BusinessDay 20 Jan 2019

BDSUNDAY BUSINESS DAY

I am bent on privatising NNPC even if it costs my life – Atiku

Deadly arrow heads to Amaechi’s chest as Rivers’ APC disappears from INEC’s ballot p. 13 -15

p. 16

Sunday 20 January 2019 www.businessday.ng Market & Commodities Monitor Brent Oil

5yr Bond

$62.53

-0.02 15.08%

Gold

10yr Bond

$ 1,282.50

0.00 15.49%

Cocoa

$ 2,304.00

20yr Bond

-0.03 15.38%

?? AFIG Fund II in NEM raises foreign control of Nigeria’s insurance industry

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p.42

Vol 1, No. 248 N300

Economy, security, education dominate As Moghalu, Durotoye, Ezekwesili debate Atiku explains absenteeism APC defends Buhari’s absence

inside

OBINNA EMELIKE, Innocent Odoh, Iniobong Iwok, Owede Agbajileke, Kelechi Ewuzie and James Kwen

VIOs returning to Lagos roads? p.10

p.21

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head of the 2019 general election which is less than one month from n o w, K i n g s l e y Mogahalu, presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP); Fela Durotoye, presidential candidate of Alliance for New Nigeria, (ANN) and Oby Ezekwesili, presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), yesterday reeled out various strategies to tackle the menace of insecurity in Nigeria if elected as President of the country.

They also spoke on their plans to usher in prosperity for Nigerians by making the nation’s economy robust again. In their plans also are strategies to stamp out corruption in the country,

P.2

Babatunde badamosi: A third political force Lagosians never knew p.28

‘They change our face, but not ruin our soul’ p.32

L-R: Kingsley Moghalu of Young Progressive Party (YPP); Fela Durotoye of Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) and Obiageli Ezekwesili of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), the three presidential candidates who participated at the Presidential Debate in Abuja yesterday where Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidates for All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), respectively, were absent.

Negative perception leaves Nigerian passport 10th least powerful in Africa Endurance Okafor

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he negative perception about Nigeria and its people is one of the reasons for the current poor ranking of the country’s passport, according to experts who spoke

to BDSUNDAY on the matter.

Despite being referred to as the giant of Africa boasting of the largest economy on the continent, Nigeria’s passport is only more powerful than nine of its peers out of the continent’s about 54 countries.

The 2019 passport ranking by

Henley & Partners, a citizenship and planning firm, in collaboration with the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), takes into account how many countries Nigerians can visit without applying for a visa.

Citizens of Africa’s most populous nation can travel to

only 74 countries without visas out of a possible 218, ranking behind Seychelles, South Africa, Mauritius, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland, who emerged as the countries with the most powerful passport in

p. 3

2 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 20 January 2019

News Continued from page 1 improve education, among others.

The presidential candidates, who featured at the Nigeria Election Debate Group/Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeriaorganised presidential debate in Abuja, were on stage responding to a wide range of issues ranging from security, education, health, economy, agriculture, taxation, among others. They spoke in tandem that the country had over the years been bruised, needing urgent retooling.

Meanwhile, the two major contenders expected at the debate stayed away. They have however, explained their absenteeism.

President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had been on each other’s jugular over the debate and each other’s refusal to attend.

In his appearance, Moghalu believes that to get the security right, his presidency would tackle corruption in the military, create economic opportunities, especially in the poverty- and insecurityravaged North East region and monitor the supply of military hardware, modernise and equip the police as well as other security agencies.

On education, the former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), promised to allocate 20 percent of the budget to the sector

Economy, security, education...

L-R: Olakunle Alake, group managing director, Dangote Industries Limited; Devakumar Edwin, group executive director, Strategy, Capital Projects and Portfolio Development, Dangote Industries Limited; Aishah Ahmad, deputy governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Godwin Emefiele, governor, Central Bank of Nigeria; and Aliko Dangote, president/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, during the Central Bank Governor’s facility tour of the Dangote Oil Refinery and Fertilizer Project, Lekki, Lagos on Saturday January 19, 2019.

if elected president of the country.

Moghalu added that he would put an end to the perennial industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU).

He lamented what he termed the abysmal low percent successive governments budgeted for education, saying that he would change all that the moment he takes over as president.

He f u r t h e r s a i d h e would invest in curriculum that centres on vocational, technical and entrepreneurial that ensures that students when they gradu-

ate would be empowered to create wealth.

He also said that there was the urgent need for Nigeria to decide if it was running a capitalist or socialist economy as a first step in revamping it, stressing that his administration would invest in small scale business and initiate education reform.

Moghalu blamed the challenge of the economy on the inability of successive administrations to appoint the right individuals into positions of authority.

“I would recruit 1.4 million police officers in the

The road to Buhari’s absenteeism Zebulon Agomuo

T

he absence of President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Debate last night did not take many Nigerians by surprise. In fact, what would have made big headline news would have been his presence.

For so long, there have been speculations that the President would not make it. In what appeared to be an ambush, Buhari had recently inaugurated his campaign council, naming a former governor of Lagos State, and a national leader of the party, as the co-chairman of the council.

The President had explained that he would not sacrifice governance on the

altar of politics.

“But I must also add that, though we will all be deeply involved, I would like to assure the nation that I will do my part without making governance or my work suffer. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my co-chairman, will be fully in charge and is going to be on 24-hour

Buhari

vigil,” he had said.

“That is to say, the operational buck of this campaign stops at his table and I therefore urge all of us in the leadership of this campaign, in the field operations on the campaign trail and in the secretariat to consult with Asiwaju whenever guidance is needed,” he further said.

Two weeks ago, the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, had said that his principal had not yet reached a decision regarding participating in the presidential debate.

Recall that the President had also shunned the presidential debate in 2015. He however, went ahead to win the presidential election.

next four years if elected as the president. We would bring down the cost of governance significantly.

What to know is that our economy cannot grow if we don’t fix leadership, we need a president that understands the economy,” Moghalu said.

On his part, Durotoye bemoaned the high cost of governance in the country, promising to reduce the cost of governance and reform public institutions across the country, to enable them deliver on their mandate.

The ANN candidate

also promised to ensure institutional reforms in the country’s security architecture, equip security agencies, motivate them, remove nepotism in the institutions, introduce community participation in security services and tackle ideologies that breed insecurity.

He also promised to invest in infrastructure and focus on revamping the curriculum.

Ezekwesili, the ACPN candidate, on her part, pledged to immediately constitute a strength, weakness, opportunities

and threat (SWOT) team to rapidly respond to issues of insecurity, find the best brains in the security agencies to develop security strategies, use technology and entrench global collaboration in the fight against insecurity.

Ezekwesili, who noted that the nation’s economy was in bad shape, said her administration would strive to create jobs which would lift over 80 million out of poverty, promising to invest massively in agriculture and give farm seedlings to women to lift them out of poverty.

According to her “Nigeria’s problem is about failure of leadership which Chinua Achebe said in his book some years back.

Our youths can’t find job, there is poverty everywhere, the country has no business being poor considering its potentials.

I have the capacity to take the country to the next level. I would initiate reforms which would lift more than 80 million Nigerians out of poverty and we would focus on human capital development.”

Ezekwesili, a former education minister, promised not only to invest in the curriculum of basic, secondary and tertiary education, but to do serious investment in raising quality teachers.

She promised to empower teachers by improving their remuneration, provide housing for them and ensure that public education is given the right investment it deserves.

I cannot debate without the President, says Atiku ...Wants new date to face Buhari Innocent Odoh, Abuja

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andidate of t h e Pe o p l e ’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar, has said that he kept away from the 2019 Presidential debate because President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) refused to attend the debate even as he challenged the President to another debate.

Atiku had earlier arrived the Transcorps Hilton venue of the debate but when he realised that President Buhari would not come for the debate he left.

The Waziri Adamawa in a statement said: “We came here for a Presidential debate, not a candidacy debate, and I, Atiku Abubakar cannot challenge or question an administration where the man at the helm of the affairs of the nation is not present to defend himself or his policies.

“After all, you cannot shave a man’s head in his absence. I do not believe in attacking a man who is NOT here to defend himself. As a leader and former vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, let me first apologise to all Nigerians, my fellow candidates and the moderator for the APC Presidential Candidate’s

absence in this debate.

His non-appearance is a slight on ALL of us and our democracy.

“Secondly, with all due respect to my fellow candidates, Fela Durotoye, Oby Ezekwesili, Kingsley Moghalu and to the moderator Mark Sugar and with apologies to all Nigerians here and at home expecting an interesting debate, I regret that I will not be able to go on with this debate due to President Buhari’s absence.”

According to him, “I however, challenge President Buhari to choose a date and time for a debate where he will be present and I will be there, hopefully with the other candidates as well.”

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BDSUNDAY 3

News

APC defends Buhari’s absence, blasts Atiku for boycotting event James Kwen, Abuja

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he Presidential Campaign Council of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the presidential candidate of party, President Muhammadu Buhari for staying away from the 2019 presidential debate.

Festus Keyamo, spokesperson of the council, in a statement Saturday night said the event collided with Buhari’s schedules as he had earlier been in Niger State where he commissioned the Baro Inland Water Port and also campaigned for his re-election.

Keyamo however, blasted the Presidential Candidate of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar for boycotting the debate under the pretence that Buhari was absent at the debate.

The statement read in part, “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is also the APC Presidential Candidate in the forthcoming Presidential Election, President Muhammadu Buhari, could not attend the Presidential Debate organised by the Nigeria Election Debate Group and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria which held today, Saturday, January 19, 2019

(yesterday) for the following reasons: “Firstly, out of several opportunities afforded our candidate to interact with the Nigerian people directly by different organisations, our presidential candidate has taken full advantage of another town-hall meeting organised by another group which held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. He was also joined at that townhall meeting by our VicePresidential candidate who is also the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. Nigerians from all walks of life who were physically present and through on-line platforms asked uncensored questions which were adequately answered.

It was also transmitted live by various broadcast networks in Nigeria.

“In addition, the busy and hectic official and campaign schedules of Mr. President clashed with this programme. Today, Mr. President commissioned the Baro Inland Water Port in Niger State and campaigned in Niger and Plateau States where his time was overstretched by the tumultuous and mammoth crowds in both States, (as seen by Nigerians on live television) and only returned to Abuja late this evening.

“Whilst we thank the organisers for the invitation, we want to assure Nigerians

L-R: Fatimah Ajimobi, daughter-in-law of Oyo State governor; Abimbola Obagun, daughter of the governor; Abiola Ajimobi, state governor; Florence, his wife, and Olusegun Osoba, a former governor of Ogun State, when the governor received the Vanguard Newspaper Governor of the Year Award, at Eko Hotel, Lagos... on Friday. that we shall continue to hold these debate groups and Nigerians in high esteem which our candidate has demonstrated during past election debates when he honoured similar invitations.

Nigerians will also recall that a few weeks ago, our VicePresidential candidate, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, also attended the debate organised by the same organisations.

“Lastly, we note the statement of the candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

who actually came for the event and left the venue when he did not see Mr. President, who is our candidate. According to him, he would not want to ‘attack’ Mr. President in his absence.

“It should now be obvious to Nigerians that for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the PDP, this election is all about attacking the person and programmes of Mr. President and not about proffering their own solutions to the problems they created during their

sixteen years of misrule, maladministration and looting of the nation’s resources.

“When they cannot see President Buhari to attack, the content of their campaign becomes hollow, empty and ‘full of sound and fury, signifying nothing’.

Now that Atiku Abubakar had a unique opportunity to explain to Nigerians his own vision and mission without a President Buhari in the picture, he ran away. After all, he has his own eight years of

crass and grand corruption as Vice President to defend before the Nigerian people.

“On February 16, 2019, we urge Nigerians to demonstrate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the PDP, through their votes, how empty indeed their campaign has always been and to vote massively for President Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who have started the rebuilding process of our great nation”.

of the entire world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa,” the passport ranking firm quoted.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Immigration Service announced in December last year that the service had concluded plans to extend the validity of Nigerian passport to ten years, that is double of the current duration of the country’s passport.

A breakdown of the passport index revealed that Japan holds top spot on the Henley global Passport Index for the second year running, offering citizens visa-free access to a record 190 destinations.

Singapore continues to hold 2nd place, along with South Korea, which has moved up from 3rd place, with citizens able to access 189 destinations.

From the 2nd place it held at the beginning of 2018, Germany now drops to 3rd place, with access to 188 destinations. It shares this position with France.

Denmark, Italy, Finland, and Sweden share joint

4th place, with access to 187 destinations around the globe. The UK drops from 4th place to 6th place, while the US drops from 5th place to 6th place, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 destinations.

In further demonstrations of Asian passport power, China moved five places up the rankings from the beginning of 2018, from 74th to 69th, while Cambodia (84th), Laos (86th), and Myanmar (90th) have each moved up four places.

The UAE climbed five places up the rankings, from 27th place at the beginning of 2018, to 22nd place currently.

Afghanistan and Iraq continue to hold joint last place, with a visa-free/visaon-arrival score of just 30.

The ranking is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information, and it is enhanced by extensive, ongoing research by the Henley & Partners Research Department.

Negative perception leaves Nigerian passport...

Continued from page 1 the region.

“Perception about the country and its people is one of the reasons for the passport current ranking, as some Nigerians are perceived as fraudsters, and drug traffickers, which is not true,” Tayo Ojuri, CEO of Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited, said.

BDSUNDAY analysis of the passport ranking for the year under review showed that Nigeria dropped one spot in Africa from 11 least powerful in 2018 to 10th.

Although it improved globally from 94th position a year ago to 91st this year, out of the about 199 countries ranked by the Londonbased organisation.

Although, the country’s performance in the review year is poorer than its ranking of 62nd in 2006, the all-time best position since BDSUNDAY started tracking the ranking.

The latest ranking now leaves Nigeria trailing behind Ghana (77), Rwanda (84), Guinea (82), Mali (83), Togo (83), Senegal

(82), Chad (85), Benin Republic (80), Cameroon (90), and Central African Republic (89).

“These are to request and require in the name of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria all those who it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford him or her every assistance and protection of which he or she may stand in need.”

Decorated with such beautifully worded presidential note, Nigerian passport is presumably a very valuable booklet that is supposed to facilitate its holder’s movement around the world in dignity and respect.

This was, however, not the case for Ike John, a young Nigerian business man who went to a neighbouring country to buy goods as he was held up in the destination country for hours waiting to be inspected owing to the fact that he was carrying a Nigerian passport.

“They allowed me to enter the country after they had taken me to their security room for hours and I was asked series of questions, whereas some other countries’ passport holders who were more horribly looking than myself were allowed to pass without any interrogation,” John said.

When asked the reason why he was held up for that long, he said, “I think it’s the perception they have about Nigerians and those carrying Nigerian passport. They see us as bad and corrupt people.”

“For some people, a passport is a portal to the world. For others, it is a barrier to the travel freedom they seek,” Henley & Partners said in its 2019 passport index.

A further analysis by BDSUNDAY on the passport ranking revealed that Seychelles ranking 27th in the global survey was Africa’s record holder of the most powerful passport in the region as it citizens can travel on a visa-free access to 151 destinations.

This is followed by Mauritius, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia with world rankings of 31st, 53rd, 62nd and 68th respectively.

“You will find out that we do not mostly use our passport for tourism but it is used by those seeking greener pastures as well as for business purposes and this makes some other countries sceptical about the passport,” Ojuri explained.

Meanwhile, Nigeria currently is referred to as the poverty capital nation of the world with the rate increasing extremely by 6 people every minute, this according to industry experts has fuelled the appetite of the country’s youth to seek opportunity in other countries at all cost.

According to the 14 years old data spanning firm, five bottom African countries on the Harley passport index in 2019 were; Ethiopia with rank of 96th which gives its citizens visa-free access to 42 destinations.

“The Henley Passport Index is the original ranking

4 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 20 January 2019

News

Crowd disrupts Buhari’s campaign in Jos, forces president to abandon rally Iniobong Iwok with agency report

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L-R: Salamatu Baiwa, All Progressives Congress National Woman Leader; Olufunso Amosun, wife of Ogun State Governor; Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President; Florence Ajimobi, wife of Oyo State Governor; Nkechi Okorocha, wife of Imo State Governor; and Bisi Fayemi, wife of Ekiti State Governor, at the APC Southwest Women and Youth rally to drum support for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, held at the Adamasingba Sports Complex, Ibadan... Saturday.

Lagos guber: We’ll give the SSG slot to a woman - Sanwo-Olu

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he Gubernatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, says he will appoint a woman as the Secretary to State Government (SSG) if voted into power in March.

Sanwo-Olu, who made the pledge at an interactive session in Victoria Island organised by the Office of the Women Leader, Lagos State, themed, ‘Enabling, Empowering and Promoting Women: Our Pact’, said he had successfully worked with many women in his career as a public servant and that with the level of cooperation he received from them, he had no doubt that he would enjoy a more robust working relationship from the womenfolk if voted into power.

“I will say to you that our SSG slot should be given to a woman. We want women to take active and prominent roles in our government. It is not just that I am saying it here, I have done it before. It is not that it is going to be something we are going to do for the sake of compensating them; no; it is going to be done on the point of competence. The women are competent and we want to bring them on,”

he said.

The governorship candidate, who spoke on his plans for infrastructure, security, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), education and economy generally, promised to establish a good working relationship with the private sector.

“What I need is to empower the sector that controls about 80 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and that is the private sector. I have told them that we will work together,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu added that he was committed to ensuring that the social factors that inhibited the chances of the womenfolk in realising their aspirations in business and in the public sector would be addressed, urging the women in the state to speak out and seek counseling whenever they feel weighed down by social issues.

“We have to take the conversation to our churches, mosques. We must take the issue of communication very seriously. Once you talk about it, it is a step of getting that problem solved. We must begin to talk to those who can give us right counsel. There is so much pressure in society.

People must not pretend that all is well, when indeed they need help,” he said.

He also said that part of his programmes would be how

to ensure that his administration gets the best out of women.

“We need to put our money where our mouth is. If indeed to empower a woman is to empower a nation, we must begin to see how to empower them through laws that would enable them go about their business without harassment; laws on how a girl-child would have a chance in Lagos of tomorrow without having to go through assault, intimidation and harassment, so that anybody who goes against them must be quickly punished.

Those are the things that must be on our to-do list,” he said.

The gubernatorial candidate also said that enabling laws would be enacted, not only to create more opportunities for women, but to protect them from unnecessary assaults, intimidations and multiple taxes in the course of their drive for survival in society.

In response to some questions raised, particularly on infrastructure in Lagos, in relation to some of the on-going projects in the state, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the deputy governorship candidate, said that the Sanwo-Olu administration would continue all the infrastructural projects that the current Ambode

Benue guber race: PRP flags-off campaign BENJAMIN AGESAN, Makurdi

... Says, necessary laws to be enacted to protect womenfolk Zebulon Agomuo

large crowd Saturday overwhelmed the large number of security officials, disrupting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), presidential campaign in Jos, forcing President Muhammadu Buhari to leave the venue without giving a speech.

It, however, took the President Buhari more than 30 minutes to reach his seat as security personnel pushed back crowd and struggled to make way for him.

Later, the crowd, believed to be mostly supporters of the APC surged toward the podium while

administration would be leaving behind, particularly the Lagos-Badagary road project. He explained that Lagos was not shying away from mega projects despite their huge financial demands.

Expressing delight at the promise of zoning the SSG slot to women, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, women leader, APC Lagos State, and convener of the interactive session, said: “It’s exciting. That’s good news for me. I am sure one of us by the grace of God will get there. Knowing Sanwo-Olu very well, that is what we will get.”

Earlier in her opening remarks, Idiat Oluranti Adebule, deputy governor, Lagos State, described SanwoOlu and Hamzat as good brands.

She urged women in the state to give the candidate and his running mate the necessary support on the Election Day, adding that “Our programme as government is to promote the economic prosperity of Lagos State.”

Tunde Balogun, state chairman, APC Lagos State, in his brief remarks, described Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat as level-headed and brilliant individuals, saying that the pair reminds him of the cooperation between former American President Bill Clinton and the vice president Al Gore.

some climbed the top of vehicles in the entourage of the president.

Large number of security personnel battled unsuccessfully to push the crowd back, Buhari however, left the venue of the rally without delivering his speech, after being led away through the rear exit.

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and the Director General of the Buhari/Osinabajo Campaign Organisation, Rotimi Amechi, were not also able to deliver any speech at the venue due to the crowd trouble.

The president was only able to wave to party supporters as he hurried out the venue of the rally with other party chieftains.

T

he Benue State chapter of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has flagged off its governorship campaign in the state ahead of March 2nd governorship elections with a promise by the party’s standard bearer, Frederick Ikyaan, to give the people quality leadership if given the mandate.

The event, which took place Saturday at Adikpo Comprehensive College ground in Kwande Local Government Area of the state had the party National chairman representative, Babatunde Ali, who presented the party’s flag to all the aspirants, said the party under his leadership will do everything humanly possible to unseat the present government.

The chairman, who assured all the aspirants of the party’s support, said: “The party is not out to play”, adding that the party’s symbol which is key, “symbolises unlocking the state fortunes. The people should collect any offer brought by moneybags politicians but vote according to their conscience during the poll,” he added.

Frederick Ikyaan

He blamed unending tale of Boko Haram in Borno State on lopsided appointments of Chief of Army Staff and presented the state guber candidate to people of the state. He also said that the party would ensure that all the political positions are being occupied by members of PRP come Feb; 16.

Speaking on behalf of all the aspirants who were presented with the party’s flag, the governorship aspirant under PRP, Frederick Ikyaan said, “PRP is the most gender-friendly party because, it has more women aspiring for most of the political positions.” He also pledged that his administration would reassess and do a review of values, systems and institutions to respond to the challenges faced by the state.

He congratulated all the aspirants and urged them to be firm. He said, the agenda of the party is transformation, redemption and rebuilding all the decayed Infrastructural facilities that have been ignored by the present government.

The governorship aspirant, who presented the party’s manifesto, said, the party will put to end the culture of financial misappropriation, unemployment, non-payment of salaries, Poverty, inequalities among others which have been the major challenges of the Benue people.

Ikyaan advised members of the party and entire citizens of the state not to sell their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to earn a living. He also advised his supporters against violence, thuggery and assassination.

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BDSUNDAY 5

News Don’t kill Buhari with pressure, Secondus warns APC, cabal OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja

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he National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party ( P D P ) , Uc h e Secondus has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the cabal not to kill President Muhammadu Buhari with undue pressure.

Secondus said that for selfish reasons these power grabbers are putting undue pressure on the President even as it’s evident that he can no longer cope.

The National Chairman, who spoke while inaugurating 27 Presidential election campaign committees at the party’s presidential campaign office in Abuja on Friday, said that from what Nigerians and international community are witnessing around the President lately, it is apparent that he is tired and incapable but they would not let him.

“There is no way this President can cope given what we are witnessing and added to the incompe-

Secondus

tence in leadership Nigerians have been seeing in the last three years,” he said.

The National Chairman warned that Nigerians are not ready to take anything less than free, fair and credible election, adding: “Our fear is that the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu lack the will and

courage to ignore the pressure from the APC to conduct free and transparent election.

“But he should know that he would be held responsible for any fall out from a rigged election”.

The National Chairman while congratulating the new Inspector General of

Police, Adamu Mohammed, reiterated his earlier call on him to clear the mess left behind by his predecessor and run the Police Force professionally and responsibly.

Secondus also explained why the party would continue to protest the membership of Amina Zakari as a National Commissioner of the electoral body.

“We called for her resignation from the commission but instead they appointed her as the Chief Collation Ifficer, we must continue to oppose her because she is a master rigger, we have evidence of what she did in Ekiti and Osun States”.

He announced to the cheering committee members that the Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar was in the United States of America (USA ) where he is expected to meet with top American politicians and government officials.

While saying that the visit has doused the ‘blackmail’ on Atiku, he said the PDP government, if elected, would restore the image of the country.

Ekiti screens 620 for cataract surgery

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bout 620 Ekiti indigenes have been screened for Cataract in the 16 Local Government areas of the State as a prelude to the Free Health Mission of the Kayode

Fayemi-led administration that would commence next Monday.

The Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr Folake Olomojobi,a medical doctor who made

this known in Ado-Ekiti said the screening, which commenced on wednesday cuts across the 3 senatorial districts of the State.

Olomojobi said the target of the screening that is financed by the Ekiti State

L-R: Marie Macfoy, Globacom’s State Manager, SME, Delta State Commissioner for Information, chief Patrick Ukah and ustina Abdulateef, Globacom’s Lagos Public Sector Account Manager and Eric Uwaoma, Globacom’s Head, Enterprise Sales with the Telecommunications Company of the Year Award won by Globacom at the Independent Newspaper Limited Awards 2018 held in Lagos, on Thursday.

government was to free the entire state from cataract which is one of the leading causes of blindness in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary further stated that patients diagnosed of having eye challenges have been referred for surgery and follow-up treatment during the forth-coming Free Health Mission that would hold at designated centres across the state from January 21st till March, this year Some of the beneficiaries of the screening exercise who spoke with newsmen, appreciated the government of kayode Fayemi for his concern and passion for healthy living of Ekiti people. They urged him to make the Free Health Mission a continuous exercise.

The Free Health Mission, that would commence on Monday will be flagged-off on Wednesday, next week at Ikere-Ekiti by the State Governor, kayode Fayemi, the initiator of theprogramme.

Buraimoh’s administration seeks stronger partnerships with private sector in Amuwo Odofin Desmond Okon

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he incumbent executive chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos State, Engineer Valentine Oluwaseyi Buraimoh, has called on business organisations, captains of industry, entrepreneurs, companies, and all stakeholders operating within the council area, to come out in their numbers to partner with his administration in order to foster an enterprising society/environment for everyone.

Buraimoh made the call at the maiden edition of the Amuwo Odofin Mayors’ Nite, where stakeholders from diverse professions and industries in the local government met to rub minds with the chairman on the future prospects of Amuwo Odofin, as well as assess the performance of the local government chairman.

“I am making a call to you, distinguished captains of industry, entrepreneurs, business organisations, companies doing business within the local government to come out in multitudes, to partner with our administration in order to bring about an enterprising society for

us all,” Buraimoh said.

According to him, the role of the private organisations and business in giving the government a sense of direction could not be overemphasised, saying that they could make a real difference in assisting the administration in its quest to actualise its goals.

“As leaders, and captains in the private sector, you can make a real difference and support this administration in its quest to redefine governance and actualise its set goals and objectives. You can contribute your own quota by partnering with the local government for development,” he said.

Bu r a i m o h , w h o r e echoed the significance of the private sector in driving the growth of a country’s economy, pledged to provide a favourable business environment.

“As a government, we will continue to provide an enabling environment for your businesses to thrive, which at the long run will be beneficial to both parties. We will continue to pursue people-oriented programmes for the betterment of our people that we are serving,” he said while also encouraging sound critique and advice to help move the local government forward.

PDP describes FG’s moves to question Atiku over N156m Bank PHB ‘slush funds’ as laughable OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as laughable moves by the Federal Government to question its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for allegedly benefiting from N156 million ‘slush funds’ in the former Bank PHB. Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP National Publicity Secretary, distanced its presidential candidate from the collapse of the bank.

Ologbondiyan was responding to the moves by the Federal Government to question the former Vice President over his alleged role in the collapse of the bank.

Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, who made the allegation at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, insisted that the PDP Presidential Candidate benefited from N156 million ‘slush funds’ and that he would be questioned upon his return to Nigeria from the United States.

But in a swift reaction on Friday, Ologbondiyan said Presidency is already afraid

of Atiku’s rising profile, having dared the APC-led Federal Government to travel to the United States.

“While we understand that President Buhari and his dysfunctional All Progressives Congress (APC) are jittery over Atiku Abubakar’s soaring popularity ahead of the elections, it is reprehensible that Mr. President will descend abysmally low to fabricate outright lies and falsehood in a bid to discredit a more qualified and acceptable Presidential candidate.

“The PPCO makes bold to state that Atiku Abubakar has nothing to do with the alleged issues leading to the collapse of Bank PHB, but an honest and hard working Nigerian who has no skeleton of any sort in his cupboard, unlike President Buhari, who is now entangled in series of corruption allegations.

“For emphasis, even the Chairman of President Buhari’s Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof.

Itse Sagay, had since told the world that the Buhari Presidency has searched everywhere and could not find anything incriminating on Atiku Abubakar.

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Imo guber: Iwuanyanwu, Udenwa, Njoku, others back Ihedioha SABY ELEMBA, Owerri

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mmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the longest serving member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has said he has every information about all the members of PDP in Imo State and has never pitched his tent with any other political party since coming into the party.

“I can give you the testimonial of every person in PDP,” he said, urging Imo people to “vote for Emeka Ihedioha, he is credible”.

According to Iwuanyanwu, “He has been selected

by PDP, and you have to work with him. Emeka Ihedioha is credible, he is loyal, he is respectful and I can testify for him.”

Speaking in the same manner at the official kick off, PDP campaign for 2019 general elections at St. Mary’s

Catholic Parish Ubomiri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Achike Udenwa, the former governor of the state extolled the admirable qualities in Emeka Ihedioha and asked Imo people to go beyond party lines and vote for Emeka Ihedioha the gov-

ernorship candidate and all PDP candidates.

While describing the administration of Rochas Okorocha as a very big loss to Imo people, Udenwa who is from Orlu zone like Rochas Okorocha, said particularly to the people of Owerri

WANEP calls for participation of women in peace building, conflict prevention Ngozi Okpalakunne

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he National Network Coordinator, West African Peace building Network (WANEP), Bridget Osakwe has called for more women participation in peace building, conflict prevention and decision-making in Niger Delta and North East regions.

Osakwe, who made the call during a two-day planning meeting on WANEP’s new project tagged, ‘Enhancing participation of women in peace building and human security in Nigeria’, observed that over the years there has been a remarkable absence of the voices of moderation that women provide in decision-making on strategies to be adopted in the course of managing conflicts in Nigeria.

She regretted that in the past decade the country has

faced numerous challenges to its development efforts in the form of episodic outbreaks of clashes across the country.

“In the north east geo-political zone, violent extremism has increased in tenacity from unabated attacks from the violent extremist group Boko Haram.

“Since the inception of this Islamic extremist group in 1995, it has continued to intensify attacks in the north-eastern states and other parts of Nigeria.

“Since 1998, over 40,000 Nigerians have been killed in more than 2,300 incidents reflecting a wide range of ethnic, religious, political and economic tensions across large portions of the country.

“This accounts for almost 40 percent of the total deaths more than any other source of social violence in the country,” she said.

In all these violent conflicts, she affirmed that the palliative capacity women draw from their connections as mothers, sisters and wives to cushion trends or patterns of violence in communities has been missing.

“Because this ‘voice’ has remained suppressed in the ongoing conflict dynamics in the two regions, belligerents and other interested parties to the conflict who benefit from economies of conflict have yielded to various levels and dimensions of violence to attain their goals.

“Although the government at federal and state levels has brought resources to bear in putting forward structures and strategies to promote peace in the regions, these conflicts have continued with new and emerging dynamics,” she added.

On WANEP’s new project, Osakwe explained that it aimed to mainstream gender capacities and platforms for peace building, human security and social change among local women networks in selected communities in the Niger Delta and north east region.

Explaining further she said: ‘’It is principally designed to strengthen women social networks for relevance, recognition and active participation in peace process and inclusion in political and economic decision making especially where such decision directly influence their wellbeing and stability within their community.

zone, “We have ruled for 16 years but if you allow us (Orlu zone) to rule for 24 years you are ‘mumu’. Tell your people (Owerri zone) who vote for Orlu that they are selling their future and the future of their children”.

“Ihedioha is good, Ihe-

dioha is credible, Ihedioha is a responsible person, he has given us assurance that things will return to normalcy again and this is the right opportunity both at the state and federal levels,” he said.

And Jude Ejike Njoku, a former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), a professor of Agricultural Economics who contested the governorship primary with Ihedioha alongside others but was not favoured, told the cheering crowd to vote for Ihedioha and testified also for Ihedioha’s credibility.

Emeka Maduagwu, former speaker, Imo House of Assembly, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues affirmed their support.

Greg Mbadiwe, former ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and first son of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe of the blessed memory, testified to the credibility of Ihedioha just as Eb-

ere Udeagu, former deputy governor lent credence to ability and transparency of the PDP candidate, Emeka when he becomes the governor of the state.

Meanwhile, Charles Ezekwem, the PDP chairman, in the state, introduced Ihedioha as a person who has the credibility, capacity and competence to move Imo State forward again.

“Emeka is the best this party has presented to Imo people” and his rulership would also bring a good change, the change for good the Imo people desire.

Ihedioha, who walked briskly to the podium told Imo people that Imo State under his leadership would focus on critical areas like, provision of power in the state, improvements in the education sector, healthcare delivery system, provision of infrastructure, sustainable youth and women development as well as empowerment.

UPP chieftain urges South East to intensify campaign for restructuring, not for more states SABY ELEMBA, OWERRI

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chieftain of the United Progressive Party (UPP) and ex-Attorney General and commissioner for justice, Imo State, Professor Francis Dike (SAN), has advised stakeholders of South East extraction to intensify agitation and clamour for the restructuring of the nation as against their persistent demand for the creation of more states in the zone.

Dike, a professor of law and chairman of Orlu Elders Council, who spoke to our correspondent at his private residence in Owerri, argued that restructuring is a better package for the Igbo as against creation of more states because according to him, restructuring if implemented would make the SouthEasttheDubaiofAfrica.

The Senior Advocate

of Nigeria (SAN) who attributed the legion of woes ravaging the Igbo nation to the three-year civil war challenged the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to be much more vocal and vociferous in advancing the interest of the Igbo, stating that the then Igbo Union was able to achieve much because of its visionary approach to issues.

“It is difficult to wipe out a race on earth and if you go to such countries as Rwanda and Bangladesh, you will understand what I am saying that you cannot dominate a particular race for ever,” he said.

He blamed the British authorities for blocking the popular Igbo demand to restructure the nation, saying “although our constitution says united, when you unite, it does not necessarily imply that you are united”.

On the forth-coming general election, the UPP chieftain enjoined both the Inde-

pendent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the acting Inspector General of Police, Adamu Abubakar to demonstrate unquestionable patriotism, fairness and justice in the discharge of their duties.

He however, blamed the national Chairman of INEC professor Mahmood Yakubu for the public outcry that trailed the appointment of Amina Zakari to head a sensitive position in the electoral body.

“It is irresponsible for the INEC Chairman to have appointed her into that position because he ought to have considered the obvious implication.

The late President Shehu Shagari appointed Ovie Whiskey, IBB appointed Humphrey Nwosu, former PresidentGoodluckJonathan appointed Attahiru Jega- a northerner and therefore, let us consider these things.

2019: Coalition promises Buhari 10 m votes James Kwen, Abuja

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head of the forthcoming general elections, the Coalition of Buhari/ Osibanjo Movement, COBOM has promised to mobilize 10 million votes for President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, the Presidential and

Vice Presidential candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Garba Audu, COBOM Grand Patron who made this promise at the inauguration of the National and State officials of the Coalition at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja said members of the group drawn across the 774 local government areas of the country were

armed with their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs to return Buhari and Osibanjo at the polls. Audu stated that, “this coalition has brought in youths from all the 774 local governments. This coalition has almost about 10 million people and these are die hard Buharists. They are ready. They have their PVCs come 16 of the February, all the youths that you are

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News Nigeria must rise for Africa to develop, says Lumumba Josephine Okojie

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rofessor Patrick Lumumba , Kenyan activist, and iconic public speaker has said Nigeria is very crucial in driving development in Africa owing to its economic and diplomatic strength as well as its rich history in the continent.

Lumumba during his address at the just concluded annual Face of Okija Cultural Festival said Nigeria leads on the continent in terms of art and culture with prominent personalities from the country having global recognition “Nigeria remains great because Nigeria has been the cradle of culture in the continent of Africa. When one signs about Nigeria, one will see Nigeria has the greatest county in the continent of Africa,” he said.

“I remember over 25 years ago when I started my education, I heard about this land of Igbo from great writers such as Chinua Achebe.

If it was not for the books of Chinua Achebe that I read with other Nigerian authors such as Flora Nwapa, the poetry of Christopher Okigbo and Wole Soyinka,” he said.

“Even in those early days, I was able to recognise that what a young man cannot see even standing on the Iroko tree, an old man will

Lumumba

see while sitting down. I remember those days with nostalgia and I also remember that it was not only in literature that I met great Nigerians. I actually learned English from a Nigeria author, Ogundipe through his books.

“This means that Nigeria and Igbo land has always been present in our lives in Africa and when we started talking about the independence of Africa one will, of course, read ‘The Great Zik of Africa’ if not, one hasn’t read history. So, therefore, there is a sense that Nigeria and Igbo land has always been present.

He noted that culture is dynamic and value needs to

be added to it. “Therefore, we are here to celebrate the culture at the helm. The Obijackson Foundation is an event that started five years ago, so it is no longer an event, it has graduated into a festival and I dare say it must even have graduated into a movement,” he said.

The professor called for the need to celebrate culture saying that countries that fail to recognise it would eternally be salve, while urging Africans not to afford the misfortune of communing with other civilisations.

“We are here to tell ourselves that we can no longer apologise to our condition.

We have come here to remind ourselves that we can

no longer be nostalgic of the past without projecting into future. We have come here in order to celebrate the future as informed by the past and that is why the Face of Okija is the re-energisation of what is, and the recognition that we must search for that Africa that is the cradle of humanity.

“Those who are in the business of revising history have attempted to deny that fact but now it is recognised beyond peradventure that humanity and civilisation started here in Africa when Europe was still dwelling in the caves. There were organized kingdoms in this part of the world when Europe does not know what astronomy was, Africa is the cradle of civilisation and Africa is where we must be,” he said.

“But you know our civilisation was rudely interrupted. It was a rude interruption that saw some of our men and women being spirited away into other parts of the world. If Europe is what it is, it is because of Africans, If America is what it is, it is because of Africans and if Latin America is what it is, it is because of Africans.

If the Greeks are great philosophers, it is so because the great philosophers were in the land of Oduduwa, if the Jews have the gift of prophecy it was because of the Igbo of Africa,” he added.

Oshiomhole has exposed Buhari, APC’s anti-corruption war as ruse’ OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja

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he People’s Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PPCO) on Friday said the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has exposed the anti-corruption fight under the APC as a ruse.

The PPCO said Oshiomhole, by his confession at the Edo state APC Presidential rally on Thursday, that “once you join the APC, your sins are forgiven”, has confirmed that the APC is a sanctuary of treasury looters and that President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption is mere racketeering.

The Director, Media and Publicity of PPCO, Kola Ologbondiyan, said: “With this revelation by Oshiomhole, who is also overburdened by huge corruption allegations for which he had to flee the country last year,

it is now established that the APC is a party of thieves and thrives only on deception, lies and propaganda while swimming in an ocean of corruption.

“The fact that President Buhari, who parades himself as Mr. Integrity, has not reprimanded Oshiomhole but openly relished the assertion, confirms his moral entanglement, accommodation and valid endorsement of corrupt practices by APC members and Presidency

Oshiomhole

cabal.

“Nigerians are all witnesses to how President Buhari became an advocate for Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje over the leaked tape, showing him allegedly collecting bribe from contractors.

“They have also seen how Mr. President, even as supposed Mr. Integrity, surrounds himself with corrupt persons and how most members of his Campaign Organisation, as individuals, have been indicted for corruption.

“This is even more worrisome given allegations that the Buhari Presidency and the APC are directly benefiting from the funds being looted under their watch, including the N9 trillion detailed in the leaked NNPC memo; the N33 billion North East intervention fund, the repatriated $322 million stolen under the guise of sharing to the poor, the over N25 billion stolen from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the over N1.4 trillion

stolen through sleazy subsidy regimes among others,” the party said.

The PPCO said that given this damning revelation by Oshiomhole, President Buhari no longer has the moral rectitude to seek re-election, saying he has betrayed Nigerians by failing to uphold the sanctity of the war against corruption as one of the major planks of his re-election campaign.

“Moreover, Oshiomhole and his co-travellers in his corruption roller coaster are reminded that they will soon lose their cover and definitely face trial for their atrocities as Nigerians have resolved to vote out their grand patron, President Buhari from office on February 16, 2019.

“Finally, the PPCO urges the EFCC to commence the investigation and prosecution of members of the APC campaign council as well as new entrants into their party as their factional National Chairman had already confessed that the party is a club of looters,” the party said.

CUPP alerts plot to arrest Onnoghen Tuesday OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja

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he Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has alerted that some influential persons in the Muhammadu Buhari administration may have concluded plans to arrest the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen on Tuesday.

Spokesman of CUPP, Ikenga Ugochinyere, at a press conference on Friday in Abuja alleged that “The cabal of the Presidency has just concluded a meeting last night (Thursday) where they set the stage to burn down the institution of democracy and constitutional governance for the purpose of achieving a narrow aim of annexing the judiciary”.

The coalition further stated: “Just few hours after our release of the secret letter directing the freezing of the account of the CJN illegally without a Court order, these men have at the end of their meeting last night (Thursday night) directed the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mr. Danladi Umar to disregard the Order of the Federal High Court, Abuja which has directed the Tribunal to maintain status quo and go ahead to issue a bench warrant on the next adjourned date being Tuesday the 22nd January, 2019 in the event the CJN does not appear in Court”.

Ugochinyere also alleged that the meeting of the Presidency cabal also resolved and directed the new Acting Inspector General of Police to effect the immediate arrest of the CJN on the same Tuesday.

The coalition said that the arrest has been planned in such a way as to ensure that the CJN is served with the CCT warrant same day.

“They further resolved that another petition would now be forwarded to the National Judicial Council and that petition has already been drafted in the Chambers of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

This petition will precede the other frivolous and trumped up allegations which will be submitted against other Supreme Court Justices.

“The plan on Tuesday to get Danladi Umar (CCT Chairman) to issue a bench warrant against the CJN; the plan on Tuesday to get the Ag, IGP to arrest the CJN and the plan on Tuesday to forcibly arraign the CJN are solely aimed at forcing the CJN out of office hence, paving the way for a well-known pro-Buhari Judge, Justice Tanko Mohammed who is the Deputy Chairman of the NJC to take over and do all their bidding”.

The coalition insisted that “unless and until the CJN is found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, he will not resign!”

“They want to force him out at all cost and put an acting CJN whose bidding will include setting up appeal panels to resolve the Rivers and Zamfara APC crisis in favour of the APC and the other states where they fear they will lose elections including Akwa Ibom State, Delta State, Lagos State, Benue State, Imo State, Kwara State, Plateau State, Kaduna State, Abia State and Sokoto State and also constitute a proBuhari post-presidential election Tribunal”.

N190m property fraud: Supreme Court dismisses case against EFCC Innocent Odoh, Abuja

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he Supreme Court has dismissed an application filed against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by one Frank Amah, who was prosecuted by the EFCC in 2007 before a Lagos State High Court for an alleged N190 million property fraud.

According to a statement on Friday by EFCC Acting Spokesman, Tony Orilade, the commission had brought Amah and his company, Chyfrank Nigeria Limited, before Justice M.O. Obadina on a six-count charge of conspiracy, and obtaining by false pretence in counts one to four, and stealing in counts five and six.

Specifically, the EFCC accused him of presenting himself as an agent of one Alhaji Abubakar Mallam, to sell a property located at Ikoyi, a highbrow suburb in Lagos which was said to cost N190 million. The property was

said to have been listed for sale by the Federal Government in February 2005.

Amah claimed that it was allocated to Abubakar, then a serving Deputy-Comptroller of Customs who he said was his “bosom friend”.

However, after the transaction with Dunu had been concluded, the Federal Government, cancelled the sale of the government houses in Ikoyi, including the one which Amah purportedly sold to Dunu. Abubakar was to later testify in Court, that somebody used his name fraudulently to buy Federal Government house in Ikoyi, and that he never owned any house there.

The EFCC had accused him of fraudulently collecting N102, 400,000 from Dunu, which was never delivered to any Alhaji Abubakar Mallam, but instead used N94, 800,000 out of it to purchase a house at Thompson Avenue, Lagos from the Federal Government Implementation Committee.

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Ikpeazu inaugurates new council for ABSU

…Names Wabara as head UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

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bia Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has inaugurated the new Governing Council of the Abia State University, Uturu, headed by former Senate President, Adolf Wabara.

Ikpeazu, while speaking during the inauguration of the council at the Government House, Umuahia, said the inauguration of the board marked a new milestone in the history of the university.

He said the inauguration of the council which was slightly modified was in recognition of its hard-work in lifting the university from the 90th position to the first 10 in the country.

He said that the desire of the state government was to see the institution continue in its upward swing and charged the council to deploy its contacts and wide reach to attract incen-

Ikpeazu

tives and create research and ambience that would keep the university on top.

Ikpeazu commended the council and management of ABSU for ensuring smooth academic calendar for three consecutive years and announced that soon the Engineering Faculty of the University would be

relocated at Osisioma.

He described education as key and the greatest industry in Abia State.

Adolf Wabara, in his response on behalf of others, thanked the governor for finding them fit to serve and pledged that they would not disappoint the governor.

Otti meets with business community in Abia …Promises to rescue state UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia.

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lex Otti, the Abia Go v e r n o r s h i p candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has appealed to the Business community in Umuahia to be volunteers who would assist him correct the wrongs perpetrated by the PDP-led administration for barely 20 years in the state by voting for him during the forthcoming elections.

Otti, who made the appeal in Umuahia during an interactive session with the business community, noted that if nothing was done to rescue Abia, it would go into extinction.

“If we do not do something serious, the state will go into extinction. Abia is now on life support. We have been docile for too long. No state in the entire South-East that things have gone wrong like Abia,” Otti fumed.

He disclosed that a lot of lootings were going on in the state while accusing those said to be colluding with those in the corridors

of power to milk the state dry.

The governorship candidate said if the present administration in the state was given the opportunity to rule the state again “Abians would be moving from frying pan to fire”.

He hinted that Abia is the 11th richest state in Nigeria with GDP of N9 billion while Anambra which is ranked 16th with GDP of N7billion is performing creditably.

He wondered why workers and pensioners should be owed arrears of salaries and pensions in the state.

“If you give them 2nd term, you will be moving from frying pan to fire. It pains me that Umuahia is a state capital and there is nothing to show for it.

There is original plan for Umuahia and we are going to use it to make the city beautiful,” he promised.

He assured the business community of his readiness for contest.

He disclosed that before he came out for the race in 2014, he hired a team of consultants to package how things were working

in the state. They went round all parts of Abia to see how things were working and came up with their reports.

“Again, when we started again in 2017, we commissioned the same set of consultants but they were shocked how Abia have decayed to that extent,” said Otti.

“We will go back to those of Michael Okpara. Ikwuano alone can feed the entire South-East. We need you people who are ready to lead the race. I cannot do it alone. I have signed my own portion of the contract and waiting for you to sign yours,” he pleaded.

Otti promised to resuscitate all the moribund legacies left behind for Abians by the late Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Michael Okpara and Sam Mbakwe, former governor of old Imo State.

During the meeting, one of the participants, John Ochulor, chairman of Abia indigenes in Lagos promised that all Abians in Lagos would be at home during the election to vote for Otti.

At last, 1,875 farmers, artisans get support from Delta govt ...State denies alleged vote-buying Mercy Enoch, Asaba

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fter several months of waiting, 1,875 farmers and artisans in Delta State have at last drank from the milk of human kindness of the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as he gave them grants, loans and equipment in support of their businesses.

Okowa

The beneficiaries drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state included 900 men and women who received both cash and equipment to enable them start off a farming venture or expand an already existing one. The artisans who were 975 and were made up of motorcycle riders, tricycle riders and butchers received loans to improve their businesses.

Call it a New Year surprise package and you would not be wrong. Friday, January 11, was the very day – for the flag off of the grants, loans and distribution of the equipment to the beneficiaries. They were on ground to receive their package which was given them through their cooperative groups and associations.

There and then, they began to get their bank alerts de-

pending on the amount they applied for and what was approved for them.

Th i s g e s t u r e by t h e Okowa-led administration has however not gone down well with her critics, mainly the major opposition party in the state, the all Progressives Congress (APC) as they accused the governor of vote-buying under the guise of promise fulfillment.

Top government officials did not hesitate to rise in defense of their boss, insisting the Okowa administration right from inception has continued to dole out money in support of businesses in line with its prosperity for all Deltans mantra.

Now, the government’s gesture has however sparked of songs of “Okowa for second term” among the farmers and artisans who made the list of the beneficiaries instead of them continuing to murmur against the governor for not living up to his word.

Governor Okowa, who was represented by his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, at the flag off ceremony held in Asaba, said that the expectation of the state government was that the packages presented

to the beneficiaries would ultimately lead to the creation of jobs in line with the objectives of the SMART agenda on agricultural reforms and accelerated industrialisation.

He disclosed that the state government through the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DEMSMA) was created to coordinate, promote and facilitate financing of agricultural and allied products for micro, small and medium enterprises.

According to him, the agency has since the inception of the current administration, empowered 600 entrepreneurship groups and cooperative societies across the 25 LGAs of the state to the tune of N835,700.00 through the various empowerment schemes in which youths, farmers, market women and men are beneficiaries.

“The agency is also into the master trainer for leather works in collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the weaving and stoning of our native Akwa-Ocha/Akwa-Oma fabrics at Iselle-Uku in Anio-

cha North LGA. The centre is equipped with state-of-theart equipment that can produce some and even better quality leather products like those in Italy”, he explained.

“We have so far trained 110 graduates in Akwa-Ocha craft and 300 graduates in leatherworks. The works of our graduates have graced runways from cities across Delta, Lagos, Ethiopia and France and received rave reviews.”

He noted that the state government’s responsibility to entrepreneurs under its entrepreneurship schemes was not just to train and establish the beneficiaries but to ensure that they run profitable, viable and sustainable enterprises.

Speaking, the executive secretary of the DEMSMA), Shimite Bello, explained that the gesture done to the farmers and artisans was not the first time the state government would empower its citizens to boost their businesses.

She said the administration since its inception in 2015 has continued to give out money: “We have been an agency that has been giving money and not just starting now.

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PhotoSplash

Yemi Osinbajo, vice president; Isreal Adegoke Adewusi, Olufon of Ifon, and Rotimi Akeredolu, governor, Ondo State during the Family Chats by the Vice President in the Ondo State.

L-R: Bawo Omagbitse, general manager, strategy and marketing, PAN Nigeria Limited; Ibrahim Boyi, MD/CEO, PAN Nigeria Limited, and Jelani Aliyu, DG/CEO, National Automotive Design and Development Council, during the launching of the New Peugeot Pick up in Abuja. Pic by Tunde Adeniyi

L-R : Ademola Tosin, Khalid Mansoor, Liju Nediyankal, Arun Pillai, Mercy Olorunshola, Alausa Olakunle, Samuel Ogedazi and Nurudeen Abubakar all members of the Siemens Healthineers team (Sales and Engineering team) of Pacific Diagnostics Nigeria with the premier “Service and Maintenance Excellence award” received at the 2018 Siemens Healthineers Africa business partners’ event held in Nairobi, Kenya

Clement Nze (l), director-general, Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA), receiving a souvenir from Sani Mashi, director-general, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (_NiMet_), after a meeting of NIHSA and NiMet managements, at the Nimet Headquarters in Abuja. NAN

ALANWOKE, Anthony (Head, Customer Care Nigeria), EHIAGUINA, Harrison (Business Development Manager, Nigeria), ADEREMI, Adedayo (Trolley Dash Winner), Emmanuel Isangediok (Spar Manager), ADEOYE, Bayo (Marketing Specialist, Nigeria) and EBOH, Odiri (Marketing Manager, SportyBet Nigeria).

L-R: Supo Ayankunle, president, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Sa›ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, and Sunday Onoha, co- chairman, Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace during a conference on 2019 General Elections and National Security: the role of Interfaith Communities in Abuja. Pic by Tunde Adeniyi

L-R: Muhammadu Buhari, president; Godwin Obaseki, governor,Edo State; Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC); Akinwunmi Ambode, governor, Lagos State; , Philip Shaibu, deputy governor, Edo State; Betsy Obaseki, wife of governor, Edo State; and Maryann Shaibu, wife of deputy governor, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign in Benin City, Edo State.

L-R: Mamadun Alpha-Sylla, coordinator of training, West African Power Pool (WAPP) Capacity Building Programme; Ahmed Nagode, director-general, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN); and Baba Jarjusey, director of administration and finance, WAPP, during the official launching of WAPP-NAPTIN training programme in Lagos. NAN

10 Inside Lagos

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VIOs returning to Lagos roads?

I

JOSHUA BASSEY

s the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode losing grip of governance in Nigeria’s commercial capital, even before May 29, his official handing over date? Or are the agencies and personnel of government testing the will of the governor in the belief that his days are counting down?

Or could there have been some subtle relaxation of the executive order which bans the operations of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) from the roads in Lagos?

These are the questions begging for answers, as the VIOs are seen gradually returning to the roads.

Asides the VIOS, all, indeed, seems not to be well on the roads in Nigeria’s economic nerve centre. Enforcement of law and order has been sliding.

So much that traffic infractions have become the delight of motorists.

Apart from the recalcitrant yellow commercial buses operators, tricycles and motorcycles are seen daily violating the laws that guide their operations with the law enforcement agencies, especially the police, unable to arrest the slide.

It took Governor Ambode to personally apprehend a security officer who chose to drive

VIO operatives

against the flow of traffic in the state, last week. Ambode was said to have expressed shock on sighting a vehicle driving directly opposite his (one-way). But driving one-way is no strange occurrence in Lagos. What is strange is the lack of enforcement of the extant traffic laws.

Checks in some parts of Lagos metropolis also show that in defiance to the governor’s executive order which restricts operations of the VIOs from the roads and encourages them to deploy hi-tech in their inspection, some operatives of the

LASG moves against consumption of unwholesome fruits

L

agos State government has commenced the process of ensuring that the fruits and vegetables sector in the state is sanitised in order to guarantee the safety of consumers.

To this end, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), has initiated a project to ensure that the handling, packaging and display of vegetables and fruits are done in accordance with acceptable standards The project which was created in collaboration with other relevant ministries and agencies of government was inaugurated recently at LASCOPA office in 2b, Soji Adegpeba Close, Allen Avenue.

Speaking at the inauguration of the project committee members, the general manager of LASCOPA, Kemi Olugbode said that the essence of the committee is to technically look into ways and means of managing the prevalent issues in the handling and marketing of fruits and vegetables so as to ensure that only healthy products are sold to consumers.

She charged the committee to avoid scratching the issue on the surface but, to work assiduously to come up with strategy on how to effectively address the challenge of the sale of unwholesome fruits and vegetables in the state.

Continuing, she said that a total of 24 fruits markets have been identified as the major location for the distribution of various fruits and vegetables across the state.

She also charged the committee to work in consonant with the executive members of the various fruits and vegetables market associations in the state to ensure proper sensitization and training traders to adhere to standards.

In her remarks, Mosumola Samuel a representative of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) as well as a board member of LASCOPA said that consumption of fruits and vegetables was an important aspect of day to day life.

She said that it was advisable to start from the technical level to look at the areas to be covered and fix timeline Members of the project technical working committee comprise of representatives of LASCOPA, SON, Lagos State Market Board and the Ministry of Wealth Creation.

The committee is charged with the mandate to address the current unhygienic packaging, handling, ripening of fruits with unhealthy substances, lack of proper storage facilities and unhygienic environments for sales and display of the products.

Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) of the state ministry of transportation, have been sighted on stopping and checking vehicles on the roads since late 2018.

On Friday, January 18, 2019 for example, some operatives of VIS were sighted on Agbegbi Road, in Ijesha, Surulere, in their usual manner of operation. Their black/yellow stripes operational Hilux truck was parked by the roadside while the personnel stayed out to flag down oncoming vehicles.

A motorist who craved anonymity also said he had sighted

the VIO operatives several times around Ojodu Berger flagging down vehicles.

“Initially I thought it was a one off operation triggered by something. But after that I have seen them thrice around Ojodu.

It seems they’re gradually coming back,” said the motorist.

Also, resident of Okota area of the state, who identified himself as Azeez, said he also sighted the VIOs in December last year, with their operational vehicle parked in his street while the personnel were stopping oncoming vehicles. “Ambode may

not be aware of what they‘re doing. Somebody needs to draw the governor’s attention to it, said Azeez.

It would be recalled that Governor Ambode in May 2017 while inaugurating pedestrian bridges, laybys and slip roads at Ojodu Berger along the LagosIbadan Expressway, banned the operations of the VIOs permanently from the roads.

Ambode challenged the VIOs to come up with technology to monitor and track vehicle registration and MOT certifications.

He had also directed the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) officials to stay off the inner-city roads and the main streets of Lagos, saying the operation of the federal agency should be restricted to the fringes and highways over which the Federal Government has jurisdiction.

He said: “The VIOs have been asked to stay off our roads permanently. The FRSC is to stay on the fringes and highways and not on the main streets of Lagos”.

Before banning the operations of the VIOs from the roads, complaints had been rife about the high handedness of the operatives.

Their activities were also linked to worsening traffic situation within Lagos metropolis while they also had several brushes with motorists, some of which resulted in accidents and casualties.

1,008,274 vehicles travelled on LagosIbadan road during yuletide

T

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Friday said that 1,008,274 million vehicles travelled on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway during the 2018 Yuletide.

Clement Oladele, Ogun sector commander of FRSC, disclosed this to newsmen in Ota, Ogun. He said that a special team of FRSC personnel were deployed for the counting of vehicular movement on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway during the last Yuletide.

Oladele said that the figure, which was the biggest in recent years, covered the period of the

FRSC Special Patrol from December 1, 2018 to January 15, 2019.

He said that the FRSC had received directive from the Corps Marshals, Boboye Oyeyemi, that the special patrol should commerce early on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

He attributed the high traffic to the removal of construction blockades which eased the pains motorists faced due to the ongoing reconstruction of the road.

“About 726,018 commercial vehicles, which accounted for 72 per cent, were the dominant vehicles that travelled on the

expressway.

“Also, a total of 281,612 private vehicles, represented 27.9 per cent, while 644 vehicles belonging to government also plied the expressway during yuletide,” he said.

The sector commander further said that a total of 8,712,216 passengers were transported by commercial vehicles on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway during the six-week period.

Oladele, however, attributed the high number of vehicles that travelled on Lagos-Ibadan expressway to the removal of diversion earlier placed across the sections of Mowe/Ibafo and Ogunmakin /Ogere respectively

by Julius Berger Nigeria and Reynolds Constructions Company.

“This no doubt encouraged some motorists that earlier expressed apprehension on easy passage during the Yuletide.

“Also, the availability of petroleum products as well as relatively stable transport fares encouraged more people to travel during the Yuletide,” he said.

Oladele, however, said that the massive public enlightenment campaign embarked by FRSC officials contributed to the development.

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Lagos and the crusade against domestic and sexual violence

Publisher/CEO

Frank Aigbogun editor Zebulon Agomuo DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DIGITAL SERVICES Oghenevwoke Ighure GENERAL MANAGER, ADVERT Adeola Ajewole ADVERT MANAGER Ijeoma Ude FINANCE MANAGER Emeka Ifeanyi MANAGER, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Obiora Onyeaso SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Patrick Ijegbai CIRCULATION MANAGER John Okpaire DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Linda Ochugbua GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (North)

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

D

omestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence, is a pattern of abusive behaviors by one partner against another in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation. Domestic violence and abuse is not limited to obvious physical violence. It can also mean endangerment, criminal coercion, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, trespassing, harassment, and stalking to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.

Domestic violence is a global phenomenon and not limited to Nigeria. It occurs across the world, in various cultures, and affects people irrespective of their economic status. According to a study, the percentages of women who have reported being physically abused by an intimate partner vary from 69% to 10% depending on the country. In Nigeria, spousal abuse has become a scourge and there is a report that 50% of our women have been battered by their husbands

at one time or the other and unbelievably, more educated women (65%) are in this terrible situation as compared with their low income counterparts (55%).

The problem of domestic violence is rooted in the socio-cultural complexes of various societies of the world, for this reason, a legalistic approach is now being adopted by many nations in the fight against this plague. In Nigeria, there have been agitations on how to stop domestic violence against children and women. In 2007, the Lagos State House of Assembly made a bold move and passed into law, a bill “to provide protection against Domestic Violence and for Connected Purposes.”

Many victims of domestic violence usually lack the courage to seek legal redress on the violations of their rights due to lack of positive response from the society. Domestic violence is so entrenched in our society that even the victims condone such violations of their rights as some perceive it as sign of love and the socio-religious belief that a broken marriage or relationship is a mark of failure in life.

Due to poverty and economic dependence on men, many female victims may also choose to suffer in silence for fear of losing the economic support of the male perpetrator.

This trend is evident in several of the reported cases where victims prefer to withdraw their complaints where it becomes apparent that punitive measures will be meted out to the abusive spouse. Their usual objective is for the authorities to appease rather punish the abusive partner for fear of backlash.

Presently, in Lagos State, a Sexual

Offences and Child Justice Unit had been created at the State’s Ministry of Justice to monitor the prosecution of Sexual Offences in the State. The Unit was brought on board to ensure timely prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence cases at the newly designated Sexual Offences Court, High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division. Thus far, the Unit has been diligent in the prosecution of sexual offence cases and its first recorded judgment in the Sexual Offences Court is the case of The State of Lagos vs. Gabriel Obinna & 2 others, where one of the Defendants pleaded guilty to the charge of defilement upon arraignment and was sentenced to sixty (60) years imprisonment by Honourable Justice Nwaka.

In the same vein, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through the Domestic & Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) has continued to improve strategic action against the increasingly rampant incidents of rape, defilement, domestic violence, child abuse, neglect and maltreatment in the State. DSVRT obtained judgments in Defilement matters, ranging 7years, 10 years and 15 years imprisonment, respectively.

In addition, Engagement and Sensitization campaigns for Army Personnel on Domestic Violence, Child Abuse and Rape were carried out. While National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Officials were conscripted as Ambassadors in the fight against Sexual and Gender based Violence. In the previous year, 920 cases bordering on Domestic Violence, Child Abuse and Sexual Violence were handled

by DSVRT. The Team has also as-

sisted 20 survivors of defilement with sponsorship for their education, provided professional Psycho Social Therapy for 20 Rape and 60 Domestic Violence Survivors respectively as well as 30 survivors of Intimate Partner Violence.

On a national scale, it may be necessary to create special complaints desk in all police stations where domestic issues including child abuse will be handled. Designated officers must be trained on the sensitive nature of handling domestic matters. Also, the authorities must organize continuous seminars and workshops for all those involved, judicial officials, law enforcement agents, legal practitioners and other social workers.

There must also be the creation of special family courts where domestic disputes can be resolved and criminality prosecuted in confidentiality. Law enforcement and court mechanisms also have to be made friendly and accessible to women.

Also, law enforcement and court mechanisms have to be made friendly and accessible to women.

The police are often indifferent to matters concerning domestic violence believing it is a family affair.

Also, many communities condone violence against women in a manner that tacitly suggest approval of the practice. Neighbours and friends may hesitate to intervene in violent relationships because marital issues are often regarded as personal matters. There is a need to ensure that all those who respond to violence against women irrespective of social status are sensitized and trained to provide a response that is compassionate and comprehensive.

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DAVOS 2019

Sunday 20 January 2019

FEATURE

Global risks grow more dangerous as world powers fail to work together BORGE BRENDE

T

here is an unfortunate reality to our current geopolitical landscape. The world faces the threat of three primary hazards: one immediate, one long-term and one latent.

Yet as these risks manifest, cooperation among stakeholders is being overtaken by antagonism. In many ways, the same polarization exists at the global level just as it does at the societal level in the United States and across Europe, where there is the perception that cooperation is a threat to, rather than an avenue toward, prosperity.

In the immediate term, geo-economic fault lines have grown between allies and non-allies alike: trade disputes among powers escalated last year, and political divisions across the Atlantic are testing Europe’s market union. According to the World Economic Forum’s latest survey of 916 experts, policymakers and industry leaders, 91percent of respondents believe the risk of economic frictions will increase in 2019 among major powers.

This fraying of partnerships comes at the very moment when close coordination is needed for the resiliency of our global economy.

While the U.S. economy remains strong, there are signs of global over-borrowing and of softening of foreign markets. Global debt reached a record high in the first quarter of last year — $247 trillion in nominal terms — and we have already seen the earning expectations of companies drop as sales in some countries slow.

In the face of these economic headwinds, we are illprepared to stave off the next downturn. In October, the International Monetary Fund revised downwardits growth projections for 2018 and 2019, citing potential economic disruptions of trade disputes.

We seem to have forgotten that global economics is not a zero-sum formula, but rather one where trade grows markets and increases the size of the pie. A key lesson in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis was that global collaboration is the critical ingredient to turning markets

World leaders during the G20 Leaders’ Summit family photo on November 30, 2018 in Buenos Aires

back around.

At the same time, growing wedges between countries will make addressing our most important long-term risk — environmental degradation — all but impossible. The category of climate change ranked as the leading risk over a ten-year horizon in our survey, but we are seeing difficulties in maintaining consensus when it comes to addressing the issue. And rather than increasing our ambition when it comes to reducing emissions, we are already falling shortof the targets set in the Paris Agreement.

The results of climate inaction are already clear: last year was the fourth-warmest on record after several years of warming temperatures, extreme weather events have plagued Europe and the United States, and animal populations are in record decline.

As bad as these facts are, in the longer term, the results will be catastrophic. An estimated 800 million people live in over 570 coastal cities that could experience flooding and economic disruption due to a sea-level rise of half a meter by 2050. Our economic and societal health are at risk unless we find a way to take meaningful joint action.

A hardening geopolitical divide is also increasing the risk of technological threats — a latent risk that we still do not yet fully appreciate. The financial toll of cybercrime will be enormous: 74 percent of the world’s businesses can expect to be hacked in the coming year and loss due to cybercrime is predicted to reach $3 trillion by 2020 — the size of the British economy.

This does not include the security threat posed to critical infrastructure or the political threat to governing institutions. Nor does it account for the emerging risk of artificial

...geo-economic fault lines have grown between allies and non-allies alike: trade disputes among powers escalated last year, and political divisions across the Atlantic are testing Europe’s market union

intelligence.

Though respondents to our survey cited cyber attacks as both high in impact and high in likelihood over the coming decade (behind only climate-related issues), there is no unified framework for cybersecurity law, despite it being a global problem that exists beyond traditional boundaries; instead, nations build their laws on their own, often leaving others vulnerable as a result. This makes it more difficult to protect individuals, businesses and public resources from digital attacks, and harder to prosecute those responsible. The landscape is akin to aviation safety in the days prior to 9/11, when individual airports in the United States handled their own protection measures. What is needed instead is meaningful agreement at the global level on a standard around data protection and incident reporting.

While the risks facing the global community require specific, distinct solutions, they cannot be solved in a go-at-it-alone manner. At a time when there is criticism of global institutions, we need to reaffirm the importance of a well-functioning multilateral system. A critical lesson

of the post–World War II era has been that goals that once seemed impossible can be a reality. Historic achievements over the past seven decades, such as cutting the percentage of people who are living in extreme poverty by more than a half, increasing global average life expectancy by 22 years and mitigating conflict between global powers, have only been possible through a cooperative framework. Similarly, the urgent challenges we face today of economic uncertainty, climate change, and threats associated with new technologies, can only be solved through coordinated action.

It is clear that the ultimate global risk is for geopolitical divisions to harden. While there is room to make improvements to our global system, unless we find a way restore global cooperation this year, we will be unable to truly solve our world’s most urgent challenges.

Brende is the President of the World Economic Forum and the former Foreign, Trade and Environment Minister of Norway and this material was adapted from the Global Risks Report 2019, a report produced by the World Economic Forum

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Politics Rivers 2019:

Deadly arrow heads to Amaechi’s chest as Rivers’ APC disappears from INEC’s ballot

… Endless court sackings of all APC candidates continue …Only hope may be with Magnus Abe’s Court of Appeal case for substitution IGNATIUS CHUKWU, Port Harcourt

F

ormer Rivers State gove r n o r , C h i b u i ke R o t i m i Amaechi, now minister of Transportation, is not only regarded as leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State but the South-South.

He worked hard to make the party to win the elections in the state in 2015 to no avail but won national acclaim for leading the campaigns that snatched power from his fellow Niger Deltan, Goodluck Jonathan, to Katsina State-born Muhammadu Buhari.

Amaechi is seen to work so hard to recapture power in his state probably to enable him earn some rest but the logo of his party, APC, has rather disappeared from the ballot paper for the upcoming elections, meaning that from the governorship to all the legislative positions both at state and federal, no single APC contestant would face the voters. This is regarded as a tragedy to Amaechi as a person because it could crumble his entire political structure especially if his party loses at the centre.

Should this situation stay this way till February 16, 2019 when the elections begin, Rivers State would have been added to the other states where the ruling party would accept defeat even before voting starts, including Imo, Zamfara, and Osun, states believed to have been lost due to mismanagement of the primaries by the party lords, just like the PDP handed Imo State away to Ikedi Ohakim only to continue to mourn to this day.

Origin A Rivers State high court judge, Chiwendu Nworgu had shut down the APC congresses as null and void; and appeal and supreme courts have continued to uphold all of aspects of this ruling. Though APC top notchers have continued to call him names and create insinuations of being close to the state governor, the judgment rendered void the primaries that produced different candidates for the party since October 2018, except a substantive appeal pending at the Supreme Court comes to their rescue. Many think this may be either unlikely or too late.

opioids overdose

The implication is that as from today (16/01/2019), there is no more challenge at the Court of Appeal against that judgment of the lower court, the High Court of Rivers State in the suit by Ibrahim Umar and 22 others against All Progressives Congress (APC). By this judgment, it is now declared null and void the indirect primary elections conducted in Rivers State by the APC

Magnus Abe and Dakuku Peterside emerged as closest political allies to then Governor Amaechi and each wanted to be next governor.

On the day of decision, both contenders were locked in a room in Government House in Port Harcourt almost a day until Abe flew out of the room, indicating that Dakuku had been chosen. Abe was pacified with a senatorial slot which he won but Dakuku went ahead to lose to PDP’s Wike, a former minister and strong ally of then President Jonathan.

This time around, Abe seemed prepared to ensure Dakuku, now the CEO of NIMASA, would not outwit him anymore. When he saw it was about to happen, he broke away and declared his ambition contrary to Amaechi’s instruction for everybody to keep such ambitions under wrap. A bitter rivalry ensued as Abe denounced loyalty to Amaechi and drifted closer to their former common enemy, Wike. Lots

have been written about deals and pacts between Wike and Abe, but Abe has continued to laugh such insinuations away. What seemed obvious was that Abe seemed to enjoy huge access to what Wike is known to have in abundance, coziness with the Judiciary at all levels.

Now, each time a major victory is won in the courts against the Amaechi camp, jubilation would explode same time in both Abe and Wike’s enclaves, making Amaechi camp to point it out to observers as evidence that both men were working in concert. Huge amounts have been bandied about as value of the pact but no evidence has been adduced so far.

The legal fireworks began in May 2018 when Abe’s team went to court in Port Harcourt to challenge the ward congresses as an illegality. Many APC bigwigs did not take it very serious. Next, the high court granted Abe requests nullifying the congresses. The National leadership of the party tried to mend matters by calling for another exercise and also made forms available to the Abe camp; too late. This judgment or aspects of it have been challenged up to the Supreme Court and back, but the APC has continued to lose. Now, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally obeyed the orders by yanking off the logo of the APC from the ballot and removing all APC candidates from the latest list just displayed in Port Harcourt as reported by online newspapers keeping vigil at INEC. Amaechi and Wike in judicial ‘perception’ Wike is not just a lawyer, his wife is a judge, wife of his biggest mentor is a Supreme Court judge. He too has endeared himself with the Judiciary by reopening the courts the same day he was sworn in.

Lawyers jubilated over this because for almost a year, they had earned no money because litigation froze.

Some lawyers were seen selling in their wives’ shops. It was that bad.

Before that, the Nigerian Judicial Commission (NJC) had had running battle with Amaechi when the then governor refused to recognise the NJC recommended chief judge of Rivers State, Daisy Okocha, preferring his own choice. This was beContinues on page 14

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Sunday 20 January 2019

Politics Deadly arrow heads to Amaechi’s chest as Rivers’ ...

Continued from page 13

cause there were moves to impeach Amaechi and the plot required just a ready chief judge to come to reality. Amaechi fought hard to stop the jigsaw from completing. In so doing, he earned the wrath of the Supreme Court and most other judges. Talks were open in lawyers’ circles that Amaechi and his associates would never be allowed to benefit from the institution that he allegedly troubled.

As if this was not enough, the FG launched its anti-corruption war into the Judiciary, launching a midnight attack on some judges. Governor Wike miraculously found himself passing the way of the judges’ quarters in Port Harcourt and thus mobilized to save some. He thus became a hero while Amaechi came under harsher light and some suspicion. Amaechi had been fingered in the delay to nominate a Niger Delta son, Walter Onnoghen, as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). After that, many judges faced corruption charges and some lost out. Sentiments against the FG and Amaechi increased even as suspicion against Amaechi grew larger. Now, that the FG moved against the CJN, Wike has told a rally in Eleme that the travails were coming from their son, Amaechi. He has poked up issues of Amaechi helping to dethrone a son of the oil region (Jonathan) and now Onnoghen. It is resonating with the crowds. Amaechi’s defenders are arguing that Amaechi did not write the petition nor was he in either the CCT or the EFCC. It is not clear if this level of defence is jelling with the Niger Delta crowds that now bale for blood in an election moment.

Courts and cuts As the APC desperately sought judicial relief for their candidates, the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, for the second time, rather struck out an appeal filed by the APC challenging the ruling of the Rivers State High Court judge, Chiwendu Nworgu, which nullified the party’s wards, local governments and state congresses.

The Appeal Court had on December 12, 2018, struck out the same appeal against the State High Court decision for filing out of the stipulated time in the constitution.

On Tuesday, January 15, the APC had approached the Court of Appeal again, challenging the ruling of the same court, stressing that the lower court did not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter on the first instance.

But the visiting Appeal Court Panel constituted to handle the matter, struck it out on Wednesday, saying it was a pre-election matter.

Delivering the judgment on behalf of the panel, at about 7:00pm, on Wednesday, Justice C.N. Uwa noted that the matter, which the lower court handled, was a pre-

Yutaka Kikuta

Amaechi

election suit and ought to have been appealed and disposed off within 60 days after the judgment of the lower court. “The appeal is fundamentally defective. The court cannot go into the matter, as doing so will amount to an effort in futility.

“It is unnecessary to continue on an appeal no matter the merit, which this court has held as statusbound. It would be an effort in futility to continue. This appeal is hereby struck out,” Justice Uwa stated.

Speaking with Journalists after the judgment, Henry Bello, Counsel for Ibrahim Umar and other 22 aggrieved APC members explained that; there is no Appeal anymore pending in this Court of Appeal against the decision of the High Court of Rivers State delivered by

Justice Chiwendu Nwogu on October 10, 2018. “The implication is that as from today (16/01/2019), there is no more challenge at the Court of Appeal against that judgment of the lower court, the High Court of Rivers State in the suit

by Ibrahim Umar and 22 others against All Progressives Congress (APC). By this judgment, it is now declared null and void the indirect primary elections conducted in Rivers State by the APC,” Bello added.

Implication to primaries and APC candidates On January 7, 2019, the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt granted an injunction stopping all sacked candidates of the APC in Rivers State from parading themselves as candidates for the 2019 General Elections.

He said that the Rivers APC would

We know, as it is the law in Nigeria today that the APC as a political party has absolute powers to schedule, reschedule or even cancel any of its congresses. The party effectively terminated the ward, LGA and state congresses of 5th, 12th and 19th May 2018. The APC primary election based on the unchallenged results and outcome of subsequent APC congresses were lawful and valid

not participate in the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections in 2019. Justice Kolawole Omotosho also granted a mandatory injunction directing the INEC to remove all APC candidates from ballot papers and other electoral materials.

The Court gave his judgment in the suit filed by the Rivers State PDP asking the court to compel INEC to obey the judgment of the Rivers State High Court nullifying all Rivers State APC Primaries and congresses. Justice Omotosho reaffirmed his directive in the suit between Senator Magnus and others versus Rivers APC that INEC cannot recognise any candidates presented by the APC for the 2019 General Elections.

He added that all the primaries conducted by the Rivers State APC having been nullified by the State High Court remains invalid because the judgment has not been set aside.

Therefore, Justice Omotosho said that the APC in Rivers State has no right to nominate any candidates for all the elections. The Court warned against the willful disobedience of court orders, saying that it is detrimental to the rule of law.

Counsel to the PDP, Dike Udena, expressed happiness with the judgment. Counsel to Senator Magnus Abe, Henry Bello, said the court emphasised obedience to court orders, saying that the nullification was the consequence of the imposition of candidates. He said that Senator Magnus Abe and others would appeal the judgment.

Also speaking, Counsel to APC, Emenike Ebete said that the APC will challenge the two judgments.

He added that the APC will also file papers for stay of execution of the judgments. He expressed dissatisfaction that the court barred Rivers APC candidates from parading themselves as nominees for the elections.

APC reacts, reassures The Amaechi-led APC family has been trying to douse the fire, asking the members not to see any threats in the ruling, even when many feel jittery. Chris Fineface, a member of the publicity department, reacting to the Omotosho of the Federal High Court ruling, said the party strongly felt that the trial court missed the mark in some of its decisions. He celebrated the aspects that stopped Abe but rejected the part that nullified the actions of the national leadership of the APC. The party had held onto the fact that it was the national body that conducted the primaries and o should not be affected by the Worgu ruling, but the Abe group has argued Continue on page 15

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Politics Deadly arrow heads to Amaechi’s chest as Rivers’ ...

Continued from page 14

that the congresses produced the delegates. “We know, as it is the law in Nigeria today that the APC as a political party has absolute powers to schedule, reschedule or even cancel any of its congresses.

The party effectively terminated the ward, LGA and state congresses of 5th, 12th and 19th May 2018. The APC primary election based on the unchallenged results and outcome of subsequent APC congresses were lawful and valid.”

That is the part waiting for the Supreme Court to decide.

Another plank waiting for the Supreme Court is the victory granted PDP by granting their prayer that the APC candidates were not properly elected. The APC says “As the laws remain today, the issue of nomination of candidates of a political party remains the exclusive right and preserve of that political party, and any dispute arising thereto also remains within that political party and its aggrieved members. Under the Electoral Act 2010, a third party (PDP) can only challenge the nomination of the APC candidates as prescribed in Section 31(5) & (6), or challenge the return of APC candidates in accordance with Section 138(1) of the Electoral Act. Nothing more imaginary can fit into the contemplation of the Nigerian electoral laws. The PDP’s case did not satisfy any of these conditions or circumstances.”

On removal from ballot The APC said: “Considering the myriad of reactions trailing the exclusion of the National Assembly Candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Rivers State, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from its list of candidates released today, it has become most expedient to allay our fears and dismay arising from partial understanding or total misunderstanding of the process.

A statement Thursday afternoon when tension rose by David Okumgba, South-South APC Zonal Secretary, said: “Whereas, Party members have been severally urged by the leadership at all levels to remain calm even in the face of the daunting Court rulings and the current position of things, it is understandable that members of the Party are still worried and apprehensive.

“However, it is important we understand that the listing of Candidates by INEC is part of its administrative duties prior to an election and that the non-listing of our National Assembly Candidates by INEC is only in submission to a Federal High Court order which is yet to be vacated

Abe

as at today. It does not in any way, foreclose our candidates’ chances of participating in the 2019 National Assembly elections should we secure an order from a higher Court.

“In view of the fact that our appeal against the Federal High C o u r t r u l i n g f ro m w h i c h I N E C derives its strength not to list our candidates, is yet to be heard, including other appeals at the Supreme Court, it becomes premature to be perturbed and shaken.

“Arising from the above, I want to urge our members to remain calm, positive and go about their various political activities with high spirits and impregnable faith in the Party’s ability to lawfully resolve the issue and overcome the bottlenecks on our path to victory.”

Magnus Abe’s fate?

Many have wondered where Magnus Abe’s fate lies in the developing plot. He clings onto Buhari at all times, saying he would win. Sources close to him say he has big hopes that the matter would be resolved in his favour somehow, either by the courts or by the National Work-

ing Committee of the APC. His supporters think he might be asked to replace Tonye Cole in substitution order that INEC will heed for states that had legal crisis. Others say the NWC has been meeting and may resolve all issues and ask INEC to recognise Abe in a power-sharing deal that may give 60 per cent to Amaechi in the National Assembly seats and 60 per cent to Abe in the House of Assembly.

On the other hand, the Amaechi camp believes that Abe has his true share in the Wike camp.

They claim that Abe wants to get Amaechi out of the way, help Wike win now, and inherit Wike’s structure for 2023, plus enough funds to last the distance. All of this is souped in speculation.

Conclusion: Amaechi, surrender?

Those who know Amaechi deeply warn that he does not die easily. When he fought Olusegun Obasanjo and the EFCC, he fought to the last drop of blood and reclaimed victory even five months after someone else sat on his throne. When the 2012

political crisis was launched against him by the Jonathan administration, Amaechi openly told his cabinet to brace up for a long fight. He even urged those with faint hearts to resign early and allow his likes to fight on.

He warned of casualties to line the routes. He said he knew his enemies were also long-lasting and hard fighters. It has raged on to this day.

So, insiders warn that Amaechi’s silence should not be taken for granted, that he is always d ev e l o p i n g n ew w e a p o n s a n d strategies. Bishops, traditional r u l e r s , b u s i n e s s g u r u s a re a l l said to have intervened at one point or the other but that he has insisted on justice.

Many think Amaechi did not waste four years in the Buhari FG for nothing; he must have combed the shelves and gathered details on his detractors and judges enough to cause panic, whether his camp won at the polls or not.

They say, expect bombshells, the type Ninjas throw when they are faced with certain death.

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Politics

I am bent on privatising NNPC even if it costs my life – Atiku Last Wednesday, Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and his running mate, Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, stormed Lagos. They jointly had an interactive session with the business community in the City of Excellence, the commercial hub of Nigeria. ZEBULON AGOMUO, Editor, was there and now brings excerpts of their thoughts on the issues raised.

How are you going to drive the technology demands of the country? Nigerian government and firms keep investing in building of broad bands, etc, but not doing anything to stimulate demands. How do you intend to go about the technology, at least, to widen the market and increase the number of people who patronise those investments that the country makes in that regard? echnology-driven economy,from my own layman point of view, is that you cannot get that achieved without introducing technology in your educational policy.It starts from education.

So, if you get your education right, you are also going to get your technology right, whether it is the economy, industry, agriculture or whatever, you are going to get it right. And I have always given an example with the university that I founded because we have introduced technology right from kindergarten (because it is a community) to elementary, to junior high, to senior high college; today in a very, very small corner of North East we control more than 50 percent of the internet penetration in Nigeria. This has been confirmed by Google.

When they saw the internet penetration in Africa, it was Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria. When they saw Nigeria, they said ‘No, this must be a Nigeria’s scam.We must investigate it.’

They flew all the way to Nigeria; from Lagos, they went to Abuja and their map was showing them where Boko Haram is, but it was Yola. They ended up in Yola, only to find out that our educational system right from kindergarten introduced technology.Therefore, the entire students and community are on technology. So,it is fundamental. You have to imbed technology in your education before you can have a technology-driven economy that can spur you to growth.

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(Peter Obi’s contribution) I am going to just support what His Excellency has said. You can’t talk about technology or using it the way it should if you have not invested in the education side of it. That investment is critical. As a country, we have not invested in the future, that technology future. Unless we do the proper investment, then we can’t talk about that technology future. I think that investment is critical.I agree entirely with his take on that.

(Atiku comes in again) – Let me add here, I have always told people that we are more educated than the United Arab Emirate.

We are more populous. One of the ways they try as much as possible to ensure there is minimal corruption is to introduce a technology driven governance.

Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi at the interactive session.

In other words, they try to eliminate personal contact between members of the public and government officials. Whatever you are applying for in that country, you do it online and you get your approval online.

If the United Arab Emirate can do that, what will stop Nigeria from doing it? If it is introduced here, you will virtually eliminate corruption because that corruption which is being blamed virtually on the public sector will be almost 90 percent reduced.

And if you make it mandatory and compulsory for every public official who refuses to issue an approval, or licence or anything to the private sector or anybody for that matter online, will lose his job. If you have an efficient monitoring system, you would have dealt a blow on corruption. Don’t think we cannot do it.

We can do it.

Still on that corruption; Your Excellency you may have heard about one international research company that did a recent analysis on yourself and your main opponent. They concluded that your opponent has integrity but lacked capacity on economic issues, but they said you were most likely to enrich your friends.What message do you have for the people and your audience? What assurances can you give them on this?

Well, I am happy that they did not say I would use it to enrich myself; and that I am also not going to enrich the members of my family but my friends. Are my friends not entitled to be enriched? As long as there is no element of corruption there. And there was none during our time when we privatised the banks; when we privatised institutions of the public sector; I have not

heard anybody coming to say that either the president or myself took money to do that. So, the intention of course, to deregulate the economy and giving the private sector the responsibility of driving the economy is to bring about prosperity to the members of the public. So, I don’t consider that a threat or rather a disadvantage to the position we have taken as far as liberalising the economy, empowering the private sector to undertake what they know best to do; and that is to create job, to bring about prosperity. That’s why I strongly support restructuring.I would reduce the size of Federal Government completely, to make sure that I hand over the responsibilities to various components.This is because I am just too impatient to see in my lifetime a Nigeria where poverty and economic downturn are reversed and completely stamped out.

(Peter Obi) First of all, I want to reply to the study that was referred to. The issue of integrity which they mentioned; integrity is not a measure of capacity. We have someone who claims that he has integrity, but he doesn’t have capacity. The country today is more corrupt than it was yesterday. Fight against corruption is not an economic policy. No country has focused on fighting corruption or has made fight against corruption an economic policy.

If you have an economic policy that is engendering growth, then you can deal with pilfering and all of that.

For me, despite all the talk and claims about, nobody can say this is what indeed he has done. Once the principal person is not corrupt, you reduce corruption by 70

percent. Through legislation and proper application of technology in governance, corruption can be drastically reduced. You can again drastically reduce corruption by reducing the toll gates that are in government. I will give you an example; using education. We have what is called Universal Basic Education (UBE); the Federal Government gives money to this agency; this agency gives to the state government who then gives to the similar agency in the state, who passes it on to the local government and then it goes to schools. All these various toll gates, if you remove them then you achieve a lot, because in Kenya; Rwanda money goes directly from Federal Government to schools.

So, we need to remove the so many toll gates in our system. Like His Excellency has mentioned, if you remove the meeting points between individuals and money, you will remove corruption. If you throw money here, people will pick it; there are lots of meeting points between people and money; it has to be removed through technology.

Anybody who believes in free market, deregulation will agree that your document is a properly put together plan. Now, the question is, how involved were you in the process of putting together the document; is it a document that some consultants came up with; or some members of your party put together that you are not aware of as we have seen before or it is a document that you own and totally subscribed to?

This is not the first policy document I have been involved in producing at the eve of any of the elections that I have participated in.

This is a document that I was personally involved in and I participated in crafting and also even the ideas that are contained therein. For instance, I want to take you back up to 2007; at that point in time, the most contentious issue was the issue of the Niger Delta. I remember I assembled some of the best academicians from Niger Delta. We met in Abuja for two months and we eventually came out with a blueprint for Niger Delta; which at the end of the day I did not have the opportunity to implement, but when the late Umaru Yar’Adua became the president I handed over the document to him. It was that document that produced the Niger Delta Ministry, etc. But Umaru Yar’Adua was not the one who prepared the document. The same thing in 2011; I remember that at the end of the elections in 2015, the current governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi came to my office and said, ‘Sir, we don’t have a policy document, we know you have; can you give us your document?’

That policy document was chaired by

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Politics the late Professor Borishade.

I called Borishade and said to him, hand over the document to Kayode and he handed it over to him; but I don’t believe they even read it; because that’s not what they are doing now.

For this document, Dr. Umar is here, we used to meet where they listened to my input, my experience in government and eventually they came out with this document; so, I can assure you that it is my own document.

One thing you should not forget is that we are in this together. I am an employer of labour and have companies because in the last three-and-half years, I have not been able to pay one single kobo as dividend in any of my companies, simply because they are not making profits.

I want your participation as I said because this document is not a final document; I need your input so that together we can implement this document. I believe that most of you will remember that when we were in office, we used to have regular interactive sessions with the business community where we asked them their problems; and their challenges.

When they tell us, we ask them what they want us to do and they recommend; that’s why we achieved up to 70 percent.

So, I am one of you and we will continue to interact together even when we are in office so that we can do this thing together.

What is the solution to the infrastructure challenges in the country? It is said that Nigeria is not in a position to borrow extensively to fix the infrastructure problem. What is the solution?

(Peter Obi) Fixing Nigeria’s infrastructure problem must be private sector-led. All that the government should be involved in is to ensure it provides a guarantee for the private sector to be able to fix the infrastructure.

There is no way government will have the capacity to deliver the infrastructure that is needed today.

More so, you can see the level of debt, that debt they claim was supposed to be used for infrastructure. You can see that with over N13 trillion, nobody can see anything. So, we just have to change that by removing the corruption side of it and ensure delivery of it.

Again, I want to go back to the question whether His Excellency was involved in the formulation of this policy document. Not only was he involved, this is the first time a presidential candidate is presenting us with something that we can even go and look at. The present government, it took them three years to come out with ERGP (Economic Recovery and Growth Plan) document, of which if you read any section of that document, including their target, they are not even meeting 20 percent of it.

What would you do to lift the SMEs? It appears that round pegs are being put into square holes to drive the SMEs sub-sector and it has not worked. What is your administration going to do differently to make that sector work and really contribute to the prosperity of the country?

Well, I don’t believe in putting people in jobs they don’t know how to do. That again goes to explain the choice for my vice president.

When I was setting up my office; I hired about seven Ph.D holders and then the

Abubakar (r) and Opeyemi Agbaje, anchor, at the event.

Fixing Nigeria’s infrastructure problem must be private sector-led - Obi President called me and said, ‘what are you doing with all these doctor, doctor everywhere?’ I said Sir, I cannot hire anybody that I cannot learn from. And it turned out that my office became the think-tank of that administration. Of course, when we had misunderstanding, he fired all of them and I said to them, don’t worry I will keep all of you. I got them an office in Abuja. I can give you that guarantee that whoever that cannot fit into a job cannot be hired. I don’t have as many relatives as the present president has. I am the only child of my parents. He has children and I have; and of all my children only one of them is working in government; the rest are in the private sector. So, don’t bother yourself.

What are you going to do differently in the petroleum industry (oil and gas sector) of the economy? Operators in that sector will be interested to hear what your plans are for the sector?

Again, let me go back to my experience.

When we came into office; I walked up to my boss and said ‘Sir; there are two mafia organisations of the government; one, NNPC, the other one is NEPA. I said unless we dismantle these two mafia organisations we cannot make progress. Let privatise them. The long and short story is that I am committed to privatising NNPC, I have said it. Even if they are going to kill me, I will do it. You might recollect that we started the draft of the petroleum industry bill (PIB) from our own administration. Up till now, they can’t agree to pass it. We are going to do a different thing in that sector.

If you have oil in your house, I will tax you to run the Federal Government. Somebody said; ‘this is too radical; we will have problem with some parts of the country’. I said no; nobody is going to be disadvantaged at the end of the day. Privatising NNPC is going to be to our own advantage because you are not going to lose anything. So, I still stand on what I have said. If you come to the issue of electricity – the power sector

– it is the same thing. As chairman of privatisation council, I had asked someone to conduct a feasibility study and recommend to me which is the fastest way I can get selfsufficiency in power generation in Nigeria.

They came back with the feasibility study on how we should decentralise generation and diversify it.

We could have been self-sufficient in power generation by 2005. It was in 2002 that I gave them the assignment.

By 2005, Nigeria would have been OK. The President then preferred a gas policydriven electricity. I told him it is a long term solution; let’s implement short-to-medium term solution before we go to long term.

By now we would have been OK as far as generation of power is concerned. Now, we have come back to the same issue of decentralisation of generation. We don’t have to have a centralised transmission system. When you centralise the entire generation in one location, you also have to upgrade transmission and that is very, very important. So, I still believe we will get there. We will be Ok. Can you please comment on this big emergency around jobs? We have about 23.1% unemployment; so we have a national emergency on our hand (both economic and socio-political) because of the consequences of large number of unemployed young men. What are your thoughts on this; if voted into power, how does the PDP government hope to reduce unemployment?

(Peter Obi) If you listened to the comment by His Excellency that he cannot employ a person he cannot learn from; what it means is that you should be willing to learn from somebody who has something interesting to pass across; in this case, nations that are doing better. For me, when it comes to the issue of jobs, and tackling it aggressively, we should look at other nations we can compare ourselves with; study has

shown clearly between the BRIC and the MINT nations that we can borrow a leaf from. If they can do what they have done to reach where they are, we can do it. If you look at the best performing nation among the BRIC nations, it is China. How did China solve the problem of unemployment when they have a population of over one billion? Theirs is about seven times Nigeria’s population. If they can solve their unemployment problem; the question is, what did they do? It is very simple. It is about using the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This particular segment of the economy guarantees today almost about 60 percent of employment in China- 60 percent of their industrial output and 60 percent of their export GDP. China has about 800 million people employed. So when we talk about 60 percent, we are talking about over 500 million which is more than twice Nigeria’s population. What did they do? They supported MSMEs. But here they say they have a programme but they don’t implement it. Today, to show you that it is not working; look at the loans; in Nigeria, 350 companies or persons control 80 percent of the entire loan portfolio. SMEs which is 37 million control 5 percent, only N1billion; if you divide it, each of them is about N27, 000 (twenty seven thousand naira).

I think it is the population that you need to pull out of poverty that you need to give more money? I think what we need to do is to change that pattern, and see that this sector controls 50 percent of loan portfolio; because that is what they do in other countries.

If you come to the MINT nations, for instance, in Indonesia today, 90 percent of people employed in Indonesia is MSME. Let me just give you a final example, for every N1 million you give to a young person, he employs two others. So, imagine if you give 37 million people an average of N1million each, and they employ two others; would you have a problem?

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Sunday 20 January 2019

Politics

Why there is rising confidence in the electoral process, by Olokoba Comrade Razaq Olokoba, a public analyst, social commentator and human rights activist, is the national president, Campaign for Dignity in Governance (CDG). In this interview, Olokoba takes a critical look at the state of the nation vis-a-vis the forthcoming general election. Among other issues he touched, he also explained why President Muhammadu Buhari would be overwhelmingly returned to power by Nigerians, and Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu would also clinch victory in Lagos State. Excerpts:

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How do you see Nigeria’s atmosphere towards the coming election? irst and most, we have to congratulate Nigerians on the situation surrounding the coming election. If you look at the atmosphere now, you would be delighted that peace is reigning. In the previous elections, since 1999 till 2015, we have witnessed situations that had made the rest of the world laugh at us as uncivilised as per the kind of elections that we have held in terms of credibility and the kind of violence that trailed the elections.

But this coming election is going to be the cheapest election we are going to hold in the history of Nigeria. What has come to play now is everybody praising the man in power, Muhammadu Buhari. This is because he has raised the consciousness of the people, both the youth and the old to realise that whether you vote or you don’t vote, democracy will go on. And the people that decide to vote would vote and determine your fate. By this, people now realise that it is important to participate in electoral processes without expecting money, gratifications or incentives from anybody. So, the consciousness is a welcome development.

And that is going to account for the coloration of the election and how the exercise would end. So, the coming election has the likelihood of being free, fair and credible. If you look at what the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has done, it promised to register 80 million voters. But now, it has registered over 84 million voters. That is highly impressive. The question you would ask is, the previous voters’ registrations, why were people not willing to come out? The answer is not far-fetched.

It was because they had no confidence in the electoral process. This time, there is confidence in the electoral process. The government has showed indications that they have introduced a lot of facilities that would make the coming election credible.

With what is on ground, snatching ballot boxes or stealing of ballot papers would not be productive. The ballot papers in Ikeja will be different from the ones in Badagry in terms of colour and serial numbers. Gradually, sanity is coming into our electoral process.

How would you assess the two major political parties on ground; All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP)?

The two strongest parties in Nigeria today

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are the All Progressives Congress (APC), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

However, as days pass by, PDP becomes weaker and weaker. And what might have been responsible for the party’s dwindling fortunes by every passing day? It is the track record. Looking at elections from 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, you would not be proud to be a Nigerian because of the quality of those elections. And who were the people responsible for those elections?

The track record is what makes the people to discredit the PDP every day. And the more PDP becomes weaker, stronger the APC becomes.

For once, we are having our country back. We have a nation that we can call our own after the PDP’s failure. The APC under the leadership of Muhammadu Buhari has performed wonderfully. We have realised that during our life time, we can witness integrity and dignity in governance. We have realised that, during our life time, we can enjoy dividends of democracy. And that is going to inform the shape of things to come in the coming election.

What do you foresee as the likely outcome of the election?

There is every possibility that Buhari will win the coming election. The first eleven

in the PDP, more than half of them had left the party. The remaining half of the rest is suffering from lukewarm attitude.

While the last half has also suffered from thorough demoralisation. I don’t see PDP winning. I don’t see Atiku winning.

As far as I am concerned, if you look at economy under Buhari, you would realise

As far as I am concerned, if you look at economy under Buhari, you would realise that for the first time, we are building our economy with genuine indices.

The previous indices of the PDP were fabrications

that for the first time, we are building our economy with genuine indices. The previous indices of the PDP were fabrications.

This is the time we are really building our economy and it is coming back to its feet.

The question people are asking is about the hardship. And I have a ready-made answer for them. When Buhari was coming, I knew very well that anybody who assured that the rot in the Nigeria’s economy would be fixed in few months’ time, that person must be playing politics with my life. So, I braced up for the challenge and sacrifice for what we are witnessing today. The pace at which our economy is getting recovered, I knew that it is the pace the pain is going to go.

And I am shocked when our elite who are brilliant and intelligent fell for the blackmail from the politicians that our economy is not improving. I was shocked when they expected the economy to get back to normal in two or three months. I knew this was going to be the case, so, I didn’t fool myself. I know the process of recovery is technical. And the sophistication can only be achieved by the President who is sincere like Buhari. So, in the economy, I give Buhari excellent, not just ordinary pass mark.

If we want to segment by going into economy, security, value system, peace and fight against corruption, if we sum it up, what we would arrive at is that Buhari has performed excellently.

Going by your organisation’s name, has Buhari passed your Integrity Test?

Yes, Buhari and his party have passed our integrity test. On so many occasions, we have assessed President Buhari and we came back to realise that he is a man of integrity. He is being celebrated all over the world for the fight against corruption. And local impression is that, for the first time, we are serious and committed to the fight against corruption. Corruption is becoming an ideology in Nigeria which people study to have the erroneous impression that in Nigeria, you cannot prosper unless you have access to public funds. And that, as a public officer, you cannot survive unless you deep your hands into the nation’s treasury. That was the popular impression the younger ones had. Buhari came and changed it. In Nigeria, we have seen the youth calling fraudsters their role models. We have seen youths, who had the impression that what we call corruption is actually a way of life in the country. It was getting to that point. But Buhari came and redefined what is called integrity which was the other way in Nigeria.

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Politics Buhari would prepare a budget and present it to the parliament. Six, seven months, the parliamentarians would be dilly-dallying on it. Buhari has made Nigerians now realise that we cannot continue to pay extra price for the people we are paying salary to do their job. That one alone stands him out among the previous leaders as a man of impeccable character that has passed our integrity test.

So with all the above mentioned qualities, you will agree with me that, Buhari as President deserves to come back for a second term in office to continue the good work he has started. A new guy in office would destroy the good work we have started to enjoy. So, as a group, we will continue to tell the people that the previous road that led to perfidy has been abandoned. The road that leads to prosperity is what Buhari is leading us through.

And that is why we are going to support Buhari in the coming election with all our might and all our numerical strength.

Going by the way the Lagos State Governor lost his seat to another party’s candidate; don’t you think that could have an adverse effect on the APC in the state?

Let me quickly address democracy that has come to play in APC. What led to the fall of the sitting governor and the emergence of another party candidate is part of the beauty of democracy. It is to show Nigerians that Lagos is going to be a leading example in Nigeria as far as democracy is concerned. The party said, your services are appreciated but Lagos State can move at a faster pace if Sanwo-Olu takes over.

That is very significant and that is why other states should come and learn from Lagos that there is no need for violence in such processes.

In Lagos, democracy and election periods are festivals where your candidates and my candidates would put their manifestos side by side for people to choose.

The candidate would debate to say they

have better offers than others and so on.

That is the essence of electoral processes.

It should be a celebration where people would be happy listening to contestants speaking.

How would you think that Babajide Sanwo-Olu is a better replacement of Akinwumi Ambode in the Government House?

I follow Sanwo-Olu’s track record. I have read about his school days where he did well as a student. And as commissioner, he was superb. I have read and studied how he transformed from a private sector operator to a public officer without hitches.

How he was able to marry the two and how he was able to strike the equilibrium.

And in Nigeria today, there is always crisis in marrying private sector life with public sector’s life. This man has spent almost half of his life in private sector before moving to the public sector without problem.

But the way Sanwo Olu has navigated his marriage between the public and private sectors and it worked is highly impressive. And on the basis of that, I have also listened to many of his debates and the conclusion has been that Lagos is always lucky at all time. It was lucky to have Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was lucky to have Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), and now we are having Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. And what is responsible for this is, I think, the marriage of three factors.

Lagosians are perpetually progressive voters, APC as a party is also a party that appreciates continuity and understands importance of sustaining government policies. And I think that is what is working for them. And that will also work for them in the next election. Since 1999, the tendency in power is the same tendency that has nominated Sanwo Olu; that has nominated Fashola and Tinubu. That same tendency would be difficult to defeat. I think APC as a party understands the Lagos political terrain better than any other party in the state.

For PDP, there is no larger example for it in Nigeria. The only example was their 16 years and it was a fiasco, a calamity and a thing we don’t want to remember in our life again. So, that is what will rub off on the election in Lagos State. Many people have said that they would not allow PDP to rule any part of Nigeria again and they are working towards that.

Against this background, PDP would not get close to Sanwo Olu in this election. Lagosians that would decide know which basket they are going to put their eggs. And APC has the right candidate for the job. So, I am convinced with what we have done in Lagos that APC would win. We have gone to the riverine areas.

We have educated the upcoming voters. I have led 70 civil society groups to engage Sanwo Olu. What we are trying to do is to interact with him. And on that spot, we had to endorse him. We concluded that Sanwo Olu is the candidate we want for Modern Lagos. If Nigeria must be one of the 10 leading economies in the world, attention must be paid to Lagos which is the country’s economic nerve centre. So, Lagos should not be compromised and it should not be ruled by beginners.

I have envisaged that and I am convinced that Sanwo Olu will win the election.

What is your impression about, and relationship with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

I have known Asiwaju Tinubu since National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) days when we were fighting the military.

And we in the Civil Society groups worked with him and that was when he became the governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). We have always known him to be a pro-people personality and that is what has been going well for him.

My advice to him is that he should remain so and should not deviate. With that attitude, the sky is the limit for that man of the people.

INEC guidelines: Pitfalls to 2019 general election James Kwen, Abuja

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he guidelines for the conduct of the 2019 general elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC last Monday have features that could mar the much anticipated February 16 Presidential and March 2 polls.

INEC after series of meeting with critical stakeholders in the electoral process including political parties, civil societies and the media still retain the disputed simultaneous accreditation and voting pattern, phone number box for failure of authentication of fingerprints by the smart card reader and voting points.

According to clause 10(c) of the guidelines which provides for simultaneous creditation and voting, “accreditation and voting shall commence at 8.00am and close at 2:00pm, provided that all voters already on the queue by 2:00pm shall be allowed for accreditation and voting”.

Clause 10 of the guidelines made the use of card reader mandatory for accreditation and offensive for poll official not to use it. Clause 10(b) provides that, “a person intending to vote shall be verified to be the same person on the Register of Voters by use of the Smart Card Reader (SCR) in the manner prescribed in these Regulations and Guidelines. (b) Any poll official who violates the provision of Clause 10 (a) shall be deemed to be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to prosecution”.

However, clause 11(b) provides that, where a voter’s PVC is read but his/her fingerprint is not authenticated, the APO I shall refer the voter to the APO II who shall: (i) request the voter to thumbprint the appropriate box in the Register of Voters; (ii) request the voter to provide his/her phone number in the appropriate box in the Register of Voters; (iii) continue with the accreditation of the voter; and (iv) refer the voter to the PO or APO (VP) for issuance of ballot paper(s)”.

Another contentious issue in the guidelines is the creation of voting points. While INEC consistently denied the creating additional polling units the Commission admitted that it has formed voting points particularly in Abuja based on experience of the 2015 general elections. This has accommodated in clause 22(b) of the guidelines which says, “where Voting Points have been created the APOI shall: (i) enter the result on form EC8A (VP); and (ii) submit to the presiding officer who shall consolidate the result using form EC8A and attach the EC8A (VP) to form EC8A. INEC argued that the new guidelines, particularly the three contentious items are innovations to make elections more credible. For instance, the simultaneous accreditation and voting pattern experimented in the off season elections reduced chances of multiple voting and results manipulation associated with late commencement of voting, phone number box is the abolition of the disputed incidence form used in 2015 while voting points is for convenience.

However, stakeholders and pundits have raised alarm that these issues will do more harm than good to the 2019 general elections. According to them, the simultaneous accreditation and voting would prevent voters from guiding their votes against manipulation of results, use of phone number box is a replacement of the incidence which

aided massive rigging in 2015 while voting points could facilitate over voting within a polling unit.

At a stakeholders meeting preparatory to the release of the guidelines, political under the auspices of Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC and Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP through their Spokesperson Ikenga Ugochinyere the national chairman of the APP Action Peoples party and the Spokesperson of IPAC and Opposition CUPP raised alarm that tampering with the 2015 accreditation method which allowed separate accreditation and voting will give room for a scanty polling unit that will aid rigging.

The political parties also insisted that the Commission must provide a form to record and announce accreditation and issue it out to the political parties before voting starts, to deter tampering with the results since accreditation has been known.

Furthermore, 61 political parties that made up CUPP penultimate to release of the guidelines rejected the clauses on simultaneous accreditation and voting, use of phone number box and voting points with a threat to initiate a legal action.

Again, their Spokesperson, Ugochinyere, “political parties demand retention of 2011 and 2015 separate accreditation time and separate voting time to help forestall rigging with the presence of voters at the polling unit instead of INEC 2019 simultaneous accreditation and voting.

“Political parties demand announcement of accreditation figures by 12 noon on Election Day and recorded in a signed form and given to party agents before voting starts to forestall doctoring of election figures during collation.

“Political parties reject the clauses in the guideline which allows unduly accredited voters to vote especially the clause that allows voters with PVC whose name is not in the register of voters to vote.

“Political parties reject the creation or usage of secret polling units called voting points settlement and demand full list and location of such units”.

Speaking on the issue, Athanausius Okon, National Co-ordinator, Friends of Nigeria said “you can run and finish accreditation and thumbprint; you can leave to another pulling unit. That is not impossible.

There is nothing impossible in this dispensation. This can lead some people to run somewhere else and do some funny things.

“Let me tell you again election process does not end with thumb printing. There are other things you do to facilitate somebody winning. People that just finished accreditation and voting can be as well used as mercenaries to do something else funny to facilitate somebody’s victory somewhere.

“Another controversial issue now is the section 11(b) of the INEC guideline that talks about a voter with the PVC but fingerprint not read but has been allowed to vote. If your fingerprint is not read the card reader but electoral officials are convinced you are the owner, all the details contained on the card are yours you should be allowed to vote that is another contentious issue.

“Because the amendment passed by National Assembly would have prevented this but INEC is allowing all those who fingerprints do not read to vote. Are the laws of the land backing all these things; these guidelines that some people are breaking?

Sometimes we break it to satisfy certain interests. That is why we have to holistically make it a people-driven thing”.

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Sunday 20 January 2019

Politics

Finger-pointing in Rivers: You are behind CJN’s travails - Wike tells Amaechi

M

Ignatius Chukwu

inister of Transportation and former governor of Rivers St a t e , Ch i b u i k e Rotimi Amaechi, has been pointedly accused of being behind the travails of the Chief Justice of the Federation, Walter Onnoghen.

The revelation has poked up hushed talks that the APC leaders in the Niger Delta may have traced the spate of court blows to the party to a top personality in the Supreme Court.

Governor Wike addressed his second gubernatorial rally in Eleme on Thursday (the first was in Tai a day earlier), and a Rivers State Government House statement issued by Simeon Nwakaudu, special assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, quoted the governor as saying that Amaechi was behind what the statement termed evil machinations to destroy the CJN. Addressing thousands of PDP supporters, Wike said that the Minister of Transportation made the confession at a meeting with an APC chieftain in Abuja.

Wike said: “At that meeting in Abuja last Monday, Amaechi confessed that he is the person behind the illegal crisis facing the CJN. He bragged that he would destroy the CJN the way he brought former President Goodluck Jonathan down.

He wants to destroy the nation’s judiciary.”

Wike was quoted to have said that Amaechi was known for actions detrimental to the nation’s Judiciary, having closed down Rivers State Judiciary for two years (actually almost one full year). He wondered why

Walter Onnoghen

Amaechi had such stance against the Judiciary, despite being a beneficiary of the vibrancy of the Judiciary.

Reacting to Wike’s charge, a chieftain of the APC, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, said: “We all are aware that Gov Wike never thinks good of Amaechi no matter the issue. He is only trying to blackmail Amaechi before the South-South but he forgot that Amaechi was not the writer of the petition that exposed the CJN. Amaechi neither is a member of CCT or EFCC, so Wike should try and leave Amaechi alone for once.

I have expressed my opinion on this issue and widely published. CJN

know what to do and I expect him to the needful.”

Wike also took further swipes at Amaechi, wondering why the Minister would say that the PDP is a party of thieves saying Amaechi was Speaker for eight years under the PDP and eight years as governor under the PDP. “If there is any thief, Amaechi is the proper thief. This thief sold our valued assets to his business partner”.

Wike stated that Nigeria has been liberated following the retirement of former Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. He said the former Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim

Idris, was Satan’s representative in Nigeria.

The governor called for an independent investigation into the murder of the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner and his family through arson during the 2015 general election. He noted that Ibrahim Idris was the commissioner of police in Kano State when this ugly crime was committed. Nigeria does not conduct independent investigations because the police that are under the executive arm of government conducts all public investigations.

Wike however said; “The former IGP Ibrahim Idris is a representative of Satan in Nigeria. He represented Satan but the prayers and fasting of Nigerians ensured he was retired despite plans to retain him. If Buhari has any integrity, he should investigate the killing of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano alongside his family during the 2015 General elections. Buhari must ask what killed the REC and his family while Ibrahim Idris was a commissioner of police”.

He called on the people of Eleme Local Government Area to vote for Atiku Abubakar so that he can revive Onne Port for the good of the economy of Rivers State.

“Buhari is not aware of anything.

No wonder he is not aware that he hates Rivers people and is yet to execute any project in the state. How can you support a President who does not respect the rule of law? If he fails to respect the law in his first term, the second term would be a disaster.

“The only way that Eleme people will get Onne Port to start working again is to vote for Atiku Abubakar.

He is a man with the knowledge to create employment opportunities

and develop the economy”, he said.

He declared that Buhari and the APC will lose in all the six states of the South-South, saying no deployment of security forces will help the failed APC Federal Government.

Governor Wike noted that during his second term, he would construct the Eleme Internal Roads in addition to other basic infrastructure.

The governor added that in line with his commitment to the expansion of leadership opportunities, youths and women would take 65 percent of the appointments.

Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah, said that he is impressed by the large turnout of Eleme people and their maximum support for Governor Wike and other PDP candidates.

Rivers State Presidential Campaign Coordinator, Senator Olaka Nwogu, said that Eleme would vote all PDP candidates during the 2019 general elections.

Director-General of Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, the Ambassador, Desmond Akawor, said across the 92 polling units of Eleme the people have resolved to support Governor Wike in 2019.

Philip Okparaji, chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, said that the people would correct the error of 2015, when PDP lost in Eleme.

Former Eleme Local Government Area chairman, Ejor N. Ejor, said that Eleme stakeholders have collectively pledged to deliver all PDP candidates.

The rally witnessed the defection of hundreds of APC members to the PDP. The Eleme Council of Chiefs conferred on Governor Wike a chieftaincy title in appreciation of his developmental strides in the area.

assumed a larger than life image and critics enjoyed unbridled government patronage is gone for good.

Meanwhile, if Fani-Kayode was being true to type, how does one perceive the statement credited to the President of the NBA, Usoro Usoro, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN)?

As the head of the nation’s body of lawyers, one would not have expected the NBA to keep mute over perceived injustice.

However, it is rather shameful that the NBA president would portray the NBA shamelessly like a body in the mould of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) going by his tirade against the government.

At least, some other eminent lawyers have spoken against the development, but the difference is that they spoke in a dignifying manner which is the hallmark of the legal profession.

The impression Usoro has succeeded in creating is that he is trying to use the NBA to score a cheap political point against the government.

No doubt, this is understandable in view of the case instituted against him recently by the EFCC in respect of Akwa Ibom State finances.

Even if this were not so, one would have expected him to separate himself

from his office by presenting the position of the NBA in a glorified manner, not his combative stance.

More so, the CJN had warned judges shortly after he came on board that the judiciary under him would not allow anything or anyone to soil its image.

He has even made other statements afterwards to show that he was averse to any form of corruption under his watch and he has been well applauded for this.

Therefore, that he is being made to face trial should not be seen in the negative by anybody who wants this country to move forward, especially since he is innocent until proven guilty.

Fortunately, the same CJN accepted wrong doing in the declaration of his assets in his response on the matter.

This, no doubt, is admission of guilt by the person involved, though this was before he was charged before a court of competent jurisdiction.

For those whipping up all manner of sentiments, especially the timing of the exercise, it is rather strange that this is being thrown up now as if there is a particular period for such.

CJN’s CCT trial and matters arising Emmanuel Umohinyang

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hose who prophesied that 2019 would be a very interesting year seem to have hit the bull’s eye with the news of the trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Going by the stature and strategic position of office of the CJN, this is no doubt big news any day.

It was therefore, not surprising that the media had been feasting on the news since it broke few days ago.

Even lawyers and political parties, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have taken different positions on the matter.

Ordinarily, this should not be surprising as the lawyers and the political parties represent different interests as far as the issue is concerned.

Onnoghen, who is from Cross River State, is accused of false declaration of assets, but is being strongly supported by the governors of the south-south region dominated by the PDP. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) specifically issued a strong-

worded statement that Onnoghen’s trial would not stand almost as soon as the news broke.

It premised its position on the fact that the CJN had not been previously investigated and indicted by the National Judicial Council (NJC) This is also the position of the PDP and a few other lawyers who have taken a stance on the development.

They premised their position on the decision of the Court of Appeal in Lagos which said that NJC must first sanction a serving judge before arraignment in court.

Although the court judgment which was delivered against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has since been appealed by the anti-graft agency at the Supreme Court, no verdict has been reached on the matter.

Justice Onnoghen’s case, no doubt, has generated so much interest with critics accusing the Buhari administration of trying to oust the 17th CJN shortly before the presidential election to ensure the government faces no risk of unfavourable court decision in case the poll is disputed.

Some, especially former Minister of Transport, Femi Fani-Kayode even took the matter to a curious level, ac-

cusing the EFCC of carrying out a raid on the CJN’s residence.

Thankfully, Onnoghen has denied Fani-Kayode’s claim by issuing a disclaimer about the alleged EFCC raid through his media aide.

FFK, we should not forget, is facing corruption charges in court over alleged diversion of monies running into hundreds of millions of naira courtesy of this administration.

Consequently, his position is not unexpected as he has always used every means to attack every move of the PMB administration as a way of taking his own pound of flesh.

Ordinarily, one would not have shown concern were the former Minister speaking the truth instead of the hate speech intended or how could a lawyer and a man of FFK’s standing write in the media that President Buhari had surrounded the CJN’s house with his ‘dogs’ when there is no truth in the allegation? The former Minister has an ally in the spokesman of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin who has been using his position for self-advantage by attacking the Buhari administration on all fronts, thinking that we are still in the era of “stealing is not corruption”.

He must however, be living in selfdelusion as that era when corruption

• Umohinyang, a social commentator wrote in from Lagos.

BDLife Sunday 20 January 2019

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ARTS Travel ENTERTAINMENT @Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 21

How Nigerians major in minor: #10 YearsChallenge

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Sunday 20 January 2019

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Arts Billy Omabegho, the legendary artist

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OBINNA EMELIKE o matter the parameter you use in assessing him, Billy Omabegho is an art master per excellence even at 75 years. The living legend stands out with his sculptures that are rooted in African symbols and a dedication to his own cultural and national heritage, which he has applied to his formal training and techniques.

The works represent an impressive new body of aluminum, stainless steel, wood & bronze forms.

“Billy”, as friends and associates fondly call him, is a quintessential renaissance African, combining his deep-rooted Ishekiri origins with a lively and broad based approach to African influences on global art and civilization Born in 1944, the artist who received formal art training at Cornell University and New York University in the United States of America is the first Nigerian sculptor to design and execute modern large-scale monumental works for strategic public places in Nigeria.

However, Omabegho’s best known Nigerian sculptures were created during Nigeria’s FESTAC years in the 1970’s, when the government’s vibrant commitment to art in public spaces led to important commissions such as his Convergence monument at the Lagos State House on the Marina (1976), the Memorial to Murtala Ramat Mohammed, the former Nigerian Head of State, installed in Benin City (1977), the Manila symbol monument at the Lagos International Trade Fair (1978), and the Communication sculpture at the NET Building Marina (1979).

Billy Omabegho

He has achieved similar feats in abroad and has commissioned a number of major works, especially “Zuma”, which is a symbol of the Nigerian Mission to the United Nations in New York City.

The 30 foot high, “zig zag” formed, welded aluminum and stainless steel Zuma sculpture, is one his most important works, representing the vital forces of nature, which he translated into

abstract forms representing birth and renewal. The sculpture was commissioned as an installation for the plaza in front of Nigeria House in Manhattan, New York. Zuma became one of the prized monuments

An Exploring Mind, Billy’s signature sculpture that represents his deep connection with exploring science and nature, and the need for our minds to reach out and seek knowledge

of New York, showcasing Nigerian contemporary art in the heart of the city. In 2005, leading Nigerian artists under the auspices of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) and Communicating for Change, a media advocacy group, mounted campaign against a move to have the Zuma sculpture replaced with a more “African” looking sculpture.

From 2010 to 2011, two of his designs were featured in the Global Africa Project, a major exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.

His writing and research on the origins of African art, is reflected in the ancient and pure forms of his bronze, aluminum, polished stainless steel and metal sculptures, which are made up of ultra-modern abstract forms, geometric shapes and strong diagonal influences. His new works include the Homage series, in which he presents multilayered metal discs and triangular shapes to show mans’ interconnectedness with the universe. The series also has minimalist triangular shapes in the form of the ancient Ka symbol, revealing the human form in devotional stance with outstretched arms, embracing the very essence of life.

His signature sculpture called An Exploring Mind, beautifully represents Billy’s deep connection with exploring science and nature, and the need for our minds to reach out and seek knowledge. Omabegho is a master at combining highly technological influences and art processes on metal, which represent pure ancient African symbols. His beautifully crafted, simple forms are truly unique representations of contemporary sculpture at its best.

Now 75 years old, Billy is not tired. He has returned to Nigeria from the United States of America where he was commissioned to do large-scale environmental sculptures.

The Nigerian art community celebrated his return.

“After many years abroad, we are honored that Billy Omabegho is returning home on a nostalgic journey to his native Nigeria, to share his vision and exciting new collection with our dynamic & vigorously creative art community”, Ake Bola, one of them said.

But the artist furthered the celebration with an exciting new exhibition of recent modern minimalist sculptures. Of course, the respected visual artist, furniture designer, architect, and contemporary sculptor lived up to the expectations of his folks here with the exhibition of his new works after many years working in his New York studio.

Now home, Billy is a huge resource for the art in Nigeria and Africa, an inspiration, role model and epitome of success in his chosen career. Take note, he has returned home to rest, but not tired.

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Arts How the naked body became a subject for art Philip Kennicott

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ood exhibitions complicate things without confusing them.

By that standard, the Getty Museum’s “The Renaissance Nude” is a very fine show, adding layers of complexity to the general understanding of how the naked body became a subject for art in the 15th century. It focuses not just on the heroic nude in Italy, the idealized body inspired by the rediscovery of ancient art, but also on the nude throughout Europe. It surveys the various forces in play at the time — including changes in religious practice and new, more rigorous powers of observation — and how those forces created an appetite for depiction of the unclothed body. And it acknowledges the obvious: that desire was always a part of the pleasure of the naked figure, no matter how pious or allegorical or mythological the supporting narrative.

The exhibition, curated by Thomas Kren, looks at a period of about 120 years, beginning in 1400, and includes more than 100 works, many of them significant loans from major European collections. It features work by Giovanni Bellini, Donatello, Albrecht Durer, Jan Gossaert, Antonio Pollaiuolo and Titian, and includes paintings, sculpture, drawings (including anatomical renderings

by Leonardo) and prints. It also places a particular focus on French artists, who produced a kind of hidden history of the nude in illustrated devotional books, images meant for private contemplation and delectation, and images that aren’t always in-

Antonio Pollaiuolo. “Battle of the Nudes,” 1470/1475. (National Gallery of Art, Washington)

corporated into the broader understanding of the nude during this period.

Two broad trends drove the emergence of the nude as subject. There was the Renaissance, as commonly understood, a reawakening of intellectual energies that spurred artists to a closer observation of the world, including the human body.

But there also was a religious impulse — toward a more personal, mystical, intensely felt Christianity, which often took visual form. The desire to gaze on religious subjects, to feast upon their visual substance, led to more sensual depictions of key religious figures, including, in France, Bathsheba, whom David saw bathing. The market for prayer or devotional books, often commissioned by wealthy patrons, inspired artists to pursue novel representations and often racy refinements in these closely held miniatures. In some cases, they may have responded directly to the sexual tastes

of the aristocrats for whom the books were made: The Duke of Berry, for whom a small painting of young male religious penitents flagellating themselves was made, was said to have had a taste for working-class men, along with very young girls.

Different understandings of propriety influenced the development of the nude form, as well. In Italy, in the early 15th century, images of the naked Saint Sebastian predominated, in part, because it wasn’t appropriate to draw naked women from life. A drawing of female figures by Pisanello, probably made in the mid-1420s to the early 1430s, may or may not have been drawn from actual observation of female models, but if it was, then it was one of the earliest such drawings. More curious is a sketch by Fra Bartolommeo, who got around the problem of drawing naked women by using a mechanical doll, or manikin, as his model for the Virgin Mary. She appears in

a traditional pose — cradling the body of the dead Christ — but has the upper body and muscular arms of a man.

Purely artistic forces also were driving the new imagery.

The impulse to virtuosity, to elaborate and refine and outdo earlier work, might explain the slightly surreal “Battle of the Nudes,” by Pollaiuolo, an engraving that was influential throughout Europe. It shows a brutal battle between 10 naked men, who wield swords, arrows, axes and daggers.

The context for this bloodlust isn’t stated, or obvious, but the artist’s motivation might simply have been to show his skill at different poses of the male figure.

Observation may have driven some of the development of the nude, but observation also led to idealization, and for many artists, sketching the naked body was not about capturing a discreet moment in the life of a living figure, but about perfecting the form of the figure beyond the particulars

of any one body. Artists such as Durer sought to schematize the body, identify its proportions and determine the ideal relation of its parts to one another. Artists such as Michelangelo pushed that idealization to create what still read today as superhuman bodies, perfect beyond reason. In some ways, that brought the Renaissance full circle, from its initial argument with the formulaic medieval depiction of the body to yet another formula — the over-buffed, supposedly “classical” nude one sees in the figures of the Sistine Chapel (an image of which concludes the Getty show).

Throughout the show, one sees desire and sexuality operating in surprisingly overt ways. One chapter of the exhibition focuses on the use of real people as the models for religious figures, including a mid-15th-century painting by the French artist Jean Fouquet of the Virgin with a bare breast. The inspiration for the Virgin’s face was probably a renowned beauty, Agnes Sorel, who also was King Charles’s mistress. Another section looks at supposedly illicit desire, including homosexuality, which is seen in a delightfully frank woodcut of a male bath scene by Durer, in which the men are looking at each other with more than common interest, and in an engraving

by Marcantonio Raimondi of Apollo and Admetus, a trope of same-sex desire borrowed from Greek mythology. A discussion on depictions of the suffering or mutilated body underscores not only an important exception to the tendency to idealize perfect bodies, but also emphasizes the degree to which sadism, masochism and other sexual variations were interwoven

with common religious narratives.

Among the more gratifying images in the exhibition are those that suggest the variety of body types that were considered beautiful. An image by Durer of a woman praying, seen from behind, shows a more full and fleshy ideal of beauty, while several of the early Saint Sebastians depict male beauty as androgynous and even feminine. A powerful drawing

by Hans Baldung shows “The Ecstatic Christ,” who has the powerful body of a classical figure but is seen twisting on the ground, with the wounds of the crucifixion clearly visible on one hand. Caught between death and resurrection, he slides one hand under a drapery that hides his genitals, a perplexing but powerful erotic gesture.

Th e B a l d u n g d r a w ing reminds the viewer of something that becomes a powerful leitmotif of the exhibition: that many of these works insist on operating in wildly different, even selfcontradictory ways. The religious doesn’t exclude the erotic — the sacred and the profane cohabit. It isn’t the modern mind, salacious and insinuating, that reads sex into these images. In fact, this exhibition leaves one with the sense that the current moment is the puritanical and nervous one and that we still have a long way to go before fully acknowledging how wonderfully voluptuous the past has always been.

The Renaissance Nude runs through January 27 at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. getty.edu. Kennicott, the author is an art and architecture critic Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Runsewe applauds upbeats in culture and tourism, plans nationwide tour

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lusegun Runsewe, director general, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), has expressed immense joy with culture and tourism activities in Nigeria last year, promising to embark on culture tours of the 36 states of the federation soon.

The NCAC boss singled out Lagos, Rivers, Cross-River, Kaduna, Plateau and Edo states for engaging and promoting robust culture and tourism activities in 2018, which helped create a window for organised local and international visits across Nigeria.

Runsewe whose office

organised some of the most notable cultural festivals in Nigeria last year such as National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) and International Arts and Crafts Exposition (INAC), noted that the upbeats in culture activities from all states in the country would help to sustain an all year and season holiday culture in Nigeria and also anchors certified cultural festivals as tourism products to help local and international tour operators in marketing Nigeria to the world.

According to Nigeria’s chief cultural officer and president, World Crafts Council, Afri-

ca Region, what took place around the country last year was a revolution, which would place Nigeria in its rightful place in global tourism community.

He noted that the N50 billion spending by holiday makers in Lagos is a huge eye opener to what can tickle down to operators of businesses and the service industry, adding that what is needed now is to see that the industry is well organised and turned up to create jobs for Nigerians. He said Lagos State government is doing well in tourism and prays that the state will continue to provide the leadership in stra-

tegic tourism activities more than ever before.

To Cross River, Runsewe commended the governor for making Carnival Calabar to take new shape last year through an authentic African

Olusegun Runsewe

theme, which calls for top mind awareness and revival of African culture to help open the continent to visits and collaborations. Indeed, the 26 foreign nations that visited and participated in the Calabar Carnival, Runsewe observed, have taken the cultural carnival to another level.

As Nigeria’s chief marketing officer, Runsewe explained that the cultural intervention in Rivers State during NAFEST, presented Nigeria culture to the world in an uncommon way and adding that he would remain grateful to Governor Nyeson Wike of River State.

The Durbar in Kaduna and

the refocused attention to rewrite and reposition tourism in Plateau by Governor El-Rufai and Simon Lalong respectively added up to give Nigeria the desired rebound that the world is expecting from Africa’s biggest black nation, Runsewe noted.

Not left out in Runsewe’s ranking is also Edo State, which came to town last year with its EdoFest, targeting Edo people and their friends outside Nigeria. Significantly, Edo is the host ground for NAFEST 2019, thereby expected to be in the forefront cultural discussion throughout the year, NCAC DG further explained.

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Sunday 20 January 2019

Life&Living How Nigerians major in minor: #10 YearsChallenge

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IFEOMA OKEKE

ast week was quite memorable for many people, especially those active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram, as people kept posting throwback pictures from 10 years ago and comparing them to how they look in most recent photos.

The #10YearsChallenge involves collage photos taken ten years ago with that of the present, so as to show the difference between the past and the present.

In the euphoria of not feeling left behind, many people took to their social media handles to join the bandwagon and showcase how they looked in 2008/2009 and how they looked now, some even took it way back to 2005 and earlier.

Following the current craze, top celebritiessuchasTontoDikeh,DonJazzy, Falz, Daddy Showkey, Toke Makinwa, Juliet Ibrahim and others have also shared their old and new photos.

I n t e r e s t i n g l y, w h i l e # 1 0 YearsChallenge continued to gain traction, a few people have raised some concerns on how Nigerians have continued to major in minor issues and minor in major issues.

Certain issues such as security,

business innovations, education, politics, real estate development, aviation and power to mention but a few have been raised on social media but died after few comments and posts.

Sadly, these issues that were treated with levity are the issues that could make or mar the country.

It was therefore alarming, how millions of social media users in Nigeria engaged in the #10 YearsChallenge.

It was as though there was a gift to be given to the person that had the most ‘dramatic’ photos.

“I took almost three hours off work on Tuesday to look through all my files on my laptop and old Facebook posts just to find befitting picture to post as my #10yearchallenge. In fact, I don’t know any avid social media user who didn’t take the challenge seriously” Sade Adepoju

told BDSUNDAY. The lesson learnt from the #10YearsChallenge is the power in social media and how social media can influence agenda setting. Social media can decide what will be discussed and the level at which issues will be discussed, not necessarily because those issues are relevant.

From Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat to Facebook, take your pick.

How many times a day do you visit one of these or any other social networking website that are fast growing and dominating our virtual world? You must know at least one (or probably more than one) per-

sons who may be addicted to these websites. It’s actually considered odd not to be addicted to these virtual time black holes.

Figures of daily traffic pulled by these sites are enough for anyone to realize the power and influence that social media commands over inhabitants of our world, both virtual and physical. To imagine that we now have ‘social media influencer’ in people’s bios tells how social media have changed the job landscape.

Who would have ever thought that people will get paid for being social media influencers?

Social media has evolved from being a cyber world geek buzz to a massive platform for businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals and organisations that seek greater recognition, mass awareness and positive impact on their business bottom-line.

Social media has its claws deeply dug in the cyber world and failing to acknowledge that, and not take advantage of its influential powers is becoming an unforgivable crime these days for business ventures and other organisations.

Therefore, it behoves on everyone to use this simple but powerful tool called social media to drive the change that individuals, the public and even businesses desire.

Lasting effects of live stage performances Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson

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he month of December 2018 was very eventful, with so many events around Lagos; I was out of my house almost every single day for one thing or the other. There was a party, a concert, meet up with friends, family gathering or wedding to attend, and I sure was fagged out but I just could not afford to miss watching Queen Moremi on stage. All the tweets and comments on social media about how fantastic the show was, also spurred my eagerness to watch the play. After all, I have never missed any stage play produced by Bolanle Austen Peters.

From Saro to Wakaa, to Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, I had seen them all and loved them all; some of them, I had even watched twice. So, on New Year’s Eve, I cleared my schedule and made time to go to TerraKulture with my family.

It is no news that stage play and theatrical performances in Nigeria have been taken to a whole new different level with the amount of attention to detail and near perfection that Bolanle Austen Peters (BAP) production brings to life on all her musical stage plays. The most recent is the captivating historical story of

Queen Moremi Ajasoro of Ile Ife, a Yoruba Heroine.

I sat in front of the theatre to watch the live performance, zoning out all interferences and giving my 100 percent attention, with eyes fixed on the stage as I anticipated how the characters would deliver history at its best. The dulcet voice of Precious Emmanuel sent shivers down my spine in the opening scene.

OMG! That voice!!!

Although unpopular, Tosin Adeyemi, who played the role of Moremi in the stage play, proved to people that she was born to do this, as she delivered a flawless performance so effortlessly.

“This is not my first appearance on a stage play but this is my first time working on a BAP production and I have no choice but to give it my best because this is a masterpiece. It is a totally different story and a totally different experience,” Tosin told me off stage.

The play told the story of the sacrifices made by Queen Moremi, the courageous daughter of one of Ife’s bravest hunter-warriors – Lukugba.

She paid the biggest price by sacrificing her home and the life of her only child, for the people of Ife and the Yoruba land.

Using dance, colorful and tasteful

costumes, music and well rehearsed acting, the live performance had a riveting and lasting effect of its audience, as the show trended on social media for several weeks.

I’m very sure that the voice of popular actress, Lala Akindoju who played the role of the river goddess

‘Esinmiri’ will not be forgotten in a long time, as i found myself singing; “Gbera, omoremi, gbera, gbera esinmiri a ba e lo,” the song that she sang, when Moremi came to ask the goddess for power to conquer the Ugbo people, on her journey to bring peace to the people of Ile Ife. I sang this song

in my mind and everywhere I went, even days after watching the play.

Bimbo Manuel, veteran Nollywood actor who played the king said; “culture and history is suddenly coming alive and it speaks to everyone.”

According to him, the message that the story carries gives encourages women to believe in themselves and their power.

“The story of Queen Moremi shows that if you set your mind to something and do not allow yourself to be limited or restricted, you will achieve it even where others have failed,” Manuel told BDSunday in an interview.

Months before Queen Moremi the Musical arrived on stage, Bolanle Austen-Peters sent her musical team to the House of Oduduwa in Ile-Ife, Osun State to live and experience the culture for two weeks, in order to create the musical score from the roots where Moremi Ajasoro was born and lived.

This explains the thorough attention to detail and impressive character interpretation produced in Queen Moremi the Musical stage play which garnered both foreign and local recognition and acceptance.

The stage play was well worth the standing ovation and fantastic reviews, if I do say so myself.

Sunday 20 January 2019

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Mobile: 08053859391, email - iambolatito@gmail.com twitter - @iambolatito

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In many ways, Chief and Chief Mrs. Shade’s love could be likened to that of an oak, and that is because nothing could be more representative of their love than a beauti-

ful, strong tree. Thus, as friends, family and business associates made merry and dined and wined with the Okoyas, with Shade, the chief hostess, and heartthrob

of the celebrator, regaling everyone with an endearing recap of their first ever encounter that blossomed into a lifetime commitment between them. Perhaps this is why many who witnessed the bash kept on murmuring that disarmingly beautiful Sade must be having something up her sleeves in view of what to expect next year when the business mogul joins the league of octogenarians.

Those who know the pedigree of the birthday boy’s youngest wife, Sade, will readily agree that the beautiful mother of four and very enterprising woman must be planning something even more special for her darling husband than what she just did for him at 79 when he hits the 80 next year.

Marcel Eguabor’s swift ride at Zenith Bank

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e has an unusual approach to his work style, especially at his present workplace where he sits atop the Corporate Communications department as the Group Head.

Unassuming and highly officious Marcel Eguabor quietly and steadily takes his seat at the zenith of command in the competitive communication industry of Zenith Bank where skills are highly required and nonnegotiable. Despite his silent and reserved personality, he remains one among few, most highly respected senior managers in the corporate communications field, as not a few can lay claim to having enough knowledge or data on the man who subtly manages his staff without any encumbrances from him or them. Meanwhile, for 14

years, Marcel has been their enigma for many reasons and the junior staffers are always complimenting him for his cool-headedness and attention to minute details and exigencies of work. In the past few years, Marcel has relentlessly been focusdriven strategic, and has contributed to the growth of communication brands of the upscale Zenith Bank and his impressive profile is ever speaking volumes and academic and professional finesse, albeit subtly, without even hanging any airs around himself. He goes about pushing his job the way he deems fit and leaves the rest for others to judge. Marcel boasts of B.Sc in Banking and Finance, with an MBA in Strategic Management, crowning it up with a deserved and meritorious Fellowship of the

S

Where is billionaire businessman Mofe Boyo?

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yimofe Boyo used to be one of the formidable trios that floated the top oil and gas firm, Oando Plc, back in the days. The other two legs of the tripod oil and gas giants were Wale Tinubu and Jite Okoloko who individually and severally ran the company to a very great height in the industry before Boyo and Okoloko drove out to chart their own courses in other areas of endeavours which were not too far from the same energy sector, leaving only Wale Tinubu to run the company; although no verifiable and substantial reasons were given for the split. But that is not the story here. It’s that since the sudden and unexpected break-up of the once top partners in the industry, nothing seems to have been heard about Mofe Boyo, who in those days was one of the most visible at many social functions in company with his versatile and charming actress/producer wife, Ego Boyo (nee Nnamani.) But for some time

now, Mofe seems to be out of the public glare nor mentioning in any top or visible business concern; which has now led industry watchers and discerning minds to be asking the above question with bated breath. His other half Ego is somehow however still relevant in the Thespian world as she churned out a movie a couple of years back or thereabout. But for her husband, Mofe, it’s still a guessing game, while his other two former partners, Wale and Jite can be traced to their present jobs.

Hyden Oil boss, Dapo Abiodun, inches on steadily

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esteemed Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN. Little wonder, with this solid pedigree, he has been performing wonders at his

station as the Group Head, Corporate Communications, Zenith Bank, slow and steady, and the sky is just appearing to be his starting point.

Renowned businessman, Jide Omokore, out of the blues

ure you know this man of unassailable heights in the oil and gas industry and other related areas of the quantum money-spilling energy sector. Stinking rich and top industry player, Jide Omokore, you will recall was one of the few mentioned front men for the still-embattled former minister of petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

His name resonated so much then that he had to scamper into oblivion to avoid any possible beaming search on his relation-

BDSUNDAY 25

Bolatito Adebola

Billionaire industrialist, Rasaq Okoya, clocks 79 amidst glitz or those that witnessed the razzmatazz and grandiose celebration days back of billionaire industrialist and Eleganza boss, Aare Razaq Akanni Okoya’s 79th birthday, the cream of Nigeria’s highflyer society bigwigs will forever savour the event for a long time to come, as the panache that occasioned the shindig was out of this planet. The outlandish party which took place inside the palatial Oluwanishola Estate of the Okoyas in Ajah, Lagos had all the trappings of a royal touch; from the richly-decorated venue to the assorted foods and drinks on display, and the caliber of top-notch dignitaries that attended the party, it was a statement in opulence, class, affluence, and royalty.

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ship with the woman and probably his other businesses which he feared might be jeopardized if any further links with the former minister were established and probed.

In the wake of these startling revelations of their complicity in the monumental sleaze by Madueke, many of her accomplices, including Omokare, quietly went underground, unlike before when they used to be the cynosure of all eyes at many functions and events to either socialize

or seal up one business deal or the other. But that was then, enterprising and very businesslike Jide Omokore was spotted at the last Independent Newspaper Awards which held on Thursday at the Eko Hotels and Suites, brimming and exchanging banters with those he must have probably lost contact with during his forced hibernation. He must have felt a big sigh of relief since the heat is now off him and his cotravelers in the Alison Madueke saga.

t appears the long dream of this oil baron and philanthropist of note, Heyden boss, Dapo Abiodun to become the next governor of Ogun State in a few months to come, may just be crystallizing into reality, given what just transpired a few days ago, and this is stating the obvious. The former governor of Ogun State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Olusegun Osoba, recently presented the governorship candidate, Dapo Abiodun, to the party leaders and members in Ifo, Isheri, and Ilaro as the man to succeed Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Osoba told the party leaders and supporters of Abiodun that attended the ward-to-ward rally of the APC in Ifo Local

Government that change is the only constant thing in life, and there is nothing that has a beginning without an end. Earlier in the day, Abiodun and his campaign team, led by APC Caretaker Chairman, Chief Sanusi, visited the palaces of Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Olu of Ifo, Oba Samuel Oladipupo; Ajuwon of Ajuwon land, Oba Nurudeen Egunshola; and the Ilorin of Isheri, Oba Akanbi Adebowale. During the visit, the APC governorship candidate appreciated the mass turn out for his rally in the towns and assured the people and their monarchs of his readiness to drive the state out of economic woes that have prevented them from enjoying true dividend of democracy.

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Sunday 20 January 2019

Entertainment

Nigeria to host Big Brother Naija as show returns for 4th season

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…Bet9ja announced as new headline sponsor frica’s popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, is set to return for a fourth season with the producers of the show also revealing that the Big Brother House will be in Nigeria. Auditions for the show will hold on the 1st and 2nd of February 2018 in eight locations across Nigeria, an increase from previous editions.

In addition, Nigeria’s number one betting website, Bet9ja, has been announced as headline sponsors of this new season.

The reality TV show which follows the format of the international Big Brother franchise is known to bring excitement and entertainment to fans and viewers across the continent as it houses strangers over a period of three months who contest against each other in a battle of wits for the ultimate prize.

Speaking on the new season, John Ugbe, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, said: “This fourth season promises to be even bigger than previous editions and underscores MultiChoice’s position as the biggest investor and driver of entertainment content on the continent”.

Since its maiden edition in 2006, the Big Brother Naija reality TV show has produced some of the country’s biggest pop cul-

ture influencers and celebrities including Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Gideon Okeke, Katung Aduwak, Bisola Aiyeola, Efe Ejeba and Uriel Oputa and mostly recently Miracle Ikechukwu, Tobi Bakre and Cynthia “Cee-C” Nwadiora.

The show involves a group of strangers sharing a camera-filled house for 12 or more weeks while participating in physical and mental challenges.

Speaking at the press conference to announce the new season, Ayo ojuroye, Chief Executive Officer, Bet9ja said: “As the leading gaming company in Nigeria, we believe in changing lives. This singular attrib-

ute coupled with the zeal and passion attributed to the Big Brother Naija platform aligns with Bet9ja’s core values and we are honoured by the opportunity to headline this year’s edition.

Bet9ja will continue to support programmes that will connect more young Nigerians to their dreams”.

Nigerian lawyer, media personality, fashion influencer, Ebuka Obi Uchendu will also host this year’s edition of Big Brother Naija.

According to the organisers, specific locations and times for the auditions in February will be announced subsequently.

Star Lager shines on at 4th edition of Joor Concert

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ince December, Star Lager has been on an exciting musical journey, bringing undiluted entertainment to music fans across the nation through its partnerships. Fans and lovers of music were treated to great performances from street kings Mr Real, Slimcase, Small Doctor, the sensational Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Mayorkun and others as they left the crowd asking for more.

The City of Lagos came alive this past weekend as Star Lager hosted thousands of fans and consumers at Dj Kaywise’s anticipated, Joor concert.

The event which held on January 12, at Abesan Mini Stadium, Abesan Estate, Ipaja saw attendees treated to non-stop entertainment from top notch musicians dancers and comedians.

Attendees were thrilled by the delivery of electrifying performances that lit up the night. The energetic stage performances were captivating as the audience went on an unending singalong of their favourite songs all through. It was an experience worth witnessing. The audience not wanting to be outdone by the music stars took to the stage to display some dance moves.

Speaking on the event, Sarah Agha, Portfolio Manager, National Premium Brands, NB Plc, said, “We are excited to be a part of this year’s Joor Concert. As a brand we are centered on giving back to our esteemed consumers for their loyalty. We take pride in delivering highly engaging and memorable moments to our consumers nationwide. By bringing them closer to their celebrities, we’re enabling them step into the brighter side.

And we are determined to keep upgrading these experiences”.

Star Lager has from December, 2018 provided the ultimate Star experience for consumers with One Lagos Fiesta Wizkid VIP Experience, Olamide Live In Concert, Burna Boy Live, Warri Again and Uli Music Festival. The iconic Nigerian brand and product of Nigerian Breweries Plc, which is a Heineken International Company, has enjoyed decades of success since its launch as the first indigenous Nigerian beer brand in 1949.

As a result of the brand’s successful entertainment initiatives in the country, it has become a reference point for corporate sponsorships and development of homegrown entertainment in Nigeria.

‘King of Boys’ had all you had ever asked for in Nollywood

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et me start with a verdict.

‘King of Boys’ in 2018 is for me the best of Nollywood; arguably one of the best in the history of the industry. I was reluctant to see the movie after social media went berserk in praises for the movie. I thought it could be PR. However I was curious to know how a Nollywood film will offer almost three hours and yet no much complaint. ‘King of Boy’ did live to the positive reviews on social media with quality performance; its cinematography: quality picture, special effects, the movement of the camera, and lighting; the plot; the story itself which is the high point of the movie. I was so entangled with the story that I failed to look out for other things for instance, how the sound track contributed to the whole narrative.

The film was directed Kemi Adetiba and featured Sola Sobowale as Alhaja Eniola Salami, Adesua Etomi as Kemi Salami, Jide Kosoko, Osas Ighodaro as Sade Bello, Illbliss, Reminisce as Makanaki, Toni Tones as Young Salami, Akin Lewis, Demola Adedoyin, Sani Muazu, Paul Sambo as Nurudeen Gobir among others.

The movie is a crime thriller that critically comments on the social and political life of the country. There have been several crime thrillers but ‘King of Boys’ had a refreshing perspective by combining crime, politics, survival, family ties and politics into a coherent whole. I had pointed earlier that the cinematographer did well. The few examples that easily come to mind was the movement of the camera as Gobir (Paul Sambo) noticed the expensive watch on Inspector Shehu’s wrist (Sani Muazu). The camera’s focus on the watch turned out to be deliberate. The scene where Makanaki told one of his boys to bite the table for not reporting the case of theft is not just only ironical because they just stole the money but came with a successful special effect as the boy’s teeth were seen scattered everywhere when Makanaki kicked the boy’s head while he was still biting the table.

The scene of the fire was convincing. The creation of smoke inside the cell when Gobir went to recue Alhaja Salami from the inferno was creditable. The movement of the camera from the crowd outside the court when Alhaja Salami was granted bail to Kemi Salami (Adesua Etomi), Alhaja Salami, and Kitan Salami’s Alhaja’s only son; and how it created suspense by concealing who was exactly shot added so much suspense.

Viewers were left guessing who was shot among the trio by the cinematographer who brilliantly delayed revealing who was shot by preceding the revelation with breathtaking minutes of wailing in slow motion. There is this other scene where the cinematography invented stream of consciousness in the movie, the camera was brilliantly moved in this scene where the dead people in Alhaja Salami’s life came to reprimand her.

Before I get carried away like

I did when seeing the movie, it is pertinent to say the movie is not perfect. There were few things that didn’t seem right. In the first meeting of the kings of the underworld after Kemi Salami advised her mother to call a meeting, I noticed there is an echo in that scene. It leaves the sound aspect of the film with a speck. Kitan Salami’s line ‘I thought you said you loved me’ after he discovered his girlfriend was involved in the assassination of her sister sounded clumsy and stupid to me. Maybe the way he said it or the lines itself made it sounded silly and inappropriate. On the other hand, I love the comic relief one of Makanaki’s boys brought to the movie during the armed robbery operation. One of the soldiers guiding the senator’s home was fidgeting having been overpowered and overwhelmed by the underworld boys. Seeing the soldier fidget and afraid, one of the robbers said in pidgin, ‘And na army o. the thing tire me sef!’

Does this mean anything to you particularly in this era our security operatives most times show their strength to unarmed civilians but are nowhere to be found when duty calls?

One peculiar thing about the movie’s dialogues was their rich language repertoire. There was a lot of code mixing and code switching from English to Yoruba, Igbo, and pidgin. They employed slangs to spice up the language and to buttress the ‘street’ in the film. This brings me to the performances. Sola Sobowale and Adesua Etomi put up brilliant performances. Adesua was casted in a new light, and it is refreshing to know she can act very tough. Toni Tones also killed it as she played young Eniola. And there was the incredible Remilekun ‘Reminisce’ Safaru (Makanaki) who showed a lot of promises. The guy is a brilliant actor; it is hard to believe ‘king of Boys’ is his first.

Let me now bring home the bacon. A good move script/story must be total in that they must be compelling and sustaining, having verisimilitude, and must be a material that leaves you thinking.

‘King of Boy’ is a tale of two different stories, one of a burgeoning present, the other in the distant past. There was no boring use of flashbacks. It was two parallel but complimentary stories of a woman’s past and present. The movie had this unpredictability and shocking twists that defiled viewers’ speculation or prediction. I love the poetic justice that characterised the film and the fact the movie is a stark fictive identification with social realities. In fact one can easily identify one of the characters in the movie in a well known king maker in Lagos state who runs the state from his sitting room. This man word is ‘authority’ as the character in the movie declared. ‘King of Boys’ is worth your time, money and popcorn.

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

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27

Politics Understanding guber imbroglio in Imo Greg Nwadike, Owerri

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mo, like every other state of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has just three senatorial districts of unequal delimitations namely; Imo West (Orlu Senatorial zone), Imo East (Owerri senatorial zone) and Imo North (Okigwe Senatorial zone). Orlu zone has 12 Local Government Areas, Owerri zone has 9 while Okigwe zone has only six 6 bringing the total number of Local Government Areas to 27.

On 9 June 1991, at the Iwuanyanwu Glass House, Ugwuorji, Owerri, elders of the State recommended that for equity, fairness and justice, democratic processes regarding to the office of the Executive Governor of Imo State shall be by rotation.

Some notable elders from Owerri zone who appended their signatures to the agreement included Chief Engr.

E.C. Iwuanyanwu, Chief Evan Enwerem, J.C. Odunna, Barr. B.S.C Nzenwa, Chief Onyenso Nwachukwu, Chief R.O. Onyenobi, Chief B.A Nwanne, Prof. Roland Anyanwu, Dr. F.U Ukoha, Barr. R.C Azuatalam, Chief Engr. R.O Ugorji. Dr. A.C Ohashiegbula and Chief Mrs. Maria Eke. Okigwe zone had Chief Sen. Emeka Echeruo, Chief Sir T.I Ozoemena, Dr. E.J.K Onyebuchi, Chief Tony C. Emeruom, Sen. B.C Agunanne, Chief Zeph Philips Nwosu, Chief Frances Anamekwe, Hon. Amaefula Ikoro, Mrs. Pat Ogueri, Prince C. Orike, Chief C.C Iwuala and Sir. O.U Ugochukwu.

Those from Orlu zone at that extraordinary convention were Chief Dr. B.U Nzeribe, Sen. N. Maduagwu, Chief Walter Ofonagoro, Chief Anyaim Acholonu, Chief Greg Mbadiwe, Chief Peter Mgbenewelu, Prince S.O Ukadike, Chief S.B.N Emejuru, Sir Obed Umelo, Chief R.O Ofoma, Nze Laz Ohakwe, Dr. Otuokere Njaka and Chief R.O Okoro.

The Charter of Equity as agreed resolved that power and ascendancy to the position of Imo governor be rotated among the three zones of the new Imo (Abia State was just carved out then), beginning from Owerri zone by “merit”.

“Merit” as quoted in the understanding implied that every zone be allowed to serve out its tenure and allow the next to start on “merit” without aspirants or contenders from other zones.

This was the understanding and premise on which the new Imo was built, with the sole aim of reducing heat, pressure and unnecessary crises as are currently the case in Imo during guber election. The agreement resolved that Owerri be allowed to start while Orlu and Okigwe followed, respectively.

Owerri actually took its turn till the end of that political era through Chief Evan Enwerem.

Chief Achike Udenwa from Orlu was settled upon and until he served out his tenure in 2007 and handed over to Okigwe in line with the understanding of 1991. This was even when Owerri zone again paraded a number of aspirants to stop him.

Udenwa after his eight years in office handed over to Governor Ikedi Oha-

Ikedi Ohakim

kim of Okigwe zone. The rest are now history the many litigations by Owerri through a son of the zone, Mr. Martins Agbaso that distracted that administration till almost three years in office.

During the Ikedi Ohakim’s era, political leaders of Owerri zone, including some of their religious leaders and industrialists mobilised fiercely to ensure that Okigwe zone had no peace and would not complete its tenure.

The world shouted, Orlu warned and we wrote several epistles reminding Owerri leaders the dangers in breaking the 1991 accord. All fell like water on a rock. Owerri zone politicians insisted that they do not need zoning. Mr. Agbaso later picked the APGA ticket and curiously surrendered it to Mr. Rochas Okorocha who is from Orlu zone. They re-negotiated power with Okorocha to hand over to them after four years.

They mobilised forces and resources through APGA and truncated the zoning arrangement which would have seen the zone preparing for its second term in office this year. There is no doubt that Owerri zone murdered sleep.

Owerri zone has been contesting for the office of the governor against the zoning arrangement since 1999.

The crucial question then is: why has the zone failed to produce a governor since then if they have the capacity to so do solely? Why did even the last agreement it had with Okorocha to serve one term and hand over to them in 2015 fail woefully? To stop Okorocha who is from Orlu, can Owerri zone and its people aspire for the office of the governor, campaign for and among themselves and elect one from among them all alone without a well-crafted

alliance with Okigwe zone? Certainly that will be a bizarre political strategy of the 21st century.

Owerri zone currently crying of marginalisation shouldn’t be doing so as the zone has benefited more on both federal, ministerial appointments and infrastructural considerations more than Orlu and Okigwe zones put together.

In the First Republic, Owerri zone had Raymond Amanze Njoku as the Minister of Transport; Orlu zone had Dr. K.O Mbadiwe (Transport and Aviation) while Okigwe had nothing.

In the second Republic, Owerri zone had Dr. S. U. Ugoh a Minister for (a) Education and (b) Science and Technology.

Orlu had Chief Dr. Udogu for Labour and Productivity while Okigwe had nil.

In the Third Republic, Owerri zone

Owerri zone currently crying of marginalisation shouldn’t be doing so as the zone has benefited more on both federal, ministerial appointments and infrastructural considerations more than Orlu and Okigwe zones put together

had Dr. Laz Unogu as Minister for Science and Technology and Chief I.D. Nwoga in Establishment. Orlu had Dr. Walter Ofonagoro in Information. Orlu also had Dr. Mrs. Bekkey K. Igwe for Women Affairs and later Solid Mineral.

Again, Okigwe had nothing.

In the Fourth Republic, Owerri zone had Dr. Mrs. Kema Chikwe as Minister for (a) Transport, and (b) Aviation and later an Ambassador in a political career that spanned eight years. Chief Martin Agbaso from the same zone was Special Adviser to the President on Ecology.

Chief Tony Ozurumba was Special Assistant to the President on National Orientation. HE Senator Evan Enwerem was the Senate President while Prof.

Fabian Osuji was also a Minister for Education. The zone also produced Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Owerri zone produced Chinwe Obaji, Chuka Odum, Cpt. Emma Iheanacho and Prof. Viola Onwuliri as Ministers Orlu zone had Dr. Mrs. Catherine Acholonu as a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Culture only while again, Okigwe had nothing.

In terms of military appointments, Owerri zone had produced Col. Tony Onyearugbulem, GP. Capt. Luke Achulor and Commodore E.C Acholonu as Military Governors of Ondo, Delta and Katsina States respectively. Orlu zone had produced Col. Herbert Obi Eze for Anambra State as governor while Okigwe had nothing.

Orlu as the largest zone has 12 LGAs, Owerri has 9 while Okigwe has only 6. This informed the wisdom of our elders to design zoning so that equity will be assured. This is what has been destroyed by Owerri zone in 2011 and it is the consequences that Ndimo are suffering today.

2019 therefore, provides an opportunity to make amends and return the State to the path of equity. It will be impossible to have a candidate from Owerri zone becoming governor in 2023 should the zone refuse to return to the arrangement that could allow Okigwe zone to complete its remaining one term and thereafter make room for an orderly and smooth transition of power from Okigwe to Owerri for eight years.

This has been tried in other States of the South East which today has ensured equity and complete rotation of power among zones in these States. Imo is the only State yet to complete this cycle as a result of the truncation of the arrangement by Owerri zone.

Don’t be deceived. Orlu as usual is intact and watching. Orlu shall not hesitate to endorse any of its two candidates at the last minutes should Owerri zone continue to bully Okigwe over its remaining “merit” one term. That single term can only come from Dr. Ikedi Ohakim who is currently the governorship candidate of Accord Party, as no other contestant from Okigwe can guarantee Ndimo a single term.

Owerri zone therefore, must sacrifice 2019 to merit 2023. . Nwadike (GOC) is the publicity secretary, Accord Party

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Sunday 20 January 2019

Politics Babatunde Gbadamosi: A third political force Lagosians never knew MICHEAL ANI

N

ot until Saturday, January 12 when candidates in the 2019 gubernatorial election in Lagos State engaged in a debate did it dawn on residents of Nigeria’s commercial capital that there might be another competent option to choose from other than the candidates from the two popular parties.

In what was described as an outstanding performance by audience and listeners of the debate, the candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Babatunde Gbadamosi, showed clear understanding of the workings of Nigeria’s commercial hub as he reeled out points and policies that he would put in place, if elected governor, to get the state on the path to sustainable development.

His poise, confidence and brilliancy were rated top among other notable candidates who engaged in the debate, including the candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), BabajideSanwo-Olu, and the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Jimi Agbaje.

Gbadamosi, who was a member of the PDP before defecting to the ADP, said if elected into office he would operate an open government by bringing in his experience from the private sector with respect to handling the state finances.

He said he would be able to do this because he “does not have a godfather”, indirectly teasing the APC candidate, SanwoOlu, who is believed to enjoy the backing of a former governor of the state and APC national leader, Bola Tinubu. Tinubu is generally believed to be the final arbiter in the affairs of the state in the last 20 years.

Lagos, Nigeria’s centre of excellence and commercial hub, claims the number one spot when it comes to business location in the country. The state posted about $137 billion in Gross Domestic Product in 2017, almost three times the $47 billion that Nigeria’s West Africanneighbour, Ghana, recorded as its total market value for 2017.

Lagos has consistently raked in the highest amount among all the states of the federation in terms of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), turning in N196 billion in revenue as at the first half of 2018.

With a population of over 21 million residents, the state is still in dire need of adequate transport system that could ease free movement of goods and services. The issue of poor road network is compounded

Gbadamosi (r) shines at the debate

by trucks that have taken over every inch of space on the roads, with many of the drivers turning the roads into their place of abode and toilet, littering the environment with faeces.

When asked by the moderator on how the traffic situation in the state would be resolved, other candidates failed to give in-depth steps on how the problems could be solved. Gbadamosi, on the other hand, highlighted realistic and pertinent steps that would be taken to reduce the chaotic situation within his first 100 days in office.

“An effective rail system has to be created to enable the proper movement of containers from the wharves, to lighter terminals all around Lagos as this will free up the current problematic state where thousands of trailers crowd out smaller commuters plying the narrow roads in the state,” Gbadamosi said.

“Furthermore, we need to make use of the waterways as another effective means of reducing this problematic situation. It would even help generate greater revenue for the state,” he added.

The ADP candidate noted that there is a need for the devolution of powers and restructuring of Nigeria that will give Lagos more control of the port.

What eventually wowed the audience on was when he corrected a statement made by the candidate of the ruling party, Sanwo-Olu, that the state government was transparent and publishes its budgets as at when due.

Responding, Gbadamosi pointed out that the Lagos State government was known for being opaque rather than open with data, contrary to the APC candidate’s claim. He

noted also that the budget website of the state no longer existed for the public to have a feel.

Another thumbs-up given by the audience to Gbadamosi at the debate was when he singularly and confidently spoke about the issue of Alpha Beta Consulting, a firm said to be owned by Tinubu. He said he would take over the Lagos Integration Regeneration Plan for local governments that Alpha Beta is currently handling.

Gbadamosi also faulted the white elephant projects of the current administration.

He broke down the costs of the Ethiopian rail project and the Lagos light rail project.

“The light rail project is being built at a cost of over $1 billion. However, in Ethiopia, there is a heavy rail project started in 2011 and completed in 2016; it is already in use, built at the cost of $5.2 million per km. However, in Lagos, we apparently spend $54 million per km on that light rail project that has been on for the past 10 years and has not been completed,” Gbadamosi said.

“We are going to bring in prudence in public sector spending, end the waste, cut the fat and invest in infrastructure,” he said.

The ADP governorship candidate said it was still unclear to him why the Lagos State government is unable to complete its light rail project in 10 years, when it can open the state for the private sector players to come in.

He also cited examples of what was being done in other places with similar demographics like Lagos, such as Singapore and Ethiopia, promising to improve tourism as a means of growing the state tax revenue if elected

into office.

On health, he said he would improve the health and welfare of Lagos residents by making health insurance compulsory for all, even to the informal sector of the economy.

At the end of the debate, several opinions polled across different outlets showed that attention has been drawn to the ADP candidate, as opposed to the earlier mindset that the governorship election in Lagos State would be between the candidates of the APC and the PDP. The interview was moderated by BritishNigerian Christian broadcaster, Victor Oladokun.

Opinions however, are divergent as to the extent the sterling performance at the debate would add to the electoral fortunes of Gbadamosi.

A civil servant in Lagos described the ADP candidate as a good material that can one day become the governor of Lagos State if he takes the right steps.

“With what we saw last Sunday, Gbadamosi is an emerging force to reckon with in Lagos. He can become the governor of the state if he aligns himself with the forces that call the shots in the state in relation to determining who gets what in the political equation in the state. He has the carriage; he has the knowledge about what to do in office and he knows Lagos through and through,” the civil servant said, craving anonymity.

Another analyst, a media practitioner, told the BDSUNDAY that brilliant performance at debates alone is not enough to guarantee the electoral victory of a candidate.

“It will be too simplistic to assume that because Gbadamosi acquitted himself well at the debate, he will be the next governor.

There is a gulf between verbalisation of ideas and the implementation of such ideas. There are those who are eloquent in communicating with people and there are others who do not have such oratorical skill, but they know what they want to do and how to go about what they want to achieve. So, it is not given that the man if voted for would do better than any of those who appeared at the debate with him that day. Again, the question is, how many of the voting population in Lagos watched or saw the debate, and how many of them do you think would be influenced by what they see to be able to vote Gbadamosi? I tell you that there is nowhere in the world where performance at debate alone has won elections for anybody. But do not get me wrong, the man deserves all the commendations that anybody can give him for his good performance,” the analyst said.

I left N110 bn in 2011, but Oyo now is in serious debt, says Alao-Akala Akinremi Feyisipo,Ibadan

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he gubernatorial candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Oyo State, Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, has said that he left at least N110bn in the coffers of the State Government when he left office in 2011.

“I left N110bn in the coffers but today, Oyo state is in serious debt. Since I left as governor, things have become difficult for people,” he said.

Alao-Akala who stated this when he visited the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, in his palace noted that “when I left, people weren’t poverty stricken and everyone was happy.

The former governor who is seeking a return to the Agodi government house posited “then, you didn’t have to get to secretariat to get money, everyone including artisans and market people were satisfied but it is no longer the same, people

are suffering, workers are not left out. They are presently on strike”..

While saying that he said he is seeking to return as governor because the people of the state fared better under his administration maintained that “experience is better than knowledge” “Experience is better than knowledge, only a person that knows the way should be allowed to lead. Things are not working well at present because of the type of government in power and we are lucky that it is rounding up, this is the time to give an experienced person the chance to make a difference”.

According to him, ADP is the party that can turn things around and make people happy, I have done it before and we will do it again. History is there to prove me right that people were comfortable under our government.

The ADP governship candidate in Oyo state however urged the people of Ibadan not to vote for people that have no regard for cultural heritage, tradition and traditional institution, adding

that such people will run a government that doesn’t listen to people and act like they are above the law.

Alao-Akala was governor from May 29, 2007 to May 29, 2011. Before that, he held sway as governor between January 12, 2006 and December 12, 2006 during the illegal impeachment of then Governor Rashidi Ladoja.

In his response, Oba Adetunji prayed for AlaoAkala and his campaign team, asking God to grant the ex-governor the wisdom to do the right thing.

Meanwhile, Akala has debunked the rumours making the rounds that he will stepdown any aspirant in the coming elections.

His support group in Ibadan led by Taiwo Salawu said the governorship candidate is not ready to stepdown for anyone saying that “he is most qualified and popular among the lot”.

According to him, other aspirants will rather come and join the camp of Akala than step down for any governorship candidate.

Salawu was optimistic that Akala come march

2,2019 election will win round and square adding that ADP is the party to beat in Oyo state.ADP Guber candidate,Akala promises to pay N30,000 minimum wage, abolish educational levies, acquire LAUTECH for Oyo. At the flag off of his campaign in Ibadan at the weekend,he said that he would pay the N30, 000 minimum wage when elected governor of the state.

He also said that he would clear the outstanding promotions and arrears in addition to the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage which some governors had rejected.

Addressing thousands of members and supporters the party Akala said that after his inauguration, he would abolish all educational levies and settle all salary arrears in the state.

While assuring residents of the state that he will bring smiles to their faces after his inauguration, he added that he will restore the dignity of teaching profession in the state through retraining and capacity building workshops for the teachers.

Sunday 20 January 2019

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BDSUNDAY 29

Inerview

‘Educational resource centre is key to teachers’ success in Nigeria’

Onyeka Jaibvo-Ojigbo is the president and convener of the International Educational Management Network, (IEDUMAN), a leading educational advocate and a foremost Think-Tank. As part of her annual ‘2019 Educational Empowerment Series’ IEDUMAN, is set to provide a number of skill competencies training, capacity building, professional recognition and networking to over 2,000 Nigerian teachers. In this interview with IFEOMA OKEKE, Ojigbo speaks on some of IEDUMAN’s activities for year 2019.

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ay we know some of the programmes and policies you are pushing to ensure quality teachers in Nigeria?

The Teacher’s Registration Council is like a regulating body for teachers. You are supposed to be qualified for you to be registered as a teacher. That means you are certified and qualified to teach in any of the institutions you are working in. With the same Nigerian peculiar problem, there is no adequate monitoring in that area.

Ho w m a n y p r o f e s s i o n a l teachers do we have in the country? e are also trying to bring those statistics out. We are trying to get this information so that whatever we are talking to government on, we know we have the right statistics. What is happening now is that when people are not getting jobs, they will just decide to go and teach. There is a huge difference between just teaching and having a qualified teacher teaching you. It is a qualified teacher that will understand how to manage class and how to deliver that topic.

Sadly, what you find now is that any graduate can teach which we know is not right. If graduates want to teach, they can be trained. So these are some of the things we are discussing with the Teacher’s Registration Council. We want to help them to monitor and screen these teachers again to know if they really have what it takes to teach these teachers because it is not enough to say people are failing West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

How have you taught them and why are they failing it? So if we are able to do this, we will not change it overnight but I know it will eventually change. People will understand that if you have to teach primary school, there are certain requirements you must meet. We have the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) and they do weekend and distance learning. For every level, there will be provision to train you and make you competent to be a Nigerian teacher.

What are IEDUMAN’s programmes for this year and what exactly are you doing differently this year?

In terms of programmes, this year, the teachers’ project is very key and what we have started doing is sensitisation. I cannot

give you specific dates but I can say that between now and the end of March, we expect approval from the government. By March, we should kick off the teacher’s training. We will do them in segments. We will segment the schools and the areas we want to cover. By April, we will have the Edu Skill Fare. This year we want to do it differently.

Before now, it has always been one day programme. We get people who have skills and people with educational resources, they come together and show their skills and people come and learn.

But this year, we want to make it is a two-day programme. We will do some training on skills and vocations, and hold seminars on the first day. The second day will be the exhibition proper where people will come and exhibit, buy and be part of what is going on.

This is what we will do differently. Later in the year, we will have our annual conference and we are planning to get all the professionals both those partnering with us and the ones who we know have things to offer in this sector. Sometime in June this year, we want to get everybody together to network and sit down to discuss what we have done differently this year, what is improving and what needs more improvement in the education sector. We have set these goals and as time go on and more people are keying into the vision, we will come up with more programmes in the future.

In the next five to ten years what goals do you intend to achieve in IEDUMAN? In the next five years, I want to see a structure standing and written on it Educational Resource Centre because that is what is lacking. People need to be continuously educated; they need to always be aware of what is going on. It is a global village now and we can’t be left out. If you go to other countries, they have Educational Resource Centres. We do not have any functional one in Nigeria. If you go to the internet, you may see but when you go and look for the office or the people, they are not there.

Educational Resource Centre is key; e-library, resources and everything you need is there.

As a teacher, you can just work into the centre and spend like 30minutes and you get what you want. So, you continuously train yourself, get information and look at how things are working in other parts of the world. Edu-

Onyeka Jaibvo-Ojigbo

cational resource centre is key.

It is a five year project and that is part of the things we are pushing our partners to do. When we have one Educational resource centre in one State, other States will key in.

Do you have evaluation mechanisms to monitor these teachers and how they are faring?

Our office is open to them, so they can reach us and contact us. IEDUMAN is private sector driven. It is going to be a oneon-one thing because everyone is unique. We are open to everyone; people can give us a call or meet with us. It is not our responsibility to go and evaluate teachers’ performances in their classes. Regarding the solutions, intervention and empowerment we have provided for them, we are going to design a lot of survey to get feedback to help us know relevant areas where we can improve.

The Teachers’ award we are

having this year will also help as a form of evaluation because if you come from Surulere or Ikeja and pick maybe two teachers from your school and say they did excellently well, people will want to send their students to such schools and other schools will start to compete. So that award will help encourage other teachers. Former Governor Fashola did something like that. He was giving vehicles to teachers who did well and somehow, teachers started coming to school early in Lagos State. By 7 o’clock they are already in school. They are well dressed and they are teaching. They weren’t doing that until the car award started.

So, such award is also going to help in evaluating and on a larger scale, when you begin to see that people are passing WAEC and Common Entrance, you will know that there is something that is happening differently.

How have you been able to manage IEDUMAN and your

family without any one of them having to suffer?

Teaching is a passion for me.

I come from a background of all teachers. Everybody in my family is a teacher, so I grew up loving the profession. In our days, things were not like they are now. When you go to school, you are serious to study. There was nothing like going to buy hand-outs. I decided to go into education fully.

At first, I wanted to just shut the school and just run away. I actually shut down the secondary school and I don’t think I want to do that for now. I had my reason for just focusing on primary school. I saw so many things and I wondered why things had become this way. That became a driver for me. When I talk to people who own schools, some of them tell me not to worry, that I should just manage. I am not the type to manage, I have to speak out.

For instance when parents get angry that you failed their kids, they move the child to another school. I couldn’t get over that.

I however insisted on failing students that didn’t do well and if the parents liked they can move them away. These were the things that bothered me and I thought few of us should address this problem. It may look like it is a few of us but before you know it, more people will join us. We still have numbers in my school because there are still people who believe in what we are doing.

What can the individuals themselves do to encourage teachers to be at their best in schools?

School is parent-teacher effort. School can never work in isolation. What people don’t realise is school doesn’t train your kids. School is meant to educate and make your children literate. What they bring from home is what you have put in them. What our schools do is that they bring them in subjection to how we want them to be while they are receiving the tutorials.

People think it is the school’s duty to train the children and give them character. To answer the question: What can home do? If your child comes to school and spends five to seven hours and we discover there is something in that child and we are trying to work in that child to overcome that, most parents don’t take it.

They tell you it’s their child and they know what is good for him or her. So, if parents can corporate with the school, it’s a win-win. Sometimes, we give these children assignment to do at home; the parents will say they should take it to your teacher to do.

So, what is your work towards your child? We know you are busy but you also have to make time for your child.

So, parents corporation is key.

Sometimes, parents come to school to shout because they discipline their children. They don’t need to do that, they can come and inquire and we talk and work out a way forward that will be good for the children.

30

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Sunday 20 January 2019

Interview I am in the race to rescue my constituency from neglect - Oseni Olajide Ahmed Oseni is the Action Democratic Party (ADP) candidate for Oshodi/Isolo 2 for the Lagos State House of Assembly. In this interview with Iniobong Iwok, he outlines agenda for his constituency and why he seeks to represent them, among several other issues. Excerpt:

W

hy do you seek t o re p re s e n t your constituency in Lagos State House of

Assembly?

I am aspiring for Oshodi/ Isolo House of Assembly seat because in my constituency the people are lagging behind. If you look at the constituency, you would notice that it is in dire need of basic infrastructure.

For instance, schools across both primary and secondary in the constituency have not been rehabilitated and so the learning environment has not been conducive for the pupils and students for a long time now.

There is also a high level of youth employment, which has made them to be involved in all sorts of negative things.

But there has to be succour for the people, starting with creating jobs bearing in mind that government cannot solve the unemployment problem alone.

There has to be skill for the unemployed; even among the widows. Look at the community generally; there are no projects that would impact on the lives of the people.

I believe the people have to feel the impact of governance.

The political office holders who are representing these people have no concern about the constituency and it has to change, because I believe government is about service and you have to give good governance.

How many of the people representing us in the constituency have constituency office? I am a grassroots person, an indigenous person of the constituency and from a family that has a name here. I am also married to a woman who is also from this constituency and that means my children do not have any other place to go.

Some people are not stakeholders, they are tenants who can change their place of resident and hence give no value to this constituency. So, I am out to restore the constituency back, bring youth empowerment, support small scale businesses, and attract project to the constituency. I will make the welfare of the people a priority.

Can you defeat the APC candidate?

It is a very simple thing. It is not about the party but the value of the candidate. Well, I know some parties have become household names in the polity, but it is not about giving more preeminence to a party rather

than the candidate.

Some of these parties are good, but if you do not provide good candidate, it will kill the party. It is about what you want and the people. You give what you want, it is not about the party; it is about the candidate of the party. Nigerians should look at the candidate first, if we have candidate that can add value such should be voted for and not his party.

You defected from the APC to the ADP because you were denied the APC ticket, why did you not accept the decision of the party?

Yes I understand that, I did not come to be a second candidate I came to serve. APC is not the old existing party, there are other parties, but if you want to serve you can move and seek alternative. If you do not do that it means that you do not believe in your strength, but I believe in the strength of the party, my personality and the goodwill of the party.

My defection from the APC does not mean I did not accept the decision of the party, but if you have an opportunity to serve you, would you not take it.

You have to be out to build name, I want to build a name, and the people of my constituency know me for service well rendered.

We have made a lot of mistakes, a lot of us are in our 40s and we are still calling ourselves youths and future leaders.

Some of us have children who are up to 15 years, it means, we are going to be competing with our children as youths.

Some of us are now mature, are we going to be dragging with our children that we are youths of tomorrow. You serve when you have the wisdom to do that; sometimes wisdom and strength drop as we get older.

Because I know that any one serving above 60 years of age will be less productive than a child below 40 years of age.

But this was not in the 70s, when our fathers were in school and these people in their 40s have been able to incorporate it. The older people would be doing things the old way, but when the youths are there they would apply the modern way of doing things.

In agriculture these days, you do not have to farm with cutlass; there are several ways of doing agriculture, using seedlings that are scientifically made among others. So, the modern trend has a new touch to solving

Oseni

problems.

Do you think ADP has a structure in your constituency to win you the election?

There is no party that is established that does not have a structure; the ADP has that structure in the state and in this constituency.

We have been on ground since; we have the structure, coupled with the strength that I have garnered while in the other party. So, we are ready for the elections and we have the support.

What are the needs of the people of your constituency?

In agriculture these days, you do not have to farm with cutlass; there are several ways of doing agriculture, using seedlings that are scientifically made among others. So, the modern trend has a new touch to solving problems

In the constituency, the people are in dire need of infrastructure. The elected officials have not served the constituency well.

When elected, I will bring office holders from the constituency in the state together on a constituency roundtable to discuss and solve the problems of the constituency.

You can sue the LGA chairman to solve the problem of the constituency. So you can relate using your legislative strength to attract jobs and employment slot to the people of the constituency. You may not be the one to do it, but you can negotiate and hold different meetings in your constituency, like community development association. These bodies can talk about their problems then I will prepare the agenda and negotiate as a member of the state House of Assembly, the reasons for the state government’s intervention.

When are you starting your next door to door campaign?

We are hitting the street already; very soon we are going to hit the road running; we have the campaign material that we are going to push out to the people. The Oseni project is built on idea; our campaign would be based on idea and we are going to tell the people why we need to be there.

Are you confident the election will be free and fair?

Yes. I am not afraid, about that, I know victory will be ours.

The most important thing is that I love my people and what I am telling them is to vote for me and ones they do that my votes will be protected.

Everybody should secure their votes because we are in modern era, and we can stand and see how our votes are counted. For the security officials, I believe they are people with integrity; they will not want their names to be in the mud.

When you lose, it could be that the people do not love or want you. If the people want you, they will vote for you. I am sure that your votes will count. But we are also devising strategy to monitor officials of INEC, so that they cannot carry out irregularity, and we can discover irregularity of INEC. I believe such will not happen, the votes will count.

Are you concern about the growing trend of vote- buying?

Like what I said earlier, all these are possible if the people do not want you. If the people want you, they will protect their votes, and the INEC officials will be more careful. So, we understand, we have been able to strategies the vote buying thing in the system.

We have been trying to give them plans to make sure we match their antics in the constituency.

Do you think the blackmail by your opponent will affect your electoral chances?

Such blackmails further give you knowledge and the power to move ahead. What is happening now is that people pasting my banners have been beaten up and some people moving around denting my image; that I was paid N2 million when I was in APC from Johnson who is the House of Representative candidate and that I betrayed him.

Recently, a paper was sponsored to carry such headline. All these are not true. I did not collect any money from Johnson, nor have any financial obligation with him, but if they think that is the best way to dent my image it does not affect me and my constituency it only makes me stronger and the people loving me more.

The people know the fact, but if these things are happening and you are not shaken, and you do not provide security around you, they may come for you in another form. So, we are trying to provide security so that we can be safe during and after the elections.

Sunday 20 January 2018

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31

Interview CUPP is united; poised to win Lagos for Atiku - Daramola Tunde Daramola is the Lagos State coordinator of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and the state chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In this interview with Iniobong Iwok, during the launching of the Lagos chapter of the coalition last week, he outlined the coalition’s plans towards winning the state for Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the forthcoming presidential election, among several other issues. Excerpt:

C

UPP have just been launched in Lagos State, how significant is coalition toward the electoral success of Atiku Abubakar?

What happened today was a landmark event. It is the coming together of political parties who had agreed to work together and support a common presidential candidate, so that they can remove the present inefficient government at the federal level.

It was a landmark event. We had 38 political parties, but the target is 52 and the arrangement was initially at the national level, but it has to come to the state so that we can jointly work together toward the electoral victory of Atiku Abubakar.

Some of the parties have no grassroots structure, are they relevant?

For any political party to be register, they are recognised because to be registered you must fulfill all INEC criteria, one vote wins election. So, if you have 38 political parties working against you and they have one representative each, it means you have lost 38 votes.

But if they are working for you; you have gained 38 votes. Election is about numbers, so do not say they are irrelevant because they have pledged their votes for you but by implication, that is if you want to assume it is only the state chairman that is in the party.

The fact that most of them do not have a presidential candidate does not mean they do not have people in other level contesting elections. This is where the benefit of their support comes to play.

How true is the alleged division among members over the legitimacy of the leadership of CUPP? If you use the world several it is not true; I know that some people who were part of the arrangement have jettison the arrangement and are no more part of us.

As case in point is the SDP role in the Osun election. But I want to say that CUPP arrangement was not in place before the Osun State gubernatorial election.

While the national leadership was supporting PDP, the state leadership went the other way; it is obvious we have presently 91 political parties in the country.

We have those who are not in the arrangement; but they are not with the ruling party either.

I can say for the fact they are not with us does not mean they are against us.

The CUPP thing started with 38 political parties, not talking about 52 political parties who indicated interest in the arrangement.

So all this talk is not true?

You cannot say it is, because APC have not come out to say they have this numbers of political par-

ties supporting them. A party that has a presidential candidate who believes in their chances will not necessarily join the arrangement of working towards this common goal.

You would not expect Sowore’s party to join this arrangement and some others who are presenting candidates.

APC have been in Lagos for a long time, there is the perception that there have to be a shift in leadership in the state do you think it is possible this year?

Lagos is unique, the APC have been in charge and a lot of people are saying there have to be a shift in governance in Lagos.

I strongly believe that the time has come for the ruling party in Lagos to give way. The residents of the state are tired because one man has been dictating the destiny of Lagosian. He is has been playing ‘god’ and you cannot do that forever, there is always a time it would come to an end.

The people believe the time is now; because the wealth of Lagos has been stolen by few cabals.

Lagos is the flagship of Nigeria, it is richer than any of the other states. It is the commercial hub of the nation and if you check the internally generated income, I do not think any other state surpassed that.

It means that Lagos should be next to the Federal Government in terms of availability of resources.

But I do not think they have anything to show for it except that the money is in the hands of few people.

If you are paying tax and only few people corner the money, it is hardship for the tenant; it is hardship for everyone.

It is in the public domain that Bola Tinubu and Governor Ambode took the masses forgranted by skyrocketing fees, especially the land use charge, and also nominated the collectors.

The hardship is a direct assault on the people of Lagos State because the ripples effect would affect everything; rent, food, transportation, among others.

They have become landlords and masters without fearing the people of Lagos. They throw caution to the wing, they do not fill they are responsible to the electorates. Let them use all the money to buy advertorial, I strongly believe that it would not come to vote, it is the people who would vote and determine their destiny and the destiny of the people unborn and this has to stop.

In the past it is the same cabals that have metamorphosed from the AD, ACN and now APC .The APC always rigged elections.

The last gubernatorial election in Lagos State, people believed that Agbaje won. My late mentor Funsho William, was assassinated, people knew that he won the

Tunde Daramola primary that brought Tinubu into becoming a king in Lagos.

They have always stolen the people’s mandate, it was repeated in Osun state, where they hired machinery, transported people to terrorise the state in the rerun election, where the mandate of the people were stolen and the mandate of the people where stolen because the candidate of the PDP had won that election outright. But with the support of INEC they called for a rerun but I

It is a shame that President Buhari refused to sign the amended Electoral Act; that would have guaranteed, voters that one man, one vote, give credibility to the election and make it free and fair

can assure you that the end has come for the APC candidate in Lagos particularly with the way the governor was disgraced and denied the second term ticket.

Your party has a gubernatorial candidate in Lagos, is he still in the race and is he in support of the vision?

The governorship candidate of the ADC was in the business meeting Atiku had in Lagos during the week. I saw him, he is aware that the CUPP is working for Atiku.

Why is the working relationship of CUPP not repeated at the state level to help defeat the APC? I may not be in a position to answer that question, I know very well that the candidate of the PDP have been making some overtures, time is not too far away for the CUPP to decide to back a particular candidate, because rather than divide the votes; it is the sensible thing to do.

What strategies is CUPP adopting to win Lagos State for Atiku?

Lagos State is the easiest state to win for me because the party particularly keeps changing name from AD, to ACN and now APC. The people of Lagos want change; they wanted value for

their money, they want to see progress and freedom; where they do not need to go see a lion in Bourdilion before they can run for office.

If you do not go and make a vow, you cannot be a councilor or be an assembly member. We are all witness to touts been elevated and control governance in the state.

We have seen where loyal touts are been elevated to go and run for Senate. We are in a very bad time, the resident do not rise to stop it.

Values that our parents imbibe in us are been eroded and hoodlums are been put in the front row, it is now survival of the fittest; it is about putting education to the background and thuggary at the front.

You saw what happen at the APC flag-off, the likes of Kunle Poly and MC Oluomo, took over the place those are the people determining who rules me and you.

They are the ones that determined government in Osun State; we saw that.

But it is up to the people to vote these people out. If you want to be an area boy; it is the failure of the system, which APC is in charge.

You cannot be an area boy if you have good education. I was informed they make billion as union leaders, because the transporters pass the buck on the people. A union head I was told make about five million or more a day; so where is the future of people going to school and cannot get jobs?

There is growing concern that the presidential election would be rigged?

In fact it is true. They have been stealing mandates and it started in Osun. We can always remember Salami Gate. It is up to the people to rise up or we will remain in slavery forever.

What is the way forward for the nation and opposition?

It is a shame that President Buhari refused to sign the amended Electoral Act; that would have guaranteed, voters that one man, one vote, give credibility to the election and make it free and fair.

The excuse that it is too near to the election cannot hold water.

The APC is a government that out sources it campaigns. I hope they would not outsource their debate, now they are planning to rig.

I was part of the Presidential Campaign in 2015, go and check my name in the list, APC promised restructuring, but Buhari said he did not. They promised to create three million jobs, but they said Buhari nerve promised.

APC promised the reduction of petrol price, even Tam David West said he would swear in his father grave if Buhari does not reduced the price of fuel, but the price was rather increased.

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Sunday 20 January 2019

This Life

‘They change our face, but not ruin our soul’ A woman who was two months old when her father doused her in acid during attack which killed her mother now runs her own survivor foundation and forges a career as a fashionista

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n Indian woman who was two months old when her father doused her in acid now runs her own survivor foundation and forges a career as a fashionista.

Anmol Rodrigous was left with a melted face and neck in the horrifying attack, which also killed her mother who was breast-feeding her at the time.

Despite her horrifying injuries, Anmol, now 23, proudly lives by herself in Mumbai in western India. She has not only overcome the physical and emotional pain, she has also become an inspiration to many women like her.

She was barely two months old, curled up in her mother’s lap and suckling on her breasts, when her father poured a can of acid on them, disfiguring her tiny face and blinding her in left eye.

The motive of the assault was to get rid of both the child and the mother for giving birth to a “girl”.

Anmol, which means priceless in Hindi, now unabashedly claims to be the happiest girl in the world and has developed into a fashionista, a trained salsa dancer and a creative brain for an online youth channel.

She is also an inspiration for acid attack survivors and runs an NGO Acid Survivor Sahas Foundation, through which she has helped 20 such women into employment and organised a lavish wedding for a friend.

Anmol says: “I love my life as it is. Not even once have I felt that I am different. This could also be because I only remember seeing myself with one eye and wrinkled, burnt skin.

“I have very happily accepted myself and this has given me hopes and confidence to keep moving in life.”

Anmol has an ultra positive

attitude and demeanour which attracts whoever she meets. She has nearly 25,000 followers on Instagram where she keeps posting her latest dance moves or photoshoots.

Anmol was left to die by her father Ashraf after the attack but neighbours had rushed her and her mother to hospital. While her mother Annu succumbed to injuries, Anmol was under care of doctors and nurses for five long years.

Once her wounds healed to a certain degree, she was handed over to Shree Manav Seva Sangh, an orphanage where she was

raised up among other children and given education.

She said: “My whole life was spent at an orphanage in Mumbai.

“I am told that I was only two months old when my father had attacked my mother and myself with acid.

“While my mother died due to the burns, I underwent treatment for five long years at the hospital.

The doctors and nurses were taking care of the expenses and medicines.

“As I improved a little, the doctors handed me over to Shree Manav Seva Sangh where I was raised up with love and affection.”

But Anmol confesses that growing up with a burnt face was not easy as was constantly reminded of the terrible attack.

She relayed: “I was too young and never understood why I looked different from others at the hospital but when I came in the orphanage I realised children were different from me.

“While no one hated me, initially they were scared of my face but gradually, as we grew older, I made many friends. But outside orphanage it was always difficult.

“In college I excelled in studies but had no friend. I was a loner who would eat lunch alone and have no one talk to.

“Girls would find it strange that I loved fashion and always wore trendy clothes. Some would keep staring at me while others would be curious to know what happened to my face.

“I wish my mother was alive.

Not that I am not thankful for the

orphanage for shaping up my life, I miss mother’s love. I would have a friend in her who would love me unconditionally.”

After she finished her college two years ago, Anmol moved out of the orphanage and has since been living on her alone.

She makes £117 a month from giving her ideas to make creative sets for the shows and spends money on her stylish dresses and saves a little for her NGO. Anmol gets in touch with women leaders and politicians to arrange work opportunities for girls like her.

She says: “I have always loved fashion. I am quite trendy and love to dress up.

“People see me and are surprised by my attitude but I want to tell the world that acid attack survivors have the zeal to live. We do not need pity. We need support.

“This is also why I have started my own NGO. My aim is to counsel the girls, get their confidence back and rehabilitate.

“My case is different. I have always seen myself like this so it really doesn’t matter to me but for those girls who are attacked at a young age, the torment is beyond words.

“I counsel them that their lives are not over. Another factor is that because they are attacked while in school, they have to quit studies midway. But I was lucky enough to complete my studies.

“I now try to educate them, provide them with a means to hone up their skills so they can get a job to earn a living.”

The young girl says she loves to dress up and wishes to become a model. She has already been offered model assignments by two designers to promote their jewelries in Instagram.

She said: “I want to become the first commercial acid attack survivor model who cannot just promote fashion but also spread awareness that acid does not end life. “This is really exciting and I am soon going to get the opportunity what I have been longing for.

“I hope my stint will inspire women like me to not cover their face in a veil, instead walk confidently with their face.

“Acid can only change our face but not ruin our soul. We are same inside out and we should accept ourselves who we are and live our lives happily.” .Culled from dailymail.co.uk

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Bliss with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo

BDSUNDAY 33

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

No idea when marriage would come –Bisola

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ctress and former Big Brother reality show housemate, Bisola Aiyeola, has said she doesn’t know when marriage would come her way.

The award-winning actress said she has no idea when she would tie the knots, in an interview she had with Bliss recently.

“I don’t know when I am getting married. I see love in my family. I find love in food and in doing things that make me happy. But talking about love romantically, I don’t know when it will happen. If it happens, the public would know. I am sure they would have known if it was happening. I don’t know when I will get married. I cannot put a year to it let alone month or day.”

Having attained a new level of fame when she won the trailblazer category in the last edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice awards last year, the actress said she is enjoying every bit of her fame.

“It is what I anticipated but it is not entirely rosy.

It has been interesting along the way, you learn, mistakes may be made. It has been an interesting journey and I am grateful to God. I appreciate it and I am glad and happy. I wouldn’t say there are times I wished the fame didn’t come because this is what I have always wanted to do. Imagining myself in another life would be me imagining myself not living. “What I have chosen comes with fame. I only need to try to work around the fame. I started out entertainment with music. I am a singer and an actor. I am working on other songs. I host events, I sing and I act. In fact, I do all that has to do with entertainment.”

But as much as many would feel that being a celebrity would affect her private life, Bisola disagreed with the notion saying, “My private life is still mine. What the public would see is what we show them. The public don’t know what goes on in my immediate family because I didn’t put it out there. If you want to make your private life private, you can do it. But if you also choose to make it public, that is your choice anyway.”

A single mother of one, the actress said her

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daughter is not overwhelmed by the fame she has.

“My daughter is still a child. She is living. This is what she knows. She doesn’t know about any other life about me. From the time she started speaking and understanding what her mother does, this is all she has known about me. I am to guide her till she grows. She is doing well.”

Known to have had a relationship while in the Big Brother house, Bisola said she doesn’t regret any bit of her stay at the BBN show.

“There is no regret during my time in the house. I lived, I enjoyed and I would advise every other person to just live as long as what you are doing makes you happy and you find joy in it. The main focus f the show is not to go into the house and get a relationship but if you choose to, that is fine. Life in itself is a Big Brother house. Just be happy.”

BBN returns to Nigeria

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ince the first ever edition of Big Brother Naija was held in Nigeria, subsequent editions have been held in South Africa and many have wondered if the show would ever return to the country again.

Now, so many Nigerians were excited few days ago, when the organisers of the reality show announced that the forthcoming fourth edition of the show would return to Nigeria as the host country.

Speaking in Lagos recently on the return of BBN, the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr John Ugbe said, “This fourth season promises to be even bigger than previous editions and underscores MultiChoice’s position as the biggest investor and driver of entertainment content on the continent”.

In her remarks during a press conference to announce BBN 4, the Channel Director, Africa Magic, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said this year’s edition is going to be filled with so many mysteries that viewers would not have a choice but stay glued to their TV sets. “ Ev er y t h i n g a b ou t this edition is going to be a mystery. The price money, the location of the house and so many other things are a mystery and you will find out in due time. But what I can conveniently tell you is that again, Ebuka ObiUchendu is going to be the host.”

Fans blast Toyin Lawani over semi nude video

Mba-Uzoukwu noted that application forms for the auditions are free.

“Auditions for the show will hold on the 1st and 2nd of February, 2018 in eight locations across Nigeria, an increase from previous editions. In addition, Nigeria’s number one betting website, Bet9ja, has been announced as headline sponsors of the new season.”

Speaking at the press conference, Bet9ja’s Chief Executive Officer, Ayo Ojuroye said: “As the leading gaming company in Nigeria, we believe in changing lives. This singular attribute coupled with the zeal and passion attributed to the Big Brother Naija platform aligns with Bet9ja’s core values and we are honoured by the opportunity to headline this year’s edition. Bet9ja will continue to support programmes that will connect more young Nigerians to their dreams”.

tylist, Toyin Lawani, seems to draw controversy to herself effortlessly and as such, most of her fans and foes don’t waste time to ‘bash’ her at any opportunity.

And it didn’t come as a surprise that her video she posted where her PA was massaging her bare butt generated a lot of brouhaha as Toyin was blasted by so many social media users.

Commenting on Toyin’s instagram page and with the handle, @mbreloaded, a follower said, “This shouldn’t be posted online; even God loves those that are shy of their sins. Now you will make peeps throw words at you and you are a mother. Such attitude gets kids depressed after being teased from school mates and friends.

Being a celebrity is being a good role model.”

And with the handle, @ ezenwa_ujunwa, this follower could not hide his disappointment as he posted, “I nearly fought because of you for telling people how hard working you are. But seeing this video, honestly I am disappointed.”

Another follower iamdapohigs couldn’t help but also express his distaste as he posted, “First of all, the video was unnecessary and senseless. Secondly this woman has a teenage daughter and a son. How does she expect the friends of her kids to react when they see the mom of their friend displaying high level of stupidity online? People are advising her and she is still talking trash. Forget modernization, there are some certain stunts you don’t do publicly. Obviously

having plenty money doesn’t translate to having sense.”

But the celebrity stylist doesn’t give a care as she even returned the criticism in equal measure as she told ‘haters’ their opinions don’t matter to her.

On her instagram handle, she posted, “You opinions don’t pay the bills, go rant to @kimkardashian who is on cover of Forbes, yet you call her a prostitute every day. Which young entrepreneur in this economy runs 30 businesses day in day out and manages two kids? Which one school abroad pays over a hundred people’s salaries, house up to 40 of them, trains the physically challenged for free and gives them paid employment?

“The more you talk about me the more money I make. That’s what you losers don’t know.

Small talk you will be saying her children; are they your children?

Leave my life alone and face yours, jobless trolls. Do I look like someone who cares?

“I’m not responsible for your ugliness or your misfortunes. always looking for my man, so you people can ruin it, Nigerians, my mentality is foreign. I grew up there, you don’t expect all of us to think the same way or like the same things.”

Kate Henshaw, Kaffy turn out for TEXA 2019

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t was a gathering of virtually all the big wigs in the entertainment industry including Kate Henshaw, Tobi Bakre and dance queen, Kaffy, few days ago during the opening ceremony of The Event Xperience Africa, held in Lagos.

Ta g g e d , ‘ Be Mo r e … Do More’, the inaugural edition of the conference is aimed at helping businesses understand and implement the right structures required to thrive in the events industry.

The conference is set to feature curated classes, network session and panel session with a diverse set of speakers and topics including business component of events management, leveraging technology in the events industry, hospitality and

the art of creating memorable events Xperience, events marketing and more.

The Event Experience Africa is a brainchild of one of Nigeria’s foremost events entrepreneur and founder of Zapphire events, Funke BucknorObruthe.

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Sunday 20 January 2019

Kiddies The foolish girl and the spirit king

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Pupils of Sharon Montessori School Egbeda, Lagos during one of their schools activities recently

“The Wife” fates children last Christmas …….Urges them to fear God

ried to the man without knowing that he is a spirit but to her greatest surprise, the spirit took her into the deep forest. On the same day, the spirit flogged her for being naughty and refusing to walk fast into the forest.

After several months had passed, her parents became surprised because the princess did not visit them and did not send any message to them. One fateful morning when a hunter went into the forest to hunt, he saw the hut where the princess and the spirit lived.

He did not know it was the princess who lived there until he entered inside the hut to request for water to drink and he saw the princess weeping uncontrollably. The king of the forests was not around. He had gone to a meeting with the animals in the forest and will not come back until evening. He grabbed her hand and they went out and found their way out of the forest and into the village.

When they got home and she told her parents her experience, the king was very happy with the hunter for rescuing his daughter. Immediately, he rewarded the hunter with gifts for his kindness. Since then in the village, nobody agreed to marry the princess and she learnt the lesson that being so proud is not good for beautiful girls.

What to know about the hanging gardens of Babylon

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Ngozi Okpalakunne

ouths have been urged to shun evil vices and imbibe good morals so as to achieve greater heights in the society.

President, Beyond Four Walls International Gospel Center, Emeka Mathew who stated this during last year’s Christmas party celebration organised by “The Wife’’ for children in Ayobo area of Lagos state lamented high rate of moral decadence among the young ones and added that the situation needs urgent intervention before it gets out of hand.

Mathew therefore called on parents and guardians to bring up their wards in the way of the Lord and maintained that when they fear God, it will be difficult for them to go astray.

Emphasising the importance of salvation in the life of every individual, he said it is the only thing that will usher one in to God’s kingdom.

He regretted that many celebrate Christmas without knowing the reason for the celebration.

“Christmas is a season that people abuse so much with drunkenness, sexual immorality and all sorts of vices. It is a period people travel to their homes to kill and destroy properties, this is because they are yet to understood

nce upon a time, there was a girl called Sarah, whose father was a king and her mother was a queen. She was treated like the darling pet of her parents and spoilt so much because she was the only child.

One day when she reached the age of marriage, she said that she will marry only a powerful, handsome and wealthy man.

Her father sent the message to the whole village and to other places near the village. The next day, many chiefs, princes, ordinary suitors, unmarried kings and other rich men came to the village to marry the girl.

Surprisingly, Sarah, the foolish girl rejected everybody who came to seek her hand in marriage.

When a spirit, who was the ruler of the forests, heard the news about the proud daughter, he also decided to go and teach the girl a lesson. The next day, he changed himself into a handsome prince and disappeared into the town. When he reached the king’s palace, he entered inside just when the princess was attending to visitors.

As soon as he entered the hall and the princess set her eyes on him, she ran like someone in a state of trance and told her father that she has seen the man that will marry her.

Some weeks later, she got mar-

T A cross section of children during “The Wife” Christmas party celebration in Ayobo, Lagos.

the purpose of Christmas.

“When people realise that Christmas is a season that marks the introduction of salvation to humanity and accept Jesus as their saviour, then Christ will manifest himself in their lives,’’ he added.

Coordinator of “The Wife”, Ngozi Okenwa said that the annual programme aimed to educate the young ones on the reason God sent Christ to the world.

According to her, the event which had over eight hundred children and three hundred adults in attendance worth its while as it gave the participants opportunity to receive gifts from the organizers.

Some of the children who spoke in an interview with Business Day Kiddies commended the organisers of the event, saying that they were not only fed physically but spiritually as well.

Speaking on the theme of the programme which

tagged, “Christ our Lord”, Sam Okenwa educated the participants on the reason Christ was born.

Okenwa stressed the need for the young ones to give their life to Christ saying that if they celebrate and drink without knowing the essence of the birth of Christ, that their celebration was in vain.

Okenwa frowned at youths who engage in sinful practices during Christmas celebration and added that such youths.

On the essence of the programme, Coordinator of “The Wife”, Ngozi Okenwa said it aimed at educating them on the reason for celebrating Christmas and the why God created Jesus to die and to save the entire world from their sins. ‘’We want the children to realize on time that Jesus is their saviour Also speaking, Apostle Emeka Mathew

he Hanging Gardens of Babylon was located in the east bank of Euphrates, South of Baghdad in Iraq. King Hammurabi was the most famous king of the Babylonian kingdom.

Under his rule, the entire kingdom flourished. His son Nebuchadnezzar was the one who built the Hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the seven marvels of world.

Some stories have it that the Hanging Gardens went hundreds of feet into the air, but archaeological explorations have proved it wrong. The gardens did not really hang on the roof using cables or ropes, but derives this name from the fact that it was built on the roof top.

According to the popular notion, Nebuchadnezzar built it to alleviate his wife’s homesickness. He was married to Amyitis, daughter of the king Medes who seems to have had a passion for mountainous surroundings. Babylon’s flat desert-like landscape made her pine for the mountains of Media where she was brought up. So the king decided to build an artificial, terraced hill lushly cultivated with trees and flowering plants.

However some attribute this wonder to the Assyrian Queen Semiramis.

According to Herodotus, the outer walls of the garden were 80 feet thick, 320 feet high, and 56 miles in length.

He said that it was wide enough for a

four-horse chariot to turn. Inside the inner walls there were fortresses and temples containing immense statues of solid gold. The Greek geographer Strabo said , “the garden consists of vaulted terraces raised one above another, and resting upon cube-shape pillars. These are hollow and filled with earth to allow trees of the largest size to be planted.

The pillars, the vaults, and terraces are constructed of baked brick and asphalt.”

However getting the water to the top and also avoiding the wreckage of the foundation once the water was released, posed a serious problem. Devising a workable watering system was more of a challenge than erecting the gardens. Babylon was an arid country and water from the Euphrates River had to be used to irrigate it. A chain pump was used to lift water to each level. A chain pump is two large wheels on top of each other. Buckets are hung on a chain that connects the wheels. The bucket goes into the water then comes up and goes into a new pool. The empty buckets go back into the water to be refilled. The water at the top is then emptied through into a channel gate that is like an artificial stream to water the gardens. Special care had to be taken while watering the garden because the garden ran the risk of collapsing if water were absorbed by the brick columns and foundation supporting the gardens.

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BDSUNDAY 35

TheWorshippers ‘Christians need to mount more pressure on government to free Leah Sharibu’ Ven. Kolawole Ariire, the Vicar of AllSaints Anglican Church, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos in this interview with SEYI JOHN SALAU speaks on Leah Sharibu, sharing his vision for AllSaints Anglican Church, Ikosi, Keju, Lagos. Excerpts: Leah Sharibu has been with her captors over a year now; what does this say about our security architecture and the government? t is unfortunate – it just tells us what this country is turning into. Unfortunately, last Tuesday I heard about the issue of one ‘agbero guy’ who was stabbed at a political campaign ground; am told about the kind of security he enjoys - it is even armoured tank that is mounted at the hospital where this man is kept. Am also told that even those that matters in the country have been coming and the political party has sent everyone that matters in Nigeria to see just an ‘agbero man’, and you see the kind of concern to the extent that government will fly him out of the country for treatment. And, again here is somebody – a child, with more than 200 children in hostage and yet Nigeria doesn’t know what to do. If we have shown the kind of spirit that we used and showed in other things; if we have shown that concern with the lives of these children especially Leah something would have been done.

It is telling so much about our country; Nigeria to me today is more bothered about mineral resources than human lives, and it is unfortunate. Then again, to the Christians I think we have not done enough about Leah Sharibu – I hope we can still do more, like mounting more pressure even on government; international organisations and nations about this matter. I think Christians should have shouted even more, because we are relaxed the government itself did not see the urgency to get her released.

Closely related to national security is the appointment of acting

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Pastor Yomi Omiyale Resident pastor, Lighthouse International Christian Centre (LICC), Lagos Teacher of the Word and a Tax Accountant omiyaleyomi2013@gmail.com 08077587734

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enesis 21: 2 “For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.”

There is such a thing as set time; set time is also referred to as appointed time.

Now this thing about appointed time is one of the most misunderstood topics in the ‘Body of Christ’ and I think it is best to explain this with stories. And what better way to do this than through a personal story.

As I have earlier stated, one of the things that really helped me to grow as a believer was meditating on the sermons of my Pastor and Spiritual Father. I would write down

Ven. Kolawole Ariire

IG. If you are to set an agenda for the new acting IG of police as we go into the elections; what would that be?

I think the new IG has a lot to do; if I were him I will not even be happy about the position. But, unfortunately this is the only part of the world where people do not see appointment into an office as a responsibility but just as an opportunity to be known and enrich self. But as far as am concerned he has a lot to do, especially coming at a time that is considered to be rougher and demanding. Looking at the political situation in Nigeria there is a lot for him to do, and what he has met on ground – I think

his agenda now should be about security - how to do more and work on his own men to be able to meet up with the standard.

What is the significant difference you noticed since your arrival here at AllSaints Anglican Church, Ikosi?

Like the general saying, the higher you go in life the more responsibilities; and our adage says the bigger the head, the bigger the headache. So, more responsibilities, more demands, more challenges and of course, more competitive; competitive because you cannot afford to do less; because we are now in the eyes of everybody. In those days, you are only known to those closer to

you but now, even non-Anglicans now put so much expectations on you. A lot of people drive on the express and have their stopover around here, and you cannot afford to let the standard down or do less. But, the good thing is that it is a well organised church compares to where one is coming from – you have more people to assist you, who understands more and are well exposed. As much as the work is, you are working in a more conducive environment and you have the resources to do more and you have the facilities to make the work easier – only for you to make yourself available for the job and plan with a vision to have a new taste.

Looking at AllSaints Anglican church, the first thought that might come to mind is that it is a furnished church – but, a church not growing is a dead church.

What will be your vision for the church?

It is how to invest on the people spiritually. When we talk about church, it is not all about structure – we are talking about the people.

Even when you have a gigantic structure and there is no one inside; it is like a failure. So, my vision now is how to grow this church spiritually; how to keep the members and it is not all about gathering crowd but the substance that is the spiritual substance. When we talk about church, one thing is to have a big church and another thing is for that church to be alive – that is to be a living church. How do I mean: we have to be more spiritual because we can be growing crowd.

It happens in the bible; but there is a difference between gathering the crowd and making disciples. The

mission of our Diocese is to make our members developed and be candidate of heaven. So, my vision and plans for the church is how to grow spiritually and make every member of the church grow as spiritual Christians not just nominal Christians – Christians that have what it takes to make heaven.

We cannot grow the church spiritually without evangelism – what will be your approach to evangelism?

We plan to go more into teaching – because there is difference between sermon and teachings.

Sermons have to do with emotions; emotionally it triggers you but teachings will establish you in the faith the more: Teachings about spiritual matters, and spiritual issues. Again we have some programmes that will be taking us out for one-on-one, street evangelism, preaching, crusade, and house fellowships in smaller groups in different locations where our people are, because most of the time some of the members here live as far as Ibeju Lekki, which at times hinder them from attending evening programmes. In order to nurture them the more, we are taking the church closer to them. We are also investing on the youth because they are the once to take over from us. So, once the hearts of the people are one, definitely everything about them are going to be one. So, evangelism in terms of reaching out to the unreached and winning more souls – we are not yet satisfied making more members, preaching the gospel, outside crusade and revival programmes and more internal programmes as we continue to invest in the people and the youth that are going to take over from us.

What is the appointed time? scriptures and points while he was preaching and when I got home, I would go over the scriptures and sermon notes again.

On this fateful day I was meditating on a particular scripture that he used in the sermon when the Lord spoke to me. The Lord told me three things that will happen to me before the age of 30 and also mentioned that I will face some tough challenges too. I was 17 years as at that time. Five years later, God reminded me of those three things he promised me and advised me not to stop believing in myself because I was going to face some challenges (so if my confident attitude gets you disturbed maybe I am not to be blamed after all). I was very excited and waited eagerly for the fulfillment of those promises on or before I was thirty years of age.

So I clocked 30; and none of those promises was fulfilled. Do

you know what was fulfilled?

Storms, challenges and crisis from all sides and all fronts. But, I never stopped believing in what God had said and I remained confident as he had advised me.

Then a year later after I clocked 31 two of those promises were killed. The third promise is yet to be fulfilled.

So what can we learn from this? Appointed time is not the time something must happen; appointed time is the time something should happen. It might be your appointed time but your miracle might still be delayed. Unfortunately there is a school of thought that erroneously believes that once it is your appointed time then your miracle must happen.

This is fatalism at its peak. This dangerous belief has a way of making Christians to think that they do not have a part to play in the

fulfillment of God’s promises for their lives. It is a dis-empowering belief. It is a belief that produces irresponsibility.

So I said that the fulfillment of two of the promises was delayed by more than a year while the third promise is yet to be fulfilled. Do you know that I could be 40 years and yet these three promises will still be unfulfilled? Has God given you any promise or any prophecy? I am happy to inform you that it will come to pass.

However, I also need to let you know that it could be delayed if you don’t play your part. I also don’t belong to the league of Christians who say that delay is not denial.

Prolonged delay could lead to denial. So what do we need to do to ensure perfect will and perfect timing?

Psalm 18:33 “He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me

upon my high places.” In this scripture your high places represents the perfect will of God. So I need to explain what a hind represents here: it represent deer. A deer is a very fast animal. I think it is one of the fastest animals on earth.

So, God is saying here that I will make your feet like that of the deer and set you on your high places.

You will be at the right place at the right time. You will be in his perfect will and enjoy perfect timing.

This will come when you are addicted to praying in other tongues.

Praying in other tongues releases the mighty hand of God upon your life. When the mighty hand of God is released upon your life, it ensures that you are at the right place at the right time.

The Mighty Hand of God will fight for you in the name of Jesus.

Shalom You are lifted.

A16

BUSINESS DAY

Friday 18 January 2019

Sunday 20 January 2019

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BDSUNDAY 37

SundayBusiness Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

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he tendency to look down on indigenous African vegetables, while some people close to them suffer from diseases which their regular consumption could readily cure has led to the call for more awareness creation, on their immense nutritional benefits.

Indeed, several research findings

by African nutritionists such as Monica K. Kansiime, Justus Ochieng, Radegunda Kessy, Daniel Karanja, Dannie Romney and Victor Afari-Sefa have revealed that African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) have the potential to sustainably address malnutrition, a growing problem in sub-Saharan Africa. This is due to unhealthy and imbalanced diets.

As succinctly stated: “ Their consumption is however, limited by poor perceptions and lack of awareness of nutritional benefits.

There is limited evidence of the

Spiritonomics

Debo Atiba

www.spiritonomics.org

T

here is no one that does not the need the assurance of the presence of God in their lives. When we were young, the presence of our earthly father around us gave us immense confidence in the ability of our father.

Fear was far from us, intimidation was nowhere to be found. Bullies became nonexistent where we were. It was like we were living in a different world, cocooned in protection. And the funniest thing is that we had no care about what was happening around us because, subconsciously deep down in our hearts we knew that our father loves us and will take care of things. The only thing we were good at was asking, demanding and somewhat commanding, and they were willing to give. Remembrance of this brought feeling of nostalgia to my mind.

Those were best of days supposedly, they were days we would all

Nutrition knowledge of African indigenous vegetables effectiveness of communityfocusedinformationdissemination approaches in influencing participants’ perceptions and uptake of innovations in AIVs to address malnutrition.” Some people also erroneously associate the consumption of traditional vegetables with poverty. Negative perceptions have been more commonly reported among younger and urban consumers than older and rural consumers.

For instance, there are over 275 species of vegetable reported to be rapidly growing in Africa, of which 207 are indigenous to the continent. African indigenous vegetables (AIVs), also known as African traditional vegetables, hold excellent potential to improve nutrition and increase the dietary diversity of rural households.

AIVs include all plants that originate on the continent, or have a long history of cultivation and domestication to African conditions and whose leaves, fruits, or roots are acceptable and used as vegetables through custom, habit, or tradition. This is according to Ambrose-Oji 2012 with his research on: “Urban Food Systems and African Indigenous Vegetables: Defining the Spaces and Places for African Indigenous Vegetables in Urban and PeriUrban Agriculture.”

Despite their nutritional, income, and environmental benefits, the production and consumption of traditional vegetables in sub-Saharan Africa remains low due to factors including cultural values, human perceptions, and lack of consumer awareness about their benefits.

Nigerians have a lot to learn from the World Bank, 2011 Report on

“Nutrition at a Glance: Tanzania” one of 22 African countries with the highest burden of undernutrition, particularly of children under five.

For instance, in a study carried out by Afari-Sefa et al in 2016 titled : “Impact of Nutritional Perceptions of Traditional African Vegetables on Farm Household Production Decisions: A Case Study of Smallholders in Tanzania, it was obvious that malnutrition is prevalent therein the chosen rural community. Precisely, it was discovered that stunting affects 44% of children under five years old. Anaemia among pre-school-aged children and pregnant women is 72% and 58%, respectively; while 24% of preschool-aged children and 15% of pregnant women are deficient in vitamin A. There, the popular AIVs in urban markets and rural settings include amaranth, okra, spider plant, jute mallow, celosia, Jew’s mallow, roselle, cowpea leaf, African nightshade and African eggplant.

Differences in chro nic malnutrition among different ethnic groups, and between farming and pastoral households, are particularly striking. The prevalence of child stunting among under-fives is 59% among Masaai pastoral communities, compared to between 20 and 40% in neighbouring ethnic groups.

Unknown to them indigenous vegetables are nutrient-dense and help address mineral deficiencies and hidden hunger, impacting positively on their well-being and productivity. For example, amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) and African eggplant (Solanum a e t h i o p i c u m) a r e r i c h i n

micronutrients such as iron and vitamin A. Compared with, for example, cabbage, amaranths have been shown to contain 57 times more vitamin A precursor, 13 times more iron, and eight times more calcium (Yang and Keding 2009. “Nutritional Contributions of Important African Indigenous Vegetables”.

Studiesinvestigatingthe effects of some awareness campaigns have shown positive effects on participants’ perceptions. AIV promotional activities had a positive and significant effect on children’s and women’s dietary diversity in northern Tanzania.

As well as nutritional benefits, the production of AIVs has demonstrated higher returns to labour. Compared to a typical cash crop such as maize or sunflower AIVs also generally have shorter growing cycles than most staple crops, and can fit into year-round production systems.

They have the ability to maximize scarce water supplies and soil nutrients better than crops such as maize. Beneficiaries have also been taught on the importance of the change of preservation of vegetables from pounding and sun drying to parboiling and drying in stacks under the shade . This has largely assisted in retaining their nutritional benefits.

Ta r g e t c o m m u n i t i e s participated in a communitybased nutritional outreach facilitated by the Good Seed Initiative (GSI), held at Monduli district hospital in September 2014. The results provide evidence of the achievements of the GSI intervention, and of the effectiveness of alternative information dissemination

approaches. A resident of Monduli confessed that: “I didn’t know that some of these weeds were actually vegetables and nutritious. When we had the nutritional outreach at Monduli, several vegetables were demonstratedandweparticipated in testing the recipes. Now, I am no longer looking at it as a weed but a healthy vegetable. My vision has improved and I attribute this to the frequent consumption of AIVs.” Respondents mentioned the key health benefits of AIVs as: improving vision, increasing haemoglobin in the body (reduced anaemia), and increasing body immunity. Other benefits mentioned included: giving the body energy, healthy skin development, repair of body tissues, and helping children grow.

Responses from the farmers reflected the level of awareness, as the benefits mentioned correlate with information disseminated at the outreach, as well as empirical evidence on nutritional values of AIVs Nigeria should therefore, key into the various initiatives aimed at changing perceptions and increase awareness of the health benefits of AIVs and other nutritionsensitive traditional foods that have been initiated in Africa. They have the objective to reach rural and urban consumers through diverse approaches such as community-based outreach, mass media, ICT-enabled campaigns, and educational programmes in schools and hospitals.

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

Confident living love to return to if we had our ways.

But were they really the best of days? Were we really supposed to think we could return back to that time when there was no care? No bills to pay, no aches of anything be it of heart or of body? It was as though ease was what life was designed for and truly it was worth fantasizing about. As beautiful as that experience was, it cannot be compared to the presence of God. Scripture says “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give…!”(Lk.11:11-13) One of the most difficult things to do for a believer is to believe in the presence of an unseen God. What a paradox! Believers that got their names from believing, are now finding it difficult to believe, what a contradiction! What a confused set of people! Take note that, every worrying believer is an unbeliever, every fretful believer is an unbeliever. Every believer that lacks confidence is an unbeliever, it does not matter the title we carry or the position we occupy in the church, we are unbelievers if we doubt the presence of an unseen God and His power to help us.

We are living in the real world and what I am saying is real, and I know what I am talking about. This was the same problem the children of God had, which prevented them from ever entering the Promised Land. And God brought it home and warned us in (Heb.3:12) saying that, ‘’we should be careful let there be found in us an evil heart of unbelief that we should depart from the living God’’. Old Testament is not old after all, if what was said is still happening in the present dispensation. If I am wrong, what God spoke about and warned us about should not be happening right now in our generation where words spoken by God has no meaning. Would anyone by chance please tell me what these words mean?

1. I will never leave you nor forsake you so that you can boldly say that the Lord is your helper and you shall not fear what man can do unto you. (Heb.13:5) 2. But the LORD is with me like a strong defender. Therefore, my oppressors will stumble and not prevail. They will be disgraced by their own failures. Their dishonor will never be forgotten. (Jer. 20:11) 3. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (Ps.91:11) 4. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus. (Phil.4:19).

5. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. (Ps.34:10) 6. I will not withhold anything that is good… (Ps. 84:11) 7. I am the Lord that heals you…

(Ex.15:26) 8. Fear not, I Will help you. (Is. 41:10-13) 9. Be of good cheer I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) 10. I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, who calls you by your name, Am the God of Israel.Is.(45:2-3) 11. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away (Matthew 24:35) If these and many others are the words spoken to us by a loving father, father of all fathers and yet we are finding it difficult to believe, then we are not worthy to be called believers. It is indeed very sad to have these much love poured out to us in His spoken WORD and we handle them with a pinch of salt. The journey of Jesus to our world was to make our journey in life to be free of hardship and challenges. What He

suffered was an exchange for what we should never suffer. The enemy we are up against will pervert the truth with the sole aim of preventing us from ever taking God at his words. He is a skilled tactician that colors situations to make it fit his narrative of a wicked God. So what are we expected to do to regain this life of beauty freely given to us by our loving father?

1. Surrender your life to Him and allow Him have control. Where you are today is a proof of how good a driver you are. Let Him take control of your life.

2. Treasure His words (Is.55:11).

3. Believe what He says by acting on it, for it is not the hearers alone that is blessed but the doers…

(James1:22-25) 4. Be patient to see his word manifest in your life, scripture says we should follow those who through faith and patience inherit the promise (Heb.6:12).

5. Let your words always agree with His words irrespective of the situation you are faced with.

As we grow in our walk of faith by practicing what we are thought, it becomes very easy for us to be a believer in words and deeds, this makes for great confidence.

Remain blessed as you put these to work. @spiritonomics

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Sunday 20 January 2019

SundayBusiness Adopting the Singaporean model for Nigeria’s mortgage system

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fter much motion without movement in its mortgage system, the next best step for Nigeria is to seek what is working in other climes that it can adopt in order to grow that segment of its economy.

The Singapore model readily comes to mind here. This involves creating a pool of funds into which everybody contributes monthly and from which everybody borrows to buy a flat or house.

Singapore, a once poor island in Southeast Asia, evolved from a third to first world economy between 1965 (when it gained independence from the British) and 2000. Under Lee Kuan Yew, the country’s first Prime Minister, the government transformed huge swathes of urban sprawls and slums into well-planned cities that spurred economic dynamism and growth.

Their mortgage model succeeded not by an act of magic but because the government was determined, through a deliberate policy, to make that model work.

Conversely, the national housing fund (NHF) scheme in Nigeria can only be described as a failure be-

cause the vision is not there to drive the scheme. For too long, the mortgage system in Nigeria has failed to grow and the obvious effect is the low home-ownership level in the country and widening gap between housing demand and supply.

The Federal Government’s intervention in the housing sector was the setting up of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) followed by the establishment of the NHF scheme which was aimed to make mortgage affordable for contributors to the scheme at 6 percent interest rate for upwards of 20 years, depending on the age of the borrower.

This scheme has failed, hence the need for the remodeling of the entire mortgage system in the country. The Federal Government is expected to ‘top up’ contributions into a remodeled NHF with, at least, N10 billion every year to make it affordable.

If the entire system is modeled after that of Singapore, Nigerian citizens will be able to obtain 20 to 30-year low interest mortgage to acquire houses through a pool of funds into which all workers must contribute 20 percent of their salary.

It should be noted however that

Procurement and Supply Chain

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

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ave you ever wondered what will happen if suddenly a problem erupted with the supply of a major production input of your organization? For instance, for a bakery, if there is scarcity of flour; for a newspaper, if there is scarcity of news print; for a textile company, if there is scarcity of wool; for a glass manufacturing company, if there is scarcity of potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃); for a chocolate manufacturing company, if there is scarcity of cocoa; for an oil and gas exploration and producing company, if there is scarcity of production chemicals and for all organizations put together, if there is scarcity of diesel? For each of these business organisations, such unavailability of core production inputs will surely lead to production downtime and loss of valuable revenue. This reality underlines the importance of supplier loyalty to any customer.

In this piece, the ‘customer’ is any business organization that depends on other entities for the supply of its production inputs while the ‘supplier’ refers

to other business organizations whose role is to procure and supply these materials to the customer.

Sometimes, the supplier is a middleman such as the suppliers of chemicals required for oil exploration; and at other times, the supplier may be the manufacturer/ producer such as producers of raw materials like cocoa, who may supply directly to the customer without the use of middlemen.

Whichever is the case, the supplier has been proved to be very important in the value chain. The question therefore is, if a supplier is faced with a choice to make between customer A and customer B what will inform his decision?

What consideration will drive him to either customer as his customer of choice? Furthermore, if there is a new product or technology known to the supplier, which customer will he choose to sell it to first? That is what we mean by supplier loyalty and every business organization is expected to put processes in place that will command its suppliers’ loyalty.

Collaboration between companies and their suppliers is very essential. A company is very

the NHF scheme attempted the Singapore model but failed because contributors couldn’t access the loans as they couldn’t afford the deposit for the houses. The scheme also failed because one effect of inflationary policies is high interest rates charged on mortgage loans.

Anywhere in the where, noninflationary fiscal policy, flexible, sustainable exchange rates and hence, low interest rates, are important for attaining a mortgage system that will also attract foreign investment into mortgage market.

Those are the kind of things Nigeria needs at the moment to grow its mortgage sector.

Nigeria’s mortgage system as it stands today is incapable of supporting a housing policy that will deliver houses to Nigerians. This is why the country should imitate other countries with mortgage systems that have delivered housing for both the rich and the poor.

Nigeria needs an efficient housing policy whose aim is for the government to assist millions of citizens to obtain lower-interest mortgages.

This is how most citizens are helped to acquire houses in many countries with successful housing policy such as Singapore, South Africa and

Talking Mortgage with CHUKA UROKO (08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com) Malaysia.

The housing sector also has suffered slow growth over the years and this has blamed on high mortgage rates with short tenures, a difficult business environment, high inflation, and unstable policies that have together hampered the growth of the housing sector in Nigeria.

As a result of this, there is an estimated deficit of 17 million housing units. FMBN estimates that the country needs to build 720,000 units per year to bridge this gap.

Housing development experts say there is always a link between transformational housing policy and the economy. They explain that a housing policy that works for all Nigerians, including the rich, the poor, civil servants, small business people, artisans, informal sector workers and entrepreneurs, young

graduates, young people with limited formal education, banks, construction companies etc, will boost construction activities and make a significant contribution to economic development.

The need for an efficient mortgage system is critical to providing accommodation for most Nigerians and this is because house is the single biggest investment an overwhelming majority of people will ever make in their life time.

It is on record that less than 3 percent of Nigerians acquire their homes through mortgage. Yet millions of them invest in building houses of different costs and quality without any help whatsoever from the government. This is the reason about 90 percent of the country’s housing stock are described as ‘dead assets’ because they are not in any formal mortgage.

Commanding supplier loyalty (1) fortunate if it has good, trustworthy and loyal suppliers. Consistent delivery of high-quality and reliable up-to-date products at reasonable prices consistently ensures smooth operations, productivity and success of the company’s products in the market. However, suppliers want their customers to treat them with respect (e.g. prompt response to their calls or emails, attending scheduled meetings on time, giving prompt feed backs, attending to their requests on time etc). Unfortunately, this is not the case in many organizations. In many industries, companies and their employees see suppliers as mere cost factors that they need to manage rather than as key partners that can make or mar the success of the business.

In early 2014, a major US auto manufacturer recalled 2.6 million small cars because of a defective ignition switch that could shut off the engine and airbags while the car was in motion. This was the big, controversial recall — the ignitionswitch problem has been linked to at least 97 deaths. Investigations showed that though the company detected the poor quality of the ignition switch supplied, it continued using them because they were cheaper. In the long run, it paid heavily for it.

Companiesthatmerelytrytoget cheaper deals from their suppliers cannot expect preferential treatment for product or process quality. Businesses that constantly change their suppliers to find the cheapest deals possible cannot expect their suppliers’ unwavering support in crisis situations. And

companies that don’t have a close relationship with their suppliers will not be first in line to receive major innovations or important new products.

Recently, we carried out a supplier satisfaction survey in a company. We attempted to establish what the suppliers need to make a buying company customer of choice and many of their responses bordered on respect.

They need more engagement by the customer as a means of showing that they are important to the company. A supplier will be loyal when the supplier gets information and cooperation from the buying company in the following ways: Supplier engagements such as Suppliers’ Forum, where the company clearly explains the procurement processes and expectations in order to assist them during bidding exercises. Such a forum provides opportunities for the suppliers to understand the customer’sneedsandexpectations, voice out their frustrations in doing business with the customer and together both proffer solutions on how to move their businesses forward. Also, Senior Managements of companies can embark on strategic visits to their top Suppliers in order to cement their relationship as partners. Such visits are cherished because the suppliers are able to share their challenges and provide innovative ideas to them. The suppliers feel recognized as partners.

Furthermore, an organization can engage suppliers through supplier feedbacks on the

performance of the company through survey and periodic contract performance review, which helps the suppliers to assess their own cumulative performance with a view to improving service delivery. All these go a long way in building a better buyer – supplier relationships. Communication with suppliers is of utmost importance. They are often keen for face-to-face communication and feedback from their customers. A customer who has an effective mechanism for communicating with suppliers will be regarded as the customer of choice. Facilities such as dedicated email account, dedicated hotline and dedicated days to have face to face supplier meetings go a long way in enhancing this relationship.

Through my career, I have been involved in organizing several supplier engagements.

The enthusiasm shown by the suppliers for such engagements says a lot about the importance they placed on them. They are eager to be told what is new. In a nutshell, the suppliers consider such engagements as a sign of respect.

When they see the management of the organization that gives them contracts addressing them periodically, it enhances their loyalty to the company. …. To be continued Gob – Agundu Uche is a Fellow and Chartered Member of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, CIPS. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, CILT UK.

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BDSUNDAY 39

SundayBusiness deepens fruit India to assist Nigeria with $100m Capri-Sonne drink business in Nigeria credit line to develop broadband … Rewards consumers in new promo Innocent Odoh, Abuja

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ndia has indicated interest to provide Nigeria with $100 million credit line to develop Nigeria’s broadband to boost connectivity in Nigeria’s rural areas.

Indications to this development emerged on Thursday during the Celebration of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day 2019 at the Indian High Commission in Abuja, which was attended by nearly 250 ITEC alumni, Indian community and Nigerian friends of India.

The High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Shri Abhay Thakur in his remarks said that the assistance to Nigeria is to strengthen the bilateral relations between both countries in the spirit of the South South cooperation, adding that ITEC is a flagship capacity building programme, which has trained more than 5,000 participants every year under the banner of India- Africa Foreign cooperation.

“We have experience in the area of broadband network and reaching the masses of India. We have a whole range of IT programmes and projects particularly in the last five years and we think we can mean-

ingfully assist Nigeria on the development of ICT and in the field of rural broadband network”, the envoy said.

He added that India has become a giant in the field of IT and also a research and development hub in the world, an experience he said his country is ready to share with Nigeria.

In telecommunication, broadband is a wide bandwidth data transmission, which transports multiple signals and traffic types, which allows for fast internet connection.

Responding, Nigeria’s Minister for Communications of Nigeria, Adebayo Shittu praised the capacity

building efforts of the Indian Government through fully funded training programmes, as well as Government of India’s readiness to support Nigeria in IT-related projects such as the rural broad band connectivity network.

He lamented that India, which was at the same level with Nigeria about fifty year ago, has surpassed Nigeria in the area of industrialization and development particularly in the area of ICT but urged India to continue to give Nigeria the required assistance. He however, noted that modalities are being out in place to secure the credit line facility to Ni-

geria adding the country has a lot to learn from the strides that India is making.

High Commissioner of India later called on Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon and Chad to fully utilize the ITEC slots they have been given so that the same can be increased next year.

Two ITEC alumni, who have benefited from the ITEC Programme- Dorothy Esiri, Deputy Director, Centre for Management Development, Abuja and Ibrahim Umar Shelleng, Assistant Chief Technical Officer, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Kaduna, shared their experiences of the ITEC programmes they had attended in India.

They praised Government of India for the opportunity and reiterated how their experiences helped the organizations with which they are working.

Minister for Communications and the High Commissioner of India used the occasion to present the book, ‘EXAM WARRIORS’, written by Prime Minister of India, to the audience.

The event also had a cultural segment with dance performances by a dance group from the Indian Cultural Association in Abuja and a Nigerian dance group from Kano.

C

apri-Sonne, the favourite fruit drink of children in Nigeria , has launched a new national consumer promo tagged the “Beach Ball Promo”.

The promo, which includes a free Beach Ball in every carton of Capri-Sonne, is expected to create more fun moments for kids by ensuring a stimulating unboxing moment and encouraging them to play some more.

The “Beach Ball Promo” will offer children across Nigeria one more reason to enjoy their favourite fruit drink, as nothing speaks to a child’s playfulness like a bouncing beach ball which can be used in all sorts of exciting games.

For a brand universally associated with creating fun moments for children, the Capri-Sonne “Beach Ball Promo” will seek to enhance brand affinity and product consumption through activities that encourage active play for kids whilst having a taste of fun.

The promo is being amplified nationwide with an effective media campaign running on major regional and national television channels and radio stations in the country. It will also be simultaneously driven through advertisements on

billboards, engagements on digital platforms, point of sales outlets and experiential consumer engagement platforms in various cities to connect with consumers.

According to the Deepanjan Roy, the Managing Director of Chi Limited, the Capri-Sonne “Beach Ball Promo” is another unique platform to reward fun loving consumers across Nigeria.

“The Capri-Sonne Beach Ball Promo is an opportunity to gift more fun moments to millions of children, and

reward them as they relish the delicious taste of fun and excitement in every carton of their favourite drink purchased within the promo period,” he stated.

The Beach Balls can be found in all 200ml x 40 Capri-Sonne cartons, and are available in stores nationwide while stocks last.

PharmAccess, BoI partner Delta to revamp 25 defunct healthcare facilities Chinyere Okafor

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ith over 500,000 enrollees, and increasing under the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, there is a great dearth of health facilities available to provide services to some of these enrollees, especially in the rural and hard to reach areas where majority of the poor resides. To address this problem, the Executive Governor of Delta State approved the renovation of over 100 Primary Healthcare Centers by the Local Governments.

However, borne out of the pragmatism of the governor and understanding the need to partner with the private sector, the State also commenced on the implementation of the Access to

Finance Framework that engenders a Public-Private Partnership as a panacea to quality service delivery at the Primary Healthcare level.

In November 2017, Governor Okowa approved the implementation of a scheme that birthed a solid partnership between the State Government, through the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, the Bank of Industry, financial institutions and the PharmAccess Foundation. The scheme is a framework that supports the outsourcing of defunct and abandoned healthcare facilities to the private sector to revitalize and provide services to the enrollees of the health insurance scheme especially in the rural areas.

Over the next year, several stakeholder meetings resulted in the selection of reputable private sector players to take over 25 defunct health facilities

that have been built and abandoned for long. This culminated in a handover ceremony held on the 14th of January, 2018 in Asaba, Delta State where MoUs to renovate, operate and transfer agreements were signed between the State, private sector, PharmAccess Foundation, Bank of Industry and commercial banks.

Chaired by the Chairman of the board of the Delta State Contributory Commission, Olorogun Isaac Apkoveta with the Director General of the Commission, Dr. Ben Nkechika, the Chairman of the Local Government Chairmen, Delta State Chapter, Itiako Ikpokpo and the representative of the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ononye. Olorogun Apkoveta said “there are several health centres in different communities that have not beenput to use, with this agreement, the pri-

vate sector will take over the running of the centres, equip them to standard and ensure that they are operational 24 hours for our people who have enrolled in the contributory health insurance scheme”.

The Director-General of the DSCHC, Dr. Ben Nkechika, stated that innovation which led to the signing of the agreement was very important “to achieve the desired milestone.” He noted that, with the agreements, the private sector will have access to funds at a single digit interest loan from the Bank of Industry to fix and run the abandoned health centres.

“This innovative product will ensure availability of 24 hours quality healthcare services across Delta for the state Contributory Health Scheme, ensure continuity of healthcare services during strikes and other indus-

trial disputes, as well as more healthcare service options for residents of Delta State,” he explained.

Njide Ndili, the country Director of the PharmAccess Foundation stated that “the Medical Credit Fund is focused on developing innovative models to include the private sector to maximize efficiency and access to existing Primary Healthcare Centers anchored on health insurance”. She added that the Access to Finance scheme was very important to make funds available to the private sector who will partner with the Delta State government in achieving quality and affordable healthcare for Deltans through the contributory health insurance scheme.

Olamide Okulaja, Director Advocacy and Communications at the PharmAccess Foundation appreciated

the pragmatic approach of the Governor in solving the issues which plagued the Primary Healthcare level in the country. He further stated that with less than 5,000 out of over 24,000 PHCs functional in the country, this framework may represent a veritable way of providing a vibrant supply side to the several demand-side activities springing up across the country including the State Health Insurance Schemes and the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Delta State, Itiako Ikpokpo commended Governor Okowa’s administration for its commitment to providing affordable health care for Deltans, disclosing that the governor had earlier approved for renovation, 107 health centres across the State.

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Sunday 20 January 2019

SundayBusiness Why UBA is rewarding customers with N120m in ‘Wise Savers’ promo

U MICHEAL ANI

nited Bank for Africa , Nigeria’s fourth largest bank by asset is rewarding its customers with millions of Naira through its “Wise Savers” promo, in order to encourage the habit of saving in them, Anant Rao, Group Executive, Digital and Consumer Banking for the tier one lender says.

On Tuesday, 15th January 2019, the bank flagged off the first phase of its quarterly draw, were it rewarded 20 loyal customers across all its branches in the country with N1.5 million each.

“The reason for the promo is that we want our customers to develop the habit of savings, Rao said. How long this can be achieved doesn’t matter but we are bent on inculcating the attitude of saving in our customers so that the money can come in handy for them, to meet their targeted need like school fees and health issues”.

The UBA wise saver’s promo started in September last year and will run for a one year period till September 2019, with over 425,000 customers who save from as low as N10, 000, be eligible to participate in the promo.

The promo draws is divided into four phases with each of the phases to be held in every quarter.

The first phase of the UBA Wise savers draw took place last week at the banks’ headquarters in Lagos.

At the event, a total of N30, 000,000 was won by 20 lucky customers who were selected following a draw that was witnessed by key regulatory officials including representatives of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, (NLRC); Lagos State Lottery, Board, (LSLB) Consumer Protection Council (CPC) as well as members of the media.

The remaining N90 million has been earmarked for the other three phases which is expected to be rewarded to customers in the later part of the year.

“What this does is that it will creates a whole lot of customers for the bank and improve stickiness. However, the whole idea is not to make money out of it but to develop the culture of savings so that customer’s financial life style can improve and can have a much secured future for themselves and their families”, Rao said.

To qualify for the draws, new and existing customers of the bank are expected to save at least

L-R: Susie Onwuka, head Lagos office, Consumer Protection Council, (CPC); Anant Rao, group executive, Digital & Consumer Banking, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc; Abideen Onifade, officer, Lagos office, CPC; Liadi Ayoku, executive director, UBA Plc; Aminat Tunji-Akinwande, regional head, Lagos, UBA Plc; Ayeniyi Idowu, marketing monitoring and enforcement officer, National Lottery Regulatory Commission; and Tomiwa Sotiloye, head, Retail Liabilities, UBA Plc, at the First Quarter Draw of UBA Wise Savers Promo where 20 Savings Account Holders won N1.5m each, in Lagos.

N10, 000 each month for three consecutive months, or N30, 000 for 90 days in the promo, which will run for the rest of the year. Apart from the N30 million won by 20 customers on Tuesday, another N90 million is still expected to be won by 60 more loyal customers in the remaining three quarters of the year.

According the Rao, even if the situation of things in the country might appear tough for people, they still have to survive by saving for the rainy days “if people save the money accumulates so they can used for important purposes”.

The winners, who cut across all regions of the country, are: Nnadumije, Ebube Dawn; Onwochei Christiana Okwukwe; Eze Mathias Nnaji; Christian N Orie; Uka, Okwudiri; Okata Stephen Uche; Okafor Onyinye Esther; Nwanekezi Chimezie Jude; Ayomide V Yahaya and Olanegan, Oyetunde Keji.

Others are Emmanuel Onu Chidozie; Mohammed Fatima; Aminu, Mustapha; James Nanre; Pahinti Albert; Emmanuel O Adeniji; Jaki Movihinze Mercy; Saminu Muritala Mohammed; Ezeh Raphael Uballa; Uchenna Iheji.

Representatives from both the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, (NLRC); Lagos State Lottery, Board, (LSLB) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) who graced the event said they were there to ensure the draws was done in line with global best practices “We are here to ensure that the programme is done accordingly, in a free and fair manner for the best interest of the consumers”, one representative from the NLRC said.

When contacted on the phone, one of the 20 lucky winners; Nnadumije, Ebube Dawn, excitedly expressed gratitude to the bank and said he was happy to be a customer of the bank. He thanked the bank, and said the move was thoughtful and will help to enrich customers especially during these trying economic times.

On the other hand, some customers were not immediately available to answer as several phone calls made to reach them however proved abortive.

The bank however assured that it will roll out efforts in reaching all the customers even if it meant locating them individually through their addresses.

Ayoku Liadi, Executive Direc-

tor, Lagos and West Bank who expressed gratitude over the success of the event, said the promo was launched as part of the bank’s initiatives towards prioritising customers.

He added that customers who save consistently would be rewarded in order to promote the financial inclusion initiatives of the bank. ‘We believe it is time we rewarded our customers who have been very loyal over the years. Without them, we would not have made the giant strides attained thus far”.

According to him, “because our customers are invaluable to all that we do, we listen and give them nothing short of the best that they deserve’ “We remain committed to consistently improving customer service and rewarding our loyal customers. The Wise Savers Promo seeks to compliment current initiatives aimed at growing savings,” he noted.

United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) is a leading Pan African group with banking presence in 19 African countries, with total asset standing at N4.5 trillion as of January 17, 2019. The group provides universal banking services to diverse customer groups

across Africa.

With a market cap of N249.6 billion, the stock price of the firm was trading at N7.30 at the end of trading session on Friday.

Gross Earnings for the half year improved over the corresponding year by 15.80 percent, from N222.71 billion to N257.91 billion.

Interest Income stood above that of similar period of 2017 by 20.87 percent; standing at N187.29 billion, as against the previous N154.95 billion.

Interest Expenses increased at a higher momentum, compared to the rate of income/ gross earnings growth, rising from N53.57 billion to N76.21 billion, representing a difference of 42.26 percent Having considered all expenses and incomes, N58.14 billion was reported as Profit before Tax for the period, which is only 1.06 percent above the N57.53 billion reported in the same period of 2017 After deducting income tax expense, the financial institution reported N43.79 billion as profit for the period as against the N42.33 billion earned in 2017 half-year.

In other words, the profit only improved by 3.43 percent.

Total Comprehensive Income for the period stood 42.72 percent below what was reported in 2017 half year financial activities. A total of N30.48 billion was reported, compared to N53.21 billion.

Retained Earnings grew to N165.71 billion from N149.46 billion, a 10.87 percent improvement within the two periods under comparison.

Total Assets was valued at N4.26 trillion after enjoying 15.65 percent improvement over the period.

Total Liabilities was estimated at N3.77 trillion, as against N3.20 trillion in 2017.

Total Deposits received for the period stood at N3.03 trillion, compared to the N2.58 trillion in the corresponding half-year of 2017, a difference of 17.42 percent.

Meanwhile, Loan and Advances to customers dropped marginally against the previous half-year’s figure. According to the released document, Loan and Advances is currently N1.55 trillion, as against N1.57 trillion last year.

Net Assets, on the other hand improved by a marginal 2.72 percent in the period under consideration in this report

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BDSUNDAY 41

BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

When MultiChoice Nigeria raises subscribers’ appetite in a challenging economy DANIEL OBI

M

ultiChoice Nigeria, foremost video entertainment c o m p a n y, h a d last Wednesday kicked off a three months campaign for its DStv and GOtv subscribers tagged ‘Step Up’.

The offer which started From Tuesday, 15 January till Monday, 15 April, will give all active and disconnected DStv Compact, Family and Access customers the opportunity to pay for an upgrade package and get a boost to view programming on an even higher package within 48 hours.

DStv customers on the Access package can pay N4,000 for Family package and then get a boost to view programmes on the Compact package, a higher package, while customers on the Family package can pay N6,800 for Compact package and instead view Compact Plus package programming. Likewise, Compact customers can also pay N10,650 for Compact Plus package and in turn get Premium package programming.

Also customers on the GOtv platform are also not left out of this offer. GOtv Plus, Value and Lite customers will get upgraded to GOtv Max when they pay a reduced fee of N2,500 while GOtv ‘tops up’ with N700.

This campaign will give GOtv customers on Plus, Value and Lite an opportunity to experience the exciting premium content available on GOtv Max including La Liga, Serie A, FA Cup, BET, Fox Entertainment, StarLife, ROK 2 and CBS Reality and more.

Within this period, MultiChoice is allowingsubscribersonlowbouquet to enjoy services on higher bouquet at no extra cost. Instead, the video entertainment firm is making sacrifices and subsidising subscriptions.

The offer is similar to paying for Keke Marwa and getting Uber taxi, according to a media analyst.

MultiChoice’s target by introducing the Step Up is to allow the

subscribers on low bouquet enjoy the superior service, and at the end some of them could be hooked to the new service. This is of course possible, but the economic situation would be a critical factor in determining the number of subscribers that would be ‘arrested’ in the higher service offering.

Nigeria was recently rated the poorest country in the world, ahead of India by a transparency group and according to analysts, this is despite several hundred billion dollars in oil earnings over the last decade. The Brookings Institution estimated that the number of people living in extreme poverty in Nigeria had grown to 87 million people out of 198 million population. The poverty figure is compared with India at 73 million out of population of about one billion.

Nigeria’s inflation rate is at 11.44 percent in December, 2018. This simply means an overall increase in prices of goods and services.

This is in a situation when salaries are stagnant due to other variables and therefore more consumers can

hardly afford more luxuries.

Worse of it is that investors and consumers are not optimistic of a bright future is the present government is re-elected. Marketing communication practitioners recently told BusinessDay that much may not happen in the economy if this government comes back for another four years.

However, entertainment programmes such as sports, local content, Nollywood and general entertainment on MultiChoice platforms offer some kind of relief and relaxation in a difficult economic situation. It is therefore likely expected that some subscribers may overlook the inflationary pressure and harsh environment to stay on the higher bouquet after expiration of the three months campaign offer.

Martin Mabutho, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, said the offer reiterates the company’s commitment to give more value for money to loyal customers as they will enjoy content on a higher package than what they paid for while encouraging them to remain active

to enjoy quality entertainment lined up for the year.

“We are pleased to launch this first-of-its-kind offer that will give our customers the opportunity to experience the exciting programming available across higher packages at the price of a lower package.

With this offer, we are giving a boost and topping up on what our customers pay for to enjoy more on our DStv and GOtv platforms. It’s our desire to make great content more accessible and we encourage our customers to take advantage of this special offer, ” he said.

Mabutho added that the offer will enable more Nigerians to stay connected and keep up to date with the latest news, sports, local content and general entertainment this first quarter.

Some of the exciting programming to look forward to starting from January includes matches of the 2018/19 Emirates FA Cup. This boosts MultiChoice’s major football title acquisitions, which include the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and Champions League.

A

frica’s popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, has placed preparations on top gear as it is set to kick start audition for its fourth edition of the show.

The audition which is slated to hold on the 1st and 2nd of February 2018 in eight locations across Nigeria including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Enugu, Warri, Benin and Calabar is said to be at no cost, as Specific locations and time for the will be announced subsequently.

This was made known by the

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inners have emerged in the ongoing empowerment campaign tagged ‘My Million Don Land’ by non-alcoholic beverage giant, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC). This initiative is aimed at enriching the lives of stakeholders in the distribution chain of the business with one-million-naira seed capital each in form of products and other facilities to set up or expand their own personal businesses.

Since the initiative kicked off in 2018, 28 winners comprising street hawkers and retail hub owners have emerged after series of open market activations conducted across major markets in Lagos, receiving 1 million naira each. 14 schools have also been beneficiaries of with 5 Computers each.

Speaking on the initiative, the External Communications Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Olatomiwa Akande revealed in a statement that the ‘My Million Don Land’ Empowerment Campaign is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts to empower Nigerians and key stakeholders who have over the years continually contributed to the growth of the business.

Spectranet introduces trendy, sleek ACE MiFi

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Olusegun McMedal, chairman, Lagos NIPR Chapter; Tolulope Egbewumi, senior business development executive, brand communicator; Kehinde Bamgbetan, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Joshua Ajayi, publisher, brand communicator and Tunji Faleye, editor, brand communicator at the LAPRIGA Awards in Lagos recently.

Big Brother set to kick start audition for season four MBATA JEREMIAH

Winners emerge in NBC’s ‘My Million Don Land’ empowerment campaign

Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe at a media briefing in Lagos recently.

Ugbe, who was delighted on the return of Big Brother Naija, said that the fourth season promises to be bigger than previous editions, underscoring MultiChoice’s position as the biggest investor and driver of entertainment content on the continent.

The channel distributor of MNet west, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, during the briefing, assured viewers that the show, just as it is known for, is going to be of best quality of international standard as the Big Brother team is working assiduously to ensure that the viewers are given a

show of high standard to view. “…We are working night and day to ensure that we are going to give our viewers something good they can always come home to watch” Wangi opined.

She also stated that the Big Brother show is an investment platform that helps to build and grow African talent, ensuring that those talents have a space on the global stage.

Since its maiden edition in 2006, the Big Brother Naija reality TV show has produced some of the country’s biggest pop culture influencers and celebrities including Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Gideon Okeke, Katung Aduwak, Bisola

Aiyeola, Efe Ejeba and Uriel Oputa and mostly recently Miracle Ikechukwu, Tobi Bakre and Cynthia “Cee-C” Nwadiora.

MultiChoice is partnering Bet9a.

Ayo Ojuroye, Bet9ja’s Chief Executive Officer, while stating the motive for this partnership, said; “As the leading gaming company in Nigeria, we believe in changing lives. This singular attribute coupled with the zeal and passion attributed to the Big Brother Naija platform aligns with Bet9ja’s core values and we are honoured by the opportunity to headline this year’s edition.

Bet9ja will continue to support programmes that will connect more young Nigerians to their dreams”.

oremost 4G LTE and internet service provider, Spectranet 4G LTE starts the year with the launch of ACE MiFi -a beautifully designed, round shaped MiFi, targeted at the young-at-heart and upwardly mobile segment.

According to Head of Marketing, Mike Ogor, “Spectranet ACE MiFi is a premium device that addresses the aspirations of our subscribers.”

Crafted with the customer at heart, ACE MiFi enables parents to monitor their children’s access to the internet with the special Parental Control Facility feature. This feature boosts parents’ care and protection for their children.

ACE MiFi has several other unique features that sets it apart from existing MIFIs in the market - Parental Control, Sharing of data amongst users, More than 10 connected users, Unmatched working battery life of up to 10 hours and Memory card slot expandable up to 64GB. Ogor notes, “As a respected brand that caters extensively for homes and businesses, the needs of our subscribers were carefully considered to design ACE MiFi. While at home, parents can explore the device to monitor and regulate their children’s access to the internet by enabling the parental control facility feature.

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Sunday 20 January 2019

EquityMarket

AFIG Fund II in NEM raises foreign control of Nigeria’s insurance industry Stories by TELIAT SULE

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he acquisition of 29.9 percent stake in NEM Insurance Plc by Advanced Finance and I n v e s t m e n t Gr o u p (AFIG Funds), has further increased the amount of foreign ownership in the nation’s insurance industry. AFIG Funds, according to the notice sent to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, is a leading private equity fund manager, and with this transaction, has become the largest shareholders in NEM, which according to the notice signifies the beginning of a strategic partnership between AFIG Funds and NEM which is currently embarking on its next growth phase as a top tier player within the Nigerian Insurance Industry.

“We are delighted to welcome AFIG Funds as a significant shareholder in NEM at such an exciting time in the company’s evolution.

This partnership with AFIG Funds is the outcome of several years of constructive engagement, as well as a thorough internal strategic process to indentify and engage with the best long term institutional partner for our company.

We look forward to continue to benefit from AFIG Funds’ extensive experience investing in strong African companies particularly in financial institutions.

“We believe this partnership will accelerate the realisation of our growth ambitions within Nigeria and across the continent.

We are confident this will be a

fruitful and mutually rewarding partnership”, Tope Smart, NEM group managing director said.

“Foreign investors are looking into the nation’s insurance industry now because valuation is very cheap, the companies being targeted have growth potential and a lot of opportunities are not yet tapped in Nigeria’s insurance industry”, said Ahmad Jinad, insurance analyst with Meristem Securities.

The AFIG-NEM deal joined other successful deals executed in the insurance industry in Nigeria.

According to the Nigerian Insurance Commission (NAICOM), there were 12 deals executed by foreign investors in from 2014 to 2016. In one of the deals, Insurance Resourcery Consultancy Services Limited (IRCSL) took control of a majority stake in Great Nigerian Insurance Plc. Also, Sunu Assurances took control of a majority stake in Equity Assurance, thus leading to the formation of Sunu Assurance in Nigeria.

Other notable foreign brands that have acquired majority stakes in Nigerian insurance firms include SA Holdings, Old Mutual, Samlam Group SA, New India Assurance Company, AXA SA and Allianz.

NEM Insurance is one of the first tier insurance firms in Nigeria that have consistently delivered value to all the stakeholders in the forms of dividend payment and consistent price appreciation. In full year 2018, the share price on NEM closed at N2.70, representing 62.7 percent price appreciation in 2018. This is one of the inspira-

tions to the managements of both AFIG Funds and NEM following the successful deal.

“We are excited about our partnership with NEM Insurance and the company’s strong growth prospects. NEM is one of the fastest growing, best capitalised and most consistently profitable underwriters in Nigeria. Our decision to invest in NEM during an election year in Nigeria, which is a time when foreign investors

tend to shy away from emerging markets, is testament to our strong belief in the prospect of the company and the resilience of the broader economy. we are keen to begin working with management , board of directors, and other shareholders to execute on the many promising initiatives to further unlock the company’s significant potential”, Papa Madiaw Ndiaye, CEO AFIG Funds said.

“Through our engagement with

NEM over the last several years, we have had the opportunity to observe it sold trajectory, and to develop confidence in the management team’s ability to seize growth opportunities in the increasingly competitive landscape”, Kelechi Okoro, director of investments at AFIG added.

The Emerging Markets Private Equity Association(EMPEA) in 2017 had predicted that the African insurance industry would witness a wave of mergers and acquisitions which would allow African insurance firms to have access to more capital.

“We expect there will be increased interest amongst nonstrategic investors for African insurance companies. Some of the advantages accessible to non-strategic investors include a greater access to capital (there were 145 PE deals reported in Africa in 2016, amounting to US$3.8bn, versus US$2.5bn in 2015), and the ability to retain and incentivise management through attractive equity arrangements.

“Because of the challenges involved in the integration of new acquisitions into a multinational group structure from a legal, compliance, governance, reporting and parent policy compliance, a private equity firm can add value to an African target by conforming a target’s compliance policies and procedures to regulatory requirements that are applicable to the private equity investor. This will also help smooth an exit sale to a strategic company”, EMPEA had said in its Legal and Regulatory Bulletin, Fall 2017.

Ecobank appoints Arunma Oteh as a non-executive director

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cobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the parent company of the Ecobank Group, has appointed Arunma Oteh to its board of directors as a Non-Executive Director. ETI made this known through the notification sent to the Nigerian Stock Exchange last week. Her appointment brings the number of ETI directors to 15 in the ratio of 12 males to three females.

Other women on ETI board include Catherine Ngahu(PhD) and Aichatou Agne Pouye, both are non-executive directors.

ETI made N572.7 billion as gross earnings based on its Q3 unaudited results ended September 30, 2018 compared with N564.7 billion the pan African bank made in similar period in 2017. Profit before tax rose by 39 percent from N69.4 billion

in 2017 to N96.3 billion in 2018.

Profit for the period was up by 31 percent from N57.9 billion as at September 2017 to N75.7 billion in September 2018.

Before Oteh’s latest appointment, she was treasurer of the World Bank from 2015 to 2018 where she led a team that managed the World Bank’s $200 billion debt portfolio as well as an asset portfolio of $200 billion for the World Bank and 65 central banks and other public sector clients, ETI statements reads. She was also responsible for an extensive public sector financial advisory business and back office operations, administering payments of over $7 trillion.

“Prior to joining the World Bank, Oteh was Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. During this period,

she led the rebuilding of the Nigerian capital markets after the global financial crisis and served on Nigeria’s Economic Management team.

“Previous to SEC Nigeria, she worked at the Africa Development Bank for 17 years in a variety of roles including Group Vice

Arunma Oteh

President, Corporate Services (2006 to 2009) and Group Treasurer (2001 to 2006). Her career in Finance started at Centre Point Investments Limited, Nigeria in 1985”, ETI said Furthermore, Oteh also served on several boards, notably, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (2010 to 2015), which regulates 95 percent of the world’s securities markets and the pioneer Board of the International Financing Facility for Immunization (2006 to 2011). She also served on the Board of the Nigerian Pension Commission, the World Economic Forum Agenda Council on Institutional Governance, and the Africa Advisory Council for World Women’s Banking.

In 2011, in recognition of her contribution to the economic development of Nigeria and role in

transforming the Nigerian capital markets, she was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) National Honour. In 2014, she was named the Africa Investor Capital Market Personality of the Year and in 2016 received the New African Woman Award in Finance and Banking. In 2018, she was honoured as the Ai Global Institutional Investment Personality of the Year.

Oteh recently joined Oxford University as an Academic Scholar at St. Antony’s College and an Executive-in-Residence at SAID Business School. Her research areas of focus are capital markets, development and financial technology. She holds a masters degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a first class honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

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BDSUNDAY 43

Court Watch EFCC arraigns five over N466m bank fraud

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INNOCENT ODOH, Abuja

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Office on January 16, 2019 arraigned Bashir Abdullahi Mohammed, Oche Ogenyi, Adefila Taofile Kayode, Rabiu Aliko Lawal and Mmadu Mathew before justice Mohammed Tukur of a Kaduna State High Court, on a twocount charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N466, 000, 000 (Four Hundred and Sixty Six million naira) only.

A statement issued by the Acting Spokesman of the EFCC, Tony Orilade, said the culprits were arrested following a petition

by Polaris Bank, alleging that they hacked into the bank’s application, and fraudulently increased the N781,000 in one of the customer’s bank account to N466 million.

One of the counts reads: “That you Bashir Abdullahi Mohammed, Oche Ogenyi, Adefila Taofile Kayode, Rabiu Aliko Lawal, Mmadu Mathew Onyekachi, and others now at large, sometime in 2018 in Kaduna within the judicial Division of the High Court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit theft of the

sum of N466 million and you thereby committed an offence contrary to 58(1) of the Penal Code Law Kaduna State 2017 and punishable under Section 59(1) of the same Law”.

They pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

Prosecuting counsel, Onyeka Ekweozor, thereafter, asked the court to fix a date for “commencement of trial”, and asked that they be remanded in EFCC custody.

“The defendants have separate charges before a Federal High Court

pending arraignment, and remanding them in prison custody will make it difficult for the prosecution to arraign them,” he said.

Counsel for the first defendant, A. Ashat, in his oral bail application urged the court to grant his client bail, arguing that he will not jump bail.

Sylvester Ogbelu, Defence counsel for the second and fourth defendants, also moved the bail application for them, and urged the Court to grant them bail on “liberal terms”, as they had no criminal record.

Ekweozor, however,

opposed the bail application arguing that there were no fix addresses, and “some of them were arrested in hotels, some at the airport; granting them bail will jeopardise our attempt to arrest others at large and will even interfere with witnesses on the matter”.

“We urged my lord to reject their bail,” Ekweozor said.

Justice Tukur, afterwards, ordered that they be remanded in EFCC custody pending the determination of the bail applications, and adjourned to January 21, 2019, the statement added.

Who flies SDP presidential flag?

Appeal Court reserves judgment

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FELIX OMOHOMHION ho flies the flag of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the February 16 presidential election? Is it Donald Duke or Jerry Gana?

The is a knot the Court of Appeal, Abuja, will untie very shortly.

Last week, the Appeal Court said it reserved judgment in the appeal seeking to set aside the judgment of an Abuja High Court which declared former Information Minister, Professor Jerry Gana, as the authentic flag bearer of the SDP for the 2019 presidential election.

The 3-man panel of the Court of Appeal reserved judgment in the appeal filed by former Cross River State Governor, Duke, after counsel representing parties in the suit adopted and argued their written addresses.

The panel however, said date for its judgment in the suit would be communicated to parties.

Following the voiding of his victory at the SDP Presidential Primary Election last October by a Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

High Court, Duke had approached the appellate court to reverse the decision of the lower court.

Justice Hussein BabaYusuf of the FCT High Court in Maitama, had on December 15, 2018, sacked Duke as Presidential candidate of the SDP. Duke had won the SDP presidential primary with a total of 812 votes and was declared winner and candidate of the SDP but Gana, however, challenged the victory of Duke on the grounds that he ought not to have participated in the presidential primary of the SDP. Gana had in his suit urged the court to void Duke’s emergence and declare him (Gana) as authentic candidate of the SDP in the 2019 presidential election on the grounds that Duke’s participation contravened the party’s principle of zoning.

In his judgment, Justice Baba-Yusuf agreed with Gana that the emergence of the former Governor of Cross River State as Presidential candidate of the SDP violated the zoning and rotation formula provided in section 15(3) of the party’s constitution.

Alleged N400m fraud: Metuh narrates ordeal in hands of EFCC FELIX OMOHOMHION

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he former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, has narrated before the Federal High Court in Abuja of his ordeal in the hand of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), while in their detention.

Metuh, while being led in evidence by his counsel, Emeka Etiaba (SAN) told the trial Judge, Justice Okon Abang that he was detained at the underground cell of the EFCC for 11 days, when he refused to disclose the disbursement of the N400 million that was paid into his account by the Office of the Na-

tional Security Adviser (ONSA) for national assignment.

He said, even though he confirmed to the EFCC that the money was paid into the account of his company, Destra Investments Limited, he refused to disclose the names of the people given the money to execute the project for which the money was given.

He said: “I refused to give names, because at that time, the EFCC was in the habit of arresting people and leaking their statement to newspapers.

“I belief that the EFCC wanted to get the names or account of how the money was disbursed, just to ridicule my party and any other person involved in that

assignment”.

According to Metuh, in his evidence, EFCC operatives were very respectful throughout the investigation until he refused to give them the names of the people who received money from the N400million.

He said he was willing to refund the money if the EFCC were able to confirm to him that the money was wrongly or unlawfully paid into his account.

“The N400million was received for national assignment and that the people we used to execute that assignment did so, believing that they were handling a lawful assignment”, he said.

The former PDP spokesman told the court that EFCC lied against him that he

chewed the statement he wrote and added that the anti-graft agency had damaged his credibility and had turned him into object of mockery.

“As at the time I was charged to court, EFCC, through their media trial, has posted me as one of Nigeria’s most corrupt men and one of those destroying the country and Nigeria’s most dangerous criminal”.

He said, that explained why he was brought to court in hand-cuffs at the back of a Hilux car.

Metuh is standing trial along with his company, Destra Investments Limited, on a sevencount charge, for allegedly receiving N400 million from the former NSA, Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd).

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Sunday 20 January 2019

Travel

Maiyegun Beach Estate - Nigeria’s first beachside luxury living OBINNA EMELIKE

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he beach remains one of the most serene places to have ultimate indulgence, no matter the destination, beaches are fun amid nature’s pamper.

However, you can have a piece of the beach styled living to yourself within the thriving cosmopolitan city of Lagos.

At Maiyegun (where the land births) it is all about a piece of the beach and serenity of luxury living at home.

Located on the south bank of Lekki Peninsula along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Maiyegun Beach Estate is inspired by the gentle waving palm fronds, sparkly green ocean waves and an earthy, yet light-hearted beachside aesthetic, revealing a whole new luxurious way to live. On offer are over 120 acres of luxury residences and world class facilities.

Set amidst cool breezes and swaying palms of Lekki, the historical playground for Lagos’ elite, Maiyegun Beach Estate is the first luxury beachside master development. The beautiful Maiyegun beach forms the backdrop for a community of contemporary, modern luxury villas and apartments – where residents have access to worldclass infrastructure and lifestyle.

From its beautiful and serene beachside area of Lagos, this latest luxury real estate project joins the league of the very few of its kind and though proudly Nigerian, it meets world class standard and global appeal in both vision and aesthetic with modern infrastructure, retail and leisure facilities, indoor and outdoor recreation and a delightful promenade affording breathtaking views of the ocean.

The layout of the estate has been designed to provide infrastructure that includes, roads,

pavements and utilities such as a power house, water processing plant and sewage treatment plant. Adequate consideration has also been given for recreational, leisure and commercial purposes, meaning that residents can have all their needs met in the safety of their community. Maiyegun Beach Estate is therefore, the ideal location for individuals and families seeking serenity without sacrificing convenience.

Also on offer at the over 120 acres of luxury residences are;

pedestrian and child-friendly footpaths, bicycle lanes and dedicated jogging paths. Aside the child-friendly footpaths, the estate features world-class educational facilities that makes it a one-stop-shop for residents and modern living. Whether sunny or rainy, Maiyegun, luxury is to be lived one day at a time; so no effort has been spared in providing every desirable amenity.

The estate like a precious stone is safely positioned meters away from the beach and guarded by a strong wall of seashore-

protecting rock groynes constructed at strategic intervals, all the way from Eko Atlantic down the Lekki coastline. Maiyegun Beach Estate, like Eko Atlantic is poised to make Nigeria a major destination for luxury real estate and attracting international buyers by its beautiful layout and serene surroundings. As well, it features over 1km-long seaside promenade.

This hidden treasure buried in the cosmopolitan city of Lagos is everything you expect and more; it is the perfect balance of innovation and family friendliness with its striking views and beach inspired design.

If in doubt about buying into the luxury beach offering, the over 1km of private beachfront, a wide promenade with views of Victoria Island and Eko Atlantic in the distance, an array of house options, recreational facilities, among others will entice you closer to this piece of beach side living.

Maiyegun Beach Estate captures the true definition of ‘so close, yet so far away’ as it is only minutes away from everything.

This master development is located at the fifth junction along the newly expanded Lekki-Epe Expressway, from where you can see and almost touch the bright lights of Nigeria’s commercial and cultural nerve center, while giving an undisturbed seclusion and inner peace.

A bouquet of holiday thrills in South Africa this year

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ith South Africa only six hours flight away, it has become one of the top tourist destinations in Africa with its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, wildlife reserves, amazing wines and cuisines and ever welcoming people. It is no wonder the country is the perfect holiday destination.

If you are looking for a bit of inspiration for your South Africa itinerary, there are top activities that ensure unforgettable experiences during and long after your trip. Below are some of them: Spa session at the Champagne Sport Resorts No better way to kick-start your holiday than a deep tissue massage session at the Champagne Sports Resort with complimentary drinks on the house.

Horse-back riding around the Drakensberg Mountains You definitely do not want to miss taking in the scenic beauty of Drakensberg from horse’s back. The horse ride itself is a rather thrilling experience that you would never forget, and it is suitable for both children and adults.

Visit the Cathedral Peak Wine Estate Your holiday would not be

complete without some wine tasting at Cathedral Peak Wine Estate, Drakensberg, South Africa. This destination offers amazing wines made with a sense of place and is driven by the South African heritage coupled with mind blowing cuisines that send your taste buds on frenzy.

The mountain view of Central Drakenberg and game farm are nothing short of masterpieces.

The Cathedral Peak Wine Estate is the perfect spot for weddings with splendid views to make the big day even more magical.

Take a Long Walk to Freedom at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site Follow Nelson Mandela on his long walk to freedom at the Mandela Capture Site and see life through his eyes. The centerpiece of the Mandela Capture site is a sculpture unveiled in the August 2012. The sculpture comprises of 50 steel columns that were laser cut to form an image of Mandela when viewed at the correct angle.

Take on an adventure at Clarens Xtreme You could choose to either go Ziplining or Quad biking but no matter the choice, Clarens Xtereme has got you covered.

Clarens Xtereme is here to sat-

Visitors drinking local wine at Basotho Cultural Village

isfy the adventure seekers’ desire with a range of adrenaline pumping offers; from ziplining, white water rafting to quad biking. It also offers abseiling, paintball and rock climbing. It is fun all the way. The best part is it is totally affordable. Most activities are as little as a half/full day R250/350. Clarens Xtreme is the perfect haven for adventure seekers who are ready to tick off their adventure bucket-list.

Have the traditional wine at the Basotho Cultural Village One beautiful thing about South Africa is that it is ever welcoming people. As a symbol of hospitality, the people of Basotho Cultural Village offer their traditional beer to visitors and welcome them to the “khotla”, the gathering place of men. There are history lessons capturing the lifestyle of the people of South Sotho from the

16th century to the present, but you must not leave the village without playing the traditional game of maraba-raba.

Take a tour of Soweto Soweto is home to several historical landmarks in South Africa such as Nelson Mandela’s former home, transformed into the Mandela House Museum, Hector Pietersen Museum, the Orlando Stadium (home of the Kaizer Chiefs football club), among others. Soweto is truly a fascinating place unlike no other. It is rich in history, diverse in culture, amazing business opportunities, with warm and friendly people.

Visit the Mandela House Museum The Mandela House also known as the Nelson Mandela National Museum is the house where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962. The Mandela House houses history on the life of Mandela in the context of his works on promoting human rights, democracy, reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance among the people of South Africa.

Beyond these, there are many other exciting thrills that await you on a visit.

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BDSUNDAY 45

Travel

How to start saving early for your next trip on vacation Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

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t is January and this is the time to start saving early for your next vacation if you are a travel freak. Maybe you have a dream destination, but you can’t quite save up enough for travel costs. Or maybe you can get yourself there, but you’d have to live on bread and water for the entire trip. If your vacation expenses are just out of reach, a few adjustments can help you put aside more cash and reach your goal.

Figure out how much money you need Before you can even plan how to save for a vacation, you should calculate how much you plan on spending.

While you won’t be able to do an exact calculation, you will be able to estimate your average expenses by researching your destination.

This can give you a good idea of what you will need to save every month. Everyone travels differently, so no two numbers will be alike.

You’ll want to determine how cheaply or luxuriously you’ll want to travel in the

new year in order to figure out how this will fit into your monthly budget.

Start a monthly budget If you don’t currently have a monthly budget, it might be time to take a hard look at your spending. Evaluate how much you spend each month on necessities like rent and discretionary purchases like movie tickets. Then, set a reduced monthly spending budget and put the money you save in your vacation fund. Even after you take your trip, you might want to

stick to your budget and keep saving.

Open a bank account If y o u r t r a v e l f u n d is mixed with your general savings account, you should open a dedicated savings account just for travel. It will be easier to put aside money specifically for vacation, and you’ll be less likely to dip into the fund for other expenses.

Get a side hustle If you need to boost your vacation savings quickly, a temporary side hustle can

help get you there. If you own a car, you can drive for Uber or Taxify, or do some freelance work. Just make sure to funnel your extra earnings directly to your vacation savings.

Stay focused and inspired Keep feeding your desire to travel. Travel planning can be daunting and a lot of work and, if your friends and family aren’t that enthusiastic about it, it can be a little depressing because the support you’re looking for isn’t there.

Airbus delivers 800 airplanes in 2018, achieves new commercial aircraft supply

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ircraft maker, Airbus said it delivered 800 commercial aircraft to 93 customers in 2018, meeting its full year delivery guidance and setting a new company record. Deliveries were 11 percent higher than the previous record of 718 units, set in 2017. For the 16th year in a row now, Airbus has increased the number of commercial aircraft deliveries on an annual basis.

In total, the 2018 commercial aircraft deliveries comprise of 20 A220s (since it became part of the Airbus family in July 2018); 626 A320 Family (vs 558 in 2017), of which 386 were A320neo Family (vs 181 NEOs in 2017); 49 A330s (vs 67 in 2017) including the first three A330neo in 2018; 93 A350 XWBs (vs 78 in 2017) and 12 A380s (vs 15 in 2017).

In terms of sales, Airbus achieved 747 net orders during 2018 compared with 1,109 net orders in 2017. At the end of 2018, the backlog of Airbus commercial aircraft reached a new industry record and stood at 7,577 aircraft, including

480 A220s, compared with 7,265 at the end of 2017.

“Despite significant operational challenges, Airbus continued its production ramp-up and delivered a record number of aircraft in 2018. I salute our teams around the globe who worked until the end of the year to meet our commitments,” Guillaume Faury, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft said.

“I am equally pleased about the healthy order intake as it shows the underlying strength of the commercial aircraft market and the trust our customers are placing in us. My gratitude goes out to all of them for

their ongoing support.” He added: “As we look to further increase our industrial efficiency, we will continue making the digitalisation of our business a key priority.”

Over the last 16 years, Airbus has steadily increased its production year-by-year with the final assembly lines in Hamburg, Toulouse, Tianjin and Mobile complemented by the addition of the A220 line in Mirabel, Canada, during 2018. A notable contribution to Airbus’ delivery increase in 2018 came from the final assembly lines in the US and China.

For the top-selling A320 Family in particular, the Fi-

nal Assembly Line (FAL) in Mobile, Alabama, saw its 100th delivery, and is now producing in excess of four units per month.

Me a n w h i l e , Ai r b u s ’ “FAL Asia” in Tianjin, China, achieved its 400th A320 delivery, while in Germany Airbus commenced operations of its new, fourth production line in Hamburg.

Overall, the A320 programme is on track to achieve rate 60 per month for the A320 Family by mid2019. The Airbus teams successfully reached an important industrial milestone for the A350, achieving the targeted rate of 10 aircraft per month.

Emirates outlines 2019 schedule during runway closure

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mirates will ground up to 48 aircraft and reduce flights by 25 percent during a planned closure of one of Dubai International Airport’s two runways in April and May. The 45-day closure of DXB’s southern runway is due to extensive maintenance work required on the heavily used strip.

The airline said that the limitations of operating on a single runway will mean “many Emirates flights will be cancelled, re-timed or have the operating aircraft changed in order to reduce impact on customers.”

In addition to the service update caused by the runway work, the Dubai-based carrier announced schedule changes for the year ahead.

These include more flights to Africa and Europe, but a reduction in Sydney services.

Tim Clark, the airline’s president, said the airline is “agile in deploying our aircraft to destinations where it best serves customer demand.

“The changes we are implementing to our network schedules in 2019 are in line with this approach, taking into consideration global market dynamics and operational limitations including the maintenance work on

Dubai Airport’s Southern Runway.”

Flights between Dubai and Africa will see service increases, with Casablanca getting an extra daily flight, and Abuja, Accra, Conakry and Dakar additional weekly frequencies.

Multiple European cities will also be served by extra flights during the peak summer travel season. Athens gets an extra Boeing 777300ER flight daily, with an Airbus A380 operating the service during the Dubai runway closure.

Rome will have three daily flights for the summer, and Stockholm gets a second daily frequency for July and August. Zagreb will once again have a daily seasonal service to Dubai.

Glasgow’s twice daily 777-300ER service will be replaced by a single daily A380 flight during the Dubai runway maintenance, the first scheduled superjumbo service at the Scottish city.

Boston also gets the benefit of seasonal A380 service to cater for seasonal demand.

Sydney is not so lucky though, with one of its four daily Dubai flights stopping on first of June. The service routes through Bangkok and is less popular than the direct services.

Air Peace emerges airline of the year, pledges to sustain standards

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estAfrica’sleading carrier, Air Peace on Thursday pledged to sustain its high safety standards and continue to strive to bring Nigeria honour in the global aviation industry after emerging Airline of the Year at Independent Awards 2018 held in Lagos.

Organisers of the awards, Independent Newspapers Limited said the airline was chosen for impacting the aviation industry in many great ways.

In a letter to Allen Onyema, the chairman and chief executive officer of Air Peace, Ade Ogidan, the managing director/Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers Limited, publishers of Daily Independent, Saturday Independent and Sunday Independent, said: “The Selection Committee considered how you have redefined flight operations in Nigeria by bringing to bear a regime of safety and comfort for travellers at a phenomenal level.

“Your leadership in the Nigerian aviation industry is loud enough for all to see. For instance, in September 2018, Air Peace signed an agreement with Boeing for the acquisition of 10 new 737 MAX 8 aircraft, making history as

the first airline in West Africa to add such airliner to its fleet.

“Besides, your company also set a new record with the acquisition of Boeing 777 aircraft, making you the first and only Nigerian airline to procure and register the brand of airliner in the country. Its arrival, no doubt, has further expanded your service profile to several other countries.

“Since you commenced flight operations, we observed with satisfaction that your organisation has been able to focus on developing a customer-centric brand personality that speaks to safety, innovation, dynamism, comfort, fun, sincerity, affordability and quality service. These corporate traits have given you a unique identity in the Nigerian aviation industry.”

Meanwhile, Air Peace has dedicated its Airline of the Year 2018 award to its loyal customers, saying it was grateful for the support given it to excel in its flight operations. It pledged to sustain the high standards of its flight operations and bring Nigeria honour in the global aviation industry with its planned international flights to Dubai, Sharjah, London, Houston, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg.

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Sunday 20 January 2019

Health&Science

WHO lists HIV as one of the top ten threats to global health in 2019 ... Weak primary health care, Non-communicable diseases were also on the list ANTHONIA OBOKOH

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he World Health Organization (WHO) has listed, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - in terms of getting people tested and providing access to preventive measures- as one of its top 10 health threats facing the world in 2019.

Each year the WHO, publishes a list of the ten biggest threats to world health to set its agenda for the next 12 months. This is the first year that HIV has made the list.

However, the epidemic continues to rage with nearly a million people every year dying of HIV/AIDS. Since the beginning of the epidemic, more than 70 million people have acquired the infection, and about 35 million people have died. Today, around 37 million worldwide live with HIV. Human immunodeficiency virus has taken hold in a many Africa countries and around the world in recent times and particularly in the Nigeria as well.

Data from the WHO shows that Nigeria has the second largest burden in the world after South Africa with an estimate of 3.2 million people, with only 1 million on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS (UNAIDS); data shows that in 2016, Nigeria had the highest share (26.9%) of new mother-to-child HIV infections out of 23 priority countries. It estimated that 37,000 children younger than 15 were newly infected with the virus.

“Currently only 38 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria know their status, this shows that there is still a 52 percent gap. In 2017, available data indicate that a total of just over 9 million persons were counselled and tested with 239, 542 testing positive; 136, 987 female and 102, 555 male,” said Araoye Segilola, coordinator of the National AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health.

According to the WHO, Reaching people like sex workers, people in prison, men who have sex with men, or transgender people is hugely challenging.

Often these groups are excluded from health services. A group increasingly affected by HIV are young girls and women (aged 15–24), who are particularly at high risk and account for 1 in 4 HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa despite being only 10 percent of the population.

This year, WHO will work with countries to support the introduction of self-testing so that more people living with HIV know their status and can receive treatment (or preventive measures in the case of a negative test result).

However, in Nigeria also there are significant problems ranging from the weak primary health care and prevalence of deadly non-communicable diseases to the damaging effects of environmental pollution which also made the list.

Below are 10 lists for threats to global health that will be tackling in 2019 as World Health Organization’s new 5-year strategic plan – the 13th General Programme of Work to address

demic strains: 153 institutions in 114 countries are involved in global surveillance and response.

In the event that a new flu strain develops pandemic potential, WHO has set up a unique partnership with all the major players to ensure effective and equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines and antivirals (treatments), especially in developing countries.

these challenges from a variety of angles.

Air pollution and climate change Nine out of ten people breathe polluted air every day. In 2019, air pollution is considered by WHO as the greatest environmental risk to health. Microscopic pollutants in the air can penetrate respiratory and circulatory systems, damaging the lungs, heart and brain, killing 7 million people prematurely every year from diseases such as cancer, stroke, heart and lung disease.

Around 90% of these deaths are in low- and middle-income countries, with high volumes of emissions from industry, transport and agriculture, as well as dirty cook stoves and fuels in homes.

The primary cause of air pollution (burning fossil fuels) is also a major contributor to climate change, which impacts people’s health in different ways. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause 250 000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress.

Non-communicable diseases WHO reports that diabetes,

cancer and heart disease, are collectively responsible for over 70% of all deaths worldwide, or 41 million people. This includes 15 million people dying prematurely, aged between 30 and 69.

Over 85% of these premature deaths are in low- and middleincome countries. The rise of these diseases has been driven by five major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and air pollution.

Among many things, this year WHO will work with governments to help them meet the global target of reducing physical inactivity by 15% by 2030 – through such actions as implementing the ACTIVE policy toolkit to help get more people being active every day.

Global influenza pandemic The world will face another influenza pandemic – the only thing we don’t know is when it will hit and how severe it will be. Global defences are only as effective as the weakest link in any country’s health emergency preparedness and response system.

WHO is constantly monitoring the circulation of influenza viruses to detect potential pan-

Fragile and vulnerable settings Over 1.6 billion people (22% of the global population) have been estimated to live in countries with weak health services. This leaves these people without access to basic care.

Fragile settings exist in almost all regions of the world, and these are where half of the key targets in the sustainable development goals, including on child and maternal health, remains unmet. This year, WHO will increase its efforts to strengthen the health systems in these places.

Antimicrobial resistance Antimicrobial resistance – the ability of bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi to resist these medicines – threatens to send us back to a time when we were unable to easily treat infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, and salmonellosis.

The inability to prevent infections could seriously compromise surgery and procedures such as chemotherapy.

Drug resistance is driven by the overuse of antimicrobials in people, but also in animals, especially those used for food production, as well as in the environment.

WHO is working with these sectors to implement a global action plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance by increasing awareness

and knowledge, reducing infection,andencouragingprudentuse of antimicrobials.

Ebola and other high-threat pathogens In 2018, the Democratic Republic of the Congo saw two separate Ebola outbreaks, both of which spread to cities of more than 1 million people. One of the affected provinces is also in an active conflict zone.

This shows that the context in whichanepidemicofahigh-threat pathogen like Ebola erupts is critical – what happened in rural outbreaks in the past doesn’t always apply to densely populated urban areas or conflict-affected areas.

Weak primary health care Primary health care is usually the first point of contact people have with their health care system, and ideally should provide comprehensive, affordable, community-based care throughout life.

Health systems with strong primary health care are needed to achieve universal health coverage. Yet many countries do not have adequate primary health care facilities. This neglect may be a lack of resources in low- or middle-income countries, but possibly also a focus in the past few decades on single disease programmes. In 2019, WHO will work with partners to revitalize and strengthen primary health care in countries.

Theremainingthreethreatsto global health are: Vaccine hesitancy Dengue Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Study reveals how much fiber we should eat to prevent disease

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new meta-analysis examines 40 years’ worth of research in an attempt to find out the ideal amount of fiber that we should consume to prevent chronic disease and premature mortality.

Researchers and public health organizations have long hailed the benefits of eating fiber, but how much fiber should we consume, exactly?

This question has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to commission a new study. The results appear in the journal The Lancet.

The new research aimed to help develop new guidelines for dietary fiber consumption, as well as reveal which carbs protect the most against noncommunicable diseases and can stave off weight gain.

Noncommunicable diseases are also called chronic

diseases. They typically last for a long time and progress slowly. According to WHO, there are “four main types of noncommunicable diseases:” cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

Professor Jim Mann, of the University of Otago, in New Zealand, is the corresponding author of the study, and Andrew Reynolds, a postdoctoral research fellow at Otago’s Dunedin School of Medicine, is the first author of the paper.

Prof. Mann explains the motivation for the study, saying, “Previous reviews and meta-analyses have usually examined a single indicator of carbohydrate quality and a limited number of diseases, so it has not been possible to establish which foods to recommend for protecting against a range of conditions.”

To find out, the researchers performed a meta-analysis of observational studies and clinical trials.

Daily intake of 25–29 grams of fiber is ideal Reynolds and colleagues examined the data included in 185 observational studies — amounting to 135 million person-years — and 58 clinical trials which recruited over 4,600 people in total. The studies analyzed took place over almost 40 years.

The scientists investigated the incidence of certain chronic diseases, as well as the rate of premature deaths resulting from them.

These conditions were: coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, and a range of obesity-related cancers, such as breast cancer, endometrial

cancer, esophageal cancer, and prostate cancer.

Overall, the research found that people who consume the most fiber in their diet are 15–30 percent less likely to die prematurely from any cause or a cardiovascular condition, compared with those who eat the least fiber.

Consuming foods rich in fiber correlated with a 16–24 percent lower incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colon cancer.

Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and pulses, such as peas, beans, lentils, and chickpeas.

The analysis also revealed that the amount of fiber that people should consume daily to gain these health benefits is 25–29 grams (g). By comparison, adults in the United States consume 15 g of fiber daily, on

average.

The authors also suggest that consuming more than 29 g of fiber per day may yield even more health benefits.

However, they do caution that, while the study in itself did not find any adverse health effects of consuming fiber, eating too much of it may be damaging for people with insufficient iron or minerals.

Eating large amounts of whole grains can further deplete the body of iron, explain the researchers.

Finally, the clinical trials included in the study also revealed that consuming more fiber correlates strongly with lower weight and lower cholesterol levels.

Why fiber is so good for you Prof. Mann comments on the significance of the findings, saying, “The health benefits of fiber are supported by over 100 years

of research into its chemistry, physical properties, physiology, and effects on metabolism.”

“Fiber-rich whole foods that require chewing and retain much of their structure in the gut increase satiety and help weight control and can favourably influence lipid and glucose levels,” he adds.

“The breakdown of fiber in the large bowel by the resident bacteria has additional wide-ranging effects including protection from colorectal cancer.”

“Our findings provide convincing evidence for nutrition guidelines to focus on increasing dietary fiber and on replacing refined grains with whole grains.

This reduces incidence risk and mortality from a broad range of important diseases.”

• Culled from Medical News Today

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BDSUNDAY 47

Sports Our focus is to win the 2019 AFCON – Pinnick

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Stories By Anthony Nlebem

he President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick has reiterated that preparing the Super Eagles adequately to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the major focus of the Federation for this year, while also making it clear that Nigeria is interested in putting up excellent performances in every competition she is involved in.

Pinnick, who is also 1st Vice President of the Confederation of African Football and President of the AFCON Organizing Committee, said at the weekend that a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title is overdue for Nigeria, one of the biggest football –playing nations of the universe.

“There are so many competitions this year and we intend to, as usual, put our best foot forward in each and everyone of them. The target always is to emerge victorious. However, the very big one that we do not want to miss is the AFCON title. We have won it three times but we want it for a fourth time so that we can close the gap with the likes of Egypt and Cameroon.

“The NFF will work with the technical crew to achieve an excellent preparation of the Super Eagles for the tournament. Everything legitimate would be done to ensure the Super Eagles triumph in Egypt.

“The NFF will equally give the Super Falcons all the support to perform excellently at the World Cup.” Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations title seven times. Cameroon have emerged champions on five occasions while Ghana have four titles to her name.

The CAF Executive Committee on Tuesday last week voted for Egypt, hosts of the

NFF meets NIKE to strategize for new sponsorship deal

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1959, 1986 and 2006 editions of the competition, to host the first –ever 24 –nation finals scheduled for 15th June – 13th July this year.

The Super Eagles, like they did in the qualifying race for last year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Russia, have earned a ticket to the finals with a match to spare, following a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Johannesburg on 17th November 2018. They take on Seychelles in a purely ceremonial session in Asaba on 22nd March to conclude the campaign.

“The match against Seychelles will serve as the beginning of our preparations for the AFCON, to be followed four days later by a friendly against the Egyptian National Team at the same venue.

“The team would likely play two matches during its final training camp before the

AFCON finals.”

The Draw Ceremony for the four –week, 24 –nation championship is expected to be done at the end of March.

Nigeria won her first AFCON title on home soil in 1980, when Olusegun Odegbami scored two of the goals in a 3-0 whiplash of Algeria in the Final at the National Stadium, Lagos on 22nd March 1980.

The second title came in Tunisia in 1994. Emmanuel Amuneke scored both goals in a 2-1 comeback defeat of Zambia at the Stade El Menzah in Tunis on 10th April 1994.

In 2013, Sunday Mba got the only goal of the final against Burkina Faso at Soccercity, Johannesburg on 10th February 2013 to give the Super Eagles their third African title.

Apart from the AFCON,

Nigerian teams would this year be involved in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations (from where the Flying Eagles expect to qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup), Africa U17 Cup of Nations (from where the Golden Eaglets expect to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup), FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, qualifying series for the Africa U23 Cup of Nations, qualifying series for the All-Africa Games football tournaments, qualifying series for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics football tournaments, qualifying matches for the 2020 African Nations Championship, qualifying matches for the 2020 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, qualifying matches for the 2020 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup and the preliminary round for the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals.

he Nigeria Football Federation and its official kit sponsors, NIKE met in Abuja to review activities for year 2018 and plan for 2019.

Top on the agenda was the activation of the new, robust contract signed by the two parties in Asaba, Delta State in November 2018, especially in the distribution of NIKE merchandise to ensure the products are available to consumers through several platforms across the country.

Op e n i n g o f m o r e NIKE outlets in Nigeria to deepen the market, preparation of new designs scheduled to be launched in the summer of next year and the exploration of severally mutually beneficial strategies to take advantage of the enhanced contract were also discussed.

“We had a very good meeting and we hope to learn from the suc-

Shehu Dikko, NFF 2nd Vice President (2nd right), with Tina Salminen, NIKE Director, Sports Marketing, African Football (2nd left), Alizor Chuks, Head of Marketing, NFF (right) and Indrek Heinmets (left), Commercial Director, Sports Division of Hudson Holdings, NIKE’s official distributors during a meeting.

GTBank Masters Cup Season 8 kicks off in Lagos O ne of the most exciting secondary school football tournaments in Nigeria, the GTBank Masters Cup, is set to return for its 8th season, following its opening draws, which was held on Thursday, January 17, 2019, in Victoria Island, Lagos. The tournament will feature over 30 schools and more than 40 teams who will compete for trophies in the male and female categories.

Established in 2012, the GTBank Masters Cup is organized by foremost African financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank, as a way of extending the benefits of the Bank’s football programs to students outside

the public school system.

Since its inception, the tournament has grown into one of the major platforms for discovering and developing exceptional football talents and many of its alumni are now on trials and scholarships with football clubs and academies in Nigeria and abroad. The 7th season of the tournament, held in 2018, saw Igbobi College, Yaba and Queens College, Yaba, emerge champions in the male and female categories, respectively. This year, the route to the title in both categories promises to be even tougher with the tournamentwelcomingeight(8) new schools.

Commentingonthetour-

nament, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Segun Agbaje, said; “We

are delighted to organize this tournament for the eighth edition, not only because of the platform it provides for the emergence of amaz-

cesses of last season to build new strategies to deepen the relationship going forward, for the benefit of the NFF, NIKE, football fans and other stakeholders.

“The NFF is very happy with the relationship with NIKE and we are willing to help in every area that they want to activate the contract,” NFF 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko told thenff.com.

Also at the meeting were NIKE’s Tina Salminen (Director, Sports Marketing, African Football) and Indrek Heinmets (Commercial Director, Sports Division of Hudson Holdings, NIKE’s official distributors), as well as Alizor Chuks, NFF’s Head of Marketing.

Mr. Sean Harris (GM, NIKE) and Wouter van Olm (NIKE’s Strategic Account Manager, Africa) were part of the meeting from NIKE’s Netherland’s headquarters via video call.

ing football talents, but also because we see firsthand its impact in helping young people build a healthier lifestyle at this critical stage in their lives.”

Hefurtherstated that “At GTBank, we will continue to create and invest in initiatives that bring the values of sports to school compounds to ensure that young people that are passionate about sports have the opportunity to hone their talents and build character whilst still very focused on their academics.”

Guaranty Trust Bank plc maintains a defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focused on championing causes and fostering initiativesthattransformlives and uplift communities. The Bank is a leading advocate of Sports Education as a major way of promoting the values of excellence and fair play whilst laying a solid foundation for the emergence of sporting talents. Alongside theGTBankMastersCup,the Bank organizes and sponsors several other football programs, such as the GTBank Principals Cup tournaments in Lagos and Ogun States, the GTBank Super Cup and the Players Development Programme.

BDSUNDAY

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I

Sunday 20 January 2019

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Why my mission to the US matters

I

t has become pertinent for me to speak about my visit to the United States of America, where I met and with US administration officials and business leaders.

I travelled to the United States of America because I had a mission and my mission is to create the right economic atmosphere for American investments to return to Nigeria at a rate and quantum that we had before the current Nigerian administration’s policies almost halted the flow of Foreign Direct Investments to Nigeria.

I was in America because Atiku means jobs.

My reason for running for the office of President of Nigeria and even for going into public service in the first place, is because I believe that Nigeria has what it takes to be the beacon of hope for the Black Race and a leading nation of reckoning in the international community.

This has not materialised over the course of the last four years because, as Chinua Achebe prophetically said in his 1983 book, “the trouble with Nigeria is the failure of leadership.”

The current Nigerian administration has allowed

our relationship with our long-standing friends and partners to deteriorate and this has had unfortunate consequences for our economy.

Foreign relations that had been meticulously and delicately built for decades were allowed to deteriorate because the incumbent administration mistook their personal interests as the interest of Nigeria and allowed short term goals to dominate their foreign policies.

New friendships should not be made at the cost of old friendships. It is not an either-or situation. Right from independence, Nigeria has nurtured a policy of nonalignment. We borrowed from the Lincoln policy of malice toward none and charity for all. Sadly, that policy has suffered major setbacks in the last four years.

As a leader in business, I am cognisance of the fact that both Western and Oriental nations will be making the transition from fossil fuels to electric-powered vehicles and other green energies over the course of the next two decades. This means that Nigeria’s oil has a limited shelf life.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed and we must, as

a nation, begin to make the transition from an oil economy to a modern economy based on manufacturing and value-added agricultural chain.

The message I took to the United States business community is not a new message.

In my opinion editorial in the British media (Beyond Brexit - Nigeria wants a new trade deal with Britain), I opined that Brexit is an opportunity for Nigeria and the United Kingdom to have a Big Ambitious Free Trade Agreement.

It is only common sense.

In 2014, the African continent as a whole earned $2.4 billion from coffee grown in Africa and shipped mainly to Europe. That sounds impressive. However, one nation alone, Germany, made $3.8 billion from re-exporting Africa’s coffee in 2014.

As a businessman, I see this and I cannot allow it to continue. It is unconscionable, but situations like these will not stop unless Nigeria and Africa have leadership that thinks business instead of aid and capital instead of loans.

Ni g e r i a h a s p e r h a p s the highest populations of youths as a segment of the total population, in the

world. Already, we have the unfortunate distinction of being the world headquarters for extreme poverty.

We cannot afford business as usual. My single-minded focus is to change this dubious record by transforming Nigeria from a consumer nation to a prosumer nation (a nation that consumes what it produces).

For this to happen, we need US firms who have divested from Nigeria, to return. We need Procter and Gamble to reopen their $300 million Nigerian plant which they shut down last year.

We need General Electric to reverse their $2.7 billion pull out of Nigeria.

And my vision is for trade to go both ways. Nigeria has a lot to offer America via her creative industry (Nollywood is the world’s third largest movie industry) and rich mining sectors (Nigeria’s Kaduna state is rich with gold ore). I am also eager to find a market in the US for some of the half a million shoes manufactured in Nigeria’s cities of Kano and Aba every day.

Someone somewhere said Nigeria’s youth are lazy.

I am one of the single largest employers of Nigeria’s youths and I know that that

Taking Nigeria out of the woods, a must this year!

T

Abubakar is Presidential candidate of People’s Democratic Party and former Vice President of Nigeria

assertion is false. My travels in Europe and America is to sell the Nigeria that I know to the world that does not yet know her. A Nigeria with not just a hardworking youthful population, but a nation with some of the smartest working people on earth. A nation that is open for business and a Nigeria that is much more than oil.

And I am certain that if I am successful in selling this Nigeria to the world, the world will come to Nigeria for business. That is why I was in America. Because I believe in JOBS - Jobs, Opportunity, Being United and Security and it is time Nigeria and all Nigerians finally have the opportunity to realise their true potential.

Quick Takes

Off the Cuff

here is no gainsaying that the present administration needs to do more in its quest to bring about the required transformation in the nation’s economy through ingenuity. As usual of me as a long standing Legislative Correspondent spanning over 10 years in the National Assembly, I observed through the Votes and Proceedings of the House on Thursday, December 20, 2018, that President Muhammadu Buhari declined assents to some of the critical economic bills that could have brought about revolutionary changes to the ways we do business in the country.

These bills are not political in nature, but couldn’t have had any under-current to derail the policies and programmes of the current administration! President Buhari’s expressions were contained in

Atiku Abubakar

the letters sent to Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Senate President Bukola Saraki,. According to one of the letters, Mr. President withheld assent to the National Transport Commission Bill, “due to the fact that some technical Sections of the Bill fall into the scope of work of NIMASA, hence should be expunged.”

In the same vein, Mr. President declined assent to the Federal Roads Authority (FRA) Establishment Bill “due to the fact that if the Establishment Bill is assented to in its entirety, it will render the supervisory Ministry (Federal Ministry of Transportation) redundant in its activities of managing Nigerian roads.” Of course, the question that came to mind after reading through this particular issue was, “of what importance is the supervisory ministry which has not added value to the sector over the years?”

I also wish to also acknowledge the commitment of the efforts made by the House and Senate in passing the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2018 through relevant legislative processes.

According to a member of the National Assembly management, it was the most comprehensive bill passed so far by this Assembly.

For the controversial Electoral Act amendment bill, 2018, I’m pretty sure that many well-meaning Nigerians are also shocked at the turn of events! I feel very strongly that this is the era we need to do things differently and maturely, too. Enough of this show of power that has ruined the country.

Kehinde Akintola, Abuja

20,000MW

This is the total megawatts being targeted by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) by the year 2021.

Passionate appeal

“Let there be no violence, vote-buying and voteselling. INEC staff, security personnel and politicians should conduct themselves in the best possible manner since the election is a serious affair in the progress and survival of the nation.”

-Luqman AbdurRaheem, president, The Muslim Congress (TMC), on the need for peaceful 2019 general election.

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