BusinessDay 16 Feb 2020

Amotekun, no longer a dream

Nigerian Breweries proposes N12bn dividend as profit declines by 17%

Ibom Deep Sea Port will present enormous economic opportunities for Nigerians - Okon 30

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Factsheet: Real reasons INEC de-registered 74 political parties

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Nigeria’s humiliation deepens over flight diversion to Ghana, Cotonou Cuts off from rest of the world over poor ILS

Passengers’ miseries grow

See page

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How Nabil Saleh’s purposeful leadership at PH City Chambers received the OPS endorsement in Rivers

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Goodnight Victor Olaiya, the last of the originals

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Duoye Diri (l) presents his cerificate of return to former president Goodluck Jonathan after being sworn in as the Bayelsa State’s new governor.

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How incessant killings are becoming the way of life in Nigeria N

Dumped on Valentine’s Day

Innocent Odoh, Abuja

igeria is increasingly being defined by the horrifying level of violence ravaging it. The nation is streaming with bloodbath even when it is not officially at war. The sta-

tistics of death appear to have deadened the conscience of many as death and destruction of the most dastard types have engulfed the nation.

The most appalling situation is that such killings appeared to have been “normalized”. Worst still is the

seeming inability of the federal government to stop the killings despite the enormous resources within its disposal.

There appears also a growing allegation of complicity of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in the killing and kidnappings most-

ly perpetrated by the Boko Haram insurgents and the Fulani herdsmen, adjudged to be two of the most deadly terrorists groups in the world.

These two groups now operate without hindrance in Nigeria.

The deluge of killings and

the failure of the Buhari government to curtail the killings have confounded the world.

The killings are as horrifying and chilling as they make the news waves. In recent times, a video circulated on how the

See page 3

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Sunday 16 February 2020

Cover

Nigeria’s humiliation deepens over flight diversion...

IFEOMA OKEKE

M

issed opportunities, losses, pains and disappointments have been the experiences of passengers in the last seven days as Nigeria’s airspace was shut down over failure of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to provide functional Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) to enable aircraft take-off and land at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos.

While some advanced airports operate under, as low as, zero visibility, the foggy weather in Lagos kept aircraft on ground and left thousands of passengers stranded at neighbouring countries where these flights were diverted to.

Some of the airlines that recorded multiple flight diversions include; British Airways, Air France, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Delta Airlines and several others.

Sadly, the development cut off Nigeria from the rest of the world as several international flights could not land or take off from the airport, as well as, made the country to lose whatever is left of its respect as a nation.

Affected passengers who were stuck in other countries for days kept counting their losses as foreign airlines could do nothing to remedy the situation.

“I was in Ghana for two days.

It was a very terrible situation.

We did not even know when we were going to get out of Accra as there was no assurance from the airline as to when the weather will be better to fly. British Airways was kind enough to give us a temporary accommodation in Accra but I was so uncomfortable just sitting at the hotel and doing nothing when I had so much engagements and I had just few days to do all I needed to do before flying back to London,” a passenger who identified himself as Segun told BD Sunday.

Segun said he felt disappointed in the authorities responsible for the provision of functional ILS, adding that they have failed the country and should be held accountable and face the penalties.

BD Sunday learnt that three investors who came to Lagos last week Sunday, did their research and scheduled to travel back on Tuesday by Turkish Airlines could not travel till Thursday after opting to travel through Abuja airport.

An Emirate Airline passenger who identified herself as Sarah was scheduled to leave Dubai on Thursday but whose flight was cancelled as a result of the development, said she was

at the Dubai airport to catch her flight to Lagos only to be told that her flight had been cancelled.

“I had no clue where to go to, who to call or what to do when I learnt the flight was cancelled as a result of low visibility at Lagos airport. I know flights can be delayed because of weather issues but not cancelled. I have been to European countries and they have all the equipment on ground to operate even at low visibility. Nigeria should be ashamed of itself.

“Now I have to pay for accommodation for two or three days in Dubai because the country has failed to do the right things. This is really sad!”

Sarah had lamented to BD Sunday.

Another passenger who craved anonymity said she was supposed to take her son to New York for a major surgery but was told that the airline had cancelled its Tuesday flight as a result of low visibility.

“My son was devastated to hear that he could no longer travel for his surgery because his flight was cancelled. His health keeps deteriorating.

I just pray we are able to get another appointment as soon as possible because we can no longer meet the dates the doctor gave to us. I also pray nothing happens to my son while we wait for the doctor’s new appointment date,” the passenger said.

The situation is also the same for domestic airlines who have been unable to land or take-off with major airlines diverting flights to Abuja, Port Harcourt and other local destinations.

Chima Udo, a passenger on Air Peace flight said that he had a 7a.m flight to Abuja on Thursday. Udo who said he was travelling for a job interview that was supposed to be at 10a.m said he missed his interview because of the situation.

“The company said I have met all the requirements for interview. I was so sure I will get the job only to be hindered by NAMA’s high-handedness. I will never forgive this country for this,” Udo was heard lamenting to fellow passengers at the airport.

Airlines, airport count losses The airlines have also had their fair share of the sufferings as they have had to burn aviation fuel diverting to other countries and paid extra cost to fly the passengers back to Nigeria. The airlines have also had to pay for the affected passengers’ accommodation, feeding, internet access and where necessary refund the air fare of passengers who insist they were no longer interested in travelling.

Kola Olayinka, British Airways’s country manager, Ni-

Hadi Sirika, minister of Aviation

geria, told BD Sunday that BA diverted three flights to Accra from Monday to Wednesday.

Olayinka said the development is costing the airlines so much as they have to book hotels for the passengers.

“If passengers’ flights are diverted and it is not cancelled, we put the passengers in hotels except few who opt to go to their homes. It is very expensive for us. We put people in hotels both in Lagos and in Ghana.

“There are Nigerians on the plane coming home; we put them in the hotel until the fog clears. Once they can confirm that the weather is okay, then they will leave Accra. It is more stressful for customers because people who come from as far as America just want to get home. It is better to be safe than compromise safety,” he said.

Emirates in a statement said: “Due to poor weather and low visibility - Emirates flight EK783 and EK781 from Dubai to Lagos on February 11 and 12, respectively were diverted to Accra; Emirates flight EK783 from Dubai to Lagos on February 12 was diverted to Abuja.

“The return flights scheduled for February 11 and 12 will be delayed indefinitely.

Affected passengers have been provided with hotel accommodation. Emirates flight EK 781/EK782 and EK783/EK784 (Dubai – Lagos – Dubai) on February 13 have been cancelled.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will update our customers as the situation develops.

“Passengers are requested to contact their booking agent or Emirates reservations to rebook their flights or make alternative travel arrangements.

The latest flight schedule can be

found on emirates.com. Emirates apologises for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew are of utmost importance and will not be comprised.”

A statement by Delta Airlines reads: “Delta continues to monitor the weather conditions in Lagos and runway situation at Murtala Mohammed International Airport. Delta remains in close contact with officials at the airport and will resume its operations as soon as it is able to do so. Delta regrets the inconvenience to its customers. The safety and security of Delta’s customers and crew is its number one priority.”

Data gathered from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria , (FAAN) show that for an average aircraft, international airlines pay N82,190 for Maximum Take Off weight.

For night landing international airlines pay N386,074.64 and for day landing airlines pay N257,288.74.

On the other hand, airlines operating domestic flights pay N55,455 as Maximum Take Off weight. For Night landing, domestic airlines pay N260,491 and N173,597 for day landing.

With N82,190 paid for Maximum Take Off weight and N386,074 for night landing, Lagos airport lost N7,031,522 for the 18 diverted flights by international airlines between Monday and Thursday.

With N55,455 paid as Maximum Take Off weight and N173,597 for day landing, the airport lost N1,097,037 for the six diverted local flights in four days.

For each aircraft diverted, international airlines have had to pay an average of $100 (36,000) for hotel accommo-

dation for each stranded passenger.

With an average of 250 passengers on each flight, these airlines have had to pay N162,million for the 18 diverted flights from Monday to Thursday.

All these cost summed up show that airlines and Lagos airport have lost N170,128,559.

Poor ILS John Ojikutu, member of Aviation Round Table (ART), aviation industry think tank group, and chief executive of Centurion Securities, told BD Sunday that with category 3 ILS, flights can land in near zero visibility with precession approach plan indicator (PAPI).

Ojikutu said foreign airlines divert because there is no assurance or Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) to indicate the installed cat 3 ILS are calibrated at an airport that is certified by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA).

He wondered what makes the airport MMIA certified if it has no functional ILS and one of the major runways has no lightings, adding that thousands of dollars was spent on the installation of CAT3 ILS at Lagos airport but sadly, the ILS has not been calibrated.

An air traffic controller who craved anonymity told BD Sunday that once the visibility is poor; there is nothing anyone can do about it.

“We just installed CAT 3 ILS but it has not been calibrated.

There are two types of CAT 3 ILS : 1A 1B and 1C. The ILS used in Europe and other continents can operate in zero visibility level.

“Once our ILS is calibrated, we will not be experiencing Continues on Page 3

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BDSUNDAY 3

News Diri visits Jonathan as Alaibe’s suit haunts PDP SAMUEL ESE, Yenagoa

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h e Pe o p l e s D e m o c a r t i c Pa r t y ( P D P ) may have snatched victory from the Al l Pr o g r e s s i v e s C o n g r e s s (APC) at the Supreme Court on Thursday but a huge case lingering in court within the party could spell doom.

Other groups in the party in Bayelsa State had also left the party in the run-in to the swearing in.

In the midst of all this, Douye Diri, the newly inaugurated governor of Bayelsa State, visited former president Goodluck Jonathan.

BD Sunday reliably gathered that Diri embarked on t h e v i s i t l a t e Fr i d a y n i g h t after his swearing in inside Go v e r n m e n t Ho u s e , Ye n agoa.

Details of the visit are not known, but it is believed to be in line with Diri’s desire to reconcile all factions in the state.

He had urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be magnanimous in victory during his inaugural address on Friday.

It is also believed that the

visit could be in recognition of the critical position of the former president in the politics of the state.

Jonathan was distant from the PDP during the governorship election last year and analysts were of the opinion that his posture contributed to the dismal showing of the party before Thursday’s judicial victory.

Mos t pol i ti cal w atchers believe that a first major task before Diri is to appease Jonathan and other aggrieved party bigwigs who left the party in protest over what they saw as imposition of the new governor on the party.

D i r i ’s v i s i t t o J o n a t h a n is also being hinged on his relationship with former managing director of the Ni g e r De l t a De v e l o p m e n t Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe who is still in court disputing the governor’s PDP candidature in the governorship election.

There have been efforts to get Alaibe to abandon the case without success in the past and the Friday night visit could be in further pursuit of pleading with Jonathan to impress on him to stop the litigation.

Nigeria’s humiliation...

Continued from Page 2

what we are experiencing now.

The aircraft that would be used for the calibration is on ground and hopefully by next week, it will be calibrated,” the air traffic controller said.

Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, explained that the authorities at the MMIA were in the process of replacing the old Category 2 ILS with the newly procured Category 3 system that allows for the lowest visibility landing but unfortunately, there was a malfunctioning of certain components, which coupled with the unforeseen weather conditions, made landing at the airport difficult.

Sirika in a statement said the procurement of the Category 3 Instrument landing System is in pursuance of the desire of the Federal Government to ensure the safety of air passengers by ensuring that airplanes can land with almost zero visibility.

NAMA blames diversions on inclement weather According to NAMA, “the inability of some international flights to land at MMIA is largely due to issues of inclement weather and company minimas of affected airlines. Our position is that such diversions are in the interest of safety.

Khalid Emele, general man-

ager public affairs, in a statement said the Instrument Landing Systems, (ILS) on the two runways of the Lagos airports were serviceable.

“The facts on record, however, are as follows: Lagos has two runways- 18 Right and 18 Left. The Doppler Very High Omni-Directional Radio Range (DVOR) and the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) at the airport have successfully been calibrated and passed 100 percent.

“The localizer (a component of the Instrument Landing System) responsible for horizontal guidance at runway 18 Left has also passed 100 percent calibration while the glide slope (which is another component of the Ins t r u m e n t La n d i n g Sy s t e m that provides vertical guidance) is undergoing routine maintenance and by February 12th, the maintenance will be concluded and the equipment shall be fully on air. “ O n Ru n w a y 1 8 Ri g h t , there is Category 3 ILS which is still undergoing installat i o n . Pr e s e n t l y, Se l e x Sy s tems, the contractors are working on the realignment of its parameters, preparatory to the calibration and commissioning of the equipment in the shortest possible time,” Emele stated.

President Muhamadu Buhari in a handshake with the Chief of Air Staff, Abubakar Sadiq during his visit to Borno State.

How incessant killings are becoming the way...

Continued from Page 1 Boko Haram terrorists beheaded Reverend Lawan Andimi, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Adamawa State on January 21, 2020, after rejecting N50 million ransom.

Also on Christmas eve, the ISWAP abducted and killed 10 Christians, which the claimed was a retaliation of the killing of ISIS Caliph, Abubakar Al-Baghdadi by US led coalition last year. Nigerians Christians have no connection with the killing of the so called caliph, yet they paid with their lives.

Then on Monday, January 10, the Boko Haram insurgents targeted some travelers in the village of Auno near Maiduguri, killed over 30, most of who were roasted alive in the vehicles they were traveling in. This dastardly act was done within four hours and no security men attempted to come to the aid of the victims.

The Boko Haram also abducted some women and went away with them. The killings and kidnappings are too numerous to mention.

Few days ago, precisely on February 11, 2020, Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, was livid over the incessant killings and the glaring failure of the Buhari government to address the worsening level of insecurity.

Kukah in a homily delivered at the funeral of a seminarian, Michael Nnadi, abducted and killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen, expressed disgust and outrage that the Buhari Government could sit by and watched the blood fest going on in the country.

Kukah said the violence represents a “penetrating darkness that hovers over Nigeria”. He blamed the inability to tame the insecurity on President Buhari’s alleged clannishness and nepotism, which had hobbled him in dealing with the perpetrators of the violence because they are mostly of his ethnic stock, the Fulan and religious groupMuslims.

Kukah in the homily accused the Buhari’s government of pushing Nigeria to the “brink” with his clannishness. “No one could have imagined that in winning the Presidency, General Buhari would bring nepotism and clannishness into the military and the ancillary security agencies, that his government would be marked by supremacist and divisive policies that would push our country to the brink,” Kukah said.

Bishop Kukah said further that

President Buhari has not only “displayed the greatest degree of insensitivity in managing our country’s rich diversity” but has also “subordinated the larger interests of the country to the hegemonic interests of his co-religionists and clansmen and women.”

He added, “This is for us the moment of decision. This is the moment that separates darkness from light, good from evil. Our nation is like a ship stranded on the high seas, rudderless and with broken navigational aids. Today, our years of hypocrisy, duplicity, fabricated integrity, false piety, empty morality, fraud and Pharisaism have caught up with us. Nigeria is on the crossroads and its future hangs precariously in a balance. This is a wakeup call for us.”

Kukah’s pain was followed by a damning declaration of the Northern Elders Forum led by Ango Abdullahi, that the Buhari government has failed to tame insecurity with some elements suggesting he tenders his resignation.

Then what suprised most was the treatment meted out to Buhari on Wednesday February 12, when he went on a condolence visit to Maiduguri over the death of the 30 people burnt by Boko Haram. The residents of the Brono State capital reportedly booed the President, an unbelievable behaviour from the region where Buhari got some of his highest votes and where he enjoys fanatical followership. This appears to be a rude re-awakening on the Presidency no matter much pretense that all is not well.

This widespread insecurity has led to the call on Buhari to change the Service Chiefs who many said have overstayed and outlived their usefulness.

Speaking to BD Sunday on Thursday, Junaid Mohammed, Second Republic lawmaker, said the Service Chiefs have overstayed and have shown incompetence in the and asked the President to comply to the resolutions of the House of Representatives and replace them.

He also noted that what happened in Maiduguri was disturbing.

“Following what happened in Maiduguri there is certainly a serious need for all concerned to pause and see whether we are on the right track. The problem at hand is that we have issues of insecurity and the overwhelming number of Nigerians are all united in one voice that the armed forces have not succeeded in reining in the insecurity in the country and quite a number of people are questioning the competence, the

propriety, the professionalism and, of course, the personal individual integrity of the leading generals in all the services.

“Given the situation now and the fact that elected representatives of our people in the highest debating Chambers of this country have passed two powerful concurrent resolutions asking the President to simply get the service chiefs out because they do not have the necessary gravitas to command the armed forces and make sure that the problem of insecurity is sorted once and for all.

“So, when people say that those leading the security forces are incompetent, then President must listen to the people,” he said.

He however, said that the proliferation of security outfits across the nation as a response to the insecurity problem, and cannot help the situation but acknowledged that it goes to prove that people are not happy with the security situation and security policy of the Buhari Government.

When asked about the threat to the proliferation of the security outfits such as Amotekun in the South West on the unity of the country, he said “I have always told people who care to listen let nobody fool himself. This country can break up.

There is nothing inevitable about our staying together.” He therefore advocated more responsible political leadership.

Also Speaking to BD Sunday on Thursday, Tanko Yakassai, an elder statesman, blamed those who voted President Buhari to power, saying the people have themselves to blame for following Buhari’s slogan of change blindly.

“Don’t blame Buhari, blame yourselves. When the people came and shouted slogans and we follow them blindly and we didn’t ask what kind of change, then we have ourselves to blame.

“I think that what we need to do is for those in power to admit that things are wrong. Once those in power are not prepared to accept the reality of the situation, the ordinary citizens is left helpless. But as long as they don’t believe there is a problem you are I can only cry,” he said.

He however, noted that something can be done about the situation, saying “the more Nigerians cry out on the issue of insecurity, the more the people in power will know that people are angry and that will force them to begin to look at the issue.”

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Sunday 16 February 2020

News Coronavirus may have started from Pangolins - Researchers

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ANTHONIA OBOKOH

oronavirusfrom Ch i n a h a v e been suspected may have been passed from bats to humans through an intermediary animal, the pangolin, researchers at the South China Agricultural University believe.

The virus has left a total of 63,851 people infected and at least 1,380 people dead.

Most of the cases occurred in Hubei, the center of the outbreak, which recorded 4,823 new cases and 116 deaths over the same period.

The research team tested more than 1,000 samples from wild animals and found a 99 percent match between the genome sequences of viruses found in pangolins and those in human patients, the AFP reported, citing Chinese state media.

The pangolin is considered the most trafficked animal on the planet and over one million have been snatched from Asian and African forests in the past decade, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Pangolins or scaly anteaters are mammals of the order Pholidota. Pangolin scales and rhino horn, have

no proven medicinal value, yet they are used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with ailments ranging from lactation difficulties to arthritis.

There are eight species of pangolin, half commonly found in Asia and the other half in Africa.

Pangolins, the world’s only scaly mammal, have long been valued for their meat, viewed as a delicacy in some Asian countries, and scales, used for traditional medicine, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Olajumoke Morenikeji, coordinator of the Pangolin Conservation Working Group Nigeria (PCWGN), said that the conversation and protection of pangolins in Nigeria is the collective responsibility of all citizens.

Morenikeji said that poachers have turned to Africa to supply tons of pangolins to the Asian market, and if left unchecked the mammal will go into extinction.

“It is seen as a delicacy and sign of affluence in China and because of the huge demand from Asia, poachers have

turned to Africa for pangolins to supply the Asian market,” she said. She noted that pangolins, which are marked by large, hardened, overlapping plate-like scales made of keratin—the same material as human fingernails—are important to both regional and global biodiversity as well as soil fertility because of the soil aeration they do.

Recent conservation efforts have worked to protect the eight pangolin species found in Asia and Africa and threatened by illegal international trade.

L-R: Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Wale Ahmed; Lagos State deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; chairman, Bariga LCDA, Alabi Kolade, during the commissioning of network of roads in Bariga, on Friday.

Ikokwu-5 update: Police admits lying on autopsy • Anger grows fiercer with calls for more arrests • Subtle moves for peace rebuffed Ignatius Chukwu

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he case of the saga called Ikokwu-5 in Port Harcourt, River State, is still on the upswing. The latest is the success in accessing the corpse of the late Chima Ikwunado, the leader of the Ikokwu Five. The other four had been freed by a chief magistrate’s court, the other 29 charged to court for protesting have been released on bail, and some six police officers have been arrested.

On Monday, February 11, 2020, Chima’s body was freed and taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) where the pathologist nominated

by Chima’s family, Stephen Musa, seemed to lead the team.

Over 100 persons trouped to the UPTH on that day, a sign of the level of public interest in the saga. Tales have been told of how Chima’s father could not recognize his son

after the battering and crushing the body received. It was a fellow detainee who witnessed the different stages and degrees of torture and injuries that used the injuries to recognize him. Consensus approach was used to identify him after matching his skull form with that of his elder brother and father. His wife was not present. After the autopsy cutting-aways have been taken, the family left the venue crying that Chima was butchered, not just tortured.

Also, the autopsy team leader said there was no sign on the body that any autopsy had been performed. There was talk about the ‘Butcher of Port Harcourt’ mangling suspects in police custody. The city recalled that the Ikokwu-5 survivors had talked about two bodies taken away while they were in detention, apart from Chima’s.

The revelation raised another round of uproar in the heated up city over how the policy got their ‘autopsy’ that

said Chima died of high sugar level. There was talk about the possibility of a racket between the police and doctors signing corpses away as having died of natural causes or high sugar level.

This must have prompted the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Nnamdi Omoni, a Superintendent of Police, to come clean and tell a radio station that the police command was misled and misinformed by the E-Crack Commander, Benson Adetuyi, who he said told them that it was sugar problem that killed Chima.

He said the police was being open and had nothing to hide because the police command too wanted justice for the victims. He reminded the public that it was the police command that released the body for genuine autopsy and it was the police that said the police pathologist that revealed that the body was battered. “If the police was hiding anything, would we

reveal these things”.

This has led to calls by the Ikokwu traders for the redeployment of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Dangana, to give way for proper investigation. The call was supported by the coalition of civil societies led by Enefaa Georgewill, who demanded for the PPRO’s resignation.

“How can the PPRO continue to function in that capacity when he knows the public will no longer believe his statements on any matter henceforth? He can only resign and allow a competent officer to continue to inform the public.

He coalition also called for the arrest of the E-Crack Commander and parade of all those arrested so the survivors can identify the people who tortured them to make sure they are the real ones in detention. They said the public wants to see the female police officer that has become notorious for torturing an pulling detainees genital organs, especially that of Chima.

SMEDAN boosts youth entrepreneurship in A/Ibom, presents laptops to cluster groups ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

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he Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has presented laptop computers to cluster g r o u p s i n Ak w a Ib o m State as part of efforts to boost entrepreneurship and e-commerce under its business youth empowerment scheme.

The youth, who were drawn from various cluster groups including rice farmers, digital marketers, office wears and laundry group, had earlier been trained by the agency on how to leverage on e-commerce to grow their businesses in the state and beyond.

Speaking while presentation the computers, Dikko Umar Radda, the director-general of the Agency pledged the commitment of the agency towards youth entrepreneurship to enable them create wealth as entrepreneurs.

Represented by Tony Muobeghare, he said the use of the laptops would make what members of the cluster groups were taught to be practical while helping them to learn new skills easier.

“We promisedthatwewill empower you with laptops, because of the financial constraints, we are giving the laptop to each group, in

future it might be possible to give each member of the cluster group a laptop each,’’ he said.

In her remarks, Lucy Ek p e n y o n g , h e a d o f SMEDAN in Akwa Ibom State, thanked the Director General of the agency saying the presentation of the tools was based on the training conducted by the agency last year.

“I want to encourage the beneficiaries to adopt the platformwehaveofferedyou as well as the tools to expand your respective markets and make more revenue and create employment in the state,’’ she said.

Represented by Sopuruchi Egbeke, she urged the entrepreneurs to continue to work together and exchange information that would impact their businesses positively a d d i n g t h a t S M E DA N will continue to provide capacity upgrade for Small and Medium Enterprises to enable them operate at the level with their counterparts in other parts of the country.

One of the beneficiaries, Rosemary Itoro Daniel, a rice farmer from Ini Local Government area of the state said the laptop would help her group to advertise their goods and services beyond the state adding that it would enable them earn additional income from their rice farming business.

Rivers community, Ke, under siege after midnight attack

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e Community in Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, Nigeria is currently under siege after a night attack by gunmen in military camouflage, which left three dead, many with gunshot wounds, and several others missing.

As at press time about 6pm today, about two military gunboats and several speedboats filled with well armed gunmen were seen floating around the front of the community, according to an eyewitness in the community, preventing anyone from going in or out of the community.

According to a chief and professor, Tugwell AginahObu, an indigene of the community, “Right now, we do not know what to do. Our people cannot go to their community, or come out. People at home are hungry.

“We’re stranded. We don’t have any other route to come to the upland. No boat moves from Ke to Port Harcourt, or elsewhere. No boat goes to Ke. We don’t know how to get in touch with other places so that we can get relief”, he said.

He used the opportunity

to call on the Degema LGA Chairman, Tony Philmore, the State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and the President, Mohammadu Buhari, to come to the aid of Ke Community.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses in the community also alledge that the gunboats and speedboats lurking at the river of the community are suspected to be set to unleash more deadly attack on the community.

It will be recalled that at about 9pm Tuesday night, gunmen in Army camouflage in about two military gunboats and four speed boats invaded the community.

Eyewitness accounts stated that on arrival, the gunmen started shooting sporadically from all points of exit through the waterways, having cordoned off the area.

Describing the attack, an indigene of the Community, Daibi Ekine, identified the gunmen as members of the Military Taskforce on Oil and Gas set up to monitor illegal oil bunkering activities in the water ways, saying that the manner of the attack only confirms that a neighbouring community has hijacked the Taskforce with a view to extinguishing any perceived enemy.

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BDSUNDAY 5

News Presidency, NASS, others applaud Rivers monarch’s peace advocacy as he marks 50 Ifeoma Okeke

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resident Muhammadu Buhari, traditional rulers across the country and West Africa has congratulated Appolus Chu, the Egbere Emere Okori Eleme on his 50th birthday anniversary, and also commended his keen interest in restoring peace and unity in the nation and the continent of Africa.

The commendations were given when several personalities gathered recently in Okori-Ogale, Eleme, Rivers State, to honour Chu on his birthday.

The personalities applauded the great philanthropist and peace ambassador while also urging him to sustain the strides he has taken so far in his pursuit of peace advocacy and bridge building across the nation and the continent.

In the last couple of years, Appolus Chu has travelled around kingdoms across Africa with the message that despite their cultural diversi-

HRH Applous Chu with royal fathers aross Nigeria and West Affrica

ties, unity amongst African traditional institutions, will ensure a secured and economically vibrant continent.

He has all along expressed the belief that fostering the spirit of brotherhood amongst African societies is a guarantee for the development of a united and peaceful continent.

President Buhari, who felicitated with the monarch

during the event, was represented by Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant, Media and Publicity to the President.

Presenting the President’s goodwill message, Shehu said: “Your Majesty, the President has written a letter congratulating you, considering two important things about you: One, the love you have for the nation and your role in

national integration and this is amply stated by the colours of the people in this hall – coming from all parts of the country and in fact, beyond the boundaries of Nigeria.”

Also speaking at the occasion, Ahmed Idris, the deputy speaker, House of Representatives, described Appolus Chu as a rare personality and a blessing to Nigeria and Africa, noting, “Your Royal

Highness, the gathering here speaks for itself and from the volume of statements from the presidency speech, through prayer offered, have said it all and I do not think I have much word to add. We want to thank you for what you have been doing for the nation and I wish you good health, long life, prosperity, so that you would continue to deliver more. And I say these are the kind of people we require in this nation.”

Pauline Tallen, the Women Affairs Minister, could not hide her excitement at the magnitude of the gathering at the occasion.

“Today, Your Royal Highness has gathered all Nigerians across the nation to celebrate you and your dear wife. We are happy to be associated with you. I had to defer all other assignments to honour this great Nigerian,” Tallen said.

Sometime in 2018, Appolus Chu took his message to some countries in West Africa, seeking synergy among traditional rulers to pursue ways in which Africans can unite and make the continent

a better place for generations to come.

His message was wellreceived by traditional rulers from the Gambia and Ghana.

To show this, royalties from the Gambia and Ghana came all the way to Nigeria to be part of the ceremony marking his 50th birthday.

The highly significant event brought representatives from countries within Africa under the same roof.

In attendance were Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona, the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief, Osu Kingdom, Accra, Ghana, and Muhmandou Bojang, Sukuta Kombo Kingdom, The Gambia, among other first class traditional rulers in Nigeria as well as other guests.

In his response, Appolus Chu, whose wife, Grace, was steadily by his side all through the ceremony, expressed gratitude to President Buhari and promised to do more in the coming years.

“Mr. President is a responsible father and leader, who knows the value of appreciation.

n

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NULGE rejects Kwara negotiations on minimum wage as 14-day ultimatum expires

Rivers’ clergy says killing of Christians has been ignored for too long

SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

T

he Nigeria Union of Local Governm e n t Em p l o y ees (NULGE) in Kwara state has rejected the negotiation committee the state government constituted to dialogue with labour leaders on behalf of local government workers in the state.

In statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Hotonu Rafiu, the Union secretary, explained that the local government workers union was in support of the 14 days ultimatum the organized labour in the state issued to the state government for the implementation of the new minimum wage.

NULGE, urged the state government to yield to the demands of the labour movement in the interest of industrial peace and harmony.

It pointed out that the sharing formula of the increased Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5 percent and 7.5 percent would raise monthly allocation coming to state governments from the federation purse.

“The SEC in session of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), at its meeting held on 5th February, 2020 critically examined the absurd and ugly development from the state government in constituting minimum wage

Sam Esogwa

T committee through the Local Government Service Commission for local government workers and which we considered a complete aberration and first of its kind in the history of the democratic rule in our dear state of harmony.

“NULGE wishes to inform our teeming members, teachers, pensioners and also the general public that this erroneous action is not only an aberration but also contrary to the provision of the law that established the minimum wage negotiation.

“We want to equally use this medium to make it clearly known to our members that NULGE is totally in line with the 14 days ultimatum given to the state government by the labour movement.

“Moreover, the union called attention of the Kwara State government to the signing of the financial bill into law by President Muhammadu Buhari, which gave birth to the increment in VAT

from 5% to 7.5%.

“Hence, the Finance Minister of our dear country said that sharing formula for the 2.5% increment shall be as follows: 15%-Federal government, 50%- State governments and 35%-Local governments. This will definitely boost the monthly allocation coming to each states of the federation in order to cater for the new minimum wage and other meaningful projects.

“In view of this, NULGE Kwara State chapter wishes to implore the state government, in the interest of industrial peace and harmony in the state, to shift ground and accede to the table presented by the labour movement.

In the same vein, the state government should desist from the ill advice of constituting any minimum wage committee for the local government, which NULGE and the entire labour movement will vehemently reject”, the NULGE said.

he incessant killing of Christians in Nigeria, especially the recent butchering of a member of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the north by the Boko Haram terrorist sect is still generating angry reactions from men of God and the general public across the country.

A Port Harcourt-based clergyman, a reverend, John Agu, has also joined in condemning the act while calling on the Federal Government to intervene and stop the killing of Christians before it escalates to a full blown bloodbath or ethno-religious war.

In a chat with journalists recently, Agu, who is the Senior Pastor of Global Revival Assembly, lamented that the killing of Christians in the northern part of Nigeria had been going on for years and therefore should be checked urgently.

He said: “Concerning the happenings around Nigeria, especially the bornagain Christians, I may say this thing did not start today. Sometimes it comes and sometimes it looks as if

it has stopped. We have always witnessed the killing of Christians, the burning of churches, destruction of properties, especially on the area of Christians.

“Some years back we know what has happened overtime. I remember one of my brothers from my village was killed at Kaduna State. So, overtime, it comes and you see a lot of people will go.

“The Nigerian authorities need to do something about it, because if we say we’re one Nigeria and lives and properties are not protected by the powers that be, it comes to a point where the people who have been suffering these things will revolt one day.

“We’re not praying that it should be so but before you know it, that may give birth to a lot of bloodshed or ethnic war again. So the powers that be need to do something to make sure that this violence and killing of Christians, especially at the northern side, stop.”

Agu expressed regret over the silence of some prominent men of God in the face of the killings going on in Nigeria, adding that God, in the book of Isaiah, referred to such

men of God who refuse to speak out against injustice as dumb dogs.

He admitted that part of the oversight functions of men of God is to speak for the people, as they demonstrated recently when they spearheaded a protest following the killing of a member of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN.) in the north by Boko Haram.

“Some of the prominent men of God in Nigeria suppose to be advocates.

Their voices are supposed to be heard, like the days Archbishop (Benson Idahosa) was alive. You see him saying some things.

But you will see that everybody is like keeping quiet.

If they kill James today and nobody is saying anything, tomorrow they may proceed to kill John.”

Agu however, advised those killing Christians and innocent Nigerians to understand that they have no right to waste life.

“It’s good to be fanatical in what you believe but when you become fanatical and that leads you to take life that God created, you should question what you believe. No man has right to take away life apart from him that giveth life and that is God,” he said.

Kwara may replicate Amotekun model, conducts Nigeria needs more cancer equipment, say stakeholders security summit to collate people’s views SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

G

oing by the current regional efforts, especially South We s t r e g i o n on decentralized security network, stakeholders in Kwara State and other states within the North Central regiononThursdayconverged on Ilorin for security dialogue to concretize efforts towards securing and hastening socioeconomic development in the region.

Speaking at the one- day multi stakeholders dialogue with the theme “Towards Strengthen Security Architecture in Kwara State: Ex p l o r i n g C o m m u n i t y Initiative”, Hassan Salihu, professor of Political Science with the University of Ilorin and Dakas Dakas, a professor from University of Jos, both the Keynote speakers, called on state governments to develop a blueprint for security in the states.

They pointed out that Kwara State is peaceful but

must be proactive to respond to security threats within and outside the state and work on early warning signs bordering on insecurity, saying there must be adequate funding of security agents to combat crimes and criminality.

While Salihu called on the public to see security as everybody’s business and all hands must be on deck, Dakas called for a regime of accountability, respect for rules of engagement, and more support for the security agencies Salihu suggested that politicians must learn to draw the line between politics, campaign period and governance, calling on

all stakeholders to sidestep their differences and build a sustainable system that works for all, but Dakas advocated more capacity building for the security agencies, funding and other personnel of government in charge of security matters.

Responding, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, posited that social inclusion, youths empowerment, and timely administration of justice are key to fostering peace and development in any society, pledging that more fund would be disbursed and logistics would given to security agencies to combat any forms of insecurity in the state and beyond. “ We w i l l d e f i n i t e l y continue to give the necessary and complementary logistic support to our security agencies. However, we believe that security is a broad concept that goes beyond arming the various security agencies or hanging cameras everywhere.

A

s part of measures to address the treatment of cancer in Nigeria, stakeholders on Tuesday in Lagos stated the need for more medical linear accelerators (LINAC) if Nigeria is to contain the rising cases of cancer in the country.

Speaking at the Varian Oncology Summit in Lagos, the Regional Manager for Varian Medical System in Africa, Ansu Dukuray, said the organisation is working on giving the right attention to cancer in Nigeria because of the number of people who die of the disease daily.

According to the statistics, 100,000 people are diagnosed with cancer yearly in Nigeria, with a fatality rate of 80 per cent.

This can be attributed to lack of access to treatment due to dearth of medical equipment needed to manage the disease.

It was revealed that while 200 LINAC machines are needed for a country of Nigeria’s population, only six are available, with three of them operated by Varian at the Lagos University Teaching

Hospital (LUTH).

A LINAC is the device most commonly used for external beam radiation treatments for patients with cancer. It delivers high-energy xrays or electrons to the region of the patient’s tumor.

“In Nigeria, today, we need 200 LINACS to adequately address the treatment of cancer. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), you need one LINAC per one million people. We are engaging the public and private sector to beef up the capacity across the country,” Dukuray said.

Varian has equipped the cancer centre LUTH “Today patients are treated there.

That was not the case before now,” Dukuray said.

“When you look at healthcare projects in the past, you have a lot of white elephant projects where equipment are acquired and they are kept there without any maintenance contract so they work for the first six months after which the equipment is not doing anything for the patient.”

He further noted that the

organization is engaging locally, adding that with partnership support from TANIT Medical Engineering, “we have trained engineers in Nigeria to start operating the equipment at LUTH. So what it means is that we don’t have to wait for engineers to come from the US to operate the facility.”

He continued that Varian have the responsibility to make sure the machines work for the next 10 years. “We are changing the narrative. LUTH is a start.”

Dukaray debunked the narrative that LINACs don’t work in Africa as he said that no LINAC in LUTH has ever stopped working.

“They are 95 per cent of the time in treatment of patients,” he said, this despite the electricity challenges in the country.

He also revealed that Varian is building capacity in Nigeria with a training centre. “We feel Nigeria is very important.

The training centre will train Nigerians and other countries can come to Nigeria to build capacity. We are building the pillars.”

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Anti-Corruption Walk: EFCC boss, others vow to tackle illicit financial flows Innocent Odoh, Abuja

A

cting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Paulen Tallen and the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Ayuba Waba, have vowed to intensify their collaboration to fight the scourge of illicit financial flows and other forms of corruption in the country.

This was the crux of the walk against corruption tagged : “Nigerian Youth Walk against Corruption,” which started early morning at about 7am at the old EFCC office in Wuse 2. It was organized on Friday also observed as Valentine’s Day by the EFCC to sensitize the youth of Nigeria on the dangers of corruption and the need for concerted efforts

Magu

to address the menace.

Addressing the mammoth crowd that turned out at the end of the walk at the Federal Secretariat, Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, vowed that “Nigeria will never be corrupted again,” even as he admonished the women and youth and all major stakeholders in the country to rise to the occasion and join the EFCC to defeat illicit financial flows and other forms of corruption in the country.

The EFCC Boss said “we

Peter Obi, Abaribe attend funeral of Nnamdi Kanu’s parents

P

eter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, and Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia South, are among the dignitaries that attended the funeral ceremony of Eze Kanu and his wife, who are king and queen of Afaraukwu in Abia State.

Abaribe stood as a surety for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of theIndigenousPeopleofBiafra (IPOB), when he was granted bail by a federal high court in 2017, although the bail has since been revoked.

The late parents of Kanu were laid to rest at the weekend amid tight security.

Most schools in Umuahia, the state capital, were also locked amid fears of a clash between security agencies and IPOB members.

IPOB, which had been proscribed and tagged a terrorist organisation, had said its members would attend the burial.

However, Ene Okon, Abia

commissioner of police, said the ceremony would not take place with the presence of IPOB members.

An anticipated clash betweenthepoliceandthegroup had forced pupils and students to stay away from most primary and secondary schools.

Some of the parents said the proprietors had earlier in the week told their children to stay at home on Friday.

A Parent, identified as Carol Chikwendu said the school directed his children to stay at home on Friday for security reason. “Mychildren were told on Thursday by their schools not to come to school today Friday for safety reasons.

“My children were supposed to start their mid-term tests today (Friday), but it has been postponed till Monday.”

Another parent, Gloria Ekezie, said she had called her daughter’s school on when she wastoldtherewillbenoschool on Friday.

Peter Obi

Abaribe

must do every thing to destroy corruption. We have taken a common position in assets recovery and returns and in the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows. Corruption is the greatest enemy of mankind.

If we can address the issue of corruption, there will no Boko Haram, there will be no banditry, there will be no kidnapping.

“Corruption is the source of all these evils. So, we must put heads together and fight corruption and il-

licit financial flows because illicit financial flows from corrupt practices are used to fuel all the crises of insecurity in this country.”

Magu lamented that women and youth are the biggest victims of corruption urging them to take ownership of the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows. “You must learn to protect your future, so don’t wait.

There are so many things you can do, you can help to sensitize the rest of Nigerians that there is evil in corruption. So it is our responsibility to kick away the evil,” he added.

Also speaking, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said the huge turn out by the youth is an indication that Nigerians are tired of corruption and have resolved to tackle it. “The message is loud and clear everybody now knows that the youths of this country commit themselves to be foot soldiers and ambassadors of the country against corruption,” he said.

Cross River plans review of 11 years ban on logging MIKE ABANG, Calabar

T

he Chairman Cross RiverStateanti-deforestation Taskforce,.

Odey Oyama has disclosed that modalities are in top gear to review the ban on logging due to activities of illegal logging despite the ban by the Liyel Imke Administration eleven years after.

Oyama who is a season environmentalists hinted that more than a hundred trucks of timber leaves the state weekly in spite of the ban on logging denying the State huge revenue.

The Chairman said this over the weekend during a stakeholders’ meeting with members of Timber Dealers Association in Akim Timber Market, Southern Senatorial district and Ikom Timber Market in Central Senatorial District of Cross River State.

According to Oyama, the meeting was necessary to facilitate a harmonious working relationship between members of the Taskforce and the dealers who are the primary stakeholders in the forestry business.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the stakeholders meeting, Oyama informed that the Interactive session was a huge success as a lot of bridges have been mended

and the dealers are now willing to corporate with government and pay the necessary fees as well as the community royalties.

“I think I am happy about the outcome of the meeting, to the extent that all of them are willing to do the right thing.

They have not been given an opportunity to dialogue with government. Since the establishment of task-force, I think this is the first time; they’ve had a chance to sit with taskforce and discuss the problem we are all facing. “He informed.

“They are willing to ensure that they pay government’s revenue, they are prepared to ensure they pay communities their royalties, they are prepared to ensure that their logs are being hammered There are willing to declare what they have on ground for government to come and compute the payment for them to pay. It now behooves ongovernmenttodotheneedful.” He noted.

On their part, the Timber Dealers expressed satisfaction over the appointment of Odey Oyama stating that his appointment signals the governor’s willingness to sanitize the system. They expressed confidence in Oyama’s appointment that they say his integrity and doggedness in the past is outstanding.

Update on O.B. Lulu-Briggs:

Hope rises but dims on burial of Kalabari sage as wife, son, back to warpath •Wife says autopsy report has exonerated her of murder allegations Ignatius Chukwu & Sam Esogwa

H

opes which rose last week that the Kalabari sage and multi-billionaire, O.B. Lulu-Briggs, who died in 2018, would soon be buried, began to wane this week by latest developments including news of return to court.

Two things happened early this week to give hope for resolution, apart from the committee set up by the Abonemma monarch.

The first was the striking out of the case at the Ghana Supreme Court to allow the old man to be buried. The second was the release of the autopsy done in Ghana.

Just then, the Dumo LuluBriggs camp came out to cry out saying the wife, Seinye, who is CEO of Moni Pulo Petroleum Development Company that belongs to the late sage, has file fresh lawsuit.

The Dumo camp had celebrated the striking out of the court case. Their wish is to conduct a fresh autopsy after they had alleged that their was discrepancy in the death of the sage by the wife.

The wife was angry saying the autopsy was performed with the participation by all concerned and that any new autopsy must be a ploy to slap a murder charge on her and rubbish her and probably use it to deny her of her rights in the late husband’s Will.

She has called for burial to take place, now that the autopsy has been released and natural cause was identified. The Dumo camp rather saw the striking out of the case in Ghana as opportunity to take possession of the corpse and probably launch another autopsy. Their spokesman wanted to know why the wife was totally opposed to fresh autopsy if she had a clear conscience.

Meanwhile, the wife has insisted on her innocence and says she has now been exonerated of murder

Lulu-Briggs

accusations by her step sons.

Seinye Lulu-Briggs stated this on midweek, moments after the official release of the report of the autopsy test conducted on her husband’s corpse on July 19, 2019 at 37 Military Hospital, Accra, Ghana.

The report showed that herhusband,O.B.Lulu-Briggs, died from natural causes, meaning that his death was not manipulated.

She had been accused by her husband’s second older son, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, of having a hand in the death of her husband, an allegation for which she was petitioned to the Inspector-General of Police sometime in April last year.

As part of the investigation to ascertain whether the high chief’ death was manipulated, the police directed that an autopsy be conducted.

However, a spate of legal suits between Seinye and her step son, Dumo, have precluded the release of the autopsy report since it was conducted last year till it was released on Tuesday.

In a statement signed by Seinye and made available to the media, she said the report has confirmed that she is innocent of the murder allegation made against her by Dumo, expressing hope that the allegation and attacks against her by the older sons of her husband have come to an end.

The statement said: “As expected, the autopsy report concluded that he died from natural causes. There was no foul play. Indeed, this confirms the preliminary findings which I made a statement about at the time.

“I give glory, thanks, honour and praise to God Almighty, in whom my family and I trust fully, that my innocence has been confirmed.

“My husband was such a wonderful, God-fearing and loving man. He was, by God’s grace, an accomplished and distinguished elder statesman, business mogul and philanthropist. I loved, adored and cared for him all the years we lived together as one. And I miss him dearly.

We all do.

“It is public knowledge that soon after he passed into glory, our family came under a vitriolic attack by our three older sons, Senibo, Dumo and Sofiri. It is my fervent prayer that the resulting false, shameful, satanic lies and rumors regarding the manner of our patriarch’s passing, including the preposterous allegation that I killed him, can now be laid to rest once and for all.

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PhotoSplash

L-R: Chioma Okol​ie, CSR lead, Airtel Nigeria; Ken Egbas, chief responsibility officer, TruCSR; Segun Ogunsanya, managing director/chief executive officer, Airtel Nigeria; Emeka Oparah, corporate communications director, Airtel Nigeria; Erhumu Bayagbon, head, public relations/communications, Airtel Nigeria, during the presentation of SERAs CEO of the year Award to Segun Ogunsanya at Airtel HQ in Banana Island, Lagos.

L-R: Abimbola Ogunwusi, representative of the director-general, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC); Mansur Ahmed, president, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Rasaq Okulaja, national council member, MAN, during a news conference on the forthcoming 2020 Manufacturing and Equipment Expo, in Abuja.

L-R: Henry Akhile, head, transaction banking sales; Omolara Adenusi, head of cash, transaction banking Nigeria; Caroline Stockmann, chief executive of ACT); Lamin Manjang CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria (SCBN); Ibiyemi Okuneye head of transaction banking, and Yetunde Oni, country head, commercial banking Nigeria, at the Association of Corporate Treasurer’s event hosted by ACT UK in collaboration with SCBN in Lagos recently.

L-R: Maruf Arowolo, MOMTAN chairman; David Rayner, chief finance officer, OVH Energy; Lilian Ikokwu, chief marketing officer, OVH Energy; Oyebade Eji-Taiwo, Oleum Academy Season VI Best graduating student; Huub Stokman, chief executive officer, OVH Energy, and Jacob Omonide Fayehun, NATA chairman, at the Season VI Oleum Academy Graduation Ceremony held at OVH Energy Head Office, Apapa, Lagos.

L-R: Tope Ashiwaju, group public relations and event manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc; RAbiu Sherifat, head mistress, Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home/School; Ibrahim Mumuni and Jumoke Odukale, pupils of Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care, and Treatment Home/School, Adeyemi Cole, and Surviving Son of the Founder of Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home/School, at the Indomie Donation of Gift items to Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home/School to show love to the home/ School during the valentine season

L-R: Funsho Adebiyi, director of Highways, South-West; Adedamola Kuti, Federal Controller of Works in Lagos; Senator Sahadi Ya’u, and Adamu Aleiro, chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, during inspection of Ikorodu-Sagamu road rehabilitation and reconstruction project in Lagos State.

L-R: Ahmed Sanda, president, Association for Environmental Impact Assessment of Nigeria (AEIAN); Haduza Mailafiya, former minister of Environment; Abbas Suleiman, acting director, environmental assessment, ministry of Environment, and Lola Okwuosa, environmental consultant, Global Environmental Health Solutions, during the 5th Charlie Wolf lecture, theme “Learning from the UK Impact Assessment Journey” held in Abuja.

Pic by Tunde Adeniyi.

Babatunde Fashola (l), minister of works and housing, interacting with Obinna Onyeka (r), Foreman on Site, during the inspection of the progress of work at the National Housing Programme Site in Delta State

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A troubled world and threat of coronavirus

Publisher/Editor-in-chief

Frank Aigbogun

editor Zebulon Agomuo DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja MANAGING DIRECTOR Dr. Ogho Okiti EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGY, INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS Oghenevwoke Ighure ADVERT MANAGER Ijeoma Ude FINANCE MANAGER Emeka Ifeanyi MANAGER, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Obiora Onyeaso BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (South East, South South) Patrick Ijegbai COPY SALES MANAGER Florence Kadiri DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Linda Ochugbua GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (North)

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

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

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

T

hese, indeed, are not the best of times for the world. In Australia, months of raging fire have left at least 28 people dead, about 3,000 homes destroyed, 499,621 hectares (1.23 million acres) of land burned and up to 1 billion animals affected.

In same Australia, a torrential rainfall, that has brought major flooding, damaging winds and dangerous surf, with severe thunderstorms forecast for the coming days, is currently on.

There are more distress signs across our ailing globe. Terrorists’ activities have regained renewed momentum, while Lassa fever plague also resurfaces, killing scores of people across the African continent.

Ironically, as major global health stakeholders contend with the reality of Lassa fever, news of the outbreak of a more horrible pandemic jolted the world. Take the back seat Lassa fever, enters the more vicious Corona Virus!

Since news of the fatal virus broke out last December in China, it has

remained the most discussed topic across the world.

Just in one day, about 242 people reportedly died from the virus in Hubei, the Chinese province where the disease originated from.

That fatality figure is the highest daily toll since the outbreak, thus raising the death toll to 1,367 as at the time of writing this piece.

Hubei province and its capital Wuhan where the infection, now known as COVID-19, is thought to have originated also reported more than 14,800 new cases of the infection, after adopting new clinical methods to diagnose the virus.

Now, the number of infected people across China stands at 59,805. Frightfully, no known cure yet in sight to combat the virus that is surging across the globe like wild fire. At least 25 countries have confirmed cases of the virus, while several nations have evacuated their citizens from Hubei, China.

Till date, three deaths have been recorded outside mainland China, one in Hong Kong, another in the Philippines and the most recent in Japan.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the 15th case of the coronavirus in the country, saying the person is under federal quarantine at an airbase in Texas. It is the first person under quarantine at the airbase among a group of people that arrived from China on February 7 who had symptoms and tested positive for the disease, the CDC said.

Japan has also reported its first coronavirus death. According to

the country’s, Health Minister, Katsunobu Kato, the victim is an 80-year-old woman living in Kanagawa prefecture, which borders on Tokyo.

In Singapore, 8 new cases have been reported, thus bringing the total tally in that country to 58. Of the 58 confirmed cases reported, 15 have recovered and been discharged from the hospital, while seven are in intensive care.

Malaysia has also confirmed 19 cases. According to reports, a Chinese national became the 19th person in Malaysia to be infected with the virus. The 39-year-old woman arrived Malaysia with four other people from Wuhan, China, on January 25. She is the daughter of the 16th coronavirus victim, and a friend of the 14th victim.

A cruise ship, Diamond Princess, has been quarantined for days in Yokohama, Japan, with new cases of the virus confirmed on board. On board the ship are 3,400 anxious passengers and crew, who reports say are getting sick of their precarious situation, even as fear of possibly infecting one another heightened.

Precisely, how the coronavirus has been spreading aboard the ship is just one of the many mysteries of the plague. Japan’s health authorities have announced 44 new coronavirus cases from the ship, raising the total to 218. Counting those from the vessel, total cases in Japan have surpassed 250, the most of any country other than China.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned the virus poses a “grave threat” to

the world, with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO chief, saying the virus could have “more powerful consequences than any terrorist action”.

The Corona Virus was first reported to have spread out at mainland China last December.

Several cases of the virus were reported in Wuhan, a port city of 11 million people in the central Hubei Province of China. Several of those infected worked at the city’s Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market.

The virus easily spreads when in proximity to an infected person.

It also spreads through inhaling droplets generated when victim coughs or sneezes.

Till date, there has not been any reported case in Africa. Nevertheless, countries across the continent are making efforts to ensure the virus isn’t imported into the continent.

Possible symptoms of the virus include headache, cough, sore throat, fever, chest pain, chills, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties and pneumonia. In Lagos, anyone with such signs are advised to immediately contact the State Ministry of Health on 08023169485, 08033565529 and 08052817243 for further instructions.

Lagos residents are, especially, advised to adopt and practice a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene including regular hand washing, covering of mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, as well as avoiding close contact with anyone with symptoms of the contagious infection.

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

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Sunday 16 February 2020

Sanwo-Olu opens network of 11 roads, health centre in Bariga Stories by JOSHUA BASSEY

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overnor Babajide SanwoOlu on Friday opened network of 11 newly constructed roads in Bariga area of the state.

Sanwo-Olu also commissioned a state-of-the-art CMS primary health centre and three blocks of classrooms at Gbagada Girls Junior Secondary School, saying the projects would accelerate the pace of development in the area.

The projects were completed by the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The governor, accompanied to the commissioning by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the state executive council, said he was thrilled by the quality of the projects delivered.

“This is the first local government that I have taken a full tour to commission projects. I am not only impressed by the quality of projects, I am totally encouraged by what we have seen.

We have seen three stra-

L-R: Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State deputy governor; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Alabi Kolade, chairman, Bariga LCDA, during the commissioning of network of roads in Bariga.

tegic life-changing interventions in Bariga LCDA. The chairman has intervened in the health sector by providing a “Grade-A primary health facility.”

Sanwo-Olu, who commended the chairman of the Bariga LCDA, Alabi Kolade, said that the intervention in education sector with the three classroom blocks in Gbagada Girls Junior Secondary School and buses to comvey the pupils free of charge.

The chairman has also intervened in infrastructure, given all the roads he has built for the people of Bariga.

This is a real transformation of a local government and I will use this good example in Bariga LCDA as a point of encouragement to other local council chairmen.”

As a reward for the quality of projects delivered, SanwoOlu promised to appoint additional special adviser from Bariga LCDA to support the

Okada, Keke’ ban: Auto dealer wants Lagos to provide alternatives

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South Africa based Nigerian entrepreneur, Adeshina Jelili Oladipupo, has appealed to the Lagos State government to come up with alternatives for riders and millions of Lagosians now adversely affected by the restriction slammed on the operations of motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke) in some parts of the state.

Oladipupo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Aremo Oba Autos, an auto company, while reacting to the ‘ban’, said that the state government should have limited the restriction of the Okada and Keke to expressways and major roads, and allow the operators to continue their business in all inner roads.

According to him, millions of commuters have over the years identified with Okada and Keke as the fastest means of reaching their destinations given the gridlock in the city of Lagos.

“I would suggest the Lagos State government should restrict the ban to express roads and allow it on streets as some see this as the fastest means of transportation in the state.

“Also, in terms of people who already invested in that area of business, it would be nice if the government can also provide more means of livelihood to its citizens,” he said.

The state government efffective Saturday, February 1, 2020 slammed a restriction order on the operations of

Okada and Keke within the city metropolis, citing increasing accidents, insecurity and loss of lives as the major reasons.

The action has led to loss of jobs and means of livelihood for the operators while millions of commuters who, hitherto, depended on the two means of transportation, are seen daily stranded on major roads, as available commercial buses and taxi cabs are inadequate.

Consequently, many have called on the government to review the restriction in view of the hardship being experienced by the people.

The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said last week that there was no going back on the decision taken by the government.

state government’s effort in driving more development at the grassroots. He charged other council chairmen to emulate the example set by the Bariga LCDA boss, saying their social programmes and capital projects must address the welfare of their residents.

The governor also assured that the state government would be embarking on massive rehabilitation of key roads in the council, pointing out that the long-awaited

re-construction work on St. Finbarr’s Road would be starting soon.

“As a government, the quality of projects we have inaugurated demonstrates our commitment to lifting people at the grassroots and showing that our labour is to improve their wellbeing. We will be starting massive rehabilitation of St. Finbarr’s Road, starting from the gate of University of Lagos (UNILAG). We will be rehabilitating Jagunmolu Street, Diya Street and Shoniyi Street,” the Governor said.

The LCDA chairman said the projects were part of social intervention programmes being implemented by the council, adding that more capital projects would be completed in various communities within the council in the coming weeks.

The council boss recalled how Sanwo-Olu facilitated the completion of the inaugurated roads, noting that the governor, after listening to the council’s complaint, immediately re-mobilised contractors handling the projects back on the sites.

Kolade said the usefulness of the projects to the

people demonstrated the capacity of the LCDA to transform development programmes in the grassroots.

He said the council had embarked on the construction of additional 21 roads, out of which 18 would soon be delivered and opened for use.

The council boss said the development agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration, known as project T.H.E.M.E.S, inspired the council to carefully select programmes it would invest in, adding that the projects being commissioned were products of the current administration’s development efforts.

The CMS primary health centre is built with accident and emergency section, laboratory, pharmacy, and maternity. There is also a fully kitted ambulance stationed in the health centre for emergency purpose.

Other projects inaugurated by the governor in Gbagada Girls Junior Secondary School included a mini school hall, 24 modern lavatories, recreational arena and five buses that will take pupils on a free ride to and from the school.

LASG warns residents against littering waterways

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agos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged residents to ensure that waterways are not littered and abused adding that a quick fix of waterways is at this point, very necessary.

Represented by the commissioner for transportation, Frederic Oladeinde at the launch of the waterways cleanup campaign by the Lagos State Waterways Authority, (LASWA) at the Cowrie Centre in Ikoyi, Sanwo-Olu said his administration would employ water transportation as a way to unlock traffic gridlocks across the State and make Lagosians more productive.

The governor said adherence to the campaign messages would reduce accidents on waterways, ensure free flow of movements as well as protect aquatic animals, among other benefits.

While commending the agency for coming up which such a laudable initiative, Sanwo-Olu said the absence of a

policy that would ensure the regular cleansing of waterways would result to a waste of investment by the government.

“In order to sustain the management of the multifaceted marine litters on our waterways, it has become very necessary for us all to come together and proffer lasting solutions to the sources of the challenges for an improved water transportation system.

“The waterways cleanup campaign that we are all gathered here to witness today is a further demonstration of this administration’s commitment to a water transportation system that is safe, clean and friendly in terms of efficiency and service delivery.

“Government investment in water transportation would be a waste if we fail to formulate a policy that would ensure regular clean up and protection of our waterways against all forms of environmental degradations and abuses visible across all our coastal lines as a result of

various human activities.”

He lamented the abuse of waterways despite the fact it is blessed with aquatic resources, adding that it calls for serious actions and synergy among government agencies.

According to him, the lives and properties of people whose livelihood is determined largely by what happens to the water body is important to the government and must be protected.

Go v e r n o r Sa n w o - Ol u stated that the first phase of the campaign will cover 15km of the city beach within Lagos-East senatorial district between Kuramo Waters in Victoria Island and Lekki Conservation Centre in Lekki; 15km between Ilubirin in Lagos Island and Periwinkle Estate in Ikate and 4.8 drainage channel outfalls within Lagos East senatorial district.

He urged all relevant agencies in the sector to make sure that the campaign records a significant amount of success.

Railway project: Lagos shuts Adejobi Street, Agege to traffic

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o facilitate the ongoing Nigerian Railway moderniation project (Lagos-Ibadan section) with extension to Lagos Port at Apapa, the Lagos State government is closing Ad-

ejobi Street in Agege axis from Sunday, February 16, (today) to Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 8:00pm to 6:00am daily for the level cross construction.

Alternative routes have been provided for road

users to utilise during the course of the construction.

Accordingly, motorists plying Adejobi, Agege axis will be diverted to Fagba crossing, Toyin crossing and Ashade underpass to access their desired desti-

nations.

The state government urged road users to comply with the traffic directions to minimise inconvenience in movement.

“The closure has been slated at this time, to en-

sure there is smooth and uninterrupted flow of work on the rail tracks,the government said in a statement.

The government also appealed to the residents of the state, especially mo-

torists plying these corridors to bear the pains, as the project was aimed at achieving a seamless multimodal transport system that will meet the transportation needs of a larger population.

Sunday 16 February 2020

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News Feature Regional security forces: Whither South-South?

IGNATIUS CHUKWU

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estern Nigeria floated Amotekun, the leopard that would hunt down enemies in the forests to protect the region; the north countered with Shege Ka Fasa, the lion that would swallow its enemies and probably attempt to swallow the leopard; the South-East gingerly opened the cage to unveil a security outfit that had been in training for over a year, now ready to emerge because other animals are roaring; the middle belt began meeting and would finalise in Mina, Niger State soon. This left all attention to the South-South. Silence!

BD Sunday spent most of the week trying to pry open the silence to know what the SouthSouth was cooking in the area of regional security or why nothing is cooking. If nothing is cooking, could it be that there is no insecurity ravaging the area from the forests, in the waters, and along the roads in the oil zone or there is no threat of external aggression? Why are investors migrating from the oil zone if nothing is amiss security wise?

There is the Army in all the other regions, there is the Police, and all the other security agencies, yet, those zones saw it fit to float additional but home-grown security outfit coordinated regionally.

So, why would the South-South want to rely only on the official security agencies?

Regional forces, an overview It is first important to understand the regional securities.

There would be recruitment and training from state to state pegged at a number per state.

Following a truce with the FG, there would be bills sent to cooperating state governments on the matter for adoption and passage into law. By this, each state’s outfit would be legally autonomous and would have a state commander but in operation and philosophy, they would look alike.

By this, the funding could thus be left to each state to approve in the annual budgets and disburse to its own state command. It is not clear at this stage how discipline and promotions would be handled and whether it would be purely on voluntary basis or civil service employment basis.

Control and command seems unclear at this stage. Since most states often have disagreement and land disputes, it is not clear if the outfits would be made to get involved n such matters, but considering that even the Army and special units often get lured into land disputes and debt collection, it may be easy to foretell what would happen with the regional armies. Bakassi in the East stepped on the same

...Why the zone cannot front a regional force

Governor Ezenwo Wike

banana peel and crashed. They usually start on noble notes but often derail, most opponents of the idea say.

Politics seems to be another fear factor. Would the sitting governors not deploy the boys as political thugs during elections?

Many argue that the government is also accused of deploying the security agencies on partial basis during elections. So, could these regional forces become a balance of raw power?

Insecurity as major threat to economy of South-South Insecurity seems to have started in the south-south with kidnapping, invasion, and now piracy. Today, oil workers get attacked on site in the forests and creeks. For instance, a team of oil workers were waiting for their colleagues to join them one morning in Abua-Odua local government area when armed men attacked them and killed all of them. Their anger was that whitemen coming on way to the platform had used backward driving to escape an arm-bush.

The armed men now marched to the platform and killed everybody they saw; transferred aggression for a failed operation.

At sea, creeks and rivers, pirates roam everywhere attacking sea travellers and traders.

They also capture good flying boats from the owners and often kill them. This aspect has even developed to full piracy now threatening the Gulf of Guinea. It is sky-rocking cost of operations in the region because every trip is now escorted, either by solders or by bad boys. Military gunboats cost as high as N500,000 per day escort.

Most roads in the zone are infested with kidnappers. The worst include Port Harcourt to

Governor Udom Emmanuel

Kaima especially at Emuoha, Elele-Alimini, and Ahoada. In parts of Ahoada, some villages have been deserted due to frequent attacks by kidnappers. Now, such deserted areas have officially been taken over by kidnappers who ride about with bikes obviously looking for who to pounce on. If your vehicle breaks down in those areas, people will scream at you to call toe vans and escape quickly. It is such bad.

Other hot routes include Port Harcourt to Owerri through Omerelu; the Etche axis, Ogoni to Uyo axis, Ugheli area in Delta, Kaima in Bayelsa to Warri in Delta, Benin areas, etc. Ore to Benin through Okada town is more about robbery, but kidnapping usually follows.

“

There is the Army in all the other regions, there is the Police, and all the other security agencies, yet, those zones saw it fit to float additional but homegrown security outfit coordinated regionally

Farmlands have almost become human farms with persons tied to trees. Often they die from lack of care and torture. Women in farms usually discuss in hushed voices about seeing freshly abducted travellers being marched along farm routes. The jungle rule is that everybody minds his business. A journalist’s niece who was abducted at about 8am on a Saturday in October 2019 at Omerelu said they saw women going to the farm that morning. “They too saw us but nobody uttered a word to anybody. They marched us far in the bush and crossed the road so that people looking for us will never know we had left that zone and that side of the road. They were making calls to kingpins in Port Harcourt, some of them being students in some universities known to everyone. The boys who held us were begging us for some money, claiming that their masters gave them peanuts”.

This is the nature of forests and highways in the region. On this account, most rich indigenes of the zone have since relocated to Lagos and Abuja. Big investors have also left in droves, according figures seen at chambers of commerce in most state capitals in the zone.

The NLNG moved its DryDock project estimated at about N300bn to Oshogbo in Lagos claiming that the water level there passed the test whereas no other area in the Niger Delta did. The Rivers Entrepreneurs and Investors Forum (REIF) led by Ibifiri Bobmanuel took them to task until a truce was reached. The biggest project to run away from the south-south seems to be the $17Bn Dangote petrochemicals conglomerate of Refinery, Fertilizer and Petro-

chemicals companies. The southsouth has continued to mourn this loss. It has just been revealed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) that a company that the board bought 10 hectares of land for in Bayelsa for piping ran away to Lekki on account of insecurity and community unrest. Many have not forgotten how a massive gas project In Ogenegbe in Delta State was stopped on account of insecurity a the helicopter carrying the then president could not land to do groundbreaking.

It is thus clear that from small to medium and to mega scales, businesses have continued to flee from the south-south. It was therefore thought that the zone would be next to float a regional security outfit after the West.

Danger of inaction Any argue that if all other zones including south-east float and operationalise regional security outfits, that bandits and hardened criminals would relocate to the south-south, natural, as air travels from area of hot to cold atmosphere. It could lead to huge instability and could be difficult to control. Business would gradually be relocating to safer areas. The biggest issue would be that of-grid power and public power companies would also shift to safer areas, gradually rendering the south-south totally dark. And, because businesses like power supply a lot, they may follow the light and soon abandon the oil region.

Why South-South can’t act The big question is whether the zone is discussing. Inquiries around the zone failed to produce any evidence or hints of meetings or discussions for a regional security let alone a suggested name. Instead, it seems to be excuses galore.

Most respondents pointed to total lack of unity and any platform to discuss regional matters.

A public analyst who worked for decades in government house in Rivers State, Blessing Nwikina, drew the attention of anyone trying to understand the matter to the South-Economic Commission which died on the altar of fierce political wars.

It began as South-South Economic Summit and was transformed into a Commission headed by an ambassador, Joe Keshi. The last summit was held in Asaba and Port Harcourt was to be the next in 2013. Then, the Amaechi-Jonathan-Wike warfare exploded and has been lingering to this day.

Nwikina explained that the zone was most keen on getting their son re-elected as president

Continues on page 31

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Sunday 16 February 2020

Politics Bayelsa on fire after shocking Supreme Court verdict * Wike berates, warns Oshiomhole * Okowa congratulates PDP * Youths rampage Yenagoa * Swearing in still on hold by Friday noon said he had expected much good governance from Lyon and now the hope of the people who voted massively for the APC had been dashed.

Ignatius Chukwu, Idris Momoh & Samuel Ese

A Violence

ll Progressives Congress (APC) supporters protesting Thursday’s Supreme Court verdict that shut it’s candidate, David Lyon, out of Government House have destroyed Douye Diri’s house in Yenagoa.

Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) became governor-elect by virtue of the Supreme Court judgment which sparked outrage among APC supporters who took to the streets early Friday morning in Yenagoa.

At Diri’s house along Imgbi Road, they shattered windows and broke the glasses of three cars that they saw at the residence. The protest started from the APC state secretariat and the aggrieved crowd burned tyres on the Mbiama-Yenagoa Road, overturned police traffic stands along the road and at Hospital Junction they pulled down drums of sand and dragged some across the road.

Radio Bayelsa also felt their wrath as the protesters destroyed some cars and looted some items from the place according to eyewitness account. The state secretariat of the PDP along DSP Alamieyeseigha Way was also attacked by the angry protesters despite efforts of the Nigeria Police to ensure peace, law and order.

Some shops were looted along the way prompting many others to hurriedly close their stores just as schools and the popular Swali Ultra Modern Market were closed for fear of envisaged violent protest.

A shopping mall owned by Yenagoa Local Government Council was not spared by the protesters who destroyed shots and looted some items.

Shock, surprise from Abuja Surprise again sprang out of Nigeria’s Supreme Court late Thursday February 13, 2020, and splashed through Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria, leading to shocks.

The next day, it ignited violence from what started as peaceful protests around the state capital.

The winner of the elections, David Lyon, was said to be practicing how he would take the parade and salute on Thursday when the ugly news from the Supreme Court splashed on his face. Invitations to the world had since gone out and preparations were concluded.

Some visitors were already on the way, only to hear from Mary Odili at the Supreme Court that his rival should be sworn in.

There was thus palpable shock and disbelief in Bayelsa State over the disqualification of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidature in last November’s governorship election and victory to the Peoples Demo-

Outgoing governor happy, appeal for calm Meanwhile, the outgoing Governor of Bayelsa state, Henry Seriake Dickson, has urged APC leaders and members to take the verdict in good faith and remain peaceful.

Dickson who addressed a media chat in Government House in Yenagoa on Thursday, warned the people not to take the law into their hands.

He urged political parties to be calm and embrace peace, even as the new governor would be sworn in. He said: “I commend the Supreme Court on the judgment and call for calm among party faithful. Let us have peace and stability. Everyone should take it in good faith. We should not do anything to cause breakdown of law. We must continue to run an inclusive system.

“The Supreme Court ruling today has brought victory to all of us and we give all glory to God. I hail the Supreme Court as an instrument to deliver the judgment. I, therefore, call for reconciliation among us as well as other parties in the state.

“As I will be stepping down on Friday, February 14, I am grateful to God and to the people of Bayelsa. I known all Bayelsa people supported me despite difficulties, but I believe we have achieved tremendously in the past eight years. I urge then to continue to work for our dear state.”

cratic Party (PDP).

Our Correspondent in Yenagoa reports that all was set and a great majority of Bayelsans were bracing up for APC’s Lyon, winner of the election, to be sworn in the next day Friday, February 14, 2020, before the hammer landed from the Supreme Court judgment that turned the mood in most parts of the state into a forlorn one.

Douye Diri representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District at the Senate is expected to be sworn in alongside Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.

A growing number of APC chieftains including President Muhammadu Buhari were expected to attend Lyon’s inauguration

inside the main bowl of the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium, Yenagoa.

Some residents who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed disappointment at the judgment of the apex court exclaiming in disbelief that PDP would still hold the reins of power which is a vindication of outgoing governor Henry Seriake Dickson doggedness.

Reacting to the Supreme Court victory, Fidelis Soriwei, chief press secretary to Governor Dickson told BusinessDay on phone that the people were happy and celebrating.

An APC stalwart said he was not in a position to make any statement on the judgment since he was not in court to witness the judgment and adduced news of the PDP victory to rumour.

A resident of Yenagoa, the state capital,

Edo PDP calls it Valentine gift, rejoices with Bayelsa Edo State Chapter of the PDP has described the Supreme Court judgment that declared the party’s candidate, Diri Duoye, winner of the November 16, 2019 Bayelsa State governorship election, as the best to happen in South-South region.

A seven man panel of the apex court presided by Mary Peter-Odili nullified the election of Lyon on the grounds that his deputy, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, presented false information to INEC in aid of his qualification for the election.

The State Chairman of the party, Dan Orbih, in an interview with BusinessDay, described the judgment as a Valentine gift to the party.

“We are happy for PDP family in Bayelsa state and in the entire country. Bayelsa has been a PDP state and will forever remain so.

“The judgment is a Valentine gift to the party in the country and we hope that the Supreme Court with its eagle eyes look at the Imo State appeal dispassionately”, he said.

Delta’s Okowa congratulates PDP Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has

Sunday 16 February 2020

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Politics Factsheet: Real reasons INEC de-registered 74 political parties ...New IPAC emerges

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James Kwen he Independent National Electoral Commission recently deregistered 74 political parties, bringing the number of political parties from 92 to 18.

The 18 survivors of the INEC sledge hammer are: All Progressives Congress (APC) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Accord Party, (AP) Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), African Democratic Party (ADP) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Others include: Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

While the INEC’s action has received commendations and condemnations, the real reasons behind actions have not received much emphasis as the concerns mounted on the gains and pains.

For those in support, the pruning down of political parties would improve the electoral process as logistics challenges like oversized ballot papers, unnecessary overheating of the polity because of large number candidates for an election, amongst others will be reduced.

Even those against, especially the affected political parties, hardly alluded to the reason(s) adduced by INEC as their contention but the fact that the matter is before the court of law.

But INEC on his part has given details while the parties have been de-registered. According to the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu are that: “The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) vests in INEC the power to register and regulate the activities of political parties.

“You will also recall that in 2018, the Constitution was amended. In addition to the extant provision for the registration of political parties, the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution (Section 225A) empowers the Commission to deregister political

Mahmood Yakubu

parties.

“Prior to the Fourth Alteration, the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) had provided for the deregistration of political parties.

Based on this provision, the Commission, between 2011 and 2013, deregistered 39 political parties.

“However, several of the parties challenged the power of INEC to deregister them, particularly on the ground that the Electoral Act is inferior to the Constitution and that deregistration infringed their fundamental rights under the same Constitution.

“Subsequently, the courts ordered the Commission to reinstate the parties. It was for this reason that the National Assembly amended the Constitution to empower the Commission to deregister political parties on the following grounds: “Breach of any of the requirements for

registration as a political party.

“Failure to win at least 25% of the votes cast in one State of the Federation in a Presidential election or 25% of the votes cast in one Local Government Area of a State in a Governorship election.

“Failure to win at least one ward in a Chairmanship election, one seat in the National or State Assembly election or one seat in a Councillorship election”.

The Chairman also justified that in order to implement the provision of the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution, the Commission carried out an assessment of political parties to determine compliance with the requirements for their registration.

He said, following the conclusion of the 2019 general election, including courtordered re-run elections arising from litigations, the Commission was able to determine the performance of political

parties in the elections.

“In addition, they were also assessed on the basis of their performance in the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which coincided with the 2019 general election. It should be noted that the FCT is the only part of the country where INEC is empowered by the Constitution to conduct Local Government elections”, he added.

While some officials of the the umbrella body of Political Parties, the Inter-party Advisory Council are still threatening legal actions, some members who met the conditions of existence have backed INEC action.

The new IPAC at a press conference in Abuja after they elected the National Chairman of African Action Congress, (AAC) Nzenwa Leonard as it’s Chairman said INEC’s action was the best for democracy to thrive in the country.

The new Chairman accepted that, “the action of INEC flows from the provisions of Section 225 A of the 4th Alteration No. 9 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“The remaining 18 political Parties in Nigeria have met in an emergency meeting to analyze the latest political developments in our country’s electoral system. As you all are aware, the electoral umpire, the INEC announced the deregistration of 74 political parties out of the 92 registered parties, leaving only 18 political parties.

“These 74 Political Party Chairmen who have been sacked by this action are our colleagues and allies who have in very many cases and at various places stood up for Nigeria and defended her cause. Hence our mixed feelings and sobriety.

“However, this action of INEC flows from the provisions of Section 225 A of the 4th Alteration No. 9 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“It is therefore based on the lawfulness of the action of the Commission, the desirability of the need to sanitize the electoral space that we the 18 political parties in Nigeria hereby endorse this bold step by INEC and commend it for this worthy cause. It is this will to implement the law despite whose ox is gored that we require for our nation building”.

Bayelsa on fire after shocking Supreme ... congratulated the PDP over Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment and welcomed Douye Diri and Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor.

A statement by his chief secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, and made available to newsmen in Asaba stated that his confidence in the Judiciary had been rekindled by the didactic ruling of the apex court. Okowa urged PDP and the governor-elect to take steps to reconcile all stakeholders in Bayelsa in order to strengthen the party for future elections.

“This is very important, because there is need to rebuild the confidence of the people in our party, going forward,’’ the governor said.

Wike berates Oshiomhole Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers State who had blamed the Bayelsa State governor for losing the state to the APC has however joined forces to fight off the APC. He has asked the Federal Government to warn the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, to stop making inflammatory remarks capable

of destabilising the country.

Gov Wike also berated the APC National Chairman for saying that there will be no swearing-in of the PDP Candidate in Bayelsa State, saying he has no such powers.

He said: “The Federal Government should warn Oshiomhole to stop making remarks that will destabilise Nigeria. What he is doing in Edo State is not proper and he should not bring it to the rest of the Niger Delta.”

He said that Oshiomhole lacks the power to make pronouncements after the Supreme Court has ruled on the Bayelsa matter. He said that Oshiomhole is making unguarded statements because he has lost the support of APC Governors, hence he wants to curry favour through careless talks.

“He is making statements as if he owns the country. This is the same way he is carrying on in Edo State fighting the Governor. He believes that he has the forces to cause crisis.

He is arrogating powers to himself, which is not good “, he said.

Governor Wike described Oshiomhole

as a man who preaches one thing, then goes ahead to practise a different thing. He said the situation in Edo State has exposed Adams Oshiomhole as a godfather who once preached against godfathers. He said Oshiomhole would not be allowed to destroy the Niger Delta. Governor Wike said the rule of law must continue to prevail at all times.

INEC decides at last INEC is said to have at last after closed meetings decided to give Diri the certificate needed for his swearing in. Some analysts had posed some arguments about the votes required to win the seat.

Olalekan Ige in Port Harcourt had argued thus. “The runner up during the APC primaries is supposed to be sworn in, the supreme Court didn’t nullify the party but the candidate presented by the party, the party won the election, so the runner up during the party primaries is supposed to be declared winner, the verdict has many loopholes and this may lead to constitutional crisis.

Suggesting constitutional crisis in Bayelsa, he asked, can Douye Diri be sworn in?

Read Section 179: A candidate for an election to the office of Governor of a State shall be deemed to have been duly elected where, there being two or more candidates (a) he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter of all the votes cast in each of at least two-thirds of all the local government areas in the State.

Now this: Bayelsa has eight LGAs, meaning 2/3 is approximately 6 LGAs. Diri did not get 1/4 votes in Southern Ijaw, Nembe and Ogbia. Meaning, Diri has falls short of 6 LGAs. What happens next?

INEC is expected to resolve it and set the stage for swearing in of the identified winner though the Supreme Court seemed to give declarative judgment naming PDP’s Diri as the man to be sworn in.

Some said the Speaker should be sworn in to avoid a vacuum while sorting out the Diri matter.

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Sunday 16 February 2020

Politics Elections now irrelevant with Supreme Court deciding outcomes ISAAC ANYAOGU

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here were over 84 million Nigerians on the electoral roll for the 2019 general elections but only a handful of Supreme Court Justices have determined the outcome in a third of the biggest elections, indicating growing deterioration in the credibility of elections in Africa’s biggest democracy.

Analysis shows that governorship votes in 10 out of the 29 state elections conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) since February 2019, have been decided by Supreme Court Justices. The Justices also called the presidential elections.

The Supreme Court nullified or upheld elections in governorship elections in Imo, Sokoto, Oyo, Osun, Bayelsa, Kano, Zamfara , Plateau, Bauchi and Adamawa states.

This means that under Mahmood Yakubu’s INEC, Nigeria’s elections are rapidly deteriorating after the country seemed to have turned the corner from the disastrous elections conducted by former INEC chairman Maurice Iwu in 2007.

Since the 2019 elections, 736 elections petitions have been filed at the Appeal Court. This more than the 611 petitions filed in 2015 and lower than the 1,290 petitions filed in 2007.

“Since the return to civil rule in 1999, Nigeria’s electoral process has been fraught with rancour and protestations, often giving rise to a plethora of election petition cases,” said the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room report on petitions arising from the 2015 elections.

Some analysts fear the power to decide election has shifted away from the electorates. “It’s a sad occurrence that the court is now determining matters of purely political nature,” says Idayat Hassan, director at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), an Abuja-based policy advocacy and research organisation.

“It is the agency of Nigerians that are being gradually taken away by the courts,” Hassan said.

This implies that the pain Nigerians go through at elections mean nothing.

On the eve of a general election, Nigerians stock up on food and fuel as their movements are restricted. The government shuts land borders, seaports and airports and patrol roads with soldiers, leaving the country feeling like it’s under a siege.

Many Nigerians complain that elections also take an economic toll. The postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 16, 2019 cost the economy over $1.16billion, using a back of the envelope estimate that divides Nigeria’s $427billion GDP in 2018 by 365 days in a year and calculating for one

Mahmood Yakubu

wasted day.

Worse still the outcomes of these elections hardly justify the expense, experts say. Lawmakers voted over N242bn to INEC for the 2019 elections, yet basic facilities were including election materials were lacking, temporary staff reportedly worked in poor conditions and the results have been hotly contested.

“There’s a need for technology in the process of election management but the issue is trust,” said Sodiq Alabi, a technology expert based in Lagos.

But the electoral law has failed to keep up. In 2017, lawmakers passed the Electoral Act No. 6 2010 (Amendment) Bill 2017 which among other things gave INEC unfettered powers to conduct elections through electronic voting. But the president withheld assent and Yakubu has said INEC it is unprepared for it. Inquiries show the Commission is still not ready.

The argument against electronic voting is based on cost, sanctity of the process, availability of electricity to power machines and the fear that uneducated

rural folks could be excluded.

However, analysis shows these concerns are not valid. Nigeria’s 2019 elec-

The political parties who are the culprit in all these bad news will have to henceforth work on internal party democracy.

It is the lack of internal democracy in the parties that are leading to the judicialization of politics

tions of which 84m people registered cost US$625 million which is more than the US$600 million spent on India’s 2014 elections where 553.8 million people voted electronically.

Solar energy can keep machines charged in areas without grid connections and rural folks operate ATM machines, mobile money and smart phones and know how to press a button beneath a party flag.

In India, locally made Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have replaced paper ballots in all elections. To check abuse, the Election Commission introduced EVMs with voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) system, which is essentially a printout of results.

India’s EVM, which costs US$580 in 2017 can record 3840 votes and cater to 64 candidates. It consists of a control and ballot units. Balloting unit has buttons which indicates voting details and the control unit stores vote counts and displays results.

EVMs in India can transmit results back to the Election Commission but the facility was disabled to prevent intrusion during electronic transmission of results. Results are stored in the machine and party officials sign off.

When election closes, no one can alter the results.

EVMs have saved India billions of dollars hitherto used in printing ballot papers, cut the number of staff and remuneration, promote faster counts and cancel out double voting. It comes with a battery unit that lasts between 10 and 14 hours a day on a full charge and has a shelf life of 15 years. This takes care of electricity concerns.

INEC deplored over 400,000 adhoc staff including from the National Youth Service Corps who only constitute 40percent of its staff. It spent over N1.4billion to buy ballot boxes and N35billion to print ballot papers and result sheets. Electronic voting will cut these costs.

In Nigeria alone, there are over 119,000 polling units, and if such machines are in use, a hacker will need to access over 50,000 to seriously impact an election outcome.

Some analysts also blame the major political parties for the poor election outcomes. “The political parties who are the culprit in all these bad news will have to henceforth work on internal party democracy. It is the lack of internal democracy in the parties that are leading to the judicialization of politics,” said Hassan.

“The parties must not just work on internal democracy but ensure proper gate keeping. Bayelsa, Zamfara are all eye-openers to the dominant parties,” Hassan said.

Hassan said that Nigeria has to overhaul her electoral governance, and build institutions that work effectively and act responsibly so that it can rely less on the judiciary.

Sunday 16 February 2020

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Politics How Nigeria can overcome her security challenges, by Baraje Abubakar Kawu Baraje, a former acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in this interview with journalists, speaks on latest development in the polity especially on the insecurity challenges, ‘Amotekun’ and other sundry issues. INIOBONG IWOK brings the excerpts: There is this call for rejigging of the nation’s security apparatus from the top; what’s your position on this? s a matter of fact, that is one of the reasons I thanked Nigerians for their resilience and that is why I am calling on the youth and the general public to demand for good governance because we have never had it so bad.

Our brother countries in West Africa, like Sudan, Niger that have been in wars, did not have their security as threatening and as high as we have now in Nigeria before they went into war. Yet, we are taking advantage of the fact that Nigerians are so resilient. But we must be warned, there is always a limit to the elasticity of any pressure.

Those of us who can remember; those of us who are following events, we knew that there were serious enabling laws that were enacted by the eighth National Assembly which the executive refused to assent to. The panacea, the eighth National Assembly recommended then which was put in abeyance is what we are now dusting up. I mean, that is one step forward and ten steps backwards. My take on this is that the security apparatus of this country has failed us. It has collapsed and the centre can no longer hold. There is no control whatsoever any longer. We need to sit down and dialogue. I am now beginning to change my mind that it is high time that we began to decentralise authorities, began to decentralise institutions. Over and above all, it is high time that we Nigerians needed to sit down and reason and make the right choice before we put our fingers on the ballot papers to vote whoever we want into power.

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What is your position on ‘Amotekun’ security outfit recently launched by the South West governors?

Amotekun and similar security outfits are complementary to government’s security agencies and should be allowed to flourish.

I hasten to appreciate the Inspector-General of Police for his position on this out-fit.

I have been listening to and observing comments of well-meaning Nigerians as well as reactions from the representatives of the Federal Government. The Nigerian police are saddled with the purview of providing public security. I have never heard the Inspector-General of Police condemning Amotekun. That is an educated, honest and dedicated police officer. Government should sit down with the organisers of Amotekun and dialogue with the governors from the affected states, instead of coming out to condemn them.

Amotekun and the likes have been in existence in other regions of the country anyway. I am not a Nigerian that would be partial because I belong to one section of the country; what is good for the goose is good for the gander. So, if other parts of the nation have been operating such outfit successfully, why not in the Southwest?

In Kwara State, for example, we have vigilantes. Many individuals, groups and

Abubakar Baraje

organisations resolved to hiring services of vigilante security outfits on many occasions and in communities in the state. They have been successfully and peacefully complementing police efforts in the state.

Why haven’t the government blacklisted vigilantes? We have been hearing the activities of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the troubled North Eastern part of Nigeria.

Why didn’t government say it is illegal?

As far as I am concerned, Amotekun is a welcome idea and an idea coming from leaders that have the interest of their people at heart. I think the government at the centre should sit down and dialogue with them and resolve the grey areas and let Amotekun function to complement the police effort.

that matters but the characteristic and behaviour of the bearer of such name; same with political parties. The members and performances of the party members of a party send the wrong or right signals.

This results in the perception of the people about the party. It is just like the saying that one may change the name of leopard but cannot change its spot; leopard is leopard.

But for me, the PDP stands for progress, PDP stands for the people just like the mantra says, power belongs to the people.

The PDP is more interested in ensuring that the wealth of the country goes round the nooks and crannies and not concentrated in the hands of the so-called cabal. So, for me, it is what the PDP does for the people that matters and not about the name.

2023 is around the corner and politicians have started overheating the polity.

What is your position on 2023 and fortunes of the PDP? For 2023, PDP is ready and is preparing and we thank its supporters and even non- supporters because, this is the time to be realistic and our minds should be alive and alike to move Nigeria forward. We have tasted the so-called change; we have tasted the so-called next level. We have seen change in inverted coma. It is now left for Nigerians to choose. The PDP has its own black-spots like any other outfit but I think we now know the better party. We now know the party that is able to fight insecurity, which was able to ensure the economic viability of the country, we now know the party that is best for Nigerians to go back to. That party of course is the PDP. It is now time to vote PDP again at the centre.

How do you view the committee set up to resolve the issue of Ile Arugbo in Kwara State?

Well, with regards to the setting up of the committee, it is a good idea. People have their own tradition and culture and the Ilorin emirate is not an exception. Ilorin emirate is known for its peaceful coexistence among families and individuals. My view about the committee is that we are putting our house in order and that the leaders who thought of it are carrying out one of our passionate values in Ilorin community, i.e. peaceful coexistence. That is what we are known for. Anybody who is condemning this is only telling a story about himself or herself.

Anybody that is standing against this is standing at a distance and throwing stones at his father’s house. Yes, the matter is in Court. But the Court itself recognises the importance of peace and thus directed a settlement out of Court. Settlement out of Court is not strange to law. So, it supported the setting up of the committee and advised that it should not be ad-hoc in nature but a permanent and functional committee.

Does PDP need to change its name?

Well, as far as I’m concerned, there are many things attached to a name and there are many things that a name can do and may not be able do. Yes, it is not the name

Alleged Pension Fraud: EFCC rearraigns Maina’s son Iniobong Iwok with agency report

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday, re-arraigned Faisal Maina, on an amended threecount charge, bordering on money laundering and false declaration of assets.

Faisal is the son of Abdurasheed Maina, the former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT).

He was arrested alongside his father in September. The father is accused of diverting N100 billions of pension funds.

His son is accused by the anti-graft agency, of operating an account he used to divert various sums of money, including N58 million.

The two men were arraigned by the EFCC on October 25 on separate charges. They pleaded not guilty.

However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday, re-arraigned Faisal Maina, on an amended three-count charge, bordering on money laundering and false declaration of assets.

Faisal is the son of Abdurasheed Maina, the former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT).

He was arrested alongside his father in September. The father is accused of diverting N100 billion of pension funds.

His son is accused by the anti-graft agency, of operating an account he used to divert various sums of money, including N58 million.

The two men were arraigned by the EFCC on October 25 on separate charges. They pleaded not guilty.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Friday, the prosecution lawyer, Mohammed Abubakar, told the court that though the matter was slated for continuation of cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, the commission had an amended charge dated and filed January 22.

But Faisal’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, opposed the application.

Adedipe noted that the prosecution deserved the right to amend the charges, adding that such amendment must be prescribed by the leave of court as provided by Section 218(2) of the Administrative of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

“The order of the court is not appropriately endorsed on the purported amended charge. So it may not be useful for today’s hearing,” he argued.

The EFCC lawyer, however, countered Adedipe’s argument.

“I submit that counsel misconceived the intent and purpose of Section 218(2) of ACJA because it does not make it mandatory for prosecution to first obtain leave of court before filing an amended charge,” Abubakar said.

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Sunday 16 February 2020

Ogun Watch Senate pledges to empower state govts to fix critical roads via legislative intervention

...We laud Ogun, Lagos on construction of Ikorodu-Sagamu, Lagos-Abeokuta roads - Aliero ...Gov Abiodun wants FG to declare state of emergency on federal roads in Ogun

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Stories by RAZAQ AYINLA

damu Aliero, Chairman, Senate Committe on Works, has assured all state governors of legislative intervention that compels the Federal Government to allow governments at state level to involve in the construction and fixing of failed federal roads across the country, saying there must be collaboration between Federal and State Governments on all Nigerian projects.

Aliero and other members of the Senate Committee on Works, who had earlier on on-the-spot assessment of federal roads within six Southwest states before being received by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state in his Office in Abeokuta, gave the assurance against the directives of the Presidency which prohibits state governors from fixing and repairing federal roads in their various states.

Aliero, who decried the parlous statuses of most Nigerian roads, having observed the Lagos-OtaAbeokuta and Sagamu-Ikorodu roads that link both Lagos and Ogun states in the outgoing week, noted that it is high time the Federal and State Governments joined forces in fixing critical infrastructure that improve ease of doing business as well as easing vehicular movement across the country.

He said, “We will encourage and give all the support required. In fact, we can even amend the laws if there’s any legislative intervention that it requires. We don’t see any reason why roads that are in bad shape should not be done by the states.”

The Senator lauded Ogun state and Lagos state governments for seeking permission to rehabilitate the Sagamu to Ikorodu and LagosOta-Abeokuta roads despite the fact that the roads are federal roads, just as he promised that the initiative is

one that the Senate would definitely encourage for a quick reconstruction, saying that Federal Government would do well to release the roads to Ogun and Lagos states to fix in due course.

Responding, Governor Dapo Abiodun called on the Nigerian Senate to pressure on the Federal Government in order to declare a state of emergency on federal roads within the state, saying it was pertinent that a state of emergency be declared on federal roads in the state because of their terribly poor state.

He concluded that all federal roads in the state are inhibiting economic activities in the corridor that passes through the state, which is the Nation’s Gateway State.

He said, “I want to call on you to help us declare an emergency

on the state of our federal roads.

It is as if, they are non-existent.

We looked at these roads and we said it is important for people to be able to move between the states and the sub-region that share borders with us. We are appealing because it’s the only way we can continue to promote the economic development of our state, when we economically develop our state.

“We are also developing the country and the multiplier effect can be imagined. Whatever it is that we do by bringing industries to Ogun State, the taxes are going to the federal purse; whatever it is that we do directly or indirectly, the Federal Government is benefitting. So, it is important for us to look out for ways and means to see how we can ensure that people

can move with relative ease,” he said.

The governor, however, said that the population explosion being experienced in the country has made the six-lane road pattern on Lagos-Ibadan expressway, for instance, outdated. He stressed that what is required would be like, at least a ten-lane road pattern, at the minimum. That, he said, should be considered by the federal government for the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, which he described as the busiest in the country.

He added that it is important for Federal Government to look out for alternative roads like the Sagamu to Ikorodu road and LagosOta-Abeookuta road, explaing that such alternative roads, he emphasised, would have served as alternatives for motorists if the roads had been attended to.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state presenting state souvenir to Uchechukwu Ogah, Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development during the Minister’s working visit to Ogun state recently

We have registered over 50,000 for Anchor Borrowers’ Programme - OGSG

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gun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Adeola Odedina has said that over 50,000 youth farmers and other age groups have been registered for the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), saying the coverage of farmers in their thousands shows that the State government is very serious with the drive on agriculture and agribusiness.

The Commissioner made the disclosure when he appeared before the House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture at the Committee room, House of Assembly Complex, Oke Mosan in Abeokuta in the outgoing week.

Odedina explained that part of the benefits farmers will get from

the scheme include industrial linkage with the agric investors, aggregation of farmers with the industries, extension support, getting intervention programme as well as linking farmers, most especially the young ones with market and opportunities.

Other benefits according to Odedina are training in the various locality as this remains key, provision of farmlands to the over 8,000 farmers who do not have farmlands across the three senatorial District and ensuring that farmers do not get cut off from intervention programmes among others.

Giving a breakdown and categorisation of the registered farmers, Odedina said so far, 23,730 were captured for cassava, Rice,

3,375, Maize, 3,000, Poultry, 8,875, Cotton, 2,000 among others.

He assured that Agric Ministry would be involved in Public Private Partnership with the view to reviving Rice Meals in the state and enhance other agricultural opportunities that will be propelled by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), just as the Bank will provide inputs and anchor.

The Agric Commissioner submitted further that his Ministry will be injecting a value-chain opportunity that would take over 500 people per local government, teach them efficiency, networking and collaboration, saying: “we want to create 1,000 entrepreneurs, people who will do prudent development and cattle entrepreneurship

as well as domesticating a value chain development project which will be demand driven by 2021”.

He assured the House of good working relationship with the ministry as they remain a key stakeholder in the “building our future together” mantra.

Speaking earlier, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Oludare Kadiri, the Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman, Sylvester Abiodun and Yusuf Adejojo congratulated Odedina on his appointment and asked for more collaboration from the ministry while they expressed their desire for more rural dwellers to be captured in the ABP, saying the meeting was to familiarize themselves with the Commissioner.

Abiodun mobilizes security agencies, LG chairmen with gadgets to fight insecurity at borders

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s part of efforts towards the effective operations of Ogun State Security Network code-named Operaton Am o t e k u n , t h e Og u n s t a t e government has started mobilising security operatives and chairmen of the 20 local government councils, especially those at the borders between Nigeria and Republic of Benin, at Idi-Iroko, ImekoAfon and Ilara axes, to beef up security against insecurity and influx of criminals into the country.

Consequently, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state declared that he would soon hand over security gadgets and mobile devices to local government councils and security operatives within such localities to combat insecurity and crimes.

Speaking during swearingin of Abolurin Kabiru Abiola as a replacement for Saibu Adeosun Mulero that died few hours before screening by the State House of Assembly last m o n t h , Go v e r n o r Ab i o d u n noted that he had instructed the law enforcement agencies to ensure that local government councils in the border areas are given priority in terms of gadgets to ensure that the trans-border crimes are brought down to the barest minimum.

“I have instructed the law enforcement agencies to ensure that the local governments that are in our border areas be given priority attention in terms of the equipment that we are currently distributing across the state because of the peculiarities of these local governments.

“I am sure in the coming days, you will be seeing new motorcycles, vehicles, new telecommunication devices that we will be giving to you.

They are not just to the law enfor cem ent agencies, but even to the local government chairmen as well. So, that you are in touch with the local security people but to Divisional Police Officers, Police Posts and even the Commissioner of Police himself”, Abiodun said.

Sunday 16 February 2020

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Analysis Gov Zulum’s iconic leadership with the human touch Ayo Oyoze Baje “Normally, the NUJ in Borno State does not celebrate the achievements of governors in less than one year of their tenure.

Journalists are critical people. Before we give out awards, we look at things critically. This will be the first time we are celebrating the performance of any governor in less than one year of service”- Chairman of the NUJ in Borno State, Comrade Bulama Talba e has become the exception rather than the rule. He is rewriting the history of political leadership within the Nigerian matrix. He is indeed, turning the apple cart against the insatiable rogues of the people’s common will. One is talking about the Hungry Hamsters, Craving Cats and the Pop-Bellied Possums who have re-jigged our political pedestal and turned it into a jungle democracy.

The focus here is about no other politician than Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the humble, amiable and people-loving governor of the embattled Borno state. For a state that has long been enmeshed in the seemingly intractable terrorism by the Boko Haram insurgents, it does not take rocket science to imagine the enormous challenges his administration battles with, virtually on daily basis.

But he got to office fully aware of these and well equipped with a vision on how to frontally contain the attendant effects of the long-drawn insecurity. That is, by changing the narrative of the derelict primary health care and education delivery, huge infrastructural deficit, and agricultural practices laid waste by the armed bloodhounds. His foresighted government therefore, came forth with developmental projects and programmes anchored on 10- Point Agenda for 2019-2023, beginning with security.

In tandem with Section 14 Sub-Section 2, (b) of the 1999 Constitution(as amended he began with the introduction of recruitment of over 3,000 Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF and vigilante hunters. They were motivated by improved monthly allowance each of N30,000. This was outside the introduction of electronic payments of salaries and allowances.

Furthermore, he provided them with over 200 patrol vehicles and conducive office accommodation to boost their morale.

Still on insecurity, came the highly commendable Agro Rangers Scheme as a the first -of its –kind.

It comes as a special security outfit comprising of the civil defense trained special squad, mobile police squad, CJTF and vigilante hunters group. They were provided with about 100 brand new patrol four -wheel drive vehicles to facilitate their mobility within and outside the Sambisa Forest Ranch. The infamous area was occupied by the Boko Haram insurgents before the Nigerian army embarked on a recovery mission.

This move has gone a long way towards reducing the clashes be-

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Babagana Zulum

tween herdsmen and famers and imbroglio over grazing land as clearly demarcated and reserved areas, strictly meant for cattle rearing.

Also, Governor Zulum has ensured that the challenges related to food distribution in IDP Camps were reduced by instituting transparency in the system. By this, the governor strengthened the security system manning the IDPs camps.

Reports had it that before then, there were alleged diversion and abuse of donations and essential items provided by governments, donor agencies, corporate organizations as well as individuals.

At some point he personally distributed food and non- food items to the IDPs. This was done in collaboration with NGOs, SEMA and NEMA. To facilitate their effectiveness he directed that the LGC staff, teachers and traditional rulers should go back to their communities and be the change agents to the long-suffering victims of insurgency.

He brought in the pragmatic idea of the relocation of the IDPs to their localities. The noble aim is for them to continue their normal life especially farming. In fact, this laudable move encouraged many of the Emirs to return to their communities along with their subjects to access the basic needs.

Responding to youth unemployment, his government engaged over 3,000 unemployed youths into the Vocational Entrepreneurial Training Scheme for skills acquisition. That came through the new state Ministry of Science and Innovation. This timely move has significantly reduced the menace of political thuggery and the melee of loitering around government offices.

Noteworthy is the effort of the government geared towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction of decrepit health and educational facilities across the state. Some clinics, have been upgraded while new schools and hospitals have been built in communities including Monguno Resident Medical Doctors’ house and the construction of new LGC secretariat in Biu town of Biu LGC. And to impact positively on the rural communities the governor approved the payment of outstanding allowances of NYSC medical doctors running into hundreds of

millions of naira. These huge sums were owed them by past administration. All these have positively instilled good conduct, discipline and work ethics among civil servants. Not left out are extra duties by medical doctors and nurses, especially those on night calls.

As revealed by the governor, payment of salaries should not be seen as any achievement by any administration. The workers are being paid for their sweat and sacrifice of time and energy. This should serve as a wake-up call to some of his peers who rigmarole over what is due to their states’ workforce.

Besides, his recent unscheduled visit to a primary school and remunerating a female member of staff who was on duty at 6.30 am should inspire others on the immense benefits of good work ethics.

By all these feats, in the face of the insecurity conundrum Zulum reminds us of Homer’s “Odyssey”. Long before the Athenians first instituted their radical direct democracy in 508 B.C., Homer began to teach the ancient Greeks to recognize good leadership when they saw it and to despise the alternative. Much like the type we have had in Nigeria over the decades.

According to Emily Anhalt, Professor of Classical Languages and Literatures, Sarah Lawrence College: “Until the late sixth century B.C., the autocratic rule of warlords, kings and tyrants was all that anyone had ever seen. The “Odyssey,” transmitted orally over centuries before ever being written down, powerfully shaped ancient Greek ideas about what constitutes good leadership. It identifies two crucial elements of good leadership: respect and reciprocity.

The “Odyssey” starts by emphasizing that greedy, unrestrained, irresponsible leadership makes communal life intolerable for everyone.

By contrast, a good leader respects his obligations to his people, and ensures that they respect theirs to him and to one another. This produces order, harmony and happiness for everyone – powerful and weak alike.

Gov. Zulum, the real change agent, who commenced the new decade with the inauguration of five projects in the state, including 100- bed capacity General Hospital in Azare town, a 40-bed capacity primary healthcare centre in Kwajjafa town and a large skills acquisition centre in Marama town, all in Hawul, has become the beacon bearer in the long, dark tunnel of poor political leadership here in Nigeria.

According to inspiring-leadership quote: “When someone is truly a visionary and works all his life changing the course of history by inventing, discovering or implementing things that can improve people’s lives, they become immortals!”

Zulum has made the difference because he has stood by the truth, which other leaders detest.

We need more of his type, right from the local council level to the presidency, more so now than ever before.

Alleged certificate forgery and attempt to scuttle Ubah’s quality representation Royce Okoro

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he journey of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, chairman of Capital Oil, to the Nigerian Senate came to many as a shock but for me, it wasn’t, despite contesting the 2019 general election on an unpopular political party Young Progressives Party (YPP).

Ifeanyi Ubah was the only candidate who took his campaign to the grassroots. The Anambra South Senatorial District election was no doubt, a very tough contest having the likes of Senator Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chris Uba of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Ifeanyi Ubah of the YPP as candidates.

Ifeanyi Ubah after a very difficult contest and having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes was declared the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial election after polling 87,081 votes, defeating his closest rival, Chris Uba of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who got 62,462 votes.

Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, polled 51,269 votes while the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Andy Uba, got 13,245 votes.

Ubah’s victory was no fluke.

He was no doubt the choice of the people of Anambra South because while other candidates were busy working on how to manipulate the election, he was busy touring all communities in Anambra South canvassing for votes.

Nicholas Ukachukwu of APGA and Andy Uba of APC have longaccepted defeat and allowed Ubah to work toward actualising his electoral promises while Chris Uba of the PDP, who proceed to court despite all plea by Anambra stakeholders not distract Ubah, had long been defeated in court.

But surprisingly, Obinna Uzoh, who never campaigned for a day is seriously pushing foist himself as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by parading photo-shopped NECO results and sponsoring unsubstantiated propaganda against Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

Obinna Uzoh alleged that Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah forged his NECO results because his certificate has 7 credits without one fail (F9) in biology which is clearly contained in the statement of result.

This vividly shows that Obinna Uzoh and his supporters are not in tune with the conventional practices of examination bodies; NECO in this case, and WAEC also.

Recent events have further unveiled the fact that he does not know the difference between a “Statement of result” and “Certificate of Result”. He also does not

know that INEC requires candidates to submit only “Certificate of Result” and not “Statement of Result”.

It is a well known fact that Obinna Uzoh and the claimant; Anani Cletus through their lawyer swore an affidavit before the court stating that the missing F9 was the basis of their allegation.

NECO officially responded and punctured their false claim with a letter authenticating and clearing Ifeanyi Ubah of the forgery allegation by stating that they do not include failed (F9) subjects in their certificate. Obinna Uzoh seeing that he has landed himself in another dilemma has once again, shifted the goal post.

This time, he appeared to have photoshopped a NECO certificate and tried to alter the serial number, changing number (8) to (5) without looking at the body of the letter emanating from NECO which clearly stated the serial number *303865920* twice.

Why has he (Obinna Uzoh) resorted to cheap, hired media propaganda instead of writing to NECO to authenticate his claim?

What is holding him and his law-

OPINION yers from applying for a CTC from NECO? Why has he not come out publicly like Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to make an official press statement or use his lawyers, supporters or family members to issue an official statement to this effect?

Why is he hiding behind the curtains to blackmail Sen. Ubah with unsubstantiated propaganda? Could it be because Obinna Uzoh knows it is a crime to clone NECO certificate/result?

All these happenings appear to have exposed the fact that he is doing everything to truncate Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s mandate and get him out of the Senate Chambers.

However, letter from NECO authenticates the serial number which matches with the same certificate submitted to INEC by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. In this letter, the serial number was clearly stated twice including 7 credits and excluding the F9 in Biology.

If it were to be in developed countries, by now, Obinna Uzoh will be facing lengthy jail term for forgery, blackmail and perjury against a senator.

So, my candid advice to both Obinna Uzoh and others plotting the downfall of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, if they love Anambra South, they must desist from this evil act.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah should be allowed to work toward attracting democracy dividends to the people of Anambra South Senatorial District, who came out en masse to vote him as their representative in the Senate.

- Okoro writes from Ihiala

18

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For The Record Imperatives of corporate and strategic communication skills for 21st Century NPA (2) Being the second path of the text of a lecture delivered by Ayo OyozeBaje (MNIFST), media consultant and national president, Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria(GPAAN), to members of the Corporate and Strategic Communications Division of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), during its 2019 Retreat, Abuja, recently.

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21st Century communication skill goals ommunication skills can be developed through both cooperative learning and direct instruction, but highest increases are linked with cooperative settings.

While students understand the importance of developing communication skills, they have a lack of interest, especially in written communication. This is due in part to feeling a disconnect between classroom communication experiences and real-world applications. To begin improving officers’ communication skills, set specific communication goals for students, such as: – Articulate thoughts effectively using all forms of communication in a variety of contexts – Listen to others in order to understand meaning, attitude, and intention.

– Communicate for a variety of purposes and audiences.

– Use media and technology to communicate with impact Classroom Strategies to Develop Communication Skills a. Oral communication Oral communication skills are needed to exchange information, persuade, or explain. Students may excel at casual oral communication with peers, but this is sometimes difficult to translate into a professional or technical setting. To help workers, especially communication officers gain confidence, especially in their oral communication skills, consider the following strategies: – Create opportunities for them to present in a public format.

Audiences should vary and not only include peers. Encourage them to utilise technology and media as a tool to enhance their presentation, rather than a tool to read from.

– Teach them how to create an “elevator pitch” to be effective and concise in their speech.

– Hold debates, at least once in a quarter in your Training Centre on topics relating to recent happenings or events in NPA. Rather than a traditional one-to-one format, have the officers sit in a circle. They can each take turns making opening statements, rebuttals, and closing statements. _An NPA communicator should be confident, fluent but not verbose, choose his words carefully and always speak within the ambit of the existing laws and regulations.

Since there is the general feeling that there is more to be known about the Agency that the public actually knows, anyone communicating on behalf of it

should use the opportunity to shed light on its achievements.

That brings us to the importance of granting interviews, either on behalf of the NPA or your own business when you eventually retire.

The nitty-gritty of oral interviews: An interview is a veritable platform for the interviewee (the person being interviewed) to fully express his opinions and views, especially in response to the questions put before him by the interviewer.

While some people hate to be interviewed out of shyness or fear of being misquoted it should be noted that interviews

impress others • A chance to clarify a position or reduce misunderstanding •A boost to the subject’s reputation or ego •A touch of immortality of the subject’s words captured in print • Being identified with a new or novel approach to topical issues or idea •Sympathy and identification with a cause.

•An opportunity to promote oneself, or his or her ideals ,as with actors, entertainers, promoters of NGOs. When you have to do this on behalf of the NPA take time to read more about the topic in question, be composed, calm and

Hadiza-Bala-Usman

provide the great opportunity to literally ‘sell’ oneself to the target audience or the public. You don’t know who will read it and what he/she stands to gain from your answers/responses.

In fact, according to Metzler: “There is only one thing worse than being interviewed and that is not being interviewed”.

The benefits of being interviewed: •Recognition and publicity.

•A source to give one’s side of the story or controversy.

•An opportunity to educate the public • A chance to influence and or

confident. b. Written communication As earlier stated this is the aspect that not a few communicators shy away from Written communication skills in the workplace are needed to write memos, emails, and reports.

While writing is used in the STEM classroom daily, communicators need to see the connection between classroom writing and practical applications. Choose some of the following strategies to make that connection more concrete for your workers: – Connect all writing assignments to something relevant and

practical. ***For instance, between ports efficiency and traffic gridlock, or piracy, or downturn in the nation’s economy. This will not only improve engagement, but will prepare students for writing in the workplace.

For instance, the negative effects of traffic gridlock at Apapa/ Tin Can ports on the clearing of goods should not be presented as a run-off-the-mill story. A particular incident or some similar ones should be stated and answers provided to the following questions: 1. When did it happen?

2. Where did it happen?

3. How did it happen-who are the principal actors and the less important ones? Whose fault is it?

4. State the eye-witness reports?

5. Has this happened before, if so what was done about it?

6. What are the issues of infrastructural challenges involved?

7. How frequently has this been happening?

8. What are the cost implications to the victims?

9. What role is expected of the government(state and federal) in curtailing the incident?

10. What role would the deployment of technology play as part of the solutions?

11 How should it be investigated, using the Root Cause Analytical Approach?

12. What are the human angles to the incident(s)?

13. What about the legal implications of the incident?

14. And what should be done to prevent recurrence of these incidents?

An officer communicating through writing therefore acts like a competent fisherman to cast his net wide. He will discover that as he pulls in the net to the harbor he has to separate the inconsequential or trifles from the fish.

– Ask communicating officers to write in a variety of formats, especially business and persuasive writing. Formats can include letters, pitches, technical writing, proposals, advertising, flyers, and blog posts.

– Include digital writing assignments to further improve 21st Century Skills. Blogs and wikis can be used to share student writing.

– Encourage communicating officers to reflect at the end of a learning experience or activity.

As part of experiential learning, reflection will improve critical thinking skills, along with writing. c. Interpersonal Communication Interpersonal communication or social communication skills

are needed to interact with one another. This skill is often overlooked in the workplace, but is one that is sought in the STEM workplace. Students can leave school with a mastery of the content, yet lack the ability to communicate and collaborate with others.

Interpersonal communication includes the ability to communicate and read emotion, motivation, and behaviors in a social context. To enhance students’ interpersonal communication skills, try the following strategies: – Create diverse groups during the Monthly, Quarterly or Annual review of the activities of NPA. This will encourage the workers/communication officers to share different perspectives and develop listening skills.

– Provide opportunities for the officers to communicate in virtual formats, such as email or messaging. It is difficult to convey meaning when you cannot use nonverbal cues to express yourself. Virtual formats will challenge the workers to communicate with group members in a clear and concise manner.

– Practise listening skills by encouraging eye contact, observing body language, and asking questions.

– Project-based learning activities can be used to foster the development of team building.

While solving problems or creating products, communicators must be able to work together over a long period of time to be successful.

Exercise: Check out some examples of project-based learning.

Learn about more 21st Century skills and how to bring them into your classroom!

5. Use of information technology (IT) in communication skills: Communication is critical to student success. A variety of technology tools available to 21st century educators expand your ability to give students fast and effective feedback, saving classroom time and accelerating student achievement.

Throughout this course, Oliver Schinkten explores how teachers can use Internet-based tools such as video and audio conferencing, learning management systems, and social media to communicate more effectively with students, parents, and other educators. In addition to covering basic theories of communication, Oliver also gives power tips for essential collaboration tools like Google Drive, Gmail, Google Hangouts, Collaborise Classroom, and more.

Sunday 16 February 2020

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19

Women World ‘Adeboye model’s the type of leadership Nigeria needs’ Victoria Praise Abraham is an author and the chief executive officer of Vic-Abraham Media Nigeria Limited. In this interview with JOSEPHINE OKOJIE, she spoke about her book on Pastor Adeboye and lessons in good leadership. Excerpts:

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Kindly tell us about VIC-Abraham Media Limited?

IC-Abraham Media Limited, started operations in 2011 and that was the same year that I published my debut book titled ‘Treasures’. I am very passionate about writing. I write motivational books, songs, and poetry. I also contribute to several publications in Nigeria.

I dream and plan to use my kind of writing to inspire and change the world one step at a time for good. My kind of writing is powerful inspirational, instructive insightful and engaging.

Writing for me is both a calling and a passion.

What inspired you to take up writing as a career?

I grew up with a very strong passion for reading. My earlier reading was from books from Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and the likes of such authors.

I also read some of Shakespeare’s books as a teenager and young adult. My love for reading and for books grew over time and by the time I was about 30 years old I began to read inspirational books from the likes of John Maxwell, Anthony Robbins, Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, Bishop David Oyedepo, Mike Murdock and Myles Munroe. All these readings helped shape my mind greatly and around 1996 I started writing my thoughts and ideas down on paper on a more regular basis. This snowballed into my first book and when I suffered from depression around 1998, I then began to use writing as a form of therapy.

By 2011 I took on the bold and courageous decision to take to writing as a career, I guess my earlier exposures to these great writers must have sowed the seed of writing in my subconscious and the passion and gifting just came to the fore over time and in the place of adversity.

Your new book focuses on true and effective leadership as inspired by Adeboye: What influenced your focus?

Leadership is life. Leadership is important, critical and necessary in every facet of life. What is missing more than anything in the world today is true and effective leadership? We need leaders at home, in our schools and in our communities and nations. We are where we are today as a nation because of the failure of leadership. I have always been fascinated by the leadership style and attributes of the man called Adeboye.

Pastor Adeboye is my spiritual father. I have sat under his teachings since 2000. I have

Victoria Praise Abraham

silently watched him from afar.

His simplicity, his timeliness, his integrity, love for the common man and for the salvation of lost souls everywhere he goes.

I have been intrigued by his audacity of faith and his amazing spirituality. In 2018, I got a strong leading from the Lord God to write a leadership book on the man many calls ‘Daddy G. O’. I needed to write about him for posterity and also for the upcoming serious leaders of our time to glean from his leadership style, and attributes.

What is the title of your new book, and what inspired the title?

My new book is titled ‘Iconic Leader – Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Lessons in Leadership’. When I decided to write a book on Adeboye, the very respected and loved general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, I knew it had to be a book on his leadership style and attributes.

What do you consider as critical lessons in leadership?

The concept of leadership is both interesting and intriguing. It is also very complex yet simple. To lead you must first

have been a good follower. You cannot lead if you do not have a servant-heart because true leadership is about service. A master is not a leader. Leadership is knowing the way, and showing it. It is about character, competence, capacity, and compassion. Many today are leading without any kind of vision or heart. They lack the power of leadership because they are blinded by selfish ambition. They see the position of leadership as the place of power and domination. There is nothing further than the truth than this. To lead others you must first be able to lead yourself because you cannot give what you do not have. Leadership has many facets and many vistas. To be a true and effective leader you must be both tough and loving. You must be both soft and hard. Every true and effective leader must be willing to pay the price of leadership which is very hard and challenging. Leadership is not for the lily-livered. It is a tough job that requires that you be the first to arrive and the last to leave. A true and effective leader must be courageous, bold and very decisive. Leadership is about

responsibility, accountability, dependability, and reliability.

Can you give us a summary of your new book?

The book ‘Iconic LeaderPastor E. A. Adeboye-Lessons in Leadership is a book that highlights the 12 leadership attributes of Adeboye including, in no particular order, his visionary prowess, his courage, integrity, strategic planning and organisation, humility, hardwork, compassion, discipline and diligence, time-keeping abilities, effective communicator and spirituality. I interviewed leaders situated in Nigeria and the USA who have had close contact and ties with Pastor Adeboye and whose leadership styles have been greatly impacted by him.

Among those interviewed are; Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, vice-president, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Oby Ezekwesili, Tonye Cole and Prof Adeyewa former vicechancellor of the Redeemers’ University in the book, among others.

The book is written in simple language, engaging and insightful. It is full of leadership lessons both from the subject of the book and from the other contributors who were interviewed in the making of the book.

The foreword of the book was written by Prof. Z, Debo Ad e y e w a t h e f o r m e r V i c e Chancellor of the Redeemers University. There are eleven chapters in the book in 265 pages.

What do you aim to achieve with the book?

I have three important reasons for writing this great and amazing leadership book on Adeboye. The first is to capture the leadership attributes as particularly seen and understood by me after seating under his teachings for over 20 years.

I wanted to honour the legacy of this great and amazing statesman who has singularly been helped by God to shape millions of lives both in Africa and on the global stage. I also wanted the younger generation of leaders to learn from a great leader who exudes great simplicity and effectiveness both in his personal life, his ministry and as a statesman in Nigeria and as a global leader.

My third reason was to challenge myself to write what will be one of my greatest books ever written. I know that I will yet write greater and better books in the future but this book will forever stand in its own class because of the subject of the book.

What are your personal thoughts on the leadership

style of most African leaders and especially with leaders in the Nigerian space?

Most African leaders are not selfless neither do they want to serve but rather want to be served. We also have the problem of old age with most African leaders. They have refused to quit even when most of them are now tired and spent and can no longer properly lead. It is unfortunate that one of the greatest problems we have in Africa as a continent is that of no leadership, poor leadership and bad leadership.

We have a few bright lights shining in this regard in Africa but most African leaders need to better understand the true meaning of leadership. Leadership is influence. Leadership is service. Leadership is about integrity and accountability.

Unfortunately what we have presently in Africa amongst our leaders is rulership. We have rulers in Africa and not leaders.

We need a paradigm shift from rulership to true leadership and until this happens we will continue to grapple with lack of development and lack of growth in Africa in general and in Nigeria in particular.

What advice would you give to our current leaders so that we can have better leaders emerging from Africa?

We need our leaders to embrace the true spirit of leadership which is service, service and more service. Leaders should have the heart of a servant and not that of a ruler.

Africa is dominated by rulers this even plays out in our family settings. The men see their role as that of a ruler rather than as a lover. We need to imbibe the spirit of love, care and compassion in order to properly lead our teeming persons. We must not seek political positions in order to deplete our common patrimony. We must decide to lead in order to serve, to give of our time, talents and courage. It must be about developing the generality of our peoples rather than amassing wealth just for ourselves and our cronies. We must have love and compassions for those we intend to lead not merely manipulate, use and dump them after they have voted us into office.

True leaders must be prepared to die for their people.

Leadership is a sacrifice. Until we have a rejig of our thoughts on the real concept of leadership we will continue to sink in the mire of backwardness and shame. We will never really soar in our collective drives in life both as a people and as a nation or a continent.

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Sunday 16 February 2020

C002D5556

Feature Amotekun, no longer a dream

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REMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan he coast is now clear for effective take-off as the bill backing the Western Nigeria Security Network code named “Amotekun” passes through various stages at the six south west houses of Assembly.

The bill which is the same for the six southwest States of Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti was drafted and ratified by the attorney generals of the zone.

The Attorneys-General and Justice Commissioners in the six states of the South West geo-political zone of Nigeria concluded work on the draft bills for the region’s security outfit penultimate week.

After a meeting of the six Attorneys-General hosted by Oyelowo Oyewo of Oyo state in Ibadan said “at tge meeting, we deliberated on the plan to evolve a collaborative security network or agency in the South West.

According to him, we have been able to come up with a legal framework to back up such establishment of security network in each of the states. So, each of the states will have its own legislation and its own security network corps that will bear the name Amotekun.

Oyewo who briefed journalists on behalf of his colleagues, said “there will be standard operational procedure that will also be in common and there will be an avenue for collaboration between the states to work together. It must be stated that the security network will be working in collaboration and as a complementary network with the police and the security agencies and armed forces.

After, concerned states had presented the draft bill to their respective executive council for approval and then forward same to the houses of Assembly to be passed into law and subsequently to be signed by the six governors.

Presently, the executive councils of Ekiti Oyo, Ondo and Ogun have approved the proposals for the creation of Amotekun corps in the states. establishment.

Ogun and Ekiti state executive councils The Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti State Governor, Yinka Oyebode said the state’s exco at its sitting on Wednesday approved the bill, paving way for it to be transmitted to the state House of Assembly.

“Exco members considered it and felt Amotekun was a proper thing to do. It has been approved, the next point now is that it goes to the House of Assembly,” Oyebode said.

Also in Ogun, the approval was given at the State Execu-

Seyi Makinde, governor, Oyo State.

tive Council meeting held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan secretariat, Abeokuta.

The Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Kunle Somorin, stated this in a statement on Wednesday.

Somorin said the approval was given during the State Executive Council.

The approval which was given at the Governor’s Office, OkeMosan, Abeokuta and presided over by Governor Dapo Abiodun, said a bill for the establishment of the agency, otherwise known as Amotekun Corp Bill 2020, is expected to be presented to the state House of Assembly for passage into law.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adegbolahan Adeniran, who shed more light said the presentation of the bill before the Council followed the earlier approval by the Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice of the six South-West states.

Te state Amotekun Corp,he said, would be headed by a State Commandant, adding that the bill also allows for collaborative efforts among the six SouthWest states should the need arise.

Expressing optimism that the bill will get speedy attention from the state lawmakers, so that the governor can also give the required assent said “the Executive Council of Ogun State met and adopted a draft as amended of a bill for a law to establish the Ogun State Security Network Agency. This agency is the agency that will comprise of the Amotekun Corp and this bill will be transmitted to the House of Assembly before the end of this week.”

Dapo Abiodun, governor, Ogun State.

The commissioner, who recalled that governors of the South-West states had already launched the Amotekun security outfit, noted that the need for legal backing was important.

Likewise,the Oyo State Executive Council approved the Oyo State chapter of the Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corp Bill 2020 which has since been transmitted to the state House of Assembly after a deliberation of over six hours on the bill.

The approval which was given at the State Executive Council meeting which held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office,had Governor Seyi Makinde, deputy governor, Rauf Olaniyan; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Olubanwo Adeosun; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Bisi Ilaka and commissioners in attendance.

Briefing newsmen after the marathon meeting, the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Oyelowo Oyewo said the presentation of the bill before the State Council followed the earlier approval by the Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice of the six South-West states.

He said that the Oyo State Amotekun Corps will be headed by a state commandant, adding that the bill also allows for collaborative efforts between the six South-West states should the need arise. He noted that the bill also made provision for zonal command operations for the Corps.

He expressed optimism that the bill will get speedy attention from the state lawmakers, so that the covernor can also give the required assent on time.

His words: “We presented the

bill for the creation of the Oyo State Security Network Agency and the Amotekun Corps Bill of 2020. As you are well aware, Operation Amotekun had already been launched by the governors of the south western states.

However, it became very clear that there was a need for a legal backing for its operations.

“So, the Attorneys-General of the South-West zone, including Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo and Lagos states came together with the intervention of DAWN Commission that has been piloting the process, and we are able to have a draft model bill to be adopted by each of the states in accordance with their local circumstances and situations as the need arises.

“So, what you see is that within this week, I know that for instance Ekiti state had already done this; Ogun state had already done this, and now Oyo state is doing this. We have the executives approving it for onward transmission to the House of Assembly for purposes of enacting it into law.

“It is a synchronised process that showed that the zone is collaborating with one another.

This also has the backing of the Conference of Speakers of the zone and so it is not surprising that within the week and next week, all these six states within the South-West zone will have passed the bill into law.

In the same vein, the draft bill for “Operation Amotekun” also got the approval of the Ondo state Executive Council meeting According to the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation,Donald Ojogo, who spoke to newsmen after the Executive Council meeting, said the bill will be transmitted to

the state House of Assembly for legislative scrutiny after which it would be passed into law.

Ojogo said after exhaustive session of deliberations, Council took time to peruse every detail contained in the bill that was presented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kola Olawoye (SAN) and now ready to be transmitted to the state House of Assembly for passage.

“The draft bill has six parts and 44 sections. It is also gratifying to disclose that every apprehension or fear expressed have been adequately looked into.

This is even as traditional rulers will now have roles to play in the operations of the security outfit pursuant to its passage into law by the state Assembly.

“Government finds it pertinent to reiterate that this laudable initiative is aimed at complementing the efforts of the nation’s security agencies. It is also necessary to encourage the good people of Ondo State to take maximum advantage of this opportunity,” Ojogo explained. ....Ekiti House passes Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps into law.

The Ekiti State House of Assembly at the weekend passed the bill for the establishment of Ekiti State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps into law.

According to the Speaker of the house,Funminiyi Afuye having passed through the third reading, the bill has become a law saying that the bill will be transmitted to the state governor, Kayode Fayemi, for his assent.

Afuye, who lauded the lawmakers for their “leadership and commitment to the bill,” said the law passed through the first and

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Feature

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor, Ondo State.

Gboyega, Oyetola, governor, Osun State.

second readings in the Assembly on Thursday and committed to the House Committee on Security for proper legislative scrutiny before the House adjourned sitting till Friday.

The lawmakers, who debated the bill exhaustively in the chambers on Thursday, spoke on the appropriateness of the proposed law in view of the security challenges facing the state, region and Ekiti State.

A public hearing was also conducted on the Bill later on Thursday while at the resumed sitting on Friday, the House Committee of Security presented the committee’s report.

The report was adopted by the Committee of the House, then the Bill went into the third reading and was passed. ....The bill passes through second reading in Oyo. The Oyo State Security Network Agency Bill 2020 also known as Amotekun Corps bill has passed through the second reading at the Oyo State House of Assembly.

The bill which seeks to legalise the newly established Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) code named Amotekun was submitted to the house on Wednesday by the executive.

Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the House of Assembly, while addressing journalists, noted that the lawmakers were excited with the bill and will do everything possible to accelerate its passage into law within some days.

While saying that the Amotekun bill will go beyond 2020, Ogundoyin added that the bill will live beyond the 9th assembly that is why the Oyo Assembly will give it critical check to ensure the excitement does not make the state overlook possible loopholes.

According to him ,truly, we are excited just as our people about this bill, which promises to strengthen our state of security across southwest states. But, we’ve passed it to House Com-

Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), code-named Operation Amotekun on Thursday.

Speaker of the house,Olakunle Oluomo confirmed the receipt of the bill after the State Executive Council chaired by Governor Dapo Abiodun had approved the creation of Operation Amotekun with a mild alteration in the name – Ogun State Security Network Agency, a switch from the known Western Nigeria Security Network.

But, Ogun State Executive Council’s bill retains Amotekun Corps which means “Leopard” and approved appointment of StateCommandantforAmotekun Corps who must be a retired, commissioned-Army officer.

“I forward herewith a bill for a law to establish the Ogun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps to assist in maintaining law and order in the State and for connected purposes as approved at the second meeting of the Executive Council of Ogun State held on 11th February 2020, for the kind consideration and passage of the House of Assembly”, the Executive bill reads. ...Osun state transmit bill to house.

Osun Government on Thursday endorsed the draft bill for the establishment of Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed “Operation Amotekun”.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan, confirmed the endorsement to newsmen in Osogbo saying that the decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council.

“The endorsed bill was immediately transmitted to the state House of Assembly for consideration and possible ratification.

“The executive council had emergency meeting today to consider just one item and that was the Amotekun draft bill.

“Amotekun draft bill has been endorsed by the state executive council and the state council sent it to the House of Assembly for

mittee on Security for scrutiny.

After that, we will hold public hearing to ensure our people’s opinions are accommodated.

“Personally, I’ve seen lot of comments and positions from our people in the media about the proposed security outfits and its bill. Amotekun has generated lot of attention and the expectations are high, thus we have to handle all it’s processes with the importance it deserves.”

One of the lawmakers in the Oyo house, Hakeem Adedibu, charged his colleagues to ensure it is stipulated in the bill that Amotekun officers should be recruited from and for their local government to fulfill it’s indigenous purpose and competency.

He added “just last week, an armed police officer was kidnapped in my local government and till date there is no useful information about his whereabouts. The Police need a supporting hand of people that are familiar with the terrain of their communities and villages.”

In his contribution,Babajide Adebayo emphasized on the need for the lawmakers to consider the peculiarities of the state and its people in the bill.

“Amotekun is South West security idea, however, our peculiarities should be considered in the structure and enactment to make sure this work for us.

We have lost relatives, friends and loved ones to bandits, arm robbers, kidnapping and other crimes, therefore having Amotekun now is long expected.

“It will make policing in our communities, cities and villages effective and the safety of our people and their properties will improve Amotekun is to collaborate with and assist the Police and other security agencies in maintaining law and order within the States of the region. ...Ogun House confirms receipt of bill.

The Ogun State House of Assembly has confirmed receipt of the bill for the establishment of

further considerations,” Omipidan said. ....Some highlights of the bill.

Assaulting an Amotekun officer will attract a fine of N250,000 or a prison term of one month or both.

However, an Amotekun officer cannot be sued for whatever he does in the course of duty but only what he does in his personal capacity.

Section 36 of the bill states, “Any person who wilfully hinders, delays, obstructs or assaults a member of the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps in the course of the exercise of his lawful duties under this law shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of one month or to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand naira only (N250,000.00) or to both such fine and imprisonment.”

The bill further states that the security organisation must be headed by a retired law enforcement agent who is not lower than the rank of Major or its equivalent in any other security agency.

Section 14 reads in part, “There shall be appointed by the governor, a corps commander for the agency, who shall be a retired law enforcement officer or military officer not below the rank of a major or its equivalent in other security services.

“The corps commander shall be a person with at least 10 years cognate experience in security matters; (b) be responsible for the day-to-day running of the affairs of the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps and implementation of the decisions of the board; (c) hold meetings with his counterparts in other states, particularly Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states on a quarterly basis or as may be collectively determined by the corps commanders in those dates.”

The bill also provides for the establishment of an Amotekun board which is expected to meet not less than four times a year.

The bill will comprise the Commissioner of Police in the state and representatives of other military representatives.

Section 6 reads in part, “There is established for the agency a governing board (referred to in this law as the board). The board shall comprise: a chairman, who shall be a person of proven integrity with experience in security matters and shall be a retired law enforcement or military officer not below the rank of a Major or its equivalent in the other security services; the commissioner of police in the state or his/her representative; one member representing the different services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria operating in the state; the state commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state or his/her representative; the Executive Secretary, State Security Trust Fund or his/her representative; one representative each of the Community Development Associations drawn from the three senatorial zones the state; the Chairman, State Council of Traditional Rulers or his representative; the State Amotekun Corps Commander.”

The gist of the bill is that it establishes a Security Network Agency with a board and in Section 3 of it, it specifically allows for the contiguous states within the South-West to collaborate with each other. So, the bill is to enable the South-West governors to deliver on their constitutional responsibilities under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitutional that imposes the obligation for the protection of lives and property, not only on the Federal Government, but to the state and local governments.

“So, we have a situation where this Network is established to complement the police and security agencies in the light of the insecurity incidence not only in the South-West but all over Nigeria. It must be noted that the primary obligation for policing in the constitution is vested in the Nigeria Police, but there are also constitutional obligations imposed on the state and government at the local level to ensure security of lives and property and this is what is taking place. It is a complementary Security Network outfit.

The bill also made provisions for human right concerns about abuses with a complete mechanism to address such issues to ensure that excesses or any complaint is taken in an unbiased atmosphere and quickly dispensed to ensure justice is done.

“The bill also allows for collaborations between the zonal and state commanders of each state. For instance, Oyo State commander can collaborate with the Osun State commander and of course, that can also extend to all the six South-West states if there is a common threat that arises within the zone.

22

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Special Feature How Nabil Saleh’s purposeful leadership at PH City Chambers received the OPS endorsement in Rivers

•PHCCIMA now Nigeria’s first e-chamber •Big corporations now willing to join • Foreign embassies offer travel slots to PHCCIMA •Onestop-shop excites PH business community, dazzles other states •PHCCIMA president, deputy win national productivity awards to show class IGNATIUS CHUKWU

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Introduction he business community in Rivers State looked in disarray some few years back, except some strong showings from some business or investment groups that mountedsomepressureonthestate government. Then, a naturalized Nigerian and Ikwerre chief, Nabil Saleh, CEO of M-Saleh Limited, emerged as the president of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and also as the chairman of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in the state.

Saleh clocked one year in November 2019 and within that period, PHCCIMA became a strong name inthecityandthecentreofattraction in Port Harcourt next to the Government House. Business operators begantowalkthecitywithsomepridein theirgait,andapipontheirshoulders.

Their voice became important on major economic issues. Now, for the first time, business operators admitted that they now know what taxes to pay and where to pay and whom to pay. This too brought huge sanity in the business environment.

The PHCCIMA secretariat led by the Director-General, Erasmus Chukunda, has released an achievement handout capturing over 25 ways in which Saleh and his team have transformed the business community through the PHCCIMA. Some business operators in the city and members of the City Chamber have also reacted to the fast-moving pace that the Chamber is now moving forward.

The chief himself, in an exclusive interview, tried to capture the significance of the frenetic pace in the past one year.

Nabil Saleh This one year is like 10 years, full of surprises Actually this one year is like 10 years. This is because of surprises, not just surprise. Meanwhile, I have beeninthesystemforabout15years as a PHCCIMA member, yet I met surprises.

It had been one-man show all the while and this is different from team work system. For this reason, everywhereissurpriseaswesojournindiscovery. I think after my tenure, there wont’ be surprises again because we now work as a team. That is how it is supposed to be.

On what he regards as his topmostachievements;ThemostimportantisthatPHCCIMAmembersand executives are now active. The place is now a beehive of activities. This is becauseofthesynergyandlovethey have for the EXCO. Opportunity is being given to anyone who wants to

serve. Nobody is being paid to do so.

If you want to serve, you serve from your heart.

Now, PHCCIMA’s name is everywhereathomeandabroad.Everyday is an achievement.

For us to get attention at national level to the extent of getting two excellent merit awards is not mean feat. This has never happened in the history of the PH City Chambers.

There is no month that we do not have an international delegation.

Even the OPS did not exist the way it does now. We have brought life into it. Everyone can see the OPS working as one body. We speak and thegovernmentlistens.TheOPSwas disregarded in the past but we have brought value and the government now recognizes it.

There is change now. They were used to one method, one-man show, but now, they are learning to work as a team. If you are the president or you are in the EXCO, you are not there forever and you do not own the Chambers. If you put your name to serve, then serve with your heart.

My advice to anybody coming in the future is to be acutely aware that you are coming to serve, not just to sit at home.

We have made new byelaws through a serious committee with past presidents and present executives. The new laws try to make people know that members are the leaders. This is the most important changewehavemadeandIamhappy

Mike Elechi about this. PHCCIMA will never move backward, only forward.

Inallofthis,Imustthankthemedia very much. They have been our partners and I thank them for supporting the Chambers, the OPS and to me as the president. Mike Elechi; We are building a ‘Coalition of the Willing’

Nabil Saleh The monarch and Knight, Mike Elechi, is not only the first deputy presidentofPHCCIMAbutisalsothe CEO of Vintage Farms Limited with large farm estate at Elele. He named thestandoutlegacybeingestablished in Port Harcourt this way.

It is unique. This is in the sense that wehavebeenforgingaheadwithone unity and one purpose. It is a purpose toachieve and torebuild. It is the public that will better rate us. We know that we are coming from nothing to where we are today. We even had no office accommodation. We had to rent this place. There was no kobo left behind, but debts everywhere.

We have been trying to forge ahead.

Each of us runs a business and if you run a good business, you must also translate it in this place. This is because we mean business. What makes us unique also is that we are doing what we ought to do, unlike what Nigerians do. When they get to a place, they pull it down. We here are building this place and we want to leave a legacy of running the PHCCIMAefficiently.So,ifpeoplesaythis placeiswellrun,italsomeansthatwe run our businesses well.

Nabil is translating his business principles here. We are working with one accord. What I see in Nigeria is that the head determines what hap-

pens down. So, once you have good leadership, everybody will follow.

Eventhosewhodidn’twanttofollow will have to. If a leader has achievement-driven purpose, if you can’t follow, you give way. Entitlement mentality is in the public sector, not in theprivatesector.Ifyoucontestedan election, it does not give you a right to block progress.

We are building what we call the ‘Coalition of the Willing’. If you are notwilling,yougiveway.ibelievethat everyhumanbeingwhohasbeenina placeandleavesthatplaceandsomebody comes in to translate a better thing, you must be happy. Else, you are a sadist. I believe that any normal person should be happy. I don’t think any past president will be unhappy, but such a person exists, he may not be a human being.

If I may point at the topmost achievement,Iwouldsaythatthereis nobickeringhere.Thereisinnovation in the mind of everybody. Everything is being touched with innovation.

There is a hunger to surpass other chambers. Even when the money is not there, everybody goes to deep hands in his/her pocket to bring money to make it happen. There is unity of purpose. This excites me.

Chinyere Nwoga PhD Nabil has overshot the 10-point

agenda,wewanttogivehim20more The second deputy president, Chinyere Nwoga, poke glowingly.

When we voted in the chief, Nabil Saleh,weknewweweregoingtosee positivechange.Afteroneyear,hehas actually overshot our expectation, positively.

He has strengthened our relationshipwiththegovernment.Inthepast, it was difficult to deal with the government but now, the government people consult us on various issues, programmes and policies. They see us fit to participate in some of their committees. The latest example is the sensitive committee on the Ease ofDoingBusiness(EoDB)headedby nootherthanthedeputygovernorof the state.

We now get several visits from ambassadors and high commissioners of other countries. This is unprecedented.Salehbeganwitha10-point agenda and he has overshot it. We were teasing him the other day that we would have to give him 20-point agendabecausethisonewascrushed in a matter of months. He is an overachiever.

In terms of managing available human resources, he is wonder. He is also a unique leader in so many ways.

Hemakesyoubringoutyourbest.He allowsyoutoexploreyourpotentials, he promotes your best, gives you credit for what you do, encourages youtoexploreyourpotentials,andhe comes up with ideas. He is not afraid ofideas.Thathasmadepeoplelikeme to challenge myself to come up with betterideastomakethisplacebetter.

That is the nature of this man.

Yes, there is something still to achieve.Humanslearneveryday.The only thing that is giving us a headache nowisthepropertytheGovernment has given us. It is about how to take thecertificateofoccupancy(CofO) tobegintodevelopaPHCCIMASecretariat. That is our focus right now. I think it is surmountable because he has the contacts and he knows what to do. Also, he has an able team.

Mercy Bello Abu He is looking at the future Mercy Bello Abu is the Publicity SecretaryofPHCCIMA.Sheisabusiness coach and big pillar for women entrepreneurs. Her assessment dwells on visionary leadership.

The chief, Nabil Saleh, our present president, is a man of vision. He is a man who knows what he wants and goesforit.Heisfocused.Heprepared for this position and goes straight to do what he prepared for. He worked his way up in the PH City Chambers togettothisposition.Helovespeople and relates with everybody at his or her own level and according to how one presented oneself. He carries everybody along and runs an open system. Yes, everybody has his own fault and nobody can please every-

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Special Feature

Nabil saleh in handshake with president buhari during award of productivity merit award one. He is transparent and gives fair treatment to others.

He has brought a lot of changes, and he is looking at the future. He lookspreparedwithkeenobjectives.

The city chamber has gained a lot of goodwill because of him because he has a lot of goodwill from his actions over the years.

Leadership: For me, if you want to bealeaderyoumusttreatpeoplewith respect and place value on people.

This is because whatever you want is also in these people. Leadership is about influencing people and anybody who wants to be a great leader

He has this great attribute of carrying people along and secures buy-in of his colleagues into his programmes.

This way, it is no longer just his vision but our vision. We buy into it raw. He creates a path to be followed..

He creates sustainability in his programmes because people see the programmes as theirs and own it. He creates room for people to participate and to explore their talents and abilities. He is open to views; he assesses suggestions and approves views so people can be guided.

Now, because of his style of leadership and innovative leadership,

tion is another top game changer in PHCCIMA. Conclusion: Credible leadership is what makes people and the government to take the City Chamber seriously and work with it. Its not about who knows people but about visionary leadership and huge credibility that would now turn on those contacts. Vision is key.

Erasmus Chukunda, the DG, opens the book of records This truly is the leading city chamber Yes, I have worked here for about 10 years.

Now, it shows that I have gathered a lot of experience in this place and I

Hanson Edughom

Mercy Abu

Chinyere Nwoga

must work with this principle.

Highpoint:Tomeoneofthegreatest achievements is in area of publicity. The present leadership created a PHCCIMA App. He was excited the day this was achieved. It helps the Chambers to be run on digital frames; e-records, clocking in, etc.

He has gone ahead to do it for NACCIMA and the youth wing. He loves digital environments. He is a lover of technology-driven operations. The PHCCIMAnowrunse-membership.

Hanson Edughom He creates a path to be followed; we no longer have to chase after regulatory agencies bc they now come to us Hanson Edughom is the head of SME group and CEO of Wider Perspectives. She speaks: He is a man of vision, truly a visionary leader. He has clear perspective what he wants to do, both for now and in the future.

many organizations have decided to join the PHCCIMA and see it as an ideal place. Even contemporary businesses see the PHCCIMA as a worthy place to belong and have indicated interest to join.

He has raised the bar and it will continue to be raised up. He has produced and updated the constitution (byelaws) of the Chamber and has got the stakeholders to approve it.

There is growth in the trade groups due to reforms, the ICT and SME groups are now vibrant.

Top marks: Secretariat upgrade and facilities have taken the Chambers to new heights. There is the one-stop-shop system that allows all MDAs (ministries, agencies and government departments) to come at advertiseddatestosolveproblemsof companiesandbusinessowners.This thrillseveryone.Wenolongerhaveto go chasing after them. Communica-

have also seen presidents come and presidents go.

I have seen some changes. You know, with the current leadership/ administration,whenyoucompareit tootherpastadministrations,wecan point to very many feats by the chief, Nabil Saleh.

First, as a staff member and a man in charge of the secretariat and personnel, we have seen that we have progressed to a better working environment.Wherewearenowislikean internationalchamberofcommerce.

It has well spaced offices and a befittingconferenceroom.Wealsohavea one-stop-shopsystemforfederaland stateagenciestoattendtomembers.

Previously, we did not have this kind of space for the various departments and activities of the PHCCIMA. That is the first thing to be noticed.

Thenextisthatthepresidentisdynamic.Somanynewthingshavebeen

brought to play in the administration of the chamber. Previously, we did nothavetheheadsofgroupsworking withthepresidents,buteveryonewill see that each day you come here you will see the first deputy and second deputy president and other officers working on one matter or the other.

These are huge changes for good.

These offices have also been created in the constitution of the Chamber and their functions spelt out. It means these officers have direct responsibilities to the chambers.

Wehavealsoseenthatthefeasibility of the PHCCIMA has increased tremendously,nationally,internationally and locally. We have been able to host very many activities and also exposed the Chamber vigorously.

ICT: Now, we have a wellequipped ICT that has actually made us proud because we are acclaimed the best ICT-chamber in the SouthSouth region of Nigeria. This is so because we now run e-Chamber where all transactions are e-based.

The systems are there, from attendance to registration of members, e-passports, identification cards, etc.

Most transactions thus are e-based.

This is a tremendous achievement of this administration.

Recently, we also held the 15th international trade fair. Everyone especially the press saw a change in its execution. We had the government participating fully especially ordering the local councils to take active part by taking turns to come and showcase what they have for the business community. The changes are many.

The other aspect that is key is the participationofmembers.Itisamembership association and we have seen active participation in meetings and other activities. We recently got approval from the Chinese embassy for 20 slots for members to travel to China. We have also got some approvals from some other countries.

Is PHCCIMA really a leading chamber of commerce? First, the PHCCIMA is strategically located in the South-South region of Nigeria.

We have noticed that members of other chambers in other states and regions still come to register in PHCCIMAbecauseofhowthechamberis run here and the kind of activities and programmes found in PHCCIMA. The attraction includes the way we advocate for ease of doing business in the state and region.

We have other benefits to our members such as financing. We have beenabletohaveapartnershipagreement with a South African finance organizationthatgivesourmembers zero-collateral and very low interest loans. This is because we found that funding is a big challenge for expansion to our members. Recently, our members can expand and some are diversifying their operations.

PHCCIMA is the only e-chamber in Nigeria at the moment. We have been given an award on this. We are the only one with all the features of an e-chamber. Recently, the deputy president from Abuja came and was marveledatwhathesawandpledged to go and replicate it and admitted that PHCCIMA is the only true echamber in Nigeria.

We are pushing for more. We are fighting to have a permanent site for both secretariat and trade fair.

The governor (Nyesom Wike) has allocated land to PHCCIMA (5.08 hectares) for this. Very soon, we will

move in for development. When we talk about a leading chamber, we talk about programmes being delivered tothebusinesscommunityandmembers. In PHCCIMA, we have many programmes that our members are enjoying and also being extended to the public such as the one-stop-shop which is a centre for all federal and state agencies to come and solve the challenges of our members and non-members. We have recorded tremendous participation in it.

Our various programmes have helped to boost our membership.

One-Stop-Shop alone has added more members to our strength.

PHCCIMA has also nurtured other chambers in Rivers State into full registration status. Now, we have the Eleme Chamber and Bonny Chamber.

PHCCIMA contested in the world chamber of commerce with about 70 contesting countries in the corporatesocialresponsibility(CSR) category and we came 7th. That has put us on the world map. We have a very good working relationship with theRiversStateGovernment(RSG).

As a private sector organization and PHCCIMA is heading the OPS, that is the president of PHCCIMA is the chairman of the Rivers OPS. We have thus been able to influence how businesses are policed in the state. We have ensured that policies are favourable to business people and have advocated for conducive environment for businesses.

Tax harmonization: We worked with the Rivers State Government to come up with a consolidated tax regime instead of the previously prevailing multiple taxes. Now, all taxes have been centralized and we pay only to the RSG for state taxes while we pay all federal taxes to FIRS. The local councils have tenement rate and we comply with that. This way, multiple taxes and touting have been eliminated. These were achieved by the PHCCIMA in Rivers State. We are doing a lot over the years. For the period of Saleh, we have achieved a lot. We believe that now that he in his second year, more is coming.

In this first year, the chief won the National Productivity Merit Award conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari. One of our companies won in the category of companies (Vintage Farms owned by the deputypresident,MikeElechi).Thisis anenviablefeattoallotherchambers.

The one won by the president has not been won by any other president before.

The Rivers State Government has been able to co-opt some of our members to some state committees and we try our best to do things properlyintheinterestofthebusiness community in Rivers State. These are major areas where PHCCIMA under Saleh has demonstrated itself as a leading chamber of commerce in Nigeria.

The feats of Nabil Saleh We have resuscitated all structures of the Chamber including the trade groups, working committees, NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs PHCCIMA Chapter, and the Secretariat has been relocated to a more conducive and serene environment that guarantees regular networking and advisory services.

We have conducted two membership induction ceremonies and inducted 43 new members into

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Sunday 16 February 2020

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

My dream was to be a footballer – Zlatan Ibile

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ven though he is currently one of the trending artistes in Nigeria, pop artiste, Zlatan Ibile, has said his dream in life was to be a footballer.

The singer recently, revealed that he never had in mind of doing music but rather, his greatest aspiration was to be popular in the soccer pitch.

“Mydreamwastobeafootballer.

Musicwasnotonmymindatall,”the singer said in the latest episode of MTV Base Behind The Story.

In the episode, the Zanku King, Zlatan, opened up on several controversial topics about him as he sat with the host, Sammy Walsh.

The rapper took his fans down memory lane, discussing issues around how his career started, how stardom has changed his life, and where he sees himself in the future.

The Ikorodu-bred rapper spoke about his childhood dreams, fears, and how music changed his path. He opened up on his past struggles and how he has been heavily scrutinized and criticized by the public.

Zlatan, born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, also shared details of his time in church as a

chorister.

On this sizzling episode, Zlatan spoke his truth and cleared the air on all controversies from his rumoured girlfriend Seyi Awonuga to Vico, his relationship with Naira Marley and his infamous diss song on ex BBNaija housemate, Tacha as well as his arrest by the EFCC.

Murray-Bruce, 2baba celebrate with Alex Okosi

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lex Okosi, the outgoing Executive Vice President and Managing Director of ViacomCBS Networks Africa and BET International, has really made a mark in the entertainment industry.

As such, it didn’t come as a surprise that his send off gig held in Lagos recently, had all the big wigsintheentertainmentindustry in attendance.

Okosi was celebrated for his significant contributions in reimagining Africa and transforming the Media and Entertainment Industry since he took up the mantle of leadership on the continent 15 years ago.

The evening was hosted by popular media personality, Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru-Demuren and ace comedian Bovi.

In attendance were captains of industries across different sectors who collaborated with Okosi and his team over the decade and a half.

Those who graced the occasion include: founder Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce; CEO of Megalectrics Ltd, Chris Ubosi; CEO Livespot360, Deola Art-Alade amongst other economic leaders.

Also in attendance were superstar actresses Rita Dominic, MichelleDedeandNseIkpe-Etim; comedian Basketmouth, Flavour, D’banj, 2Baba, Ice Prince, Flavour, Falz, Dr Sid and more top Nigerian celebrities.

Okosi, since launching MTV Basein2005,hasspearheadedthe development of the ViacomCBS

Gbemi, Toolz ready with OffAir

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opular on-air personalities, Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi and Tolu Oniru-Demuren shone like stars they are recently when they premiered their much talked about talk show, OffAir. The premiere which was hosted by popular media personalities, Toke Makinwa and Ebuka ObiUchendu, had in attendance media executives and celebrities like actresses; Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola, Beverly Naya, Osas Ighodaro, media personalities; Maria Okan, Osi Dirisu, Oreka Godis, Latasha Ngwugbe, artistes; Falz, Banky W, Mocheddah, and executives; Steve Babako, Ayeni Adekunle, Debola Williams and John Ehiguese amongst others.

With the new season of OffAir, Gbemi and Toolz, as Tolu is popularly called, promise even more drama, laughter and shade as they take on the latest in entertainment, lifestyle, dating, relationship, marriage, and even sex.

OffAir is one of the rare examples of radio personalities responding to an organic demand for specific content and leveraging that content to build a secondary independent brand. Gbemi and Toolz have shows that follow each other on their time slots at Beat FM and as a joke, they began to do a ‘handover’ show where they would banter with each other and discuss one or two topics in that 5 – 15-minute time slot.

The handover show became as

beloved as both their shows and fans began to ask that the idea be expanded into a proper show format. Gbemi and Toolz listened and in response, started ‘OffAir’, an independent podcast show published also as a Youtube series.

With an impressive first season and the official announcement for their second season, Gbemi and Toolz are developing the next phases of their careers.

After 10 episodes, nearly a quarter of a million views and almost 7,000 subscribers within the first three months, the media personalities have hit the ground running in an impressive fashion discussing everything from entertainment, dating, relationship, marriage, lifestyle, and even sex.

Abisoye slams Lagos State over Okada ban

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Networks business on the continent, which now delivers more channels to Africa than any other international network – reaching 100 million viewers in 48 territories across MTV, MTV Base, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET. He bids ViacomCBS adieu after almost two decades at the helm of different roles including BET International at the global company.

Detailing his journey from an Intern in 1998 to Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Okosi who is moving to YouTube EMEA to take on a new role said, “What began as a vision and a passion 15 years ago has been realisedevenbeyondmyinitialexpectations when we first pressed play to African Queen in February 2005. It’s taken a number of committed and hardworking people over the years to bring this dream to life and I’m immensely grateful for the industry trust and support as we forged forward to achieve the impossible.”

The Nigerian-born US-educated media stalwart went on to chronicle his journey on launching MTV’s 100th channel in Africa to traversing the challenges and highlighting the achievements that have contributed to his Africa Reimagined vision. Monde Twala and Craig Paterson who both take on the reins as co-General Managers for ViacomCBS Networks Africa in March as Senior Vice President for Editorial VCN and Senior Vice President VCN, respectively, also joined in the commemorations. Okosi extended his gratitude to his fellow colleagues, industry friends and guests for joining in the celebration and send-off saying, “I am truly comforted by knowing that we have a team who can take on the task ahead with vigour and experience to carve a unique space together with you in ViacomCBS and African history. You all have the opportunity and power to continuetodrivechange,tocreate opportunities for our youth, the industry and our continent.”

ince the recent ban of commercialmotorcyclepopularlyknown asOkadaandtricycles,alsocalled Keke in some parts of Lagos State, there have been series of opinions from different quarters with some for and some others against the move .

Hon. Olayiwola Abisoye, the Chairman, caretaker committee of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Lagos State chapter is among those who feel the Lagos State decision was harsh.

Hon. Abisoye said the decision was hasty and not properly managed to achieve the desired result of getting Okada and tricycle riders off some major roads in the state.

According to him, the state government did not buy enough time to sell its policy to the people before executing it.

Speaking after the inauguration of a 14-member caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs in its Lagos State Chapter, by its National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, in Ikeja recently, Hon Abisoye said these are some of the unpopular policies ADC is coming on board to address when it takes over the reins of power in the state in 2023.

He said, “There is not enough time given by the Lagos State government before executing the policy. The government also did not put enough palliatives in place.

If you want to take away people’s means of livelihood and you are not providing an alternative. What are you trying to breed? You are talking

about insecurity and infrastructural decay.”

“When you want to take an important decision like that, there must be enough palliatives and you must buy enough time to sell your policy to the people. You should not take the masses for granted. That you are the government does not you can force the people to accept your policy. You must first and foremost sell the idea to them and they will be the ones to help you to execute it.”

“In ADC, we don’t impose ourselves on anybody. We sell our agenda to you and by yourself you will know that this is the truth and it’s the way to go. That’s why the party is working assiduously towards taking over Lagos in 2023,” said Hon. Abisoye who contested to represent Kosofe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2019 National Assembly elections .

Speaking further, Hon. Abisoye said ADC is adopting the strategy of mobilizing from the grassroots as well as sensitizing people of integrity with the aim to actualize its dream of capturing Lagos in 2023.

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Arts

Goodnight Victor Olaiya, the last of the originals OBINNA EMELIKE

I

n February 2017, lovers of highlife music were sad when Victor Olaiya, the legendary highlife music maestro announced his retired from the music scene, which he impacted greatly for six decades.

The retirement, according to him, was due to his failing health and doctor’s instruction to desist from performances. Since then, the highlife legend had missed the weekly performances at the Stadium Hotel, Iyun Street, Surulere, Lagos.

As well, Gbenga Adewusi, his manager, confirmed Olaiya’s regular absence then, saying, “Aside from attending his gigs, he no longer comes to work regularly as a result of age-related health issues.”

But his fans truly missed his performances at Stadium Hotel, which he built as a base for his music and support for upcoming musicians.

During his heyday, it was most exciting watching him blow his trumpet and sing his heart out at his own celebrated Stadium Hotel.

Today, not only his fans, music lovers and Nigerians at large are going to miss him as the legendary musician is died.

Olaiya died on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital after a brief illness.

Born Victor Abimbola Olaiya on December 31, 1930, Olaiya, who died at 89 years, is one of the pioneers of the Nigerian highlife music with six decades of successful career to his credit. Before his death, he was Nigeria’s leading star of highlife’s golden years of the 50 s and early 60’s.

He was one of Nigeria’s brightest musical stars, with a career that included performing at the state ball during Nigeria’s independence in 1960, in the presence of Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir James Robertson, the governor general and representative of the Queen, among other dignitaries.

He also performed at the state ball three years later when Nigeria became a republic.

Trailing his journey in the music

Victor Olaiya and 2Baba

Victor Olaiya mural at Ojuelegba underbridge

world, Olaiya toed the line of the likes of Fela Anikulapo Kuit who followed their passion against their parents’ wishes and society expectations.

In 1951, he was accepted by Howard University in the United States of America to study Civil Engineering, instead he pursued a career as a musician, to the disapproval of his parents.

But if his parents were keen observers, they would have recognised his passion earlier because at an early age he learned to play the Bombardon and the French Horn.

He played with the Sammy Akpabot Band, he was the leader and trumpeter for the Old Lagos City Orchestra and joined the Bobby Benson Jam Session Orchestra.

In 1954, he formed Cool Cats, his own band, which he renamed All Stars Band when they played at the 1963 International Jazz Festival in Czechoslovakia.

His music was influenced by the horns and harmonies of James Brown. Over the course of his career, he released an album with the E T

Victor Olaiya durig a music performance while alive

Mensah, shared a stage with Louis Armstrong, and impacted the styles of Fela Kuti and Tony Allen.

Olaiya, who is both singer and trumpeter, was famous for hit songs and albums such as ‘Baby Jowo’, ‘Feso J’aiye’, ‘Ilu Le O’ and ‘Taxi Driver’.

The new generation of highlife lovers connected with him in July 2013, when Olaiya released a music video remix of Baby Jowo (Baby Mi Da) with 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) and was received with much acclaim.

Explaining love for highlife and outlook for the music genre, in an interview with the Vanguard Newspaper in 2014, Olaiya said, “High life has a great future, because for it I live, for it I shall die. There is no gain saying everybody wants to talk about high life. Highlife is the lingua franca of this nation. Fuji, reggae, afro beat, juju, all of them had to borrow a leaf or two from highlife to enable them to stand. So, it still remains the lingua franca of this nation and no type of music can threaten the

existence of highlife music.”

As well, many in his heyday attested to his creative ingenuity, great stage performance and mastering of his craft. One of his great reviews was from Alade Odunewu of the Daily Times who styled him the ‘Evil Genius of Highlife’.

“They thought I moved highlife music out of the ordinary. Then, it was believed that my Highlife was a little bit out of this world, beyond explanation. This was why Alhaji Alade Odunewu of the Daily Times styled me the Evil Genius of Highlife”, Olaiya said some years back while alive.

Moreover, most fans love Olaiya’s music because the tracks were enriched with educative lyrics and beats that make you move gently.

They will continue to appreciate his evergreen music. In his condolence message, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a fan of Olaiya, commended his sheer

creativity and evergreen deliveries.

“My condolences to the family of Nigeria’s highlife legend, Sir Victor Olaiya, OON. His artful delivery on the trumpet and his hits from the 50s are moments we’d never forget. Most recently, the duet with @official2baba, was a musical bridge to travel. May his soul Rest In Peace”, Atiku said on his twitter handle - @atiku.

Premier Records Limited also lost a great artiste with Olaiya’s death. “We at Premier Records Limited have lost one of our greatest artistes whose works span over four decades. He was a perfect gentleman and a thorough breed professional musician who was committed to highlife genre of music”, Michael Odiong, general manager, Premier Records Limited, said.

It is sad and a reality that the Nigerian music industry has lost one of the best, and probably the last from his time. Goodnight Victor Olaiya!vi.

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Sunday 16 February 2020

Life&Living

Dumped on Valentine’s Day

T

Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson

“

o you it’ll just be a day to celebrate love, but to me, it’s my most dreaded day.” These strong words came out from the mouth of 40 year old Bisi Abisoye, whom everyone had already categorised as a sad, lonely, and depressed young lady who was never in a relationship and seemed to cringe and roll her eyes at the slightest hint or mention of marriage.

The idea of being boo’d up never sat well with her. In fact, it was safe to say she hated love. Little did we know that Bisi was yet to recover from the most traumatic heart break ever and was not prepared to let go of the excruciating heart ache she once felt.

“I was eagerly looking forward to the 14th of February. Imagining how the day would make me feel loved.

My silly 23 year old self had gone out to buy a nice bottle of cologne and a box of chocolates for my boyfriend. I was so excited because it was my first serious relationship, but of course it ended in shambles that same day,” Bisi told BDSunday.

She wished she had read the writings on the wall, she wished she had seen it all this while that she had just been a girlfriend of convenience while it lasted, and she surely did blame herself for being such a fool in love.

Kunle who had been her boyfriend for just a little over a year, came up with silly excuses as to why

their relationship couldn’t go on any longer.

“How convenient was it for him to tell me on Valentine’s Day that he thought I was too clingy and controlling. I thought it was just a way to stir up a fight since he probably didn’t have enough money to buy me a nice present, but even after a week and the two weeks of no contact, it dawned on me that it was finally over,” she said.

Although it is said that all broken hearts heal eventually, could the same be said to all bitter hearts?

Everyone hurts, man or woman; and it definitely takes time to mend a broken heart but how?

Wether your are afraid that you lost a soul mate, you’ve been cheated on and you’re upset, or your ex is

getting married or simply that the relationship isn’t working out; here are six helpful ways to overcome a painful heart break.

1. Give yourself time to get over it: Getting over a broken heart can take a lot of energy, work and time.

Don’t try to force yourself or listen to anyone who says “just get over it”. You might think you’re over it, then have a dream about this person and get flushed with feeling all over again. Remember that it’s totally ok for it to take a long time, so be gentle on yourself. It helps a lot to talk to someone about it like a trusted friend or coach for guidance moving through the feelings. So, let yourself cry, embrace your feelings to release the grief of the future that you saw with this person. That future only

existed in your mind, in the potential you wanted yourself to see, but it was there nonetheless.

2. Get the energy out: This is especially needed if you’re feeling a lot of anger. Anger, sadness, anxiety, grief, depression, are all energies that want to be released from your body. One of the best ways to get the energy out is to get moving. Go for a run, punch a punching bag, go to the gym and just sweat it all out.

3. Forgive: Forgiveness is not about the other person or letting them go Scot free. Forgiveness is for you! In fact, the definition of forgiveness is to stop feeling anger or blame at someone who has done something wrong. Don’t allow your hurt and anger become your story while the other person is moving on. By forgiv-

ing, you break the chains that are binding you and allow yourself to live a better life with the person you are meant to be with.

4. Be honest with yourself: Be real and honest with yourself if you truly want to get over a broken heart. Stop harbouring secret hopes that the two of you will get back together. While this is not wrong in any way, if the relationship is over, it will definitely impede your progress of moving on.

There is a reason why you broke up so be true to yourself.

5. Take back your personal power: You may not be able to control what your ex does, but you can control your own thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The pain we encounter comes a from the illusion that some moments can be held onto. Clinging to people and experiences that never belonged to us in the first place is what causes us to miss the beauty of our life in this moment.

Love and let go, is the single most important thing we are meant to learn in this life.

6. Live an outstanding life: Get back to your centre. Wrote down things you can do to help you get back to your wrong, grounded self. Call a friend to hang out and talk things out. Do the things you love to do and don’t allow this breakup to continue hurting you be hardening your heart and closing off to new love.

Always remember that having your heart broken means being human. It means you have a good, loving and caring heart.

Meal prepping and all you need to know about it Ifeoma okeke

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eal prepping can be describe as several different food preparation methods, but basically, it’s almost like organizing leftovers for easier breakfast, lunches, or dinners.

There’s no singular way to do it, but two common types include: Batch cooking: Make big recipes at once, like on the weekends, and freezing or saving for use later on.

Individually portioned meals: Divide up portions of containers ahead of time so you can grab and go.

Prepped ingredients: Do a bunch of chopping, peeling, slicing or roasting beforehand and use those prepared components in recipes later on.

What are the benefits of meal prep-

ping?

Meal prepping can save you money and time since you’re buying and preparing home-cooked food ahead of time.

Many people meal prep by shopping and cooking on the weekends, which may work better with your schedule than cramming it in during a weekday.

Meal prepping can also make it easier to eat healthier (and lose weight, if that’s your goal) since the menu gets set in advance. You’re less likely to choose a not-so-great option when you’ve already have a healthy dinner at home, ready to go.

Is there any downside to meal prepping?

Since meal prepping can involve eating the same dish or types of food a few days in a row, it’s not for people who

prize variety and freshness above all else. To avoid monotony, use different spices, dressings, or condiments to flavour your meals — or plan on freezing your prepped food for dinner another week.

How to start meal prepping Before you do anything, you’re going to want to stock up on reusable, airtight food storage containers that will make your prepared ingredients or meals stay fresh longer and taste better by locking bacteria and odors out.

Once you have your meal-prepping gear, you may want to download a meal prep app that will help you keep your plan organized and make shopping and cooking a snap by curating recipes and grocery lists for you.

All set? The next step is picking your recipes. Before you do, consider these three things:

Choose a meal you’d like to prepare for — breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Keep it simple by starting with one you usually eat out or skip altogether.

Pick a day to do your meal prepping. Sunday and Wednesday are two common choices.

Determine how much you want to prep. Experiment with prepping for two or three days before attempting five. You may not like eating the same thing the whole week.

If you’re planning on creating your own recipes, Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, Director of the Nutrition Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, says to make veggies or fruit at least 50 percent of whatever you’re prepping.

They don’t necessarily have to come from the actual produce section, though: Frozen or canned varieties will last almost forever and work in nearly every meal.

The best foods for meal prepping: Frozen vegetables: peas, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, green beans, veggie pastas, cauliflower pizza crust, riced veggies, veggie-based tater tots Starchy vegetables: parsnip, cassava, potato, yuca, taro, parsnip, sweet potato, canned pumpkin Stiff fresh vegetables: celery, carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, radish Sturdy greens: romaine, green leaf (dress just before serving) Whole grains: oats, quinoa, barley, buckwheat, sorghum Pulses: chickpeas, lentils, beans, peas Lean protein: frozen or canned seafood, eggs, unsweetened Greek yogurt, skyr, reduced-sodium cottage cheese, shredded cheese, tofu, lean cuts of chicken, turkey, beef, pork Whole fruits: apples, bananas, oranges, clementines, plums, peaches, pears Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, chia, flax.

Best meal prep recipes for snacks: Put a healthy spin on your childhood favorites when the afternoon slump hits. Trade peanut butter for almond butter and cheesy popcorn for sweet matcha.

Make hitting your macros child’s play with these high-protein snack recipes.

If fat loss is your goal, go wild with best nutritious options.

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Travel Trailing history at Namugongo Shrine OBINNA EMELIKE

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n June of every year, over two million people from across the world congregate at Namugongo Shrine, about 16 kilometres from Kampala, the Ugandan capital; a gathering acclaimed to be the largest Christian pilgrimage in Africa.

The faithful were lucky though, because such gathering in some years back, particularly in 1886 would have attracted their death.

However, these Christian faithful are usually in Namugongo Shrine to commemorate the lives and religious beliefs of the 32 young Uganda Martyrs who were burnt to death on June 3, 1886 at Namugongo on the order of King Mwanga II of Buganda for their refusal to renounce Christianity.

Beyond the basilica built at the spot where the majority of martyrs were burnt, the shrine houses 22 of the Catholic martyrs canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 18, 1964 and are regarded as saints in the Catholic Church.

But while the shrine is now a place people flock daily in tens and thousands to honour and pray to God through the intercession of the 22 Uganda Martyrs, the sheer beauty of the shrine and the tranquil environ are big draws for pilgrims.

Supported by 22 copper pillars; over 100 feet long, the imposing giant structure of the shrine built in form of an African hut is worth seeing. As well, its wooden doors depict the history of the Martyrs, while inside, it seats 1,000 people arranged in a circular form.

Another attraction in the Namugongo Shrine that draws visitors is the Pavilion. It is like an island in the lake with a clear view that can be seen from all angles of the over 15 acres Shrine compound. It is inside the pavilion that the main celebrant sits on big occasions like Martyrs’ day on June 3 of every year. The grass thatched pavilion, also built in circular form like the Shrine is supported by four pillars and can accommodate more than 300 priests and a number of bishops that turn for the High Mass on Martyrs Day. With all these in mind, the Uganda government through the Ugandan Tourism Board, organized familiarization trips for hosted buyers and international

Pilgrims at Namugongo martyrs shrine

The two million guests capacity pavilion at the shrine media as part of activities for this year’s edition of Pearl of African Tourism Expo (POATE), which held from February 4-6, 2020 at Speak Resort Hotel Munyonyo Uganda.

The Namugongo Shrine was one of the several attractions the visitors witnessed during the

pre-POATE familiarization trips that lasted from January 29 to February 3, 2020.

Some tourists, who visited in 2015, were able to join Pope Francis in his historic visit to Uganda from November 27-29, 2015.

The visit afforded them the

rare opportunity of seeing the pope in his public appearance; including celebrating Mass at the Namugongo Shrine, fraternizing and feting the ordinary people.

Beyond the shrine, visitors can also plan their holiday for memorable experiences as the

country’s tourism is waiting to fete visitors with the best of nature and man-made attractions.

According Lilly Ajarova, chief executive officer, Uganda Tourism Board, beyond religious tourism, the country, which she describes as the Pearl of Africa, has abundant of nature-from scenic wonders to wildlife besides well-developed hospitality infrastructure.

We have world-class and well-maintained hotels, the safaris are more adventurous and indulging and nature’s sound is more melodious. You have many reasons to visit us now; to see our wildlife, feel our scenic wonders and most importantly, feel the warmth of the peaceloving Ugandans”, the tourism executive says.

For the target visitors, Ajarova says all Christian faithful, business visitors and tourists alike. However, she hopes to see more Nigerians, as the country parades the highest number of Catholics in Africa. The special invitation to Nigerians is also to acquaint them with the fact that Saint Molumba, Saint Kizito among other Catholic saints are from Uganda. This, according to her, will interest thousands of Catholic Knights of Saint Molumba and others in Nigeria, across Africa, and over the world.

AU – ECOSOCC nominates La Campagne founder as advisor

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gain, far away from his home, honour and recognition has come for Olawanle Akinboboye, founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, as he has been nominated as Advisor by the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC), with the mandate to deliver on the council’s Agenda 2063.

His nomination for the new role was conveyed in a letter to him by the council, dated February 10, 2020 and according to Olasunkanmi John Adebusuyi,

the Nigerian representative in the AU-ECOSOCC, the nomination is in recognition of his growing profile as African’s cultural icon, and to this end, he is to avail the council his wealth of experience in achieving the agenda 2063.

“The office of the Nigerian Representative of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) office has the honour to inform you of your nomination as an advisor to the AU ECOSOCC Nigerian home.

‘‘We have an unalloyed belief that we will benefit tremendously from your personality as an elder statesman of high repute, an icon, a household name in Africa and the international community. This is an avenue to tap from your legendary advice,” stated Adebusuyi in the letter.

AU-ECOSOCC has the mandate of promoting and popularising the union’s policies and programmes and this requires that Nigerian representatives liaise with notable African leaders in Nigeria to carry out its

activities such as the promotion of Agenda 2063.

Agenda 2063: The Africa we want is the African blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future and is the continent’s strategic framework that aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development. It is also a concrete manifestation of the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under pan-Africanism and Afri-

can renaissance.

The agenda encapsulates not only Africa’s aspiration for the future but also identifies key flagship programmes which can boost Africa’s economic growth and development is capable of leading to the rapid transformation of the continent.

It also identifies key activities to be undertaken in its 10 years implementation plans which will ensure that Agenda 2063 delivers both quantitative and qualitative transformational outcomes for the African people.

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Sunday 16 February 2020

Travel

Top solo travel destinations for 2020 Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

W

ith basking in the euphoria of the Valentine’s celebration, many may be considering a romantic getaway - however, if you’re single this period, you could be on the lookout for ideal destinations for travelling alone.

Luckily Kayak, the world’s leading travel search engine, has launched its Travel Hacker guide detailing the top 10 destinations to travel solo, wallet friendly trips and the best under-the-radar locations for adventurous explorers to visit.

As solo travelling continues to boom around the globe, 52 per cent of the UK holidaymakers declare they have been on a lone trip before, with 22 per cent preferring to go away solo than in a big group.

Reseach from Kayak reveals Barcelona tops the list for the best destinations to visit on your own.

The historic city has it all, from beautiful beaches, great food to one of the world’s biggest and most renowned football teams.

So there’s something for everyone, including art installations and exhibitions such as over 20 Gaudi attractions for travellers to explore with Casa Milla’s iconic chimneys being a must-see.

European locations make up the majority of the top 10 list, featuring Rome, Budapest and Lisbon, due to their easy accessibility from the UK, rich history and scenic surroundings.

However, destinations further afield such as Bangkok are perfect

La Sagrada Familia

for solo travellers who are up for getting involved in the hustle and bustle of the capital, whilst soaking up the culture and impressive shopping scene.

If lone wolves are looking for something a little more relaxed, Budapest and Kuta are the ultimate hotspots. The Indonesian island of Bali is home to yoga retreats and fantastic beaches, as well as incredible sunsets, whilst travellers can meander around Budapest at their own pace taking in the beautiful architecture.

New research unveils what

Raan Jay Fai in

Brits like best about going away on their own, with not having to compromise on what they want to do topping the list (51 percent), followed by helping them becoming more independent (48 per cent) and it boosting their confidence (40 per cent).

Being able to pick the destination without compromise also ranked high (40 per cent), along with getting out of their comfort zone at 39 per cent.

Evan Day, Country Manager, UK for Kayak, comments: “The trend of going on trips or travelling alone seems to be getting more and more popular, so we hope our Travel Hacker Guide provides people with useful information they might need to plan their trip, as well as sharing tips and tricks for whilst they are away.”

Some of these destinations are as follows: Barcelona La Sagrada Familia is unfinished, and your stay will be, too, if that’s

Emirates serve 40 unique culinary creations across its network for Valentine’s Day

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mirates created a memorable travel experience for its customers for Valentine’s Day. The airline served 40 unique Valentine’s Day themed desserts and treats to serve on board and across its network of lounges spread over six continents.

To celebrate the season of love, Emirates’ chefs created Valentine’s Day desserts for most of its 41 lounges worldwide from 13-15 February. The culinary creations include an orange-ginger panna cotta served with berries and pistachios in Hamburg; heart-shaped shortcake served with fresh strawberries and whipped cream in Cape Town; Chocolate and Raspberry petit fours in Auckland; a choco-

late St Valentine’s cake in Narita; and chocolate-covered strawberries sprinkled with coconut in the lounges in the USA. The seven Emirates lounges in Dubai also put on a full Valentine’s spread from 13-15 February. Frequent flyers enjoyed a champagne treat with the lively and generous notes of Moet & Chandon Rosé Impérial.

This was be accompanied by a selection of Valentine’s inspired cakes and desserts including a passion fruit cake with raspberry, red velvet cake and red velvet ice cream. Coffee lovers can also look for three Valentine’s Day coffee infusions by Coffee Planet – rose kissed mocha, orange crush latte or

a white latte mocha.

Onboard meals were seasoned with a touch of romance to complement the regionally inspired cuisine.

On Valentine’s Day itself, Emirates served a special selection of desserts on longer flights across its network.

In First and Business Class, customers ended their meals on a sweet note with a heart-shaped passion fruit cake.

In the iconic A380 onboard lounge, customers enjoyed a drink while snacking on pastries as well as strawberries dipped in dark and white chocolate, while snack baskets in First Class will feature the limited edition strawberry & cream flavoured Lakrids liquorice.

In Economy Class, customers were served a white chocolate passion fruit cheesecake for dessert.

Customers indulged in the specially created desserts while watching the over 4,500 channels of entertainment across all classes including romantic comedies and classics.

Those looking for last minute gifts can check out the Emirates official store. Its catalogue of gifts includes ladies’ Valentine’s Day pyjamas; t-shirts and mugs featuring cabin crew sketches, and a cabin crew teddy bear.

the only Gaudí attraction you see!

The city is home to over 20 of his works. Don’t miss Casa Milà’s iconic chimneys.

Bangkok Raan Jay Fai in Old Bangkok has just seven tables, but already two years and counting with a Michelin star. Get there early to score a crab omelette. Street food has never tasted so good.

Seoul The city’s transport system is second to none. The Metro links over 500 urban stations, has WiFi on every train. It’s a tourist attraction in itself!

Amsterdam Amsterdam is made up of 90 islands, connected by more than 1,500 bridges. Make sure you float

by Zuiderkerk to see the angle from which Monet painted this famed church on his visit to the city.

Budapest Budapest is one of only three capital cities in the world with thermal springs—125, to be exact. Visit Rudas Baths to experience them for yourself, from a rooftop pool overlooking the Danube.

Colombo

Tazza d’Oro for a

Museum Island

Short on time but still want to soak in the region’s iconic building styles? Visit the Gangaramaya Temple. This Buddhist place of worship showcases Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese architecture.

Kuta Forget your worries with an afternoon at Carla Spa. Their affordable services range from wedding makeup to fish pedicures, but the most popular option is the foot massage.

Rome Stop by Tazza d’Oro for a “granita di caffè” (iced coffee with cream) or an espresso to start your morning. Roasting coffee since 1946, the shop is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Berlin For a dose of culture, visit Museum Island. Located in the Spree River, this complex contains five museums. Highlights include the bust of Queen Nefertiti at the Neues Museum and the Berlin Cathedral.

Lisbon For an afternoon like no other, head to the Puppet Museum in the Convento Das Bernardas. It celebrates Portugal’s puppet theatre and opera tradition, as well as puppetry from around the world.

FAAN sensitizes stakeholders on airport service quality

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h e Fe d e r a l Ai r p o r t s Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has enjoined all stakeholders within the airport community to always ensure continuous improvement in the quality of service rendered at the nation’s airport.

The authority made the call at an Airport Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality sensitization programme held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at the conference Hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In his Goodwill message, Mukhtar Muye, the managing director of the Authority, who was represented by the director of airport operations, noted that FAAN signed an agreement with ACI in the year 2018 for the periodic audit of her airport systems and processes with a view to improving on the quality of service offerings at her airports.

He enjoined all stakeholders to continuously embrace the philosophy to Total Quality

Management in their day to day activities.

In her presentation, Olajumoke Oni, the general manager, Operations of FAAN who is also the ACI focal person in FAAN, noted that between the year 2018 when the Authority signed up into the ACI ASQ programme, FAAN has recorded some measures of improvement in general facilitation as depicted by the ACI’s analysis of various customer surveys conducted within the period.

Oni appealed to all stakeholders to keep working at improving the quality of service delivery at our airports at all times so that we can be able to compete favourably with other airports in our categories.

In attendance at the event were the general managers Planning, Estate, Customer Service, Electrical and ICT. Also in attendance were representatives from NCAA, Nigerian Immigration Services, the Airlines Community, amongst several others.

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Interview Nigerians should be educated on disability act for proper implementation - Gbadebo Femi Gbadebo, a retired Air Vice Marshal, is the founder of Benola Cerebral Palsy Initiative. The organisation, which he established some years ago, was borne out of the desire to draw public attention to the plight of children living with cerebral palsy and the difficult condition that those who care for them go through every day. Speaking in an interview with Ngozi Okpalakunne, Gbadebo stressed the need to educate everyone about the Nigeria Disability Act, so as to achieve a better implementation.

What inspired your interest in advocacy for disability? n 1996, June 14th to be precise, my wife gave birth to a premature male child who immediately showed signs of difficulties in meeting basic developmental milestones like suckling. It took us almost a year of various assessments to come to the conclusion that he has Cerebral Palsy, though how much it would affect him in later life was not known at that time.

The initial search for healing and later, a better quality of life, took us to a lot of places in cause of my military career, like Germany, India and United Kingdom. In fact, we were in India on three different occasions.

By the time he was 16 years old, I had been retired for four years, and we had taken him to India for an extensive surgery to correct an advanced scoliosis of his spine. My interactions with Indian doctors and some of my friends in Nigeria led me to become aware that the Cerebral Palsy was more of a problem in Nigeria and other African countries than I thought, but unlike the attentions that Autism and Down Syndrome were beginning to get, very little was known about Cerebral Palsy because of its unique condition that has forced most families to keep their affected children at home.

Yes, we have a number of homes that care for these children, and neuron-developmental disabilities like Autism, and Down Syndrome were becoming well known, but nobody was talking about Cerebral Palsy and that was why we decided to start Benola Cerebral Palsy Initiative, as an advocacy to raise awareness on this condition.

With the Nigeria Disability Act 2018 in place, do you think that persons living with disabilities still face discrimination in the society?

The law is a very ambition one, as it sets down the rules of engagement for people living with disability and the society at large. However, it failed to specifically mention intellectual disability and, in a country, where many still see disability as physical, many who fall in this category will suffer if something is not done to correct that anomaly.

The law was clear about employment and provision of access to public places, even going as far as to impose fines where these things are not put it place.

After that law, one expected government to start putting an enabling environment in place by creating offices and deploying adequate man-power at all levels, federal, state and local government.

In addition, there should be massive advocacy campaign to

I

AVM Femi Gbadebo (Rtd) OFR, Founder Benola Cerebral Palsy initiative & 23 year old, fully dependent non-verbal son living with Cerebral Palsy, Olaoluwa!

draw everyone’s attention, both disabled and those who are not disabled, because the law is not for disabled people alone. It is a law calling for inclusion at all levels with relevant penalties where there are abuses or clear violations.

Now, if we fail to educate everyone and it turns out that only the disabled knows about the law, we will run into a lot of problems in the next four years, when the five years moratorium would have elapsed.

Thankfully, in the last six months, one has started to see more awareness about disabilities and the law, and on our part, I am glad to say we are actively talking about the implications of the law for persons living with Intellectual Disability.

But still, a lot needs to be done because most of the discrimination, especially for those living with Intellectual Disability, has to do with not being considered as being fit to interact with or be seen in public. So, when someone is unable to deliver as expected for their age, he or she is considered to be an idiot.

Do you think that a person living with disability carries bad omen?

You are talking about stigmatization in our society. It goes back to our religious and traditional beliefs where someone who is not meeting up to developmental expectations, is believed to either be a cause from the gods or a form of punishment for a crime that an individual committed, usually the mother. Even the way

Nollywood continues to portray some of its scenes, what one sees is that, where the father of a disabled child happens to be prosperous, it is often implied that he has used the well-being of that child for a money making ritual. Unfortunately, that accounts for why most well-to-do families tend to shy away from going public about their special children.

We are hoping the kind of advocacy that we are involved in, where we share our story publicly, will impact more on such parents and siblings, and thereby encouraging them to grab the bull by the horn and start sharing their story as a way of healing themselves and blessing others like them. Indeed, we have come a long way from 2012, but sadly, we are still a long way from becoming the kind of society that we are aiming for.

According to WHO, over 25 million Nigerians are living with disabilities, why and what can be done to reduce the number?

In fact, I believe that when we extrapolate the available data properly, the number of Nigerians now living with disability will be around 29 million.

There is little that we can do about these disabilities for now because, a lot of them are due to mismanaged pregnancies, poor management of birth time complications, or mismanagement of early childhood illnesses.

Medical experts can do justice to this topic.

In all cases, early intervention requires that everyone including

parents and the public understands these things so that they begin to see them as medical conditions that should not be stigmatized.

Thereafter, we have to do a lot to empower parents and children with special needs. For instance, where a child is blind or deaf, we should be able to provide Braille machines or hearing aids and the basic training that will enable them move freely within their environment, get educated in an inclusive school or under special conditions so that, by age 12, they can sit in normal classrooms with their peers and do even better than them.

When adults with disability have no skills, they have to depend on family members for everything and soon, they become a problem not just to their family, but the entire society, which is quite frustrating because, a better structured society would have made allowances for that.

This is what the country needs to desperately address.

What do you consider as the main challenge persons living with disabilities are facing?

The most challenge is the non-acceptance by members of the public who tend to walk away because they consider the condition to be contagious. We even have pregnant women who think being around a disabled person could have a negative effect on their unborn child.

Such thinking affects body language and people who are disabled are very sensitive to body language. You may be

smiling, but they can tell that it is not sincere, and that you do not want to have anything to do with them.

That is something we need to do more through advocacy because, the more aware people are about the realities concerning disabilities, the more comfortable they will become by associating with people and helping them to live a better life.

That is friendship and it will make you offer to push their wheelchair, help carry some loads or do something to assist the disabled.

When that starts, you begin to see the better side of the person living with a disability.

Today, I know a lot of Nigerians who are married to disabled people, like those with polio, the vision impaired and even Cerebral Palsy. So, the questions I am sure you will like to ask is, ‘Why do these people marry them and how is the marriage going?’

The answer, which may shock you, is that all the marriages are doing well and many of them are blessed with children who are all ‘normal’.

So, you can see that the condition of one of the parents has not been transferred down to their children.

Some parents hide their disabled children at home. What do you think is the effect of that on the children and the society?

It is important that parents understand the situation of their children and also become the first set of individuals to champion this situation.

I will like to put it in this way after a proper counseling at the earliest stage, parents should understand and hopefully accept the condition. Once there is acceptance, parents should practice inclusion in their homes by showing love and letting the other siblings and all visitors to their home see that their special sibling is fully accepted into the family, The next stage is to practice disclosure by taking the child and using every opportunity to explain the condition, particularly the fact that it is not contagious.

It is important to note that there are those who will offer to take or direct you to a place where you will find miracle cure, but having understood the condition and being one who practices inclusion at home, you will be able to talk to them about its effectives.

As more parents/siblings push this form of advocacy, we will begin to see much better attitude towards persons living with disabilities from everyone around us.

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Sunday 16 February 2020

Interview

Ibom Deep Sea Port will present enormous economic opportunities for Nigerians - Okon With the selection of the preferred bidder for the Ibom Deep Sea Port, the next phase of the project looks set to kick off under the Public Private Partnership model. Akan Okon, Akwa Ibom State commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Sea Port, in this interview with ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK speaks on the huge benefits the project, on its completion, would bring to the economy. Excerpts:

T

he next phase of the Ibom Deep Sea Port is about to take off. At what stage is it now?

As you can see, there have been a lot of activities in the past few days. The Ministerial Project Development Steering Committee met and adopted a few business proposals before presentation to the Federal Executive Council for approval. After the meeting, the committee also visited the site of the project. You can see that we are getting to the end of the documentation before construction work commences.

From every indication, we are going to get the approval.

As it has been mentioned, we have a credible company, BollorePower China, that has formed a consortium to take the concession of the Port. Bollore is a French company that is well known in the shipping business. And Power China is a construction giant.

They came together because it is one thing to build a port, but do you have an anchor tenant who would be able to ensure that it is properly managed? But with this calibre of companies, they would command the needed traffic to the port. You know this port is going to add to the port capacity in Nigeria.

It is going to create employment for Nigerians because if there is any problem that we are facing in the country it is that of unemployment.

A lot of young men and women are coming out of schools and there is no employment for them.

And the revenue profiles of the state and the Federal Government would also be enhanced. So, I believe that it is a project that is good for the country and Africa, because it is not just a Nigerian thing, the port would cover the West and Central African sub regions.

How was this preferred bidder selected?

It is a very lengthy process.

First, RFQ, which is Request for Qualification. When once the updated business scale was approved by the Federal Executive Council, the project ministerial steering committee gave the nod that the project should move to the procurement process and there are a lot of activities during the procurement process- issuance of RFQ for interested investor, a lot of questions asked and answered proffered. When that was done and they submitted their bid, we did our own in a way that has been adjudged by the regulator that it was very transparent. At the end of the day, those bids were evaluated by the Evaluation Committee, and those that were responsive and met the criteria were picked and

Akan Okon

moved to the next level where they were issued with the proposal. It is an international acceptable step and procedure and we followed it and at the end of the day, the preferred bidder was chosen.

But we have both the preferred and reserved bidders? Why is it so?

That is the standard practice in the procurement process. You must have a reserved bidder and the preferred bidder. So, it is the standard practice in the procurement process.

Are you saying due process adopted to pick the preferred bidder was transparent?

It was very transparent. You can check it out with the regulators.

The Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Finance, among others were part of the process.

And they saw that the process was transparent. It was indeed transparent.

This is a PPP project. What is the role of the Federal Government in the project?

The way Nigeria is structured, port development is on the exclusive legislative list. And the only authorised government agency who is the landlord of any port is the Nigerian Port Authority. To that extent, they would play their regulatory role as enshrined in the Constitution.

Where does the Akwa Ibom State Government come in?

The state government is the project sponsor working with the private sector to ensure that we have this port. The port is a national asset and it would add to the economy of our country. Like I said earlier, employment opportunities would be given to Nigerians and the import and export duties would go to the Federal Government as it is the standard practice which would help our economy.

This project has been on the drawing board for a long time and there had been a lot of misconception about it. Do you think this present administration is capable of delivering the project?

I have just explained to you the processes that we have undertaken to get to where we are now and I have also said that where we are now is just to get the federal executive council’s approval. Last week, we had NPA, we had Ministry of Transportation, we had Ministry of Finance, among others and they are members of the Ministerial Project Development Steering Committee and they were in the meeting and the full business scale has been adopted for presentation to the Federal Government. We are no longer talking about the drawing board again. We have moved from the drawing board to activities that

would lead to the actualisation of the project.

What about the cost of this project?

The port is not a small project.

And that is why we are looking for people who have the capacity because in the entire procurement process you have questions that are on the technical and financial proposals. And evaluations are carried out on all the bids. And at the end of the day, the responsiveness of each of the bidders to the questions and whosoever has the highest score is considered and two, we have to do background checks on the bidders, but from what has happened, we have a good investor.

The ground-breaking is set for March; after that, what happens?

We are working closely with the team to put out the modalities on the various studies, geo-technical on what needs to be done. No doubt, work is ongoing but you need to finish the documentation before you move to the next level of activities proper.

Are the host communities being given a sense of belonging in the scheme of things and how receptive are they?

They have been carried along and they are very receptive of the project. We have had stakeholders’ engagement meetings in the communities that this project would be sited. Mind you, we have a deep sea port and the industrial city. The industrial city is to provide the facility for the light and heavy industries.

You know a port is to do import and export business. While the import comes in, the industrial city would feed the port with the export, because when containers come in here, they shouldn’t go back empty.

There should be goods to go to the various countries. The industrial city will feed the port.

The communities have alleged that the port has been moved from the original location to a particular place?

It is still within the vicinity. Like I said, we have a long coastline where we are going to have the deep sea port and the industrial city. And these two projects need to be developed and then from the design that has been concluded, it was taken into consideration by doing it in such a way that you do not dislocate them from their natural environment.

What about the name change from Ibaka to Ibom Deep Sea port?

Every state or country can have a name that is their identity. For example, Akwa Ibom State and the government feels that anything that is owned by the government

should be named ‘’Ibom’’, such as Ibom Air, Ibom Deep Sea Port, Ibom Science Park. I don’t think the name is an issue. It is the development that it would bring to our communities and the improvement in the standard of living of our people is most important thing.

The fear is that the Federal Government might not want any port in this part of the country to be developed?

Such fear is unfounded. Currently, port capacity in Nigeria is very inadequate. And the Nigerian government is a responsible government and it would always support any project that will increase the capacity and the development of the country. Like I said, the major problem we have in Nigeria is unemployment and this project would provide employment opportunities to Nigerians. So, the fear is unfounded.

It is believed that it was your excellent performance in the Aviation sector that made it possible for you to be asked by the governor to supervise the Deep Sea port project. How true is this?

Well, I am an investment banker by profession. I have the ability and capacity by the grace of God to deliver on any assignment that I am given. I have a very capable technical committee made up of seasoned professionals in the maritime sector. As you are aware, the Chairperson of the Technical Committee is Mfon Usoro. She and other members of the Committee have brought their experiences in the sector to bear which have lifted the project to the level we are having now.

How do you feel being part of the team that is about to deliver the project and having worked with the governor for these past years, how would you describe him?

The governor is very passionate about the development of Akwa Ibom State. He believes that the state has very dedicated, talented and intelligent young men and women as such they shouldn’t beg for bread and that they would excel if they are provided with opportunities to make something for themselves. That is why you see the governor doing everything to ensure that the state is industrialized. Today, we have so many industries that are offering employments to our people- the Ibom Air, the Flour Mill, the Syringe Factory and the rest of them. So, the governor is interested in ensuring that the opportunities are created for our people and the standard of living of our people is enhanced and improved. One major thing that can lead to the rapid develop-

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Interview I want to spread the word of God around the world through music - Mr. Pej

Precious Ebubechukwu Joseph, popularly known as Mr. Pej, is a Nigerian contemporary Christian singer, songwriter, worship & praise leader and recording artiste currently based in Lagos Nigeria. He has served in the Christian ministry for years and still serves as a singer and instrumentalist. In this interview with Odinaka Anudu, the young talented songwriter says he wants to turn the world upside down through his Gospel songs.

Tell us about your brand of music, and why did you choose that? do contemporary Gospel music because it brings me fulfillment in Christ Jesus.

The bible says in Habakkuk 2v14, “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Therefore, I want to spread the word of God all around the world through my music. I have come to understand that the Gospel in Romans 1:16 is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who accepts and believes in it. Hence, I’m not ashamed of singing this Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Most songs are meant to create social change or correct social misconceptions. What do your songs intend to achieve?

My songs are strictly for edification and exaltation to the body of Christ. My mandate is to snatch every unbeliever who hears my song from eternal condemnation. I want them to encounter Jesus Christ whenever they listen to my songs and in turn give their hearts to Him as their personal Lord and Saviour.

Why did you choose music as a career?

I chose to do music because I love music. I cannot stay a day without music. So, for me, it is more like ‘In the morning music, afternoon music and night time music.’ Music is life, so I try to sing everywhere. That is why I do not joke with the choir anywhere I find myself.

When did you start and where do you see yourself in the

I

Precious Ebubechukwu

next 10 years?

I started recording my personal songs in 2018, but I discovered my part with music as a young boy, though I did not really have any push or direction as of that time. I started playing the drums at age 14 or so, but the amazing thing is that at some point in my life God sent me to wilderness just like He did with Moses. It was during my stay in the wilderness that I became fully aware that God wanted me to do music through constant dedication to Him. Ten years from now, I see myself winning more souls for Jesus through my music globally, because He has sent me around the world with the news of His saving power and eternal plan for all mankind. According to Psalm 67v2, nothing else matters.

Who is your role model, and why did you choose this person?

First, the Holy Spirit is my Inspiration. Wow, my role model?

Well, I have a lot of people I listen to that have really impacted me, but I’m just going to mention a few of them because of the indelible impact their music ministry made on my life. First is Sinach, because of her impactful lyrics and faith proclamations in her songs. She is always in accord with the Spirit, coming out with those prophetic songs that are in line with believers’ present hour reality. I learnt writing impactful lyrics from her. Second is Groove master Frank Edwards, because of his consistency and production skills. I mean Frank Edwards can release song every single day if he is asked to do so. He just keeps them coming. Third is Joe Praize, because of his fire power, energy and honesty. All thanks to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for raising us well. I also like Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, Tim Godfrey, Sammie Okposo, and many others. They are all powerful ministers.

How original are your songs?

My songs are 100 percent original, no copyright. Most times, I do not even write them, I just wake up singing them from sleep. So, you can imagine that. It is one gift I really thank God for.

Though right now I do not have many recorded songs, before the end of the year we should have our album ready.

What do you need to move up your music career?

Well, you need Holy Spirit, money, skills, putting in works, good music and good attitude.

Regional security forces: Whither South-South?

Continued from page 19 and thus saw Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and anyone leading any opposition to this dream as an enemy. When Jonathan lost, he said, the pain, anger and despair hung so much in the air that it has been difficult to bring the leaders of the zone to one room or to get them to look each other in the face, let alone make any collective decision.

A source in the Amaechi camp however said the fierceness with which Wike and Jonathan’s wife fought to ruin Amaechi was so deep that the governors and leaders of the zone no longer had any other agenda in mind than to destroy Amaechi and get him out of the way. They argued that Amaechi had no option than to run to foreign power (north and APC) for protection and their alliance won the 2015 election.

Nwikina said there is no leader in the south-south at the moment. “Amaechi’s followers think he is the one; Adams Oshiomhole’s followers think as the national chairman of the ruling party, he is the south-south leader; Godswill Akpabio as former governor of Akwa Abom State, former senator, and now minister, thinks he is the one. The governors of each state of the six states that make zone have their own ideas, too. None of them is loyal to any of the top gladiators and none commands the loyalty of other governors.”

There are also fractious political issues in almost every state in the zone. Bayelsa is burning at the moment without any idea who will call the shots. Goodluck Jonathan as former president should have been a rallying point but the political crisis in Rivers State from 2012 to date seems to have made him weak because his party lost the national power and most of the states do not reckon with him anymore. His strongest ally, Wike of Rivers State, does not command national strength and does not relate with Aro

Rock and the FG. This seems to scare followers away from his camp. In the PDP, his goodwill seems to fade.

Rivers State would have provided both the impetus and template had the Rivers Neighbourhood Watch floated by Gov Wike been allowed to stand. The APC leaders went to court to stop it, saying it was purely another name for cultists that had been killing for a party. Wike had however argued that the recruitment and training would be done by the security forces but this did not seem to impress the opposition. Now that most people have grown weary of violence, they seem to be hungry for a security outfit of whatever colour.

Also, the 2019 governorship that seemed to be the focus of both sides has come and gone with Wike carting away everything, even without the security unit in operation. It now looks like the resistance to the outfit has yielded nothing, politically.

Conclusion: Who then create a platform for South-South to meet and trust their resolutions? The absence of this consensus platform in the zone seems to have pushed them much backward on all matters. Most leaders in the zone love PDP but the force of the ruling party with favours to dish to loyalists seems to begin to draw persons to the centre.

At least, none wants to be seen to be too much of an opposition rallying point. Everyone seems to want to play safe.

In other regions, they have governors from different parties but they have been able to find a platform to meet on the issue of regional security, except Imo where no representation was made to the Enugu meeting of governors.

The northern governors have disassociated themselves from the one floated by a group but they have not discarded the idea of one. They are calling their community policing.

Maybe, the south-south will

New thoughts for loan risk management by Nigerian banks Continuation from back page tential tool that should be considered in loan risk evaluation in our environment. Most businesses in Nigeria are local. Hardly can you go to a community without knowing businesses that are bankable and their promoters. The opinion of local residents, Chiefs, Turaki, Emirs, Kings, etc. should be one of the loan evaluation processes that should be adopted especially for small scale enterprises.

Successful business and entrepreneur have political sympathy and affiliation either direct or indirect. The political platforms can be used to access credible information about borrowers. Lenders can as a matter of new loan strategy request information from political parties on borrower. Although such information may not be one

hundred percent credible, it will in no small way assist the lenders in knowing salient credit information. At least we have had rumours of how some big borrowers in the AMCON debtors’ list funded political course and diverted proceeds of loan for political and other activities which were not the original purpose of the loan. Lenders should develop a politically exposed credit process form that can be adopted for risk appraisal.

One of the orthodox methods worth mentioning for loan risk management is the adoption of netting clauses in loan contract.

By netting, the lender will rely on the global exposure information of the customers from other institutions and the security provided.

Once there is a default, the lender can close on the loan contract the

borrower has with other parties to offset each other. This is where the role of the rating agencies like Augusto and Co and Datapro Limited will be relevant. The credit agencies must be able to provide robust data to assist the banks in this regard.

Collateralisation and downgrade triggers are other orthodox methods that can be used in credit risk management. In collateralisation, interest is vested in property owned by the borrower where certain rights are made available to satisfy loan obligation owned to the lenders. The lenders must ensure that the collateral is fully secured and registered with relevant department of government prior to loan disbursement. Collateralisation became popular after the global financial crisis and the European Sovereign debt crisis and

its use has increase significantly since then.

A downgrade is a negative change in the rating of a security or loan performance. This situation occurs when lenders are of the view that the prospects for the loan repayment have weakened from the original estimation, usually due to a material and fundamental change in the future outlook or industry. Loan downgrade should be adopted once there is one off default in repayment by borrower.

Lenders do not need to wait before pulling the triggers. Many triggers are common in Nigeria. A typical one is the closure of land borders which might affect import financerelated loans granted to companies whose imports are from neighbouring West African countries.

In conclusion, the orthodox loan

risk management tools cannot be fully adopted to improve loan loss in Nigeria. The banks must think outside the box and look beyond the methods known in banking literature by considering factors that are peculiar to our environment. Mentioned in the article are, local informant, political affiliation, oracle banking and religious inclination tools. All these combined with the orthodox tools will improve the loan loss and credit risk management in banks.

-Dr. Oladeji–Johnbrowne is an expert in banking, investment and corporate governance. He is a Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants, Institute of Taxation Nigeria and Securities and Investment Institute, United Kingdom. He is currently based in Canada.

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Sunday 16 February 2020

Perspective Need for national policy on arbitration in Nigeria Oluwole Akinyeye & Ridwan Bello

N

Introduction igeria generates a significant volume of commercial transactions, both domestic and international with about 80 percent of these transactions originating and or terminating in Nigeria especially Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, etc.

Unfortunately, disputes arising from these transactions that are basically Nigerian and can be termed ‘DOMESTIC’ are ultimately arbitrated in foreign countries. The flow of these Domestic (i.e. purely Nigerian) arbitration cases to arbitral seats/venues outside Nigeria is unhelpful to Nigeria. It also translates to loss of revenue in billions of dollars to majority of practitioners and revenue generation for Nigeria.

In Nigeria, there is a considerable number of Arbitration Institutions such as the Nigerian Institute of chartered Arbitrators (NICArb), Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK (Nigeria Branch) Lagos Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (LRCICA), Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA), Lagos Chamber of Commerce International Arbitration Centre (LACIAC), and International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation Abuja (ICAMA). All these Arbitration bodies are dedicated to the common goal of promotion of arbitration in Nigeria.

There is a significant number of qualified Nigerians that are capable of being appointed as arbitrators or arbitration counsel. In the groundbreaking 2018 SOAS Arbitration in Africa Survey, which surveyed African arbitrators over a five-year period, data obtained

by SOAS from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) CIArb revealed that 2,483 of its 15,000 members are domiciled in African States, while more than half of this number - 51.3percent (i.e.

1,250), are Nigerians. Undoubtedly, this figure confirms that Nigerian arbitrators are available to be appointed as members of an arbitral tribunal or arbitration counsel, either domestically or internationally.

Considering that Nigeria has capacity in relation to the good number of arbitration institutions and arbitrators, and the prominence of arbitration as a contemporary dispute resolution mechanism, it is evident that Nigeria possesses the knowledge and framework for a vibrant arbitration regime for the resolution of both international and domestic disputes with Nigeria as the seat of arbitration.

However, contrary to the expectation above, it is unfortunate that Nigeria’s potential as a regional arbitration hub has not been significantly realised. Given the fact that growth in domestic arbitration will encourage investment, drive economic development and improve Arbitration practice and culture amongst Arbitrators and relevant professionals in Nigeria and understanding that Nigeria as a developing country requires underpinning legal frameworks in certain areas to encourage growth, we hereby propose a National Policy on Arbitration.

•Objective The flow of purely Domestic arbitration cases to arbitral seats/venues outside Nigeria is unhelpful to investment dispute resolution, growth of arbitration practice, culture and militates against the EASE OF DOING BUSINESS in Nigeria. It also translates to loss of revenue in billions of dollars to majority of practitioners and

revenue generation for the federation.

It is within this context that the need for a National Policy on Arbitration is derived.

The overall goal and objective of a National Policy on Arbitration Is thegrowth of arbitration practice.

•Nature of the national policy on arbitration The National Arbitration Policy is premised upon the concept that arbitration agreements in respect of all disputes arising from contractual relationships in Nigeria, will have Nigeria as the seat of arbitration.

The thrust of the policy is represented by a two-pronged approach.

The first is that the policy will apply in circumstances where the transactions from domestic contractual relationship involveseither only Nigerian parties or both Nigerian and foreign parties.

The second is that the policy will apply in circumstances where the transactions arising from international contractual relationships involves Nigerian parties and foreign parties, provided that there are strong connecting factors or linkswarranting or justifying that Nigeria should be made the seat of arbitration.

The policy will be achieved by a statutory enactment providing that arbitration arising from all domestic contractual relationships and international contractual relationships, will be arbitrated in Nigeria as the seat of arbitration.

What follows below is the consideration of instances in which the proposed statutory enactment, will apply in respect of the domestic contractual relationships and international contractual relationships, for the purpose of actualizing the policy.

•Domestic Contractual Relationship under National Arbitration Policy There are twocrucialforms of transactions that creates domestic contractual relationships in Nigeria.

These transactions are private commercial transactions and government contracts/transactions that are to be solely performed in Nigeria. These forms of domestic transactions will be considered in light of the National Arbitration Policy.

•Domestic PrivateCommercial Transactions Domestic private commercial transactions largely stem from the contractual relationships arising between Nigerian parties or Nigerian parties

and foreign parties.These private commercial transactions or contracts are termed domestic because they are originated and largely executed in Nigeria, irrespective of the nationality of the parties.

Nigeria generates a significant volume of domesticprivatecommercial transactions. Unfortunately, a significant number of disputes arising from these transactions are ultimately arbitrated in foreign jurisdictions.

Undoubtedly, the flight of domestic arbitration cases to arbitral venues outside Nigeria is unhelpful to our economic development as a country, and also to arbitration practitioners.

This misnomer accounts for the loss of revenue on both levels and requires a national arbitration policy to reverse the trend.

Consequently, there is a need to be proactive in respect of the National Arbitration Policy by ensuring that its roots are embedded in Nigeria’s domestic commercial relationships and dealings with foreign entities. This will requirestatutory intervention of the established principle of arbitration that parties can mutually choose the seat and venue of their arbitration.

This proposed statutory intervention will be represented by the enactment of a law that will expressly provide that arbitration in respect of private commercial transactions originating from Nigeria shall be determined in Nigerian institutions of arbitration.

Ultimately, parties involved in any contractual agreements arising from any transaction performed in Nigeria will be bound to ensure that any arbitration provision in their agreements must comply with the proposed statute.This will require amending the Arbitration

The numbers of these government contracts or transactions are usually very significant, which means that the success of the National Arbitration Policy will obviously depend upon the ability to bring such contracts or transactions within the scope of the policy

and Conciliation Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2019 currently undergoing consideration at the House of Representatives, to incorporate provisions that will promote the National Arbitration Policy.

•Federal and State Government Contracts and Transactions Federal and State government contracts or transactions largely stem from commercial relationships that arise between the Federal and State Governments of Nigeria or their agencies and private entities. The numbers of these government contracts or transactions are usually very significant, which means that the success of the National Arbitration Policy will obviously depend upon the ability to bring such contracts or transactions within the scope of the policy.

Consequently, in giving full effect to the national arbitration policy, it is expected that the policy will be promoted in respect of government contracts, such that arbitration agreements in respect of all disputes arising from governmental contracts, especially with foreign entities will have Nigeria as the seat of arbitration.Consequently, Federal and State government agencies will need to adopt a policy to be applied to all agencies, which will encourage domestic arbitration and curtail the flight of arbitration to othercountries.

From a larger perspective, all Federal and State government agencies will require toincorporate include in their arbitration clauses inagreements, a specification that the arbitral seat of such arbitration would be Nigeria. It ishoped that when this policy is implemented, the practice of arbitration in Nigeria will be significantlyimproved for greater economic development.

•International ContractualRelationships under National Arbitration Policy There are two notable forms of International Contractual relationships in Nigeria. Thefirst are international private commercial transactions involving a Nigerian based party and a party based in a foreign country. The second is represented by the commercial transactions entered into between the Federal government of Nigeria and other foreign countries or the nationals of such foreign countries, which are generally regarded as Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs). Given that these transactions permeate the Nigerian economy, there is a crucial need to consider their position in respect of the National Arbitration Policy.

•International Private Commercial Transactions A notable feature of international private commercial transactions is that such transactions usually involve the performance or execution of a part of the transaction outside Nigeria. For instance, in a contract of carriage by sea to deliver certain goods to Nigeria, the shipping process will entail the loading of the cargo in a port of departure, which will be discharged upon arrival at a Nigerian port.

In such cases where the whole of the contract or transaction will not be performed in Nigeria as identified above, the National Arbitration Policy represented by the statutory intervention will still be applicable as long as a significant aspect of the contract will be executed in Nigeria. If the connecting factors in relation to the contractshows that it is closely connected to Nigeria, then it is logical to say that any arbitration by the parties should be conducted in Nigeria as the seat. In the case of The Noordwind(1987)AllN.L.R.54, the Supreme Court extensively considered

Akinyeye

Bello the issue of connecting factors in relation to a failed contract that ought to have been performed in Nigeria, and came to the conclusion that it would amount to absurdity to permit the case to be litigated in a foreign country when all the factors were in favour of it being litigated in Nigeria. Given this position, it is arguable that the rationale for the proposed statutory intervention that will designate Nigeria as the seat or arbitration can be considered in light of the principles on connecting factors as decided by the Supreme Court in the Noordwind.

However, it is noteworthy that the approach suggested above may raise concerns whether it is possible for the proposed National Arbitration Policy represented by statutory intervention, to compel parties in a dispute to select Nigeria as a seat of arbitration by compulsion, as it may conflict with the core arbitration principle of party autonomy i.e the choice of seat of arbitration is by consent of the parties. It is submitted that legislation can definitely be utilised in superseding or overriding established arbitration principles. This is because statutes can generally be enacted to override established legal principles in order to achieve certain results that are premised on public policy considerations. In this regard, one can take a cue from maritime law, whereby statute represented by the Nigerian Ports Authority Act (NPAA), s 54, was enacted to render a shipowner vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of a compulsory pilot, irrespective that there is no employer-employee relationship between the parties. This law is a clear supersession and suppression of the established common law principle that vicarious liability can only arise where such relationship exists.

Following the above, the proposed statutory intervention will be in order by serving as a protectionist law to ensure the growth and advancement of arbitration in Nigeria.

•Bilateral Investment Treaties Nigeria currently has 30 Bilateral Investment Treaties signed with various foreign countries; however, only 15 of them are in force.All of these BITs explicitly afford various protection in cases of disputes and provide a right of recourse to international arbitration.

Continues online @www.businessdayonline.

-Oluwole Akinyeye Ridwan Bello, MCIArb Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Practice Group Olisa Agbakoba Legal

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Perspective Amotekun: Security begins with you Lawrence Baraebibai Ekpebu

Malcome X and defensive violence

I

was a doctorate student in Harvard when Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965. In a memorial service organised under the auspices of African and Afro-American Students, I delivered a funeral oration pointing out why he was the most misunderstood American. By contrasting his approach to civil rights with that of Martin Luther King Jr, I left no one in doubt in the righteousness of his struggle.

Both were fighting for the same cause, namely, black liberation and protection from white racism, especially lynching and sponsored black-on-black violence. Whereas Malcolm X favoured active resistance, King Jr was for non-violence, or passive resistance, that followed the Biblical injunction of turning the other cheek. Peace was the common denominator in what each was saying as they were two sides of the same coin.

In simple terms, Malcom X was saying that the black man was entitled to full protection from America, to which he now belonged considering that his ancestors built it with their blood, sweat and tears. Blacks continued to carry the burden of building America in war and peace. But if America, for any reason was unwilling or unable to protect him from internal violence, then the black man had to find a way to defend himself by means no less violent.

That is defensive violence.

White America responded by accusing him of inciting violence while saying nothing about the security challenges he was alluding to. Never mind that the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), a white civil rights entity, was all about securing freedom through violence. Not stopping there, the establishment then embraced the Kingian non-violence. Contrary to the charges of violence leveled against him, it must be pointed out that Malcolm X never shot anyone nor had anyone killed on his order.

The wrong interpretation, and fear, of Malcom X made America to support King Jr while demonizing Malcolm X. This indirectly accelerated black liberation as whites feared the rising popularity of Malcom X over King Jr. So Malcolm X made King Jr popular.

In the end, both were claimed by the same internal violence they fought against. Today, America acknowledges the contribution of Malcolm X in the development of democracy of many points of view leading to desegregation and liberalization. A boulevard in New York is named after him.

Necessity of Amotekun The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) reported that Fulani herdsmen killed a total of 1,700 Nigerians between January and September 2018; a figure six times more than what the Boko Haram killed. Timothy Obiezu of VOA News reported that 685 kidnappings occurred in the first quarter of 2019. Armed robbery, cattle rustling, homicide, among others, continue today even on a higher scale in every state of the federation.

The security crisis engulfing Nigeria has convinced millions that the Federal Government is incapable of protecting them for obvious reasons: inadequate military personnel and equipment; dearth of surveillance made worst

by Nigerian vast landmass of 356, 669 square miles; multiple ethnic composition compounded by low troop mobility; infrastructural deficiency for Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs), and finally inhibition of alien psychology against federal troops deployed in remote communities.

It becomes clearer by the day that victims of internal violence must, at some point, do something to halt the carnage or perish. That something was the formation of the armed Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), popular with the Nigerian Army, by the people of the North East to fight the Boko Haram.

Another is the formation of the security outfit called Amotekun Corps by governors of the South West. Unfortunately, the goodwill enjoyed by the Civilian JTF before the Federal Government is lacking with Amotekun, going by the utterances of Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the Federation and Minister of Justice.That is double standard.

Issues bordering on Amotekun have been twisted out of context by biased minds making it near impossible for a sound understanding of the great prospects it holds against organised crimes. The needless controversy is dangerous as it could get out of control leading to terrible consequences. Our northern compatriots are wrong seeing Amotekun as another Biafra in the making. They fear that other

zones could toe the line of the South West leading to the breakup of Nigeria. So, things must be seen in their proper perspectives.

Lest we forget, Amotekun is very much in line with what Nigerians agreed on in the 2014 National Conference. The conference in itself was all about restructuring the country for better productivity.

Restructuring is not synonymous with disintegration. It is another name for progress. Every entity restructures. When a person encounters difficulties he rethinks how he does things for better results.

Industries restructure all the time.

They down-size, expand or merge; all in the name of better profits.

Nations restructure. China started with communism before restructuring to free market economy under Deng Xiaoping. Today, it is the global biggest market combining the best of American capitalism while remaining what it is.

The restructuring we have been fighting for is meant to improve Nigeria in security, economically, scientifically, among others; and not to kill it. That, precisely, is what Amotekun is all about: decentralizing internal security to the six geopolitical zones of North East, North Central, North West, South West, South South and South East. This arrangement will free the Federal Government to focus on the fight against external threats.

Decentralizing security The state is our base for federation. It can arrange security within its constituents to meet contingencies. The governor is the chief security officer of the state, in line with our federal constitution. Nobody who has a state would like to lose it to criminal elements. In a situation

where the Federal Government is unable to protect Nigerians and their properties, considering the thousands of lives lost to terrorists, killer herdsmen, kidnappers and armed gangs, the governor has the constitutional duty to act and save lives. So, the South West governors are very much in order.

For Amotekun to be effective, the architects have to do two things. Firstly, the state government must go to the local governments for proper administrative network. And secondly, the local governments must also engage communities for same. The state knows its local governments and the local governments know their communities. This is not a situation where the Federal Government directly goes to communities it knows nothing about for community policing only to reap monumental failure. Amotekun will make it possible for the state to collaborate with the local governments and communities for community policing with a clear chain of command.

Beyond the state is the geopolitical zone comprising of a number of states. The underlining ideology behind Amotekun is decentralization. This means that each zone will have its own security outfit. Right now security is centralized and that is why criminals and terrorists are having a field day as it takes days for Abuja to send troops to an area under attack. The Chibok debacle could have turned out differently were villages organized and armed with backings from their local and state governments commands.

Since the North East and South West have done the needful, the remaining four zones must create

their distinct security outfits for collaboration in fighting our common enemies, namely, Boko Haram, killer herdsmen, kidnappers, among others. Decentralization will make it impossible for a fleeing criminal to escape the dragnet of the community command of Amotekun, for instance. If he does, then the local government command will pick him up. But where he still eludes this, the state command will get him. But if he escapes from the state command, he would only be running into the dragnet of another state still under the overall zonal command that shares intelligence with other zonal security outfits.

Except the criminal leaves Nigeria, he is going to be flushed out however the hamlet, local government, state or zone he is hiding in.

This will make crime very unattractive. Amotekun is community policing in situ privileging identical security dome over every community, local government, state and zone.

It relies on networking complete with resident spies and operatives for prompt armed reaction.

Amotekun cannot be compared with the Operation ShegeKaFasa kite flown by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG). For instance, it did not impose itself on the South South and South East as the whole idea is decentralizing security for efficiency. But ShegeKaFasa imposed itself over the three northern zones not minding their individual aspirations.

Again, Amotekun has a clear chain of command from zonal, state, local government and community. This is something not seen in ShegeKaFasa that tends to take the North back to the monolithic era when command flowed from a single Arewa House. This will undermine efficiency.

Conclusion Nigerians have their right to self-defense. They are telling the Federal Government that since you cannot adequately protect us from internal violence, then we must defend ourselves. That is the defensive violence championed by Malcom X, distinct from the offensive violence waged by criminals. Those opposing Amotekun are only thinking about its implication rather than its overwhelming merit, namely, lasting security without which development is impossible.

The Federal Government itself has admitted that it is overwhelmed by the high level of internal violence nationwide and security is now everyone’s business. So security begins with everybody as it cannot be left for the police and armed forces alone. The South West has taken up the cudgel in the fight against insecurity. The same common enemies we have are what Amotekun would be fighting.

Amotekun heralds the turning point in the clamour for devolution of power leading to efficiency. This explains its nation-wide acceptance as it will impactpositively on every aspect of our national life.

Under stable security every state will concentrate on areas it has comparative advantage for the overall growth of the country. When this happens, Nigeria, regardless of which political party that is in power,will cease to be the sleeping giant but become the truly resurrected giant of Africa and a key player in the world.

34 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 16 February 2020

BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Why doctors insist on police report to treat accident/gunshot victims DANIEL OBI

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a n y deaths, according to reports, have occurred due to lack of presentation of police report by victims of road accident and gunshot before they could receive treatment in private hospitals in Nigeria. There is no official statistics but deaths from accidents of gunshot and road accidents occur almost every day, according to experts.

FRSC said in a report that average of 12 people died daily in 2019 in road accidents across Nigeria.

The FRSC late last year said it recorded 8,527 road traffic crashes across the country from January to November 2019. The Corps said that 59,724 people were involved in the road crashes in which 14,425 vehicles were involved. According to its reports, 4,163 people died, while 27,408 were injured in the accidents while 27,523 escaped without injuries.

The high level of accidents either on the roads or from gunshots is understandable in a country with a population of about 200 million people, a nation battling with high level of insecurity from Boko Haram, kidnapping, outright vicious murder, poverty and poor infrastructure.

In such environment, there are likely to be many victims either from road accidents due to poor roads, carelessness of drivers, gunshots, fights or from other incidents. Therefore, when hospitals refused to treat them on lack of police reports, it will likely result in many deaths.

Sometimes, relatives of accident victims, rushed to the nearest hospital, beg doctors for treatment, with justifications that the victims are not armed robbers but to no avail. Instead, the doctors refer them to other hospitals, particularly general hospitals that are not nearby.

Doctors in Nigeria who offered explanations why they don’t treat accident/ gunshot victims except

on presentation of police report have tales to tell.

Some of them who spoke to BusinessDay said they are divided between saving lives and police intimidation and harassment.

“Normally a doctor’s professional calling is to save life but when that service will put you in trouble, it is better you avoid it”, a doctor based in Lagos told BusinessDay. This is why some doctors don’t stop on the way to assist accident or gunshot victims because of the fear of being robbed in. He said that the police sometimes try to housecoat the doctor in their investigation, if the victim was involved in criminal activity.

Ac c o r d i n g t o h i m , though there are bad eggs in the medicine practice, but many doctors who are innocent have been interrogated, kept in cell for days or had their hospitals shut down by the police for helping accident or gunshot victims.

Another doctor who prefers anonymity complained that the police harassment is more rampant with private hospitals because police think that some of them collaborate with criminals on robbery activities. “Police can shut down your hospital during their investigation on the allegation of collaboration with criminals”.

The doctors said that they often refer such accident victims to general hospitals where they can be treated and the doctors

would be defended by the authorities if the victims were eventually found to be product of criminal activity.

Determined to checkmate the pains and perhaps eventual deaths of accident victims resulting from lack of police reports, Nigerian government in 2017 enacted The Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot act.

The act provides for the compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshots by hospitals in Nigeria.

The act further imposes the responsibility on every citizen to offer any assistance to gunshot victims by taking them to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Clarifying the act in an online news report, the Pulse.ng, an Abuja based Legal practitioner, First Baba Isa, says the law specifies punishment for medical practitioners who refused to tend to gunshot victims because they don’t have a police report.

He says; “Section 1 states that “Every hospital is to receive and treat victims of gunshot wounds with or without police clearance and/or payment of an initial deposit, but are duty bound to report to the nearest police station within two hours of commencing treatment on the victim.

“Section 7 states that “Any authority or person, whose omission results in the unnecessary death of a gunshot victim shall be

liable to imprisonment for 5 years or a fine in the sum of N500, 000.00 or both.” It is not yet known whether any person has been charged to court for violation of this act.

The doctors further explained to BusinessDay that it is not about enacting acts but proper implementation of the acts. “How well the act is implemented is the issue. We are law drafting people but the issue is implementation”, a doctor said.

Federal Competitive and Consumer Protection Council, FCCPC which has the mandate to protect consumer rights in Nigeria is taking the patients’ rights further.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is the apex consumer protection agency in Nigeria. The Commission was established by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Act (FCCPCA) (Cap. 25, Laws of The Federation 2004). The overall mandate of the Commission is to protect consumers by taking both preventive and remedial measures.

FCCPC was originally enacted in 1992, but the physical establishment of the Commission occurred in 1999.

The agency recognises that consumer is the greatest asset of Nigeria and would do all it could to protect the consumer from unfair practice.

Babatunde Irukera, the Chief Executive FCCPC (formerly Consumer Protection Council) who started overseeing the transition and operationalisation of the Commission since January 30, 2019, when the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act was enacted believes that demand of police report before hospitals should attend to patients must end.

This controversy over police report before doctor’s treatment must end.

“It is not a debate, it is costing lives. If it is some philosophical debate about ideology, we can continue, it doesn’t matter. It is not a debate but it is costing lives”, he told BusinessDay. He said treating victims is not issue of who did right or wrong, but it is to save life.

He said apart from addressing police report issue; Nigeria should address other critical infrastructure that must exist to save lives, like ambulances. “Why can’t we have training for paramedics? Why can’t ambulance be part of insurance, why can’t we charge a certain percentage on insurance and put it in a certain fund for emergency ambulance service? So that it is private sector driven and people will set up ambulance service and know they will be paid through insurance or capitation fund”.

The agency is also intervening in electricity sector to end arbitrary electricity billings, energy theft, and

issue of metering, group disconnections and to ensure adequate poor power sector regulation.

Over the years, Nigerian electricity consumers and providers have lived with these challenges including lack of state-of-art to distribute electricity, exhibition of violence by consumers against service providers, delay in addressing consumers’ complaints and discriminatory distribution of electricity.

But in an attempt to fashion a new chapter in the sector, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC has initiated a forum between consumers and electricity providers that started addressing the grey areas.

At one of those town hall meetings held between FCCPC, Ikeja Disco, consumers and electricity regulatory bodies, CEO of FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera said the meeting is to allow the discos to hear the consumers, recognise what their grievances are and to improve on how they address those grievances.

For instance, he said there is no excuse of billing consumers for power that they did not use. “An estimated billing itself seems to have been redefined, abused and mis-characterised. We use to have estimated billing in Nigeria before the discos and it was not such a contentious but the real challenge is that this estimated billing has become arbitrary and crazy and that is why people are resisting it. That is why metering seems to be the only option”.

As identified by Irukere, the greatest challenge is getting the populace to know they have rights and for them to be willing to demand and enforce their rights.

On ending the issue of presentation of police report before treatment of accident/gunshot victims, there should be a similar town hall meeting between the police and doctors and FCCPC to address grey areas. Enactment of acts alone cannot solve the challenges of human rights enforcement.

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CapitalMarket Nigerian Breweries proposes N12bn dividend as profit declines by 17%

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TELIAT SULE

he impact of the stiff competition in the nation’s brewery industry manifested last week when the brewery industry heavyweight, Nigerian Breweries, released its full year annual report for the period ended 31st December 2019, to the effect that the company’s gross revenue remained flat while the profit after tax (PAT) and final dividend per share fell by 16.9 percent each in 2019.

Initially dominated by Nigerian Breweries and Guinness, Nigeria’s brewery industry now has other competitors such as the International Breweries, Champion Breweries, among others. In 2019, Nigerian Breweries realised N323 billion as net revenue, which was 0.43 percent lower than N324.88 billion it realised as net revenue in 2018.

Revenue from Nigeria, which accounts for 99 percent of the firm’s total revenue, fell marginally by 0.4 percent from N324.19 billion in 2018 to N322.81 billion in 2019. On the contrary, proceeds from export increased by 4.22 percent from N190.48 million in 2018 to N198.52 million in 2019, confirming the earlier findings that border closures might have negligible or no effects on non-oil exports.

Gross profit for the period rose by 3.42 percent to N131.25 billion in 2019 from N126.90 billion in 2018 due to 3 percent drop in the cost of sales which fell to N191.76 billion in 2019 as against N197.48 billion in 2018.

The implication of this is that the cost of sales to revenue fell to 59 percent in 2019 as against 61 percent in 2018. Nigerian Breweries was able to cut down the cost of sales in 2019 due to the 33 percent reduction in its distribution staff. The company ended up with 256 employees in its distribution department in 2019 compared

with 193 personnel in the same department in 2018. Overall, the company employed 3,102 employees in 2019 in contrast to 2,983 personnel in 2018, but the increase was mostly in the general administration and production departments whereas distribution and commercial departments witnessed reduction in the number of their employees.

As a group, the company has other sources of income. To this effect, other income rose by 13.5 percent from N885.36 million in 2018 to N1.005 billion in 2019.

Sources of revenues categorised as other income include the sale of scrap, management services, gain on sales-PP&E) and income from insurance claims.

Finance cost in 2019 was higher than the 2018 level by 53.5 percent, as it rose to N12.11 billion last year from N7.89 billion in 2018.

This is mostly connected with the number of debt instruments the brewery giant has issued in recent times.

On June 25, 2019, Nigerian Breweries notified all the stakeholders of its series 3 and 4 commercial paper programme.

“Nigerian Breweries Plc is pleased to inform The Nigerian Stock Exchange and the investing public of the continuation of its Commercial Paper programme with the launch of Series 3 and 4 of the programme which opened on the 24th of June, 2019. While Series 3 would be for a tenor of 91 days, Series 4 would be for 172 days, and the aim is to raise up to N15 billion to support the company’s short terms funding needs.

“Earlier this year, the company had successfully concluded the Series 1 and 2 of its renewed N100 billion CP programme. In addition to providing an opportunity for non-equity investors to invest in the company, the CP programme continues to support the company’s cost management initiatives with the overall aim of reducing its cost of fund. The CP also serves as

an additional source of funding for the company”, a notice signed by Uaboi Agbebaku, stated.

Additionally, Nigerian Breweries announced another series 5 and 6 of its commercial paper program in January 2020.

Profit after tax fell to N16.11 billion in 2019 down from NN19.44 billion in 2018. Consequently, the board of directors has proposed a final dividend of N1.51 per share compared with N1.83 per share in 2018. The final dividend is in addition to the interim dividend of N0.50 per share that was paid in 2019(N0.60 in 2018). The total dividend that will be paid for the 2019 financial year will amount to N16.07 billion.

“If the proposed final dividend is approved, it will be subject to deduction of withholding tax at the appropriate rate and the dividend will become payable on the 23rd of April, 2020, to all shareholders whose names appear on the Company’s Register of Members at the close of business on the 4th

of March, 2020”, the company announced.

Meanwhile, the competition in the brewery industry which affected Nigerian Breweries’ profit after tax (PAT) did not prevent the brewery giant from its annual corporate social responsibility (CSR). NB handsomely donated N94.77 million in 2019 for different CSR projects. That amounted to a 64.2 percent increase over N57.7 million the firm committed to CSR projects in 2018.

Some of the institutions that benefited from its CSR in 2019 included Health Care Facility Sokoto, Youth Empowerment (Skill Acquisition) in Awo-Omamma, Electrification Porject in Imaka Town, Repairs and Installation of Community Boreholes in Kaduna, Ibadan and Enugu as well as Kakuri Health centre Project, among others.

Investors traded 349,880 units of shares of Nigerian Breweries, worth N16.28 million to close at N51.50 per share last week Friday.

Conoil FY19 profit surges by 11% to N2bn TELIAT SULE

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igns that the restrictions placed on the sale of white products around Nigerian borders had minimal impact on Conoil Nigeria emerged last week when the company announced its unaudited financial statement for the fourth quarter ended 31 December 2019. Insights

gained from its financials showed that gross revenue, profit for the year and shareholders ‘funds increased by 14 percent, 11 percent and 3 percent respectively.

The Nigerian government last year instructed downstream firms not to sell white products within 20 kilometres to Nigerian borders with the neighbouring countries.

This sudden policy in some way affected downstream firms with retail

outlets within the region specified.

That is not the case of Conoil Nigeria Plc which made N139.75 billion as revenue in 2019 in contrast to N122.21 billion in the previous year, representing an crease of 14 percent.

Conoil Nigeria has two product lines which are white products and lubricants. In 2019 white products fetched the firm N132.58 billion, representing 95 percent of the company’s income while with N7.18

billion from lubricants, that product line accounted for 5 percent. White products gulped N121.4 billion as cost of sales while lubricants gulped N4.65 billion, which brought the total cost of sales to N126.04 billion in 2019.

Profit after tax for the year was N1.98 billion in 2019 as against N1.79 billion in 2018.

Market sentiments remained unchanged after the release of the

results as the price of the stock in down by -2.7 percent year to date to N18 per share. Last week Friday, investors traded 138,532 shares of Conoil worth N2.52 million.

In 2019 dividend season, Conoil Nigeria paid stakeholders N2 per share as the final dividend, and the current results give stakeholders the hope that similar dividend policy will be implemented in the 2020 dividend season.

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TheWorshippers Insecurity: Government needs to create an environment for dialogue – Rev. Fr. Godonu Rev. Fr. Anthony Gbenayon Godonu is the director of social communications of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos.

In this interview, Godonu unveiled his strategic plan for the Archdiocese and the need for Nigerian youth to develop leadership position and interest in politics. Excerpt by SEYI JOHN SALAU Focusing on issues around insecurity, which I believe touches everyone: How best do you think we can tackle this menace in Nigeria? nsecurity was one of the things we talked about on the World Day of Peace on the 1st January, 2020. We said there is need to create an environment for dialogue.

Dialogue in a way that everybody will feel wanted in the society. In a situation whereby you relegate some people to the background, and they become resistive in terms of how they want to carry out preservation and sustenance of their own lives, then you will surely have insecurity.

Kidnappers and armed robbers that are being arrested always attribute their irresponsible life styles to lack of work. Many of them claimed to have graduated from the universities and have not been able to secure a source of livelihood. Therefore, if you cannot create the kind of environment in which people can leave a decent life, you continue to create a situation of insecurity. That is what we are having in Nigeria.

Therefore, what the government has to do is to re-strategize and create that security mechanism to tackle the challenge.

Now, we are talking about regional security and the Federal Government is saying no and declaring it as illegal. So, if it is illegal, and you are in charge of security, what do you have on the table in order to secure the people?

You do not have what it takes to create a safe place for lives and properties. Now, people from a particular region are saying we want to gather together and create our own security measures and our federal government is resisting. They are saying “we are not trying to take over the work of the Nigerian Police, but to compliment what the Police is doing”, and you are saying it is illegal. Let the Federal Government discuss with each regions. That is why we are talking about restructuring.

Has the Federal Government done enough to ensure the release of Chibok girls?

The church has been very, very insistent about our demand from the Federal Government regarding the release of Nigerian girls that are still under Boko Haram captivity. Therefore, I believe the Government is not doing enough to facilitate the release of these girls. Government should endeavor to do more. A situation whereby the government refuses to carry out its responsibility to-

I

wards its citizens gives a little to desire. The truth is that if you do not care for the people, a day will come when the same people you refused to care for, will turn back against you. These girls have been in captivity in the last six years now, and nobody knows if they are still alive. If they are still alive, where are they? Who knows where they must have taken these girls. Terrorists move from one place to another. We will never lose hope that they are still alive; the Government however should do everything possible to bring them back to their parents.

Our demand has been that the girls should be released from captivity. We want the government to go after the captors of these girls and make sure they are securely released. Insecurity has remained a challenge in this country.

As a priest in the Catholic Church, what is your view on pastors and reverend fathers getting involved in politics?

Priests are not known to be partisans in anyway. This is because we are not trained to be politicians. Not that we cannot speak to the conscience of the politicians. However, the Catholic Priest is not known to categorically get involved in politics and become supporter of one party against the other. It is unfortunate that some of our priests and pastors are getting involved in politics. Though, there is a saying that evil thrives when good men and women do nothing to bring change. So, if it is in view of becoming voice to the voiceless, or hope for the hopeless, I don’t have any problem. But, to categorically come out and say, you are for ‘A’ and not for ‘B’, that is not what the Christian leaders are known for. We also remember that among our congregation, there are people who belong to the opposition parties. We cannot take the microphone and stand on the pulpit and say we are for this party; we are not for that party.

What then is your advice to the youth in regard active participation in polities?

I think the environment is not supportive of the youth to participate fully in Nigeria politics. They do not have the kind of money the politicians have to throw around. Of course, if you look into the House of Representatives or Senate, we have some one or two known young men who and women who are actively involved in Politics. My advice is that the youths should not be discouraged. For them to thrive in politics, they need to

Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu

continue to try. We have so many untapped potentials among our youths. Since they are untapped, it is not like they are being taken away by anybody. It is actually a matter of time for them to be actualized. By the time these potentials begin to manifest and actualize, even the politicians that are ganging against the people will not be able to stand it.

For me, the youths should not be discouraged about what is happening in Nigeria’s political arena.

Coming to you as the director of social communications for the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos; what are your plans for the Archdiocese?

My predecessor, Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu has done so well. He has fostered a lot of background structure in terms of relationship with the media.

He is well known to many media executives. He has been the voice for the Archdioceses for many years. He was always on the pages of the Newspapers for almost 25 years. Therefore, having come on board, I have plans to take it from where he stopped and continue to build on it.

To this end, I came up with a blue print, which I presented to the Archbishop. One of our main goals is to get a permanent struc-

ture for the Directorate of Social Communication. All the while, we have only had a satellite office at St. Agnes Maryland, which has hitherto been housing the Catholic Herald Newspapers, which is an aspect of the Directorate of Social Communication. I requested an audience with the Archbishop, with Father Umoh who built the Centre for Media Development in Ojota. We concluded that it is necessary for us to have a Centralized place, which can be known as the office of the Directorate for Social Communications.

We also have plans to build a multi-media center. This is necessary because we are in a digital era and the church has been involved in communication for many years.

If you look at so many documents that have been written by the Popes, they have always been forceful on the need to use the communication apparatus to foster the spread of the gospel. It is for this reason we are thinking of building a multi-media center for which we are still at the planning stage. We have gotten the cost of purchase and installation of the equipment that we need. Now, fund is still the challenge. This is one of the major projects I wish to execute during my tenure as the Director of Communication.

This is my dream and I hope to realize it.

Now, one of the pressing projects that we are carrying out in the directorate is to have a media conference for catholic media practitioners with the Archbishop. The Archbishop is the one calling on all media practitioners to come on board and put heads together to see how these blue prints that we have enumerated can be achieved. Apart from the fact that we hope that the conference will be an opportunity to open up the blue prints of the directorate of the communication apostolate within the Archdiocese, our plans is to rebrand or revamp our newspapers, which is called the Catholic Herald Newspaper. At the moment, it is being produced weekly from Ojota. Therefore, we want to rebrand it and we want to work on the layout; give it a new face and then present it to the catholic faithful in the Archdioceses as well as the general public.

How do you intend to implement your plan considering funding would be a challenge?

Yes, funding is always a major problem when it comes to project execution. We have requested for grant from Signis. Signis is the umbrella body for all Catholic Practitioners and Entertainers. We are having talks with the Archbishop to know how we are going to raise funds to achieve the dream. Our intended project of establishing Multi media centre for instance is going to cost us almost N76 million, but what I have realized is that we do not need to wait to have the whole of the money before starting the project. We can actually start with whatever we are able to raise.

Secondly, we hope that the fund that will be generated from Catholic Herald Newspapers will be of a support. At the moment, we have not gotten to the stage where we would like to be. We still need to go higher than this.

We need a lot of sponsors, a lot of adverts from the corporate world. Nevertheless, we have to create that corporate look for organizations to key into our newspaper. One of the things we are actually working on is to rebrand the Newspaper to have a better readership and encourage organizations to patronize us through advert placement. If every week, we print up to 10,000 copies, why will an organization not want to be on the pages of our Newspaper?

Hopefully, with the support of the Archbishop who has been very supportive, we should be able to raise funds.

Sunday 16 February 2020

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BDSUNDAY 37

TheWorshippers Inspiration With Rev. Yomi Kasali

info@yomikasali.com

I

had lunch with my son in my favourite Chinese restaurant while on vacation recently and we had a very good father and son conversation about Life, Success, Money, Relationships and Work. He shared his dreams with me again and I listened to him with keen interest to know if he still had his godly values intact as his mother and I have taught him over the

Living a quiet life years. He then mentioned his shared dream with someone he considers his best friend, when profiling this fellow to me again, he said something like, ‘...you know Parker, he is a quiet, Christian accountant...’, I picked the word Quiet and started a conversation like I love to do always.

My opinion of a successful life is formed from many scriptures and one of which summarizes the mind and will of God as ‘Living a Quiet Life’, I quickly shared that scripture with him and told him how to achieve such in this boisterous world of ours.

Paul the Apostle told Timothy about living a Quiet and Peaceful life, he said it is good and acceptable in the sight of God… amazing isn’t it. ‘... that we may lead a QUIET and PEACEABLE LIFE in all godliness and honesty, for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour’2 (1 Tim 2 v 2-3). What a Life and I’m sure some of my readers will immediately cast their minds out of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, London, Kano and the busiest places on earth.

God wants us to ‘Live

A Quiet and Peaceful’ life because it is totally acceptable in His sight and the opposite is Unacceptable with Him. It Is a mystery to think that that is achievable in today’s busy world of Danfo, Okada and Keke… oh I’m sorry, the latter have been banned from some Lagos roads (sic).

I’ll like to share with you some profound secrets on how to Live a Quiet Life.

5 Secrets behind living a quiet life in a busy world Do not be noisy and lousy: You can be in a bus and no one will notice you; while some will be in the same bus and make too much noise; you can live a very quiet life without noise around you. There are people who speak loud on the

phones and distract other people, I often wonder if they know that we are not interested in their conversation, yet they forcefully bring us into their matter without our permission. Do not be Noisy and Lousy as a person.

Do not dress in a lousy manner: many people are noisy in their dressing and fashion; they usually want to make Fashion statements and that make them the centre of attraction daily. I prefer to live moderately and encourage others to do so. We need to teach people about dress sense and not just in colours but in manners.

Do not be flashy with your wealth: This is the

Nigeria is like a ship stranded on the high sea, says Bishop Kukah SEYI JOHN SALAU

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he Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Ku k a h , h a s d e scribed Nigeria as a rudderless ship stranded on the high seas with broken navigational aids. “This is a solemn moment for the body of Christ. This is for us the moment of decision. This is the moment that separates darkness from light, good from evil. Our nation is like a.

“Today, our years of hypocrisy, duplicity, fabricated integrity, false piety, empty morality, fraud, and Pharisaism have caught up with us.

Nigeria is on the crossroads and its future hangs precariously in a balance. This is a wakeup call for us. As St. Paul reminds us; the night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light (Rom. 13:12). It is time to confront and dispel the clouds of evil that hover over us,” said Kukah.

Bishop Kukah stated this at the funeral mass of Seminarian Michael Nnadi at the Good Shepherd Seminary, Kaduna State. According to him, Nigeria is at a point where citizens must call for a verdict, stating that there must be something a nation should be ready to die for.

“Sadly, or even tragically, today, Nigeria does not possess that set of goals or values for which any sane citizen is prepared to die for her. Perhaps, I should correct myself and say that the average officeholder is ready to die to protect his office but not for the nation that has given him or her that office. “The Yorubas say that if it takes you 25 years to practice madness, how much time would you have to put it into real life. We have practiced madness for too long,” said Kukah.

While speaking on the persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria, Kukah opined that nation-building cannot happen without adequate representation and a deliberate effort at creating for all members a sense

and feeling of belonging, and freedom to make their contributions.

“This is the window that the killers of Boko Haram have exploited and turned into a door to death. It is why killing Christians and destroying Christianity is seen as one of their key missions. All of us must confess in all honesty that in the years that have passed, the northern Muslim elite have not developed a moral basis for adequate powersharing with their Christian co-regionalists,” said Kukah.

According to him, neither Islam nor the north can identify any real benefits from the years that have been consumed by the locusts that this government has unleashed on the country.

“Today, in Nigeria, the noble religion of Islam has convulsed. It has become associated with some of the worst fears among our people.

“Muslim scholars, traditional rulers, and intellectuals have continued to cry out helplessly, asking for their religion and region to be freed from this chokehold. The

Fulani, his innocent kinsmen, have become the subject of opprobrium, ridicule, defamation, calumny, and obloquy. His north has become one large graveyard, a valley of dry bones, the nastiest and the most brutish part of our dear country,” said Kukah.

The clergyman opined that the current situation in the country calls for sober reflection and stock taking by all citizenry, especially political officeholders. “Nigeria needs to pause for a moment and think. No one was more than the President of Nigeria, Major General Muhammadu Buhari who was voted for in 2015 on the grounds of his own promises to rout Boko Haram and place the country on an even keel.

“No one could have imagined that in winning the Presidency, General Buhari would bring nepotism and clannishness into the military and the ancillary Security Agencies, that his government would be marked by supremacist and divisive policies that would push our country to the brink.

sin many preachers commit, which worshippers have sadly embraced. Why tell us about your private jets, your 7-star lifestyle in Dubai, your million dollar wrist watches and palatial mansions that you live in?

They are all Private and should be kept as such if you are comfortable with that lifestyle. That is why many people are committing crimes today because they are trying to keep up with the trends.

Do not live the social media lifestyle: I call the flash on social media the lying life, people take pictures of themselves in houses they don’t own, cars they can’t afford, places they’ve not been, people they’ve not met etc. The magic of photoshop has created a Lie that many people live today, and they simply claim they are living their dreams. We need to tell our people the truth between reality and utopia, we should just Live a Simple and Quiet life and Be Happy.

Do not associate with ungodly people: Give yourself the best gift this

season by looking for a good godly church to attend and nurture your soul towards living a quiet and peaceable life. There are many churches out there who fuel the greed in men and make them money monsters in this world. Do not associate with ungodly people even if they come in the name of bishops and pastors.

I hope you have been Inspired Today on how to Live Well and explained what the Bible calls a Prosperous and happy Life with these simple keys that can help you through 2020 and this decade.

Drop me a note of acknowledgment and encouragement and also follow me on my Social media handles below: Instagram: @yomi_ kasali Twitter: @yomi_kasali Facebook: www.facebook. com/revyomikasali Youtube: www.youtube. com/revyomikasali

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

Ejigbo Gospel Awards rewards artistes, producers, others

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jigbo gospel Awards will today reward deserving artistes, producers, among others. The gospel award is the first of its kind in the community.

The organisers said that the Award tends to promote, recognise and encourage Gospel acts in Ejigbo.

“With 12 categories up for Awards such as male artiste of the year, female artiste of the year, producer of the year, music director of

the year, singles of the year, comedian of the year, drama group of the year, dance crew of the year, Rap artiste of the year and supporting media of the year, we want to make a statement that will encourage other youths to do meaningful things in society,” The event, according to the planners will take place today, 16th of February 2020 at Geedee Events and More, 58A Idimu Road Ejigbo. Time is 1pm. Renowned gospel artistes will be in attendance such as Tosin Bee, Kenny blaq, Kenn Church, among many others.

The Awards is organised

by SendMe4U Services, a newly established event planning and management company founded by Jonathan Aderoju located in Ejigbo, Lagos State, Nigeria in partnership with Ronny Cares Foundation.

38 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 16 February 2020

SundayBusiness Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

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s the focus intensifies on adding impact to the food value chain, several individuals and groups are keying into the vast opportunities available to them.

Right from the raw material stage through processing , preservation/storage to sales and marketing , reasonable income is being made through selling and buying, employment generation, training and sometimes, export.

The truth however, is that operators in these various subsectors of the Small and Medium Sc a l e En t e r p r i s e s ( S M Es) face sundry challenges. These include decaying infrastructure, epileptic power supply, lack of low-interest loans to give life to their business ideas and lack of the application of modern technology to processing and even marketing .

The other challenge is the issue of rising costs of raw materials. This definitely affects the prices too. So, what is the

Lessons from Grano Institute of Catering and Hotel Management way forward? That is where Grano Institute of Catering and Hotel Management comes in.

To begin with, it has a vision to check contemporary catering services and methods that can withstand the test and taste of time, and make amends with the right technology through vocational education. Its purposeful mission is “to raise a pool of quality professionals in Catering and Hotel Management who are reference points in global bench-marking”.

Established in Year 2000 with a vision of providing quality professionals in Catering and Hotel Management, Grano Institute today boasts of products that are remarkably marketable in reasonable hospitality industries all over the country. Its winning mantra is that it has got highly skilled professionals who consistently bring the needed knowledge to all its students.

Looked at dispassionately from the experience gathered in the field so far, its operational edge is the presence of world class facilities including a model student hostel. What more, it offers career guidance and counselling to help position the students on self-employment upon graduation.

In addition, its Industrial Tr a i n i n g ( I T ) p r o g r a m m e allows the beneficiaries to learn among professionals. Besides, it programmes are NABTEB and ITF- approved and it enjoys partnership with Olabisi Onabanjo University Consult.

It means therefore, that people

who drink from the fountain of knowledge of those who have gone ahead of them cannot become hungry. Except for more knowledge!

Th e r e m u s t h a v e b e e n some thorough thinkingthrough before the take-off as the education and training of professionals in and Hotel Administration reflects the peculiar economic structure and ideological environment of Nigeria. Also, in an attempt to maintain acceptable training standards, the management has decided to follow the system of education and training similar to that obtainable in all wellestablished catering and Hotel institutions all over the world.

This means that the standards align with the best global practices.

And to make its presence felt, especially in areas where its services are much-needed, it has its campuses located in both Lagos and Ogun states. These include Ifako-Ijaiye LG, Alimosho LG all in Lagos state. Those in Dalemo b/stop, Sango-Ota , Adiyan road, before Adiyan Gas line as well as in Ifo LGA are both in Ogun State.

As for the courses available, Professional Diploma in Catering and Hotel Management range from the Full Time of 6 months to the Part Time of 1 year and Weekend of 2 years. Admissions come up in January, April, July, and September of every year.

For the Diploma In Hotel Management, the Full Time course runs for 4 weeks, while the Part Time covers a period

Peter Obi, Oluseyi Makinde, others for NABF Economic Summit in US Obinna Emelike

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spartofitscommitmentto growing Nigeria economy and attracting Foreign Direct Investment to the country, the Nigerian-American Business Forum (NABF) is set to hold a two-day business summit on Nigeria in the United States of America.

According to Afolabi Andu, chairman, NABF, who is also the president of Nigerian – British Business Forum, the event is part of extending the global reach of the group, focusing on strategic markets and partners to open up the business space of Nigeria for creditable investors and investments.

The summit is scheduled to hold from February 29 to March 1, 2020 at the city of Tampa on the theme; ‘Improving Nigeria Economy: Challenges and Opportunities’.

It will be attended by a power delegation from the Nigerian government, which is expected to make a pitch for the country during the two-day summit.

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and presidential c a n d i d a t e o f t h e Pe o p l e ’s Democratic Party (PDP), is the keynote speaker. Other guests and speakers include; Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson/chief executive officer, Nigerian Diaspora Commission; Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi State, Oluseyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, Jimi Awosika, vice chairman, Troyka Holdings LLC, and John Momoh, chairman, Channels Media Group,.

Jane Castor, the Mayor of Tampa City, will also be in attendance while the chief host of the economic summit is Ken Shobola, president of NABF, who is based in Tampa Florida.

According to Andu, who is also expected to deliver a paper at the event, ‘‘The primary objective

of this group is to foster a safer investment environment for entrepreneurial business in Nigeria from the Diaspora and the globe through interfacing of both Nigerian private and public sectors with the entrepreneurial and professional disciplines of the membership of NABF. ‘‘The Forum provides a platform where American based Nigerian professionals and business owners can effectively interact with NABF members and entities at the highest levels of government and the private sector for the mitigation of pitfalls and challenges in business execution in respective regions of Nigeria.’’

In addition to the daytime events, which feature a number of notable speakers, there will be the Best of Nigeria Expo, featuring exhibits from various local Nigerian businesses and private and public sector organisations, particularly federal agencies and state governments MDAs.

of 6 weeks. For both admission goes on every blessed day.

Why Grano Catering Institute stands out is that it has in its fold crops of experienced chefs, preparing several delicacies with great value; all boasting of creative cuisines. In fact, they are choices for not a few parties ranging from birthdays to wedding receptions.

The related courses in this regard include Certificate i n Ch i n e s e D i s h e s B a s i c Snacks Production, Practical C o o k e r y, C a k e M a k i n g , Mixology(Mixology) as well a s Re c r e a t i o n a n d Ev e n t s Management.

Other relevant courses include Cake making, Designing and Decoration, Sugar Craft (Sugar flowers, foliage, and leaves), Modeling (Fruits, Wild Animals, Human, Figures), Basic Snacks Production, Intensive Practical Cookery (Dishes), in addition to the preparation of Continental and Intercontinental dishes.

In all of these, we have to learn the peculiarities of setting up small and medium scale food businesses, how to overcome its challenges and make a success of it. According to Temitope Olowu, the MD/CEO of Freesia Catering and Events Services, the industry is getting more challenging by the day which is good as more young entrepreneurs are getting involved.

In her words: “More people are now diving into the business which will create job opportunities for the unemployed and take our youth

off the street. The truth is that Nigeria will grow stronger when the government does more for micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs).

Graduates do not really look for white-collar jobs again”.

To overcome the challenges in the industry requires serious determination, adhering to budgets with regards to the customer’s choices of food items and hall decorations.

There is nothing wrong for food entrepreneurs to go for more training and take advice from professionals as Grano institute of Catering and Hotel Management currently provides.

One’s candid advice to the current administration and others that will come after is to spread the benefits of the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers Scheme to those operating MSMEs in the food industry. Similarly, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation at the state level should assist this set of people as they require more operational funds in the face of electric power supply, increase in the prices of raw items in the face of growing insecurity.

To succeed, they would need credible data to start with and not politicize the issue of those that should benefit. Above all, Grano Institute has provided the template, which like minds should learn from.

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

Zeeco, Arbel Energy partner to reduce environmental impact of gas flaring in Nigeria SEYI JOHN SALAU

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eeco, a global leader in combustion and environmental solutions for the refinery, production, petrochemical, power, pharmaceutical, and biogas industries has launched its services in Nigeria in collaboration with Arbel Energy and Logistics limited to help reduce environmental impact of gas flaring in Nigeria.

Zeeco product lines include ultra-low emission burners, gas and liquid flaring systems, and hazardous and non-hazardous waste incineration. The American company designs, manufactures, markets, and services combustion systems for customers worldwide.

Nigel Palfreeman, MD, Zeeco Europe limited said the introduction of Zeeco in Nigeria is to help the country with environmental products and associate gas recovery, and to tackle some of the environmental issues associated with gas flaring. “We are looking at associate gas recovery and the

economic benefits of doing that across the country, and some of the benefits will be environmental,” he stated.

According to him, the environmental impact of gas flaring in Nigeria is huge, being the 6th highest flaring country in the world. “So, energy lost cannot be recovered and to recover it would be an economic factor that can also contribute to saving the environment. With our expertise and Arbel local knowledge, and the ability to put these packages together within Nigeria; we think that is the way forward,” Palfreeman said.

Umar Ardo, chairman/CEO Arbel Energy and Logistics limited said the partnership with Zeeco will help preserve Nigeria’s ecological environment to advance economic potentials that are inherent in gas.

Ardo posits that as government continue to focus on harnessing the commercial benefits from gas, Zeeco presence in Nigeria will help resolve the economic potentials of gas and the environmental issues associated with gas flaring in Nigeria.

Sunday 16 February 2020

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SundayBusiness Assembly seeks relocation of MPN, others to A/Ibom

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damage to flora and fauna, exposure of biota to contaminants, among other hazards, ExxonMobil should have its operational base in the state, as such development would have positive economic impacts on the people.

“Whereas as the saying goes “to whom much is given, much is expected”. Akwa Ibom State having given the highest volume of oil and revenue to the Federal Republic of Nigeria expects the Federal Government to relocate the head offices of two NNPC subsidiaries in , namely Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) to Akwa Ibom State”, he said.

The house therefore unanimously resolved that a copy of the resolution be forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari and Members of the National Assembly from Akwa Ibom extraction.

Reacting, the Speaker of

House, Aniekan Bassey, said the refusal of DPR and NAPIMS to relocate to the state was a deliberate attempt aimed at depriving Akwa Ibom people of their rights and privileges.

While commending the Lawmakers for supporting the motion which he said will foster development in Akwa Ibom State, the Speaker directed the clerk, Mandu Umoren to communicate the resolution of the House to the appropriate authorities.

At Plenary also, the House received a motion on “urgent need to curb extortion of electricity consumers in Akwa Ibom State”, sponsored by the Member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Victor Ekwere.

The motion was referred to the committee on Rural Development and Public Utilities to interface with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) and report back to the House within two weeks.

Glo continues to set the pace with ‘Smart Home, Emoji’ TVCs

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ith the unveiling of two new television commercials recently, national telecommunications company, Globacom has continued to set the pace with delightful productions which have over the years been effectively used to promote its products and services among Nigerians.

Tagged “Emoji” and “Smart Home”, the two commercials have become very popular particularly among the youths, showcasing the power of contemporary technology aided by the social media.

The first TVC, “Smart Home”, is a demonstration of the power of technology which has succeeded in simplifying different homebased activities, particularly the use of remote control in performing household chores like turning on the faucet and opening doors as well as switching the light on and off.

This was perfectly captured by the two popular rivals in the Glo television commercial series, Mama Gee (Patience Ozokwor) and Sola Sobowale aka ‘Toyin Tomato’. After the “end-

... As workers complain of massive corruption , looting, irregularities VICTORIA NNAKAIKE, Lokoja

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ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

he Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), to take immediate steps to relocate the head offices of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) to Akwa Ibom State.

The House also ordered ExxonMobil, one of the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas companies to relocate its operational base to the state.

The resolution followed a motion brought before the house by the member representing Ini State Constituency, Emmanuel Ekpenyong Ekpenyong in his submission, informed the house that the relocation of the head offices of DPR and NAPIMS will have the ripple effect of forcing ExxonMobil to also relocate its headquarters to Akwa Ibom State.

He pointed out that the State contributes about 33% of Nigeria’s daily volume of oil production and is by far the highest oil producing State in Nigeria.

He said with the adverse environmentalimpactcaused by crude oil and natural gas production such as air and ground water pollution,

EFCC, other graft agencies called to save KSIRS

of-the-year party” organized

by Mama Gee’s daughter, Sobowale’s daughter decided to use the rest room and she was accompanied by her mum, only for the door to be opened without anyone opening it which shocked both of them.

The same thing happened in the living room where Sobowale sat on the settee, only to discover light bulbs coming on by itself, not knowing that it was Mama Gee’s daughter, spurred on by her mother, who was monitoring their movement on her smartphone from outside and switching on the gadgets, with other guests watching.

The mystery continued in the rest room when the tap was turned on remotely

by Mama G’s daughter in connivance with her (Mama G’s), forced a very shocked Sobowale and her daughter to quickly rush out of the rest room and the house saying “there is something opening the door, switching the lights!”. Mama Gee who was waiting with her daughter and others outside then replied with a funny grin on her face, saying “nothing to worry about” while a bubbly

Odunlade Adekola concluded the conversation with “na Glo 4G dey run things”.

It was however a sweet revenge for Sola Sobowale later when she successfully scared Mama Gee and her daughter by beeping the security botton of her car suddenly while they were passing by, with a very delighted Sobowale dangling the remote control with smile on her face.

On the other hand, the Emoji commercial, demonstrates the various emotions of netizens whilst responding to issues.

It kicked off with a female protagonist, jumping on a bike to join the fun, after receiving a call on her smartphone that “the party is banging”. This however infuriated the business man she was discussing with before receiving the notification who shouted “Na wa o!” and expressed his anger by repeatedly hitting his knee on literally getting a red card through a bad telecommunication experience. Next clip was a fooball player who was seen storming out of the field, throwing away her boots, followed by exchange of hi-fives

by Glo subscribers while having a ball on the network.

he Economic and Finance Crime Commission (EFCC) and other anti graft agencies have been called upon to beam their search lights on the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS) which has been described as the “ House of Corruption”.

Delegated staff of Revenue. Board, who felt pained and aggrieved over the massive corruption, embezzlement, irregularities and maladministration plaguing the organisation, said it has been turned into a personal estate.

According to a statement signed by Felix Noel on behalf of the delegated staff of the

NEWS

Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, stated that despite the accolades, commendation and recognition as well as denials of corruption allegations that have been the hallmarks of the present administration, Kogi State Internal Revenue Service has proven that all such claims were wrong.

The staff raised the alarm that the agency is stinking to the high heavens. The agency is responsible for sourcing and collecting of revenue on behalf of the government of Kogi state is enmeshed in siphoning, diversion, and

involved in criminal and crude accumulation of wealth.

The staff of the Revenue Service also narrated their alleged ordeal in the hands of the Chairman and other top echolon of the agency.

“In the past few years lies and other dirty, sharp practices, nepotism, lack of staff motivation and outright fraud have been the order of the day”, they said.

Aliyu Inda Salami, the Executive Chairman of the board, is accused of unimaginable fraud, injustice and depravity, currently going on at Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, in collaboration with the entire directors.

They called on the state government to act fast before a ticking time bomb explodes to consume many.

The statement also said that delegated Revenue Officers across the Area Tax offices within the state held an emergency meeting on Saturday, 1st February, 2020, where it was concluded that if the weighty allegations against the Management were not swiftly addressed, they would collectively take drastic action that would affect revenue generation in the state.

Also one of the Revenue officers said: “We are not happy with our take home as basic salary. We are not motivated at all, the salary difference between a Revenue Officer and that of Assistant Manager is outrageously unfair, I wonder where they got that template from.

“The management was said to have been using year of graduation and service year as yardstick for upgrading some Revenue Officers to Assistant Managers, but I can confidently tell you that there are some staff that graduated 2015 and 2016 that are Assitant Managers, this is wickedness and also, how can management employ some staff last year without tax experience and made them Assitant Managers at the detriment of Revenue Officers that have been with KGIRS since 3 years of inception? It’s unheard of”.

Evidential findings revealed that Revenue Officers do the bulk of tax drive that always boost the monthly revenue generation yet, their take home is pathetically low compared to that of other states’ Internal Revenue Service.

They further reviewed that since the appointment of the Executive Chairman, Aliyu Inda Salami they have been witnessing untold story of fraud, nepotism, financial misappropriation/embezzlement and willful ignorance to staff welfare.

“The Excutive Chairman frivolously awards contracts to his family members and also the high percentage of revenue generated from haulage and produce are not remitted into KGIRS account, rather it goes into individuals account, the amount runs into a billion naira and above”, the aggrieved staff said.

Reflections What I want versus what I need Oluwakemi Adeyemi

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can’t really remember how I got to know about Exclusive Breastfeeding but before I had my children, I was determined to exclusively breast feed my children for 6months. I had heard about the benefits to both mother and child and I was ready to carry out this supposedly herculean task. In so many ways, it proved to be an easy experience even though it also had its difficult moments. Mobility was so easy in the first six months; packing for an outing was stress-free. On the other hand, baby got too attached to me and sometimes preferred direct feeding to feeding off milk expressed into bottles so my life wasn’t mine again. In all, the benefits far outweighed the downsides but I was not quite prepared for some other surprises ahead after the first 6months.

The children grew up and naturally just learnt to say no to some food. It can be a daunting task trying to ensure

your children get the necessary nutrients as they grow when all they ask for is what they want. My first child can live on noodles and pasta as long as she can have it while the second could take lollipops all day if she is indulged.

As a mother, I know that I can buy their love now by giving them what they want however, I would be exhibiting the character of a bad mother causing a lot of harm to their health not just now but their future. With prayers and every other right and possible way, I learnt to train my children to feed on what they need and not what they want.

This is a parallel with our relationship with God. It is very common in our walk with God to get so overtaken by our fleshly desires and what

we think is best for us and in most cases, these run at variance with what we need which is what God has in His eternal and predestinated plans for us. Personally, it took a while for me to see God in the light of a loving father who though will not let me indulge in my fleshly cravings but whose plans for me were the best. From the experiences of hardship in a boarding high school to witnessing the lack of basic facilities in my part of the world where there are more than enough resources to enable economic wealth go round the citizens of the country, I saw God as another authority figure up there who probably relished in humans not enjoying life but learning one lesson or the other through hardships. Now, I know better that God is full of goodness; even the angels ask what man is that God’s mind is full of him.

God made us; He knows what is best for us. How can one argue with the manufacturer of an item? But many of us do.

Kemi Adeyemi

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SundayBusiness Technology creates opportunities for diversity of voices - says Ikpeazu UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia.

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kechi Ikpeazu, wife of Abia Governor and President of Vicar Hope Foundation has noted that Digital technology creates opportunities for a diversity of voices to be heard and shared which is an important feature of strong social movements especially as it affects women.

Ikpeazu made the assertion over the weekend during the opening ceremony for young women on Technology For Community Development (Women) Boot Camp organized by her pet project, VHF. The Abia first Lady said statistics showed that access to and, importantly, the ability to understand and use technology could have a positive impact on women’s freedom of expression, education, and employment opportunities.

“In spite of these gains, how-

Ikpeazu

ever, women in developing communities face significant barriers to technology access and adop-

tion. The challenges include cost, literacy, cultural norms, safety, and lack of understanding of its

NEWS Ogilvy Nigeria partners Lagos State to increase blood donation awareness KELECHI EWUZIE

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etermined to increase the level of awareness about free blood donation to save lives, Ogilvy Nigeria, a Creative Agency in Nigeria has partnered with Lagos State Ministry of Health through the Lagos State Transfusion Blood Service for her Valentine for A Cause Initiative.

Ogilvy Nigeria observes that every Valentine’s Day, people give

their ones love gifts that they want but may not particularly need, noting that the company decided embarked on this partnership initiative with Lagos State to save more lives.

Henry Akpede, Creative Director, who led the Ogilvy Nigeria staff, arrived with enthusiasm wearing a touch of red, eager to learn more about the blood transfusion process, showed love and donated their blood to those in dire need at the Blood Donation center within Lagos General Hospital,

L-R: Henry Akpede, Creative Director, Ogilvy Nigeria; Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health; Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service; Fiona Uwagwu, Managing director, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and Bolaji Junaid, Account Manager, Ogilvy Nigeria during the “Valentine for a Cause” blood drive initiative at the General Hospital, Marina, Lagos.

Marina premises.

Akpede opines that in the valentine season, it appears that only the bouquets of flowers, chocolates, cakes, food basket and other things are what lovers use to shower their partners, adding the Ogilvy Nigeria Team decided to donate blood freely this Valentine season as part of their contribution to save lives.

Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health while welcoming the team pointed out that it is worth acknowledging the hassle-free process that goes into donating blood in Lagos.

On his part, Bodunrin Osikomaiya, executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) pointed out that there are currently six blood transfusion centers spread around Lagos, where they distribute over 130,000 pints of blood to citizens that need it to be alive.

Osikomaiya lauded Ogilvy Nigeria for giving love its proper definition this Valentine’s season and most especially creating a brilliant avenue to shed light on blood donation, as only 10 percent of Nigerians give blood ‘freely’.

“They have done this in the hope that it will reduce the stigma surrounding the cause and set a good example to encourage other individuals and corporate organisations to donate blood freely”, Osikomaiya said.

potential”she said.

She disclosed that the essence of the three day boot camp was to build a community of women who could use Technology to create solutions that transform communities.

“We must realize that access to technology, the control of technology, and the ability to create it and shape it, is a fundamental issue of women’s rights.” She observed.

“Vicar Hope Foundation Tech4CoDev will help to close this gap and give women and girls the tools and access that they want and need. For instance, with a mobile phone, a pregnant woman in a rural area can stay connected to a midwife. For other women and girls, Internet access and a mobile phone can mean access to a bank account for the first time, a new tool to learn how to read and write, or a way to stay safe and avoid harassment in a crowded city.

VHF Tech4CoDev BOOTCAMP will help close the gap in gender employment in the technology and provide our trainees with the support system, mentor-

ship, and networks that will allow them to truly accelerate their careers.”She hinted.

Ikpeazu said that the training would emphasize on STEM subjects to educate and empower women who are passionate about using technology to support community growth.

“We will offer everything from coding courses to boot-camps to startup competitions, in order to allow participants and fellows become socio-economically adaptable and resilient.

Participants will be intensively trained with an extensive curriculum, with topics ranging from evolving technological tools and its applications, to coding, to understanding real community issues while building effective teamwork and learning about Monitoring and Evaluation for better measurable outcomes. It will end with an exciting pitching competition on the last day of the class” the VHF CEO hinted.

32 young women between the ages of 15 and 25 are being trained by the Foundation.

Alleged N700m fraud: Court adjourns Ize-Iyamu’s trial to Mar 2 Innocent Odoh, Abuja

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ustice M. G. Umar of a Federal High Court, Benin City, Edo State has adjourned the trial of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state to March 2, 2020 over alleged fraud of N700 million.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Tony Orilade, Ize-Iyamu, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alongside Lucky Imasuen, former deputy governor of Edo State, Chief Dan Orbih, PDP chairman in Edo State; Tony Aziegbemi and Efe Erimuoghae.

At Thursday’s sitting, the case was stalled due to the absence of the fifth defendant, Erimuoghae who was said to be ill.

Counsel for the EFCC, Larry Peters Aso, told the court that he was shocked that Erimuoghae’s counsel wrote a letter to the court seeking that the case be adjourned to June.

He said: “It is a ploy to frustrate the trial.“His counsel told me that his client would not be in court due to illness but to request for a six months adjournment should be disregarded.”

Counsel for the first defendant, K. O. Obamugie asked the court to adjourn for a reasonable length of time to enable the defendant recover properly in order to be able to face his trial. The same argument was canvassed by Professor O. G. Izevbuwa, counsel for the second

defendant.

However, Justice Umar adjourned the case to March 2, 2020 and ordered that the defendant should do all that is necessary to be in court on the adjourned date.

It will be recalled that they were first arraigned before Justice P. I. Ajoku on an eight-count charge bordering on money laundering on May 24, 2018.

They were alleged to have sometime in March 2015, in Benin City directly taken possession of the sum of N700million without any contract award which sum was allegedly part of proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: fraud and corruption, the statement said.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen, Tony Azigbemi, Chief Dan Orbih, Efe Erimuoghae Anthony and Chief Anthony Anenih (now at large) sometime in March 2015 in Benin, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession and control of the sum of N700,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) only, without any contract award which sum you reasonably ought to have known form part of proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit; fraud and corruption; and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Amendment Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3)of the same Act.”

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BDSUNDAY 41

LifestyleHomes&Suites

Paul Ojenagbon pauloje2000@yahoo.com

Lekky county has them beautiful

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ekky County,an estate on the stable of Megamound Investment Limited has quite a handful of top notch residences that would meet the needs and tastes of the most choosy high networth individuals around. From the entrance gate of the estate located at Ikota -Lekki through the well paved roads to the apartment blocks,class and comfort are discernible in the air. The estate is beautifully landscaped with ornamental trees and flowers planted along the roads and in front of most houses. The estate has good road network,functional drainage, reliable water supply,street lights among other facilities. The estate is confined within a perimeter wall fence with secured gated entrance and exit that requires visitors to call their hosts before being allowed entry. Lekky County Estate is certainly well organized, serviced and maintained.

There is a thriving secondary market featuring either those who bought houses from the developer and are reselling or those that bought empty plots that they developed and have put in the market for ready buyers or tenants but much more often the former because today’s developer is always in hurry to dispose of any completed development and move on to another development. And who would blame them with the astronomical cost of capital and all the high risks involved.

Some of these jaw dropping houses are discussed in this edition of lifestyle homes and suites.

They are both 5-Bedroom detached houses attached with boys’ quarters, all ensuite. House A with a price tag of N115 million

is endowed with a certificate of occupancy issued by the Lagos State government while House But has a price tag of N80million . Both hous-

es occupy a massive,interlocked compound and House A is being marketed by Wire effects Real Estate Services. Both houses are

adorned with exquisite features such as Jacuzzi and shower cubicle, CCTV,POP ceiling,anteroom and fitted kitchens.

In addition,the more endowed House A obviously justified by the higher price is exceptionally adorned with state of the art quality fittings and fixtures, alluring LED chandeliers,4-way Surround speakers in the ceiling with Bluetooth connectivity. It has ample master bedroom with walk in closet to safeguard privacy and convenience.

There is a swimming pool and power supply is boosted with 5Kva solar and inverter system pre-installed.The kitchen is particularly large, stylishly designed and fully fitted, equipped with gas cooker, microwave oven,fridge and heat extractor. There is a laundry room with washing machine for household washings.

Exclusive takes at Chevron alternative drive

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he Chevron Alternative Drive that shares neighborhood with the Chevron Oil Company and the likes of Carlton Gate Estate and a host of other premium estates is a decent area with a lot of outstanding houses. One thing that is certain is that latter day house owners not only aspire to meet up with the existing quality standards set before but want to exceed them in order to stand out and steal the admiring glances. So it is here,as in every other place that is worth the mention, a quiet rat race to out do one another.

Even moreso, street wise developers in the business in this terrain to rake in money and smile to the bank understand these development indexes-swift to follow the trend of evolving tastes and preferences and translate them on the ground for each subsequent project.

Making the rounds at the moment in the axis among an avalanche of other trending properties in different locations within

are these 4/5-Bedroom massively built duplexes and 3-Bedroom Terrace. The duplexes are tastefully finished and attached with boys’quarters.

The driveway leading to the

duplexes is well paved with the houses confined within a perimeter wall fence fortified with electric security/ anti-buglary wires.

Security which is aided by CCTV camera and devices is conducted from the security house at the gate.

There are two living rooms on the ground and first floor respectively and are spacious. All rooms have perfect natural light reception.

Sound system is linked to all rooms and video visual intercom installed to readily reveal the identity of a visitor at the door. The dinning area comes with light roof to expose it to sunlight. The master and madam’s bedroom are conveniently classified.While the master bedroom has contemporary multi-purpose Jacuzzi,the other bedrooms bear shower cubicles.

The kitchens are fully fitted with cooker,smoke extractor and oven.

There is large parking space for the cars. Being marketed by Acre-Age& Cottages,the 5-Bedroom detached house carries a negotiable price tag of N75 million,the 4-Bedroom N50 million and the 3-Bedroom Terrace N40 million respectively.

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Sunday 16 February 2020

Health&Science Lassa Fever: All you need to know When infertility is a male factor challenge CONTRIBUTOR about how viral illness spread?

ANTHONIA OBOKOH

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assa virus can be transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents.

Person-to-person transmission can also occur, particularly in hospital environment in the absence of adequate infection control measures.

The viral haemorrhagic illness is zoonotic and infected rodents in the mastomysnatalensis species complex are reservoirs capable of excreting the virus through urine, saliva, excreta and other body fluids to man.

Death toll from Lassa fever has risen to 70 while confirmed number of cases “significantly” increased across 26 states in Nigeria.

According to the Lassa Fever weekly situation report according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), a total of 109 cases were confirmed out of 482 suspected cases from 3rd to 9th February (week 06). This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 472 in 2020.

“The number of suspected cases has significantly increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2019”, the report read.

Lassa fever is endemic in parts of West Africa including Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria. The illness was discovered in 1969 and is named after the town in Nigeria where the first cases occurred.

Apart from the assumed public, the disease has even dealt a steeper blow to health physicians who attend to patients without prior knowledge that such patience is suffering from the ailment.

Outbreaks of the disease have been reported in various parts of Nigeria and the most recent of them

ABAYOMI AJAYI

A is the on-going outbreak.

In the reporting week, eight deaths were recorded and the confirmed cases were reported from 19 states to include; Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Delta, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Enugu, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Katsina, Benue, Adamawa, Sokoto and Oyo states.

In total for 2020, 26 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 92 Local Government Areas.

Of all confirmed cases, 74 percent are from three states; 35 percent from Edo, 33 percent from Ondo and 6 percent from Ebonyi state.

There have been several Lassa fever outbreaks since it was first reported in 1969 with the worst outbreak recorded of Lassa fever in its history between 2015 and 2016, with 273 reported cases resulting to 149 deaths. Also in February 25, 2018, where there were 1081 suspected cases and 90 reported deaths; 317 of the cases and 72 deaths were confirmed as Lassa fever in 18 states of the country.

OladoyinOdubanjo chair, Asso-

ciation of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Lagos Chapter said critical factor increasing the risk of its spread is poor living condition and return to old habits as soon as the epidemic is contained.

“Effective surveillance is clearly important, containment and general precautions measure will minimise risk of viral transmission” Odubanjo said “All we need to do is to practise more universal care precautions at all times generally and avoid reverting to old habits.

People need to practice more hygiene, which is very important and the environment needs to be cleaner.”

“We have to be very careful with our living condition, in all these cases of outbreaks simple basic hygiene by washing and cleaning hands would help and the government needs to improve in assisting states with epidemic so as to live well” Odubajo said.

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Foundation sets up call centre to support Cancer Patients GODSGIFT ONYEDINEFU, Abuja

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n an effort to alleviate the plight of Nigerians suffering from cancer, the Strauss Foundation has announced plans to set up a 24-hour help line, where patients can call in to share their problem and get the needed support.

Golda Obi, founder of the foundation and director of the Strauss Preparatory School, Abuja, disclosed this after sharing the experience of 10 years after being diagnosed with stage four breast cancers.

Obi noted that treating cancer is a horrible experience that comes with excruciating pain and most people give up because they could not endure it, but stressed that her dogged determination to survive among other things kept her going until she pulled through.

According to her, fighting cancer is a battle that must first be won in the head; hence patients can face cancer when the war is already won in their head. This, she said, is the rationale for setting up a help line, so that patients, especially those in distress or passing through the excruciating pain of cancer treatment such as Chemotherapy can call in to share

their burdens and get the support they need.

“We are looking to set up a call centre, where people who are undergoing treatment and are in so much distress can call in to share their problem. I have seen a cancer patient, who had so much pain through her bones. Cancer doesn’t cause pain, it only gives you pain when it spreads to your liver and causes inflammation. The pain is caused by medication and treatment and it is a horrible thing to go through”, Obi said.

The Manager of Strauss School of Music also disclosed that cancer is one of the biggest causes of divorce. She explained that most reason why people leave their marriages is because they could not deal with the fact that their spouse has cancer and all the reactions that comes with it, so they opt for divorce.

“Cancer is one of the biggest causes of divorce. Men do not know how to deal with problems and I remember giving a talk in the United Kingdom, UK and one of the panellists confessed to abandoning his wife because she had cancer and she died, because he could not deal with it.

“A lot of divorces happen from

cancer, it may be difficult to understand her reactions and it may wear you off”, Obi noted.

She further revealed that she was first diagnosed of cancer in Nigeria, but had to seek treatment in the UK, not just because she was a British citizen, but also because she had no confidence in the Nigerian health care system.

“In Nigeria, the message is that cancer is a death sentence and I was not ready to die. I was advised to leave the country as it was my only chance of survival.

“When I was diagnosed here in Nigeria, I did not even know where to go for treatment...Nigeria is a funny place. But in the UK, it is very simple, there is a directory. There is just so much in Nigeria that needs to change”, she said.

To this end, Obi further advised that prevention, early detection, healthy diet and lifestyle are crucial in battling cancer. She stressed that people need to pay attention to their body always so that they can detect the signs early.

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woman’s inability to conceive a child can be stressful and frustrating for the woman in particular usually because it is common perception that she is at fault. But in a number of cases, the man may be unable to get the woman pregnant due to one cause or another. Approximately one in four couples is not able to conceive a child even though there has been frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. In about half of these cases, male factor infertility plays a role.

The main sign of male or female infertility is often inability of a couple to conceive a child.

There may be no other obvious signs or symptoms to point at the man, but in some cases, however, an underlying problem such as an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm may be the cause.

Male infertility is due to a number of factors including low sperm production, misshapen or immobile sperm, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors are part of the problem.

Common male infertility signs and symptoms may include problems with sexual function such as difficulty with ejaculation or difficulty maintaining an erection, pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area. Another pointer is having a lower than normal sperm count (fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or a total sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculate).

It is time to see the doctor if as a couple, you are unable to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. Go to the doctor if your partner cannot have an erection or is affected by ejaculation problems, low sex drive, or other problems with sexual function. Symptoms such as pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicle area are also indicators of an underlying problem.

Take your partner along. For infertility, your partner may also need tests to see whether she has any fertility problems that could be preventing pregnancy. It’s also good to have your partner along to help keep track of any instructions your doctor gives you or to ask questions you may not think of.

Male fertility is a complex process.

For a man to get a woman pregnant, the following must occur.

The man must produce healthy sperm. Initially, this involves the growth and formation of the male reproductive organs during puberty. At least one of his testicles must be functioning correctly, and his body must produce testosterone and other hormones to trigger and maintain sperm production.

Then, it is important for sperm to be carried into the semen.

A low sperm count is fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or fewer than 39 million per ejaculate. Sperm must

be shaped correctly and able to move. If the movement (motility) or shape (morphology) is abnormal, the sperm may not be able to reach or penetrate the egg.

Problems with male fertility can be caused by health issues and medical treatments. For instance, a varicocele, which is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It is commonly associated with male infertility. This may prevent normal cooling of the testicle, leading to reduced sperm count and fewer moving sperm. Some infections can interfere with sperm production or sperm health, or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm.

Infections like some sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea are significant. Inflammation of the prostate and testicles due to mumps are also indicated. A condition known as retrograde ejaculation that occurs when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of emerging out the tip of the penis can cause male infertility. Various health conditions can cause retrograde ejaculation, including diabetes, spinal injuries, medications, and surgery of the bladder, prostate or urethra.

Health, lifestyle and other causes play a role. Use of cocaine or marijuana may temporarily reduce the number and quality of sperm as well. It is known that drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction and decrease sperm production. At the same time, certain occupations can increase risk of infertility, including those associated with extended use of computers or video display monitors, shift work, and work-related stress. Men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don’t smoke. Secondhand smoke also may affect male fertility. Stress can interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm. Severe or prolonged emotional stress, including problems with fertility, can affect your sperm count.

Many infertile couples have more than one cause of infertility, so it’s likely you will both need to see a doctor. It may take a number of tests to determine the cause of infertility. In some cases, a cause is never identified. Infertility tests can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. General physical examination and medical history includes examination of the genitals and questions about any inherited conditions, chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries or surgeries that could affect fertility.

Fertility can be improved by either correcting an underlying problem or trying treatments that seem like they may be helpful.

Often, an exact cause of infertility can’t be identified. Even if an exact cause isn’t clear, the doctor may be able to recommend treatments that work. In all cases of infertility, the female partner also will need to be checked and may need treatment. In some cases, treatment of the female partner may help compensate for male fertility problems.

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BDSUNDAY 43

Sports

Audit report indicts CAF of financial irregularities

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Ighalo eager to make Man United debut … as Scholes faults Utd’s decision to sign Ighalo ANTHONY NLEBEM

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ANTHONY NLEBEM

he forensic audit report carried out by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) into the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has questioned the body’s accounting, governance and false payments.

The developments come after world football’s governing body, FIFA declared that its clean-up mission at CAF was complete. In September, PwC was selected to support the substantial reform process for CAF being overseen by FIFA. The audit carried out by PwC found that: CAF’s accounting was “unreliable and not trustworthy” Almost 40 large payments, totalling $8.3m, were “unusual” CAF is “understaffed” with an “overworked” and “demotivated” workforce CAF President office was “directly involved” in the controversial decision to employ

Tactical Steel, a little-known gym equipment manufacturer, to become a key supplier of sportswear.

Also, the audit report highlighted transactions totalling over $20m, which either have “little or no supporting documentation” or were considered “higher risk”.

One area the PwC audit suggested further investigating was “the role played” by CAF President Ahmad Ahmad and his attaché, Loic Gerand, among others, in the deal with French company Tactical Steel.

The company’s financial dealings with CAF were described as “highly suspicious”.

Ahmad has already denied any wrongdoing with regard to this case.

The forensic audit - which was complicated by CAF’s tendency to make most of its payments in cash - also suggested

considerable reforms were needed throughout CAF. The organisation’s structure was described as being over-reliant on decisions made by the executive committee (ExCo), despite the latter meeting “once a quarter, resulting in delays in key decision-making and preventing managers of CAF departments from making timely business-critical decisions”.

In addition, a lack of clarity in CAF’s organisational structure has left departments “understaffed” and existing staff both “overworked” and “generally demotivated”.

The damning audit highlights a raft of financial deals, which require further investigation, with CAF President Ahmad, a 60-year-old from Madagascar, one of those under scrutiny.

UEFA slaps Man City with 2-year Champions League ban meant that there was little doubt in the result that he would deliver. The club has formally complained to the Uefa disciplinary body, a complaint which was validated by a CAS ruling.

“Simply put, this is a case initiated by Uefa, prosecuted

by Uefa and judged by Uefa.

With this prejudicial process now over, the club will pursue an impartial judgment as quickly as possible and will therefore, in the first instance, commence proceedings with the Court of Arbitration for Sport at the earliest opportunity.”

ANTHONY NLEBEM

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anchester City, reigning Premier League champions, have been banned from European club competition in 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons and fined £25m after the club was found to have committed several breaches of Uefa’s club licensing and financial fair play regulations.

The decision is subject to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Manchester City say they are “disappointed but not surprised” by the “prejudicial” decision and will appeal.

They added in a statement: “The club has always anticipated the ultimate need to seek out an independent body and process to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence in support of its position.

“In December 2018, the Uefa chief investigator publicly previewed the outcome and sanction he intended to be delivered to Manchester City, before any investigation had even begun.

“The subsequent flawed and consistently leaked Uefa process he oversaw has

anchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirm new signing Odion Ighalo is hungry to make his debut and will be included in the squad to face Chelsea on Monday.

Solskjaer confirmed the former Watford striker would be in the frame to feature in Monday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

The Shanghai Shenhua loanee was a surprise deadline-day addition at Old Trafford, with Solskjaer’s attacking options depleted in the absenceoftheinjuredMarcusRashford.

“Ighalo is going to travel with us to Chelsea,” Solskjaer told the club’s official website.

“We will just see his fitness work this week and I think we will get him sharp.

“We want to integrate him as quicklyaswecanbecause,ofcourse, he is desperate to play for us.”

But United legend Scholes has questioned whether former Watford and Nigeria forward Ighalo, 30, has enough quality for Ole Gunnar

Solskajer’s side.

“Idon’tthinkhe’sasigningforthe long term,” said Scholes. “I think his scoringrecordinChinaisverygood, but is it that credible? I don’t know.

“He’s an out-and-out centre forward and I don’t think United have anout-and-outcentreforward.He’ll play with his back to goal and he might bring players into play.

“It’s good to have an extra body, but when you’re United, you want an extra body with quality, and he’s got that to prove.

“He’ll bring something different. I don’t see him starting many games.”

Excitement for soccer fans as El Clásico arrives Lagos ANTHONY NLEBEM

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ome Sunday, 1st March, one of the most important games in the world is played: the Spanish El Clásico, in which Real Madrid and FC Barcelona face each other. Within the framework of this event, LaLiga and SuperSport organises a viewing of the game in Lagos, in which fans will be able to live in a unique way El Clásico, through a free entry event open to the public.

LaLiga and SuperSport presents the public view of El Clásico in Landmark Beach with different entertainment activities for all ages, pre-show ceremony and DJ. In addition to being able to see on a giant screen players like Messi or Griezmann face Sergio Ramos or Benzema, attendees can enjoy different interactive activities, food and drinks during the event. Also, a space has been established in which attendees can take pictures with all the official shirts of the Spanish competition.

LaLiga Legend and former Real Madrid and FC Barcelona player Samuel Eto’o will participate in the event. LaLiga Ambasador Eto’o will actively interact with the public and

tell their experiences in a match as important as El Clásico.

“This view for El Clásico fans is part of LaLiga’s internationalization strategy to be closer and closer to its fans. From the Nigeria Office of LaLiga we want to continue developing actions and activations to help our competition and its clubs to grow in this market,” said Guillermo Pérez, Delegate of LaLiga in Nigeria.

“El Clasico is one of those special events that we look forward to every time; we’re delighted to tap into the energy and excitement of our subscribers on DStv & GOtv that enjoy the game Live & in HD. La Liga is one of our sports offerings we are very proud of at MultiChoice, and we look forward to connecting with fans at this event.” said Martin Mabutho, Chief Customer Officer MultiChoice Nigeria.

Egba football championship created to empower Ogun youths - OGSG JEREMIAH OLOWOKERE, Abeokuta

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ouths inOgun state and Nigeria at large, have been urged to embrace sports and sporting activities as a means by which they could be gainfully employed, as sports, especially football, have become one of the biggest thriving businesses in the world.

Speaking at the official draw of the 2020 Egba Youth Football Championship (EYFC) organised by a freelance football analyst and presenter - Olalekan Soyinka,

popularly known as “Ayinla Egba” at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja in Abeokuta on Friday, Kehinde Ololade, Consultant to Ogun State Governor on Health, noted that the football championship is designed to support Governor Dapo Abiodun’s quest to empower youths through sports.

Ololade declared that the sporting event which has partnership of Ogun state and Federal Medical Hospital, Abeokuta (FMC), among others, showed that the present administration is

working towards befitting courses that can empower youths through sports with a view to promoting business aspect of football, assuring the people of the state that Governor Abiodun has come to change the narratives in the sports sector of the state socio-economic development for better.

AdemolaOkuwa,GeneralCordinatorandNuraenBakenne,afaculty member, who spoke differently on the sporting event, said that the intention of the organisers is to boost football talent among youths in six

local government councils of Egba -Abeokuta,andattractinvestment into the state through the football event slated to begin among 24 football clubs drawn in Abeokuta in March 2020.

The draw which was anchored by Razaq Ayinla, immediate past acting Chairman of Sports Writers’ Association (SWAN), Ogun State chapter, saw participating football clubs for the tournament extended to 24 teams compared to last year 22 clubs.

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New thoughts for loan risk management by Nigerian banks

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sset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) was established to resolve bad loan problems created by Banks in Nigeria. The creation of AMCON was a political necessity to avert systemic credit crisis in the financial markets. In an ideal world, a borrower would be expected to keep to promise of repayment of loan taken from a lender based on the terms agreed. However, this has never been true even in most advanced economies, hence the need for loan risk management. In Nigeria, bad loan is a systemic problem amongst banks, requiring new methods by banking institutions. Most banks appear to have been accustomed to the orthodox risk management processes known in finance and accounting. Meanwhile, orthodox method has not solved the high non-performing loan problems. Unorthodox method appears to be most likely appropriate in risk management in our environment.

In spite of contractual obligation and penalty for failure to repay a loan, remedy available to lender is to sue for repayment or force the borrower into bankruptcy or liquidation. The business of loan creation by banks does not pre-suppose a loan failure or default; however, loan default is a reality due to several factors. In Nigeria, as at December 2014, loan loss provision was 2.96% as against 11.4% in 2018. The increase in loan loss between 2014 and 2018 represented 8.54% of total loan portfolio of the banking system. With the continuing growth in loan loss provision, credit creation will be a challenge in the economy and not surprising why banks mitigate the loan loss by high interest rates, fictitious and spurious charges.

This article is an exploratory discussion on strategies on how loan risks can be mitigated in Nigeria and other similar jurisdictions of same status.

Loan risk arises because of the likelihood that a particular borrower will

default in repayment and financial institutions invest a lot of resources for its measurement and management. In loan risk management, banks pay more emphasis on Information technology and training of human resources. The bank adopts the internationally accepted methods based on Basel regulations, update risk measurement software at regular intervals and send staff for training. These loan risks management methods do not in most cases result in optimal loan book.

In fact, loan loss provision in Nigeria was consistently on the increase from 2014 to 2017. The decline of loss provision to 11.4% between 2017 and 2018 was just marginal as compared to previous years. Three rating agencies have been registered by Securities and Exchange Commission which ordinarily should assist the banking system in ascertaining the credit worthiness of loan applicants, namely, Agusto and Co, Datapro Limited and Global Credit Rating. Depending on credit rating, the lending institution can categorise the borrower on a scale to form an opinion on their likely level of loan exposure and risk. One of the obvious constraint of the rating agencies is the poor infrastructure which hinders the companies to do physical inspections of the assets and facilities of borrower. The dilapidating infrastructure makes inspection of borrower’s asset and location very tedious. Some locations of borrowers have become urban ghettos, due to poor town planning and over population. At times, the rating agencies will rely on inadequate data from banks, hearsay or any other available information at their disposal. In such circumstances the rating report becomes suspect for good credit evaluation and risk assessment.

A new credit risk method that should be considered in Nigeria is what I term oracle banking. It is a variant adapted from Islamic banking principles. In oracle banking, the credit process shall be

taken to religious sects like Church, mosques and other traditional worship places after approval of the subject loan by credit committees.

The religious sect will subject the loan approval to divination as is normally done in most churches and mosques.

The divination result will determine whether the credit should be approved or likely go delinquent. With this approach the Banks would have considered variables pertinent for the loan risk based on religious belief. The oracle banking should not be seen as strange or anomalous, it is a common knowledge that Nigerian believe in religion organization and their divination. We are all aware that traditional religion divination is well accepted

by First nations in Canada, Brazil, Columbia, India, Pakistan China etc. The bank may even set up the department of Oracle Banking to be headed by Pastors, Imams, Alfas, Priest or General Overseers for the purpose of risk management. It must be mentioned that religious loan is not new, it only became visible during the crisis of 2008 when household were negatively affected by financial crisis. For instance, Oikocredit, of Netherlands, a Church-backed microfinance agency, increased its loan book by over 32% in 2008, serving households in both rural and urban areas and focusing on regions where underdeveloped commercial banking sector excludes the poor. Also Grameen Bank, set up

by Mohammed Yunus, a Bangladeshi Muslim economist have been providing loan to peasants through microloan programme amounting to nearly $6billion in the last 50 years.

Nigeria is a country of religion and prayers. We have churches and mosques of varied denominations.

Citizens belong to one or the other faith denomination. Catholic, Bap-

Certificate forgers still prowl in high places

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Dr. Oladeji–Johnbrowne is an expert in banking, investment and corporate governance. He is a Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants, Institute of Taxation Nigeria and Securities and Investment Institute, United Kingdom. He is currently based in Canada.

tists, Redeemer, Cherubim and Seraphim, Christ Embassy, Mountain of Fire, Seven Day Adventists, Ansar Ud deen, Darul Islam, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, NASFAT, Kala Kato, Muslim Student Society and Kano State Hisbah Corps amongst others. These organisations are moral institution where lender can make enquiry from their trustees on character of borrowers without violating privacy treaty. It should be noted that once a loan is granted, depending on the borrower’s religious inclination there is the norm to go to religious houses to pay tithes and offerings. The tithes, sometimes is about 10% of the loan amount usually donated by the borrower to “appreciate” God. Banks should therefore, include religion attestation policy form in their loan approval process. A classical justification for this can be inferred from consolidation and CBN Stress test of 2010 in which some Chief Executive Officer of banks were observed to have granted loans to religious organisations and staff based on being in same faith with their bosses.

The banks even opened more branches in religious places than commercial business districts. A reference location is Lagos-Ibadan expressway where we have varied religious groups and branches of all banks inclusive of Microfinance and Mortgage Banks.

The use of local informant is a new Continues on page 32

Quick Takes

Off the Cuff t is sad that Nigerians still do the wrong things believing the law will not catch up with them, probably because they are either in power corridor or have influential godfathers.

But what goes around always comes around, if not the likes of Salisu Buhari, Kemi Adeosun and many others would not have been discovered and penalized.

Imaginesomeonerisingtobecomespeakerof the House of Representatives in Nigeria, yet with forged certificate. Another rose from commissioner of Finance in a state to become minister of Finance in a country still with forged document in her possession. Thank goodness that she owned up and resigned before it became a scandal.

In the case of Salisu Buhari, former speaker of the House of Representatives in Nigeria, he resigned from office in 1999 after it was discovered that he forged his university certificate from Toronto University. He was convicted for certificate forgery and sentenced to two years in prison with an option of fine. He paid the fine and was later pardoned by Olusegun Obasanjo, former president.

Taking another look at Kemi Adeosun’s case, before her NYSC certificate forgery scandal became an issue of public discourse, she has used the certificate to pass a screening test for her appointment as commissioner of finance in Ogun State. Who screened her?

AKIN OLADEJI–JOHNBROWNE

Aswell,itwouldberecalledthataFederalHigh Court in Jos sacked a Plateau State lawmaker, Ibrahim Hassan, for forging his academic certificate. The judge, Musa Kurya, said there was no proof that the diploma submitted to INEC

by Hassan was genuinely obtained from the University of Jos. The lawmaker had claimed to have obtained a Business Administration diploma from the University of Jos, but Moday Danje, the registrar ofUniversityofJosthen,disownedthecertificate as fake.

Yetagain,aLugbeGrade1AreaCourt,Abuja, once issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for alleged failuretohonouracourtsummononasuitaccusing him of presenting a forged NYSC Exemption Certificate.

Most recently, the All Progressive Congress (APC) lost the governorship seat it won to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) all because the deputy governor had inconsistencies in his documentations, especially educational certificates.

However, it is shocking and disappointing that even when it is a public knowledge that forgery of certificates and official/government documents is a criminal offence that attracts capital punishment, many Nigerians have continued to engage in the illicit activities unabated.

But the big question is where are the security agencies that are supposed to clear all intending public office holders before assuming office or contesting for elections.

The fake certificates are still presented to these agencies and the holders are cleared to vie for elections or hold public offices. Why arethefakedocumentsnotdiscoveredatthe first stages, when it will take only a call to the highinstitutionstofindouttheauthenticityof such certificates?

Well, the answer is obvious. Money will always change hands, interference from high places could play out if the suspect is ‘anointed’ by the power blocs and the bureaucracy anddocumentationlapsesattheeducational institutions could also aid with delays.

But the various security agencies responsibleforcheckingandclearingpeopleseeking electoral positions and public offices should challenge their personnel as compromise hasledtomanydisgracefulandintegrityissue about Nigeria, and loss of tax payers’ money.

When a man occupies a position with fake certificate, he lacks the morale to check corruption or deliver good governance as the system that brought him in is corrupt. This is part of the reasons most political office holdersinNigeriaperformbelowvoters’expectations.Mostofthemhaveneverbeengenuine.

$8.6m These are good times for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). From the day some of the country’s land borders were shut by the Federal Government, the Customs has been singing a new song. The NCS has severally given reasons why the border must remain shut. It claims that it is making a hail of money, in billions, every week. Last Tuesday again, the Service made another huge haul when it intercepted a whopping $8.6 million at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA).

Although commendable, the question many people are asking is how many of such consignments had successfully escaped undetected? How did the consignment get to the E-Wing of the tarmac of the airport? Hameed Ali, a retired colonel and comptroller-general of NCS, said the service acted on a tip-off (“credible information gathered on the day the consignment was supposed to be moved out of the country”). The money must belong to one of the “big men” in the corridors of power. After so much noise, is anything going to come out of it? Would Nigerians know the outcome of the investigation? This is not the first time. The owners could possibly go to the back and pick their consignment. We have seen these over and over again. But it is too bad!

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