Businessday 20 may 2018

BDSUNDAY BUSINESS DAY

2019: Followership of the illiterate and Buhari’s likely return

Equity investors lose N199bn market returns near 2017 levels

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Sunday 20 May 2018 Market & Commodities Monitor Brent Oil

5yr Bond

$79.03

0.16 13.54%

Gold

10yr Bond

$ 1,291.40

0.11 13.46%

Cocoa

$ 2,671.00

20yr Bond

-0.05 13.37%

inside Why civil society groups now fight hard to quicken PIB passage

Vol 1, No. 218 N300

2019: What hope for ADC, SDP? S CHUKS OLUIGBO & INNOCENT ODOH, Abuja

ince former President Olusegun Obasanjo mooted the idea of a possible third force that would upstage the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the major opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election, many Nigerians have been on the lookout for the emergence of such a strong force.

In an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari in January this year, Obasanjo had hinted at the

The lingering question, however, is how far the ADC or any other coalition can go in dislodging the two dominant political parties

formation of a movement, a ‘Third Force’, in the political circle “that will drive Nigeria up and forward” and lead Nigerians out of the present excruciating situation.

The formation of the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) shortly after, and the Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM), co-led by Olisa Agbakoba and Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, had raised hopes as well as questions regarding which one was the third force.

But the hopes were further heightened following the reorganisation and repositioning of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), especially with the defection, in

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It will be a taboo for APC to rule Imo again in 2019 Anyanwu

A combined picture of the new airport train station and tracks being constructed at the new terminal building of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to link the airport to the Abuja City Gate. There was a test-run of the facilities recently.

Investigation: How filling stations short-change consumers p. 24-25

Michel Puchercos captures Africa through his lens p. 38

Many filling stations in Nigeria are still short-changing consumers through various fraudulent practices despite Department of Petroleum Resources’ reported efforts at curbing them.

CHINWE AGBEZE

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n view of the endless complaints by motorists and other consumers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise called fuel, about the sharp practices perpetrated by most filling stations in Nige-

ria, I visited 12 filling stations to ascertain the veracity of some of these complaints.

I randomly chose six filling stations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and six in Lagos State. In each of the filling stations I visited, I bought fuel like every other Nigerian, but I kept my eyes wide open unlike many.

To achieve a high level of accuracy, my investigation in each state was conducted on the same day using a newly-purchased plastic can. All the filling stations I visited, both in Lagos and in Rivers State, dispensed fuel at the official pump price of N145 per litre,

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Why Edo Assembly suspended lawmaker IDRIS UMAR MOMOH, Benin

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o d w i n Ad enomo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Ovia South-West constituency in the State House of Assembly, was last week suspended for three months by the House.

BDSUNDAY gathered that Adenomo’s suspension was as a result of a petition he wrote over an alleged unpaid allowances amounting to over N220 million.

The suspension was taken at a plenary session following an ad hoc committee report constituted by the house to investigate the embattled lawmaker’s petition through his lawyer, Kingsley Obamogie over the assembly’s refusal to pay his entitlements and recover monies unduly paid to Sunday Aghedo, an occupant of the position that was sacked

by the Supreme Court judgment.

While presenting the ad-hoc committee’s report, Victor Asein, chairman of the Adhoc committee, APC, representing Owan West, said the lawmaker deliberately avoided the committee’s invitation.

Asein, who said the lawmaker did not explore the proper channel in line with the house rules, added that his action was political and a deliberate attempt to malign and bring the house to disrepute.

He opined that his claims in the petition were frivolous, inaccurate and unfounded.

“The salaries and emoluments of members are determined by the Revenue Allocation, Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RAMFAC),” h said.

In its report, the committee recommended that the lawmaker be suspended for three months in the first instance, pending when he presents himself before the committee.

The house, in adopting the committee’s recom-

Ayade brings innovation in health care delivery to Cross River MIKE ABANG, Calabar

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new innovation in health care delivery system in promoting quality health care which exists only in the United States of America (USA) and Canada is now in Cross River State and is moving fast in local communities, including the state capital.

The first ever home health care services called Ayade Home Health Care; a programme launched few months ago by the state first lady, Linda Ayade. This programme has been providing quality medical services to both the poor and the rich by a team of medical specialists The lead medical specialist, Ayade Home Care, Genevieve Barnaby Ephraim, who spoke with our correspondent in Calabar on the activities of the Home Care, said: “I am the lead medical specialist that goes from door to door providing free medical services to those who are not comfortable at their homes and those who cannot make it to hospital.

“We have been providing free medical services free of charge to a lot of Cross riverians for the past few months. Children and adults are given free medical services as well as medication.

This programme existed only in the United States of America (USA) and Canada.

We also provide ambulance services.

Ge n e v i e v e Ba r n a by Ephraim further said that the programme will slow the growth of Health Care cost for families, business and the government.”

She added that the programme would save lives due to early intervention and at the same time reduce infection rates as well as encouraging and continuing care between the home and hospital.

The Lead Medical Specialist also said that the inspiration of the programme was drawn from her livelihood in the State. “Healthcare is decisive of our future prosperity, it concerns more than material things, it is above all moral issues but concerns fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our state,” she further said.

mendation directed the suspended member to submit all government property in his possession to the deputy clerk administration of the assembly.

It also directed that clean copies of the resolution be sent to the governor, state commissioner of police and the state director of DSS. Recall, that Godwin Adenomo was sworn into office as member representing (APC Ovia South West) constituency on the floor of the Edo House of Assembly following the Supreme Court’s judgment of December 10, 2017, sacking Sunday Aghedo.

L-R: Adeniyi Balogun, JCI Nigeria president; Tetsunosuke Takeda, JCI Osaka President; Marc Brian Lim, JCI President, and Olumide Coker, JCI Eko president, after possible partnership meeting between JCI Osaka and JCI Eko at the just concluded Africa and Middle East Conference in Contonu.

Group lauds Buhari on zero tuition in varsities

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he recent directive

by President Muhammadu Buhari that federal universities should stop collecting tuitions from their students is a re-affirmation of his administration’s propeople disposition.

Th e B u h a r i M e d i a Organisation (BMO) says it is also an acknowledgement of the Buhari administration’s determination to truly lift the Nigerian poor from their disadvantaged access to qualitative and affordable education.

In a statement jointly signed by the group’s

coordinator and secretary, Austin Braimoh and Cassidy Madueke, respectively, BMO says: “Nobody is in doubt of the significant and catalysing role education, especially of the tertiary sort, plays in uplifting people congregated in family units, to higher economic and mental grounds. On this note, we heartily commend the Buhari government for saving qualified children of the poor and vulnerable who, had, until now, been denied equitable access to tertiary education directly because of the fees charged

by Federal Universities.

“We understand that the policy of zero tuition is not new; indeed, it has been in place over the years. However, the policy had severally been twisted, manipulated at will and generally abandoned by affected Federal Universities so much so that they have engaged in a competition of which among them can charge and get away with the highest tuition.”

The group however, cautions that the reassertion by the Federal Government on zero tuition calls for vigilance and monitoring for the good of the Nigerian

people.

“We call on students’ body as represented by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the entire labour movement to rise to this call to monitor and challenge any appearance of tuition charges by any federal university,” the group said.

It also says that it believes that this is one more reason Nigerians across divides should rally round Buhari’s administration to continue to deliverconsequentialpolicies that are truly beneficial to the mass of Nigerian people.

L-R: Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State; Atiku Abubakar, former vice President and presidential aspirant; Udom Emmanue, governor of Akwa Ibom State, l and Sen. Godswill Akpabio, at a courtesy visit of Atiku to the Akwa Ibom Governor at Government House, Uyo, Wednesday.

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News World Culture Day: Oyo residents to wear traditional attires on Monday Akinremi Feyisipo, Ibadan

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n commemoration of the 2018 World Culture Day, Oyo State Government has asked residents, especially students in private and public schools, as well as workers in the state to turn out in their traditional attire on Monday, May 21, 2018.

May 21 every year is set aside by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to celebrate and promote culture in diversity and also a platform with an opportunity to understand diverse culture and values.

The government said that the occasion would be used to launch a quarterly cultural magazine tagged “Dundun” produced by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to promote and document cultural values, historical sites among others in the state.

According to Toye Arulogun, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dundun will serve as reference document for this generation and generations yet unborn, stressing that there will be cultural activities by Yoruba, Efik, Igbo, Hausa, Ebira and all ethnic groups that reside in Ibadan from their local government areas on that day.

The commissioner noted that the theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Enhancing our Understanding and Acceptance of Different Cultures’ and urged school authorities, civil/public servants, private business owners, corporate organisations and other culture related organisations to wear indigenous attires throughout the day and make the day an indigenous language day.

Arulogun stated that it is the collective responsibility of all and sundry to promote cultural norms, heritage and values in order to change the paradigm of culture being seen as inferior.

Arulogun further said that there would be parade and performances by each ethnic group, arts and crafts exhibition and school cultural performances. Other activities include; food court exhibition of traditional cuisines such as ‘egbo ati ewa, mosa, moinmoin, ojoo, abari’, among others. He said that all the activities lined up to celebrate the World Culture Day would hold at the Cultural Centre, Mokola Hill, Ibadan. Culture stakeholders expected at the event include; hunters association, tie and dye fabric sellers, arts and crafts groups, traditional foods cuisines sellers, Aso Ofi weavers, marketers association, among others.

Crack emerges in Rivers Assembly as lawmaker demands resignation of speaker …Over N600m from governor Ignatius Chukwu

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crack has appeared in the highly united Rivers State House of Assembly where a member has asked for the resignation of the speaker over N600million he said the governor gave to the House to do renovations.

The member representing Ahoada East constituency One, Martins Mannah, has therefore, called for the resignation of the speaker Ikuinyi Uwaji Ibani, for allegedly mismanaging the affairs of the House and failing to cater for the welfare of staff of the assembly. His major grouse is that despite the N600million, the House of Assembly complex and the staff quarters have not received a brush.

The lawmaker, while briefing journalists in his office after plenary on May 14, 2018, lamented what he termed the absence of adequate training and workshops for lawmakers. He said this has affected their performance.

“Over 80 percent of the members of this Assembly are new and as a legislature we are expected to go for seminars, workshops, and conventions to improve our capacity. Unfortunately, since we resumed, this is our third year, we have only travelled once for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) meet-

ing. We have only gone for only one seminar, whereas other states that produce only onions and water melon are able to sponsor their lawmakers to all seminars, workshops, and CPA meetings, even to foreign countries,” he said.

Mannah went on: “The speaker has failed to deliver these trainings to members.

Now, as new members, how do we contribute on the floor of the House when we have not been adequately trained? Some members do not even know how to move motions.”

The lawmaker also complained that for 17 months staff members at the assembly have not been paid.

He also lamented over the level of decay at both the Assembly complex and staff residential quarters “For 17 months, staff have not been paid; our staff have literally turned to beggars.

This edifice was built by former governor Peter Odili, yet cannot be maintained by this speaker. Even when the present governor, Nyesom Wike, gave N600million to the speaker to renovate both the quarters and the complex, the speaker never did it. Look at how the complex is in a mess, everywhere smells; then someone would ask us not to talk,” the aggrieved lawmaker said.

“So today, I felt that while we are talking about the protection of Rivers people against the Federal Government, there is also need for

us to remove the wood in our own eyes before removing the spec in other people’s eyes,” he admonished.

According to him, “If this is what we have to offer, I want to dissociate myself from this kind of Assembly.

This is not a proper Assembly. We have three arms of government; the executive is functioning very well, the judiciary is functioning very well, but look at the Rivers State House of Assembly, is this actually an assembly?

Most people don’t even know their left from their right. We have kept quiet for too long and now the tenure is ending, nothing has been achieved. The only thing we know how to do is when the governor sends bills, we deliberate on the governor’s request and that is all. It is bothering me.”

He noted thus: “If the speaker knows that he is not competent to lead this House, because we cannot come here and fail because of one man’s lackadaisical attitude, if he knows that he cannot pilot this House, he should honourably resign and let another man takeover.”

Marriages conducted, registered NPA MD urges corporate organisations to prioritise fitness health for better workforce in Lagos are legal, says Folami MIKE ABANG, Calabar

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he Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Usman has called on Corporate Organisations in Nigeria to promote fitness health as a means of enhancing healthy and productive workforce.

Usman made the call at the end of the 2018 Nigerian Ports Authority Sports Association (NIPOSA) games, tagged `Calabar 2018’, held in Calabar.

Usman, who was represented by the Calabar Port Manager, Olufumilayo Olotu said that it was only a healthy, motivated and efficient workforce that could contribute meaningfully to the growth of the nation’s economy.

“I impress on all employers of labour in the nation’s maritime sector, in both the private and public sectors, to make fitness for health, through sports for their employers a priority.

“This, to my mind, is the surest way to have a healthy and productive workforce,

which can contribute to the nation’s economy. Only a healthy, motivated and efficient workforce can enable the nation realise its enormous maritime potentials,” she said.

The managing director described the success of the games after 17 years as a big achievement in her administration of the authority, adding that NIPOSA would continue to remain one of the cardinal points of the management of the authority.

Usman

“You will all agree with me that the outcome of the Calabar 2018 has indisputably shown that the NIPOSA has remained an effective avenue for sports development, well being and socialisation among the workforce of the authority, “I wish to assure you that management will, within the limits of our budgetary provisions, ensure that the hosting of the NIPOSA games becomes a regular annual feature in our corporate calendar of events,” she said.

Josephine Okojie

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he Lagos State government has reassured Nigerians that all marriages conducted and registered in any of the state’s 20 Local Council Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas remain valid and in accordance with the Marriage Act of Lagos.

Muslim Folami, commissioner for Local Government & Community Affairs, who disclosed this at a briefing on the judgment obtained by the councils at the Federal High Court, Lagos, over Ikoyi Marriage Registry, said the ruling would undoubtedly put a stop to the wrong perception of superiority of Ikoyi Registry over the local council registries.

Before now, some local councils across the federation had filed a law suit challenging the power of the Ministry of Interior to operate marriage registries.

The local councils across the country prayed the court to declare that the conduct and registration of marriages is the exclusive right of the

councils and also restrain the Ministry of Interior from further establishing any federal marriage registry in any part of the councils across Nigeria.

“In order to intimate the various embassies resident in Lagos State, the general public and the country at large that all marriages conducted and registered in any of the 57 local councils and LCDAs are valid and in accordance with the Marriage Act,” Folami said.

“You will recall that as regards registration of marriages, it is within the exclusive authority of the Registrar within the Marriage District (Local Government) in accordance with the provisions of Section 30 (1) of the Marriage Act and Section 7 (5) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he further said.

While describing the ruling as a landmark achievement, meant to change initial perception of Nigerians, he stated that since the local councils are the closest to the grassroots, they should be the first port of call for contracting and verification of marriages.

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AMCON takes over Stella Oduah’s assets Analyst tasks Nigerians on skills to grow economy

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ustice M.S. Hassan of the Federal High Court Lagos Division has granted an injunction against Sea Petroleum Oil & Gas Limited, whose chief promoter is former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi on the application of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Oduah-Ogiemwonyi, a serving member of the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been having a running battle with AMCON over her inability to settle her huge debt of nearly N20billion. AMCON purchased the Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs) of Sea Petroleum & Gas Limited from Union Bank Plc sometime in 2012. But despite the overtures and genuine efforts made by AMCON to reach an amicable settlement, the Senator and her copromoters have remained recalcitrant.

Having exhausted all avenues of peaceful resolution of the humongous debt, AMCON had no other choice than to refer the matter to court. The order also affects Princess Stella Oduah’s other business interests for which AMCON has since appointed Moyosore Jubril Onigbanjo, SAN as Receiver over the assets of Princess Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi; Sea Petroleum Oil & Gas

Oduah

Limited; Sea Petroleum and Gas FZE as well as Star Tourism and Hotels Limited.

The court also ordered the freezing of the funds of Sea Petroleum & Gas Limited and its affiliated companies and principal promoters held anywhere by any entity or persons in Nigeria; authorised AMCON and its Receiver, Moyosore Jubril Onigbanjo, SAN to take over all assets pledged as collateral for the facility by Sea Petroleum Oil & Gas Limited.

Justice Hassan specifically ordered Sea Petroleum Oil & Gas Limited and its affiliated companies to hand

over the company’s business, which sits on over 9000 square kilometres of land in the fastest developing area of Lagos State along the Lekki-Epe Express Way; two Tank Farms of 500 metric tonnes capacity; a property at Maiyegun Tourism Zone, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 11, Lagos Island and a filling station complex at kilometre 14, Lekki Epe Expressway, Ikota, Lagos State.

The court order also listed a host of other assets across the country including Plot 2, block 12C, Babafemi Osapa Crescent Lekki, Lagos State; Block 5, house 4A Mobolaji Johnson Estate, Lekki, Lagos State; Office/filling station at Jakande, Lekki, Lagos State; Office complex 1,2 and 3 km 14, Lekki-epe Expressway , Ikota, Lagos State; Filing station Complex at km 14, Lekki Epe Expressway, Ikota Lagos State; Staff residential Quarters, Ikota Lagos State; E25-E36, Gat Oboh Drive, Millennium Estate, Oniru, Lagos State and F3-F5, SPG Road, Millennium Estate, Oniru, Lagos State. The rest include, SPG Agungi 2 Lekki Lagos State; Office/Filling station complex at Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, FCT, Abuja; Gas plant at Karu, FCT, Abuja; Filing station Complex, Lugbe, FCT Abuja and Agriculture Farm at Kuje, FCT Abuja.

SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

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igerianshavebeen charged to be committed to the industrialisation of the country by revamping various skills and trades that would grow the economy.

Nasiru AbdulKadri, a public affairs analyst, gave the charge at the offer of scholarship to some selected final year students of Kwara State and cash support for small scale business women in the state, organised by Saliu Mustapha Foundation.

AbdulKadri stressed the need for Nigerians to resuscitate local industries and reduce consumption of foreign goods in order to support local production and patronage.

The analyst, who was a guest speaker at the event, noted that women who engage in petty trading contribute to growth of the economy. He lauded Saliu Mustapha, the founder of the foundation, for touching the lives of the downtrodden, especially women and youths.

Ab d u l Ka d r i c h a r g e d youths to make use of the ‘Not too young to run’ bill to be creative, innovative and desire to be part of the captains of the economy and political pilots, and also warned them to desist from

drug abuse.

In his speech, Bukola Saraki, the senate president, who was represented by Musa Abdullahi, director, ABS Mandate Constituency Office, appreciated the founder of the foundation for the good gesture. Saraki reiterated his call on all political office holders and politicians in the state to empower and strengthen their empowerment programmes across all the wards in the state so as to ensure that people at the grassroots feel their impacts.

In his remarks, Saliu Mustapha, explained that when he was in school, majority of his school mates were unable to pay their school fees due to their poor background as majority of their mothers engaged in petty trading.

This, according to Mustapha, propelled him to engage in scholarship programme for students in school to as-

sist them and provide cash donations to poor mothers to jumpstart businesses of their choices or strengthen their existing businesses for them to cater for their children.

Yusuf Abdulraheem, chairman of the occasion and provost, College of Education, Ilorin, said Nigerian youths are not bad but the road to goodness is bad, hence the need to appreciate Saliu Mustapha for investing in human capital development through the empowerment.

The coordinator of the foundation, Lanre Suleiman, said the empowerment programme started four years ago where over one thousand JAMB forms was bought for students of the state, payment of school fees of indigent students in tertiary institutions, while about N15 million was also committed to the empowerment programme last year.

AFRIMA 2018: African Union, Ghana partner for Calendar Unveiling Professor Johnbull enlightens

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he 2018 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) annual calendar of programmes will be unveiled on Monday, May 21, 2018 by the African Union Commission (AUC) in collaboration with Government of the Republic of Ghana, and the International Committee of AFRIMA during a world media event and music conference scheduled for Accra, the capital city of Ghana.

Part of the agenda for the Calendar Unveiling of the fifth annual edition of AFRIMA is a Courtesy Visit to His Excellency, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who is set to receive African delegates and music stars attending the event from around Africa including the Head of Culture, African Union, Angela Martins; President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mike Dada; Director, Brand Communications, AFRIMA, Matlou Tsotetsi; AFRIMA Regional Director, Western Africa,DonObilor;GhanaianUK AFRIMA Juror, (representing UK-Diaspora) and BBC-1 show host, Rita Ray and the AFRIMA Country Director, Ghana, Francis Doku.

Also participating at the event are past AFRIMA

nominees and winners, music professionals and executives, creative/culture industry policy makers, members of the media industry and other award-winning recording artistes living in Ghana and in other African countries.

Commenting on the event in line with government’s objective to develop sustainable tourism pivoted on Ghanaian arts and culture, Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku, said: “Arts and culture, as a sector, remains one of Africa’s greatest strengths. As well as being a source of values, identity and a sense of belonging, the creative

industries have become a driver of economic growth and job creation. In agreeing to host the AFRIMA 2018 Calendar Unveiling, the Government of Ghana is motivated by the need to harness the potential of the creative sector of Ghana to promote national and regional tourism. We congratulate the African Union for lending its weight behind this laudable effort”.

Hon. Afeku added, “The Government of Ghana recognises the potential of the Creative Industries to shape and reinforce the country’s economic growth. Studies show that by the end of the first decade of this millennium, cultural activities con-

Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku

The Commissioner for Social Affairs, African Union, H.E. Amira ElFadil

tributed to 1.53percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of our country. Zeroing in on music industry, it is reported with some justifiable pride that that sector alone adds approximately GH¢100 million to GDP”.

Speaking on the collaborative work by the African Union and the International Committee of AFRIMA to create inventive solutions to achieving the AU Charter for African Cultural Renaissance and the Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries, the Acting Director for Social Affairs, African Union Commission, Mariama Cisse revealed that partnerships with member AU states such as Ghana further galvanise the achievement of the AU policy on Africa transformation through social integration.

In her statement, the Acting Director for Social Affairs, African Union, said: “The hosting by the Republic of Ghana of this unveiling event is very important given that previous events were hosted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria and it is crucial that the initiative rotates in the AU Member States to ensure broader popularisation and enhance its Pan-African nature.

on antics of fake NGOs

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he criminal practice of setting up fake Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to collect money from unsuspecting individuals and organisations at home and abroad is the thrust of this week’s episode on the TV drama series, Professor Johnbull, sponsored by the integrated telecommunications company, Globacom.

The new episode fittingly tagged N.G.O. will be aired on Sunday on DSTV Africa Magic Family and GOTV Channel 2 at 6.00 p.m., with repeat broadcasts on Thursday at 9.30 p.m. on the cable TV channels and on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.

Anambra Broadcasting Service shows the programme at 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.

In a statement issued in Lagos, the Executive Producers of the series, Globacom declared that the episode “is an exposition of the fraud which goes on in society as some dishonest members of the public, taking advantage of the humanitarian successes recorded by some genuine NGOs, establish fake ones

with the sole aim of ripping people off”.

While encouraging viewers of the sitcom to keep a date with the new episode, Globacom assures that “the delivery by the cast and crew of the series gives the episode a new touch of reality as viewers will find N.G.O. full of suspense”.

Kanayo O. Kanayo who plays the lead character, Professor Johnbull, is joined by Olaniyi (Yomi Fash-Lanso), Mai Doya (Funky Mallam), Ufoma, (Bimbo Akintola), Nje (Angela Okorie), Jeroboam (Osita Iheme), Flash (Stephen Odimgbe), Abadnego (Martins Nebo) and Samson (Ogus Baba) to define what real NGOs are.

Why does Samson, aka Original, think that NGO is Nnaa Give Original? How does the collaborative effort of Flash and Jeroboam to establish an NGO pan out?

Who gives Mai Doya a brand new wheelbarrow for his hawking business? Is Professor Johnbull’s submission that the existence of fake NGOs is tantamount to using reggae to spoil blues apt in the episode? Viewers will find out as they enjoy the melodramatic antics of N.G.O.

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PIGB will ensure transparency in the operations of oil and gas industry

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OLUSOLA BELLO

he first piece of the four component parts of the Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB), the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) which has been passed by the National Assembly is awaiting the accent of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Hopefully, he would accent to the bill before it is too late.

So that the petroleum industry would be saved from the current near stagnation of activities in the sector. The non-passage of the 18-year old PIB has stalled activities by the oil and gas companies because they cannot decipher what direction the new policy would take and they believe it would not be okay to operate in blindness.

Senator Tayo Alasoadura , chairman of the Committee on upstream in the Senate, said the PIB was broken down into component parts to foster expeditious consideration and passage.

Public hearing has just been concluded on the other three pieces and it is hoped that further works would be done on these aspect before they are passed into law.

The other aspects of the bill that are currently under consideration apart from the PIGB are the Fiscal Regime Bill, the Upstream and Midstream Administration Bill and the Petroleum Revenue Bill and Host Community Bill.

Godwin Izomor, group managing director of MG Vowgas, said that it was very important that the bill was accented to by the President so that the industry can move forward. He said whatever anomaly that is noticed should be improved upon with time .

The PIGB which replaces Nigeria’s main legislation in the Oil and Gas Industry seeks to promote transparency and accountability, establish framework for the creation of commercially viable petroleum entities, create the governing institutions with clear and separate roles and foster a conducive business environment for petroleum industry operations.

The passage of the Bill could be described also as a milestone achieved as envisaged in the ‘7 Big Wins’ initiative by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. Some of the fundamental changes introduced to the PIGB are these: •Establishment of the Nigerian Petroleum Liabilities Company Reduction in the amount of government share that should be divested to the public from 30percent to 10percent before the provisions on appointment of the Board members of National Petroleum Company will cease to have effect.

Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu

•Inclusion of Section 55(a) which makes the Minister of Petroleum the non-executive chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management, etc.

•Deletion of the Fourth schedule which originally listed the assets to be transferred to the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company as the Listing of assets in the schedule is no longer

Maikanti Baru

necessary as assets distribution has been taken care of it in the Bill •The inclusion of Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) •Enhanced penalty for violation of the orders of the Minister in the case of emergency under Rights of Pre-emption.

•Increase in the number of the members of the Governing Boards/Directors of Institutions created by the PIGB.

•Increase in the experience required for managing director of the National Petroleum Company.

•Change in the initial shareholding of the Commercial entities.

•Reduction in the amount of Government share that should be divested to the public from 30percent to 10percent before the provisions on appointment of the Board members of National Petroleum Company will cease to have effect.

•It makes the Minister of Petroleum a non-executive chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management.

•Deletion of the Fourth schedule which originally listed the assets to be transferred to the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company as the Listing of assets in the schedule is no longer necessary because assets distribution has been taken care of it in the Bill.

•Vesting full responsibility of environmental matters in the Petroleum industry on the Nigeria Petroleum Regulatory Commission •Requirement of senate approval in the appointment and dismissal of the Board members of the Nigeria Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

According to ACIOE Associates, a consultancy company, the bill reduced the power of the minister significantly. Under the Petroleum Act, Cap P10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, the federal minister has an absolute discretion to grant, amend, revoke and extend oil prospecting licenses and oil mining leases to applicants that satisfy statutorily prescribed conditions. But the PIGB in its current form seeks to curb this discretion of the Minister by subjecting the exercise of the powers to grant, amend, renew, extend or revoke petroleum exploration and production licenses and leases to the recommendation of the Commission. This presupposes that there would be a new method for application for amendment, renewal, extension and revocation of a license or lease which will involve application through the Commission rather than directly to the Minister. The PIGB is, however, silent on the procedure for application for amendment, renewal, extension and revocation of licenses and leases.

“The power of the Minister to exercise a right of pre-emption on all petroleum and petroleum products marketed or otherwise dealt with under any licence or lease granted under the Act in the event of a state of national emergency or war is retained in the PIGB. Furthermore, The PIGB also clarifies the role of the

Minister of Petroleum Resources, which will be streamlined towards policy supervision,” ACIOE Associates said.

As regards the regulation of the industry, the Nigeria Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NPRC) will be the most powerful entity created under the PIGB with a role to take up the assets, resources, funds properties, liabilities, interests, and obligations of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Petroleum Inspectorate and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). It also regulates the petroleum industry. It is also to keep records of awards and a register of oil blocks, monitor them, conduct a regular audit of activities, conduct bid rounds for oil blocks and administer un-allotted crude oil acreages.

Furthermore, the Commission has the prerogative to release the information provided by a petroleum operator to the public, if the governing board decides that such action is in the public interest.

The Bill allows the Commission to make new rules subject to public hearing. Any rule made without public hearing shall not last more than six months. In cases of conflict, the commission may seek technical advice or direct anyone affected by its order to seek judgment from the Federal High Court.

The bill has created three commercial entities for the promotion of accountability and self-sustainability. These are Ministry of Petroleum Incorporates (MOPI), National Petroleum Company (NPC) and National Petroleum Asset Management Company (NPAMC).

Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated (“MOPI”) has the role to hold, on behalf of the Government, shares in the successor commercial entities incorporated pursuant to the provisions of the PIGB. The NPC has the role of managing all the assets held by NNPC except the Production Sharing Contracts and back-in Rights assets which shall be assumed by the NPAMC. The PIGB provides that the initial shares of the NPAMC at incorporation shall be held by the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated (“MOFI”) and the Bureau for Public Enterprises (“BPE”) in a ratio of 99percent to 1percent, respectively. It further provides that within 3 months of incorporation, the Minister shall make an order that the assets, rights, obligations, employees, and liabilities of the NNPC shall be transferred to the NPAMC. By the time the bill is fully implemented, the industry operation would no longer be shrouded in secrecy as it is today.

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Why civil society groups now fight hard to quicken PIB passage

N

IGNATIUS CHUKWU

igeria is said to have lost over $80billion in investments to other countries in the 18 years that the Petroleum Industry Bill was dangling. Experts said the moment Nigeria announced it was going to change its petroleum laws, that the investment community regarded the old laws as dead. The result is that there would be no law in operation in the eye of the international investment community to back new investment decisions. Such investments would simply go to Nigeria’s competitors.

Now, over 20 carefully selected civil society organisations (CSOs) and communication groups have said enough is enough and have thus resolved to fight to the finish to ensure that laws come on board and also to see through the implementations, using the latest activist strategies in the world.

For this reason, the CSOs have been training between Port Harcourt and Lagos in the past two months, all in their determination to ensure that the four components of the former Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) are passed, signed and put into action as fast as possible.

The trainings are meant to turn each of the participants into highly knowledgeable persons that would engage with anybody on the oil and gas policies of the FG in Nigeria and win concessions. They can now use technical skills and knowledge to press for every single provision in the four laws for proper implementation. The CSOs and media experts have been under the tutelage of some of the best

Gas study group: L-R; Susan Bello:(Media Consultant) Gerald Konwea (Cliqit) Mfom Utin (GASIN)

crops of former oil and gas insiders such as Brown Luis Ogbeifun (PhD) that led the Petroleum and Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for many years.

The groups are leveraging platforms provided by FOSTER (Facilitator For Oil Sector Transformation) guided by the likes of Michael Uzoigwe (PhD),and Charles Majomi who have brought in top law professors and industry lawyers from some of the best institutions of higher learning such as Lucky Worika (Uniport dean of Law), Israel Aye of Primera African Legal. The likes of Faith Nwadishi of KIF,

Gerald Konwea, CEO of Cliqit, reviewing gas policy strategy

Kabari Sam (PhD) of CERHD, Gerald Konwea of Cliqit, Mfon Utin (PhD) of GASIN, Lawrence Dube of Citizens Trust, Akin Oke of Cord Aid, and many more now seem eager to lead the charge to get things moving in the oil and gas sector by pushing the four PIBs especially as the life of the 8th parliament is running fast to the end.

The CSOs have realised in the two months of camping in Echelon Heights in PH and Kuramo Waters in Victoria Island that the hope of the oil industry right now lies on their weary shoulders.

This is because government seems to have failed over 18

years and looks ready to keep failing in the bid to transform Nigeria from an oil extraction industry to an oil and gas economy.

It was also realised that in most deals signed in the oil industry, Nigerian officials never went to the negotiating table with deep technical understanding of the industry from how oil is found to its drilling, processing, selling, etc to how oil money is best utilised, being an exclusive and not inclusive process-product. Experts say it’s when you use oil that you are an oil economy, not when you play only in its extraction.

The CSOs now know clearly that though the FG has released

a gas policy, policies are not actionable or easily enforceable but laws are. Besides, when governments leave, policies tend to crash, except they are coded into laws. The new army of advocates now knows the greater dangers of policy delay, realising that it takes up to 10 years for effect of policy changes to bear full fruits.

The impact of the deliberate loss Nigeria inflicted on itself was made sharper when it was realised that the country has lost over $3 trillion in theft or waste, a tidy sum that could have at least formed a pool of lendable wealth fund that would at least have given strength to the naira and reduced interest rates to near zero. This would have created wealth through investments and PPP. Nigeria has thus pursued high tax rate instead of high tax base.

It is now clear that Nigeria cannot get the oil/gas industry moving again without fixing the four bills because the failures eventually get down to naira and kobo; to garri and tea, the experts pointed out. The current state is that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is everything while the Ministry of Petroleum is a civil service set up where most of the directors are said to lack capacity of the workings of the industry because a director could be transferred from another ministry with zero oil knowledge.

Also, at the moment, the NNPC not defined to be either a policy maker, regulator, commercial or operations entity.

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Female participants: Hauwa Bello-Kassim (AIT0, Faith Nwadishi (KIF), Wemimo Adaduni (Radio One)

Understanding the new Bills The 18-year-old PIB was broken into four by the present National Assembly that had vowed to get it through.

PIGB: The Petroleum Industry Governance Bill is an attempt to break up the structure to specialized entities. This is waiting for assent.

PIAB: The Petroleum Industry Administrative Bill sets the rules of engagement; the licensing rules and bidding. Experts say we have an industry in decline; our reserves are depleting, not adding up. PIAB proposes to institutionalise the bidding process; to take away arbitrariness from the process. Its right to give the President some concessionary powers to grant license such as DR Congo did to China. Now, DR Congo is rated the fastest growing economy in Africa. The idea is to get value of an oil field, give it to another country and tell them what to do to you by a number of years, say 20. Inclusiveness should mean having a sense of ownership and participation by communities who bear the brunt of exploitation.

The CSOs want to press for a way out, which is to use marginal fields to pacify the host communities; they can choose their partners.

Key differences that can emerge in a PIAB era include: Nigerian government was said not to have anything to approve in mergers of multinationals as done in some other countries in merger deals. Now, under PIB, Nigeria would have to approve mergers. Petroleum Act did not allow you to use your license to secure loans. Now, the discretionary powers of the minister can be challenged. The law now requires the minister to explain why he withheld assent. There are clauses to challenge the actions of the Minister if one was affected illegally.

PIFB: The Petroleum Industry Finance Bill is to solve the financing troubles of years past.

Experts point to two schools of thought: The rent-seeking approach, which is to get optimum rent or tax from investors.

The other is the value-added approach, which proposes attracting investments to develop the sector such as NLNG did with 20 years waiver. If you use tax incentive to attract massive investments, you could create other values such as jobs, wealth, income taxes, sales tax, community development, etc.

PIHB: The Petroleum Industry Host/Impacted Communities Bill is dynamic. It seeks to resolve the crisis in host communities once and for all. Experts however say definition of a host community is not clear. They expect uproar to explode especially when it comes to impacted community which may touch from Bayelsa to Kano states. A neutral body (may be National Boundary Commission) may be needed to define host community status; oil bearing, oil impacted, oil producing. There may be need for multi-stakeholder conferences to determine this. For now, it has been left to the Settlor (producers) to decide but the CSOs want to oppose this clause.

Also, issue of funding, put at 2.5 percent to the communities was pointed out as too broad.

It was not made clear where this money would come from since the law said it is from profit whereas Nigeria operates the ‘Win, Work and Walk-away’ system. The coming debate would be where this profit is coming from where communities would be paid? Here, again, CSOs want marginal fields/small fields to go to communities as compensation, in addition to anything else. The Belema oil experiment seems to justify this line of thinking. Deals are always

entered into blindly without a study to know the volumes of oil involved. Government should have commissioned study to know what is involved.

The CSOs want to demand for models in other countries where the profit system being envisaged has worked and where exactly the profit is to come from. This is because the government collects the bonus stamp which looks like taking profit upfront. They may now leave the communities to struggle with the oil companies whose profit nobody can track. Also, the CSOs want more of community participation in ownership and operations of an oil field.

The environment is tricky because of the principle of the polluter pays. This may mean that wherever the pipeline goes, the owner must pay. CSOs want a fund to draw from to solve the environment in a better way than the existing Ecological Fund that FG official treat as their sinking fund. The new law sets obligation to clean up, no matter the cost, and wants to deprive the polluter (especially pipeline breakers)

from benefiting, thus the onus to prove causation.

The CSOs want to know who the Settlor is; JVC or PSC? These issues must be cleared at the public hearings which the National Assembly has since scheduled. The IOCs seem to be happy with the PIFB, and there is nothing wrong in that, so long as it helps to attract more investments.

Key considerations The activists have been made to understand that the PIFB has come to liberate and reorganise the oil industry and move Nigeria from a mere extractive industry zone to an oil economy. The industry was said to be ‘vertically integrated’; too huge, too expensive. BIFB now wants to break it up into upstream, downstream, oil, gas, etc. If there is a transmission company, small producers can hook up and deliver to the running pipeline. People can be part of the business, the experts said. It is thus important to set the fiscal framework for small participants; incentivise the petroleum economy to make Nigeria competitive; and to manage

Oil Group: Akin Oke, Country Representative, Cord Aid, reviewing Oil policy strategy

Gerald Konwea, CEO of Cliqit, reviewing gas policy strategy

transition process to petroleum economy. This will create time period to stop old regimes. It is important for Nigeria to decide what it wants to achieve with gas: is it fertilizer or power. The nation according to the IATA need much fertilizer because Nigeria’s fertilized soil is said to be the least in the world (just 7 inches) needing fertilizer.

Caution: Nigeria must avoid what is now termed the ‘Venezuela Triangle’: Having the highest oil reserves but being hit worst country economically. This is caused by poor management, resource nationalism, hubris (extreme pride), and lethargy.

Nigeria is said not to be far from this. Saudi Arabia has cut tax from 85 per cent to 50 per cent to incentivise investment. See, less on tax, more on creating value.

Nigeria must now know that international capital is mobile; when you tweet it a bit, capital flees. Indonesia courts blocked BlackRock and Australia went away. A top oil company is now to moving $50Bn to spend in US because of what happened in Indonesia in terms of policy. That is the nature of international policy.

The CSOs say they want to help out in policy interpretation and consistency to stop capital flight and shoddy operations.

They intend to do this by not only criticising but by showing what ought to be. This requires taking technical to the non-technical.

They will now call out wrongdoers with the appropriate language. This is what brings respect, attention and correction.

This is for the good of the nation.

Conclusion The overall objective is to enthrone an oil/gas economy that works for all citizens and is in step with global trends. It is to get the best for oil communities and engender peace and stability for a new economy that guarantees prosperity for all.

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2019: What hope for ADC, SDP? Continued from Page 1 February, of Jerry Gana, a former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Tunde Adeniran, a former Minister of Education and one-time Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, and Godsday Orubebe, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, among others from PDP to SDP. Many political analysts began to project that Nigerians may at last have a choice from the two dominant political parties in the country ahead of 2019. Questions were asked regarding whether SDP was truly the emergent third force.

The Obasanjo-inspired CNM’s recent dissolution into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is, however, altering the permutations as political observers say the Obasanjo factor may give the new arrangement some legroom over SDP and other subsequent coalitions that may yet emerge.

The lingering question, however, is how far the ADC or any other coalition can go in dislodging the two dominant political parties.

CNM, ADC merger On May 10, 2018, CNM announced its fusion into ADC. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a co-convener of CNM, at a press conference in Abuja announced that with its formal collapse into ADC, CNM had ceased to exist.

Oyinlola said CNM’s decision to move into ADC, which he referred to as “the vehicle for national reinvention”, was in appreciation of the party’s progressive essence and its untainted existence on the Nigerian political terrain.

He recalled that CNM was formed in January as a political platform to create a new generation of leaders for Nigeria, saying the fusion into ADC was “just the first in a multi-layered action plan to give back the country to its much-deprived people” and that Nigerians should expect “deepened political engagements across platforms in the coming days and weeks”.

He reminded members of the emergent platform that “the task ahead is an arduous one that needs further strengthening of the forces of change”, urging them to be “open to new engagements and alliances being forged and crystallising across the country”.

Speaking on the merger in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo reiterated his firm belief that “the leprous hand of either PDP or APC” cannot be “the instrument to clean Nigeria up”.

“The clean fingers in either of them can and must be grafted to the clean hands of new entrants and participants to move up and move on, and that is what I understand the reinvigorated party platform is all about – change, new order, and progress,” Obasanjo said.

“With ADC embracing the policy of 30 percent youth of under 40 and 30 percent women in all organs of the party, a significant paradigm shift has been brought about in the power equation. ADC is a reformed and reinvigorated party; it will embrace all the features and policies which make CNM attractive and a source of hope and inspiration to millions at home and abroad,” he said.

He advised others to join ADC to usher in a new dawn for Nigeria, adding no mat-

Obasanjo

ter what window-dressing reformation APC and PDP may claim, he may not be able to advise anybody to join them.

He said APC has made Nigerians poorer today than when the party came into power, “and Nigeria is more impoverished with our foreign loan jumping from $3.6 billion to over $18 billion to be paid by the present and future generations of Nigerians. The country is more divided than ever before because the leadership is playing the ethnic and religious game which is very unfortunate.

And the country is more insecure and unsafe for everybody.”

Obasanjo, who inspired the CNM to mobilise Nigerians of all segments to unseat President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, has remained resolute in alliance with his former colleagues in the army, such as Theophilus Danjuma, former Chief of Army Staff; Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, former military heads of state, and Aliyu Gusau, former national security adviser, who are said to be backing him using the ADC. A source within the defunct CNM, who does not want his name in print, said the ADC, which is relatively unknown, would soon be transformed into the hottest political party in the country if all the permutations go the right way. He added that all the aggrieved political forces in APC and PDP are strategising to team up with the ADC. “Obasanjo has just taken a bold step to open the gate for all the forces to unite against the incompetence and clannishness of Buhari and rescue the country from a seeming divisiveness and economic backwardness of the Buhari government,” the source said.

Ralph Okey Nwosu, national chairman of ADC, had told newsmen in Abuja that the CNM and more than 23 political parties merged into ADC to form an alliance, which he said is formidable enough to wrest power from the APC in 2019.

BDSUNDAY gathered, however, that there is another subterranean move to

alter the structures of the party and bring in the gladiators that have the financial muscle and the nationwide reach to prop up the party and give it the oxygen it requires to upstage the APC in 2019. Some of the efforts would include to change the party’s National Working Committee currently led by Nwosu and install Oyinlola, Obasanjo’s main ally, as the national chairman.

Obasanjo’s efforts to co-opt NIM into the ADC failed to materialise following some differences in the arrangements.

However, the insider source said that NIM and other coalition forces may eventually join the ADC in a grand coalition to pick a consensus presidential candidate with the clout to oust Buhari.

What is NIM up to?

A source in NIM told BDSUNDAY in confidence that the movement was not comfortable with the final details leading to the adoption of ADC. The source added that NIM was taken unawares by the arrangement and had to pull out of a meeting called for that purpose because toeing that line would appear as a betrayal of NIM’s 35 political party allies without their consent.

“NIM went on courtesy call on Obasanjo but it did not work out because our people did not accept the idea of ADC as the platform because we also want to give other parties we have alliance with an opportunity and also to be fair to them,” the source said.

The source noted that following this development, NIM set up a seven-man committee to adopt one party as the final platform from the about 35 parties in its alliance, which as at Thursday, May 17, had been narrowed down to three. Although the source did not name the three parties, BDSUNDAY independently gathered that the most favoured are Action Democratic Party (ADP), United Progressives Party (UPP), and Labour Party (LP).

Series of meetings are still being held to adopt a final political party in the coming days just as a faction of the ruling APC

and another faction of the PDP, as well as SDP, are said to be in advanced talks with NIM to boost the chances of the coming “Grand Coalition”, the source said.

Speaking to BDSUNDAY after one of the meetings on Thursday in Abuja, a member of the Steering and Adoption Committee, Elishama Ideh, said: “We have gone very far, we have been screening different political parties and we are viewing the ideals of the different parties that will form the basis of exactly what we want in a new Nigeria.

“Today is the final day of selection and we have zeroed down on three political parties, but we have not made a final decision on which one. The leaders of the adoption team will meet again to take a decision on which party we would adopt for better Nigeria.”

She stressed that what matters most to Nigerians now is not empty promises reminiscent of the APC during the 2015 elections but to get any of the parties that is “open to new a Nigeria with new faces in the political arena in 2019”.

“People that have the capacity to be able to run for different offices and have all it takes to deliver to Nigerians what they are looking for. We must have the same ideal and new Nigerian objectives,” Ideh said.

On the strength of the NIM in terms of structures, Ideh, who is also a presidential aspirant, said, “We have the structures across the nation and in the Diaspora. We want to move away from just talking and campaigning for votes and promising Nigerians what we cannot do. We want to put up a manifesto that will be achievable and sustainable because what the previous parties were doing was making promises on things they can’t achieve.”

She lamented the deplorable economic situation in the country but assured that NIM was putting competent heads together to look into the various sectors of the economy of the nation and putting idea and people that have the knowledge to make all the sectors work in sustainable and realistic ways devoid of empty promises.

On whether the coalition would not be another APC, which is allegedly fracturing over some discrepancies, Khairat Animashaun, director of organisation and operation in NIM, said, “What made APC become APC was the merger and in the merger all the parties submitted their individual certificates and lost their identities. But before doing that, the APC did not sit down to agree on who does what and the terms of execution of their manifesto. So they have been strange bedfellows in the same cocoon and that is the reason they have not been able to work together and that has affected the governance in Nigeria.

“So, we don’t want to make the same error. In the conversation we are having with parties, we want them to still maintain their identities and to agree on certain fundamental issues. We are looking at the structures of the parties and their reach and we are bringing others into the melting pot to give Nigeria a focused leadership in 2019.”

SDP’s reemergence In February, SDP began to spit fire after it teamed up with People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and People’s Salvation Party

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Olu Falae

(PSP) to form what it called a formidable platform. There had also been speculations then that the party was in talks with the CNM and that it was looking to adopt former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential flag bearer; that is, if Atiku failed to clinch the PDP ticket.

The SDP coalition had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the defecting group from the PDP and parts of the PRP and PSP to form a crack side with which it hopes to snatch power in 2019.

The MoU jointly signed by Falae (for SDP) and Gana (for Movement for a New Political Order) resolved, among other things, to “fuse together into one political form; adopt the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the political vehicle for the fused political formation; convene a non-elective convention for Saturday, 14th April, 2018; authorize the National Working Committee to serve as the Interim Management Committee until the said convention; set up a National Steering Committee of 12 members to guide the Interim Management Committee during the transition period; and raise a Constitution Review Committee to consider all necessary amendments to the party constitution”.

With the influx into the party of people like Junaid Mohammed, Second Republic lawmaker, Rufai Ahmed Alkali, a former national publicity secretary of PDP, Joseph Akaagerger, former military administrator of Katsina State, Saminu Turaki, former governor of Jigawa State, Mike Oghiadhome, former chief of staff to President Jonathan, and Emmanuel Bello, a former Adamawa APC governorship aspirant, among others, the party was already looking like a strong platform, with Adeniran claiming the party was set to receive more defectors from rival political parties in the following weeks as it had become the preferred destination for genuine lovers of democracy.

“We expect more people to join the SDP from other political parties and various platforms in view of its determination to be guided by some fundamental

Olagunsoye Oyinlola

principles, policies and people-oriented programmes,” Adeniran had said.

“We also expect an influx based on its ideological orientations. As for 2019, we are consolidating on these values to give us a footing for necessary planning and preparations,” he had said.

Political analysts had said the SDP appeared more philosophical and ideological than the rest of the pack, judging from what it encapsulated in its working documents ahead of the 2019 elections.

Some SDP sources also claimed that the party had the “full support of sociocultural organisations like the Middle Belt Forum, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the South-South Assembly”.

The SDP camp had also been full of optimism, with Olu Falae, the party’s national chairman, saying the SDP was ready to fill the leadership vacuum left by PDP and APC and provide a serious government whose priority was the welfare of the people since Nigeria was in dire need of a political platform that would take her to the Promised Land.

Adakole Ijogi, SDP national spokesperson, had said also said in a statement that the party was ready to govern Nigeria at all levels and that as a credible political party, it had come to stop the hemorrhaging of the Nigerian economy and guide the nation back onto the path of prosperity, progress and unity.

“We are the party Nigerians have been waiting for and we are determined to deliver on our promises working together as a people to give Nigerians a new lease of life,” the party said in the statement.

But looking back, analysts said the SDP seemed to have only taken advantage of the rift within the PDP arising from the latter’s last elective national convention, as well as the troubles in other parties, including the ruling APC. APC, PDP not bothered Reacting to the CNM/ADC merger, Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of APC, said he did not regard the newly formed party as any threat to the ambition of the APC.

“We are in a multi-party democracy and the coming together by political parties should not be considered a threat. In fact, the more the merrier; we do not see this as a threat at all,” Abdullahi was quoted to have said in a statement to newsmen.

“We are confident that Nigerians still believe in our party, they are seeing the changes we are bringing on board. The Nigerian people will decide which party among the very many they will give their mandate to when the time comes,” he said.

When the news of SDP’s repositioning broke, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP national publicity secretary, had told BDSUNDAY that the party was not threatened by the creation or formation of any other political party.

“The PDP remains strong, it remains viable, and it remains strategic to removing President Buhari from office,” Ologbondiyan said, adding that any opposition party that wanted to make any impact in the political process must first discuss with the PDP as “the only viable opposition in the country today”.

On the CNM/ADC merger, Olagbondiyan reiterated that all opposition groups and parties would have to work together to remove the APC with the PDP providing the lead.

How far will SDP, ADC go?

In spite of the optimism of its backers, doubts trail the strength of the ADC, especially as regards 2019.

Bankole Okuwa, national chairman, Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), told BDSUNDAY in an interview that “the so-called African Democratic Congress (ADC) cannot fly. Maybe it can fly in other parts of the country but not in Yorubaland.”

As for the SDP, many analysts saying it would be racing against time and lacks the political structure and finances to confront the two dominant parties in 2019.

A chieftain of one of the political parties, who preferred anonymity, told BDSUNDAY that the faces in the SDP can best be described as a motley of politicians with

disarticulated orientation.

“I know they will gather in SDP with different interests that are not grounded in ideology, no matter how much they pretend, because they are bereft of vision. So an imminent crack is expected,” the party chieftain said.

Jide Ojo, a public affairs analyst, told a national daily that building a party is not a walk in the park.

“You need to have structures across the length and breadth of the country, particularly if you are aiming to win the presidency. The structures serve as the foot soldiers of the party. They are the ones that will campaign for the party; they are the ones that will nominate the agents that will be the eyes and ears of the party at the polling units,” he said.

Ochereome Nnanna, a public affairs analyst, is, however, of the opinion that there is nothing a third force can achieve in the 2019 elections as both PDP and APC are strong parties that cannot easily be dislodged.

In a March 5, 2018 article, Nnanna said that in spite of the Buhari regime’s incompetence, nepotism and failed promises, it would take a series of major earthquakes within the APC before it would lose its grip on power, adding that at the end of the day, “it is still the APC that will determine whether it holds on to power or loses it back to the PDP”.

“Yes indeed, the fight is between the APC and PDP. There is nothing a ‘third force’ can do to alter this fact in 2019.

The PDP should be happy that Obasanjo’s CNM is not drawing traction. A strong ‘third force’ will merely make APC’s retention of power (even under Buhari) a mere cakewalk.

“Forget what happened in France under Emmanuel Macron. We are a long way from France. If there is going to be a change for the better in Nigeria, it can come from the APC or PDP, at least for now because they are the only viable, bankable platforms. A third political force should wait till June 2019 and launch big time. With hard work, it can be on a level field with APC and PDP by 2023.” -

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Investigation

Investigation: How filling stations short-change consumers Continued from page 1 except NNPC which sold at N143 per litre.

Port Harcourt, April 16, 2018 On Monday, April 16, 2018, I arrived at Rainoil Filling Station on Station Road, Port Harcourt, at about 9am with a brand new 4-litre plastic can. I told the attendant, who gave her name as Jennifer, to fill up the can. I kept my eyes glued to the metre and by the time the can filled up, it read 4.15 litres instead of 4 litres.

In other words, to fill a 20-litre plastic can in this filling station would require the consumer paying for 20.75 litres instead. Similarly, a consumer who pays for 20 litres of fuel here goes home with 19.25 litres of the product.

Leaving Rainoil Filling Station, I quickly emptied the can of fuel and in a few minutes, I was at Karibi Joy Intl Ltd, located opposite Salvation Ministries Church, on Iwofe Road. A middle-aged female attendant who told me her name was Obele got up immediately she saw me with a can and excused herself to switch on the generating set. When she reappeared, I told her to fill up the can. She did and hung up the nozzle. When I looked at the metre, it read 4.35 litres and the price was N630.75. I told her 4.15 litres costing N600 had filled the same can only a moment before.

“I don’t understand,” the attendant said as she sat down.

We argued back and forth, until the manager sauntered in and asked what the problem was. I explained.

“You can only complain if the difference is up to 0.5 litres, but the 0.2 litres is nothing. There is no argument in zero point something,” the manager told me.

“If it’s up to 1 litre or 0.5 litres, you can argue. Turn the fuel in that can into another container and go back to that first filling station, you might not get exactly that 4.15 litres,” he said.

When I told him I’d do as he

Anele Filling Station, Iwofe Road

Karibi Joy Intl Ltd, Iwofe Road

Chinda Petroleum Ltd, Ikwerre Road advised, he got irritated.

“You can be doing that, measuring fuel from one filling station to the other, if you like to do that.

You can be checking like that,” he said and walked away. I paid and left as a vehicle drove in.

From my calculation, a consumer who paid for 20 litres of fuel at this filling station would go home with 18.25 litres as 21.75 litres of fuel, and not 20 litres, would fill a 20-litre can.

At Anele Filling Station, which is a few minutes’ drive from Karibi Joy Filling Station, I met a young lady who told me they had fuel but could not dispense because there was no power

supply. Anele is located beside Clen-phil Hotels and Suites and opposite Adah Shopping Mall.

From there, I went to Soltech Energy Services Limited on Ada George Road, just opposite Cosy Plaza. Here, 4.16 litres of fuel filled the 4-litre can at the total price of N603.20. This means that the quantity of fuel that would fill a 20-litre can at this filling station is 20.8 litres. If a consumer purchased 20 litres of fuel here, that consumer would go home with 19.2 litres.

My next stop was Chinda Petroleum Ltd on Ikwerre Road.

At the far left end of the filling station is Rivers State Univer-

sity, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, while adjacent to it is the Nigerian Police Divisional Headquarters building. Here, I paid N623.50 for 4.30 litres of fuel to fill the 4-litre can. The implication is that a 20-litre can would require 21.5 litres of fuel to fill up at this filling station. If a consumer paid for 20 litres of fuel here, what would be dispensed would be 18.5 litres.

Again, I complained, but the attendant, who gave his name as David, said to me, “Your money is supposed to be N700. I’m surprised seeing N623.50. It’s N700 that normally fills this kind of can but maybe yours is smaller. You are not supposed to complain.”

When I pressed further, he pointed at the price displayed on the metre, saying, “This is what our metre gave us and it’s okay, or do you work with DPR?” “Do I look like someone who works with DPR?” I asked.

“Then, just pay what you see there,” he said and started dispensing fuel to another customer, a motorist.

Seeing I was persistent in seeking further explanation, he said, “I don’t know. That’s how the metre runs. That’s the best way I can explain it to you.”

I requested to see his superior but he said he was the only one around. Just then, the motorist

he had just dispensed fuel to offered to help.

“I’m not justifying what they are doing,” said the motorist who could be in his late fifties. “There is an unwritten agreement between independent marketers and NNPC. So, they adjust their metre to 0.2.”

When I told him I knew of an error gap of 0.5 for 20 litres and 0.25 for 10 litres, he paid the attendant and, turning to me, said, “That is their agreement with NNPC, but as for this other one, the metre, I don’t know.”

He threw his hands into the air, signalling he had given up on me, entered his car and drove off. I paid and took my leave.

Next, I went to NNPC Filling Station at Lagos bus-stop, but the attendants insisted they don’t dispense fuel in cans. I pleaded all I could but my pleas fell on deaf ears. So, I left for Conoil in Rumuomasi on Aba Road.

At Conoil, 4.13 litres of fuel filled the 4-litre plastic can at the total price of N598.85, which means that 20.65 litres of fuel from this filling station would fill a 20-litre can. If a consumer pays for 20 litres of fuel, what is actually dispensed into his gallon is 19.35 litres.

From Conoil I went back to Anele Filling Station. The electricity company in charge of the area had restored power. I asked the attendant to fill up the empty 4-litre can and, to my amazement, it took 4.43 litres of fuel to fill the can at the total price of N642.35.

What this means is that 22.15 litres of fuel is needed to fill up a 20-litre can in this filling station.

As such, a consumer purchasing 20 litres of fuel would go home with 17.85 litres.

“What!” I exclaimed as soon as the female attendant hung the nozzle. She smiled, fetched a rag and began cleaning the body of the gallon as if she was instructed to do so. When she was done cleaning, she stood staring at the metre and smiling. I told her I had filled the same can with N600 earlier in the day, but all she did was smile.

I requested to see her manager but she laughed. Apparently, she found that amusing.

“You want to see my manager?” she asked, looking away.

“She is not around.”

I told her I was not going to pay more than N600 which was what I paid for the same quantity of fuel not longer before.

At this point, we were joined by the young lady I met earlier.

She asked what was wrong and I explained.

“Auntie, we only sell, we don’t know about metre,” she replied.

I asked if they had been re-

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Investigation

Total Filling Station at Industrial Estate Ilupeju ceiving complaints from consumers about their metre and they replied in the affirmative.

“They used to complain but we only sell,” the young lady volunteered while the attendant who sold fuel to me stood smiling.

When I asked if they didn’t relay the complaints to their manager, the lady said, “She knows.”

I insisted on paying N600 but they pleaded. I paid and took my leave.

Lagos, April 18, 2018 On Thursday, April 18, 2018, I was in Lagos State. I searched for a 4-litre plastic can at different retail stores but seeing none, I opted for a 5-litre can.

My first stopover was at Total Filling Station at Industrial Estate, Ilupeju, a walking distance from Taiwo Odukoya’s The Fountain of Life Church.

As usual, I requested for a fill-up. 4.99 litres of fuel filled up the 5-litre can and my bill was N723.50, which means that 19.96 litres of fuel would fill up a 20-litre can. I paid N725 and left.

In no time I was at General Filling Station in Gbagada, opposite Lagos State Internal Revenue Service office on Oshodi-Oworo Expressway.

“This keg looks neat. Is it the first time you are buying with it?” a male attendant at the filling station asked when he saw how neat the can was. I replied in the negative. He went on and filled up the can as instructed. The can took 4.91 litres of fuel at the total cost of N711.95. This means that 19.64 litres of fuel would be required to fill up a 20-litre can at this filling station.

One thing was clear to me by this time: this white can which had the number ‘5’ boldly written on it was less than 5 litres.

Mobil Filling Station, Victoria Island

From there I moved on to the Island. At Mobil Filling Station, just a stone’s throw from Federal Palace Hotel and Casino and beside Nigerian Army Bonny Cantonment on Victoria Island, the can took 4.77 litres of fuel at the total price of N691.50. This suggests that 19.08 litres of fuel would fill up a 20-litre can at this filling station.

Few minutes later, I was at NNPC Filling Station by Palmgrove bus-stop, which is located beside Mama Cass and opposite Ijebutedo Primary School. I told the male attendant, who gave his name as Ibrahim, to fill up the can. He started dispensing fuel but after dispensing 1.29 litres, he became nervous.

“This is a new keg o!” he said to himself. “Is this the first time you want to use it or you have used it before?” he asked in Pidgin English. I told him I had used the can before.

“For where?” he queried. “For where you go buy am?”

I ignored the question but he persisted, “You don’t want to answer me, Madam?”

I kept quiet while he continued to dispense fuel. While he was at it, a female attendant drew close and asked him how many litres I was buying and he replied, “Fill-up”.

When he was done dispensing, the metre read 5.56 litres and my bill stood at N795.08. I asked why a plastic can that was filled up with less than 5 litres of fuel at another filling station less than thirty minutes earlier would now consume almost 6 litres.

The female attendant licked her lips and walked away, leaving Ibrahim to do the explaining.

“Your money is N795, and you will pay N30 for keg,” he said and looked away.

I tried to explain again that I had used the can to purchase fuel barely few minutes earlier, but he interjected, visibly irritated, “N795! Shebi you can see it there, or can’t you see? You will pay N30 for keg. So the total money I will collect from you is N830.”

At that point, I told him he was right about the can being a new one but that I had used it to purchase fuel earlier that day.

His facial expression changed.

“Where did you buy the fuel?” he asked.

“Mobil Filling Station,” I replied.

“I thank God you were here when I sold the fuel to you, you didn’t go anywhere, and you saw it,” he said in self-defence. “If you had gone somewhere and you were not here the time I sold fuel to you, you would have thought in your mind that I cheated you.

Thank God you were here.”

I requested to see the manager but Ibrahim called the supervisor instead. I told the supervisor I wanted to understand why 4.77 litres of fuel filled the can a while earlier whereas it took almost 6 litres to fill the same can at their filling station. He couldn’t explain. I told him something was wrong with their metre and requested to see the manager, but he said the manager was not around.

Turning to Ibrahim, the supervisor told him in Yoruba language to collect N700 from me, but I refused and insisted on paying N690, which was what I had paid at Mobil Filling Station.

At this point, another supervisor named Taiwo joined us and told me they usually filled a 5-litre can with N750. When I told him I had filled the same can with N690 a while earlier, he rubbed

his head and kept quiet. I told him I wanted to see the manager and he asked, “For a 5-litre jerry can?”

I asked if he knew how much they would be cheating consumers who buy as much as 20 litres or 25 litres of fuel.

“Oya, give Ibrahim the N690,” he said. “But the fuel is more than N690.”

I insisted it wasn’t. Both supervisors walked away leaving me with the attendant, who then said, “No be me get metre. It’s not my fault.”

I paid N690 and began to leave, but the attendant called me back, gave me back my money and took the can of fuel from me.

“They said you should return the fuel,” he said.

He dropped the can and told someone to get him an empty container. Taiwo and the female attendant surfaced again. They communicated in Yoruba. A male attendant handed Ibrahim an empty 10-litre can and he turned the fuel in my can inside the 10-litre can. As he did, he shook the 5-litre can to remove the tiniest drop of fuel in it while Taiwo and the female attendant had a good laugh. Ibrahim handed me my empty can and I left the filling station.

It was then I did the math. If 5.56 litres of fuel filled a 5-litre can, it follows that 22.24 litres of fuel would be needed to fill a 20-litre can in this filling station and a consumer buying 20 litre of fuel here would go home with about 17.76 litres.

From there, I went to ASCON Filling Station on Osolo Way, located opposite the international headquarters of Vineyard Christian Ministries Inc. I asked for a fill-up and the attendant told me it was N700. I asked him to go ahead. 4.83 litres filled the can at a total price of N700.35.

At MRS Filling Station opposite Diamond Bank on Mushin Road, Isolo, 5 litres of fuel filled the 5-litre can and the price was N725. I requested for an explanation after telling the attendant that I had bought same quantity for N690 a moment earlier.

I insisted on seeing the manager.

Even though I knew I could not win the argument, I decided to try all the same.

“But it’s exactly 5 litres on the keg,” the manager said as I tried to explain that I had filled it for 4.77 litres earlier. “Had it been that it passed 5 litres, I would have known the judgment to give. It’s exactly 5 litres that filled the keg and I don’t know what to do about that.”

He had a point, I reasoned. So, I paid and left.

Going concern An independent oil marketer who has been in the business for over 10 years let BDSUNDAY in on the different ways filling station owners and staff swindle unsuspecting consumers.

The various ways, according to the oil marketer who prefers anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, include adjusting the metre, selling low quality product, selling above

the pump price or not wiping the last reading on the metre before dispensing to another buyer.

“Some directors could buy 30,000 litres of PMS at N133 per litre from the depot and 15,000 litres of Straight Rung Gasoline (SRG) at N120 per litre. When the average cost of the products is taken after the cost of transportation had been factored in, the cost price of the mixed product would be around N130 per litre,” he explained.

“The mixed product is sold at N145 per litre and the filling station owners make more profit than they should. Some greedy owners mix more quantity of SRG with less of PMS,” he said.

The oil marketer said the product does no damage to vehicles but it burns so fast, leaving the motorist worried that his vehicle is consuming much fuel and as such he spends money trying to get a mechanic to fix the problem.

“Some filling stations have accurate metres but they might be hitting consumers from somewhere else. Their metre may be 1 litre to 1 litre but they know they are not giving consumers real fuel. Consumers will be rushing there because it’s 1 litre to 1 litre, not knowing the filling station owner had compromised the quality of the product,” he said.

The mixing also happens with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly called diesel, and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), he said, adding that the specific gravity (SG) which gives the acceptable range for AGO is 0.7200.780 and that of fuel is 0.8200.870 but some stations buy fuels or AGO which are not within the acceptable specific gravity.

“Some filling stations buy Kpo-fire (locally refined fuel) and mix with diesel or kerosene for more gain. Kpo-fire might go for as low as N100 while the standard fuel might be as high as N185. They mix and sell at the price of N195,” he said.

“This damages the nozzles of vehicles and generating sets.

When mixed with kerosene, this causes explosions in homes, leading to possible loss of lives.”

He disclosed that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) allows an error margin of 0.5 for 20 litres of fuel and 0.25 for 10 litres of fuel for fluctuation of pump, but most filling stations are not compliant.

“The DPR-approved margin for 20 litres is 20.5 litres, which means that what is needed to fill a 20-litre can must not be above 20.5 litres on the pump. It means that for every 20 litres dispensed to a customer, the least he should get is 19.5 litres,” he said.

“But some filling stations have set their metres in such a way that if the consumer requests for 20 litres of fuel, what is actually dispensed to him is 17 litres. If the consumer is dispensed 17 litres, what is displayed on the metre is 23 litres.”

He also said attendants shortchange consumers by not wiping Continues on page 12

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Investigation Investigation: How filling stations short-change consumers Continued from page 11 off the last reading on the metre before dispensing to another consumer.

“An attendant might sell 10 litres of fuel to a customer. If the attendant hangs the nozzle, the last reading clears off, but they pretend as if they want to hang it and bring it down quickly if the customer is not watching,” he said.

“The nozzle has to click and the metre should be at zero before the attendant starts dispensing. If this does not happen, the money for the extra litres goes into the attendant’s pocket,” he said.

He also told BDSUNDAY that some directors also set the price of the product above the approved price. The pump might show N145, but these directors instruct the attendants to sell above N145. Sometimes too, he said, the attendants could increase the price on their own, especially during scarcity.

According to him, the situation persists because DPR, saddled with the responsibility of managing the up and downstream in Nigeria’s Petroleum industry, does not move round as it should.

To avoid being cheated, he advised that consumers should have a good history of their gauge, buy fuel in cans that they know its true volume, or buy from filling stations where commercial vehicles always buy from.

“When tricyclists or motorcyclists buy N300 or N400 worth of fuel and shake their tricycle/motorcycle, they know if something is wrong with the metre. Same for commercial cars,” he said.

Motorists recount experience Many motorists, including commercial drivers, who spoke to BDSUNDAY recounted their ugly encounters in the hands of these cheating filling station owners and their attendants.

Richard Okoroafor, a Port Harcourt-based banker, told BDSUNDAY that once, while travelling to Owerri, the Imo State capital, he had pulled over at a filling station around Port Harcourt-Owerri Road to buy fuel.

“My fuel was on half tank and the capacity of the tank is 80 litres. I told the attendant to fill up my tank, but to my shock, she ended up dispensing 75 litres instead of 40 litres, which is the other half that would have filled my tank. I refused to pay a dime and requested to see the director,” said Okoroafor.

“The manager came and begged me to let him handle the situation. He said he would lose his job if I involved the director and promised to sack the attendant. I learnt the attendant did not wipe the reading from the previous sale and when I told him to fill up my tank, he thought

NNPC Filling Station, Palmgrove my tank was empty. I was told to pay half of the bill, which I did,” he said.

A motorist at Whimpey Junction in Port Harcourt, who declined to give his name, said he purchased fuel from a Conoil Filling Station and the fuel almost damaged his vehicle.

“Conoil filling station on EastWest Road sold fuel that was mixed with water to me. I complained to the manager of that filling station, he said they had noticed it and promised to do something about it,” he said.

“About two weeks later, I went back there and it was the same thing. I stopped going there to buy fuel. Even if they sell at N1 per litre or even give fuel for free, I would never go to that filling station because I know the damage that water caused to my vehicle. I won’t buy fuel at Ada-George Junction because their metre is not good. If I run out of fuel, I will park my car and take a can to another place and buy,” he said.

Ugo Ibezim, a commercial driver stationed close to Chinda Filling Station, said he bought fuel from Chinda Filling Station and his car began to jerk. When he reported, they didn’t do anything, so he had to buy fuel from another filling station to neutralise the effect of the bad fuel.

“When we drivers complained that they were under-dispensing, they said they would improve. I

MRS Filling Station, Isolo

stopped buying fuel there. That is why the filling station has a bad name but now they are trying to correct themselves,” Ibezim said.

A tricyclist at St. Michael’s Junction by Iwofe Road also narrated how he had bought fuel from the first filling station on Ada-George Road through the Agip end, and before he could get to the junction, his tricycle was covered with smoke. He never went to that filling station to buy fuel again.

“The metre at Anele Filling Station is bad,” said Ejikeme Victor, a motorist. “If I buy 4 litres of fuel and check my gauge, I discover that it is not up to 4 litres.”

A cab driver at Air Force Busstop in Port Harcourt, who gave his name as Eugene, said the tank of his cab takes about N6,000 to fill. “But when I go to buy fuel at this NNPC Mega Filling Station,” he said, pointing behind him, “over N7,000 fills my tank.

I always make sure my fuel is on reserve before I buy fuel so as to know the difference.”

Prince, a cab driver at Rumuola, confirmed most of the complaints, saying it is only DPR that has somehow proved a threat to these cheating filling station owners.

According to him, DPR sometimes catches some fuel attendants in the act but releases them under unclear circumstances.

On Airport Road in Lagos, there is a Conoil Filling Station

located beside Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) Park and opposite National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) office. Despite its proximity, all the drivers at the park avoid the filling station, which they say is notorious for under-dispensing fuel.

“N1,000 fuel takes me from NAHCO Park here to Ikeja for at least two trips, but when I bought the same amount of fuel from this Conoil, the fuel only lasted for a single trip,” said Ayokunle, a commercial bus driver at the park.

Ayokunle said he complained to the manager of the filling station and was told that the problem would be fixed, but when he told his colleagues, they warned him against buying fuel there and he stopped.

Another driver, who was scared to give his name, said the drivers only buy fuel from the Conoil Filling Station when they are in dire need of fuel to move their vehicles out of the park to a filling station with an accurate pump.

“I used to buy fuel from a Conoil Filling Station around Iyana-Ipaja, but when I noticed their metre was not okay, I told the manager that the fuel they sell to us is not always complete. The manager begged me and gave me small money,” the driver said.

“Many of us don’t buy fuel from this Conoil Filling Station.

Their metre is not complete and their fuel burns quickly. Before you know it, your fuel is finished.

If I complain to the attendant, she would say that’s how she saw it. I only buy little fuel when I’m stranded,” he said.

Cyril Anyikwa, a driver with Taxify, said he had been cheated many times but he had learnt his lessons.

“Once, I requested for N2,000 fuel, the attendant sold N500 fuel and stopped. I told him I asked for N2,000 worth of fuel, he apologized saying he thought I said N500, but I knew he was up to something,” Anyikwa narrated.

“He looked at me and pretended as if he wanted to wipe the previous sales of N500 off but he didn’t. He stopped at N1,500 and said plus the previous N500 he sold which I knew he did not wipe off. When he realized I knew what he did, he sighed, wiped it off and added N500 worth of fuel,” he said.

MOMAN, DPR react When contacted for his reaction, Obafemi Olawore, executive secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), said that when such irregularities are brought to their notice, such defaulting dealers are usually dismissed.

“Whenever such is brought to our notice, I let the managing director know. The MDs will send their own sales team to go and verify. Once they establish a proof, the dealer is terminated,” said Olawore. “I know two or three dealers that have lost their dealership because of such practice.”

BDSUNDAY contacted Paul Osu, head, Public Affairs Unit, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), to find out what sanctions the agency has for erring filling stations, including those that continue to default even after the sanction, and how often the DPR team monitors to ensure compliance.

“We are saddled with the technical responsibility of measuring quantity through the use of calibrated saraphin can during our routine monitoring and inspections of retail outlets. In some instances, we do it in the full view of the media to boost public confidence,” said Osu via email.

“The sanction for any infraction bordering on under-dispensing is the sealing of the defaulting pump and a fine of N100,000 per defaulting pump,” he said.

Apparently, these measures are not enough to deter erring filling stations as these infractions go on unchecked, with the unsuspecting consumers perpetually holding the short end of the stick.

This investigative report is supported by Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and the Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform (FOSTER).

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Focus

Regular payment of salary as a catalyst for economic stimulus in A/Ibom ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

A

kwa Ibom is often regarded as a civil service state with a growing private sector economy that is not yet big enough to compete with that of other states of the federation that are more industrialised.

But this notion is fast changing with the coming on stream of many cottage industries set up by the state government in partnership with some investors.

However, before the private sector begins to play an important role in the economy, one factor that appears to have aided the stimulating of the local economy has been the regular payment of salary and pensions to workers in Akwa Ibom State, In no small measure, it seems to have contributed to the availability of liquid cash needed for day-to-day transactions and by so doing provided a strong peg for business activities to grow. Imagine an economy that is dependent on the civil service that salaries would not be paid on time.

“Without the payment of salaries and pension to stimulate the economy of our purely civil service state, where would we have been?’’ Ekereobong Akpan, the head of civil service has asked.

For instance, before the end of April this year, workers on the state civil service employ had already received alerts for their salaries and it was pleasant surprise to many as their pay day had come sooner than expected.

According to some workers at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, along Abak Road in Uyo, where most of the government ministries are located, the early salary payment has assisted them in paying the fees of their children in schools without much hassle.

In addition, it is observed that the prompt payment of salary has also helped in meeting other basic financial needs of the workers including rent payment and buying of food items.

Reacting to the early payment of the April salary to government workers, the Charles Udoh, commissioner for information and strategy, said Governor Emmanuel’s knowledge of financial management and commitment towards workers’ welfare have been the driving force of the state government’s economic policy.

He said by making funds available to pay workers even when their counterparts in the federal civil had not been paid is commendable.

The commissioner therefore, urged workers to reciprocate the government’s gesture by contributing their quota towards the overall development of the state through effective performance and maximum productivity. He maintains that the state govern-

Boko Haram

Emmanuel Udom ment would continue to pay attention to the welfare of workers.

While the just concluded Workers’ Day celebrations held on May 1 worldwide presented another opportunity for the State Government to bring to the open its relationship with workers, it also afforded the opportunity to gauge the reaction of the organised labour in the state.

It was also a day for the workers to take a second look at how they have fared in the last one year, what have been their gains, whether their take home pay can take them and also renew their commitment to the dignity of labour as well as looking for better days ahead.

Apart from the march past that took place in the various state capitals and in Abuja attended by governors and in the case of workers in Abuja by the vice president, the workers have had to deal with various contentious issues including retrenchment, poor remuneration, nonpayment of salary and retirement benefits as well as unemployment and inflation.

This was re-echoed by the management of Champion Breweries, a privately-run firm that produces beer and non-alcoholic beverages In Uyo as it noted with dismay the impact of epileptic power supply, double taxation and the high rate of inflation in the country which it said had hit the company hard.

For the Nigerian worker, the last few years seem to have been the worst in terms of the number of jobs losses recorded, limited opportunities for labour mobility, the closure of many factories in the country as a result of many factors including unfriendly policies and lack of employment

opportunities for thousands of school leavers and even university graduates.

Coupled with the operating environment in the country particularly the inability of the government to provide interrupted power supply despite repeated assurances as well as multiple taxes and the high rate of inflation in the country were major drawbacks to achieving high productivity by the workers.

For instance, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) recently commissioned some power projects in Akwa Ibom State apparently to improve electricity supply but this seems to be a difficult task to be achieved.

As a result of the challenging business environment in the country with many workers being retrenched, this has had a ripple effect on the economy and no state of the federation appeared spared in the worsening unemployment situation in the country.

While the just concluded Workers’ Day celebrations held on May 1 worldwide presented another opportunity for the State Government to bring to the open its relationship with workers, it also afforded the opportunity to gauge the reaction of the organised labour in the state

In fact, some states are even unable to pay their workers at the end of each month. Indeed, there are reports that some states of the federation owe their workers for upward of six months.

One of the governors was recently quoted as saying that owing workers their monthly salary is better than retrenchment. In this case, the governor appeared to have forgotten that a director in one of the states in the country was said to have committed suicide after he was owed more than six months.

However, in spite of the numerous challenges that may have tended to strain the relationship between labour and state governments with the nonpayment of salary being the leading cause of friction, Akwa Ibom government seems to have escaped this trap.

It has been able to promptly meet its obligations to workers including those who had since retired from service.

Similarly, the establishment of industries in the state being facilitated by the state government will help to create jobs for the youth; it is also seen as a move that would provide a steady income to a good number of the workers.

Ufot Ebong, special adviser to the governor on technical matters and due process as well as being in charge of Akwa Ibom Employment and Enterprise Scheme (AKEES), a franchise behind the establishment of many factories in the state, described the motivation behind government’s industrialisation drive as a way of changing the mindset of the people.

According to him, the establishment of the cottage industries was a preparation for the big industrial factories that would be coming

soon in the state while the factories would have created a platform for the workers to acquire the experience and the required work ethics For Governor Udom Emmanuel, a former banker who sees himself as a professional in politics and not a professional politician, the state government would always ensure that the interest of workers is given priority attention while acknowledging that his administration has been able to meet “almost 80 percent of the requests” made by workers.

He said the state government had paid all pension arrears to date with efforts being made to clear all outstanding gratuities.

“Let me also say that I have put mechanism in place, so we are already working on affordable housing for workers. I have enjoyed a very cordial work and harmonious labour movement in this state. I must thank all of you for making that possible.

“We have made tremendous progress; in the little that is remaining, we will make every effort to make sure we clear them as soon as possible,” he said.

For Ekereobong Akpan, the state government has extended the frontiers of progress and development by working with the workers and promptly settling their entitlements, noting that without salaries and pensions, the economy would be grounded.

Beyond this, in demonstration of the state government’s sincere concern for workers, on assumption of office in 2015, the governor had directed the payment of backlog of gratuities for local government retirees from 2001 to 2011.

Today, the governor is still keeping the pace in this direction.

The payment of salary arrears to those employed in 2014 to serve in the previous administration is ongoing.

To cap it all, the 2015 and 2016 promotion of 9,986 officers has been released. Since the governor came on board, he has released the promotion of over 20,000 workers and he has also provided affordable housing for public servants.

As the state government continues to meet its obligations to workers by paying their salaries in time, this has not failed to attract the attention of the state branch of the Nigerian Labour Congress.

Of course, if the reverse has been the case, the workers would have been on an endless industrial action. But for Etim Ukpong, chairman of the NLC in Akwa Ibom State, it has never been so good.

Without the payment of salary to civil servants in a civil servicedependent economy, it would have been tough to stimulate economic activities. What the state government has done has indeed served as a catalyst to boost economic growth in the state.

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Comment Frank Aigbogun EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Prof. Onwuchekwa Jemie

DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja ASSISTANT EDITOR Chuks Oluigbo NEWS EDITOR Patrick Atuanya EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SALES AND MARKETING Kola Garuba EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DIGITAL SERVICES Oghenevwoke Ighure ADVERT MANAGER Adeola Ajewole MANAGER, SYSTEMS & CONTROL Emeka Ifeanyi HEAD OF SALES, CONFERENCES Rerhe Idonije SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Patrick Ijegbai CIRCULATION MANAGER John Okpaire GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (North)

Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

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Gunshot victims and police report

PUBLISHER/CEO

EDITOR Zebulon Agomuo

Sunday 20 May 2018

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

R

ecently, a colleague lost a dear brother in an obviously avoidable situation. The deceased, Adebayo Akinwumi, a promising engineer with a top global telecommunication brand, was shot at close range by dare-devil armed robbers who invaded his home in the dead of the night. As bad as his case was, he could have survived if only he had had prompt medical attention.

He was allegedly rejected by some private hospitals around their neighbourhood on the account of police report. He was later rushed to the family hospital which equally refused to treat him on account of police report.

Having lost so much blood, the young man eventually gave up the ghost.

Sadly, his case is just one of such distasteful examples of compatriots who had died in similar circumstances. It will be recalled that on September 20, 2009, Mr. Ogunbayo Ohu, the then Assistant News Editor of The Guardian newspaper was shot severally on a Sunday morning in his house in Egbeda,

Lagos, by supposed hired killers.

He would have survived the gunshots if the neighbouring hospital he was taken to had promptly attended to him.

Now, it is difficult to really understand why medical workers that are basically trained to save lives would prefer to do otherwise at moments of life threatening emergencies. In most cases, family members and other sympathizers of gunshot victims are often too shock and confused to really have the stability of mind to think rationally.

Just imagine what the frame of mind of a woman who virtually watched as her husband was being brutally murdered would be at that particular moment. This is exactly why it is crucial for health workers to always consider the sanctity of the human life in such decisive circumstances.

The concept of the sanctity of life is anchored on the sacred nature of life, and the fact that everything that is humanly possible must be done to preserve life. Every other thing that man losses can, one way or the other, be restored, but when a life is lost, it is gone forever. Considering, especially, the Hippocratic Oath that is binding on medical doctors, all over the world, the desire to save life should be central in all their concerns. Health workers have the fundamental task of first and foremost caring for the injured and the sick on the basis of the ethics of their profession.

Aside the humanitarian and professional perspectives, it is equally legally wrong for medical workers to insist on the production of police before attending to victims of gunshots. It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had signed the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017 and this should ordinarily put to rest the contentious issue once and for all. With President Buhari’s assent to the law, victims of gunshot and car accidents should receive immediate treatment in the hospital. Through the law, a legal framework to guarantee that gunshot victims are treated without demanding for any clearance from the police has been established.

The law is primarily concerned about access to medical care, irrespective of circumstances leading to the gunshot. Therefore, suitable treatment from medical workers and essential assistance from security agencies should follow treatment of gunshot victims irrespective of the cause of the shooting. This becomes rather very essential in view of the fact that it is not every gunshot wound victim that is a criminal.

It is, thus, quite pleasant to note that that the Lagos State Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal, recently vowed to prosecute any hospital in the State who rejects gunshot victims on the premise of police report. The

CP, however, added that the Act requires the hospital treating such a patient to report the fact to the nearest police station within two hours of commencement of treatment.

It must be stressed that though the Act is a major breakthrough, health sector stakeholders still need to step efforts towards increasing awareness on the subject. Also, appropriate law enforcement agencies need to ensure that proprietors of recalcitrant hospitals are duly prosecuted and punished accordingly to serve as deterrent to others.

The idea of waiting for police reports before treating gunshot victims is archaic and inhuman and must be condemned in its entirety. Of late, we have had to contend with cases of needless loss of lives across the country.

We are someway getting used to gory tales of people dying that we don’t seem to really care anymore. However, in as much as it could somehow be taken in if some irrational chaps, who have lost their minds, chose the murderous path in the name of insurgency. But then, it becomes ridiculous and disturbing when medical workers that are trained to save life opt to become less concerned about human lives.

This is not right, and it must be stopped.

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

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Sunday 20 May 2018

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Leveraging digital disruption to shape resilience and inclusiveness in Africa

RAFIAH IBRAHIM Ibrahim is head of Ericsson Middle East and Africa.

A

frica remains the fastest growing mobile markets – the continent continues to grow faster than any other continent at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of six percent for the next five years, reaching close to one billion mobile subscriptions by 2023. In this time, more than 90 percent of the population in

ISRAEL IBELEME Ibeleme writes from Abuja.

J

ust days before President Buhari met with President Trump at the White House, history was made in Washington, DC, with the signing of a landmark infrastructure agreement between the Nigerian government and a consortium of multinational firms led by the American digital industrial giant, General Electric (GE). The implementation of that agreement, worth US$45 million in the first phase, will ensure that within the next 12 months, passenger travel by rail from Lagos to Kano will be faster and safer, while for the first time in over a decade, contracted and scheduled freight rail services can once again be offered.

This milestone project is the outcome of President Buhari’s single-minded determination to develop, upgrade and modernise Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, as well as the relentless push by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to fully deliver on the President’s vision.

Since Amaechi took office in November 2015 as Minister of Transportation, there has been a renaissance in Nigeria’s rail industry, in line with the President’s oft-stated vision. This planned revamp of the NarrowGauge Rail Network by the international consortium comprising General Electric, Transnet of South Africa, SinoHydro of China and APM Terminals (part of the Danish Maersk Group) – after two years of meticulous planning, negotiating and contracting, offers strong proof of

Africa will subscribe to a mobile service. This growth highlights the need for a more efficient technology, higher data rates and spectrum.

The challenges that African countries face when it comes to dealing with digital disruption are fairly universal – these include regulations, efficiency, sustainability, innovation, and customer intimacy. Agenda 2063 has put a strategy in place to offer direction for growth within the digital transformation. This places great importance on the role of technology in ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support Africa’s accelerated integration.

Having said that, two-thirds of the region’s population will remain offline at the end of the decade. A disproportionate share of unconnected individuals will come from underserved population groups, including women

and those on low incomes, which still face significant barriers to mobile internet adoption. Yet both Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 seek socio-economic transformation.

Here, operators have an opportunity to deliver enhanced services and provide the infrastructure to support the aspirations of Agenda 2063, which include a well-developed ICT sector and digital economy.

Mobile connectivity drives social and economic growth. A study

by Ericsson and Imperial College in 2017, showed a direct link between mobile broadband and GDP growth, where a 10 percent MBB adoption brings 0.6-2.8 percent economic growth.

Mobile solutions have emerged as a vital tool to extend key services to underserved communities, complementing the efforts led by the govern-

ments and the private sector.

Examples are Mobile Money, helping to reduce poverty and unemployment while M2M, with more than 300 million connections, is enabling smart city and off-grid utilities solutions.

According to Ericsson’s mobility, report mobile broadband subscriptions are expected to grow up to 880 million by 2023 and smartphones to 850 million.

This calls for more infrastructure development to be realized through spectrum availability.

A well-rounded ICT infrastructure will provide the capabilities to address the transformation to 3G and 4G that is happening across the region, as well as the future requirements of 5G, which we are already seeing the emergence of in some countries, such as South Africa, which just had its first 5G trial.

5G is not just the next step in the technology evolution from

2G (voice) to 3G (data) to 4G (LTE or better data) but a potential game changer. And, it’s not just about faster data speeds, but about enabling the fourth industrial revolution, of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence.

In line with this, it is not just up to the mobile operators, but to a strong partnership formed between governments, academic and other institutions, businesses and people in the developing countries to prepare for an ICT-enabled transformation.

While private-sector applications of ICT have soared, many of the challenges of sustainable development – health, education, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability – require a deep role of the policy makers and the public sector. This, in turn, puts a spotlight on institutions, which are in general important determinants of the success or failure of development.

Nigeria getting back on track with rail revolution the seriousness with which the Buhari Administration is taking its Railway modernisation ambitions.

Nigeria’s Narrow-Gauge Rail System was conceived in the 1890s and built between 1898 and 1926, with a total length of 3,500 kilometres. It consists of two primary lines – Lagos to Nguru and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri – with spur lines to Eleme, Baro, Kaura Namoda and other places.

These critical economic assets have since become decrepit, having suffered significant decline due to lack of investments in infrastructure maintenance.

A few years ago, a previous administration commenced a rehabilitation programme, which saw the Lagos-Kano line come back to life. But that rehabilitation was not accompanied by corollary improvements in operations and engineering management capacity, thus failing to fully exploit the massive freight and passenger potential of the narrow-gauge network.

The Buhari Administration, as part of its infrastructure development vision, has now finally taken the long overdue bold steps to modernize the rail network.

On August 18, 2017, the Federal Executive Council, following a competitive procurement process, approved the concession of the Narrow-Gauge Rail System to the GE-led Consortium. The Government is advised by a multidisciplinary consortium led by the Africa Finance Corporation.

The initiation of that concession agreement is what has now finally taken effect following

the signing in Washington, DC yesterday, ahead of President Buhari’s bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.

Sources within the GE Consortium have disclosed that the first set of 3 locomotives and sixty wagons (out of 10 locomotives and 200 wagons) are ready to be shipped to Nigeria.

The benefits of this intervention are immense: increased economic productivity, job creation, private sector investment, human capacity development and much-needed world class expertise. Worldwide, rail infrastructure has been proven to reduce costs and wastage of goods; increase economic trade between farmers/miners and industry and between traders and consumers; and grow business competitiveness and increase operational efficiency.

The Narrow-Gauge Concession with the GE-led Consortium is only one of many projects conceived in the sector. In July 2016, President Buhari commissioned the Abuja (Idu) to Kaduna (Rigasa) Standard-Gauge Rail Line, which runs two round trips daily between the two cities, creating an alternative for the over 20,000 motorists who ply the route.

Also, that month, Minister Amaechi signed a renegotiated agreement with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation that revised the cost – originally negotiated by his predecessors – of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway Project downwards by 800 million dollars.

Again, in March 2017, Vice

Pr e s i d e n t , Ye m i Os i n b a j o flagged-off construction of the 156-kilometre Lagos-Ibadan Standard-Gauge Line, following the payment of the Federal Government’s fifteen percent counterpart funds about two hundred million dollars to the Chinese Export Import Bank. The project is expected to be completed within three years and it forms the second phase of the Lagos to Kano Standard Gauge Line, after the Abuja-Kaduna Line. This Standard Gauge project is different from the existing NarrowGauge line being concessioned to the GE Consortium.

Furthermore, in December 2017, the Federal Executive Council approved the acquisition of nine locomotives, one hundred and twenty-eight Passenger Coaches, and one hundred and ninety wagons to support Standard Gauge rail operations.

The Abuja Monorail project will be commissioned during the second quarter of 2018. The first phase of the 45-kilometre rail project has 12 rail stations and connects the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to Abuja’s Central Business District.

In his 2018 New Year Speech, President Buhari announced that negotiations were advanced for the construction of the Frontier Rail Line from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic emanating from Kano through to Kazaure, Katsina, Jibia and finally to Maradi.

Also noteworthy is the development of the Coastal Rail Line from Lagos to Calabar via Lagos-Ore-Benin City-SapeleWarri-Yenagoa with sidings to

Otuoke, Port Harcourt, Aba, Uyo, Calabar and branch line from Benin-City, Obudu, Onitsha including Onitsha rail bridge. These developments are significant, as they will position Nigeria as a major transhipment hub for millions of tons of goods being imported from and exported to land-locked countries including Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Cameroon.

For centuries, rail networks have formed the foundation for industrialisation, productivity and economic efficiency for many developed nations.

For instance, rail infrastructure stock in the United States of America increased 16-fold from 14,000 kilometres in 1850 to over 220,000 kilometres today.

The United States’ rail network has annual revenues of about $60 billion, provides 221,000 jobs and delivers 5 million tons of freight and transports approximately 85,000 passengers every day. One third of all exports from the United States is facilitated by rail transport.

In the 2017 Budget and the 2018 Budget Proposal, the Federal Government provisioned more than 300 billion naira for railway projects, mainly as fifteen-percent counterpart funds to unlock additional concessionary funding from the Chinese Export Import Bank.

This is an unprecedented commitment, which, combined with the GE-led Consortium’s drive to modernising Nigeria’s rail infrastructure, will add immense value to Nigeria’s long term economic growth and productivity.

We cherish readers’ reactions to stories and articles published in BusinessDay. All such reactions, which must not be more than 250 words, should be sent to bdsundayletter@businessdayonline.com with names and addresses of writers. The star letter every week will be rewarded.

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Sunday 20 May 2018

Perspective

The role of research in politics OLUFUNMILOLA OLUFUNSO-OKE

Olufunso-Oke is associate group head, Research & Intelligence Development, CMC Connect Burson Marsteller.

O

ver the past few weeks, I have been having the same thought-provoking pattern as to how much research is carried out in politics, most especially in Nigeria. This thought pattern is, of course, based on what I see happen daily in the political scene and that is why I have been granted the muse to put pen to paper to describe the role of research in politics.

What exactly is a research?

According to Godwin Colibao, research is “any gathering of data, information, and facts for the advancement of knowledge”.

John W. Creswell gave another definition of research to mean “a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue”. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines research as a studious inquiry or examination, especially investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws.

In all three definitions, the advancement of knowledge is a basic feature which also is the goal of every productive individual. Everyone is expected to be better today than yesterday.

The truth is that research does not exist in a vacuum but within humans and their interactions.

A research is not only a social activity but also a political one as it has its role to play in politics.

Research, just like in every other sector like education, health, finance, etc., plays a huge role in determining the advancement of that sector.

Research answers questions, such as: how can things become better? Research for the sake of advancement goes beyond mere questioning, but rather, it seeks to understand the underlying principles, ideologies, goals of a particular theory or rule. This brings about a way of doing things better and not just on the surface level. Everyone seeks advancement, most especially the Nigerian politics and politicians, electorates and the nation as a whole. To get this advancement, there is the need for researches to be carried out.

Just like Terry Freedman stated in “The Importance of Research for ICT Teachers” (2011), “Research can shed light on issues we didn’t even know

existed, and can raise questions we hadn’t realised even needed asking.” This should be the hallmark of every government – seeking to know how best a situation can be managed. Research is, no doubt, very instrumental in politics as it is the only true source of growth and development. Through research, the general populace are made aware of the various problems facing the society. It keeps them alert and makes them want to take right decisions so as to protect their future. These researches also provide solutions to problems, sharpening the government’s foresight as to how to implement policies and other innovations.

More so, research can help shape the kind of candidates that come out to run in elections.

It keeps them informed and makes them more knowledgeable about the problem and challenges facing the system.

Research produces intellectualism as it shapes the goals and objectives of political parties and, subsequently, political aspirants. It gives them a chance to explore into the basic needs of the country and the best means through which meeting these needs can be achieved.

For instance, the problem of electricity. Imagine a lot is put into a research to find out how the Nigerian people can enjoy power without interruption!

When a political party goes the extra mile to find the reasons for power interruption and the best way to fix it rather than just sit behind to speculate on how things can be done, such a political party will definitely achieve something tangible since it had clear goals and objectives before it decided to run for a position.

There have been numerous instances in which politicians promised heaven and earth while trying to get into power and when eventually they won, they were unable to fulfil those promises. Why? Inadequate research. They only speculated while trying to win the hearts of the people. They seem to always believe it is easy to get things done once in Aso Rock.

Just as it is said that proper preparation prevents poor performance, researching the issues bedevilling the country before making promises would prevent an inefficient government. Imbibing research into politics brings about a stronger bond between the electorate and the government. Carrying out a research and publishing it helps the people trust the government more as they are duly informed. It serves as a means through which the public participates in the decisionmaking process of the country as political research sustains and strengthens the democratic process. It strengthens the bond of unity and promotes peace and oneness.

Planned or unplanned, carrying out a research into a specific area of discipline is a means to

President Buhari

understanding how things work.

The greatest mistake of all time is to intentionally go into something you have no idea of. In politics, research is a powerful tool through which participants can actually gain knowledge on how things work and how it can work better. Every government has a role to play in the socioeconomic development of its country. It’s more than the title or honour received from those positions but much more about the long-lasting effects such government has on the country and the electorate. Nigeria is a very complex country with 36 states, various sectors, issues, beliefs, etc. These are enough reasons for which research can be of help. To solve a problem, such problem has to be identified and understood and that’s what research is all about. Be it an original or scientific research, the truth is that research helps keep focus.

Furthermore, research is a tool through which the truth

Our aim is not to make science another highly partisan issue, but rather to let facts and empirically observed data trump emotional debate.

It is far too common for politicians to find themselves defending oftentimes indefensible positions that can and should be approached and solved with a scientific perspective

is identified from falsehood. It helps to ascertain the integrity and credibility of a proposed solution and the giver of such solution. Every good research tends to reveal the truth about the issue at hand. In the Nigerian case, for instance, there are various underlying acts and practices that I believe are part of the reasons why growth and development are quite far from us. Research into issues like this present to the world a clearer view of how things truly are.

Research either approves integrity and fidelity or disapproves infidelity. Just like a typical Nigerian man would not want to get married to a woman he knows nothing about, so also should the electorate vote for no one they know nothing about or what they can do. Research is the most powerful tool for growth and development as it excludes imaginations and mere thoughts and produces concrete evidences.

Detailed researches help both the electorate and the government develop a more critical expertise into the nature of how things should be done and how best it could be done. As Mary-Louise Kearney, director of the UNESCO Forum on Higher Education, Research and Knowledge, once said, “Knowledge generated by research is the basis of sustainable development, which requires that knowledge be placed at the service of development, be converted into applications, and be shared to ensure widespread benefits.”

Research paves way for a more grounded and rounded economic and social development through the formulation of adequate and accurate policies that are expected to bring about global development and recognition. There is no doubt that the Nigerian state is in a stalemate and it needs remedy.

The underlying fact remains that research, series of it, is the only

way through which we can manage these situations. It unveils to the country as a whole how best situations can be managed.

Shaughnessy Naughton, talking about the role of science in politics, said: “Our aim is not to make science another highly partisan issue, but rather to let facts and empirically observed data trump emotional debate. It is far too common for politicians to find themselves defending oftentimes indefensible positions that can and should be approached and solved with a scientific perspective.”

Scientific research gives no room for sentimental or emotional decisions. It produces truth to bear result of which actions should be taken. There is hardly any room for speculation or imagination; all there is are evidences and proofs for actions and how they should be carried out. In all sincerity, I think this is what the Nigerian politics needs.

Research provides hardcore evidences, blueprints to which growth and development can be formed. Most political issues today require a systematic, dispassionate and disciplined thought and that can only be brought about by research. Scientific research in politics brings about a change in the type of leadership from being transactional to being transformational and as such, a greater chance of survival is secured. Rather than spend hours in sittings, arguing and discussing on best plans to execute, spending more time in the field trying to find out why and how best is a means through which transformation can occur.

Research also plays an instrumental role in politics by satisfying one’s curiosity about political phenomenon and questions. It answers questions like, why are we doing things this way? Research in its entirety provides political participants, aspirants and electorate with the understanding of what a political life is. For instance, it answers questions like, why does the Nigerian state operate a presidential system of government rather than a parliamentary system? Why is secret ballot system the preferred type of voting?

Having basic understanding of these issues is the first step to a reliable political system as it helps provide improvement in areas that need one. Basically, it aids innovation.

In summary, it is evident that that we cannot separate politics from research as the latter has a profound role to play in the successful running of politics and a political system. Research in politics is definitely the bedrock on which every other sector can be developed as once there is a good political system, every other decision as relating to education, finance, sports, tourism, etc would produce long-lasting and effective decisions. This is, therefore, a call to encourage more research in our politics and political system.

Sunday 19 May 2018

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Interview ‘I see promising future for Nigerian youths’ Mohammed Kazeem Olanipekun, special adviser (SA) to the Kwara State Governor on Artisans Related Matters, says that the welfare of artisan congress remains the state government’s priority. Olanipekun also says that the government empowerment programme which will take off soon is to ensure better life for members, improve on ease of doing business and develop the state’s economy. In this interview with SIKIRAT SHEHU, he enjoins governments to do more advocacies on the need for people to patronise made-in-Nigeria products. Excerpts:

M

ay we know more about your office activities?

I assumed office January 2018 and my office activities entail liaising between the state government and the artisan congress by making sure that there is good relationship between them which we have been having. Especially, in the area of taxes, S.A artisan ensures that artisans promptly pay affordable taxes to Kwara Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS). We have about 84 associations and we are waxing stronger.

Artisans always complain of funding, what is the state government doing to empower them?

The state government has been helpful in terms of funding for the artisans; part of it is the availability of SMEs loan that the state government wants to give them.

Some amount of money which I will not mention now has been earmarked for the SMEs with very low interest, as low as 9 percent. You cannot even get it in our commercial banks, at least when you want to take a loan from any commercial or microfinance banks you will not get anything less than 30 something percent of which everybody is aware of that. So, the money will be available soon for artisans to have access.

According to what I met on ground, state government has already given about 100 million to artisans as SMEs loan in 2015, but this time around, I don’t want to mention the figure because we are waiting for the approval of another trench which is ongoing.

How will you describe the relationship between the government and artisans?

When I embarked on visits to different associations, I found out that their major constraint was government patronage; but as I am speaking with you now, the government has begun patronising the artisans in the state. About two weeks ago, renovations of media outfits was contracted to the associations of carpentry and interior decor to make furniture and interior decoration for Kwara Radio and

Mohammed Kazeem Olanipekun

Kwara TV as the first stage.

We will continue with second stage soon, which will cover other media outfits in the state.

Are there challenges peculiar to your office and prospects?

I would not say that I ha ve cha ll enges b ecau se the relationship has being very cordial. Although, it is not easy to deal with artisans congress because they have a lot of associations under them and it is very difficult to get them in a group but the main thing is that, since I assumed office God has been helping us as everything has been going on well between the congress and office o f S . A . We a re a c h i ev i n g greatly. For instance, the K w a ra S t a t e g ov e r n m e n t embarked on giving out e m p ow e r m e n t s f o r m s t o artisan congress. As at today, we have got over 35 thousand requests from

different associations.

Now that the state government is embracing artisans, what is your assessment of Nigerians patronising products made in the country?

The assessment so far shows that we are not there yet. But the notion now is changing but we still have to improve. With the invention of made-in-Nigeria products, our artisans are now developing. Recently, we had a trade fair here in Ilorin Kwara State, organised by KWACIMA, where the artisan congress mobilised about nine associations from artisans; the likes of association of Bag Makers, Aso Oke, Shoe Makers, Beads Makers and others showcased their talents.

It was really impressive. As time goes on, there is future for Nigerian made products.

I just want to advise government that they should do more advocacies on made

The committee set up for the congress arrived Oyo on Friday but because they arrived late, they had called for a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday morning. What we understood was that when the committee visited Ajimobi on Friday, he told them that the party in Oyo State was one family and there was not going to be elections and as such they had compiled the names which would form the list of officers as agreed by the entire party

in Nigeria products so that a lot of people will patronise locally-made products.

W h a t a re y o u r f u t u re plans for Artisans?

We have a lot of activities lined up. We intend to g i v e t h e m i d e n t i t y c a rd s f o r p ro p e r i d e n t i f i c a t i o n and other purposes. For t h e p ro d u c t io n o f t h e ID card, the state government is planning to get the total required to assist congress.

Another thing is that the state government is also planning to embark on tools empowerment which is coming later in the year. We promise to continue with the kind gesture for the betterment of Kwara State.

What message do you have for the youth?

My advice to the youth is that they should be more vibrant, explore their talents and work hard. From what I have seen among the artisans, I can say our youths are not lazy. I have seen different innovations from our young people, thus, forecasting good future in our youths. I am seeing a promising future for our youths.

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Sunday 20 May 2018

TheWorshippers ‘Nigerians should put God first if they want to reap the good of the land’ Ozioma Onuzulike, a professor of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is the leader of God’s Urgent Call, a non-denominational prayer group based in Enugu that holds free freedom lectures with positive action for all between the first Friday and Sunday of each month, except in December and January when it holds its annual camping for the word of God. In this interview with SEYI JOHN SALAU, Onuzulike speaks on his desire to build individuals through the superpower of God in Christ, who will withdraw from today’s crowd of sinners and uphold God’s banner of righteousness without minding the cost. Excerpts: As an educationist, what in your opinion is wrong with the education sector in Nigeria? t is glaring that the rot in the larger society is also found in the educational sector.

Many people are not interested to work but are very desirous to “eat”. So, they devise all sorts of means to eat down the system and the sector. Corrupt teachers and other so-called “jobbers” take money from students and write WAEC and NECO exams for them, thereby laying a very poor background for them. Many parents pay such money knowingly. And these are all very religious people making lots of religious noise in this country. Again, that shows clearly that religion is different from salvation. What we need in this country and around the world is salvation, not empty religious activism.

The message on “Differentiating Religion from Salvation”, which God used Ben Unegbu to publish, is available for free for all to read.

Many corrupt staff in our schools collect bribes from parents and give admission to less-qualified candidates who subsequently wangle their way through school on the wobbly wheels of bribery and corruption. Many school supervisors serving in Inspectorate Units of the education sector take bribes and keep a blind eye towards gross abuse of standards.

Yet, they are all members of one religious group or the other making religious noise everywhere. Similarly, many senior academics and other professionals hired by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to accredit university programmes take bribes and write

I

Onuzulike

false reports. Many university administrators pay such bribes and hypocritically turn around to complain about falling standards of education. They pretend to rusticate students who indulge in exam malpractices but are the chairmen of malpractices in NUC “examinations”.

Looking at the rate and mode of modern slave trade across the globe, especially West Africa, who is to blame: the migrants or government?

Both parties share their own blames. The

different governments have not sincerely planned for the good of their people, leading to conditions that tend to drive people away. Citizens themselves are not helping matters. They refuse to look inwards to help themselves. Many of those migrants are those who want to acquire huge wealth in a short time simply because of envy against those whom they think have “made it”. There is no reason why people should leave the arable lands around them, which can conveniently feed them and others, to risk their lives in perilous seas and hazardous deserts. Why not migrate to Benue, or Abakaliki, or Kano, or many other places in the country, to farm? This is only an example. Most people do not want to sweat for their money. They want it “sharp-sharp”.

Religious gangsters in suits and cassocks are not helping matters. They are also in the fray, driving people mad with intoxicating messages and testimonies about “quick-quick prosperity”, prosperity by all means.

One thing we cannot rule out with the rate of migration in Nigeria is economic hardship and lack of environment conducive for small businesses to thrive. What is your take on the business climate in Nigeria?

The NBS may have its own benchmarks for determining when the economy is in “recession” and when it is merely “hard”. For the man on the street, the economy is in recession when cost of living is high, that is, when things are “hard”. My wife bought things at the Nsukka Main Market recently. She told me that a cup of hand-processed ‘egusi’ is now sold at N130 as against N60 previously.

I think that is economic recession in action.

This is only one example that is not isolated.

When we exit recession, we expect the cost of living to be better. When we exit recession practically, not in theory, we do not even need the NBS to tell us, just as we did not need them to tell us when we entered recession.

Currently politicians are going into alignments and realignments in preparation for the 2019 general elections. What advice do you have for our political class?

The political alignments and realignments we witnessed in the past were all self-serving and hypocritical. My candid advice for politicians at this time is that they should take sincere decisions to emulate the no-nonsense governor in Israel called Nehemiah. I’ll like to read them Nehemiah 5:15. It says, “But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God”.

The fear of God is what they need to succeed in turning things around for good.

Without it, we will simply make all the political noise all over again and still remain where we are. Proverbs chapter 8 verse 13 says that “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil…” I am talking about genuine fear of God that is demonstrated in the way they run the affairs of this country as Nehemiah did in his time. I do not mean that our politicians should carry God like lip-sticks while devil is chairman in their hearts, which is what they have been doing all these years.

Catholic priest decries incessant kidnappings, killings in Nigeria ...as Serra International District 130-B convention ends in Lagos CHUKS OLUIGBO

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he worrisome killings across the country, particularly as they affect Christians and ordained people, featured prominently at the just-concluded 6th Convention of Serra International District 130-B Nigeria at Ikorodu, Lagos.

Serra International is a lay organization in the Catholic Church that promotes vocations to the priesthood and religious life. According to John Paul II, Serrans “possess a deep appreciation of the ministerial priesthood as being essential to the Church” and “have been generous in offering their support to those who hear the call to serve Christ in the priesthood”.

Speaking on the topic “The Worrisome Kidnappings and Killings of Priests and Religious in Nigeria: Implications Thereof”, Rev. Fr. JoeBen Onyia, chaplain, Serra Club of Ikorodu, said it was lamentable that priests and religious had become victims of vicious attacks and thus endangered species in places that they had hitherto lived and thrived as their vocation requires. Reeling out a long list of priests and religious who had either been kidnapped or killed in the country since 2009, Fr. Onyia regretted the April 24, 2018 violent killing of two priests, Rev. Frs. Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, and about 17 other worshippers in Gwer East LGA of Benue State by armed herdsmen.

As a way of discouraging kidnapping of

priests and religious, he informed that the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) instructed that no ransom should ever be paid to crooks who want to be rewarded for doing evil, adding that some priests in some dioceses have also said no ransom should be paid if they were kidnapped.

He decried the loss of value for human life and the incessant bloodshed that have

pervaded the Nigerian society, advising those in power to use their political positions to do the right things and better the lot of humanity.

Fr. Onyia admonished Christians to eschew infighting among themselves and to learn to bear the burden of one another, saying, “If there is infighting among us, we cannot tackle external aggression.”

Other topics that came up at the conven-

A cross-section of priests and religious, officials of Serra International District 130-B, Nigeria, and members of Serra Club of Satellite Town, after the convention Mass. Back row: Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Emeritus Archbishop of Lagos; Most Rev. Dr. Peter Odetoyinbo (m), Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, and other priests.

tion include “Formation of Priests after God’s Heart in the Present-Day Realities: Myths or Realities”, which was handled by Rev. Fr. Paul Chukwukebe, vocations director, Catholic Diocese of Awka, Anambra State, and “The Duties of Lay Persons, Nay Serrans, in Affirmation of Vocations to the Priestly and Religious Life”, which was discussed in a town hall session by Serrans Peter Ezike, Tomi Asenuga and Smart Ebhodaghe, as well as Rev. Fr. Melvin Mayaki.

The two-day convention held May 4-6 and themed “Chosen from among Men” also witnessed the induction of new members during a Mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Chaplaincy, Ijede Road, Ikorodu officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo. The Mass also had in attendance the Emeritus Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie.

Inducting the new members, Okogie charged them to be good examples and not disappoint the expectations and confidence reposed on them. He also prayed that they would be worthy and dedicated ambassadors of Christ through the work they do in Serra.

Carved out of the old Serra International District 130 Nigeria and approved by the Board of Trustees of Serra International in 2013, Serra International District 130-B comprises Serra Clubs of Ipaja, Agege, Ikeja, Maryland, Ikorodu, Satellite Town, and Ketu, as well as Serra Clubs in-formation Ogba, Ilupeju, Magodo, Shomolu, Ojota and Odongunyan, all in Lagos.

Sunday 20 May 2018

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Inspirations The problem with a simple life

YOMI KASALI (Rev).

@rev.yomikasali

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had a very fruitful and engaging conversation with my son recently; we had a home fellowship with some members of our church and the topic for discussion was ‘Living a Simple Life’, many people were very disposed to the idea of living a very simple life but mentioned various challenges with the idea.

The scriptures encourages believers to live a very ‘simple life’ of faith. In fact Paul the Apostle believes the Christian faith is best lived in a simple way, he mentioned it in 2 Corr. 11 v 3, “and I fear, lest, as the serpent did beguile Eve in his subtlety, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that [is] in the Christ.”

Paul opined that the faith of our Lord is a simple one and not complex or complicated.

He also believes living a simple life is easier when you develop a simplistic approach to life and not complicated by being modest in your conduct and conversation, ‘Let Your moderation be made known unto all men,

the Lord is at hand’ (Philippians 4 v 5).

The church has stopped teaching the morals of living a simple life because of some problems and I am going to share a few of these problems with you shortly. It is pertinent to know that they are dangerous to our spiritual health and we should preserve our hearts with the simplicity of faith and not allow the enemy to devour our souls by complicating the faith of our Lord and His instructions.

5 Problems with living a simple life Contentment is perceived is perceived as laidback: The Bible says ‘Godliness with contentment is great gain...’, but the church is preaching the very opposite with avarice and greed fueling our hearts daily for more. It is difficult to live a Simple life with the Prosperity message being preached today, and please believe me that it is not the Bible Prosperity that we are pushing today, hence, makes it almost impossible to live a Simple life.

Extravagance and flamboyant lifestyle: The African American church has influenced the church in Africa more negatively than positively. I have been opportune to preach in a few English and American churches in Europe and the States and I have found out that African American culture has influenced our culture. Most white led churches have very rich pastors without private jets but almost all the mega African American led churches in America strive to be flamboyant and extravagant.

Bigger, richer and larger is better: There is an unbelievable desire to be ‘bigger’, ‘larger’, ‘higher’, ‘richer’, and every superlative tense that can be achievable because we have been told that they are ‘better’. Foolishly

we have believed the lie from the devil, so we strive to build a ‘mega’ church even if the members are not Christians but possible jihadists. We are just obsessed with bigger, richer, larger and higher, so it makes it difficult to live a Simple life.

Simple is stupid, boring and a sign of failure: There are people who truly believe that to be simple in life is stupid, boring and a sign a failure because of the very fact that simplicity guarantees you some measure of peace and tranquility without undue stress. Why can’t I just go to work, be friends and don’t fight in the office, close from work and go home to a lovely family, spend time to call my loved ones and wish them well, go to church during the week and weekends, then raise my kids in a godly manner...they consider this life as stupid and boring. I disagree with their conclusions because I enjoy this simple life.

Noisy and louder is in vogue: Some people believe that the life that is boring is the

one without some noise; the Bible says we should live a peaceful and quiet life (1 Tim. 2 v 2). This is why it is difficult to live a Simple life because we prefer the Noise of New York and Lagos to the quietness of Abuja and our villages. We think noise means fun hence young people go to clubs during the weekends and still go to ‘noisy’ churches as well, we just think being loud in dressing, and noisy in life makes your life fun meanwhile beneath the loud noise are sad people who are really depressed, so they nurture their aches when everyone has left the club.

I want to ask you to live a simple life unashamedly and do not complicate your life.

I hope you have been inspired by this piece.

Be Inspired!

Rev Yomi Kasali is Senior Pastor, Foundation of Truth Assembly, Surulere, Lagos.

Managing fear in marketplace DEBO ATIBA www.spiritonomics.org

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ear comes to us in different ways and through different circumstances, in the marketplace. The fear may be that what you are about to embark upon will not work, or what you started you may not be able to finish, or that others have come to invade your space doing exactly what you are doing. These and many other unsaid fears threaten your peace in the marketplace.

Those in paid employment may play it down because they may not appreciate the circumstances you find yourself. It may appear as though you are being unnecessarily apprehensive to others who are not directly involved. You did not work it up or call for it, it naturally comes. Every seasoned business man can boldly testify to this, how they felt, why they felt what they felt. This can be played down when what is at stake has no value and nothing is being threatened. The reverse is the case for the person that knows what is at stake, he will not take it likely and this makes for fear.

So are we supposed to look at this fear and just assume they are natural and we have to live with them as long as they

exist? We all know that fear of any sort has nothing in it that is beneficial to man, it saps joy and make peace scarce. In fact bible attests to it that FEAR has a torment.

Fear suppresses the beauty in life making it unbearable. You cannot be full of fear and make a success of your endeavor. Fear opens the door to the enemy to come and destroy whatever you have laid your hand upon. The enemy cannot operate successfully in your life except fear is present, and as enumerated above, there are myriads of reason for such fear in the marketplace.

To nip this FEAR in the bud and make a success of our lives despite its ever abiding presence, the following must be understood and adhered to:

a niche for yourself. The general rule is that if you are in business then you are on the war path and every other business in your line is your natural enemy. That is wrong thinking for a Christian business man. The way we do business is different from the way the world expects business to be done. Our understanding of the vast resources of heaven at our disposal makes it possible for us to operate in the atmosphere of peace with other businesses on our line. Nobody needs to fail before we succeed; the market is big enough for all to play in without hitting one another.

This truth must sink deep down into our heart, otherwise we follow in the rat race of competition and this makes for fear.

break the dam. Lack of this understanding results in fear.

5. Business is spiritual: The activity of business may be physical, but it is inherently spiritual. Your understanding of life being spiritual helps your interpretation of business as being spiritual. Why do you think people fraternize, join societies with all their degrees and qualifications? They have come to term that there is more to life than meets the eye. If simply having degrees and great qualification is what makes for success, we would have great many people that are successful in their respective fields. Arm yourself with this truth and you become successful despite the presence of fear.

1. The provision is limitless The only reason why this FEAR goes unchecked for us in the marketplace is because we are unaware of the abundance of provision made available to us by God to succeed at what we are doing. If you always remember that in a country that has a population of about 200million, it means the potential for your business to survive is high, because no single outfit can serve the entire nation. It makes available great possibility for your business to succeed as against the impression that fear is creating.

3. The market size is huge The only reason why you will not succeed in a place that has huge potential for success like Africa is if you do not have the required skill for business that you are doing, and you are uninformed in the approach you are supposed to use to penetrate your market. Having this understanding, using the right approach and being determined keeps fear at bay.

4. Persistence: There are a lot of erroneous believes that do not hold water when tested in the marketplace. Your skill, strategy or modus operandi amounts to little if you do not employ the wisdom of persistence. That you hit it once does not mean the dam is going to break, it requires repeated hitting and a determined, consistent disposition before you can

6. Humility: The place of humility cannot be over emphasised. If this spirit is not in you, you will remain a failure in the marketplace forever. Marketplace is like a school to new entrants, if you are not teachable you are not capable of making any success out of it. This is a prerequisite to successful outing in business.

Our path to success are not as difficult as we are made to think.To a large extent our lack of knowledge of the path debars us from achieving God’s favour in our endeavors.

As we walk in the light of this truth we see fear bow out as we step in.

2. You are not in competition You must always remember that competition is a waste of time and resources, all that you are required to do is to carve

Remain Blessed. @spiritonomics.org

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Sunday 20 May 2018

ketches With Zebulon

NMA, live and let live, please

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he industrial action embarked upon by members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) is really putting many Nigerians in distress. Many patients who would have been rescued from the jaws of death have lost their lives as a result of the strike and many more lives are still in danger.

JOHESU is pressing for a better condition of service. They never claimed to be superior to medical doctors or even being at par with them. They are not even claiming the same salary with doctors. All that they are saying is “we are not interested in how much you decide to pay doctors, but give us a living wage too.” This is not asking too much.

But the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) appears to be meddling in the

negotiation between Federal Government, and JOHESU, a situation that has even attracted the ire of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige.

The minister, a medical doctor himself, the other day was so incensed at the posturing of his colleagues-inpractice, that he advised them to stop

War without end?

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he frosty relationship between the Executive arm of government and the Legislature is far from abating. The emergence of the leadership of the National Assembly in a manner that was contrary to the plan of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to hunt Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara, the Senate president and speaker, House of Representatives, respectively.

Those who chose to swim or sink with Saraki have also tasted of the fury of government at the centre. When Nigerians thought that the impasse had come to an end with the recent meeting between the President and the two leaders of the bicameral legislature (Saraki and Dogara), a new chapter is being opened with the allegation by Saraki that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, a man who bluntly refused to honour a summon by the Senate on the rising level of insecurity in the country, is trying to frame him up in phantom cult activities. That may have opened a fresh reason for the enmity to drag. It has become obvious that the ruling party will go into 2019 general election a divided house.

Today, many members of the National Assembly are afraid to speak out and speak up, even inside their hallowed chambers because they believe their lives are in danger. They point to the Dino Melaye ordeal. We cannot just continue this way. We want harmonious arms of government that will deliver the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians.

It is possible.

the meddlesomeness. He rightly noted that such meddlesomeness arising from an unhealthy inter-union rivalry would adversely put pressure on social dialogue mechanism.

In the spirit of “Egbe bere, ugo bere”, NMA should cease from antagonising JOHESU, after all, NMA has gone on an uncountable number of costly strikes since 1999 to press for one thing or the other.

Rather than solidarising with JOHESU, NMA appears to be bad-mouthing and laughing at their calamity. For instance, it is unfortunate for the Ekiti State chapter of the NMA to be celebrating that despite JOHESU strike their hospitals in the state are in full operation.

Now, they are advising JOHESU to press for improved welfare within the

Not yet freedom song for El-Zakzaky

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or over two years or so, the leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (Shiites), Shiekh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zainab, have been in maximum incarceration following a bloody clash between members of his group and the security operatives in Kaduna State.

His detention has since elicited many

Boko Haram: Insurgents or jihadists?

Too, too many killings

hen we first heard about the activities of the Boko Haram, Islamist sect, we thought they were mere rebels against authority or leadership of Nigeria. At that time they told us that they were fighting because they did not like western education.

They began to bomb churches and mosques. But now, it appears they have picked their targets. They now appear to be pursuing certain expansionist agenda. Succinctly put, they are jihadists, trying to expand the frontiers of Islam.

The continued detention of Leah Sharibu, an innocent girl from Dapchi, who was kidnapped alongside others in February by some members of Boko Haram, over the allegation that she refused to be converted to Islam, has said it all. It is over three months now and the poor girl is still being held or may have been killed even, and life goes on in Nigeria.

he way we hear about deaths in the country, death itself may be even getting tired of Nigeria and Nigerians. There are too many senseless avenues Nigerians die nowadays. Death by food poisoning has become widespread; ritual killings; all manner of accidents; deaths from excessive phone charging; deaths from generator explosion and the most senseless of all is that caused by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen!

Last week, a coalition of Civil rights groups, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (InterSociety) alleged that over 220 deaths arising from what it called non-traditional crimes, have been recorded. One important fact is that not even all deaths are captured.

The rate of killings in Kaduna, Nasarawa, Taraba, Benue and Jos is very alarming. Zamfara, Adamawa

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Despite profuse assurances by the Federal Government that it was going to do everything humanly possible to bring the girl back to her parents, government last week, came up with a dampener, with its lamentation that the negotiations with members of the Boko Haram insurgents to secure the release of the girl have been a tortuous mission. So, are we now fighting against jihadists or normal insurgents?

ambit of international best practices, but do members of the NMA preach the same sermon to themselves each time they go on strike requesting for more money?

The arrogance imbedded in the claim of smooth operations in Ekiti hospitals despite JOHESU strike is condemnable and does not make for industrial harmony. Little wonder government hospitals in the country are now dreaded like a plague.

So, what Ekiti NMA is saying is that JOHESU should be scrapped as they, the doctors, can handle everything that makes for smooth operation in government hospitals? I read covetousness from their eyes. I see the wicked lines of hatred and enmity on their foreheads.

Why are we like this?

more riots and protests, some of which were fatal.

Although calls from various quarters had been made for the man’s release, government appears uncomfortable with the movement’s approach to their religion.

Sometime last week, some pictures trended in the media, of El-Zakzaky boarding a vehicle. It was understood that he was being taken from the DSS custody in Abuja to Kaduna to be arraigned before a state high court on charges of culpable homicide and unlawful assembly.

Members of the movement expressed worries last week that they were not able to establish contact with him after his arraignment in Kaduna.

Pundits say the arraignment may have given hope that the man’s ultimate freedom or otherwise, is in sight.

Here is advising the Federal Government to follow the rule of law in the man’s prosecution. Intimidation and persecution will only yield more violent protests by the group.

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and Borno are also dripping with the blood of the massacred.

The coalition knocks the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police.

It said the police record and statistics on actual number of deaths are moribund. Too, too bad!

Sunday 18 May 2018

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Interview

Buhari confused, not in control of his administration - Animashaun

Tolani Animashaun, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member in Lagos, recently contested for the deputy woman leader of the party in the last national convention; a former candidate for the House of Representatives in Lagos. In this exclusive interview with INIOBONG IWOK, she says women have not been given enough opportunity in the political space in the country. She also talks about the Muhammadu Buhari administration, among other issues in the polity. Excerpts:

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ou ones contested for the House of Representatives; will you be standing in for election again next year, and what has changed in the political terrain since 2011 when you contested?

You know one would always say as you grow older you look at issues from different perspectives. Contesting is not in my agenda for now; but you know like we say in politics you never say never.

But I am more interested in mentoring the youth which is a necessity. Nigeria is about half a century now; we need to get the people to think right, especially the youths who are the majority, we need the young people to think in the right manner.

Politics has not changed much since 2011 when I contested; it is still the same; just that the country was more flourishing at that time. But anybody contesting now must have seen that the people are asking more questions than before.

Are you saying you would stand in for election in Nigeria again?

I am not giving up; I just want a transfer of opportunity and do more of what is lacking; which is transfer of power in the country ; the older generations are still the ones in power in the country, but see the mistake they are making; we never groom people here; we don’t have that culture. A lot of people living in Canada want to come back here, who is grooming you? We need to do more on that; change those cultures; that’s where I am coming in.

But the youth would, say may be, you had a political background …?

That is what am saying the opportunity are there, I was actually in the banking sector no one groomed me; but I was passionate about politics and fighting for the masses and I went for it actually; my family gave me all the support but they are not involved directly in politics, I don’t come from a political background, it was just a passion. I think the good support I got from my family mattered. But unfortunately, these days when you talk about politics with a young person they don’t see the good they only see the bad side.

You recently contested for the deputy national women leader of your party; we did not hear much again; was it because you were in Bode George camp?

It was not about being in Bode

Tolani Animashaun

George camp; the chairmanship position and the deputy woman leader position was initially zoned to the South-west, so after the chairman was later zoned to the South-south, the deputy woman leader too was zoned to the South-south as well.

Do you think women have been given enough chance in the Nigeria political space?

It is glaring that women have not been given enough chance; out of 109 senators we have about 7 women and out of the 360 House of Representatives members we have about 14 women. In the Lagos State House of Assembly it is the same situation, we have about three or four women here in Lagos. I think the older generation agrees that we need more women in politics and electives positions. The Obasanjo and Jonathan administrations did a lot for women in politics but this government is not doing enough.

But most states in the southwest over the last decade have women as the deputy; it is only now that we don’t have that in practice in one or two states in the southwest. Why should women just be deputy? Why have

we not gotten to the stage of a woman been a governor; we had that briefly in Anambra and they push her out. In Taraba, it nearly happened but the situation of that

But we have realised that the voice of the women are stronger than the men; we are the majority that is why we are trying to teach women now that we are more than them and that with unity we can succeed

state was not ready for woman.

Is the climate conducive for women to aspire for elective positions?

Yes can be more; we are clamouring for women to be vice president; why should we remain as women affairs minister? We had a fantastic woman minister of finance who knew her onion before this one. I cannot see how a woman cannot rule the country; it is a man’s world that is why they are in charge.

A lot of people would say may be present day women are not ambitious enough; in some instances when forms are free in the parties we don’t see them come out?

The decision-making people are the men; that is why they are on top. But we have realised that the voice of the women are stronger than the men; we are the majority that is why we are trying to teach women now that we are more than them and that with unity we can succeed.

But the Affirmative Action Bill failed in the National Assembly?

I want the Affirmative Action Bill and it is our right it has been signed in Beijing and it has to be implemented.

Of course, it must have failed because it did not pass through the right process, we are trying to put it back and represent it on the floor of the House.

But in Africa the civilisation that we are trying to get is probably affecting us if you look at the traditional societies in Africa, women were the decision makers at home; But around the world America is obviously not ready for a woman president, so is Italy and France, but in Pakistan and the several other Asian societies, we have seen women involving in politics and ruling their countries.

Can the PDP in Lagos win the state next year? The party lost several lawmakers who defected to the APC; is this not a minus?

That was unfortunate because of the state we were in at that time; between the Sheriff and Makarfi and we still have one, who I doffed my cap for; he has been victimised but he is still there and he believes in the party.

We won the last election in Lagos; we know the returning officer for Lagos is now the Minister of Health; so many things happened and you know that. But we are reorganising and we are going to work for the same goal, all round the state we are mobilising members; with hard work we would get Lagos back; everybody

is working round the clock we are confident we would get Lagos.

What is your view on restructuring of the country?

Restructuring of the country was part of last administration’s agenda for which we had the national conference; which would have been implemented if we had won the presidential election. The country needs to be restructured because what we have now is not working and this government has to realise that the system is bad and that shows restructuring is inevitable.

If the president says he does not want it, that is his opinion; it is not him, it is what the country wants.

But they said that Jonathan handpicked the delegates of the confab?

If you look at the composition of that confab, it was made up of ethnic nationalities, groups, everyone had nominees; the president had to choose some people to represent the government: It was a fair representation so it is wrong now for anyone to say it was Jonathan that handpicked the delegates.

How do you assess the Buhari administration?

I am dump-founded. My assessment is that the President is in a trance: he has no idea of what he is doing because if he were in a serious country where people know what is right, he would not be by now. There are lots of things that do not make sense going on.

But he says he wants second term?

The people would tell him if he deserves second term,; if he would win he would know.

Are you confident in the electoral process to guarantee credible elections?

Well I want to believe it; but we know people are desperate.

We know we have people who are behaving very desperately.

This administration has been telling people that only looting is all about corruption; it is not. Corruption is not only about stealing money; there is a whole lot but we saw the election being rigged; that is part of the process.

How do you react to the killings in the country?

What is happening is inhuman and the government is not doing anything; people are dying and they are saying it is a family affair; how can two people be killing each other and you are just looking as a government?

A lot of people think the PDP seems confused on 2019 in terms of who to present as its presidential candidate? What is your take?

How do you know, we are not doing that behind the scene; do people do that openly? You don’t strategise openly; we have election in Osun and Ekiti and we have are plans for that; we are working for the party on that.

Who would you support for the president?

I am rooting for the best man that can carry everybody along; that is north, South, Muslim or Christian; someone that is accessible and understands Nigeria and can lead us into an economic boom.

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Sunday 20 May 2018

Interview Entrepreneurs and not politicians will build Nigeria - Omotola

Lai Omotola, chancellor of E-Boot Camp Limited, runs a foremost infrastructure company with a diversified project portfolio. In this interview with ZEBULON AGOMUO, Editor, he spoke on a number of issues including his pet project ‘Think Entrepreneurship Programme’ which kicked off last Friday, saying that it would radically transform Nigeria’s domestic economy in the next decade. He is targeting I million entrepreneurs in 10 years. The entrepreneur stressed the need for change of mindset of many Nigerian business owners whose habit has always been to squander their profits without ploughing back anything. He insists that it is not the politicians that will build Nigeria but entrepreneurs. Excerpts: You are an entrepreneur and also follow political developments in the country.

What are you up to this time around?

Are you considering contesting any political position? rdinarily, on a day like this it would have been proper to join the bandwagon of some young persons seeking election to become the President of Nigeria but after due consideration and in-depth study of our situation I have come to realise that the solution to our problems does not lie 100 percent on the person that becomes the president.

Whoever becomes the President in 2019 will have greater challenges ahead and the next four years will not bring us out of the woods; this is the bitter truth to ponder on.

sons like Dangote.

This is the target of the think entrepreneurship training programme we are introducing to get 1 million people to commence entrepreneurship and in the next 10 years produce businesses that are in billions turnover. We will demystify entrepreneurship and make it friendly.

Our belief is that if we can positively change the mindset of the Nigerian entrepreneur then we can build the most robust economy.

With the potentials we have in our country if we are able to liberate the entrepreneurial spirit in this country then in the next 2 decades Nigeria should be number five largest economy in the world.

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Why do you take this position?

I take this position for the following reason. We have a budget of about N8trillion out of which N1.2trillion is to service debt, about 70percent goes to recurrent expenditure and less than 25percent goes to capital project. When you look at the budget performance of capital project, it’s less than 50percent and then you realise that the budget has not been passed up till now. So let us assume that the budget is passed by end of May. We have entered the rainy season and for the next 5 months it will rain and there is little contractors can do till October if climate change does not make it worse; therefore construction work will commence in October and by December, construction companies will go on holiday; tentatively we have two months of construction.

This suggests to me that the budget on the side of capital project has failed even before it’s signed. We need massive infrastructure development to leap this economy and sadly this will continue to be the routine for a very long time.

Furthermore, the Federal Government will continue to be burdened by labour for increment in wages across all sectors of the economy; there is no sign that 2/3 of states owing salaries will clear all backlog in the next four years even as additional arrears continue to pile up.

On the exchange side we are sending so much to hold the rate at N365/dollar and some people have said the CBN governor is a genius in stabilising the naira against the dollar. Our infrastructure has not improved tremendously and business continues to collapse under poor infrastructure.

The above scenario suggests that the solution is for government to improve on revenue and borrow more which is

Omotola

what this government is doing. Get more people into tax net and borrow more money to stimulate the economy but as we are all witnesses, it has achieved little not to say nothing.

Today, 90percent of our nation’s problem is our economy. A bad economy will produce joblessness, hunger and insecurity in the land.

Why do you believe so much in entrepreneurship?

Thank you. Our ‘Think Entrepreneurial Programme’ is a more robust solution to our economic woes as a country. All over the world, big economies have always been propelled by private sector, led by entrepreneurs. It is entrepreneurs that build economy and not government.

What the government does is to create policies that will be pro-business and not anti business. The government of today is on the driver’s seat driving the economy which will not work. Entrepreneurs

built America; namely, Rockefeller, J.P Morgan, Carnegie and Vanderbilt; these are men who used innovation to build America and not the American government; the government only partnered to make it successful. Therefore, Nigeria can’t be different and over the years, we have seen entrepreneurs rise to the occasion and also seen entrepreneurs fall at the loudest ovation. We see the impact of Dangote to the economy. Just recently, he stated that when he completes his refinery it would be 23 billion dollars bigger than the Nigerian budget.

The government awaits the completion of the same refinery to end fuel importation. He said he has paid over N250billion in taxes and would be N1.2trillion in the next 5 years. You can imagine what this country will look like if we have 100 per-

Yes, it is true that people will look at the body language of Mr. President to determine whether to invest or not to invest; they want to see the policy direction of government and see if it is going to be favourable or not

You said 100 percent solution does not lie with the President; but we all know that different sectors of the economy read the body language of the president; for instance, the day he declared his re-election ambition, the capital market lost huge amount of money; many people believe that why we are where we are today is because of the inability of the president to take certain steps. Again, how do you hope to achieve this target of 1million entrepreneurs in 10 years; is it by providing the technical knowhow or providing the training, or what?

Yes, it is true that people will look at the body language of Mr. President to determine whether to invest or not to invest.

They want to see the policy direction of government and see if it is going to be favourable or not. Every businessman also knows that policy summersault of government adversely affects business in the country. That is fundamental.

Many businesses have even collapsed as a result of government policies. But you see again, as an entrepreneur even in war-torn Syria people are still doing business there. Even in Somalia, businesses are still going on there. What I am saying as an entrepreneur is that even in this country that we all complain about, the people that have taken over the economy are the foreigners. The foreigners; don’t they look at the body language of Mr. President?

They also do. But if you look at the results that the foreigners are posting, doing business in Nigeria you will be amazed. Again, ask anybody that is taking flight all over the world, 10 percent of the passengers are coming into the countries to do business. So, what are we saying from that perspective? Regardless of the body language of the president; regardless of what the economy is about to turn out to be, certain people will still

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Interview be successful whether the president is dancing ‘azonto’ or dancing ‘Assurance.’

Do you understand? Certain people will still say; ‘we have seen where he is going, we understand where we are going to’. So, the purpose of an entrepreneur is to be able to diagnose that look; this is where these people want to go; and in order for me to be safe, I have to look at the other way.

So, it is not enough for an entrepreneur to say because the body language of the President is not this way, he is not going to do something.

Whether the body language of the president is funny or not, you are going to end up paying your bills.

So, what’s the message I want to pass across? The message is that irrespective of the situation in governance, innovative entrepreneurs find their way out. That’s what I am trying to establish here.

Let us put it on a default that government is sick.

Let us put it on a default that we don’t even expect anything from the government. And that is what is happening.

I want to tell you that 99.9 percent of the people are disconnected from government, because if they had not been disconnected and government has not passed a budget till May, how are the people surviving then? The people are going about their normal businesses. If they were totally connected to the government there would be uproar. There would be serious issues in the country; so, do you understand that perspective?

So, whatever the government is doing; if they do it well it is complementary. If they don’t do it well, you put it at default that that’s how you are going to run.

This is because the Lebanese, the Chinese, the Indians are still building factories here, even when the body language of the President is not what people may have expected.

How do you intend to raise 1 million entrepreneurs?

You see, what we are trying to do is not something new; but at the same time, it is just something that is simply unique.

In every business you have two entities; you have the business and the business owner. The business is a limited liability company; the business owner is the CEO; but you see the business owner needs to be alright for the business to be okay.

If the business owner begins to think otherwise or his character is flawed; that business will collapse. So, our own emphasis is not in the business. It is on the business owner. The problem we have in the country today is the mindset of the entrepreneurs. They are the ones that sit down with politicians to inflate contracts and not even execute the project. Indigenous companies have over the years secured contracts running into billions of naira, but you know what? There is no indigenous company that has equipment like Julius Berger. Our own contractors, instead of using profits to buy equipment, they use profits to do weddings and parties. You see a Chinese that is in business; you see the way he dresses, you will not know he has so much money, but give an average Nigerian the same money, he would be moving in convoy. They don’t understand the way the game runs. So, how would your business be sustainable when profits that are supposed to

go into building equipment are wasted; because without equipment you cannot be efficiently productive?

And when you look across all our sectors, the reason Nigerians can’t be competitive is lack of equipment.

In construction, even in tailoring, there are some stitches today that cannot be done in Nigeria because there are no equipment. So, no matter how good or how creative the tailor is, he cannot bring out those final stitches because the equipment is not there. Again, is it because there is no money? No. It is about priority. You find out that in printing, some people go as far as Lebanon and China to go and print; because the final output, the equipment is not here.

Even when you come to the Nollywood, you find that some people leave Nigeria to South Africa to go and shoot because the equipment is not here. Is it that they cannot get the equipment here? The problem is that you see some of them spending N300 million on a wedding for just one day. They call a comedian – a joker- just for 5 minutes, they pay him N10 million! So, you see that the entrepreneurial mindset is defective, that they are misplacing priorities. Today, AMCON is sitting on N3.5 trillion loan that has gone bad. Why? Entrepreneurs took the money and they started dancing ‘azonto’ everywhere. If they had bought equipment; if they had built industrial parts, if they had built manufacturing parts for which all the money was meant, this economy would have moved further.

Today, the money is stuck and the MD of AMCON said that the people owing them are the ones flying in private jets.

So, that’s the entrepreneur’s mindset.

He is owing banks billions of naira but is still flying private jet. When Bill Gates came to Nigeria, did you see any private jet that brought him in? So, this is the mindset we want to change; 99 percent of our billionaires today were made by government patronage. It makes no sense that somebody says that he is an entrepreneur and became a billionaire by being a contractor to the government.

All the billionaires in America (at least, 1– 100) all of them sell products.

But check our own billionaires, government gave them contracts of N100 billion and they automatically became politicians. We must change that direction; that mindset.

We need to tell our people that if they want to make money, it is not by going into politics, but by going into business and you do the business big time.

The money will come. How do we now want to get 1 million entrepreneurs? By the time we begin to preach our mes-

sage – we are starting with audience of 100 Friday (last Friday) a time will come that when we begin to talk; we will be talking across multiple centres online. So what it means is that our dealership is not only restricted to Lagos. To us this project is like evangelism. We are evangelising that whether you like it or not, a time is coming when you will mind your own business. And the earlier people begin to think about it the better for them. We believe we will meet our 1 million target because we are going to be having multiple viewing centres across the country.

As we begin to train people, we begin to get ‘disciples’ that will also be carrying the message to other people. You must begin to think entrepreneurship as the final way for your financial independence.

The important thing is that anybody we come in contact with, we must impress upon that individual that there is need for him/her to be an entrepreneur now.

You can be an entrepreneur even while you are working or towards when you want to retire.

You speak about entrepreneurship as cure-all. We have seen businesses go down in the last three years, because of harsh operating environment. Do you see future of entrepreneurship in Nigeria, say, in the next five years, if the situation remains as it is now?

In the next five years, and I want it to be on record, the best we can have is to maintain where we are; the best we can have is that things should not deteriorate beyond where we are. That is the best for us. There can’t be any upward movement in terms of the economy. The best we can get is just remain as we are now.

Remember that when Fashola came in as a minister, he was talking about electric-

The truth of the matter is that until this economy becomes a productive and not a consumptive one; we can’t begin to talk about growth

ity and that he wanted to increase tariff. I made certain pronouncements. I said this electricity; if they gave Fashola the next five years he would not be able to solve the problem there. It is on record. Where are we today? Electricity is not about body language, it is about execution.

Any one that has taken time to look at it deeply will know that if we just maintain it as it is, we are doing our best. There’s no movement up; the movement is going down but we have to hold it. It is just simple to know. More than ever before government has borrowed money and the money is not free lunch. If you are not paying it you are going to be servicing it.

So, don’t see anything dramatic happening. If the oil price goes to $100 per barrel, we will still be where we are. Has the oil price not risen from $30 to $77 as at today? (As at the day the interview was conducted). Have you seen any difference? Those are the questions you should ask yourself. When the oil price was thirty something, we said we were suffering because it was thirty something; but now it is $77, have you seen any margin even in the pump price?

The truth of the matter is that until this economy becomes a productive and not a consumptive one; we can’t begin to talk about growth. A lot of people are not into productive means. Look at this programme we want to do, the efforts and thinking going into it, the meetings and the stakeholders we have to put together, but some people don’t even do that, yet they make more money than us by just selling dollar. They have access to official rate; they collect CBN rate every week, 1 million dollar at N305 and go to the black market and sell at N365; do you need an office to do that? Do you need staff? And these are billionaires; is that a productive thing? Ordinary Nollywood, to produce 30 minutes’ movie, do you know how many people you will call together to be part of that service?

That’s productive means.

So, let’s not deceive ourselves. If there’s no shift we would just be wasting our time; Mark my words, if anybody comes in aside Buhari, you’ll begin to hear again ‘why is this man behaving like this; why, why, why? It is time for us to go back to the root of our problem. Since 1960, things have continued to degenerate.

Since I was born, my parents have continued to tell me that Nigeria is not good.

While as a child they were saying the same thing. Since 1960, we have never seen any government that we can say this one has done well. The only comparison has always been in regret. ‘O, the former person was even better than this one!’

It has always been getting worse and worse. In the next five years, let us not deceive ourselves, we will have to pray, let us maintain where we are.

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Politics

Politics

It will be a taboo for APC to rule Imo again in 2019 - Anyanwu Senator Samuel Anyanwu is the chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. In this interview with OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, the lawmaker, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing Imo East Senatorial District and a governorship aspirant in Imo State, speaks on the forthcoming election in the state and other national issues. Excerpts:

H

ow prepared are you for the Imo State governorship election in 2019?

We are like products. We have made ourselves available for the people to choose, and it is left for the people to choose whosoever they want. I believe that if you go to the market and you want to buy orange, you will like to buy orange that is well ripe and sweet. I have just made myself available. I have lived with the people, the people know me and I know them. And having served as a two-term local government chairman and two-term member of the Imo State House of Assembly, and from there to the Senate, there is no doubt that the people know me and I know them. But as far as I am concerned, power comes from above and it is only God that can give it to whoever He wants at any given time.

Talking about how prepared, I am spiritually prepared, high in spirit and the process has commenced. We have started talking to delegates. But I believe as a party man, if I succeed at the primaries, I have to face candidates from other parties. If I don’t make it, I will be there to support whoever that will make it from my own party. But I know that there is no way the Imo people will not prefer me.

Secondly, there is no way the Imo people will not prefer PDP because they have suffered under the administration of All Progressives Congress (APC). So, I believe that there are lots of opportunities out there for me.

Will the incumbency factor of the governing APC not work against you, knowing full well that the governor is trying to anoint his son-in-law to succeed him?

Let me say that every state has its own peculiarity. Every dispensation has also its own peculiarity. The present governor was an incumbent when I ran for Senate and won that position.

Jonathan was the President when he ran and was not able to win the second tenure. So, the scenario of the governor installing his son as his successor cannot be the same.

The only thing that is the same is that he is bowing out having completed his eight years. So, Imo people have resisted vehemently his plan to bring somebody from his household to come and become a governor again because that will amount to creating third term.

If you have serious quarrels with your wife and two of you go your separate ways, if you reconcile and come back to start living peacefully again, what is wrong with that? Can’t old things pass away and all things become new?

How far has the PDP gone in producing a credible candidate that will take over power from President Buhari?

Let me tell you, it has gone to the point that people in the same party of Mr. President have asked him not to run. If I were Mr. President, I will not run not probably because I have not performed so well but I believe that God has answered his prayer which is to rule Nigeria because he begged to rule Nigeria. He should not over-stretch his luck. Nigerians wish him well; having passed this process and God gave him good health again and brought him back to his position. He should play a fatherly role by creating opportunity for the younger generation to take up leadership at the Presidency. Let it be that during his tenure, he is the first President that made the younger generation come to power.

The Igbo nation has been itching to produce a Nigerian president. Looking at the trend of politics in Nigeria today, when do you think this dream will be actualised?

That time will come. There is always appointed time for everything. That time will come and it shall come; whether it is tomorrow, whether it is today, that day shall definitely come when an Igbo man shall become the President of this country. Nothing lasts forever,

So, people are resisting it and that is why you see the opposition among themselves in APC in Imo. It is not about what he wants but about what the people want and there is a time in people’s life when they will resist any attempt to suppress them the more.

Other things remain private to me on the way I am going to win my election. But I think that PDP is going to make an impact in Imo State.

If the Imo APC succeeds in preventing Okorocha from presenting his son-in-law as governor but chooses an APC candidate from Orlu Zone, don’t you think the candidate will give PDP a very tough fight since you are from Owerri Zone?

First of all, Orlu Zone and Okigwe Zone have agreed that it is the turn of Owerri Zone. The way they are going to resist the present governor producing his son in-law is the same way they are going to resist anybody coming from Orlu Zone because Okigwe and Owerri will never agree and besides, the people of Imo State, the Imolites are sick and tired of APC. For us, it will be a taboo for the APC to rule Imo again in 2019. So, they understand it and they know.

It is a hard nut to crack. Therefore, I think that it is not every time that money works in everything.

When people get saturated of any issue, they will exhibit it and they will exhibit it very viciously. And it has got to that point because

Senator Samuel Anyanwu

people have never felt the kind of hunger, starvation, poverty as witnessed in this present administration.

Are you saying that even if APC succeeds in getting a candidate from Orlu Zone, PDP will still defeat the person?

There are other people from Owerri Zone. Somebody will emerge from Owerri Zone from APGA. The truth of the matter is that people don’t believe in APC as a party anymore. The problem is the party, APC is the issue. The alternative to PDP in Imo State is APGA, even though the APGA cannot make it because it is like a castle on ordinary sand; it cannot stand the test of time.

There is a political arrange-

ment called the Imo State Charter of Equity, which provides for rotation of the governorship seat among the three political zones.

Is this arrangement really working because Orlu has ruled for sixteen years, Okigwe nine years and Owerri only thirteen months under Enwerem?

Every political entity has a platform, and the platform is for agitation for inclusiveness in the process of governance. The Charter of Equity you are talking about is like a convention; it is not a law, so it is not binding on anybody but it is a conscience appealing arrangement. It is a kind of pressure group to say we must take this turn-by-turn so that no zone will be marginalised or excluded

from the scheme of things in the state. But under the arrangement, people are left with their conscience.

Under the arrangement, Orlu has done sixteen years, Okigwe, nine years and Owerri, thirteen months. Okigwe did nine years because Chief Mbakwe did five years and Ohakim did four years. Then in our own case, under the Military, Enwerem did thirteen months. So, it is unfair. What are we going to tell our children? Are we going to remain under domination by other people for such a long time? Are we going to tell our children that we are incapable or that we lack the capacity to produce governor in the state?

The PDP is trying to woo back its former members who defected to the APC in the last administration. Don’t you think that they will defect again when they return this time around?

even this shall pass away. It is only God that can predict tomorrow, not a human being.

Following the worsening security across the country, there are fears that Nigeria may not survive as a corporate nation beyond the 2019 general election.

Do you agree with this?

We are only asking for the mercy and grace of God. It is only the mercy of God and the grace of God that can see us through.

Insecurity is the greatest challenge threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria today. The Senate seemed overwhelmed by motions and resolutions on this matter.

Is there no other means of solving the issue?

We have done our job. We are lawmakers. We have put down every legal framework to bring peace in Nigeria. Our job is to make law. It is the job of the Executive to ensure that the legal framework we put in place is being implemented. The question is how far has the Executive gone in implementing the laws that will protect the lives and property of the citizens of Nigeria? This is the primary purpose for which we are elected; to make good laws for the good governance of the people as enshrined in the constitution, which we all swore an oath to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.

We have done our own as legislators, as elected representatives of the people. Now, we cannot do theirs because there is separation of power. The Executive has not done its own and that is one of the reasons we invited the InspectorGeneral of Police and he snubbed us. I was just watching the American Senate. John Sidney McCain is a fellow Senator in the US Senate.

There is no difference between an American senator and Nigerian senator because we are all practising the same presidential system of government which

If I were Mr. President, I will not run not probably because I have not performed so well but I believe that God has answered his prayer which is to rule Nigeria because he begged to rule Nigeria

we borrowed from America. So, why is it that President Trump will respect Senate; American Senate has rejected the CIA nominee of Donald Trump, who is like Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, and they are bound to obey. That’s where the rule of law operates. Why can’t it work here?

Why must a constituted authority, the custodian of democracy, the first of the three arms of government make laws and it cannot be obeyed, and its resolutions are not respected by the Executive? It is very disheartening.

During the last national security summit organised by the Senate, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo advocated for state police. What is your take on this?

As far as I am concerned, this present administration is the problem. The Presidency is the problem. The Inspector-General of Police is an appointee of Mr. President and Mr. President is aware that he is not respecting the Legislature, which is an arm of government; and you condone it. This is the only country where nobody resigns voluntarily. If it were overseas, what is happening in the country today is enough for everybody in this government to resign without anybody asking them to do so or passing a vote of no confidence in them. And when a vote of no confidence is passed on you, what are you supposed to do? But people don’t resign because they are having protection of someone; so it doesn’t really matter, instead they use it against you, they turn it against you and frame you up. That’s the order of the day.

What does this portend for the nation’s democracy?

What I am saying is that this democracy is in danger. People can’t even say their mind. Even the Legislative Privileges Act gave us the power to say anything we want to say in the hallowed chambers and it cannot be used against us. But today, it is used against us. Most members are facing one form of persecution or another just because of speaking out their minds on issues that affect Nigerians. I don’t think our people sent dumb people to come here.

Looking at the blatant disregard for the rule of law and human rights violations being witnessed under this administration, do you still support the assertion that the ‘worst civilian administration is better than a military dictatorship’?

Well, first of all let me say this, I don’t subscribe that we should go back to military rule, never. But if we believe in democracy, we must try and confine ourselves to the tenets of democracy, where rule of law matters, where people’s freedom of expression matters, where freedom of movement matters, freedom of worship matters and separation of powers is clear. That is the kind of democracy we need. So, I think that we must take stock of how far we have gone and be able to redress certain steps because we will not be here forever. Power is transient. Wherever you find yourself today, as Mr. President, as a senator, as a governor, you can

Bola Tinubu

Has Tinubu’s reconciliation committee really made the mark?

INIOBONG IWOK

A

s the 2015 general election looms, it appears that the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing a serious challenge of survival.

Formed in 2013 in an alliance that involved four political parties- the Action congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and a faction of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

But since assuming power after emerging the ruling party in a historic general election in 2015, the party has been plagued by internal crisis which has spread to several state chapters. Today, all is not wll with the party in Imo, Kano, Kaduna, Ondo, Ekiti, Rivers, Adamawa, and many others.

This crisis has pitched several chieftains and leaders of the party against one another, resulting in factionalisation in these states.

Resolving the crises necessitated the setting up of a reconciliation committee headed

by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and the national leader of the party, by President Muhammadu Buhari saddling it with the task of reconciling aggrieved members of the party across the troubled state chapters.

However, months after the committee was set up it appears it has not really taken off or Tinubu seems to have lost the vigour to actualise the task, particularly as he, himself is being accused of precipitating the crises.

In the last one month, the crises in several state chapters have deepened and escalated with little or no effort by the committee, Tinubu or the leadership of the party to resolve them.

The infighting and divisions have continued in the on-going

state congresses of the party.

Last week, an ultimatum by former nPDP members who are in the APC, led by former People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Abubakar Kawu Baraje and former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola accusing the party of marginalising its members in the current administration, while threatening to quit the party if the group was not approached for dialogue within a week.

“In the constitution of the Fe d e r a l Ex e c u t i v e C o u n c i l (FEC) the nPDP block was generally sidelined as virtually no position was conceded to it.

The only member of FEC that belonged to former new PDP block comes from a state that contributed virtually no vote to the APC in the 2015 presidential election.

There has been no significant patronage and appointments to executive positions in various government agencies such as Chief Executives and Executive Directors of government agencies and parastatals as members of our block of the party continue to helplessly watch as these positions are shared by the erstwhile CPC, ACN, ANPP and even APGA blocks of the party and those who have no party at all.

“Given the constraining factor of available time and in the interest of our great party; it is strongly advised that the said urgent meeting be held not later than Seven (7) days from the date of the receipt of this letter,” the letter said.

Political observers have even questioned if Tinubu was no longer interested in the assignment.

It is also believed that the extent to which the Tinubu reconciliation committee would go, will not only determine the success of the party in the 2019 general election, but its survival thereafter.

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Politics The unending cry of marginalisation by Ndigbo In this report, Daniel Obi looks at the incessant cry of marginalisation by Ndigbo and suggests ways to move the geo-political zone forward in the face of marginalisation. “

T

here is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to f o r t u n e , ” Br u t u s told Cassius in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

This means that there are ebbs and flows in power dynamics, seizing the day or opportunity that requires coordinated thinking and action, because like a tide, it crests and falls. Ndigbo are faced with such a tide and can either ride it to better representation in power or watch it crest and fall to no strategic use.

Top stakeholders of SouthEast extraction have for many decades howled marginalisation of the region, but perhaps what they have not demonstrated is a strong collective desire to address it.

Recently, John Nnia Nwodo, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo re-echoed the sidelining of Ndigbo, especially in national appointments. Nwodo, who spoke at the inauguration of the youth and women wings of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu, expressed regret that Ndigbo had been marginalised in appointments into critical offices in the country, including the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the top echelon of the security agencies in the country.

Nwodo’s voice is in-tandem with similar expressions by other organisations and individuals in the South-East geopolitical zone. But what has really not been visible is a total cohesive, well-coordinated and all-embraced tactical approach to arrest the situation.

Nwodo said in the report that Ohanaeze, under his leadership, had resolved to pursue restructuring so that the South-East and South-South could come together as one region, control their natural resources and use it to develop their domains.

While some regions, including the South East and South West are clamouring for restructuring which they consider effective approach to turn Nigeria’s potential into reality, the political will to engage in the exercise by the leadership is lacking.

Th e p r o p o n e n t s o f t h i s course believe that in addition to diversification of the economy from oil, that restructuring will enable the country to create viable federating units for planning and pursuit of economic development, and encourage the devolution of more powers to the regions to deal with sociopolitical and economic issues.

But some other Nigerians

Why I did not collect bailout fund, by Emmanuel ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

G

Nwodo

have also expressed fears that restructuring may not work because it does not guarantee win-win economic situation for all regions. Former head of state, Yakubu Gowon believes that “restructuring Nigeria’” is not a possibility because the current composition of Nigeria makes it difficult for restructuring to take place. What this means is that South East may not wait for restructuring to reverse marginalisation.

It is also surprising that Ndigbo, as perceived do not really see the media as a strong weapon to fight and achieve purpose. This is exemplified in most moribund newspapers across the Niger.

Those that print at all, have wider circulation challenges.

Most TV stations in the region are government-owned; as such have limitations in pushing any collective agenda of Ndigbo.

Amazingly, when Ndigbo need to ventilate their views about such issues as marginalisation, side-lining on appointments, erosion catastrophe, dilapidated roads, among others, they do that, largely through media controlled and domiciled in other regions, especially South West.

Some of these stories are tucked inside one corner of the newspapers or given small space towards the end of the news time in broadcast media and this fails to evoke the required attention. It is often said that nobody can represent you better than yourself. Don’t forget that Africa largely suffers image challenges due to poor media representation of the continent in global circles.

The power of the media has long been proven. Nigeria’s independence was achieved through the power of the me-

dia. Through the power of the media, Ibrahim Babangida was forced to step aside. But the most recent one is the 2015 general election which media greatly assisted All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the election. APC successfully packaged its story which the media circulated and the people believed. The purpose was achieved.

The question for Ndigbo is what narrative are they disseminating and through which medium, controlled by who?

Even when some Ndigbo establish media organisations, the content is largely determined by non-Ndigbo.

The world today is about media for conviction with the right stories. Until Ndigbo create their narratives, package and sell them heavily and forcefully through their own channels, as CNN does, they will continue to remain side-lined and such armless groups like Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) will continue to be described as terrorists.

Perhaps, one aspect of marginalisation as regretted by Nwodo is the concentration of major sea port in Lagos while Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar seaports can contain ships of various sizes. This means that goods and containers predestined for South East will land in Lagos before conveying them to their destination. This has implication on security, safety and road network. Since many people from South East are into commerce, Ndigbo can push, through strong and influential media of Ndigbo interest, for opening of the other seaports to enhance businesses.

However, if Ndigbo are marginalised by anybody or group of persons, Ndigbo themselves

should not marginalise themselves, instead, they should take up the gauntlet and move forward. China and Israel were once nowhere but today they are power houses in the comity of nations. No matter the social or political affiliation, Ndigbo, including the governors, top stakeholders, media executives in various channels should articulate and strategise for a common purpose for the development of the region.

Ndigbo, according to reports, have over N44 trillion investments in the North alone and multiple trillions of Naira investments in the South West and Abuja. Economic traction should be created in the region to attract investments from Ndigbo who are in various places including in Diaspora.

With oneness of mind among Ndigbo about development of the region, fund raising could be organised for a rail line or any other common infrastructure linking all the states for economic cooperation. With economic and intellectual resources in their disposal Ndigbo can create a strong economic bloc.

It is also important to create sense of unification among Ndigbo wherever they reside.

This can be done through cultural activities and even football games.

Whether Biafra or not, Ndigbo wherever they are, should know they belong to a race with one cultural identity. They need to play up this identity, create more brotherhood and join hands in reversing any marginalisation. Understanding the role of media in the region’s quest to protest marginalisation, build strong economic bloc and move the geopolitical zone forward is crucial.

overnor Udom Emmanuel has given reasons Akwa Ibom State did not collect the bailout from the Federal Government, saying he wanted to safeguard the future of the people, especially the youths.

He has also challenged any pensioner in the state who is qualified for pension and who has not been paid to come forward with proof.

Speaking while kick-starting the inauguration of roads in Uyo, the state capital as part of activities marking his third year anniversary, Emmanuel said his administration would continue to deliver on his promises despite the challenges.

He said he would continue to plan and implement strategies aimed at building a strong economy for the state, hence his reason for the industrialisation drive.

“We have a blueprint for the development of the state and aggregating efforts towards that and so we should have no excuse not to deliver even in the midst of challenges and constraints. We should be able to do the much we can do,” he said.

Emmanuel said that the state is blessed with natural resources, adding that it would amount to injustice for the people if the resources were not developed.

He said that in addition to other industrial efforts , efforts were being made to process and package food related products with some of the products to serve as sources of material for further production by manufacturing firms that would still spring up in the state.

According to him, arrangements have been concluded for the building of a modern cocoa plant that would compete with others in the international market adding that his emphasis on coconut production and processing is the plant has over 300 uses With direct and indirect employment opportunities resulting from the multiple chains of activities in the coconut business he assured that over 160,000 employment opportunities would be created for indigenes and residents.

Emmanuel maintained that his focus on internal and rural roads was to address the socio economic challenges of the people at the grassroots.

“I want people at the grassroots to also feel the impact of my administration and though these roads are short, their summation will make much impact in the lives of the people.

Sunday 20 May 2018

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Politics 2019 and the Atiku factor INIOBONG IWOK

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ormer Vice President, Atiku Abubakar last week confirmed his interest to contest the 2019 presidential election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Atiku recently re-joined the (PDP) after falling out with the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the platform of which he contested the 2015 presidential election primary and lost.

Atiku is not new to presidential race in the country, having contested in previous elections; losing out in the primaries or the election proper.

In 2007, he contested for the presidency on the platform of the defunct Action Congress (AC) but was third after the elections, behind the late Umaru Yar’Adua and incumbent President Buhari.

Furthermore, in 2011, shortly after returning to the PDP, he contested the party presidential primary and lost to then President Goodluck Jonathan.

In 2015, he contested the presidential primary of the APC and lost, placing last.

Earlier in the botched Third Republic, the former vice president had contested the primary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and lost, placing a distant third.

Having declared his interest to run again for president in the 2015 general election, he may have to brace up to contest the ticket of the PDP with several other aspirants, notably former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido; former caretaker Chairman of PDP and Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi,; Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, among others.

Atiku Abubakar

However, one question that has consistently been on the lips of some Nigerians is; how did Atiku Abubakar amass his stupendous wealth? Some Nigerians who have anything at all to say about him or about his presidential ambition is about the source of his wealth.

Many people believe he possesses all the qualities Nigeria needs to take her to the next level, but they appear to have not got sufficient assurances that the man would not toe the normal path of developing an acquisitionist spirit as soon as he gets into office.

He has consistently challenged anyone who has evidence of corruption against him to come forward with proof.

Perhaps, Atiku needs to do more to convince Nigerians, that he is not corrupt as he is being constantly tagged by some of his critics.

What may however, work in his favour is that he is among the few politicians in the country that have wide acceptance, popular and has large support and followership in the other geo-political zones, especially in the southern part of the country, apart from the north.

National President of the PDP Youth Cultural Alliance Network, Fabiyi Oladimeji, said that Atiku was the most equipped presidential aspirant to lead the country out of its current woes, adding that the APC was working against his emergence.

“Atiku’s chances are very bright as one of the founding fathers of the party. A man with enormous democratic credentials, added to the fact that he has support across geographical and other segments across the country. The leaders of the party are alive and awake to the trends in the country; that Atiku is the biggest choice of the party members and Nigerians.

“Atiku is the most prepared for the office, with the requisite capacity and experience to lead Nigeria back to greatness and regain its lost glory.

“Even the APC is working hard to make sure that Atiku does not get the ticket of the party because he is their major headache and the only one capable of defeating Buhari,” Oladimeji said.

“Where is the corruption issue? A few months ago, he challenged Nigerians; anybody with proof of corruption against him to come forward with such evidence and till today no one has come forward. That settles it; Atiku is not corrupt,” Oladimeji said.

One issue that continues to dominate discourse among Nigerians leading up to the general election is the call for restructuring of the country and a return to true federalism. Being a key proponent of restructuring, and with his promise to devolve power

to federating units if elected, Atiku would surely be a candidate to beat, if he is given the PDP ticket.

A political analyst and lecturer in the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos (UNILAG) Emmanuel Onah, admitted that Atiku would be a major contender for the PDP ticket, but added that it may be too early to know who would clinch the PDP ticket.

Onah dismissed the Obasanjo’s factor, against insinuations that the former president would never support the emergence of Atiku as the president of the country. He described Obasanjo as irrelevant.

“2009 is still a long way to go; it is too early to say if he would emerge as the PDP candidate. All the candidates have not declared their interest. There is no doubt that if he declares, he would be a major contender for the party ticket.

“Whether or not he would win the ticket depends on a lot of other factors; would the PDP give him a waiver to contest the primary? He just returned to the party?

There are other candidates likely to declare soon; Makarfi, Lamido and the others, we can’t say, because we have not seen all the candidates yet.

“I don’t believe in the Obasanjo factor.

Obasanjo is not a member of any party; he is not a member of PDP. The issue of influence, yes for a long time, he has not been crucial to emergence of any president. He cannot be ignored. As a former vice president, he has his connections, but I don’t think he has been a factor.

“He did not have much influence in the Jonathan election; he would not be a factor.

Agreed, he would make statements that people would agree with, but that does not mean that people would act according to what he says,” Onah said.

Our problem is huge allocation papers without corresponding plots – ABSEDA GM Okechukwu Ndukwe is the general manager of Abia State Estate Development Agency (ABSEDA) who took over the mantle of leadership six months ago. In this interview with UDOKA AGWU in Umuahia, Ndukwe reels out his achievements within this period, constraints and assessment of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s performance in the last three years, among other issues. Excerpts: Since you assumed office as the General Manager six months ago, how has it been? ou know that we are in a rented accommodation. We are rounding off the permanent office complex of the Agency which has been lying waste many years ago before I came on board. We will be parking into the permanent office by August this year. That is in few months from now. We are maintaining our existing estates like World Bank in Aba. We are now embarking on the infrastructural development in Amakama Housing Estate and Agbama Estate, all in Umuahia by grading internal roads while other housing estates of the Agency equally benefit from the gesture. Work is in top gear in our newly acquired sites at Amuzukwu, Ojukwu Bunker, Umuchieze, Ossah where the sites are now being portioned into plots by our team of surveyors. The plots would be allocated to intending beneficiaries in the next few weeks.

We have also prioritised staff welfare. Before I came on board on November last year, workers were being owed 18 months’ salary arrears. Since I assumed office six months ago, I have been able to clear 10 months remaining 5 months while arrangement is on to clear the remaining months. We have conducted the 2015/2016 promotion interview and implemented it. We are currently conducting the 2017 promotion interview.

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What steps have you taken to shore up the internally generated revenue of you agency?

We have intensified efforts towards improving the IGR of this Agency. Our staff go all out to implement collection of fees in our Estates where beneficiaries pay development fees annually which are in different categories; Bungalow- N10,000; duplex- N15,000, while high rise buildings attract N20,000.

What are some of the challenges you have faced (or facing) since assumption of office?

Fund is our major challenge. We work extra hard to make ends meet. Apart from that we are equally confronted with enormous allocation papers issued by past administrations without corresponding plots to allocate to them. But we are currently retrieving and accommodating by showing them corresponding plots.

Again, most of our host communities occasionally come up with one protest or the other asking for what is necessary or important to their communities. But we normally use diplomacy to settle such cases.

What is your assessment of Okezie Ikpeazu since three years he assumed office as the governor of Abia State?

First of all, he is the person funding our Agency. We are grateful to him for his good

Okechukwu Ndukwe

works. Governor Ikpeazu has done very well in all the sectors of Abia economy. You can now hear people talk about Made-In-Aba products unlike before Ikpeazu made this feat possible by promoting the products that NYSC, ARMY, NAVY AIRFORCE and other para-military agencies now place orders for the products.

It was in recognition of this that last year in the BusinessDay Media Limited in its States Competitiveness and Good Governance that Governor Ikpeazu emerged as winner of the Best State Promoting Made-

in-Nigeria Goods Award category. In fact, he has laid a very solid foundation in Abia State.

In terms of education, he has done creditably in that sector that Abia has maintained first position in WAEC examination for the past three years, consecutively.

In the area of Agriculture, the Abia chief executive has equally done very well. Abia is now one of the largest producers of rice, Mushroom, poultry farms, cassava while other agro farms are equally flourishing in the state, courtesy of the Governor’s incentives to farmers.

In the area of health, he has done so well that a lot of innovations have been introduced in this sector. Take for instance, the introduction home medicare for elderly men in the comfort of their homes and recent Tele-health programme which was launched in the state by Vice President Osibanjo in the state where you will be in the comfort of your home and call designated phone numbers for a doctor to attend to you.

Abia is very peaceful and there is no disturbance from any angle. Everybody is working in harmony. Ikpeazu is the only governor who is still maintaining good relationship with his predecessor unlike his many of his contemporaries.

I implore Abians who have not obtained their PVCs to do so to enable them re-elect Ikpeazu come 2019 so that he will take Abia to greater heights before leaving office in 2023.

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From the Red Chamber With

OWEDE AGBAJILEKE

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ecently, I received a WhatsApp message from a friend, giving a broader definition of politics in this part of the world.

We are all familiar with the cliché “Politics is a dirty game” but my friend sent me a message that vividly captures the goings-on within the Nigerian polity. Although Nigerian politicians are already familiar with the message, professionals within and outside the country eyeing one elective office or the other in the 2019 general elections, should take heed of this and get themselves acquainted for the battle ahead.

My friend, who was an aide to a former member of a state assembly in one of the SouthSouth States, sent a message that read thus: “If you truly

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Sunday 13 May 2018

AssemblyWatch Proxy war continues, as Senate finally passes 2018 want to win an election in any part of Nigeria, three things you must have handy: money, thugs and popularity”.

He didn’t stop there, he went on, “The absence of one rubbishes all you have secured with the other. Politics is not a game for the meek and gentle, it is not for the lily-livered men, it is not for those who speak plenty of grammar, nor those who profess change with their data and Tecno phones alone.

Politics is for the pragmatists, the realists, the street fighters, the ‘agberos’, the thugs. It is not for men who are afraid to die nor those who place excessive premium on their lives.

A thorough Nigerian politician leaves his home for his voting center in the morning mindful of the possibility of not returning.

Politics in this part of the world has an isolated definition. Take this to the bank as a cheque that can never be dishonored”.

The controversy surrounding the trial of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, Dino Melaye, who was arraigned by the police on a stretcher, crises in the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) over the recently concluded ward

and local government party congresses, lingering face-off between the Senate and the Executive are all part of the series of concentric cycles of conspiracies as it relates to Nigerian politics.

Like I noted on this platform at the beginning of this year, as we move towards the 2019 general elections, there will be alignment and realignment of political forces, the political atmosphere will be heated, best friends will become worst enemies and worst enemies, best friends. After all, there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics but permanent interest.

Last week’s revelation by Senate President Bukola Saraki, alleging plot by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to implicate him in a cultism case in Kwara State indicates clearly that the battle line has been drawn. More revelations are expected to surface in the coming weeks.

The setting up of a 10-man committee asked to meet President Buhari on the allegations

by Senate President Bukola Saraki against the IG is just a mere political ‘show’. Nothing will come out of it. The

response they may get from the President is that the police is an independent institution and should be allowed to get to the root of the matter without interference.

For starters, Idris was shown in an embarrassing video struggling to read his speech, making multiple errors and unable to pronounce words at an event in Kano. Although the police dismissed the trending video as being ‘doctored’, it however, failed to provide the original tape. The video later showed an aide to the police boss, assisting him with the script. Was the aide also ‘inserted’ in the footage?

After six months delay, the National Assembly finally passed the long-awaited 2018 budget.

The upper legislative chamber took its secrecy to a ridiculous height when it concealed details of the proposal from the Order Paper, thus making the job of Senate Correspondents much more difficult.

It took extra effort to get the report of the Committee on Appropriations on the N9.120 trillion budget, to write the story.

Notwithstanding, one could not sufficiently put together

the jigsaw puzzle surrounding the budget, as the document was silent on sectoral allocations and details of the National Assembly budget.

This was a sharp contrast from what transpired at the House of Representatives, where the details were provided on the Order Paper.

The same thing applies to reports of committees, bills and other public documents.

You may have to pay through your nose to get them. Covering the Senate, you could spend between N2,000 and N30,000 depending on the type of document you are looking for. There are countless times when a bill passes First Reading and I would approach the office of the sponsor to get the document but to no avail.

You get the same treatment from the Rules and Business Committee, whose duty is to schedule bills and committee reports on the Order Paper.

This is a disservice to the Eighth Senate. And no matter the measures being put in place to launder its image, it will continue to have growing negative public perception, so long as it operates in secrecy like a secret cult.

2018 Budget: CSOs, NGOs intervention needed to avert misappropriation of N9.120trn From the Green House

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hough it is no longer news that the 2018 budget has been passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly, but I consider it expedient to reel-out some of the amount allocated to key ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) from the total budget of N9.120 trillion approved by both chambers which was jerked up by N580 billion. According to my analysis in the breaking news on BusinessDay which I authored, critical infrastructural projects such as power, works and housing, Defence as well as Transportation got the highest capital allocation of N1.090 trillion out of total sum of N2.873 trillion in the 2018 budget which was laid before the National Assembly.

My greatest concern in this year’s budget is not about the bogusness of the amount but the high recurrent and overhead as well as the high probability of leakages. As it is currently, Nigerians have not seen any meaningful infrastructural development across board, despite increasing funds being reeled out yearin, year-out. Like never before, this is crucial period for the civil society organisations and nongovernmental organisations to come to the rescue of Nigeria and Nigerians to monitor and ensure effective implementation of the projects for which N2.873 trillion was appropriated for. The concerns being raised by Nigerians is the over concentration on reelection rather than service delivery.

Breakdown of the proposal showed that the sum of N530,421,368,624 is for Statutory Transfer; N2,203,835,365,699 for Debt Service; N199 billion for Sinking Fund for maturing loans;

N3,516,477,902,077 is for Recurrent (non debt) Expenditure, while N2,869,600,351,825 is for development fund for Capital Expenditure.

Breakdown of the total budget shows that total sum of N58.428 billion was allocated to the State House. Out of the amount, N11.546 billion is for State House headquarters; N1.336 billion is for State House operations (Presidency); State House operations Vice President gets N482.583 billion; Office of the Chief of Staff to the President gets N30.534 billion; Chief of Security Officer to the President gets N777.428 billion; State House Medical Center gets N1.031 billion; State House Lagos Liaison Office gets N276.930 billion; a Senior Special Assistant to the President - MDGs (OSSAP-MDGs) gets N1.965 billion; National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru gets N1.663 billion; Bureau of Public Enterprises gets N2.057 billion; National Emergency Management Agency gets N1.621 billion; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission gets N26.392 billion; Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit gets N1.185 billion; Bureau of Public Procurement gets N1.769 billion; Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative gets N1.421 billion; Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission and its centres get N4.771 billion while Office of the Chief of Economic Adviser to the President gets N106.865 billion in the budget.

Also, Independent Corrupt Practices and related offences commission (ICPC) gets N7.031 billion; Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission gets N1.542 billion; Independent

National Electoral Commission (ICPC) gets N45 billion; Federal Ministry of Information and Culture gets N57.070 billion; Federal Ministry of Interior gets total sum of N578 billion while Federal Ministry of Justice gets N28.752 billion.

Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment gets N27.398 billion; Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development gets N22.743 billion; Federal Ministry of Niger Delta gets N60.224 billion; Niger Delta Development Commission gets N71.195 billion; National Security Adviser gets N120.731 billion; Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation gets N9.943 billion; Secretary to the Government of the Federation gets N110.897 billion; Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources gets N68.941 billion; Police Service Commission gets N10.336 billion; National Population Commission gets N6.866 billion; Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing gets N711.817 billion; Public Complaint Commission gets N7.480 billion; Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission gets N2.218 billion; Federal Ministry of Science and Technology gets N75.678 billion; Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment gets N117.840 billion; Federal Ministry of Transportation gets N267.146 billion; Federal Ministry of Water Resources gets N149.071 billion; Federal Ministry of Women Affairs gets N7.318 billion; Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development gets N116.211 billion respectively.

Meanwhile, the preferred candidate for the slot of the National Chairman of All Progressive Con-

gress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, had on Tuesday, 15th May, 2018 met behind closed door with the APC caucus in the House of Representatives with a pledge to address all the lingering crisis bedeviling the ruling party at the state level. Oshiomhole, a two term Governor of Edo state, has intensified consultation to various stakeholders ahead of party’s convention.

During the two hours closed door session, Oshiomhole who was favoured by President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the ruling party assured all the lawmakers of his resolve to provide quality leadership towards resolving crisis across state level.

“I am contesting for this position not because there is a vacuum but because I have been an active member and I am convinced that we need to do something different to make our party stronger.

“A lot of things happening now in our party, the problems in some states would have been checked if we had an effective party administration. Though we are having issues because we are a progressive party but with a proactive leadership all the issues will be resolved.

“They will be resolved in a win, win situation. Everybody must get something. I am saying this because even as a Governor I have never told a party member who are you. Because if I do that in the day of election I will be in my village and that person will be in his area and he might punish me.

“I am convinced that working with leaders of our party, I believe we can build a party

With

KEHINDE AKINTOLA that is founded on inclusiven es s a n d n ot exclu s io n . A party must argue and resolve amicably no matter the issues.

There is no problem that cannot be resolved and we must resolve all our problems as party men and women,” he stated.

Oshiomhole expressed his gratitude to the lawmakers for finding time to listen to him assuring that “our party the APC will remain strong and we will win the 2019 general elections God’s willing.

Speaking earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, commended Oshiomhole for his visit just as he stressed the need for the party to be united ahead the general elections.

The APC caucus members had a closed door meeting with Oshiomhole for about an hour after Oshiomhole addressed the lawmakers.

2019 Watch Sunday 20 May 2018

2019: INEC hopeful of favourable budgetary allocation, declines to mention figures INNOCENT ODOH, Abuja

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he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed optimism that its budgetary proposal for the 2019 elections will receive approval of the National Assembly as the lawmakers passed the 2018 Budget.

When asked to mention exact figures proposed by the commission, the Chief Press Secretary of the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Lawrence, told BDSUNDAY on Friday that it will be presumptuous to start mentioning figures because the budget has not been approved.

“We made a proposal but we don’t know how much will be approved.

It could be the same amount or they might reduce it for one reason or another. I think it is better to let the final figures come because if the government gives us less than what we proposed, it will appear as if we are antagonising the government which we don’t want to do.

“The government has the bigger picture because there are other agencies that need resources and resources and are scarce. But I think we don’t envisage any problem. So it is not advisable to start talking about figures now,” he said.

The 2018 Budget of N9.12 trillion was jacked up from the N8.6 trillion earlier sent to the lawmakers

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The budget, which was passed on

Yakubu

Wednesday by the National Assembly, now requires the assent of President Muhammadu Buhari to become law.

Speaking further, Lawrence said: “The proposal we sent to them (National Assembly) contains all the things we need to do and how much it will cost. So if they give us all the money then we are okay but if they reduce it then we have to tackle one or two issues. I think it is better we allow them to approve it.

“We are hopeful and we have re-

Pray for peaceful 2019 general election - Ex-Oyo commissioner tells Muslims AKINREMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

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governorship aspirant on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Kola Balogun, has said that current happenings in the political arena of this country have raised concerns that need urgent attention of all and sundry.

Balogun, Ex-commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives in Oyo State, said in view of this, there is a need for Muslims faithful across the country and Oyo State in particular to use this period to pray for the success of the elections.

While enjoining Muslims in the state and across the nation to use the period of one month Ramadan fasting to pray for the successful conduct of the next year’s general election, he said: “We don’t want what happened in 2011 to happen again, that is why we must pray fervently for the election to be conducted in an atmosphere of peace and

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tranquility”.

The former commissioner, who spoke in Ibadan, said that the need for Muslims to pray for the peaceful conduct of the elections is necessary in view of the current political happenings in the country.

The APC chieftain then enjoined them to use the period of fasting to pray fervently for the election to be peaceful, acceptable, free and fair.

“I am using this medium to congratulate Muslims faithful in Oyo State and across Nigeria on the beginning of this year Ramadan Hijirah 1439 calendar.

“The period of Ramadan is a period of forgiveness, sacrifice and blessings. The first part of Ramadan is a period of forgiveness, the second part of Ramadan is blessings and the last part of Ramadan turned slave to freeborn.

“It is on this note that I will like to use this medium to urge Muslim faithful to use this period and pray for the successful conduct of the next year’s general elections.”

sponded to the budget hearing, which the INEC chairman attended and answered questions in the National Assembly both the Senate and the House of Representatives and there was no problem in the hearing.

“So if we look at the positive outcome of the hearing I think we don’t envisage cutting down on the proposal we made. But all the same, it is better not to count your chicks before they are hatched. We look forward to full cooperation with the National Assembly and the Federal Government.”

‘Even with Obasanjo’s coalition, PDP will sweep votes in Kogi come 2019’

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he former Governor of Kogi State, Ibrahim Idris has assured that even the coalition of other parties on ground would not make the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State lose focus come 2019.

Idris, who gave the assurance while interacting with newsmen in Lokoja, added that the parties are baby parties and pose no threat to PDP. He maintained that PDP has come of age and people now know exactly what they want. “Nobody can cajole anybody now, even with all the money”, he said.

Expressing his optimism on PDP’s ability to sweep all the votes in Kogi State in 2019, the former governor said, “I am happy you are here in Kogi State and know what is happening. I am optimistic that PDP will sweep all the votes in Kogi State in 2019. With what we have seen, we have all the chances that PDP will come back and there is no doubt about it”.

Idris also noted that all that is happening in All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state are blessings to PDP that will offer PDP opportunities to regain its lost glory come 2019.

It could be recalled that at the recent wards and local government congresses of APC in the state, the party has been coming

Idris

out with a parallel leaderships.

He also stated that Kogi people now know what they want because they have experienced the two parties and they will be able to say where they want to go.

Talking about the strategies PDP is going to use to sweep the votes come 2019, Idris said it is too early to reveal the secret, adding that PDP is working very hard.

On imposition, he said he does not believe in it, saying, “I will never support that. With what is going to happen, I am sure PDP will be coming up with a very good candidate and the person will be somebody that will be acceptable by all. There is no going to be imposition”.

Kwara youths endorse ex-Senate president’s aide for governorship SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

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outh groups across the one hundred and ninety three wards in Kwara State have endorsed Muhammed Ibrahim Ajia, a former Aide D’Camp of ex-Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim for the gubernatorial ticket in the state come 2019.

In a communiqué issued after the 4th Kwara Youth Stakeholders conference held in Ilorin recently, the groups noted that it is high time youth takes over the mandate of leadership in the state, adding that the elders has failed in providing needed leadership.

According to the chairman of the youth forum, Charles Olufemi, the youths formed 75percent of Kwarans and should be given the opportunity to contribute their quota to the development of the state.

He challenged youths to encourage themselves to prepare for future. “What are we able to

do for ourselves, by ourselves to prepare for the election in 2019? We have to encourage other youths to register for their PVC because your vote is your power.”

In his remarks during the meeting, Ajia, a governorship

Muhammed Ibrahim Ajia

aspirant on the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said there was need to have an independent minded candidate that can galvanise the state to ensure development.

He enjoined the people to join hands and collectively take charge in solving the problems created by past leadership.

“We should stop lamenting on what have been done wrong, we have to come out and offer solution to the problems that have been created and take charge.

“This project is aimed at redefining leadership and governance in Kwara which will lead to producing a good system where a good leader can further be instituted,” he added.

Ajia, who is also the founder of Mohahammed Ajia Ibrahim (MAI), said his ambition was propelled by the need to render services to the society and better life for all, added that the youth in Kwara should take advantage of the not-too-young-to-run bill recently initiated by the National Assembly.

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Sunday 20 May 2018

Presidency

2019: Followership of the illiterate and Buhari’s likely return

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ZEBULON AGOMUO

resident Muhammadu Buhari has since declared his intention to seek re-election in 2019, to return to his beat as president. His declaration took many Nigerians by surprise as a result of his challenged health condition and perceived non-performance of his administration in the last three years.

Some analysts have however, pointed out that victory for Buhari in 2019 was a fait accompli. According to them, the likely victory is not borne out of any spectacular performance or love for the President or the All Progressives Congress (APC), but out of sheer intimidation, fear, violence and, to a greater degree, the solidarity he enjoys from the army of poor illiterate folks (‘Talakawa’) in the North.

Pointing to likely violence and threat of it as an effective instrument to be deployed by his loyalists, an analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity quoted a statement credited to Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, president of Miyethi Allah, the umbrella organisation of the Fulani herdsmen (on February 3, 2018), that “nobody should try to remove Buhari in 2019. All the Fulani in Nigeria today, our eyes are open. All of us are behind Buhari, we have seen that they want to destroy the Fulani because of Buhari. We would not allow anybody to intimidate the Federal Government or to take Buhari’s mandate. We would be ready to follow him and fight it; we are ready to do anything to ensure that Buhari comes back to complete the good work he is doing.”

Succinctly put, Bodejo was just saying that Nigerians should prepare for war if Buhari loses his return bid in 2019.

Some pundits say that a leader whose followership consists of illiterates who lack the ability to think for themselves, make rational judgment or make simple analysis about the likely implication of their actions are always ready to play the cannon fodder role.

Although the defeat of Buhari, who contested the presidential election in 2011 on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) elicited widespread violence across the Northern region, Buhari, again in 2012, made some inciting remarks that evoked fear in the polity.

During the killings in 2011 that greeted his defeat by Goodluck Jonathan, innocent members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were in the service of their fatherland were mercilessly massacred in cold blood.

In 2015, fears had reached a crescendo in Nigeria. There was apprehension everywhere. The singsong was that war was imminent. It was touted that if Jonathan had defeated Buhari again, there would have been a mini civil war.

The fear stemmed from the warning Buhari issued out in 2012 that “God

Kid voters in the north

willing, by 2015, something will happen. They either conduct a free and fair election or they go a very disgraceful way. If what happened in 2011 (alleged rigging) should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood.’’

It was against this backdrop that Jonathan’s quick concession of defeat far ahead of the official declaration of the 2015 presidential result by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was greeted with great relief.

Indeed, Buhari may not have meant harm but may have been merely verbalising his frustration over an electoral process he felt was jaundiced, but because of what he stands for among the illiterate poor folks in the North who would offer to die for his cause, his observations were cashed into by the street urchins.

Kid voters in the north

2019 is not likely to be any different going by the vibrations already being felt.

Speaking of why Buhari may retain his seat in 2019 even with the perception of non-performance, hunger, poverty and other alleged ills in his administration, Lai Omotola, chancellor of E-Boot Camp Limited, said: “You see, Nigeria is divided into North and South. What they see in the North is different from what they see in the South. The progression in the North is different from the progression in the South. What you call poverty in the South is not what is called poverty in the North.

In the South, if I am not able to go for summer this year, I will say the country is bad; things are terrible. If I am not able to change my car in two years I will say things are bad. But those are not the yardstick for those people in the North.

What you call poverty here is luxury to

them, and all of them are entitled to one vote. Now, because of education in the South, you would reduce the number of children you would have because you know that training up a child now is like building a house. But the same mentality may not be for the illiterate because he does not see any essence in sending anybody to school. So, where is the followership of the illiterate?

“And I tell people, if I say I am a leader I need to see the quality of the people following me, because if they are not enlightened they would just be hailing whatever I do or say. The essence of education is to achieve three things- some people stop at number one; some at two and not many people get to three.”

Omotola further said: “The essence of education is to read and write. That’s number one. Number two is for you to comprehend – that is being able to understand what you read. The third and final one is for you to be analytical. What is analysis? A man may be saying something, but what you are hearing is not really what he is saying. What is coming out of his mouth is not really what he is trying to say. So, that’s why they say, news analysis. Someone must come to break down the communication – bringing out the intent and purpose of what is coming out.

“That is the final stage of education and not so many people have that. So, based on the analysis above, Buhari will come back. He would come back because we have the majority people that cannot sit down to analyse the case; say, if this man comes back, will he be able to deliver the dividends? This is because they don’t have that skill and the few people that have it, will they vote or are they enough to outnumber these illiterate folks? Remember, it is said that democracy is a game of numbers; if the illiterates outweigh the literates, our recruitment process in this way will always produce something defective.”

The use of thugs to perpetrate all manner of electoral fraud has become widespread in Nigeria. Most of those thugs are frustrated youths who are aggrieved at the failure of successive governments to make Nigeria a habitable place. Many of them are illiterates and semi-literates. A few are university graduates who as a result of inability to be properly engaged in meaningful employments determined to eke out a living in hard way.

Most times, they do not reason rationally. They go after political opponents of their principals without reasoning. They even kill for a bottle of beer and for monetary compensation as meagre as N1000 (One Thousand Naira) only.

This set of people is usually povertystricken and always hungry. So, they go after their prey with all the venom they can muster. These are those waiting in the wings to be deployed as the general election hits up properly.

Sunday 20 May 2018

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31 Inside Lagos

A rare gift to Makoko’s relegated children JOSHUA BASSEY

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akoko, a suburb in the heart of Yaba, Lagos, is in the news again. Over the years, much has been heard and said about this slum community, which habours some of the poorest of the poor.

But the news coming from Makoko this time around is not about poor sanitation, absence of healthcare, diseases, squalor or its general state of neglect. It is not also about the dirty environment, where some estimated 25,000 active residents live in a world of their own. The news is not about the oily waters that provide a way of life for some the fishermen/ women who dwell in makeshifts constructed with planks.

It is not about a miserable enclave, where the inhabitants move with the aid of canoes, which also serve as their lavatory. The news this time is about an occurrence that gladdens the heart, not only of the pupils who are the direct beneficiaries of the pleasant development, but also their parents who, in spite of the challenging environment they find themselves, are full of hope that their wards and children have a future.

Officials of Interswitch Group, in collaboration with Slum2School Africa, were in Makoko. The date was Thursday, May 17, 2018.

It was a rare visit, as they made an invaluable donation; an innovation laboratory to the only school in the shantytown, aimed at bringing technology education to the pupils.

The laboratory, equipped with laptops, books and shelves and other learning materials, was donated to the Makoko Anglican School.

Slum2School Africa is a social development organisation which focuses on empowerment of disadvantaged children.

Mitchell Elegbe, the CEO of Interswitch described the donation as a gesture targeted to improve Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) education in Africa as a strategy to solve societal challenges.

“The development and transformation of any society today is largely dependent on a rel-

A section of the laboratory donated to the Makoko school

evant skilled workforce and innovation – two factors that require strong STEM knowledge and application.

“This sends a clear message that reminds us all that talent abounds everywhere and every child, irrespective of socio-economic class, should have access to qualitative education and opportunities to develop talents and aspirations,’’ said Elegbe.

He explained that STEM was out to help students learn critical thinking and problemsolving so as to prepare them as the next generation of leaders and innovators.

“We moved from the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition to working with Slum2School to build STEM and innovation

labs across Africa, that will ignite, increase and reward interest in STEM education.

Otto Orondaam, the CEO of Slum2School Africa, speaking about the donation, said that his organisation has enrolled 180 children into school at its maiden project in 2012 but had been able to put 1,500 children in school six years after.

The NGO, according to Orondaam, decided to partner with Lagos State government and Interswitch to bring the best innovation in STEM. Orondaam hoped that the partnership would enable the organisations to reach out to more public schools and children in the slums, and lauded the involvement of Lagos

State Education Board for creating an enabling environment for such a partnership.

“We know that the facility will enhance learning for every child who engages with it from not just Makoko but across Lagos State.

“Interswitch and Slum2School are on the right track to ensuring that access to relevant knowledge is provided for every child.

“We believe that this will be the first of many more STEM and Innovation Labs for children living in underdeveloped communities across Africa,” he said.

Alero Ayida-Otobo, the board chairman of Slum2School project, said that modelling innovations was a major way to transform a nation.

“The development of any society depends on the quality of education; setting up innovation labs, e- libraries will provide access to quality education for a lot of people.

“We found out that talents are not found in schools where quality education is not inherent; hence, we picked Makoko Anglican School.

“Setting up an innovation lab in this school will give the pupils access to the internet and enable them to learn more about the world which is technology-driven,” she said.

One of the pupils, who gave his as John and was seen admiring a computer attached to a canoe, said his ambition is to become a computer engineer in the future.

To the little John, trying his hands on the computer which is now available in his school, and growing up to master it, may well be the first early steps he needs to chart the way to fulfilling his life ambition.

Another pupil, 9-year-old Mercy, also shares her future ambition. “I want to be a nurse when I grow up. That’s what my mother wants me to be.”

To the Makoko community, and indeed, the pupils of the Anglican School, the donation from the Interswitch Group, Slum2School Africa and other partners in the project, is a rare gift.

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ForTheRecord

Challenges of health care delivery for all ages in Nigeria (6) Being the concluding part of the text of a paper presented at the 19th Bassey Andah Memorial Lecture by Michael C. Asuzu, professor of Public Health & Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan; consultant, Clinical Epidemiologist, Community & Occupational Physician, UCH, Ibadan; director, Ibarapa Community & Primary Health Care Programme, UI/UCH, Ibadan; president, Society for Public Health Professionals of Nigeria (SPHPN).

O

ther problems militating against PHC and the overall national health services •These include the absence of truly federating units in a large country such as Nigeria surely is; and the unitary governance of the country; limiting state freedoms and the fast-tracking of their particular health systems as in the pre-independence and immediate post-independent era of much growth in these regards.

At that time, the federating units were even able to fashion out and train some of their own health workers whose licenses will be limited to those regions, such as the then Kano Medical School4.

•Failure to provide for conditions of service that will help to attract and keep health workers, especially those in community and rural health services, in their given government places of work nationally. Apart from salaries, due work status advancements, transportation, housing, security, other social amenities within those health facilities, as well as continuing professional education facilities, had been pointed out as some of these needs even within this country26.

•Consistent failure to understand the differences between the usually vertical public health services of the government health services beyond the LGAs and the inevitable vertically, horizontally and totally integrated community health services of the disciplinary public health and community medicine (or nursing and midwifery) that constitute the needed work at the LGA level; and to provide for their proper provision in the country.

This fault is both of the supposed specialists in these disciplines (who have never had exposure to these actual practices where they exist) as well as the other leaders in the health professions.

•The lack of emotional intelligence nor improvement in training in that regard,which make Nigerian doctors unable to provide the healthy leadership of the health system, needs to be addressed as urgently as possible by everybody who should be concerned with this need.

This primarily should begin with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the Nigeria Medical Association, National Post-Graduate Medical College of Nigeria, the overall political, religious and traditional leaderships in this country and the

other bodies like the Universities Commission that should respect and cooperate with the MDCN and medical schools in doing this; rather than creating other monstrosities against the medical profession and medical education in the country.

•The overall moral, academic, professional, ethical, religious, spiritual and cultural decadence plus economic corruption in the country that is driving every Tom, Dick and Harry to want to become millionaires, to earn as much as everybody else is earning from the government, even with grossly in-equivalent qualifications or training, job responsibilities, descriptions or requirements. The role of the growing (Western) Secular Humanist ways of thinking and living in the world, even in the corrupted religions of these days - of instant and only worldly attainments, fulfilment and satisfaction that is at the back of these unhealthy human relationships - ought to be addressed non-the-less.

•The non-viability of the LGAs, and even most of the states as federating units, as presently constituted in the country needs to be addressed as well. These factors notwithstanding, any state rulers who decide that they

will do their best to govern their people well in spite of these limitations, can surely make reason-

In the health sector, they must provide the framework to provide functional and properly staffed general hospitals for each LGA, a functional state PHCDA and a functional, professionally well-staffed local government PHC services, following the best practices as described above. All the states in Nigeria have more than enough medical doctors to do these, if only the governments will become more people-responsive and so get their priorities right able progress in these regards.

•Overall ethical, moral, religious and financial corruption in governance in Nigeria that

make politicians power-drunk and people-disorientated needs to be addressed as soonest as possible. In the countries with the best health services and indices, the rulers love the people, are with them, do not terrorise them; and they plan the state services for the maximum good of the people. I suppose that both hard work, continuous vocalisation by any remaining few of the sane elites, and prayers to God by everyone, to bring this last evil of the country to an end will be useful in these regards; but surely not ANY prayers at all that are without those vocal and other physical redress actions.

Where do we go from here?

From what we have explored here, I believe that it would have become obvious that the following will be needed, and in the order in which we put them here now, if we are going to be able to provide PHC and HFA in Nigeria; or more easily, any states whose politicians will ever be truly interested in doing this: •Any state that is able to convince itself that it ought to be a truly federating unit in Nigeria, and therefore to be fully responsible (except if provided for in an exclusive federal legislative list) for the normal/general health,

education and all the social services of her people, should wake up and determine how it should do this, even with the prevailing funding limitations. In the health sector, they must provide the framework to provide functional and properly staffed general hospitals for each LGA, a functional state PHCDA and a functional, professionally well-staffed local government PHC services, following the best practices as described above. All the states in Nigeria have more than enough medical doctors to do these, if only the governments will become more people-responsive and so get their priorities right. In one of the states in the North that I had the privilege to go to facilitate the PHC programme lately, with all the foreign development partners that the Federal Government has directed to concentrate their efforts in helping with the PHC services there, they are already doing their bests in these regards! But without the needed radical commitment from the state government in developing and supporting the proper system by themselves, there will be no talk of sustainability of these programmes if and when these foreign agencies leave those programmes.

Sunday 20 May 2018

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BDSUNDAY 33

SundayBusiness Foods that boost beauty Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

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he whopping amount of money fashion-crazy people spend on daily basis, globally, on sundry cosmetic brands just to look beautiful or attractive to their spouses, family members, friends and fans is mind-blowing. According to Colleen Kratofil writing for PeopleStyle online platform, the average woman will spend $43 or about N16, 000 on a shopping trip for makeup, as revealed by a new video.

In fact, researchers on beauty products have revealed that “a woman spends an average of $15,000 or to the tune of N6million on beauty products in her lifetime!

Out of that money, $3,770 is spent on mascara alone. Another $2,750

is allotted to eyeshadows. And $1,780 is dedicated to new lipsticks.

And that’s not even including all the products you need to buy to keep your beauty tools clean”.

Similarly, statistics have shown that in 2016, the global cosmetics market grew by an estimated 4.0 percent compared to the previous year’s sales. That is according to Global Cosmetics Market.

Yet, this writer feels and strongly so that it is sheer vanity for men, or more so, women to spend (or better put, waste) so much valuable money on beauty products when God in His infinite grace and mercy has made the needed sources of beauty cheap and available to most of mankind.

Agreed, most of us are entrapped by physical beauty. It may be in the eyes of the beholder but it can never be hidden. It is a God-given gift. Beauty, as it manifests in physical form is an asset of great value.

Everyone cherishes it. Though some are born with it, others have acquired it through a carefully chosen lifestyle that assists to enhance its valuable attributes(shape, size and colour).

First, they appreciate and then take good care of what they have.

To the human eye, beauty is in that glowing skin, that pure white, well-set teeth, that comely, beautiful smile with the twin dimples, the starry eyes, the well-rounded legs, the well-tended hair, nails and even the poise; the way one carries his/ her body.

The truth however, is that most of the physical attributes that con-

tribute to beauty could be enhanced and sustained in the wise choice of the food we eat combined with the right form of regular exercises.

It is also evident in the stress-free lifestyles we live; devoid of excesses in the taking of alcohol, cigarettes and even harmful food itself. Even quality sleep could improve on beauty.

Now, let us take a closer look at food items that enhance your beauty To maintain your great shape and avoid adding excess weight take honey as it uses and burns fat for energy instead of getting it stored.

Glowing skin: Sweet potatoes possess anti-oxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E which mop up skinaging, free radicals.

Vitamin C produces collagen that enhances elasticity to keep the skin supple.

Vitamin D controls your body’s use of calcium. About 15 minutes exposure to sunlight every day normally produces all the Vitamin D you need.

To look forever young, rub your face with coconut oil just before going to bed. Or make a paste of raw carrots, apply to your face and wash it off after an hour.

Cook oat meal and apply on your face for 15 minutes, then wash. This helps to remove pimples.

Rub orange peels and garlic to remove acne and pimples.

Apply orange juice to your face regularly to get rid of marks and for making your skin smooth.

To prevent wrinkles and soften your skin, use pure castor oil, it is known to slow the ageing process of the skin. Regular sex also assists.

Also, olive oil helps in preventing wrinkles. It removes the oil from the skin and takes away the stress in your face or body.

Take 50ml of raw milk. Mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonfuls of lime to it. It helps to clean the deep pores of the skin.

Drink carrot juice every day to prevent wrinkles. It will show after three weeks.

Apply left-over white of egg against acne and wrinkles. Also apply 30ml of cabbage juice with 1 teaspoon of honey to the face to keep the wrinkles away.

Dried orange peels mixed with curd help reduce blemishes and scars. Wash off this mixture with cold water after 15 minutes.

Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every day to plump up the skin cells, flush out toxins and prevent spots.

Drink a mixture of lettuce juice and spinach juice to induce hair growth. Juice of carrot mixed with lettuce is good.

To reduce hair loss, boil 1 cup of water, add a teaspoon of mustard seeds, cook for 5 minutes, cool and drink.

Avocado pear prevents hair loss and promotes smooth skin.

Bright eyes, clear vision The intake of Vitamin A-rich foods such as milk, butter, tomatoes, red palm oil, cod liver oil and carrots would improve vision.

Clear, shiny skin Eat foods rich in Vitamins A, C, E, sweet potatoes, red ball peppers and eggs. Almonds, avocados, dark leafy vegetables. Drink lemon grass tea.

Consume milk and honey daily in the morning for a smooth, glowing skin.

Carrot – prevents wrinkles.

Smooth face, mash banana, mix with honey and apply to your face.

Facial mask for dry skin.

Also mix 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of honey and a drop of rose water as a facial mask.

Facial mask for oily skin.

1 teaspoon of milk powder, ¼ mashed avocado pear. Leave till it dries.

Facial mask for normal skin Mix ½ teaspoon of milk powder, ¼ teaspoon of egg white, ½ teaspoon of lemon juice. Leave on the face till it dries.

Facial mask to remove pimple marks Mix ½ peeled cucumber, 1 egg white, ½ cup of vinegar, 2 cups of dry oat meal, 3 teaspoon of honey and ½ cup of flour. Wash your face before applying. And the beauty will show!

All said, we need to conduct more researches to identify, increase the production of, and locally process some of the natural sources of beauty products which are abundant in the foods and beverages that available to us all.

Baje is Nigerian first Food Technologist in the media

Nutritionist commends Chivita’s ‘No-added Sugar’ commitment Obinna Emelike

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lusola Malomo, national publicity secretary, Nutrition Society of Nigeria , has commended the juice making standards of Chivita100 percent fruit juice, the flagship brand of Chi Limited, and its

commitment to ‘no-added sugar’ process, describing it as a healthy substitute for raw fruits.

According to him, “100 percent fruit juice is made from the flesh of fresh fruit or from whole fruit, depending on the type used. It is not permitted to add sugar, sweeteners, preservatives, flavouring or colourings to fruit juices. Chivita 100 percent complies with these requirements

as articulated by its production and packaging process.”

Malomo, who led discussion at a media session held in Lagos on Tuesday, said 100 percent fruit juice has same nutritional value with natural fruits and could help in detoxifying the body system while aiding weight loss when taken before breakfast.

He stated that regular consumption of the fruit juice

L-R: Ademola Mafikuyomi, senior brand manager(Juice, Nectar and Still Drinks), Chi Limited; Ernest Ighravwe, head, research and development, Chi Limited; Olusola Malomo, national publicity secretary, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, and Olarenwaju Dapo, assistant brand manager (Juice, Nectar and Still Drinks), Chi Limited, at the unveiling of the Chivita ‘no-added sugar’ campaign in Lagos recently.

could also address modern health challenges caused by fewer minerals/vitamins/antioxidants, processed foods, excess sugar, excess fat/cholesterol, improper chemical combination and excess animal fat.

The nutritionist further said: “It is often difficult to say which between raw fruit and fruit juice gives more nutrients to the body.

Although eating whole fruit is considered to be the best way of attaining the full benefits of fruits, fruit juice is an easy and healthy option. Of course, if the juice contains 100 percent fruit without preservatives and additives, it has same nutritional value with natural fruit”.

“With a busy lifestyle, our eating habits have become packed with preservatives and processed foods that are not only devoid of essential nutrients but can also cause some harm to the body. 100 percent fruit juice helps to correct the harm caused by these new eating habits; boost the immune system and keep the body in perfect health.”

Malomo stated that 100 percent fruit juice helps in lowering inflammation, noting that its consumption has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases.

He described the fruit juice variant as an appropriate healthy diet.

“When you drink fruit juice the supply of energy increases in no time. This is one of the prime benefits of fruit juice that we can

utilise in our busy schedules. This is the reason why athletes often drink fruit juice during and after exercising. It is also the same reason pregnant women are advised to often take it.”

He noted that sugar consumption is not entirely bad as long as it is within the recommended dietary requirement, adding that sugar is needed to supply the energy needed for the functioning of the body.

According to him, “sugar is not singularly responsible for obesity and diabetes. What causes these illnesses are primarily more related to lifestyle. Fruits or fruit juice are much more than just source of fructose (natural sugar that comes with fruit). There are lots of nutrients in them that are important for health. Moreover, sugar in fructose is very healthy.

“One small glass (150ml) of 100 percent orange juice contains 100 percent of the daily requirements of Vitamin C. The carbohydrate in 100 percent fruit juice, including the sugar naturally occurs and comes from the whole fruit from which it is squeezed.”

On his part, Deepanjay R o y , m a n a g i n g d i r e c t o r, Chi Limited, said Chivita as a brand, is concerned about the misconceptions on juice consumption, which are capable of creating needless barrier to enjoying the many nutritional benefits of 100 percent juice.

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Sunday 20 May 2018

SundayBusiness Why must mortgage loan borrowers make equity contribution?

T

o many Nigerians, especially those looking for mortgage loans to buy, build or renovate their houses, the who of idea of equity contribution for loan advance, which they interpret to mean ‘bring money to take money,’ is stranger than fiction.

As a matter of course, somebody looking for loan is one who does not have money to do what he wants the loan for. So, he finds it pretty difficult to come to terms with the idea of bringing part of the money you need in order for you to get the money you need.

But the mortgage market is structured in such a way that even when high interest rate, which is a big challenge, is removed from mortgage business, borrowers will still have some hurdles to cross and one of such hurdles is equity contribution.

Really, to the man on the street, the idea of equity contribution does not square up. He does not understand why somebody that is looking for money to borrow is required to bring money in order to get that money. The question he frequently asks is ‘why bor-

row if I had money to give?’

He wonders why somebody who wants to borrow N10 million, for instance, is required by the lender to bring upwards of N3 million in order to access the N10 million. He argues that if he had such money, he probably would not have gone for the loan in the first place.

But the lender, the person who gives out the money, thinks differently and so has an answer to give to the question.

Mortgage loans are generally demanded and given for buying, building or renovating houses and when borrowers demand for this loan, they are required to bring about 30 percent of the loan amount they want as their equity contribution, depending however on the risk profile of the borrower.

Industry operators, however, say there are reasons for which they demand equity contribution. One of such reasons is to hedge against loan repayment default. Equity contribution, they say, is fundamental to mortgage lending just as regular flow of income is.

Equity contribution is fundamental because there are

institutional and regulatory developments that are still being expected in the industry. There is no sound data-base of Nigerians yet; the national ID Card remains largely unreliable and foreclosure laws are still not strong.

All these issues, according to mortgage operators, have compelled mortgage banks to demand for equity contribution and they say that if they had all the above issues resolved, they would give people mortgage based on their credit rating.

Because mortgage banks do financial intermediation, it is their responsibility to protect depositors’ money and for them to protect those deposits, they have to ask for something that would act as a back-up to the money they give out to borrowers.

“If we had development funds, the kind of funds that we have in the manufacturing some sectors of the economy, where government gave out intervention fund over a period of 15 years at a single digit interest rate; if we had that kind of fund in the mortgage banking industry, it would be very helpful in a number of ways”, says a bank CEO who does not want to be mentioned.

Talking Mortgage with CHUKA UROKO (08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com)

Another mortgage banker who also pleaded anonymity noted that “the banker and the borrower are in the same market in which case both suffer from the same problem; we should not forget that we are all trading in one commodity which is money, and the trading is done in such a way that you sell according to how you buy”.

Another argument is that the credit banks have, including that of the mortgage institutions, is short term in nature. So, they can’t lend long term and they do business in an environment that is very costly.

The federal government, through the CBN, should do something about high interest rate charged by both the commercial and mortgage banks if the housing demand-supply gap is to be bridged.

Elsewhere, there are special interest rates on loans to real estate

and nothing stops Nigeria from doing the same. The relevant authorities should look critically into the whole issue of equity contribution demanded from home loan seekers, especially the low income earners who cannot afford such loans.

Equity contribution is reason for the huge housing deficit and low home ownership level in Nigeria today. It could, perhaps, be reason too for the low performance of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) which has been operating since 1977 without much result.

The apex mortgage bank supervises the National Housing Fund (NHF) and is responsible for the disbursement of mortgage loans from contributors to the NHF. In over 40 years, it has approved mortgage loans for just 56,000 houses and has just about four million contributors from a 170 million population.

LAPO boss seeks staff’s commitment I’ll create 200,000 jobs within one year - Osun PDP guber aspirant on fight against poverty IDRIS UMAR MOMOH, Benin

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odwin Ehigiamusoe, founder of Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) weekend tasked staff to be much dedicated and committed to the organisation’s fight against poverty.

Ehigiamusoe, who gave the charge at the 2018 staff awards ceremony held in Benin-City, noted that the challenges of poverty in the country was enormous and requires the commitment of men and women to address its multi-faceted dimensions.

The managing director/chief executive officer of LAPO, who said the organisation currently has a staff strength of 7,150, added that a total of 407 staff were rewarded for their uncommon commitment and loyalty to the LAPO brand.

While assuring that LAPO is poised to face challenges ahead, he urged them to make positive marks in various responsibilities.

“If you look at your right and

left, the challenge of poverty is still enormous. Many people as we speak still go about hungry, many women and indeed parents watch their children die, because they cannot afford to provide the financial resources to meet medical services.

“Many of our children would have paid their ways through schools some of them have been at home for five, four to three years without anything to do,

Ehigiamusoe

and therefore we see that there is so much for us to do in the area of boosting businesses, health services. It is for that reason that in Benin we are capitalising investing in very huge and sophisticated medical facility that would provide medical services and true outreach programmes to rural communities.

“It is also to be an excellent centre for cancer screening and treatment in Benin-City. So these are parts of many things we need to still do. What that therefore means is that all of us and indeed many others who will join as well must redouble our commitment to ensure that the task before us we are able to accomplish them”, he said.

He said the staff were being recognised for twenty to ten years of unbroken services as well as excellence in service delivery awards Ehigiamusoe, who opined that the pro-poor financial institution has just begun as a development organisation, however, demanded for constant performance and commitment from the staff.

BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA Osogbo

A

governorship aspirant on the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Adeolu Durotoye, has pledged to create N200,000 jobs for the teaming youths of the state within a year, if elected as governor of the state.

Durotoye made this known while fielding questions from journalists in the Correspondents’ chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Secretariat, Osogbo during a programme tagged ‘News Point’.

According to him, the way to run Osun is to create jobs for the teaming unemployed youths, adding that using private initiatives, public private partnership and public initiatives would help to get engaged youths in the state.

In doing this: “I have gone round the state and found the need to make development go round the state instead of concentrating it in one place.

“The largest individual producer of rice in Nigeria today is Cosmas Maduka. He has cultivated 1,650 hectares of land. I have spoken to him. I have spoken to some indus-

trialists in South Africa and Turkey.

“If elected, I would talk to the owners of Osogbo Steel Rolling Mills and Machine Tools to ensure that they start functioning to engage our youths. When you multiply 200,000 jobs with about 6 dependants, it will amount to about 1.2million people whose life would be affected.

“Creation of jobs is not negotiable but essential. Another multiplier effect is that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) would increase and payment of salaries would be made easier.

“Good governance is 80percent economics and 20percent politicking as Osun State is in an extra ordinary situation which requires extra ordinary capabilities from a man like me to handle.”

The aspirant noted that “Governance is a serious business that requires hard work and I belong to that group. I am 48years, still energetic to work. I have link with the three senatorial zones of the state.

I was born in Ede, Osun West, born

by Osogbo, Osun Central parents, schooled in Ife, Osun East.”

On agriculture, Durotoye noted that “the Western region was run with proceeds from cocoa farmers. The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo ran the region on free education with farm resources.

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Business Interview ‘Poor power supply, insecurity bane of industrialisation in Nigeria’ Festus Mbisiogu is a China-based Nigerian businessman and the chief executive officer of Blue Diamond Logistics.

In this interview with NGOZI OKPALAKUNNE, Mbisiogu speaks on a number of issues, including his determination to contribute to the economic development in the country, particularly in his home state, Imo; his motivation in coming home to build industry, and the need for government to create conducive environment for industrialists. Excerpts: Many Nigerians in the Diaspora appear to be wary of establishing industries in the country, perhaps due to unfriendly business environment. It is indeed interesting to see people like you coming home to establish industries. What is the motivation? live in China where I do my business. Also, I have offices in Dubai and Nigeria, but l discovered that the rate of importing building materials in Nigeria from China is very high. Statistics also have shown that almost 80 percent of building materials used in Nigeria are imported from China and some of these materials can be manufactured here in Nigeria. So, it was the high rate of importation of building materials in Nigeria that motivated my coming home to site an industry.

Another inspiring factor was the visit of the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom to China in 2011. During his visit, some selected Nigerian businessmen in China had a meeting with him. During the forum Ortom pleaded with Nigerians in the Diaspora to repatriate their funds, promising that government will grant them conducive environment.

The governor also took time to educate Nigerians in China on the policies that government were introducing in the country in order to encourage industrialisation. Also, at the forum, he admitted that the issue of power was a major factor impeding industrialisation and he informed us that government was working towards improving power supply in the country. I was glad to hear that and to know also that the government of Nigeria was thinking how to create conducive business environment. I was indeed encouraged by his presentation.

That also made me to start thinking how to establish industries here in Nigeria and today, l have finished building one known as Shanghai Engineering Works and Industrial Limited, located in Imo State.

visit other countries of the world, you will see buildings that are over hundred years and they are still rugged because the builders used the right proportion of building materials.

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The use of substandard building materials has been linked with the increased cases of collapsed building in the country. What assurance are you giving Nigerians that Shanghai will produce high quality products?

Based on the information l gathered from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the cause of collapsed buildings in the country could be as a result of the compromising nature of some builders. Some of them try to compromise by economising the materials.

If a builder uses the right mixture of sand, cement and other building materials

Festus Mbisiogu

depending on the kind of building, l don’t think we will have the issue of collapse building.

In my own factory, we engaged foreign partners and we are doing what is called transfer of skills and technology.

For the clinic to reach a large number of MSMEs, the government should partner with the private sector or business support service consultants to operate the clinic at every vicinity

Our partners are working there now and training our people, so by the time they left, we will continue from where they stopped. The reason we partnered the foreigners is because we want to give Nigerians good quality building materials, we are doing this because we have a name to protect as one stop shop for building materials in the country. To avoid buildings from collapse, government should formulate stringent policies ensuring that before you commence any building, the builder should get approval and the building should be properly monitored till they finished building.

Lagos State is doing a very good job, when the building gets to a certain stage you will see field workers from the state ministry monitoring the ongoing building. Some of these builders and landlords who lower the quality of the building materials are cheating themselves. They do that due to ignorance, they need to be educated on the dangers associated with their deeds. When a structure is built with the right materials, it will stand the test of time. If you

Do you think government has done enough to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) industries in the country?

It is the duty of every government to provide conducive business environment so as to enable business to thrive. But the issue of poor power supply remains critical. Most SMEs have folded while some have relocated to other neighbouring countries like Ghana where there is constant power supply. They do that because they do not have the resources to provide constant power supply for themselves and still take care of other pressing needs of the company. So, they will either crumble or relocate to neighbouring countries where there is steady power supply. There is also high interest rate; insecurity and some other government policies in the country which are not favourable to industrialists. These, however, have affected the growth of industrialisation in the country. The interest rate in Nigeria is too high. In China, the interest rate is in single digit, which means it is between one and nine percent. The essence of this is to encourage industrialisation in that country. Chinese government recently said that in 2020, 40 percent of people living in China would be multi-millionaires because four or five out of every 10 families are into industrialisation. Besides, the low interest rate, the government provides accessibility to where the factories are sited; they clear the ro ads for those who want to build industries and are always there for their assistance. When the Chinese government discovered that you are doing well, they will give you loan and task you to export those products. So, because of these facilities available there, it makes men and women to be creative, always thinking of what to produce. So, Nigerian government should lower the interest rate, at least, to single digit because when it is 15 percent and above it will be difficult for such a business to survive. The Bank of Industry cannot do it all alone because the essence of banks in any nation is to assist business to thrive. Government should also, work on security issues because some Nigerians in the Diaspora are afraid of the killings going on in the Northern part of the country and no serious-minded business man will want to invest in such area.

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Equity Market Equity investors lose N199 billion as market returns near 2017 levels

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Stories by TELIAT SULE ortfolio managers and other stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market are at a crossroads following the continuous losses suffered by listed equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) since the beginning of the second quarter.

In the week that just ended, the market capitalisation of listed stocks closed at N14.66 trillion last Friday, as against N14.86 trillion recorded in the previous week. In effect, equity investors lost a whopping N199.2 billion in just last week alone, a development that is not different from the general market trend since the beginning of the second quarter of 2018.

Month to date, the market capitalisation of listed stocks was lower by N288.2 billion.

Th e Al l Sh a r e I n d e x ( AS I ) closed at 40,472.45 points when transactions ended last week as against 41,022.31 points recorded in the previous week. Week to date, the ASI closed lower at -1.34 percent while year to date,

market returns stands at 5.83 percent which is almost at the same level as the market return a year ago. On May 19 2017 which is a date equivalent to last week Friday, the ASI returned 4.61 percent.

The NSE Premium Index and NSE Pension Index sustained

Mutual Benefits, Sovereign Trust Insurance justify reforms, post N1.2 bn PAT

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eforms that swept through the insurance industry in the last two years have started to pay off as Mutual Benefits Assurance and Sovereign Trust Insurance joined other insurance firms that ended the 2017 financial year in profitability.

Mutual Benefits Insurance posted N14.04 billion gross premium written in 2017, representing 16 percent increase over N12.14 billion made in the previous year.

Gross premium income rose by 11 percent from N11.98 billion

in 2016 to N13.35 billion in 2017.

Net premium income went up by 12 percent to N11.47 billion from N10.27 billion in the previous year. Net underwriting income also increased to N11.78 billion up from N10.70 billion in the same period in 2016.

The company realised N1.02 billion profit after tax in 2017 as against N134.29 million loss after tax in 2016. With this, its profit margin rose to 7 percent last year compared with -1 percent in the previous year.

Similarly, Sovereign Trust Insurance recorded 575 percent in increase in profit after tax in 2017 as PAT went up to N157.87 million as against N23.38 million in 2016.

Gross premium written rose by 33 percent from N6.4 billion in 2016 to N8.5 billion in 2017.

Gross premium income increased by 23 percent to N8.3 billion in 2017 compared with N6.76 billion in the previous year. Profit before tax (PBT) jumped by 351 percent from N44.9 million in 2016 to N202.69 million last year. Both its total assets and shareholders’ funds rose by 14 percent and 5 percent respectively.

their stellar performance year to date. As at last week Friday, the NSE Premium Index closed at 2,920.40 points representing 13.89 percent returns year to date. Also, the NSE Pension Index returned 12.73 percent year to date as it closed at 1,555.38 points last Friday compared with

1,602.05 points last week Friday and 1,379.74 points on the last trading day of 2017.

The NSE Banking Index posted 7.93 percent returns year to date to close at 513.13 points last Friday as against 475.44 points on the last trading day of 2017. However, its year to date

performance is abysmally lower when compared with 23 percent returns it posted same period last year.

Other sub sectoral indices underperformed the market of which the worst performing sub sectoral indices are the NSE ASeM which closed last week Friday at -11.85 percent and NSE Consumer Goods which closed at -0.11 percent.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) tops the list of stocks that outperformed the market, as its share price appreciated by 152.6 percent year-to-date to close last week Friday at N24 per share. Caverton rose by 99.2 percent YTD to close at N2.57 per share. Unity Bank rose by 77.4 percent YTD to close at N0.94 percent, while FCMB and Beta Glass rose by 75.7 percent and 70.2 percent YTD to close at N2.60 and N87.35 per share respectively.

The worst performing stocks by share price appreciation are Niger Insurance, -58 percent; Africa Alliance Insurance, -60 percent; Courtville, -60 percent; FTN Cocoa , -60 percent and Multiverse, -60 percent.

Flour Mills, Corteva AgriscienceTM partner to develop maize hybrid seeds in Nigeria

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n a move that further reiterates the commitment of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN) to be a catalyst in the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, and in pursuance of its strategic focus of “Feeding the Nation Everyday”, the company announced a strategic partnership with Corteva AgriscienceTM , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont.

The collaboration will see FMN and Corteva AgriscienceTM working together on key aspects of the maize value chain in Nigeria, with a focus on promoting modern farming techniques and practices, capacity development and knowledge transfer for the local production and use of improved and quality inputs, including seeds and crop protection.

“We are excited at the prospects of this partnership, and what we can achieve,” said John Coumantaros, chairman, FMN. “ Corteva AgriscienceTM is a globally renowned company with wealth of experience in crop protection and biotechnology solutions, and will introduce new and exciting seed production techniques that will help develop the maize hybrid seed market in Nigeria. Over the years, FMN has invested heavily in the primary processing, aggregation

and distribution of locally grown grains such as maize, soybean, rice, sorghum and wheat, and are passionate about strengthening the capabilities of small-scale farmers, even as we continue to seek out newer ways to deepening our supply chain.”

“We are currently in the sustainability testing phase for the most viable varieties suitable for this environment and envisage the next step will be to establish in Nigeria, a world-class hybrid maize production plant”, said Paul Gbededo, Group Managing Director, FMN. “Our business is ultimately about providing for the livelihood of millions of Nigerian families, by ensuring that they have access to great food, and as such, we are focused on building a business that caters for not just the nutritional needs but enriches their lives,” added Gbededo.

“This partnership endorses our commitment to collaboration across the food chain to transform the role of agriculture in society and enhance the livelihood of farmers in Nigeria,” said Prabdeep Bajwa, commercial unit director, Africa Middle East, “ Corteva AgriscienceTM , Agriculture Division of DowDupoint. “Our company is investing in innovation, drawing on

our knowledge of genetics, chemistry, and digital to give farmers in Africa more and better products and ensuring their success.”

Flour Mills and Corteva AgriscienceTM have already started work on demonstration farm plots in Nigeria to showcase high-performing hybrid maize varieties with additional tests sites expected to commence soon in Kwara, Niger, Kaduna, Kano, Oyo, Nassarawa, Bauchi, Plateau states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Nigeria currently has a national average maize of about 1.5 million tonnes per hectare, which is significantly below 2 tons per hectare of maize yields in Africa and 10 tonnes per hectare in the USA. Early projections indicate that the adoption of hybrid seed and use of improved farming inputs and techniques will increase maize yields by about 100 percent in the next five years.

The partnership also seeks to work with relevant Nigerian agencies to strengthen the legal framework for the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) in intellectual property laws which will not only guarantee that the country gets access to the best technology solutions but also protect the rights of smallholder farmers.

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BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Innovative products assist family bonding, says LG DANIEL OBI

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he current trend of technological advancement in helping to improve the living conditions of human beings is quite remarkable. As at today, technology seems to be taking over the lives of people all over the world, adults and kids alike. For most families sitting in the living room with each one glued to their respective devices cannot be regarded as having good family bonding together, rather quality family time should include the element of communication among families with necessary feedbacks achieved.

Using today’s technology most families can conveniently see a movie outside their homes with family members using projectors that can be attached to phones using a simple white cloth hung up in the backyard can become a movie screen.

This obviously would create an enabling environment for family and friends to spend quality time together enjoying their favourite movies in a relaxed homely setting.

The company said in a statement that its lineup of OLED and Nano Cell TVs are leaders in making cinema-quality viewing possible in the home. “These TVs boast of wider viewing angles that allow for more people to experience images at peak

resolution ideal for gamers. The LG combined advanced sound bar and home audio system technology makes the home entertainment solutions perfect for families seeing a movie together, the newly extended ultrawide monitors makes it easier for parents to game with their kids “As part of its commitment to improving and encouraging more quality family time for consumers around the globe, LG believes that it has a responsibility to produce technology that has a positive impact on not just the environment alone but also promote better bonding in families. The company has received numerous awards recognizing it as a leader in green technology which has obviously stood the company out for many years”, it said.

Managing Director, LG Elec-

tronics West Africa operations, Taeick Son said: “our products are beyond satisfying the needs of our esteemed consumers they are also deliberately designed for friends and family to share quality time together thereby promoting family value system in the society. For instance, the LG OLED TV with its beautiful and strategic viewing angles can provide the ambience for family to have nice quality time together.”

With the ever rising demand of workloads at offices, family bonding could be a bit difficult to achieve; this would be too much of a burden for most people to spend quality time together as a family. “Thanks to LG Electronics that is helping to bridge the gap being created by work load at places of work.

A Glimpse into future of Nigeria’s tech scene ... MTN partners with savvy brands to promote young talent and future tech

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he maiden edition of TechFest, themed ‘Spark Your Curiosity’ held recently brought together thousands of digerati (tech enthusiasts) and creative minds to explore, debate and proffer technological solutions to societal

problems.

The event was a collaboration between Diamond Bank, MTN, Visa, Microsoft, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Deloitte and Touche, Interswitch and The Beat FM. The TechFest platform was organised to expand opportunities for technology-focused co-creation and partnerships. It connected home grown entrepreneurs to potential investors and venture capitalists, highlighting some of Nigeria’s best talent, innovations and ideas.

Speaking at the event, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, according to a statement said,

“MTN is excited to be a part of this event and thrilled about facilitating value driven innovation. Technology is key to solving problems and we hope that this event will connect some start-ups with the resources they need for the next level – delivering innovative commercial solutions for our day-to-day needs.”

MTN took the opportunity to show some intriguing and entertaining technology including a demo of the much-talked about 5G technology by a smart robot, and the award winning Lumos ‘pay-as-you-go’ solar-powered solution, alongside their ‘Call Assist’ business solution; a customer self-service platform.

HiLife Fest: 7 dance groups, 14 singers qualify for quarter final, compete for N10m prize

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even dance groups and 14 singers are set to slug it out at the quarter final stage of the ongoing Life Lager Continental beer’s Igbo highlife talent hunt, HiLife Fest.

The music competition which kicked off with the first set of auditions in Aba on the 18th of March, 2018 before moving on to selected South East states will now be returning to the commercial city for the quarter finals.

The quarter finals will be an interesting medley of the best of highlife music and cultural dance. From the singers, the judges will be looking out for gripping renditions steeped in soulful vocals touching on social issues and moral values. Whereas the dancers will be expected to tell a story with every dance move matched with the beats of Igba, calibrated pitch of Oja, percussive tunes of Ogene and rhythmic sound of Ekwe. At the end, there will have 10 singers and 5 dance group advance

to the semifinal stage.

Speaking on the expectations for the quarter final, Portfolio Manager – Mainstream Lager and Stout Brands, Nigerian Breweries, Emmanuel Agu said “We saw a fantastic display of talent by the contestants during the regional auditions. Now that we are in the quarter final stage, we expect even more intense and beautiful renditions of Igbo highlife music by the contestants and I am confident the Judges will have a hard time deciding as all the quarter finalists are supertalented. Essentially, we hope to see a sustained culture of highlife music and dance amongst our younger generation” The quarter final of the Hi-life fest will hold at CS park, Aba on today and its set to feature musical performances from Obiligbo Brothers, Tipsy Kelvano, 2017 Hilife Fest King Chibest David and superstar Highlife music sensation Flavor N’abania.

StarTimes takes customer forum to Ibadan, rewards loyal subscribers

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esirous of showing appreciation and rewarding its esteemed customers for their loyalty, digital Pay TV Company, StarTimes has organized its first ever customers forum to strengthen its relationship with its loyal customers.

The maiden edition held recently at His Grace Hotel, Ibadan, had in attendance subscribers from different zones, invitees and officials of StarTimes Nigeria.

Speaking on this engagement, The Brand and Marketing Director, Qasim Elegbede, noted that, ‘the essence of the forum was to celebrate the success of the company’s partners and to obtain feedback from participants with a view to serving them better. ‘’This is an acknowledgement of a solid partnership that works. It is

our way of celebrating them for constantly dealing with us through the years to this point. We are rewarding our loyal customers who have shown excellence and tenacity in the face of the prevailing economic situation”. He said.

Winners emerge in Goldberg’s Ariya Repete Talent Hunt 2018 in Ibadan

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riday 11th May 2018 will remain indelible in the minds of Ashafa Olushola Martins, Ayodele Olatunji and members of Oludare Cultural Group. The three emerged overall winners at the grand finale of the Ariya Repete Talent Hunt 2018 in the Fuji, Juju and Drumming categories clinching N2m, N2m and N1 m each.

Consolation prizes ranging from N1m to N250,000.00 were given to First and second runner ups in all the three categories. The grand finale which is a culmination of three months of displays of superb music talent by about 5000 up and coming acts across the south west of Nigeria and Ilorin, an even more rigorous selection process by the Judges, held at the Trans Amusement Park

in the ancient city of Ibadan.

Speaking to Journalists at the event, Franco Maggi Maria, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc said: “As Nigeria’s first indigenous brewery, our pro-Nigerian orientation is evident in our various initiatives. The Ariya Repete roundtable and talent hunt is a reflection of our commitment to promoting the Nigerian brand and more specifically Yoruba culture especially through music. Music and Language are two very important elements of every culture, hence by promoting Juju, Fuji and traditional Yoruba drumming, we are not just promoting Yoruba music or the talented acts that have been unveiled here today, but the beautiful culture of the Yoruba people.”

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Arts

Michel Puchercos captures Africa through his lens

…opens photo exhibition at Omenka gallery OBINNA EMELIKE

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f you search for the name, Michel Puchercos in any of the search engines, especially Google, the results are quite interesting. He is a reputable corporate executive with decades of experience across many sectors in several countries of the world. Of course, his proven competence and wealth of experience warranted LafargeHolcim to appoint him managing director/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, which is based in Nigeria; a position he has held since 2016.

While his name may be synonymous to cement in the real estate business and manufacturing sector in Nigeria, Michel is beyond the corporate world. He has passion for photography that sees him carrying his camera anywhere he goes apart from his office. The creative ingenuity he employs in his photography is obvious in the beautiful collections he has. From Europe, Asia and Africa, Michel tells beautiful stories with his photos.

The Frenchman truly has an arresting and discerning eye in photography. During his time in two vibrant African countries; Nigeria and Kenya, he ventured out to capture the colours that bring to life the essence of Africa and emotions that he saw in the people.

These were emotions of people that range from joy to bliss but never melancholy or despondency.

The photographs, which took him

Some of the photographs that capture emtions of people in Kenya

Teamwork, Ilashe, Lagos, Nigeria

almost three years across the two countries show colours that contrast with the darkness of some of the living conditions and daily struggles of some of those that reside in these countries.

In the photographs, he takes the viewer through all the senses that were aroused in that moment the shutter of the camera was closed, as well as, capturing the feeling of having the viewer’s breath taken away by the magnitude of nature and the humility of humanity. More also, in the sights he captures, the viewer’s imagination brings more senses and feelings to mind than simply what the eyes can see. His photographic expedition in Kenya produced photos that bring to life the feel of the terrain of the Kenyan

captures. While in South Korea, he learnt Korean language, Swahili in Kenya and is trying to speak Hausa in Nigeria.

As a way of honouring the people that he has captured, Michel is exhibiting his experiences and people he has come across on his plight in Africa (some of whom are much less fortunate than he is) in an exhibition titled, ‘Carnet De Voyage, Traveller’s Notebook’. The exhibition holds from May 18-20, 2018 at Omenka Gallery on Ikoyi Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The exhibition features 42 photographs captured in cities across Kenyan and Nigeria by Michel.

The intrigue of the exhibition is that all money collected from the sales of the photographs will go to

dessert, the crispness of the mountain air, and the sounds of the voices of the people echoing from the mountain trough in Kenya. While in Nigeria, his photos capture among others, the sheer majesty that is felt while being among a crowd of horses of such a magnitude at the Durbar in Kano, the sounds and smells of the sea and the work and life that surrounds marine life in Lagos. But most importantly, through his photos what viewers can determine most is Michel’s love of portraying the people of these beautiful countries his visited as he effectively captures their emotions.

Another intrigue of his photography is that Michel learns the culture of the people he visits and

Casa Alba, a charity organisation based in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Speaking on the reason for donating the sales proceeds to charity at a media parley held recently at Omenka Gallery, Michel says, “Because most of these pictures are about people and I want to give back to those whom without them the output of these photographs would never have been possible”.

For the choice of Casa Alba, the Frenchman explains that, “I respect long lasting experience, which Casa Alba has. Also, the organisation is focused on girl-child and women empowerment”.

Excited by Michel’s gesture, Laila Peysson, representative of Casa Alba Batik Focolare Movement, an organisation founded in Onitsha in 1989 by the Focolare Movement, says the exhibition and donation will be huge exposure for Casa Alba, especially as they come from a reputable corporate executive who left the comfort of his office to photograph in the harsh African terrain for Casa Alba’s welfare.

She notes that beyond the exposure, the donation from the proceeds of the exhibition will aid the organisation in fulfilling its mandate of teaching and supporting vulnerable girls, offering them tangible life earning skills and enriching women who can fare harder than men when they are in dire straits.

‘Carnet De Voyage, Traveller’s Notebook’ runs till today at Omenka Gallery Ikoyi and is open to the public and lovers of visual art.

At award ceremony, Ibidunni Ighodalo, recalls efforts to bear children …May you never experience barrenness

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t was a proud, but, nonetheless surprising moment for Ibidunni Ighodalo. A prize in public was the last thing she expected.

Having worked closely with the organisers of the Runway Jazz; all week through the Masterclass and preparations leading to the show itself, it was astonishing how the award was carefully concealed until the last instance.

A woman of many parts, she only just agreed to venture out with her bridal wear, for the first time, which she is promoting under the brand name, Avant Garde. The previous day, she had participated in a training session to encourage budding entrepreneurs. At the end of the day, she lit the candle of joy for two participants by gifting them with wedding gowns worth N1 million each. It was an exciting and explosive highpoint at the training, particularly to the lucky ladies who knelt down to thank her again and again.

The dresses featured on the runway by Avant Garde by Elizabeth R were the fashion house’s high-end wedding dresses, designed in partnership with Walid Shebab Couture.

For her first runway show, Ighodalo collaborated with Frank Osodi who provided the models, styled them and directed the runway flow. She

described the experience as “truly magnificent feeling.”

Unknown to her, a beautiful plaque had been specially prepared with her name on it!

But the appreciation was not for the exquisite bridal collection; rather the debt of gratitude was being paid to her for being a pillar of support for many couples who are waiting to become parents. Through her Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, IIF, a non-profit organization created to raise awareness on issues pertaining to infertility and to provide grants for couples that require fertility treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination, she has continued to bring hope and joy to many couples.

For this effort, she was given the incentive of the Runway Jazz Humanitarian Award. The recognition insignia was handed over to her by the wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo at the Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Among other interests, Ighodalo has become one of the most recognizable transmitters of charity, which includes, but is not limited to an orphanage.

Grateful for the first accolade for the IIF and coming from an unexpected quarter, Ighodalo said she

Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the vice president, presenting the award to Ibidunni Ighodalo

was humbled to know that people took enough notice of the work of the foundation to reward it with such great honour and recognition. She compared the moment she was called up on the podium for the award to an “out of body experience.”

Being honest, she recounted the journey of the emergence of the foundation, which also blends into her arduous struggles to bear her own biological children. She said, “It brings back memories of my years of trying to conceive and have kids. It was in the process of going through those times that the foundation was

birthed.”

From the moment the idea was conceived to the transformation of the idea to real output, Ighodalo acknowledged that she required a good deal of efforts to deal with various challenges. For the ability to overcome the various daunting tests, she said, “I thank God first because without Him none of these would be possible. Special mention must be made of the good people who have donated immensely to the foundation. It’s amazing how people have supported the foundation. To the couple who celebrated their wed-

ding anniversary, this award is for them as well because they donated towards IVF treatment for 20 couples. I am also indebted to my humble friends Tonye Cole, Titi Adenuga and Matthew Ashimolowo who were at the Parents-in-Waiting Conference and donated funds for treatment of couples. To my Instagram followers who have donated immensely to the foundation, this award is for all of you and I pray that the Lord will answer every prayer in your heart and put smile on your faces. To my special administrator, Dayo Richard who has poured herself into this task and finally to our partner hospitals who have bent over backwards to be a part of this journey of putting smiles on the faces of our couples, God bless you all. May you never experience barrenness.”

Recognizing that she could not have done it alone, she praised the efforts of her team. “I dedicate the award to God who has blessed us with children in the foundation. To all the families who are still expecting their bundles of joy, to the families who have received theirs and to everyone helping the foundation and donating from every part of the world and everyone working for the foundation, without their support, the IIF couldn’t have made it.”

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Arts Unmasked records great views at the Wheatbaker, runs till May 31st OBINNA EMELIKE

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ince March 11, 2018 when Unmasked opened at the Wheatbaker Hotel Ikoyi, thousands of signatures have endorsed the all-female art exhibition.

As well, public areas and open spaces at the hotel have been wearing more glamorous looks with the many artworks on display.

The artworks, which have added to the beauty of the boutique hotel, are courtesy of seven female artists from across the world who are participating in the ongoing exhibition.

The artists include; Djakou Kassi Nathalie, Koromone Yobaere Koroye, Nengi Omuku, Nyancho Nwanri, Queen Nwaneri, Reha Shishodia and Somi Nwandu.

The all-female exhibition explores the link between our thought world vis-a-vis the pressures women face in society. It looks at how women break down societal constructs, what it takes to be a woman and how women present their true selves.

The art explores the concept of the female mental health and multi-layered self. It will reveal and inspire women to tear down facades often put up to survive and be found acceptable in a world that would rather behold the mask rather than the flawed, truthful self beneath the surface.

Self on Secrets by Somi Nwandu, digital print on canvas, 50 x 50 cm, 2017

In the exhibition, what is behind the mask will be revealed boldly, unapologetically, as women stand up and out for whom they really are.

Taking a look at one of the works, particularly Reha Shishodia, the Mumbai, Indiabased visual artist depicts the spirit of woman through her series of “Tryst of Inertia”.

The undeterred spirit of a woman, according to her, is the core of her inner beauty.

She remains unperturbed by her circumstances and the inertia caused by the mundane things of life increases her resilience. Her tryst with life and everything that it has to offer becomes the quintessential factor of her existence. She not only becomes a woman of substance but becomes

the epitome of grace beauty and strength transcending her call of duty.

As well, Queen Nwaneri, her cyclic ‘Ray of Light’ paintings feature ever growing concentric circles that depict inner femininity whose beauty does not necessarily meet the standards set by society and more importantly does not have to. The strokes on her textured canvases are thick, bold and unapologetic as if to say, ‘here I am. Take me as is or not at all’. The series emphasize that true beauty and power emanates from within and hence must be protected at all cost, much like our mental well-being.

Drawing from a well of personal and spiritual experiences, Koromone Koroye’s

Fashions Finest Africa presents Epic Show

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ashions Finest Africa ‘Epic Show’ is set to hold from May 2528, 2018.

In a bid to further help improve the Nigerian Fashion Industry, the FFA team decided to put together master classes to run for two days just before the Epic Show.

The master class will run from May 23-24, 2018 at NEPC Training Facility, Road, Apapa, Lagos. The topic for the master class is ‘How to transform from boutique to Mass Production” and will be facilitated by Jennifer Sutton and Mabel Doe. The Epic Show will kick off on Friday morning, with a fashion conference where those who matter in the fashion industry will take on panel sessions.

The conference themed; “Increasing Nigeria’s participation in the Global Garment Production industry” has Aisha Abubakar, Minister of State for Industry,

Trade and Investment as the guest of honour while Ismaila Zakari(ICAN President) would be speaking at the conference.

Jennifer Sutton (Development Director, Fashion Enter/Capital Uk) who is the headline conference speaker will be discussing the British fashion industry and how Fashion Enter now successfully produces up to 10,000 units a week in a fully compliant factory, and how their practices and approaches can be executed in the Nigerian garment/ fashion industry.

Mabel Doe (Technical consultant/Fashion Technologist) who is an expert in her field would also be speaking at the conference. The speakers at the panel session includes; Funmi Ajila -Ladipo, Chris Oputa (CEO, Studio 24), Ohimai Atafo (CEO, Mai Atafo), Morin Obaweya (CEO, Morin.O) and moderated by Lucky Idike .

Then later in the day the prestigious Fashions Finest Africa Awards will take place. The essence of the awards is to celebrate those who have made a mark in the fashion industry.

“All through the three days we will also play hosts to exhibitors and our marketplace vendors giving the opportunity to fashion lovers to shop till they drop”, the organisers said.

The epic show will continue on Sunday and Monday with a Fashion show featuring student designers, new and emerging designers and established designers out of Africa.

After the Fashion show on Monday evening, the Epic Show will be closed with the Fashions Finest Africa Rave where everyone would hit the dance floor with fashion twist and have even more fun with Ace DJ Crowd Kontroller on the wheels of steel.

The Outsider 3 by Queen Nwaneri, acrylic on canvas, 18 x 19cm, 2018

poetry paints a picture of resurgence with her words.

In ‘We Are The Girls’ she shakes off labels and boxes that women are placed in by urging them to take unrepentant ownership of themselves and embrace their rightful equality. Her poem,’ I Can Write About That Too’, draws viewers into the “back story” and unspoken struggles of women of color, and the desperate cry to overcome clichéd depictions of race and history and truly write about our truthful and unfettered selves.

Nyancho NwaNri’s stark and poignant photography series titled ‘What Should I Wear Today’ focuses on the figurative layers women must put on when going out

to face the world. What persona to put on each day?

Nice but not too nice to be mistaken for a pushover; tough but not to the point to be labeled as bossy. The never ending tug-of-war of presenting a version of self that is non-threatening or upsetting to the status quo has come to end. In her series of minimalist black and white portraits we see the emotional struggles women experience before breaking into their true selves.

Nengi Omuku’s reveling of femininity in paintings with floating beings against contrasting backgrounds bring to mind the interaction and disconnect between the inner self and how that self exists in the real world. As an

artist who has explored and documented mental health issues through her palette for numerous years, we see a profound depiction of the inner worlds of amorphous beings reflecting both strong and subtle color and light through complex, cloud filled mindscapes.

Somi Nwandu’s multilayered digital self-portraits search out the truth through her “strokes of limitless”. She seeks to express the presence of multiple and sometimes contrasting identities within the same self, which eventually burst out into “her true colors” set against bold African prints which echo the strength drawn from her rich African culture.

Djakou Kassi Nathalie’s intricately carved dimensional ceramic works address the confines and limitations women experience through societal and traditional constructs. The myriad masks she carves into her earthen art beckons women to dare, to take responsibility for their existence, and to overcome the surrounding “commotion” by standing tall, overcoming colorful pitfalls, and contributing to the world despite the hollow spaces each of us carries in our beings.

The exhibitions truly revels the struggle to hide or be seen, to stay quiet or speak up, and to put on a disguise or to rip off the mask.

The Unmasked runs till May 31, 2018 and is supported by The Wheatbaker and Louis Guntrum.

PayDay opens in cinemas on July 13th

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inally, highly anticipated movie, PayDay from revolutionary director, Cheta Chukwu now has a nationwide cinema release date. The movie will open at the cinemas from July 13, 2018 to huge anticipation from the public.

Distributed by Blue Pictures, the movie which is set to crack ribs like no other, sets itself aside from the slapstick comedy movies with an extraordinary storyline, great acting

Bisola Aiyeola

and young but talented actors who will light up your screen.

Produced by Orwi Manny Ameh, written and directed

by Cheta Chukwu, the movie features actors like Big Brother Naija runner Up Bisola Aiyeola, Baaj Adebule, Comedian Ebiye Victor, Mawuli Gavor, Frank Adekunle, Meg Otanwa, Zack Orji and more.

PayDay follows the story of two best friends and flat mates, Paul(BaajAdebule)andOrtega (Ebiye Victor) who while about

renewing their yearly rent, their landlord dies suddenly and seemingly without any heir apparent. The young men seize upon the unfortunate but good opportunity to ‘enjoy’ a little.

They go on an expensive night out. The landlord’s daughter (Segilola Ogidan) turns up the following morning and gives the boys 24-hour notice to pay up or quit. They embark on an overnight scheme to recover the rent, leading to a dangerous encounter with an eccentric drug baron (Frank Adekunle Macaulay), a desperate robbery attempt, a gambling adventure, and an ego war with the neighborhood bully, Orlando (Mawuli Gavor). All the while they were hounded by Ngozi (Bisola Aiyeola), the neighborhood gossip, who just wants a piece of the action.

Ahead of the cinema opening on July 13, Cheta Chukwu promises a story like you have never heard before, a feel good comedy and an extraordinary acting skill from the talented actors.

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Entertainment Yoruba music gets 3 new ambassadors …as winners emerge in Goldberg’s Ariya Repete talent hunt 2018 CHUKS OLUIGBO

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here is something a b o u t t h e Af r i c a n drumbeats and music that speaks to your soul, stirs you to the point where you respond by dancing, nodding your head or tapping your feet. It always calls you to action.

That was the mood on Friday, May 11, 2018 as the contestants for Ariya Repete talent hunt put on their best acts for the final leg of the competition.

That day would remain indelible in the minds of Ashafa Olushola Martins, Ayodele Olatunji and members of Oludare Cultural Group as their energetic and creative performance won them the coveted first prize, respectively, in the three categories – Fuji, Juju and drumming.

The grand finale was a culmination of three months’ display of superb music, dance and drumming talent by about 5,000 up and coming acts across the South-West region and Ilorin.

Before then, an initial rigorous selection process by the judges held at the Trans Amusement Park in the ancient city of Ibadan.

Indeed, the road to the finals was an arduous one as each contestant progressed from the audition stage to rigorous grooming and mentorship ses-

sions at the Ariya Academy.

Eventually, after much pruning, only 16 progressed to the finals out of the 40 that slugged it out in Lagos during the semi-finals.

For the Fuji category, only six contestants – Ayomide Ode Omotola, Saheed Akangbe, Abiodun Saheed Oloto, Sulaimon Ajibola Destiny, Mohammed Adewale and Asafa Olushola – made it to the final. Another four, Wale Crown, Bukola Ahmed, Ayodele Olatunji (a.k.a Femi

Bright) and Ayegbayo Oluwaseun, qualified from the Juju music category. They were joined in the final by the six dance groups Ifesowapo Cultural Group, Sakuba Cultural Group, Oludare Cultural Group, Igba Iwase African Entertainment Cultural Group, and Eniafede Dance Group.

It was a blend of fun and serious business as all the finalists entertained the audience to rich renditions of their severally rehearsed and composed songs.

Their performances were very impressive making the selection of the eventual winners even tougher for the judges.

In the end, after long periods of result collation and consultation among the judges, Ashafa Olushola Martins, Ayodele Olatunji, and Oludare Cultural Group emerged winners. The trio received N2 million each. An interesting fact was that the Oludare Cultural Group was led by a pregnant woman, Olubunmi Sadiq.

Meanwhile, consolation prizes ranging from N1 million to N250,000 were given to the first and second runners up in all the

three categories.

Franco Maria Maggi, marketing director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, told journalists at the event, that as Nigeria’s first indigenous brewery, Nigerian Breweries Plc’s pro-Nigerian orientation is evident in its various initiatives.

“The Ariya Repete roundtable and talent hunt is a reflection of our commitment to promoting the Nigerian brand, specifically the Yoruba culture, especially through music,” Maggi said.

“Music and language are two very important elements of every culture; hence by promoting Juju, Fuji and traditional Yoruba drumming, we are not just promoting Yoruba music or the talented acts that have been unveiled here today, but the beautiful culture of the Yoruba people.”

An excited Ayodele Olatunji, a National Diploma certificate holder from the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti could not hide his joy.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I give glory to God for this win. It didn’t come by my

power,” Olatunji said.

“I just want to appreciate God and Goldberg Lager Beer for this great opportunity. With this N2 million, I will buy some of the music instruments needed for my shows and make significant change in the life my family economic-wise,” he said.

In addition to the beautiful performances by the contestants, there were also several scintillating performances by Fuji and Juju greats.

Juju maestro King Sunny Ade with a master delivery of several of his evergreen Juju songs reminded all why for decades he has remained active in the music scene.

Not to be outdone, Fuji Lords K1 The Ultimate, King Osupa Saheed and Taye Currency all represented the Fuji genre well with amazing performances that got the audience raving as they engaged them in endless sing-along.

“We live for nights like this: beautiful music, beautiful people, smiling faces, cash prizes to reward excellence, a promise of a very bright future for the new talents discovered here and, of course, an endless supply of Goldberg Lager beer,” said Emmanuel Agu, portfolio manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout, Nigerian Breweries Plc. “I am impressed by the quality of talent displayed by the music acts discovered in Ariya Repete 2018 and can’t wait to see them excel in the music scene out there,” Agu said.

The event was attended by Tayo Arulogun, Oyo State commissioner of Information, Arts and Culture, Bolaji Repte, special assistant to the Oyo State governor on youth and sport, top Nollywood stars Yemi Solade, Sanyeri, Wakili, Adedamola Olatunji, Dele Fagboyo (anchor of Aajirebi) and Odunlade Adekola who anchored the event, among many others.

Ariya Repete returns March 2019.

Davido, Tiwa Savage nominated in BET Awards’ best international act category

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ET in Africa, part of the Viacom International Media Networks Africa multimedia entertainment portfolio, on May 16 announced the nominations for the BET Awards 2018 which is expected to take place at the Microsoft Theatre on Sunday, June 24, 2018.

In a BET Awards first, the top nominees from Africa and Europe (as voted for by an academy of industry experts) will now compete for the Best International Act category, with the winner being honoured as part

of the US broadcast.

Recognizing the growing international appeal of African artistes, five African artistes have been honoured in the BET Awards. Leading the transformed Best International Act Award category are Nigerian musicians Davido and Tiwa Savage, South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest and Gqom evolutionists Distruction Boyz, and Congolese star Fally Ipupa.

Also included in the category are French performers Booba and Dadju and UK acts J Hus, Stefflon Don and Stormzy.

Tiwa Savage

Davido

Commenting on the nominations this year, Alex Okosi, executive vice president and managing director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International said, “We are excited that the Best International Award will be presented onstage during the live broadcast.

The inclusion of the award in the main show signals the influence of international artists globally”.

The complete list of nominees for the BET Awards 2018 was also released and the Awards show will premiere across Africa on BET on Tuesday, 28 June.

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Life&Living Tips and tricks to applying makeup for different skin types JUMOKE AKIYODE-LAWANSON

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eople have different skin tones, colours and types and because of this, women should not have a ‘one size fits all’ approach to using beauty products and putting on makeup.

The beauty industry in Nigeria has emancipated growing in multiple folds with increasing value worth billions of dollars. This certainly shows that makeup and beauty is serious business and should be taken more seriously as not just a craft but a study of skill.

Experts in the industry reckon that Nigeria’s beauty and personal care sector was worth $595.8 million in 2011, up from $439.8 million in 2006 and by 2016, Nigeria’s young and aspiring population pushed sales to $620.6million.

As a result, make-up artists at the fore front of Nigeria’s makeup industry revolutions such as Tara FelaDurotoye, Banke Meshida-Lawal, Elaine Shobanjo, Labisi Folawiyo and others are laden to raise the standard for makeup application by embedding skin therapy to makeup application.

Choosing the right foundation, moisturizer, primer and other makeup products for you face is very important. Just because someone else with a similar skin tone to yours uses a particular product that suits her does not mean that it is good for you. The ingredients in products really matter and should be carefully examined before use on skin.

Here are the different skin types and what they need to glow; Normal skin: Normal is the term widely used to refer to a well balanced skin which is neither too oily nor too dry. A normal skin normally

has fine pores, a velvety soft and smooth texture and no blemishes.

Dry skin: This sin type produces less oily secretion (sebum) than normal skin. As a result of the lack of sebum, dry skin lacks the lipids that it needs to retain moisture and build a protective shield against external influences. If your skin feels tight, rough and looks dull, then you probably have dry skin. There a different degrees of dry skin.

Oily skin: Usually characterized by visible pores, this skin type has heightened sebum production and so your face is usually oily looking.

Combination skin: As the name suggests, a combination skin type is a mix of skin types. Skin types vary between the T-Zone (fore head, chin and nose) and the cheeks on combination skin. The T-zone is usually oily while the cheeks are either dry or normal.

Skincare products and makeup should be selected to match skin type and address skin condition.

There are just so many different formulas, textures and ingredients out there and that is why choosing the perfect one for your skin matters.

It is recommended that people

with Acne prone skin use medium to full coverage foundation on their skin. Your moisturizer and face primer should also be water base and not oil base. When applying foundation to acne prone skin, make sure to use a clean brush or sponge to apply the product in a stippling motion.

For aging skin, try and avoid the use of heavy products that can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

Skin tends to become drier with age, so opt for light coverage liquid foundation or a tinted moisturizer to get younger looking, luminous skin.

To quench your dry skin throughout the day, experts recommend using light coverage hydrating foundation. Use your fingertips which are warmer than using a brush or sponge to press the product into the skin. Do not rub foundation around your face, instead tap/dab into your skin. Also try not to further dry out your skin by washing in very warm water. Use cold water instead.

To ditch the shine on oily skin, choose a medium to full coverage foundation. When you apply products to your face use a sponge or brush. This is because using your fingers can transfer the oil from your hands to your face.

Beauty meets nature with Yves Rocher IFEOMA OKEKE

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igeria is on track to beauty revolution, especially as top skincare range, Yves Rocher has opened another franchise store in the country at the Palms shopping mall Lekki.

As a brand based on the philosophy of botanical beauty, Yves Rocher offers a range of skincare and fragrances composed of natural and botanical ingredients for both men and women. Since its foray into the Nigerian market two years ago first at Jabi lake mall Abuja and later at Novare Mall Lekki, Yves Rocher has gained wide acceptance because of its efficacy. Little wonder Yves Rocher is present in over 90 countries and enjoyed by millions globally.

As the world shifts to healthier lifestyle ranging from food and fitness, there is also increased demand for botanical cosmetics that are less harsh.

The Yves Rocher range of products include: face care, body care, bath and shower, fragrances, hair care and make up.

All the active ingredients Yves Rocher develops are extracted from plants; they are GMO, paraben, silicon and mineral oil free.

Serum Vegetal: The Anti wrinkle care that eliminates frown lines, forehead wrinkles, crow feet’s wrinkles…with ease

Sebo Vegetal: Rich in Baikal Powder, it purifies and mattifies the skin. For normal to combination skin

Pure System: Enriched with Aloe Vera, the skin is visibly purified. So say no to blemishes and yes to clear skin

White Botanical: The amazing power of Two plant extract- white licorice powder and white lupin for a light uniform and translucent skin

Hydra Vegetal: Provides rich hydration for the face in normal to dry skin types

Elixir Jeunesse: A cult favorite! With a higher concentration of botanical ingredients than a regular skin care product, the Youth Intensifying Serum is powerful and very effective.

Fragrances For Him: From intensely masculine to elegant and virile, Yves Rocher creates men’s fragrances with aromatic, oriental, green, natural or woody notes.

Men’s Care: Yves Rocher constantly innovates and suprises men by offering them new products adapted to their needs.

Fragrances For Her: Discover women’s fragrances by Yves Rocher with natural scents that are precious and have strong character

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Eat healthy at MINT restaurant One of the best things that happened to Nigerians has got to be a restaurant particular about healthy eating.

Tucked away on Grace Anjous drive in Lekki Phase One is the simple, yet beautifully designed MINT Restaurant by Eat Green Company.

MINT aims at recreating meals (Nigerian, American, Asian and Italian), using healthier and fresher ingredients, mostly vegetables, to get the best flavours and taste.

You might dislike vegetables just because it may come across as less attractive or ‘’not sweet’’ but its importance in our everyday diet cannot be overlooked. They are packed with healthy nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, E and K (which are found in salad greens, kale and spinach).

The dining area of the restaurant has a homely feel and relaxing ambience. The menu is relatively affordable and the meals do not take forever before it’s served.

There is also a beautiful rooftop bar that is comfy as ever. So if you really aren’t in the mood for the conventional dining, here’s an option you’ll love.

So, what say you? Lunch or dinner at MINT, yes? (*wink*)

MINT Special salad with prawns

Events Happening Today Kody and The Kids Venue – Grandeur Event Centre 17, Billings Way, Oregun Ikeja Time – 12noon

Emeka Smith Live : My London Experience Venue – Shell Hall, Muson Centre Onikan, Lagos Date: May 20, 2018 Time: 5pm

Culture at Café One Date – Sunday, 20 May 2018 Time – 4pm Venue – Lennox mall, Admiralty way, Lekki Phase 1

Sunday 20 May 2018

Sunday 20 May 2018

MAKING YOUR TASTY MARINATED STICKY CHICKEN WINGLETS Chicken wings are so delicious when properly made, not to talk of when fried/roasted/grilled. What better way have them than making them sticky and nice this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Be l o w a r e t h e steps you need to follow in order to achieve this.

Ingredients Needed Chicken wings Soy Sauce Garlic Smokey barbecue sauce Black pepper Sweet chili sauce Spring oinons Vegetable oil Salt/ knorr cubes How to make it.

Mix your soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, smokey barbecue sauce and little oil in a bowl.

Put your winglets in the bowl, add your black pepper, salt and knorr cubes, then allow to sit for about 30minutes.

After 30minutes, pour the winglets in a grilling pan together with the liquid and allow to grill under 220degrees of heat for about 30-45minutes.

When ready, bring out to cool down for some minutes before sprinkling chopped spring onions.

You can serve with heavy cream or pepper dipping, alongside fresh carrots or cabbages.

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BusinessDay MarketPlace with Founder of WorkStation Fareed Arogundade

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y name is Fareed Arogundade, I’m the founder of WorkStation, a shared office co-working space, here in Lagos, with its eyes set on expanding across Nigeria and all key emerging market cities.

What’s the history of WorkStation?

WorkStation was born out of an idea to create virtual offices in a building that myself and some other potential partners were looking to lease. Eventually, we looked at all the different models around the world and we looked at the particular model where you could use technology to scale real estate activities. So essentially, we then created this brand, which I actually sketched the logo myself, if I may add, and developed this WorkStation co-working concept.

How do you make profits?

We make money by leasing office space to businesses, start-ups and SMEs, at a subsidised flexible rate, so you don’t have to really worry about the expensive overhead cost of managing an office environment.

We soak up all that cost by creating all the facilities, 24hours access to your office space, fully fitted out with a desk. Chair and internet access.

Do your costs ever run higher than your profits?

Luckily for us, our management team is very good and that’s one of the things that has helped us get to this point. We always alevergae on the knowledge and expertise of the team to keep our cost to the bearest minimum. We are also very prudent as well. No thriftful spending and we gather up a lot of savings because we never know what sgoing to happen tomorrow. Obviously there are a lot of infrastructure challenges especially when you are operating a business like this within an emerging city. So building a lot of reserve to sustain us for the future is what we do to avoid a business shock.

Intimate with Eno Jerry Date: Sunday, May 20, 2018.

Time: 1:10 PM. Venue: Victoria Island, Lagos

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What challenges do you face as A business?

Drawing on the last question, challenges we face include infrastructure. Take a place like Work Station for example, we had to create this space as it wasn’t readily avail-

able when we started. We had to hire a design team and have them purposely design this space to fit our need. Also finding the right type of talent crew that can help grown your business is also a bit of a challenge. But as we develop this brand, we are looking for ways to train people and improve the knowledge base.

Access to capital too is a big challenge. Companies in Nigeria find it difficult to start businesses. Their ideas are usually languished for a while, until they find the right person that believes or understands the vision and the mission that you are trying to create with whatever business or idea that you have.

Do You Think Nigerians Have Adjusted To Co-Working Offices?

The general problem in Nigeria is this thing that I call the Big Man Syndrome. Everyone wants to be in a private office and fully established before you even start. So it has been a hard sell convincing people about co-working and the benefits of it, because essentially this collaborative environment is what will help any company thrive and grow, from the networking opportunities to the resources you can get from other interacting with other businesses in the community.

But gradually, people are starting to understand the concept of co working and the values and benefits that it comes with. We still have a long way to go but we want to be one of the leading providers that helps shape that eco system of co working and collaborating environments within Lagos. Not just for the traditionally industries but for different industries in entertainment, architecture, industrial design, film and television.

Is the birth co-working spaces a threat to regular offices?

No I don’t think so.

What benefits are there in the Coworking world?

Asides form networking in a co working space obviously you get access to other things and people.

It’s a shared facility so you don’t have to worry about paying for the infrastructure cost, all those things are provided for and all you have to do is pay one flat rate every month.

So I think that for any business is an invaluable tool or resource that they can use to reduce their cost

early and focus solely on the business that they want to do.

Truth is the networking also help, if I might add, because that also helps you grow your network and grow your access to resources that may also enhance your business and increase your revenue.

How do you cope with competition?

When we started this business fully less than a year ago, there were other co working spaces in Nigeria, so I think the competition has always been there, so we just try to be better than what we were a second ago. That’s what I always tell me team. We can’t rest on any loreals that we think we have, we need to improve and we listen to customer/member feedback. We have to improve on what our members want to see within the spaces. We even ask our members about future locations across Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. We also try to get feedback from our existing members and that helps us to stay ahead of the curve and helps us to learn from our mistakes. I think any business that doesn’t learn from its member base is a business that will be doomed to fail. Also applying the fact that we use technology to scale our business is also an added benefit for us because it allows us to create the mobility that is required for co working. So essentially people can co work from our tech platforms.

These points raised are one of the key things that sets us apart and gives us the value that enhances our business beyond the physical location.

Where do you see work station in 5 years?

In 5 years we hope to have about 300 locations across different parts of Africa, Asia and even key frontier markets in USA, Europe and just continue to expand the brand by opening the doors for African businesses across the world. Africa needs to start exporting their products and services to other parts of the world and Workstation wants to be at the front of the tech enabled eco system that allows businesses across the emerging markets to export their ideas to the rest of the world.

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Travel

Why you really need a break OBINNA EMELIKE

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e often remind others the popular saying: “All work, no play makes Jack a dull boy,” without taking time off ourselves. How wrong it is to preach what we do not practice. However, you need to be a little sincere with yourself and step up your work-leisure balance because life work without leisure is life without a balance.

You need to take your health and happiness into account when you work. You do not need to work so hard that you become ill or depressed. You need to have leisure in your life to keep life fun and energetic. But if all you do is to worry about work or business, then what type of life is that? You need nobody to tell you that it is a life in prison.

Of course, you are the one that will push for a rest because you are in a capitalist economy, where your boss is more interested in work, work and work. Your boss cannot stop you from taking time off because of the benefits to the company. Companies that allow staff to take time off for leaves and holidays have always reaped higher productivity afterwards, as the staff return refreshed and better prepared for the work challenges.

In case you work with a real ‘Boss,’ summon courage and tell him/her you need leisure time.

You only need to be polite about it because you will be the worst hit when you break down. Remember, your boss can always replace you.

If he insists on you staying back to work, then you can probably take some leisure time without

being a jerk about it. It is as simple as taking 15 minutes here and two minutes there in quality things.

However, while leisure might conjure up images of foamy drinks with umbrella straws, visits to beaches and day spas or taking on an adventure, the true essence of leisure is beyond that.

You will get the most out of your leisure time when you understand the essence of leisure. Leisure is a state of mind or of being. It is when we feel most free, fulfilled and integrated.

A rewarding leisure life is the biggest predictor of one’s overall quality of life. It provides the balance you need to better handle non-leisure activities and enhances resilience and life satisfaction. Over a lifetime, one will spend more time at leisure than sleeping or working.

Even when you have a leisurefriendly boss or when corporate policy favours corporate time off and leave, a few people really think about or plan for leisure. It is not supposed to “just happen” because those who do not plan ahead often end up feeling stressed, overwhelmed and unfulfilled.

Here people do not plan for holidays. The many public holidays, even Christmas and New Year holidays, have never been used to really relax. Summer is out of it and the few that do summers start planning for it at the peak of the holiday season. As the saying goes, ‘It is better to be late than never’. Of course, you need to plan ahead as the year beckons for more quality time off from business and work.

You can go for some of these leisure breaks: go to see a museum, for leisure fishing, go see movies in cinemas, a weekend at a remote

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Fun seekers at Erin Ijesha water fall

destination will always make a difference, the beaches are open all day for a swim and beach fun, or climb a local mountain/hill.

You can visit destination with one-stop-shop leisure facilities like resorts, go see waterfalls, explore caves and a communion with nature around you. You must not

travel far to see all these, most of them are within. Search for them!

It is up to you to schedule in a little leisure time for yourself, so you will work happier and be more productive. Truly, your family will thank you for distressing throughout the day instead of letting it all come out when you get home.

NATOP BOT chairman commends Plateau State, members on efforts at reviving tourism ….makes thank-you-visit to the state

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kereuwem Onung, the immediate past president of the Nigerian Association ofTour Operators (NATOP) has commended the Plateau State government over its efforts at reviving tourism in the state.

Onung, who is also the chairman, Board of Trustee, NATOP, made the commendation when he paid a thank you visit to Plateau State on Friday. The visit, which coincided with the beginning of the Jos Carnival, afforded Onung the opportunity to further explore tourism offerings across the state for possible marketing under NATOP platform across the country.

The NATOP BOT chairman thanked the state government for pulling out all stops to host tour operators at NATOP’s first ever annual general meeting (AGM) in the northern part of the country. He said that the Jos AGM was the best attended by NATOP as over 60 tour operators came in from different parts of Nigeria who were joined by 14 travel journalists.

“I am surprised with the large turnout of the state cabinet mem-

bers who joined us in the two-day event. The Commissioner of Tourism and the Special Adviser were with us until the last day. That is impressive”, Onung said.

It will be recalled that NATOP recently held its AGM in Jos Plateau State against the demand by some members to cancel the event because of perceived insecurity.

Before the AGM, there was tension as some members who wanted to contest accused the executives of setting up the Abuja chapter in March to recruit members to vote at the AGM for a preferred candidate who was then the general secretary.

They used the security situation in Plateau as a basis for cancelling the AGM. To resolve the issue the president insisted on continuing with Jos as the government was willing to host tour operators. After the AGM the president followed the constitution and asked all new members who were less than two years old to leave the election hall. Those affected included all but two of the new members from Abuja.

The president stepped aside and the Board of Trustees conducted

West African Travel and Tourism Alliance to be launched at Accra Weizo 2018

the elections among the verified old members who were present at the meeting. The election of new executives was supervised by Rabo Saleh, president, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), and the newly inducted BOT members. After a transparent election conducted by Kabiru Malan, former president of National Association of

Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) and current president of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) and Gabe Onah, chairman, Carnival Calabar Commission, Abuja based Bilkisu Abdul of BBOOG Travels was elected the national president of NATOP while Lagos based Ime Udo was elected the vice president.

In her acceptance speech, Bilkisu extended a hand of fellowship to the two candidates she had defeated in the elections. A new BOT was also inducted at the AGM before the Elections by the general assembly.

The Annual Audited Accounts was rendered by the treasurer and it was duly adopted before the Abuja members were asked to leave the hall before the election. The BOT members include; Malam Kabiru Malan, former NANTA president, Fatima Garbati, former president of NATOP, Jemi Alade, pioneer tour operator, Gabe Onah, chairman, Carnival Calabar Commission, Nkereuwem Onung, immediate past president of NATOP, Iyom Josephine Anenih and Ikechi Uko, a travel expert.

he West Africa Travel and Tourism Alliance (WATTA), a new association for private sector players in the region, will be launched at this year’s edition of Accra Weizo holding in June in Accra, Ghana.

The new association is coming after four years of the launch of Accra Weizo as a West African travel and tourism platform for the growth of seamless travel in the ECOWAS region, and will complement the ideals of Weizo.

It would be recalled that at the launch of Accra Weizo four years ago, the vision was to turn the 15 countries in ECOWAS and its 380 million people into a domestic tourism destination.

It has taken four years for the organisers of Weizo to reach out to over 150 travel and tour operators in West Africa from six countries to start a regional association that will drive tourism in the region.

The organisers assured that WATTA will be an association for any player in the tourism and travel environment.

They also disclosed that the interim Board of WATTA will be announced and inaugurated at Accra Weizo on June 23, 2018 at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel Accra.

Accra Weizo is one of the events geared towards getting West Africans to cooperate among themselves.

West Africa is home to 15 countries of over 380 million people but tourism and travel is not the strong suite of the economic interaction in the region. The region receives among the lowest tourism figures per capita in Africa.

With a huge population and over 40 airports, aviation is dominated by companies from outside the region. Accra Weizo is a travel event now in its 4th edition with the aim of creating a seamless travel environment in West Africa. It brings together travel professional in West Africa.

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Travel

Boeing announces over $54m in grants, philanthropic investments across the globe

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Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

he Boeing has announced details for $54 million in grants and philanthropic sponsorships to nonprofits in the United States of America and around the globe.

As part of the company’s pledge to invest in local communities following the enactment of the tax reform legislation, the investments include new or accelerated partnerships with organizations that improve Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education, enhance transition and health services for veterans and their families, and enrich local communities.

“This investment is yet another example of how Boeing is putting

tax reform to work already; we have expanded our ‘Dollars for Doers’ matching program to reward employees who give their time and resources in support of causes important to them. With these additional charitable and philanthropic contributions, we are on track to surpass $200 million in total community giving in 2018. That’s a significant sum and shows how our company is driving innovation, supporting our people and improving Boeing communities around the world”, Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing chairman, president and chief executive officer, said.

The investment package will help launch Boeing’s new “First to Mars” initiative – a comprehensive experiential learning framework that encourages interest in STEM

and inspires the next generation to see the future in space as their future with Boeing.

Charitable dollars will also support the national scaling of innovative veterans’ health and wellness programs administered by the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and the National Center for Veterans Services (NCVS). Funds have also been allocated for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and TreePeople to assist with tree reforestation efforts on the U.S. West Coast following the devastating 2017 wildfire season.

The accelerated grant and sponsorship payments enabled by this investment will provide the company and recipient organizations with greater flexibility in funding future philanthropic activities.

“Given that Boeing is already an exceptional supporter of the Kennedy Center, these most recent gifts are a welcome and exceedingly generous surprise, with these gifts, Boeing has signaled its deep belief in the bright future that lies ahead as the Kennedy Center moves towards the opening of The REACH in 2019, and our 50th anniversary in 2021. Through inspired leadership giving, Boeing is a vital and valued supporter in helping the Center to realize its mission as the nation’s cultural center, said Deborah F. Rutter, President of the Kennedy Center.

As part of the broader tax reform package, Boeing officials said the company would introduce additional charitable investment and employee benefits programs throughout 2018.

Nigerian startup, Green Africa Airways name management team

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igerian startup, Green Africa Airways has appointed Jag Singh, Caribbean Airlines VP-operations as COO and former JetBlue Airways VP-flight operations Bart Roberts as safety review board chairman.

Lagos-based Green Africa Airways has secured its air transport license and is working toward its air operator’s certificate. The airline initially plans to operate flights within Nigeria using leased midsized jets.

Announcing the appointments, Green Africa described Singh as “a senior industry leader with over 35 years of experience.” As well as serving as Caribbean Airlines VPoperations, Singh has twice held the role of Caribbean Airlines acting CEO in 2013-14 and 2016-17.

Roberts, who was named as Green Africa Airways safety review board chairman, also has more than 30 years’ aviation experience, including management roles at New York-based JetBlue Airways, Dallas/Fort Worth-based American Airlines—as chief pilot—and with the US Navy.

Green Africa Airways is led by Babawande Afolabi, CEO and founder a former investment banker for Morgan Stanley. Afolabi started work on the new carrier in 2014.

William Shaw,Viva Colombia founder and former CEO is on Green Africa’s board and iVrasb Vahidiformer American Airlines CCO is working on the project as a senior executive advisor.

Folu Oladipo, ASKY Airlines Boeing 737 captain who was previously technical pilot at Nigeria’s largest carrier Arik Airlines, is Green Africa’s chief pilot.

Anselem Okojie, former Aero Contractors chief pilot was originally named as Green Africa’s director of flight operations, but he left in the beginning of May because of an unexpected change in his personal situation.

Uche Okocha (Executive producer), Ini Dima-Okojie, Danil Oriahi (Director), Babatunwa Aderinokun (Executive Producer) & Udoma Oyeka at the world premiere of “Sylvia” at Nollywood week Paris.

Lufthansa Group in Nigeria launches new distribution capability partner programme

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he Lufthansa Group has recently launched its new NDC Partner Programme, offering agents a preferred value proposition encompassing technology, servicing, offers and strategic cooperation components.

The newly introduced website provides general information for customers seeking more details and wanting to ask questions regarding Lufthansa Group’s NDC API solution.

The website is accessible to all and is beneficial for travel agencies, corporates and travel technology providers as they can now find detailed information on the website.

Travel agencies interested in using the free of charge NDC web solution SPRK, can now register to access the booking and servicing platform by simply filling out the online form available on the new website.

Until the end of this year Luf-

thansa Group will be offering a special incentive of 1EUR per coupon for agents using the NDC API solution SPRK. “The Lufthansa Group continuously aims to serve our local agencies with the best possible solutions, and the newly launched NDC Partner Programme and website will be of great support.

We already have a number of agencies who are capable to receive our NDC Smart Offers and we expect more partners to follow in the near future.

“But also agencies who are not in the position yet to receive these offers via can also have access via SPRK“Robin Sohdi, General Manager Sales Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, Lufthansa Group, said.

The Lufthansa Group is the world’s largest aviation group in terms of turnover as well as the market leader in Europe’s airline sector.

The Group strives to be the “First Choice in Aviation” for its customers, employees, shareholders and partners. Safety, quality, reliability and innovation are the prime credentials and priorities of all its business activities.

The Lufthansa Group is divided into the three strategic areas of Hub Airlines, Point-to-Point Business and Service Companies.

The Group’s network carriers, with their premium brands of Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines, serve its home market from their Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich and Vienna hubs.

With its Eurowings brand, the Group also offers short- and longhaul point-to-point services in the growing private travel market. And with its service companies, which are all global market leaders in their individual industries, the Lufthansa Group has found success in further areas of the aviation business.

Etihad unveils charity suitcase for Ramadan

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tihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has unveiled its ‘Giant Suitcase’ initiative for the Holy Month of Ramadan.

With more than 75 per cent of travellers admitting to overpacking clothes for their holidays, this programme will provide them with the opportunity to do-good through a simple donation programme.

Etihad has placed a Giant Suitcase in their terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport, encouraging travellers to donate just one item they know they can do without to those less fortunate.

Signs and stickers have been placed throughout the Departures section of the airport pointing in the direction of the Giant Suitcase, with thought provoking questions such as “Are you planning on wearing everything you packed?” or “Do you really need all three pairs of those packed shoes?”

In addition to Abu Dhabi International Airport, the initiative will be promoted extensively on Etihad’s social media channels during Ramadan, with regular updates on how much has been donated. All items – including clothes, books, blankets and children’s toys – that are donated to the giant suitcase will be collected in partnership with Grace Conservations.

Etihad’s Giant Suitcase for Ramadan will be located in the check-in area of Terminal 3 of Abu Dhabi International Airport, and can be found by following the signs or asking a member of Etihad’s Ground Staff. In addition, the Giant Suitcase will visit the airline’s headquarters in Khalifa City, giving staff the opportunity to also make donations.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive Vice President Commercial, Etihad Airways, said: “The Holy Month of Ramadan is one of the most important and special times of year for Muslims, and donating to charity is a key part of marking the month.

“Therefore, Etihad Airways is pleased to launch this campaign with our guests, encouraging them to donate an item from their luggage for those less fortunate than they are.

Research has shown that many air travellers pack more than they actually need for their journey, so we’re hoping for a great response.”

During the Holy month of Ramadan, Etihad Airways’ hospitality service, which includes in-flight catering, will continue to operate as normal. However, for guests who are fasting, in-flight public announcements are made regarding both Suhoor and Iftar timings.

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Health&Science Doctors’ poor attitude impacts healthcare delivery …as Dennis Ashley wellness centre host free medical outreach ANTHONIA OBOKOH

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e n n i s As h l e y Wellness Centre ( DAWC) the first clinical facility in Nigeria that is primarily dedicated to promote wellness as a lifestyle has said that doctors’ poor attitude healthcare delivery now constitute a significant challenge in the health sector of the country.

The facility organised a free medical outreach in Lagos, which gave the opportunity for consumers to meet health experts who provided full range of health services blood pressure, sugar level, preventive cancer screenings, administration of drugs and focal glasses for eye correction.

Ikunna Onwuanibe, consultant general practitioner, (DAWC) said healthcare are increasing at a fast pace, government collaboration with private sectors will close the huge gaps in the health sector of Nigeria.

“Doctors’ poor attitude influences healthcare delivery and should be improved to ensure quality and safety of services rendered to patient, because healthcare is for all

L-R: Ikunna Onwuanibe, doctor, Dennis Ashley Wellness Clinic; Peter Oladipupo, doctor, Onikan Medical Health Centre; Chima Oti, MD, Dennis Ashley Wellness Clinic; John Chuke, Dennis Ashley Wellness Clinic; Paul Onwuanibe, Landmark Africa; Oge Ilegbune, doctor, Dennis Ashley Wellness Clinic) and Obi Igbokwe, doctor, Dennis Ashley Wellness Clinic.

and it is not about the government alone” Onwuanibe said.

Onwuanibe noted that success in quality improvement requires changes in attitude as well as behaviour; however, she urge that federal government should do more in availabilities of facilities, make test for common chronic diseases free and negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to bring down prices of medicine so as people can afford drug prices.

Chima Oti, medical director (DAWC) said the free medical outreach is to impact

on the common man to access healthcare and gives opportunity to create more awareness and educate the public.

According to Oti, Nigeria health sector could be better because there are a lot of things that can be better noting that if many medics set aside either money, equipment or render services to people so as to access care, it will impact on the common man.

“There is a need to create more awareness for more people to get themselves screened, that is why Dennis Ashley Wellness Centre is doing this to help individu-

als become more aware of healthy choices towards a balanced and fulfilling life and promote wellness as a lifestyle” Oti said.

In addition Chinenye Imo, Chief Optometrist, Visio Eyecare Plus said, eye issues are complicated; this outreach is helpful for the low income earners in the country who cannot afford to pay their bills.

She urge that Nigerians should have comprehensive checks of your eyes once in a year, to avoid blindness, stating that early detection is the key and prevention is better than cure.

Codeine: Emzor to collaborate with FG in combating drug abuse

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mzor Pharmaceutical says it will collaborate with the Federal Government in fight against drug abuse among youths in Nigeria. This comes after Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries was closed down by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) over its alleged role in the abuse of the drug in the country.

Speaking at a press briefing on the reopening of the company’s liquid production line earlier shut by the NAFDAC, Stella C. Okoli, group managing director andchiefexecutiveofficer,Emzor Pharmaceuticals, expressed appreciation at the company’s re-opening but was disappointed that drugs meant for treatment of ailment were being abused by youths in the country.

“We are deeply touched to know that our hope and future, the youths of this country, have issues with drug abuse.

As a mother, my heart is heavy as I reach out to the families affected. We shall all work together to overcome this problem. We must join hands in harmony to solve the problem of drug abuse. Emzor is a major player in pharmaceuticals for more than 40 years providing medicine at an affordable cost.

And we have been rewarded with confidence and comments by our customers,” she said.

Okoli added that the man-

L-R: Nkeiru Okoro, executive director, operations; Uzoma Ezeoke, executive director, general duties; Stella Okoli, GMD/CEO; Chinelo Umeh, regulatory affairs manager, and Richard Ohahuru, inventory manager, all of Emzor Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited, at press briefing on the reopening of Emzor Pharmaceuticals liquid factory at the company’s headquarters in Lagos, recently.

agement of drug addiction is a collective effort and tackling the problem of drug abuse requires a multi-sectoral approach.

“Emzor will seek to make relevant and impactful contributions to the multi-agency discussions on the way forward that are sure to follow in the days and months ahead. We commend the Federal Government and the relevant agencies and NAFDAC for their prompt response to what is a serious matter of deep concern to all Nigerians. We also commend the Federal Ministry of Health for their prompt response as all Nigerians called for action towards controlling the situation,” Okoli said.

“At Emzor, we are committed to making unlimited wellness available to all Nigerians, through our range of more than 120 high quality healthcare products, which are all duly approved by NAFDAC. For more than 30 years, Nigerians have trusted our brand name, which stands for quality and reliability. This trust we have earned, through unrelenting hard work and commitment to the highest standards and best practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The events of these past two weeks have only served to further strengthen that commitment,” she added.

Uzoma Ezeoke, executive director, general duties and human

resources and finance, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, stressed the necessity of the framework to make everyone properly guided in the industry.

She said Emzor is currently holding talks with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) on the issue, which they believe would yield the desired results.

Chinelu Umeh, the company’s regulatory affairs manager, debunked the claim that the company did not respond to NAFDAC’s claim until its factory was shut down. She noted that the GMP certificates are given

by NAFDAC bi-annually and the company has permit for the product in question.

Ebola Outbreak: how to protect yourself

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he World Health Organisation has confirmed since April 4, in Democratic Republic of Congo in centre Africa,45 haemorrhagic fever cases have been reported including 25 deaths, fourteen of those cases are confirmed to be Ebola virus disease, 10 are suspected and 21 are probable.

Ebola Virus Disease is a rare disease that can lead to death mostly affecting human and non-human primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). It is caused by an infection with one of five known Ebola virus species, four of which can cause disease in human.

When infected, a person with Ebola may present with symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

A distinct symptom of Ebola and other VHFs is unexplained bleeding from body openings. The symptoms may appear 2 to 21 days after exposure to

an infection.

Where there is no real cause for alarm in Nigeria yet, below are important reminders on the disease so as to be better prepared for possible outbreak: Wash your hands frequently using soap and water – use hand sanitizers when soap and water is not readily available,” the centre said in the latest advisory.

Avoid direct handling of dead wild animals.

Avoid physical contact with anyone who has possible symptoms of an infection with an unknown diagnosis.

Make sure fruit and vegetables are properly washed and peeled before you eat them.

Health workers are advised to ensure universal care precautions at all times. This includes the use of personal protective equipment when handling patients always.

In addition, patients who are suspected to have Ebola should be immediately isolated from other patients.

9mobile support global fight to eradicate malaria

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oncerned over the country’s 71 percent malaria prevalence according to Federal capital territory health secretariat, Nigeria’s people-friendly telecommunications company, 9mobile, has affirmed its commitment to eradicate malaria in Nigeria with the distribution of free longlasting insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in some Lagos communities to commemorate the 2018 World Malaria Day. Revealing the reasons insecticide treated nets were distributed, acting director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Oluseyi Osunsedo, said sleeping under insecticide treated nets is one of the most costeffective malaria prevention strategies, and the free nets provided by telco will ensure more families are protected from the deadly disease.

“As we say at 9mobile, ‘we are here for you, we are here for 9ja’; and we live this ethos by constantly demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the development of Nigeria.

What we did in some communities in Lagos epitomises that commitment. This is not just about our customers; it’s about the well-being of Nigeria and Nigerians.

As a caring brand, we are

passionate about the people and we will continue to seize every opportunity to appreciate the love and support we have been receiving from teeming Nigerians over the past nine years.”

World Malaria Day is observed worldwide on April 25 and it recognises global efforts to control the deadly malaria disease which 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of contracting.

Malaria remains the number one killer disease in Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria, and the passion to reduce this burden was the motivation for 9mobile to implement an extended distribution of free insecticide treated mosquito nets from April 25 to April 28, 2018.

Residents of the communities who were visibly elated by the gesture, commended 9mobile for the initiative while stating that malaria scourge was a major problem in the communities.

In the last 10 months, 9mobile, living up to its billing as the caring network, has distributed thousands of insecticide-treated nets to communities in 13 states of the federation including Ogun, Sokoto, Plateau, Bauchi, Enugu, Anambra, Bayelsa, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Zamfara, Ondo, Ekiti and the FCT.

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Sports

GOtv MAX Cup: Focus Shifts to Uyo as Super Eagles test Atletico’s might

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ANTHONY NLEBEM

he attention of football fans around the country will on Tuesday the 22nd of May shift to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, where the Super Eagles will test their strength against LaLiga giants, Atletico Madrid, in the inaugural edition of the GOtv MAX Cup. Expectedly the announcement of Atletico Madrid’s visit, which is happening on the invitation of MultiChoice, sparked huge excitement among football fans across the country, especially in Uyo, the host city.

Atletico Madrid are one of the biggest three teams in the LaLiga, where they have had an impressive season by qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League and defeating French side Marseille in Wednesday’s Europa League final, making them three time Europa champions. In European football, La Rojiblancos, as Atletico Madrid are called, are in the top tier and have played in two of the last four UEFA Champions League finals. In Spain, they are the only team to have broken the BarcelonaReal Madrid grip on LaLiga since 2004, winning the title in 2014.

Ex-Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, who played for Racing Satander and Real Sociedad in LaLiga, is delighted that a team of Atletico’s calibre is coming to Nigeria.

For this, he said MultiChoice, SuperSport and GOtv should be commended, as the visit is an evidence of their commitment to Nigerian football and sports in general. He equally stated that the match will serve as part of the Super Eagles preparations for the World Cup, where they will face Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in Group D. Atletico Madrid are a supremely organized outfit, who play with aggression and intensity, attributes the Super Eagles will undoubtedly face during the World Cup campaign.

The LaLiga giants’ visit to Nigeria, their first ever, has been described as historic. Javier Tebas, LaLiga President, said: “This is a historic announcement (of the visit) and we are excited to share this news with our Nigerian fans: Atletico de Madrid, one of LaLiga’s greatest clubs will come to Nigeria

and give our fans the chance to enjoy watching their stars up close. Africa and Nigeria, in particular, are very important for us as there is a lot of love for Spanish football, something we are proud of.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria said: “We are delighted to bring one of the three biggest clubs from LaLiga to Nigeria in what we believe will be a historic visit. Atletico Madrid are one of the top clubs in LaLiga and GOtv customers and indeed all football fans in Nigeria, will have the rare opportunity of watching the stars play the Super Eagles right here on Nigerian soil”.

Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, has been buzzing with excitement since the news of the visit broke, with fans expressing their desire to be at the stadium for the match.

GTBank Masters Cup: Kings, Queens College, others through to semifinals

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he 2018 GTBank Masters Cup went into its Quarter Final stage. The matches which were played over two days took place at the Agege Mini Stadium on the 8th & 9th of May 2018.

Day one began with Ansar-Ud Deen Girls’ High School, Itire winning its match with Greensprings School, Lekki 7-0 with Aleem Aishat scoring a hat trick.

The second game of the day saw Queens College Yaba edge Corona School, Agbara 1-0.

The third game and first game for the boys save Kings College Lagos triumph over Chrisland School Ikeja 4-2. Kings College had led 4-0 until a late rally from Chrisland produced two goals for the scores to end 4-2.

The last game of the day was an evenly matched contest between Igbobi College, Yaba and Eko Boys High School Mushin. The former equalizing towards the end of regular time to make the scores 1-1 before winning on a penalty

shootout 4-3.

Day 2 started with a 1-0 win for Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Isolo over Methodist Girls High School, Yaba. Soon afterwards the Atlantic Hall, Epe female team showed a lethal touch as their captain was one goal short of completing a hat-trick, though her team mate capitalised on a golden opportunity to end the game 3 – 0 in favour of the Atlantic Hall female team. Unfortunately, the male team was unable to repeat that success as they crashed out of the competition due to a late goal

from the returning champions of the competition, St Finbarrs College Akoka.

The day ended with the AnwarUl-Islam Model College, Agege, male team, showing the crowd that they came here with championship glory in mind as they, delivered a 6-0defeat to the young men of Baptist Academy, Obanikoro.

The matches will continue as we see the male and female semifinalists square off to determine which Teams will go on to seek Masters Cup championship glory in the finals.

Chivita Active boost wellness in new marketing drive

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hivita Active, one of Nigeria’s leading fruit juice brands, has launched a new communication campaign tagged C’mon Get Active.

The campaign is designed to inspire consumers to get active and encourage wellness through active health, while reinforcing Chivita Active’s position as a high quality wholesome fruit juice and an enabler for a healthy active life.

Deployed across different communication channels including TV, Radio, Print, etc., the C’mon Get Active campaign aligns with the growing consciousness amongst Nigerians to stay healthy by embarking on a journey of active health. The C’mon Get Active campaign tells stories of ordinary people who in their own special ways say YES to active health, by simple and engaging workouts across various parts of the day.

With the ‘Chivita Active Power of 6 Citrus’ offering already building brand relevance through its positioning for active health, further complemented by the introduction of ‘Chivita Active Vegetable Fruit Nectar’, has been an innovative approach at integrating healthy lifestyle and enhanced nourishment.

Chivita Active is filled with the power of Vegetables and Fruits perfectly blended with the goodness of vitamins and fibre with no preservatives. It is a smart and tasty way to get the right dose of antioxidant and stamina for a healthy active lifestyle, as well as the go-to fruit juice, whether at home, work, or on the go.

Tolu Fatusi, a fitness instructor at the National Stadium, Surulere, emphasized the need for Nigerians to embrace a regimen for active health to promote wellness.

“For me, I take a 2km walk everyday in my neighbourhood to stay smart, active and be more productive. Part of my routine includes taking a pack of Chivita Active Fruit

Juice along for the walk because it is a high-quality fruit juice with great taste and dense in nutrients for enhanced nourishment. It is an essential enabler for my active health routine,” he stated.

Hassan Belgore, a communication analyst with WingPlus Communication stated that the Chivita Active C’mon Get Active commercial underlines the relevance of Chivita Active to the Nigerian consumers, who are increasingly striving for wellness through active health.

“It is a campaign that definitely highlights the brand promise of Chivita Active and attempts to stimulate positive consumer experience for the brand by positioning the brand as the go-to fruit juice for active health,” he noted.

Commenting on the new campaign, Chi Limited’s Marketing Director, Probal Bhattacharya, said that the new Chivita Active campaign C’mon Get Active is a call to consumers to get active by connecting with their aspiration for living an healthy active life.

“In an era of growing health consciousness, when consumers are proactively looking for enablers for a fit healthy active life, Chivita Active is undoubtedly their go to brand of fruit juice. With this new communication we want to give the fit & healthy at heart a friendly nudge to overcome the inertia and step right out to enjoy the aspired healthy active life, each one in their own special way,” he noted.

Since its introduction into the Nigerian juice market, Chivita Active has been well received by consumers, and its success and market leadership have been underscored by its brand proposition and superior quality. Chivita Active is available in four exciting blends of 6 Citrus Fruits and the Vegetables + Fruits variants: Carrot and Orange, Beetroot and Grape, Beetroot and Apple.

BDSUNDAY Nigeria: The blurry lines of domestic trade NEW YOU CAN TRUST

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igeria’s greater focus on external trade is undercutting her growth efforts. Kano State in Nigeria has a population of 13 million people and an estimated GDP of $12.39bn. (one of many estimations) it’s a major commercial hub with an immense trade potential. This hub like other grade A commercial hubs in Nigeria – Aba – Lagos-Ogun – Onitsha -Nnewi has seen growth that can rightly be described as incidental. The consequences are; several lost opportunities, unused capacity and skewed national progress (in a geo sense) that will limit rather than accelerate growth.

Compare Kano State with Rwanda; having a population of 12.46m (2018 UN estimates) and a GDP of $21.97 billion (2016). Rwanda’s third quarter economic growth (in 2017) came to 8 percent year on year, driven mainly by the Agriculture and services sector – where Kano has near equal comparative advantage. In 2016, Rwanda’s global shipment was valued at USD 621.6 million. The noteworthy data, however, is that 58.7percent of that was delivered to other African countries. Mainly members of the East African Community (EAC); the regional block of six (6) nations whose combined population and GDP (USD 159b [2016 values) is less than Nigeria’s.

But Kano - like her few sister trade/commerce hubs – in Nigeria is sitting in a super market that may be limiting her potential, simply because of the nomenclature that it’s a state or city within Nigeria. The simple but sad fact is that, if Nigeria had a strong unencumbered framework for optimizing internal trade, Kano would be far greater than Rwanda and the rest of Nigeria would be Kano’s equivalent of the EAC bloc.

Imagine a market system, tailor-made infrastructure development and national plans, geared towards the systematic linkage of major hubs and the sharpening of weaker and blurry trade lines and corridors in Nigeria. There are plans, completed and on-going projects, especially in rail and road networks for linking some hubs; commendable! But they are yet to incorporate the global view or represent the scale of the situation. Even in the absence of any real trade borders between states in Nigeria; movement of goods is still constrained. The numerous transportation options available in peer countries are simply absent here and the available ones are simply sub-optimal.

The obscure truth is that even Nigeria’s export potential is constrained by the poor structure of internal trade. This brings on the con-

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tentious issue of Nigeria’s signing or non-signing of the AfCFTA. Most opinion and analysis have downplayed the contingent and contextual significance of trade agreements. What do I mean?

Trade agreements and the concept of common markets do not deliver; equal, equivalent or consistent benefit for all participants. If we separate expert opinion from empirical data, we see that the decision is best made using a sound, bespoke model that considers each signatories politicaleconomy and then juxtaposed with that of other signatories. Succinctly, what each party gets out of trade agreements is simply the resultant of a long mathematical equation with complex variables. Where it delivers consumer surplus, it may not deliver producer surplus and vice versa.

It’s desirable for Nigeria to optimise trade and market opportunities with Rwanda, Ivory Coast and Botswana. However, equally important - if not more important- is for Kano to optimise trade with Lagos, Rivers and Plateau state. Internal trade in Nigeria is incidental, unstructured and un-driven; and there inlays a neglected part to economic growth, job creation and - ironically- increased exports too.

What percentage of Aba-originated wearable fashion and other items in that value chain goes into Kano to compete - strongly - with substitute products arriving from Philippines, London, Vietnam and China? Of Kano’s tomato production what percentage is consumed in Rivers state households, compared to tomato products arriving from China or Italy, in which an estimated N12bn and about 3000 jobs is lost annually to the imports of tomato in Nigeria. It’s widely known that locally produced commodities lose a large portion of their value, due to poor processing capacity; which is hinged mainly on the Energy/ Power crises, Sub-optimal state of transport infrastructure and poor access to credit. Taking Tomato and tubers from Jos to Lagos in open trucks (instead of refrigerated cargo rail transportation) not only leads to wastes/losses to the farmer in transit, it also leads to reduction in quality that lowers its ultimate market value.

A robust export system is good and critical especially for scarce foreign exchange earnings, but it should not be accompanied by a gross negligence of internal trade capacity. The fast is; they are organic! If the right domestic, geo and economic linkages are established, new capacity for the production of goods and services will certainly be discovered and several idle resources harnessed. This will amount to thousands of jobs.

External trade will never reach its full potential until internal trade is revived and tightly coupled to it. Note that Nigeria’s top 10 exported com-

CHIJIOKE MAMA Mama is the founder of Meiracopp Nigeria Limited (MNL) and a Doctoral Researcher at University of Port Harcourt (m.chijioke@meiracopp.com)

No one person, administration or policy is to blame, but unbalanced and decadeslong focus on external trade has seriously masked the treasures within

modities in 2017, accounted for 99percent of all its global shipments; so where are the rest of the commodities that are rife? Until internal trade is strengthened they will not reach the international market; that is the crucial linkage.

One 2017 power sector study suggests that up to 34percent of the production cost of goods in Lagos state is related to the cost of power generation (self-generation). Another 2015 UN report suggests that up to 30percent of the cost of traded goods in the Lagos - Kano corridor is related to the cost of transport - inefficient transport!. There are no physical borders or independent customs regime encountered between Kano and Abuja, but trade actors admit that moving goods within that channel is - technically more encumbering than importing products from Italy to Lagos. Although actors get used to it, but getting used to it does not translate to efficiency. Any new initiative - public or private driven - that is capable of optimizing existing domestic trade linkages or creating new capacity will deliver inclusive growth and revive the hundreds of stifled and now dying semi-urban and rural cities in Nigeria. Admittedly, there are on-going efforts, but how sufficient are they? A federal framework for a fresh mapping of geo-capabilities in trade and subsequent development of the capacities through the right vehicles will cause massive internal economic renewal.

No one person, administration or policy is to blame, but unbalanced and decades-long focus on external trade has seriously masked the treasures within. The current challenge is to redraw the disappearing lines of internal trade in Nigeria in other to establish a future-looking trade nexus. However it’s essential to say that the destination will not be reached through a single program, policy or declaration. It will be a salad of many vehicles and domestic trade optimisation strategies.

Off the Cuff

Quick Takes

Osinbajo and the allegory of crown of thorns

I

really sympathise with Yemi Osinbajo, vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A few weeks ago, Osinbajo was in Lagos. It was the very day some Fulani herdsmen went into a Catholic Church in Benue State, killing two priests and 17 other worshippers who had gathered for morning mass.

While speaking to a large audience at the event that brought him to the City of Excellence, Osinbajo deplored the massacre and acknowledged that Nigeria was indeed in a perilous time. He reeled out the challenges of presiding over a nation like Nigeria and urged Nigerians to, instead of criticism, pray for leadership.

Fast forward, on February 19, 2018, a band of Boko Haram insurgents besieged Dapchi, a sleepy community in Yobe State, and made away with about one hundred and ten (110) girls. Some weeks later, when all other girls were released and cleanly rejoined their parents, one was detained and remains detained till today.

The poor girl, Leah Sharibu, was said to

have refused to denounce her religion and declare for Islam. Government said it was going to do everything humanly possible to secure the girl’s release. Up till now, she is either dead or alive; no one is certainly sure.

Again, although many of the kidnapped Dapchi girls were from Christian homes, on the day they returned and on the day they visited Aso Rock to see the President, they were dressed in flowing gowns and hijab. Were they all Muslims? Why were they so dressed? A development many people described as conversion by intimidation!

Last Tuesday, Osinbajo was in Benue, apparently to take part in the burial ceremonies of the two murdered priests. While addressing Benue stakeholders, he said he was not a politician and that he would step down from office any moment he felt convinced that the killings by herdsmen had any religious undertone.

My take in all of these is that the type of politics being played in Nigeria has a colour that is not suitable for people of Osinbajo’s standing in faith. We are talking about politics of intrigues, wheeling and dealing, outright lies, subterfuge,

assassination of character and of lives, occultism and a host of others.

It is believed that when a person decides to go into partisan politics in the country, he has elected to embrace the culture of politicking that is laced with the aforementioned ills. There’s no middle road.

If Osinbajo was appointed and not elected, his claim of not being a politician should have been tenable, but with all that comes with standing election in Nigeria, we may as well tell the erudite vice president to tell us another story. Many people believe that it is very difficult to find a virgin in a labour ward, getting ready to give birth!

On the issue of whether or not the killings have religious tinge, it is still debatable. But we had expected him with all the intelligence gathering apparatuses at his disposal, to have sensed the direction of the killings. He sure has the necessary antennas to figure the direction. On this score, many people are really expecting his resignation even quicker and sooner than he imagines.

N1.04b

This is the amount of money the Lagos State government said it spent to subsidise Lake Rise from December 2016 till date.

Let’s have a ball, then!

Things appear to be looking up for Nigeria- too much money everywhere!

We are told that the panel in charge of recovering stolen funds has made a hurl of N4 billion and $800,000.

Again, Excess Crude Account is now $1.803billion; oil price is rallying far above the benchmark, among other goodies. Is it not time to wear our thinking cap?

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