is not a leisure holiday destination. That is a wrong impression we are out to correct that at MEM Travels as we are dedicated to

showcasing the beauty of Nigeria to foreigners and Nigerians at home to encourage travelling to Nigeria from abroad and travel around Nigeria by Nigerians,” Kehinde said. She continued, “Our vision to promote destination Nigeria was

put to test recently as we hosted 25 foreigners who arrived in Nigeria from America and Canada to a memorable tour around Lagos and the team left with positive stories of Nigeria, which debunked their earlier perception of our beautiful country.”

Adeyemi-Abaekere stated the readiness of MEM Travels to partner organisations around the world in bringing tourists from any part of the world to experience the incredible leisure tourism across Nigeria. At Terra Kulture where the CEO, Bolanle Austen-Peters, excitedly received the guests, the foreigners were enthralled in Nigerian cultural activities including learning how to make the famous Nigerian ‘Adire’, tie and die fabric, cultural dressing, how to tie ‘gele’ head gear, dance steps to traditional Nigerian music and words from Yoruba language. In the same vein, Nike Okundaye, founder, Nike Arts Gallery Lagos, welcomed the tourists to the centre while explaining the rich culture of arts in Nigeria, as well as, showcasing many wonderful pieces of various works of art in Nigeria deposited in the centre. “Art is life. It is a thing of joy

to always play host to various persons across the world seeking to understand the culture excellence in Nigeria,” Okundaye told the tourists. The tourists also had a beautiful glimpse of Lagos sunset while enjoying an evening lunch cruise aboard Prest Cruise. Lasting about three hours, which is filled with fun activities, the tourists had a good view of the city of Lagos from the waterways. The Lekki arts and craft market provided many bespoke souvenirs for the tourists as they purchased many beautiful pieces to take back to their home country alongside the positive impression of Nigeria. “We were glad we took the risk to visit Nigeria after many dissuading opinions from people. We are returning home with lifetime memories of beautiful Nigeria and we will certainly be back,” echoed the team at the airport before departing to the US and Canada.

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Travel Firm seeks partnership with airlines in Nigeria to drive cargo exports, imports Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

renov8 Consulting, a leading management consulting and digital firm in Dubai is seeking to partner with airlines operating in Nigeria to help grow exports and imports of air cargoes. Speaking during the launch of its 3rd Edition of Meet the Farmers’ Conference, (MTFC), an agrotrade promotion event, Bola Oyedele, Organiser, MTFC, said partnerships with airlines is one of the initiatives the company has been pushing for. “We have been to a lot of meetings with the government, banks, and airlines. We have told them of our intention to drive cargo exports. We want to know the measures we need to put in place. We started talk with Ethiopian Airlines and we went to Ethiopia for this reason. Ethiopia Airline operates a lot into Nigeria and we want to start taking ago products from Nigeria to Dubai. “We have started talking with Air Peace that is already going to Dubai and we have told them the opportunities there. We have been discussing with Air Peace even before they

started going to Dubai. Flight to Dubai on Air Peace is cheaper when compared to other airlines. “I believe the partnership will yield a very positive outcome because it will also boost their operations. With the Meet the Farmers Conference, this will further boost

their operations. We know the government will do their part but while we are still waiting for them to do their part, we are going to do our own part,” Oyedele explained. Speaking on government’s support, she said, “We know that the government is doing their best but

Securing the aviation world at AVSEC Global 2019

hirty presentations on topics ranging from chemical and cyber warfare, drones and detection, to terrorism and trafficking, stowaways and smuggling; eight workshops tackling subjects from brain hacks, and security at mass gatherings to behavioural analysis and preparing for a crisis, an exercise that spotlights hijacking. Delegates at the fourth edition of the aviation security symposium, AVSEC Global 2019, will experience all these and much more. Organised by Emirates Group Security, the airline’s multi-faceted security strategy company, AVSEC Global will be held from 22 to 24 September at the JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai, with the welcome reception on board the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2. The symposium is one of the most significant aviation security events in the region and one of the biggest globally. Delegates and top-notch speakers headlining the event are drawn from the global security industry.

This year the elite panel of speakers include neuroscientists, behavioural strategists, influencers, leaders, founders and directors in the security industry. Emirates’ senior leadership says it is fully committed to creating awareness of the challenges and the trends in aviation security, and sharing ideas and best practice among stakeholders. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saaed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group, is scheduled to open the event and the first keynote address will be delivered by Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates Group Security said: “It is encouraging to see AVSEC’s global appeal grow with every edition – it goes to show the stature and success of the event. It’s become a key platform to share, discuss and ideate around the most topical issues and challenges facing aviation security and our communities today. “In this increasingly complex

digital world, security touches every facet of our professional and personal lives and should be treated as everybody’s responsibility. This is why we’ve speakers and delegates drawn from a broad spectrum of industries, expertise and roles, as well as founders, governments, regulators, airlines and airport operators.” AVSEC Global 2019 will build on the success and learnings from the 2017 event that brought together over 400 industry professionals and 25 key sponsors and exhibitors. The event will also feature a gala dinner that celebrates the winners of the Awards of Excellence in Aviation Security, recognising exceptional performance and achievements in the global aviation security industry. Nominations are invited from both individuals and organizations, and the winners will be determined by an eminent panel of aviation security industry experts. Emirates Group Security extends its special aviation security services beyond Emirates to other airlines that operate in and out of Dubai International airport on a commercial basis. Emirates Group Security’s commitment to excellence is demonstrated by its strict adherence to its Quality Management System conforming to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 28000:2007 standards and TAPA – Transported Asset Protection Association.

we have been talking to them. What we want to achieve is having a better bilateral agreement with the UAE government. This will be a start in this journey. A minister will not sit down with the director of a ministry. A minister will sit with a minister to negotiate; a governor will sit with a

governor to negotiate. “So, the more we keep pushing for this, the more our voices are head. The bigger the Meet the Farmers conference gets, even the government will get involved. Someone in the government has said we are doing the work of the Nigerian embassy in the UAE because the work of the embassy is to find markets for the country in other countries and we are already doing that.” Crenov8 will on 27th and 28th of November, 2019 host the agribusiness gathering- Meet the Farmers’ Conference (MTFC). Now in its third edition, the conference is a first of its kind agro-trade and networking conference connecting Africa with the Middle East with an aim to connect large scale agro commodity producers to buyers alike. Themed ‘Creating a sustainable future: Food Security, Trade and Technology,’ the event is anchored on Crenov8’s big vision to sustain agriculture and food production by facilitating trade and promoting technology use in agriculture. After two years of making a substantial impact, the conference continues to push the borders of agro-trade activities, export promotion and technology innovation in agriculture across Africa.

Airlines advised to collaborate to compete effectively

he chief executive officer of African Aviation Services, Nick Fadugba has advised Nigerian Airlines to collaborate so as to build the needed capacity to compete effectively. Speaking in an interview with Journalists at the 2019 League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents, LAAC Conference in Lagos with the theme : Boosting aviation investments through policy, Fadugba said there is a need for Nigerian airlines to come together and work together in operations, training, maintenance, adding that no airline can succeed working alone. “Even if we don’t merge, we need to partner with one another. The average fleet size in Nigeria is about maximum 10 aircraft and yet we are competing with British Airways that has over 400 aircraft. Delta airlines have over 500 aircraft even Ethiopian airlines has a 110 aircraft. “So how can small airlines compete? And I am not being disrespectful by the way, the airlines I am not talking about is fleet size, I am not talking about commitment to the industry but I want to be realistic, because this industry is cut throat. If you don’t have a critical mass in terms of size, in term of good management, in terms of fleet, in terms of good network, it is very hard to succeed,” Fadugba explained. The chief executive officer of African Aviation Services regreted the liquidation of Nigerian airways.

Fadugba while maintaining that the liquidation was not necessary, pointed out that Kenya Airways which was in a worse position than Nigerian Airways at the time was turned around. He noted that an air route to Nigeria is like an oil block. According to him: “We could have saved it but we didn’t. However, since Nigerian airways was liquidated there is no airline to reciprocate on bilateral air service agreements, so foreign airlines gained a huge advantage over Nigerian airlines. “But now we need to sit down, we need to review the situation. Don’t forget an air route to Nigeria is like an oil block, it has economic value, we cannot just be giving them away free of charge. These days people don’t like to pay for BASAs but the fact is until we have a stronger airline industry in Nigeria, we need to review the setup because all airlines in Nigeria including Air Peace are complaining that the system today is unfair, it is not in our interest He spoke against the extablishment of a national carrier that would be to the disadvantage of private carriers, adding that the national carrier should not be done to the detriment of private carriers like Air Peace and others. Fadugba appealed to the government to support the country’s private airlines.

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Sunday 05 August 2019

Discourse

‘Windsor has redefined the business of real estate in Africa’

There have been so many exciting developments within Windsor, the multinational property and investment Group since it emerged on the real estate scene in 2014. Not only has the Group launched real estate investments in the United Kingdom, Dubai, Nigeria, USA, Brazil and the French Riviera, it has also been rated as the leading real estate advisory company in West Africa. In the wake of the premium rating, Windsor is now set to work on projects that will give it access to over 40,000 properties worldwide. Richard Vedelago, chief executive officer, in this interview with Seyi John Salau, shares some of the exploits of Wrotham Windsor in the real estate sector. Excerpts:

How have you managed the steady growth at Windsor since 2014? ince our inception in 2014, Windsor Real Estate has redefined the business of real estate in Africa. We modernized and advanced the industry with the introduction of high-end international developments to African investors. We have since developed into a fully-fledged global 360-degree property advisory firm that offers world-class solutions for both developers and investors alike. We also work to consistently maintain and manage evolving partnerships, based on transparency and mutual trust, which is at the foundation of our long-lasting client relationships. As we expand our global footprint we are committed to these principles, which have effectively served our company and clients through the years. How would you describe the Windsor strategy? Our strategy has always been to create the best possible environment for anyone who interacts with our offering and services, whether individual buyers, developers, investors or real estate funds. By so doing, we have been able to become the premier real estate advisory in West Africa. We also partner with top tier international developers such as Berkeley Homes London and Emaar Properties Dubai. These are some of the benefits which allow our clients to make the best real estate investments within the best projects globally. A key to business in the real estate sector is ‘adapting to stay relevant.’ How has that been reflected in your approach in each of the local market you are in? We pride ourselves in being an innovative and dynamic company, we always think outside the box to ensure our clients benefit from our approach. Our strategy has always been about working with the best developers and providers and so doing, we ensure we also are the best in our markets. Our team is always focused on finding the right balance between traditional and new practices as well as a focus on emergent technologies and social media strategies, that can help generate maximum exposure, better returns so as to stay ahead of the curve. How concerned are you about the affordability of

architects is a very interesting and innovative project. The Blue Water Lagos project being done by ACA and Elalan in Lekki are some other outstanding project I’ve seen in recent times. Is there an understanding of how important the real estate industry is to the success of mega cities? I do think people somewhat take it for granted because housing is such an important reality of mega cities that if gotten wrong on managed badly can cripple the whole quality of life of city. I think Lagos state, in recent years, has shown the world that an overpopulated city can still be salvaged with very smart and reactive initiatives that can turn cities around for the better. What trends will drive real estate development in the future? Value for money, as our buyers get smarter and more savvy clients are looking for a better return on investment. The days of the African man that buys property just for the sake buying property has gone and we are seeing the dawn of the very educated and intelligent African real estate investor. Ca n yo u d e s c r i b e yo u r dream property? Well, I’d have to say contemporary, minimalist, modern and

Richard Vedelago

apartments? I have always been concerned with the creation of an inflated market that has no real basis for the valuation of property. It is an issue in the West Africa real estate business which needs to be dealt with; otherwise, it would create a very dangerous precedent which will be catastrophic once it implodes like we saw in 2007/8 where the global real estate market collapsed. We need to put in measures that ensure a competitive market which in turn will allow pricing to become regularised. What are Windsor’s main accomplishments, and the factors behind your strategy? Our biggest accomplishment has been becoming the leading real estate advisory company in West Africa within 5 years. We have been able to expand with offices in London, Dubai, Lagos, Abuja, Abidjan and are looking to open up offices in Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa by the end of 2020. On top of that, we have worked on some

of the best projects globally, creating a pipeline that gives us access to over 40,000 properties world-wide. What are the prospects that exist in African real estate sector that you’re benefitting from? The African real estate market is benefiting from great demand for good projects. People want to invest locally into good projects that get delivered on time. This reality can only be good for the African market as it pushes developers to improve their projects and bring more modern and viable projects to market. Our market isn’t saturated yet because we still haven’t hit the ceiling and there’s always the possibility for improvement and that creates an evolving market that can only benefit investors. What are the real estate projects you see as most interesting in Sub-Saharan Africa? I’ve seen a number of very exciting projects coming up, the Abatta Village project in Abidjan done by Koffi and Diabate

”

People want to invest locally into good projects that get delivered on time. This reality can only be good for the African market as it pushes developers to improve their projects and bring more modern and viable projects to market

functional. I’m a big believer of less is more, and the space we live in should be an extension of who we are. As one of my favourite Japanese architects Tadao Ando once said about his projects, ‘If you give people nothingness, they can ponder what can be achieved from that nothingness.’ I definitely need to be inspired by the space I live in to continue to be innovative. What’s your favourite development in Windsor, and what’s its back-story? All our projects are special and different, whether for investment, holiday home, local and international properties; we have all the solutions for our clients. But If I really had to pick one at the moment it would be the Clarendon project in North London that is being developed by Berkely Homes which we launched in Abuja and Lagos recently. It’s a wonderful project that clients will really benefit from. They are located only moments away from the Emirates and White Hart Lane stadiums and is surrounded by some of the best schools in London. This is probably the best project I’ve seen in a very long time. What potential does luxury property hold for ultra-high net worth individuals as an investment? Luxury property is as good as any real estate investment that’s based on the principles of buying the right project at the right price. I would say we are going through an unprecedented time where we are seeing more millionaire and billionaires created than at any point in history and that can only bode well for the demand of luxury property. What has been the most gratifying event you have experienced since starting the Windsor project? Aside from doing this interview you mean?! I’d say every morning when I get into the office, there is nothing more gratifying than seeing a thing you have created with your team and the endless potential it has for growth and impact. Anything else you have your eye on right now? We are in the final stages of launching our own residential project in Abuja; I’m very excited about this project as I’m hoping we will deliver something that will change the way we see modern day living in Nigeria. Watch this space; I would hate to ruin the surprise by saying too much.

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Sunday 04 August 2019

StateOfTheNation

Businesses that have boomed in Nigeria since 2015 Chuka Uroko

critical look at Nigeria and its economy in the last four years shows that it might be disingenuous for anybody to claim that the country has made no progress or that all its industries have suffered within this period. Such a claim, to critical observers and discerning minds, amounts to being economical with the truth. What is not arguable, however, is that the economy within this period has been on a reverse gear in its progress, favouring sectors that should, ordinarily and in a normal run of events, have died. But, amidst this overly economic slowdown, some industries are really doing great which means that, fundamentally and intrinsically, something is wrong somewhere accounting for this negative positivism. Since the collapse of the manufacturing industry in the country and despite the outcry by the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) that its members are dying by installment, those in quasi businesses such as coffinmakers and mortuary operators are smiling to the bank on daily basis. Earnings in these loathsome businesses are quite high, under-

standable so because it is now booming. Mortuaries across the country are in big and lucrative business and here lies the frustration in the country and its new found negatively positive ‘economic’ growth. Currently, the major challenges for operators of this business are capacity and inadequate facilities because customerdemand is huge. Their stock in trade, dead bodies, are in large supply and the capacity to handle the job at hand is insufficient. They are witnessing boom in the business. Undertakers and cemeteries are even rejecting ‘businesses’ these days, and those who are into such businesses are clearing up well. A visit to psychiatric hospitals and other centres where mad people are being treated shows that doctors and herbalists in those places are singing ‘Amazing Grace’. It is the same story in the pharmaceutical industry where manufacturers of Tramadol, codeine and some other drugs that people abuse nowadays in an effort to forget their sorrows have enormous job at hand. Until recently, those who sold Sniper (the powerful insecticide that has wreaked havoc in the country but banned by government) were having business boom, because the demand for

the product was high. A good number of those who want to leave the troubled times in Nigeria have found in sniper the easiest and shortest route. The pharmaceutical industry is now churning out all sorts of high blood pressure drugs to contain the growing need for it in Nigeria. Those producing the drugs and the sellers are today experiencing a boom. It would be outright lie therefore, for anybody, especially “government detractors” who are everywhere, to say that government is not doing well for businesses to thrive. That kind of view is hate speech because the government is really trying. They need commendation even if the country is sinking. Looking at beer manufacturers, for instance, one would easily see that they are now pushing more tonnes of their products into the society than they had ever done. This is quite understandable given the increasing level of depression in society. There is liquor everywhere and drinking joints and brothels are making a kill. In fact, they do not seem to be meeting the demand from a growing number of depressed people. It might therefore, be a trite argument for anyone to say that the last four years have not helped such a business.

Visa agencies that help people to process residency in various oversea-countries have become more vibrant now than ever before. More Nigerians see better opportunities outside the country now than ever and are therefore, jetting out to have fresh breath in other climes. Heightening insecurity has created a flourishing business for those who smuggle guns or gun runners more than ever before. Looking at the prevalence of crime and brutality in the country executed by bandits, killer-herdsmen and Boko Haram with the aid of sophisticated weapons, most of which we are told enter the country illegally through porous borders, one would see that those who bring in these weapons cannot complain of ‘bad market’. Neither will the end users, who have turned the nation’s highways into business centres, through kidnapping for ransom, say life is not grand for them at the moment. As a people, Nigerians are very religious. Only a few are Christ-like and believe in the suffering Christ. Quite a lot are believers in the glorious Christ and therefore, are superstitious and miracle-inclined. The socioeconomic milieu in which they have found themselves in the last four years have deepened this inclination.

In the morning, afternoon and night, prayer sessions are held in some churches where prayer points centre around breakthroughs, prosperity and instant miracles. Not much is said about the salvation of the soul and the preparation for life in eternity. Almost always, the population of a given church reflects the instant outcome of these prayer sessions. And there is always a price to pay—the seed faith. This explains why the last four years have not been altogether bad for some religious sects because of the influx of traumatised and miracle-seeking Nigerians to such places, looking for divine intervention. Some of these worship centres that are being besieged by Nigerians are making a kill from the ‘mites’ of the worshippers. It is unsustainable, therefore, to argue that such churches are in bad times. An enabling environment has been created for them to grow and thrive. No matter how anybody looks at it, it is crystal clear that while some people are lamenting that their businesses have been atrophied in the last four years by reason of bad economy, some others have all the gratitude for the current administration for setting off their own good time in the midst of frustration, want and woe.

Sunday 04 August 2019

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BDSUNDAY 31

Bliss with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo

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

Not yet ready to leave advertising for poetry – Ndukwe Onuoha Mayorkun explodes at Ariya Repete

dukweOnuoha,inthe advertising industry, is not a small fry. But in the entertainment industry, especially the poetry genre, the young man is fast becoming a big name. With the release of his sophomore album titled Nwachukwu, the Abia State born poet is cementing his feet in the arts and not ready to leave any time soon. In a recent chat with Bliss during the album launch, the artiste said poetry came natural to him many years ago. “Growing up, I was surrounded by books and TV and all of that. Part of the books that caught my attention in the house was some collections of poetry. I loved the play of words and for me, I kept reading and reading. I just wanted to try my hands at writing some of the stuff I had been reading for a long times. “Sometime in 2008, I went to Anthill where I met Toni Kan and Steve Babaeko. They encouraged me to share some of my poetry and moving on to other spaces and being under some communities of poets helped me to hone my skills and to finally take a leap into producing a body of work. I did that in 2017. I have an album called ‘Revolutionary Verses’. Two years later I came up with this ‘Nwachukwu’”. Ndukwe’s work is infused with music and he readily admitted that he is not a slam poet. “I have never been a slam poet. I see that music helps to open the door for those who may not be into mainstream poetry.” He said he had to infuse music because, “Music helps those who would rather listen to other forms of arts to appreciate this poetry before they even start listening to the words. For me, I found out early that if I have to make people listen, I need a device that would help me

do that. That’s how I decided to infuse music.” However, Ndukwe said he doesn’t have anything against those who are slam poets. “That I am not into R&B and pop doesn’t mean that I have an issue with those genres. It is just that being a performance poet works better for me. I am more comfortable with it. I would call my kind of poetry ‘performance poetry’. It is not as if I am trying to create a new genre. It is just poetry laced with music. I just try to be very casual with my performance.” Getting some artiste to feature in his album wasn’t that difficult, he said. According to him, the artistes, whoincludedMakaandPraiz,were his friends and they readily agreed to be a part of his album. “I have known them for a long while. Some time, you would listen to a track and you would know that a particular artiste would fit in very well. It was just something I shared with friends and they were gracious to say yes and be a part of it.” As much as his genre of art is not so commercial in this part of the world yet, Ndukwe said it is not a problem for him. “I think the problem a lot of people have is when they try to

make everything for everyone. If you should be honest with yourself, it is not everyone that would appreciate poetry but then, it is still not everyone that appreciates commercial music. It is just for you to stay true to your lane. Don’t have the expectation that all Nigerians would wake up one morning and start rhyming along with you. You just know that there are some that would appreciate your work more than the others. If you are okay with that then it should suffice.” “However, I think this genre is being appreciated here. Some brands now use spoken words as part of their campaigns. I have done stuff for a few brands. We need to give it time. It is just a matter of time, a lot of poets have paved the way and some are still paving the way. I believe in the future, it would be a career path for some people and not just for people who just dabbled into it.” Even as Ndukwe has rose through the ranks to become creative director for one of the leading advertising agencies in the country, the poet said it has not been difficult juggling the two. “It is one of the perks of being a creative director; you do more of overseeing rather than the day to day grind of the work. But I still take my job very seriously. I wouldn’t want to do a disservice to my career while pursuing another. If I have to do something, I make sure I put in proper paperwork. I always make sure I don’t make one thing suffer for the other. At the moment, Ndukwe said choosing one out of the two professions might be a difficult thing to do. “It is like asking which of your kids you prefer. I absolutely love advertising but I love spoken words and where it is taking me. I will leave it hanging until I have to make a hard decision. Right now, I can juggle the two.”

Kcee finally locates long lost friend

impopo crooner, Kcee, took to his social media handle to beg his followers to help him connect with his long lost friend, Ocheku Osheme, who according to him, he hadn’t seen in over 20 years. But thanks to 33 Export Beer, Kcee said he has reconnected with Ocheku. “I’ve been thinking of Osh-

eme a lot of late and I knew I had to find him. For “33” Export to not only lend their support but also join me on the search? That’s priceless and I’ll forever be grateful,” said Kcee. Talking about why it was important for him to locate his friend, Kcee said he couldn’t postpone it any longer. While they were growing up in Ajegun-

le, Osheme was his best friend, the boy he could absolutely count on to be there for him. But since they lost touch, more than 20 years ago, his hopes of running into Osheme was becoming futile. “So, I had to come to social media to find my Day One. It’s been too long. I have fantastic fans and followers. There was nothing else to do but to call them to assist me,” he said. Speaking on why the brand chose to join the search, Brand Manager, “33” Export, Aminah Jagun said, “With all of the unique activities “33” Export has championed around friendship in the past, we couldn’t pass off an opportunity like this to show our support and also solidify our stance as a brand that cares. ‘33’ Export has firmly establishing its place in the minds of its loyal consumers as the No 1 friendship beer brand that cares about the relationship it shares with them and their friends.”

ince he got into the music industry not so long ago, Mayorkun is blowing the minds of many with his performances and he did just that again with his performance in Akure at the quarterfinal of Ariya Repete 2019. The singer delivered a showstopping performance as he got everyone off their seats. Akure residents were clearly thrilled to have the talented singer in their midst and Mayorkun certainly did not disappoint the hundreds of music lovers who turned out en-masse to witness the Ariya Repete quarter-final. The 24 contestants who also performed on the night didn’t disappoint as they brought their A-game and delivered memora-

ble performances. The decision to select 15 contestants across the 3 categories was a tough one but at the end of the night, the judges had to eliminate three contestants each in the Fuji, Yoruba hip hop and Juju categories respectively. The night also featured guest performances by fuji maestro and crowned king of Bonsue fuji, Adewale Ayuba, as well as Juju veteran, Dele Taiwo. Goldberg brand ambassador and Nigerian meme king, Odunlade Adekola also graced the stage. The award-winning actor has previously proven to be a fan-favourite amongst residents in Akure, and he was quick to engage the audience with his signature wit and humor.

Gen Monguno gifts Prof Soyinka

nasmuch as General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), Nigeria’s incumbent National Security Adviser was a soldier, the highly respected man has a very soft side that just a few know about. Apart from his successful military career, Monguno is also an artist; he draws and plays saxophone. And he showcased this soft and talented side of his recently when he personally sketched different portraits of the Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka and presented the framed piece of work to the Octogenarian literary giant in Lagos.

Soyinka , it was gathered, was really happy by the work of art and expressed appreciation and thanks to the NSA, for the present. “It’s fascinating and nice for the NSA Gen. Monguno to take time to make the sketches, am pleasantly surprised. Thank you General,” he was quoted. Monguno holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture, a Masters Degree in Internal Relations and also obtained a PhD from a United Kingdom University. He was appointed the National Security Adviser by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2015.

32 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 04 August 2019

TheWorshippers ‘Nigeria’s government must listen to the cries of the people’ The presiding bishop of Christ Royal Family International Churches, Tom Samson, is an educationist that believes in upholding the standard and qualitative education. The church recently celebrated its midyear thanksgiving, where he bears his mind on actions the government can employ to unify the country. Excerpts by SEYI JOHN SALAU:

What is the rationale behind ‘It’s War’ conference? es, the question has come up over and over, why war when everybody is looking for peace? After I started ‘Reigning in Life Conference’, God began to minister to me, He said my son, I want you to go out there, and launch attack against demonic oppressions. He said, ‘many of my children have been crying to me and it is as if I am not answering them.’ The Lord told me the case of Daniel, He said ‘when Daniel was crying to me, I sent my angel to give him his report; to give him his desire, but the prince of Persia withheld the answers to his prayers. The Lord said there are many demonic powers, certain household wickedness, frustrating my mandate in people’s lives. Again, the Lord told me, that he promised Moses 400 years to bring his children from captivity, but they never came out until 430 years. This is to say that there were demonic powers that caused the 30 years delay. The Lord said there are certain persons that are supposed to be landlords but they are still tenants, not because they are not hard working. Imagine a person acquiring a piece of land and the land gets hijacked. Also, you can give money to a mason to build; he can run away with it. There are certain misfortunes in life, that make people look as if they don’t know what they are doing in life. The Lord said I should launch attack against bad luck, promise and fail, household wickedness and all kinds of demonic power. After God gave me the instruction, so I said, ‘okay, Lord, how do I go about this?’ The Lord said separate one section out of ‘Reign in Life’ Conference, and let everybody have the consciousness

Tom Samson

of war, it is a spiritual warfare. Now, how do I start off? I need to make an impression with this. And while I was pondering on how to go about this, I said okay, it has to look military, because many times what people see, they can easily relate with. I thought of putting on a camouflage and making it dramatic so that you would know that, yes, this is war. Everybody was concerned and kept asking, ‘what is this man of God doing? Who is he fighting? It was a slogan all over Lagos. People came, and then they discovered that it was a spiritual war, the Lord honoured it. In the first meeting, the crowd was massive, the anointing was amazing, there were massive deliverance; people were vomiting, and things happened, the power of God was in action.

You seem to have much similarity with Archbishop Benson Idahosa; did he at any time mentor you? You see, I grew up in Benin City though I was born in Ile Ife, and as a teenager, I was in Benin and if I must tell you, people ask me, are you among bishop boys? Are you papa’s son? You resemble bishop, people say I am a bold man, I am confrontational. I saw that in Archbishop. You can see a man afar off and swallow him, I swallowed Papa, there are traits in me you can’t doubt- boldness of going for great things from nothing, believing I can dare anything. Though from a lowly background, I never see anything too big to accomplish. You could see another spirit of Archbishop in me. Apart from Archbishop Ida-

hosa, is there other men of God that inspire you? Papa Oyedepo is another; any time I am with him we spend nothing less than three hours. In the area of education, God is using us to do a lot. As of today Christ Royal Family International Churches has 15 schools; nursery, primary, secondary, college of education; we are running a university programme, Monarch University, that we are now going through approval process - he moved to Canaan land, me too I built a city there, Royal City in Ota. I am building a University; he has built three, so those are the people that can give you encouragement. If you are looking for a mentor look for people who have excelled in the area of your dreams. Some Christians have alleged islamisation of Nigeria even as others think the government is not very serious in addressing the unrest in some parts of the country. What is your take? Well, government has denied that several times; let us take them by their word, even our VP, a Christian, has said there is nothing like that. Though certain events have unfolded with appointments, ranking and Christians being removed from a place and replaced by Fulanis, there is quota system in this country, where you have to share things equally, you have to appreciate that there are Igbos, Yorubas, Hausas, Fulanis and other tribes; so there has to be fair deals. My appeal to government is that let there be fair share; we don’t need this suspicion, there has been much outcry, and we need the government that can listen to the cries of the people. The Igbo people should be remembered. Let everybody have part in the nation; the sharing of positions is lopsided, people feel they are not well represented, you say they have

legislators but the executive commands the power. Major decisions are taken at executive level. So, my appeal is that government should ensure fair share so that everybody would have a sense of belonging in this country. The general view in Nigeria is that the standard of education has fallen, especially in public schools; how have been able to ensure standard in your schools? You see that is why I built college of education, knowing that I am into education, and when we applied for permission to build college of education, they appealed to me to make sure that as a man of God, we bring morals; and I gave them my word. People say things are expensive; teachers also want big money, they go to the same market doctors go, the same market politicians go, the days of giving teachers poor salaries are over. In my school I make sure you follow the syllabus, whatever that is there; we have people that go round like inspectors, to make sure that standards are followed. What can government do both at federal and state levels to sustain the standard of education? They need to invest more, money is the key. Sometimes to build laboratory alone I spent between N7million to N10million. In education you need to upgrade, do you know there is money government supposed to pay to us; we that are private owners, we are fighting for that, because education is expensive. If I tell you what I pay every month, I have over 600 staff this is because education is part of my services to community. Government need to increase their budget on education. They should extend the largesse to private practitioners as well.

Lagos diocese holds memorial in centenary celebration

he memorial, a 21-day fasting and prayer revival programme across the diocese of Lagos has been announced to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the Lagos Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion. The memorial commenced on Thursday, August 1, 2019 and will be a daily prayer meeting till Wednesday, August 21, the church said. “It will be a memorial because we remember the faith of our

fathers living still. One hundred years ago, our existence as a diocese was confirmed. God has used great bishops, clergy, to do exploit for Him in various parishes of our diocese. At the commencement of another century, we are trusting God for his greater manifestations among us, hence we cannot joke with prayers and fasting. It is one of the tools with which we would be stronger, deeper and higher in faith,” said Humphrey Olumakaiye, the bishop and missioner, Diocese

of Lagos, Anglican Communion. According to the bishop, memorial serves as a reminder that reinforced faith and provided opportunities for teaching. “The scripture witnesses God’s participation in human history for the salvation of his people. It is a reminder of God’s liberation of his people,” Olumakaiye said. “In continuation, the Passover; the twelve stones taken from the river Jordan, and the Lord’s Supper which is a reminder of Christ’s

sacrificial death and a reminder and encouragement of his future coming, are all memorials. All these memorials serve to proclaim the good news of what God has done. “Dearly beloved, note that in Anglican Diocese of Lagos, this spiritual exercise shall also be a memorial and we shall God’s willing, do it every year. It is amazing that God does wonders whenever his children gather to pray, the same God of our fathers is still alive and he will surely visit you this sea-

son with amazing and first class testimonies, all you need to do is to trust and obey the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. Across all parishes of the diocese of Lagos, special prayer meeting everyday by 5:30 pm, while a mega prayer convocation will be held on Wednesday 21 August, at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina at 3pm. The memorial is intended to make the parishoner stronger, deeper and higher in faith.

Sunday 04 August 2019

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BDSUNDAY 33

TheWorshippers Inspiration With Rev. Yomi Kasali

@rev.yomikasali

here have been many teachings on How to Pray but I found a parable where Jesus taught both How to Pray and How NOT to Pray. It is quite instructive and insightful to note the latter in the

How not to pray self-righteous Pharisee who went to the temple with a Tax Collector for what you and I may call a prayer meeting. Kindly take a closer look at this parable on prayers with an unraveling eye of a bible student; ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a Tax Collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself,...and the tax collector standing afar off would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God be merciful to me a sinner!” I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for everyone who exalts himself (even in prayers) will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted’ Luke 18 v 9-14. There are a few points to note here about why our prayers are apparently not answered or our persons not justified.

I will share my 5 reasons why prayers are not answered and secret keys of praying to get results. God Looks At The Man Before Hearing The Prayers: The scriptures has always stressed this fact but people fail to understand the major secret of how to get to in the heart of the Father. This is the same point mentioned in the beginning when the bible says God accepted Abel and his offering and rejected Cain and his offering. It is not the

other way round which is the way of Man and that is why God is not Man. Human beings accept the offering first thereafter the person bringing the offering. The pharisee prayed with himself: he did not really have any request tabled before the Father. You will notice if you take a closer look at the prayer of the Pharisee that he did not make any specific request from God but just came to push his resume and praise himself. God will

not hear any prayers full of self-praise and adoration. Do not compare yourself in the place of prayers with other people: God will not near the prayers of anyone if it is full of comparisons because He is the Judge of all mankind. The Pharisee filled his mouth with self-righteous comparison with the tax collector. One should go to the courts of heaven with his plea and not run down his neighbor. When doing intercession in the courts of heaven, one should ask for mercy for others not condemnation for sinners. That is not intercession. Humility is the key to godly prayers: It unlocks great bounties for those who seek His favor and is revealed by the content of your prayers. A humble heart cannot miss it with God and a proud look will not get anywhere with Him. God is always attracted to the humble soul like a man is attracted to a

beautiful woman. Humility is the beauty of spirituality, no one should be acclaimed to be spiritual who is not humble Mercy is the key not money: One cannot miss it when you ask for Mercy, the plea for Grace should not be once and for all but as regular as possible. A wise believer always goes to the court of heaven with the cry for Mercy not Money, the widow in the prior parable asked for Mercy in a different way when she asked to be avenged of her adversaries and oppressors. She wanted to elicit the Judges mercy and got it through persistence. These are my thoughts on prayers this morning and hope we all can tap into the spirit of the moment by asking God for mercy and not come arrogantly to His presence to command Him as some have implied we can do. Be Inspired!

Our target is to cloth 2 million underprivileged Nigerians in the next five years - RCCG With over three shops across Lagos and more to launch soon, Its New To Me, a charity shop project set up by His Love Foundation, the charity arm of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), sells new and fairly-used cloths and household items donated by church members at small amounts to the less-privileged.In this interview with select journalists in Lagos, Olubukola Aneke, chief operating officer of the charity organisation, gives insight on the operations of the shops. INIOBONG IWOK was there. Excerpts: ‘Its New To Me’ initiative seems unique, what informed it? t started 10 years ago, but I came into the picture five years ago when we re-launched. That was also when I started volunteering, moved on to supervising what was going on here, and later became the chief operation officer. Not minding my position, I am helping in coordinating this place, which is a charity shop and an initiative of the Redeem Christian Church of God, City of David. The vision is to demonstrate the love of Jesus by changing lives and we carry this out by retailing donated items by families and church members. We retail the items, generate funds through it and forward the funds to other charity works in the church. So, that is the plan, it has been wonderful and impactful for five years. We have clothed people, offered hope, made people’s wish to come true, and have been able to wipe tears from the face of the needy. There was an instance of a widow that came to complain that since her husband’s death she has not been wearing good cloths. Apparently

the husband was a wealthy man and she could afford good things then, but now subjected to ridicule among her friends. So, she was happy coming here to buy goods and cloths with little amount. I cannot say how much she came with, but she was able to fill a bag. She was happy she could mingle with her friends again. Does it mean the motives for setting up the place was just to help the less-privileged afford ordinary things they could not? I know it was the vision of Pastor Iluyomade and to demonstrate the love of Je-

Olubukola Aneke

sus. But the little I have heard is that just like the name; it suggests something that is odd to some people. I may have something that I feel is outdated, but someone may like it. I went through Oxfam history yesterday and I saw something that captivated me, it is a picture that said; ‘say no to secondhand items’. So, items that we have here are replica of new items. How many branches do you have in Lagos? We launched five years ago, and re-strategised. We have another launching coming up because we want to expand beyond Victoria Island, Lagos. We now have three more shops that are operational, but we have not launched them officially. Our shops are in Akoka, Ikoyi, and Ikorodu. They are selling but we have not launched. But we would want to have more because Oxfam is the bench mark with about 750 shops globally. We hope to get there. On the average, how much does it cost to buy a cloth here? We have items and cloths for as low as N100, N200, and N300. But, we do not stock ordinary things because the calibre of people that bring

things here are people that God has blessed. There are shoes that seem that they have never been worn, but it is just that those people did not walk on the kind of ground that destroys shoes. So, it is just like when you are buying it new because they are not worn out. Has the church or any of the donor partners thought of importing these second hand items? The church is making sure that all of us are involved in touching lives. If I import the items, it means that I have subverted the purpose of the programme. The idea is not to import things, it is not business, and from the name, it is for the people to work together and touch lives. But large section of the church members and other Lagosians are not aware of the project? No, on the contrarily, the church would love all members to hear about it. Just like I said, it started with a branch at City of David, later grew to a love foundation and we are set to launch more shops. It is the platform of His Love Foundation, which covers all Redeemed churches, but City of David founded it and fortunatelyPastorIluyomade

is still the one in charge of His love Foundation. The pastor is the one assisting our General Overseer in that regard. From now, it would be open to all Redeemed church branches. Tell us how you get donors? We have established relationship with our people and they do bring things. What we do is to announce and it serves as reminder that the shops is existing. But that would change; we would do flyers and we would not restrict it to City of David. We would take it to other branches, do road works, take it to people and create awareness. Are you going to open shops in the remote areas? Like I said, we started with City of David, it is a branch of the church that is known for class, but we are not going to say we are dealing with commoners. Our bench mark is Oxfam. They want stigmatisation to be taken out, and we want to maintain that class, at the same time, they want to reach out to people. So, when people are coming in and seeing this kind of place, they would be happy, because we have a shop that can match high street

shop, and we would still get the kind of things you get in Oshodi in a high street shop. We have been looking for a shop in Ajegunle, we have not been able to get, we got one in Ebute Metta that we are going to pay in one or two days’ time. We got a place in Cemetery Road, maybe it is going to be prettier than the others. But we got a very good shop there and it is coming up soon. I do not know about the plan to go to Oshodi, I do not think it is part of the plan for now. But we have one in Ikorodu, at Odogunyon, another one in Akoka, and we are planning for about 10 other locations. We are not just planning for highbrow areas; we plan to go into places that are occupied by less privileged individuals. In the past, the church was noted for carrying out welfare programmes, like visiting motherless babies’ homes, but we need to strike a balance? We want to use one stone to kill two birds. The first impact is that we cloth, the second is that we raise funds. We have done two things; donating to mother less babies homes is achieving just one thing, but we are achieving two things with this.

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VOXPOP Is the talk about 2023 not a distraction?

gainst the increasing noise about 2023 general election when the newly inaugurated administration of Muhammadu Buhari is barely three months old, AYOMAH ESEROGHENE went to town to feel the pulse of Nigerians on the desirability or otherwise of the development. Below are the responses. Mr. Desmond - Civil servant It is not a distraction because we are not even getting any benefits from the present one, which makes us even more focused on the 2023 election hoping for the better. We are not even participating in any forum created by the government, so I don’t see what area the 2023 election is distracting us from. They should provide the necessary things needed for the masses. Create job opportunities, repair bad roads, create infrastructure for the local communities, most of all ensure security of lives and property, increase minimum wage for workers, ensure steady power supply. All these should be on ground. I think talking about it is indeed a propelling factor. The masses out there, especially the youth are really upset and disappointed. Everyone is just hoping on the next election, because the trust of the people on this present government was actually betrayed in so many ways. In every way, no job opportunities, bad roads, insecurity, they just fixed our lights today since it had a little spark last Sunday at Apapa where I live. It shouldn’t be so. Powe Samuel - a student It’s not a distraction because the masses have suffered a lot under the present administration; we are talking about the 2023 because we are hoping that the next administration will do better than the present one. 2023 is another election year and another opportunity to vote a new administration. It’s not easy to change a nation’s economy in four years, but the government

Muhammadu Buhari

should look into agriculture and technology and also look into giving the nation a stable power supply and low-income housing before the 2023 general election. They should realise that the masses are planning for 2023 election and to be honest with you, I don’t think it will really motivate them because the government doesn’t really care that much about the masses and their plans; they already know it’s their last term. Mr. Ifeanyi - a technologist My advice is simple; just forget about this government because the more you look, the less you see, and the more confused you will become. They should try as much as possible to earn the trust of the people, because they have lost it; this they can do by fulfilling some of their campaign promises. Talking about 2023, to a knowledgeable person, is a good propelling factor capable of convincing anybody to read the hand writing on the wall. But you know the kind of government we have… it simply means, the masses have lost faith in such a person and cannot just wait for 2023 election to kick the person out.

Mahmood Yakubu

Fidelis Espanyol - private-sector player Well, I don’t think it’s a distraction to us because of the way the present government has structured and led this country thus far. Don’t forget that they were in power before and it’s almost certain that the way their first tenure ended, it’s the same way it’s going to end. We all know what happened in the last general election that was held, so many brouhaha and we know it wasn’t free and fair because of the whole electoral malpractice that happened. So well, to the present government talking about 2023 may sound like a distraction because they are in power, but to us the masses, it’s not a distraction because we are only looking for a better life and what is good. I don’t think it’s going to be a distraction to me or the entire masses because everyone is looking for a better life and better government. If the government in power realises that the general public is already planning on 2023 general election, then they should know that they are doing something wrong, because if you are in power then they are already planning on how to get rid of you,

that means you need to realise that you are not governing well, you need to go back to the drawing board and figure how to make the country a better place. Because we all know how our country is lacking in so many ways, in power, education, employment, to mention but a few. So, if they realise that the general masses are already thinking of 2023 general election, I think it should be a propelling factor that will motivate them to try to improve on their efforts- infrastructure, employment, steady power supply, etc. I believe that they can do all these if there is that will power. I mean Nigeria is a country that has so many natural resources but they are not being harnessed for the good of all. Again, the resources are not being put to proper use. So, I think, talking about 2023 should be a reminder that the Nigerian people are tired of what is going on and are eagerly waiting to take back their country. If those in government are thinking of 2023, then they are being selfish; they are just seeking for power and dominance. So, I don’t think, thinking of 2023 is the best way forward for those in government; we, the people are those who should be thinking about it now because of our unpleasant experiences. Bobby Dan - businessman It is not a distraction to the business world. I am a businessman. I deal on provisions. Most of the products I sell are produced here in Nigeria and my targets are the end users. As a business person I think ahead and read the mood of the country. So, it’s not a distraction towards the change in governance because things are not looking up in the country. We should begin now to think about the next election in terms of deploying technology and security during the exercise. The world has changed we cannot be operating as if we are still in the Stone Age. Today, we are debating over use of server or otherwise. It is by starting now to talk about it that we can correct all the lapses witnessed the last time.

Kogi: My administration will correct all anomalies created by Bello – Melaye VICTORIA NNAKAIKE, Lokoja

ome November 16, attention will be focused on Kogi State over the gubernatorial election that would hold in the state that day. The election promises to be hotly contested as many interest groups are already should keen interest in who emerges as the new governor of the Confluence state. Out of eleven aspirants that are jostling for Lugard House in the mean time, nine come from Igala, Kogi west senatorial district, and the other two are from East and Central apiece. But the incumbent Senator, Dino Melaye had on Wednesday, during a media parley organised by Nigerian Union of Journalists, Kogi State Council, disclosed that six aspirants had stepped down for him. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has stated categorically in all their outings that All Progressives Congress (APC) must leave Lugard House, alleging that the party has failed abysmally in the last four years and has no moral justification to seek a return. The opposition party claimed that the APC government in the state under Governor Yahaya Bello has left the people, especially the state workers, in total penury since the inception of his administration.

Speaking further, Melaye said he has a programme of action that would project Kogi to the limelight and that once he is sworn in as the governor he would start work from day one. “Government will start running and the difference will become clear. I want to assure you, in four years we will reverse the economy of Kogi State and Kogi will draw the envy of every other state in Nigeria. Kogi will soon know that we have a programme of action. Once I am sworn in as governor, from day one, government will start running and the difference will become clear,” he said. He also said that he has come to solve the problem of the state, promising that in his regime, the people will determine what would happen in government and that government would do exactly what the people want. The senator also expressed the optimism that in the next eight years, he would become the next President of Nigeria, saying that the issue of governor is a stepping stone and that by the time he has performed and transformed Kogi State, the whole country would be yearning and begging for same transformation at the Federal level. He said the experience he had gathered as a House of Representatives member, coupled with that of Senate, had so

equipped him for any political office. “And in the next eight years, Dino Melaye will become the next president of Nigeria. The issue of governor is a stepping stone. Having been a member of the House of Representatives for four years and a Senator for over four years, Dino knows the trade,” he said. Reeling out some of the projects he has attracted to Kogi, he said: “Dino has commissioned over 189 projects spread across Kogi West. I am coming with core values of integrity, compassion, transparency, justice, accountability, equity, fairness and courage. I am exposed having visited over 70 countries in the whole world. I want to assure you the people of Kogi and NUJ that by the grace of God, this election is about the people and by the grace God we are already at Lugard House and we will correct all the satanic works of Bello administration. Mine is not about ambition but about the ambition of the people of Kogi State. “God has looked down on Kogi State and said that this is not the state He created; this is not what He wants for His people. He saw hunger, starvation, killing, maltreatment and sicknesses. Our schools are now dilapidated, our roads are not good again; our hospitals are mere consulting clinics. And God summoned all the people in Kogi State

and said who shall I send and I said send me. When I look around and I see all that is happening in Kogi State, I confided in my heart that all these women selling akara, recharge cards around Nataco, I said we are going to build a hub for them and take all of them there and clean that environment and create a boat club by the bank of the river from Jamata up to Nataco. This club will generate revenue for the state.” Melaye also lamented that despite the fact that the people of Kogi are in the midst of plenty, yet they are suffering, emphasising that once given the opportunity, he will treat the people of Kogi the way investors treat their customers. “In our own administration we are going to relate with the people, our administration will be governed by the people. Unfortunately, what we have in Kogi is mediocrity, government of the greedy by the greedy and for the greedy. So, I am assuring you that if we come into power, we will put all these natural and human resources together and transform Kogi from where we are. We will build powerful ITC as a major investment on our people. Today, ideas have over-taken oil. People use idea to revolutionise the economy of their country. So, ideas have now taken over from petroleum,’ he said.

Sunday 04 August 2019

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SundayBusiness Mortgage market still waiting for MBAN and the Sukuk model

he saying that Nigeria is never in lack of good ideas but implementation is a fact and it is reflected in virtually every facet of the country’s life- economic and political; at individual and institutional levels. From public and private sector operators, Nigerians have seen brilliant ideas that, if implemented, could turn around the economy of the country and the well being of its people. A couple of years ago, mortgage sector operators under the aegis of the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN) gathered in Abuja for its chief executive officers retreat, to finalize its Uniform Mortgage Underwriting Standards for non-interest mortgages and to create platforms for better education of the employees and mortgage brokerage companies on the proposed model. The operators also looked at other aspects of their business and decided to get a veritable funding source for the sub-sector. They moved to explore the suitability, applicability and possibility of adopting the non-interest mortgages to unlock the potentials of the Sukuk model. These were good ideas that raised hope and expectations among mortgage-starved Nigerians. High Interest rate on mortgage

loans remains the deep gulf between most Nigerians and homeownership. This is why any move aimed at reducing interest rate and making mortgage not only accessible, but also affordable triggers expectations that some Nigerians would be taken off the housing market where over 20 million families are marooned, unsure of what to do next to exit the over-crowded space. The Sukuk model which guarantees non-interest mortgages remains green in the minds of many home-seeking Nigerians, not the least other good ideas that came up at the Abuja chief executive officers retreat. And expectations continue to mount as MBAN and its members perfect their strategies. It should be noted, however, that actually, MBAN and its members are, by these moves, plotting and pushing for the unbundling of mortgage origination process, further reduction in loan origination period, introduction of computerised land titling registration, land title insurance, introduction of uniform mortgage underwriting standards (UUS) for informal sector, enactment of foreclosure law, and wider public awareness for the sector. This, they reason, has become necessary given the slow growth of their sector amply reflected in its low contribution to GDP which

stands at 1 percent. They want to push this contribution to, at least, 5 percent in the short run, 30 percent in the medium term, and about 65 percent in the long run. The sector is challenged in several ways which the operators blame on low mortgage penetration. This, according to them, explains why less than 5 percent of the housing stock in the country estimated at 13.7 million units are in formal title registration or mortgage. Rose Okwechime, CEO, Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc , blames the slow growth of the sector on its relative newness and lack of public awareness on its operations and benefits. “A lot of people don’t even understand why they should put their money in a mortgage bank”, she says. The operators advocated that MBAN should explore collaboration with building materials manufacturers to reduce the cost of houses and make housing affordable. They also resolved to explore viable options for cheaper sources of funds with a view to reducing the interest rate on mortgages to single digit. Consequently, they planned a tripartite advocacy for intervention fund for the sub-sector in partnership with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Pension Commission (PENCOM) through the

Worshipper

How gullible Nigerians get duped on religious ground

n Nigeria, issues of religion are taken very seriously, if not above death; it is next to death to an average believer. Here, it is not about the religion either Christianity, Islam or African traditional religion, rather it is about followership. Hence, it is not surprising to hear or see people go the extreme in defense of their religion or belief. Therefore, it becomes easier for people to feed on unsuspecting Nigerians for religious practices. Many Nigerians have been duped on religious ground because of their level of gullibility, which has given rise to the rate of cybercrime in recent years. It is no longer uncommon to get a ‘friend invite’ on social media especially on face book and Twitter from well known preachers or religious leaders across Nigeria. However, many of these ‘friend invite’ are fake and have no connection whatsoever with the preachers, even though the invite bears their name and carry their images. Recently, a ‘friend invite’ was sent to me by one certain Emmanuel Okereke who claim to be the general overseer of Global Success Ministries, Lagos. However, after accepting the invite, some messages were sent in quick succession playing and appealing to my sense of fear, trying to cajole into donating some money to the ministry.

In similar manner, on Thursday, July25, another ‘friend invite’ was sent to me again on Facebook. This time around the invite came from another well known Lagos-based pastor in the person of Godman Akinlabi, the senior pastor of the Elevation Church. Minutes after accepting the invite, the following message was sent: “Child of God I don’t know you but God knows you well, I was led by the spirit of the Lord to go through your profile and pray for you, as I was praying for you I was taking to the realm of the spirit to see things around you I see favour from God and I see more spiritual attacks the enemies are working on holding your favour from God. The Lord said I should tell you to sow a seed of Favour and Breakthrough to the lives of those children in FRANCIS UMAGOH OTEMOH ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION Motherless Home in Edo State while I guide you through with prayers because the Lord wants to put your enemies to shame and also manifest his promises in the life of your family and you if only you believe in him and do what he commands, you will testify to the Glory of God. Call the M.D in charge of the motherless home now on +2349027996899 to reach them. God bless you”.

A call to the number indicated that the name in the message; one Francis Umagoh Otemoh is the owner of the telephone line and is the MD of the orphanage, which he claimed is based in Igara, Akoko-Edo, Edo State, but will not give detailed address of the orphanage. He also refused to give further details about the orphanage or why he chose to use the name and image of Godman Akinlabi. However, Francis was quick to give account details when informed about possible donation to the orphanage; but, the bank account details he gave bears another person’s name (Ahmed Arafat 0114731354 Union Bank). To get more clarification from the Elevation Church about Godman’s support for any orphanage in Edo or any other place. I called Pastor Mensah of the Elevation Church who acts as the assistant to the senior pastor of the church. According to Mensah, the Facebook account is a fake account and that the church has reported the case. Responding to BDSUNDAY on the issue, Reverend John Olakunle Ojo, the Minister of Education, Good News Baptist Church, Surulere, said: “The name of these pastors sells and it’s like somebody using Adeboye’s name; people will want to respect that name and would want to fall for it.

Talking Mortgage with CHUKA UROKO (08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com) proposed interest rate matching fund scheme and a home-grown initiative for tying mortgage to pensions, which will encourage homeownership and lower interest rate on mortgage. The communiqué on the retreat, signed by MBAN president, Adeniyi Akinlusi and the Executive Secretary, Kayode Omotoso, noted that since infrastructure constituted 30 percent of the cost of housing delivery, federal, state and local governments should strive to provide support to estate developers by stepping up provision of infrastructure to enhance affordable delivery. The association planned to embark on constructive engagement/ advocacy with the governments for improved infrastructural development to drive down the cost of housing delivery, especially for the low and middle-income earners. They further recommended that Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and MBAN should take

necessary steps to fast track the evolution of new business models that would include strategies to streamline on-line processes for access to the NHF scheme to mitigate the challenges of response time to secure approval from FMBN on National Housing Fund (NHF) loan applications. It was also agreed that both FMBN and MBAN should collaborate to create public awareness on the NHF scheme, and its critical imperative to mortgage for home ownership in Nigeria. The mortgage firms agreed that MBAN should collaborate with other stakeholders such as the CBN, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), FMBN and Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) for the purpose of approaching the National Assembly for expedited action on amendments to the various laws affecting the mortgage/housing sub-sector; especially those related to foreclosure.

Adeboye to commission intensive care unit facility Iniobong Iwok

he General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye is set to commission the Enoch &Folu Adeboye Intensive Care Unit facility at the Redemption Camp Health Centre, Ogun State on Thursday, August 8. The move is aimed at ensuring that qualitative healthcare is brought closer to the people across Nigeria, through the global charity arm of the church, His Love Foundation. The commissioning of the new ultra-modern Intensive Care Unit facility will be the third in the country to be set up under the auspices of the Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) of the church, His Love Foundation. Adeboye had in 2017 commissioned the first ICU at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos and also commissioned another at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos in May 2019. According to the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on CSR, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the third ICU which will be commissioned during the 67th yearly convention of the RCCG will provide premium medical services to all those living in the environs of the redemption camp and Ogun State at large.

Adeboye

The ICU is equipped with a 3 bed fully equipped Intensive care unit, 2 bed Highly Dependent Care unit, a Mobile digital XRay Unit, an Operating Theatre, an Oxygen Generator, a 30kva Generator, 80 KVA UPS, two Executive fully equipped suites, two private wards for the Health centre, Surgery preparatory rooms, a paediatric ward at the main Health Center and all beds are directly piped for oxygen from the Oxygen generator. Iluyomade noted that the church and its global charity is committed to ensuring that there is help for the helpless, strength for the weak and food for the hungry and for this reason has continued to provide the necessary critical intervention in six sustainable focus areas; education, prison, health, social enterprise, rehabilitation and hunger.

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Sunday 28 July 2019

SundayBusiness Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

ridging the huge gap which currently exists between the mass production of farm produce, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent and the bustling business marketliterallywaitingtobetapped in the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) is the noble and patriotic taskwhichCrenov8hastakenupon its shoulders, since 2017. It could not have come at a better time that the present administration has hinged its economic drive on the diversification from crude oil production and sales. But some questions are begging for answers. For instance, how do you feel when you get to know that Nigeria leads the world in the production of cassava tubers but it is not listed as one of the top ten exporters because we do not meet international standards? Or, that more advanced countries are utilising our cassava to produce biodegradable plastic bags but we are still hooked unto polythene bags?

Crenov8’s meet the farmers’ conference, 2019 But that is not all. The fact that Nigeria ranks as the world’s second largest producer of ginger after India but China buys quantum amount from us and has made billions in US Dollars from its export should be food-for-thought for us all. According to Bola Oyedele, the brilliant brain who is the Consultant with Cenovate8, only last year a demand was made for ginger during the Meet the Farmers Conference in Dubai, running into millions of dollars but no Nigerian was able to meet the demand! But a Chinese man did by obtaining the quantity demanded from some Northern states in Nigeria and going ahead to supply such after due processing, according to standard specifications.Yet, there is more cause for serious concern. In his candid view, Prince Ajibola Oluyede, the chairman of NICERT Ltd, that is into food standardisation, stated that as at 2002 over 52percent of Nigerians were actively engaged in profitable agriculture but fast forward to 2015 and the figure has dropped to 22percent. Between then and 2018 the figure has risen by a minimal 2percent. Indeed, some Nigerian food products, including beans are being rejected in the international market because they do not meet the Federal Law No 10 of 2015 based on acceptable global standards. Though 36.6percent of Nigerians, representing 90 million people are said to be presently engaged in farming (including both profitable and non-profitable types), they are not adding enough value to the Value Chain-from cultivation, production, processing to preservation, storage and marketing.That is where Crenov8 Consulting comes in handy. As a leading Management and

Digital Firm based in Dubai it has been actively engaged in hosting the Meet the Farmers Conference (MTFC) since 2017. The veritable platform it provides as a meeting point between farmers and the international market is a first- ofits- kind agro-trade and networking conference. So good that over the past two years it has expanded its frontier to engage 12 African countries from four when it started.The theme of this year’s conference is: “Creating a Sustainable Future; Food Security, Trade and Technology.” How apt! To underscore the significance of this topic, consider the fact that the world’s population is expected to double by 2050. So, what does that teach us? That more food will have to be produced and given the immense natural resources of vast arable land, predominantly agrarian people with an evolving technology, agriculture and a modern one at that is the way to go. In precise terms, Oyedele the consultant was inspired in 2016 coming across the report of a research that showed that Dubai in the UAE imports 80 per cent of its food needs worth $100 billion, mostly from Africa, specifically Nigeria! And wait for this-that the value of such will explode to $400 billion over the next six years. “Wow!” She must have exclaimed. This is a gold mine waiting to be explored. If only she could access 1percent of that, it would amount to $1billion or over N300billion! So, why not connect the producers to the waiting market? All you have to do is Create and Innovate. That inspired Crenov8Consulting and Management companyand here we are today talking about the Third edition of MTFC. Over the years she got to know

Firm holds seminar on IGR August 15 Ngozi Okpalakunne

kwudili Ijezie & Co, an accounting firm, has announced its plans to hold a two-day conference in Lagos where they will train individuals, government agencies on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The seminar, which is scheduled to take place between August 15th and 16th 2019, at Sharaton hotel, Lagos will highlight alternative strategies to improve transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of IGR. Speaking at a press conference heralding the event, Okwudili Ijezie, managing partner and chief executive officer of Okwudili Ijezie & Co, said the conference tagged, ‘Strategies for Improving IGR for states in Nigeria’ aimed at equipping government agencies and individuals with requisite knowledge on understanding IGR, legal and institutional framework for revenue collection, strategies for improved IGR among other issues. Ijezie further explained that the conference would also provide an opportunity for govern-

ment agencies and individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities, especially as regards taxes and value added tax, strategies for generating IGR. “As the dynamics of generating IGR continues to change in Nigeria, we recognise that many businesses, especially government agencies in the country are not equipped with the requisite information and knowledge to discharge their responsibilities in this area appropriately. It is based on this reality that we decided to organise a seminar on IGR which will go a long towards positioning the states and the country at large better for its citizens,” he said. In addition he explained that states can generate revenue in-

ternally without injuring the poor masses; who, according to him, were already bearing the brunt of the present economic down turn. In his words, “In Lagos State government for example, there are lots of revenues which include the land use. Take for instance, if you have a building in Lagos you will pay certain amount of money to the state government yearly, which will enable the state take care of other needs. We recalled that during the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo as the president, there was a time; he withheld the revenue of Lagos State for a couple of years. The then governor, Ahmed Tinubu did not mind because he had many sources of generating revenue internally, but the money was later paid to Raji Fashola when he became the governor. ‘’There are many university graduates out there; what they need is small amount of money to ginger them to contribute to the economy. If state government can look in to those areas, they may not have reason to visit Abuja , they can be in their domain and generate revenue,” he added.

much more about the trade gap between Nigeria and the UAE. Nigeria ranks 6th in terms of agricultural produce, meaning that “Africa can feed the world”, a slogan she has latched on.What with 30 million hectares of land under cultivation in the continent. But then, Nigeria has not maximised her huge potentials when it comes to exports of agric product. Cocoa beans, the highest of its food exports has a paltry 1.4percent of the global market. When it comes to exports in that critical sector, India is the biggest player worth $8.55billion, with the US coming second at $6.68 bn as at 2018. Even with the deliberate input by funding through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bank of Industry (BoI) as well as the Federal Government increasing budgetary allocation to N118billion the trade deficit is still huge. In fact, Ethiopia plays more when it comes to agric exports. Dubai, which has become the export and tourism hub of the world and exports 70percent of the food it imports from Nigeria to the neighbouring Omar and Bahrain has many Free Trade Zones. Its infrastructure and the ease of doing business are upscale. In spite of our strengths when it comes to vast arable land, large population and the capacity to produce raw food items, we still lag behind in other aspects of the Value Chain, such as processing, preservation, storage and of course marketing. For instance, 40 percent of our farm produce rot away at the rural farms. We also need to upgrade the type of seedlings we plant. Our tomatoes have more water content than expected at the international market. This demands much exertion of energy when it comes to processing. So, what is the way forward?

Some expert stakeholders proffered some workable solutions at the recent Official Launch and Media Briefing. These include Esther Adebayo, MD/CEO of JIMEST Investment Ltd who is also an exporter to the Us and Canada; PrinceAjibolaOluyede,Chairmanof NICERT Ltd, Babatunde Rusewe of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Graham Leslie, the Country Manager, Dizengoff. The Farm Crowdy Group made an input.They highlighted the need tosynergize more with the rural farmers to identify their challenges. They need to be assisted to apply modern technology in virtually all the areas ofthe value chain, in addition to pest control, access to the international market and beefing up their security. One cannot but salute the commitment of Crenov8 company for its consistency to meets its mandate. According to Mark Olorundare, its General Manager, “This year, the conference places particular focus on translated trade dealsand looks to promote the export of agricultural producefrom different African countries to the UAE”. Furthermore, it will keep supporting Agri Technology Entrepreneurship in Africa”. As Modupe Oyetoso, CEO, Smart Farms and the first winner of the maiden edition of Innov8Agric Challenge, 2018 rightly stated, the company has assisted her to empower some rural farmers with funds and technical expertise. And this is what matters most for the farmers. Kudos, Crenov8!

Baje is Nigerian first Food Technologist in the media ayobaje@yahoo.co.uk; 08057971776

Globacom moves to reward subscribers with 10 tricycles, electronics at Ojude-Oba festival in Ogun RAZAQ AYINLA

s part of its robust corporate social responsibility to the country, the communities and subscribers at large, the giant telecoms company - Globacom Nigeria has pledged to reward loyal subscribers with 10 tricycles during the annual Ojude-Oba festival to be held in Ijebu-Ode, the headquarters of Ijebu-Remo, Ogun East Senatorial District. The giant telecoms company resolved to empower 10 lucky subscribers that will emerge winners in the Ojude-Oba Globacom Promo dedicated to Ijebu cultural festival usually held two days after the Moslem festival of feast - known as Eid-el-Kabir or Ileya in Yoruba. The Ojude-Oba Promo, according to Globacom, will also feature handsome cash rewards to the most colourful and creative cultural groups out of the entire 50 cultural groups in Ijebuland known as the ‘Regberegbe’ billed to participate in the cultural event on August 13th, this year. Speaking ahead of the event at a press conference held at the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland’s Palace, Globacom Regional Manager for Lagos and Ogun Region, Olufolahan Faseyitan said: “Glo

telecoms has decided to dole out the 10 ‘keke Marwa’ as part of the company’s resolve to contribute to the economic empowerment of beneficiaries’ families in Ijebuland.” Faseyitan, who spoke on 2019 Ojude-Oba festival tagged, ‘The uniqueness of the Ijebu nation’, added, “Our supports of major festivals in the country is to preserve of our culture heritage. We will continue to fulfill our brand’s promise of providing affordable telecoms solutions to Nigeria in line with our avowed commitment to achieve Nigerian’s digitalisation process”. Earlier, the Chairman of the OrganisingCommittee,WahabOsinusi said the annual Ojude-Oba festival, majorly sponsored by Globacom as its corporate social responsibility and innovation to the society, adding that one of the Ijebus’ social-cultural and classic example and manifestation of religious tolerance in Ijebuland usually celebrated on the third day of the Muslim’s Eidel-Kabir by all sons and daughters of Ijebuland. Osinusi also explained that the over two centuries old festival which had featured Bukola Saraki, former Senate president, as its special guest of honour, would have the consummate business and lotto magnate, Kessington Adebutu as its special guest of honour.

Sunday 28 July 2019

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SundayBusiness Augustsecrets new products receive wide range reception from parents AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

etermined to provide parents with a wide range of products offering suited for their children, Augustsecrets has introduced Jaden’s brand series of products that are free of artificial colouring, preservatives, dairy, gluten and yeast into Nigerian market. The new products, which received wide range reception from parents at the recently organised Kids Food Fair, include Mixagrain, a natural children cereal made from guinea corn, potatoes, and brown rice; and Fossy pops, a calcium-packed vegetable filled cookies specially baked for fussy eaters. Other new products include veggie beans, a natural children cereal made with beans and

vegetables; fruitamil, made with oats and real fruits such as apples, pineapples, and bananas; nutty meal: a natural baby and toddler cereal made with nuts and soya; and crayfish powder: packed with protein and needed by every developing child. Speaking on the aim of the food fair, Toyin Onigbanjo, founder, Augustsecrets, said the aimed was to showcase the new products, which makes the best foods that kids love to eat. According to Onigbanjo, the fair, aside from the food exhibition and sales, was also targeted at giving parents the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves with the assurance that their children were properly watched over. Onigbanjo said it was the first ever kids fair that will witness an amazing turn up of parents, guardians, and their kids to create an avenue of fun and entertainment for families.

“I understand the sacrifices parents make for their children’s comfort and well-being which is as it should be, but I also want parents to sit back and enjoy their time when they can,” Onigbanjo

Bitflux named Broadband Service Provider of the year

itflux Communications Limited, a wholesale wireless access broadband service provider of repute, has won the Outstanding Wholesale Broadband Service Provider of the Year award at the Titans of Tech Awards. The award was presented to the Company at the 14th edition of the Titan of Tech Leadership Roundtable and Awards held recently in Lagos. Bitflux emerged from a keenly contested nomination and was

extolled by the Organiers of the award for its astute, innovative and quality offering of 4G Broadband Services on a state-of-the-art world class LTE Network. A Wholesale Wireless Access Broadband Service Provider offering innovative 4G Broadband Services on a state-of-the-art world class LTE Network, Bitflux is focused on helping telecommunications service providers grow nationwide and significantly deepen broadband penetration in the country.

L-R:Tayo Adeniyi, president, Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN) presenting the Broadband Service Provider of the Year Award to Lekan Balogun, MD/CEO, Bitflux Communications Ltd at the Titan of Tech Awards held recently in Lagos.

Acknowledging the unique role the company in playing in growing the nation’s broadband penetration, the organisers of the award noted that, “Without doubt, the widespread deployment of digital and other communication infrastructure is creating an unprecedented increase in the volume of data accessible to corporates and individuals. “Data today, is driving invaluable new insights for organisations in all sectors. The truth is that the sheer volume of data available demands new methods of analysis and calls for more collaboration. “Therefore, we are glad to celebrate those companies like Bitflux Communications Limited that are leading in infrastructure deployment for connectivity which is key in driving digital economy,” said the Managing Consultant at Technology Africa; the organisers of Titan of Tech Awards, Don Pedro Adabi. Commenting on the award, the Managing Director of Bitflux Communications, Mr. Lekan Balogun, attributed the award to excellent performance and team work among members of staff. “We thank God for this honour; it is very commendable. It is a reflection of being excellent in your work which is dear to us at Bitflux. I want to thank the members of our staff; without them, it couldn’t have happened. We operate on the level of team work,” he said. “So, if I am asked: what is that particular thing that earned Bitflux this award, I would say it is Excellence; it is team work,” he further said.

said. At the event, the parents wasted no time in buying the new products displayed as existing customers gave their positive reviews. A mini kitchen was also

set-up to aid the cooking workshop session. Here, parents and guardians were educated on the fast and effective way of preparing the brand’s meals to help save time. Highlights of the events include dancing competition, health workshops, free dental consultation on how to care for and maintain your teeth, and of course the spa which took care of the stressed muscles of these hardworking adults. Meanwhile, the kids’ corner, manned by Baby Lounge, had exciting set-up for children such as- colouring books, mini trampolines, slides, and diaper changing sections. It also had ice cream, gourmet popcorn, hot dogs and drinks for them to munch on. The kids had an awesome time playing games, colouring, painting, and munching on the delicious meals on display by Pixie Gourmet.

Dietitian highlights health benefits of orange juice

n expert in food and nutrition, Olusola Malomo, has pointed out that orange fruit juice contains essential nutrients needed to keep vital body organs healthy, and that it is not linked to any health hazards. Malomo said this in the July edition of his monthly healthy living dialogue, an initiative supported by Chivita as part of its ‘no-added sugar’ campaign. The renowned dietitian said pure orange juice contains some of the richest nutrients the heart and other parts of the body need to perform optimally. Indeed, what many people know about orange juice nutritional value is “is a tip of its overall dietary worth”, he opined. According to him, researchers have proved that 100 percent orange juice “facilitates free cholesterol transfer to high-density lipoprotein c h o l e s t e ro l”, a p ro c e s s t hat maintains a healthy heart. “There is also a substantial evidence from observational studies that the consumption of orange fruit juice has a protective effect against the risk of hypertension and other major heart diseases, with randomized controlled trials showing an inverse relationship between 100 percent fruit juice and hypertension. This is because 100% red-orange is high in lycopene that is proven to statistically reduce blood pressure and insulin resistance,” he continued. Quoting recent research findings, he categorized the gains of consuming orange juice into five broad headings which he listed as: more than just a bag of natural sugar; right amount a day keeps obesity away and ally for a healthy heart. Others are: reduces high blood pressure/insulin resistance and improves the body’s glycaemic control.

Malomo, who is decorated as one of the best dietitians in Lagos State, dismissed the claim that orange juice is just “a pack of natural sugar”. He argued that “it comes along with a variety of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium” known to moderate blood pressure while enhancing the wellbeing of the human system. “Intake of orange juice is an important component of the overall health goal, looking at the food pyramid with respect to dietary guidelines, orange fruit, like every other fruit, counts as part of five portions a day. Juicing of these fruits has remained a convenient way to help meet the recommended daily servings,” he states. According to him: “Studies have also shown that the consumption of orange juice is not associated with adverse health effects often linked with the consumption of junks. Instead, it detoxifies the body and enhances its ability to fight healthrelated challenges. While this is not dietary advice, it puts recent knowledge on the table… “Science shows that 100 percent orange juice may facilitate free cholesterol transfer to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, thereby maintaining a healthy heart.100 percent fruit juice is considered a nutrient-dense beverage, a pack of Chivita 100 percent Fruit Juice, to mention a notable brand with shelf integrity in the Nigeria market is a reliable source. “Also, there is substantial evidence from observational studies that the consumption of orange fruit juice has a protective effect against the risk of hypertension and other major heart diseases, with randomized controlled trials showing an inverse relationship between 100% fruit juice and hypertension.

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Sunday 04 August 2019

BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Operating above parochialism…route to new Nigeria

A Daniel Obi

shared understanding among many Nigerians, no matter their political or ethnic leaning is that Nigeria is more divided today than ever. This stems from the parochial handling of national issues by the present administration led by Muhammadu Buhari. The disunion among Nigerians began prior to the 2015 heated elections that saw the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government at the centre. The language of the campaigns by the leading political parties, exacerbated by the media to clinch power by all means, promoted division among religions and ethnic Nigerians. On assumption of office, instead of healing wounds with ‘no victor, no vanquished’ strategies, Buhari administration continued to fan the embers of these separations with parochial and sectional appointments and statements that make some sections feel delineated from the rest of Nigerians. Today, every statement from Nigerians is interpreted from sectional perspectives and it is obvious that without cohesion and mutual understanding, security is threatened and the economy suffers. Many Nigerian stakeholders who have noticed the

sliding state of Nigeria under the APC-led administration have raised the alarm. But it is unfortunate that when such caution is made, state actors will descend on such people, calling them unpatriotic and living in denial. Most of the Nigerian stakeholders cannot be wrong. In January 2018 and 2019, former President Olusegun Obasanjo had raised fundamental issues about the Nigerian state and its future but in line with the Nigerian character, government officials, instead of addressing the issues decided to descend on and impugn the personality of Obasanjo. On two occasions, Obasanjo made popular statements on the affairs of the nation, drawing attention to pervading poverty, insecurity, nepotism and poor economic management. He said he was constrained to issue the special statements considering the situation of the country. Overwhelming statistics show that Nigerians are now more impoverished than ever before. Presumably, Obasanjo’s statements in 2018 and 2019 which were seemingly in good faith were for the government to act before it is too late. Instead, Buhari described critics of his administration’s handling of the security challenges in the country as unpatriotic. The President is in the habit of consoling himself that Nigeria was not the only country with inse-

President Buhari

curity challenges, stating that Nigeria has made progress in addressing insecurity issues. If Obasanjo’s outbursts sounded unpatriotic for whatever reasons, Abdulsalami Abubakar, another former head of state’s recent outcry against anger and tension in the land should be taken seriously. Abubakar has rallied Nigerian elders to look into the brewing tension across the country. After their meeting, Abdulsalami had told newsmen that the gathering became very necessary because the anger in the land was becoming too much. This is not different from Obasanjo’s warnings. Other stakeholders have equally toed Obasanjo’s line to warn of tension in the land. Nobel Laurette, Wole Soyinka, has often called on the present administration to take decisive action to arrest the declining economic and insecurity situations in the country. Some other Nigerianscon-

cerned about the growing challenges posed by Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram and other insurgents believe that the present administration’s failure to resolve the challenge may have tainted whatever achievements recorded by the APC government. Analysts believe that President Buhari seems to lack the understanding of the complexity of the country needed for the proper governance of Nigeria. This misunderstanding has promoted nepotism and parochial appointments. Many stakeholders, who believe that keeping quiet will not assist this government, have since joined Obasanjo’s campaign to call attention of this government to the worsening security situation in the land. Recently also, some elders under the auspices of Burdened Elders Forum after their meeting expressed shock over the level of bloodshed and ethnic bigotry in the nation. The elders include former High

Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Christopher Kolade, Prof. Anya O. Anya, Dr. Shyngle Wigwe, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, Ambassador George Obiozor, Dr. Philip Asiodu, among others. The elders advocated for what they called urgent reprogramming to rescue the nation from its multi-faceted problems. To stand a chance to salvage Nigeria, the elders said Nigerians must embrace a new programme that values peace, mutual respect and productive engagement of diversities. According to them: “Many people are calling for restructuring of the nation at all costs, but we will plead that such exercise must be preceded by a reprogramming of Nigeria to erase animosities and strife so that all conversations can then be conducted in an atmosphere that is productive, fruitful and peaceful.” Amidst the escalating security situation across the country, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has equally urged President Buhari to urgently reorganise the nation’s security apparatus. The party said the President was aware of the solution to nation’s worsening security situation while urging him to act. In an interview with BusinessDay, Yabagi Sanni, national chairman of the ADP, noted that current heads of security agencies in the country had failed and should be

replaced. “He should appoint more young men as head of security agencies, put them in these positions; Buhari knows where the problem lies, let him act,” he said. Sanni, who was also the party’s presidential candidate in last February election, however, stressed that the worsening security situation needs a radical approach. According to him, “The President needs to do more; you don’t just put people into positions; there is the need for him to be proactive and carry out radical changes before things get out of hand.” Other measures that should be adopted to calm tensions are constant interactions with various sections of the country and stakeholders by Nigeria’s present leadership. Here, Buhari must be commended as he is seen in the recent times holding talks with traditional rulers which we believe is towards restoring peace across the nation. These interactions should continue beyond traditional rulers. While these interactions are going on, Buhari should balance his appointments to make every region have a sense of belonging. Treat all regions equally. It is interesting to note that a united Nigeria will be a force to reckon with economically and politically in international circles. All hands must therefore, be on deck, starting with the leadership, to keep Nigeria united.

Jumia has given me the opportunity to grow at various levels - Onibonoje Joy Onibonoje is the Marketing Campaigns Manager at Jumia Nigeria. Her role involves planning and executing various annual campaigns at Jumia such as Black Friday, Jumia Anniversary, Mobile Week, Back to School, Easter sale and lots more. According to her, she has been at Jumia for 6 years, growing from an entry level role to becoming a manager across several rungs. In this report, she said as the marketing campaigns manager, she use data and new technologies to understand the changing needs of the Nigerian market and build bespoke campaigns to meet these needs while working with a dedicated team of people within the company. She speaks more. Excerpts Can you explain the context of your role at Jumia? ajor campaigns like Bl a c k Fr i day and Jumia Anniversary Sale are defining moments in the company and my role is to make sure that these campaigns meet and exceed their set targets. This goes deeper than just displaying products and trying to get consumers to buy. It in-

cludes leveraging relevant data, running several focus groups with different customers to understand the need, creating innovative ideas across teams which will, in turn, shape the success of the campaigns. The campaigns we plan help to spread the e-commerce gospel nationwide. What has been the most exciting experience for you at Jumia? Working with Jumia has given me the opportunity

It is exciting to work in a place where we use technology to improve the lives of Nigerians

to grow at various levels. I have gained experience from customer service right up to marketing. It is exciting to work in a place where we use technology to improve the lives of Nigerians. Last year’s Black Friday was intense for me and everyone in the company. It was not the first time we ran the campaign for 30 days, but it was one with the craziest mind-blowing expectations and I am very happy that we surpassed them all.

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EquityMarket Stanbic, Rencap, CSL, others trade N1.19trn equities in 7 months Stories by TELIAT SULE

n spite of the continuous southward movement of the market indices, shrewd investors are still looking for ways to get the best out of the market. Truth is whichever direction the capital market moves, opportunities abound particularly for medium to long term investors who will have the opportunity to buy pricey stocks cheaply. On July 31, 2019, the All Share Index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed in the red at -11.81 percent year-to-date. An observer of the market from a distance would have concluded that nothing whatsoever was going on in the nation’s capital market. But available records showed that ten stockbroking firms, led by Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, Rencap Securities and CSL Stockbrokers, traded N842.51 billion worth of equities between January 1 and July 31, 2019. The cumulative value of the top ten stockbroking firms amounted to 70.53 percent of the N1.19 trillion worth of equities traded by all the licensed stockbroking firms on the Nigerian bourse year to date. Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers executed N231.69 billion worth of shares in the first seven months of this year, and that was equivalent to 19.40 percent of the total monetary value of equities transactions year to date. On the quantity table, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers traded 9.30 billion units of shares, representing 9.14 percent of the 101.79 billion units of shares traded year

to date. Re n c a p Se c u r i t i e s t r a d e d N137.36 billion worth of equities, or 11.50 percent of the overall monetary value of equities traded by market participants between January and July this year. On the

quantity table, Rencap Securities was ranked 5th following the trading of 5.37 billion units of shares which translated to 5.28 percent of the units of shares traded in seven months. On the value table, CSL Stock-

Union Homes REITs posts N561m gross income higher rental income To pay N1.75 per share dividend

und holders of the Union Homes Real Estate Investment Trust will receive N1.75 dividend per share for the financial year ended December 31,2018, an increase of 133 percent over 75 kobo per share dividend that was to fund holders in 2017. The fund managers realised N561 million as gross income last year in spite of the negative sentiment that pervaded the market. That was 5.81 percent higher than the gross income the fund made in 2017. The major component of the gross income for the period was the rental income which added up to N263 million during the reference period, representing 47 percent of the total incomes made by the UH REITs and an increase of 29.18

percent when compared with the rental income generated in 2017. The manager of the fund also cut down its cost of operations, especially its management fees to N177 million which was lower by 13.70 percent when compared with what was charged in 2017. Net income made by the firm rose by 23 percent to N363,650 in 2018 from N294,706 that was realised in 2017. However, the fund’s net asset value (NAV) fell from N12.72 billion in 2017 to N9.78 billion in 2018 due to swap of properties during the year. “Basically, properties were sold in exchange for shares. The shares subsequently cancelled and a book profit of N600 million resulted’, Patrick Illodianya, manager of the

fund said. “Compliance with the asset allocation requirement of the fund (90% in real estate related investment and 10% in liquid asset investments) as at 31st December, 2018 was 85.9% in real estate investments and 4.7% in real estate related, while 9.41% was invested in the liquid asset. The REIT improved in the portfolio mix for the year 2018”, according to a statement issued by the fund manager. The fund manager optimised the market dynamics in the real estate segment going by a higher demand enjoyed by 1 bed and 2 bed flats near the city. This is in addition to the retail trends that support the development of mid-sized shopping centres.

brokers facilitated the execution of N83.32 billion worth of stocks which represented 6.98 percent of the year to date value transactions. These amounted to 5.47 billion shares on the quantity table amounting to 5.37 percent of the

units of shares executed on the NSE. EFG Hermes was ranked 4th on the value table and 8th on the quantity table. The worth of its transactions on the value table amounted to N74.29 billion equivalent to 6.22 percent of the entire value transactions in the seven months ended July which means on the quantity table, EFG Hermes traded 4.01 billion units of shares during the period. APT Securities, ranked 5th on the value table, traded N71.99 billion worth of shares, representing 6.03 percent of the monetary worth of equity transactions in the first seven months ended July. Tellimer Capital traded N66.38 billion shares which amounted to 5.56 percent of the value of transactions on the NSE while Coronation Securities traded N55.77 billion stocks, equivalent to 4.67 percent of the value of equities traded from January to July. Further, Chapel Hill Denham Securities traded N46.87 billion worth of equities between January and July to be ranked 8th on the market value table. That translated to 4.40 billion units of shares, representing 3.92 percent of the market value and 4.32 percent of the market volume. FBN Quest Securities traded N38.95 billion worth of shares in first seven months of this year. That amounted to 3.26 percent of the market value year to date. Cardinalstone Securities accounted for 3 percent of the market value or N35.88 billion worth of equities in the first seven months of this year.

RAK Unity Petroleum to pay N5.6m interim dividend

he management of Rak Unity Petroleum last Friday proposed 10 kobo interim dividend to shareholders. According to a release by Alsec Nominees Limited, company secretary, shareholders of Rak Unity Petroleum whose names appear in the register of member as at the close of business on Friday August 9, 2019 will be paid 10 kobo interim dividend per 50 kobo ordinary share on August 23, 2019. This amounts to N5.66 million based on the existing shares outstanding. “Rak Unity Petroleum Company wishes to notify the Nigerian Stock Exchange, its shareholders and other stakeholders of the company that the 10 kobo per share interim dividend reflected in the company’s unaudited accounts for the first quarter ended March 2019 and the second quarter accounts for the period ended June 30, 2019 relates to one and the same dividend. “In view of this, please be informed

that the dividend would be paid as an interim dividend out of the second quarter account to members whose names appear in the register of members as at the close of business on Friday 9, August 2019”, according to a release from the company. At half year ended June 2019, Rak Unity Petroleum made N2.91 billion as gross revenue which was significantly lower than N5.26 billion made in comparable period in 2018. Gross profit of N120.88 million was 37 percent lower than N166.93 million made same period in 2018. The firm recorded more operating loss to the tune of N39.6 million compared with an operating loss of N8.3 million in June 2018. Loss after tax at half year 2019 rose to N32.7 million compared to loss after tax of N5.6 million in June 2018. Rak Unity Petroleum closed last Friday at 40 kobo per share and it is presently worth N22.65 million by market capitalisation.

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LifestyleHomes&Suites

Sunday 04 August 2019

Paul Ojenagbon pauloje2000@yahoo.com

Bluewater Residences dares the skyline in Lekki

luewater Residences comprise 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom waterfront, top of the range apartments located at Lekki Phase 1, off Remi Olowude Street at the Second Roundabout on the Lekki-Epe Expressway. The development is being undertaken

by the Elalan Group-developers of luxury builds such as 4, Bourdillon, Tango Towers and Olympic,Elias Towers, Crestview Towers, all magnificent developments. It is being funded by African Capital Alliance, a leading Pan-African investment firm sponsoring and managing investments of over

$1billion. Bluewaters Residences is labelled “the ultimate lifestyle community” that offers contemporary luxury apartments complimented with top brand shopping, entertainment, leisure and dinning outlets as well as exclusive residents’ park. The ongoing project is scheduled for occupation in December 2019. The development is made up of five buildings blended with commercial spaces and entranced with modern conveniences being developed in 3 phases. The first of these buildings called Sapphire Residences is slated for completion this December while others will be developed subsequently in convenient phases. The 3 bedroom starts from 122 square metres, offers an ideal family living space. The 2-bedroom apartments start from 94.2 square metres while the 1-bedroom “starterhome” starts from 76 square metres. The rooms are carefully designed and well ventilated, offering bright and spacious living spaces, delivering convenience and functionality. The buildings are crafted to allow beautiful views of the sea, harmonic waves and soothing breezes. An intimidating array of facilities, features and services attend to the residences. They include retail cinema, restaurants, leisure services within the community. Blue water Lagos retail and leisure facilities include swimming pool, lawn tennis court, basketball court, gymnasiums, fitness center and club houses. The development landmark features include leisure and entertainment outlets, gorgeous residents’ park with

tropical gardens, picnic areas and water fountains. Amenities include water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, backup generators to enhance uninterrupted electricity supply. Exclusively in a world of its own though part of the big picture, the Sapphire Penthouses are top of the world living, penthouse apartments on the 17th and 18th floors designed to give best views of the Lagos Skyline and the Atlantic. Features include double height reception and sitting room with large dinning area and kitchen. There is a magnificent master bedroom suite with large dressing and luxury bathroom, connecting outdoor living with refreshing sea breezes.

The property is secured by a certificate of occupancy issued by the Lagos state government while a deed of sublease will be issued to buyers. A 20 percent down payment is required and as little as N8.3million secures a stake in the project. Prices are determined by factors such as the size of apartments and exposure to the water front among others. Units are designated as Atlantic, Park, City or Estate. Generally, the prices for a unit of 1-bedroom apartments range between N41,492,000-53,1122,834 million, the 2-bedroom between N60,861,224-77,695,541million and the 3-bedroom between N84,128,782-114,658,579 respectively.

Exclusive duplex in Pinnock Estate

he property seats on a plot size of approximately 512 square metres. It is a neat, well maintained 5-bedroom detached duplex attached with self-contained 2room boy’s quarters and with a penthouse atop. It is being marketed by the sole agent, property, Euneva Properties. It is located at Pinnock Beach Estate which is in Osopa London, off the Lekki-Epe Expressway. Pinnock Estate was developed by the UAC Property Development Company (UPDC)

Plc although the land could have been bought through the secondary (or extended, down the line) market. The house is ensuite, each room having its own bathroom / wc facility and a visitor’s toilet in the massive living room. The bedrooms are just as spacious. It is a well appointed house, excellently finished and furnished, bearing appliances of reputable, brand names of global recognition. The kitchen is fully fitted, ready for use, equipped with cabinet, microwave

oven, gas cooker and fire extractor amongst others. The house is also fully air conditioned. Amongst other distinctive finishes, it features concrete floor stamps and high mahogany wood doors with bullet proof doors at the major entrances. The security devices include a close circuit television (CCTV) cameras deployed in strategic areas, video door bell to reveal the identity of visitors and helps in screening unwanted ones who are able to beat other security checks. For utility purpose, there is a box room as well as an equipment room. There are two family living areas, the upper one being private. Bluetooth speakers are installed in the ceiling to issue out soothing music. There is a large car port that can accommodate several cars. The property is said to be free from any legal distress and is covered by a certificate of occupancy issued by the Lagos State Government. This decent house carries a princely price tag of N190million to make change hands of ownership.

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Health&Science Depression: Causes, effects, prevention, management CONTRIBUTOR

ROTIMI COKER

What is depression? epression is a type of psychological illness that manifest in sufferers as frequent low moods, loss of energy and losing pleasure in things that hitherto gave joy. It can also disturb sleep and appetite. How does it manifest? The person manifesting with depression can also become irritable, gain or lose weight. In its severe form, the person with depression can become confused, the memory, attention and judgement can be impaired. The person can also hear strange voices saying derogatory things to the individual. There can be associated feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness. These associated signs can make the individual want to attempt or commit suicide. Depression is a dangerous form of mental illness because it is difficult to recognise by medical officers, general or family physicians in the private hospitals, general hospitals and primary health care settings. Sometimes, depression can be masked and may manifest with physical health conditions such as chest pain, back pain, sleep disturbances, and weight loss. These signs are not quite suggestive of depression thus, making depression to be difficult to diagnose even by medical doctors. That is one reason why those suffering from depression will be diagnosed as having frequent malaria or typhoid fever. It is quite possible for individuals to be suffering from depression without actually being aware of being ill for many years thus preventing the individual from being maximally productive at work or

at home. It takes an average of 4 to 6 years for someone suffering from depression to get the adequate professional care. The number of Nigerians suffering from depression varies due to its severity. Those suffering from depression can have mild, moderate and severe forms of depression. I mentioned that it is difficult to recognise by doctors. Thus, the percentages of those suffering from the mild to moderate forms of depression may be very high in Nigeria. However, the percentage can be put between 20 to 40 percent of the population. What can cause depression? There are many issues that can cause depression. For example, any significant loss can bring about depression. Significant loses such as the loss of parent, child, spouse, job or fortune; loss of huge sum of money as we witnessed recently with Mavrodi Mundial Moneybox (MMM). Depression can also be caused by social problems such as poverty, living in houses that are not quite conducive with difficult neighbours; family problems between husbands and wives, those who cannot communicate adequately and appropriately, separation or divorce. Those who experience frequent environmental problems such as those living in flood prone areas, or those who live in areas with frequent noise pollution. Others include persistent stress

of life at work, on the streets or at home that one cannot cope with. Depression can be caused if one suddenly develops some forms of chronic physical illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and HIV/AIDS to mention but a few. When one sets difficult and unrealistic goals and the individual finds it difficult to achieve such goals. Goals are actually difficult to attain in this change are that we are going through at the moment in Nigeria. Who can be depressed? Both the young and old can be depressed. However, it is commoner in women than men. Women experience more stress than men because of their social roles as mothers, wives and workers. They may have additional roles in the society as workers in the church or mosque. Mental illness has been found to be associated with menstruation, pregnancy and child delivery and after menopause. Stress in women was also observed to advance to chronic situations because they also do not know how to manage their stress adequately. Women who live alone with two or three children without a confiding partner may be vulnerable to depression. Many people experiencing depression may refuse to see medical doctors because of the social stigma associated with people who are suffering from mental

disorders. The only way out of this problem is to carried out frequent advocacy programmes, awareness campaign and reach out programmes in the all the States and community in Nigeria to enlighten Nigerians that mental illnesses are not caused by demons, evil spirit, charms, or as a form of punishment from the gods as portrayed in our local home videos. These programmes will enlighten our people that these mental health conditions can be cured and also properly managed like most physical health conditions. We need to also show Nigerians that people with mental health conditions (even the chronic ones) can also be productive and integrated back to the society. This is where the church should come in. The church should assist the mental health experts to carry out programmes to reduce the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental illness. After all, anybody can be ill mentally. How can depression be prevented? One must learn to be optimistic in trying periods. This is because whether we like it or not we will continue to experience difficult situations in Nigeria. We need to learn to see light at the end of every dark tunnel and also know that we can always find rainbow at the end of every thunderstorm of life. In the same vein, the God that we serve willnotshutonedoorwithoutopening another one for us, for every major disappointment, there is a hiddenblessing.Inthisregard,when life gives you lemon, you should make lemonade out of it or if given bitter cola, make cola drink out of it by adding a little bit of sugar. Nonetheless, there are many ways of preventing depression and they include listening to empowering fast tempo music, dancing, smiling and laughing at all times, watching funny comedy videos, going out to the beaches and other interesting sites and locations, reading inspirational and motivational books, dressing well at all times, setting realistic, interesting and challenging goals and the ac-

quisition of breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques. The ability to acquire all these stress prevention strategies before we encounter difficult times usually helps to ameliorate the consequences of emotional trauma. How can it be managed or treated? Depressioncanbetreated,cured and managed successfully with psychotherapy (counselling or talk therapy). Likewise, medications referred to as anti-depressants can be prescribed for those who have severe depression. In its mild and moderate stages, the person suffering from depression can be counselled by a mental health expert by using different types of counselling techniques.Themostcommonform of such counselling is the cognitive behaviourtherapy(CBT).However, if CBT does not provide the healing that one desires, then the individual is placed on antidepressant tablets. There are many types of very good antidepressants in Nigeria. The mental health experts include psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers in mental health. However, these mental health specialists are quite few in Nigeria that is why we are trying reach out and train medical officers in primary care centres, and general hospitals, general practitioners, family physicians, spiritual and community leaders on how to recognise depression. Depression is like any other physical illness; if recognised and diagnosed at its early stages, it can be treated without any after effects. In the same light, the church, Non-Governmental Organisations, the electronic and print media and home video producers have major roles to play, they all need to collaborate with mental health experts in reducing the stigma associated with mental illness. • Dr. Rotimi Coker is a Consultant Psychiatrist with Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Ikeja, Lagos. Email address: Cokerrotimi@ gmail.com

How mother, baby can master breastfeeding strategies that work for them ... 6 best breastfeeding positions

lthough it is a natural activity, breastfeeding is also a skill that takes time to learn. It tends to get easier with practice, as both a woman and baby master the breastfeeding strategies that work for them. The best breastfeeding positions enable a baby to latch on to the breast well and comfortably, do not strain the muscles, and reduce the risk of nipple injuries and pain. Thebestbreastfeedingpositions can also change as a baby grows and a woman gains confidence. No single position works for everyone. Instead, try out a variety of positions to find the ones that work well in different situations. Best breastfeeding positions While not every woman will find the same positions comfort-

able or effective, some of the best breastfeeding positions include: Cradle hold The cradle hold is the classic breastfeeding position. In this position, the baby feeds with its stomach against the woman’s body. To do the cradle hold: Hold the baby with its stomach against your body. Support the baby with the arm that is on the same side as the breast from which the baby is nursing. Keep the baby’s head in line with the rest of their body to avoid straining their neck. Try using a nursing pillow or an armrest to support your elbow to make this hold more comfortable. However, some women find this position difficult to master with a newborn. Also, as babies

grow, they may become too large to support in this position. Cross-cradle hold The cross-cradle is usually the best latch for newborns. The hold is similar to the cradle hold, but the woman supports the baby with the arm opposite to the breast the baby is feeding from. To breastfeed in the crosscradle position: Hold the baby flush against your stomach, with their back and neck aligned. Reach across the baby’s back and support their head with your hand, allowing their bottom to rest in the crook of your arm. This hold can be tricky to master at first but allows the woman more controloverthebaby’slatch.Thisposition can be helpful for babies who struggle with getting a deep latch.

Reclining or lying back This position is sometimes called biological nursing because it stimulates a baby’s instinctive feeding reflexes, and allows the woman to feed from a comfortable, supported position. Itmayrequiresomeshiftsinpositioning,buttherecliningpositioncan alsobeverycomfortableforwomen strugglingwithmusclepainorrecovering from surgery or childbirth. To master this approach to breastfeeding: Find a comfortable reclining position that supports your head and neck. Imagine watching TV or reading a book while reclining. A reclining chair can help. Position the baby stomach down on your chest, with their head at breast level.

Ensure that nothing is covering the baby’s nose and that their neck is not bent. The baby may find the breast by themselves, but feel free to help as much as necessary. Some women put the baby in an upright position, with toes pointing down. Other women find it more comfortable with the baby slightly reclining against their bent arm. Experiment with different options to find one that works. Sitting baby Whenababyisoldenoughtosupporttheirhead,theycanbreastfeedin a sitting position. This position works well for breastfeeding on the go. Babies who squirm when they feel restrained may also like this position. Culled from Medical News Today (MNT)

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Sunday 04 August 2019

NewsXtra Five kidnapped RCCG members rescued by police in Ogun RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta and Innocent Odoh, Abuja

peratives of the Nigeria Police, Ogun State Command said on Saturday that it had rescued all the five members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), including a pastor and deaconess abducted along Sagamu-Benin Expressway. Recall that the five members of RCCG were on Thursday kid-

napped by suspected kidnappers around J3 Forest in Ogbere, IjebuEast Local Government Area of Ogun State while coming from Abia to attend the annual Holy Ghost Convention of the Church holding at the Church Headquarters at Mowe, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Ogun State Police Command had earlier rescued the only female kidnapped victim, Deaconess Ibeleji Chidinma, early on Saturday morning, but the remaining victims were later rescued in the afternoon. Confirming the rescue of the

victims in Abeokuta on Saturday, Abimbola Oyeyemi, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Police Command, said, “The remaining four victims have been rescued unhurt by men of Ogun State Police Command.” Recall also that Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of Police, (IGP) had ordered massive manhunt for the killers of Rev. Father Paul Offu, a Catholic priest in charge of St. James the Greater Parish Catholic Church Ugbawka in Enugu State and the rescue of the abducted RCCG pastors abducted.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said that crack detectives from the IGP-Intelligence Response Unit (IRT), the Forensic and Homicide sections of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) had been deployed to Enugu State to complement the Command in their investigations into the unfortunate incident. “In addition, the AIG in charge of Zone 9 Headquarters has been directed to mobilise more units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel to black spots in Enugu State,” the statement said.

He also said that tactical and operational assets of the Force had been deployed with the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command taking the lead-role in the search and rescue operations, for the abducted clerics. The IGP, while condemning the killing of the Catholic priest and the abduction of the clergymen, called for calm and assured that the perpetrators would not go unpunished. He therefore, enjoined the public to avail the police with credible information that would assist in apprehending the criminals, the statement added.

NLNG boosts healthcare in Bonny with health insurance scheme Ignatius Chukwu

funding mechanism that would boost access to healthcarefundinghasbeen introduced in Bonny by the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG). The companysaidthiswouldboostaccess to healthcare. The scheme is said to be a partnershipinitiativebetweentheNLNGand the Rivers State Government as well as the Grand Bonny Kingdom. According to the new head of corporate communications, Sophia Horsfal, the scheme was inaugurated by the Governing Board of the Bonny Community Health Insurance Programme, kicking off a scheme to ease financing and access to quality health care in Bonny Kingdom. The inauguration, which took place at the Rivers State Government Secretariat, is said to come after the signingofatripartiteMemorandumof Understanding (MoU) involving the BonnyKingdom,RiversStateGovernment and NLNG in February 2019. The event was graced by a Bonny chief, Haniel Jack Wilson Pepple, representative of the king and Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III. It was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health,CarolineWali; membersofthe Bonny Chiefs’ Council; and officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health and NLNG. In her remarks, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Eyono Fatayi-Williams, said the Health Insurance Programme was part of the company’s efforts to promote good health among people who have been good hosts and who have maintained

apeacefulco-existencewiththecompany since the commencement of its operation in 1999. She remarked that the tripartite MoUsignedinFebruary2019defined the components of the scheme and secured government’s endorsement and support for the programme. “The MoU has provided the basis for the inauguration of the Governing Board for which we are gathered here today. The Board is expected to oversee the smooth operation of the scheme, in line with the provisions of the MoU. It is important to state that the Bonny Community Health Insurance Programme aligns with the Bonny-Dubai vision, as well as the United Nation’s vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the year 2030,” she said. Fatayi-Williams said NLNG’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives,likescholarships,youthempowerment schemes, local capacity development initiatives, and provisionofbasicinfrastructureandamenities, have had direct impact on lives in Rivers State and the nation at large. She expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Government for approvingtheuseofthegovernment-owned Bonny Zonal Hospital, Bonny Comprehensive Health Centre and the Finima Health Centre for the scheme. The Permanent Secretary, Wali, while announcing a chief, John Jumbo, as the chairman of the Governing Board, appealed for teamwork between the community and other stakeholders to make the scheme successful and for the good of the people in Bonny. She stated that the replication of this scheme by other corporate citizens across the state depended on the success of the scheme in Bonny.

EFCC arrests banker over alleged N35m fraud, as court jails 11 oil thieves in Rivers Innocent Odoh, Abuja

perativesoftheKanoZonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested one Ayuba Yakubu, a banker withoneofthenewgenerationbanks, over allegation of cheating and criminaldiversionofdepositors’fundtothe tune of about N35million. A statement issued at the weekend by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Tony Orolade, said the suspect being an account officer to the complainants was entrusted with millions of naira belonging to customers of Fidelity Bank,

Kofar Ruwa branch in Kano. Preliminary investigations, however, revealed that he employed fraudulentmeanstodivertthemoney to his personal use. He will soon be charged to court, the statement said. Meanwhile, Justice A.T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has convictedandsentenced11fraudstersto different jail terms for illegal dealing in petroleum products. The convicts are: Modi Adamu; Mohammed Sani; Magaji Habib; Dahiru Abubakar; Yasir Muhammed; Bello Sharif; Hussaini Abdullahi; Alabi Obitoye Olayide; Uche Okafor, Ogbonnaya Onyebuchi and Badamasi Suleiman.

L-R: Nike Osa, executive director, Healthcare Mission International; Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, first lady of Lagos State; Representative of the Governor and Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos State, and others during the official flag-off of the Healthy Bee Project’s free 1-month medical intervention for children in Lagos at De Blue Roof, LTV 8, Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Friday, August 2nd, 2019.

Why child labour must be eliminated - FG, ILO, others Innocent Odoh, Abuja

he Federal Government, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have strengthened efforts to eliminate the menace of Child Labour as all stakeholders have been urged to partner government in addressing the increasing phenomenon. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, WilliamAlo,madethecallontheoccasion of the Symposium in commemoration of the 2019 World Day Against Child Labour, in Abuja, a statement issued at the weekend by Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations in Ministry, Rhoda Illiya, said. The theme for this year’s World Day Against Child Labour is ‘Children Shouldn’t Work in Fields but on Dreams’. He encouraged all stakeholders to take more practical steps to prevent and respond to child labour by addressing its root cause of poverty, lackofbasiceducation,amongothers. To address the menace of Child Labour, the Permanent Secretary said governments at all levels needed to prioritise the provisions of free and qualitativebasiceducationtotherural communities and urban areas where child labour is endemic. Alo also advocated that parents, especially mothers, should be trained on skills that would provide alternative means of livelihood, to address the problem of poverty. The Permanent Secretary de-

scribed the theme for this year’s World Day Against Child Labour as apt and timely, as “it is aimed at eliminating Child labour on the fields and using quality education as means of actualizing children’s dreams.” He acknowledged that Nigeria had taken necessary steps in fighting the scourge through such measures as the Adoption of the National Policy on Child Labour and its National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour in Nigeria, and the Adoption of the List of Hazardous Child Labour in Nigeria, which children must not be involved in. Alo added that Nigeria also developed and validated the National Reporting Template on the Elimination of Child Labour, which had been deployed for use in the State Labour Offices nationwide. The Permanent Secretary said Nigeria’s achievement in the fight against child labour gained her admittance as a member of Pathfinder Countries of Alliance 8.7, which mandates her “to take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of Child Labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end Child Labour in all its worst forms”. Speaking during the symposium, the ILO Country Director, Dennis Zulu, said ILO had continued to support a wide range of work contributing to the elimination of child labour though “the provision of technical assistance to constituents, improving

the knowledge base and supporting the movement against child labour through partnerships, advocacy and direct action programmes.” According to Zulu, “ILO pursues an increasingly integrated approach to the elimination of child labour, linking fundamental rights, decent work, social protection and education.” He commended Nigeria for being on the right track in the fight against child labour, as a pathfinder country and a member of Alliance 8.7, a platform which aims at putting an end to child labour in all its forms by 2025. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Abdulkadir Mu’azu, represented by Ime Ekrikpo, stated the resolve of the Ministry to support all programmes aimed at fighting child labour. In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture andRuralDevelopment,Mohammed Bello Umar, represented by Engineer Adole, said children should not be engaged in strenuous activities at the expense of their development. TheComptroller-General,Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mohammed Babandede, represented by Obaike Azen, identified lack of social securitysupportfortheyoungandthe aged as a major factor in the promotion of child labour. The Director, Inspectorate of the Ministry, Amahian Jegbefumeh, stated that the World Day Against Child Labour is commemorated annually to raise awareness and sensitisation on the prevalent practice of child labour, and the need for its eradication.

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BDSUNDAY 43

Sports Maguire overtakes Van Dijk as world’s most valuable defender

Stories by ANTHONY NLEBEM

ike the saying of former Manchester United Boss, Sir Alex Ferguson; “Attack wins you games, but defence wins you titles.” Some seasons back, defenders were relatively undervalued and underpriced compared to their attacking counterparts, though those days are now gone. Big clubs are now spending ever-increasing amounts on defenders. Every season, football players get more expensive with the highest transfer record getting broken like almost every season; big clubs trying to bring in a striker, winger or midfielder who can get them an average of 40-50 goals a season or a superstar who can do both. Rarely will a big club spend big money for defenders, though some of the big clubs in the Premier League have been spending huge amounts of money on defenders. Here are the five most expensive defenders in the English Premier League (EPL). Harry Maguire (£80m) Manchester United have just eclipsed Liverpool’s world record fee for a defender after reaching an agreement to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester for £80m, a world record fee for a defender in EPL. The 26-year-old is expected to completehismedicalthisweekend.

Maguire made 69 Premier League appearances for Leicester after joining from Hull City in 2017. The deal means Maguire becomes the world’s most expensive defender, eclipsing the £75m Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk in January 2018. There is no question that Maguire is an excellent footballer, he’s strong in the air and leads from the back so will improve United’s leaky and shaky backline but that is an extraordinary amount of money to pay for him.

Virgil van Dijk (£75m) Van Dijk became the most expensive defender in Premier League history in the 2018 January transfer market when Liverpool spent big to help sort out their shaky defence. Liverpool tried signing him in the summer window, but Southampton managed to keep hold of him for another 6 months. Van Dijk displays were enough to earn Liverpool a Champions League success in June, also a PFA Player of the Year, becoming just

LaLiga signs partnership with Higher Institutions Football League

n a move to reinforce its dedication to developing grassroots football in Nigeria and connecting with fans in the country, Spanish football league, LaLiga has announced its partnership with Nigeria’s collegiate football league, Higher Institution Football League (HiFL). Both parties recently in Lagos, Nigeria signed the strategic partnership. The partnership will see LaLiga provide operational support to the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL), organised by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing in partnership with the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA). Following the signing of the agreement, LaLiga Delegate in Nigeria, Guillermo Perez Castello noted, “In LaLiga, we have a firm commitment to support the development of grassroots football not just in Spain but across the world. Nigeria is an important region for us, and we will keep on looking for ways to spread the LaLiga global methodology in this region, as evidenced by agreements just like this one. A partnership that we are sure will bring great benefits to both parties”. “The HiFL is a league that aligns with our desire to positively impact the youth, whilst enriching

them with the required platform to harness their wealth of potentials. Through this partnership with HiFL, we will be able to bring the best league in the world closer to our Nigerian fans and all the young football talents in this country”, Castello added. In his remark, Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Sola Fijabi said the partnership with LaLiga is one of the many steps been taken by the HiFL organisers to position the brand for growth and development, amidst international recognition. “We believe LaLiga has the potentials to provide the needed operational support for HiFL. This is a very timely and important development for collegiate

football in Nigeria. A strategic alliance with LaLiga, one of the best leagues in the world, is definitely a good step towards the growth and development of grassroots football. Our young people have a genuine passion for football and setting up platforms like HiFL with strong, international collaborations like this remains critical.” Fijabi said. Established in 2018 by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing alongside the Nigerian University Games Association, the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) is an annual football competition for higher institutions in Nigeria. The League is open to all member universities of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA).

the third defender in the Premier league history to receive the prestigious honour. Doubts over Van Dijk’s fee have now been forgotten, the defender set to play a key role in Liverpool’s 2019/2020 season. Aymeric Laporte (£57m) Manchester City had been seeking a long-term replacement for Vincent Kompany, deciding on a move for the elegant defender to partner John Stones in defence. Since arriving at the Manchester City from Athletic Bilbao for

£57 million, Laporte has established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest, with his ability to move the ball forward and accurate passing making him suited to Pep Guardiola’s style of play. The French man helped City to back-to-back Premier League titles and an unprecedented domestic treble; Laporte’s move to Manchester City has been vindicated. Benjamin Mendy (£52m) Benjamin Mendy’s time in Manchester City has been mixed, with the former Monaco player having been blighted by injury problems. When fit, he has shown his quality, making trademark powerful runs and netted five assists from just 10 Premier League appearances in 2018/19. An ever-popular figure at City due to his social media exploits, Guardiola will hope Mendy can maintain his fitness next season after making just 17 league appearances for the club in two seasons at the Etihad. Kyle Walker (£50m) Another Manchester City signing, Kyle Walker came over to City from Spurs in the 2017 summer transfer window. He has made a fantastic start to his City career and has been one of the key players in this Premier League winning season for the City club. HisfuturewithManchesterCity looks bright for the great right back.

Players on the move as new European football season kicks off

henew2019/2020Europeanfootballseason,comprising matches of the English PremierLeague,theSpanish LaLiga and the Italian Serie A, will be broadcast live on DStv and GOtv. But with just two weeks left before the season opener, the various clubs are ramping up their activities in the transfer market, seeking to recruit players to beef up their squad. The LaLiga has been the hot spot for the biggest transfer news in the last couple of weeks, especially with the long-mooted move of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona completed. The French forward’s buy-out clause was set at a reported €200 million,althoughAtleticoareclaiming that he had agreed his move to the Catalan giants before 1 July and they should,therefore,receiveahighertotal. Regardless, the actuality of Griezmann linking up with the great Lionel Messi is one that will have Barcelona fansreallyexcitedforthenewseason. Atletico have also been extremely busy in the transfer market. Asides Griezmann’s departure,

the club has also seen midfielder Rodri leave for Premier League champions, Manchester City, for a reported fee of €70 million. But they have brought in youngster Joao Felix, an attacking player from Benfica, for a whopping €126 million – the biggest fee spent in this summer’s transfer market yet. Felix’s signing for such a huge sum was a surprise, though the versatile 19-year-old Portuguese starlet has immense promise and could prove a great buy in the long run. Rodri,meanwhile,isseenverymuch as the long-term replacement at the EtihadStadiumforFernandinhoand adds further depth of quality to Pep Guardiola’s already stacked squad. Tottenham Hotspur also made waves in England after it secured Tanguy Ndombele from Olympique Lyon for a club-record €60 million. A wonderful all-round midfielder and superb athlete, the 22-year-old should be a great fit for English football and strengthens Spurs’ bid to shatter the dominance of City and Liverpool. Chelsea, despite their transfer ban, finalised the loan deal of midfielder Mateo Kovacic by making his move from Real Madrid. This was allowed because Kovacic’s initial move was completed before the sanction was applied. More important for the Blues, however, was the appointment of club legend Frank Lampard as manager, replacing Maurizio Sarri.

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Advancing Sanwo-olu’s vision on education

thorough appraisal of the virile vision that the Governor Sanwo-Olu has conceptualized in the critical area of education gives cause for hope, that a political leader is truly concerned about making the paradigm shift; to better the lot of the citizens of Lagos, especially the youth. It is important to note too, that with Lagos as the acclaimed Centre of Excellence, and a microcosm of Nigeria, blessed with abundant human and natural resources, it should be the leading light to other states, beaming the bright beacon against the growing incubus of ignorance, apathy, poverty and the challenge of unemployment. Education, as the avatar, Nelson Mandela rightly submitted is “the most powerful weapon which one can use to change the world.” And he added that it is not only to acquire skills for economic development but for nation building and reconciliation. Nigeria needs to key into it now having been ranked as the country with the largest number of 13.2 million school-aged children that are out of school, as well as the poverty capital of the world. As part of his Greater Lagos moving mantra there will be increase in budgetary allocation to education from a paltry 12.07percent to 18percent within the tenure of his administration. Notwithstanding the UNESCO recommendation of 26percent budgetary allocation to the education, which only the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo for the then Western Region, as implemented during the First Republic this is heart-warming development. That is, considering that more funds would be channeled towards the promised scaling up of infrastructure development of public schools across the state. The salutary aim is to rehabilitate and renovate dilapidated schools and provide adequate furniture and tools to every child in the public schools. This increase in funding would no doubt include the state paying its counterpart fund to the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Scheme, an important issue that several other states have refused to meet their obligations. Also, significant is the crying need to ensure that the long-neglected

school libraries are resuscitated and well equipped with books, education journals, computers and e-library format that should begin at least at the secondary school level. That brings us to the governor’s promise to leverage technology platforms to teach, assess, test and reinforce learning. The brilliant focus is by establishing 300 fully equipped and functional laboratories in secondary schools to complement the existing 12.In a similar vein, the new administration has pledged to facilitate the creation of ICT hubs across all the LGAs/ LCDAs within the first two years. Commendable as the vision for Lagos state education is there are areas to be retooled to make it all-encompassing. One is to get a credible data base of school aged children that are currently roaming the streets, selling all manner of consumables when they are supposed to be in school. How to get them back into the classroom would entail a lot of public enlightenment and involvement of the parents. The other issue, which the governor has touched on is that of training and retraining school teachers so that they would align with his vision for a technologically-driven economic development of the state. There is always the inadequate teacher-topupils/students ratio across the country. It will therefore, do the state, nay the country

“Education is our passport to the future, for, tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” -Malcolm-X

a world of good if more human capacity development as well as employment is created in this area. The piece of good news is that the governor himself has been well grounded in this sector of staff training. He did this while he was the Commissioner, Establishment, Training and Pension. That he groomed several of them means that several meaningful seminars and workshops. To succeed in this onerous task the Lagos state government should go into pragmatic partnerships with governments, organisations, including the Non-Governmental ones that could drive the process. For instance, back in the early ‘80s the United States was worried about the fact that Asian innovators, technologists and technicians were coming up with smarter and more fuel-efficient cars compared t the American Ford automobile. It sent its educationists to Japan, China and other Asian countries to understudy their education curriculum and assess what they could do better. Governor SanwoOlu and his able team could borrow a fresh leaf from this laudable initiative. The government could as a matter of policy begin to identify the best of its students in public schools and sponsor competitions in innovations and inventions with the aim to fund the products of their creative ingenuity. How to adopt these for the benefits of the people of Lagos is important. For instance, back in November 2012 some girls from a school in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos came up with a generator that uses urine instead of fossil fuel to power it. This attracted global attention but sad to note that not much has come out of that, because the interest was not sustained. So, apart from granting scholarships to students, the Sanwo-Olu administration should act as the engine room to engage students in coming up with scientific and technological solutions to accumulation of waste, seasonal flooding, frequent building collapse, processing and preservation of sea

AYO OYOZE BAJE Baje is Nigerian first food technologist in the media and author of ‘DRUMBEATS OF DEMOCRACY’ 07068638066

foods and how to utilize the power of sea/ocean tides to generate power. Good enough, it is host to the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), University of Lagos, Lagos State University and the Yaba-based IT hub that attracted the attention and visit of Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg. This is how countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia galvanised their people to turn their countries to become the Asian Tigers. There is no doubt that with these firmly in place making Lagos a technologically-powered 21st Century economy will become a reality beyond the realm of fanciful dreams. This would “create a conducive business environment to attract foreign direct investments, establishment of industries and empowering the workforce and local talent to drive job and wealth creation”. And as the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Hamzat succinctly puts it, “investment in technology and talent are vital to ensuring economic growth and wealth creation for residents and businesses throughout the state”. All said, products of sustainable development in education will eventually be the catalysts to drive the state’s socio- economic landscape. These include accessible and affordable healthcare delivery, effective and modern traffic management and transportation, as well as sports, entertainment and the vast tourism potentials waiting to be tapped from one of the world’s fastest evolving smart cities-Lagos.

Quick Takes

Off the Cuff

Is CBN’s 80% financial inclusion by 2020 still achievable?

few years back, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) set a target of 80 percent financial inclusion by 2020, a target that will get Nigerians who do not bank or do online transactions to get onboard. Then, the apex bank claimed that meeting that target would help in reducing poverty in Nigeria. The CBN was concerned that while Nigeria has about 96.4 million adult population, it is sad that 40.1 million (almost half of the population) are financially excluded in a digital age where ePayment, eCommerce, among other hassle-free financial services, products and banking innovations are trending. Moreover, it is also shocking that women, youths under 35 years, rural residents and those in Northern Nigerian, particularly North West and North East are the most financially excluded. Well, there have been some efforts at meeting the target, notably the cashless policy, the ease of the requirements for opening an account, and agent network banking by some commercial bank that has seen the rural populace engaging in bank transactions in their

localities without necessarily going to the cities. There are now over 20,000 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) across the country with First Bank leading with over 2900 ATMs across all the Local Government Areas in Nigeria. Yet, there are still 40.1 million Nigerians who do not go close to ATMs, carry on online transactions, e-Commerce among other engagements that will make them financially included in the Nigerian financial ecosystem. Most experts think that the major problem is lack of internet needed to do most of the online transactions in rural areas where most of the excluded Nigerians are and also where most banks do not have branches. Even in the places where security is a problem, banks resort to online transactions, but the people are yet to migrate to such services in those vulnerable areas. But the internet issue is also surprising because the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) claimed that internet users in Nigeria increased marginally to more than 111.6 million in December 2018. The question is, are the 40.1 million financially excluded Nigerians not part of those captured in NCC’s data?

However, the CBN is optimistic on achieving its target by next year. Musa Jimoh, deputy director, Payment System Management, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the apex bank is keen at reducing poverty in Nigeria by achieving 80 percent financial inclusion target by 2020. At a First Bank organised joint seminar for banking and telecoms regulators on the theme, ‘Advancing ePayment and Digital Innovations in Africa- Evolution of Nigeria’s Payment Systems’ at Lagos Continental Hotel recently, Jimoh assured on meeting the target and working with all the stakeholders including telecoms, fintechs, commercial banks among others to get about 150 million Nigerians to embrace the financial system and its numerous offerings. Some analysts have however, said that with government policies that are not always favourable, coupled with the habitual lack of follow-through that has seen good ideas die at infancy state without being nurtured to fruitfulness, the ambitious plan of CBN in this regard would end up a pipe dream. Only time will tell, as 2020 is just by the corner!

35m

Number of bank customers that have been captured through Biometric Verification Number (BVN), which was launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on February 14, 2014.

The bull’s eye “What does the CCTV and drone they are talking about mean? You use drone when you don’t know the cause of a crime, but here the people have owned up to the crime. They should be prosecuted but they are not doing this, it has led to impunity, personally the drones and CCTV initiatives would fail.” Yinka Odumakin, publicity secretary, Afenifere.

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