BusinessDay 24 Nov 2019 by BusinessDay

Allen Onyema, Air Peace CEO, denies bank fraud, money laundering allegations …Says all money transferred went through CBN allegedly involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes, has denied the allegations, saying all transactions went through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). AirPeace Chief of Administration and Finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, has also been charged with

IFEOMA OKEKE

llen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema, chairman, CEO, and founder of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, charged with bank fraud and money laundering for moving more than $20 million from Nigeria through United States bank accounts in a scheme

L-R: Yemi Lawal, Osun State commissioner for Sports and Youths Development; Olaonipekun Henry Olabode, commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative; Abraham Aziegbe, group head, Retail Operations, Access Bank PLC; Adegboyega Benedict Alabi, Osun State deputy governor, and Bolaji Aboderin, Access Bank’s regional sales director, South West, during the commissioning of the bank’s new branch in Apomu, Osun State… Friday.

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bank fraud and committing aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme. “Onyema allegedly leveraged his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive while using falsified documents to commit fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “We will diligently Continues on page 4

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Despite many laws, private sector, government still deny persons with disability employment

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Vol 1, No. 290 N300

?? Union Homes’ REITS sheds N24.4m in 30 days

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P. 35 p 41.

viving the Yuletide in perilous times

OR-EWUZIE

y, in Nigeria, the Yuletide od is delicate. Always perilAt this period, there is always crease in crime rate in the of armed robberies, missing al purposes, kidnapping for e, all manner of corruption, usiness and now the latest on n harvest! also marked by increase in people commute from one ry to another. Observers and followed the performance of omy and its current negative ality of life of citizens express year’s Yuletide may witness e rate as people engage in all ward means to make money, ff or just to have minimum he festivities. already awash with unsavory happenings across the couney. On Tuesday, November ugu State Police Command unday Egbo, founder and of the Christ Mercy Ministry, n Nsukka Local Government for alleged rape and involveituals. o the report, Egbo had on 19, invited a female member his house under the guise crusade that was scheduled that day. He also asked the long with the picture of her prayers.

inside ExecutiveBookshelf

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that the parents started notifying friends and neighbours and everyone sprang into action, reaching out to their connections and

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“We have two high ranking policemen in our estate. They both sprang into action. The police using satellite connections located the position of the private number phone the victim used in calling his wife, saying that the phone call came from Abuja,” the eye witness said. “On November 6th, the victim’s father and a police officer flew to Abuja and met with the special force dedicated to the operation. They did their investigation and located the warehouse. They stormed the place on November 7th and fortunately the young man was among the less than six persons, who were rescued from the warehouse,” the eye witness stated. According to the eye witness, the police are Kidnappers for ransom and ritual killing still handling the matter but are suspecting the possibility of the kidnappers being involved in either ritual killing or organ harvesting. BDSUNDAY investigation shows that cases of armed robberies, burglaries, murder, attempted murder and serious assault tend to increase noticeably during festive season. Obviously, as Christmas approaches, there are those who perhaps, have sworn to “paint the city” and their villages red with huge amount of money, even when they do not have well defined means of livelihood. In Nigeria today, strange occurrences are on the increase as the year winds down. People perpetrating such are probably banking on human sacrifices and other mindless activities. Their target is usually their fellow frica Rise and Shine Central Bank to grant him a negatives and insists on getting human beings. be attributed to the high rate as of he had starts with a manibanking license even results. It is the philosophy thatThis can poverty, only and economic deprivation has refesto. “Africa’s chalten years of banking expefetched him success, and he resulted in the increased number of crime born Scenes of agony lenges over unsavory happenings may appearin Nigeria rienceinas the 20 years it produces it in this narrative. out of frustration the against country. believed that Technology there are usually indaunting to most, specified. played a Go with your guts. Ovia coun-Pundits crease crime rate in a country where economic but to those with the right encritical role in the rapid expansels that given a choice between deprivation persists because most citizens take trepreneurial vision, challenges sion of the bank. Its links to techintuition and the other approach to crime to survive. people areowed often driven to great always provide opportunities. to the interest of of rational analysis, he wouldAlso, nology lengths of desperation by poverty and this is a Poor infrastructure? The entrethe founder in the evolving ICT choose intuition. This holdermajor of cause of crime. The skyrocketing unemploymentecosystem rate in the countryas is another reasonas 1975 preneur sees that as a chance far back an MBA takes this heretical path youths take to support themselves. to leverage structural improveasto a crime student in the United States. against the teachings of business For instance, situations where one goes ments as a core component of That interest enabled schools deliberately and has through school and end up jobless for manyJim Ovia years is aplay clear reason people go into crime. a burgeoning brand identity. a role in the evolution of the results to prove it. Going with Therefore, Nigerians must be very vigilant Inadequate supply of electricity? Internet in Nigeria. He set up your guts does not mean to avoid and extra careful. Everyone must be safety The entrepreneur identifies such Cyberspace a pioneer inrationality. It is based on a strong conscious. Do not leave yourLimited, house without letting anyone know where you are going; do not a deficiency as a blank slate on ternet service firm and served as foundation of interest, passion, just follow anybody to anywhere you are not which a new electricity supply the first president of the Nigeria and focus on success. “Intuition familiar with; and avoid keeping late nights. Weeping and gnashing of teeth are rampant in Nigeria expert, who spoke with BDSUNcan be built.” Internet Group. The closed mind is closely connected with pas-A security DAY oncondition of anonymity, urgedNigeriZenith Jim Ovia destination, of a military minister of communision, inspiration, desire and that they remained 14 and per- the works at LekkiBank in an oilfounder servicing company. ans to be extra careful this time around, saying, sonshuman at the timeaspiration he called his parents using “On this enthralling fateful day, he went to work as tells the story of the that the first effort to achieve “Nothingcations should be meant taken for granted.” phone. unusual to follow a“This to usual but around lunchtimeand he told his colperiod is always hot. It has commencement rise of an unknown deploy satellites atalways Zenith Bank something “Where are you?” the parents asked, but leagues that he needed to rush to the bank been so, but I admit that the situation is getZenith Bank in what is atoGuide failed. Soon, the chair pathman that leads“No away the young answered, idea.” from the to carry out some transactions. Due traffic ting increasingly worse than it usedrevolving to be. The “How did you norm”, get there?” parents situation in Lekki, he left his carin and jumped to Entrepreneurship Nigeria. ofinministerial offices brought in accepted hethe submits. frustration the polity as a result of failure asked, but the young man answered, “No into a KekeMaruwa, popularly called KekeNaof government hasminister driven many people into His book is replete with testia new who listened and Zenith Bank, licensed in 1990, idea.” All he could recall was getting into the pep,” an eye witness narrated. taking dangerous decisions. I can tell you monials, guidance anddisappeared warnings Kekewas allowed the deployment. one of the banks that with the driver and one occupant. A birthed few Thereafter, the young man that poverty begets a lot of criminal acts,” the fromin thethat pointsector he boarded, the and getting didn’t returnthings home that day, such expert said. The technology was a critical on done in that the meters theaway boom following keke picked up another passenger. As soon his family declared him missing. This was “I would advise Nigerians to take their harsh of Command. business as the success factor and cutting edge liberalisation. At he a said time in the new passenger entered, to the reportedenvironment to the Lagos State Police security more seriously. Always tell people young man ‘cooperate’ and waved handkerHis parents didn’t tell anybody in the estate in Nigeria. for Zenith days. It im1990s, the country had over 100 your whereabouts. Do in notthe justearly leave your chief over his face, was the last he could because felt heis willpositive, be back or probably apartment without and people knowing where Thethey book opti- remember,” proved hastened processes banks. Thethat 2004 recapitalisation the victim told his parents. had a quarrel with his wife and wanted some you are going to. Be skeptical about everyone mistic and avoids dwelling on in the bank, drawing requirement brought the “Whose phone are you calling from?” thenumspace. and every invitation you receive this time andin more parents inquired. TheZenith young man said November 5, 2019 - six days after the the“On negatives and challenges customers. berfurther down to 25. survived make sure you do not find yourself among the phone fell off the pocket of one of the seyoung man’s disappearance, he called his strange faces.Banking Do not stay late night or engage of either setting up the bank or folklore has Zenith all the rationalisations. curity guards, adding that the guard unknowwife using a private phone number. He was in night parties. Even in religious circles, do not running Ovia accentuates Bank as the place with the meanThe Zenith ingly locked thefounder victims in theof warehouse withBank crying on theit. phone and said he didn’t know visit pastors or Imams in secret places, always his phone. where he was but thatdownplays they were about 24the of make your appointments with such people the positives, est rules and application. Readshares how he convinced the “So, it was the phone we were using to call them in a warehouse guarded by an armed open to people. Be conscious of people around ing Africa Rise and Shine all of our loved ones,” he added. And the phone security guard. you and do not engage in unnecessary visits. cut off. According to the victim, 10 out of the 24 that tough, and some would say Do so only when it is absolutely necessary,” Reports had it that it was at this point victims had been taken away to an unknown the security expert furtherHR said. approach comes inhumane,

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Sunday 24 November 2019

• Reviews • News • Interview • List Surviving the Yuletide in perilous The gutstimes to go with your gut in business

With Chido Nwakanma

d renewed threat from A lence in A/Ibom

e pastor took her to his house pretence that he was going eople, who were supposed the prayer session. But he 11pm and dragged the vicm, brought out a magic stone o kill her if she raised alarm,” ahman, state commissioner d. d to have ordered the female her clothes, but she refused, her, tore her clothes and

seized her pants, brassiere a small bottle and wanted to private parts, but she struged to the door and shouted, neighbours, who also invited ue her and arrest the pastor,” arrated. gbo confessed to the crime in newsmen, saying: “I actually in my house. I approached a Kogi State in my quest to be ive doctor gave me a small items, and asked me to folctions in order to become a

he paid the native doctor he coffin and flute. octor ordered me to do cerwhich I would get a Ghanal of money in my room. But the money did not come as had assured me.” many Nigerians are becoming ke money by all means. The oney now involves people of youth are as hungry as the a rat race. the story of the Enugu pastor, er incident of kidnapping that tober 30, 2019 in Lagos State. an eye witness, who shared social media, there was this lives in one of the estates in ea of Lagos with his wife but

Jim Ovia (2018), Africa Rise and Shine: How a Nigerian Entrepreneur from Humble Beginnings Grew a Business to $16billion. South Carolina: Forbes Books. ISBN: 978-1 -94663-340-8. 224pages

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The guts to go with your gut in business

The girl child and renewed threat ommand parade offenders

izarre r, with n Uyo, is step old. o of 7 3years knowlwhen m. youngold. He e after ser. He ed rubed rubter, he When I o sleep, and he

from gender-based violence in A/Ibom

right. It is both your creation and an extension of you. Its name and its very look and feel must be authentic to the world, as well as a source of personal pride. 8. Reward and recognition essential. “I knew that employees who were well-treated and felt valued would pass along that treatment to our clients.” 9. A business leader must not be afraid to spend money when it is prudent. 10. Do what is best for your business today, but at the same time be aware of what is coming down the line. Jim Ovia certainly shows as the book intended to create awareness about “the scope of unrealised business opportunities here” in Nigeria in broad strokes. Read between the lines. He succeeds in providing a Nigerian primer on business.

NAthANIEl GbAOrON, Jalingo

ne person was said to have been killed by yet-to-be identified armed men at Tor Musa village along WukariTakum road in Wukari Local GovReach a niche audienceernment of Area of Taraba State. influencers through Executive Caretaker Chairman of WuBookshelf in BD Sundaykari Local Government Council, Daniel Adigrace confirmed the development to journalists in a telephone interview. Adigrace said the armed gunChen Sichang, president, China men Civil ambushed Engineeringthe Construction travellersCorporation (CCECC) and deputy secretary of Communist Party; Chen Fenjian, chairman, China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and secretary of Communist Party (China); Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, who of were coming to Wukari and Cao Boagang, managing director Overseas Business Department of CRCC, during the governor’s visit to the CRCC Headquarters in Beijing from Donga on a motorcycle, kill- State, recently. to discuss collaboration on infrastructural development of Lagos ing one woman, while the biker sustained serious injuries. But the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP David Misal in a telephone interview with BDSUNDAY said the victims were receiving treatment at a hospital in Donga. “Information available to me indicates that people travelling offenders, said the state police from Donga to Wukari were atcommand has declared ‘war tacked. against sexual predators and “I don’t have information other vices in the state”, adding about casualty figure yet, but I that no stone would be left un- was told the victims are receiving turned to rid the state of undesir- treatment. able elements. “Information about the attack “Parents should also make is still sketchy, but I will feed you haste in reporting every form withthat “Foraselections be credWhile addressing some Afri- magically gets 90percent of the details soon as Ito have IWOK (Lagos), SAMUEL of INIOBONG sexual harassment when ESE no- them.” ible; they must be free, fair and can leaders in a forum on what vote, because all the opposi(Yenagoa) & VICTORIA (Lokoja) Meanwhile, ticed, to the policeNNAKAIKE and other is mountpeaceful. tension All Nigerians must be makes credible elections and tion is locked up or can’t get on security agencies in the state ing in Dan-Anacha village in Gasable to cast their votes without true meaning of democracy, TV, is a democracy. Democracy n 2015, before the Nigeimmediately, as concealment of sol Local Government Area of the intimidation or fear.” Obama, said: “So, we have to depends on strong institutions, ria’s general these crimes has onlyelection, led to the the State following a directive bythe the elec- stop pretending that countries and it’s about minority rights To a large extent, then President of the United increase in violations,” he said. State Governor, Darius Ishaku tions were credible and cases of that just hold an election, where Statesissues of America, Barack Bringing of genderfor the immediate change of Continues on page 2 violence were minimal. sometimes the winner somehow Obama had reminded Nigerians based violence, including rape Government Secondary School and incest, to limelight has been Dan-Anacha to Kwararafa. made easier by FEYReP which is Local residents of the village championing the protection of said the name change was an

across as discipline and the pursuit of excellence. Nothing more. The bank introduced a highprofile Awards and Recognition scheme to reward those who survived the stringent regimen and excelled. Ovia calls it “success in championing an assertive style of management while cultivating a motivational climate.” Ovia established Visafone as a successful brand and later sold it to MTN. He provides the rationale for sale here both for MTN and Visafone. It is a classic of hard-nosed bargaining, negotiation and keeping emotions aside from the business. This entrepreneur invested heavily in real estate, with the successful Civic Center and the Civic Towers that is now an iconic landmark of the Lagos landscape. Africa Rise and Shine covers 30 chapters. It offers many nuggets that Ovia develops as chapter headings. Here are ten other learnings from Africa Rise And Shine. 1. It is not necessary to be born rich or in influential circles to succeed.

p. 30

2. Respond to adversity by cultivating the capacity to react. And overcome. 3. Never allow the perceptions of others to play a substantial part in your vision of yourself and your future. 4. It is imperative to rely on one’s instincts in taking stock of one’s capabilities and in evaluating a new business opportunity. 5. No matter how fertile the economy, specific rules apply regarding properly researching and evaluating potential venues and partners. 6. Negotiation cannot be learned from a script-it is different every time. Showing respect and understanding of the person with whom you are negotiating creates an underlying sense of trust -and trust is the rocket fuel of negotiation. 7. Take time at the very beginning to get your branding

One killed in Taraba as tension mounts in Dan-Anacha over name change

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usinessDay offers a fresh opportunity to speak to a niche audience with attractive demographics and psychographic characteristics. The platform is Executive Bookshelf every Sunday on BD Sunday. Executive Bookshelf is an interactive exploration of the world of books involving authors, readers, publishers, distributors and everyone in the book value chain. A major draw is My Book World featuring conversations with all these players. The goal is to promote interest in book reading in the country through shared experiences and conversations. Respondents are leaders whose opinions and choices of books would influence many individuals and groups. Editorial Board member Chido Nwakanma, adjunct faculty at the School of Media and

Communication, Pan Atlantic University, coordinates the section. Respondents have included the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Prof Juan Elegido, vice-chancellor, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, Mrs Bunmi Oke, former president AAPN and member of the 2014 Constitutional Conference, Patrick Okigbo 111, promoter of Enugu Town Hall Nkata Umuibe and Tony Onyima , former Commissioner in Anambra State and former Managing Director of The Sun newspapers as well as Ifeoma Malo, founder and head Cleantech Hub. Re a c h t h e a u d i e n c e o f young as well as senior citizens who love books, reading and enlightened discourse. The spectrum is broad, and the read wide. Enrich the conversation with your intelligent ads for a smart community.

Bloody elections, malpractices tainting Nigeria’s democracy

INEC must be removed from Executive control – Adebanjo Those instigating violence must be punished – Balarabe Musa Fake policemen did the havoc in Kogi, Bayelsa - IGP Insufficient manpower hampered police efforts - PSC

p. 37 fot, Uyo who sexually abused a 12-year-old girl when he sent her to buy him cigarettes only

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Cover

Count me out of 2023 presidency - Buhari JAMES KWEN, Abuja

r e s i d e n t Mu hammadu Buhari has said that contrary to insinuations that he was working to extend his stay in office beyond May 2023, he had no such plan and that he was not interested in staying beyond his term. Buhari, who set the re-

cord straight Friday in his address at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, said he had no plans to thwart Nigeria’s constitution by contesting for third term in office and he would leave by 2023. The President however, expressed the optimism that his party, the APC, would retain power in 2023. He tasked all the

leaders of the party, specifically NEC members to show more seriousness and dominate politically in their constituencies. He stressed that it would be shameful if APC collapsed after his tenure as according to him, history would not forgive anyone who would have tried to aid the collapse of the party. “At the meeting of the caucus, I made some com-

ments, which are still relevant here but to me, the most important is that every member of NEC should reposition himself or herself to make sure that you have dominated your constituency politically. The aim is that, as I mentioned yesterday, history will not be fair to us outright if the APC collapses at the end of this term. “I am not going to make the mistake of attempting

a third term. Beside the age, I swore by the holy book that I would go by the constitution and the constitution said two terms. I know that I’m in my last term and I can’t afford to be reckless because I’m not going to ask for anybody’s vote. “I want you to read the constitution. I made sure that when the constitution says the election as we did it the last time will start

in 18 months’ time or 20 months’ time. It is going to be done,” he said. According to him, “Anybody who fails to maintain the respect of his constituents and is thrown out, it’s his problem. Like the Chairman has said, all those who left us to the upper house, none of them were voted by his constituents. You want to take our people for granted but they know what they are doing.”

Bloody elections, malpractices tainting... Continued from page 1 and checks and balances and freedom of speech and freedom of expression, and a free-press, and a right to protest and petition the government, and an independent judiciary and everybody having to follow the law.” While the 2015 general election could be said to be largely peaceful, fair and credible, that cannot be said of elections that have been held thereafter. Analysts speak in tandem that increasingly, elections in Nigeria have become shambolic. Many people are losing interest in exercising their franchise, hence the increasing cases of voter apathy across the country. In recent times, many have moved from polling booths to the mortuary and to their grave. Voting, which ordinarily should be the simplest part of an electoral process leading up to choosing leaders, has become a risky exercise. The win-at-all-costs and by all means being introduced by desperate politicians in the last few years have not only discouraged many Nigerians from participating, but have made elections and their outcome predictable. Observers noted that the high level of desperation to win by hook or crook began in Etiki State in July last year during the off-season gubernatorial election. It was taken to a step higher in Osun State, in the gubernatorial election that took place in September last year. It went full blown during the 2019 general election where sponsored thugs and compromised security agents dispensed fury to supporters of some political parties. Nigerians witnessed brazen destruction of ballot papers and boxes. In some places, electoral materials were

burnt and accredited voters waiting to cast their votes were threatened with sporadic gunshots and chased away. During the nationwide exercise, a huge number of people were killed and several others maimed for life. Despite the large-scale violence and brigandage, and despite the welter of condemnation that greeted the elections locally and internationally, they (elections) were marked credible by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), results declared and the sponsors of the electoral heist are currently enjoying their “victories.” Having set the dangerous precedent and having discovered that these days, stolen mandates are hardly reversed, politicians decided to take it to a notch higher in Kogi State. It was akin to a war situation, where desperate politicians believed that “the end justifies the means.” While families of the slain are grieving, and mourning their loved ones, beneficiaries of the bloody exercise are clinking glasses in celebration. They are being congratulated and hailed for allegedly sponsoring thugs to demolish anything that could constitute a stumbling block to their aspiration of clinching victory. Although the exact figure of those killed during the exercise has yet to be released by the appropriate authorities, reports put the figure at over 10 in Kogi and about three in Bayelsa State. Apart from the people killed during the election in Kogi by men alleged to be security officers, Salome AchejuAbuh, women leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Wada/ Aro Campaign Council, was killed and set ablaze in her residence, two days after the election. It was alleged that those who carried out the das-

L-R: Kevwe Oghide, lead communications CODE; Kehinde Akinsola, challenge winner, Follow The Money (FTM), and Hamzat Lawal, CEO CODE during the presentation of N100, 000 cheque and medal of honour to the winners of the FTM Challenge held in Abuja. Pic by TUNDE ADENIYI

tardly act were political thugs of a party in the state. They stormed Abuh’s residence at Ochadamu in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi and carried out the barbaric act. The social media is awash with videos of warlike situations in Kogi and Bayelsa during the elections. Uniformed men were seen shooting sporadically and leading thugs to cart away ballot boxes. In the process, a number of innocent voters were shot dead, while many sustained gunshot wounds. Dino Melaye, candidate of the PDP in the rerun Kogi West senatorial election, accused thugs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of killing his nephew during the election. According to Melaye, his deceased nephew, Olorunjuwon, was shot at the senator’s polling unit Saturday but died Sunday morning. In a few tweets, Melaye shared a video of the young man being laid to rest. “My nephew Olorunjuwon who was shot at my polling unit yesterday (Saturday) died this morning (Sunday). My brother, your death is a Supreme sacrifice in the struggle for the liberation of our people. Rest in peace aburo…So sad,” he tweeted. He further said: “My

nephew Juwon good night. A boy, who never knew his mum, did not have the luxury of being breastfed. Yet God took care of him. Now APC thugs killed him. Avenge your death brother.” There were also reports that two people identified as Umoru Shuaib and Faruk Suleiman were feared killed in Abocho community in Dekina council area. They were said to have been attacked by men in police uniform while voting was going on at the Barrack Polling Unit 01. A source said, “Some able-bodied men on a bus who dressed as policemen came to the polling unit while voting was going on. Many people in the polling unit did not suspect them. The bus went too close to two young men who were discussing while the occupants of the vehicle suddenly shot them and left.” In their separate reactions to the wanton killing of innocent people during elections, and the ugly trend elections in the country have assumed, Ayo Adebanjo, elder statesman and leader of pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, and Balarabe Musa, Second Republic governor of old Kaduna State, said urgent steps must be taken. “Personally, I think we are just deceiving our-

selves. I have said it several times that we are not serious about conducting elections in this country; the Bayelsa and Kogi were not an election? We have to change the present constitution and remove INEC from the control of the executive,” Adebanjo said. Balarabe Musa, recommended punitive measures to check the dangerous trend of electoral violence to save the nation’s democracy. “We have to punish anybody who is seen to be instigating violence and stop them from contesting elections. It is because we are tolerating them, that is why all these are happening. If we are serious about free and fair election in Nigeria, this ugly trend must be checked. What happened in Kogi and Bayelsa is a shame on this country,” Balarabe Musa said. But Muhammad Adamu, the inspector-general of police, absolved his men of any wrong doing in the two states, saying that thugs who disguised as policemen caused the mayhem. Th e Po l i c e Se r v i c e Commission (PSC), which regulates the police as an independent government agency, also said police officers managed the elections well and cleared them of misconduct.

The PSC blamed insufficient manpower that allowed political thugs to overwhelm police officers and cause widespread chaos in Kogi. The IGP Adamu had told journalists that the police were not surprised at the level of violence that attended the exercise in Kogi and Bayelsa. According to him, the police conducted a “threat assessment of the two states and we realised that there was going to the violence in the two states.” This is “Because, during the campaigns, we saw how the opponents were fighting themselves, so we prepared so much for that. “Even at the point of signing the peace accord to conduct the election without any problems, after signing the peace accord in Kogi, within the hall there was problem by the parties. So we knew that it was not going to be easy and so we had to prepare heavily for that elections,” he said. While exonerating his men, said: “During the elections, anybody you saw either in police uniform or military uniform that does not carry the tag that has been given for the election, that person is not genuine police officer or military officer or that he was not on official duty. Because, we were aware of the fact that or we were told that some politicians were going to sow police and military uniforms, so we devised some other means of identifying those that were on election duty.” “We gave them tags. So, no police officers in their senses [would disrupt election] because [we] recruited and trained them before the elections to play by the rules, be professional, work within where you are posted and not beyond,” he said. An analyst, who craved Continues on page 4

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Allen Onyema, Air Peace CEO, denies bank fraud, money laundering ... Continued from page 1 protect the integrity our banking system from being corrupted by criminals, even when they disguise themselves in a cloak of international business.” Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented on the indictment, “Allen Onyema’s status as a wealthy businessman turned out to be a fraud. He corrupted the U.S. banking system, but his trail of deceit and trickery came to a skidding halt. DEA would like to thank the many law enforcement partners and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office who aided in making this investigation a success.” “This case is a prime example of why IRS-CI seeks to partner and leverage its expertise in an effort to thwart those seeking to exploit our nation’s financial system,” said Thomas J. Holloman, IRSCriminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office. “With the importance of our banking system to the movement of money around the world, those attempting to use intricate schemes to commit bank fraud through the use of falsified documents and other means should know

that the odds are now heavily stacked against them as law enforcement is combining its talents to protect the sanctity and integrity of the nation’s financial system.” “Onyema setup various innocent sounding multi-million dollar asset purchases which were nothing more than alleged fronts for his scam,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in Georgia and Alabama. “I’m proud to be part of

a team of law enforcement agencies that come together to identify and attack criminals that attempt to profit from the exploitation of our nation’s financial systems. According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the indictment, and other information presented in court: Onyema, is the founder and Chairman of several organisations that purport to promote peace across Nigeria, including the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Center for Non-Violence

and Peace Development, and All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited. Beginning in 2010, Onyema began travelling frequently to Atlanta , where he opened several personal and business bank accounts. Between 2010 and 2018, over $44.9 million was allegedly transferred into his Atlanta-based accounts from foreign sources. However, Onyema , has denied all the allegations, stating that they are false and are in no way in line with his char-

anonymity, said the ugly trend is not likely to abate since the beneficiaries have seen it is the easiest avenue to achieve electoral victory. “Those who think that the killings would stop or that elections would be peaceful again in the country may be reveling in false hope. The party in power has discovered brigandage as the easiest way of clinching electoral victory and clinging on to power without earning it. It is going to grow worse. Already, President Buhari has assured his party leaders that the party will win 2023. But every right-thinking citizen of this country knows that the APC lacks what it takes to win an election under normal circumstances,” the analyst said. Sounding worried at the scale of violence that has been introduced into the nation’s elections, a public affairs commentator, Damian Apah, noted that the number of people

I never laundered money in my life, neither have I committed bank fraud anywhere in the world. Every Kobo I transferred to the US for aircraft purchase went through the Central Bank of Nigeria LC regime and all were used for the same purpose. “The American companies that received the funds are still in business. I never took a penny from any US bank or Nigerian bank. I am willing to defend my innocence in the US courts,” Onyema stated.

Rights issue: IB Plc holds investors’ fora, assures shareholders of strong growth

L-R: Michael Daramola, Legal and Corporate Affairs director, International Breweries; Zuber Momoniat, Finance director, International Breweries; Lanre Buluro, director, Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Ltd; , Annabelle Degroot, managing director, International Breweries, and Nornah Awoh, founder, Palesa Capital Markets Associates at the Investor Forum on Rights Issue organised by International Breweries in Lagos.

Bloody elections, malpractices tainting... Continued from page 2

acter as a person and as a business man whose only aim has been to build Nigeria and improve wellbeing. “As the press statement clearly stated, these are indictment that only contains charges. I am innocent of all charges and the US government will find no dirt on me because I have never conducted business with any illegalities. “Be rest assured that I also have my lawyers on this and these mere allegations will be refuted.

that have been killed since the Ekiti, Osun, 2019 general election and the recent Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections were more than the number of election casualties since 1999 up till now. “If we must say things the way they are, the APC government has taken Nigeria back to the Stone Age. What surprises me is the way so-called leaders celebrate stolen mandates that came through wanton and bestial killings. What is going on is condemnable. They may go ahead and celebrate; they may go ahead and rule for 100 years, one day they will exit the power stool. We hear and read about the strongest of leaders who killed and maimed to perpetuate themselves in power; where are they today? Power is ephemeral. Kingdoms rise and wane. We shall outlive this dangerous time,” Apah said. Apah wondered why the international community closes its eyes in the face

of high level of destruction of lives and property in the name of election. “Although the international community may not impose sanctions on Nigeria as a result of the kind of elections the country organises, it is a shame on us that in this 21st Century, Nigeria is behaving as if it is still in the Dark Ages. The current government has taken us back 100 years, and the way I see things, it will degenerate the more. But I have some questions that nobody has provided answers to. Before the Kogi and Bayelsa elections, some foreign embassies addressed press conferences, detailing what they would do to politicians that would engage in electoral fraud or violence; they said the same thing before the 2019 general election; are they deceiving us? Are they pulling wool over our eyes? Are they complicit? Why are things happening the way they are?” Apah wondered. Gbenro Alade, a member of a civil society organisation (CSO), expressed

fears that the desperation of politicians would further endanger electoral process in the country and entrench mediocre leadership. “What we have now is not election. In the past, although there have always been political thugs, cases of violence were not widespread. They used to be spontaneous at polling centres over arguments or other issues. In fact, politicians used to engage thugs for their own protection, to avoid being attacked by opponents. But today, parties plan, make budgets and deploy huge amount of money to kill opponents, cause confusion, ensure that elections are disrupted in areas that are not their stronghold, and to emerge winner by hook or crook. We saw it in Osun; we saw it massively in 2019 general election and we saw it in Kogi and Bayelsa. It is a mockery of democracy. From all indications, it has come to stay,” Alade said.

iming to secure the buy-in of shareholders and potential investors to its proposed rights issue, International Breweries Plc (IB Plc), a proud part of the AB Inbev Group, the world’s largest brewer, has organised investors’ fora in Lagos, Ibadan and Port Harcourt. The sessions provided the shareholders the opportunity to hear directly from the top management of International Breweries how the business is performing, and to seek clarifications on grey areas in the company’s operations. In attendance at the fora were members of the top management, including the Managing Director of IB Plc, Annabelle Degroot, the Chief Financial Officer, Zuber Momoniat, the Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, Michael Daramola, among others. Also in attendance were representatives from Chapel Hill Denham, advisors to the rights issue, Lanre Buluro and Kingsley Aigbe. In an elaborate presentation, Degroot intimated the shareholders on the company’s year-to-date financial performance, its marketing and sales drive, and its growth plans. The brewer, according to Degroot, has achieved a revenue growth of 17percent year-on-year and has achieved a growth in market share to become the number two brewery company in the country in terms of sales. “Following significant investment in our Nigeria operations in the last few years to capitalise on the growth of our brands in this market, the rights issue presents an opportunity to strengthen our balance sheet. The capital raised will be utilized to reduce our debt and thereby lower the interest

charges incurred, and it will also assist us in providing financial flexibility to continue to pursue our growth strategy,” Degroot said. The company assured that the capital raised from the rights issue would be deployed mainly to retire existing third-party debts and lower the interest charges borne by the business. During the question and answer session, shareholders showed the most concern around areas such as rising cost of sales and strategies in place to reduce that, raw material sourcing and percentage of local content used, opening up of new markets, particularly in the north of the country, the effects of the new excise regime on performance, plans around the ready-todrink market, and product acceptance. Degroot said that “marketing and sales budget increased because we continue the aggressive drive to promote our brands, including the newly introduced ones like our premium brand Budweiser, and increase our market share.” She, however, assured shareholders and other stakeholders of a bright future ahead for the business, because she is “excited by the prospects shown by Budweiser, Hero, Trophy and the other brands.” Inter na tiona l Br ew eries has applied to the Securities and Exchange Commission to raise N165 billion in a rights issue at N9 per share, and is expected to get the nod of the commission and clearance and approval from other relevant government agencies, following the approval of the issue by shareholders on 15 October 2019. The issue is expected to be concluded by year end.

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News Kwara government pledges to promote tourism, hospitality industry ...as Abdulrazaq inaugurates Awiye Library, Museum SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

he Kwara State Government says it will do everything within available resources to promote and encourage culture, tourism and hospitality industry. The State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq made this known while speaking at the commissioning of Awiye Memorial Library and Museum donated by Pastor Olountele Alabi Dokun in Ijomu Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state. Represented by his Deputy, Kayode Alabi, the governor explained that the Library which is stocked with 40,000 valuable books to immortalise the legacies of the late Nathaniel Sangodokun is in consonance with the developmental efforts of his administration to rebuild Kwara State. “On our part, we will do everything within available resources to ensure that Kwara reclaims its place in Nigeria. I have repeatedly said that our administration

Governor Abdulrazaq

will promote our culture and encourage tourism and hospitality industry to grow,” he said. The governor listed government’s efforts targeted at rebuilding education and schools across the state to include insistence on National Certificate in Education (NCE) as minimum teaching qualification in primary schools, ongoing renovation of the state library as well as construction and rehabilitation of some schools across

the state. Abdulrazaq disclosed plan to make a part of the state library innovation hub whereby tech-savvy young people can try their hands on new ideas to make their mark in the world of information communication technology. The governor commended the effort of Dokun for his laudable contribution to the future of the state and expressed gratitude to the community, urging

other well-to-do individuals to emulate the gesture. “We cannot in good conscience neglect educational infrastructure and claim to be committed to a brighter future for our children. The Awiye Memorial Library and Museum is no doubt a laudable contribution to the future of our state and we are very grateful for this community effort. Specifically, this museum is a great initiative at a time every patriotic Nigerian or proud African should be concerned about the loss of our history, cultural traditions and value system to the rampaging western pop culture. We call on other well-heeled individuals to show similar concern for the future of our youths, cultural renaissance, and intellectual growth of our state,” he said. “We are already walking our talk in this regard. I am glad to inform you that the Museum Road Esie is one of the 26 roads that have already been slated for construction. We are similarly taking other steps meant to open up our state for investments that would benefit everyone,” the governor further said.

Govt urged to assist poor widows, senior citizens Ngozi Okpalakunne

overnment and kind-hearted people in society have been urged to come to the aid of helpless widows and senior citizens in the country. Speaking at one-day forum organised in Lagos by Touch of Love and Lifting Hands Foundation, a Lagosbased non-governmental organisation, the CEO of the foundation, Atinuke Owolabi described the situation of some widows and senior citizens as pitiable and added that assistance from the government and well meaning Nigerians will go a long way in bringing succor to them. “One thing is missing in the lives of these special but emotionally disturbed people and that is the absence of government intervention especially local and state governments. These poor widows and abandoned senior citizens felt like they have been marginalised and forgotten by the very institutions of government that is supposed to protect them. Most of these senior citizens are retirees, they gave their

best to service of their father land while they were younger, now they are old, receiving their pension has become something difficult, thereby exposing them to untold hardship that is capable of driving them to early grave,” Awolabi added. While commending the Federal Government for initiating programmes that will benefit the masses, he stressed the need for the government to ensure that such programmes get to those at the grassroots level.

“The Federal Government launched programmes such as the conditional cash transfer, trader and market moni among others, but such never get to the grassroots in some places,” Awolabi noted. On the idea behind her venturing into caring for the poor widows and senior citizens, she said: “Personal experience made me have a firsthand knowledge on what boredom and loneliness can impact to the mental health of this group of people because, this cannot

be observed from the physical being of an individual; it creates a silent killer to millions of widows and senior citizens in Lagos, and other parts of Lagos.” Highlighting some of their activities at the foundation, she explained that the organisation takes care of the abandoned aged people, widows/ widowers, the physically challenged and vulnerable girls in the society by providing them free medical check-ups and drugs; welfare package during festive periods.

L-R: Atinuke Owolabi, CEO/founder Touch of Love and Lifting Hands Foundation, with Aderemi Adebowale, special adviser to the governor of Lagos State on Civic Engagement, during a forum organised by the foundation at its secretariat, Ifako Ijaye, Lagos.

IPPIS: An Act of violence against University system - ASUU REMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has described government pronouncement to enroll university workers in the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) as an act of violence against the university system. Reacting to the latest directive by the Federal Government that her officials will move to campuses to begin enrollment of University workers on the IPPIS, the union said: “It is worrisome for a government under democratic dispensation to resort to force rather than dialogue”. ASUU, while reacting through its University of Ibadan Chairman, Deji Omole described the alleged disobedience of the Muhammadu Buhari administration to laws of the land as the greatest corruption. ASUU stated that the Union cannot be harassed or intimidated by those who have penchant for breaking the law. According to him, breaking existing laws with impunity is the greatest corruption. Omole, a professor, stated that it is worrisome that a government under democracy is afraid of negotiation and dialogue but

prefers to use force. The ASUU boss maintained that the Union will use available democratic means to prevent the violation and desecration of the Nigerian University system which the children of the President and top government officials do not find worthy of attending. “If not, why is the government afraid of negotiations? We are not perturbed by the directive. A government claiming to be fighting corruption should not break the law,” Omole said. According to him, “The University Autonomy Act is very clear on university administrators. There is no greater corruption than those breaking the law of the land. Breaking of existing laws with impunity is the greatest corruption anywhere in the world. We refused to be harassed or intimidated. We are not strangers in this country. We are veritable stakeholders. We cannot be harassed. We have told them what to do. Let the government come back to negotiation’s table and let’s discuss the grey areas. Forceful enlistment will not solve the problem. We are not disturbed but we are worried, government is getting dictatorial. A supposedly democratic government is getting dictatorial.”

Barovbe backs Taiga’s return bid as president-general in UPU

s the election of Ur h o b o s o c i a l cultural organisation, Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) draws near, the Ahwotu of Urhoboland, Johnson Barovbe, proprietor of Westminster College, Lagos, has thrown his weight behind the re-election bid of Olorogun Moses Taiga, the incumbent President General. In a press statement, Barovbe said Olorogun Taiga remains the best candidate for the position of the President General of UPU. “I supported him during the first election that brought him to power and I am supporting him again. Olorogun Taiga has performed to my expectation. He has fulfilled most of his electoral promises. Under his leadership, the Urhobo Cultural Centre Uvwiamughe, which used to be an eye-sore, is now a beautiful edifice. The micro-finance bank and the Mukoro Mo-

woe University projects, which he promised, are ongoing. More progress will be made during his second term,” Barovbe added. He also commended Olorogun Taiga for resolving the intractable disunity among Urhobos in the UK. “For a long time, the UPU UK had two factions, but Taiga has been able to unite them. Taiga has also brought respectability to the office of the UPU President General. Did you hear that any politician brought money and bought the UPU over during the last election,” Barovbe asked. He advised those who are interested in UPU positions to buy the nomination forms and contest instead of engaging in campaign of calumny. “The elections will hold on the first week of December and is open to all Urhobos. You cannot tell anybody not to put himself up for re-election when the constitution allows it,” Barovbe said.

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News Emmanuel pledges continued support to start-ups, business growth in A/Ibom ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

overnor Udom Emmanuel of Ak w a I b o m State has reiterated his administration’s continued readiness to support startups and growing businesses as part of efforts to ensure wealth creation and poverty alleviation. Ime Uwah, senior special assistant to the governor on Microfinance and Enterprise Development stated this during the November Dakkada Networking Experience edition, a monthly business and networking event organised by the Micro-Finance & Enterprise Development Unit of the Governor’s Office. Uwah said the governor would continue to promote entrepreneurship and encourage its development in the State through every available platform such as the Dakkada Networking Experience which he described as a business parley with the drive to help entrepreneurs network, share ideas and collaborate with relevant stakeholders on better and

Udom

easier ways to conduct their businesses. According to him, the Dakkada Networking experience, a monthly event is geared towards bringing entrepreneurs together with the focus of networking and building better relationships while encouraging and consolidating on entrepreneurship development. He said the meeting became necessary to gather entrepreneurs in an informal

setting to have them network, discuss and tinker of the way forward for their business growth. “Our plan is to mobilise entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom state to live up to expectation and uphold the industrious, enterprising and spirit of hard work which is synonymous with the Akwa Ibom people,” he added. In his remarks, the company secretary, Akwa Savings and Loans limited, Aba-

siama Idiong explained that often times, entrepreneurs complain about difficulty to access credit facilities maintained that the meeting was meant to afford both the entrepreneurs and stakeholders the opportunity to ask relevant questions on how to access. In her presentation, ImeUmanah Kokoette, a representative of one of the commercial banks in the state stated that there are packages for growing businesses in the informal sector, adding that they are presently facilitating and disbursing SME loans for women entrepreneurs. Kokoette further stressed women needed to own more than 50percent of the business and that no collateral was required to secure the loans, only BVN and evidence of existing business adding it covers areas ranging from agriculture, fashion, cosmetology, confectioneries, hospitality, among others. Speaking on the effort of the Akwa Ibom State Government to helping entrepreneurs access credit, Monday John, Secretary, Akwa Ibom Microcredit scheme hinted

Again, NDDC vows to rescue Itu-Calabar Road …But earlier promises on Igwuruta-Okehi Rd and Imo Bridge yet to materialise Ignatius Chukwu

gain, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is to rescue the federal highway between Itu in Akwa Ibom State and Calabar in Cross River State, where lawmakers visiting eastern ports got trapped few months ago. This as the pledge to rescue the Oyibo Road across Imo River remained same long after the Ibim Semenitari interim era that started it, and the recent pledge by another interim CEO, Nelson Brambaifa, to rescue the IgwurutaOkehi Okpala Road got only

Inspection of Itu Road project

a scratch. The NDDC currently headed by another interim CEO, Joi Nunieh, says it will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to repair the failed sections of the Itu-Calabar highway, the only road linking Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. Speaking after inspecting some bad spots at Itu in Cross Rivers State on Thursday, November 21, 2019, Nunieh said the poor condition of the road called for urgent action. Semenitari won awards and hearts in Cross River when she fought the Itu Road that make the Cross River economy strong due to the trucking

and rock industry. Nunieh, who was represented by the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Ibanga Bassey Etang, and the Acting Executive Director, Projects, Cairo Ojougboh, assured that the NDDC would make efforts to make the road useable for the Christmas season. Etang said: “The road is very bad. A journey that would have taken like one hour from Uyo to Calabar now takes several hours.” He noted, however, that the Federal Government had awarded a contract for the reconstruction of the CalabarOdukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene federal highway, adding: “We

have decided to interface with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to see how we can alleviate the sufferings of our people, since this is one of our catchment areas. “We need to do something quickly because Christmas is fast approaching. We will try as much as we can to make sure we do our best so that people can use this road during the Christmas season.” A truck driver heading to Port Harcourt from Calabar, Uche Egwuonwu, lamented that his truck fell down at the Itu end because of the deplorable state of the road. He appealed for the urgent intervention of the Federal Government and its agencies. The NDDC team also inspected the on-going construction of the Emen Ndiya Road in Eket Local Government Area, where they were informed that the contract was awarded in 2012. Etang observed that work on the project had resumed apparently because of the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari. He advised other contractors working for the NDDC to go back to site to execute the jobs given to them by the Commission, warning: “If you have a job with the NDDC, you must execute it promptly or face the consequences.”

that Governor Udom has contributed a tangible quota to the growth of businesses in the state by facilitating over 17,000 interest free loans to SMEs from 2015 till date. John stressed the present administration has not relented efforts in helping entrepreneurs especially market women, technicians and business people from the informal sector. He added that plans are on ground to ensure every entrepreneur that needs credit facility is accommodated in the scheme. Also speaking, the state manager of Small and Median Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Lucy Ekpenyong said that Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Akwa Ibom state lack the basic education on how to access credit, what package is available and how the packages can be accessed, stressing that most SMEs frustrate the process of getting credit by applying for amounts which automatically robs them of credit assessment. She listed programes of the agency which include women entrepreneur ship scheme, conditional

grant scheme and One local Government One Product (OLOP) scheme which she said were all at providing funding support to enterprises in the state aimed at supporting the growth of MSMEs in the state. She also highlighted the importance of business upgrade programme in which the agency in partnership with political office holders is engaged in to formalise informal businesses in different local government areas of the state “When small business owners who should request for 1 million naira end up requesting for 5 million instead, definitely the application is going to be turned down because SMEDAN looks critically at the business cash flow, viability and the capacity of the entrepreneur to pay back the loans before approving any loan or grant.” She further maintained that SMEDAN as close partners with CBN had put up a new system that encourages credible and profitable SMEs funding by eliminating guarantors system, providing a low interest rate and convenient payment period.

Abia appeals to FG for release of Ecological Funds to tackle landslide UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

he Abia State Government has called o n t h e Fe d e r a l Government for urgent release of ecological intervention fund to enable it arrest ecological challenges facing some Abia communities. John Okiyi Kalu, the state commissioner for information, made the call shortly after inspecting the degree/ magnitude of landslide threatening Ubahu village in Oriendu Autonomous Community, Umuahia North L.G.A, of the state. He however, assured the people that the state government, within its limited resources, would do the needful to arrest the rampaging landslide. Kalu, who revealed that the state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, had directed the Nigeria Erosion Watershed ManagementProject(NEWMAP) to tackle the menace of the landslide, reassured of the preparedness of the government to intervene and save people’s homes and farms. Eze Philip Ajomiwe, the traditional ruler of Oriendu Autonomous Community, while conducting Kalu around the affected areas lamented that farmlands, cash crops and fish ponds

estimated at N7.5million had been lost to the landslide. While recounting the losses suffered by his subjects, Ajomiwe called on the government to come to their rescue and save them from the damage done by the natural disaster, as his community has lost several acres of farmland to the landslide, adding that the landslide was giving the villagers sleepless nights. He lamented that the incident was a threat to their continuous existence as a community and a major setback to the agricultural activities of the indigenes, adding, “We are an agrarian community with majority of the residents engaged in subsistence farming. The landslide has destroyed our cash crops and farmlands, and I personally lost my fish ponds with over 2,500 fishes in each pond” “The foundations of many houses very close to the landslide site, especially the piggery housing over 100 animals, have all shifted and may soon cave in.” The traditional ruler expressed fear that if nothing was done to checkmate the menace, a large portion of the community stood the risk of being completely buried, while the lives of the inhabitants would not guaranteed.

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CIoTA plans to push policy for integration Abia Primary Health Agency launches of various transportation modes advanced anti-measles vaccine AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

etermined to ensure ease of cargo movement from the nation’s seaports to the final destinations, the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA) said its perfecting plans to push for policy to enable seamless integration of the different modes of transportation. This would be the focal point of its 2019 National Transport Summit scheduled to hold on December 3–5 at the Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre in Abuja with the theme, “Unlocking the Potentials of Transportation for Sustainable Development.” Bashir Jamoh, President of CIoTA, who disclosed this in Lagos at the weekend, said the event would create an avenue to address the silo nature of the modes of transportation in the country, which have not been beneficial to the trade supply chain. “CIoTA will be addressing a key issue of how best

Bashir Jamoh

to get the needed value in the supply chain, because trade is only complete when goods get to their final destination in efficient manner. The challenge has been the non-integrated use of the various transportation modes, making it difficult for movement of goods from the ports to various locations,” said Jamoh, who doubles as the executive director, Finance and Administration, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). According to him, the institute will be looking at solutions that would integrate the road, rail, air, and water transport systems. “We want to push for policy to uphold seamless integration of various transport modes

to support trade.” Jamoh further identified the use of railway and barges for the movement of containers as one good solution to the perennial gridlock in Apapa port city. He however emphasised the need for the expansion of ports, based on the fact that Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports have lost spaces. At the forthcoming event, it is expected that Doyin Salami, chairman, Presidential Economic Council would be the lead speakers. Dignitaries expected at the summit include President Muhammadu Buhari, special guest of honour; Chibuike Amaechi, Minister of Transportation; Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation; Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Works and Housing, and Gbemi Saraki, Minister of State for Transportation, who will be the guests of honour. Other speakers include Dakuku Peterside, directorgeneral of NIMASA; Hadiza Bala Usman, managing director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and Fidet Okhiria, managing director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and among others.

UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

h e Ab i a St a t e Primary Healthcare Development Agency has launched advanced form of anti-measles vaccine in the state, aimed at protecting kids in the state. The new vaccine, which is fully known as Measles Containing Vaccine 2 has also been distributed across the 914 centres in the state which comprised 710 Primary Health Centres and Mission hospitals in all the 17 LGAs of the state. The new development was disclosed by Chinagozi Adindu (a medical doctor) and the executive secretary of the agency. He explained that the new drug which is an improved type of anti-measles vaccine was developed to tackle the challenges of recurrence of the disease in children who suffered measles even after taking the first type. He noted that “This new vaccine MV2 which is very safe and free of charge, would be administered to kids who

are nine months of age; that is the first time, and after 15 months, mothers are advised to bring their kids to various Primary Healthcare Centres to complete the dosage. But those who had already vaccinated their babies during the zero to nine exercise are expected to bring their babies to the centres for the second stage only, but that is, if such babies are below 23 months of age. After 23 months of age, no kid is eligible to take the vaccines again.” “The vaccines are safe, free. I advise our mothers to keep their cards secure and to come with it for us to know if they missed the first stage or not. But the kids who missed the first stage can still start with the second one while those who received the first one would only receive the second type. We have trained our staff, we have mobilised the people, the churches; we have used town criers, staged road walks to sensitise the people,” Adindu further said. He disclosed that Measles, a viral disease, had

killed many kids across the country and rendered several others blind, urging mothers to utilise the opportunity to make their kids Measles-free. Adindu further pointed out that “If we discover that any kid is already with a case of measles, he or she is first stabilised before the vaccine is given to such a baby.” The Executive Secretary also assured those living in hinterlands with rough terrain that they would be completely captured in the exercise through his office’s intensification programme, while thanking Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his efforts at ensuring the sound health of Abia kids. At Adelabu Street headquarters of the Agency in Umuahia, over 400 mothers turned up for the immunization. Some of the mothers interviewed expressed happiness over the exercise. One of them, Ijeoma Oliver promised to take the message to women in her rural area and thanked both the federal and state governments for their giant strides in health sector.

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States now implementing non-custodial option - NCoS Stella Enenche, Abuja

ome states of the federation have started the gradual implementation of community service option as punishment for offenders, instead of sending them to correctional facilities. The non-custodial option, otherwise known as community service, is part of the demands of the new correctional act that amended the

prisons act. BDSUNDAY had sought to know what visible changes have taken place, since the signing into law of the bill amending the prisons act. Responding, spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Francis Enobore, said states had begun to adopt the nonprison option. He listed Lagos and Abuja as some of the jurisdictions that put offenders through the community service option.

He said 2,555 persons have so far been sent to various places to offer community service. “The visible change one can see for now is the gradual implementation of the noncustodial option. There are some states now that have started sending offenders to community service instead of taking them to the custodial facility. “Lagos State and Abuja have keyed in. January to October 2019 Lagos recorded about 2,553, while Abuja, the

Kuje Custodial Centre has just 2 cases,” Enobore stated. He, however, noted that trainings were being organised for affected officials in the area of restorative justice. His words: “Let us look at the salient issues the act tends to address. We talked about the issue of congestion which deals with the issues of condemned convicts that sometimes stay in detention even when some of them have exhausted their opportunities up to Supreme

Court level. “Towards the restorative justice which is a component of the noncustodial measures, training are going on now. Presently, we are training people at the headquarters on how to mediate towards the implementation of the act. “Like in the case of congestion particularly for those awaiting trial, now, it will take the understanding and collaboration of others and agencies of the government that are working with us in

the criminal justice system to be able to coordinate effectively to activate that particular portion that gives powers to the Nigerian correctional services to either accept or reject into correctional facilities.” According to him: “Having exhausted every opportunity at the supreme court table, the state chief judge does not need to wait for any state chief executive anymore as it used to be; he can now commute the death sentence or to life imprisonment”.

Elective position: Edo PDP calls for review of waivers to defectors IDRIS UMAR MOMOH, BENIN

do State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has advocated for a review of political parties’ constitution bordering on waiver for new members to aspire for elective position. Dan Orbih, the state chairman of the party, made the call in an interview with newsmen during the party’s enlarged leaders’ meeting across the 18 local government areas, in Benin City. Orbih noted that the automatic waiver granted to defectors to contest elective position has not served the best interest of political parties in the country. He lamented that a lot of politicians have abused the

doctrine of waiver granted them by parties after using such party to climb to power. He opined that reviewing the parties’ constitution on waiver will go a long way to instilling political discipline and sanity to the political structure. He also added that it would help to nip in the bud gamblers in the nation’s politics. According to him, “The move would instill discipline in the nation’s politics. I think if we do that, it will bring sanity to the political structure of our party so that we don’t breed political gamblers. “This is a time for sober reflection. Parties should revisit the issue of waiver for new comers who are interested in contesting elective positions. “Defectors must have

stayed in a party for a minimum period before they can contest elective positions. “For instance, a governorship candidate of the PDP in 2016, in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu alongside dozens of his supporters Thursday resigned their membership from the party and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).” “Ize-Iyamu joined the PDP in 2014 and emerged the party’s flag-bearer two years after. Thousands of such politicians abound in the country across the majority political parties,” he said. He however, disclosed that the meeting was primarily for the party to prepare for its forthcoming state-wide congress to take over from the current executives due to end early next year.

Sanwo-Olu assures of support as Army launches Crocodile Smile IV CHUKA UROKO

agos State governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has assured the Nigerian Army of his administration’s continued support as it engages in intensive security duties in the state. The governor, who gave this assurance at the flag-off ceremony of the Nigeria Army’s 81 Division’s exercise code-named ‘Crocodile Smile IV’ for Lagos and Ogun states held at Takwa Bay, Lagos, also urged Lagos residents to be security conscious. Represented at the event by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, the governor commended the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, for his thoughtfulness and strategic foresight in mooting the idea of Exercise Crocodile Smile Iv which was geared towards ensuring peace and security within the South-West and South-South region during the festive period. According to the governor, “from antecedents, the security issues prevalent

within the yuletide are not lost on any of us as criminal elements move to amass wealth through underhanded means during the period” He added that the Exercise Crocodile Smile IV is a welcome development that promises to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven within the period. “We cannot thank you enough for your efforts and sacrifices”, the governor said, commending the army for their resilience and determination towards providing security in Lagos and other states across the country, including the federal capital territory.

While seeking the support for security operatives, the governor urged the citizens to be security conscious and notice what goes on in their environment. “The Police and other security personnel are not magicians and they don’t look at oracle, they listen to information; it is good for all of us to conduct ourselves and just be our neighbours’ keeper,” he said. He further affirmed that beaches around Lagos, which are beehive of activities, will remain safe with such security activities as the one planned and executed by the Nigerian army.

L-R: Folasade Shotomide, Kola Oyekanmi, Archana Bhart, Olapeju Paraiso, and Addeola Olatunbosun, all of Lion Quest, during a media interaction as part of activities to welcome Bhatt, international trainer who visited Nigeria from India.

300 teachers, 12,000 students benefit from Lion Quest skills for adolescence programmes Modestus Anaesoronye

ions Quest Nigeria, implementers of Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence, a programme of the Lions Club International Foundation has successfully trained over 300 teachers from 138 schools in Nigeria. In the programme targeted at teaching young people skills necessary for everyday success has been extended to over 12,000 students across schools in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja. Lion Quest is a comprehensive social and emotional (SEL) youth development programme that promotes character education, bully prevention, drug awareness and service learning. It also promotes a caring, safe, well managed and participatory learning environment that allows students to develop 21st Century life skills. Kola Oyekanmi, country coordinator, Lions Quest

Nigeria and secretary Lions Quest Nigeria Board of Trustees made the disclosure during an interaction as part of activities to welcome their international trainer, Archana Bhatt who visited Nigeria from India. Oyekanmi reeling out the successes of Lion Quest Nigeria since it was resuscitated in 2013, said it has secured approval to implement the programme in public schools in two states – Osun and Cross River, starting with two local government areas in each state for pilot implementation. “Presently, we are in the process of finalising an MoU with Osun State Ministry of Education, and when that happens over 2,000 teachers would have been trained to affect over 200,000 students.” Ac c o r d i n g t o Ko l a Oyekanmi the expansion of the implementation of the programme in Nigeria will widen the scope of prevention of many youths from the dangers of smoking and

the risk of using and abusing drugs and alcohol. Ar c h a n a Bh a t t , t h e senior trainer from India who was excited about the progress being made by the new leadership in Lion Quest Nigeria said more people are encouraged to volunteer as trainers and get certified, stating that it was necessary to increase the capacity of the Lion Quest to reach out to a larger population of youths in the country. She said the group engages in follow up to monitor implementation process and update the trainers on new developments. Lions Quest programme are implemented and operated in 85 countries in the world with more than 620,000 educators trained and certified worldwide to participate in the programme. Its curriculum and materials have been translated into 50 languages. In all, nearly 15 million young people have benefited from Lion Quest programs.

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News Feature

Border closure: Increased demand for local rice calls for higher bank lending HOPE MOSES-ASHIKE

ames (surname withheld) used to sell imported rice from Cotonou, Benin Republic, and never liked selling the locally produced brand. When asked for local rice, James would say, “I don’t sell it because it is expensive and people don’t like to buy it.” When the border between Nigeria and Benin Republic was closed, James ran out of stock. He waited for two weeks to know if the border would be re-opened but that did not happen. James did not have a choice than to move on. Today, he sells three different types of locally produced rice. “There are too many local rice varieties in the market but these are the ones preferred by my customers,” he said, while pointing at the brands. His problem is funding, but he is reluctant to borrow from the financial institutions due to high interest rate. There are other business owners across the country with a similar case like James. They experience increased demand for their products but cannot expand owing to lack of funds. The higher demand for local rice calls for banks to see the need to lend to critical players in the industry who are helping farmers to reduce their stock. “Banks have been lending to agriculture, not in the appropriate proportion anyway,” Ayodele Akinwunmi, analyst at FSDH Merchant Bank limited, said. Border closure, he said, is a temporary measure. Analysts say effective border policies and policies backed up with appropriate policies can improve the business environment, judicial system and land reforms while stimulating lending to the agriculture sector in Nigeria. There must also be adequate linkage between the agriculture sector and industrial sector to guarantee off-taking of farm produce, they add. Aggregate banking system credit to the domestic economy (net) rose by 30.3 percent in September 2019, compared with the growth of 1.9 per cent in corresponding period of 2018. Relative to the level at the end of August 2019, it grew by 24.3 percent, according to the economic report for the month of October released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have been aggressively pushing credit to consumers in compliance with the Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) directives of the CBN. However, Ayodeji Ebo, managing director, Afrinvest Securities Limited, said, “I’m not sure the banks will lend on the back of just border closure to rice farmers. The banks will only lend on a viable and robust rice policy that shows clearly the opportunities across all the rice value chains. The border closure timeline was only extended and it is not a permanent closure, so a lot of uncertainties still exist in that space.” In August, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the partial closure of Nigeria’s border with the Benin Republic to curb smuggling of rice and other commodities, and also directed the CBN to stop providing dollars to import food items in a bid to ramp up local farm production and attain full food security. Although the borders were closed ahead of the cultivation of sufficient local capacity thus causing hike in the prices of local farm produce rice especially, it is only in the short run. In the long run, the demand push is expected to encourage investments in the affected sector that will benefit the economy in terms of job creation, economists say. The border closure has created scarcity of the commodity in the markets across the country, forcing prices to skyrocket to as high as N24,000 average price for a N50kg bag of local rice varieties in September and October this year. However, it compelled Nigerians who generally have a high preference for foreign varieties to shift to local brands.

BusinessDay’s recent survey at Daleko Market, the biggest rice market in Lagos, shows that local brands now dominate traders’ shelves with prices declining when compared to a month ago. The average price of a 50kg bag of local brands from integrated rice millers such as Mama Pride, Umza Classic, Mama Choice, Lake Rice, Three Brothers and Al-Hamsad, among others, is N19,500 as against N24,000 sold a month ago, indicating a 19percent drop in prices. A 50kg bag of rice from semi-integrated millers and manual millers sells for between N14,000 and N15,000. These varieties are regarded as lower quality with stones mixed with the rice grains. In an op-ed by David Luke and Gerald Masila, titled ‘A trip to Seme-Krake: Mending the cracks in the Benin-Nigeria trade relationship’, the article said the smuggling of rice is particularly contentious. In fact, rice is first on a long list of contraband goods issued by the Nigerian authorities, the article says. The country has invested significant resources in expanding rice production, but these efforts are undermined by smuggling from Benin. The rice entering is smuggled because it is not produced in Benin. It is sourced from outside the ECOWAS region and therefore does not meet the rules of origin requirements to qualify for dutyfree treatment. Benin imports rice from outside ECOWAS at cheaper tariffs than Nigeria, and this rice enters Nigeria through unofficial routes and is then sold at below-market prices. A single trip to the Seme-Krake border and surrounding trade routes is enough to verify that smuggling is a very real problem that requires serious attention. The government of Nigeria has been engaging these countries about the need for them to control the influx of some of these smuggled goods into Nigeria but nothing happened. Since 2015, Nigeria’s President Mohammadu Buhari, has been saying that there is a need for

Inspection of rice farm

Local rice

Rice farmers in Nigeria Nigerians to eat what they grow and grow what we eat. Godwin Emefiele, governor of the CBN, in May 2019, raised concern over smuggling and dumping of goods, which he said were hindering economic policies. “If we find a company involved in smuggling then we will use our own tools available to us to compliment the efforts of Nigeria Customs. Our instrument is to investigate that company and if found involved in smuggling and dumping, we will stop them,” he said, adding that “We will stamp economic sabotage on them and use them as examples to deal with them for people to learn to respect the economic policies of Nigeria”. The CBN, in the second term administration of Emefiele, intends to discourage the activities of smugglers, who bring in restricted goods into the country. Perpetrators and their affiliated companies are blacklisted and denied access to banking

services in the entire country. On a monthly basis $38.5 million is being saved by the Federal Government by closing the border, because smuggling has been stopped for petrol across the border, official government data say. Responding to questions on border closure, Gbenga Sholotan, head, Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria (RMBN) Stockbrokers Research said, “Yes, it is working in terms of government revenue and also foreign exchange, but inflation is getting higher on the back of that”. Before the border closure, the CBN, in order to reduce the country’s reliance on the importation of items which could be produced in Nigeria, restricted access to foreign exchange on 43 items, while deploying intervention funds to support growth and productivity in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. These measures helped to support the attainment of its monetary policy objectives such as a reduction in the inflation rate, stability in our exchange rate and improved accretion to our external reserves. Following the implementation of a tighter monetary policy regime and improved foreign exchange inflows as a result of the introduction of the I&E window, inflation began to decline, from its peak of 18.7 percent in January 2017 to 11.02 percent in August, before picking up again to 11.61 percent in October 2019. At the height of drop in crude oil prices, Nigeria’s external reserves had declined to $23.7 billion in October 2016. With the introduction of the I&E window, the stock of external reserves recovered steadily and rose to $44.8 billion as at March 19, 2019 before declining to about $40 billion currently. The CBN’s Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) has ensured that Nigeria emerge from being a net importer of rice to becoming a major producer of rice, supplying key markets in neighbouring countries. “In a manner of speaking, IMF supports the border closure that we’ve done because they understand that the closure wasn’t meant to be vindictive. It was meant for us to restore our relationship with our neighbours prior to the commitments that we made,” Zainab Ahmed minister of finance, budget and national planning, said during the 2019 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington. Responding to questions on border closure in Washington, Emefiele said there is a need to ensure that Nigeria produced rice is purchased. “It also means that we are creating jobs for workers in the mills, and for rice framers. By closing the border, where our poultry items are now being purchased, it means we are creating jobs for poultry farmers and those that are into the poultry business. That is the only way we can create jobs for our people and see to the emancipation of our country,” he said.

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13 Inside Lagos

Gridlocks and growing concern over loss of man-hour on Lagos roads JOSHUA BASSEY

esidents and businesses are becoming increasingly worried as loss of man-hour in traffic becomes widespread in Nigeria’s commercial city of Lagos. There is also the growing fear that the worse of the traffic strangulation might be in the offing as the end-of-year and Christmas festivities draw closer in a city already lying prostrate to congestion with all its attendant socioeconomic consequences. With an estimated population of 22 million people and a vehicular density of over 222 vehicles/km, but largely unplanned network of roads, Lagos, the smallest of Nigeria’s 36 states, by landmass, sitting on 3,577 km², faces myriad of challenges, including shortage of social amenities, housing, traffic robbery and road congestion. But road congestion over the years had been made worse by the absence of reliable rail and water transportation systems which ought to serve as alternatives. Although efforts have been made by successive administrations to up the percentage contributions of rail and water transportation to the overall public transportation system in the state, very little has been achieved. The state government in ten years has been unable to deliver a light rail system (Blue Line) it set out to construct since 2009, targeted to be com-

pleted in 2014. The Governor Babajide Sanw-Olu administration which came into office in May 2019, says it hopes to complete the first phase of the light rail in 2020. The only passenger rail system that passes through the state is the locomotive run by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). But most of the time, passengers, in a primitive manner, are seen hanging by the doors and roofs of the overburdened trains, while boat mishaps are regularly reported on the waterways. Concerned authorities, including the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have continued to grapple with the issue of safety on the waters. As it is, road accounts for nearly 100 percent of movement of people and goods in the state. But years of neglect and poor

maintenance have left the roads in their state of disrepair; resulting to traffic snarls which motorists are forced to contend with. Indeed, movements within the metropolis have become a nightmare, as journeys of 30 to 40 minutes now take four to five hours in traffic. Jude Nduka, a trader at the auto spare parts market, Lagos trade fair complex, on the LagosBa d a g r y e x p r e s s w a y is deeply concerned as the Christmas festivities draw closer. According to Nduka, end-of-year period comes with its peculiar challenges, but this, added to the poor state of the roads, will likely lead to a crisis situation in terms of movement of people and goods across the state. “ Gi v e n w h a t w e ’ r e presently experiencing on the roads, I am afraid we might be having a standstill situation during the festive period when the

But road congestion over the years had been made worse by the absence of reliable rail and water transportation systems which ought to serve as alternatives roads naturally get busier than normal. My appeal is that the state government should intensify efforts fixing the roads and making them motorable,” said Nduka. Nduka’s concern is shared by Sulaiman Akintola, who resides in Egbeda, Alimosho, but sells tyres at Idumota, on Lagos Island. In the last five months, Akintola has been shuttling between home and shop with a commercial motorcycle, ostensibly to avoid spending productive hours in traffic. But he sees the situation getting worse in the days weeks ahead. “It is usually very tough during end-of-year festive season. It might be worse this year because of the poor state of the roads,” he said on Friday. Akintola points to potholes-riddled Ikotun-EgbeCele road leading to Apapa-Oshodi expressway, lamenting the difficulty commuters go through in their daily journeys. Equally disturbed by the

intractable traffic situation are the state lawmakers who have advised the executive arm to do more to ameliorate the suffering of the people. The lawmakers in a motion moved by Temitope Adewale, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye state constituency 1, during a plenary on Friday, linked the worsening gridlock partly to the palliative works being carried out on some roads, calling on the contractors handling such works, as well as the ministry of works and infrastructure, to reschedule their work time outside the peak hours. The legislators, who believe that the law enforcement agencies are equally culpable, called on the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to dismantle their checkpoints within the metropolis. They also want officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) to up their game and safe man-hour being lost on

the roads. The lawmakers want Governor Sanwo-Olu to invest more on water and rail transportation to ease pressure on the roads, just as Adewale, decried spending four hours to get to his house in Ifako-Ijaiye from the House of Assembly complex at Alausa, on Monday, November 18, 2019. The lawmaker suggests that the on-going palliative works be rescheduled to between 11pm-5am away from the peak hours. Speaker of the house, Mudashiru Obasa, who, however, was full of praise for Sanwo-Olu for being proactive regarding the road maintenance, wants the governor to direct his commissioner for transportation to engage all those involved in road maintenance as well as security personnel on traffic duties to see the possibility of suspending work during peak hours. Th e i r con ce rn s a re shared by Hakeem Odumosu, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, who is seeking to review the approach by the traffic unit of the state police command in partnership with the ministry of transportation. Odumosu is also deploying additional 1,000 police personnel on the road to strengthen traffic management. H o w e v e r, Fr e d e r i c Oladeinde the commissioner for transportation, is disturbed that despite the state government continuous dialogue with the public on the need to be disciplined by obeying the traffic rules and regulations, the public is yet to align, as traffic offenders are increasing by the day. He notes that as government strives to play her part by fixing the roads, the attitudes of motorists remain a setback in achieving free flow of traffic. He laments that the robbers are taking advantage of the traffic situation to attack motorists, while some traffic officials have also fallen victims to attacks in the course of official duties, warning that anyone caught in this act will face the full wrath of the law.

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Sunday 24 November 2019

News

How Opay is making intra-city transportation pleasant for commuters in A/Ibom

Keke operation: Abia bans ASATOA, approves 2 new associations to sanitise sector

n an attempt to properly regulate the activities of tricycle (Keke) operators and reduce crime in Abia State, especially in Aba and Umuahia, the State Government has proscribed the Abia State Amalgamated Tricycle Operators Association (ASATOA). In its place, the State Government announced the recognition of 2 new associations, namely Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) and Aba Tricycle Riders Integrated Welfare Association (ATRIWA), while any other one that would be named later would be in collaboration with the leadership of ASATOA. Some stakeholders attributed government’s decision to proscribe ASATOA to the inability of its officials to regulate the activities of its members, who were often accused of colluding with criminal elements to use their tricycles to commit crime, especially kidnapping. So many kidnapping and armed robbery incidents in Aba, the commercial hub of the state and Umuahia, the state capital have been associated with tricycle operators, who are yet to be identified. Ek e l e Nw a o h a m u o, commissioner for Trans-

ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK

t is lunch time and many are in restaurants and canteens that dot the streets of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital. In reality, almost all streets have one form of restaurant or the other. From the popular Food is Ready’ joint to high brow canteens and restaurants, everybody has a place of his choice where he or she can relish delicious meals and delicacies that the city and its people are known for. Okon Etim, decked in a black suit has finished his meal and is anxiously waiting to get back to his office. He reaches out to his mobile phone and dialed a number. Within few minutes, a tricycle pulls over. He steps out of the restaurant and begins a conversation with the tricycle operator. “Are you James?” he asked. “Yes, I am?’’ he answered. Etim tells the tricycle operator his destination and in a jiffy, the journey begins. This is an innovation in inner city transportation. It involves the use of mobile phones in making transportation easier and a pleasurable experience. The deployment of mobile phone for use by tricycle operators to convey commuters from one point to another in the city has taken roots in Uyo. Coming in the absence of a taxi scheme in town makes all the difference. Etim is not the only commuter enjoying the innovative use of mobile phone in the transport sector. Hundreds of others including youth corps members, ladies, students, workers and those in need of an affordable means of transport are having a good time. At a power distribution company located along two lanes in Uyo, an electricity consumer who has gone to settle her bill steps out of the office and a tricycle operator in a reflective apron pulls over. She jumps onto the tricycle popularly called ‘Keke’ and both are set to cruise to the commuter’s destination. “It is an app,” explains one technology expert. “You download it into your phone and you are good to go with it.” Recently, the advertisement for Opay has

been everywhere with social media users, urging mobile phone owners to avail themselves of the new way of enjoying an easy ride. It tells the commuter how much he or she is expected to pay. In the absence of taxis in Uyo and with no designated bus stops, Keke is the only widely used means of transport. When commercial motorcyclists were banned few years ago due to their alleged involvement in inner city crimes like armed robbery and phone-snatching, the vacuum left by the ban was filled by ubiquitous tricycles which have become the face of intra city transport in the state. Over the years, with the influx of people from the rural areas into Uyo, and with the growing unemployment rate among youths in which many have described as a time bomb waiting to explode, the transport sector seems to be the place to turn to by job seekers. Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, is reputed to have a good network of roads within the city. Thanks to the efforts of the state government in investing in physical infrastructure in the last couple of years. That has seen the city transformed from a local government headquarters to a modern city. Many however, believe that much could still be done in turning the city with basic social amenities. Presently, road construction is still ongoing. The sector has received the highest allocation in next year’s budget and one good thing is the com-

pletion of many roads including the 29 kilometre Etinan-Ndon Eyo road which links the state capital with the East West road. As a result of this, commuters heading to Port Harcourt in Rivers State now ply the new road that cuts through Etinan to Onna to the East West road. With the absence of a mass transit scheme or a transport system funded by the state government, commuters are often left at the mercy of operators. The banning of the commercial cyclists in the city and now being extended to other major towns like Eket and Ikot Ekpene has worsened the plight of those in need of an affordable means of transportation. The Opay innovative idea which seems to be a replica of Uber and taxify schemes that are available in other big cities across Nigeria looks to be a welcome development coming at a time commuters are confronted with many challenges, including economic crunch and high cost of living. Th e b e a u t y o f t h e scheme is that the passengers have the option of riding alone in the tricycle or sitting conveniently with one other passenger he or she chooses to ride with. This has eliminated the clumsiness of passengers squeezing themselves together, a situation in which some gender activists found offensive and repugnant. Though those using the Opay scheme are paying more in terms of transport fare, as it is often said that nothing good comes easy,

the users appear to be happy for it and with no reported cases of passengers making attempts to overpower operators and snatch the tricycle away, it seems that it is a win-win situation for all the parties. With the festive season around the corner, it is expected that the demand for Opay services would increase and while the operators would be smiling to banks, the commuters would be satisfied that they have been able to get to their destinations with ease and comfort. Sad though that the idea of a government supported mass transit scheme appears light years ahead, technology as in case of Opay has made commuting within the city easier and a pleasant experience. Indeed, the coming of mobile phones has brought about smart ways of doing many things. From banking to e-commerce and to transportation, the benefits keep coming. Thought Opay is also known to be available in other cities across the country, some involving commercial motorcyclists, and its presence in Uyo has turned the otherwise bitter experience of commuters into a pleasant and worthwhile encounter. For Etim, who after having his launch, reached out to the tricycle operator that took him back to his office, without having to wait under the scotching sun for hours, the Opay scheme is turning intracity transportation into an enjoyable experience and making it a smooth ride around town.

GODFREY OFURUM Aba

port, Abia State, who made the changes public in a statement, also announced 2 different colour codes for the associations. He approved Green and white colours for ATRIWA, White, Green and Brown for TOAN, while the yet to be announced third union, would retain the old Abia colour existing in Umuahia, which is brown and green. Therefore, all tricycle o p e r a t o r s i n Ab a a n d Umuahia have been given 14 days notice, from the day of the announcement to change the colour of their tricycles to the newly respective approved colours. Nwaohamou however stated that the State government has the right to increase further tricycle unions or ban and proscribe anyone, who flouts its orders. He also stated that the Transport Ministry, would upon registration of the association(s) communicate the code of conduct to the association as announced by Government. Moses Ogbonna, a human rights activist and chairman of ATRIWA , said that the rebirth of the union, which was once in operation some years back, would provide tricycle operators a better ground to operate and earn better living.

Abia to host South-East fire fighting training centre …as Ikpeazu hands over land documents to Ministry of Interior

GODFREY OFURUM Aba

bia State Government has donated ten-hectares of land to the Federal Fire Service for the building of South-East fire fighters training centre in Umuahia, the State capital. Ikpeazu, while handing over the allocation papers to a delegation from the Federal Fire Service at the Government House Umuahia, said the allocation of the land followed earlier request of a parcel of land by the Federal Ministry of Interior. He assured that his government, would do everything possible to give the needed assistance to enable the agency succeed, as well as engage in further collaborations. The Governor, represented by his deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu, said that the State, leveraged on its areas of comparative ad-

vantage, especially small and medium enterprises (SME) to promote the ‘can do spirit’ of the average Abia man and championed Made in Abia and Made in Nigeria products, thereby empowering its citizens. The State Chief Executive thanked President Mohammadu Buhari for his decision to establish the South- East Training Centre for fire fighters in Abia State. He also appreciated Georgnia Ehuria, permanent secretary, Ministry of Interior, who led the delegation to the Government house, Umuahia for her contributions to development of Abia State. Ehuria explained that establishment of the Fire Service Training School Umuahia, is part of the next level agenda of the federal government, to realize safety of lives, especially in the major markets in the country, including Aba.

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Curbing the menace of open defecation

Frank Aigbogun editor Zebulon Agomuo DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja

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

ccording to the World Health Organisation, WHO, 2.5 billion of the world’s seven billion people do not have proper sanitation while 1.1 billion people still defecate in the open, a ratio of one in ten persons. Basic sanitation, which has been a concern from the earliest stages of human settlements, is described as having access to facilities for the safe disposal of human waste (faeces and urine) as well as having the ability to maintain hygienic conditions are critical to health, survival, and development. Therefore, it is not surprising that many countries and cities, and in particular those with high population are challenged in providing adequate sanitation for their entire populations because the growth rate has overburden the existing urban management system. This puts many people at risk of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related diseases. Serious waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea occur when open defecation or poor sanitation

permits human waste to pollute water supplies. According to a 2016 statistics by WASH watch, diarrhea caused by poor sanitation and unsafe water kills 315,000 children every year. Similarly, a 2003 International Labour Organisation (ILO) data reveals that disease transmission at work mostly caused by poor sanitation and hygiene practices causes 17% of all workplace deaths, while loss of productivity due to illnesses caused by lack of sanitation and poor hygiene practices is estimated to cost many countries up to 5% of Gross Domestic Products (GDP). Also, the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation, posited that at least 1.8 billion people worldwide are estimated to drink water that is contaminated through poor sanitary habit. An even greater number drink water which is delivered through a system without adequate protection against sanitary hazards. Furthermore, Studies have shown that the countries where open defecation is most widely practiced are the same countries with the highest mortality rate of children under five, high levels of under nutrition and poverty, and large wealth disparities. A 2012 World Bank report reveals that Nigeria loses NGN 455 billion annually due to poor sanitation. This is 1.3 per cent of the national GDP. It should also be understood that an individual produces 200 gram of shit every day. One can imagine volume of shit that goes in to the river and those that end up

on our source of water and food when there is flood. Worryingly, according to WHO, one gram faeces of an infected person can have up to 10,000,000 viruses, 1,000,000 bacteria and 1000 parasite cyst and 100 parasite eggs. Hygienic lifestyle helps in creating a strong economy, as well as improving health and protecting people’s safety and dignity, particularly women’s and girls’. Therefore, aside from the health risks inherent in lack of proper human waste disposal, it also has significant impacts on dignity and security, the environment, and social and economic development. In many Nigerian cities, it is common to see people defecate openly along the road, especially at nights. Walking along the railroad tracks even gives one more panoramic view of things as people- male and female engage in mass open defecation. On the streets, behind bushes, in groves of trees, in rivers or streams, inside gutters, dump sites, in motor parks, markets and what have you, people use faeces to litter the environment with impunity. Even some of the fanciest areas are not exempted. In many parts of the country, communities located near the rail track or canals are the guiltiest of open defecation. In a bid to raise awareness of sanitation issues and sewerage and make a case for sanitation for all that the World Toilet Day is celebrated on 19th November of every year. The day is intended to encourage UN Member States and relevant stakeholders, including

civil society and non-governmental organizations, to promote behavioural change and the implementation of policies in order to increase access to sanitation among the poor and end the practice of open defecation. The theme for this year’s edition “Leaving No One Behind” is aimed at sending signals out on the need for proper handling of vital sanitation issues, as this would help in reducing outbreak of diseases. It needs to be stressed that people cannot live a truly productive and fulfilled life if they persist in living in an unsanitary environment. Consequently, employers of labour and owners of businesses should endevour to provide good toilets for their employers, not leaving out motor parks and markets. Priority attention should also be accorded the provision of good and hygienic rest rooms for travelers and customers respectively. This would contribute to healthy living in the society. Government at all levels, as well as all major stakeholders, should not relent in carrying out public enlightenment activities to promote attitudinal change towards eradicating open defecation and other such unhygienic habits. The citizens too should handle issues of the environment with zest because the environment is the super structure on which the survival of other sectors rest. It is whatever we throw at the environment that it throws back at us. Ogunbiyi is of the Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

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

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Sunday 24 November 2019

Politics We are lucky in Taraba to have Darius Ishaku as our governor - Mamman John Mamman is an elder statesman and chairman Taraba State Civil Service Commission. In this exclusive interview with our Correspondent NATHANIEL GBAORON in Jalingo, he spoke on the lingering Jukun/Tiv crisis and other issues. Excerpts: Despite the security and financial challenges confronting the state, the state government still boasts of some modest achievements. As an insider, can you give us insight into what the government has done? es, the government can really beat its chest and say it has done very well. Because despite the economic challenges and crises in the state, this government has achieved something and this is because of the prudence of the governor who is a technocrat. He has been able to balance the needful and what he considers very important for the state. He is a good planner and you know if you don’t plan very well you cannot achieve anything. This governor is not just an architect, he is also a planner and he has developed a scheme whereby he can balance things that are necessary and cast out those that are not necessary for the development of the state. Some of the basic things are payment of salaries and pension which are done regularly unlike most states in the country that are not able to pay salaries. And with the meagre resources that is left after the payment of salaries, pensions and management of crisis and other challenges he has been able to channel these resources to development projects. Now, we can boast of good water supply; he has been able to stabilise water in Jalingo and most of the urban centres in the state. Most of the rural areas now boast of boreholes and people are no longer complaining of waterrelated diseases and that has reduced rate of diseases in the state. In the area of road construction; three roads are going on now. We have the Pantisawa road in Yorro Local Government, the Mararaba Baissa road is ongoing and the Wukari–Tsokundi road in Wukari is equally going on. The one in Wukari suffered a small set back because of the crisis there. In education he took the school from less than 30 percent to 70 percent, we

2017, we brush over the exercise and get people whose services are needed based on their discipline and areas we need people and we will employ them. It is very necessary we do this otherwise we will wake up one day and discover that we have only pensioners left because many of them must have retired.

John Mamman

are about the highest in the north and 4th in the country. So, I think we in Taraba can boast and said our governor has done very well. One of the problems this administration inherited was ineffective civil service; now that you have been made the chairman of the state civil service commission, what reforms do you intend to bring to reposition the service? This is very difficult area, because you don’t change people overnight and you don’t teach an old dog new tricks, but what we are trying to do here is to restore some sanity in the civil service. We want to see that there is sanity and discipline in the service, people must learn to do their work diligently. Secondly, we will focus on training and retraining of civil servants so that they will understand their duties, this is our hope. We want to also see that people earn and merit their promotions. Very soon, we are going to introduce a system where before you are confirmed,

you must pass confirmation examination and before you get promoted you must pass promotion examination as is done in the federal service. These are the things we are trying to do so that people will sit up and know the rudiments of their duties before they get promoted to higher responsibilities. There seems to be a gap in the junior and medium cadre of the state civil service; how do you intend to address this issue? Yes, the governor has actu-

ally noticed that. There is gap in the junior and the middle cadre. Even at the top level of civil service, there is gap because the most of the experienced civil servants we inherited from old Adamawa State are retiring, the experienced ones are going and in two or three years most of the civil servants that came from Adamawa at the creation of Taraba will be going, so he has graciously approved that we should employ over 300 people which we are about to start. We have already interviewed some people since

We must reform our thinking and re-orientate our worldviews about humanity. We must first accept that we are human beings capable of making mistakes

Sir, the Tiv/Jukun crisis has lingered for so long, as an elder and somebody from that area, what do you think can be done to bring a lasting solution to the crisis? You see, the issue between the Jukun and the Tiv is an old story and they lived among themselves for long. In fact, we grew up and met them there and I think it will be difficult for us to say we can find a solution that can separate the Tiv from the Jukun; that is not workable. The only thing now is to learn how to live together amicably, tolerate one another and be able to respect one another. The issue here is that we allow politics to come and interfere with things that actually don’t have political bearing. Like the issue that sparked crisis in Kente in Wukari Local Government; under normal circumstances these are two people who had misunderstanding and it became something else. If you ask people who are fighting now what the actual genesis of the crisis is, they will not know. You see, in life there are three classes of people; we have those who are called the ‘Idiots’. The idiots are people who do not concern themselves with politics or anything other than themselves. The second category of people are called ‘tribesmen’. These are people who are concerned with their tribes. Anything that has to do with their tribes they are ready to die for it; whether they know what is happening or not provided their tribesman is involved they go for the defense of their tribe. The last group of people are called ‘citizens’. These are people who reason and think beyond their tribe. They are concerned with what is happening in

the world. What is happening in southern Taraba is that most people there fall in the second category of ‘tribesmen.’ You come and see a Tiv man fighting a Jukun man and you don’t ask ‘what did the Jukun man do to you?’ you just join the fight and when you are asked later what did the Jukun man do? He will say that the other person should explain, and vice versa. We have allowed ourselves to fall into this stupid clannish category of people. We must resist the temptation of being tribesmen, other than citizens and this is not only applied to Jukun and Tiv, but across Nigeria. A Fulani man who takes his cows to your farm, when his fellow Fulani man comes he will not ask why do you take your cows to the farm? He will just join him in fighting the farmer. Similarly, when a farmer is fighting a herder and his fellow farmer comes around, he joins the farmer to fight the herder. This is the mentality that we in Nigeria have evolved and we must avoid this. As long term measure we must try and cleanse ourselves with this tribesman mentality. We must reform our thinking and re-orientate our worldviews about humanity. We must first accept that we are human beings capable of making mistakes. We must start thinking as citizens and as citizens we must be responsible to everybody’s behaviour. As it is now, the only way is for us to start thinking as citizens otherwise there is no solution as long as we remain tribesmen, the fight will continue. What more should the people of Taraba expect from this government? The governor has always said, ‘Give me peace and I will give you development’. So, if there is peace, this government will do more, provided we don’t keep spending money to keep soldiers, support police and hunters to go after kidnappers. So, the people of Taraba should expect meaningful development provided we are not spending money only on maintaining peace.

Sunday 24 November 2019

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Politics I would have resigned, if I were Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman - Shelle Tunji Shelle, former chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State and the party’s campaign coordinator for the 2019 presidential election, in this exclusive interview with INIOBONG IWOK, spoke on the just concluded Bayelsa and Kogi gubernatorial elections, the Buhari administration, Lagos PDP, among several other issues in the polity. Excerpts: What is your assessment of the Kogi and Bayelsa States gubernatorial elections? t is very disappointing; although not much was expected from the present-day government. Personally, I put all the blame on the government not necessarily INEC, police, SSS and every other security agency. We saw all these things coming; it was a disaster waiting to happen in that elections. What happened should not be reckoned with in a free and fair election. From Bayelsa to Kogi, I don’t think the country ever witnessed any election badly managed and handled like these last elections of November 16. In Bayelsa, lots of things happened before the election which pointed to a bad election taking place. There was Court judgment which was delivered before the election. Those ones were on the side-line, they can be attended to; I hoped the judiciary would not shy away from that. The governorship candidate of the APC in Bayelsa did not have a deputy and INEC supposed to make a pronouncement on that but they did not do it. A lot of other things underground happened; intimidation of PDP supporters, hijacking of ballot papers, maiming and killings, in several places, thank God the killings were not as we expected. Thank God some people and the party on ground maintained some sanity. Otherwise, it would have been worse. If we look at it generally, in several places in Bayelsa State the election did not take place. Some people were barred from participating in the election especially in the PDP strongholds and INEC validated such election.

the last general election. Everyone expects him to do that but he did not and this is the consequences of that but they don’t care because they are out to manipulate results. Even the judiciary, INEC and police but all hope is not lost. Some people are leaving the country, going to US and some other countries; this is the consequences. Many more people would seek to leave the country with the state of things that we are now. If you see the press statement of the national chairman of the PDP today, you would know what I am saying, it is loaded and contains a lot of recommendations. The international community and the election observers that monitored that election are watching and they are going to make their comment on the elections.

Were you surprised that the PDP lost Bayelsa? In both elections you realised that PDP was making inroads. The PDP was still ahead to a large extent, that election result was manipulated. If we have to go by actual result of the election of that day, PDP would have won that election. In Kogi State, I have not seen that level of intimidation before; gun shots, teargas was thrown to the PDP supporters. The governor knows that. This is a state where salaries are not paid; there is nothing on ground. Judging by the geography of that area, most of the strong areas belong to PDP. Look at the killings of the women leader even after the election; nobody has been arrested, not to talk of charging them to court. So, a lot of things are happening. All these

Tunji Shelle

things put together is not helping the nation; we should wake up to our responsibilities, and it is not helping us at all. But they said the governor of Bayelsa State has not justified his re-election for second term? Yes, I am hearing g that one lately; we were talking of somebody not performing what of Kogi State? After they have manipulated the result they are now talking that the Bayelsa governor did not perform. The governor look like a responsible person to me, the only thing he cannot defend is his airport project, because I don’t like white elephant projects. People are hungry; you can’t do something that would not benefit the people. In every other thing he has tried in the areas of infrastructure. Bayelsa is a very difficult terrain; and a lot of

In these elections, people were being killed, result manipulated, a lot of things happened that should not be allowed to happen

money is needed to put into projects. He has done well in the area of education and health. Kogi has a solid ground so they can’t defend their actions in Kogi State, so the people in Kogi State know that the governor has not performed, that is why his people knelt down and begged people few days to the election. Even the Federal Government released money to Kogi State; it is like giving them money to go and buy votes, rig the election and to kill people. Is it not time for the PDP to do a soul searching; some people have even called for the resignation of the national chairman? That one is a cheap talk. To the best of my knowledge, after he assumed office, elections have been won and lost in recent time, his tenure has done reasonably well except you want to do some character assassination. He has shown capacity to lead; if he does not perform, later we would know. It is good for them to do their primaries and he accepts the result. He cannot say the primary election is not credible that is the work of INEC. What happened in the Kogi and Bayelsa elections have increased agitation for electronic voting and transmission of result, do you agree? That one is long overdue; that is what should have been done before

What about INEC; did they live up to expectation? My own personal assessment of INEC is that they don’t have business conducting elections again and if I was INEC chairman I would honourably resign if I cannot handle the affairs of INEC. Certainly, they have performed badly in my own honest observation. We thought he was being pressured before, but now it is more than being pressured; it is about him dancing to the tune of people at the top. So, you mean Yakubu lacks the capacity to handle INEC? That is what I am saying; that he lacks the capacity, maybe he lacks the guts and he allows himself to be used. He cannot stand as a man, stand on his ground. In these elections, people were being killed, result manipulated, a lot of things happened that should not be allowed to happen. But the APC said the PDP is noted for complaining whenever they lose an election; the party did not complain after taking Zamfara State? That is not true; they did what they did in Zamfara because they knew what they wanted to do. They did it because they wanted to justify their actions, so that when they do what they would do people would not talk. It was deliberate; may be, they fell out with a particular person in the state. Look at what is happening in Edo State, the national chairman is fighting the governor; it is unbelievable. If they disqualify any of them PDP would not complain; PDP would complain when they are cheated against.

2023 is around the corner; do you believe in power shift to the South? I have a simple answer, democracy and politics cannot be isolated, they go hand in hand. Democracy should be a baby of politics and wherever you find an outstanding personality, somebody that is generally acceptable, he does not have to be from a section of the country. It is not in the constitution, wherever he comes from is acceptable to all of us. When Abiola contested, everybody accepted him from the South, to the North. No one said he is from the South. If the present administration is doing well, nobody would complain; if there is light and infrastructure, nobody would complain. It is good governance, the calibre of people we are looking for, whether they come from the South or from the North. The North have agenda that is logical, they can tell you that Jonathan spent 6 years, Obasanjo spent eight years, Buhari would be spending eight years and they have an outstanding of four years. If it is political and you can defend your action, no problem; all we are saying is that let the best man do the job. What is your take on the anti-graft war of this administration; the President wants special court? Special Court is just to punish some people in a hurry. Some people that are supposed to be prosecuted are part of the ministers and National Assembly members, the anti-graft war has failed. The institution is not there; by way of prosecuting people they are just making some people scapegoat. You don’t just make people scapegoat; you have to do it across board; what is happening now is that looting is done by few people. The Lagos State PDP crisis has been on for a long time; you were part of those that voted to elect the new chairman, but Bode George’s camp said they are still in charge. What is really happening? That is local politics; the party would move on. Nobody can sideline Bode George; he is too big to be sidelined. It has happened before when the party would take its leaders to court; it happened in Bayelsa, the candidate taking themselves to court. The same thing happened in Kogi State and it would happen everywhere; that is power struggle. But I can assure you that we are almost there in Lagos State; everybody would collapse into one party and we shall move on. Doherty is going to be a good leader.

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Sunday 24 November 2019

Politics Dickson’s fatal ambition that left PDP in tatters in Bayelsa Solomon Ayado and James Kwen, Abuja

any reasons have been adduced for the defeat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Saturday, November 16, governorship election in Bayelsa State. Bayelsa, until that day, was a core PDP state and since its creation, this is the first time another political party has won the governorship election in the place. The events that unfolded before the gubernatorial election had indicated a serious division in the ranks of the ruling party in the state. Political watchers who are conversant with Bayelsa politics have adduced that the woeful loss of PDP is not unconnected with the overstretched political ambition of Governor Seriake Dickson. Some others said the ousting of PDP was a deliberate display of the grievances of the people of the state over the misgovernance of the incumbent government. Until now, the opposition APC had never succeeded in any of its quest to rule the state. The party, it was gathered, knew very well that it lacked political structures to dislodge the PDP. While Dickson boasted over the touted invincibility of the PDP, he was at the same time working for its demystification. “This state is unshakably PDP. Anybody who wants to contest an election, let me put you on notice, the only platform that can win an election in this state under my leadership is the PDP. Which election will be tougher than the one we won with me as candidate? “We will lead the party to win all elections in the state, God willing,” the governor had said. On another occasion, while speaking with State House correspondents in Abuja, he yet again, boasted: “In Bayelsa State, PDP is the largest, biggest and the most formidable political platform. Compared to the other side which didn’t have the luxury of having a credible primary; a candidate was brought out from the pocket of the leader of the party; a candidate that is not sellable; a candidate that we all know can’t govern. So, for us, the election is already won. Won by us and lost on the other side.” However, there are also some insinuations that the turn of events in Bayelsa could be linked to the alleged unhappiness of former President Goodluck Jonathan who, was said to have been infuriated due to his reported undermining by Governor Dickson. It was said that Jonathan simply turned the table to for those who took his political simplicity for granted to learn a bitter lesson. Although since the political campaigns, Jonathan was not seen to have worked against his party and Dickson. But it was alleged that the outgoing Governor Dickson, in his personal desire to plant a successor and at the same time secure senatorial ticket, had hijacked the PDP’s structures and in the bid sidelined the former president and his allies.

Seriake Dickson

Timi Alaibe

Douye Diri

Uche Secondus

Also, it was said that Dickson singlehandedly picked the party’s candidate and at the same time tampered with the long-standing zoning arrangement among the three senatorial zones in the state. This, apart from party stakeholders who are ardently loyal to Jonathan, wife of the former president was obviously peeved by the Dickson’s disposition of disloyalty and was said to have worked in favour of the APC candidate. Dickson was said to have been brazen in his ambition. His game plan, it was gathered, was to contest the by-election that would have held, to replace Douye Diri in the Senate, had Diri won the gubernatorial election. For this reason, he ensured that a more popular Timi Alaibe, a former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) did not emerge as the PDP standard bearer. Although the outcome of the party’s gubernatorial primary did not go down well with the people, Dickson carried along as if all was well. A politician, who spoke with BDSUNDAY on condition of anonymity, said that what transpired in Bayelsa was more of “protest votes” against Dickson and not against the PDP. “Let me say this for record purposes, the people of Bayelsa State did not vote against the PDP because they are tired

of the party, no. What happened was that Governor Dickson elevated himself to a level that he no longer respects anybody, including Jonathan that made him governor. He shabbily treated the former president to the point that many people became angry. Dickson systematically sidelined everybody that had any link with Jonathan,” the politician said. According to him, “What happened on the election day was a no confidence vote in Dickson. Anybody else could have won the election, but Diri. The people just needed a change. So, it was not as if the APC worked for the victory. Despite the huge money and the collaboration of the Federal agencies, if a person like Alaibe had represented the PDP, Bayelsans would have sacrificed their last pint of blood to resist the APC.” The Minister of State for Petroleum and former Bayelsa governor, Timipre Sylva’s factor was also strong point that crippled chances of PDP. It was speculated that the former president and his wife, alongside his loyalists covertly supported the APC candidate, David Lyon. The politician further said: “Selfishness is the thing that destroys most politicians. Only a few politicians are selfless. For instance, Jonathan could have insisted on any of his loyalists like Igali being the candidate, but he settled for Timi Alaibe who

was formidable and had the support of all. He knew that Alaibe’s candidature would excite Bayelsans, but Dickson would not hear. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo even joined Jonathan to beg Dickson and PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus to let Alaibe get the ticket. But Dickson wanted his cousin, Diri.” Bayelsa people hated Dickson, particularly Bayelsa East (Jonathan’s people) who Dickson called “non-core Ijaw.” Core Ijaws are apparently according to Dickson, the Sagbama/Ekeremor/Southern Ijaws of Bayelsa and the Bomadi/Burutu/Patani of Delta and as such only them should be in charge. By Dickson’s calculations, if he allowed Alaibe as governorship candidate of the PDP, it would have blocked his ambition of moving to the Senate. The loss of PDP was not surprising to many people who have followed the downward plunge of the party since its acrimonious primary that threw up Diri. Many PDP stakeholders, especially those that are loyal to Jonathan, had defected to other political parties, particularly the APC. Some of the defectors include Michael Ogiasa, special adviser to Governor Dickson on power development; Senator NimiAmange and Robert AjalaEnugha, immediate past chairman of the Environmental Sanitation Board under Seriake Dickson

Sunday 24 November 2019

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Politics Makinde appoints ex-Reps member, Adibi, Signage Agency DG

REMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

Goodluck Jonathan

administration. Immediately after their defection, they quickly shifted their loyalty and strongly worked for the APC candidate, Lyon. Analysts say that the support of Lyon by Jonathan, his wife and loyalists became established when the former president’s mother had, during one of Lyon’s visits to Otuoke, openly prayed and prophesied that he (Lyon) would win the Bayelsa gubernatorial election. A former special adviser on media to Bayelsa State Governor Dickson, now member of the House of Representatives, Francis Agbo (Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency), when contacted for comment on developments in Bayelsa State, simply said: “I don’t want to speak on the matter for now because the election was marred by massive rigging but I will grant an elaborate interview on the matter very soon.” An Abuja-based activist and PDP sympathiser, Samson Adebayo told our correspondent in an interview that “for those who didn’t follow the buildup to the Bayelsa elections, Dickson disrespected GEJ and Bayelsa elders. They had settled on Alaibe as a consensus candidate to replace Dickson. “Dickson, who Jonathan brought out of obscure House of Representatives and made governor disrespected GEJ and his wife, Patience, and bribed Secondus to have his way in the primary and imposed his cousin Diri on the party. “Not only that he disparaged Bayelsa East- Jonathan’s people (Ogbia, Nembe and Brass) as non-core Ijaw and traitors, the whole thing has been building from senatorial elections which was why APC won GEJ’s Senatorial district in the 2019 polls with his support. “All GEJ’s allies and boys moved to APC and David Lyon is a godson of Patience. Jonathan did not campaign for the APC candidate like his wife and mother out of selfrespect, but his kinsmen ensured Dickson was taught a lesson without saying a word. “Jonathan’s polling unit, ward and senatorial district all delivered for Lyon. Wike and Jonathan and their allies all worked for Lyon. Irony of it is Dickson refused o reconcile and make any concessions, saying he could win on his own. He was thoroughly defeated. “The PDP national leadership is an embarrassment. Why would you let the interests of an underperforming governor who wanted to impose a stooge supersede that of a former president and party elders in a state who have shelved their interests to back the strongest candidate in the

party,Alaibe,” Adebayo stated. Addressing journalists on the conduct and outcome of the election, Dickson had blamed the loss on the unprofessional attitude of the security agencies and the INEC who he alleged were used by Timipre Sylva. He said the APC had pre-written results and pre-determined figures for Nembe, Ogbia and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas and used the military to shield off the returning officers who were all from the University of Benin, the home state of APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole. The governor accused Sylva of eroding the integrity of the security forces and dignity of his people, insinuating that the security of the state has been outsourced to him and determines police commissioners that are posted the state numbering about 17 this year. He also accused APC leaders of using the narrative of disagreement with former President Goodluck Jonathan and Timi Alaibe as “justification for the daylight robbery of our people.” Defending his relationship with Jonathan who he said remained his leader, Dickson stated: “Let it be known that I and my government have absolute regard and respect for former President Goodluck Jonathan.” The governor disclosed that prior to the election, he went to Jonathan 16 times, but the former President did not congratulate the PDP governorship candidate, Douye Diri on his emergence as the party candidate even when he also participated in the primary election. He said the insinuations on the relationship between Jonathan and the APC is not misplaced in reference to the visit of some APC governors to the former President, saying what they did was strategic after they came and took the state by force. According to him, they “are using his name and image to legitimise what they are doing by taking David Lyon to him” even when they did not call on him as governor and that with the kind of comments they are making, “it is Hallelujah if they are finally embracing him.” He said Jonathan did not consent to the alleged rigging as his Ogbia kinsmen never voted, but the APC was using him to prepare a window to wash off their hands and drop everything at his doorstep. Dickson also defended PDP’s choice of candidates for the governorship election, explaining that with what happened, no candidate of the PDP would have won the election, unless such a candidate had a prearrangement with the APC.

overnor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of a former member of the House of Representatives and former caretaker Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, Temilola Segun Adibi, as the director-general of the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA). A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Governor Makinde wishes Adibi the best in the new assignment. The letter of appointment, which was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Olubamiwo Adeosun, indicated that Adibi’s appointment took effect on November 19, 2019. The statement expressed the governor’s expectation that the new OYSAA DG will discharge his duties with “absolute loyalty, dedication and diligence.” Adibi, a holder of a Higher National Diploma Certificate in Mining Engineering with Applied Geology, represented Ogbomoso North, South and Oriire Federal Constituency between 1999 and 2003, having worked in different sectors across the fields of mining, geology and teaching. During his tenure in the House of

Representatives, Adibi served as SubCommittee Chairman, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja; member Committee on Appropriations; Commerce Committee; Solid Minerals development as well as the States and Local Government committee. He was in 2006 appointed as Chairman, Board of Directors, Lagos Airport Hotels Limited and served as Member, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria between 2008 and 2011 besides being appointed as the Chairman, Oyo state Sports Council, where he served between 2011 and 2013. Adibi served as the Caretaker Chairman, Ogbomoso North Local Government between 203 and 2015. His working experience also include stints at the Amalgamated Tin Mines Nigeria Limited, Jos; Nigeria Coal Corporation, Enugu; Federal Geological Survey of Nigeria, Kaduna as well as the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission. He was elected to represent Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, and has remained a political force in the Ogbomoso axis ever since. The former lawmaker has attended many national and international workshops and seminars on a wide range of fields and topics.

Edo 2020: RTEAN rallies support for Obaseki’s re-election CHURCHILL OKORO, Benin

embers of Road Transport Employer’s Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Edo State have declared support for the 2020 re-election bid of the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu. Sunday Erhahon, the state chairman of the union made the disclosure during a press conference in Benin City. Erhahon noted that the duo deserve a second term to enable them deepen socio-economic development and consolidate on the plans towards a productive and progressive state. According to him, “I want to say without any equivocation that our position and support for the Obaseki/Shaibu re-election project has not changed. The recent political developments in the state have made it imperative for us to re-affirm our support for the Obaseki/ Shaibu Solidarity Movement and for their ultimate re-election in 2020. “It is our strong belief that Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu have done their best to reposition Edo State for the dividends of democracy to flourish in the state.” “There is peace and sanity in the state; workers and pensioners are being paid their monthly salaries and entitlements as and when due; communities are living in peace and property developers have been freed from the obnoxious activities of the so-called CDAs; investors are leveraging the new economic climate in

Godwin Obaseki

the state and more of such good things are happening in Edo State as of today,” he said. He however, condemned the alleged deliberate attempts by some persons to disrupt the governor’s re-election bid. He noted that the union was undaunted and resolved in the support of their election scheduled for next year. “Given these positive developments, we at RTEAN, hereby once again, declare our unflinching support for the Obaseki/ Shaibu solidarity movement and their re-election come 2020,” Erhahon said.

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Sunday 24 November 2019

Politics Nigeria’s violence-infested elections re-echo calls for electoral reforms, electronic voting …Ayo Adebanjo, Balarabe Musa, others urge constitutional review

Iniobong Iwok

he controversy that has trailed the conduct of the gubernatorial elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States penultimate Saturday, brings to the fore the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s electoral system. The ugly trend, if not urgently checked, portend serious danger for democracy in the country. Reports from major local and international observers who monitored the elections were in tandem that the exercise in the two states was a complete sham. The level of violence mainly by the supporters of Nigeria’s two leading political parties, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) was an at alarming proportion similar to what was witnessed in the 2019 general election. YIAGA Africa and the Situation Room had alleged that the election was marred by vote-buying, ballot box-snatching, intimidation of voters, vote-buying and specifically called for outright cancellation of the governorship and senatorial elections in Kogi State. The widespread ballot snatching and large scale violence witnessed in these elections, perhaps point to the fact that there is a fundamental problem with the nation’s electoral system and re-echoes the increasing agitation for the adoption of electronic mode of voting and transmission of results. Political leaders and pundits are of the view that the signing of the 2019 Electoral Act by President Muhammadu Buhari, has become important ahead of the 2023 general election and perhaps a first step towards bringing sanity to the nation’s electoral process. There is also the increasing debate over whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is truly independent and carrying out its task without partiality and interference.It is also being canvassed that the appointment of the head of the commission should not be a privilege of a single individual or the executive arm of government. “We must come up with new standards for constituting our election management body in a way that people will have confidence. I believe in some quarters what they do is that a body of people constitute the Election Management Body. It is not in the hands of one person. “When you leave such responsibility in the hands of a politician, no matter how good the person is, there will be the tendency for people to suspect that the right thing is not done. When people don’t have confidence in the system, whatever they do, it is difficult for the people to accept. “The continental body, African Union, should come up with a mini-

Muhammadu Buhari

Mahmood Yakubu

Ayo Adebanjo

Balarabe Musa

mum standard across Africa for constituting Electoral Management Body,” Goodluck Jonathan, a former Nigeria’s president said. Jonathan’s fears may have been justified going by the manner the commission conducted the 2019 and the Kogi and Bayelsa polls. Just before the 2019 polls, stakeholders had raised the concern about the composition of INEC personnel and its ability to remain impartial. The South and Middle Belt had questioned the appointment of certain individuals and head of strategy departments in the commission. Till today, several of these individuals still hold offices in INEC, further denting the credibility of the commission and its ability to conduct acceptable elections. Also, stakeholders are of the view that the violence and other sharp practices noticed in recent elections have only been exacerbated because of impunity in the system and the inability of relevant security agencies and INEC to punish electoral offenders in the country. There is the urgent need for the National Assembly to pass the Electoral Offences Commission/Tribunal bill into law.The Bills would enable

a mechanism for the prosecution and conviction of electoral offenders and enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. After the 2019 general election, INEC had said that it lacked the capacity to solely punish electoral offenders, while supporting the establishment of Electoral Offences Commission to punish offenders. “It is time to take decisive action to break the cycle of impunity through the promulgation of an Electoral Offences Commission/ Tribunal to handle matters relating to electoral offences. “The commission has made it clear that it lacks the capacity and wherewithal to continue the prosecution of electoral offenders. “And it is for this reason that the commission supports and will continue to support the creation of an Electoral Offences Commission/ Tribunal to process, arrest, investigate and prosecute electoral offenders,’’ Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of INEC had said during a review of the 2019 general election. Similarly, National chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) said the lack of punitive laws and the inability of INEC and security agen-

cies to punish electoral offenders had play a key-role in the increasing violence and ballot-box snatching noticed in recent elections in the country. “The way forward is for Buhari to sign the electoral Act into law which would give way to electronic transmission of result. It would eliminate tampering of result. Also Election Offences Tribunal bill be pass into law by the National Assembly,” SanniYabagi said. Yabagi also advocated for the scrapping of off-season election, saying that it was a part of the problem. “The off-season election should be scrapped, we need to amend the constitution for that; let the governors take the remaining period when they win at the Tribunal or Court rather than bothering the voters again and giving way for all this crisis,” he added. However, some political leaders believe that the solution to the electoral crisis in Nigeria was not only introduction of electronic voting, but a holistic change of the 1999 Constitution. “Personally, I think we are just deceiving ourselves. I have said it

several times that we are not serious about conducting elections in this country; the Bayelsa and Kogi were not an election?”Ayo Adebanjo, elder statesman and leader of pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, said. “We have to change the present constitution and remove INEC from the control of the executive,” he said. Speaking in similar vein, Balarabe Musa, Second Republic governor of Kaduna State, said the country must take punitive measures to check the increasing trend of electoral violence to save the nation’s democracy. “We have to punish anybody who is seen to be instigating violence and stop them from contesting elections. It is because we are tolerating them that is why all these are happening. If we are serious about free and fair election in Nigeria, this ugly trend must be checked. Look at what happened in Kogi and Bayelsa; it is shame on this country,” Musa said. Former president Jonathan, during the Bayelsa election, expressed disappointment at the handling of the voting process. He said: “We must conduct ourselves if we want to bring real people to rule us, either as president or governors. “I have led election monitoring teams to other African countries, we used to go 30 minutes before the time and in our reports, we indicated the exact time the votes started. “So, for election to start after that time, it is an indictment to the electoral body that manages election. There is no reason why election should not start by 8:00 a.m.” “I am really disappointed with what I observed today, compared to other African countries where I had monitored elections,” he said. In its reaction, the PDP through its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan has said that the conduct and outcome of the governorship elections in Bayelsa has destroyed the hope Nigerians had in democratic practice. Olgbondiyan in a statement said: “Citizens agonised as APC-controlled security forces aided armed hoodlums to invade polling centres, shoot and kill innocent citizens, cart away ballot boxes, stuffed them with already thumb-printed ballot papers in favour of APC, after which results are allocated to the APC and handed over to a compromised INEC to announce against the will of the people. “It is distressing that under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration, votes no longer count; power and governance no longer derive from the people but from violence, manipulations and the barrel of the gun. Nigerians now ask: are we still in a democracy?” he questioned.

Sunday 24 November 2019

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BDSUNDAY 21

PhotoSplash

L-R: Ayotunde Olabode; Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, convener The Event Xperience Africa (TEXA); Akinola Jokosenumi, vertical head, business development, Flutterwave; Temitope Oladimeji, project manager, The Event Xperience Africa, and Joshua-Oyelege Rebecca, marketing executive, House Of Tara, at the official launch of TEXA 2020.

L-R: Wana Udobang, Nigerian poet; Natalia Molebatsi, South African poet; John Pepper Clark, Nigerian poet and playwright; Abasiekong Udobang, senior manager, programme implementation, and Efe Paul Azino, poet/curator, LIPFEST 2019, at the command performance of the 2019 edition of the Lagos International Poetry Festival in Lagos

L-R: Lion Anigbo Ikechukwu, chairperson, Lions Day, with the United Nation; Lynda Anigbo; Lion John Oriazowan, Club president; Faith Oriazowan; Lion Emmanuel Okoduwa, inductee, and Patience Okoduwa, at the just concluded Public Presentation of Ikeja Metro Lions Club. L-R: Oge Sasegbon, chief host; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, special guest of honour; Wole Olanipekun, chairman of the occasion, and Bode Rhodes, vivour of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, at the public presentation of ‘sasegbon’s judicial dictionary of Nigeria (in 7 volumes) in Lagos.

L-R: Secretary, Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN) Lagos Chapter, Mr. Sylvester Okoruwa; Chairman, PJAN 1st National Conference Planning Committee and Photo Editor, Thisday Newspaper, Mr. Abiodun Ajala; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos Chapter, Dr. Qasim Akinreti and Photo Editor, Sun Newspapers and Chairman, Sun Newspaper NUJ Chapel, Mr. Dele Ojo, during a press briefing on the association’s forth coming 1st National Conference held in Lagos. L-R: Kevwe Oghide, lead communications, CODE; Kehinde Akinsola, challenge winner, Follow The Money (FTM), and Hamzat Lawal, CEO, CODE, at the presentation of N100, 000 cheque and medal of honour to the winners of the FTM Challenge in Abuja. Pic by Tunde Adeniyi

L-R: Sanjay Jain, president, Indian Cultural Association (ICA); Abhay Thakur, high commissioner of India to Nigeria; Mazen Mroue, chief operating officer, MTN Nigeria, and Rahul De, chief marketing officer, MTN Nigeria, at the 2019 Diwali Mela “Festival of Lights” held at Tafawa Balewa Square recently.

Femi Gbajabiamila (m), speaker, house of representatives; Jonathan Gaza (2nd l), chairman, house committee on legislative library, research & documentation; Idudi Godwin Elumelu (r), minority leader; Adedeji Stanley Olajide (2nd r), and, Garba Saleh

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Sunday 24 November 2019

State of the Nation

Surviving the Yuletide in perilous times AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

sually, in Nigeria, the Yuletide period is delicate. Always perilous! At this period, there is always an increase in crime rate in the form of armed robberies, missing persons for ritual purposes, kidnapping for ransom purpose, all manner of corruption, ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ business and now the latest on the list- vital organ harvest! The period is also marked by increase in auto crashes as people commute from one part of the country to another. Observers and those who have followed the performance of the nation’s economy and its current negative impact on the quality of life of citizens express worries that this year’s Yuletide may witness the highest crime rate as people engage in all manner of untoward means to make money, either to show off or just to have minimum comfort during the festivities. The media is already awash with unsavory news of terrible happenings across the country, all for money. On Tuesday, November 19, 2019 the Enugu State Police Command paraded one Sunday Egbo, founder and pastor in charge of the Christ Mercy Ministry, AjuonaObukpa, in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state, for alleged rape and involvement in money rituals. According to the report, Egbo had on November 9, 2019, invited a female member of his church to his house under the guise of organising a crusade that was scheduled to start at 6pm that day. He also asked the victim to come along with the picture of her sick brother for prayers. “On arrival, the pastor took her to his house and left on the pretence that he was going to bring other people, who were supposed to participate in the prayer session. But he returned around 11pm and dragged the victim into his room, brought out a magic stone and threatened to kill her if she raised alarm,” Ahmed Abdur-rahman, state commissioner of police, narrated. Egbo was said to have ordered the female victim to remove her clothes, but she refused, and he slapped her, tore her clothes and raped her. “The suspect seized her pants, brassiere and brought out a small bottle and wanted to insert it into her private parts, but she struggled and ran naked to the door and shouted, which attracted neighbours, who also invited the police to rescue her and arrest the pastor,” the CP further narrated. Surprisingly, Egbo confessed to the crime in an interview with newsmen, saying: “I actually raped the victim in my house. I approached a native doctor in Kogi State in my quest to be rich, and the native doctor gave me a small coffin and other items, and asked me to follow some instructions in order to become a millionaire.” He said that he paid the native doctor N200,000 to get the coffin and flute. “The native doctor ordered me to do certain things, after which I would get a GhanaMust-Go bag full of money in my room. But after two weeks, the money did not come as the native doctor had assured me.” Increasingly, many Nigerians are becoming desperate to make money by all means. The craze for quick money now involves people of age groups. The youth are as hungry as the adults. It is now a rat race. In addition to the story of the Enugu pastor, there was another incident of kidnapping that took place on October 30, 2019 in Lagos State. According to an eye witness, who shared the sad story on social media, there was this young man who lives in one of the estates in the Gbagada area of Lagos with his wife but

Kidnappers for ransom and ritual killing

Scenes of agony over unsavory happenings in Nigeria

Weeping and gnashing of teeth are rampant in Nigeria works at Lekki in an oil servicing company. “On this fateful day, he went to work as usual but around lunchtime he told his colleagues that he needed to rush to the bank to carry out some transactions. Due to traffic situation in Lekki, he left his car and jumped into a KekeMaruwa, popularly called KekeNapep,” an eye witness narrated. Thereafter, the young man disappeared and didn’t return home that day, such that his family declared him missing. This was reported to the Lagos State Police Command. His parents didn’t tell anybody in the estate because they felt he will be back or probably had a quarrel with his wife and wanted some space. “On November 5, 2019 - six days after the young man’s disappearance, he called his wife using a private phone number. He was crying on the phone and said he didn’t know where he was but that they were about 24 of them in a warehouse guarded by an armed security guard. According to the victim, 10 out of the 24 victims had been taken away to an unknown

destination, and that they remained 14 persons at the time he called his parents using an unknown phone. “Where are you?” the parents asked, but the young man answered, “No idea.” “How did you get there?” the parents asked, but the young man answered, “No idea.” All he could recall was getting into the Keke with the driver and one occupant. A few meters away from the point he boarded, the keke picked up another passenger. As soon as the new passenger entered, he said to the young man ‘cooperate’ and waved handkerchief over his face, that was the last he could remember,” the victim told his parents. “Whose phone are you calling from?” the parents further inquired. The young man said the phone fell off the pocket of one of the security guards, adding that the guard unknowingly locked the victims in the warehouse with his phone. “So, it was the phone we were using to call our loved ones,” he added. And the phone cut off. Reports had it that it was at this point

that the parents started notifying friends and neighbours and everyone sprang into action, reaching out to their connections and networks. “We have two high ranking policemen in our estate. They both sprang into action. The police using satellite connections located the position of the private number phone the victim used in calling his wife, saying that the phone call came from Abuja,” the eye witness said. “On November 6th, the victim’s father and a police officer flew to Abuja and met with the special force dedicated to the operation. They did their investigation and located the warehouse. They stormed the place on November 7th and fortunately the young man was among the less than six persons, who were rescued from the warehouse,” the eye witness stated. According to the eye witness, the police are still handling the matter but are suspecting the possibility of the kidnappers being involved in either ritual killing or organ harvesting. BDSUNDAY investigation shows that cases of armed robberies, burglaries, murder, attempted murder and serious assault tend to increase noticeably during festive season. Obviously, as Christmas approaches, there are those who perhaps, have sworn to “paint the city” and their villages red with huge amount of money, even when they do not have well defined means of livelihood. In Nigeria today, strange occurrences are on the increase as the year winds down. People perpetrating such are probably banking on human sacrifices and other mindless activities. Their target is usually their fellow human beings. This can be attributed to the high rate of poverty, and economic deprivation has resulted in the increased number of crime born out of frustration in the country. Pundits believed that there are usually increase crime rate in a country where economic deprivation persists because most citizens take to crime to survive. Also, people are often driven to great lengths of desperation by poverty and this is a major cause of crime. The skyrocketing unemployment rate in the country is another reason youths take to crime to support themselves. For instance, situations where one goes through school and end up jobless for many years is a clear reason people go into crime. Therefore, Nigerians must be very vigilant and extra careful. Everyone must be safety conscious. Do not leave your house without letting anyone know where you are going; do not just follow anybody to anywhere you are not familiar with; and avoid keeping late nights. A security expert, who spoke with BDSUNDAY oncondition of anonymity, urgedNigerians to be extra careful this time around, saying, “Nothing should be taken for granted.” “This period is always hot. It has always been so, but I admit that the situation is getting increasingly worse than it used to be. The frustration in the polity as a result of failure of government has driven many people into taking dangerous decisions. I can tell you that poverty begets a lot of criminal acts,” the expert said. “I would advise Nigerians to take their security more seriously. Always tell people your whereabouts. Do not just leave your apartment without people knowing where you are going to. Be skeptical about everyone and every invitation you receive this time and make sure you do not find yourself among strange faces. Do not stay late night or engage in night parties. Even in religious circles, do not visit pastors or Imams in secret places, always make your appointments with such people open to people. Be conscious of people around you and do not engage in unnecessary visits. Do so only when it is absolutely necessary,” the security expert further said.

Sunday 24 November 2019

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Arts A further look at Bruce Onobrakpeya’s prolific career OBINNA EMELIKE

n April this year, lovers of contemporary art, collectors and art scholars alike were stunned when an art master opened his treasure box. Inside the box were sheer treasure; ionic works that span decades of hard work, consistency and display of creative ingenuity. Of course, the treasure box of Bruce Onobrakpeya is worth peeping into. The intrigue is that at 87 years, Onobrakpeya, who was born on August 30,1932 in Agbhara-Ottor, Delta State is still not tired, he keeps enriching his box with priceless works. Onobrakpeya is a legendary visual artist, as well as, one of Nigeria’s most important artistic pioneers. Till date, his works are still sought-after by global art collectors and even corporates. This year, the legendary artist celebrated 60 years in his chosen profession, showcasing 36 rare prints in a special commemorative exhibition titled, ‘Eni! You Can Always Tell Where the Elephant Has Passed by!’. If you were at Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos; venue of the exhibition curated by Sandra Mbanefo Obiago of SMO Contemporary Art, you will appreciate Onobrakpeya, his works, grace of good health, sense of fulfillment and empowerment of the upcoming generation of artists, which is his legacy.

On a closer look at his works on display at the exhibition and the many in museums across the world and we in private and corporate collections the depth, message, theme, sheer beauty, African heritage among other qualities make the works outstanding. Yet, they are also important historical documents, which showcase Nigeria’s rich history and culture, alongside socio-political events of the past sixty years. Tracing his early works, Okpogho (The Hornbill) comes to

mind. It is a print, which dates back to Onobrakpeya’s first exhibition in Ughelli in 1959. In 2016, he enthralled with his Aba Na Nya series, named after the fabrics that have been used as a textile canvas for his work. Individual mask like faces created from engravings and multi-media collages with pieces of cloth have been photographed using a new xerograph technique. But from that first exhibition, which held 60 years ago, to ‘Eni! You Can Always Tell Where the Elephant Has Passed by!’, his commemorative exhibition, which ran from April 27, 2019 to July 2019, the legend has never gone down in the quality, depth and appeal of works. No wonder his works are among the highest priced at auction sales across the world. There are many exciting body of works, installations, solo and group exhibitions doting the 60 years of Onobrakpeya’s successful career in the art. Chibok Girls, a recent print he created in 2017, as an homage to the kidnapped Nigerian school girls, as well as, prints from his Niger Delta environmental protest series

are sheer display of creativity. Moreover, there are many more to his credit as the works are priceless and countless since his first exhibition in 1959. For Sandra Mbanefo Obiago of SMO Contemporary Art and curator or the 60 years commemorative exhibition, Prof Onobrakpeya is not just one of the finest artists, his works are also important historical documents, which showcase Nigeria’s rich history and culture, alongside socio-political events of the past sixty years. “We are excited to be exhibiting Okpogho (The Hornbill), a print which dates back to Prof. Onobrakpeya’s first exhibition in Ughelli in 1959, alongside Chibok Girls, a recent print he created in 2017, as an homage to the kidnapped Nigerian school girls, as well as prints from his Niger Delta environmental protest series ,” Sandra said at the opening of the exhibition in April. Looking back at his days of little beginning, Onbrakpeya explained that hard work, perseverance, being adventurous, honesty, collaboration, among other virtues have seen him through challenges to a successful career.

Speaking on his works, Onobrakpeya explained that they were not done in a hurry like the present generation of artists, hence the depth, unique and durable masterpieces. “My works appear complex because of the period through which I grew up, the things I saw and the ones that I experienced”, he said. It is also of note that Onbrakpeyapoke took interest in teaching and mentoring young people in arts for 60 years he has been in the art practice. Most importantly, his Harmattan Workshop is a space where artists can come together and collaborate to learn techniques under an old master and exchange ideas. Onbrakpeya confirmed that the work of the young artists he mentors often inspires his own art. For 60 years, he has used his art to campaign for the preservation of his Urhobo culture. Nursing no fears about cultural extinction of the Urhobos particularly, Onobrakpeya believes that the philosophy of the Urhobos and those of other cultures he captures in his works would endure the ages to come, bearing in mind the publicity given the annual ‘Harmattan Workshop’ that pools resources from around the world. To further strengthen the base for which he is making his mark in cultural affairs, Onobrakpeya delved into folklore, which records the way of life of his people. He said, “ I realized that if people have been in existence for long, there must be some thinking and belief in them, some hope in them that keeps them going. These are brought out and translated in various ways, in the names they give to their children and in their thought pattern.” Lately, he went into what is called the ‘ibiebe’ that is like letters , though ‘ebe’ means leaves in Urhobo. He developed some ideograms that captured the concept, the Urhobo thinking, as a way of conserving the culture of the Urhobo people ,and moved on to other ethnic groups. He said, “They are mainly oral, but I now give body to them through painting, drawing so that people can see them, and that keeps the concept alive and projected towards the future.” As expected, his walls are decorated with laurels and cupboards display many trophies. In his 60 years practice as a visual artist, Onobrakpeya has received many awards and his works have been exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 1990, the Tate Modern in London, the National Museum of African Art of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the Malmö Konsthall in Malmö, Sweden and the National Gallery of Modern Art, Lagos among others. He received the UNESCO Living Human Treasures Award in 2006.

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Sunday 24 November 2019

Arts Truly ‘Your Excellency’ OBINNA EMELIKE

ou need to visit cinemas across the country from December 13, 2019 to see a very exciting movie that truly captures realities in Nigeria today, especially among the political class. Your Excellency, a directorial debut of Funke AkindeleBello is worth watching. The movie tells the story of Chief Olalekan Ajadi, a billionaire businessman and failed presidential candidate, who is obsessed with Donald Trump. Just when his campaign looks set to be another disaster, Ajadi is anointed by a major party and becomes a credible contender – all through the power of social media. As the political drama unfolds, it seems possible that even the most inept candidate, with little to offer voters except viral soundbites and amusing antics, can mount a serious challenge for the presidency. It parades movie stars who really delivered on their roles. From Akin Lewis, Funke Akindele, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, Eku Edewor, Emmanuel ‘EmmaOhMaGod’, Alexx Ekubo, Deyemi Okanlawon,

The cast members

Ini Dima-Okojie, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah, Ikechukwu Onunaku and Helen Paul, to others, the cast members will hold you spellbound with their hilarious antics. However, Akin Lewis, who played Chief Olalekan Ajadi, the presidential aspirant, was in his element or was rather truly ‘Your Excellency’ in the movie. As well, Funke Akindele, appears to be in fine comedic form as the other half of Akin Lewis while the other stars all combined to poke fun at

Nigerian political class and society at large. A media executive, who saw the set described the movie as a bouquet of laughter from all angles. Well, it is no surprise that the movie is much-awaited because of the names behind it. Funke Akindele is an experienced producer of eight movies, including the widely acclaimed Jenifa and The Return of Jenifa. She parlayed this success into the immensely popular television series Jenifa’s Diary, which

Habiba brings the plight of the girl-child to life on stage today

he ordeal of one of the 276 girls kidnapped from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, by the Boko Haram terrorist group in 2014 is the focus of the musical stage play, Habiba. The musical, which will be staged at the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos today November 23, 2019 seeks to draw attention to the plight of the girl-child in society. Produced by Longshot Communications, a film production/public relations company, the musical is the story of a vibrant and brilliant young girl brought to life on stage. Using a fictional character whose name also formed the title of the play – Habiba, the audience is taken along on the girl’s journey from the events leading to the day she was kidnapped along with her school mates in April 2014 by members of the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist group to the day she escaped from her captors. According to Kelechukwu Anunibe, creative director, Longshot Communications, Habiba seeks to raise questions on the unresolved issues surrounding the kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014. He said al-

though some of the girls were later released at intervals by the Boko Haram following negotiations with the government, many others are still in captivity. Kelechukwu said, “Our stories are designed to bring social issues to the front-burner of the nation’s consciousness by driving conversations that birth social change. As a storytelling organisation, we have been providing artistic and directorial support to a faith-based organisation in Lagos since 2017 and we will continue to do so.” He said the girl whose story will be portrayed in the musical was kidnapped on the 14th of April in 2014. She managed to escape along with three other girls after months of horrifying treatment, rape and beatings, while some of her friends were killed in the Sambisa forest where they were being held in captivity. ‘Habiba’ and three other girls were set free by one of the terrorists who had been a long-time admirer of hers. The story tells how resilience can bring out the strength needed to keep going. The ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ (BBOG) campaign that later attracted global attention was born out of this true-life event.

On the night of 14th April 2014, 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Girls Secondary School in the town of Chibok in Borno State. Responsibility for the kidnappings was claimed by Boko Haram, an extremist terrorist organisation based in north-eastern Nigeria. Fifty-seven of the schoolgirls managed to escape over the next few months and some have described their capture in appearances at international human rights conferences. Since then hopes were raised on various occasions that the 219 remaining girls might be released. Newspaper reports suggested that Boko Haram was hoping to use the girls as negotiating pawns in exchange for some of their commanders in jail. In May 2016, one of the missing girls, Amina Ali, was found. She claimed that the remaining girls were still there, but that six had died. A further 21 girls were freed in October 2016, while another was rescued the next month. Another was found on January 2017. Another 82 girls were freed in May 2017. One of the girls was rescued in January 2018.

became the most-watched family series in Nigeria. She also played a leading role in her directorial debut. Of course, EbonyLife Films, which produced the Fifty, The Wedding Party, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai and Chief Daddy, is also behind the movie. Ahead of the cinema release of the movie, EbonyLife Films yesterday staged another opportunity for the Nigerian media to meet the starstudded cast of Your Excellency who talked about their

performances in the movie. Funke Akindele said it was not just a realization of her dream, but also also an adventure that has proven fruitful and helped to catapult her to her next level in the movie industry. “I am grateful to have achieved this directorial debut and I appreciate all the support from everybody, the cast and crew members and especially EbonyLife Films”, she said at an exclusive event at WhiteSpace, Ikoyi Lagos on Wednesday. On the reason the new movie from EbonyLife Films is a must-watch, Funke Akindele said, “Your Excellency has a great script, excellent cast and an experienced production team. It is great to be working with Mo Abudu again, soon after the success of Chief Daddy, and hopefully we can make another hit movie”. Akin Lewis, on the other hand, said he brought his over 40 years of experience in the movie industry to bear in the movie. “The role was natural to me, it flowed so easy and I wished it was real because Chief Olalekan Ajadi is real and wanted something good for his country only if he is giving a chance”, he said.

For Helen Paul, the movie captured the realities in the country in a very comic way. “If you watch the movie, you will get the message, but in comic form and nobody will say we are after you him because the message cut across politicians and other citizens”, she said. Other cast members were also excited to feature in the movie, assuring that it is a must-watch because of their great performances. Excited at another successful outing, Mo Abudu, the executive producer, who was also present to meet the press said. “We are so appreciative of this wonderful media support and the attendance of all our actors; especially as they all have such busy schedules. Also, I am grateful to our sponsors, Guinness Gold, Bollinger and Coca-Cola, for making this such a special occasion for all our guests”. As well, the media did not forget to ask how Funke Akindele-Bello managed to both direct and star in such a major project, especially as this was her directorial debut. She said, determination to do it, support from her fellow cast members and the EbonyLife Films platform worked the magic.

Tobems marks 9yrs anniversary in media, entertainment Josephine Okojie

obems Media, a leading multimedia and event production business has recently marked its 9th of business operations in the media and entertainment industry with clients, friends, and well-wishers. Tobems Media is one of Nigeria’s fast-rising production outfits providing quality videography services for documentaries, businesses, and artists. Tosin Obembe, CEO and creative director appreciated the clients and technical partners that have support the business thus far. “Tobems Media was born out of a desire to create an innovative edge and make an impact in the multimedia space,” Obembe said in a statement made available to BusinessDay. “What started in my living room as a simple videography venture has blossomed into a full-blown multimedia production and digital marketing agency with clients such as Tecno, Lagos Business School, Quilox, Sodium brand Solutions, Calabar Carnival, SBI Media and a host of advertising agencies.

L-R: Uche Sensei, OAP; Valerie Dish, actress and Tosin Obembe, CEO, Tobems Media during the celebration of the 9th anniversary of the business in Lagos recently.

Thank you for your patronage and support,” he said. Speaking on the plans of the business, Obembe confirmed that Tobems Media is expanding its digital strategy and marketing service to serve clients’ needs better. According to him, we have built so much experience in live event production, content creation and production with our clients over the years and it has become critical for them to maximize their content distribution process with the opportuni-

ties digital media has created. The event had in attendance stakeholders from the entertainment industry such as; Big Sam (Samuel Olatunji), Akin Abiola-Peller who was representing the chairman, Aquila Group of companies and members of the Federal House of Representatives, Shina Peller, CEO of BroadwayAfrica TV and producer of the Ghost and The Tout Movie, Nigerian Actress Valerie Dish, Kenneth Igbomor of CNBC Africa and among others.

Sunday 24 November 2019

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Life&Living NOIR: A taste of opulence in the heart of Lagos Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson

erenity at its finest! Was the first thought that popped into my head as soon as I stepped into the well lit, tastefully decorated and spacious restaurant. The lush ambiance, with expensive looking crystal chandeliers dangling from the ceiling in the cool and cozy environment, already caused a rumble in my tummy and that’s how I immediately decided that this was it. I was 100% bent on hosting my guests at this classy fine dining restaurant situated in the heart of Lagos. My first experience at Noir restaurant is surely never to be forgotten. Especially because it was my birthday and my 20 party guests and I got the best customer experience ever. Noir which means ‘black’ in French is the first of its kind, French inspired culinary experience that combines fine dining with a fun, friendly and warm environment. The restaurant which is located at number 4a, Akin Olugbade Street in Victoria Island, surely has a twist to the Noir experience. Wait for it! While some of my guests were already seated waiting for my arrival at the exclusive Noir private room, I walked in at just about 7pm on a Friday evening and was immediately welcomed with warm smiles from Amaka, the restaurant manager and some of the other waiters and waitresses. I immediately took my sit, and in very little time, our starters of Fried Calamari and crispy prawns in chili sauce where served. The calamari was fried to perfection with as little oil as possible. This was a delight for me, as I have had greasy,

over fried calamaris which I dreaded. The crust on the prawns was crisp, flavorful and chewy and the chili sauce worked together beautifully. Our expectations were exceeded when our main dishes where served just a few minutes after, and our glasses were never left empty, as the attentive waiters kept filling them up with the different drink choices. I had a set Birthday menu specially prepared for me with main meal choices of Sea food Liguine (black creamy pasta with king prawns) which costs N7,500 per plate, The Noir Burger (with a choice of either

sweet potato fries or Irish potato wedges), N6,800 per plate, and the Half Chicken with fried Potatoes, 8,000 per serving. My choice out of the three options was the Linguine

due to my love for sea food. The creamy pasta in spaghetti form was packed with flavor, the cheese and cream had a great consistency and very little oil and the giant prawns

were very succulent. I could tell that my guests who had the other options also loved their meals, as all plates were cleared clean. By the end of the meal, some of us were already planning our next visit. We all had a slice of birthday cake for dessert and restaurant was gracious enough to add a scoop of creamy, melt-inyour-mouth ice cream to each slice of cake for FREE! The oh so lovely Marie-Louise Igbinedion who owns the restaurant came out to wish me a happy birthday, making sure that everything was perfect. This is something very rare in Nigeria, but Marie is very intentional about every single detail from taste, to presentation, to service delivery and ambiance. Little wonder why the restaurant was filling up quickly on that day, as it is top choice for dinning in Lagos. Kudos to Chef Malan, who after preparing such delicious meals, came out of the kitchen to wish me a happy birthday. In addition to the main restaurant, Noir also comprises a VIP Lounge where I hosted my guests, a Café and an outdoor terrace (where a casual menu is offered), all working together to transport its guests to an almost familiar yet uniquely different Parisian experience. Verdict: This place is perfect for groups or a casual date night. Food taste great and the portion sizes are adequate. Variety of food selection: 9/10 Food Presentation: 8/10 Taste: 8/10 Ambience: 10/10 Service: 9/10 Price: 9/10 Verdict: my new favorite spot

26 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 24 November 2019

Feature

Despite many laws, private sector, government still deny persons with disability employments

Desmond Okon

Most disheartening, Persons with Disability (PwDs) find it cumbersome to get formal employment—whether or not you are educated, the chances are slim. Those who are lucky, get to do “unfulfilling jobs” with the government. But those who are not as lucky and without education are likely to become beggars. Yusuf was one of the lucky ones, as he now works with Lagos State government.

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t happened when he was only three years old. He had fallen ill and was taken to a nearby hospital by his parents. It was a “little illness,” perhaps, something that would not have cost him much, but he fell prey to a careless healthcare giver who then injected him “in the muscle” upon arrival. That injection helped with the ailment, but took his legs. “My parents tried all they could. I was being carried to different places to find solution, nothing came out of it,” he said. From that time till now, Femi Yusuf (a pseudonym), has been ‘rolling’ his way through life on a wheelchair, relying on the words of his parents who had constantly told him he could become whatever he chooses before their death. Although his disability is a fact, he is confident about life. “Life has been good to me so far,” he said. “I never see myself as someone with physical challenge; I always see myself as an able person; that makes all things easy for me.” But despite this feeling, all is not well and Yusuf knows this. As a physically challenged person in Nigeria, there are many challenges to deal with till your last breath. Rights violation, stigma, and discrimination are all part of the package.

Life has been good to me so far,” he said. “I never see myself as someone with physical challenge; I always see myself as an able person; that makes all things easy for me “Most likely, God did it,” he said, narrating how he landed a job with the government. “It (was) when I was doing my IT. Government said persons with disability should be given work which is compulsory for every local government to employ them. “I did my interview on a Monday, (and) the next day I was sent a message from secretariat Alausa, where I am now,” he told BDSUNDAY. Sounding unfulfilled, he admitted to BDSUNDAY that he would have loved to work with a private firm, but on a second thought, he said it would be difficult to get employed in any private firm.

“I think so… just a bit difficult, due to some facilities which are inaccessible. In some private sectors, some of them never consider the PwDs in building their various companies. If (I) decide to work in banking industry, do you see their doors? How will it be accessible to me and some others like me?” he asks rhetorically. He was right, and Peter Pius (not real name), confirmed it to BDSUNDAY. Hailing from Akwa Ibom State, 30-years-old Pius holds a degree in banking and finance, and also a diploma in insurance. But he is jobless. “I have tried gaining a job opportunity in a financial insti-

tution but age and work experience have been a barrier. I tried severally, even went as far as writing the aptitude tests for First Bank, DPR, Shell, and many others which I can’t remember. I also sent several applications. I applied in telecommunications such as MTN, Airtel also. I remember applying in Zenith Bank, so many times,” he said. In spite of his efforts to be gainfully employed, the outcomes have been negative. According to him, there has not been any feedback from any of the organisations he applied to even after writing the tests. “I didn’t get feedback. Even the aptitude test I wrote for First Bank, till today, no response whether you performed well or not. There was no priority given to PwDs even when I identified myself as one. “I could remember when I went for a factory work at Oshodi-Isolo road and I was singled out outright and told that their company policy does not allow any person with disability to work there. I was disqualified,” he said. He however, suggests that consideration for jobs should be given to the little percentage of PwDs who have gained education. “I must say access to education for PwDs has not really been inclusive. So, the little that have the privilege to get one should be given priority,” he recommends. Also recounting her ordeal with job-hunting, Kemi’s (not real name) disability was caused by another careless nurse who gave her overdose of a certain injection when she was seven years old. All efforts to reverse the damage done to her legs earned her a walking cane in the end. But that did not stop her from aspiring like any other person. So, after studying Banking and Finance, she began seeking employment in her field, but her condition became a reason for rejection. “I was rejected. He said they can’t employ someone like me even after passing both the written test and verbal interview,” she said. Kemi told BDSUNDAY that she only wanted to experience the happiness and joy that comes with finishing school, getting a job and earning a “salary that can make her independent and contribute to the family.” “The job thing has been a big challenge for persons living with disabilities because (of) age bracket. This has been a big challenge because most of us started our education late, so age requirement is mostly not met.

Sunday 24 November 2019

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BDSUNDAY 27

Feature

Lack of accessibility in most private and even the government sector,” she said. For Lare Bayo (not real name), another physically challenged Nigerian, it all began after his mandatory national youth service, commonly called NYSC in Nigeria. “After my NYSC in June 2013, my hunt for a job began and I applied for jobs in different organisations. I was called for aptitude test and interviews (which I never failed), but majority of the firms declined me job offer on either the basis of my disability or on a sympathy level,” Bayo narrates. A chartered accountant and a graduate of accountancy from the Lagos State University, Bayo, 31, could not believe he would be rejected. In fact, he told this reporter that while in school, his colleagues thought he would secure a job before them due to his outstanding performance. “But in the course of the interviews and from the countenance of the interviewers even before the interview, I sensed rejection,” he said. “I never envisaged such!” Although presently working with the Lagos State Government and a volunteer with the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Bayo said he would have loved to work with an audit firm as an auditor so as to have a wider understanding of accounting. But his physical state was considered above his brilliant mind. “Most of the audit firms were so skeptical about my efficiency on the field as it involves lot of mobility from one client to the other,” he said. The World Bank estimates that one billion people, or 15 percent of the world’s population, experience some form of disabilities and that the prevalence is higher for developing countries, but data on the actual population of PwDs in Nigeria is sketchy. In 2011, the World Report on disability estimated that 25 million Nigerians had at least one form of disability or the other, and stated that 3.6 million of these had very significant dif-

ficulties in functioning. The report came after the 2006 population census reported 3.2 million persons living with disability. This figure was then protested against by the Centre for Citizen with Disabilities which claimed that the extent of disability in Nigeria was not fully captured. After much pressure by the CCD, the National Population Commission of Nigeria (NPC) later estimated that about 19 million Nigerians were living with disabilities in 2018. That number would have increased by now. Lagos Special Peoples Law Most members of this vulnerable group usually live in squalor due to lack of jobs, as a result, Lagos State government established a robust law to protect special people from discrimination, and harmful treatment. The law makes provision for adequate standard of living and social protection for disabled people. The Lagos Special Peoples Law, passed in 2011, also caters for their rights to education, health, and more, including right to work and employment as stated in section 29 (1) of the law: “Persons living with disability shall have the right to work, on equal basis with others and this includes the right to opportunity to gain a living by working freely in a chosen or accepted labour market and work environment.” But a critical assessment on the increase of physically challenged persons begging for alms on the streets showed that more

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An amputee begging somewhere in Ikeja, Lagos

than 80 percent of people with disabilities live in low and middle income parts of the society. Among this group, 30 percent are street youths and 20 percent are children with disabilities, according to the report. This data show that implementation of the law did not commence, until NGOs and pressure groups began mounting pressure on the state government for implementation, and in 2018, 250 disabled persons were employed by the state government. Also, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) recently employed 20 persons with disability as sweepers. According to the Lagos State Special People’s Law, all employers of labour employing up to 100 persons shall reserve at least 1 percent of such workforce for qualified persons living with disability and government shall take steps to ensure the self-reliance of persons living with disability and accordingly give adequate assistance to those of them who desire to be employed. Compliance to this directive by the private sector has been a problem despite calls by the civil society group for private sector to invest in employment and economic empowerment of the

Persons living with disability shall have the right to work, on equal basis with others and this includes the right to opportunity to gain a living by working freely in a chosen or accepted labour market and work environment

physically challenged class. “Most private firms believe that employing PwDs will be an additional cost to the firm,” Bayo said. The National Law Apart from the state’s law, there is also a national law that protects the rights of persons with disabilities. This law stipulates that employers of labour must employ at least 5 percent of this group of people. “The National Disability Act – Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, provides in session 29 as follows: all employers of labour in public organisations shall, as much as possible, have persons with disabilities constitute at least 5 percent of their employment,” David Anyaele, executive director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), said. What is behind poor private sector compliance? Explaining the reason for noncompliance by the private sector, the chairman of the National Association of the Blind (NAB) Tunde Mohammad said the country lacks a serious government. He said Nigeria was not devoid of good policies, “but enforcing or implementing those policies is the problem.” “Nigeria doesn’t have that compelling power to implement the law. There are quite a number of qualified disabled people, but a lot of the private sector does not know the capability of these disabled people. “You can imagine, as a blind person, when you first see me, the first thing you say is ‘oh, he’s blind’ you’d think I don’t know you are talking about me, you’d think that I don’t even know how to use my computer. Ordinarily, you’d think I did not even go to school,” said Mohammad. The NAB boss said lack of training for disabled people and exposure, as well as lack of awareness on the ability of disabled people, were other factors that should be considered when looking at private sectors’ poor hiring of persons with disability.

“I think there is lack of awareness on the ability of disabled people. The only thing people can see in them is just disability. But there are lots of other ideas,” he said. Enforcement and incentives are the only way Although NAB’s boss appreciated the efforts government has put into employing disabled persons, he stated that more could be done. Mohammad also explained that many of them would have ended up in the streets if not for the government that has been giving them employment. “It would have been too terrible,” he said. He said the government should enforce the law that private sector should engage disabled people, and be serious about it. “The laws are there, so there should be awareness on it so that they know that they will be severely punished when they err. Also, there should be a form of waiver in terms of taxation. Once there are incentives, and they know that when they err, they will be punished, then they will sit up,” he said. He urged disabled people to come out and sensitize people on their abilities and on the need for them to be hired by private individuals. State government is not doing enough Attempting an explanation on why the private sector appears adamant to comply, Anayaele (mentioned earlier) said that the non-implementation of the provision by the private sector could be linked to ignorance. This is because, the National Disability Act provides in session two that the Federal Ministry of Information shall make provision for the promotion of awareness regarding rights, respect and dignity of persons with disabilities, he explained. Hence for him, they have failed in doing this. “The last time I checked, the Federal Ministry of Information is yet to play their roles and responsibilities as provided in the Act,” he said. Unlike Mohammad who spared government some accolades, the executive director of CCD insisted that the state government is not doing enough, stating there was little or no provision for PwDs in this year’s budget. “If you look at this year’s budget you will see that little or no provisions have been made in favour of citizens with disabilities for rehabilitation, education, or healthcare. “At the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, we believe that there is need to create awareness and capacity building on the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, demand accountability from state institutions, and mass action – through litigation advocacy,” Anyaele said. “Governments at all levels are struggling to fulfil its obligations to Nigerians with Disabilities,” he adds.

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Sunday 24 November 2019

Travel

Magical Qatar: The allure in the gulf OBINNA EMELIKE

f you have ever desired to be in a destination where a traveller is never a stranger, but just a friend not yet met, or a place where the warmth of a friendly embrace is commonplace, then you have a deal in Qatar. On a visit, you will discover a land of beautiful contrasts, a dynamic and exciting cultural experience, yet with a sense of timeless serenity and tradition. The middle eastern country, which is rooted in ancient cultures amid contemporary living, is simply magical. With its 25.2 billion barrels oil reserves, 24.9 tcm gas reserves and 1.92 million barrels per day oil production, Qatar is truly a land flowing with milk and honey. But the ‘milk and honey’ are evident in the breathtaking tourism infrastructural development that has made the country a destination of choice for visitors across the world in the Middle East. Across the different municipalities, the country boosts of well-designed cities, architectural wonders, man-made and natural attractions that combine to make the country ‘the allure in the gulf’. Of course, Doha, the capital city, has a soul and energy that every visitor feels on every visit. You feel the energy from the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport, the gateway to the country that further offers a glimpse of the adventure that awaits you. While in Doha, all you need to experience a lively street life is a stroll down the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif. The lively traditional market provides an authentic

offers spectacular vistas of the city, from the dramatic high rise towers of the central business district to the bold shapes of the Museum of Islamic Art. However, the traditional wooden dhows lining the Bay evoke echoes of Qatar’s great seafaring past. But tourists who are interesting in taking fishing trips will find a multitude of options available, as some tour companies offer trips on a variety of boats, including traditional dhows to smaller speedboats. Moreover, Qatar offers an elegant lifestyles at The PearlQatar, which unarguably ‘the

taste of traditional commerce, architecture and culture. As well, the maze of small shops offers a dazzling array of merchandise from spices, seasonal delicacies, perfumes, ornate jewelry, clothing, handicrafts and a treasure trove of souvenir bargains. Also, the generous offering of traditional music, art and cultural shows adds to the ambience of this special place, which also houses a comprehensive visitor centre. Again, a visit to Doha is not complete without seeing the city’s waterfront promenade, about seven-kilometre long. The waterfront, which stretches the entire length of Doha Bay,

most glamorous address in the Middle East’. The intrigue is that the PearlQatar is a man-made island off the West Bay coast featuring Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, upmarket residential towers, villas and internationally renowned hotels, as well as, luxury shopping at top brand name boutiques and showrooms. The Pearl is a popular visitor attraction by virtue of its chic elegance, outdoor atmosphere and al fresco dining. Hence its inviting description as the ‘Arabian Riviera’. For lovers of the arts, the finest Islamic art are on display at MIA Museum. On a visit, you will experience

14 centuries in a few hours at one of the leading collections of Islamic art in the world from paintings, glassworks, metalwork, ceramics, textiles and manuscripts. No visitor can fail to be impressed by the quality and diversity the collections, housed in a modern architectural masterpiece designed by IM Pei, winner of the 1983 Pritzker Architecture Prize. The museum ensures fresh interest through its constantly changing programme of special exhibitions. Qatar also boosts of UNESCO

in the south-eastern corner of the country lies one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders, the ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid. A UNESCO recognized natural reserve with its own ecosystem, this is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert. Inaccessible by road, this tranquil expanse of water can only be reached by across the rolling dunes. According to UNESCO, Khor Al Adaid represents “a remarkable landscape” offering “world class scenic beauty”. The area is

Heritage Sites. The one that draws visitors most is the Al Zubarah Fort. Located on Qatar’s north-west coast and comprising the immaculately restored Al Zubarah Fort and surrounding 60-hectare archaeological works, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most extensive and best preserved examples of an 18th–19th century settlement in the region. It covers the remains of a walled coastal town that once ranked as one of the Gulf’s most important pearl diving and trading centres with links extending to the Indian Ocean. Also, about 60 km from Doha

home to a unique set of fauna, including several species which are internationally rare and/or threatened, such as turtles. Yet again, Qatar is popular for desert safari amid stunning dunes.The many dunes, with their spectacular views, are major attractions for tourists who wish to undertake recreational safaris Qatar’s largest area of sand desert lies to the south-west of the capital, with its high dunes a major attraction both for recreational safaris or simply to enjoy the spectacular landscape. The area is also popular as a day destination for families wishing to

picnic in a unique environment. Tourists will also find an array of local stores en route where supplies can be purchased before heading into the desert. The desert scenery constantly changes depending on the time of day and light conditions. The breath-taking colours of sunrise and sunset are especially dramatic and the clear night skies offer a rare treat for stargazers. Khor Al Adaid, the impressive ‘Inland Sea’, lies to the south of this expanse of desert. Where to stay has never been an issue for visitors because Qatar parades top global hotel brands where guests experience warm welcome amid the finest facilities and highest standards of service. In keeping with the country’s commitment to a premium tourism offering, 4 and 5-star hotels currently account for some three-quarters of Qatar’s 20,000 available rooms. But of interest to visitors is the ongoing massive infrastructural upgrade across the country in preparation for the hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022, especially zero-carbon emitting and climate controlled stadiums, the first in the world. In 2022, the country will wow the world and visitors alike with breathtaking stadiums including nine new ones and three renovated ones with the 12 venues divided among seven host cities of Al-Daayen, Al-Khor, Al-Rayyan, Al-Shamal, Al-Wakrah, Doha and Umm Slal. The surprise thing is that the country is planning to dismantle parts of the stadiums and send them to developing countries to make 22 new stadiums. So, there are many reasons to visit this magical destination now and even in the future. The country awaits your visit soon and Qatar Airways is spreading its wings to fly you in to discover for yourself. You will be glad you did!

Sunday 24 November 2019

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BDSUNDAY 29

Travel

Top travel destinations across the world for 2020 Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

he world awaits. Where will you go next? To create this annual Best Trips list the writers collaborated with the editorial teams of National Geographic Traveler’s 17 international editions and with their own globe-trotting experts to report on the essential and sustainable sites to see in 2020. Grab your bags and go! Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Partially destroyed during the Bosnian War (1992–1995), history-rich Mostar still bears scars of the past. Numerous buildings in the Old City, developed as a 15thcentury Ottoman frontier town, have been rebuilt or restored in the 25 years since the Dayton Peace Accords established relative calm in the western Balkans. Wander around and you’ll pass newly renovated apartments next to buildings riddled with bullet holes. Local and international artists regularly decorate the abandoned structures with colorful murals. Mostar’s most tangible image of peace is the 16th-century Stari Most (Old Bridge), rebuilt in 2004. It connects the city’s predominantly Christian Croat west side with the mainly Muslim Bosniak east. —Barbera Bosma, managing editor, Nat Geo Travel Netherlands Guizhou Province, China

Historically one of China’s most isolated and undiscovered provinces, southwestern Guizhou is gaining global notice as a cloud computing and big-data center. The mountainous region’s plentiful water and cool climate are draws for Apple, Huawei, and other tech powerhouses that have established or are building facilities in the provincial capital, Guiyang. This buzz around bytes has improved access to the entire province, including the traditional villages of ethnic minority groups, such as the Bouyei, Dong, and Miao. In eastern Guizhou’s indigenous villages, in particular, days unfold at a slow pace and people continue farming and textile traditions— such as spinning, embroidery, and batik—practiced since the sixth century. —Lu Yi, managing editor, Nat Geo Travel China Tohoku, Japan Less than three hours by train from Tokyo, home of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, Tohoku should get a gold medal for best unknown travel wonderland. Comprising the six northernmost prefectures on Japan’s main island of Honshu, this region features pristine forests, gorges and crater lakes, thousand-year-old temples and shrines, and venerable local festivals—yet less than 2 percent of international travelers come here. Walk the Michinoku Coastal Trail, which runs for 620 miles from Aomori to Fukushima. The latter

ICPC bestows Integrity Award on FAAN staff

he Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) today, November 19, 2019 recognized a staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Josephine Ugwu for her honesty and integrity in the discharge of her duties. Ugwu was presented with the award at a two day summit on ‘Diminishing Corruption in the Public Sector’ jointly organized by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and ICPC in Abuja. You will recall that in a celebrated case in the year 2015, Ugwu while carrying out her duties as a

cleaner at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos saw the sum of $12,200,000 in a toilet and submitted it to security officials. The money was subsequently returned to the owner. She has also refunded other sums lost by several other passengers at different times. Ugwu was subsequently given automatic employment by the Authority in recognition of her honesty and exemplary conducts. The event climaxed with an hand shake to Ugwu from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari. She was also given a brand new apartment in Lagos for her act of honesty and integrity.

was devastated by the 2011 tsunami, and the newly opened trail is a stirring symbol of the area’s rebirth. For skiers, Tohoku regularly records some of the planet’s heaviest snowfalls, and resorts such as Appi Kogen are exhilaratingly uncrowded. National Blue Trail, Hungary Despite its lack of soaring peaks (the highest is 3,327-foot Mount Kékes), Hungary is a dream hiking destination thanks to the country’s National Blue Trail. Meandering about 700 miles from Irottko Mountain, on the western border with Austria, to the northeastern village of Hollóháza near Slovakia, the Blue Trail (Kéktúra in Hungarian) is a wonderfully diverse web of paths labeled with white-andblue-striped waymarkers. Originating in 1938 and recognized as Europe’s first long-distance trail, it’s part of the nearly 6,500-mile European long-distance walking route E4, which begins in Spain and ends (with ferry connections) in Cyprus. So, while you could use the Blue Trail as a launchpad for an epic, cross-Europe trek, Hungary’s historic route is best experienced as a singular destination. Telč, Czechia With resplendent Italian Renaissance architecture, it’s no wonder the southern Czechia (Czech Republic) town of Telč is sometimes called the Czech Florence. Positioned midway between Prague to the north and Vienna to the south, the storybook town got its official start in the

14th century as a crossroads on the well-trodden trading routes among Bohemia, Moravia, and Austria. Stone walls and a system of man-made fish ponds helped protect Telč’s historic town center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The triangular marketplace is bordered by a rainbow of pastelhued burgher houses, originally constructed from wood and rebuilt with stone after fire decimated the town in 1530. From the square, walk to the Telč Chateau, the former Gothic castle was transformed into a Renaissance jewel by nobleman Zachariáš of Hradec and his wife, Kateřina, whose Italianate taste inspired Telč’s ornate style. Magdalen Islands, Canada When you walk on sea ice, it’s easy to forget that there’s an ocean below you. This frozen world is stripped down to essentials: impossibly blue sky, bright sun bouncing off a blanket of fresh snow, wind that vibrates like a cello, whiteness all around. Welcome to the harp seal nursery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence off the Magdalen Islands, Quebec, one of three Northwest Atlantic harp seal pupping grounds. Adult seals migrate here from the Arctic, the pregnant females searching for suitable ice to birth on, and males follow, eager to mate. Harp seals are an ice-obligate species; they require a stable sea platform of ice for pups to survive. The pups are born on the ice in late February and early March. The young seals

are one of the most captivating creatures on the planet, with obsidian eyes, charcoal nose, and cloud-soft fur. Wales Way, United Kingdom Three new, fully mapped national touring routes, collectively called the Wales Way, showcase the best of this legend-filled land. At 185 miles, the Cambrian Way is the longest of the three roads, snaking north to south along the backbone of Wales. Sandwiched between mountains and sea, the Coastal Way is a sweeping 180mile journey around Cardigan Bay on the country’s west coast. The castle-rich North Wales Way follows a centuries-old trading route 75 miles from northeastern Queensferry to the Isle of Anglesey. Each driving itinerary is a gateway to wider outdoor adventures. Hike in Edmund Hillary’s footsteps on Mount Snowdon; inland surf at Adventure Parc Snowdonia; or go coasteering (a new adventure sport that combines rock climbing, cliff jumping. Abu Simbel, Egypt Tourism to Egypt is rebounding from its steep decline in the wake of the 2011 Arab Spring revolution. However, the feeling of having a destination to yourself still can be found at Abu Simbel, deep in the south of Egypt near its border with Sudan. Originally cut into a rock cliff by the Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II (ca. 1303–ca. 1213 b.c.), the temples at Abu Simbel are at once archaeological treasures and marvels of modern engineering. Buried by sand for millennia, the towering landmarks were unearthed by archaeologists in 1813 and saved from the rising waters of Lake Nassar—the gigantic reservoir created by the damming of the mighty Nile at Aswan—by a monumental five-year relocation effort launched by the Egyptian government and UNESCO in 1960. Wander from one dimly lit chamber to another through the 98-foot-tall Great Temple, guarded by four gigantic figures of Ramses II. Stand awestruck in front of images of the pharaoh and Nefertari, his beloved queen, engraved on the walls more than 3,000 years ago.

Air Peace begins Kano-Owerri-Kano flights

est Africa’s largest carrier, Air Peace, will commence Kano-Owerri-Kano flight effective from Tuesday, November 26, 2019. The Stanley Olisa, airline’s Corporate Communications Executive, disclosed this in a statement released on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. Olisa revealed that the flight days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. He noted that Air Peace has provided a direct connectivity between the two destinations, adding that passengers do not have to travel from Kano to Lagos or Abuja to connect a flight to Owerri. “It is our promise to inter-

connect every part of this country. This is our gift to the unity of our nation. Be assured we are coming with more destinations”, the airline’s spokesperson said. According to him, “It is part of our vision to create more seamless connections and network options for our esteemed customers across Nigeria, and we cannot fail in this regard.”

The image-maker reiterated the commitment of the airline to giving its passengers best-in-class flight experience, while adding the airline will continue to improve its delivery of safe and comfortable flights. Olisa urged the flying public to continue to fly Air Peace, a truly Nigerian airline that has significantly impacted the growth of the country’s economy in a number of ways.

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ExecutiveBookshelf With Chido Nwakanma • Reviews • News • Interview • List

The guts to go with your gut in business Jim Ovia (2018), Africa Rise and Shine: How a Nigerian Entrepreneur from Humble Beginnings Grew a Business to $16billion. South Carolina: Forbes Books. ISBN: 978-1 -94663-340-8. 224pages

frica Rise and Shine starts with a manifesto. “Africa’s challenges may appear daunting to most, but to those with the right entrepreneurial vision, challenges always provide opportunities. Poor infrastructure? The entrepreneur sees that as a chance to leverage structural improvements as a core component of a burgeoning brand identity. Inadequate supply of electricity? The entrepreneur identifies such a deficiency as a blank slate on which a new electricity supply can be built.” Zenith Bank founder Jim Ovia tells the enthralling story of the commencement and rise of Zenith Bank in what is a Guide to Entrepreneurship in Nigeria. His book is replete with testimonials, guidance and warnings on getting things done in the harsh environment of business in Nigeria. The book is positive, optimistic and avoids dwelling on the negatives and challenges of either setting up the bank or running it. Ovia accentuates the positives, downplays the

negatives and insists on getting results. It is the philosophy that fetched him success, and he reproduces it in this narrative. Go with your guts. Ovia counsels that given a choice between intuition and the other approach of rational analysis, he would choose intuition. This holder of an MBA takes this heretical path against the teachings of business schools deliberately and has results to prove it. Going with your guts does not mean to avoid rationality. It is based on a strong foundation of interest, passion, and focus on success. “Intuition is closely connected with passion, inspiration, desire and the human aspiration to achieve something unusual to follow a path that leads away from the accepted norm”, he submits. Zenith Bank, licensed in 1990, was one of the banks that birthed the boom in that sector following liberalisation. At a time in the 1990s, the country had over 100 banks. The 2004 recapitalisation requirement brought the number down to 25. Zenith survived all the rationalisations. The founder of Zenith Bank shares how he convinced the

Central Bank to grant him a banking license even as he had only ten years of banking experience as against the 20 years it specified. Technology played a critical role in the rapid expansion of the bank. Its links to technology owed to the interest of the founder in the evolving ICT ecosystem as far back as 1975 as a student in the United States. That interest enabled Jim Ovia play a role in the evolution of the Internet in Nigeria. He set up Cyberspace Limited, a pioneer internet service firm and served as the first president of the Nigeria Internet Group. The closed mind of a military minister of communications meant that the first effort to deploy satellites at Zenith Bank failed. Soon, the revolving chair of ministerial offices brought in a new minister who listened and allowed the deployment. The technology was a critical success factor and cutting edge for Zenith in the early days. It improved and hastened processes in the bank, drawing in more customers. Banking folklore has Zenith Bank as the place with the meanest rules and application. Reading Africa Rise and Shine all of that tough, and some would say inhumane, HR approach comes across as discipline and the pursuit of excellence. Nothing more. The bank introduced a highprofile Awards and Recognition scheme to reward those who survived the stringent regimen and excelled. Ovia calls it “success in championing an assertive style of management while cultivating a motivational climate.” Ovia established Visafone as a successful brand and later sold it to MTN. He provides the rationale for sale here both for MTN and Visafone. It is a classic of hard-nosed bargaining, negotiation and keeping emotions aside from the business. This entrepreneur invested heavily in real estate, with the successful Civic Center and the Civic Towers that is now an iconic landmark of the Lagos landscape. Africa Rise and Shine covers 30 chapters. It offers many nuggets that Ovia develops as chapter headings. Here are ten other learnings from Africa Rise And Shine. 1. It is not necessary to be born rich or in influential circles to succeed.

Reach a niche audience of influencers through Executive Bookshelf in BD Sunday Dear Advertiser

Communication, Pan Atlantic University, coordinates the section. Respondents have included the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Prof Juan Elegido, vice-chancellor, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, Mrs Bunmi Oke, former president AAPN and member of the 2014 Constitutional Conference, Patrick Okigbo 111, promoter of Enugu Town Hall Nkata Umuibe and Tony Onyima, former Commissioner in Anambra State and former Managing Director of The Sun newspapers as well as Ifeoma Malo, founder and head Cleantech Hub. Reach the audience of young as well as senior citizens who love books, reading and enlightened discourse. The spectrum is broad, and the read wide. Enrich the conversation with your intelligent ads for a smart community.

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TheWorshippers Living to please the Lord gives us right motivation and commitment for life – Oghumah Rt. Revd. Augustine Oghumah was recently consecrated as the bishop of Lagos Diocese, Christ Army Church of Nigeria, as the church celebrated the Episcopal visit of his grace, Most Rev. Abel S. Vurasi, the president and supreme head of the church Synod. In this interview with SEYI JOHN SALAU, Bishop Oghumah, who was born in Fugar, Edo State (hometown) in Fugar Etsako Local Government Area, speaks on the church. Excerpts: The mantle of leadership is on you to lead the people of God in Christ Army Church of Nigeria, Lagos Diocese; what is your mission for the people? here there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God) the people perish according to (Prov. 29:17-18; Hosea 4:6). A vision from God is vital for Christians. We do need to know the purpose for which God has laid a hold on us so we can live with real Holy Spirit inspired motivation – day by day. All true Christians’ vision and ministry should happen as a direct result of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We commit to do what we know is the heart of Jesus for us. When we love him in a way that demonstrates that he is indeed, first in our lives, we desire to do what pleases him. Living to please the Lord gives us the right motivation and commitment for life; when we see and know God’s direction for our life. Then we are most bless, we are not stumbling through life experiencing uncertainty because we are living a ‘hit’ and ‘miss’ kind of life-style, God’s people are called to be those who know what their calling is, what they are meant to be doing and knowing why we are here on earth at this time. He wants us to be fully committed to him, and then we will be totally fulfilled as we obey his vision, will and purpose for our life. There is nothing more satisfying and fulfiling than to know the will of God for your life and we are doing it. Let us not be caught up with making excuses as to why this or that is not happening; true Christianity should make us the most joyful, and excited people on the face of the earth. And yes, there are persecutions that we have to bear when we take our stand with Jesus Christ, but it is worth it. When we compare that we will spend all eternity in the presence of our wonderful Lord Jesus then what we suffer here below is minor to the rewards that await the best in mind for you and me. He even uses our sufferings to

refine us and make us more like him, when we consider what Jesus went through to purchase our salvation, we should rejoice. What empowerment programme are you planning for the diocese and its people? Listen: If you want to empower someone, the first thing you should have to do is understand them. It’s important to understand them. It is important to understand where they are now, what they want to accomplish, what they are passionate about, what they’re struggling with, what their ideas are and more. Ask questions, provide the means for people to respond and take the time to listen then you’ll know how best to empower those people. Resource: God has given the church the opportunity and responsibility to share the good news of Jesus with people. Question: When you read that church (institution) communicating to people, were you thinking of people communicating the gospel with the people around them? Be honest. Most churches communicate with the mindset that they are going to reach people directly. But we know that people are much more open to and influenced by their friends who they trust church leader that genuinely want to empower their people recognise this and provide communications resources their people can with their friends invitation cards to service and events Facebook events people can share with their friends though provoking social media, content people can share with their friends. Collaborate: Church leaders who are empowered realise they don’t have a monopoly of good lease, they invite others to join them; they find a way to help others use their gifts. Forge connection: Sometimes, the best thing you can do to empower someone is to introduce passion or complimentary gift social media provide great opportunities to do this. Back to your consecration as bishop of Lagos west; what does this mean to you and the diocese? Consecration means to be set

Augustine Oghumah

apart or separated, for use by the Lord; it is the giving of our whole being to God for service, this does not mean just preaching or working with God. ‘Service’ in the bible has the meaning of waiting on ‘God’ to obey Him (Luke 12:35-37, Heb. 13:15-16), in other words if he wishes us to stand we stand, if he wants us to wait, we wait and if he assures us to run, we run; we are his to obey. Consecration is a definite act of our will before God; there is a point of time in the experience of every Christian when he will face the challenge of the total consecration of this life to the Lord. The challenge to take on the attitude that everything he has or ever wants to be, is now in the Lord’s hands. It is all about presenting ourselves to the Lord. The ceremony of the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood is a picture for us to present our lives to the Lord, for every Christian is now a priest to God. But you are the chosen people; a royal priesthood, a holy nation; a people belonging

to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. What other plans do you have in promoting the Lagos west diocese of Christ Army Church? Promotion comes from God alone. Now, I realise that saying ‘promotion comes from God alone’ might sound trite at first but let’s look at it more closely because it’s not trite at all. And if you will get this in your spirit today it’s going to set you free like it did to me. Sometimes, we Christians fall into a trap of humanity that other people should be helping us towards our destiny. We think people should see our gifts and people should see the call of God on our live as clearly as we do and if they don’t we get disappointed. If we’re not careful, that disappointment can turn into unforgiveness; can turn into bitterness, and then our soul becomes poisoned and God cannot move us forward in that state. It’s a cycle – a very bad cycle and once you get on this cycle, it can be hard to get off it. But you can get off of this negative cycle, here’s how. All it takes is a scriptural understanding that promotion comes from God alone. See; God alone knows the hearts of men and women, boys and girls. He alone knows the fulness of his plans for you. He knows when, how, what, how much, who, and so on. He knows all the answers to all the questions. Additionally, he alone is the door opener. God has the keys to all the doors, he alone opens doors that no one can shut. He also shuts doors that no one can open. So, not only does God know what’s best for you, but he alone opens the doors to his best for you. God opens doors, not people, not your bank account, not your family connections, not your business network, only God opens doors for you and shuts other doors. As the Bishop of Lagos west, what are your plans for the youth of the church and other members to carry them along with church programme and activities? Youth empowerment is a process where children and young

people encourage to take charge of their lives; they do this by addressing their situation and then take action in order to improve their access to resources and transform their consciousness through their beliefs, values and attitudes. Youth empowerment aims to improve quality of life. Youth empowerment is achieved through participation in youth empowerment programmes; however, scholars argue that children’s rights implementation should go beyond learning about formal right and procedure to give birth to concrete experience of rights. There are numerous models that youth empowerment programmes use that help the youth achieve empowerment initiatives. These programmes can be through nonprofit organisations; government organisations, school or private organisations. Youth empowerment is different from youth development because it is centered on development of individuals, while empowerment is focused on creating greater community change, relies on the development of individual’s capacity. What is your advice to the Nigerian government, looking at the happenings in the country? The government should respect and provide the resources for the various agencies that ensure good governance, the integrity commission and the office of the complaints commissioner. Be a government for all the people that practise fair and transparent decision making and give equal opportunity for all citizens. Seek to study and to resolve the many issues surrounding illegal immigration and work to address crime especially seeing there are now more guns on the streets. The government should ensure that the country remains among the top regional competitors in attracting tourists and arrest the decline of cruise ship passenger’s arrivals. The performance of employees including those in senior positions must be appraised with view to improving the public services.

CAN pledges support for churches, to deepen collaboration SEYI JOHN SALAU

he Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has pledged its support for churches in the state to deepen collaboration and build capacity of churches towards evangelism in the state. CAN stated this at the recently concluded ‘Divine Liberation’ cru-

sade organised by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Ikeja Province, held at the Police College ground in Ikeja. According to CAN, the field is very ripe for harvest hence, the need to support churches in the state that are desirous of soulwinning. Alexander Bamgbola, chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos State chapter, in his keynote address said the CAN Lagos is going to support all churches

desirous of winning souls to God. According to Bamgbola, PFN Ikeja province has started what is going to shake the spiritual landscape of the Ikeja province and beyond. Represented by Taiwo Ajose, the director of social mobilisation of the Lagos CAN, Bamgbola stated that the church of God in Nigeria has been going through a lot in regard of winning souls to the kingdom; hence the ‘Ten thousand

souls project crusade’ of PFN Ikeja Province should be supported by all. John Okwok, the general overseer of City of Life Miracle Church, in his sermon said liberation is the action of setting individual or a family free. This he said is to be saved and rescued from the bondage of Satan. According to him, everybody needs liberation and Jesus has brought that liberation to mankind.

Therefore, all that is needed is to come unto Jesus for liberation. “He is the way maker; so, the way maker says come. Jesus is the Saviour of the world, the Redeemer, the Deliverer,” Okwok said, emphasising that there is rest in Jesus. The open air crusade started with a free medical check up on Thursday 14, November, where people with several ailments were attended to by the medical team of the PFN.

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TheWorshippers Inspiration With Rev. Yomi Kasali

info@yomikasali.com

had a chat with a brother and friend on my way to Abuja on some ills of Journalistic Practice. The particular issue we were discussing is the falsehood being peddled intentionally by some journalists and I was amazed at the exam-

False witness ples the fellow gave and the defence given by some evilminded journalists on the matter. We sometimes forget that Jesus was a victim of False Witnesses because of the prophetic benefits for humanity. My brother shared a very painful story with me about someone very close to him that lost her life because of ‘false stories and witnesses’. The false information about her person were too heavy for her to bear and led to her sudden sickness which caused heart failure, yet nobody was sued in the court of law or paid for the loss, rather they got tons of condolence messages because of some ill trained journalist who was quick to publish false stories about the woman. It’s humbling to know that bearing false witness or telling LIES about someone is hated by God and condemned in scriptures everywhere. Let me share

Unusual Praise 2019: Anticipation rises for ‘biggest praise concert in Nigeria’ Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson

nticipation is approaching feverpitch for Unusual Praise 2019, the annual religious praise concert organized by the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy. Widely regarded as the biggest praise concert in Nigeria, Unusual Praise 2019 holds on Friday November 29th at Periwinkle Estate, Freedom Way Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Unusual Praise is one of the most eagerly anticipated and well attended praise concerts in Nigeria. Currently in its 9th edition, Unusual Praise 2019 will feature amazing performances from a star-studded cast of ministers, with attendances drawn from all over Nigeria, including worshippers from other denominations, faiths and countries. A night of soul-lifting worship and unusual praise, attendees will be treated to an unforgettable experience marked by spiritual connection, glorious edification, masterful worship, as well as refreshing and divine upliftment. The popular praise concert will be televised live to a global audience by broadcasting giant, MultiChoice. Specifically, the event will be streamed live on DSTV Channel 198 and GOTV

Channel 2. Already, a high-profile cast of gospel ministers have been lined up to deliver soullifting ministrations on the day. They include Chioma Jesus, Nathaniel Bassey, Tope Alabi, Chinyere Udoma, Sir Jude Nnam, Bukola Bekes, Akanchawa, Mercy Chinwo, Panam Percy Paul, Joe Praize, Grace Eze, Osinachi Nwachukwu, BJ Sax, Big Bolaji, David G, Chukwuemeka, Phillip O, Olumide Dada and a host of others. Further raising the excitement for Unusual Praise 2019 is the availability of free Wi-Fi at the venue for worshippers. In addition, free transportation has been provided for attendees, with air-conditioned buses to convey worshippers from eight locations. They include Festac (Holy Family Catholic Church), Maryland (St. Agnes Catholic Church), Alaba (St. Patrick’s Catholic Church), Ikorodu (St. Augustine), Ogba (Our Lady of the Holy Rosary), Akowonjo (Christ the King), Surulere (National Stadium) and Yaba (St. Dominic’s Catholic Church). Unusual Praise has the mission “to promote evangelisation by creating an unforgettable praise experience, utilising live music and praise as a tool to inspire and challenge people from all backgrounds to share the message of Jesus Christ.”

what Solomon said about this matter briefly: ‘These six things the Lord hates, yes seven are an abomination to Him, a proud look, a LYING TONGUE, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a FALSE WITNESS who speaks LIES and one who sows discord among brethren’ (Prov. 6 v 16-19). The above clearly speaks about how God loathes the evil of LYING and bearing

FALSE WITNESSES against innocent people. In fact, the above passage gives me pleasure to know that ‘God is not a Politician’ (next week’s article…don’t miss it). Bearing false witness against people is evil and should be shunned in all manner by believers regardless of your profession in life especially journalism. 4 Ways we all bear false witness When we share infor-

mation that is not verified: this is the sin of social media freaks and the new way of gossiping in today’s world. Many people believe those who peddle these rumours should not be held accountable, but I totally differ and I pray you do not become a victim like my friend’s lady who died in the story above. When we invent our information and spread it: this is like the above but worse because now we are the creator of the Lies and also telling the stories that we know are bogus. It’s evil and simply satanic When we encourage people to write stories that are false: there are many ways we encourage people but the most popular is by patronizing their gossip and social media handles. Imagine people ‘unsubscribing’ from Lying social media bloggers, or stop buying newspapers that tell lies, their enterprise will be weakened.

When we defend those, who tell lies and bear false witness: I’m sure many people have forgotten that Christ was killed and crucified based on False Witnesses. Though His death is beneficial to us all through the Redemption of our sins, we should not condone the act of bearing False Witnessing. I hope you have been Inspired today and please stop bearing False Witness against anyone, even if you do not like the people, it is evil and should be presented as such. Blessings. Drop me a note of acknowledgment and encouragement. Be Inspired!

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

‘Building Godly families can help Nigeria overcome societal ills’ SEYI JOHN SALAU

t was a moment of celebration last weekend as Christian faithful in Mountain of Fire and Miracle (MFM) Region seven headquarters, Ejigbo gathered together to celebrate couples and rekindle the marriage vows aimed at building Godly families among the worshippers. “When you don’t have a family that is well organised, the nation itself will not be organised: if you want to get things right, then you need to get the family setting right,” said Clinton Ikechukwu Okoro, chairman, MFM Family Week committee, emphasising that the family being the smallest unit of the society is the building block of any society.

The MFM Family week celebration was a weeklong event that focuses on building the home front, especially among Christian faithful with the theme, ‘Building a Godly family.’ The programme which started on Sunday 10, November was rounded off with a thanksgiving service on Sunday 17 November. According to Okoro, the church is trying to bring families together as a well-fitted block of the larger church, to reflect societal values on how the church can lead the way in home building. “The essence of the programme is for us to see how we can bring families together to celebrate as one; and testimonies are already coming in from everywhere,” Okoro stated. Speaking on the current economic situation of the country, Okoro said God is

the sustenance and builder of any society. “We believe in God because he is the sustenance of everybody both Christians and non Christians; but beyond that, there are so many problems that people are facing and those problems can be linked directly to deliverance issues. “There are some problems being encountered by some families and we need to bring them to God, so Christ can be preached to them,” said Okoro, urging families with challenges to seek the face of the Lord through prayers. “In MFM, the things we do most is teach people how to do it themselves. When you know the way and go through the light; you will be a successful person in life,” he said. “The family cannot stand on one leg; the family is com-

plete when the woman and man is involved,” said Ihejirika, coordinator region seven and chairman council of regions, Mushin 3, stating that God has been so kind to the congregation, hence the need for the family week celebration. According to him, the programme used to be celebrated as ‘Men of Valour’. However, speaking on the essence of Christmas, Ihejirika said believers must never forget the very reason for the celebration. “We know that without Christ there is no Christmas: so, my prayer and wishes for families is that they are going to stay together, live together and then believe in one God,” he said. Rotimi James Orowale, chairman publicity, said it was essential to recognise the primary purpose of marriage and the institution of family.

I never looked at any pastor as my standard – Rev. Olu Johnson SEYI JOHN SALAU

s the economic situation in Nigeria continues to bite harder on people’s earnings and their disposable income, Christians have been urged to put more faith in God rather than look up to pastors who are mere human like them, for economic sustenance. Accordingly, Christian faithful were urged to look unto Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith. “We seem to give so much and expect too much from pastors, we get it wrong; Hebrews chapter 12: 2 says looking unto Jesus the author and

finisher of our faith: I never looked at any pastor as my standard; Jesus is my standard. I have so many fathers in the Lord and I have served so many; some one-on-one, some from a distance. So, Jesus should be our perfect example and not pastors,” Olu Johnson, the senior pastor of Great Commission Bible Church, Lagos, said. Johnson said this at the recent breakfast meeting with Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN) tagged, ‘Pastors and the modern day challenge’, held in Lagos. According to Johnson, pastors are liable to make mistakes being humans, hence the need for Christians to

consider the admonition of Apostle Paul to the early believers to be a follower of Christ, even as himself. “Many pastors have made their mistakes, but Jesus never made any mistake,” he said. Speaking on the issue of pastors owing private jets; Johnson said that it was of necessity for some pastors to own such, as it was not to showoff but rather to propagate the gospel of the kingdom. “Sincerely, I do not blame pastors that have private jet in our time and season. Pastor Adeboye is busier than the president of Nigeria – the president of Nigeria oversees only this nation, I don’t know if

we can know how many nations Pastor Adeboye is overseeing from Redemption Camp. “The man is overseeing 197 nations: I have missed some of our very important meetings where I am the host for flight schedules; if I had the means, maybe I would have hired a flight and wouldn’t have missed those programmes. Some institutions and individuals in this nation have their private jets; if the work of a pastor has become enormous like the work of Pastor Adeboye or Oyedepo, I sincerely subscribe that if they can afford it or the church can afford it; it is necessary,” he said.

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Bliss with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo

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Sunday 24 November 2019

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Why we shot Don’t Beg Her – Queeen Rasheda

s so many Nigerian females are dealing with the issues of rape and the stigma attached with it, the brain behind QRTV, Queen Rasheda and her team have released a thought-provoking movie, Don’t Beg Her, to address this act. Queen, who is also the executive producer of the movie, said she is so passionate about stuff that concern women as such, she had to come up with a project that would tell a story as well as educate and enlighten so many people. “I grew up n Nigeria. I know a lot of Nigerian women who have gone through this kind of issue. I am not advocating for rape survivors to speak out or not. It is not in my place to tell them what to do. But what I would say is that if you want to speak out, don’t let the society we are in make you feel you shouldn’t speak out. If you want to fight the battle on your own, then do it that way. It is what will make you heal that matters. That is basically what we tried to project in the movie.” Queen said shooting the movie was so challenging but was made easier with the professional touch of Ralo Olawore, who directed the movie. While speaking to Bliss during the press screening of the movie in Lagos, the director said their major aim was approach a project that deals with feminine issues “Without stealing away the thunder from the victims and survivors.” “I had a friend who was a victim of rape. I was speaking to her and I realised she was so causal about it. It made me realise that

it is not an individual problem but a society problem. I called Queen and she sat down with me and we came up with a character called ‘Aisha Dabiri’. Aisha has so many struggles. She is the protagonist in the movie. Ralo revealed the movie project was done in a month and he gave his reason. “It was written in 48 hours. This is not my first project; I have been doing this for so long. I buried my head to do this and I don’t think one month is too short to produce a movie. But the movie was what I did for one month.” Ralo also revealed the project

Colleagues, fans celebrate Burnaboy’s Grammy nomination

s popular music act, Burnaboy, is basking in the euphoria of being nominated in 2020 Grammy awards, most of his colleagues in the music industry in Nigeria have joined to celebrate with him. Burnaboy was few days ago, nominated in the Best World Music category alongside other international acts. Reacting to the nomina-

tion, the artiste took to his social media handle to express his excitement as he posted the nomination poster on his instagram handle with the caption, “This one is for the continent. #AFRICANGIANT”. The post, which has attracted thousands of comments under it from numerous fans, also got so many of music stars in the industry using the medium to congratulate the artiste. Stars like Davido, Falz, Orezi, KC, Solid Star and Ice Prince congratulated Burnaboy on the nomination and so many others used the opportunity to wish him well and pray he brings back home the award.

is not aimed at making profit but just to teach and enlighten. “We are not looking to get any profit for it. We can’t profit from a topic like this. We just want to bring awareness. We shot the movie in Lagos. Kuchi Kris played the lead role. She is a young girl of about 22. We had interviewed over 100 people and she came in for the audition with so much confidence. I knew she was the one to play the lead role.” Explaining why there are no big names in the movie, the director said, “We had some big names that were scheduled to be in the movie but after seeing these young ones in the audition, we just had to use them. By the way, we don’t even need a big name. We just needed to tell the story and these young actors did their best and I am so proud of them.” Highlighting the primary aim of the project, Ralo said, “We focused on the trauma and what happens after this diabolical event. What we are doing with this project is to highlight the trauma so that even the attacker can think twice before attacking a female to rape her. We are trying to showcase the ugliness of the trauma so that the attacker can think again. We interviewed so many rape victims and survivors. All they wanted was the ultimate result which was death of their attacker. “It is a movie I am very proud of because we had so many struggles. Shooting in Nigeria is not the same as shooting in America. Here, you have to deal with the police, deal with area boys and deal with so many issues. I am very thankful to everybody that it finally made it.”

Enugu agog with LIMCAF

t was an incredible time for arts loves in the Coal City state of Enugu during the 2019 Life in My City Festival (LIMCAF) held in the city recently. The event, sponsored b y M T N Fo u n d a t i o n , had so many dignitaries including the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe in attendance. The dignitaries called on young people to constructively use their talents to promote Nigerian values, social cohesion and national development. Governor Ugwuanyi thanked the organisers of the festival for their patriotism and growing the event to be an enabling platform for young Nigerians to share their creativity and by attracting visitors from within and outside the state and the country, firmly put the state on the national tourism map and a path to creating wealth and generating revenue for its people. Achebe, who is also the patron of LIMCAF, said the works on display at the festival were a vivid rendition of today’s relevant issues and encouraged the artists in attendance to emulate the footsteps of the country’s visual legends such as Bruce Onobrakpeya and Yusuf Grillo. This year’s edition saw young artists thrill seasoned art collectors, celebrities, art lovers with paintings, mixed media creations and sculptures which spoke to the theme, The Other Side. Speaking at the event, celebrated Nigerian printmaker, painter and sculptor, Bruce Onobrakpeya said that LIMCAF was

unprecedented in the development of modern contemporary art in Nigeria “because it brings home to everybody, especially to the parents of practitioners the social and economic value of art.” The art festival, billed as the largest gathering of young artists, patrons, scholars, gallery owners and other stakeholders in the visual arts in Nigeria, was the culmination of a process that saw a record 507 entries from 24 states and eight zonal exhibitions, including showings in Abuja, Benin City, Ibadan, Lagos, Ondo, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Zaria. One hundred artists were chosen to show their creations at the finale. Also speaking at the event, Mr Dennis Okoro, Director at the MTN Foundation, said the organisation’s support of the event stems from a desire to see a reawakening of Nigerian arts and culture. He added that a world without art is a world devoid of colour. After a rigorous selection process, Victor Olaoye, whose winning exhibit was a charcoal medium painting titled ‘Angel among gods’ won the 2019 LIMCAF. He won a cash prize of N500,000 as well as the honour of representing Nigeria at the Dakar Biennale in Dakar, Senegal in June 2020.

Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards holds in 2020

frica Magic, in association with MultiChoice Nigeria, has announced that seventh edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) will hold in 2020. According to the organisers of the award, The AMVCAs were created to celebrate the contribution of African filmmakers, actors and technicians in the success of the continent’s film and television industry and with the success of the previous editions, preparations are now underway for the seventh edition which will hold in March 2020. Channel Director, Africa Magic, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said, “It’s been a long wait, but we are pleased to finally announce that the seventh edition of the AMVCAs is here and set to once again celebrate film and television talent across Africa. Every year the industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds and we are proud to be a part of its success story through the AMVCAs. The AMVCAs re-

main Africa’s most prestigious awards and most reputable celebration of talent in front and behind the camera”. In his own statement, Chief

Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe said, “Beyond celebrating talent, the AMVCAs represent a significant investment in the African film and television industry, igniting ancillary industries in the process. Each year, revenues are increased and jobs are created to cater to the opportunities presented in areas like fashion, styling, photography and makeup. The AMVCAs also present a unique opportunity for the world to see and experience Africa beyond the headlines, telling its own story and celebrating its best storytellers.” According to them, films, made-for-television movies or television series previously entered or nominated for an award, or awarded a prize in another film and television competition are eligible to be entered for the AMVCAs. Also, all films, made-for-television movies or television series are eligible for entry to the AMVCA if they are broadcast or publicly screened or exhibited during the period of 1 April 2018 to 30 November 2019.

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Sunday 24 November 2019

BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

When policies are not backed by infrastructure ...Okoya suggests how Agric policies can be impactful Daniel Obi

uhammadu Buhari’s government has s h o w n much interest in developing Nigeria’s agriculture sector. This interest is capped in the various policies he introduced since 2015 to boost food production. This includes Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, established in November, 2015 and Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) launched in December 2016. Other policies are youth Farm Lab established by Federal Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction with Synergos, to train Nigerian youths on livestock production and sustainable urban agriculture; Food Security Council established in March 2018 and the recent border closure to certain imports. While these combined policies may have resulted in significant increase in food production, experts fear that the production may not be sustained due to lack of infrastructure especially preservation technologies and good road networks for distribution of produce. For instance, since the border closure five months ago, local poultry farmers are facing huge demand. This is causing them to ramp up production and hike price. This is also applicable to other

farmers. But they may suffer set back if there are no cold chain technologies and electricity for preservation of their produce. Cold Chain and preservation of agricultural produce has also become more important at this time conscious eating and preference for organic food has become central. Therefore, enhancing farmers with facilities to store and refrigerate, in both mobile and fixed platforms, their produce for sell at local and international markets at the right time will make them and the nation progress in agricultural input. Today, it is calculated that Nigeria records annual postharvest losses estimated at about $9 billion, a development that has frustrated some farmers from venturing into large-scale farming. Stakeholders insist that inconsistent policy and lack of cold chain to store and sell the local produce by farmers will make government efforts in boosting agriculture in the country a nullity. “An estimated 15 million metric tons of Nigerian grown perishable goods including onions, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, Okro, gingers and carrots are lost annually due to poor logistics infrastructure and high transportation cost through spoilage and product damage”, Tunde Okoya, the CEO of Lange and Grant said recently at a summit on unlocking cold chain in Nigeria.

Okoya who is the Vice President of Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa, OTACCWA estimates postharvest food losses in developing country such as Nigeria from mishandling, spoilage, transport and pest infestation at 45%. And pre-harvest and during harvest losses is at 25%. This means half of what is produced never reaches the consumer for whom it was grown, he said. On benefits of refrigerated trucks in retail distribution, Okoya lists them as reliability. The consumer is assured of products conveyed

in refrigerated trucks will not lose their value. Safety: Ensuring that the quality of the product is maintained having a particular temperature to stay safe. Other benefit includes cold and heat; as refrigerated trucks have both heating and cooling options so that a particular temperature is required in maintaining the product in the correct condition depends upon the individual product needs. Okoya whose company producesinsulatedsandwich panel made with polyurethane for commercial project and low cost housing using

modular building technology and pre-engineered system listed impact of cold chain as reducing product spoilage; can eliminate crisis management; higher efficiency rate; increases output and increases profitability. He said insulated panels are the building blocks for any cold chain system to retain required temperature either hot or cold. India has been able to reduce its post-harvest losses, increase farmers output on account of government understanding of agricultural value chain and support to the cold chain sector.

Anurag Agarwal, the CEO of New Leaf Dynamic Technologies, in New Delhi, India told Nigerians at the forum that the success of unlocking Cold Chain in Africa really means being able to benefit farmers who grow fruits and vegetables. “If the farmers see that they are benefiting from Cold Chain industry, they will produce more. This will assist the nation to grow and provide employment” Anurag said in India, farmers get 50% subsidy for investment in cold chain, they get tax breaks for such investment in cold chain, obtain single digit loan finance in cold chain and enjoy low import tariff for equipment to power cold chain. All these have assisted in the development of cold chain and enhanced farmers’ production. The incentives by the Indian government, he said are on the realisation that it will be difficult to convert farmers from subsistence to commercial if they are not able to store and appropriate value for their produce. Back home, Nigerian government efforts in agriculture will yield more positive results if certain basic things such as support for the development of cold chain through subsidy on investment in the sector and other encouragements such as tax write off for investment in cold chain and research and exposure into alternative sources of energy for cold chain are introduced.

Festive Season: MultiChoice Nigeria set to delight subscribers, introduces new packages Daniel Obi

f r i c a ’s l e a d i n g video entertainment company, MultiChoice, has unveiled five new packages for its DStv and GOtv platforms to deliver more quality content at great value for customers during the upcoming festive season and beyond. From 1 December, DStv customers will have more entertainment options to choose from with the introduction of three new DStv packages: DStv Confam, DStv Yanga and DStv Padi. GOtv subscribers will also get two new GOtv packages: GOtv Jolli and GOtv Jinja. These new packages are exclusively and speciallycurated for the Nigerian

market and come upgraded with new channels, fresh content and Naija-centric names that contribute to a more enhanced viewing experience. In addition, the GOtv Max package will be revamped to include more channels, thus offering more value at an affordable price. Chief Executive Officer,

MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, speaking on this milestone, said the introduction of the new packages customized for Nigerians will unlock a new level of entertainment and value for customers, giving them improved choices and a brand new DStv and GOtv experience.

“We are constantly driven to ensure that customers are satisfied with the overall quality of our services. The new packages are exclusively curated from Naija and for Nigerians, driven by great programing and affordable prices,” said Ugbe. “With improved package options available to our valued customers, they can choose a subscription plan that best fits their needs and budget. We remain committed to give millions of television viewers in Nigeria the opportunity to enjoy world class entertainment.” The new packages come loaded with the recentlylaunched channels – Da Vinci, TNT Africa and Real Time – as well as other top local, sports, movies and general entertainment channels. For the new DStv packag-

es, DStv Confam is a brandnew package designed for the whole family with over 120 channels. It is the home for BET, Da Vinci Learning, TNT Africa and more, and the subscription price is N4,500 monthly. DStv Yanga has over 94 channels. For N2,500 monthly, subscribers will get to enjoy all things Nollywood on amazing channels such as Africa Magic Epic, ROK 2 and Ebony Life. Also on the package are lifestyle shows on Real Time and great local and international music on MTV Base. DStv Padi provides quality entertainment at anytime with over 51 exciting channels for N1,800 monthly. The brand new GOtv JOLLI offers 68+ world class channels for family entertainment from top Naija and international channels.

Subscribers will get to enjoy exciting Naija drama, reality shows, news, kid’s shows on brand new channels such as ROK2, CBS Reality, FOX, TNT Africa, and Davinci Learning for N2,400 monthly. GOtv Jinja provides 47+ exciting local and international channels, with entertaining channels such as with FOX Life and Real Time; educative kid’s channels like PBS Kids, local drama on Africa Magic Epic and lots more for N1,600 monthly. MultiChoice will give customers with active subscriptions on DStv Access, DStv Family, GOtv Plus and GOtv Value a glimpse of entertainment lined up on these exciting new packages with a two-week preview from 1-15 December at no extra cost.

Sunday 24 November 2019

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EquityMarket Union Homes’ REITS sheds N244m in 30 days TELIAT SULE

nion Homes Real Estate Investment Trust announced a net asset value (NAV) of N9.79 billion for October 2019, the notice released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indicated. This represents a decline of 2.4 percent when compared with N10.04 billion NAV it announced for September 2019. The implication is that its NAV has shed N243.73 million in 30 days. In both September and October 2019, Union Homes REIT had nine properties and delinquency rates at 0.60 percent in both periods, while the number of units of houses, yields, tenancy structures and occupancy rates remained the same. Interestingly, the construction sub sector grew by 2.37 percent at the end of the third quarter of 2019 as against 0.67 percent and 3.18 percent at the end of the second and first quarters of 2019 respectively, the recent GDP figures announced by the nation’s data agency, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated. The nine properties under the management of Union Homes REIT are Macdonald Court in Ikoyi Lagos, which has eight blocks of flats with its current yield is at 4.11 percent. It has individuals as its tenants, 100 percent occupancy rates and has been in existence for eight years as at October 2019. The Savannah Court has fourteen blocks of flats and has been in existence for eight years, its current yield is at 4.18 percent with 93 percent occupancy rate. “Something unique must have happened for the decline in its NAV within 30 days since other parameters remained the same. However, the general business environment is not favourable to players in the real estate sector”, a senior analyst who pleaded anonymity, said. The seven years old Contem-

porary Apartment in Ikoyi is occupied by individuals, and has four blocks of flats, and having its occupancy rate at 100 percent. Its current yield is 4.49 percent. Olive Apartment in Jabi, Abuja has no yield currently because it is not yet occupied by any tenants, just like the way it was in the

previous month. It has 12 blocks of flats and is seven years old. Continental Apartment in Victoria Island in Lagos, with 22 blocks of flats, has the highest number of housing units among its properties. Its current yield is 4 percent; 100 percent occupancy rate and it is seven years old.

Victor Court and Charter Court, both in Ikoyi Lagos, have three and eleven blocks of flats and both are 100 percent occupied. Their current yields are 4.21 percent and 3.12 percent respectively. Amina Court in Abuja and Locke Court at Lekki Lagos, with five and fifteen blocks of flats,

complete the list of the properties under the management of Union Homes REIT. The former has 5.22 as its current yield while the latter has 6.97 percent as its current yield. Both are three years old only that Amina Court has 80 percent occupancy rate while Locke is 100 percent occupied.

Summary of events reported to the NSE November 18-22, 2019

AC authorises Universal Insurance to hold AGM: The management of Universal Insurance Plc has obtained authorisation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to hold its Annual General Meetings (AGMs) for 2017 and 2018. The specific date of the AGM shall be communicated to the shareholders and other stakeholders. It will be held not later December 31, 2019. Seplat announces cash acquisition of Eland Oil and Gas Plc: Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc , a leading Nigerian independent oil and gas company listed on both the Nigerian Stock

Exchange and London Stock Exchange, on the court meeting and the general meeting held on 20 November, 2019 by Eland and convened in relation to the proposed scheme, that all the proposed resolutions were duly passed by the requisite majorities. According to Seplat, 99.996% of the scheme shares voted in favour of the acquisition; 0.004% voted against, which brought the total number of shares scheme that voted to 154,100,690. The scheme is expected to become Effective on 17 December 2019. Further, Seplat has announced Roger Brown as the successor to Austin Avuru who will be retiring

by July 31, 2020. Stanbic IBTC Holdings appoints Nkemdilim Uwaje as a Non-Executive Director: The Board of Directors of Stanbic IBTC Holdings has announced the appointment of Nkemdilim Cay Uwaje as a non-executive director effective November 18, 2019. She graduated from the Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) & Technical University Munich (TUM), Germany, where she received a BSc Hons in Bioinformatics. Her entrepreneurial journey really started with Future Software Resources Limited, and she has been at the helm of the business ever since.

Access Bank appoints Awosika as Chairman: The Board of Directors of Access Bank Plc has announced Ajoritsedere Awosika as the successor to Bello-Olusoga who will be retiring by January 8, 2020 , following the completing of the maximum 12-year term limit allowed by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Code of Corporate Governance for Banks and Discount Houses. Veritas Kapital Assurance announces date of board meeting: The Board of Directors of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc has announced it will hold its 173rd board meeting o Friday, December 6, 2019 at the board room at

the company’s head office at Plot 497, Abogo Largema Street, CBD, Abuja to review and deliberate on the company’s budget and strategy for 2020. MTN Nigeria appoints Modupe Kadiri as Executive Director and CFO: Telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, has announced the appointment of Modupe Kadiri as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company. He replaces Adekunle Awobodu. Kadiri is an alumnus of the University of Lagos and a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigerian(ICAN) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

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LifestyleHomes&Suites

Sunday 24 November 2019

Paul Ojenagbon

pauloje2000@yahoo.com

The making of Awka Millennium City

he Awka Millennium City is an ambitious yet iconic, master planned gated community project which will be a large scale residential neighborhood mixed with commercial and recreational uses and bountifully provided with amenities such as parks and playgrounds. It was conceived by the Anambra State government as a public, private partnership initiative between the Anambra State Investment and Promotion (ANSIPPS) and MP-Infrastructure. It is located in the capital Awka, contributing to the transformation of the state capital into a planned modern city. It is planned as an ideal residential neighborhood offering gated and secured community, estate management services, constant power and water supply, modern access control and surveillance cameras, road and drainage network, recreational amenities with parks and commercial area. It is conveniently located just steps away from the new Government House; it is positioned about 40 kilometres from River Niger, making it accessible from the Asaba International Airport. It is also accessible via the Old OnitshaEnugu Road which is linked to the Expressway. AMC is also steps away from the proposed three arms zone which will comprise the executive, judiciary and legislative. Phase 1of the project commenced in June this year and is slated for completion in March 2021. MP- Infrastructure has been given the concession to design, build, market and manage the city. As supplements to the provision of serviced plots, MP-Infrastructure will also provide the option of constructing residential buildings for

subscribers. These include 2-bedroom building,4-bedroom terrace houses,4-bedroom detached duplex and 5-bedroom villa. Incorporated in AMC among others are the following features: a secure and gated environment, self sufficient residential community offering mixed use destinations, clean title deed directly from Anambra State government and flexible 3-year payment plan. The community will be adequately serviced by a well planned road system which will comprise various networks that will ensure structured and organised flow movements within the community. These include street lights,storm water drainage, pedestrian walkways, residential

close road network, residential access road network, residential distribution road networks, subarterial roads and link road from main highway.

The residential zone is segregated into high, medium, low density and exclusive enclave plots. The low density plots constitute 1000 square metres plots. Referred

to as Villa, it is allocated for accommodating single families. The medium density plots constitute 500 square metres plots which are solely for accommodating single families and are referred to as standard plots. The high density plots consist of various plot sizes designed to accommodate various kinds of family homes such as apartment buildings, terrace etc. Exclusive enclave consists of plots of 2000 square metres and above. It is limited to 40 plots, has its own central park and dedicated access control for people who live within the enclave. The Utility Area would consist of the bulk infrastructure such as water pump station, reservoirs and tanks, power supply, industrial bore hole and water treatment as well as central refuse collection. AMC will consist of various recreational facilities such as playground, picnic areas. It will serve as event center where residents can host external guests for various functions. There will be jogging tracks surrounding the Millennium Park which will also serve as a platform for morning exercises, walking pets etc. The commercial/institutional area of the community is located within walking distance of the homes, just outside the residential area towards the entrance, ensuring that the serenity of the residential community is maintained while still being accessible to non-residents. It will consist of leisure shopping health facilities, educational and religious facilities. In the Phase 1 scheme, there are 2 units of exclusive enclave plots,78 units of low density plots and 42 units of medium density plots respectively. For commercial area, a space of 58,404 square metres is available, it is 3582 square metres for health services, 13,677 square metres for educational institutions and 5,559 square metres for religious/ church usage. Plots are selling on the 500 square metres zone at the rate of N19,000 per square metre for outright payment and N20,900 per square metre for flexible payment. The low density zone of 1000 square metre attracts N19,000 per square metre for outright payment and N20,900 per square metre for flexible payment. Exclusive enclave plots of 2000 square metres and above are selling at N25,000 per square metre for outright payment and N27,500 per square metre for flexible payment. Commercial plots are selling at N22,000 per square metre on outright payment and N24,200 per square metre for flexible payment. Similarly,a 5-bedroom detached duplex carries a price tag of N74,800,000 for outright payment and N82,280,000 for flexible payment; 2-bedroom apartment attracts N16,500,000 for outright payment and N18,150,000 for flexible payment while 4-bedroom terrace attracts N41,800,000 for outright payment and N45,980,000 for flexible respectively. These rates are for carcass finishing and valid for 4 months.

Sunday 24 November 2019

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Crime Watch

BDSUNDAY 37

The girl child and renewed threat from gender-based violence in A/Ibom

ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

he girl child seems to be coming under increasing attacks by sexual predators and cases of abuses and defilement are all on the rise. A renewed onslaught by sex offenders who are perpetrating Gender-Based Violence has assumed a frightening dimension. There is no doubt about this, for in recent times, some of the abusers are church owners and pastors. One of the craziest abnormalities is that of a father impregnating his daughter not once but thrice and aborting all the pregnancies. This is the case of forty-three year-old Williams Okon Bassey, a presiding pastor of Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church, Obio Imo in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital who was among seven men recently paraded by the police in Akwa Ibom State for incest, defilement and rape. It was a classic case of ‘every day for the thief, one day for the owner’ for Bassey who had been sleeping with his daughter for years starting when the girl was 13 years old. The most bizarre is that Okon started his sexual violence against his daughter in the church vestry and the poor girl has been pregnant three times for his father. “My father started sleeping with me when I was 13 years old, now I am 20 years. I have had three abortions,” Bassey’s daughter stated. “He used to threaten me each time I refuse his advances, he would refuse to pay my school fees and vowed to curse me if I should tell anybody,” she said, adding that the father told her that she would not have any witness to testify against him. She also said that her mother was never aware of what was going on. “One day, I decided to tell my school counselor; it was after that the matter was reported to the officials of the Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path Initiative (FEYReP), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), run by Martha Udom, wife of the Governor Udom Emmanuel. “It was then that my father was arrested by the police,” she said. Explaining what actually transpired between him and his daughter, Bassey blamed it on temptation saying he did not know what came over him. “Have a calling, I do preach against diabolical issues. People should pray for me. I have gotten the worst shame of my life. I should be given a second chance,” he said. As if the case of Bassey was

Akwa Ibom State police command parade offenders not confounding and bizarre enough, another pastor, with Restoration Bible Church in Uyo, was arrested for defiling his step daughter who is 10 years old. Anwanga Essien Udo of 7 Itiam Street, Uyo aged 33years unlawfully had the carnal knowledge of his step daughter when she was left alone with him. “I was staying with my younger sister who is 5 years old. He told us to have our bathe after that he told us to come closer. He brought a cream and started rubbing on us. After she finished rubbing the cream on my sister, he asked her to go and sleep. When I wanted to join my sister to sleep, he told me to wait behind and he started to rape me,” the girl said. His heavily pregnant wife burst into tears as his husband was paraded. She cried and was fighting back tears. “Please don’t send him to jail. There will be nobody to take care of me,” the woman pleaded. The abused girl said it was her mother that reported the matter to the police. These are all pathetic cases but more worrisome is that of Iniobong Okon Moses, a 23-yearold man from Obio Offot in Uyo who on November 9, 2019 defiled a two-year old girl, a daughter of his girlfriend. “I came back from a vigil and I was drunk. When I got to my room, I thought it was my girlfriend that I was having sex with, I did not know it was daughter of my girlfriend,” he said. Moses forcefully defiled the girl causing her to bleed profusely leading to serious injuries, it was gathered. If these actions do not put the girl child under dangerous threat, first from injuries, infections, a psychological effect of having to have been assaulted as a child, then nothing will. Fo r Ns i k a n U f i a Ud o, a 46-year-old man from Obio Of-

fot, Uyo who sexually abused a 12-year-old girl when he sent her to buy him cigarettes only for him to drag her into his room and defiled her. His defense is that he did it under the influence of alcohol. Similarly, a self-acclaimed prophet, Saviour Umoh Ukpong of Akpan Etuk Street, Uyo tricked a 15-year-old girl and took her to his house and defiled her despite the girl’s plea and cry. According to investigations, it was gathered that the suspect has been in the habit of luring unsuspecting female students to his house and defiling them. In the case of Festus Etuk of Ikot Akpan Ishiet in Onna Local Government, it appears to be a case of forced marriage and a conspiracy between him and his wife. According to him, he had agreed with his wife, who is believed to have passed her -bearing age to bring in a girl who will have children for her husband. It was gathered that the 15-yerold girl is an orphan and that she was forced to live with the man against her wish. Etuk, who defiled the girl, had promised to make her his wife. Both the wife and the husband are now helping the police in their investigations. Odoko MacDon, SP, who confirmed the arrest of the sex

offenders, said the state police command has declared ‘war against sexual predators and other vices in the state”, adding that no stone would be left unturned to rid the state of undesirable elements. “Parents should also make haste in reporting every form of sexual harassment when noticed, to the police and other security agencies in the state immediately, as concealment of these crimes has only led to the increase in violations,” he said. Bringing issues of genderbased violence, including rape and incest, to limelight has been made easier by FEYReP which is championing the protection of the girl child. It was gathered that many of the cases are already in court and are being handled in partnership with the state command. For instance, Okon’s daughter who was raped by her father said she reported the matter to her school counselor first who in turn took the case to the police which led to her father being arrested. It is this “partnership” between the police and the NGO that has facilitated the apprehension of many of the perpetrators of sexual violence against the girl child in the state. Indeed, parents and guardians have to be more vigilant to tame this growing monster of rape, incest and defilement which the girl child is being subjected to. Sadly, some of the persons entrusted with the responsibility of looking after girls have ended up having then abused. This has raised much concern about the development and wellbeing of the girl child. Accordingly, the police have advised parents to be “mindful of the time, place and who they send their female children to, especially for spiritual counseling because some of such counselors have ended up defiling them.”

One killed in Taraba as tension mounts in Dan-Anacha over name change Nathaniel Gbaoron, Jalingo

ne person was said to have been killed by yet-to-be identified armed men at Tor Musa village along WukariTakum road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. Caretaker Chairman of Wukari Local Government Council, Daniel Adigrace confirmed the development to journalists in a telephone interview. Adigrace said the armed gunmen ambushed the travellers who were coming to Wukari from Donga on a motorcycle, killing one woman, while the biker sustained serious injuries. But the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP David Misal in a telephone interview with BDSUNDAY said the victims were receiving treatment at a hospital in Donga. “Information available to me indicates that people travelling from Donga to Wukari were attacked. “I don’t have information about casualty figure yet, but I was told the victims are receiving treatment. “Information about the attack is still sketchy, but I will feed you with details as soon as I have them.” Meanwhile, tension is mounting in Dan-Anacha village in Gassol Local Government Area of the State following a directive by the State Governor, Darius Ishaku for the immediate change of Government Secondary School Dan-Anacha to Kwararafa. Local residents of the village said the name change was an affront on the people of the area considering the fragile peace of the state. In a circular dated 15th November, 2019 and signed by the Executive Secretary Post Primary School Management Board, David Mailafiya said the name of the school in the former Dan-Anacha village be changed to Kwararafa. The circular reads: “I write to inform you that approval has been granted by the Executive Governor of Taraba State Arc. Darius Ishaku for the change of name of Dan-Anacha village to Kwararafa with immediate effect. “By this directive, the name of the school in the former DanAnacha village would henceforth be named Government Day Secondary School Kwararafa. “All sign posts and relevant documents should be changed to the new name immediately please,” the circular read. But the youths in the area are resisting it. “This place is not Kwararafa, this is Dan-Anacha, Kwararafa is kilometres away from here, but the governor wants to expand the territory of his kinsmen by all means, but this is not workable.

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Sunday 24 November 2019

SundayBusiness Border closure, local rice production and safety Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

he ongoing closure of Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin, which has been hailed by some economists and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)has thrown up a lot of socio-economic issues. Not the least of this is the complaint by consumers, ofthe low quality of locally-produced rice varieties, with some containing stones!Definitely, something urgent has to be done about food safety with regards to the rice that finally gets to the buyers and consumers. Even as members of the Rice FarmersAssociation(RIFAN)boast of having the capacity to produce enough for the fellow citizens, the emphasis this time around is not about the quantity but the quality. It calls for standardisation of the rice produced. The local farmers and more so the processors should therefore, be enlightened on what it takes to do so. On the economic front, rice is one of the staple foods in Nigeria, and the country reportedly consumes almost 7 million tonnes

of it in a year. But less than half of this is produced locally. As at February 2017, AlikoDangote raised the alarm over the huge sum of over $2billion per annum spent on rice importation into the country. Dangote made the observation during the inauguration of the DangoteRiceOutGrowersScheme in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto state. That clearly shows that there is a growing opportunity for local rice production. Let us begin with the local varieties available to Nigerians. According to Akpokodje et-al (2001) rice cultivation is virtually carried out in all the agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. The average rice farm holding in the country is 1-2 hectares. Identified rice varieties cultivated in Nigeria include rain-fed Upland Rice that is predominant in the southern part of country but can also be found in the north. The bulk of cultivation is in Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Edo and Delta States. Up l a n d r i c e i s t y p i c a l l y intercropped with various crops such as vegetables, maize, cassava, yams, and sorghum. Major problems of upland rice are weeds, insects, rodents, birds and rice blast which may results due to midseason drought. The other variety is the RainFed Lowland Rice. This accounts for more than half of the total rice land area cultivated in Nigeria. It is found mainly along the flooded river valleys such as Niger, Benue and Kaduna Basins. It is also found in Abakaliki and Ogoja areas of Ebonyi and Cross Rivers, respectively. One of the challenges is that the river banks or Fadama are usually flooded during the rainy season. The average yield per hectare is high at 2.2tons. It can be grown as sole crop with fertilizers/improved seeds with no water control.

Next is the Mangrove Swamp Rice found where the ocean’s tidal action usually cause inundation at high tide and drainage at low tide. The soils are generally more fertile due to the regular deposit of silt during seasonal floods. Identified constraints are high salinity of sulphate acidity, high labour cost, potential negative environmental impacts due to oil exploration. Irrigated Rice accounts for 16percent of total rice land area in Nigeria. It requires good water control and growing of two crops per annum.The average yield per hectare (3.5 tons). Our focus therefore, is on proper rice milling, storage and preservation such that the end products are of internationally accepted standards, especially in term of safety. According to Dr. Terry Mabbett, typical milling and processing comprises of 3 stages; namely Husking, Polishing/ Whitening and Blending. Grading and Packaging using modern milling process involves a number of additional processes. Dry processing Before harvested rice can be consumed as grain, or exposed to further processing into flour, snack foods and beverages, the glumes are removed by hulling. The first secret to successful processing and storage of postharvest rice is drying the grain to an optimum moisture level of 12-14 per cent weight/weight (w/w). Moisture contents within this range are sufficiently low to inhibit enzyme action and microbial activity in store. In addition, it facilitates the easy removal of the outer covering (bran or husk) by hulling with minimum breakage of grains to give good quality shelled rice. Rice bran is rich in oil so hulling also extends shelf life of grains by

eliminating the source of rancidity. International organisations advise against rice polishing as it removes too much of the Vitamin B’s leading to an increase in deficiency diseases such as ‘Beriberi’. Modern processing within an integrated ‘rice milling’ operation involves various steps like cleaning, hulling, bran separation from shelled rice, pearling, polishing classification (whole/broken grains) and bagging. Control of processing, sacking and storage are the next stages. Primary process control points during milling are: Maintenance of grain moisture at 12-14 per cent to facilitate optimum de-husking (hulling) and storage quality. Next is the proper selection of holding times for grain in de-husking and polishing machines. This ensures optimum balance between level of grain breakage and per cent of de-husked grain in the finished rice product. • Usage of only clean and dry (preferably new) jute or sisal sacks. This avoids risk of contamination and moisture absorption by the grain. If grain is earmarked for transit to a more humid zone then it should be packaged in polythene sacks. Polythene not only stops moisture getting into the bag but also any excess moisture in the grain from getting out. •Maintaining well ventilated and insect and rodent-free storage conditions prior to retailing is also essential. Next is the re-packing in paper packets for short-term storage and retail and heat-sealed polythene for longer-term storage prior to retail. Wet processing and parboiling Parboiling is pre-cooking of rice in water prior to milling. Parboiled rice offers a number of advantages over and above untreated milled

rice. Parboiling hardens grain and thereby decreases susceptibility to breakage during the de-husking process and damage by insect pests in store. In addition, it enhances the nutritional quality and value of rice by promoting movement of nutrients from the outer coverings (bran) and into the grain, so they are not removed in the bran during de-husking. Value-added rice products Rice grains can be further processed into flour (usually broken grains) biscuits, snacks, breakfastcereals, beers, wine and distilled spirit. Rice meal is used for animal feed while the valuable rice bran oil can be extracted from the bran. Rice starch is used in a variety of industrial processes. Rice hulls with their high silica content have been used in a wide variety of situations including the manufacture of pressed insulation board, cement tiles and cement breeze blocks, in the glass industry and for road surfacing. Rice straw is used in the manufacture of ‘straw-board’ for the building industry. What is needed is the sustained support by state, federal government and NGOsfor farmers. For instance, the Central Bank of Nigeria set up a $130m initiative offering farmers who have at least 1 hectare of land loans at a 9% interest rate, which is below the benchmark interest rate of 14%. The World Bank has also funded several schemes in Nigeria to help boost agriculture, including centres offering equipment and machines at greatly subsidised hire prices to farmers.

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

MAN worries over poor state of Imo Industrial Estate SABY ELEMBA, Owerri

he continuous deterioration of the OwerriOnitsha industry layout which initially comprised about 260 industrial plots is now a serious cause of worry to the manufacturers association of Nigeria (MAN). The industrial layout, which was created and constructed between 1979 and 1983 by the administration of the late governor of the old Imo State, Samuel Mbakwe situates at Irete, in Owerri West Local Government Area. Some members of the Imo/ Abia branch of the manufacturers association of Nigeria (MAN) who spoke with BDSUNDAY on condition of anonymity during the 32nd annual general meeting (AGM) of the group held at Macyview Hotels Limited, Owerri applauded the economic contributions of Dangote Group of companies on the African continent, especially in Nigeria. They also called on Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, to help lessen the suffering of the manufacturers who are still doing

business at the layout by reconstructing the damaged internal road network in the zone. “Dangote is doing well, particularly in the area of creating job opportunities for the youth. Dangote group is contributing a lot to the growth of the Nigerian economy, he should help in the rehabilitation of the access roads in the area,” a member of MAN, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. Another member of MAN, who also did not want his name in print, said: “I know your newspaper had written on this in the past, go there now and see, the internal access road has broken

down completely due to heavy trucks loading and off-loading there. The activities going on in the area is causing a serious strain on the road infrastructure ‘You can see that as a result of the damaged roads, many of our members have closed their factories and some have relocated to other states. Some serious investors are not willing to come and establish their factories there because the main access road to the industrial estate has been broken down.” Delivering his farewell address at 32nd AGM, as the out-going chairman of MAN, Imo/Abia

branch, at the event, Rommy Nwabueze Jones Anyanwu a lawyer by profession, simply called RNJ, drew the attention of the public to the deplorable condition of the access roads to the industrial layout and in the same manner called on the Dangote Group to intervene and reconstruct the road to save the remaining industries in the layout from fizzling out. In a letter to Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State, titled ‘Poor state of the access roads to our factories at Onistha road industrial layout, Owerri’, signed by the new Chairman of MAN, Imo/ Abia branch JOC Eluwa and copied to Makoju, the managing director of the Dangote Cement Ltd and also to the President of MAN, Mansur Ahmed, Lagos, RNJ urged the state government to quickly intervene by rallying other stakeholders. Mansur Ahmed, president of MAN, also decried the low level of industrialisation in Nigeria, saying the manufacturing sector contributes less than 10 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) as against Indonesia, Malaysia,

South Africa, etc which contribute 15-25 percent to their economies. “This is indeed a cause for serious concern, considering the fact that the manufacturing sector is undoubtedly the bedrock of any thriving economy and a major provider of jobs and economic growth opportunities. The manufacturing sector of emerging economies, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, etc are contributing 15-25 percent to their economy,” he said. The MAN boss, however, urged Imo and Abia States to craft industrial policies that would establish a strategic nexus between infrastructure development and the attraction as well as expansion of industrial establishment in the two states. He noted too, that the creation of an enabling environment for industries to thrive would improve the revenue generation capacity of Imo and Abia States. He urged the governors of the two states to come up with industrial-friendly policies on reviving ailing, moribund and closed industries in the states by focusing attention on the provision of infrastructure in the industrial layout in the states.

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SundayBusiness Is MBAN still on track exploring non-interest mortgages?

couple of years ago, primary mortgage banking operators brought excitement into the mortgage market with the announcement that it was exploring a veritable funding source for the sub-sector. The move, they explained, was to find out the suitability, applicability and the possibility of adopting non-interest mortgages to unlock the potentials of the Sukuk model. The operators, under the aegis of the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN), agreed after an executive officers retreat in Abuja, to finalise its Uniform Mortgage Underwriting Standards for non-interest mortgages and create platforms for better education of the employees and mortgage brokerage companies on the proposed model. Given the applause and excitement this movement generated, the silence and seeming inaction by the operators is now raising concerns and close market watchers are asking questions as to whether or not the operators are still on track with the move. “That was a very good move that brought excitement to a sector that has been dull and unexciting for years now. One thought some sort of life was coming into the sector, but it does seem that it is still all motion without movement,” said Modupe Ogundana, a mortgage

market analyst. Ogundana described the move as “inspiring and forward-looking”, urging the operators to forge ahead with it given the expected gains and impact it will make on housing and home-ownership. As part of this move, mortgage banks agreed to un-bundle the sub sector in the main areas of mortgage guarantee and insurance as well as collaborate with the mortgage brokerage companies to deepen mortgage financing, thereby devolving some of their functions to the mortgage brokerage firms to ensure more vibrancy. They encouraged MBAN to explore collaboration with building materials manufacturers to reduce the cost of houses and make housing affordable. They also resolved to explore viable options for cheaper sources of funds with a view to reducing the interest rate on mortgages to single digit. Consequently, they plan a tripartite advocacy for intervention fund for the sub-sector in partnership with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Pension Commission (PENCOM) through the proposed interest rate matching fund scheme and a home-grown initiative for tying mortgage to pensions, which will encourage homeownership and lower interest rate on mortgage. The document, issued in respect of this move, was signed by MBAN

president, Adeniyi Akinlusi, and the Executive Secretary, Kayode Omotoso. The document notes that since infrastructure constitutes over 30 percent of the cost of housing delivery, federal, state and local governments should strive to provide support to estate developers by stepping up provision of infrastructure to enhance delivery of affordable housing in the country. MBAN said it was planning to start a constructive engagement/ advocacy with the governments for improved infrastructure development to drive down the cost of housing delivery, especially for the low and mid-income earners. The operators recommended that Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and MBAN should take necessary steps to fast-track the evolution of new business models that would include strategies to streamline on-line processes for access to the NHF scheme. This, they explained, was to mitigate the challenges of response time to secure approval from FMBN on National Housing Fund (NHF) loan applications. It was also agreed that both FMBN and MBAN should collaborate to create public awareness on the NHF scheme, and its critical imperative to mortgage for home ownership in Nigeria. The mortgage firms prescribed further that MBAN and other stakeholders should explore how data

Talking Mortgage with CHUKA UROKO (08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com)

gathering and extraction strategies can be incorporated in the operational strategies of each mortgage bank, to make mortgage process quick, smart and efficient and to enhance decision making and efficiency in the sub-sector. They agreed that MBAN should collaborate with other stakeholders such as the CBN, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), FMBN and Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) for the purpose of approaching the National Assembly (NASS). They want the NASS to expedite action on amendments to the various laws affecting the mortgage/ housing sub-sector; especially those related to foreclosure and improving the operations of the NHF scheme viz-a-viz collection, enhanced coverage and reducing the housing deficit. The operators are concerned about the slow growth their sector in an otherwise robust economy where its contribution is very critical. This is why they have come out with strategic initiatives aimed at growing

the sector and making it unlock its potential. They are, therefore, plotting and pushing for the unbundling of mortgage origination process, further reduction in loan origination period, introduction of computerised land titling registration, land title insurance, introduction of uniform mortgage underwriting standards (UUS) for informal sector, enactment of foreclosure law, and wider public awareness for the sector. The sector’s slow growth is reflected in its low contribution to GDP which stands at 1 percent, hence the drive by the operators to push this contribution to, at least, 5 percent in the short term, 30 percent in the medium term, and about 65 percent in the long run. The sector is challenged in several ways which Femi Johnson, CEO, Homebase Mortgage Bank Limited, blames it on low penetration. He said that the low penetration is why less than 5 percent of about 13.7 million housing units in the country have formal title registration.

Ajah, ex-caddy, wins 17thAba Heineken Amateur Open Golf Championship GODFREY OFURUM, Aba

unday Ajah of Aba Sports Club 1926, has won the 17th edition of the Aba Heineken Amateur Open Golf Championship, which ended Sunday, at the Golf Course of the Aba Sports Club. Ajah, a former caddy to Emmanuel Onumajuru of Arsenal Golf Club of Owerri, and five-time winner of the tournament, played a gross of 150 over two days to emerge victorious. Anorue Uc of Arsenal Golf Club, Owerri, with a gross of 153, came second, while the third place went to John Noah of Python Golf Club of Port Harcourt. Jordi Borrrut Bel, managing director/chief executive officer, Nigerian Breweries plc, sponsors of the tournament, stated that the Aba Heineken Amateur Golf Tournament offers the beverage firm a unique opportunity to embed active healthy lifestyle and demonstrate its commitment to the development of sports in Aba, Abia State and Nigeria in general. “It feels good to be here again for the love of golf and the exciting interaction that comes with this tournament. “In line with our philosophy of winning with Nigeria, we are committed to growing with our communities and supporting our collective

aspirations in the areas of sports, youth empowerment, education and health, amongst others’. He explained that NB plc and Aba Sports Club 1926 have a longstanding relationship in many ways and promised that Nb plc will continue to support the tournament and collaborate with the club on shared values. He congratulated the club-led by Jude Nwosu and Jonathan Oguejiofor, captain, Golf section, for hosting another remarkable tournament. This is as he also appreciated the participants, who came from differ-

ent golf clubs in the country and all golf enthusiasts, who came out to cheer their friends and families, for making the tournament exciting, as he looked forward to an even greater participation in the nest edition. Jude Nwosu, 64th president, Aba Sport Club 1926, expressed profound gratitude to Sade Morgan, director, public affairs, NB plc, Tunde Jinadu, brewery manager, Aba Brewery of NB plc and Uzo Odenigbo, public affairs manager, South, NB plc, in their roles in making the sponsorship of the tourna-

ment possible. According to him, “their contribution complemented my effort in attracting this tournament to Aba Sports Club 1926”. He reiterate that the relationship between NB plc and Aba Sports Club cannot be overemphasized, stressing that the relationship has been mutual and promised that the Club would do everything within their capacity to sustain and improve on the union. He however appealed to the management of NB plc to also extend their largesse to the other

sections of the Club, especially the Lawn Tennis section, who according to him, truly are the biggest consumers of NB plc products. For Jonathan Oguejiofor, captain, Golf section, Aba Sports Club, “This 17th edition of the championship, speaks loudly of existing relationship between the Golf Section of Aba Sports Club and Nigerian Breweries plc. He expressed joy that the NB plc has restored sponsorship of the championship, which was suspended for about 2 years, due to harsh economic situation in the country. “We are happy that true to their promise, this tournament is now being organised and thanks to the management of NB plc for being true to their words. Greg Esotu, chairman, local organising committee of the tournament, said, “the management of NB plc has demonstrated absolute faith in the club, by ensuring that tournament of this magnitude is approved and sponsored for us despite the economic challenges that has forced most corporate organisations to shy away from event sponsorship. He congratulated all the winners for their merited victories. “It was not easy, but your dint of hard work made the difference”. And for the losers, he encouraged them to see their loss, as an Sunday Ajah, 4th from left receiving his prize after winning the 17th Aba Heineken Open Golf Championship, which ended in Aba, opportunity to do well next time. Sunday. With him are officials of Aba Sports Club and representatives of NB plc, sponsors of the championship.

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Sunday 24 November 2019

SundayBusiness We stick to quality; we don’t cut corners - CEO Eudora Pharmaceutical SABY ELEMBA,Owerri

he Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), Eudora Pharmaceutical Industry Limited, with its sister company, Reagan Remedies Limited, Nnadumijie Dumebi Leoni has said that drugs manufactured by the company are very effective in the treatment of illnesses, emphasising that the drugs are available in pharmacy stores and supermarkets all over the country. Eudora is a drug manufacturing company with a retail office at Everyday Supermarket Mall, New Owerri and a Whole Sale Office at Reagan Remedies Limited, situatedat 24Musa Yar’adua Drive, New Owerri. The company is a household name in the manufacturing, distribution, and retailing of general English medicine,Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and Herbal drugs in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region.

Its vision is to deliver quality drugs using the best practices available in Nigeria and beyond and with mission to achieve delivery of pharmaceutical products without affecting the quality its manufactured products are known for. Giving insight into the efficacy of the three analgesic drugs, Dumebi said the products are on sale in the pharmaceutical shops and stores as well as in the various markets. According to her, the drugs are being pro-

duced in accordance with the “surrounding geographical climate” of the country and even as the company “takes into consideration the environment” and the consumers the drugs are meant for. Speaking on the analgesic drugs, she explained that Mazoka, a brand of one of the tablets, is used in the treatment of “acute migraine, mild to moderate post-operative or posttraumatic pain, in particular when inflammation is also

Africa is Coca-Cola’s future growth driver, says CEO James Quincey BUNMI BAILEY

lobal CEO and chairman of The Coca-Cola Company, James Quincey, culminated a tour of Africa last week. Accompanied by his extended leadership team, the visit was a testament of Coca-Cola’s commitment to Africa and its interest in the vast opportunity that the continent presents in driving the beverage company’s overarching growth strategy over the next decade. Visiting Nigeria and South Africa, Quincey met with business and political leaders as the company scales up investments and looks forward to continued growth on the continent. Key among his engagements was discussions with Africa’s foremost entrepreneur and industrialist, Aliko Dangote, who stands out as an example of indigenous African investors who are driving growth across the continent. Other engagements included meetings with top executives from Discovery Group, MTN, Unilever and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and thought leaders such as Tony Elumelu (chairman of Heirs Holding), Doyin

Salami (chairman of Nigeria’s Economic Advisory Council) and Fred Swaniker from the Africa Leadership Academy. These engagements provided Quincey and his team with critical insights about Africa’s opportunities. “Having operated in Africa for over 90 years as a local business in every country, we believe Africa is a region that will increasingly influence the growth trajectory of our global businesses in just a few years,” Quincey said. “Together with our bottling partners, we continue to reinforce our stake on the continent by accelerating investments that strengthen and scale our capabilities and expand into new businesses to drive our Total Beverage Company aspiration,” he said. Quincey highlighted a number of positive and encouraging developments across Africa which he described as important foundations for strong economic growth and, if sustained, will fast track the continent’s role as a global growth engine. These include the growing scale of domestic investments by African investors across sectors and the potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Added to these were Africa’s positive consumer demographics, the infrastructure expansion in many countries, and the growing emphasis on building African talent. “It is clear that Africa is indeed a region that will increasingly influence the growth trajectory of global businesses and we have taken some bold measures to strengthen the Coca-Cola System in Africa for long-term growth, enhancing our capacity to continue to win in the continent’s increasingly competitive landscape,” he said. Quincey outlined the company’s growth plans in Africa, including continuously investing to boost capacity ahead of demand, consolidating the bottling system to build scale and investing in new businesses to accelerate growth and expand its beverage offering. He also cited Coca-Cola’s role in spurring Africa’s economy through the eco-system the company has built and continues to foster investments across multiple sectors on the continent. Underpinning this, he emphasised that the Company is committed to building a talent engine in Africa, creating shared opportunities to enhance the prosperity of communities across the continent.

present and is also effective against menstrual pain and endometriosis. Mazoka is also used to treat dysmenorrhea, famillaladeneomatouspolyposi, bursitis and sciatica and heredity polyposi in the colon.” Also,Genine paracetamol which is also an analgesic, is a pain killing drug, especially for headaches, sprains or toothaches, control of fever etc; this, she informed, could be taken even without prescription. Another brand of analgesic drugs is Regalgan tablets used for the treatment of headaches, muscle aches, backaches, toothaches, fever and arthritis. Dumebi revealed that apart from the manufacturing of drugs, the society gets much of the desired Corporate Society Responsibility of the company even as the company has helped to stem the growing youth unemployment in the State. This also is helping to lessen the rate at which the youth in the state are involved in crime and criminality.

Pineapple TV, Bi-Courtney open ‘KidZone’ at MMA2

ineapple TV, in collaboration with BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), recently unveiled a relaxation center tagged The ‘KidZone’ at the airport. According to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, the idea to have a world-class relaxation Zone for kids at MMA2 became necessary because of the company’s desire to keep pace with modern trends in the global aviation and tourism industries. In a statement made available to BusinessDay, the ‘KIDZONE’ is a relaxed waiting area strategically situated at MMA2 on the airside of the terminal, after the departure security check. Families travelling through the airport facility with children under 16 years of age, will find an exclusive seating area for themselves and their children – away from the hustle and bustle of other airport users. The KidZone provides comfortable VIP seatingwhilequalityentertainment is provided by Pineapple TV, Africa’s first dedicated Children and family TV Channel, which can be viewed on a large screen as they wait to board their flights.

Pineapple TV, which is available on Startimes Channel 129, is dedicated to delivering safe, fun, quality, Afrocentric entertainment for children and the entire family. While commenting on the project, BASL’s Head of Marketing, Tony Awe, said the concept is an important project that is capable of re-inventing Nigeria’s tourism potentials. He said: “The ‘KIDZONE’ is a long-awaited initiative and we are proud to be partnering with Pineapple TV on this first of a kind project. We understand it can be stressful for families travelling through airports. The ‘KIDZONE’ is our way of ensuring families have a more stress-free experience while travelling through MMA2. With Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited and Pineapple TV, the family comes first.” Yetunde Falade, head of corporate affairs, Pineapple Productions and Media Limited, speaking on one of the missions of the company said, “The ‘KIDZONE’ at MMA2 has never been seen in any Airport in Nigeria. We are putting the comfort of travelling children and their families into consideration by creating a pleasurable travel experience for them, at no additional cost.”

MindBody & Soul

with Chioma Nwosu

Be Kind to yourself

ost times, when I fail or fall below my standards, I punish myself with excessive criticism, I beat myself up, and I’m often too hard on myself. Sometimes, I realise I don’t love myself and I’m my own worst enemy; why do I treat myself with disdain? What crime have I committed not to love myself and shower myself with kindness? Always blaming and shaming myself for my pain. Self-neglect becomes the order of the day, pushing myself to an uncomfortable limit. ‘’To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance’’ - Oscar Wilde. One way to winning back our hearts and reclaiming our wellbeing is through self-compassion, which is treating oneself with kindness, care, thoughtfulness, consideration, empathy and love. Many people believe that the only way to motivate themselves whenever they have ‘’let themselves down’’ is to crack the whip with harsh self-talks and behaviour, but research shows the opposite. Kristin Neff, one

of the leading self-compassion researchers states that Self-limiting or destructive thought processes, like the critical inner voice diminish our motivation and initiative, whereas self-compassion and kindness increase them. When we learn to be kinder to ourselves, we also become more resilient to challenges and stress, more productive, more able to overcome bad habits and addiction and have better and more fulfilling relationships with others. To be kind to yourself, you have to soften the voice of the inner critic. Start practising self-talk that sounds warm, friendly and kind. Let your inner voice take on the tone of a supportive friend or coach when the harsh tones set out, pause and speak to yourself warmly and gently. Be mindful of how you treat yourself, do things that nourish you, book or research a trip you want to take, set up dinner or a cup of coffee with a good friend, look into how you can grow in your career to get new and exciting stuff to do, try a new hobby.

Take a self-compassion break, take a day or week off from everything, be deliberate during this period, choose to do nothing and take this time to find out what and where the root cause of your anger towards yourself stems from. Pause for a moment and take a break for your mental health. Being kind to yourself in everyday life is in my experience, one of the best things you can do for yourself. Life will become lighter, and your relationships will most likely improve. You will feel happier overall. Your self-esteem and your sense of deserving good things in life will go up. https://www.positivityblog. com/self-love-today/ Chioma Nwosu is a mental health/positive psychology advocate, speaker and founder of Olamma Cares Foundation an NGO focused on encouraging the social acceptance of developmental disabilities and mental disorders, finding and implementing long term solutions of these conditions through training, capacity building, advocacy and intervention. Email: cnwosu@olammacares.com Instagram: _olamma_

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BDSUNDAY 41

Business Interview

ince the establishment of the factory few years ago, may we know some of your achievements so far? We are proud to be a part of increasing employment in the local communities and a positive player in the local business environment. JSM is doing very well with the hiring of employees from the community. By the Memorandum of Understanding we have with the community, we are bound to hire majority of our employees from the local community. We are very happy with the community here. We are happy to be in this community and it’s been a learning experience for me and I have the support of the board, the employees and local traditional leaders as to the goal of impacting positively on the state. In terms of production, what capacity have you attained? We produce syringes and we produce three types of syringes- the five, ten and two mills syringes. We are currently producing close to one million syringes per day. We are looking at increasing our syringe production; however, it is difficult to do that without power. The easiest and fastest way for us to increase our production is by getting public power. And if we increase our production, it means that we will need to hire more people from the community. What about the acceptability of your products? We are very proud of the quality of our products; they are of the highest quality of any internationally produced syringes. In October, we attended a programme in Lagos, West Africa Medics, where different companies all over the world brought their medical devices and displayed and the feedback we are getting from our product is very encouraging. The medical professionals that use our product are very happy with them. We have to make sure that we produce the highest quality products. These are medical devices and they are used on people’s bodies. In terms of our market reach, our products are used all over Nigeria. However, we are getting feedback from medical professionals of neighboring countries that they are using our syringes. We have met people from other parts of West Africa who say they are actually using our products in Ghana, Niger and as far away as Sudan, even though we do not have distributors in those places. Are there plans to have a greater share of the huge African market? One of our plans is to increase our market reach to West African countries by the 3rd quarter of 2020, later expand into the entire African continent and then

into Europe. We need to get some certifications. We are registered with NAFDAC and we are working on other international certifications right now and then we would start looking at getting to West African market. Our plan is to penetrate the West African market by the middle of 2020 and expand from there. How big is your company? Our syringe manufacturing plant here in Akwa Ibom is the largest in Africa. There is no doubt about that in the market place or even in the industry. Our production capacity is 350 million per year. In terms of quality, our quality is of the highest international standards. As I said, the only issue we have is to increase our production and if we sort out the issue of power, we will get no problem with our production. As far as competition is concerned, there are about five syringe companies in Nigeria; however, we cooperate very well with them. We call it co-competition. Even though we are competitors, we have a strong collaboration because we work together that we all produce high quality products into the marketplace. You have emphasised the need for regular power supply. How serious is the power challenge? The cost of self-generating power is a very high cost of our production. For any business, that is a big dent on the revenue. If we are able to reduce the cost of power, we can channel funds in other areas of operations and increase our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in the communities, among others. Which other challenge do you have apart from the power issue? We are building a relationship with the community. We are understanding one another. Besides, the population around us is not experienced in Medical Device Manufacturing. What we are doing in reference to that is to put our employees on training programmes before we place them to work in the factory. We are also discussing with the educational institutions in the state to come up with programmes so that we can train some of the students in manufacturing process engineering and people management, so that by the time they graduate, they will have some experience and we can have a bigger pool to hire from. The biggest challenge for us is finding qualified people. Not that the people around here are not highly educated, but the problem is, they leave the area in as soon as they graduate in search of greener pastures in the cities. Everybody wants to be in Lagos, Abuja, New York and so on. And even if you meet them and tell them

Akin Oyediran

We lead in syringe manufacturing in Africa – Jubilee MD

Akin Oyediran is the managing director of Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company, the largest in Africa and located in Awa, Akwa Ibom State. In this interview with ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Oyediran speaks about sustainable operations, plans to have a greater share of the market, the challenges and the business environment. Excerpts: please come back home, they would say, ‘no, am okay, I would come during Christmas and for the festival’. That is a big challenge. What are the safety measures to ensure an environmentally-friendly production process? In fact, if you look at our factory, we maintain very high standards in being environmentally-friendly. We are medical devicemanufacturing company, our waste is professionally taken care of; therefore, we are not affecting the environment negatively. What about the safety of personnel that are using the equipment and machines? We take safety very seriously. There is a safety sound in the factory. We en-

sure that every employee gets at least one hour training on health and safety every month. We have three shifts for nurses. Our clinic is open 24 hours a day, and if there is any incident. Also, we have hospitals in both Eket and Uyo that we collaborate with. What are your plans for sustainable operations in the long run? Again, it comes back to power. When we get power, we will increase our production capacity. The way the factory is built; we can actually triple our capacity without adding more blocks to the building. However, all we need is power. Where do you see the company in the next couple of years? Do you see

it going under like other companies that had gone moribund after a few years? One of the things we have here is a sound sustainability plan. The business environment in Nigeria is volatile. But what you do is to plan to ensure that you ride the wave of the current economic conditions. We have the plan to sustain the economic tide. We are able to sustain our business with zero public power from day one, and we are still around and we are two years plus. The Akwa Ibom government has created a very good business environment for industries to thrive. As that continues, many companies would come. From my own personal point of view, we are going to see

more and more businesses opening here, because of the business friendliness of the government, hard working people and safe environment. Insinuations are rife that the governor owns some of these companies because of location being in his hometown. What is the truth? Well, I am on the board of the company; the governor is not an investor here. The location of these businesses is purely due to the environment. We are close to Eket, the security is here and the port is just a few kilometers away from here. Our goods come directly from Onne Port. People would say what they want to say. The reason we are here in Onna as I have said before is the friendly business environment, quality of the workforce and Logistics. Are you saying that the companies are coming because the governor has created the enabling environment? One big area is that the governor is creating is a business enabling environment. Something is happening in the state that people do not know. The best kept secret is how Akwa Ibom as a state is one of the best business-friendly environment in Nigeria. There are other businesses that are looking at coming over to Akwa Ibom. The environment is safe, the indigenes are very friendly and hard working and it is close to Onne Port as far as logistics is concerned. If we compare here to Lagos or other parts of the country, the cost of logistics is far lower and as a place to live, it is stress-free and healthy. You wake up to high oxygen fresh air and a park-like environment, and if I might add, the food is always fresh. In fact, this is just the right place to be. How well are you doing in the area of CSR? We are helping in terms of employing, training people, and we have scholarship scheme for the host communities. Education and training is a big thing for us. Not just from the CSR point of view, it is also a big part of our long-term sustainability plan. If we are able to help in educating the local indigenes, as they choose their careers and what industries they want to work in, manufacturing should become part of their thinking. If they can work where they grew up, why would they want to leave? And when you have a good number of people from the community working in a company, they become a part of the company; they would help the business to grow. So, we ensure that we work directly with the community and do our CSR as much as we can. As you know, manufacturing is what China used to move 350 million people out of poverty.

42 BDSUNDAY

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Health&Science Nordica foundation starts mentoring programme for young medical practitioners ANTHONIA OBOKOH

n a bid to tackle the high rate of brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector, Abayomi Ajayi an Obstetrician /Gynaecologist and the managing director of Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos has said the organisation’s foundation is launching a mentoring programme for young doctors in the country. The initiative which is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme aims to retain and support physicians in the formative years of their careers, as well as providing a forum for experienced doctors to share knowledge and give back to the community at large. According to Ajayi, physician mentoring the programme was developed because of the need to enhance the career growth of young physicians and improve transformative leadership in the medical profession noting that the programme is intended to fa-

L-R Bomi Ogedengbe professor of Obstetrics and gynaecology ; Abayomi Ajayi an Obstetrician /Gynaecologist and the managing director Nordica Fertility Centre, Funmi Babington- Ashaye managing director and chief executive officer Risk Analyst Insurance Brokers Limited, Lagos at the launching of Nordica foundation Physician mentoring programme on Friday.

cilitate, not restrict, the participation of mentors and mentees and enable them to explore the great opportunities created when two personalities are paired. “We want to have a balanced profession, sometimes these young ones need someone who can give them words of wisdom that will help to develop and

discover who they are. We need Nigerian young professionals to know that there is a still future in the country,” he said. Ajayi further said that graduates’ leaving any country in droves is a bad sign. Statistics show Nigeria’s poor doctorpopulation ratio of 1:6000 as compared with the World

Expert urges FG, businesses to focus on mental health issues JOSEPHINE OKOJIE

kin Merino, a behavioural health specialist and founder of the African Mental Health Alliance (AMHA) has urged the Federal Government and businesses to focus on mental health issues in the country to ensure economic growth and development. Merino who spoke during the AMHA seminar held recently in Lagos with the theme ‘From Trauma to Triumph’ said that despite the high rate of depression and suicide in the country, government at all levels have failed to pay adequate attention to issues of mental health. She stated that busi-

nesses and communities losses billions of dollars yearly owing to mental health issues, adding that in turn the economy at large will be affected. “Mental health is nation health because it impacts children, adults, families, workers, and communities among others. The government should focus on mental health issues because if your populace is not sound, they cannot be innovative enough to create wealth and grow the economy,” she said. “If employees have psychological issues there is no way they will be competitive, so businesses must focus on mental health issues,” she added. She noted that to tackle the issue of mental health

on the African continent, AMHA was created to conduct training, research, practice, and prevention to help individuals and communities become healthier. “Mental health is not something that is a stronghold in Africa yet. As a result of the social media focus on suicide and abuses that have happened over and over again, we created AMHA so that we as a nation can become healthier because health is not just about your physical health but also your mental health,” she said. Ac c o r d i n g t o t h e World Health Organisation (WHO), one in four Nigerians – about 50 million people are suffering from some sort of mental illness.

Quickraize partners NGO to fight sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta

s part of an effort to deepen healthcare delivery and intensify efforts to fight sickle cell anaemia, Quickraize, a crowdfunding platform, has concluded plans to partner Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria. Thepartnership,according to Quickraize, will be undertaken in addition to a robust innovative and technological intervention that the crowdfunding firm has already created to spur desired economic growth and development, now extending its frontiers to sound healthcare delivery across the country. The partnership is geared

towards improving the wellbeing of persons living with sickle cell disorder (SCD). Sickle cell foundation Nigeria is seeking a total of N2, 000,000 to support the treatment of 10 indigent patients that cannot afford the requisite financial requirement. Quickraiz being a crowdfunding platform where a genuine course like sickle cell disorder, could be ameliorated through the provision of donations by the general public is putting her weight behind the campaign against sickle cell anaemia by appealing to philanthropists, celebrities, religious institutions and corporate organizations through their CSR.

Commenting on the essence of the partnership, Bayo Adeokun, managing director and chief executive officer of Ativo Ltd, owners of Quickraiz, said “Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria is a credible organization that epitomises the kind of Non-GovernmentalOrganization (NGO) that we seek to work with especially considering their antecedents”. Adeokun, further noted that “the recent campaign created on our platform, “free treatment for chronic leg ulcer in sickle cell disorder. This is the most unbearable and stigmatising complication of sickle cell disorder that requires the benevolence of the general public”.

Health Organisation standards of 1:1000 is bad. “In Nigeria, you can decide what you want to be because the opportunities are more and that is the message we want to deliver,” he said. However, mentoring is a mutually beneficial relationship which involves a more experienced person helping a less experienced person to identify and achieve their goals. Also speaking one of the mentors, Bomi Ogedengbe professor of Obstetrics and gynaecology explains that she is involved in accreditations in medical school and that there are many complaints regarding how doctors are leaving the shores of the country with their families. “It’s a crisis, I think this initiative can stem tide it partly because most of them leave out of frustration,” she said. Ogedengbe said that in as much as a doctor wants to become a specialist, we know what their various challenges

and there is a need for mentoring. “The cabals of the mentors will help identify individuals need and support them; share their several examples, experiences where such things have shaped them so that they become a success,” In the same vein, Funmi Babington- Ashaye managing director and chief executive officer Risk Analyst Insurance Brokers Limited, Lagos said that we should all learn from this on how to impact the society and issues that need to be handled are been done properly. “You need mentoring for a different purpose and it is important not to walk alone because this mentor will help you review, set goals and achieve it both in short and long term.” “Most times mentors are successful because they have knowledge and have passed through those phases, so you are not walking alone because they want you to succeed more than them,” she said.

Skin bleaching epidemic in Nigeria: issues, treatment and self-care Contributor

Tobi

Ayodele

es, is official. Every woman wants to achieve flawless, beautiful, and even skin. We see it all over social media networks; girls with pale white, seemingly spotless bodies, hanging out at bright, sunny beaches in bikinis getting in ‘some sun’. It is hard to believe how far it is from the truth in terms of the reality of skin lightening without side effects. Skin lightening/toning/ bleaching is not new to the history of modern man. For several centuries, women of all races and cultures have strived to achieve lighter skin. From crushed lead powder used as makeup to mercury to hydroquinone, steroids and several other chemicals, people have experimented with all types of ingredients with the aim of achieving flawless, paled skin. These concoctions, however, have not produced visible results without giving negative results. Some of the negative results include dark knuckles, sunburn,darkpatches,thinning of the skin as evidenced by unsightlystretchmarksandgreen veins. Moreover, the harsh hot sun of the tropics lends to additional sun damage. Steroids (for example clobetasol, hydrocortisone, betamethasone) are currently a popular ingredient found in

several skin lightening creams. Some skin lightening products don’t list steroids in their ingredient list as steroids are sometimes used only used in ‘trace’ amounts which do not need to be listed especially if used in addition with other active ingredients. Steroids are generally used to treat issues such as dermatitis, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. When used for a prolonged period of time or in high doses, it reduces blood flow to the skin thereby giving the skin a pale look. However, it also thins the skin which can also lead to unsightly stretch marks and skin burns among other things. Hydroquinone has been the mainstay for skin lightening for decades. When used as a supervised temporary medical treatment, hydroquinone is used for treating melasma, chloasma, fading spots, and discolourations. Ascommonly used as hydroquinone is, there are also several damaging side effects that can occur. Using hydroquinone can cause allergic dermatitis, rebound hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin more than usual), dark knuckles and worst of an irreversible skin condition called exogenous ochronosis. Exogenous ochronosisisresponsibleforthedark blue-black or purplish patches you see around the cheeks, forehead, back of the neck, hands, feet, and elbows. It occurs mostly in people that have either used hydroquinone for a periodofmorethan2-3months or have used a high percentage of hydroquinone even for a short period (3% and up). Moreover, it’s very hard

to accurately determine the amount of hydroquinone in several branded and unbranded products as many companies bend the legally acceptable form of hydroquinone to achieve drastic results albeit the terrible side effects. Finally, skin bleaching chemicals such as steroids and hydroquinone have been to lead to skin cancer, liver, and kidney damage! It is advised that clients who want to embark on a skin lightening program should try and stick to natural plantbased products. While natural lightening may not be as fast-acting and drastic as the harsher chemically derived ingredients, the results tend to be more long-lasting because natural skin lighteners tend to also possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. This rejuvenates the skin and reverses sun damage leading to a brighter, glowing complexion. These naturally derived skin lighteners also lighten the skin in a way that has little to no side effects as they do not contain any harsh chemicals. A good self-care do-ityourself tip for brightening exfoliation is a homemade sugar scrub. This scrub contains natural antioxidants like vitamin C and skin lightening ingredients. Mix4tablespoons of finely ground sugar with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, oneteaspoonofnaturalhoney, ½ teaspoon of dry ground turmeric and the juice of one small lemon or lime. After bathing, apply to wet cleansed skin in circular motions, paying attention to rough skin such as the knees, elbows, and feet, until dissolvedcompletely. Rinseoff and pat your skin dry.

Sunday 24 November 2019

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Sports NFF submits reports on National Teams’ outings

Anthony Nlebem

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has swiftly responded to the request by Sunday Akin Dare, Minister of Sports, on the performances of the various National Teams in recent weeks. “It was a good move by the Honourable Minister to request for the report. As he said, there has to be stock taking and after that, accountability. The NFF is enamoured by the move and we have submitted the requested report. “For us, there is nothing to hide. We have detailed all the issues and the forces at play, and explained that in so much as these tournaments are important, they are mainly and strategically developmental. Even at that, we approach every match/tournament with the intention of winning, but it is practically and absolutely impossible based on indices, records and scientific laws of probability,” President of NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, said on Tuesday. In a 15 –page letter signed by Pinnick, the NFF detailed issues of funding (inadequacy and late release of same) and the toxic and disruptive environment in which it has had to operate for the past 18 months (with the Federation’s leadership and brand falsely and maliciously dragged from one investigative agency to the other and from one court to the other on same baseless allegations) as core reasons for the poor outings of the Super Falcons, CHAN Eagles, Golden Eaglets and Olympic Eagles in recent international matches/tournaments. While acknowledging the importance of the qualifying matches/tournaments in which these teams participated and fell short, the Federation defended the technical crews of the teams and justified why they are the best for the positions as at the time they were hired by highlighting their

track records. Pinnick also stated that the best performance indicator for any country in international football is the A team, in this case Super Eagles, which in recent times drew with five –time world champions Brazil and Ukraine in friendlies, and defeated Benin Republic and Lesotho in 2021 AFCON qualifying matches. These, after finishing third at the first –ever 24 –team AFCON in Egypt this year summer. Moreover, a high number of the players in the present Super Eagles squad passed through the various developmental teams, showing that Nigeria is moving in the right direction. The NFF went ahead to map out strategies for better results going forward, including but not limited to a revamp of the NFF Technical Department; improved supervision of the teams by the NFF Technical Committee; open and transparent process to select new head coaches for the teams affected; early preparation and prioritization of tournaments; synergy between the Ministry and the NFF to get approved funds released early enough for adequate preparation of teams participating in major matches and competitions and; to work even harder at securing partners and sponsors to support the programmes of the National Teams. On the issue of the nominal roll, which has also been submitted, the NFF clarified that there is no person on its payroll whose contract has expired, and that every individual on the nominal roll has specified schedule of duty as prescribed by the Federal Civil Service or in line with his/her contract.

U23 AFCON: South Africa beat Ghana to clinch 2020 Olympic ticket Anthony Nlebem

hana once again lost a penalty shoot out after twice coming from behind to force a 2-2 draw with South Africa in the third-place play off at the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations. The dramatic win for South Africa means they have qualified for the men’s football tournament at the Olympics in Tokyo next year along with the under-23 finalists Ivory Coast and hosts Egypt. Goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto was the hero with two saves in the penalty shoot-out as he played his first game of the tournament replacing Ajax Cape Town’s Darren Johnson. Johnson had played in the four previous games at the tournament but was dropped after the 3-0 loss to hosts Egypt in the semi-finals. The Black Meteors also lost their semi-final on penalties to Ivory Coast. Ghana began the match well and dominated the possession but were unable to really create any clear chances and keeper Mpoto was not tested. The first-half changed on 14

minutes when South Africa took the lead with what looked like an own goal from Habib Mohammed. Ghana equalised in spectacular style as Finland-based Evans Mensah fired in an effort from 25 metres out and directly in front of goal that served its way past Mpoto. South Africa restored their lead just after the hour mark thanks to a smart finish from Kamohelo Abel Mahlatsi, who had only been on the pitch for two minutes. Once again the ball was swung

in by Johannes and Mahlatsi flicked a heel at it and the ball hit Foster and rebounded back to the substitute who put the ball inside the near post from seven metres. Mensah was key to Ghana’s 84th minute equaliser as he twisted and turned to leave Katlego Mohamme totally lost as he made his way to the byline and cross the ball into the area for Real Oveido’s Samuel Obeng to score.

BDSUNDAY 43

Manchester City post record revenues of £535m Anthony Nlebem

anchester City brought in a record £535.2m in 2018/19 season, according to its annual report. It was Manchester City’s 11th successive year of revenue growth and closes the gap on local rivals Manchester United, the Premier League’s richest club. The figure is projected to rise again next year given City have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Payments from a £45m-a-year Puma kit deal will also start to take effect. United have already said their turnover will fall to between £560m and £580m this year because of their failure to qualify for the Champions League. The period covers a campaign when City’s men’s and women’s teams won a combined six trophies, including a clean sweep of English domestic honours for Pep Guardiola’s side. “This outcome represents

not just a season, but a decade of hard work,” said Blues chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak. “The organisation is now at a level of maturity that allows us to plan in multi-year cycles.” Manchester City recorded a profit of £10.1m and a turnover ratio of 59%. The club might still have to pay £200m in “additional transfer fees, signing-on fees and loyalty bonuses” - that figure was £159m in 2018. “These victories are not accidents,” said chief executive Ferran Soriano. “They are the product of careful planning, consistent hard work and the acknowledgement of the need to stay humble and hungry. “Our success is measured by playing beautiful football and by fighting for titles every April and May at the season’s end.” City are the subject of a Financial Fair Play investigation by Uefa but say they are “entirely confident of a positive outcome when the matter is considered by an independent judicial body”.

LaLiga joins International Day for elimination of violence against women

Anthony Nlebem

ext Monday (Nov e m b e r 2 5 t h) marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and LaLiga is joining this initiative by launching messages to raise awareness of gender-based violence and to show its support for the women who have been victims of such abuse. With this in mind, advertising hoardings in all LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank stadiums will broadcast a video this upcoming matchday with the fol-

lowing messages: “Latiendo a vuestro lado. NO a la violencia de género. #NoEstoySola.” (“Our hearts beat on your side. NO to gender-based violence. #IAmNotAlone.”) Alongside these messages, the purple ribbon symbolising support for these victims will be shown. Through this gesture LaLiga seeks to raise awareness among football fans of the importance of fighting against this scourge in our society and show its support to all those women who suffer from gender-based violence.

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Nigerian children learning under trees in the 21st Century!

irst came the utter disbelief and disgust. Then the wind of outrage took over yours truly. That was after reading through the in-depth investigative report with the title: ‘Unbelievable tales of states where learning takes place under trees’ as published in The Punch edition of Monday, November18, 2019. As stated, both Tidi and Farin Kasa Primary schools, located in the Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe state ‘have been abandoned by governments at all levels’. Each of the schools, which lack fences, boasts of only four teachers that handle about 150 pupils! The roads that lead to the schools have long been decrepit, even as some of the classrooms have collapsed.In fact, one of the overworked teachers at Tidi Primary School, by the name, Mr.Yunana Wuya complained bitterly of having to combine pupils of primary two and three and teach them with only one text-book!But that is just part of the heart-rending story. In a similar criminal neglect, the report found that not a few primary, secondary schools as well as some tertiary institutions in Niger state are also suffering from decrepit infrastructure, lack of learning materials in addition to inadequate staff and students. Specifically mentioned isthe Suleiman Bara’ Science and Technical College, Kwamba in Suleja area of the state, where students sleep on bare floors right there in so called hostels without doors or windows! Expectedly, mosquitoes feed fat on them at night and students carry out open defaecation, in the absence of toilets! Sadly, both state governments-Gombe and Niger- culpable in this regard are amongst the states yet to pay their counterpart funds for the Universal Basic Education Fund. There was a report that other states such as Borno, Jigawa, Rivers and the Federal Capital Authority, Abuja did not access the N67 billion Fund made available by the Federal Government, between 2005 and 2017. This disheartening scenario throws up some troubling questions, for the stakeholders to provide urgent answers to: Why do several of our political leaders treat the critical issue of sound education development, especially

at the foundation level of primary school with such levity? If they were victims of low-quality education could they have risen to their current political positions? Why do our lawmakers, at the state and federal levelsfind it difficult to propose bills to make it compulsory for the deployment of 26percent of budgetary allocation by the executive to education, in line with

‘

“It is very pathetic that in the 21st Century, our pupils are still studying under trees and dilapidated buildings, especially in Northern Nigeria… The menace of banditry and Boko Haram in the North-East and NorthWest is being used by the state governments as excuses, which should not be”. -Dr. Mike Ene (NUT Secretary-General) United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recommendation but so easy to work on anti-people bills of both Hate Speech and the regulation of Social Media? What will it benefit them and the country at large, if we continue to churn out subservient, fear-filled and angry citizens in a so called democratic dispensation, in the 21st century Nigeria? It would be recalled that the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme was introduced in 1999 and later backed up by the UBE Act of 2004. It is a special in-

tervention of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which improved on the former National Primary Education (NPE) which had been operated from the 70’s till early 2000. The mandate included achieving Education for All (EFA), reducing the rate of school dropouts and children out-of-school; improving quality and efficiency of basic education, as well as promoting the acquisition of literacy, numeracy, life skills and values for life-long education and useful living. But over the years, more has been said than done in reducing the challenges that bedevil the education sector. Amongst them are the gross lack of quality teachers, abysmally poor infrastructure, high pupil-to-teacher ratio, the highest out-of-school pupils in the world(13.2 m), large figures of school dropouts, inadequate learning materials, with regards to well-equipped libraries and laboratories that facilitate sound education delivery. This is worrisome. For instance, while the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a group of 34 member countries that discuss and develop economic and social policy and free market economies recommend 13 students to one teacher,the pupilteacher ratio, primary in Nigeria was 37.55 as of 2010. Its highest value over the past 40 years was 46.09 in 2007, while its lowest value was 32.23 in 1978. The pupil or student-teacher of any school is frequently used to judge the quality of education. Yet, there are more troubling issues. According to Prof. David Mba, ProV.C. and Dean Computing, Engineering and Media of De Montfort University, a World Bank 2018 survey of 435 private and public primary schools in Nigeria, that covered 2,968 teachers, showed that a teacher was absent from class for approximately 25percent of the scheduled teaching time. The same survey showed that half of Nigerian primary school maths teachers couldn’t achieve 80percent

Ayo Oyoze Baje Baje is Nigerian first food technologist in the media and author of ‘DRUMBEATS OF DEMOCRACY’ 07068638066

or more on the tests they assigned their own pupils in their classrooms. What’s worse was that 60percent of maths teachers in grade four couldn’t subtract double digits. The same poor teacher quality is evident in the English language. The time has come to declare a state of emergency in the education sector. The recent presidential directive by Muhammadu Buhari for the North to do away with the long-established Almaijiri system, and more significantly get the millions of out-of-school children back to the classroom is one of the paths to tread. But action, rather than words would do the magic. How do we explain the fact that the education sector got N620.5bn (about 7.05 per cent) out of 8.6 trillion in the 2018 budget?Of the total N9.45tn budgeted for 2020 by the Federal Government, education is expected to receive N652.94bn (6.9 per cent). This is contrary to the promise the president made to the Nigerian Community during his visit to France in November, 2018. The situation for the states is no better. But countries such as Ghana, South Africa and Egypt have always budgeted over 20 percent for education over the past decade. In the 2018 world ranking for education budgetary allocation of countries Uganda, 4th (27.0percent), Botswana, 10th (20.0percent), Lesotho,14th (17.0percent) and Burkina Faso, 15th (16.8percent) were higher than Nigeria’s 20th (8.4percent).

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Lagos and bad traffic situation

ne of the major challenges of residents of Lagos State these days is the traffic situation. Every part of the state is affected. In the last few months the traffic gridlock along major roads and highways within Lagos has reached an alarming proportion. Lagos estimated to have a population of more than 20 million is perhaps facing one of its worst challenges, with physical infrastructure across the state in a deplorable state. A typical example is Apapa, where activities of trucks and trailers often block entrance to the nation’s only active seaport; making access to the port a nightmare. A drive across major roads and inner roads within the state vividly shows how poorly maintained and the bad state of the roads. This, however, has resulted in heavy gridlocks, especially within the peak period across the state. Vehicular movements within the state have become a nightmare, just as motorists and commuters have to spend several hours in the traffic. This, no doubts, negatively impact on health of indigenes. The situation has however; worsened in the last few weeks, as the roads deteriorate further

due to heavy downpour witnessed this year in the state. The state government has continued to plead for understanding and patience, saying it was alive to its responsibility. Last Friday, the state House of Assembly passed a resolution urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to embark on scheduled maintenance of roads to ease the present gridlock in the state. The House also resolved that the state Public Works Corporation should resort to scheduled maintenance of roads on working days and weekends instead of embarking on road maintenance during peak periods. Within the last few weeks, there were many cases of traffic robberies by street urchins, resulting in commuters and motorists losing their valuable. A few days ago, the state government gave the assurance that it was going to end the nightmare very shortly. In a statement signed by Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for information and strategy, government said it had noted the discomfort commuters and motorists have been experiencing since the beginning of the massive road repairs under ‘Operation 116’ across the State.

According to Omotoso, “There is no deliberate action to cause Lagosians any pain; the present situation is temporary. The contractors are speeding up their jobs and they are being encouraged to work at night where possible, even as motorists are being advised to use alternative routes. “The administration sympathises with residents on the inconvenience suffered daily but in fulfillment of its commitment to making the roads motorable immediately the rains subside, resources and equipment have been deployed to fix degenerated roads. The discomfort will be short-lived.” The statement further said that the state government has directed the relevant agencies to review traffic control and regulation policies towards identifying a long-lasting remedy to the problem. It claimed that “The daily influx of people from other parts of the country into Lagos has contributed to the big human and vehicular pressure on the roads. The government will surely surmount the challenges with technology and enforcement of traffic rules.

That is Nigeria’s total debt profile, according to the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Patience Oniha.

True talk! “All elements of the society are connected to old people, it is important we take care of them. It is important to have this discussion at this point of time because these statistics will affect labour and financial markets, demand for goods and services housing, transportation, social protection, and family structures. -Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA),urging Nigeria to take proper care of the elderly.

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