BusinessDay 12 May 2019 by BusinessDay

Respite for 1.7 m candidates as JAMB releases 2019 UTME results

How my two brothers were murdered before my very eyes - Emmanuel Iortile NATHANIEL GBAORON, Jalingo

mmanuel Iortile, a fisherman and indigene of Taraba State, lost two brothers in a broad day light to trigger-happy Jukun youths in Takum Local Government Area of the state. The siblings were shot in his veryeyes,oneaftertheother.According to him, his escape was miraculous. Similar bizarre cases are taking place

on a daily basis across the country. Iortile narrated his narrow escape to our correspondent in Jalingo. Below is the story as told by him: On the first day of May 2019, my two younger brothers asked me to convey them on my motorcycle to River Fete, in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State to do some fishing. They needed money for a Continued on page 3

...Withholds 34,120; blacklists 16 centres

KELECHI EWUZIE, Lagos

he anxiety of candidates who sat for the 2019 UTME examination is over as the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2019 UTME results. Continued on page 3

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2nd term: Buhari should step up the economy, security and job creation - Ologunde

Danger signals but Rivers businesses insist reconciliation must work

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inside INVESTIGATION Inside low-fee private schools: The realities, challenges and future Low-fee schools are springing up practically on every street in densely populated areas of Nigeria to cater for the emerging mass market of parents whose income will not allow access to high end basic education market.

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How dishonesty is ruining lives and businesses in Nigeria

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LaLiga posts record €4.479bn revenue on back of strong commercial

President Muhammadu Buhari breaks Ramadan fast with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, at the weekend.

Kidnapping, banditry escalate amid weak security response Anguish, fear spread as victims part with huge ransoms, tell stories of ordeals Security agencies in endless rejig of tactics Experts, analysts point the way forward Miyetti Allah denies receiving N100 bn from FG INNOCENT ODOH, ABUJA

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igerians appear more gloomy over the inability of the security agencies to curtail the increasing criminality characterised by kidnapping,

armed robbery and banditry, especially in the northern parts of the country. The Abuja-Kaduna Expressway and the surrounding bushes along the road are dreaded zones of armed banditry as many motorists have abandoned the road and have taken to rail travel despite the

much advertised, “Operation Puff Adder” launched by the police to tame the scourge. Some of those who had been kidnapped but released after payment of huge ransom tell stories of the level of sophistication of the kidnappers. According to reports, some victims paid as high as N10

million to gain their freedom. The story of their ordeals in the hands of the abductors is usually laden with anguish and fear. In the last few days, Nigerians have been inundated with such sad stories, which only increased the appre-

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Kidnapping, banditry escalate amid.... Continued from page 1

hension level and anger against the government for failing in its core responsibility of protecting lives and properties. On Monday April 29, 2019, the bandits unleashed mayhem on motorists, and abducted many people who were said to have paid huge sums of money later as ransom fee to gain their freedom. The ugly development went unabated as security agencies, especially the police antiterrorism and anti-kidnapping joint squad appeared unfit and unprepared to face the hoodlums. In yet another dreadful attack, kidnappers on that Monday abducted Muhammed Mahmood, board chairman of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), along the KadunaAbuja Highway. Mahmood was abducted alongside his daughter while travelling from Kaduna to Abuja Monday afternoon. They were kidnapped around Katari, a village few kilometres from Zuba, an Abuja suburb. Again, on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 kidnappers stormed the residence of Musa Umar, the district head of Daura, the hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari and abducted him. As at the time of filing this report, the district head is yet to regain his freedom as his abductors are said to be demanding huge sum of money. Abuja, the nation’s capital has also been terrorised by the hoodlums in such a manner that the residents have become apprehensive. Although the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) on Thursday, May 9, 2019, announced that the police have rescued 27 kidnapped victims, including 5 Chinese nationals, the “Operation Puff Adder” recently launched by the police appears far from taming the brazen criminals, which has necessitated new strategies from the police. A statement issued on Thursday by Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, said the new strategies, which are purposeful and intelligence-driven are targeted at identifying, locating and dismantling kidnapping gangs across the nation and bringing the kidnappers and their collaborators to justice. “It is designed to complement and strengthen the ‘Operation Puff Adder’ currently going on in several states of the federation”, Mba said. But experts are of the view that the police and allied agencies must take more appropriate measures or face unending crisis, which might be difficult for them to handle. A former director with the Department of State Service (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, told BDSUNDAY at the weekend that the security agencies must recruit the right people in their fold and employ the use of modern technology. “The fact remains that no matter what efforts the government is making if it does not get the recruitment process right where the best people are recruited, and then it

becomes a problem. So, even if you recruited one million people and you did not recruit the right people it is going to compound the problem. Government should prioritise security and use modern technological equipment as it is done in other countries,” Ejiofor said. Perry Opara, national chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP), advised the government to change the security architecture of Nigeria to give much attention to security of lives and properties. “The police should be better equipped now, and at times, the military can intervene and not only in the northern parts of the country but in all parts because there is kidnapping everywhere. So, I want to call on the Federal Government to secure Nigerians because the APC government won election on the security mantra; it is not only about insurgency of Boko Haram but internal security of lives and properties. “I know that if the Nigerian Police is well equipped with more personnel and appropriate weaponry provided for them, they will do better than they are doing now. Also, the police should collaborate with the community,” he said. On the question of the criminality as a revolt against the status quo, Opara noted that the issue is that every region has s peculiar security threat, which differs from one location to another. “There is so much hardship in the land and people are taking to kidnapping and armed robbery to make some money, but the most important thing is that as the government is trying to fight insecurity, they should also provide stomach infrastructure. When people do not have food they will seek for other ways to survive,” he noted. On the speculation that the Federal Government has paid the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) N100 billion, Opara, who noted that he is yet to confirm the issue, said anything that the government can do to provide security for Nigerians should suffice. Also speaking on the seeming inability of the security agencies to tackle the menace, Law Mefor, a clinical forensic expert, told our correspondent on Friday that the security situation has become embarrassing, attributing it to the fact that security chiefs were given responsibility without specific targets. “Security situation in Nigeria has degenerated to a very embarrassing level. In fact, it has never been this bad, even when Boko Haram was at its apogees, citizens did not feel so apprehensive, unprotected and helpless. The responses of security agencies have either been faulty or below par, and reactionary generally. People are given responsibilities and authority without targets. “TaketheissueofKaduna-Abuja road, just less than 200 kilometres. The Police have no reason for its inability to secure that road. Even the trains are now being escorted by helicopters. It is so shameful,” he said.

L-R: Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, director, voters education and publicity Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Muhammad Haruna, representing chairman, Chris Isiguzo, president NUJ and Rotimi Oyekanmi, chief press secretary to the INEC Chairman, during the forum on media coverage of 2019 General Elections organised by NUJ/INEC, in Abuja. Picture by TUNDE ADENIYI.

He noted that much may not come from the security agencies because the security architecture is so poor, adding that the mother agency - Nigeria Police Force - is understaffed, underpaid, undermotivated, undertrained, and under equipped. “Less than 400,000 police officers and men policing about 200 million Nigerians, 36 states plus FCT, 774 LGs. What is more, out of this paltry number, perhaps up to 100, 000 are guarding politicians, their wives and children and public institutions,” he said. On the factors that triggered the upsurge in criminal activities in the country, Mefor said that in psychology of learning, rewards and punishments are very fundamental, stressing that any wrong action not punished will continue. “The way criminal responsibility has been handled by the law enforcement agencies in Nigeria has been so wrong. People get away with virtually all crimes in Nigeria. Apart from that, government has actually rewarded treasonous actions against the state. When a government forgives terrorists, and integrates them into the forces, what message are you sending to the youth and their victims? Where is restorative justice? You are actually saying that violent crimes pay. “Farmers and herdsmen who are known to have killed are paid compensation rather than being prosecuted. Such wrong policies reinforce the aberrant and deviant actions that require discouragement through severe punishments. “Rolling out red carpets for militants, insurgents and terrorists is such a terrible policy. As we can all see, the policy has only exacerbated and spread the fault lines. Crimes in Nigeria are now becoming more wanton. From Niger Delta militancy, the nation has added Boko Haram terrorism, killer Fulaniherdsmen,andnow,banditry caused by gold rush, which is being

privately mined and under the nation’s economic radar. “One other factor at the core of insecurity in Nigeria is failure of the state to provide the basics of governance, which led to helplessness, anger and deviance. Economic exclusion and attendant poverty, lack of education and religious extremism are the other essential psychological factors that brought about Boko Haram, militancy, insurgency, and more recently, the growing kidnapping scourge. “They all show we do not have a society and pushing the nation to fail and disintegrate. Most citizens are essentially on their own and essence of governance vanishing and becoming more distant,” he said. On the alleged payment of N100 billion to the Miyetti Allah cattle breeders to supposedly help the government fight banditry and other forms of violent crimes, Mefor denounced it as “a classic example of terrible policies of government.” He said that even negotiating with Miyetti Allah alone is an endorsement of herdsmen activities, which ought to be probed and decisively dealt with. “Their victims- farmers - will now be feeling betrayed by their government, which appears to have taken sides. “Farmers are likely to fortify their positions and the conflict can only grow worse. What government ought to have done was to call Miyetti Allah- Farmers summit. In psychology, perception, not intention, is what matters. So, government’s intention may be noble, but the perception of the people is the opposite,” he said. He said the way forward is to allow in the interim, formation of vigilante services all over the wards in Nigeria, and have them trained and linked with Police. That way, they would serve as an extension of NPF. He also called for state police, saying it is an idea whose time has come.

But reacting to the rumoured gift of N100 billion to the Miyetti Allah, the coordinator of the group in Benue State, Garus Gololo, told BDSUNDAYthatitwasamalicious lie spread by those who hate the Fulani ethnic group. He said that the group only had a security summit with the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazzau and the Governor of Kebbi State, on how to curb the crisis. “The summit was to facilitate and assist to address the crisis so that we synergise because the crisis is getting out of hand. The government did not give Miyetti Allah any money. They just saw that there was a meeting between the interior minister and Kebbi State governor and they just carried it everywhere. But people have been having meetings with different organisations, what we need is peace and security. So, it is not true that government gave us any money. Those spreading this false information have personal hatred for the Fulani. In Miyetti Allah, we are all APC and we cannot allow the government of APC to have this kind of problem,” he said. He added that the kidnapping business is made of people of different ethnic groups and cannot be ascribed to one ethnic group even as he called for multi-lateral efforts to address the crisis. Recall also that the Presidency Friday debunked claims the Federal Government gave Miyetti Allah N100billion to end killing of farmers and kidnapping in the country. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement dismissed the claims, saying that the issue of money was never raised at the meeting with the group “As I said on Channels TV, it is an absolute falsehood. The issue of money was never raised at any of the meetings between the representatives of government and Miyetti Allah,” he said.

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Crime on increase as FCT, Kaduna RCCG redevelops, commissions lead in number of arrested armed Lagos Police canine facility INIOBONG IWOK robbers, kidnappers - IGP INNOCENT ODOH, Abuja

ohammed Adamu, the Acting Inspector General of Police, has disclosed that the national crime profile is on the increase as the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State lead in the number of arrested armed robbers and kidnappers. The IGP made the disclosure in his opening remarks during a meeting on Friday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja with senior police officers to review patterns and trends of crimes, particularly the threat of kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery. “The national crime profile of the country from 1st April, 2019 to date, indicates a slight increase in crime on the one hand, and a significant increase in the arrest of offenders and recoveries of firearms by the police on the other hand,” he said in a statement issued by Frank Mba, the Force Public Relations Officer. He said that 218 armed robbery suspects were arrested in several operations by the police in vari-

ous commands in April, 2019 while 57 have been arrested in the first week of May. “FCT recorded the highest number with 42 arrests, followed by Edo State with 28, Oyo State with 24, Anambra State with 22, Imo State with 21,” the IGP said. He added that within the period, 157 kidnappers were arrested across the country in April while 13 have been arrested in the first week of May. “Kaduna State recorded the highest number of arrested kidnappers with 18 suspects, followed by Plateau State with 17, Edo State with 15 and 10 each in Niger and Zamfara States. “Furthermore, 147 firearms of various descriptions were recovered in April, 2019 while 50 have been recovered in the first week of May. Lagos and Zamfara states topped the list with 22 recoveries each, followed by Edo State with 21, Delta State with 20, 12 in Kaduna State and 11 in Niger State. “In addition, we shall also evaluate the extent of implementation of Operation Puff Adder, which was launched on April 5, 2019 as a strategy to address internal security threats

within the shortest possible time,” he said. The IGP noted that fundamental import of these statistics is twofold. “Firstly, while the rate of major crimes indicates a slight increase, the effects remain of internal security concern. Secondly, from the rate and pattern of arrests and recoveries made in recent times by the Police, it could be discerned that while these sets of crimes remain prevalent, the rate of arrests of offenders and recoveries connected to the crimes have been on steady increase. “This trend was, particularly, noticeable from April, 2019, which coincides with the launch of Operation Puff Adder. This is indicative of the fact that Operation Puff Adder has been largely effective in strengthening the capacity of the Police to respond to internal security threats,” he said. He challenged the officers as strategic Police managers at the field operations level to build on the solid foundation already laid with the launch of Operation Puff Adder and strengthen the crime management frameworks in their respective commands.

Respite for 1.7 m candidates as JAMB releases 2019 UTME results Continued from page 1

Ishaq Oloyede, registrar of JAMB, while releasing the results in Abuja Saturday said about 1,792,719 candidates sat for the exams, while 34,120 candidates had their results withheld for examination malpractice. Oloyede also stated that 15,145 results were withheld for further clarification, including cases of identical twins. Recall that the decision by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to delay the release of the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), heightened the anxiety of over 1.8 million candidates that sat for the examination. The unusual delay, aside from frustrating the preparation and academic plans of most candidates, provided a leeway for dubious mercenaries operating Computer Based Test (CBT), centre to deceive and dupe unsuspecting candidates seeking solutions. BDSUNDAY investiga-

tions reveal that carrying capacity in tertiary education institutions in Nigeria has not significantly improved in relationship to the exponential growth in the number of candidates seeking tertiary education in the country. Tertiary education institutions in Nigeria include, but not limited to, the universities, colleges of education and polytechnics. In the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), over 1.8 million candidates sat for the examinations, while the spaces available are not more than 500,000. Fabian Benjamin, public relations officer for JAMB, had said the board would carry out all the necessary steps before releasing the result. Benjamin said that JAMB won’t release the result instantly because JAMB Registrar had discovered that public outcry over little delay in the release of result made it a little bit difficult to do things that would guarantee the credibility of the results.

According to him, “Many candidates had in the past escaped with illegitimate acts they perpetrated during the UTME exercise, and that won’t be allowed to continue.” He opined that the board would strictly follow the process so that things can be done right. “We are less concerned about the time, but more about how well and credible the results become; neither policy meeting nor admission will start this month. So, the delay will not affect any item on our timetable”, he said. The Jamb spokesperson further assured that the UTME results are intact and nothing has happened to them, adding that the 2019 UTME exercise recorded malpractices but they were not as bad as they used to be. For him, “Illegality had thrived in the society over the years because people failed to follow issues to their logical conclusion. But we have decided to do otherwise, and we need the support of Nigerians to achieve that.”

s part of its social responsibility (CSR) i nt ervent i on pro grammes, His Love Foundation, the global charity arm of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has redeveloped Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Canine Division, Area F, Ikeja. The commissioning of the redeveloped canine facility was well attended by top police officers and senior pastors at RCCG. Speaking at the event, Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG, Lagos Province 47, Femi Obaweya, said he was motivated to intervene because the facility at the Canine Division of Area F was not befitting for the Nigeria Police Force during a visit.

Obaweya bemoaned the deplorable state of facility in the dog houses before renovation, adding that it was a challenge to the effective running of the place. According to him, “I also observed that there was no direct water supply to the facility, which also was a challenge to the effective running of the place. I then proamised that the church would look into the challenges there. “We have also supported the police by erecting a borehole and providing a 3.8KVA generator to power the surface tank. We have replaced all the metal gadgets with new ones for the training of the dogs,” Obaweya said. Speaking also at the ceremony, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Christian Social Responsibil-

ity, RCCG, Idowu Iluyomade, stated that the church refurbished the canine facility as a contribution and appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force’s good work to Lagos. In her reaction, the Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Aishatu Abubakar, lauded RCCG for the refurbishment of the canine facility and provision of a generator. “No doubt, this will enhance effective policing of the state. I thank the leadership of RCCG and specifically the Obaweya for his support and generosity, “Abubakar said. Meanwhile, Iluyomade further disclosed that there were other intervention programmes of the church through her foundation.

How my two brothers were murdered... Continued from page 1 programme that was to hold Sunday of that week; so, they wanted to go to the river to fish, which they hoped to sell thereafter. I rode on my motorcycle to Fete area where some Jukun guys stopped us and asked who we were. We told them we are Tiv, and that we came to fish in River Fete. They searched us but what they found was our fishing instrument. They said they were not convinced, that people have been terrorising the area and we could be among them. They marched us to the chief of Fete whose name I don’tknow.Thechiefcollected our motorcycle. I was having a wallet that contained two thousand (N2,500) which the Jukun guys collected before we reached the chief’s palace. The chief actually asked us our mission to Fete which we told him. He was as well not convinced. He claimed a lady who was staying with them was taken away by some Tiv guys who came to them and lied thatthelady’sfamilyrequested her presence. He said, as soon as they left with her, she was nowhere to be located as she could not be reached anywhere, even on phone. Heaskedsomepeoplewho he said were vigilantes to take us to the police in Takum for

further interrogation. But to my greatest surprise, some guys started beaten us, it took the intervention of some of them for them to leave us at that moment. They tired us up and before they could finish, a White Hilux van belonging to the council chairman of Takum Local Government, drove in. Though the chairman, Shiban Tikari, was not in the vehicle, his personal driver was the one driving the hilux van. They put us in the vehicle and covered it with tarpaulin. On the way to Takum, the tarpaulin opened on the other side of the vehicle due to the heavy wind. I was able to see outside. They immediately entered a bush and I told my brothers that these people were taking us to be killed. They went deep inside the bush and stopped. They removedmyimmediateyounger brother Dzeeyum Iortile; they advanced with him and I heard a gunshot. They came back and took Tersoo, who is the same father with me. They advanced as well and they also shot him. They came the third time; this time it was my turn. They brought me out and untied me, I asked them to allow me pray before they would kill me but one of them refused that until I get to where my two brothers were killed. We advanced to the place where I saw my two brothers

lay dead. I knelt down and started praying and immediately, my spirit told me to run. I took off as directed by my spirit; they shot everywhere as I was running but God protected me. My escape has remained a wonder to me, because I cannotreallyexplainedwhatreally happened and why the bullets the guys were firing could not touch me. Later, it was alleged that my brothers who had been killed were armed robbers. But it is not true. In the process of running into the bush, I traced down to where my sister is married in one of the villages around Takum. The area is where I stayed for over five years; so, I know it very well. When I got there, I narrated what happened. Already, the chief of the area had summoned the community to check why there were heavy gunshots in the area. It was the villagers who wentonsearchanddiscovered the two young men dead in the bush. While on the way, they saw the Hilux van that conveyedustothebush.When they discovered that the people in the Hilux did something evil, they called some members of their group who were behind to block the Hilux van and as well alerted the military in Takum which was able to intercept the vehicle and arrested two of the killers, while two others escaped.

Why national grid collapsed – TCN INIOBONG IWOK with Agency Report

he Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said the collapse of the National Grid on May 8, at 2:32 p.m. was caused by a multiple tripping on its substation in Onitsha, Anambra State. Managing Director of TCN, Mohammed Usman, made the disclosureatanewsconference in Abuja at the weekend.

The national electricity grid had on Wednesday last week experiencedsomedisturbances resultinginreductionofelectricity allocation to electricity distributioncompaniesinthecountry. The Yola electricity distribution company had said it was allocated0MWduringtheperiod while the Abuja electricity company said it received 20MW. Both electricity companies supplypowertoaminimumofthree states each.

Mohammed said that the collapse may also have been triggered because one of the generators went off. According to him, “What happened on Wednesday at 14:32 hours was a case of system collapse, we had tripping. The reason for the grid collapse was that there was a multiple trippingaroundOnitshasubstation.Wearealsosuspectingthat one of the generators went out.

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I don’t have personal scores to settle with Emir of Kano - Ganduje Tony Ailemen, Abuja

overnor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano on Friday justified the creation of four new Emirates in Kano, saying that he has no personal scores to settle with the incumbent Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi The governor, while speaking with State House Correspondents on the issue, justified the creation of four new Emirates, adding that “it is aimed at making the Emirate more effective.” “Well, they are entitled to their own opinion, but we are taking Kano to the next level and we need active participation of the traditional system, especially in the areas of education, security, agriculture; we need the effectiveness of the traditional rulers,” he said. Critics of the new plans believe the new arrangement aimed at decentralising the Emirate are aimed at whittling down the powers of the current Emir, which had been in existence for over 800 years. But Ganduje in his response, said: “It is not vendetta, I am not against him; in fact, he is sup-

posed to be reporting to the local government chairman according to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

brahim Abubakar, one of the aspirants for the gubernatorial election in Kogi State, has said that he was emotionally and educationally prepared to take the state out of the “mess it is in.” Abubakar, who is seeking the ticket of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), stated this in Lokoja during a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kogi State chapter. He also disclosed his readiness to rule Kogi State, saying that with his educational background and him coming from a political family, he would salvage the ugly situation the state is wallowing in. “I am very prepared educationally and emotionally. I have a sound background and coming from a political family. With equally sound educational background that I have, am fit to handle the mantle of leadership in Kogi State,” he said. Speaking on the complex nature of Kogi State, Abubakar said that every state has peculiar complexity, adding that in Kogi State’s case is just like any other state, saying it is about harnessing the resources just like any

people of Kano and we will make sure that the new Emirate council is effective in terms of developing Kano State.”

Folu Aderibigbe (middle), Globacom’s representative at the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance Lecture, with the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, at the 3rd Annual Professorial Chair in Governance Lecture sponsored in honour of the Awujale by digital transformation leader, Globacom, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Friday.

I am educationally, emotionally prepared to rule Kogi – Ibrahim Abubakar Victoria Nnakaike, Lokoja

“It is the local government chairman that is supposed to discuss issues with him not the governor. So, this is celebrated by the

other state in the country. He maintained that being successful in any thing is about team work; converging the right people to do the right thing. The aspirant, who is the son of a former governor of the state, Idris Abubakar, equally hinted that for his administration to bring development in the state, he would bring down taxes, adding that every investor looks at what will be his take home after investing. “When you tell the investor that you will bring down taxes on condition that he would employ the indigenes, that will open door for a lot of opportunities for Kogi State,” he said. He also stated that his vision is to make Kogi an agrarian state, adding that it is a simple basic idea. He said as an Agriculturist he would maximise his ideas, bring in machinery that would harness cashew nuts production in the state; increase labour force, which he believes will generate revenue for the state. Speaking also on the 38 months’ salaries owed civil servants in the state by the incumbent governor, Abubakar said looking at it from both spiritual and moral points of view, his administration is going to apply team work, not government on the other side and workers on the other side.

ActionAid Nigeria to engage 2,500 women, youths in Kogi, Nasarawa Victoria Nnakaike, Lokoja

ctionAid Nigeria has concluded plans on community consultation in 24 communities with 12 local government areas of Kogi and Nasarawa states. The arrangement is part of the activities that would feature in the second phase of the System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Eradication to Violence Extremism (SARVE) project in Kogi and Nasarawa states. ActionAid equally disclosed that the project aims at strengthening community resilience against violent extremism in both states, and is targeting to decrease vulnerability of young men and women through socio-economic empowerment of over 1,500 youths and 1,000 women among other initiatives. The Country Director, Ene Obi, while speaking in Abuja said: “One of the project implementation strategy that has stood ActionAid out among other international nongovernmental organisations is our community rootedness which is informed by our habit to carry communities along in every one of our intervention, hence, the community consultation we just began today. By doing this, we endear the ownership of the project to the people which by extension guarantees the smooth running g of the project and thereafter the sustainability of the result.”

Halogen Security soars, emerges OSPAs outstanding security firm in 2019 CHUKA UROKO

utstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), the United Kingdom (UK)-based independent award scheme, elevated Halogen Security Company Limited recently with the award of Outstanding Contract Security Company in Nigeria in 2019. Halogen Security is Nigeria’s most rated security risk solutions company and this award, which is part of events marking this year’s SECUREX, is a reward and recognition of the company’s outstanding performance in the security sector in the country. At the awards presentation held in Lagos and attended by leading security professionals, thought leaders and other stakeholders, the company was recognised in the highest category for its consistent display of excellence in security risk solutions delivery. Wale Olaoye, the company’s Group Managing Director, described the award as a confirmation of Halogen Security Company’s operational model established on the pedestal of exceptional passion for professionalism, integrity and

service excellence. “We are indeed very proud and delighted that our company emerged 2019 Outstanding Contract Security Company in the Nigerian market as announced by OSPAs, the renowned UK-based security standards evaluation body. This unique award is another testimony to our commitment to continually redefine security practice and to provide cutting-edge enterprise security risk management solutions,” he declared. “We are particularly happy that the award is coming on the heels of our major transformation from being the regular security company to a more compact power-house of comprehensive security solutions with six subsidiaries designed to explore new frontiers in security risk management. We are vindicated by this award as it further gives credence to our avowed operational model which is hinged on the pedestal of exceptional passion for professionalism, integrity and service excellence,” Olaoye said. He praised the company’s workforce for being the superpowers behind Halogen’s unending innovation, service excellence and success. “Our highly inspired and

motivated work force is germane to this success. Their phenomenal commitment to our service delivery standards exemplifies our values of securing our clients with passion and our communities with care on a daily basis.” OSPAs founder, Martin Gill, a professor, said the body provides an independent platform to showcase excellence and outstanding performance, ensuring that those who contribute to maintaining high standards in the security solutions industry are recognised and rewarded. “The judging panel was nominated by the leading security associations and scored each entry independently, and all those that were selected as finalists and winners demonstrated that they really are the very best and should feel extremely proud.” OSPAs award was Halogen Security’s second recognition from the global body in two consecutive years. Academy Halogen, a subsidiary of Halogen, founded as an institution for capacity building in enterprise security risk management, policy development and thought leadership, was in 2018 crowned outstanding security training initiative for the year.

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News Akada Children’s Book Festival boosts self-esteem, identity Modestus Anaesoronye

he inaugural edition of the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) held in Lagos has raised the consciousness of children, with a boost for self esteem, and sense of identity. An initiative of Clever Clogs Books, the event held at the British Council was designed to showcase children’s books written by African authors or books written by authors from around the world for children of color. The festival officially declared open Alex Ibru’s wife; publisher of the Guardian Nigeria featured an array of activities such as workshops for writers and illustrators, author showcase, interactive and engaging workshops for children, soft skill masterclasses for teachers and parents amidst a whole lot more. Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, publisher of Clever Clogs Books said it is good for African children to see themselves in well produced, world class books. It helps their self-esteem and sense of identity” she said. According to her, Clever Clogs Books desires to see Nigeria attain a hundred

percent literacy rate and they’re working to achieve this through the books they publish, holding book reading sessions across schools in Nigeria and events such as the Akada Children’s Book Festival. The ACBF 2019 also offers brands great partnership opportunities as it creates a unique platform to not only push the cause of child literacy but also provides brands the opportunity to engage their primary target audience. With loads of exhibitions and activities going on at the venue, the workshops for children kicked off with a session titled ‘When I Grow Up’ facilitated by Queen’s Young Leader awardee and MTV Europe Generation Change award winner, Hauwa Ojeifo. Seun Akinbohun also took the session ‘Good with Money’; founder of LagosMums - Yetty Williams and Programmes Manager, Schools, Education and Society at the British Council - Lynda Ashaolu, both spoke at different sessions of parents’ workshop on child protection on the same topic: ‘Being Your Child’s Superhero.’ On hand were also multiple vendors including Laterna Books, Patabah, Clever Clogs, Ajala Books and many others.

Ex-governorship candidate wants probe of N1bn expended on Kwara media houses SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

uhammed A b u b a kar Muhammed, a former governorship candidate under the Alternative Party of Nigeria (APN) in Kwara State, has demanded for the immediate probe of the alleged over one billion naira spent on repositioning the three media houses in the Kwara State. He particularly asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), anti-graft unit of the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent Corrupt Practices (ICPC), and other Related Offenses Commission to probe the restructuring of media houses, saying that with the huge amount of money spent on the exercise, nothing to show for it as the media houses are in comatose. Muhammed, in a personal statement issued to journalists in Ilorin, said the inability of the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation to broadcast Ramadan programmes this year was worrisome as majority of the people are expecting the station to work.

Mohammed described it as a deliberate attempt to kill all the media houses and cut the people of Kwara North off the activities going on in the state. According to him, this is the first time this will be happening in the state during the month of Ramadan, with no hope of the station coming on air due to lack of operational equipment and running cost. He said Herald Newspa-

pers used to be pride of the state with people across the country always struggling to get the newspaper, but its current situation is terrible. Muhammed, however, challenged the outgoing government of Abdulfatah Ahmed of the legacy his government is leaving behind, describing the death of all government agencies and parastatals, including lack of funding of the Kwara United Football

Club, as a bad legacy. He described the nonpayment of two months’ salaries of the workers as an act of pure wickedness, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. While urging government to pay them their entitlements promptly, Mohammed called on the incoming administration to look into the plight of the workers for them to resume their normal operations.

(L-R) Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State, Prof. Ibidapo Obe; Ibitoye Adeniran, vice president Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE); Felicia Agubata, president Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN); Joanna Maduka, founding president of APWEN, her husband, Vincent Maduka, and Nike Akande, a former minister of industry, during the 2nd annual lecture of Olutunmbi Joanna Maduka organised by APWEN in Lagos.

Ihedioha urged to make agric a priority in Imo SABY ELEMBA, Owerri

Alex Asogwa, a former Big Brother Nigeria star, was one of the children’s workshop speakers at the ACBF Festival where she spoke on the topic ‘Stop That Bully’.

zeVenantiusAcho Nwokorie, director of I.N. Venantius Nigeria Limited, a business mogul who diversified into agriculture, wants the incoming governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha to place the agricultural sector of the state economy on his priority list. This, Nwokorie said, would help to make his government look different from other previous administrations including the out-going government in the state and also further endear him to the heart of the good people of Imo State. “If such is done it will place the state in a good footing, create job opportunities for the people, especially the youth, stem the growing unemployment, provide food for local consumption and

export to other states and African countries,” he said. The industrialist said that placing priority in agriculture would not only create viable opportunities for the

Ihedioha

people to invest in agro-allied ventures but increase the monthly purse of the state through increase in the internally generated revenue (IGR) so that government

would have more money to pay salaries and pay contractors for projects awarded and executed. He urged Ihedioha to help and simplify access to land for commercial agricultural purposes, including agroallied ventures as access to land has been a hindrance to most people who want to go into commercial agriculture in Imo. As the absence of agricities has been a challenge to farmers who want places to process agric produce; therefore, Nwokorie urged the incoming government to establish such in the three senatorial zones of the state so that farmers would see where to go and process their agric produce for sales locally and for export. He disclosed that his plan to diversify into agriculture has helped to provide job opportunities to the people in his community, Ehime Mbano.

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Apapa LG, Lagos Ministry of LGA, NGO to partner on nutrition security campaign

Innocent Odoh, Abuja

Seyi John Salau

he Apapa Local Government has said it was ready to go into partnership with Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alausa, Ikeja and a non-governmental organisation, CS-SUNN and Healthy Living & Women Empowerment Initiative (HELWEI) for improved food, nutrition security and income generation for the grassroots people in the council. The pledge was made recently during a sensitisation programme on Vertical Farming Development hosted by the Apapa LGA. Speaking on behalf of the council chairman, Hon. Adele Elijah Owolabi, the Vice Chairman, Kevin Oluwaseun Gabriel, said that the council was ready to collaborate with anyone so long as such a partnership would be in the interest of the people of the local government in particular and Lagos State in general. He noted that nutrition is key to man’s health and development, therefore, must be given due attention. Given this understanding by the management of the council, the Chairman mandated that both the political and administrative arms of the council to be on ground to welcome the visiting team for the sensitisation programme. According to him, although the Council is already into many agro-based campaigns and programmes, additional knowledge on how the lives of the indigenes could be improved upon through proper nutrition can never be too much. Earlier in her remarks as presented by Osho Gbolahan Azeez, Head, Food and Nutrition Unit, Community Agriculture Department, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLG &CA), Alausa, Ikeja, Bashorun G.O., the director of the ministry, gave the background to the collaboration. “The National Comm i t t e e o n Fo o d a n d Nutrition(NCFN) and the State Committee on Food and Nutrition(SCFN) have resolved to embark on activities that will drastically reduce micronutrients malnutrition or hidden hunger particularly in most vulnerable groups like infants, young children and women of reproductive age in Lagos State. The programme is set out to develop crops that are bio-fortified with micronutrients such as vitamin A, iron, folate, iodine or zinc throughagronomicmethods,

Experts decry poor nutrition in Nigeria, call for urgent govt interventions

L-R: Ebere Okey-Onyema, executive director, Healthy Living and Women Empowerment Initiative (HELWEI); Kevin Oluwaseun Gabriel, vice chairman, Apapa LGA; Osho Gbolahan Azeez, head, Food and Nutrition Unit, Community Agriculture Department, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLG &CA), Alausa, Ikeja and Hon. Kunle Taiwo, leader of the legislative house, Apapa Council, during the sensitisation programme.

A cross section of officials of the Apapa LGA and the visiting team.

conventional breeding techniques or via biotechnology,” she said. The Director further said: “The process of fighting malnutrition, hidden hunger and stunting in vulnerable groups should be approached in a holistic manner. To that extent, this collaboration of the major stakeholders including the local councils will go a long way in achieving the set objectives of addressing food and nutrition insecurity problems in Lagos State.” Explaining the nature of the programme, she said: “TheCommunityAgriculture Department of the MLG & CA with huge support from CS-SUNN and HELWEI, has done a lot in ensuring Lagos State is secure in the area of food and nutrition. In order to further develop the project, we have decided to incorporate the Local Government Councils so that we can jointly conquer the menace of malnutrition in or hidden hunger.” “Apart from ensuring food security in Lagos State, this collaborative initiative is poised to build the capacities of agricultural stakeholders at the community level as well as deploy a holistic approach to addressing hidden hunger in children and the elderly for nutrition security

in Lagos, Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Please, let us join hands to kick malnutrition out of Lagos State,” she enjoined all, adding that “the programme is purely practical demonstration that involves the actual training and raising the crops to maturity. This comes up at the second phase of this programme, if the conditions for collaboration among all stakeholders are affirmative.” In her address, Ebere Okey-Onyema, executive director, Healthy Living and Women Empowerment Initiative (HELWEI) reeled out data on the severity of Vitamin A and Iron deficiency in Nigeria. According to Okey-Onyema, “Our project aims to address the problem of micro-nutrient malnutrition through bio-fortification. Bio-fortification, which is the process of increasing nutritional value of food crop by increasing the density of vitamins and minerals in a crop, is one of the sustainable food-based approaches towards addressing micro-nutrient malnutrition. It is cost-effective with holistic reach. There are bio-fortified Vitamin A rich staples in Nigeria (Vitamin A Cassava, Maize and Orange-fleshed sweet potato

crops) for addressing Vitamin A deficiency. However, low sensitisation has affected their adoption, hence, the need for awareness on available nutritious food crops and empowerment on access and utilisation for household consumption and income generation. Investments in nutrition interventions especially at the grassroots level will help hungry families feed themselves, combat malnutrition, help Nigerian children attain their potential and stimulate economic development.” “According to her, “Vulnerable populations get 60-70percent of calories from staple crops. These are mainly grains, root, and tuber crops, high in carbohydrates/ calories (energy) but lacking in important micronutrients. We hope to see biofortified crops become fully integrated into food system as a solution to micro nutrient deficiency and poverty among poor and hungry households in Lagos.” “We have designed a practical demonstration and training aimed at empowering farmers, women and youths with the skill and knowledge to grow and be in other value chain of micronutrient rich crops,” she said.

utrition experts have decried the low nutrition among Nigerians, attributing it to poverty and lack of education on the part of Nigerians especially in the northern parts of the country even as they called for government policies to address the menace. This was the thrust of a one-day workshop organised by the Eat Lancet Commission in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and other stakeholders, which held in Abuja. The stakeholders regretted that Nigeria’s food production is on the annual average of 2.5 per cent, while the population is growing at 3.2 per cent per annum for a population that is projected to hit about 411 million by 2050. According to the Country Director of GAIN in Nigeria, Michael Ojo, Nigeria must lead the food transformation required to feed and nourish its ever growing population sustainably into the future. He said that Nigeria faces several socio-economic problems– poverty, employment, burden of disease and malnutrition, all of which have taken a toll on national productivity. “Sustainable and healthy food systems are fundamental to eradicating hunger and malnutrition, and for laying the foundation for a sustainable future for our young and growing population,” he said. He added that the food Nigerians eat and how they are produced connects human health to the health of the planet. “Globally, food production is responsible for a third of all greenhouse

gas emissions and land use for food is that largest driver of biodiversity loss and freshwater depletion. “This places unsustainable demands on the planets’ resources. At the same time, unhealthy food is the leading cause of disease worldwide and under nutrition is a problem that persists across the globe. As we look ahead to a world of about 10 billion People in 2050, we urgently and fundamentally must change the way we eat and produce food,” he said. He added that the Nigerian food system is currently by global standard, is not delivering nutritious foods to its 200 million populations, stressing that with nearly 6 out of 10 Nigerians moderately or severely food insecure, access to nutritious food is an issue for most of the population. “Nigeria, like other countries in sub-Saharan Africa faces considerable systemic challenges and in order to tackle these challenges, Nigerians must be able to choose better diet options that are underpinned by considerations for the impact of food production on human health and on environmental sustainability,” he added. The Lancet Commission has also proposed five strategies to adjust what people eat and how it is produced. These include; policies to encourage people to choose healthy diets; the need for strategies to refocus agriculture from producing high volumes of crops to producing varied nutrientrich crops; how sustainably intensify agriculture by taking into account our local conditions; effective governance of land and ocean use to preserve natural ecosystem and ensure continued food supplies and lastly halving food loses and waste.

ESAE University honours NEXIM Bank executive director

ala Mohammed Bello, the executive director, corporate services of NEXIM Bank, was recently conferred with a honorary doctorate degree in Management and Leadership by the management of Ecole Supérieure D’Administration, D’Economie, De Journalisme Et Des Métiers De L’Audiovisuel (ESAE) University, Cotonou, Republic of Benin. The investiture, which took place at the bank’s head office in Abuja, was graced by representatives of ESAE University, NEXIM Bank members of staff, friends and families of the honoree. Quentin Didavi, the vice chancellor of the university,

who was represented by a lecturer in the mass communication department of the university, Olugbenga Adewale, said that the management of the university found Bala Mohammed worthy because of his track record in the financial and investment sector of Nigeria and Africa, in addition to his boundless humanitarian activities. He opined that the honoree’s impressive professional and academic prowess made him a worthy recipient of the university’s award. Didavi however, charged Bala not to relent in his good works to the society, especially as a key player in the transformation of the Nigerian economy.

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How Gokada, motorbike hiring service platform, providing comfort in gridlock, reducing unemployment Jonathan Aderoju

or many years, Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, has been known as a city plagued by gridlocks. The horrific traffic challenge is not surprising given the number of people living and commuting within it. To beat the gridlocks, a number of people on many occasions either leave their vehicles at home or avoid boarding commercial yellow buses that operate in the state to patronise the commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada. But most of these Okada riders are known to be reckless and careless. Fatal accidents caused by their recklessness is everyday experience. A visit to the Orthopaedic hospital in the Mainland area of the state and other local bone-setting hospitals across the state, tells the gory story of pain many people go through by patronising the cyclists. Apart from the increasing cases of Okada-related accidents and sudden deaths, allegations abound of the involvement of many cyclists in armed robberies and other heinous crimes. Many innocent people have been dispossessed of their valuables by Okada-riding thieves. At a point, cases of robberies and other crimes by

Okada riders became so high and frequent that the state government began to clamp down on them. The State House of Assembly had to pass a law that barred them from certain areas of the state. At that time, state agents seized so many of the machines to enforce the ban. But with the increasing cases of gridlocks in Lagos, many residents believe that outright ban of Okada may not be the solution as traffic snarls have been partly responsible for people getting to work late and missing appointments.

It was to bridge this gap that gave birth to Gokada, an on-demand transportation company or motorbike hiring service, that has made movement on motorbike a lot better, safer and faster. Gokada came into existence in January 2018, and has been serving many without cases of fatal accidents that is synonymous with the Journey-just-come riders of the typical Okada. Today, this means of transportation has brought a lot of smiles to commuters who patronise the firm. It has helped its passengers to achieve whatever goals

they set for the day without interruption from gridlocks. The operators claim also that this platform has helped to reduce the level of unemployment and poverty in the state. Speaking with our reporter, DejiOduntan, chief executive officer of the company, said thatthe platform has empowered over 1000 riders with the launch of the Driver Training School. Oduntan is also hopefulthat it would empower thousands more who would be trained on how to ride Gokada bikes, customer service techniques, how to use the

app and will also be given the opportunity to own their bikes after one year of service, amongst others. He said that through Gokada, drivers are able to own their bike after one year of service. According to him, “Drivers on average earn two times more than they did previously. Gokada supports drivers with pension plans, recreational services, and health services.” Investigation by BDSUNDAYrevealed that a typical Okada rider makes between N60,000 and N80,000, although the earning potential of each rider is different. But Gokada riders are said to make over N200,000 depending on how many rides they undertake a day. This is significantly higher than what a regular okada rider would earn and still far above the minimum wage. Unlike the regular taxi trips in Lagos,Gokada is still cheaper. The cost of Gokada rides starts from N100 and the cost goes higher depending on your destination. Unlike traditional okadas, Gokada bikes run above 200cc+, which means they can take longer distance trips and have greater freedom of movement within Lagos. “You can get a trip from Lekki to Ikeja for instance, which most regular okadas cannot do because of the restrictions of bikes on the commercial roads,” BDSUNDAY gathered.

In terms of safety, the ridehiring platform is the best so far. Their drivers are fully trained and the rides are very safe. The company said that the ride recorded a 0.013 percent accident rate last year. The ride has created a niche for itself. One cannot just stand on the road under the scorching sun or down pour and expect to flag down a Gokada machine. You canfind a Gokada anywhere in Lagos by using the smart app. The comfort the ride gives to its passengers is really great.Unlike many regular bikes that can pick two unknown persons as passengers just because they are going to the same direction, and in order to make extra cash, Gokada does not allow such. AGokada staff who explained why people should use the platform said: “We are safe and our drivers are extensively trained in defensive driving behaviour with safety always in mind. The riders are always monitored, so we are aware of their movements as an added level of customer safety.” The staff also said that in just 12 months of operation, Gokada has secured close to 1,000 bikes and completes around 5,000 rides across Lagos Mainland, Victoria Island, Apapa each day, saying, “these are the areas mainly affected by the traffic gridlock in Lagos.”

SIFAX Group donates clinic, civil hall to Isade-Ijebu community AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

n line with its corporate social responsibility (CSR), which focuses on impacting the society, SIFAX Group has donated a modern and well-equipped clinic and civic hall to the Isade-Ijebu community in the Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State. Both facilities will be managed by St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Isade-Ijebu, on behalf of the community. Commissioned by Ayodele Awosoga, the Bishop of Ijebu Diocese (Anglican Communion), the multi-million naira clinic with several wards, dispensary and consulting rooms, will serve the medical needs of the church, Isade-Ijebu community as well as the various adjoining villages.

Ayodele Awosoga, the Bishop of Ijebu Diocese (Anglican Communion) (m) commissioning the newlybuilt community clinic donated by SIFAX Group to the Isade-Ijebu Community while other guests looks on.

Speaking at the commissioning attended by clergy and laity from the diocese, community leaders, other religious bodies, among others, Awosoga eulogised Taiwo Afolabi, Group executive vice chairman, SIFAX Group and the company for the donation. He said the new clinic and hall have made the church and the Isade-Ijebu community envy among contemporaries. “I thank Taiwo Afolabi and SIFAX Group for being a great blessing to the church and this community. This new clinic will provide easy access to good and affordable health care for all nearby villages. The hall also will provide a befitting venue for church and social activities. Overall, the lives of our people will become

better by the reason of this philanthropic gesture. He however enjoined other wealthy individuals and corporate organisations to emulate this worthy initiative by coming to the aid of rural communities through the provision of critical facilities. Talabi Adekitan, senior manager, Legal Services and Claims, SIFAX Group, who led the SIFAX team to the event, said the company believed in impacting the society, adding that health, education and youth empowerment – have been the three key areas of social intervention of the company’s CSR programmes. Recall that, in 2017, SIFAX Group donated a multimillion naira four-bedroom flat and a two-room chalet that currently serve as the church’s vicarage and guest house.

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Unruly security operatives and hapless compatriots

Frank Aigbogun editor Zebulon Agomuo DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja

Tayo Ogunbiyi

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

he subject of inapt behaviour among Nigeria’s security operatives has been a recurrent one. Scores of Nigerians have been sent to early graves, no thanks to the dastardly activities of some of some wild security operatives. A few years ago, in Agege, Lagos, a female secondary school student was brutally murdered by a trigger-happy security operative in a most bizarre circumstance. It was such a gory sight. Imagine the pain, emotional and mental damage done to the parents of the dead student, who must have toiled over her. Also, in November 2008, a certain Miss Uzoma Okere was brutalized by armed naval ratings in a rather dehumanizing manner as she was stripped naked in full glare of the public for daring to fight for her right. If not for the intervention of the Lagos State Government in the court of law that secured judgment in favour of Uzoma Okere who awarded the sum of N100, 000,000.00 (One Hundred

Million Naira) damages against the defendants, she would have suffered in vain, as it is always the case. The case is a land mark vindication of the rights of an innocent Nigerian against recurring assaults on innocent citizens by security operatives. More worrisome is the fact that the dangerous trend has continued unabated. For instance, from January to April, 2019, in Lagos State alone, about four incidents of misuse of firearms which have resulted in extra-judicial killings of young citizens of this country and injury to others were recorded. More bothersome is that two of these incidents occurred almost simultaneously. It is difficult to understand why some of our security operatives behave the way they do. It is ironic that they take pleasure in brutalizing the very people whom they are paid and trained to protect. The police are especially culpable in this regard. It is often baffling to see some of them beat up, slap and brutalize hapless compatriots who have neither been taken to the court nor convicted for a particular offence. This is the time for security operatives in the country to imbibe the culture of civility in their interaction with members of the public. They need to envision what the society would look like if doctors, engineers, civil servants, and other members of the society behave in similar loutish fashion. Leadership of the various security agencies need to re-orientate their officers and men on how to behave in a

democratic and civilized setting. They need to redefine their role in a democracy. More importantly, the issue of discipline must be accorded the prominence it rightly deserves. Globally, security agencies thrive on discipline. Ours must not be an exception. Hence, those who fall short of expectations should be shown the way out. There should not be no attempt to protect those that bring their image into disrepute as this will send wrong signals among the ranks and file. It is from this perspective that one must commend the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Adamu, for, once and for all, giving the issue of discipline in the Force the attention it deserves. At a recent visit to the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, following a spate of extrajudicial killings by police officers in the state, the Acting IGP declared that the “visit has become expedient in view of recent threat of unprofessional conducts of some police officers”. In order to effectively express his disgust towards what he termed the “disgraceful conducts of a few bad eggs in our midst”, the IGP vowed to apprehend “the line supervisors of such (unruly) officers including the Area Commander, Divisional Police Officer shall be held vicariously liable for lacking supervision and shall, be similarly sanctioned”. That, indeed, is the way it should be because extra judicial killing is a grave abuse of Rule of Law and human dignity which are at the heart of fundamental human rights. It

should be strongly condemned and denied in any sane society, especially where democratic governance is practiced, such as in Nigeria. It thrives where its occurrence receives none or insufficient response from government and failure to address the root causes and bring perpetrators to justice. Necessarily, a practical means must be devised to arrest this ugly trend. Law enforcement officers must go through a thorough and effective training on fundamental human rights with emphasis on Rule of Law and human dignity. The National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria must play a more active role by coordinating its work with the law enforcement agencies in Nigeria to ensuring that people’s fundamental rights are respected and protected, and not only wait to react after the rights have been breached. Without a doubt, the various security outfits in the country are in urgent need of basic restructuring. With the recent upsurge in insecurity and other criminal activities in the country, what we certainly do need to successfully contend with the situation is a professionally inclined security outfit. On a final note, our compatriots should treat and accord all security operatives with utmost courtesy and respect. This is the least we could do, considering the fact that they put their lives at risk in order to protect us. Ogunbiyi is of the Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

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L-R: Bisi Ogunjobi, former vice president, African Development Bank; Olu Akinyanju, chairman, Sickle Cell Foundation, Nigeria;. Annette Akinsete, national director/CEO Sickle Cell Foundation, Nigeria and Caroline Oghuma, executive head, corporate affairs, MultiChoice Nigeria at the closing/certificate award ceremony of the 18th Genetic Counselling Training Course on Sickle Cell Disorder sponsored by MultiChoice Nigeria held the National Sickle Cell Centre, Idi - Araba, Lagos.

L - R Joao Hrotko, partner & managing director, Boston Consulting Group; Hans-Paul Burkner ,chairman, The Boston Consulting Group; Bola Adeeko, head, shared services division, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Jude Chiemeka , divisional head, listing business division, NSE, and Tolu Oyekan, principal, Boston Consulting Group, during a courtesy visit to the exchange to discuss business collaborative opportunities with the exchange yesterday in Lagos.

L-R : Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku, vice chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and Azeez Bello , board chairman of the governing council, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Jacob Gyang Buba (Pro chancellor) and the chancellor, during the procession at the graduation ceremony on Friday.

L-R: Patrick Ejidoh , managing director, Champion Breweries Plc .; Elijah Akpan, chairman, and Tosan Atle Aiboni, secretary, during the company’s 43rd annual general meeting, in Lagos.

L-R, Susie Onwuka, Consumer Protection Commission; Martin A, Akinrimisi, business development manager, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Oma Ogban, manager, technology advisory, (KPMG); Chuma Ezirim ,group executive, e-business & retail product , First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Simisola Munira, Lagos State Lottery Board; Abiodun Famuyiwa, head, retail business & community banking, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Oluwaseun Adepoju-Iwuchukwu, account manager, Tequila Nigeria following the FirstBank XploreFirst grand finale raffle draw held in Lagos.

L-R : Grace Omo-Lamai , human resource director,; finance director, Rob Kleinjan; managing director/chief executive, Jordi Borrut Bel; corporate affairs director, Sade Morgan and company secretary/legal director, Uaboi Agbebaku. all of Nigerian Breweries Plc. during the company’s PREAGM media briefing held in Lagos .Pic by Pius Okeosisi

Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ibrahim Shuaibu inspecting Quarter guard during his assumption of office in Abuja .NAN

Minister of Niger Delta Development Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani (2nd R); Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality, Patrick Inok; and others during the inauguration of the rehabilitation of Atimbo-Akpabuyo Road in Cross River on Friday NAN

10 Inside Lagos

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Bad roads: Communities await action on Ambode’s directive …as logjams continue Stories by JOSHUA BASSEY

ore than one month after outgoing governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode issued a directive to the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) to undertake the rehabilitation of failed portions of roads across the metropolis, little or nothing has been done. Some of the 87 roads listed for the immediate intervention in April (last month) still remain in their worst state, even as some where officials of the LSPWC were deployed in response to the governor’s directive, have gone bad again, as only sandstones were thrown the roads. Less than three weeks after the so-called ‘rehabilitation’ was carried out on some of the roads, the rain has washed the sandstones away, thus returning the roads to their former conditions. One of such roads is Oke AfaJakande road enroute Ejigbo local council development area (LCDA) in of the state. Also affected is Babs Animasheun, in Surulere, and CeleEgbe road, leading to Ikotun Market, in Alimosho local government area of the state, sections of the Lagos-Badagry road, among several others within the metropolis. Expectedly, traffic heavy build jams have remained a pain on the

L-R: Yinka Olagunsoye, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative and Industry; Bolanle Ambode, wife of Lagos State Governor; Peju Ogidan, chairman, Ibeju Lekki Local Government; Toyin Awoseyi, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs at the Daily Ramadan Tafsir and Iftar, hosted by the Lagos First Family, at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, May 9, 2019.

neck of motorists and commuters, who are being forced to spend hours on the roads as a result. The governor’s directive had come after a sustained public outcry against the conditions of roads within Lagos metropolis and their attendant negative impact on traffic flow. Unfortunately, not much has changed. Hilary Adeleke, a resident of Jakande Estate, Ejigbo, lamented his ordeal in an interview with Inside

Lagos, on Friday. According to Adeleke, a ride from Jakande Gate via Okota road inward Cele Express, which should ordinary not take 15 minutes, sometime takes two hours. He attributes this to several deep potholes on the roads and high volume of vehicles, just as he called on the state government to urgently intervene. Also speaking with Inside Lagos, Chukwudi Eze, a resident of

NSCDC seizes N72m worth of Indian hemp

igeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) command in Lagos has intercepted weeds, suspected to be Indian hemp valued at about N72 million. The NSCDC commandant in the state, Tajudeen Balogun, who disclosed this on Friday, said that the drugs were intercepted by operatives in Badagry. He said that the operation was carried out at about 2 a.m. on Thursday during a routine patrol. Balogun said that 20 bags,

each containing 80 neatly packed weeds in a boat were intercepted at Topo Badagry, adding that two occupants of the boat jumped into the water and escaped. According to him, the command, in collaboration with other security agencies in Badagry are on the trail of the suspected peddlers of the drug. Balogun said that they were also investigating where the substances came from and their destination. “We intercepted 20 bags, each bag contained 80 small packs val-

ued at about N45, 000 per pack. We are investigating whether the suspects were bringing them to Nigeria or taking them out to neighbouring country. “I commend my men for this feat. If these substances had entered Nigerian states, they can increase crime of all sorts. We are reaching out to agencies in charge of drugs before they will be destroyed. “We will not just release the weeds to any agency; we will ensure that these weeds are destroyed,” he said.

LCCI optimistic on revival of industries

agos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is optimistic its 2019 ICTEL Expo will result in new policies and initiatives that can stir fourth industrial revolution. Babatunde Ruwase, president of LCCI, who stated this during the launch of the ICTEL Expo on Friday, urged government to embrace new technology towards industrial revolution. The ICTEL Expo is organised by LCCI to give a complete view

of the ICT and telecom industry as well as visibility to new trends and innovations. The expo, with the theme “fourth industrial revolution: The Nigerian story” is scheduled to hold in Lagos from July 16 to July 17. “This Expo will, therefore, provide the required inspiration which many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) need in their quest for improved performance,” the LCCI president said. Ruwase said the Expo would equally provide aspiring en-

trepreneurs, tech startups and thousands of unemployed and underemployed Nigerians opportunities for capacity building, mentoring, and connecting with investors and employers. According to him, technology reveals the difference between the developed and developing countries. Muda Yusuf, director-general of LCCI, said the chamber was using the expo platform to drive the frontier of investment and competitiveness in the economy.

Governor’s Road, who works with an insurance firm around Iponri, Surulere, lamented physical and mental stress he is subjected to every weekday, driving to and fro office. According to Eze, the governor’s directive on the road rehabilitation, has failed to bring the much desired succour to residents and motorists along the Cele-Okota-Egbe route, as their suffering remains. It would be recalled that Governor Ambode on April 19, through

his special adviser and general manager of LSPWC, Temidayo Erinle, ordered for an immediate repair of potholes on the major roads across Lagos, to bring relief to commuters on the roads. Among the 87 roads were Ikeja road, Acme-Oba Akran road, Olaniyi road in Ifako Ijaiye, Apapa road, Marina Beach road, Amuwo Odofin road, Aka-Kemberi road, Dopemu road, Alimosho road, Ijegun road, and Ikotun-Egbe road. Other roads included Eti-Osa road, Obalende road, Somolu road, Alakija/WEAC road, Babs Animashaun road in Surulere, Itire Lawanson, Itire-Ogunlana drive intersection, Herbert Macaulay road in Lagos Mainland local government, Glover road, Costain road by Brewery area, Sabo Market road in Ikorodu, Ijede road. Erinle had acknowledged that the roads mapped out were in horrible state and impeding the free flow of vehicular traffic. “We have received quite a number of complaints from residents and motorists on the state of the roads and how it was directly affecting travel time which in turn has negative effects on the ease of doing business in the state. “The governor has therefore directed the public works corporation to move immediately and commence repair on those roads to ameliorate the traffic that residents have been going through as a result of the State of the roads,” he said.

Police exhume 4 corpses from septic tank in Ikorodu …arrest 2 suspects

peratives of the Nigeria Police have exhumed four bodies dumped in a septic tank in Ikorodu for autopsy. Bala Elkana, spokesperson of the Lagos police command, said in a statement that the bodies were recovered following a report of two Bureau-de-Change operators who went missing on March 14. “On March 14 at about 5.30p.m, the Lagos State Police Command received a complaint from Ikorodu area that some unidentified persons approached one Yakubu Musa and Hassan Umaru, both operators of Bureau de Change at Benson area, Ikorodu and informed them that they have a relation who returned from overseas and need to sell $10,000. “They initially requested that payment will be made in a bank at Ikorodu but on getting to the bank, the suspects moved the operators to an unknown destination and started demanding for ransom from their friends and relatives. “That despite paying N1.6 million as ransom, the abductors refused to release the victims and nothing more was heard from them. The victims phones remained switched off. “The Commissioner of Police,

Lagos command, Zubairu Muazu, detailed the commander, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), to carry out an in depth investigation into the matter with a view to rescue the victims and apprehend the suspects. “Operatives from SARS Ipakodo base led by Godfrey Soriwei arrested three suspects, namely; Oluwatosin Olanrewaju, Mayowa Olawuni a.k.a General and Babatunde Idris a.k.a Aloma. “The suspects confessed to the crime and led operatives to their den at Ikorodu where they dumped the corpses in a septic tank. “Two locally made single barrel guns with five live cartridges, one locally made gun with three ammunition, one locally made revolver pistol with three live ammunition, one cutlass, one axe and some charms were recovered from them.” According to the police spokesman, investigation revealed that the suspects had at various times used an abandoned company as their den, where all their targets are killed and dumped in the sceptic tank. Elkana said as part of the investigation, four decomposed bodies were recovered from the septic tank for autopsy.

Sunday 12 May 2019

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Politics Logistics, security, legal framework to dominate INEC review of 2019 general election James Kwen, Abuja

ogistics deployment, security and legal framework for the conduct of future elections in Nigeria are some of the fundamental issues that would be on the front burner during the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) review of the 2019 general election this May and June. The February/March general election conducted by INEC were severely marred by poor logistics deployment, evident in the nationwide late arrival of election materials and poll officials, faulty smart card readers; security threats resulting in violent disruption of polls and poor legal framework culminating in inconclusive elections and suspension of polls in some cases. According to the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room preliminary report, 58 people were killed during the elections. It also and expressed worries over excessive military involvement in the elections, particularly in the South-South and South-East, specifically Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Imo states. The group, which raised serious concern over the shortcomings of the elections, said there was prevalence of vote-buying in Adamawa, Sokoto, Lagos, Delta, Enugu, Ekiti, Bauchi, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kwara, Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo, Kano and Osun States within the range of N500 and N5,000. It demanded an independent inquiry into the exercise and condemned the spate of violence as well as bloodshed, especially in Rivers State in the governorship and House of Assembly elections. Apparently responding to the unfavourable assessments of the 2019 polls by international and domestic observer groups, public analysts and Nigerians generally, INEC at its postmortem meeting after the elections resolved to review the 2019 general election in May/June to evaluate its performance during the last polls. Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Voter Education and Publicity, while announcing the resolution said: “The Commission approved a proposal to conduct an extensive review and debriefing on the 2019 general election, in line with its existing practice. “This is intended to evaluate the Commission’s performance of the key activities of the general elections with a view to addressing identified challenges and strengthening operational and institutional capacities to conduct free, fair, credible and peaceful elections. “The review will focus on the planning, organisation, conduct and coordination of the general elections, particularly on the fol-

Mahmood Yakubu

lowing: Logistics, procurement and deployment of personnel and materials. Continuous Voter Registration and Collection of permanent voter’s cards, legal environment of the elections, particularly the legal challenges experienced over nomination of candidates and conduct of elections. “Processes of party registration, party primaries and nomination of candidates; quality of ad hoc staff, Relationship between the Commission and diverse stakeholders, including political panics security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and development partners; and quality of inclusivity of the elections, particularly regarding persons with disability, lDPs and gender balance. “Two sets of activities are envisaged in the reviews as follows: (a) internal reviews involving National Commissioners, resident electoral commissioners; electoral officers, collation and returning officers as well as other key staff of the Commission; (b) Review meetings with key stakeholders such as political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, the media and development partners. “These reviews and debriefing will take place between May and June 20l9. The Commission has commenced work on a comprehensive report of the 2019 general election and has mandated its Electoral Institute to undertake detailed research into various aspects of the elections. It is the Commission’s hope that the outcomes of these reviews and studies will feed into further electoral reforms and its preparations for handing and future elections”. Okoye recently reiterated that the issues that would dominate consultations with stakeholders during the review include: deployment of personnel

and materials; opening of polls, voting processes and performance of equipment; counting, collation and declaration of results; operation of the national situation room, election management and support centre. Others are: “Challenges of violence, disruption of electoral process, kidnapping of key election staff, non-use of Smart Card Readers; audit of key processes and procedures; reverse logistics; storage of election materials; addressing electoral offences; handling of election petition and review of election observation report and recommendations”. He further said the Commission would propose far-reaching changes in the nation’s electoral processes. According to the INEC spokesman, one of these is the disposal of all pre-election cases before elections, adding that the extant law whereby pre-election cases are yet to be concluded on the eve of elections makes the Commission’s work difficult. He stated that, “This keeps the Commission on edge to the Election Day. It makes it difficult for the Commission to produce sensitive materials ahead of time. The Commission will prefer a timeframe and timeline that allows for the disposal of all preelection matters before elections. “The Commission will work with the National Assembly and propose alterations to the constitutional and legal framework on critical issues that pose challenges to the conduct of the 2019 elections. “The Commission will also follow closely the pronouncements and judgments of the various courts and tribunals on novel constitutional and electoral issues and incorporate them into our proposal and electoral reforms”. Meanwhile, ahead of the

planned review of the 2019 general election by INEC, stakeholders have made recommendations on what INEC should consider during the review and subsequent elections to correct anomalies that characterised the polls. Fo r i n s t a n c e , C l e m e n t Nwankwo, convener of Situation Room told INEC to commence an independent inquisition into the conduct of the exercise even as he condemned the role of the Nigerian Army in the polls. Nwankwo recommended that the Executive arm of government should not carry out the inquiry on the grounds that it is an interested party. “Situation Room is calling for an inquiry into what happened with the 2019 election because against the background of what happened and we step over it and lay it under the carpet and claim we are heading to 2023, then we are going to be in serious disaster. And I don’t think anybody in INEC should be doing countdown to 2023. “What we should be doing is asking the question: what happened with 2019? Unless we answer that question, there can’t be no countdown to 2023 because it means that we will all have wasted our time and simply pretending that we are observing elections”. Similarly, the Inter-party Advisory Council asked INEC to critically review election security, quality of election staff, election time table, and legal framework for elections in the country as it called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law. “The Roundtable calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill into law when re-presented to him by the National Assembly to save the country from the problems associated with the extent law. “In order to address dwindling turnout of voters after the first election and increase the zeal to elect credible leaders, The Roundtable recommends the conduct of the three principal elections, viz; Presidential/National Assembly election, Governorship/ State Assembly elections and Chairmanship/Councillorship elections on the same day. This will save cost, ensure emergence of quality leadership, the integrity of the ballot, large voter turnout and guarantee improved security on Election Day. “INEC should strengthen the capacity of its polling staff through training and retraining, particularly on the handling of the card readers, assisting voters as well as other electoral procedures to ensure transparency and credibility during future elections. “INEC should consider, recruiting permanent staff whose schedule should be collation of results, train them thoroughly for the assignment to save the nation the embarrassment of adhoc col-

lation officers. “Efforts must be intensified to ensure proper coordination of Inter Agency Committee on Election Security (ICES) and the non-partisan deployment of security personnel to all the polling units to ensure peaceful conduct of polls.” Idayat Hassan, director, Centre for Democracy and Development, noted that, “INEC has a lot to do on the management of logistics, welfare of adhoc staff and improvement on the coalition process,” as it reviews the 2019 general election and prepares for future polls. On the other hand, Solomon Gbenga, National Youth Director of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) who said the proposed review of the 2019 general election is another academic exercise and effort in futility, charged INEC to work out modalities for even distribution of Permanent Voter Cards. “If you ask me, I will say INEC proposal for a review of 2019 general election is actually another means of fraud to the nation and it’s not deserved. We have suffered enough in the hands of this particular body/set of government and in my candid opinion, I will say they should just leave us alone as a country to suffer and lick the wounds they inflicted on us all. “ To s t a r t w i t h , i n 2 0 1 9 throughout the nation and at all levels there was no election in Nigeria; so, saying they want to review what didn’t hold/take place sounds and looks fraudulent to me in the first instance. The people trusted their lives, future and destiny to INEC; they went all out, suffered for days to get their PVC which is supposed to be stress-free and some people slept at collection centres just to make sure their vote will count. But the result was fruitless in most cases as we had to wait for our cases to either be settled in court or by a means of re-run which shows the actual inefficiency of the said Commission.” Gbenga further said: “INEC is supposed to be the umpire to every election held in Nigeria and they are supposed to be fair in their judgment but in the case of 2019, it was like they came out to work for some certain individuals and this frustrated the nation as a whole. INEC being the umpire of the election made matters worse; first, by making election too expensive because in most cases politicians were saving for campaigns, elections and then court cases which in a normal situation is not supposed to be. “I am talking from a strong point of view because in the just concluded elections, I participated fully by casting my votes at all levels and contesting too but the will of the people was left out and never saw the light of day as malpractice took over the day. So as for me there is nothing to be reviewed”, Gbenga lamented.

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Sunday 12 May 2019

Politics My opponents underrated my political sagacity to their own hurt – Ise-Idehen Jude Ise-Idehen was a two-time member of the Edo State House of Assembly on the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) between 2007 and 2015. The now Rep-Elect for Egor/Ikpoba Okha federal constituency on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) defeated the incumbent lawmaker, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In an interview with journalists in Benin City, he spoke on why he won the election and other political issues. IDRIS UMAR MOMOH brings you the Excerpts: During the election, political pundits never considered you as one of the candidates that would win the election but your victory came as a surprise. How were you able to galvanise the electorate for your victory? here is no miracle in politics, but hard work and dedication. It is a full time venture. It is either you are working or not working. I don’t need to publicise everything I did. A real politician knows what he needs to do to win. And I believe I did what I needed to do to win the election. It is the people that matter. Not how many posters or billboards you erected across your constituency. It doesn’t really count. You can put a million but how many people really read the billboards or have the time to watch their television set. We have to be realistic. You must go and meet people that matter at their doorstep, which are the voters on the streets to canvass for their votes. That was what we were doing and we were not sleeping. As you rightly said, I was never counted among the candidates to win the election but in the long run I won because I did the right thing. I knew what I was doing because I had contested election twice into the state House of Assembly in which I was for eight years. So, I believe I know exactly what it takes to win.

fulfil the electoral promises made to the people as well as bringing the attention of the Federal Government to the constituency. These are what I will really work on. It is not that the basic problems confronting the people have been fixed or addressed. They are all still there. If you go to Egor Local Government, there are no good roads, dilapidated public schools everywhere. It is the same issues people have been complaining about in the past years but it is just to get the attention of governments. Was your victory at the poll expected? I expected the victory but my opponent also underrated me. They underrated my political sagacity and ability.

Some people believed that your victory at the poll was a result of your good performance in terms of giving the dividends of democracy to the people of your constituency while at the State House of Assembly? I don’t need to recount those good things now because you media practitioners were all living witnesses to those things I did through your reportage. During my period at the state House of Assembly, I renovated over six blocks of classrooms in Oregbeni Primary School, provided tables and chairs in Ogbesun Primary School, built three blocks of classrooms with headquarters office in Ewomodu Primary School, built a secondary school in Umelu in ward five, built three classroom blocks at Evboriaria Primary School as well as provision of tables and chairs to several schools. I also provided over 10 transformers across the 10 wards in Ikpoba Okha constituency and street lights to Evbomoma village. On security, I renovated the police station in Ologbo. In my eight years in the state House of Assembly, I provided borehole facilities to all the 10 wards in the constituency as well as sank over 25 boreholes in the various communities. I also renovated several health centres across the constituency, gave small scale business loans to women, created relationship with the Muslims and Christians alike by providing beverages, food stuffs among others during fasting and festivities. I also sponsored people-orientated bills such as calling for the renovation of several health centres in Ikpoba Okha Lo-

Jude Ise-Idehen

cal Government Area, a bill for hospitals to always treat bullet wound victims without prior requirement of a police report as well as anti-people bills like land use bill that is geared towards oppressing the poor and the establishment of Iyamho University. How did you feel when you were declared winner of the Egor/Ikpoba Okha federal constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the last National Assembly election in Edo? Like any other human being, I felt happy and overwhelmed especially coming from the opposition party to defeat incumbent in the election. I was overwhelmingly pleased, delighted and elated. Following the victory, you are going to represent the constituency at the National Assembly, how do you intend to carry out legislative functions to better the lots of the electorate compare to your predecessors? One step at a time. I have been in the Edo State House of Assembly for eight years, and I already have the experience. I am not a novice to legislative activities. I am not like those coming to the system for the first time. I already knew what the people expect from me. So, I don’t think it is going to be a difficult task. It is going to be a collective effort and not just what I want but what the people want. The people must lead as always and they must dictate what they want and mine is to implement their wishes. As a federal lawmaker-elect what are the critical issues that you are going to bring to the floor as soon as you are sworn in as it affects the people of your constituency? Education, unemployment, roads and those basic things that we have been complaining of in the past years in the country. This time, it is just for somebody to try and

Now politicking is already ongoing at the National Assembly, especially the race for the speakership position. What camp do you belong or who are you supporting for the position? So far we are waiting for our party’s directives. I belong to the opposition party and we must wait for our party to give us direction on the way forward. So, I’m not in any camp none being involved in the politicking. As a stakeholder in the Nigeria project, insecurity has been one of the major challenges confronting the country. What do you think government should do to address the problem? Government should increase the number of the police force, train and retrain officers on modern methods of policing and crime fighting techniques. Government should provide them with modern fighting equipment as well as upgrade the current equipment they have. Technology is very important in modern day policing against the olden days of policing. I believe the Federal Government should do more for the police and the military. It should also think of a new security architecture of bringing policing close to the doorstep of her citizenry with the introduction of state police. That will help to localise security apparatus to all the community since the Federal Government has failed in its responsibility of providing adequate security to the people. How will you like to be remembered for after your first four years in the National Assembly by the people of your constituency? I will like to be remembered for giving more meaning to the people of my constituency with robust empowerment for youths and women especially, providing employment to the youth and also try to lobby Federal Government to bring its presence to the constituency. My major priority will be to ensure that the people of the constituency feel the impact of Federal Government which today is virtually lacking. Ikpoba Okha is one of the oil producing local governments in the state. How do

you intend to use your office to ensure that the dividends that accrue from oil get to the people of the locality? By the special grace of God and hopefully working with the people I will be able to draw the attention of federal government and all the oil companies operating in the local government to do more for the people in terms of their corporate social responsibility. They should do more for the people and if they are not doing it now, I will ensure that I prevail on them to start doing it. And if they are already carrying out their corporate social responsibility they should do more for us. Do you share the view that the leadership of the 9th National or state Assembly should be elected based on credibility and not through imposition by any party? It has to be on credibility and not partyimposed. I don’t think it is fair for party to interfere in who members should elect as either speaker of the House or Senate president. Party can only recommend a member for any of the positions but the legislators know themselves, and they should know who can lead them better. Immediately after you were declared winner you held a thanksgiving service in the church where you shed tears. Why were you emotional during the service? It is human nature my brother. Unless you are not human being and blood is not flowing in your veins you will not be emotional. Any human being that finds himself in my position with all the forces that worked against me and I still overcame them and triumphed, that is something I should be grateful for. Also, with the overwhelming support I got from the church and from God, that was enough to overwhelm anybody. There is this talk making the rounds that you are not accessible by the people. How true it is? It is ridiculous that people could say that I am not accessible after eight years in the state House of Assembly. If I am not accessible how could I have empowered so many people I have done so much for in my local government? Those making the statement are just saying it for nothing without any verifiable evidence to justify their allegations. They have to verify from the good people of Ikpoba Okha Local Government whom I represented at the state House of Assembly if I was accessible or not for the eight years I was in the house. Your victory at the poll is currently being challenged at the election petition tribunal by the APC candidate. Do you nurse any fear at all? I am already victorious. He is the one (APC candidate) challenging my victory. He has to prove his case against me, PDP and INEC. The burden of proof is on him and not on me.

Sunday 12 May 2019

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Perspective

Prof. Adebayo Adedeji (1930-2018) LAWRENCE BARAEBIBAI EKPEBU

year ago, Nigeria and Africa lost one of their most brilliant and resourceful scholars in the circumstances of Professor Adebayo Adedeji. This country could have done better considering the creativity and ideas he generated in the academia and government. We first met in Harvard in the early 1960s before he left for further studies in the UK. When next we met he was teaching at the University of Ife while I lectured in the University of Ibadan. The civil war changed all that as we became government functionaries. In this capacity, he played a big role in the building of the East-West Road, which I hope to highlight here. But space will not permit me to also detail how in a single day he approved the establishment of the Universities of Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Kano, Maiduguri and Ilorin. Post-civil war, Nigeria was in a hurry to develop as General Yakubu Gowon rolled out a national Five-Year Development Plan. On the priority list were Trunk A interstate roads linking up capitals, seaports and airports. The man entrusted with this plan was Adedeji, Federal Commissioner for Economic Development. Commander Alfred DieteSpiff, pioneer governor of Rivers State, also came up with Rivers Five-Year Development Plan as component of the national plan. As his Commissioner for Finance, 1967-1973, and joint Commissioner for Ministries of Economic Development and Reconstruction, and Information, 1973-1975; I implemented this plan. Manning similar ministries meant Adedeji and I worked together. Originally, I conceived the East-West Road to be limited within Rivers from our boundary with South-Eastern State to that with Mid-Western State. The aim was to open the young state for massive development without leaving any community behind. But when I suggested the project to the great Commander Diete-Spiff, he asked if we had the money to build a road of such magnitude. I replied that we had no fund but I had an idea. If he would permit me, I explained, I could approach the other littoral states, namely, South Eastern, Mid-Western and Lagos, and see if they could link up with us to make it a joint project. If this could be done the challenge of fund became a non-issue as the Federal Government would then take over the road as Trunk A interstate East-West Road. My governor readily gave his permission. S.E. Udoyang was the South Eastern State Commissioner for Economic Development. EY Ekeh was his Mid-Western equivalent. That of Lagos State was IS Adewale, aka, “The Boy is Good.” They all agreed and we submitted a joint project application for Trunk A interstate East-West Road to the Federal Government. My past students

Late Gani Fawehinmi

Prof. Adebayo

...Your Excellency, we refuse to accept this fate. Nigerian roads are built with our money. This one road that means so much to us cannot be thrown out. We’re not against our Igbo brothers. It is common knowledge that we are not on the best of terms with them for not supporting them in the civil war. We are going to award the contract and go back to the Federal Government to take it over in government monitored our file; briefing me as it inched closer to the Supreme Military Council, SMC. But just when we were on the threshold of success disaster struck. On the day the SMC was to take a decision on it,somebody jokingly asked my governor, “Commander, everyone in Port Harcourt is talking about this East-West Road. What do you need it for?” Thinking it was a joke he replied, “Who wants to drive through Igboland to Lagos?” All I can say is that the gods had a hand in the tragedy that followed. General Gowon overheard what my governor said and barked, “Alfred, Come here! Don’t you know that the civil war is over and that we are all brothers? We said there was no victor and no vanquished to make reconciliation possible but it seems you’re not ready for reconciliation. The East-West Road is cancelled.” A subdued Commander Diete-Spiff announced to his executive council back home, “The East-West Road has been

thrown out because of a careless remark made by someone.” It was a thunderbolt. I was devastated, “But, Your Excellency, we refuse to accept this fate. Nigerian roads are built with our money. This one road that means so much to us cannot be thrown out. We’re not against our Igbo brothers. It is common knowledge that we are not on the best of terms with them for not supporting them in the civil war. We are going to award the contract and go back to the Federal Government to take it over.” Some commissioners were skeptical, “We’ll be seen as bad boys awarding a project that was rejected.” “How can we be bad boys for developing Rivers?” I calmly asked, “Does development mean waging a war? We’ll award it and go back to Lagos to fight for it.” It was Commander Diete-Spiff himself who surprised everyone, “If we have to fight for this project then I’m going to be in the battleship with you. But do we have the money to pay the contractors till the Federal Gov-

ernment takes it over?” I clearly saw the hazard, “Yes.” Very well, Commander Diete-Spiff gave his consent. After the meeting, I went to see him in his office upstairs. I knew he was expecting me. He asked, “Do we really have the money to build the road, Larry?” I sat down and cleared my throat. Rivers didn’t have a dime, I admitted. He sprang up to his full height in anger, “You mean you deliberately misled me?” One good thing about Commander Diete-Spiff was his respect for elders. He sat down again and I began, “I toiled for this project and will not want to see it dead. Had I admitted we didn’t have the money you would have also cancelled it. My answer saved it. The EastWest Road will be built. I have an idea.” “Another idea? What is it this time?” I explained I could get the best construction company in Nigeria to handle the project. This could be done by identifying the company with the highest number of federal projects. But we must be honest and tell the company that Oil Rivers was just in name and not in money. That we were planning the road with the hope that the Federal Government would take it over. So, while we lobbied Lagos, the contractors should also use their Dodan Barracks contacts to do the same thing. Our collective effort must yield the expected result. With faith, determination and conviction, we could do the impossible. After I finished speaking, my governor gave his immediate consent. Dumez Nigeria Limited, a French company, built major roads, including the Niger Bridge at Onitsha. At its Marina headquarters, I met Dr. Andre Kamel who agreed his company would design and build the EastWest Road. Matching words with action Dumez did an aerial survey of the proposed route before sending me a copy of the plan. I returned to Marina for negotiations. I asked and received terms better than what Dumez gave the Federal Government. But two problems still confronted us. The first was the payment schedule. Dumez wanted us to start paying with project commencement in 1973 and final payment on completion in 1976. I told Dr. Kamel and his team that in the unlikely event the Federal Government declined to take over the project, we might not be able to finish paying in 1976. I asked to stretch payment to 1981. This infuriated them and they walked out, contending that Dumez was not a bank. I called them back pleading that our offer was not because Rivers didn’t want to pay but that we must be realistic considering our financial capacity. If the Federal Government took over the road then 1981 would have no place in the payment schedule. But to be good partners, let us take the unlikely 1981 for final payment. They reluctantly agreed. The second problem. Dr.

Kamel wanted first payment in foreign currency to enable them procure equipment abroad. I told them that Rivers did not receive allocations in foreign currency and so could only pay in local currency. Once more, they left the negotiation table in anger but I called them back to hear me out. The East-West Road was already rejected by the Federal Government, I reminded them. If Rivers applied to the Federal Ministry of Finance and Central Bank for foreign currency, such request would be shot down and that would be the end of our joint endeavour, “But Dumez has international contacts. Kindly use them to procure the necessary machinery and start work first. By the time we begin to lobby the SMC, our language won’t be for the Federal Government to “begin” the East-West Road. It will be to “take over” a project already under construction.” They saw sense in my argument and nodded again. I was in Broad Street when Allison Ayida, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance, sighted me, “What have you done to Dumez, Larry? This is the same Dumez that collects the last dollar before mobilising to site but we hear you awarded them the EastWest Road without coming to us for foreign exchange. And now Dumez has a shipload of equipment at Apapa for your project. What is going on?” I started saying something about the tailless cow but changed my mind, “It’s God.” Three federal commissioners must be won over if the Federal Government must buy in. The first was Shehu Shagari, commissioner for Finance. The second was Femi Okunnu, commissioner for Works. The third was Adedeji. My argument before them was simple: Look at what the road meant to our people; don’t look at Gowon’s reaction. Shagari and Okunnu were won over. My own Adedeji could not fail me. His office was on the 23rd floor of the Independence Building. On the Tuesday when I was to meet him the lift broke down. Postponing our appointment was simply unthinkable as I was expected to brief the executive council the following day. I must see Adedeji immediately and dash off to the airport for my evening flight to Port Harcourt. Summoning courage, I began to climb up. I was on the verge of cardiac arrest when I crashed into his office and collapsed on the couch. Adedeji was scandalised and soundly scolded me for endangering my life. But I left his office a happy man. In six months flat the Federal Government took over the project. Not just my humble self, Rivers people, the Niger Delta minorities and Nigerians were lucky to have Adedeji at the highest level of government. In a clime where ministers behave like gods, he was simple and approachable. Such was his true character that he saw the human in everyone.

14 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 12 May 2019

The SundayMagazine

Inside low-fee private schools: The r Low-fee schools are springing up practically on every street in densely populated areas of Nigeria to cater for the emerging mass market of parents whose income will not allow access to high end basic education market. STEPHEN ONYEKWELU writes that low cost schools occupy a critical niche in basic education delivery but some are poorly resourced and will need to comply with basic standards.

Realities of low-fee schools t 7:30am, Muyibi Street in Olodi Apapa is already bubbly with activity; bus drivers hurl abusive words at each other to gain right of way, passengers complain about running late to work and sometimes traffic grinds to a halt as Lagos yellow bus drivers and concerned passengers step out to control traffic flow. One remarkable feature on the 1.25 kilometres long street with over 200 residential buildings is the early morning school runs. Some of the houses on this street have been around for the past 100 years, judging from the rusty, coffeebrown corrugated roofing sheets and the architectural design commonly called face-me-I-face-you. Mothers and housemaids walk the streets and shout intermittent notes of safety to children, who tend to run off on their own, all dressed up in a variety of school uniforms. Most of these children will end up in one of the over 10 private schools, which charge less than N10, 000 per term, on Muyibi street. These schools have been classified as low-fee private schools and have become common landmarks on almost every street on Mainland Lagos. This is however, not synonymous with Lagos as some other states in the country are witnessing similar scenario. Low-fee schools specialised in the delivery of basic education have drawn attention for both helpful and unhelpful reasons. “I like to take my child to school because education is very important. I have a daughter at the Bridge International Academies. I wake up by 4:00am to get things ready because the school resumes by 6:30 – 7:00am. My daughter is excited and she is good at phonics. I struggle to make ends meet but will see to it that my children become graduates,” Bukola Samson, a mother whose daughter is five years old, said during a visit to one of the low-fee schools run by the Bridge International Academies, a chain of private schools that delivers basic education with the low-fee school model in Lagos. Field visits to 10 of such schools across Lagos: Ajegunle, Ikorodu and Alimosho local governments, five schools in Benin City, coupled with long hours of interview at the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) secretariats in Lagos and Benin City show that many low cost schools are struggling to keep their doors open to the growing number of parents who come to them seeking basic education for their wards. The realities Many low cost schools in Lagos and Benin City can best be described as makeshift structures, located either in uncompleted church buildings, church multi-purpose halls, residential buildings (with tenants living alongside the schools) and crowded noisy environments (which makes learning a serious challenge). During a visit to one of such schools, Brighter Future Nursery and Primary, School in Isolo area, the school was lo-

cated in the type of building called faceme-I-face-you of 12 rooms. The school renovated and occupies six of the rooms. When the reporter arrived at the school’s premises, 11:13am some of the tenants were busy preparing lunch and the aroma filled the air while pupils in each of the six classrooms chorused one repetitive rhyme or item of a lesson as instructed by the teacher. “We used to stay in a smaller building across the street but as the number of our pupils grew, we had to expand into this building. We hope to eventually acquire a piece of land and build our permanent site,” the proprietor, who wishes to stay anonymous said. The children drank water from a 50-litre covered bucket placed in front of one of the classrooms. All the pupils used one cup placed on the covered water container to drink. The classrooms were small, about 3 metres by 3 metres and contained over 10 pupils. Three pupils were randomly selected from primary four (a girl and two boys) to read a comprehension passage from an English Language text meant for the class. The girl, eight years old, read fluently but could not identify some of the words when asked to pronounce or tell their meaning independently of the text. Between the two boys, one struggled to read with little comprehension but the other could not read at all. The proprietor in response said the latter had only joined his school in September 2018. “I do this out of passion. The school operation has not been profitable but I am consistent because if I do not do this, there are many children who will not have access to education, simply because their parents cannot afford to send them to primary schools that charge higher fees. I am a teacher myself,” the proprietor said.

Kings and Queens Primary Nursery and Primary School situated in Ajegunle, is located within the same premises as a palm wine pub. Although the pub resumes around 4:00pm, the children are exposed to an unhygienic and noisy environment. Some of the teachers are indeed senior secondary school certificate holders and see teaching as pastime. “I have teachers who are senior secondary certificate (SSCE) holders. But they tend to teach with passions. Currently, I have only two, I encourage my teachers to further their studies and obtain at least the National Certificate in Education (NCE),” Ahmed Usain, proprietor of Tawakalitu Schools, in Ajeromi Ifelodun, said. In Benin City, low-cost schools operate some at healthy locations and some others operate from uncompleted, dingy church buildings. Low-cost schools service low-income neighbourhoods where waste management is inefficient and sometimes, these schools are located beside heads of dirt and clogged water channels, which produce unpleasant odours with negative health implications. Four challenges and AFED Some of the findings of the investigation show that low-cost schools face four challenges, which include government regulation, tax and revenue, managerial knowledge gap among the operators, and lack of funding opportunities. Some proprietors who were interviewed during the investigation said they are not able to access loans and expand their operations. This, they said, was because they do not have ministry of education approval and risk closure of such school. Lack of access to finance means these schools are not able to improve

and expand. This explains the financial circle these schools are in. With government’s approval; banks are willing to give loans. But when there is no government approval, banks do not want to deal. However, the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) has emerged on the scene to help low-fee schools’ operators interface with government, particularly in Lagos State, where there has been appreciable milestones. The Association has also established a secretariat in Benin City. “There is need for AFED schools to begin repositioning students to harness, create and leverage on local and global opportunities; meet the growing demand for technological skills which include, logical reasoning, problemsolving, design and creativity. This is also the reason government has given AFED schools 40 slots out of 60 meant for Code Lagos training programme. Children from low-cost schools shouldn’t be left behind,” said Ronke Soyombo, director general, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State Ministry of Education at AFED’s 2018 National Congress. Lack of access to funds leads to skills gap because the schools are not able to train and re-train their teachers. Some of the schools employ Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) holders for two reasons. The communities in which some of the low-fee schools are located are the type in which graduates flee from as soon as they are able to do so. Consequently, those left to be employed are SSCE holders, who sometimes present pleasant surprises. “I understand that people expect us to employ either National Certificate of Education (NCE) holders or first degree holders. The truth is that given what we charge as school fees and our target population, we may not be able to sustainably pay some of them. However, SSCE holders come in handy and some of them out-perform some NCE holders,” Dele Ehi, a teacher and low-fee school owner in Benin City, Edo State, said.

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BDSUNDAY 15

The SundayMagazine

realities, challenges and future

Some low-cost school operators say in the midst of their struggles unscrupulous government officials take advantage of them. They come to harass the school owners and because school owners are afraid of their school being shut down, they are willing to comply. “So, waste management comes, local government agents come, personal income tax will come and even corporate income tax will come too. “Government schools have failed in the sense that they are overcrowded and there is no transfer of knowledge. Parents want alternatives. One thing parents consider as strong measure of knowledge transfer is in the ability of their children to speak fluent English Language,” Ehi said. Performance at external examinations On learning outcomes and performance, students from AFED schools had over 90 percent pass rate at the Lagos State Examination Board’s 2018 placement test into junior secondary schools, according to the master result for over 10 local governments among which were Ikorodu, Surelere Alimosho, Kosofe and sighted by the reporter; the least score was 50 percent. Finance and school administration Some of the low-cost schools pay as low as N50 per day to go to school but the parents struggle to keep up and may not be able to pay N200 for continues assessment booklet. A low-fee school is one that charges N10, 000 (ten thousand naira) and below per term as school fees. Some of the cheapest nursery and primary schools in Lagos charge above N7,000 as school fees, while those above average charge from N30,000 to as much as N500,000 school fees per term. There are schools that charge N7000 as school fees per term. Schools registered under AFED in Lagos number between 3, 000 and 5, 000, and in these schools there are at least two pupils per school whose parents cannot afford to pay. What some school owners do to keep brilliant children is to have their parents render one form of service or the other free of charge to the school. In one case, the father of the children was a carpenter and he would come in to render service to school. But many of these school owners do not know how to keep records. They keep robbing Peter to pay Paul. This is because the school may not be necessarily profitable but the regular flow of revenue makes it look profitable. However, at the end of the day when time

is taken to calculate income and expenditure, the result is disappointing. A school owner boasted of how much progress she had been making and how profitable her school was. Upon going through her financials she had excluded rent. This was because the school was on her husband’s property. The school owner was guided to value the space she occupied. A flat in the area she said was N200, 000 and her school sat on four flats. This means she would have been required to pay rent of N800, 000 annually but was not paying rent and did not factor it into her operating costs. Many of the low-cost schools are run like charity organisation without much thought to either bookkeeping or profit making. What drives them is passion. If school owner continues to run the school for 15 or 20 years, she would have produced a graduate by the end of this period. This is part of what drives them not the profit. They are actually making no profit. “Parents are struggling to make ends meet in this community. There are pupils who come to school without shoes, food and the parents struggle to provide notebooks. One thing I like about the parents is that they are always willing to bring the children to school,” Ngozi Umeh, a principal at Bridge International Academies in Lagos, said. The Bridge International Academies is a chain of low-cost fees schools with a strong footprint in East Africa. “The kids are always happy to be in school and looking at the character board; some pupils come to school as early as possible so that their names will appear on the board. They want to be the first child in class,” Umeh said. Chidinma Joseph, a mother of three, said this of a Bridge International Academy school, “I have been searching for a school to send my two children to but it proved a big challenge. Whenever you come into my house, you will see more than 15 school uniforms, in my children’s wardrobe because I want the best for my kids but did not see the best in these schools. I continued searching until I found this school.” Low-cost schools and the future of basic education delivery In 1999, the Nigerian government introduced Universal Basic Education, a programme to provide free primary and secondary education for every Nigerian child aged 6 – 16 years. But the UBE pro-

gramme got legal backing only five years later, with the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004. In the Act “basic education” means early childhood care and education and nine years of formal schooling; “child or ward” means a person of primary or junior secondary school age who is between the age of 6 years and 16 years whether disabled or not. The Act provides as follows in Part 1: 1. Without prejudice to the provisions of item 30 of Part II of the Second Schedule and item 2 (a) of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution dealing with primary school education, the Federal Government’s intervention under this Act shall only be an assistance to the States and Local Governments in Nigeria for the purposes of uniform and qualitative basic education throughout Nigeria. This first part of the Act lays the responsibility for the provision of compulsory, free universal basic education squarely on the shoulders of States and Local Government Areas. However, subsection two shared the responsibility of providing education between the lower two tiers of government and parents. This implies the spirit of the Act acknowledges the role parents have to play to ensure the success of UBE programme. 2. (1) Every Government in Nigeria shall provide free, compulsory and universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age. (2) Every parent shall ensure that his child or ward attends and completes his - (a) primary school education; and (b) junior secondary school education, by endeavouring to send the child to primary and junior secondary schools. As of 2015, Nigeria ranked 103 out of 118 countries in UNESCO’s Education for All (EFA) Development Index, which takes into account universal primary education, adult literacy, quality of education, and gender parity. Low cost school operators may be filling a gap opened up by government’s inability to build new public schools as population grows and new human settlements develop. Existing public schools often have overcrowded classrooms and lack basic infrastructure to deliver functional basic education to Nigerian children who will have to compete in borderless, global labour markets. But low-cost schools have some homework to do too, believes Julian Dabson, founder of Jumex Infant Jesus Schools, in Badagry, Lagos. Hers is the

only approved AFED (low cost) school in the area. “We lack the necessary tools needed to prepare our pupils for global, digital knowledge-based economy. We do not have computers. This comes down to lack of access to funds. Banks won’t deal with us,” Dabson said. Experts say low-cost schools have met the need for basic education delivery only halfway. If other countries are investing heavily in basic education, Nigeria should also. Low-cost schools can access the many international grants available for educational development. “More people will go to such cheap schools and we all know the dangers this pose for the quality of future human capital in Nigeria. There are grants everywhere and these schools should put their houses together, in order to be able to access them in groups,” Odumosu Omolara, chief executive officer at Class Climax Consulting; an educational advisory services company, said. The Association for Formidable Educational Development is developing a template for low-fee schools registered under its umbrella. The Association has started centralising administration for low-fee schools and for the first time successfully organised terminal examinations for the over 3000 schools registered at its secretariat. Currently, about 18,000 private schools operate in Lagos, a 50-percent increase since 2011. This expansion of private schools has been supported by aid money. In 2014, the Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom paid £3.45 million to Bridge International Academies (BIA), a global chain of low-fee schools that aim to deliver education services for the poor. This sum facilitated the entry of the International low-fee schools chain into Lagos. Experts have also said education has gone beyond what government alone can provide at any level. Private sector participation is necessary. At the basic education phase, the scale- either big or small- does not matter. What counts most is compliance with set standards, especially with reference to the quality of teachers. “Claims that sometimes Senior Secondary Certificate holders teach better than teachers with the National Certificate in Education (NCE) cannot justify the use of unqualified, unregistered and unlicensed teachers. The minimum qualification to teach is the NCE,” Josiah Ajiboye, registrar and executive officer of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, said when contacted for comments. Ajiboye said that the National Council on Education at a recent meeting has set December 31, 2019 as deadline for everyone teaching in Nigeria to get registered. The TRCN has also introduced two qualifying examinations for teachers. For the exams next month, 26, 000 would-beteachers have already registered. “Whether a school is low- or high-fee, it needs to comply with basic standards. We do not regulate private schools but we regulate their teachers,” the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria’s boss affirmed.

This report was supported by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) Regulators Monitoring Programme (REMOP) for basic education.

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Sunday 12 May 2019

Interview

‘Journalism, crucial to democracy’ Jennifer Thomas, Assistant Professor in the Department of Media, Journalism and Film, Howard University, Washington District of Columbia, United States has indeed carved a niche for herself in the field of broadcast journalism. Thomas, who is also a former executive producer in CNN played a vital role in the network coverage of major news. She was honoured by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for her contributions to the network’s September 11 coverage. She also received the Peabody Award for her contribution to CNN’s coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Recently, Jennifer was invited to Lagos by the US Consulate to aid the Consulate in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lekki to commemorate 2019 World Press Freedom Day. After delivering a lecture at the University, she spoke in an interview with some select journalists where she delved into several issues which include; importance of journalism in the development of a democratic nation; challenges facing journalists in the world; how to identify fake news, among others. NGOZI OKPALAKUNNE was there. Excerpts:

hat are the take home lessons for journalists on this World Press Freedom Day? The take home for all journalists will be to remain in the course and remember that journalism is a calling. They should re-ignite the passion for the calling of journalism. What we do as journalists is so important to the democracy for every nation around the world. So, I think it’s important that we have this day to recognise that fact and to serve as a reminder for those of us in it to fight a good fight. It is not an easy job, but we are in a noble profession and we just have to remain and reignite the passion for that. How does one detect fake news? There are lots of things you can do, but I think the first thing is to consider the source. Check who is the writer, l mean the by-line, does it look real? Oftentimes, it may be a satire type, that is something you find in someone who is trying to deliberately deceive information, look at the photograph, these are some of the basic things I think we can do so as to identify if a story is fake or not. It might be hard sometimes, because social media is everywhere. And news is out instantaneously, so, sometimes it’s often hard to tell what is real or not. Any challenge being a female journalist in the US? After my graduation, l got a job in the newsroom, l was the youngest and the only black woman in the entire newsroom then. But, twenty years later, when I became CNN executive producer, I wasn’t the youngest anymore. I was the only black woman who was an executive producer in the entire network. The chal-

lenges facing black women in the news media in US are very real, but I never let that stop me. I’m proud of who I am, I’m proud of my look, I’m proud of my hair. You don’t have to like me, you don’t have to like the dress I’m wearing, the heels I’m wearing, but you cannot discount my work. That is something that I tell my students all the time. People may hate you but, they can’t touch the credibility of the work. So, let the work speak for itself. That is how I trained myself. I have thousands stories for being in male dominated business. In fact, black female journalists have been blatantly disrespected just for doing their fundamental roleas defenders of democracy and freedom fighters. One of these journalists, Abby Philip, who was a panelist at a forum held at the Howard University. The event was also sponsored by the University. During this session, in which the journalists shared their experiences of covering the White House, Philip underscored her commitment to doing her job with integrity, while trying to block out the naysayers. Have you ever wanted to quit as a journalists? Particularly, these were just for personal reasons. Like a vacation, I always think unduly, having to be on the women call of breaking news whether I’m on vacation or on holiday. So, those were the times that I was looking at my friends and colleagues from school who had typical 9-5 jobs and were doing much better things with their time, I thought at times when I’m being called up for work at bad weather, storms coming and they will come and pick us up and drive us to the station or the hotel to make sure we can get to work- those were the times I get reconsidered about the job. I never thought of leaving because of bad story

Jennifer Thomas

or negative situation. We all have bad days and sometimes I think that in this issue some kind of care is so important. During September 11, we were working for days on air without days off. They have to bring counselors in, because it was affecting people so much. One of my associate producers ended up quitting because of the stress that it has caused her, she later came back to the business, but she needed a break. I can see how people can get much stressed. Since I left CNN full time, everything seems to change, my hair started growing, my skin getting clearer, I started resting better, and I don’t recognise how much stress I have been carrying on regular basis. If you weren’t a journalist what would you have been?

A Jazz singer. I actually sing a lot. I was a performer a long time ago, 2003 Atlanta jazz festival. So I love to sing. If I weren’t a journalist, hopefully, I would have been a successful Jazz singer. Who influenced you the more while growing up, your mum or dad? Both of my parents, of course. My mother is gentle and kind. My father always tells me to stand up and speak up. My father was actually active in civil right in Mississippi, helping to register people of hope, I think I get my drive to speak up and push back from my father. My mother always encourage us to see the world and to explore, to be proud of who we are, and to look like a lady. So, I take that from her.

What would you say about your visit to Nigeria? This is my first time. I must say I felt very welcomed from the moment I arrived at the very busy airport. From the airport, I met other people with good morning pleasantries; good afternoon; good evening, which are common place here. The crazy traffic, that reminds me of New York City times two. I feel very welcomed and much honoured to be in Nigeria. When I first received the mail and the call from the US Department of State about the invitation, by the US consulate in Lagos, I must say I was surprised. I would say there are lots of notable people who can be here, but for some reasons they chose me. I am grateful about that.

Sunday 12 May 2019

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Interview

‘Keep to your vision, if you must succeed in business’

Ayanbajo Ibidapo Oluwafemi is the chief consultant of Edufountain Consulting Limited and EducationforAll, an educational and research organisation. In this interview with JONATHAN ADEROJU he explains how his organisation helps to become a voice against youth apathy, cybercrimes, wellness, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, among others. Excerpts:

an you tell us about yourself and some achievements in the industry so far?

I am Ayanbajo Ibidapo oluwafemi, a native of Ijebu-Ode Ogun State. I am a graduate of Economics from Olabisi Onabanjo University AgoIwoye (Ogun State). In 2015, I also had my second degree in Entrepreneurship and Business Management from National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Agidingbi-Ikeja. I am the Consultant at Edufountain Consulting Limited that has been solving educational and socio-economic problems of the benefiting communities and the convener of EducationforAll Organisation, an educational and research organisation as a community-based organisation that has been a voice in the fight against youth apathy, cybercrimes, wellness, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and youth poverty via SYROP, a student & youth re-orientation programme. Could you please tell us how you founded your company? First, all glory to God, because all was birthed in a course of some prayer sessions in the quest of discovering my divine purpose in 2008. Then EducationforAllOrg was founded which is a driving force behind Edufountain Consulting Limited that was established in 2016 on the 5th of February. Can you tell us about some of the places you have worked before and how will you describe the experiences? Well, I worked at Ijebu Northeast Local Government as the personal assistant to the secretary to the local government chairman on youths and social development which helped me in learning more about public administration and grassroots governance 2004-2005. As a Marketing Executive in 2008 at Zain Nigeria now Airtel Nigeria at their Ilupeju office and Power High Quality paints both helped in testing and sharpening my marketing skills same year. All changed as I felt I wasn’t fulfilled and decided to opt for teaching job as an Arts teacher at Meu Victory Comprehensive School at Idimu Titun-Lagos in 2012. I was a teacher at Fame Comprehensive College EjigboLagos as an Arts teacher, where it dawned on me that am on my path of purpose. Due to poor working conditions and not feeling valued I went to another private school with more challenging opportunities at Queenmaris Group of Schools where my managerial skills and leadership skills were tested and harnessed though the working conditions weren’t far better than the former, but there was an enabling platform that made EducationForAll thrive, as we were able to develop a joint students gender-based and academic-based initiatives which

Ayanbajo Ibidapo Oluwafemi helped in gaining the trust of both teachers, parents, students and the school management from 2015-2018. What milestones have you achieved since you set up your organisation? Still counting, in the sense that, we have been able to be only community-based organisation i.e. a household name in the heart of all as an education problemsolver not only to the schools but also to the authorities in these communities and students across the schools for all ages to all ages, in partnership with other existing players in the sector. May we know a little about how your organisation is funded? This has always been a determinant because at a point you have spent more in terms of marketing, space rent for office and tutorial centre, the headaches of overheads even when you are not recording sales and profits. How do you address the issues of expertise, completion, tariff and security? Thanks you. We have available very good personnel that can give you and your clients’ 1100percent satisfaction despite the surplus labor. On competition; this is one of the reasons we are still in business because virtually everyone offers our kind of services, but the abil-

ity to learn and do things uniquely as a result of trainings and offering some discounted or unpaid services helped in gaining the confidence and trust of our esteemed clients. Talking about tariffs, as an entrepreneur who is poised to last longer than the first 10years because our research at Edufountain Consulting Limited shows that businesses in that particular business district hardly survive 10years due to ignorance and unforeseen circumstances, e.g. rates such as Association dues, LASAA fees, Signage fees, we have remained afloat and determined to weather the storm. On the issue of security, as a certified project manager, it is our company safety policy to ensure good care of service from the meeting point to the delivery point, i.e the interest of our clients comes first. Issue of safety is our utmost concern. Considering the number of clients you have managed at less than 40 years of age, what has been your drive? My drive is my Creator. My passion and purpose is for a desired change that adds good value to people and puts longlasting smiles on people’s faces. Our Lord Jesus Christ saw the problem of hunger amongst the crowd, he first enquired (he

was given 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish) he prayed, he fed them and he finally impacted their lives and they smiled. What do you think has sustained your client’s patronage and contributed to the growth of your business? Wow! This is what every entrepreneur must take note of integrity; that is your words must count because if your immediate families, friends and colleagues don’t trust you, then you are out of business. Just like heart of a child is the heart of your client, because when trust ‘bonding factor’ is broken it can never be business as usual. You can’t imagine promising a student client 5As in one sitting and such student hardly came out with 2Bs, 2Cs, 3Es and 2Fs, it can be very embarrassing! In addition to integrity, there are other factors that help in this regard. Delivery system: You must ensure your client gets your 110percent of your service even at delivery point where good customer relation is pivotal. Communication: Always ensure that you update or inform your clients on the decision and policy changes made by your company via bulk sms, social media platforms and ads. Think as your clients: This means that you must read the mind of your clients to help you know how exactly and why they chose you. Have or develop a good listening ear because, in some cases you get your services feedbacks on the spot or at your back. Leveraging on your connections, it was found out according to a research at Edufountain Consulting Limited that very few Nigerian youths or youth entrepreneurs attend paid or unpaid seminars and trainings, not to mention that they don’t follow up the new connections at such meetings because everyone needs someone if you want to succeed. Having visited other countries, how will you compare Nigeria education sector with what is obtainable outside the country? The educational sector size in Nigeria is extremely large. Nigeria is one of top 5 countries in the world that is highly proliferated with schools at all levels in all the communities either rural or urban. A major factor is also the fact that, Nigeria is densely populated as a result of poor birth control particularly in the Northern, South-Eastern and Western part of Nigeria. The high level of technological advancement and improvement, adequate funding by the government and a regularise framework that ensures the bars are continuously raised to provide well and enriched qualitative education not undermining the strong public and private partnership which is seen absent in the Nigeria educational sector.

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Sunday 12 May 2019

Interview

2nd term: Buhari should step up the economy, security and job creation - Ologunde Funsho Ologunde is the vice chairman Southwest of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, in this exclusive interview with INIOBONG IWOK, he spoke on the just concluded general election, the performance of INEC, priority areas for President Muhammadu Buhari, among other issues. Excerpts: Unlike 2015, the APC won almost all elective positions in Lagos State; how was this achieved? e did not win everything. We won most of the positions and lost some; but not many positions were lost, which was a significant improvement on our performance in the 2015 general elections. The 2015 election was not a reflection of our performance; all those places that we lost it was because of the dollars distributed by PDP in their crazy bid to win Lagos State at all cost. But we sat down and realised the mistake and this time around we were able to overhaul our machinery which made us to strike back. However, we are not there yet, in subsequent elections, we would establish the dominance of APC for the governorship election we could have done more. In the governorship election in 2015, we defeated the PDP with about 100,000 votes, but this time we had 500,000 votes differences. Before the election you would realise that the PDP never mount any podium to campaign, which indicated that they didn’t have confidence in themselves; they had planned to rig massively, unfortunately for them, it was neutralised this time around. Their plans to rig collapsed like a pack of cards; they depended too much on rigging that they never bothered to mount a table to tell Lagosians what they were going to do.

Don’t you think that if the Amended Electoral Act was signed into law, it would have eliminated some of these bottlenecks? Despite that the President refused to sign the law that was amended by the lawmakers mischievously, was there any state that the card reader was not used? I have not seen any report that says that.

But some opposition parties have accused the APC of colluding with INEC to manipulate 2019 election in the state; some of the governorship candidates are in tribunal now? Well, that is the imagination of a loser. I said earlier, that parties did not go out to campaign; they hoped on rigging because they had been assured by their god-fathers outside the state that they would do it for them. So, how could they have won the election? That was failure. You said they are in the tribunal; let them go, who was it that sang the song that the harder they go they will continue to fail; the tribunal intrigues will fail like a pact of cards before the eyes of all Lagosians. The election was free and fair; is it because they were not able to smuggle thumb-printed ballot paper? But there were allegations bordering on widespread violence against non-Yorubas in some parts of the state? That is not true; because as an officer of the APC in Lagos State there was no such plan, or an order to some people to do that. Those places you talked about are my constituency over which I have responsibility; there was never a time the party programmed anybody to go out and cause violence; never. If some people misbehaved and some people reacted, they should not blame it on anybody. You were here during the campaigns and after the campaign, the Ohanaeze sent messages to Southeasterners residing in Lagos State, about who they should vote for in the election. If all those things happened and our people kept quiet, believing and trusting God for the good things the APC can do in Lagos State, should anybody now turn around and blame the APC? It is even the reverse; when a tenant enters the house of a landlord and begins to challenge the landlord and start to prove equality, it is palaver that is coming.

Some political observers were surprised by the huge numbers of votes the President Buhari got in some Northern states, compare to Lagos, and the number of voters? Yes, Lagosians appear to be the most educated in terms of the concentration of citizens in Nigeria, but it appears; the more educated the less likelihood of them voting. So you cannot blame the people if Lagosians did not come out, it is not the fault of the people who are not educated in the north, if you are educated and you refused to exercise your right to vote then you don’t care who govern you. We have more than 5 million registered voters in Lagos State, but they did not come out, there was no restriction, even with all our campaigns in Lagos State people did not come out to vote; who is to blame?

Funsho Ologunde

What happened in the supplementary election in Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency of the state? That is another story. In 2015, Rita did not win by popular votes, it was rigged. The first part of 2019 elections in Ajeromi-Ifelodun where she had 3,000 majority votes it was through the influence of name-dropping and the use of imported fake military men, DSS and fake police officer. The people were going round intimidating voters; because she knew that she could not win comfortably if the election was allowed to hold peacefully. She also planned with her supporters to cause violence in a key section in the constituency where her opponent from the APC was popular, while she allowed peaceful election to hold where her stronghold was. She disrupted elections in areas that were not her stronghold; and she thought she could influence INEC to cancel elections result in those areas and declare her winner. The party protested to INEC and we were able to convince INEC to see reason with us, so she went to court, and the court said no, INEC was in charge of that election, INEC should declare the result and go ahead and hold rerun election. In the course of the election, some of her supporters were driving around in a Seena bus, as they approached a police check point they felt they would be caught and they all ran out of the car. When the police search the vehicle, they saw 5 long range guns; it was an unmarked vehicle, an unregistered Seena bus. She knew she won the election fraudulently in 2015, and the APC also had put their house in order; the people are no more ready for her money, the money was even no more coming freely. The APC knows who often gives the money out, that person is tired of bankrolling violence and election in Lagos. So you are saying APC won? Yes, the party won. The same day there was also a by-election for the State Assembly po-

sition for Surulere, the APC won that place too. The PDP were unable to say anything or protest because it was obvious they could not even come out and mobilise their supporters to vote; was it the APC that locked them at home? They could not come out; whoever is complaining that the election was not free and fair is not sincere. What is your assessment of the performance of INEC in the general election across the country? INEC tried their best across the country; I recollect how INEC was sabotaged in the first election to the extent that the election had to be postponed. The postponement was imposed on INEC because the big time politicians in Nigeria did not want the Presidential and National Assembly elections to hold in one day, they were not ready even with the postponement, they could not sort it out, but Nigerians voted who they wanted. You remember before the election, a former president who said that the election was bad, later changed his mind that it was the candidate that was bad. Why did the card reader machines fail? Why did they have to revalidate the card reader to work properly? The logistics challenges faced by INEC were not all their making; there were evil men that were out to disrupt the election, they did not want the election to hold; even during the election they instigated violence across the country after the election of the president they had planned to cause violence and show the international community that the election was not free and fair, they said Buhari was not popular they said APC was bad. They are not sincere, in spite of negative campaign against Buhari Nigerians still voted for him. In 2015, Buhari won by 1.5 million votes, this time, he won by more than 4 million votes; now they are still crying that Buhari is not popular and APC is not popular they have to sit down.

How do you react to the comment by an Afenifere chieftain, who said he would not recognise President Buhari beyond May 29? Chief Ayo Adebanjo is just one person; he has never contested election for any position in his life time. One of the eldest men we have in this country, but he is a specialist together with Afenifere in criticising and destroying. We know the role Afenifere play in the 2019 election. By making this statement, what does he want to do now? Is he going to pack his things and leave Nigeria? I am sorry to say, that is the view of a frustrated elder citizen who is so disappointed that his negative wishes for the country was not actualised. But Afenifere leaders have always said their only problem against Buhari is his opposition to restructuring of the country, and that they are supporting Atiku because of his support for restructuring? Because Afenifere always give a reason to behave the way they behave. You remember Afenifere moving from the Southwest to the Southeast to engage Ohanaeze, they engaged the Middle-belt Forum, and also moved to the North to engage Arewa to join them to build a fibre of destruction for the country, but it is unfair. I don’t see them as good, the way they behave during the period of the election. All the leaders of Afenifere, this is the kind of attitude they put up that makes the young ones like us to say that Afenifere does not represent the interest of Yourbas. You can see the way Ohanaeze stand in the just concluded election; they did not want Buhari to win the presidential election, but the Southwest came out to say no. What areas do you think President Buhari should give priority to in his second term? President Buhari should give priority to the anti-graft war; he should step it up. The economy, security and agriculture, education, job creation; I think the four point which the president used to campaign in 2015 is still relevant; is not as if he is not working, just that the more he works the more those areas are exposed.

Sunday 12 May 2019

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BDSUNDAY 19

Interview Being HSE-compliant can lead to a better economy – Ashiru GEORGE ASHIRU, chief strategist, Global Performance Index International, a web and software development company, spoke to journalists about the current environmental and safety issues and how companies can imbibe global best practices in health safety and environment. TEMITAYO AYETOTO was there and brings excerpts:

hat is your view on Nigerians’ perception of safety? Nigerians generally view safety as a costincurring exercise to business and personal life instead of a proactive accidentprevention system that adds value in terms of reduction in business cost and quality of life. This former perception must change for the latter in our collective interest and benefits.

Why should youngsters take careers in HSE? They should take careers in HSE because, apart from the monetary gains, HSE is a humanitarian occupation of saving lives and thus is a spiritually-fulfilling occupation like the Red Cross, UNICEF, etc. Does your organisation believe in catching them young for this purpose? Yes, because we believe in enabling people to solve problems. This summit is a testament to that. As you can see, no fee was charged to the public and majority of the attendees were young people. We went further to encourage that by acknowledging projects they embarked upon that have a positive effect on societal HSE issues.

What are some contemporary global safety issues you think should engage our attention? Contemporary global safety issues include global warming due to increase in Co2 levels in the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels. The effect of this is rise in global temperature (big issue in Europe right now), rise in sea levels due to melting of ice in the arctic region with the resultant flooding issues in coastal areas. Others are ozone layer depletion, which has resulted in increase in cancer cases, epidemics, e.g., Ebola and HIV/AIDS. We are also aware of oil pollution from exploration/exploitation and transportation of crude oil, desertification especially in the Middle East and Sahel region of Africa, and ground water resources depletion. These are some current global safety issues of serious concern. What safety measures can we put in place to survive current global warming? Use of electric cars, solar for power generation, gas energy to replace coal fuels and diesel engines and legislation in line with the UN climate change agenda. How would you describe the relationship between health, safety and environment? Health, safety and environment all have the same purpose or aims, i.e., they are all concerned with the protection and having a positive effect on the welfare and wellbeing of man. Health is concerned with the prevention of diseases-causing organisms and conditions that affect people/society; safety aims to prevent hazards and hazardous conditions in the workplace/ surroundings, while environment aims to preserve man’s ecosystem (land, air, water and flora/fauna) in its pristine form from man’s activities that cause pollution to the ecosystem. Thus, all three are aimed at enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of humans. You recently held a summit. What was the reason for the event and who were your target stakeholders? The reason for the event was to change people’s attitude to HSE by first making them know that safety starts with you. It has to be a conscious personal effort of imbibing a safety culture (HSE in our DNA), which will then unlock the hidden billionaire in you that will lead to a lifestyle of healthy living, job/wealth creation and positive impact to the society at large. Target stakeholders are the general pub-

lic, especially young people, regulators and companies whose activities if not controlled/monitored can have negative impact on HSE and HSE professionals. How do you think contemporary environmental and safety problems can be addressed? The first step is having a robust and effective legislation that is not only implemented but enforced when HSE violations

‘‘

In the United Kingdom, they stated that safety issues cost the economy 15 billion pounds. If we have the tendency to look at issues that regard HSE in corporate terms and government organisations around us, we might be able to improve the economy by being HSEcompliant

occur, which sadly is lacking in Nigeria. Also, HSE should be introduced as civic course from foundational levels in our school curricula, so as to shape people’s minds from the young age. Remember that the Bible says, “Teach the child and when he grows up he will not depart from thy ways.” There was a time the country had sanitary inspectors. Would you advocate the return of sanitary inspectors? Definitely, but they should be given powers in line with the UK HSE Executive Officers who have more powers than the police. How do you think companies should attach great importance to HSE issues? By top management taking responsibility for HSE by providing resources, being seen on the shop floor by workers, i.e., walk the talk, and encouraging good safety behaviours or actions through incentive schemes and sponsoring of HSE events (like the just-concluded summit). The standard of HSE culture in any organisation depends on the value top management attaches to HSE. What roles do you think regulatory agencies have to play in this regard? The regulatory agencies can do a lot by enforcing both national and international HSE standards and guidelines, which for now are weak in Nigeria.

What is your impression on the recent HSE workshop which your company co-sponsored in Lagos? It was a great opportunity for Global Performance Index International to be associated with the HSE summit. We are a tech company and we try to use technology to enhance performances and productivity in organisations in the country as a whole and in Africa. We want to be able to have global impact in terms of the way we use technology to optimise and transform organisational behaviour and processes. Recently, we have been having issues with good health and safety matters in Nigeria, so at GPI we thought of how we can use Artificial Intelligence to increase safety and health and also increase sustainability in terms of environment in Nigeria. And because we are a problemsolving organisation, we thought about doing a summit and bringing professionals to identify the problems. We at GPI will turn it to technology and enhance things in the country. Currently, people in the northern part of Nigeria have come under attack from unknown persons. Imagine if they had drones in the sky controlled by Artificial Intelligence that could look at people moving around and could potentially spot those with weapons using infrared technology and the appropriate persons would be informed. That is technology and that is safety. We can’t leave everything to humans. Also imagine if there was a mobile application that one could report emergencies almost real time and as soon as they see it they can access your location because of GIS. It is not expensive to use technology at all. All companies should adopt safety cultures and let all their staff undergo safety trainings. In doing so, the company would realise that their downtime and insurance claims would reduce and their profitability would go up. In the United Kingdom, they stated that safety issues cost the economy 15 billion pounds. If we have the tendency to look at issues that regard HSE in corporate terms and government organisations around us, we might be able to improve the economy by being HSE-compliant.

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Sunday 12 May 2019

SundaySpecial Danger signals but Rivers businesses insist reconciliation must work Why Wike initiated peace project Unity cabinet likely What Amaechi APC group wants; and the silence from Abe APC Danger signals; the gains, the setbacks What Rivers has lost to endless crisis APC, PDP, experts, business leaders point way forward Ignatius Chukwu

anger signals seem to appear ahead on the peace and reconciliation project launched in Rivers State on April 17, 2019, by the re-elected governor of the state, Nyesom Wike. Doubt seems to be the biggest danger ahead as many persons on both sides of the divide in the state seem to adopt wait-andsee attitude or waiting on the other side to breach it first. The business community however, seems to be the keenest group for the reconciliation to get on fast lane due to huge losses and economic setbacks starring the economy in the face. Most business leaders contacted in the state so far have demanded that the peace and reconciliation project be actualised, and be taken seriously by both political camps in the state to save the state from total collapse. How the reconciliation process was born On April 17, 2019, the day the Supreme Court delivered the last verdicts concerning anybody in the APC primaries and other incidental cases pertaining to the 2019 elections in the state, Governor Wike, who had just won a protracted battle to retain his seat without conceding any seat to the APC, happily made a radio broadcast. In it, probably seeing how bruised, bitter and aggressive the APC has been turned into by the total blockage of all chances to a political party that controls the FG with all its powers, the governor offered an olive branch, saying all aggrieved parties should be ready to forgive one another. How much is an olive branch, especially one offered by Wike to Amaechi, worth? Collins (online) dictionary describes it as offer for reconciliation backed by evidence of something that would convince the opponent that you meant it. Deeper meaning however, comes from the Greek mythology made widespread in some parts of the Mediterranean zone and the Arab region. Two great warriors (Athena and Posedion) made wars over a claim to a water source called the Acropolis that was governed by a goddess or what we call Mermaid or Mamaiwater. Rivers State is a riverine region probably full of water goddesses, too. Posedion thrust his great sword into the Acropolis as claim; his challenger, the female warrior, Athena, laid an olive branch. Each camp waited to see whose gift the goddess approved of. Athena won because the goddess said she was more comfortable with the olive branch. This is how the olive branch gained mythological supremacy over all other offers. That is what Wike said he laid

Nyesom Wike

at the feet of the Brick House. Amaechi, a student of Literature student, just as Wike is student of Law, all arts scholars with the possibility of knowing much about the mythological significance of the olive branch, did not want to offend the gods of the land and the masses of the state should he spurn at the olive branch. He responded a week later at Easter, calling for peace, reconciliation and forgiveness. The masses jumped for joy, thinking he meant that he would embrace Wike’s peace and reconciliation. Some of his aides whispered it was not what their mentor meant, but the masses, so weary from crisis and so hungry for peace, ignored the subtle objections and praised both men. Apparently reading the mood of the masses, Amaechi looked the other way as his closest ally after Magnus Abe rebelled, the senator, Andrew Uchendu, addressed a historic press conference in Port Harcourt accepting the olive branch on behalf of the Amaechi APC. And shock everywhere! The acceptance tone was however, very strong, full of admonitions, pointing of fingers, and a list of APC projects and programmes that must be looked into. Why Wike initiated reconciliation BDSUNDAY also surprised about the olive branch offer in a state where leaders hardly cared about outcome of violent crisis on the economy of the state, began digging into why Wike made the offer. Is Wike also among the apostles of peace? The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state once crowned him so, but many insinuated it was induced by huge sums. Explaining why Governor Wike threw the olive branch at a time he had the four proverbial aces (all the advantages), the most vibrant voice of the ruling PDP in the state,

Rotimi Amaechi

Magnus Abe

of prosperity in the land.” Wike may have realised that Rivers without federal might will remain a struggle. With his arch-rival in the womb of the FG, there can be no collaboration between the state and federal government. The FG executes meaningful projects through collaborations with friendly states. The FG also holds the power to sign off or endorse international funds before they get to any state. So, eight years of fighting with the APC-led FG would mean eight years of relying only on local resources and pretending to be doing well. It would mean eight years plus three previous years when Amaechi and Goodluck Jonathan sparred, of doing it alone.

Felix Obuah

Jerry Needam, the special assistant to Felix Obuah, the party chairman, said the fact that the olive branch was first made at a church, Salvation Ministries, so well respected in Port Harcourt and beyond, shows he meant it to his bones. Needam, also a senior journalist and publisher, said: “The olive branch by Governor Nyesom Wike was made in a church, Salvation Ministries, which means it is made before the altar of God. He regards it as a duty to God to make peace and reunite the state. He wants to leave a legacy of peace and prosperity. Governor Wike is not seeking personal gains from the peace initiative because he has won. He is two-term governor. He only wants the best for Rivers State and a legacy

How the reconciliation may progress: unity cabinet likely Collins Dictionary mentioned actions by the one offering an olive branch that may suggest he meant it. An expert, Chika Onuegbu, who has worked on reconciliation panels and conflict negotiations over the years as a Labour leader (two time TUC boss in Rivers and permanent PIB panel member for PENGASSAN national) says there must be obligations and benefits assigned to each party as pillar of any reconciliation. Needam says these ingredients are present. He points to the toning down in rhetoric on the part of the PDP and state government, inclusion of all parties to the inauguration committee and withdrawing two murder cases hanging on the head of an APC stalwart. He does not rule out inclusion of other parties in a ‘Unity Cabinet’ but assured that PDP members would not be angry to concede seats and positions to other parties, saying the larger picture (peace) is more important. Critics however, told this writer that Wike

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SundaySpecial knows that Amaechi and his camp would not accept offers of slots but that Abe and his camp are waiting for such. Probably to cover the strategy, he offers olive branch as a cover to help Abe’s men accept the appointments in the name of all-inclusive peace and reconciliation when such slots were the real reason for working for helping to kick APC out of all elective positions. No aide or ally of Abe was ready to react on their behalf during investigations. What however, is true is that names of Abe men are found in the inauguration committee that may produce the next cabinet. Many also say the suspension of local council and local party chairmen may be to pave way for Abe men to share half of the ruling party. No evidence has so far been adduced on this. Danger signals Amaechi has broken his silence but on a negative side. His interview on a national television network where he accused Gov Wike of always bribing people and judges has not gone down well with those welcoming the peace deal. Wike immediately fired back, saying it must be by such bribes that he (Amaechi) must have been bribed into office while he was on self-exile in Ghana. Many saw it as a warning to Amaechi that Wike is prepared to fight dirty and fight back on such grounds. It has been a street secret that Wike handled a lot of things at home while Amaechi was away in Ghana during the crisis that stopped Amaechi from contesting the 2007 election into the Brick House. Many said it was Wike that handled matters in court for success. Amounts involved are usually being bandied about and secret pacts of how Wike should be compensated also make street talks. Nobody has come forward to table these as facts with evidence. Another source of anxiety is the statement issued by the publicity secretary of the Rivers APC, Chris Finebone, a fine gentleman that commands moderation and respect. He reacted to the withdrawal of murder charges against the strong man of the party who was made party chairman but was dethroned by Abe’s court orders, Flagg Amachree Ojukaye. Finebone said Ojukaye was a victim of frame up and that dropping the charges was no favour whatsoever. The statement has angered some hawks in the Wike camp who may be telling the governor that the olive branch was no good idea because it may not mean much to the Amaechi APC. Some persons in the PDP are said to have made calls to Finebone asking them to tone down to allow the reconciliation take off. Just Friday afternoon, news came that Amaechi PH home has been invaded or attacked. A chieftain of the APC, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, who broke the news, wondered that if the life of Amaechi who governed Rivers State to golden age is not safe in Port Harcourt then who is safe in Rivers State. “This issue must be investigated thoroughly and the culprits arrested accordingly as we can no longer continue to live in fear in a state that we call ours. “I have tried to keep mute on some untoward activities happening in Rivers State to avoid being seen as a clog in the wheel of progress on the current peace moves, aimed at arresting the insecurity currently pervading our dear state, but must we continue to keep quiet in a situation that we need to call the governor to order for the greater future of Rivers State.” What Rivers has lost so far Experts always point at many areas of losses to the state since the political crisis

exploded in 2012/13. From the smooth old days of solidarity around any governor and the attraction of national and international favours, federal appointments, projects, opportunities, etc Rivers State has gone down low. The state was closing to sign-off and drawing down on a N250billion bond that took over 30 months to pursue. This alone destroyed many capital projects. There was loss of the World Bank, AfDB missed water project loan; crash of federal allocation to as low as N6billion per month; ceding of Rivers oil wells to Bayelsa and other friendly states; drying up of federal projects; non-refund of spends on federal projects; relegation of Rivers State at national level; grounding of Rivers jet; stalling of security chopper that was to fight kidnappers in the bush day and night; violent elections and high electoral spending; return of abductions, robbery, insecurity and tension; receding businesses; financial hardship; general uncertainty that is anathema to investment; instability; low rating environment, etc. Apart from the remote losses, the crisis and hostility seems to lead to jettisoning of some programmes and projects believed to be at the heart of the Amaechi administration such as the N150billion monorail project, the N4billion RSSDA, the cassava project, the Allanblackia farm project to produce highly sought-after pure non-cholesterol oil for margarines, the abandoning of thousands of Rivers scholars abroad, the banana farm in Ogoni, the fish farms in Buguma, the LR farm complex in Etche, the N800billion Mega City project, the N17billion modern secondary school project, the computer library scheme in primary schools, etc. What may be salvaged The Uchendu declaration made veiled demands thus: revitalisation of the C4i Security architecture of the previous administration; rehabilitation of sons and daughters that are roaming the streets of foreign lands because of the cancellation or stoppage of their scholarship awards; re-activation of the Greater Port Harcourt Project and, completion of some of the laudable pro-people projects embarked upon by the administration of the Amaechi administration. These done, we can expect to begin to see some changes. Some of the inner Amaechi APC stalwarts told this reporter that they did not believe much in the ability of Governor Wike to push far in the reconciliation scheme but Needam counters, saying the governor is fully committed to it. Appointments apart, some projects that may benefit from a reconciliation could be RSSDA, Greater PH City, foreign scholarships (those stranded there) and the monorail. Wike once told BusinessDay that if the people ask for revisiting the monorail, he would. The owner of Showers, one of the best schools in the state, Ekama Emilia Akpan, also pointed to the foreign scholars and other education programmes of the past administration as worthy of revisit. Conclusion Some business owners have cautioned both Gov Wike and Amaechi not turn this initiave to a game. They do not want a situation where Wike and Amaechi may want to test who would first breach the peace initiative and push the one to the masses as hater of peace and gain political mileage. There is huge hunger for true reconciliation and peace in Rivers State. The business people do not seem to care about winner or loser, about who was wrong or right in the past. It is whoever blocks the peace about to return to the state that be the real enemy of the people.

Rivers’ peace and reconciliation project as we see it – Stakeholders

Wike wants to leave a strong legacy of prosperity - PDP’s Jerry Needam he olive branch by Governor Nyesom Wike was made in a church, Salvation Ministries, which means it is made before alter of God. He regards it as a duty to God and man to make peace and reunite the state. He wants to leave a legacy of peace and prosperity.

ger have to go and tell the other side, ‘you see, they asked me to work for them and I refused, that is why they are after me.’ We can be on the same page. The PDP members are not worried that positions will go to non-party members. The elephant is big enough for everyone. We are looking at the larger picture, which is peace and stability in Rivers State. Wike is not seeking personal gains from the peace initiative because he has won is he has won and he is two-term governor. We the aides are toning down too. Some of us have even reached out to some of our colleagues on the side to rekindle old relationships that went cold over the years. We can still do our politics but we should observe red lines that one cannot cross when talking about the other side, if there is understanding. We only demand good governance and security - APC’s Chris Finebone How much does APC trust the olive branch? Well, trust itself is determined by character. Therefore, as a political party, our trust can only be determined by how Gov.

Jerry Needam

Is this real? The governor has shown faith in his offer of reconciliation already. He has also shown sincerity by including members of other political parties in his inauguration committee and others committees. The PDP members and media officials have remained calm and have refrained from doing anything that could disrupt the peace move by the governor. The PDP is however worried over the recent outbursts of Chibuike Amaechi in a television interview; also with Chris Finebone on the discontinuation of cases against Flagg Ojukaye, an APC stalwart standing trial for two murder cases. Appeal: Please do not disrupt this peace window. Let us all seize the chance and impress it upon the leaders to take the olive branch serious. Cooperation between our sons at the centre and the government at home would attract many federal projects and opportunities for our people. We must realise that nobody from other states or regions will make peace for us. The governor meant every word in the olive branch. Role of media We in the media have big responsibility to take over the peace process, monitor the leaders, and hold politicians accountable for what they do or fail to do in the peace process; who truly is pursuing peace, who is shaking the table, etc. Wike has shown faith: Dropping murder charges against an APC stalwart is not a joke because of expensive legal fees, inconvenience, and fear of conviction. The PDP expected the APC to say ‘thank you’ to the governor for this gesture. It is likely that the inclusive government promised by Governor Wike could lead to APC and other parties becoming commissioners. Security: If there is peace and understanding, security will improve because anybody found to be killing people or committing heinous crimes would be condemned by both camps. The criminals would no lon-

Chris Finebone

Wike has carried on both in his politics and his governance. Sadly, our recall of his antecedents suggests that we should not trust the olive branch. Even some see it as a bitter leaf branch. But all the same, we are in a world where that which you trust may disappoint you and the one you refuse to trust sometimes disappoints your cynicism. Did Senator Andrew Uchendu speak Amaechi’s mind? I think it is not about whether Sen Andrew Uchendu spoke for himself or for our leader, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi. What is important is to realise that the APC especially in Rivers State functions along a well-defined structure. Gov. Wike in his broadcast appeared to have taken the matter to court of public opinion; he needed to get a response from the APC for the benefit of all Nigerians whom the governor took the matter before. Is APC making any demands for cooperating with Wike? The only demand APC is making of the Wike government is that the governor should rise up, jettison politics and pursue governance. He should accept that the single most important responsibility of government is to protect lives and property of the citizens. We want Gov. Wike to remember that the Oath of Office he took is about protecting the people and their property. You very well know that life in Rivers State today symptomizes the Hobbesian state where life is ‘nasty, Continues on page 22

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SundaySpecial Rivers’ peace and reconciliation project... Continued from page 21

brutish and short.’ It is needless reeling out the number of persons killed in the past 4 days. As I’m talking don’t be surprised that 3 or 4 persons may have been killed. Welcome to our Rivers State of 2019! We merely listed suggestions of what will help stem the current killings such as reactivating the security architecture that greatly reduced insecurity in Rivers State between 2007 and 2015 when Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi was governor. In 2007, Amaechi met a broken state in terms of security. He immediately rolled up his sleeves and led from the front and after a few months insecurity was under considerable control. Night life returned and criminals took their trade elsewhere as Rivers State became their waterloo. It remained so until 2015 when someone went shopping for the criminals to help get him to power in the state. Ever since, what we have seen is a confirmation of the saying that it is easy to give a baboon water with a cup but pretty challenging retrieving the cup. Are there peace meetings at all to establish ground rules? There is none that I know off. You can take it to the bank that there is none ongoing. In any case, the APC was not in a war with anyone. If what you mean is whether we are talking with the government, we are not and need not do so. We are convinced that Gov. Wike who was Chief of Staff under Amaechi knew what Amaechi did and didn’t do to stem insecurity. For selfish political reasons, he chose to do those things his former boss never did and abandoned the things Amaechi did. Amaechi operated a zero policy on dealing with criminals but Gov. Wike thinks otherwise. That is why we are where we are now. Once he jettisons personal political interest and do what is right, violence and killings will become a thing of the past, like it was under Amaechi. Some conflict resolution experts say there should be obligations and benefits in any peace pact; any in this case? For the avoidance of doubt, the only benefits APC desires is that our people and all residents of Rivers State should safely go about their businesses and that the state government should use the commonwealth of the people for the benefit of the people. No more! As for obligation, ours is to remain law-abiding and speak against evil at all times. PDP bigwigs say Wike is playing his part such as Inauguration Committee and discontinuing case with Ojukaye. Your take please? We do not believe serving on the Inauguration Committee is worth talking about. The government simply rewarded elements of APC who acted as collaborators in aiding to deny APC appearance on the ballot for the 2019 elections. We wish those APC black legs well but they should always remember the fate of Judas Iscariot in the Bible. It is wrong to see the dropping of charges against Hon. Ojukaye FlagAmachree as a sign of goodwill. We keep saying that Ojukaye was being politically persecuted. You cannot take my freedom and pretend to give it back to me. Only God can because He alone gives us our freedom. We are still to see any concrete sign of rapprochement from Gov. Wike. Are there some Amaechi projects/ programmes such as RSSDA, foreign scholars, Greater PH, fish farms, banana

Jossy Nkwocha

Ekama Emilia Akpan

farm, Monorail that may benefit from the reconciliation effort? You have said it all. Now, it is left for the government to answer that question. It breaks the heart that those lofty projects and programmes you have helped me list out have been destroyed and jettisoned by the Wike government. You can imagine how many persons those projects and programmes provided employment for. For the Port Harcourt Monorail, so much propaganda was spewed out to ignorant people why the project was not necessary. I kept telling people that visionary leadership is something an illprepared leader will ever comprehend. For example, a visionary leader will propose a flyover for the Port Harcourt Garrison Junction but a brick and mortar leader will rather build a much cheaper roundabout at same Garrison Junction. That is the difference. The Lagos Monorail project has spanned the 8-year tenures each of Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Fashola and four years of Ambode and will continue under Sanwo-Olu. The day it is completed and commissioned the same people who criticised same project here and abandoned it will surface in Lagos to admire and use the facility there. Lack of vision is a big disease. Gov. Wike does not understand why a state government should embark on a project that will transcend an administration. But that is how most very important projects come. No administration anywhere has conceptualised, started and completed a rail system in the world under one tenure or administration. It is usually continued by succeeding administrations until it is completed, just as we are seeing in Lagos. Here, the vision of our leaders doesn’t get beyond their nose. For them, our people should make do with token projects without provision for the next generation. Alfred Diette Spiff built the 17-story Point Block and Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt based on his extraordinary vision. He was severely criticised then but today there is none like that Secretariat in this part of the country. Is APC expecting a toning down on Amaechi reappointment stacks by Wike? If it didn’t work in 2015, we doubt whether it will work now. They have started by claiming that Amaechi could not win 25 per cent of votes for President Buhari, it is all about subtle blackmail. But they will fail again. What they are doing is simply chartered stupidity. Is APC hoping for some slots in ap-

pointments in the Wike cabinet? Some former members of APC who craved to work for Wike’s government are already with him. It is left for them to be wherever pleases them. For patriotic members of APC in Rivers State, we do not need to be in Gov. Wike’s cabinet to serve our people. We are beyond such station. Any other matter? The people and residents of Rivers State have suffered enough; many have been killed and still being killed. Three days ago, a night club was attacked by gunmen killing three including a security agent; just last night, an APC chieftain in Mgbuosimini was shot dead in his area. Gov. Wike should roll up his sleeves and lead from the front to defend the Oath of Office he took to protect the lives and property of citizens and residents of Rivers State. That is not asking for too much. Multinational businesses crave for peace - Voice of industry - Jossy Nkwocha, MAN As chairman of the Public Affairs Committee of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Rivers/Bayelsa State branch, I can tell you straight away that the multinational business community are very much desirous of political peace in Rivers State. Political peace will bring political stability and ensure security of lives and property. By extrapolation, these will ultimately bring industrial peace, and industrial stability and ultimately industrial prosperity. MAN as a body is very happy that the two sides of the political divide in the state are preaching peace now. The industries under the aegis of MAN are already warning up for better days ahead. MAN in Rivers has already prepared an industrial Roadmap which it is presenting to the state government as its own contribution to the Governor’s second term success. It contains about seven items that would ultimately help the state government to attain higher industrial and economic prosperity in the next four years. Since the industrial sector doesn’t like to meddle into politics, they prefer to leave the political suggestions for the politicians. What they advocate is sincerity of purpose so that the peace will truly be found, and consolidated in all areas of the state. If the companies bounce back to economic prosperity, they will create more jobs for the teeming populace; generate more revenue for government, among others.

Chika Onuegbu

Investors shun Rivers State - Ekama Emilia Akpan, CEO of Showers She is the immediate past national vice president of MAN (south-south, twotime chairman of MAN Rivers/Bayelsa, and member of SMEDAN board. She is an education investor and catch-themyoung expert. The olive branch and the acceptance by the APC is a huge development and a welcome development. These are two brothers at war. When the leaders fight, the community takes it as a hint and joins the fight. This has poisoned the political climate. As long as we in the south are disunited, we will continue to lose. The north does not get to this point. I am happy that they have realised it takes us nowhere. Advice: Every politician should do a rethink and consider the economy. Nobody invests in areas of crisis. Investors shun Rivers State and those I try to bring say no way. Nobody likes to marry from a quarrelsome family. It’s time to shun this vice. It’s wrong to cast the state as a cantankerous state. The fighting does not allow the youths to communicate to the leaders to take their voice to the nation. Rivers State has very intelligent people and their academic results are very high, and we need to bring peace so this can thrive. The intelligent people need to mentor the youth. They must erect role models. This is because the young ones are watching. We hear Rivers State is second highest in unemployment. This is a big shame because the administration in the state has done a lot. Projects that can benefit from reconciliation What Amaechi started in education should be looked into. The foreign scholars are wasting with good results and some cannot graduate. Some are teaching for N15,000 per month. The government can look at this situation. These children feel frustrated. That is why militancy is at the highest order in the state. Some construction projects started long ago should be completed. You cannot afford to fight the FG. Rather, the political class should push Rivers people to the centre. Forget about camps and push up those that have the capacity to bring goodies to the state due to competence and strong voice. Amaechi was pushing against excessive indigenisation because some of his appointees were from outside the state. Rivers should be the fastest economy if things are done right. There

Sunday 12 May 2019

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SundaySpecial Umahi and the success story in Ebonyi Regis Anukwuoji, Abakaliki

or those who knew Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, before now, it used to be a little above a glorified local government with little amenities and road infrastructure, where one could trek round the developed areas within few hours. Today, the story has changed. Abakaliki and some parts of the state have not only expanded but have been transformed beyond what was ever expected when the battle for who takes over the leadership of the agrarian state from Martin Elechi, the former governor, began. Umahi is not new in the politics of Ebonyi. For instance, an engineer by profession, he was the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chairman during the second tenure of Governor Sam Egwu, who supervised the coming of Elechi. Umahi also was the deputy governor under Elechi. The journey was not easy for Umahi to clinch the office as governor. As deputy, he fought a strong battle with the then incumbent governor Martin Elechi, who did not support his candidature. But then, his supporters speak in tandem that “This is where the divine mandate manifested in full because the former governor instead of supporting him, shifted support to a party that was not known in the state”. According to a staunch member of the party in the state, who spoke to BDSUNDAY on condition of anonymity, “Had Umahi emerged through the help of Elechi, the glory would have been misapplied and misdirected. Elechi would be

must be attention to the human mind. It will help. People should rally round the government in power and achieve more for the state. Reconciliation goes with allocation of obligations and benefits - Expert voices: Chika Onuegbu (The olive branch should be accepted) He is immediate past two-time TUC boss in the state, a chartered accountant of high standing in the oil industry, a resource person to PENGASSAN and others. On whether the reconciliation offer was genuine, I can only say the taste of the pudding is in the eating. Until you participate in a peace process, you cannot say it is not genuine. However, in reconciliation, there must be obligations to each party. Let us see it so we can know who breaches it. There is need for meeting of minds and allocation of obligations. It reduces doubts On what the state stands to gain, we wonder if there is still a state. Do we even have a state? It is debatable. State is not a mere geographical entity but a system of rules, rights such as right to move about and do business. I do not think this definition obtains in Rivers as state at the moment. A citizen should perform his duties to the state and be guaranteed of rights. The level of lawlessness and insecurity is very high, so high that no one is sure he will get to his destination or would come back home from work. It is now like in the stone age; beheading people, bodies on the streets, kidnapping, no movement any more, etc. Kidnapping is now a full blown

One of the completed flyover bridges in Ebonyi

taking the glory instead of God himself.” Elechi also refused to recognise the agreement of shifting the position of the state governor to the southern part of the state (power rotation). To make a long story short, David Umahi was on May 29, 2015 sworn in as the executive governor of Ebonyi State. This month, precisely, May 29, Umahi will mark his four years in office with tremendous achievements; changing the state to one of the fastest growing states in Nigeria. On that date, he will also be inaugurated for a second term in office. Umahi’s zeal to transform Ebonyi was born out of the experience he gathered as both former chairman of PDP in the state and deputy governor. His policy trust on the industrialisation was key, which he began with the construction of three industrial clusters across the three senatorial zones aimed at developing each sector. These include agriculture, technology and human empowerments. As an engineer, he

engaged new technology in constructions with particular reference to roads where 8 inches concrete roads started springing up in the state. Parks, markets and streets started wearing new looks. Pedestrian crossing, flyovers, street lights, water fountains were also built to change the face of Ebonyi, transforming it to one of the fastest growing economies in Nigeria. Empowerment for youths and widows has taken a new shape in the state, positively impacting lives of many. Today, many youths who were mere street urchins have become employers of labour through the rich empowerment programmes of the Umahi administration. Some of the projects Umahi started and completed within his four years in office include three 700-metre twin ﬂyover bridges at Akanu Ibiam Roundabout, Ofﬁa Nwali Junction, the International Market bypass and a pedestrian bridge at Ebonyi State University permanent site gate. Others are roads and bridges constructed

industry, and people have resigned to fate. The cause of all this is because there is no unity in the political class, so groups of criminals operate freely and are backed by different leaders who free them from the police when they are arrested. It seems the state is helpless. Quality people and investors have all left the state. It is surprising that anybody says the state’s IGR is growing. It is so because the taxes are from oil workers that have no choice than to say. If you go to the GRA and Trans-Amadi industrial area, you know that the state is under siege. Hotels are struggling to stay afloat because of low occupancy level. The state is at its highest level of unemployment, and one of the highest in the country, according to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The absence of jobs forces most youths to join the

booming kidnap business. It is now a vicious circle because the companies that should create jobs are made to flee and their fleeing causes more unemployment and thus more insecurity. So, the olive branch extended to the opposition should be accepted because you should not reject peace offers. The actors involved should agree on obligations, rather.

Mike Chukwuma

The move is genuine - Mike Chukwuma He was the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer and grew from there to higher ranks and responsibilities. Now retired, he is the DG of the Rivers Neighbourhood Watch Corps. He is a highly respected voice in security in Nigeria, waiting to rescue the state as soon as the issues of the outfit are sorted out. He is author of many books prominent among them is The Noble policemen; and Community Policing. The move is genuine. The people who initiated it and who accepted it are Rivers people. We have realised we made mistakes. Some of us shouted against this but now they seem to realize. Obligations and benefits: Are people partitioning the state and does this state belong to particular people? The state belongs to us all. If anybody wants us to believe that they own the state and they must set conditions for peace, then something is wrong. Must some people be given something to allow peace? Advice: Who does not need peace? Even the big guys have relatives and extended families

within Onueke-Ezzama-Oshiri-Onicha road, 35km; Obiozara-Onicha road, 8.3km; Uburu-Presbyterian Church road,12km; Umuchima road, 7.5km; Okposi road, 23km, Akaeze–Ivo road,15km; a section of Abakaliki–Aﬁkpo federal highway, 14.5km; Abakaliki internal roads, 150km, with one major bridge; 7 bridges along Nkalagu–Ehamufu road,15km; Abaomege-Ukawu-Ugwulangwu-Okposi federal road, 25km; and Abaomege Ukawu bridge. The current administration in Ebonyi State has also contributed hugely in Agriculture, Education, Health and other sectors. As worker-friendly governor, Umahi has cordial relationship with workers in the state which could be a major reason he had a landslide victory during the last governorship election. Before his arrival on the scene, Nkalagu was known for its rich mineral deposits and cement production in the entire southeast of Nigeria. But these endowments were just lying untapped. In fact, the company was a shadow of itself. But after his visit to China, the governor promised to set up two cement factories in the state. He also took up the Abakaliki water reticulation to ensure adequate supply of pipe borne water to every nook and cranny of the state, to increase the public health status of his people. In his first tenure, Umahi also built the Ebonyi State School of Nursing and Midwifery. It is believed in the state that the next four years, beginning from May 29, 2019, would see the people of Ebonyi to the Promised Land they never expected so soon. and friends. If there is peace, each of them will enjoy it. Every war ends on peace table. This was not a war but it ended up as a war. We need to come back home and accept the olive branch. Those who gave the olive branch should also forgive totally. Farmers, followers, truck pushers, etc own this state. That you are privileged to occupy a political position does not mean you must determine what happens in this state. If you want to make demands, remember that others too have a right to make demands. The demand we all must make must be the demand of peace. This place was hub for investors and those who have been here over the years know that this state was heaven 20 years ago craved by people from all over. Now, companies have moved out and others are threatening to. Landlords now wait for tenants. In the past, before you finish building, tenants rush. Now, tenants owe for two years and landlords show understanding without pushing them away. It takes everyone to work for peace and key into the olive branch. Fetch from the water of peace and drink. Yes, if they reconcile, killing will reduce, even if the killers are on their own. Restoration of total security after reconciliation is not automatic. There are disagreements and these leaders have followers who read their body signs. The criminals know that if you operate without a base or backup, it will be difficult. If you keep carrying guns, one day, it will end and you become history. Peace is the answer.

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Arts

The author with guts but, fake passports withheld; the consequences for those who try to escape are dire. Sisi, around whom most of the novel’s suspense revolves, is an ambitious graduate unable to find suitable work. Efe is a teenage mother struggling to raise her son with no support from his father. Ama has escaped an abusive childhood only to find her dream of escaping Nigeria crushed by a dead-end job. Joyce, without family, home or money, is abandoned by her boyfriend. The women’s dreams come in different sizes, from financial support for struggling relatives back home to the allure of big houses, fancy cars, gold jewellery and expensive plait extensions. Unigwe’s vigorous prose is at its best when describing the utter humiliation Sisi feels when forced to dress like a hooker in “a goldcoloured nylon skirt” that rode up her legs when she walked and “showed her butt cheeks when she bent”. So too with the degradation of her first encounter with a client in a toilet: “She baptised herself into it with tears, hot and livid, down her cheeks, salty in her mouth, feeling intense pain wherever he touched, like he was

Stories by OBINNA EMELIKE

ot many novelists would wander around the seedy red-light district of Antwerp in a miniskirt and thigh-high boots to carry out research. But this is what Chika Unigwe, Nigerian writer, did for her novel about the lives of African sex workers in the Belgian city. She also spent time persuading these women to share their stories. Her diligence has paid off. On Black Sisters’ Street is a probing and unsettling exploration of the many factors that lead African women into prostitution in Europe, and it pulls no punches about the sordid nature of the job. Four naive young women, Sisi, Joyce, Ama and Efe, fall under the moneymaking spell of pimp-daddy “Senghor Dele” in Lagos. Rich, vulgar, ruthless, he specialises in exporting girls to work in Belgium for a modest fee of 30,000 euros. This they must pay back in monthly installments over many years of turning tricks ten hours a day. They do not all know that this is what lies in store

Chika Unigwe

Oba of Benin to celebrate anniversary with NAFEST, overwhelmed by Runsewe’s love for culture

mo Noba N’ Edo Uko Akpon Lokpolo, Enwuare II, the Oba of Benin, has disclosed plans to celebrate his fourth anniversary on the throne of the ancient Benin Kingdom during the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) slated for October this year. A former diplomat and accomplished culture influencer, Oba Enwuare II noted that his desire and intention to celebrate his fourth anniversary, which coincided with NAFEST, will give the festival of national unity a royal touch deserving of a national cultural and tourism offering. The Oba of Benin who is not known for wild and extravagant submissions on either institutions

or persons in Nigeria, however commended the uncommon passion for Nigeria’s cultural promotion by Segun Runsewe, NCAC director general, nothing “Your passion for culture is overwhelming and I am highly impressed at your work rate and efforts to reposition Nigeria culture among comity of nations”. The Oba of Benin further submitted that NAFEST 2019 in Benin will be given more than a royal touch and assured NCAC and the administration of governor Godwin Obasaki that the entire Benin Kingdom and the palace would mobilize fully to give the event both national and international exposure, expressing gratitude to the federal cultural agency for finding Edo State and

the palace worthy of hosting the national festival. “We shall support and encourage Runsewe’s passion and desire for the promotion and preservation of Nigeria’s culture which every lover of Nigeria’s culture must join hands to sustain” Oba Enwuare II added. Earlier in his opening remarks, Runsewe informed the Oba that the purpose of his visit with his entourage was to brief the royal father of about the festival and to also obtain his royal blessing as African culture and tradition demands. The NCAC boss noted that NAFEST also called “Unity Forum” was started during General Yakubu Gowon’s administration in 1970 as a platform to initiate a post-civil war national reconciliation, adding that it has been proved beyond doubt that culture is the best vehicle to advance national unity, peace and development. Runsewe told the Oba that a day of royal splendor would form part of NAFEST in Edo State to help showcase and celebrate the very rich cultural endowment of the ancient Benin Royalty. This is the second visit by Runsewe in less than four months after the January 24, 2019 visit to the Edo State governor to present national instrument of hosting the event and to ensure that both the political and traditional power base of Edo State are carried along in to give NAFEST 2019 the deserving attention and support.

searing her with a razor blade that had just come off a fire”. Men in this novel are generally drunks, murderers, rapists, weak, cold-hearted, pathetic - although Unigwe avoids the fallacy of women as passive victims. Hers make choices, for which there are consequences. But their choices are restricted by circumstance and the Lagos they leave behind is a harsh place to survive, where “on any given day one was likely to find a corpse abandoned by the roadside”. She shows what the women become, too. Sisi, who felt she was living the dream on her first day in Belgium because she was eating jam, can “no longer bear to look at herself”, while Efe’s plan is to run her own brothel one day when she has paid of her debt. What Unigwe does brilliantly is to delve into the psychology of each woman, eliciting different levels of empathy. This is an important and accomplished novel that leaves a strong aftertaste. Unigwe gives voice to those who are voiceless, fleshes out the stories of those who offer themselves as meat for sale, and bestows dignity on those who are stripped off it.

ROMAROX woos photographers with maiden tourism photo competition

ourism industry in Nigeria is turning domestic attraction sites into economic opportunity for photographers with the official launch of the 2019 ROMAROX Tourism Photo Competition. A mouthwatering brand new car star prize is up for grab by the 1st runner up with a digital camera, while each winner from the seven categories goes home with the sum of N500,000 and many other consolation prizes. The maiden competition, which was unveiled over the week in Lagos is open for participation to Nigerian photographers and people with smartphones, as well as, foreigners who live or have visited the country. The competition kicked off with registration from March 2 - October 16, 2019, while voting starts from October 17- November 17, 2019. Participants are free to participate by uploading on the website: http://rtpc.romaroxresources.com/ register, original pictures of tourist attraction sites (taken by themselves) in their immediate environment in any category of the competition, which are scenery, natural wonders, legendary materials/iconic humans, ecosystem festivals, history, monuments and developed tourist sites. Each picture uploaded cost N5,000. Participants can upload more than one picture in a category and even participate in more than one category with different pictures. Participants are to follow

Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ RTPC19. ROMAROX Tourism Photo Competition is a noble project of Rosemary Nkem Okeke, a former beauty queen and winner of the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant in 1984/85 and Nigeria’s representative at the Miss World beauty pageant held at Albert Hall, London in 1985. An accomplished diplomat, Rosemary Okeke founded ROMAROX Resources Limited; a consulting, event planning and development organisation. She is also the managing director of Sub-Urban Heritage Initiative (S.U.H.I), a nongovernmental organisation she began and incorporated in 2012 tailored towards bringing hope to the poor in the society. The RONAROX Tourism Photo Competition is Okeke’s idea and a viable platform through which she spreads the values of tourism as it relates to our nation’s economy and people. Speaking at a media conference, Okeke explained that the competition is designed; “With a view to encourage domestic tourism and ensure patronage of our local tourist sites by Nigerians.’’ She said, the competition seeks to ensure that members of the Nigerian public appreciate their own immediate environment, as it embodied in it goals the noble intention of spreading the message of peace, hope, love and the strength that is characterized of the Nigerian people.

Sunday 12 May 2019

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Arts African Drum Festival gets the honourable touch of Trophy Lager

hen the drum is beaten, it brings out a tone whether it is wanted or unwanted we leave it in the hands of the drummer. The Bata, Omele or Agbanmole, the story being told is better defined through the steps of the dancer The 10,000 capacity of Amphitheatre in Okelewo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, venue for the African Drum Festival is filled to capacity and those in the overflow jostle to have a glimpse of the action taking place on the stage. The stage is glamorous, lit up magnificently and has three other mini platforms from which the drummers can perform. The stage also has two large screens from which the audience receive additional information on the performers introduced by the masters of ceremony who were smartly dressed in white and ash native attires. As the audience waits patiently for the event to kick off one could tell that many have been through this exciting experience before from the way they comported themselves. The African Drum Festival is an initiative of the Government of Ogun State and has been commemorated since the year 2016 when it first held in the state. Originally dubbed as the Nigerian Drum Festival, it has quickly metamorphosed to African Drums Festival because of the reception and participation it received from other African countries like Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, Uganda, DR

9ice performing@ African Drums Festival courtesy of Trophy

Congo and a host of others. Th i s y e a r ’s t h e m e i s Drumming the Future and it is premised on looking at the potential socio-economic contribution of Drumming to the future of Africa. Ibikunle Amosun, governor of Ogun State and the convener of the festival, says that for development to be meaningful, the potentialities of culture to spur social and economic emancipation and empowerment of the people must be emphasized. The festival celebration received sponsorships in different forms from corporate bodies and one of such is the sponsorship from International Breweries via one of its brand, Trophy. Trophy Lager is popularly referred to as the pride of the SouthWest and widely accepted as the Honourable beer that is deeply rooted in the region’s socio-cultural values, which

explains its sponsorship of the event. Michael Daramola, legal and corporate affairs director, International Breweries, remarked that, “The African Drum Festival is a cultural showpiece which demonstrates our uniqueness, attributes, our rich culture and tradition of the black people. Trophy is a beer that is closely linked with culture and a brand that believes in celebrating life and always rising to the occasion to make connections and bring people together”. We are so honoured to be part of this international epoch-making event” he added. About 7pm, the drumming performances start after the recital of the National Anthem. The Egbedere Band comprising young boys and girls with an average age of 12 set the ball rolling at the concert. They are smartly

dressed for the occasion and they did not disappoint the audience. They got down to their drums and xylophone from which they gave scintillating sounds which drew intermittent applause from the crowd. The highpoint of their performance was the rendition of a cover of Teni the Entertainer’s hit song Case. While the band played, the song’s chorus reverberated from the audience as they sang “My papa no be Dangote or Adeleke but we go dey okay yeah”. The performance of Moyo Black Troupe of Ivory Coast was exceptional. The beats they produced were so good that the crowd sang songs that rhymed with the beats. Showing the crowd their superb knowledge of Nigerian music, they played Abami Eda’s evergreen song Lady. They achieved this feat by combining the beats of drums

with the amazing sound of a Saxophone. The audience appreciated their efforts by singing along the refrain “She go say I be lady oh”. Th e An a m b r a S t a t e Troupe came prepared for the event as they got dignitaries who graced the event dancing. Notably, Sally Mbanefo a former director general of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation danced with so much zeal that she got ovation coming her way from the audience. With the help of two dancers and local flute players their performance left many in awe. As part its sponsorship, Trophy organized a music concert, which was headlined by two music greats, Pasuma and 9ice whose genres resonate with the culture of the Ogun people. They performed to resounding applause of acceptance and unconfined joy for the opportunity to witness both artistes. Pasuma reeled out his hit songs to the audience who danced and sang along at the same time. In no particular order, he sang songs from different albums- So far so good, Sabaka, Ability and many others. Showing his dexterity in churning out music, he sang a medley in honour of Trophy on stage. Using the unique qualities of Trophy Lager, he produced an exciting medley making the crowd rumble and call out his name at intervals. The highpoint of his performance was when he asked members of the audience questions around Trophy and rewarded those who got answers right with cash gifts.

The audience gave a loud roar when they heard the word Ile’timo knowing 9ice was next on stage. Ile’timo is part of the intro of Street Credibility his hit song in which he featured 2face. His performance was filled with energy as he took the audience through memory lane with hits from his first and second album. Songs like Party rider, Gonga Aso, Gbamu Gbamu, No be mistake, Photocopy and a host of others got the audience dancing into the night while having refreshing cold bottles of Trophy lager. Tolulope Adedeji, marketing director, International Breweries, believes that the African Drum Festival is an exceptional opportunity for Trophy to connect with consumers. “We decided to partner with the state government to help it exceed the successes recorded the previous year and from the turnout this year that objective was achieved. Those who came in for the drumming performances at the amphitheatre have been given musical satisfaction. We initiated this concert within the festival to give the fun loving attendees a double dose of excitement and a memorable event that is associated with only Trophy” She said. Indeed, the 2019 edition of the African Drum Festival was a spectacle to behold. As the audience began to leave the amphitheatre they wondered if they would be able to endure another 12 months before they witnessed another mind blowing festival performances.

Joke Silva, Kunle Afolayan, Rita Dominic to bring best of Nollywood at Cannes Film Festival IFEOMA OKEKE

rom May 14-25, 2019, Nigerian delegates will join the rest of the world for Pavillon Afriques at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France. In its first year at Cannes, Pavillon Afriques is designed to become the busiest, most unique, networking and business hub at the festival this year. Joining a line-up that includes participants from African countries including Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Niger, Togo, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Djibouti and diaspora from countries such as USA, Jamaica, Brazil, Guyana, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. Nollywood film heavyweights like Kunle Afolayan, movie producer and director, Tope Oshin, producer; Joke

Silva, veteran actress; Mildred Okwo, director and producer; Chioma Udeh, founder, African International Film Festival; Moses Babatope, managing director, FilmOne; Justin Morgan, CEO, Inertia Pictures; Guy Murray-Bruce, vice president, Silverbird; Rita Dominic and many more industry experts will be at the pavilion. According to Prudence Kolong, operations director, “With this project, we are creating a unique venue for the movie trade and promotion that outlines the diversity and plurality from Africa and its diaspora film and television content. Our ambition is to become an exclusive business platform where film industry stakeholders meet, discuss, trade, make deals and take advantage of the unique atmosphere of the Festival de Cannes.” Pavillon Afriques will be the first tent within the Film

Market section of the Cannes Film Festival dedicated exclusively to the business of film on the African continent and among its diaspora. It is properly situated within the heart of the Marché du Film, which is the world’s biggest gathering of film industry professionals who come to sell films, find partners and

expand their professional network. With the theme ‘Connecting the Past, Present and Future’; Pavillon Afriques packs a full schedule with a mix of private and public sector roundtables, discussions on film financing and content distribution, a series of country produced destination

seminars, celebrity hosted panels, leadership workshops, film screenings and more. The program is set to be the most fascinating hub out of Cannes in 2019. It will feature a dynamic line-up of some of the biggest names in film and entertainment from across the globe including Stedman Graham, entrepreneur and educator; John Gosier, tech entrepreneur; Roberta Annan, Ghanaian entrepreneur; Marilyn Johnson, USA former VP IBM USA; Rich Tanksley, chief operating officer at DataCash, and owner, Pulse Nigeria, and Tsitsi Dangarembga, prolific writer. It will also feature Chioma Ude, founder of AFRIFF (African International Film Festival); Joyce Fissoo, CEO, Tanzania Film Board; Mehret Mandefro and Hiwot Admasu Getaneh, Ethiopian film directors; Shirley FrimpongManso, Kumawood director

; Chris Attoh, Kumawood actor and many more. Also participating in some of the sessions will be top executives of international festivals and events including; Sundance, European Film Market, Rotterdam Film Festival, Adedayo Thomas, Ladipo Abayomi Augustine, Lawal Gambo Zuwaira and four others from the National Film & Video Censor Board, Nigeria, and the support of top broadcaster Canal plus. The organisers confirm that activities include screenings, seminars, workshop, round tables, country forums, an auction, art exhibition, haute cuisine, mini-concerts and so much more. Networking and promotional activities will include product presentations, receptions, cocktail parties, brunches, B2B, B2G and G2G meetings. The ‘Marche du Film’ Cannes Film Festival runs from May 14-25, 2019.

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Sunday 12 May 2019

Life&Living

The 411 of movie theatre etiquette Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson

ave you ever wondered how people can be so prim and proper when they are out for dinner dates, conference meetings, social gatherings or even parties, but are so unruly when they go to watch movies at the cinema? Cinema etiquette is defined as the set of social norms observed by patrons of a movie theater. There are a wide variety of distractions that could spoil other patrons’ enjoyment of a film, such as cell phone usage, people talking loudly to one another, the rustling of food packaging, the behavior of children in the audience, and patrons entering and leaving during a screening. Just like in every public gathering, it is important to respect the presence of other people in a movie theatre. Remember that everyone in the cinema has come to enjoy a movie in a quiet, serene environment and do not necessarily need your commentary. Follow these simple rules to avoid ruining somebody else’s cinema experience; Do not take off your smelly shoes and put your feet up on the seat in front of you or between the seats. This is a total turnoff for everybody. Turn off your phone or put it on

silent mode and reduce its brightness. Remember that you cannot rewind or pause films watched in movie theatres and it will be unfair for the sound of your phone or its light to distract other people and make them miss a scene or even a few seconds of the film. Please do not inconvenience other people by saving seats for your friends who haven’t even arrived at the cinema ten minutes

after the start of the movie. I was so upset when I went to watch Oceans 8 at the cinema and the lady who sat beside me did not allow anyone sit beside her because she was saving the seat for a friend that never showed up. I don’t know how many times this needs to be said. Do not bring your baby to the movies. There is no exception to this rule. If you have to, please be polite enough to step

out of the cinema hall when your baby or toddler starts to cry. Also, it is wrong to bring children to see adult rated movies. No commentators please; like I said earlier, nobody needs your analyses of the film while its still playing. We are all watching and can see exactly what you are seeing so there is absolutely no need to explain what is going on to the next person. Wait until after the movie to

analyse and review the film. Please eat quietly. Nobody needs to hear your mouth move when you’re eating. Avoid stepping on people’s toes by going to the toilet before the movie starts. If you do need to use the restroom while the movie is on, quietly move out gently without frequently disturbing the people seated closer to the aisle. While it’s easy to just leave your empty popcorn containers on the floor or under your seat, theaters are not giant trash cans that happen to show films. Be sure to throw away any trash, such as empty drink containers and candy wrappers, on your way out of the auditorium. Although there are clean-up crews who come in after every movie to tidy up, they have limited time to get the theater ready for the next group of moviegoers. It’s also the right thing to do to clean up after yourself because movie theater employees don’t have enough time to properly clean up auditoriums after each screening. Please do not fart and spoil the air for other movie watchers. It is just plain nasty. When going to watch a movie at the cinema, please keep these simple rules of etiquette in mind, so that you and others present will have an enjoyable and hassle free experience. Overall, it is just nice to be well behaved, considering other people at all times.

10 genius easy-to-make pasta recipes

IFEOMA OKEKE

here is always an unconscious efforts for mothers to draw a balance between making a simple, easy dish, yet ensuring it is quite nutritious for consumption. No doubts, one of the most common and effortless meals to make are pastas. There are good pasta dishes and then there are great pasta dishes and then there are Genius pasta dishes. Sometimes this title is bestowed thanks to an ultra-creative swap (like Tony Kim’s “Cacio” e Pepe, which forgos cheese and calls in miso instead). Other times, it’s because you flip a technique on its head (like Ina Garten’s roasted-not-simmered vodka sauce). And other times still, it’s because the recipe is superiorly simple. For an extra-tired weeknight or, you know, whenever you just want something really good without a lot of effort. These pastas could be the ideal answer anyone may need. Barbara Kafka’s creamy lemon pasta Egg noodles, lemons, and cream are all you need to make this recipe— one of my favorite pastas of all time,

dreamed up by the late Barbara Kafka. Don’t skimp on the black pepper! Sue Kreitzman’s lemon butter angel hair pasta More lemon magic! This time, instead of egg noodles, there is broken-up angel hair, and instead of cream, chicken stock and butter. You’ll just have to try both to pick your favourite. Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce With Onion & Butter

Is there a simpler tomato sauce in the world? Let’s go with tomatoes, butter, and an onion team up to create something good enough to eat like soup. Al Forno’s penne with tomato, cream and cheeses If you can boil pasta and combine ingredients in a mixing bowl, then you can make this creamy, cheesy baked pasta. It’s infinitely adaptable, so you can riff on its flavours to your

heart’s content. Diane Kochilas’s pasta with yogurt and caramelized onions For your new favorite creamy pasta sauce, just turn to that tub of Greek yogurt in the fridge. Slowly caramelized onions and salty kefalotyri cheese to send it over the top. Nigella lawson’s linguine with lemon, garlic and thyme mushrooms To learn the art of no-fuss, read

Nigella Lawson’s recipes. Here, you combine thinly sliced mushrooms, garlic, thyme, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl for a breezy sauce. Victoria granof’s pasta con ceci Chickpeas and tiny pasta swim in a tomato-y, garlicky broth. The recipe has one step, which gives you some idea of how uncomplicated this is. Melissa Clark’s stovetop mac & cheese Your new favourite mac and cheese in T-minus 15 minutes? Yep, it’s a thing, thanks to Melissa Clark’s Genius method: cook then drain pasta, simmer it with some cream, add lots of cheddar, ta da. Kathy Brennan & caroline campion’s skillet lasagna Weeknight lasagna, here we come. This skillet version features no-boil noodles, pick-your-own sausage (sweet or hot), and two types of cheese for double the goodness. Martha Stewart’s one-pan pasta To all those pasta recipes that you have you cook your pasta in one pot and make your sauce in another, Martha Stewart says: no thanks. Besides that you save a dirty dish, the whole thing comes together in circa nine minutes.

Sunday 12 May 2019

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Entertainment Tiwa Savage signs exclusive recording deal with Universal Music Group Jonathan Aderoju

iwa Savage, Nigerian female afro beats sensation, has signed a recording deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) in Santa Monica, California. The partnership was announced by UMG South Africa. Under the agreement, Tiwa’s future music will be released internationally through UMG’s operations in more than 60 countries worldwide. Her projects will be executively produced by Efe Ogbeni of Regime Music Societe and Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna. According to Tiwa, “My biggest goal is to make Africa proud. I am so excited for this moment and I am thankful to Sir Lucian Grainge and my new UMG family for their believe in my dreams. I am looking forward to this next chapter in my career and I am ready”. UMG executive vice-president for market development Adam Granite said: “We are looking forward to partnering with Tiwa and her team to help her music reach new audiences around the world. As one of Africa’s most successful, influential and dynamic singersongwriters, Tiwa has truly global ambitions and UMG is committed to help her in achieving them.” In a joint statement, Efe Ogbeni and Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna said: “We are very proud to be a part of this ground-breaking partnership between Tiwa Savage and UMG. “Tiwa is undoubtedly the most hardworking and talented female artist crossing over from Africa to the rest of the world, and UMG has demonstrated its commitment to the continent by placing its formidable machinery behind her amazing career. Partnerships like these symbolise the hopes and dreams of so many talented artists back home

in Africa and it is an honour to be the executive producers of her project.” Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Savage previously performed as a backup singer for artists such as Mary J. Blige and the late singer George Michael. She later attended Boston’s renowned Berklee College of Music on scholarship. In 2006, Savage participated in the UK edition of The X Factor and advanced to the final 24. While participating in the popular music competition franchise, she had difficulty dealing with the limelight. She said, “You have to always realize that people are watching. When I got the bad news that I wasn’t getting through to the final 12, it was a really painful time. But you still have to learn how to hold that until you get home. Because you don’t want to just let everything out. People admire you and want to see that you’re strong; they don’t want to see you breaking down.”

In 2009, Sony/ATV Music Publishing signed Savage to a music deal. The deal solidified her to write for Babyface, Kat Deluna, Fantasia Barrino, Monica and Mýa. She has received songwriting credit for her contribution to Monica’s soultinged ballad “Catch Me”. Moreover, her collaboration with Fantasia on the song “Collard Greens & Cornbread” earned the American recording artist a Grammy nomination in 2010. Savage wrote Jaicko’s “Oh Yeah” featuring Snoop Dogg, and Kat Deluna’s “Push Push” featuring Akon and David Guetta. In as much as she likes writing for other artists, she finds writing for herself more rewarding. Savage performed background vocals on Whitney Houston’s album I Look to You (2009). From then on Tiwa has continued to put the flag of Nigeria amongst others in the international Entertainment community.

When issues made us remember Ifeoma Chukwuogo’s ‘Bariga Sugar’

he recent events where commercial sex workers were rounded-up by the police at nightclubs in Abuja has rekindled the discourse on commercial sex workers and the social crises they face. Assistant Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle who heads the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) of the police came to twitter to moralise the issue. Referring to religion and economics, he out-rightly condemned the women who after they were rounded-up, were taken to different corners even in the police station where they were allegedly sexually assaulted in humiliating and unsafe manners. The women were also monetarily exploited as the story goes. There was uproar in the social and mainstream media over this policeman’s argument that prostitution is condemned in the two most dominant religions in the Nigeria, Christianity and Islam. He further said that while these commercial sex workers don’t pay tax, their activities breed crimes. This moralising is both illogical and unconstitutional, and shows how this policeman chose to ignore other angles to the issue. There’s no clear cut legislation in Nigeria on prostitution so the citizens and sometimes the police have cashed into this vacuum to exploit commercial sex workers. As an enduring form of art, films can be referred to in analysing social issues. The short film ‘Bariga Sugar’ dramatised this conflict but however, unlike the policeman’s insensible rants, ‘Bariga Sugar’ approached the issue of prostitution

Olarewaju) another child at the brothel who had also come to stay with her mother Tina (Blessing Samuel) a prostitute. Tina is equally protective of her girl-child. Even though the kids have been exposed to too much sexuality, their mothers live in denial of the fact that their children are psychologically and physically exposed to an unhealthy environment and activity. The kids are stigmatised by other kids in the neighbourhood who refer to them as children of prostitutes and thus refuse to associate with them. The fact ACP Abayomi Shogunle occluded the social reality that such impoverished women who are forced into such humiliating profession face is what Chimamanda Adichie has called single stories, stories that are narrow minded and told from very simplistic perspective. There is more to this issue that deserves a holistic approach rather than a simplistic moralising tweet. Hanatu and Tina got into a fight that estranged their relationship and that of their children. Hanatu sent Ese to purchase a condom to Tina’s chagrin. There was a big fight between the two mothers which resulted to their exploitation by Madam Sugar (Tina Mba) the nononsense proprietor of the brothel. They were sanctioned and penalised for some period, a situation that made the women more impoverished. During this period, they were left with nothing after their daily sexual works: a punishment that is more of exploitation than a deterrent factor. Jamil felt sick but due to the present circumstance, the mother cannot afford

from a critical perspective pointing out the crisis and risks inherent in such profession from a humanist and artistic perspective. A 22 minute film written and directed by Ikenna Edmund Okah and Ifeoma Chukwuogo respectively, it had set the pace for the discourse that recently reared its head. Hanatu (Lucy Ameh) who had lost her husband came to live in a brothel with her only son Jamil (played by a child actor Tunde Azeez) in order to make ends meet and survive chronic hunger and homelessness. Hanatu in exchange for money and accommodation sells her body to any willing man. What the policeman refused to acknowledge in his tweet-rant is the social-economic reality that drive women into such profession even with the risk, and erosion of self-dignity that comes with it. Again, the Policeman refused to point out government failure in providing welfare to citizens who are exposed to poverty and prevailing circumstances. Jamil met Ese (played by Halima

adequate medical treatment for her son which led to his death. Ese is heartbroken. This may affect her aspiration of becoming the Queen of Bariga Sugar as she said in the film. She wants to become a queen, but a different kind of queen. Not like the revered Madam Sugar, but like the Queen of England. The short film had a brilliant performance by the cast particularly the child actors. The picture had both sound and picture quality. The story was great and the director harnessed everything in making the film give us a canon that can be referred to when there are social issues in the real world. In the height of social madness, we can get therapy and ideal ideology from such work of art like ‘Bariga Sugar’. So I had to think about the film, contemplated the issues the film maker raised in the film and concluded that ACP Abayomi Shogunle goofed.

Avengers: Endgame has earned more than $2 billion worldwide … it becomes No2 movie of all time

Jonathan Aderoju

vengers: Endgame has crossed another huge box office milestone. It has become the fastest film ever to earn more than $2 billion (N612 billion) at the worldwide box office, and has become the second-biggest film release ever, according to Deadline. The film earned a jaw-dropping $1.2 billion(N367 billion) on its opening weekend across the world, and has broken a ton of records since its release: it became the highest-grossing release ever, the biggest opening weekend ever (in the US and globally), biggest opening in China and India, the largest second weekend box office ever, the fastest to earn more than $1 billion (N306 billion), now the fastest to earn $2 billion (N612 billion). As well, it has surpassed the box office totals of Avengers: Infinity War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Titanic. Given that the film has only been out for a week, it seems likely that it will

climb up a couple of more spaces, and maybe surpass Avatar’s $2.7 billion (N826 billion) total gross. The story arc that led to the events in Avengers: Endgame began more than a decade ago, with the release of Iron Man in 2008, followed by Hulk, Captain America, Thor, and others. It is the culmination of the franchise to date, which now includes 22 movies that have assembled nearly $22 billion (N6 trillion) in global ticket sales, making it easily the most successful franchise in film history. Though the movies have introduced dozens of individual comic book characters, it is the stories that bring these heroes together as a team to face a global threat that have been the most lucrative. Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, Marvel’s The Avengers, and Avengers: Age of Ultron have collectively accounted for more than $7 billion (N2 trillion) in box office sales. Infinity War and Endgame, which together focused on the tale of the titan Thanos, are

two of only five movies to ever top $2 billion(N612 billion) in box office receipts (the other three are Avatar, Titanic, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens). What’s next for Disney? Movie industry insiders had previously projected that profit from Avengers: Endgame would add between $600 million (N183 billion) and $650 million (N198 billion) to Disney’s bottom line. That estimate does not include ancillary profits from product licensing, and the additional fans that sign up for the new Disney+ streaming service or visit the company’s theme parks. The final profitability will likely be even higher, depending on the final box office tally. Even as the most recent installment brings the bigger story arc to a conclusion that is not the end of Marvel’s superhero aspirations. Sony’s Spider-Man: Far From Home, as well as, Marvel’s Black Panther 2, Doctor Strange 2, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, will all be coming to a theatre near you in the coming months and years.

Destiny Isiguzo Follow on instagram @destinyisiguzo and on twitter @isiguzocid

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Sunday 12 May 2019

Travel

‘About 70% of our 10.5 million international visitors come from our neighboring countries’ Impressed with the turnout at the just concluded Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019 in Durban, South Africa, especially participants from the across the continent, DEREK HANEKOM, minister of Tourism, South Africa, thinks tourism prospects for Africa is looking great, but needs innovative products, collaboration, open borders and skies to achieve more. In this interview held during the Indaba, the minister speaks extensively to OBINNA EMELIKE on visa, seamless travel and other related issues.

s South Africa looking towards visa-on-arrival like some African countries? The visa-on-arrival in most countries, even if you are from a non visa requiring country, you have to stamp your passport. Visa-on-arrival could be linked to the eVisa system. It is not a bad idea to do the biometrics. It is a good system because biometrics can be done very quickly upon arrival with photograph, finger prints or what have you. We are also buying into the capturing of biometrics in one of our airports. But my view of moving towards the free movement of African people across the African continent is not a view that is readily shared by the Department of Home Affairs. The irony is that all the Southern African Development Community (SADEC) countries have visa exempt. Angola is the most recent country and it is amazing how tourist arrivals leaped up as soon as we waived the visa requirement for Angola. Almost all SADEC come to South Africa without visa: Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Botswana and our immediate neighboring countries. By the way, of our 10.5 million international visitors, 70 percent come from our immediate neighboring countries, mainly Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is our biggest single source market. Mozambican can come to South Africa without a visa, a Tanzanian can come without a visa, but a Kenyan cannot come without a visa. You cannot see any logic in it. It is a fight we have to fight quite vigorously after the elections. But one thing we have got the cabinet agreement on is apart from all these things; the eVisa, movement towards eVisa among others, is to do a country by country reexamination of which countries need visas and which do not and there are some real anomalies. That has to be a real exercise. If the Department of Home Affairs with its security considerations says Kenya is danger zone, then they must the case. There are complains about VFS and its high visa processing charges,

which are bigger than visa fees. What do you think? There has to be a visa processing centre because it might be for different kinds of visas; longer term, short term, students visa, among others. If we are able to do, or succeed in doing what we intend doing, that is migrate to the eVisa system, the VFS becomes redundant because you will not need to go to either of the consulate or VFS to get your visa. There are exceptional cases where people want work permit, working visa, student visa, then the embassy or consulate should be well equipped to deal with such visa applications, but not the normal tourist visa application. I spoke to Darkey Africa, the consul general in Lagos and he told me the story of people applying at visa facilitation centers having to make an appointment to have you interviewed, yet you go there physically to make an appointment. Then, the batch of processed visa applications goes to the consulate anyway, the consulate does not process, they check and give them stamp with the recommended days. There is another story told to us by tour operators in Lagos. People go to the visa facilitation centre and ask for 10 days, I mean tour operators coming with groups and they want 10-12 days and they give them 8 days. That is not fair and it is something I will deal with like fury because it is embarrassing to us. The visa processing center is a private company and it provides services to a number of companies. They make their money from processing visas, and that is part of the story of Nigeria. So, they will not be enthusiastic for us moving into the eVisa system. The problem is that sometimes companies like the visa facilitation centers may have their supporters in the Department of Home Affairs who protect them and hence are not very keen at moving away from the system. How do you rate the level of corporation with other African countries in tourism development? Kenya is a success story for tourism growth. I highlighted this at the open-

Derek Hanekom, tourism minister of South Africa ing ceremony of Africa’s Travel Indaba. I mentioned Kenya, Ethiopia and Egypt among the countries that are doing well in tourism. Kenya in particular is doing a great job at marketing itself and the numbers are showing. Aside our immediate neighboring countries, Kenya is our second biggest source market, Ghana is our third biggest African source market. We have some agreements with some African countries for collaboration and corporation to lift tourism in Africa. The big issue for us is to deal with is the visa. Why short visas? It is crazy. How do you think other countries can facilitate seamless travel with South Africa? The first thing is to make sure that the big source markets such as Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya do not need visas to visit. Secondly, in the event that they need visas, to make it easy to get the visas, as well as, online visas that are not limited to a five-day stay in South Africa. Also, we need to do away with the current system of having to go

through the visa facilitation center in person, it is an inconvenience. But as much as we want to promote intra-African travel, Nigeria for whatever reason has strong links with the United Kingdom; a lot of Nigerians living in the UK, hence people want to go to London for many reasons including family connections. It is a fact that most Nigerians who want to come to South Africa already have the UK visa. Some destinations in Africa are not accessible due to poor air connectivity, what do you think Africa should do to connect better? Africa has to blame itself for the poor air connectivity on the continent. We are one of the 23 signatories to the single air market. But over half of African countries for one reason or the other and the protectionists do not want to be part of it. So, they are standing in the way of easier connectivity between African countries. For instance, Nigerians wanting to travel to Uganda may have to travel to Johannesburg first to get to Uganda and that is crazy. It is not something South Africa carries responsibility for, African coun-

tries have to get serious with the commitments they make; free movement of people, free trade, among others. Xenophobia is still raising its ugly head, are there no solutions to the menace? It is just politically, we have to fight it continuously. When you have huge number of Nigerians or Zimbabweans living in certain areas, the sentiment is that they have taken over the jobs. If you go to townships, which I do a lot of times, almost in every township there is a Somali shop owner and those from Bangladesh that is not even from Africa. In most cases it is peaceful because the entrepreneur from Somalia or Bangladesh are better than those from South Africa and they offer good services to the local residents, hence the local residents will like to protect them. They run their shops well and they offer credit. In the majority of cases there is harmony, but when you have a country like us with high level of unemployment, there is perception that all these Zimbabweans or Nigerians have taken over our jobs, in a particular area. We fight it politically. In the area that I live, Kensington in Johannesburg, in my branch of the African National Congress (ANC), we fight it all the time. There are party members that will come with the xenophobia nonsense because they live in areas where majority of the residents are not South Africans, we say no. I spent a few years in exile and we were looked after. I even had a Ghanaian passport then. It was because I was in Zimbabwe at the time Ghana came to our rescue. The country was supporting our liberation struggle. Also, we were hosted by Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and many countries of the world. So, we remind them of that to say we will not have the freedom we have today without the support of these African countries. It is politically education that is the critical thing, when you have large number of unemployed South Africans coming and perceive their businesses or jobs are being taken over, you may experience these ugly incidents.

Tourism,Transport Summit and Expo: A call for partnership to grow travel industry

he main hall of the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja was agog and ignited for two days with glowing colours and personalities drawn from across the twin sectors of tourism and transportation as well as allied sectors. It provided an explosive platform for discourse on the potential and challenges facing the growth of the two sectors that are of huge benefits to the nation’s economy. The occasion was the second edition of the annual National Tourism and Transport Summit and Expo organised by the Institute of Tourism Professionals (ITP). It was an event dedicated to exploring in details the synergy between tourism and transportation and how best to reap the windfalls from them. The theme for the summit was: ‘Tourism and Transportation Inter-dependencies for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development.’’ Other collaborators with ITP in staging the event were the Ministry of Transportation, and Ministry of Information and Culture. In his welcome remark at the summit, the president of ITP, Abiodun Odusanwo, who was also the chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the summit said:

“The National Tourism and Transport Summit and Expo is aimed at bringing together all players in the tourism and transport industries so that issues hindering the growth of the two sectors can be tackled without sentiments, but with all the sense of sincerity of purpose and patriotic zeal for the economic and social good of the country. ‘‘It is essentially meant to provide the platform to deliberate on the complex relationship between transport provision and tourism in boosting the nation’s economy. Furthermore, it is to offer a conducive avenue to experts and policy makers in conjunction with key players and operators in the industry to brainstorm on the interconnectedness between transportation and tourism, a connectivity brought by road, rail, maritime, and air transport services and chart the way forward for both sectors and extension, reposition them in the economic diversification drive of the President Mohammadu Buhari - led administration.” In declaring the two days summit opened, the Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha, who was represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Abubakar, commended the

organisers for the initiative, which he said is a laudable one as it has the potential to galvanise the two sectors and related industries to boost the economy of the country. Mustapha reiterated the commitment of the federal government to massive investment in building the country’s infrastructure and the pursuit of peace and security in order to achieve inclusive socioeconomic development of the country. He said for tourism to thrive, the country needs to be at peace, giving assurance of the federal government resolve to handle the various challenges confronting the country while suing for the support and cooperation of all Nigerians and businesses to move the country forward. Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA), Mohammed Musa Bello, said the FCTA was proud to host the summit, which he said offered a platform to chart a better way for the two sectors while calling on all the participants to explore critical issues relating to bridging the gap between transport and tourism sectors. Some of the keynote speakers at the event included the Ministers of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and Information

and Culture, Lai Mohammed as well as Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who were all represented at the event. They all commended the Institute of Tourism Professionals in organising the summit, stressing that as partners and collaborators in hosting the event, they will continue to offer their support for its success. Some of the resolutions adopted at the end of the two - day session of discourse on various aspects of tourism and transportation and related matters by different speakers from a broad spectrum of the economy, included: Policy somersaults, under utilisation of modern technology, dearth of data and inadequate human and institutional capacity as factors responsible for the for the drawback in the two sectors. While noting that low level participation and poor investment of the private sector are also slowing down growth in the sectors, they observed that poor infrastructure development and also poor synergy between the two sectors, which observed is not helping to spur sustainable growth and development. Therefore, they called for steady gov-

ernment policies; stronger public private partnership to grow both sectors, noting that strong human and institutional capacity and use of modern technology to conduct tourism and transportation activities are key if Nigeria is to witness sustainable growth and development in the two sectors. The summit also tasked relevant tourism agencies to intensify efforts in the promotion and marketing of Nigerian tourism for both domestic and international markets while urging the federal government to liberalise the aviation sector in order to attract massive private investment. Participants at the summit charged government at different levels and operators in the two sectors to facilitate and ensure the implementation of the recommendations adopted for the socioeconomic development of the country. Beside the talk shop, which was very engaging and robust, equally engaging and colourful was the expo session, which had a number of companies, including government agencies and ministries, exhibiting different products and services for the benefit of the public.

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Travel The best travel movies to inspire your summer vacation Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

lowly but surely, summer is returning and planning the perfect vacation is never easy. The first and greatest challenge is always simply deciding where to go. However, rather than getting stressed over the decisions why not take things a bit slower and put more enjoyment into the experience of planning your trip? Even better, why not do it all from the comfort of your armchair with our review of some of the most photogenic and travel-friendly films of all time – movies that launched a million travel bookings. Some of the best movies to enjoy on-board 40,000 feet above sea level are the following: The Lord of the Rings Series (2001-2003) Hobbiton has to be on every traveller’s bucket list. You can’t travel to Middle Earth but you can travel to New Zealand, which is just as good in my opinion. Forrest Gump (1994) This is the best travel movie to

watch if you’re heading to the USA. Forrest Gump travels all over the country taking us, and his magnetic zest for life, with him. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) David Lean’s cinematic masterpiece takes us on an epic journey via camel through the deserts of the

Middle East. Lion (2016) Five-year-old Saroo becomes separated from his family in India and is eventually adopted by an Australian family. This is a beautiful film spanning two nations and cultures. Into the Wild (2007) This ultimate ‘leave everything and travel’ film is paradoxically both wanderlust-inducing and a cautionary tale about recklessness and appreciating what you have. Roman Holiday (1953) This Hollywood classic stars Audrey Hepburn as a Princess who wants to experience the

magic of Rome as a regular traveller and Gregory Peck as a journalist who becomes her willing tour guide. The Before Trilogy (1995-2013) Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight shows how a holiday romance can become something much more while set in the beautiful backdrops of Vienna, Paris and Messenia, Greece. Call me by Your Name (2017) Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer star as unlikely lovers over one summer in the beautiful Lombardy region in Italy. The Indiana Jones Series (19812008) It’s physically impossible to watch all four Indiana Jones movies without wishing you were a whipcracking archaeologist travelling to places like Egypt and Nepal to uncover secret treasure. In Bruges (2008) The main characters may not be enjoying their break in Bruges, but the film still flaunts how beautiful the Belgian medieval city is if you’re not laying low after committing murder. Midnight in Paris (2011) One of the best travel movies in terms of travel planning, you could just follow where Owen Wilson’s character visits in the film! A very wanderlust-inspiring comedy. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) Before he was Che Guevara, he travelled through Peru (including Machu Picchu), Bolivia, Chile and Venezuela. The Motorcycle Diaries is not just a road movie, it documents how travel can change the course of your life forever. Lost in Translation (2003) Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are lost in translation in Sofia

Virgin Atlantic raises the bar for first A350-1000

irgin Atlantic has unveiled details of its long-awaited Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which includes an entirely new Upper Class cabin, featuring a brand new suite and social space. On sale this month, the airline’s first A350, named Red Velvet, will take to the skies from late summer 2019. As the first airline to introduce an on-board bar, Virgin Atlantic has taken its customer proposition to the next level, as customers can now enjoy a social space known as The Loft. As the largest social space in the airline’s fleet, it is designed for customers to gather, chat, enjoy a drink or dine with friends. The Loft extends the airline’s world renowned Clubhouse experience to the skies, offering a wide range of cocktails, and the option for customers to dine together and enjoy Mile High afternoon tea by Eric Lanlard and a selection of delicious new dishes by Donal Skehan. As well as enjoying luxe comfort and high end finishes, customers can settle in with Bluetooth headphones and connect to the 32” screen – catch a show, or watch the

live tailcam. The Loft is not the only innovation to the Upper Class cabin, as customers can also experience an entirely new suite, which has been designed in collaboration with a number of Virgin Atlantic’s most frequent flyers. Every seat now faces towards the window and offers deployable privacy screens. Laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, every suite has a 44 pitch inches, with a fully flatbed length of up to 82 inches. All suites will transition seamlessly from an upright seat, straight to a bed. It boasts Virgin Atlantic’s largest ever in-flight entertainment screen, at 18.5 inches and features intuitive new system, controllable by customers’ own personal device. In line with the rest of the fleet,

every customer will still have direct aisle access. Customers travelling in Virgin Atlantic’s award winning Premium cabin and its much loved Economy cabin will also be able to enjoy the increased levels of luxury and comfort the A350 has to offer. Both have the largest entertainment screens ever offered; 13.3” in Premium and 11.6” in Economy. Premium customers will also enjoy a generous 7” recline, increased space for storage, a four way adjustable headrest and a luxurious leather seat customers know and love. Economy seats have been upgraded to new luxurious fabrics offering adjustable headrests. Economy Light and Classic will offer a 31” seat pitch whilst Economy Delight offers 34 inches.

Coppola’s acclaimed drama which shows us that the relationships we make while travelling are often more important than the sights we see. Eat Pray Love (2010) A quintessential ‘find yourself’ movie or just another cliché? Whatever you think about Eat Pray Love,

no other film promotes a fabulous year of long-term travel like this one. National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985) Authenticity isn’t high on European Vacation’s priorities, but the Griswald family travel to London, Paris and Bavaria in this classic American comedy. The Inbetweeners 2 (2014) You can’t think about embarking on a working holiday in Australia without watching the lads travel to all the major backpacking spots in the land down under. The Hangover Part II (2011) The Wolfpack rage havoc all over Bangkok during one of their legendary benders and have to make up for all their wrongdoings in time for Stu’s wedding. The Beach (2000) Is there a more seminal backpacker film? Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a traveller looking for para-

dise amongst the islands in Thailand. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) Who doesn’t dream of dropping everything to buy a house in Tuscany? Diane Lane’s writer does just that and ends up falling madly in love, and not just with the jawdropping countryside. Eurotrip (2004) It’s like American Pie in Europe, what could be better for a Saturday night movie in? Four American teenagers backpack Europe during the summer before college and shenanigans ensue. Letters to Juliet (2010) One of the best romance travel films of this century, Letters to Juliet begins in Verona at Shakespeare’s Juliet Balcony before travelling around Tuscany in search of long lost love. Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again (2018) After the success of Mamma Mia, this sequel follows Donna’s backpacking journey and exploits through Paris before settling down on a paradise-like island in Greece. A Good Year (2006) Russell Crowe plays a high-powered London businessman turned vineyard owner as he learns to appreciate the slow life (and good wine) in the French countryside. P.S. I Love You (2007) This tragic love story starring Gerard Butler and Hilary Swank unfolds amongst the rolling hills of Ireland, specifically the picturesque Wicklow Mountains. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) Proof that not everyone changes during the trip of a lifetime, but Vicky and Cristina still have a summer in the famous Catalan city they will never forget.

British Airways rewards travel partners

ritish Airways, top international airline and flag carrier of United Kingdom, recently rewarded top performing Nigerian Travel agents in Lagos. The event, which was hosted by Ademola Sanya, British Airways’ trade sales manager for Nigeria, was held to honour and appreciate top travel agents and also focus on updates on its products and services as well as new initiatives in service delivery and selling of BA products. The event had in attendance, over one hundred top travel agents operating all over Nigeria. Speaking on the event, Kola Olayinka, the regional commercial manager for West Africa, said, “It is always an exciting time when we gather with our Trade Partners at events like these. It gives us the opportunity to discuss and interact with them, on our various offerings and how to better equip and serve them.” Commenting on the event, Bernard Bankole, managing director Finchglow Travels and NANTA President in Nigeria commended British Airways for remaining a

strong leader in the Aviation sector in the country and thanked them for the awards and the Training session. According to him, this will incentivise us to do even more for BA. Winners that emerged from the award include; Finchglow Travel who clinched the highest selling agent countrywide and Quantum Travels who bagged the award for the highest selling agent to the Unites States. Other agents who received awards and were highly commended by the British Airways management team were Traveltron, Reward Travels and HRG. During the event, Bukky Akintobi, MD of Bravo Alpha Travels was the lucky winner of the raffle draw which won them a free business class ticket to London.

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The event which took place at an exclusive haven on Bank Road in Ikoyi, Lagos was no doubt a spectacle, as the modest birthday bash has been touted in many quarters as the most expensive and luxurious of all time, and may take a long time for another

birthday of that magnitude to supersede it. Adeduntan, in company of his darling wife, Adenike, treated every single top notch guest that graced the high octane occasion with choice gourmet and expensive vintage wines which continuously

flowed to whet the throats like torrential rain, while no one in attendance could resist the temptation of the cool music that intermittently played underground amidst banters and congratulatory messages to the birthday boy. Of course, Adeduntan, the industrious banker, with sufficient pedigree, is someone who is not known to do his things in small measures, even at his workplace, where he is also known to be a stickler for uncompromised excellence, diligence and astuteness, intrinsic virtues which inadvertently rubbed on his social, domestic and private lifestyle. All these came to materialize at his 50th birthday soiree, which interestingly held on a work day, the exact day he turned 50 glorious years on earth.

Tunde Folawiyo, a chip off the old block

e is a silver spoon by all indices you might want to use, but this has never shown in his demeanour, as he prefers to ply his game without drawing any undue attraction or media blitz to self. Tunde, son of late billionaire industrialist, Whab Folawiyo, is the managing director of the Yinka Folawiyo Group, a conglomerate with interests in energy, agriculture, shipping, real estate and engineering. His father started the group in 1957 as a commodities trading outfit and served as chairman until 2008 when he passed away. Tunde Folawiyo now calls the shots without cutting any corners. The company’s

oil exploration firm, Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum, owns a 60percent interest in an oil block that contains the Aje offshore field. Other assets include minority stakes in Nigeria’s

Access Bank and mobile phone carrier MTN Nigeria. Away from his vast business interests, very unassuming and easy-going Tunde is dedicated and committed to the continued prosperity

of his native Nigeria and the African region. He has held various roles key to his mission of fostering education, economic growth and the spread of philanthropy. Tunde Folawiyo continually contributes wholehearted support to his country’s success, through his many charitable gestures. 59-year-old Tunde Folawiyo, a London-trained lawyer, continues to serve as a revered entrepreneur and proponent of Africa’s education system. As a Goodwill Ambassador and Honourary Consul of Barbados, Tunde Folawiyo serves as one of Africa’s most highly-regarded socio-economic leaders and entrepreneurs.

Ibe Kachikwu, others identify with Vivian Lam

uccess, whenever it is being celebrated, always brings many people to identify with the celebrator of success. This was replicated at the last much-anticipated launch of Ms. Vivian Lam’s book, ‘Nigeria: Reawakening the Giant.’ The event which was audaciously held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, was a grand ceremony that left a lot of dignitaries amazed and astonished at the turnout it witnessed, and it was indeed historic and epoch, with the high and mighty in attendance. Th o s e w h o g l a d l y identified with the suc-

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Dr. Adesola Adeduntan wows guests at 50 till basking in the euphoria of the grandiose 125th foundation of his employers, First Bank Nigeria Plc., its efficient Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, took the centre stage once again, in another celebration mood days back. The banking guru and major industry player, Adeduntan was joyous on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, when he hit the golden age of 50 gracefully. Dr. Adeduntan, obviously in a rare celebration mood wowed the minds of guests at his birthday, sparing nothing to fete his distinguished guests who cut all across all sectors of the economy, especially the corporate world, with all the paraphernalia of royalty and candor.

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cess story of the obviously related author, Vivian Lam, were Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum, who delivered a goodwill message, former Interior Minister, Comrade Abba Morro, Chairman of the occasion, Kogi state First Lady, Mrs. Rasheeda Bello, as Mother of the Day, Executive Commissioner of NCC, Mr. Sunday Dare, who reviewed the book, Mrs. Julie Okah, DG, NAPTIP. Other distinguished guests at the function were Senator-elect, Ifeanyi Uba, Mr. Femi FaniKayode, Sen. Eze Ajoku,

Barrister Kemdi Dikeocha, former Imo State Speaker, and representatives from FIRS, CBN, Customs and other notable national agencies. The Book by Vivian Lam, highlights the natural resources of Nigeria, her challenges and recommendations towards regaining her lost glory. In her remarks, Vivian Lam thanked everyone who made out time and efforts to grace the book launch and expressed sincere appreciation to everyone, agencies, social groups and associations, that indeed participated and were useful in making her national book a success.

Segun Adebutu serenades the needy on his birthday

e is one of the prominent sons of the billionaire businessman and lottery entrepreneur, Chief Kessington Adebutu, (a.k.a. Baba Jebu,) and he is always in the attitude of making giant strides. Like their philanthropist and big-time businessman father, they are living up to the billing in virtually everything they touch, amplifying his legacy of benevolence and generosity in ramifications. Segun Adebutu left no one in doubt about these traits of his father when he added a year days back, and he took time out to celebrate the birthday with underprivileged babies and children. The solid businessman and oil and gas big time player is a man of proven and immense wealth like his father; he is a lover of humanity and an embodiment of philanthropy, whose milk of human kindness gushes like a fountain, and he believes that every

child deserves a sense of belonging and a chance to succeed in life irrespective of the circumstances surrounding his/her background. This was exactly what the dude did during his last birthday as he doled out gift and cash items to some children’s homes and orphanages in Lagos, and even played, danced and confabulated with them while the celebration lasted; unlike his last birthday, which he held amid pomp and ceremony in far away, Malta.

Kiki Okewale ups her ante in Dubai

f you are a fashion buff and style aficionado, then you must have been conversant with the exploits off versatile fashion designer and style creator, Kiki Oyewale, owner and operator of wave-making Hope Plaza in Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, where virtually all fashion appurtenances are in quantum. Since the fashion haven came into existence about two years ago, it has been a trendsetter in exquisite designs and other fashion accessories. Kiki was recently in her designs-creating, fabric-spinning element at the last Royal Gala and Fashion Show in Dubai. It was a rare opportunity for the creative lady to showcase the best of Nigerian fashion and style and she did not disappoint. For the record, innovative Kiki is the first Nigerian to grace the exclusive event that brings the very best trends in contemporary fashion on display, and the lot thus fell on Kiki to show her mettle with a dizzying array of her unique designs and artistic interpretations, using a blend of traditional and

modern fabrics that left the crowd awe-struck; and with the fine show she put on, Kiki has no doubt opened doors for other internationals to patron-

ize the Nigerian fashion scene as well as invite other Nigerian designers to these exclusive fashion gatherings in the future. Delectable Kiki is happily married to Dr. Tunde Okewale, the legendary IVF guru and Chief Medical Director of the groundbreaking St. Ives Specialist Group of Hospitals.

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Why I opened a beauty studio – Mrs Nigeria

berechukwu Enemchukwu, former Mrs Nigeria and former Mrs Tourism International has gone a long way to show that she is not just about fine face but having brains a s well. The lady, who was once a member of staff of Globacom, has decided to open up her own business, a beauty studio, which she called Wabio. Speaking to Bliss on why she opened a beauty studio, the beauty queen said it stemmed from the foundation she launched years back called WABIO, which means Women are beautiful Inside Out. “The charity foundation is not a business. I am a beauty and image consultant. I felt this is another way forgivingback.Makeupisnotabout putting colour on the face. It is not about plastic surgery. It is about enhancing your natural beauty. “I believe every woman is beautiful and not just n the outside but on the inside as well. It was on the basis of that and in line with excellence that I decided to do a certification at the London makeup school. We brought it back home and decided to show it to the womenfolk here.” The beauty queen said she believes in doing anything she has to do properly. “We are not just working with colours but making sure that whatever you push out is in line with what is being practised internationally especially in terms of hygiene, product application and to truly make the woman feel beautiful not just on the outside but inside as well. We believe every woman is a queen. The crown is just a confirmation. I am not just a make-up artist but a beauty and image consultant.”

The beauty queen who left Globacom nine months ago said she has no regret leaving the multinational company. “Before leaving, everything I did was deliberate. Going in for the beauty contest was intentional, it didn’t just happen. There was a story behind it. From that point, I knew I wasn’t going to working under paid employment again. I started my exist strategy. What we have today is a three year plan. Leaving Glo didn’t come immedi-

ately. When it was time for me to leave, I left. There hasn’t been any regret. It has been a case of this should have happened long ago. But I didn’t fool myself thinking it would be easy. But then, it wasn’t easy when I was working for glo0bacom. But now, I am working for myself. I am grateful for all the 12 years I worked in Glo. It was an interesting journey. But it is time for me to do my thing. The alert is not coming from Glo but the alerts are coming.”

Please address me as a beautiful girl – Bobrisky

elf acclaimed Nigeria’s Barbie, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has warned his fans and foes never to address him as a male but rather as a “beautiful girl”. In a video he posted on his Instagram handle, Bobrisky who is known to clap back at whoever trolls him on his page, reminded his fans in the video, that he is no longer a male but a female. In the video he said, “This video is for some idiots on my page. I will post a picture and they would say ‘You look good bro’. Who is your ‘bro’? Please. Your ‘bro’ is in Yaba, collecting treatment. I am a very beautiful girl. If I post a picture and you feel you want to comment and you cannot say ‘You look beautiful baby girl, pretty woman’, then don’t bother. He continued his warning saying, “Don’t come to my page and call me ‘bro’. Let us learn how to respect ourselves on

MC Galaxy rewards fan at STAR Easter Carnival

this instagram. Be careful.” His post attracted so many comments as some of his fans hailed him and laughed at his

video while some others posted vile comments admonishing him for wanting to change his gender.

hen MC galaxy said he was going to stun one of his fans with a cash reward, not so many people believed him but one Emmanuel, a student of Abuja Polytechnic, was practically shocked to his bone marrows when the singer gifted him the sum of N50, 000. The popular afro-pop singer had thrilled fans at the Easter carnival in Abuja sponsored by Star beer, as he unveiled a new dance, as well as reward one lucky fan with a sum of 50,000 Naira. After a dazzling performance, MC Galaxy took to stage and engaged fans in a mini dance competition in which three contestants vied for the top prize. The dancers had to mimic a new dance that MC Galaxy had promised would go viral. After a few rounds of competing, a young gentleman simply known as Emmanuel emerged as the winner. MC Galaxy then asked the boy how much his school fees was and he said it was N45, 000. Pehraps, the young lad had thought Galaxy would give him about N50, 000 but the musician stunned him and proceeded to

offer him a sum of N50,000. Over the years MC Galaxy has often engaged with fans in a similar manner and STAR Easter Carnival offered the perfect example to share the love with fans. MC Galaxy whose real name is Innocent Udeme Udofot initially rose to fame after winning the Davido dance competition in 2012. He has worked with Tspize, Swizz Beatz, Uhuru, and Shizzi and is known for being the pioneer of the popular dance - Sekem. His performance at the STAR Easter carnival was preceded by M.I who also gave an unforgettable performance the night before. The Carnival also simultaneously took place in 10 other cities including Lagos where Obesere, Slim Case, and Mr. Real performed. In Calabar also, we had Timaya, and Humble Smith while Phyno stole the show in Onitsha.

Amstel takes fans to Moremi The Musical

o many lovers of music and music turned out in Lagos to watch the much talked about Moremi The Musical and it was indeed worth it. But then again, for those who missed out on seeing the music drama, Amstel Malta gave lucky some Nigerians a chance to see it before it recently came to an end on May 5. As part of the brand’s mission to help Nigerians continue living their best lives, Amstel Malt randomly selected enthusiasts on social media and gave them an opportunity to watch and enjoy the beautifully told story of the courageous queen who is famed for aiding the liberation of the Yoruba race. Queen Moremi’s story, of making huge sacrifices to secure her people’s freedom, was first told on stage last year, with a total of 21 shows in Lagos and a few more in Europe and the United States. The queen is said to have been taken captive at the time when her people in Ife Kingdom were at war with an adjoining tribe, and during the time of her forced marriage, she learned the secrets of her captor’s army, leaked those secrets which helped her people win the war, secure her freedom so she could return home to her first husband - King Oramiyan of Ife. As a brand, Amstel Malta has continuously found excit-

ing ways to reward consumer loyalty with initiatives that drive home its message of celebrating life to its fullest. In past years, Amstel Malta has offered loyal fans romantic getaways, meetups with friends, even festivals where they have made new friends. In 2018, the brand supported Africa’s largest fitness festival, #FitFamFest2018, where consumers not only got to partake in exciting activities and meet new people, but also went home with exciting prices. This time, Amstel Malta has chosen the theater as the perfect place to connect with more of its target audience. In their response, some of the rewarded consumers referred to the giveaway gesture from Amstel Malta as a thrilling experience. They confessed to thoroughly enjoying the two-hour play produced by the renowned Bolanle Austen Peters which even attracted the audience of high profile dignitaries like the Ooni of Ife.

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Sunday 12 May 2019

SundayBusiness Best food items for the Fasting Season Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

asting can be described as“extreme restriction or complete abstinence from food for a period of time”. Although the proponents of fasting for Muslims, Christians and other religious beliefs engage in it for spiritual reasons, including penitence there are some health benefits traceable to it. These include weight loss, detoxification, rejuvenation and treatment of various conditions, such as cancer and arthritis. However, there is inadequate evidence to support these claims, according to the American Cancer Society. On the physical side fasting has its own disadvantages. Amongst these is the loss of muscle tissue because when you stop eating, your body begins to get energy by breaking down your muscle tissue for protein within 12 to 16 hours. After two days, your body does begin to burn fat for energy,

but keeps using protein from your muscles for 21 days, according to the Boston Globe Online. Fasting also decreases the rate your body burns calories because it slows down your metabolism. Fasting leads to low blood sugar and your body’s breakdown of muscle protein for energy, which generates ammonia and urea as byproducts. Irritability, dizziness, headache, tiredness, weakness and depression can result. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding and people who react to drugs are therefore, advised not to fast. To ensure that you stay healthy during a fast, consult a medical professional if this is your first time fasting or if you are on a fast longer than three to five days. Pre-Dawn Meal Considered and listed below are certain food items nutritionists recommend for pre-dawn meal called Suhoor. First on the list are fruits and vegetables because they are rich in fibre. They increase the feeling of fullness and help prevent constipation. They also contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that are vital for good health. Similarly, high-fibre carbohydrate foods like brown rice and whole meal bread take longer to digest, helping to sustain energy levels longer. Great sources of protein while limiting your fat intake are skinless chicken, fish and low-fat dairy products. Furthermore, they help repair and build body tissue, and build up your immune system. Consuming high-calcium dairy products such as Peak Milkalso helps maintain strong bones. Those that are lactose intolerant can choose lactose-free milk or calcium-

fortified soybean milk. According to Healthy Eating Magazine, there are many types of fasting diets and each one has its own rules about what you can or cannot drink. While most diets allow for an assortment of foods, partial fasting diets may restrict the type of food you’re allowed to eat or drink. As well, in a dry fast, not even water is allowed, which is considered essential for all of fasts.The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends getting a variety of vegetables from each of the subgroups such as leafy greens, red and orange vegetables, starchy vegetables for balanced nutrition Detoxification and Nutrition Fasting diet supporters say it gives the digestive system a rest and encourages detoxification. However, the NYU Langone Medical Center states that no scientific evidence supports the benefits of detoxification techniques, including fasting. And, to ensure you receive all essential nutrients during a fast, eat a healthy balance of foods, including a variety of vegetables, and emphasize whole-grains and low-fat cooking methods. Drink Water Water is essential for all fasts, including juice fasting because the body suffers from dehydration. While MedlinePlus recommends drinking a minimum of six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water, you need to drink more while fasting. Jennifer Thompson, author of “Water Fasting” recommends drinking an additional 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight. The recommendation may increase if you are exposed to hot weather, as with Nigerians or if you are

Udoma inaugurates 15-member NBS Governing Board …Urges members to strictly adhere to statutory provisions

he 15-member Governing Board of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) was on Thursday inaugurated in Abuja by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma. A statement signed by Akpandem James, special adviser (Media & Communication) to the Minister, said Udo Udoma charged the new Board to work in harmony with the management of the Bureau to achieve its goals, especially considering the important role that the NBS plays in nation building The minister also pointed out that the roles and responsibilities of the Governing Boards of Parastatals and Agencies as provided in their respective establishment Acts are quite distinct from the day-to-day administration of parastatals and agencies under the leadership of Chief Executives who double as Accounting Officers. He also said that strict adherence to statutory provisions by both parties will enhance harmonious relationship devoid of bickering and other unhealthy occurrences.

The NBS is one of the three parastatals under the Ministry. Other two are the National Institute for Social and Economic Research (NISER) and the Centre for Management Development (CMD). The Governing Boards of the two institutions were inaugurated on March 8, 2018. Recall that last year, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the constitution of the Boards of some Federal Government Agencies/ Parastatals to provide proper governance and oversight structure for them as well as drive general policy formulation for the implementation of their management teams. While the boards of other parastatals were immediately inaugurated, that of NBS, which requires Senate confirmation, was postponed to await that confirmation. The approval was obtained recently. The Minister explained that the NBS is the government agency charged with the responsibility for data generation and dissemination in Nigeria. “The agency facilitates sectoral development in updating, monitoring Nigeria’s socio-

economic indicators and advises the government as well as relevant stakeholders including the public and private sectors on our social rankings, etc. Considering the important role the NBS plays in nation building, the need for a supportive Governing Board cannot be overemphasised,” he said. He emphasised that the appointment of the Board members is on part-time basis. “You are required to work with the management of the NBS to, inter alia, determine its mission and long-term strategy roles and responsibilities and develop strategies to promote sustainable and cost-efficient activities of the Bureau,” he said. In his welcome address, Ernest Umakhihe, permanent secretary in the Ministry, congratulated the members on their appointment, noting that the eventual inauguration has been long awaited since the Boards of two other agencies supervised by the Ministry had been done a year ago. “We are all happy because it has come at this auspicious time,” Umakhihe said.

participating in strenuous exercise while fasting, especially artisans, drivers and farmers. Other Liquids Freshly made juices or light, low-fat broths and non-caffeinated teas are allowed when you’re on a juice fast or partial fast. For a juice fast, fresh juices should be made with a juicer to remove as much insoluble fiber as possible and to give your digestive system a rest. Broths should contain no solid and as little fat as possible. Teas are allowed on all juice and partial fasts, though caffeine-free choices such as decaffeinated teas and herbal teas are preferred. Cooked Foods In general, eating low-fat, lowsodium foods like vegetables, fruits and whole-grains are recommended. Though it might seem counter-intuitive, but some fasts allow for cooked foods. Partial fasts allow for cooked foods with some restrictions, such as eating only cooked brown rice, or intermittent fasting, where you are only allowed to eat during restricted times. To get cooked foods in drinkable form, puree cooked foods with a little bit of water. Breaking Fast For Muslims, breaking Ramadan fast with dates is a popular Islamic tradition. According to experts in Birmingham City University, it seems that the practice is more than just a tradition and dates are quite effective, especially in restoring energy after a day-long fasting. This is because dates contain glucose, fructose and sucrose as well as fibre, potassium and vitamin A. With so much nutritional values, the dry fruit is indeed a great food to consume at the end of the fast,

said nutritionist Rita Ramayulis from the Indonesian Nutritionists Association, according to Jakarta Post. In her words, “wet or dry dates are as good. One piece of date contains glucose, fructose, sucrose, fiber, potassium and vitamin A. The combination of sucrose, glucose and fructose can increase blood sugar levels, and stabilize them at the same time”. Another big bonus of dates is that they do not spike your blood sugar level and are free from cholesterol. Dates are rich in protein and they help one to stay fit. Also, the iron contained in them can promote healthy teeth and be beneficial for people who suffer from iron deficiency. In the absence of dates, meals rich in the aforementioned nutrients should be included in meals for breaking fast.Foods naturally high in glucose include honey, dried fruit and fruit juices. Those blessed with sucrose include sweetened breakfast cereals, chocolate, peanut butter, ice cream, puddings and sweetened yogurts. For example, 100 grams of both frosted corn flakes and puffed wheat contain almost 38 grams of sucrose each, whereas the same portion of milk chocolatehas about 47 grams. Variety of beans, fruits as well as vegetables are rich in fibre. Go for them. What matters in all of the meals you choose during fasting is to stay strong and healthy.

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

Niger Delta, Teçh U empowers 154 youths in fishery, poultry REMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

bout 154 youths from the Niger Delta region have been trained in Poultry and Fisheries at the First Technical University in Ibadan. The two weeks intensive Youth Empowerment Programme was sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, facilitated by the Centre for Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TVET) of the university in conjunction with Dosmark CJ and Oil Investment Limited. Speaking at the closing ceremony in Ibadan at the weekend, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usain Uguru Usain said the empowerment was meant to stop restiveness so as to make the region economically viable. The minister, who was represented by Ibrahim Akanya, director economic empowerment directorate at the event, stated that the empowerment for the youth was key and very important. While saying that 1000 youths will be trained in the Niger Delta area, Usain disclosed that the training were going on simultaneously at the Polytechnic Ibadan, Benin and

Asaba. He said that Libya returnees were included in training so as to integrate them into the society. The minister advised the beneficiaries to utilise the skills acquired from the two weeks programme. While N300,000 is being given to each beneficiary of the training as take-off grant, they were urged to make use of the grant judiciously and not use it lavishly. Over N200 million has been earmarked for the training of the youth by the ministry. In his address at the closing ceremony, Ayobami Salami, vice chancellor, First Technical University, noted that the Youth Empowerment Programme is one of our flagship interventions aimed at fighting frontally the rising scourge of unemployment in the country. “As implemented by the University’s Centre for Technical, Vocational Entrepreneurship Training (TVET), it is devoted to equipping individuals with skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training in carefully-selected areas of needs in the larger society. Aside commitment to bridging the yawning skills gap, the programme is focused on generating self-employment among the teeming youths of the country.

Sunday 12 May 2019

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SundayBusiness What mortgage can do in a struggling economy

hen there are downsides in an economy such as Nigeria is passing through at the moment, everything and everybody is affected. Besides weakening the economy, economic downturn also weakens purchasing power of individuals and households. The challenge of life and living in Nigeria is that the managers of the country’s economy don’t seem to have any clue to how to bring about a turnaround. The country appears to be mired in economic inertia. This means that the hard times are not as much the challenge of everybody as they are the concern about what to do to bring about a turnaround. Of the multi-pronged approach so far adopted to get the economy on its feet again, mortgage, unfortunately, is not in consideration. In advanced economies, the mortgage industry makes significant contribution to economic development. But here, it is not the case because mortgage finance as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), till date, is still as low as 0.5 percent which is

several steps behind other economies including Mexico, Malaysia and South Africa where mortgage contributions to GDP are as high as 10 percent, 25 percent and 29 percent respectively. Given what the government was able to able to do with mortgage in British economy, it means that mortgage has all the potential to stimulate the economy. But there are obstacles to the growth of the industry which have to be tackled. The relative ‘newness’ of the sector; lack of understanding of the dynamics and operational models of the sector by many Nigerians, and poor appreciation of the need and the ultimate benefit of keeping money in a mortgage bank are some of the militating factors. Government can benefit a lot from a flourishing mortgage banking sector as it will help in regulating the economy in the desired direction. The Federal Government says is diversifying the economy to solve current challenges, but attention doesn’t seem to be paid to the mortgage sector. If government really wants to stimulate the economy, it has to reduce the interest rate and, all things being equal, more people will embrace

Procurement and Supply Chain

with Gob-Agundu Uche Branch chair (CIPS), Nigeria

Definition he CIPS definition of e-procurement is: ‘The combined use of electronic information and communications technology (ICT) to enhance the links between customer and supplier with other value chain partners, and thereby to improve external and internal Procurement and Supply Management (P&SM) processes. E- Procurement is a key component of e-business and e-commerce’. Background Thebeginningsofe-Procurement were in the early 1980s with the development of electronic data interchange (EDI). This allowed customers and suppliers, most often in the fast-moving consumer goods business (FMCG), to send and receive orders and invoices via secure store and call forward networks. These EDI systems allowed businesses to exchange and synchronize master data files on products, prices, specifications and information about each other’s locations and trading practices. In the 1990’s internet software

started to become available, and software companies began to develop buyer managed electronic catalogues for use by vendors. Sometimes these proved to be too unwieldy due to failures in communication between customers and suppliers (salesmen and buyers), and software companies started to customize, maintain and host some catalogues, effectively becoming “the intermediaries between the buyer hub and the vendor spokes”1 and vice-versa. As the catalogues became outsourced, software companies started to offer the same catalogues to a number of buyers. Another development in e-Procurement that arose at a similar time was the proliferation of e-marketplaces which covered some of the electronic trading needs of certain industries, such as automotive and aircraft. These act as a virtual marketplace for suppliers, distributors, agents, and customers. Explanation • E- Purchasing enables: The automatic processing and

mortgage loan to buy houses, leading to increased activities in the construction sector. Because of the identified obstacles, many primary mortgage banks (PMBs) are going through very difficult times, such that some are still unable to meet up with the kind of capital requirements in this sector. If government pays a closer attention to the PMBs by removing some of the obstacles that they have such as the drawbacks of the Land Use Act of 1978 which vests land ownership in the hands of the state governors; the right to easily foreclose on delinquent borrowers, ease of creating a legal mortgage and perfecting titles and the ease of falling back on their collateral to recover bad loan etc, this sector will surely improve tremendously. Until all these issues are resolved in a way that encourages the provider of capital, in this case, the mortgage bank, the sector will not grow as desired but when these obstacles are removed, the supplier of mortgage will allocate more funds towards the provision of home loans while home buyers will better appreciate the implication

Talking Mortgage with CHUKA UROKO (08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com) of prompt interest and capital repayments as well as ensure discipline on the part of the people. Okika Ekwem, a US-based realtor, says the poor capital base of the PMBs is inadequate, dismissing the idea of a fixed capital base for mortgage institutions. “Saying that a mortgage institution should have a fixed base of, say N10 billion, is wrong because that amount is too meager; even N100 billion is also meager given the kind of projects they are to finance. The federal government needs to come in, look at what is happening in other civilized world and copy. These days, copying is no longer an act of deception but actually something that is done even in the civilized world”, he said. In the civilized world, according to him, there is secondary market for real estate financing where commercial banks or individual brokerage banks lend money to people and thereafter sell the secu-

ritized certificate to the secondary market and come back again to lend to individuals. Mortgage sector growth is possible in Nigeria if the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) plays the role of a regulator while the federal government, through the CBN, should empower the PMBs more. In this case, the country needs more PMBs established. Meckson Innocent Okoro, an estate manager explains this is to discourage the concentration of these institutions only in urban centres. “When this is done, access to housing finance will be increased; the PMBs must be positioned to champion the whole issue of affordable or social housing for the low income earners in the country. Anything the country wants to do without a functional mortgage system that can guarantee homeownership for a good number of people will not succeed”, he posited.

E – procurement part 1 (CIPS position on paper) auctioning of orders and of related trading documents and data, thereby enhancing the speed and certainty of doing business at a lower total cost; • Improved work flow of the internal procurement process – this enables end – user-self service and decentralization with centralized control through company-specific catalogues; • New functionality – such as eRequests For Quotations (RFQs) and on-line bidding in e-auctions (both conventional and Dutch); • Use of potentially more efficient and cheaper connectivity methods –such as the Internet and XML (a computer language for coding content and delivery) however, these may result in a lack of security; • Connectivity to external sources of information -e.g. data bases, catalogues, and portals such as e Hubs and e-marketplaces; • Connectivity to external supply chains-for example, extranets and allowing shared real time information (such as suppliers accessing real time sales); • Sourcing – for example, using intelligent search engines and data mining; · Connectivitytointernalsystems and sources of information–these include inventory management, maintenance management and Materials Resource Planning (MRP), Enterprise Resource

Planning (MRP & MRPII) systems amongst others; · Payment systems – e.g. Links to banks, credit card companies and purchasing cards; · Improvements in supply chain mechanisms and consortia etc. leading to mutual benefits. Be f o r e e m b a r k i n g o n e Procurement or any aspect of eBusiness it is essential to undertake the following steps in this sequence: 1. Agree clear objectives with senior management; 2. Define the value chain and then the key business and procurement processes, including those which will benefit from e-purchasing; 3. Agree clear objectives and processes with customers and suppliers; 4. Define the messages and data to be used; 5. Define the computer systems, applications and databases involved; 6. Define the computer networks, computers, and software to support the above – this infrastructure will be internal and external and will include intranets/ extranets; 7. Where a company or its trading partners includes an ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning and Management) such as SAP or Oracle it will be essential to be aware of the structures and facilities(including strengths and

weaknesses); 8. Examine carefully issues of security –e.g. potential data corruption, hacking, cyber- security, etc.; 9. Examine carefully issues relating to inter- operability especially where legacy data bases are involved. Strategy CIPS believes that organizations should seriously consider incorporating e Procurement within their corporate strategies, as correctly chosen e-Procurement options can be a relatively low risk practice which offers significant benefits. The emphasis must be on ‘correctly chosen’, however, and Procurement and Supply Management (P & SM) professionals should still ensure they have thoroughly assessed the risks when looking to adopt new eProcurement strategies or amend existing ones. P&SM professionals should also ensure they are aware of the objectives any new e Procurement system will need to fulfill to be successful. To aid the accomplishmentoftheseobjectives CIPS strongly recommends that organizations have a well- defined P&SM strategy and use appropriate e -Sourcing/e Procurement methods as a facilitator to achieve this, rather than expecting eProcurement to solve all P&SM issues.

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Sunday 12 May 2019

SundayBusiness Capital hotels records N5.98bn revenue despite challenging business environment

he Board of Capital Hotels PLC, owners of Sheraton Abuja Hotels last Thursday declared N5.98 billion revenue for the year 2018, showing an increase of 4percent above the sum of N5.62 billion revenue recorded in the preceding financial year. Anthony Idigbe, chairman, Board of Capital Hotels, disclosed this at the 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja, where shareholders applauded the remarkable achievements recorded in the year ended 31stDecember, 2018. Despite ongoing upgrade of a portion of the Hotel, the Board declared 5kobo dividend per share to all eligible shareholders whose names appear on the register of members at the date of the close of register.

According to financial statement of the company, the net assets of the Hotel increased by 4percent to N6.42 billion in 2018 above the N6.18 billion recorded in 2017, despite the daunting economic challenges facing the hospitality industry and the country at large. During the year under review, the Board of the Hotel

carried out renovation of the facilities, and recorded total sum of N379.946 as profit after tax, which was transferred to retained earnings. During the AGM, three members of the Audit Committee were elected, namely: C. F. Nwokocha, Patrick Ajudo and Olubodun Banji. In the same vein, the shareholders unanimously

Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce of Michigan to partner Imo on industrialisation SABY ELEMBA, Owerri

he industrial sector of the Imo state economy is likely to receive a boost in a short time as the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce of Michigan (NACOCOM-USA) Inc, which has launched its presence in Owerri, Imo state has signaled its intention and readiness to help the industrial development and growth in Imo State. NACOCOM-USA disclosed that it would partner with the incoming government of Emeka Ihedioha in Imo state to ginger the business community and scale up industrialisation as NACOCOM-USA is a bilateral chamber of commerce. Peter Anyanwu, president of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce of Michigan, who spoke with our correspondent at NACOCOM’s office located at the World Bank area in Owerri, said all available and necessary information and assistance needed for the industrial growth and development would be supplied to the incoming administration as well as the business community in the state. Some of the key officers

of NACOCOM present during the interview with the NACOCOM president include, Queen Dozie Kenechukwu, director-general; Onyebuchi Paschaline, administrative Secretary; Emma Anyanwu, head of Public Affairs, and Edmund Adiele, one of the directors. The president of NACOCOM–USA disclosed that some expatriates from Michigan and some Michigan directors of NACOCOM would be coming into Nigeria, especially in Imo State, for a business mission. According to him, the Chamber is bracing up for the visit to ensure that the 135 manufacturing enterprises proposed by Emeka Ihedioha, the in-coming governor which will be located in the 27 local government areas of the state (five per each LGA) will be established to stem the tide of unemployment in the state.

He stated that the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce of Michigan would lead the state towards a sustainable economic growth, advocate pro-business environment for members in Diaspora and serve as a conduit for favourable business exchange between American and Nigerian business in particular, and African business at large. According to the president, the main objective of the Chamber is to promote and protect trade and Commerce between USA and Nigeria in particular and the African continent at large. He further said that the Chamber would advise the governments of member countries on bilateral/multilateral trade relations issues as well as provide a platform through which members of the community could discover and exploit commercial and business opportunities etc.

approved the re-election of three Board members who retired during the year. In his stewardship report, Idigbe disclosed that the Hotel through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme donated items worth N355,000 including: mattresses, bags of rice, indomie noddles and other edible items to the Abuja

School for the Deaf children and those living with speech impairment. In 2017, the Hotel donated the sum of N694,000 including used beddings worth N5.4 million. Th e c h a i r m a n , w h o stressed that the company operates under “very challenging business environment”, reiterated the resolve of his team towards taking giant strides in the new financial year. He added that the Board is committed to meeting the yearnings of the shareholders by retaining the premier role, just as he underscored the need for investors’ support towards investment. The shareholders who spoke during the AGM, applauded the appointed manager and operators of the hotel, Marriott International, owner of Starwood Eame Li-

censeand Services Company (BVBA) They also acknowledged the employment of two physically challenged persons as at December 2018, to enable them develop their skills, knowledge and leadership quality. While appreciating the successes recorded by the Board and management of the Hotel, the shareholders who converged from various states across the country harped on the need for more devotion into the business, adding that there is dire need for the Hotel to sustaining its leading role as a premier hotel in the hospitality industry. They also applauded the Idigbe-led team for effective utilisation of the internally generated revenue for the upgrading of the facilities, gross earnings, an hallmark of impressive results.

Mouka named Foam and Mattress Company of the Year Temitayo Ayetoto

ouka Limited, a mattress manufacturing company, has been declared the Foam and Mattress Company of the Year at the 2019 Nigerian Real Estate and Property Awards in Abuja on Friday. The inaugural edition of the Awards saw Mouka win the prestigious honour in recognition of its excellent and exceptional contributions to the real estate and property sector in Nigeria. Receiving the award on behalf of the foam and mattress company, Oladimeji Osingunwa, Mouka’s commercial director said the recognition was an attestation to the prime position Mouka continues to occupy in the minds of consumers as well as its fame of Nigeria’s bedding industry. He assured that the brand would not relent in its commitment to offering sleep solutions to teeming users of its products, even as it is poised for consistent quality delivery which has earned the company’s products a huge market share. “Well, I must confess to you that this is not unusual in the last three years. Mouka Limited has been winning

series of awards. In recent times, we are one of the few companies to be recognised in Africa – for the second time in a row – by the London Stock Exchange as the ‘Company to Inspire Africa,” “And we’ve won several awards, including regulatory awards from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON). This series of awards is a testimony to the innovative strategy of the business, both in terms of products and in our route to market and customer service excellence,” Osingunwa stated. On the Awards’ selection process, Joshua Uwabo, Founder of the Awards, explained that Mouka’s emergence as the Foam and Mattress Company of the Year for excellent quality products followed a call for nomination and

voting, a process which put the brand ahead of other competitors. “We had a call for nomination at the beginning of the year when we urged members of the public to nominate organisations who are striving in various categories. We had a lot of nominations, but when we did the voting, Mouka Foam came tops because of its excellent quality products and that is why we are celebrating the company,” Uwabo said. The Nigerian Real Estate and Property Awards are aimed at recognising players who are shaping the industry, rewarding excellence and providing a networking platform for various companies within the sector. This clincher for Mouka reinforces the brand’s unrivalled positioning as Nigeria’s provider of sleep solutions and its dominance of the country’s bedding industry.

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BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Heineken: Leveraging Puyol’s visit to deepen consumer engagement This reports looks at the place of sponsorship in brand positioning, citing the partnership between the Heineken Brand and the UEFA Champions League as example.

usic and sports are fast becoming the most potent platform for marketing because of the affinity between fans and their preferred teams or music stars, as the case may be. In today’s market, handlers of brands always find the two areas tempting because they are the easiest routes to the heart of their teeming consumers. This explains why brands jostle to associate with World Cup and other sporting global competitions. In an interview with journalists, a former Chief Marketing officer at MTN Nigeria, Bola Akingbade, had stated a few years ago that a company that seeks to maintain a strong brand must employ strategies that will elicit top of mind awareness while making the brand relevant beyond its functional benefits in a bid to get maximum loyalty. In line with this belief, the Heineken brand, from the stable of Nigerian Breweries, has consistently used its sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League to promote its brand essence and create a top of mind awareness among its high end consumers. Meanwhile, the brand has also appointed sport personalities and music icons as ambassadors to boost its market influence. Poised to tell a Nigerian story that will resonate through families and cultures across the country the beer brand, had three years ago, teamed up with Nigerian-American singer, Jidenna to bond more with its

L-R: Emmanuel Oriakhi, marketing director, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Kola Jamodu, chairman, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor-elect of Lagos State; Ambassador, Carles Puyol, former, Spanish national team football captain and UEFA Champions League Tour; Jordi Borrut Bel, managing director/chief executive, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Adeyinka Aroyewun, non-executive director, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Rob Kleinjan, former Super Eagles Captain, and finance director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, at the VVIP event of the Heineken UEFA Champions League Tour in Lagos ...recently

patrons. In a TVC that was then airing on television, Jidenna was seen sharing gifts with his family after a trip back home, a perfect representation of the bond that is shared by many Nigerian families. The signing of the music star as an ambassador for the campaign has since been described by many analysts as a classic move because Jidenna is seen as someone who believes strongly in the importance of family and has never hesitated to show off his own.

Raising brand ambassador a notch higher For a brand that has been the goto beer brand in over 192 countries of the world connecting families and friendships, the announcement early this year, that its promoters would facilitate the coming to Nigeria of Spanish legend, Carles Puyol with the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy, was received with pinch of salt by many Nigerians. According to the company, the former Captain of FC Barcelona, would be

BoICT 2019: Vodacom Bags 3 Awards, becomes Hall of Fame inductee

odacom Business Nigeria has bagged three recognition and induction into the hall of fame at the 10th edition of the annual Beacon of ICT (BoICT) Awards. Organisers of the awards widely considered as the most reputable annual event in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in Nigeria, conferred the Enterprise Broadband Services Provider of the Year, Internet of Things (IoT) Focused Company, Enterprise Solutions Provider of the Year and the Beacon of the ICT Hall of Fame in Enterprise Solutions on Vodacom Business Nigeria. The awards come as recognition for the brand’s active involvement in deepening economic growth with the creation and provision of telecommunication solutions and support services for businesses. The recognitions

equally reflect Vodacom Business Nigeria’s investments in delivering innovative solutions to multinationals, government, small and medium enterprises whilst offering value and allowing them to thrive. Speaking on behalf of Vodacom Business Nigeria, Managing Director, Wale Odeyemi says in a statement: “We’re honoured and inspired yet again to go further and sustain our commitment to contribute to the rise of Nigeria’s ICT industry. These honours point to the fact that we are doing something differently beyond the conventional which has earned us some of these awards consistently for about a decade. “The underlying drive in these recognitions is to get better and better at what we do. Vodacom Business Nigeria will keep walking on the path of improvement, sustaining the culture of innovation,

while driving the advancement of Nigeria’s economy with products and services that aid growth and development.” Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo urged Vodacom Business Nigeria to deepen its resolve towards enhancing the country’s fortunes on the global ICT map. It will be recalled that Vodacom Business has been adjudged winners of the prestigious awards at various times since inception of BoICT. Vodacom has emerged winners in the Enterprise Broadband Services Provider of the Year category in 2018, three times in the Internet of Things Focused Company category and eight times in the Enterprise Solutions category, with the ninth earning the corporate connectivity brand a place in the BoICT Hall of Fame for Enterprise Solutions.

in the country to rub minds with stakeholders in beer industry and sports enthusiasts. At a media briefing in Uyo, where Puyol, a three-time winner of the trophy with FC Barcelona in 2006, 2009 and 2011, was unveiled, Nigeria Breweries Marketing Director, Emmanuel Oriakhi explained that the coming of the Spanish legend, Carles Puyol with the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy to Nigeria is a way of rewarding consumers of Heineken and fans of UEFA

Champions League competition. He said Puyol’s visit would present the fans a unique opportunity not only to have a feel of the trophy but a wonderful photo opportunity with the strong defender, courtesy of Heineken. According to Oriakhi, “Puyol is often ranked as one of the best center backs of all time and with an average height, he has won most aerial battles against towering footballers, either to defend or score crucial goals for his team. He is one of the legends of the number five jersey. “Such a player fits into what we want to achieve by bringing the world’s best into our country for Nigerians to have a chance to meet him for the first time and have photo opportunities with him and the iconic UEFA Champions League Trophy too. “We are excited to be creating premium experiences for our consumers and this is just part of the package we have in the ongoing season of unmissable moments.” The tour and the ‘Unmissable’ match Two weeks after the announcement, the legend arrived Nigeria as promised and toured Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State and Lagos with the trophy. Although the UEFA Champions League trophy experience is in its third installment, the visit was the first time, fans outside Lagos will have the opportunity to come very close to the iconic trophy because consumers in Uyo and surrounding cities enjoyed the viewing experience courtesy of Heineken.

Market research reveals consumer commendation for Frooty Happy Hour, says Chi

hi Limited, a foremost player in FMCG sector has said that a consumer research has revealed that its product, Frooty Happy Hour is creating a positive impression in the marketplace. A statement from the company said Frooty Happy Hour is resonating with consumers desirous of a healthy and refreshing fruit drink. Available in 100ml pack size, the brand offers more in terms of natural fruity benefits for a shot of refreshment to upwardly mobile consumers and it is also the most affordable quality fruit drink on the market shelf. “Among the consumers who volunteered their opinion on the brand was Daniel Elijah, a Lagos based journalist. He noted that Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita is uniquely refreshing, affordable, great tasting andcomesinavariantofhisfavourite fruit”, the statement said.

“Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita comes in my preferred fruity variant of Red Berries and is ideal for frequent shots of great tasting refreshment throughout the day. It is very affordable and its 100ml size ensures that I can take several packs along with me to the office to ensure optimal value addition in terms of quality refreshment from my beverage,” he added. In the same vein, Joseph Eteng, who runs a thriving graphic design outfit in Calabar, praised Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita for being a healthier and affordable beverage option for refreshment from the range of products available on the shelf. “I have since taken to Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita because it resonates with my lifestyle and is a clear favourite for its natural fruity benefits as well as refreshing goodness. Its handy size means I can have it for refreshment during and after a hectic day’s schedule,” Eteng said.

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TheWorshippers ‘Nigeria needs divine intervention to overcome current security challenges’ The General Overseer of Kings in Christ Power Ministries International and President, Pentecostal Ministers Forum (PMF), Bishop Chidi Anthony, recently spoke with select journalists at the end of the church’s annual programme ‘Greater Than The Pool of Bethsaida,’ where he explained the motive behind PMF and the security challenge in the country. SEYI JOHN SALAUwas there. Excerpts: As president of Pentecostal Ministers’ Forum (PMF); what does the forum represent? don’t need to tell you, Nigeria is in a mess. I am not afraid of anything that can happen because if I die for Christ; I live for Christ. I need to be straightforward and I need to be truthful. Nigeria is in a mess. Economically, we are in a mess. So, the reason for this Pentecostal Ministers’ Forum is that I found out that the only solution to the problem that Nigeria is going through today is the intervention of God. Men have failed God. People have tried. General election has come and gone; if it was something anybody can do by his own will power, the previous past president could have done that. But they have tried their best but their best was not good enough. So, the only thing that can bring peace, sanity and progress in this nation is the intervention of God. God gave me the vision to organise the ministers together: one, to pray for the nation; two, to look into the security in the nation. So, we decided to visit the state command, the area commands, the DPOs, the CPs, and IG. We do go there to encourage them, pray for them for God’s wisdom upon them and that God should give them more direction and that they should not die in active service. We do that because they are involved in the act to reduce crime in the nation. So, it is our duty as priests to support them. Like the last time we went to the AIG zone two, we prayed for him and encouraged him as part of the little we can do. We went to Area M and prayed for the Area commander and also encouraged him. We also moved to commands to see the CP. We have also written a letter to the OC SARS, Sanusi, telling them we have seen their

good works that we are coming to encourage them to give them awards and the little we can use to encourage their unit. We are doing these things in order to encourage them to reduce crime. You and I know that in the last seven years, the crime rate in Lagos was about 87 percent but today it’s reducing gradually. Why? It is because we have gallant men that have vowed to do their best to reduce crime in the state and we are trying to encourage them and give them awards. Apart from working to reduce crime in the state, what other benefit does the group provide for the public? Most of us are General Overseers, we have something to protect. I own a school called Born Great Academy. In the meeting we agreed that we should have a school in a place where the average men can train their children or wards. You and I know that we Pentecostals claim to be born again, we say the Orthodox are not born again but we know that it is the Orthodox churches that are building the motherless babies’ homes, the missionary schools and any school being built by them are affordable. We can train our kids comfortably. But take a look at the Pentecostal churches who own schools, even the pastors that helped in building the school cannot train their kids in the school. So, we came together and said no, we have to change the mentality. I have a school and every year I give about 10 to 15 students scholarships and I sold the vision to other members of the forum – that even if you don’t have school, you should at least pick the kids of widows there and train them, to give their lives meaning. At least, to make them look like other children. Every year I take few kids, not only my kids abroad so that they can

Chidi Anthony

equally experience what other kids that come from comfortable homes are experiencing. There is also what we call ‘Feed the Poor.’ We normally go to fast foods, we pay to prepare meal. Then, on the day, we will be on convoy; look for beggars on the street and feed them. Sometimes, we see hawkers selling pure water; we give them some money to start other businesses. Success is not how happy you are; it is how happy you make others. If you’re happy alone, that is not success. I call it success when you make others happy. Is the group working in partnership with other groups? In this forum, we are not looking for partners for now. We try to take the bull by the horns for now. Before you belong to this forum

you must be a General Overseer of a church. Somebody must introduce you to us that you are a man of integrity that has something to protect. The truth remains that most pastors have soiled their names. That is why some people do not have regard for many pastors. We also want to set up an NGO. We want to put some Police cells in order. Most police cells are nothing to write home about. That you are in the police cell does not mean you committed a crime. You are just a suspect; so we need to put that place in order. It is only when you have been charged to court and found guilty of an offence that you will be sentenced to prison. We need to make the place comfortable for people when they are on trial. I personally want to

bring in the NGO before the forum so that we go to the police station and furnish the cell and make it comfortable. This NGO is what the forum is trying to bring out. We are currently in the process of registration. How long has this forum been in existence? It will shock you that this forum is not even up to two years but we don’t talk about how far but how well. Any member of PMF represents up to 5000 to 6000 persons. For example, I represent Kings in Christ Power Ministries. To what extent do you intend to take the forum? As I’m talking to you now we have branches everywhere. We have coordinators in different states. We are expanding daily because the vision comes from God. Anything that comes from God, no power stops it. Back to the church’s annual programme, ‘Greater Than The Pool of Bethsaida’, what has been the sustaining factor? The kind of miracle that has never happened in this Church started happening during the start of this annual event which shows automatically that the mission is from God. One thing I know and I believe is that when God sends one on a mission or an assignment, He also gives one the materials; He cannot send you on a mission and abandon you. The mission of pool of Bethsaida started in Ajao Estate: lots of healings and miracles took place at the venue we used in Ajao Estate, which could not accommodate the crowd; that was when I knew that the hand of God is really there. The next Pool of Bethsaida was taken to National Stadium, Lagos and from there to mini stadium at Oshodi. Every year comes with its own miracle and God normally brings revival to the church.

Why many are poor in the church – Pastor James

he general overseer of Glory Christian Ministries, Lagos, Iruofagha James has attributed lack of sacrifice and refusal to ‘die-sowing’ their seed with hard work or pain, as the reasons many are poor in the church today. “Seed is a power to multiply and replenish, the planting or sowing is always associated with pain. Jesus is the seed God gave us to take care of now and the future and if your seed doesn’t cost you, then, it is not a seed.,” James said while speaking during the three day seminar, ‘Power of Seed’ recently organised by the Kingdom Partners of Glory Christian Ministries. He opined that “The reason

L-R: Pastor Shola Famoye; Iruofagha James (host), Archbishop John Osa-Oni and pastor Yemisi Duggan during the ‘Power of Seed’ seminar recently held at Glory Christian Ministries, Lagos.

many are poor in the church today is because, they don’t want to diesowing their seed with hard work or pain and only when the seed dies, the power unleashed, because, seed only becomes potent when you sow it”, James said stating “your seed will always attract the enemy, because you sowed, but the fact remains, the enemy cannot kill the power of the seed,” he concludes. John Osa-Oni, the Archbishop of Vineyard Christian Ministries, Lagos, described seed as a small object that can develop itself much more when planted and has the capacity with the ability to produce and for growth. “God gives seed and deals with

Abraham mostly on the basis of seed. While success of every adventure begins with a seed, no life is complete without a seed, because seeds are life givers with power and ability to produce greatness”, he said. According to Osa-Oni, “We should not uproot our seed with our own hand, before it matured for harvest because, whatever is done with a seed, determines the result and until a seed died, it never reproduces,”he said citing life, thoughts, money, dream, idea, word, prayers, service, time and companion as types of seed that yield at appointed time.

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EquityMarket Oil & gas, industrial, consumer goods record worst performance as investors lose N879bn ...as Karima Silvent leaves AXA Mansard

Stories by TELIAT SULE tocks listed in the oil and gas, industrial and consumer goods sub sectors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange are daily trailing their listed stocks in other sub segments as a result of which their sub sectoral indexes are the worst performing on the NSE year to date. When transactions ended last week, the NSE Oil & Gas Index closed at 302.23 representing negative 12.35 percent loss year to date. The NSE Industrial Index closed lower at 1,096.75 as against 1,237.88 at the beginning of the year just as the NSE Consumer Good Index ended the week at 669.53 in contrast to 748.83 and that amounted to -10.59 percent year to date. Whereas the All Share Index (ASI) closed last week at 28,847.81 as against 31,430.50 on the last trading day of 2018, representing -8.22 percent YTD, by closing at -12.35 percent, -11.40 percent and -10.59 percent, the oil & gas, industrial and consumer goods sub sectoral indexes emerged the worst performing indexes on the NSE, as the stock components are among the laggards on the NSE. Analysts across the capital market are of the views that while the equity valuations hold much promise for long term investors, there is need for triggers that will stimulate significant interest in the market. “Looking ahead, we expect activities in the local bourse to remain tepid in absence of positive triggers that could spur massive buying interest. However, we do not rule out the possibility of

intermittent gains in the market on the backdrop of bargain hunting of stocks with relatively cheap prices”, United Capital said in a note to clients. Seven stocks make up the components of the NSE Industrial Index which are Conoil, Forte Oil, Mobil, MRS, Oando, Total and Seplat. Year to date, only Forte Oil has appreciated while

others have recorded different degrees of depreciation in their prices. Forte Oil closed last week at N34.95 per share which translated to 21.8 percent YTD price appreciation. On the contrary, Conoil ended the period at N20.10 per share which translated to -13.5 percent returns. Mobil ended at N173 per share translating to -6.7 percent;

MRS, -18.9 percent; Oando, -4 percent; Total, 20.2 percent, and Seplat, -18.4 percent. The NSE Industrial Index has 10 components which are Berger, Betaglass, CAP, CCNN, Cutix, First Aluminium and Meyer. Others are Portland Paint, Dangote Cement and Wapco. Only First Aluminium, 16.7 percent; Cutix, 12.8 percent; Beta-

glass, 1 percent are the advancers years to date. Even at that, these stocks control an insignificant amount of the weight of the index. On the other hand Meyer Paints’ share price remained unchanged year to date while CAP, -2.4 percent; Dangote Cement Wapco which are the tow heavyweights in that index shed -5.6 percent and -11.6 percent respectively. Berger, -14.5 percent and CCNN, -21.1 percent are also among the decliners. The NSE Consumer Goods Index has fifteen stocks as components. These include Cadbury, Champion Breweries, Dangote Flour, Flour Mills, Guinness and PZ. Others are Unilever, Vitafoam, Honeywell, International Breweries, NASCON, Nigerian Breweries, Nestle and Northern Nigerian Flour Mills. Meanwhile, the board of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has announced the departure of Karima Silvent who until last week was a non executive director in the company. “AXA Mansard Insurance Plc wishes to notify The Nigerian Stock Exchange (The Exchange), esteemed shareholders, stakeholders and the public on the resignation of Karima Silvent, a Non-Executive Director of the Company, with effect from May 8, 2019. The resignation has been unanimously approved by the Board. The Board and Management of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc commends Karima Silvent for her leadership and overall contribution to the growth of the Company during her tenure on the Board”, a notice sent to the Exchange and signed by Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi, company secretary stated.

Sterling Bank, African Alliance Insurance appoint CFO, non-executive directors

h e b o a r d o f St e r l i n g Bank Plc has appointed Femi Jaiyeola as the chief compliance office of the bank. This appointment has been approved by the nation’s apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). A seasoned professional with over 20 years’ experience, prior to joining Sterling Bank, Femi was a general manage and the group chief compliance office of Diamond Bank Plc. He has garnered extensive experience in risk management, banking operations, business advisory, internal audit, external audit and compliance from both local and international

environments such as from Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He was previously the head of audit , Nigeria and West Africa Cluster at the Standard Chartered Bank. His international experiences include six years with UK Financial Service Industry as vice president in internal audit, internal auditor in Citigroup and Barclays respectively. He also worked as Bond Bank Nigeria and Arthur Andersen (Now KPMG). Femi holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Ilorin and a master’s degree in finance and investment from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) and a member of the Board of Audit, Investigations and Forensic Accounting. African Alliance Insurance has appointed Sylva Ogwemoh and Ahmad Nahuche as non executive directors. Ogwemoh is the principal partner and head of the law firm, Kelvin Martin Ogwemoh Legal, a commercial law firm with headquarters in Lagos. He obtained his LL.B from the then Bendel State University( now Ambrose Alli University) Ekpoma in 1987. He was admitted as a solici-

tor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1988. In 2000, he obtained a master in law degree with specialisation in corporate management and finance law from the Lagos State University. Ogwemoh is analumnus of Said Business School, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. He became a notary public of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1988 and was subsequently elevated to the prestigious rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK; member, London Court of Interna-

tional Arbitration (LCIA African’s users’Council), among others. Ahmad Nahuche began his career in the judicial service department of the old North Western State Civil Service in 1974. In 1988, he joined the federal civil service where he served for three years as director, finance/supply at the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja. He graduated from the University of Bradford, UK with a post graduate certificate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the New York Institute of Technology, USA. He is a member of the National institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.

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How dishonesty is ruining lives CHUKA UROKO,OBINNA EMELIKE AND AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

igeria is, increasingly, evolving into a society where values of hard work, honesty and integrity have been badly eroded and, largely, no longer count. The country is, on a consistent basis, becoming a loathsome society where people are more interested in the outcome than the process. Today, people are cutting corners, thwarting entrepreneurial ventures of others by exhibiting dishonest attitude in business dealings. It has become increasingly difficult to entrust others with the responsibility of running some businesses while the owner is not involved in the dayto-day running of such a venture. Many people are known to have died suddenly as a result of heartache occasioned by the ruins brought upon the business they set up with their life savings. All these are hugely reflected in the rabid quest to get rich quick which has neither age nor gender bias. They are also seen in the murderous pursuit of power by political gladiators who go for it at all cost, believe, unrepentantly, that the end justifies the means. At the lower, but by no means saner, level, are artisans and sundry workers who provide small but important day-today or month-to-month services to the people as builders, mechanics, tailors or fashion-designers, estate agents/landlords, contractors, and even professionals, particularly lawyers. Each and every one of these workers and service providers is out to profit from people’s loss and also to gain from their pain. They are brazen, abrasive, bragging, ungodly and so ply their trade without conscience and fear of possible consequences or repercussion. Cases abound of how these so-called workers have caused their “victims” to pay more than 100 percent for the services they provide, or cause damage of enormous pro-

portions such as building collapse, vehicle engine knock, death of clients and other heart-rending stories of incidents traced to them. Tony Ubiechie is a short, garrulous, smart imp reputable as a plumber within his area of influence at a moderate housing estate in a Lagos suburb. Ubiechie comes in as plumber but, pronto, he appoints himself a contractor ready to handle every aspect of a building including electrical fittings and roofing. Perhaps, Ubiechie would have made a good teacher, but that was a road not taken. He explains a tiny process over and over again with a ludicrous and irritating admixture of his heavily accented local Igbo dialect and street English Language, gyrating and swearing to no god in particular in the process. Ubiechie was introduced to Martins Almona, a non-resident landlord at the estate, by another landlord. Almona, a very strict, uncompromising middle-aged public servant, was not comfortable with this local

champion, especially for his ‘too much talk’ which he interpreted as tactics for defrauding and cheating. But Almona’s wife, Evelyn, who saw ingenuity and professionalism in Ubiechie’s antics, persuaded her husband to take him in and so, surreptitiously, Ubiechie became the contractor for all the plumbing, bricklaying, tiling, welding and other finishing work in their modest stand-alone house. Almost on daily basis, Ubiechie would call, asking after “madam and umu-aka” (the children). He would follow that up with report of a new discovery of an aspect of the house that needed urgent attention, else the rains would come and cause damage to the entire structure which, in his assessment, is defective. So, Ubiechie and Almona worked together until tiling stage. An estimate of material quantity was made on per square metre basis. But no sooner had the work started with Ubechie’s sub-contractors than the estimate started to snowball, increasing the cost to unimaginable level.

Almona gave out money for an additional procurement. Ubiechie went to the market, gleefully, as usual. He thought he was smart, but his client, this time, reasoned ahead of him. Instead of 50 cartons of tiles he was given money to buy, he bought 40, not knowing that a suspicious Almona was at the site waiting for him. He got the shock of his life when he arrived at the site with his 40 cartons only to see Almona waiting and ordering the off-loaders to pack the cartons at a designated place to enable him take stock. Dazed, confused, prancing up and down without any direction in mind, Ubiechie gathered himself together and walked up to Almona and told him what he did, but not without trying to impress by saying he did so in order to ‘save’ cost and avoid waste. Everything came to a head when Ubiechie, not done, went ahead and negotiated on behalf of Almona the cost of ‘interlocking’ his compound with a subcontractor. But Almona who no longer trusted him, insisted to see ‘his worker’ first before work would commence. Ubiechie showed up on a Saturday morning with a shy, soft-spoken but mean-looking young man. As though no discussion had been held on what was to be done and for how much, Almona opened a fresh discussion with the workman. A whopping N50,000 was cut off from Ubechie’s price. He was mad, became uncomfortable to the embarrassment of everybody including the landlord who introduced him abnitio. Almona pretended as if nothing strange had happened, but Ubiechie could not withstand the shame and guilt. So, he left, started subsequently to distance himself from the site until he finally stopped coming to a site he had supervised for over a year. All the outstanding work he would have done and the pay-off money Almona owed him, he has forfeited to greed, avarice and lack of conscience. Ubiechie’s story is not different from that of Oladele Oludayo, a young motor mechanic who had a thriving job with a multinational vehicles assembling company but had to leave his job because he wanted to be on his own. Brilliant idea because, according to him, the time he used to work for the company for a meager pay, was enough for him to make his so called salary 20 times over in a month. Many did not understand what Dayo, as he was commonly called, meant. Dayo was a fraudster who fed fact on the blood of his ‘customers’

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BDSUNDAY 39

Special Focus

and businesses in Nigeria (vehicle owners). In fairness to him, Dayo was very proficient in his trade. He could tell the fault of a car just from the sound. But he was an evil genius. Dayo and Okezie Chinwendu have been working together and relating well as ‘customers’. Because Dayo was a good mechanic, Okezie had to introduce him to Godwin, another friend, who used the same type of car with him. And that was how Godwin became Dayo’s ‘ATM’. Each time Godwin’s car had a problem, he would rush to Dayo’s shop in Agege, Lagos. Committedly, Dayo would work on Godwin’s car, preferring to change any part of the car that had a problem along with the associated parts. Unknown to both Godwin and Okezie, Dayo had been fleecing them. But the day came when Godwin decided to go to the market to buy shockabsorbers by himself. For two sets of absorbers that Dayo had been buying N52,000, Godwin paid N26,000; and for a powering steering pump which Dayo bought once for him at N45,000, he paid only N15,000. And the die was cast. When Godwin brought these parts for Dayo to use for him, Dayo did not only take offence, but also called Okezie, querying why he had to reveal these ‘secrets’ to “our friend”. He refused to fix the parts for Godwin and that was how they parted ways. But that did not happen without Godwin seeking to get his pound of flesh. Dayo was a household name where Godwin worked. He repaired cars for many of Godwin’s colleagues in office including some official cars. What Godwin did was to report Dayo’s dubious and fraudulent activities to the company’s Transport Manager and that was how all he was making through fair and foul means from the company and its staff came to an end. Imadi Eche, a car owner, also has some stories to tell. He has two cars and has maintained one mechanic for years because of his perceived sincerity. Eche who normally leaves his car in the care of Jojo, his preferred mechanic, stopped doing so the day he went to Ladipo, the popular spare parts market to buy spare parts as Jojo was enjoying the Ileya the Muslim festival with his Muslim brethren, and hence, was not available to fix the car. It took another mechanic to discover that Jojo never changed brake pads every three months as he claimed or oil filters. He collects money for the new ones, but fix used ones or wash the oil filter and reuse. The worst was when Eche’s Honda Accord’s bow joint pulled out at the middle of the road and he discovered that Jojo did not change the parts as he claimed; it was still the old one. “But I give him money often, buy him things when I travel, so what is his problem”, Eche lamented. While the bow joint is around N2,500, some mechanics can even destroy relationships built with clients for years with additional N200 or N500 increase on a part. The intrigue is that they will plead guilty when caught and expect clients to also forgive them one more time. In the same vein, most business concepts today end up dying with their promoters due to their inability to discover honest, faithful and trusted employees to manage the business while they supervise. For instance, BDSUNDAY recently caught up with a 38-year old Tunde Adesola, a successful Public Relations (PR) practitioner. He works with a foreign but Lagos-based PR firm that manages several big blue chip companies in Lagos. Though, he works with a PR firm, Adesola is an entrepreneur at heart and due to the nature of the accounts handled by him, he was able to raise little loose capital over time and decided to set-up

a small bakery and confectionary business, where he bakes bread, cakes and other pastries for commercial purposes. Adesola invested over N5 million in acquiring a mixer, other baking machines, generator and securing of baking shop in a suburban area in Lagos. He employed about five staff to serve as manager, bakers, marketers and sale representatives while he supervises especially at weekends that he is off duty. He shared this experience with BDSUNDAY. “In 2017, I started a small bakery business that ought to have been able to sustain itself after investing over N5 million in it over a period of two years. Surprisingly, the business is presently struggling because of the set of ‘distrusted’ employees that I have had since we started. Many of them end up stealing from my business despite paying them promptly. “As a policy, we pay salary and allow our staff to take a loaf of bread everyday, which you may choose to eat in the office

‘‘

Today, people are cutting corners, thwarting entrepreneurial ventures of others by exhibiting dishonest attitude in business dealings. It has become increasingly difficult to entrust others with the responsibility of running some businesses while the owner is not involved in the day-to-day running of such a venture

or take home at the close of work. Twice, I discovered that some of my staff was conniving to steal loaves of bread, hide them in the vehicle used for distribution, only to sell them to some of our buyers, who never knew how they got the loaves. “When I discovered that, I sacked those involved after making some recoveries through their salaries. But of course, you know there was no way I will be able to recover all the losses,” Adesola said. According to him, “The most annoying and discouraging aspect of investing in business that you will not be there to manage, was what happened to me two months ago, exactly in the month of March. I discovered that my manager stole over N200,000 from the bakery within a space of three months. The person in question was in charge of supply and money collection from our buyers. “If the gentleman supplies product of N10,000 to a customer. He will write N5,000 in the sales book and pocket the balance of N5,000. I was able to discover the anomaly on a day it happened that I was the one to collect money from one customer only to realise that my book has a record that was different from that of the customer. I started to investigate further only to realise that the business has lost over N200,000 in a space of three months,” he added. Presently, it has become almost like a rocket science to get a trusted employee to manage your business or even take care of your home in your absence. Another Lagos-based business woman, who gave her name as Onome Omorodion, is into interior décor business in the Lagos mainland area. She has about four shops where she sells materials such as mattresses, carpets, rugs, window cottons and other materials for interior decoration. “I have been in this business for over 15 years and I bless God, who has been helping us all this while. In my 15 years in business, I have employed over 100 people in a whole as sales girls, but the problem has been lack of accountability especially on the part of the calibre of people I employ,”

Omorodion said. “Two year ago, one of my most trusted sales representative, stole over N500,000 to set up her own business. She gave all manner of excuses because she resigned on her own. I never knew that she has planned how to invest the money she stole from me. When she later started few weeks after resigning, it became clear to me that she stole massively from me. “At that time, I wanted to use police to arrest her but my husband discouraged me based on the nature of our faulty justice system. My husband told me that police will worsen my situation because they will take my money and waste my time without achieving anything positive. It was on that ground that I decided to allow the sleeping dog lie and to leave vengeance to God,” she fumed. Looking at the cause of the high level of insincerity in the country today, Festus Agwuna, a psychologist, attributed it to the lack of social security and the survival of the fittest syndrome here. “If a police officer has not received salary for three months, there is no need to station him on the road because he will extort money from motorists. But if you pay him very well and sack those who were found guilty of extortion, he will behave himself. That is a fact”, he explained. For the psychologist, some people are insincere because they have been disappointed by those who are supposed to take care of them, especially government; hence they do anything to help themselves. But if the laws are properly enforced, Agwuna thinks people will sit up because they now know that they will be prosecuted, they will lose customers and live with bad name. Pascal Ideh, a lawyer, thinks that people are insincere because those who they revere turned out to be different from what they seem or say. Bad moral, according to Ideh, is infectious, especially if leaders are not living by example, and then everyone will point to the leaders when they make their own mistakes.

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LifestyleHomes&Suites

Sunday 12 May 2019

Paul Ojenagbon

pauloje2000@yahoo.com

Ornamental splendor in Banana Island

t stands out even in Banana Island where there are so many of such edifices, the residential abode of some of the country’s multi billionaires. Totally charming and unique water front property with gorgeous grounds, lots of privacy, beautiful large formal rooms with high ceilings, the edifice is an ornamentally built 8-bedroom fully detached house. It is seated on 2,300 square metres of land which is quite remarkable. With all the ornamental splendor attended to it, it could have been built purposely for the occupation of a king in mind. It is for outright sale and no wonder the price tag is N3 billion and just slightly negotiable depending on certain factors. The magnificent house offers peaceful setting with beautiful gardens, custom-built swimming pool, gazebo and boat jetty with amazing views of the lagoon and Lekki-Ikoyi bridge. And when you think you have seen enough from

the exterior views, the interior splendor is simply mind blowing and takes you for a moment out

of the realm of imagination. The architectural design on its own, allows in lot of natural light and

ventilation. The frontage is welcoming and rests on several beautifully adorned pillars.

It is fabulously furnished with custom designed exquisite pieces though the bargain allows an option of buying the house without the furniture. The edifice offers a total package of mouth watering features such as home movie theatre (which has become a trend for many contemporary high profile houses), game room and wait for it - prayer room! There is a gym where the residents can hone their muscles and stay fit and healthy. A fully functional unisex hair salon ensures that those needful services are procured right within. The walls are adorned with a great collection of art works. The floors of the fully serviced house are superbly finished in high quality marble, also used in the bathroom. In the all ensuite bedrooms, are huge walk-in closet with custom built wardrobes. The title on the property is certificate of occupancy. The surplus space allows for generous parking space of several cars.

Afriprops gets nse nod to build complex

friprops Development Company Limited has received the approval of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to build its ultra-modern Trade Fair complex at Ikeja, the state capital. The development is a multi-storey complex located along senator Bola Tinubu ways, central Business district, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. It is conceived as a mixed use facility built on 2,940 square meters of land with spaces available for lease and rent. These spaces comprise anchor and tenant

shops class ‘A’, office spaces of about 4,732 square metres and a multi-level car park of 1,760 square meters with basement of 922 square meters for private parking. Central to this project, the developer, Afriprops offers to anchor tenant retail on ground floor 648 square meters of space at $400 per square meter per annum and anchor retail on mezzanine floor 527 square metres also at a letting rate of $400 per square metres per annum. A space of 900 square meters

is also offered to retail shops on first floor at a letting rate of $600 per square meter per annum as well as a whooping 2,700 square meters from class ‘A’ office spaces at a letting rate of $400 per square metre per annum. Two payment plans are available, the 12 months plan and the 24 months plan. While the 12 months plan requires 25 percent initial deposit, the latter plan requires 10 percent. Infrastructure planned for the complex includes dedicated high tension transformers and standby generators with automatic change over system. Potable water is from industrial borehole run through treatment plant. To enhance the security system, it is going digital with central access control and CCTV systems. All offices are pre-wired for access to Broadband Internet and LAN connections. An escalator and two high quality passengers’ lifts are planned for the complex, which will also be fully air-conditioned. The wisdom to safeguard the complex against fire informed the elaborate fire fighting arrangement that would be put in place. Other related services that will be provided include central sewage and waste disposal, property / facility management, maintenance and electrical operative among others. The title on the property is deed of sub-lease. According to the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Afriprops, Engr. Charles Njoku, work will commence soon on the project.

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Health&Science Experts develops guideline for asthma management in Nigeria ANTHONIA OBOKOH

nder the umbrella body of the Nigerian Thoracic Society, experts has developed a guideline for Asthma management in Nigeria to ensure that practitioners adopt the minimum level of standards required in treatment to reduce asthma related deaths and morbidity in the country. The Nigerian Thoracic Society is professionals involved in respiratory care and over the years we have been committed to regular and continuous update of our members and health workers in general on the management of airways diseases including asthma. Asthma is one of the most common chronic lung diseases affecting approximately 400 million people worldwide. In Nigeria about 15million people may have asthma based on numerous studies. However with increasing urbanisation and uptake of western lifestyle it is projected that developing countries may have rising incidence of asthma. World Asthma Day 2019 theme is “STOP for Asthma”. The STOP in the theme stands for Symptom evaluation, Test response, Observe and assesses and proceeds to adjust treatment. This is unique as it addresses everyone and highlights key steps to keep asthma under

control. Importantly the theme underscores the importance of adequate protocol and guideline in asthma management. According to Peters Etete, president Nigerian Thoracic Society said the number of people with asthma will grow by more than 100 million by 2025 and in commemoration the 2019 World Asthma Day, celebrated on the 7th of May the guideline developed by the society is a very strategic way to stop Asthma. “It is a condition that millions of people who have it have to deal with on a daily basis, We are hereby soliciting for improved and better partnerships with relevant stakeholders, ministries of health and other government agencies, individuals and corporate bodies to support this noble

cause of providing and building capacities among health workers to implement the recommendations of this guideline,” he said. Etete added that in line with the global theme this year, we are also calling on government and private sectors to assist in ensuring access to affordable asthma medications. “We want to request that asthma medications should be covered by the National Health insurance. This will ensure compliance and assist to reduce morbidity from the disease. Provision of basic equipment required for standardised care and management of the disease should also be made available in our hospitals,” he stressed. However, Studies have shown that the education in-

volving patients, care givers and health care workers goes a long way in reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms. Additionally, it also reduces the huge impact of asthma on quality of life. Olufemi Adewole, Secretary of Nigerian Thoracic Society said Asthma symptoms mimic many other respiratory and non-respiratory diseases and It is therefore important that a systematic evaluation process is required to ensure proper diagnosis which will help reduce the rate of underdiagnosed and sometimes over-diagnosis. “The Society has equally been involved in community mobilization, public education on various chest diseases including asthma emphasising the need for optimal asthma control. In order to achieve this, the societies in conjunction with some of our partners have developed Guideline for Asthma Management in Nigeria.” “This is already published and being disseminated across the country through our members. We have conducted health professional asthma education among General Practitioners in some states of the country,” he stated. He however, congratulates the global respiratory community, Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and other partners for organising the occasion of the 2019 World Asthma Day.

Got Acne (Pimples)? Tips, tricks for achieving clear skin naturally

cne is caused by a buildup of oil (sebum), dead skin andbacteriaduetooveractiveoilglandsintheskin. Thisleads to inflammation in the pores and can occur on the face, neck, back and shoulders. Acne may appear as whiteheadsorblackheads. Whiteheads are the white dots which are skin follicles are clogged with oil and are right underneath the skin. Blackheads are similar to whiteheads but are also filled with dead skin and have been exposed to oxygen giving it a dark center. Pustules are small bumps on the skin that are inflamed. Papules are pustules filled with pus and can be inflamed. There is also something called cystic acne; deep pus-filled pimples that may also be painful to and hard. Almost all people develop pimples at a point in their teenage years with some people having pimples well into their 30s beyond. Pimplesdonotposeanyrisk to overall health however it can cause permanent scars, disfigurement and lower self-esteem. Some people who are ignorant associate pimples with being dirty,unkemptorunattractiveand thiscanbeemotionallytraumatizing for someone who is battling with severe acne as it is totally not the case. WhatCausesAcne?Theexact cause of acne isn’t known but hormones definitely play a part. Certain hormones that turn boys into men and girls into women becomeincreasedduringpuberty. These hormones also make your skin oil glands grow larger and produce more sebum. Theincreaseintheproduction

of sebum then makes it easier for the oil glands to get blocked thereby leading to the formation of acne. Genetics may also be responsible. If your parents or close relatives had acne, chances are you might develop acne as well. Also, using makeup and oily cosmetics may actually block the pores, causing acne to occur. There are some things that done cause acne but can make acne to become worse. This includes harsh scrubbing of the skin, pressing out or popping the pimples, touching your face, pressure from wearing backpacks or tight collars and a change in hormone levels in females’ right before the start of their menstrual period. How Do You Treat Acne? The first step in treating acne is to establishagoodskincareroutineand be consistent. Your skincare routine should consist of a cleanser, a toner,atreatmentcreamorserum and a moisturizer. Additional treatments can include masks and exfoliators but exercisecautionasyoudon’twant tobetooaggressivewithyourskin. A good cleanser to use is black soap. You can use the local soft black soap, or the one that comes in a hard bar. Black soap is quite gentle on the skin, yet contains honey and other ingredients that can help fight acne and fade scars. The next step is to balance out the pH of your skin using a toner. A simple toner make is to mix equal parts of witch hazel with distilled water and use a cotton pad to apply the mixture to your face after cleansing with soap. Witch hazel has antibacterial properties which help kill the acne causing bacteriaonyourskin. Atreatment

serum, oil or cream can be used at this point that is targeted to kill bacteria, reduce sebum production, fade acne scars and reduce inflammation. The treatment medications of choice are salicylic acid and benzyl peroxide. These ingredients work to reduce acne causing bacteria, reduce inflammation and help to prevent scarring. A natural treatment mask can include mixing honey, yoghurt and fresh squeezed lemon juice together and apply onto the face. Leave it on for about 5 minutes and wash off. Do this every other day. The lactic acid in the yoghurt and the vitamin c in the lemon juice help remove dead skin cells, shrink the pores and reduce the appearance of acne. Honey is and antibacterial and has antiinflammatory properties. Finally, it is important to look at your diet and lifestyle. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can improve the quality of your skin and thus help clear acne. Aim for fruits that are high in vitamin C such as oranges and pineapple as vitamin Cisapotentantioxidantthathelps to get rid of acne. Vegetables provide you with lots of fibre which not only aids in digestion but provides even more antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that not only keep you healthy, but gives you clear, even skin. Zinc is another great antiacne supplement due to its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. For those that don’t mind taking supplements try taking 2000mg of vitamin C daily and 50mg of zinc daily. Strive to avoid sugar, processed and junk foods/drinks. These types of foods can cause

inflammation, and inflammation is part of the process that leads to blackheads, cystic acne, pustules and scarring from acne. Ifyouareverybusyandalways on the go, keep a piece of fruit handy or buy roasted plantains roadside for when you need a quick healthy snack. Lastly, make sure you drink a lot of water. Water is essential for maintaining all of our body functions as we are made up of mostly water. Water can hydrate your skin, flush out toxins from your system and that can reflect positively on your skin. You are encouraged to drink at least 2.5 to 3 litres of water every day. If you are very physically active or live in a hot environment, drink more water. It is possible that you may try out all these tips and not get desired results. Alternatively, the severity of your acne may be affecting your quality of life and lowering your self-esteem. In such cases you might have to see a dermatologist or licensed skincare therapist to get professional help that can include prescription medication and other treatment therapies. Nevertheless, we are all encouraged to take good care of our skin by using the right products and ingredients, and also by nourishing our skin with the proper nutrition.

Contributor Tobi Ayodele Keeney Managing Director Quincy Herbals Emailaddress:tobi@quincyherbals.com

Can diabetes influence cancer’s spread? RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta

ome researchers argue that there may be a direct link between having diabetes and exposure to an increased risk of metastasis in cancer. New research validates this idea, explaining how diabetes can elevate this risk. New research investigates how diabetes may promote the spread of cancer. Hundreds of millions of people across the globe live with one form of diabetes, which makes this one of the most common health conditions that doctors diagnose. People with diabetes tend to have a higher risk of developing certain additional medical conditions, including problems with eyesight, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems. Now, emerging evidence also suggests that diabetes could elevate the risk of tumors metastasizing — or spreading — in cancer. Recently, a team of researchers from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, has explored the potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between diabetes and metastatic cancer. “Cancer and diabetes are two of the worst health problems in developed countries, and there’s a link between the two,” says study author Prof. Mingming Wu. “For cancer, half of the story is still in genetics. It’s only recently we realized there is another half that we missed, which is the microenvironment,” Prof. Wu adds. In other words, the growth and spread of cancer might be highly dependent on the biological environment that surrounds it, and diabetes, the researchers believe, may create the right setting to increase the motility (ability to move) of cancer cells. ‘Glycation boosts the rate of metastasizing’ Metastasis — or cancer spread — occurs when cancer cells are able to “travel” from the site of primary tumors towards other parts of the body, eventually giving rise to new tumors. To get from the site of a primary tumor to elsewhere in the body, cancer cells must navigate the extracellular matrix, a network that

provides support and structure to the cells of the body. Different types of macromolecules, which include collagen and glycoproteins, make up this matrix. Wu and colleagues explain that elevated blood sugar in people with diabetes can impact the structure of the collagen fibers in a way that makes it easier for cancer cells to move around. The changes to collagen fibers occur through a process called “glycation,” a reaction between sugars and proteins or other biological compounds. “[People with diabetes] have higher blood sugar levels, which lead to glycation and changes the structure of the collagen in their tissue,” explains the study’s lead author, Young Joon Suh, who is currently a graduate student at Cornell. “If they happen to have cancer, we believe this glycation process promotes the rate of metastasizing.” Young Joon Suh In their study — the results of which appear in the journal Integrative Biology — the researchers tested this mechanism by looking at how cancer cells from breast cancer tumors fared in environments with different levels of glycation. Their experiments revealed that the cells had increased motility — that is, they were able to move around at faster rates, and also to “travel” farther away from the original site — when their environment had high glycation. In fact, the team explains that the average speed of movement of breast cancer cells was higher in all three types of collagen environments that they used — when they were glycated. These findings, the researchers believe, indicate that the conditions that diabetes creates in the body may indeed increase a person’s risk of metastasis if they have cancer. Going forward, the scientists aim to further distinguish between the mechanical and chemical impact of glycation on the process of metastasis. “Future work will be needed to elucidate the biochemical impact of glycation in tumor cell invasion,” the researchers write. Culled from Medical News Today.

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Sports Five things to expect from this weekend’s Premier League final games unconvincing 1-0 victory over 10man Watford, drawn one and lost four league games, surrendering a place in next season’s Champions League. They will still earn a spot in that competition if they win the Europa League at the end of the month, which might lead them to take a disappointingly sober approach to this game instead of chasing the unlikely result that might still allow them to leapfrog Tottenham into fourth place – which adds up to victory by a minimum of six goals while hoping that Everton do them a favour at White Hart Lane. Burnley could take advantage of the Gunners’ current frailty: the last time they beat Arsenal in the league was in 1974.

Stories By ANTHONY NLEBEM

he 2018/19 premier League season comes to an end this Sunday, but the biggest question is who eventually wins

the title? Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side are still basking on the euphoria of their historic Champions League comeback against Spanish champions, Barcelona and will be aiming to crown the season with at least a trophy, but they must overcome the ‘animal’ in Wolves who are seeking Europa League qualification. Following a shocking Champions League exit in the hands of Spurs, Manchester City now have their future in their hands as they battle low rated Brighton that has nothing to play for. Here, we take a look at five critical upsets or events to expect in this weekend’s fixtures as this season’s Premier League camping reaches a climax

Can Brighton change the destination of Premier League title? Brighton are already safe, but can make a bold statement when they face Manchester City, a side that is desperately in need of a victory to seal their title hope. “They are fighting for the Premier League and are going to do their utmost to do it,” said Lewis Dunk. “We are just going out as professional footballers to win a game as you would do every week.” This should make this the single most predictable game of the week, and in all likelihood it will be, but still there must be some doubt. People have argued that the profusion of English clubs in major European finals this season proves that

this, as many have always insisted, is the greatest league in the world, but Brighton would produce an argument much more compelling than the achievements of the elite if this Brighton could produce a performance that could change the destination of the title. Liverpool and the daunting against Wolves Jurgen Klopp’s task this week is to encourage and convince his players that Brighton can sabotage Manchester City title hope. After this week’s events in the Champions League, it won’t be very difficult to keep players believing that a late twist is possible in the Premier League too. So Liverpool must rally their forces, ignore their

knocks and niggles and overcome opponents. Wolves are a very tidy team who are looking to finish a successful season on a high. Nuno Espírito Santo’s men have already won at Tottenham this season and taken points away to Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. Liverpool have a mighty job on their hands, even tougher than the win over Barcelona.

shock if they lose to a Marco Silva side that are signing off for the season with a flourish. There would be no shame in that whatsoever, as long as they do not lose too heavily. Arsenal travel to Burnley knowing they need an doubtful eight-goal swing to steal fourth place from their north London rivals, but as events this week have served to remind us impossible is nothing in football.

Tottenham keeping one eye on events at Turf Moor Following their heroics against Ajax on Wednesday night, Tottenham’s players could be forgiven for being both physically and mentally bottomed out when they host Everton, and given their recent Premier League form, it would be no great

Burnley have chance to capitalise on Arsenal’s weakness Arsenal have won their final league game of the season in each of the past seven years, and need to do so again to prevent a depressing conclusion to their domestic campaign. Since April Fool’s Day they have won one an extremely

Cardiff could be ideal opponents for Solskjær’s strugglers Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s first match as Manchester United manager was at Cardiff in December, where his new charges stormed to a 5-1 victory and launched themselves upon a run of 10 wins in 12 unbeaten league games. Those were happy days, innocent days, days ripe with possibility and optimism, days left very firmly in the past since Arsenal ended that run with a 2-0 win in March. United have now won two of eight matches in the league, and should on the balance of play have lost both of those as well. So huzzah, then, for Cardiff, Solskjær’s former employers, whose team came closer to securing a second successive top-flight season than anyone was predicting in August, even if they still did not come very close. Another goal glut would launch United into the summer on if not a wave of optimism then at least a gentle ripple, but consecutive failures against relegated sides – following last week’s draw at Huddersfield – would ensure optimism remains in exceedingly short supply.

European finals: English clubs make history with all four finalists

nglish clubs have created European football history by taking all four final spots in the continent’s two major competitions. Arsenal won in Valencia and Chelsea beat Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday to reach the Europa League final. That followed dramatic wins for Liverpool over Barcelona and Tottenham against Ajax in the Champions League. It is the first time all four finalists in Europe’s top two competitions have come from one nation. There have only been two all-English finals before, with Tottenham beating Wolves in the 1971-72 Uefa Cup and Manchester United beating Chelsea in the 2007-08 Cham-

pions League. Spain had three teams in the finals of the two competitions in 2015-16, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid contesting the Champions League trophy and Unai Emery’s Sevilla winning the Europa League. “In England the level is very high and the Premier League is the best championship in Europe,” said Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri. Arsenal and Chelsea will meet in Baku, Azerbaijan 2,468 miles from London - on 29 May, with a Champions League spot at stake for the Gunners, who could become the fifth English side to qualify for next season’s competition. Chelsea are already assured of their place after cementing a top-four finish in

the Premier League. Baku’s Olympic Stadium has a capacity of 68,700 but Uefa has allocated only 6,000 tickets to each club, a decision Arsenal described as “disappointing”, adding that it presents them with “extreme

difficulties” in how to allocate tickets”. Tottenham and Liverpool will meet in Madrid on 1 June, with fans of those clubs also facing travel issues of their own, with direct flights from the UK reaching £1,300 and

some airlines being accused of “profiteering”. The Premier League clubs’ achievements means there will also be an all-English Uefa Super Cup in August. That game will be played in Istanbul, Turkey.

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Sports

LaLiga posts record €4.479bn revenue on back of strong commercial earnings

panish football league, LaLiga has posted record revenue of €4.479 billion for 2017/18 season, representing 20.6% growth compared to the previous season, according to report from Spanish Professional Football. The result shows the largest positive annual change in recent years and particularly notable given that it occurred following several financial years in which it has been consistently posting double-digit growth rates. In 2016/17, LaLiga’s gross operating profit grew by €945m (+20.7%), operating profit (EBIT) was €325m (+11.4%), and the net profit for the year was €189m (+6.7%). LaLiga produced a solid, positive and growing set of results across the board, achieving the best figures in the competition’s history. The 2017/18 season was surprising due to two new drivers of LaLiga’s growth: commercial revenue and revenue from transfers, which have seized the central role held by broadcasting revenues as drivers of annual growth. In the case of commercial revenue (excluding turnover from advertising), the annual increase was 34.1%, amounting to turnover of €838m, which is indicative of the fact that Spanish clubs are becoming an increasingly attractive medium for sponsors. Meanwhile, in the case of revenue from player transfers, the an-

nual increase of 104.3% permitted turnover from this item to double in a single year, with an exceptional entry of €1.018bn, which is symptomatic of the significant capacity for creating sporting value held by the Spanish clubs and SADs. The audiovisual turnover received by the clubs managed to surpass the €1.5bn mark for the first time and will recover its central role starting in the 2019/20 season as a result of the new audiovisual cycle negotiated for the national market and the international agreements which have been signed. It is very important to underline that these results have been achieved at the same time as an increase in operating expenses (OPEX) and at a time of high investment intensity (CAPEX). OPEX (€3.169bn) increased by 18.7% in 2017/18, propelled especially by increases in sports staff expenses, which represent an investment in talent and a potential source of income for LaLiga in the medium term, through both rotation – transfer – as such, as well as the increase in sporting potential and the general appeal of the competition. Meanwhile, gross CAPEX on infrastructure and players (€1.341bn) followed the same trend with annual growth of 11.8%. Without doubt, these are highly appreciable levels of expenses and investment, providing the best guarantee of maintaining the quality of LaLiga out on the field of

play and its appeal in the medium to long term. LaLiga achieved all of these figures while simultaneously maintaining a downward trend in the degree of leverage. The ratio of financial debt to EBITDA of the competition was 0.9x, the lowest level on record. It is equally important to underscore that LaLiga 1|2|3 is contributing more and more not only to the revenue of LaLiga as a whole, but also to the earnings (all the indicators are in positive territory and show upward trends) and to creation of cash flow and value for the business. Likewise, the two special groupings that we use for internal financial analysis in the Association,

Netted LaLiga and Netted LaLiga Santander, which exclude the two largest clubs, are converging more and more rapidly towards LaLiga and LaLiga Santander as a whole respectively. In relative terms, some indexes or ratios are even better. This is indicative of a business that is increasingly more fairly distributed and more sustainable in the long term. The above has led LaLiga to obtain an overall operating profitability index (ROIC) of 12.3% (15.1% adjusted) in the 2017/18 season, six decimal points higher than the previous season and, in any case, substantially better than those of other leading competitions. LaLiga also recorded 2.0% of its turnover for corporate social

responsibility projects, an amount which is significantly greater than the majority of companies and industries of a similar nature. This allows for the development of the pioneering initiatives mentioned in the report which give us hope and stimulate us, and of which we feel proud. Furthermore, LaLiga’s clubs create a professional football industry which produces an impact on national GDP equivalent to 1.37% and which directly or indirectly employs around 185,000 people (0.98%ofaverageemployedpopulation in Spain over the past year). To this we must also add the over €4 billion which it contributes to the state coffers in the form of taxes.

UEFA considering Champions League shake-up by 2024 … to kick off Europa League 2 by 2021

2019 AFCON: NFF debunks Super Eagles friendly game with Morocco

EFA is considering a proposal to change the Champions League in 2024 in a way that would move toward a closed-off competition favoring elite clubs over rivals from smaller domestic leagues. Documents seen by The Associated Press propose that 24 of the 32 teams in the 2024-25-group stage would retain their lucrative places the next season regardless of where they finish in national domestic leagues. The documents match the aims of the influential European Club Association (ECA) which is competing for influence at UEFA with the European Leagues umbrella group. The proposal would create eight-team groups kicking off in August, and narrow the entry path for teams from winners of lower-ranking leagues. The system, if approved by UEFA next year, would guarantee at least 14 Champions League games instead of the current six for each club, earning them tens of millions of euros (dollars) in extra revenue from broadcasting and sponsor deals struck by UEFA. The 16-team knockout stage would be retained, with seven further games for the two finalists. The leagues group fears that will widen the wealth gap favoring an elite few and severely damage the competitive balance, commercial value and fan interest in national competitions. UEFA’s draft plan suggests four Champions League teams will be relegated each season into the next season’s second-tier Europa League and be replaced by four Europa League semifinalists who

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied that the Super Eagles will play a friendly game with the Atlas Lions of Morocco in France as part of preparations for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. “We finalized our program leading up to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations long before now and have publicized same, and a match with the Atlas Lions of Morocco is not on the cards,” NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said on Friday. “For avoidance of doubt, the Super Eagles will set up a camp in Asaba, Delta State as from Saturday, 2nd June, play a friendly

would be promoted. Only four qualifying places would be left for national champions competing in preliminary rounds. It would leave the Dutch league runner-up - as Ajax was before reaching the Champions League semifinals this season - no route into the competition. Four entries via preliminary rounds is a cut from the current six, while 10 places were on offer until last year. It is unclear how the first lineup in a revamped Champions League would be decided, though UEFA’s plans says countries would be limited to a maximum of five teams as at present. A team’s historical record in European competition could be a factor, while qualification purely on sporting merit would risk storied clubs who are influential in the ECA missing out. Manchester United is currently sixth in the Premier League and will

not share in the $2.3 billion Champions League prize money fund next season. In Italy, unheralded Atalanta is set to edge seven-time European champion AC Milan for a qualifying place. UEFA presented its plan to European league officials Wednesday, almost two months after a first publicly acknowledged meeting with the ECA, led by Juventus president Andrea Agnelli. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said the details under discussion were “only ideas and opinions” in a year-long consultation. The plan also involves promotion and relegation between the Europa League and a thirdtier competition which has yet to launch. The third competition, currently called Europa League 2, will kick off in the 2021-22 season with the same 32-team format, in eight groups of four, as the Champions League and Europa League will have that season.

with the Warriors of Zimbabwe on 8th June and fly to Egypt the following day. “They will set up a final training camp in Ismailia and then play a friendly against Africa’s number one –ranked team, Senegal in Ismailia on 16th June. On 17th June, they will depart Ismailia for Alexandria - venue of their AFCON Group B matches.” Three –time champions Nigeria will trade tackles with Burundi on 22nd June, confront Guinea on 26th June and tackle Madagascar on 30th June, all in Alexandria. The 32nd Africa Cup of Nations will hold in four Egyptian cities (Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, Ismailia) 21st June – 19th July.

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A state of emergency in the health sector

he statistics are startling, scary and indeed scandalous-talking about the human capital development challenge currently bedeviling Nigeria’s much-neglected health sector. Think about these frightening figures, for a moment: Nigeria needs over 237,000 doctors to achieve Universal Health Coverage. But there are about 40,000 doctors that are practising in the country now, whereas, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria register contains about 91,000 names. So, where are the remaining 51,000? That is the pertinent question. According to Professor Adetokunbo Fabamwo, Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital(LASUTH), Ikeja, “Eighty percent of those 51,000 are abroad, while 20 percent have been affected by internal brain drain. Internal brain drain is where a doctor stops practising medicine and starts doing something else. This was made known at the Ordinary General Meeting of the Medical Guild, Lagos State chapter, held recently in Lagos, with the theme: ‘Challenges of Inadequate Human Resources in the Health Sector: Way Forward.’ Although, globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates a shortage of 4.3 million physicians, nurses and other health workers worldwide, especially in many developing countries, “statisticians have calculated that it is going to take Nigeria 100 years, at the rate we are going, to produce all the doctors we need,” Fabamwo admitted. Contrary to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), of one doctor to 600 patients, Nigeria currently has a ratio of one doctor to 6,000 patients. This is according to the Head of the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Department, University of Abuja, Professor Titus Ibekwe, the former Vice President of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA). He pointed out that to worsen the situation, a lot of healthcare facilities in the country are outdated while many are also

dilapidated. My dear compatriot and reader, you must be worried about this sordid situation, like yours truly; aren’t you? The country’s authorities must first accept the gross inadequacies in the health sector for us to move forward in solving the problem. The obvious challenges facing the critical sector include inadequate funding or low budgetary allocation, infrastructural decay, low ratio of medical personnel to the citizens, inaccessibility to quality primary healthcare delivery down to the rural areas, lack of requisite training and of course, the self-decimating wave of brain-drain. In spite of the pledge which Nigeria made in 2001 through the “Abuja Declaration” to commit at least 15 percent of the annual budgets to improving their health sector it has failed to keep to its promise. That was made when it hosted the Heads of State of member countries of the African Union (AU). The highest percentage since the declaration was in 2012 when 5.95percent of the budget was allotted to health. In the 2018 Budget proposal President Muhammadu Buhari presented to the National Assembly, he allocated N340.45 billion, representing 3.9 percent of the N8.6 trillion expenditure plan to the health sector. The allocation was less than the 4.16 percent and 4.23 percent made to the health sector by the administration in the 2017 and 2016 budgets, respectively. The percentage allocation to the health sector in the 2019 Budget of a recurrent expenditure of N 315.62 billion for the ministry of health is about 46.3 billion increase from last year’s recurrent expenditure, which was N269.3 billion. Yet, it remains a far cry from all earlier agreements reached and promises made by the country before the international community. Furthermore, Nigeria’s health situation has become of increasing concern as it has been compounded by the insurgencyravaged North Eastern region where access to medical care has diminished. Only

recently, the citizens were outraged by the torrid tale of Nigerians in IDP camps feeding on onion leaves! Several statistics also reveal that Nigeria has one of the worst health care delivery records in the world. As at 2017, Nigeria was rated 187th out of 191 countries in terms of health care delivery, according to WHO. It said that one-third of more than 700 health facilities have been destroyed in the country and about 3.7 million people are in need of health assistance. The global health body placed Nigeria at third highest in infant mortality rate in the world. Medical experts described as worrisome the recent figure released by international agencies which put Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate at 58,000 in 2015. This showed that Nigeria recorded the second highest maternal death rate in the world. Exacerbating the sad situation is the series of industrial actions by health workers over unpaid salaries and other administrative anomalies. It is understandable therefore, that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the Socio-Economic Right and Accountability Project (SERAP), human rights groups took a swipe at the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, over his comment that the country had enough medical doctors. He said, “No, I am not worried (about doctors leaving the country). We have surplus. If you have surplus, you export. It happened some years ago here”. That was one avoidable gaffe, against the grains of the harsh reality on ground. So, what is the way forward? We must learn from other countries with better health facilities and medical personnel. For instance, the countries with the most doctors per capita

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

(doctors per 10,000 people) include Qatar with 77.4, followed by Monaco with 71.7, Cuba with 67.2 and Greece with 54. In Africa, Algeria and Morocco are ahead of Nigeria. Our political leaders should muster the political will to do the needful as India has done. The Indian medical education system has been able to double the numbers of MBBS graduate (modern medicine training) positions during recent decades. With more than 479 medical schools, India has reached the capacity of an annual intake of 67,218 MBBS students at medical colleges regulated by the Medical Council of India. Policy makers should muster the political will to do the needful. Nigeria should keep to the pledge it made to the AU to give 15 percent of its annual budget to the health sector. Restructuring and true fiscal federalism will enable states to control their resources and pay more attention to the people’s healthcare. Brilliant students wishing to go for medical studies should all be placed on state and Federal Government sponsored scholarships. No effort should be spared to upgrade the infrastructural facilities in all clinic and hospitals. More training of the personnel is required. And we should borrow from India that produces medical graduates in the “traditional Indian system of medicine,” regulated through Central Council for Indian Medicine. The time to declare a state of emergency in the health sector is now!

Quick Takes

Off the Cuff

N9.33bn

Afenifere, what aileth thee?

ike many other associations that were formed with noble goals and robust cause, which may have been compromised, the Afenifere, a socio-cultural group for the Yoruba people, appears very troubled at the moment, with leaders and members spewing out verbal salvos at one another. Gone are the days when most Yorubas identified with the group, and beat their chest for associating with it. Afenifere was said to have been formed in line with the aspiration of the late Obafemi Awolowo, to serve as an umbrella to be used to actualise the dream of the Yoruba race. Over the years, various leaders of the Afenifere have tried to ensure the oneness of the people with a lot of efforts, amid daunting challenges in the process. Unfortunately, many of the founding fathers have passed on without actualising this dream. At a point, the group served as a political machine to galvanise the Yoruba race. In fact, it was said at a time that Afenifere and politics were like Siamese twins. But when hateful politics was introduced into their

midst, the brotherhood died. It has managed to remain pro-politics. What has happened is that it has become a Babel of sorts where people speak different versions and sing from different hymn books all at the same time. Individual interests appeared to have overridden the collective interest of the people. Different leaders after Abraham Adesanya have continued to find it difficult to bring the people under one umbrella. In the last few months, present and former leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation have cried out against the overpoliticisation of the group and its factionalisation by some elements. It all shows that things may have fallen apart in the once-cohesive association. Although visible cracks began to show, when some members demanded that Afenifere be completely divorced from politics as far back as 2003. Recall that the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) was directly formed by the group. The decision of some of the leaders to field Olu Falae against the popular choice, the late

Bola Ige, for the 2003 presidential race, dealt a deadly blow on the association. Following the bad blood and enmity engendered by the outcome of the 2003, there arose lots of dissenting voices, leading to some breakaways. Some youthful members decided to leave the group to form Afenifere Renewal Group (alias ARG) with the stated intent of reuniting the feuding factions, but perhaps as an alternative to the faction headed by the older generation of leaders. Today, it is difficult to say as a matter of fact, who the true leader of Afenifere is. For while some people pay homage to Pa Reuben Fasoranti, other’s allegiance is toward Ayo Fassanmi. Perhaps, at no other time has the group been so divided than now following the political ambition of certain elements. The division sharply blew open before and during the 2019 general election. It has also lingered and festering as the rhetoric from various factions points to a war without end.

This is the amount approved by the shareholders of FBN Holdings Plc as total dividend payment for the 2018 financial year. They approved 26 kobo per 50 kobo ordinary share.

Pathetic!

“Over 350 farmers have been affected as a result of banditry in Danko/Wasagu, Argungu, Yauri, Ngaski, Zuru and Birnin Kebbi Local Government Areas. Our members, especially rice farmers, have stopped going to their farmlands in those areas for fear of being kidnapped or killed.” - Muhammad Idris, secretary of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kebbi State, lamenting the disruption of farming activities by the increasing wave of banditry in the state and in the region.

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