BusinessDay 26 Aug 2018

BDSUNDAY BUSINESS DAY

Return our guns now or we will disrupt 2019 general election, militants tell govt p. 7

CCNN, Cutix, 20 others beat bond yields as equities shed N676bn YTD p.35

?? Ojude Oba: Ijebu people

rally round their grandeur cultural heritage p. 44

Sunday 26 August 2018 Market & Commodities Monitor Brent Oil

5yr Bond

$76.15

0.17 14.58%

Gold

10yr Bond

$1,214.40

-0.11 14.78%

Cocoa

20yr Bond

$2,365.00

0.04 14.90%

inside Dassa-Zoume: Religious tourism made in Benin Republic

Vol 1, No. 231 N300

Fire-brigade projects Politicians in desperate moves to woo voters

I

CHUKS OLUIGBO & INIOBONG IWOK

t was James Freeman Clarke, 19th Century American theologian and author, who said: “A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman, of the next generation.”

What is playing out on the Nigerian political scene today, following from Clarke’s assertion above, points to the fact that there are no statesmen in the country – only politicians. All that the political actors in the country are concerned about is the next election.

As another election cycle gets underway, politicians vying for various political positions are falling over themselves in their desperate bid to curry the favour of the electorate and woo them to their side. Those in elective positions who want to return for a second term have begun to initiate firebrigade projects to give the impression that they are working. State governors who have been known not to have any history of project delivery in over three years in office have suddenly woken from their slumber. Across the land, it’s a frenzied atmosphere as serv-

ing legislators at both state and federal levels desperate to retain their seats are embarking on subversive philanthropic gestures in the name of constituency projects. The news media is awash with empowerment projects by these desperate politicians.

Some of these so-called empowerment projects include distribution of sewing machines to women, tricycles (Keke), wheelbarrows, commercial buses and motorcycles

P. 2

p. 12&13

Violent by-election in Rivers: Why APC will not try that again in 2019 – Glory Emeh

p. 24&25

NIRSAL swaps maize farmers’ loans for inputs …Beneficiaries scream foul Josephine Okojie

T

he Nigeria IncentiveBased Risk Sharing for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) is set to swap loans meant for maize farmers under the auspices of Hope Concept

p. 3

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Int’l Airport, Katsina, met with military personnel deployed to curb the activities of criminals in Zamfara and neighbouring states under Operations Sharan Daji and Diran Mikiya.

Nigeria breaches ECOWAS Protocol less than 6 months to 2019 election INNOCENT ODOH & OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja

L

ess than six months to the 2019 general election, Nigeria stands the risk of breaching the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol if President Muhammadu Buhari signs the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill

into law.

This is because the Protocol stipulates that no member country should amend her Electoral Act six months to an election.

Checks by BDSUNDAY reveal that as of Sunday, August 26, 2018, the next general election billed for February 16, 2019 is exactly 177 days away - less than six months to the exercise.

The ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance was adopted in December 2001 by the Heads of State and Government as supplementary to the Protocol relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security.

p. 3

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Sunday 26 August 2018

Cover Fire-brigade projects...

Continued from Page 1 to youths, purchase of examination forms for students writing the Senior School Certificate Exams (SSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exams (UTME), free computer training and other skills acquisition programmes, among others – all in the bid to win the hearts of voters.

It was discovered that many Christian politicians aspiring for one post or the other openly identified with Moslems during the recently celebrated Sallah.

They went to prayer ground with the people, just to attract their votes. Some politicians went to the extent of sponsoring some Islamic faithful to Hajj this time around.

Only recently, Femi Gbajabiamila, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, gave out 30 buses, 160 motorcycles, and 25 tricycles to residents of his Surulere 1 Federal Constituency, Lagos, a gesture which, according to him, was meant to ease the movement of the people.

In July, the Imo State government, which is not known to have commissioned any project since 2011, announced that President Muhammadu Buhari would visit the state in August to commission police headquarters and other projects.

At the federal level, the story has been the same. Even though during his meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May in London on April 16 on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), President Buhari had said he was more concerned about Nigeria’s security and economy issues than about the 2019 elections; the President’s subsequent actions have shown that his utterance is far from the truth.

“We have elections next year, politicians are already preoccupied with the polls, but I am bothered more about security and the economy,” Buhari had told May. However, the subsequent signing into law of the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill, which had been in the kitty for many years, even though a welcome development, was seen by many as an effort to curry the favour of the youths. In the same way, the proclamation of June 12 as Democracy Day and the posthumous honour given to MKO Abiola, who won the June 12, 1993 presidential election, were seen as a political masterstroke to sway the SouthWest on the president’s side.

But beyond these gestures, the Federal Government has also embarked on other projects that, expectedly, would give Nigerian voters the impression that the government is working.

Not long ago, Suleiman Adamu, Minister of Water Resourc-

es, while presenting the twoyear scorecard of his ministry in Abuja, said the Federal Government would complete seven ongoing water supply projects and 21 dams and irrigation projects between 2018 and 2019.

This is apart from the Gurara hydropower plant, Kashimbila hydropower plant, Gurara II, Lokoja and Dasin Hausa, which are either completed, about to be completed, or in talks with potential investors.

“We have concluded a Technical Audit and prioritised the hitherto uncompleted or abandoned 116 major projects that I met in the ministry. We are deploying most of our resources towards completing and commissioning all the high and medium priority projects from 2016-2019.”

On July 11, President Buhari commissioned the Abuja Light Rail System, saying it was proof of his administration’s commitment to delivering on its promises.

“This morning I formally commissioned the Abuja Light Rail System. The completion of this very important project is a dream come true, and clearly demonstrates our administration’s commitment to the realisation of critical infrastructural projects.

“The Abuja Light Rail System is further evidence that we are a government that delivers on its promises. A modern rail service will greatly boost the FCT economy and enhance social life.

“Our commitment to the vision for a modern, integrated rail system for Nigeria is total.

The 2nd phase of the Abuja Light Rail will connect more parts of the city, while our standardgauge National Rail is also taking shape, with the Lagos-Ibadan leg currently under construction,” Buhari said after commissioning the project.

A few days ago, the Federal Government said there were over 60 on-going projects in the South East geo-political zone.

This is a zone that has continued to accuse the current government of marginalisation. Observers believe that such projects were to woo the people to vote for the party in the next general election.

And suddenly, out of the blues, the Nigerian Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) of the APC-led Federal Government, which had been widely criticised for its inefficiency, seems to have come alive as government has begun to announce its progress in a series of tweets.

“NHGSFP is feeding 8,596,340 million pupils in 24 states across Nigeria,” NHGSFP tweeted on August 21 via its official handle @NHGSFP. While some voters may be swayed by these eleventh-hour projects, political analysts are wondering why these projects

L-R: Abimbola Balogun; Subomi Balogun, founder, First City Monument Bank (FCMB); Bukola Saraki, Nigerian Senate/ president/ special guest of honour, and Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, at the 2018 edition of Ojude Oba festival at Ijebu Ode on Thursday.

have to come in the dying hours of the tenures of these politicians and very close to another election. They say instead of these last-minute remedial efforts, politicians should learn to hit the ground running by initiating projects early in their tenure, infrastructure projects that would create enabling environment for businesses to thrive and impact positively on the lives of the citizenry.

Eddy Olafeso, national vicechairman (South-West) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said the trend portends danger for the nation’s democracy, stressing that Nigerians were now wiser and could not be taken for a ride.

“What you are talking about is characteristic of the political class in the country. While it could be aimed to confuse the voters, people would assess you on the basis of what you have done. Eleventh-hour projects may not be the best; the electorate must watch out in such situations,” Olafeso said.

“The trend portends danger for the nation’s democracy. You can’t continue to fool the people.

It would come to a time that the people would win,” he said.

John Bayeishea, a political analyst and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the situation was part of the reasons for the low confidence of Nigerians toward their leaders and increasing empathy toward voting during elections.

“We all agree that what is happening now is bad. Why do you have to wait till your last days in office before you initiate projects? That is why a lot of Nigerians have lost hope in the system,” he said.

He, however, said that given the current poor governance across the country, the period the projects were initiated by politicians may not matter to the citizenry, adding that in some cases these projects were often the last resort for the ordinary Nigerians.

“But let me tell you, in some cases these projects are the last hope of the masses. In Abuja where I live, there is a road that

was very bad and a politician came to repair it and put his picture. Who cares? This is a road that has been there for years, I think 15 years, without anybody doing anything,” he said.

“The unfortunate aspect of it all is that after the election, the politicians vote with their legs and would never care to say hello to those electorate they are ‘worshipping’ now. It is hypocrisy and very dangerous. But I think that Nigerians are to blame, because they over-indulge these politicians,” a political analyst, who carved anonymity, said.

“I watched a video recently sent to me by someone where some politicians were thoroughly beaten up by irate youths. The story says that the politicians received massive votes from that district ( I think it is in India) the last time election held there.

But they forgot the people, only to return there for campaign for another election. The youths pounced on them. Until we begin to treat our politicians the same way, they will never change,” the analyst added.

Imo Assembly aspirant pledges technological empowerment to constituents UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

P

hilip Ejiogu, Imo State House of Assembly aspirant for Owerri North State constituency on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has promised youths of the constituency of improved knowledge and technological empowerment for self-reliance.

He said that a look at the present legislative activities in Imo State has shown that people who have experience, passion and ready to bring back sanity and normalcy are needed to occupy the state legislative system.

“The level of Infrastructural decay in Owerri North Local Government calls for urgent and immediate attention. Owerri North needs a God-fearing,

agile and selfless representative who would sponsor motions and carry out oversight functions towards the reversal of the suffering of retired parents who go through hell to collect their pensions which come irregularly,” Ejiogu said.

He said if voted into power, he would attract for his constituents, developmental projects from both the government and international donor agencies.

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News Nigeria breaches ECOWAS Protocol...

Continued from Page 1 Article 2 (1) of the Protocol A/SP1/12/01 provides that: “No substantial modification shall be made to the electoral laws in the last six (6) months before the elections, except with the consent of a majority of Political actors.”

Coincidentally, PresidentBuhari is currently the chairman of the subregional bloc.

It would be recalled that the two chambers of the National Assembly had on February 14, 2018 adopted the conference report of Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, which altered the sequence of elections in the country.

However, in March, President Buhari declined assent to the bill, citing infringement of the 1999 Constitution.

The lawmakers then expunged the sequence of elections and two other controversial provisions and passed a revised version, which was transmitted to the President for assent on August 3, 2018.

Key provisions of the proposal is the legislation of electronic voter accreditation system as well as setting new guidelines for political parties on the conduct of direct and indirect primaries.

Already, in the N242 billion 2019 general election budget currently before the National Assembly for approval, there are proposals for card readers.

These include Smart Card Reader software upgrade for INEC Voter Authentication System (IVAS), software upgrade of Card Reader for verification and authentication of voters and upgrade of PVC and Smart Card Readers Accreditation Backend to the tune of N151,296,320.

There is also a proposal for the Compilation and Production of Updated Electoral Legal Framework and other election materials in the sum of N99,500,000.

It would be recalled that at the budget defence session last week, members of the Senate Committee on INEC raised concerns over what would happen to the amount allocated for smart card readers should the President fail to sign

Buhari

the amended electoral bill into law.

In his response, INEC chairman, Mahmoud Yakubu, had said: “Even if the Electoral Act is not signed into law, we need to continue to improve our electoral process to promote transparency.”

It was gathered that lawmakers were not convinced by Yakubu’s response and that they are waiting if the President would sign the bill into law before approving the budget.

“What INEC has done is anticipatory. They included some items in the 2019 elections budget in anticipation that the President would sign the Electoral Act Bill into law.

The President cannot ambush us to expeditiously approve the elections budget when the Electoral Bill which captures some aspects of the budget is yet to be signed into law,” a member of the committee who spoke on condition of anonymity, told BDSUNDAY. In a telephone interview with BDSUNDAY, an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Kayode Ajulo, argued that signing the bill into law at this point in time would be tantamount to changing a goal post in the middle of a football game.

He hinged his submission on the fact that activities for the elections have already commenced with the Notice of Elections issued by INEC

on August 17 and the collection of forms by political parties at INEC headquarters between August 17 and 24.

To him, rather than violate ECOWAS Protocol, the 2010 Electoral Act should be used to conduct the forthcoming polls.

His words: “My only advice to the President is that if he has anything to do, he should do it for future purpose. But for this 2019 election, which timetable is already out, there is no law that can change anything.

“What we need to do is to use the extant electoral law. Any law we are going to use now will not help the matter. The Electoral Act talks about some things being done by six months, three months and so on.

“The election is timeous. There is nothing that can be done. In January this year, we raised these issues but nothing was done”.

Also speaking to BDSUNDAY, a lawyer and public affair analyst, Katch Ononuju, said the implication is that of image problem for Nigeria but stressed that President Buhari does not care about Nigeria’s image other than his ulterior motive to win the election at all costs because he is afraid to lose the election following his growing unpopularity across the country.

NIRSAL swaps maize farmers’ loans...

Continued from Page 1 Cooperative in Ifo, Ogun State for inputs despite making a first tranche payments to 331 farmers under the scheme.

Following BusinessDay publication on what seemed as NIRSAL’s delay tactics in paying the maize farmers their loans after approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), NIRSAL embarked upon a fire-brigade approach of purporting to pay some of the farmers two weeks ago.

“NIRSAL and our paying bank, Sterling, told us that farmers that did not receive payments have issues with their Bank Verification Number (BVN). How can we have

issue with BVN, when the CBN had already done every necessary check before approving the loan for us,” a farmer under the scheme who does not want his name mentioned on print asked this BusinessDay reporter.

“After our first outcry about 331 farmers under the scheme were paid the first tranche with each getting N282, 100. Days later, NIRSAL informed us that the money for the rest members of the cooperative would be returned to Abuja.

“Few days ago, we heard of a new twist to the whole story that NIRSAL will supply us inputs. This is contrary to the arrangement we have entered with our off-takers Flour Mills. Our off-taker will sup-

ply us with the needed inputs and in turn deduct the costs from our payments after off-taking from us,” the farmer said.

He stated that NIRSAL will only supply farmers with substandard and adulterated inputs as it has been the case of previous government inputs interventions for farmers.

He noted that the purpose for the farmers seeking the loan would be defeated if the farmers do not get to the farm on time, adding that farming demands timeliness.

Experts, who spoke with farmers on the issue stated that farmers’ inability to plant as and when due will lead to high default rate in the loan repayment, as interest would

He said President Buhari has become notorious for impunity adding that he does not want to sign the amendment into law because he does not want the components in that electoral amendment bill because those components propose to remove manual collation so that the transportation of the results to collation centres would be by electronic means and that is what the amendments captured properly.

He added that the amendment prescribes that “once everybody agrees on the results inside the cubicle, and all parties had looked at it, it is now put on electronic server when everybody had certified it okay, then the button is pressed by whoever is responsible inside that place in front of all agents of the parties and it is now sent electronically to a collation centre and it is digitally captured. That is what Buhari and APC are afraid of. They are right now not very popular nationally.”

He added that the original electoral act amendment has three components stressing that one of the items, which dealt with the sequence of election, which President Buhari is not comfortable with, was removed by the National Assembly.

“But the remaining two contain among other things the electronic delivery of results from the polling booth to a collation centre because all the rigging we noticed in our democracy occurs when the collations are done manually.

“It is between that vehicular movement from where the results are taken to where they are delivered that manipulations occur and we wanted to remove this. But of course as you can see right now, President Buhari is afraid because he has lost the confidence of Nigerians. That is the main reason you see him and his acolytes wanting to undermine the National Assembly,” he said.

OnonujucommendedtheNational Assembly for providing the checks and balances on the excesses of the executive. He urged the lawmakers to always act according the provisions of the law to contain the impunity of President Buhari. He noted that Buhari is not a democrat

and does not wish Nigeria well, saying “from what you can see the president does not care about the image of our country.

“Buhari does not care about the Nigerian state, it took the international community’s intervention for him to act on those who carried out the siege on the National Assembly and have the DSS boss sacked. What about the Inspector General of Police whose men were used to provide the siege on the Benue state House of Assembly?

President Buhari’s administration undermines Nigeria, we are not united, and there is insecurity everywhere.

Also speaking to BDSUNDAY, the Publicity Secretary of the PanYoruba socio-cultural organization, Yinka Odumakin, noted that what the situation portends is that Nigeria is now recognized around the world as notorious for breaking rules. “According to the United Nations, Nigeria is reeling in impunity.

Since this government came to power, we observe everything in the breach so it is not surprising. We are a joke right now.”

A source in the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, who does not want his name in print, said the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance has so many other things including media participation and campaign issues. He addedthatotherthanthetoutedlack of adherence to rules, which might ridicule Nigeria before the internationalcommunity,thereisnosanction that might be slammed on Nigeria.

Another legal practitioner and public Affairs analyst, Eze Onyekpere, lamented that it is unfortunate that the politics of supremacy between the Presidency and the National Assembly, had consigned a serious matter of Nigeria’s electoral amendment, which will impugn Nigeria’s image to the sideline because of the battle of wits and egos.

He specifically held President Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Adams Oshiomhole responsible for the delay, stressing that they are rather preoccupied with the plots to impeach the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki.

keep accruing.

“The untimely release of intervention funds for farmers has led to high default rates amongst farmers. With delay in releasing of funds, the banks are creating problems for the farmers to repay back the loan. This is the case with the Anchor Borrowers Programme where there are high default rate,” Wale Oyekoya, former agribusiness group head, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said.

NIRSAL, when contacted by BusinessDay three weeks ago, said that the institution was still conductingverificationonthefarmerswhich is causing the delay of payments, promising that all payments would be made at the end of the week.

It has been over three weeks now only 331 farmers have been credited out of the 872 farmers under the cooperative, leaving oth-

ers hanging after clearing and tilling their lands, BusinessDay investigations found.

“The money has been approved by the CBN but we need to do a credit check on each of the farmers. Within the next five days (3rd of August) their accounts would be credited,” Anne Ihugba, head of corporate communication for NIRSAL told BusinessDay. A staff member of CBN who does not want his name mentioned on print, stated that CBN had already carried out all verification on the farmers and on their BVN before the loans were approved, noting that the apex bank would never approve any loan without proper verification.

He noted that NIRSAL ought to have disbursed the money to the farmers within the next five working days after approval.

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News

2019: Anxiety grips Nigerians over pre-election voter inducement INNOCENT ODOH, Abuja

A

head of the 2019 general election, the ugly streak of pre-election voter-inducement now pervades most parts of the country as desperate politicians are in a frenzy with subversive philanthropy ranging from distribution of free sewing machines, tricycles (Keke), cash and, in the extreme, vote-buying on election day.

The enormity of the situation is causing serious concern among some Nigerians, who warned that if the situation is not stopped, the vulnerable voters may be induced to give their votes to the wrong people and thereby mortgage their future.

ZainabMarwa-Abubakar,anaspirant to the seat of Bwari/AMAC Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the

House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC), told BDSUNDAY in an interview that the sad development is caused by the widespread poverty of the electorate, even as she admitted that the nefarious act is rampant in her constituency.

“The people at the grassroots are only remembered during election time. That is the only time they can eat. So when person X is running for an election, he will look for people and give them N10,000 or N20,000; even some are sharing cars, sharing lots of money, and what happens is that when they win and get to office, they completely forget the people because that N10,000 has bought their votes. That is why the politicians neglect the welfare, education and health of the people,” MarwaAbubakar said.

She, however, noted that having served the people with her NGOs, she is well equipped to

change their lives through proper education and skill acquisition that will make their lives better if given the chance.

Yusuf Zoaka, a professor of Political Science and head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja, told BDSUNDAY that it is pathetic that the politicians steal the people’s money and then give them peanuts to buy their conscience.

He called on the authorities to invoke sanctions on both those who give and those who take bribes, warning that without such sanctions Nigeria cannot make any progress. He also called on Nigerian politicians to hold a political summit to have some benchmarks that are irreversible in order to hold political office holders to account.

Majeed Dahiru, a public affairs analyst, lamented that the people have little or no choice against such inducementas because they have

been impoverished by the type of political system that Nigeria operates.

“The people have no choice at all, so they wait for the best among those tokenistic gestures,” Dahiru said.

He added that none of the political parties has clear-cut solutions for the country’s revival towards a path of peace, progress and prosperity, stressing that the competition among the parties for power is more like a competition of incompetence.

He, however, urged the Nigerian electorate to realize that there is need for a paradigm shift from the current status quo, warning that if they continue to fall prey to the subversive inducement of the politicians, they will always remain the victims.

BDSUNDAY had authoritatively gathered that ahead of the general election, vote-buying has already started in Abuja as some

politicians alleged to be loyal to the ruling APC have hit the nation’s capital to buy up those who have obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

At the Apo Dutse and Apo Resettlement Zone A, both PVC collection centres designated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the alleged APC supporters were said to have invaded the centres with huge sums of money to induce voters to give details of their PVCs and other identities, which they hoped to exploit in the 2019 general elections.

One of the ‘beneficiaries’ of the alleged APC supporters financial inducement told BDSUNDAY on condition of anonymity that he saw countless number of people, includinghiswife,whoweregivenN20,000 each after their names and the numbersontheirPVCswereallegedly takenandregisteredinabookthealleged APC supporters had.

“The APC supporters came to the centres with huge sums of money and they were dashing people N20,000 each and collecting their names and the numbers on their PVCs and other personal information. Even my wife also got N20,000,” he said.

The menace of vote-buying has been on for some time but increased in intensity in recent governorship elections in Edo, Ondo and Anambra States and progressively worsened in the July 14 Ekiti State governorship election. It is as well threatening the September 22 Osun State governorship election.

In Anambra State, the dictum for vote-buying was “vote and show”, where the voters showed evidence of casting their votes for particular political parties before collecting their money. In Ekiti, it was “vote and see”, among other nefarious methods.

Herdsmen are plotting to kill me, Ortom alleges Ex Kogi governor debunks allegation of plans to impose son as next governor BENJAMIN AGESAN, Makurdi

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enueStateGovernor,Samuel Ortom has alleged that Fulani herdsmen had concluded plans to lay ambush and kill him along the Makurdi/ Laafia highway.

Ortom explained that he had received intelligence report about the plan to have him kidnapped and murdered.

Makurdi/Laafia road is the only route to Abuja.

The governor revealed this during an interactive session with the church, traditional institution and other stakeholders towards peaceful elections in 2019, organised by the Makurdi Catholic Diocese, and held at the Pastoral Centre, Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The governor, who spoke in Tiv dialect, disclosed that he got an

Ortom

intelligence report which indicated that the Fulani herdsmen who are currently occupying parts of Guma LocalGovernmentAreaofthestate were already hatching plans to attackhimalongtheAbuja-LafiaRoad.

“The armed herdsmen, according to the intelligence report, would ensure that all my security aides were killed, after which they would kidnap and torture me before killing me.

“Already, I had reported the matter to the police and other security agencies and they are aware of this.

“Therefore, anytime my spirit doesn’t allow me to travel by road, Iwouldcallflightoperators.But,just afewdaysago,theFederalGovernment has issued a circular directing thatnoflightshouldlandinMakurdi Airport again,” Ortom stated.

Ortom also alleged that some Benue indigenes have connived with “forces in Abuja” to kill him.

Speaking with newsmen, Catholic Bishop of Makurdi, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, disclosed that over 306 traditional rulers, youths, members of the Catholic Women Organisation and Catholic Men Organisation and other stakeholders were invited for the meeting to educate them on a violence-free election ahead of 2019.

VICTORIA NNAKAIKE, Lokoja

I

brahim Idris, a former governor of kogi state has debunked the allegation that he wanted to impose his son, Abubakar Idris as the next governor of Kogi State, as he described the report trending online as malicious, spurious, wicked and satanic.

In a statement issued yesterday in Lokoja by his Chief Press Secretary, Elesho Richard, the former governor said he was only interested in leading a credible People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ) that would return to take over government in Kogi State come 2019.

He said the negative report was aimed at distracting him, but maintained that the sponsors of

the write up have failed in their bid at blackmailing him, adding that he was too focused to be distracted.

According to the statement, “Ibrahim Idris is a successful businessman and respected politician with tremendous respect for democratic ethos, dialogue and team work; credentials that set aside his nine years in public office for unequalled peace, cohesion and development in the state.

The former governor does not believe in imposition of candidates, nor does he have power to impose his choices on others.

He has repeatedly cautioned against it as an unjust practice and hasconsistentlybeenworkingwith other leaders to provide a level playing ground for all PDP aspirants in the state,» he added.

Sunday 26 August 2018

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News APC holds primaries September ..Accuses INEC of leaking confidential correspondence James Kwen, Abuja

I

n compliance with the time table of the 2019 general elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ruling All Progressives Congress has scheduled its primaries in September.

According to INEC time table, political parties are to conduct primaries between 18 August and 7 October 2019 to democratically nominate candidates for the 2019 general elections as required by Section 37 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

In a letter to INEC dated 17 August 2018 tiled: Notice for the conduct of congresses and primaries for the nomination of candidates, obtained by journalists, APC is conducting nationwide local government

congresses for the election of delegates to the National convention to nominate presidential candidate on 8 September.

The letter stated that Presidential primary holds 19 September, National Assembly primaries hold 20 September and Governorship primaries is slated for 24 September while State Houses of Assembly primaries is on 29 September.

Th i s l e t t e r w a s o b tained a day after APC denied that it has not released timetables for State/National Assembly, Governorship and Presidential primaries.

Yekini Nabena, APC Acting National Publicity in statement noted that, “our attention has been drawn to a timetable circulating in the social media and published today (August 23, 2018) in Daily Times Newspaper, purportedly for the All Progressives Congress

Oshiomole

(APC) primaries for State House of Assembly, National Assembly, Governorship and Presidential positions.

“The timetable is fake

Human rights lawyers fear that election violence may scuttle democracy …Flay police, SARS in Rivers’ by-election violence David Ejiohuo, Port Harcourt Correspondent

E

lection violence may injure Nigeria’s fledgling democracy, President of the Human Rights Lawyers in the country, Abdul Mammud, has warned.

Mammud expressed the worries when he spoke with our correspondent at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

According to the Human Rights Lawyer President, his organisation was getting worried about the journey taken so far in the nation’s democratic movement.

On how safe he thinks the Nigerian democracy was, Mahmmud explained that the “actions of the present crop of politicians in the country were something else and negatively impacting the nature of our democracy”.

Democracy, he noted, was about a healthy competition but that the situation where you find these politicians turning democracy into an unhealthy competition was worrisome.

According to the lawyer, who was in Rivers State capital to monitor the ward

election, he said that what he saw was an aberration and spells doom for the democracy in Nigeria.

He condemned the actions of a unit of the Nigeria Police force, the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), who he said, was abusing and subverting the integrity of an electoral process. “Our election is chaotic and it has affected the major foundations of our democracy.

The determination of some politicians to use violence to subvert and abuse democratic process is uncalled for,” he said.

He pointed out that the leadership of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) had gone a pace and had created some level of confidence in the electoral process but that the process where the politicians go ahead and snatch ballot boxes was condemnable and bad enough.

This action of the politicians he further noted was causing apathy in the electioneering process, especially in the southern part of the country like what happed in Edo and Anambra States.

“The people who win elections in the southern part of the country, do not enjoy the legitimacy of the electorates, especially the governors, because they are

elected with just less number of people as compared to the number in the election registers,” he said.

This he explained, raises two fundamental questions which are, “That perhaps the people were no longer interested in voting because their votes no longer count or that the electoral register is so padded that the number you see do not represent the number of real voters.”

On the refusal of the President Mohammadu Buhari to sign the amended electoral law, the human rights lawyer described it as a problem because the card readers are not backed by any law or legislation.

According to him, the President’s refusal to sign the amended electoral acts raises further question like, “is he interested in reforming the electoral process?”

“With all due respect, the elections so far conducted under him, the INEC should not be blamed for what went wrong but his agents have shown that his body language is or does not show any serious effort to reform the electoral process.”

His refusal to sign the law, he warned, could impose more danger to the elections and democracy in future.

and should be disregarded.

The Party is yet to announce its official timetable for the listed primaries”, Nabena said.

Similarly, APC Friday accused INEC of leaking its confidential correspondence particularly the letter notifying the commission of the party’s schedule of primaries.

A statement signed by APC Spokesman, Nabena read that, “our attention has been drawn to a leaked letter the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole wrote to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu informing the Commission of the schedule of the Congresses and Primaries to elect party candidates for the 2019 General Election.

“This leak of our sensitive and confidential correspondence to INEC is becoming commonplace and totally unacceptable.

We strongly request that INEC looks into its

internal handling of official correspondence and put a stop to these leaks.

“While the leaked formal notification to INEC has been done by the APC pursuant to the provisions of Section 85 of the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended), we advise the general public particularly the media to wait for an official announcement from the Party as the leaked dates are subject to changes, if necessary”.

Also, BusinessDay reliably learnt that APC was yet to collect forms at INEC headquarters for issuance to their candidates at the expiration of the period for that exercise.

The INEC time table specified that 17 - 24 August is the period for the collection of forms for all elections by political parties at INEC headquarters, for political parties to issue to their candidates.

LMSN launches search for female talents in Nigeria KELECHI EWUZIE

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s part of its strategic step to discover the next generation of enterprising female leaders in Nigeria and Africa, Luxury Model Search Nigeria (LMSN) has officially launched the search for talents in Nigeria.

Luxury Model Search Nigeria, unlike traditional beauty pageants and model searches, can be recognised today as the definitive platform where outstanding young women can break into the exciting world of fashion, and entertainment to carve out success-

ful careers for themselves through a simple casting process.

Suzzie Odeniyi, CEO and founder of the brand, speaking at the launch of the brand in Lagos, said the platform was set up to help young girls achieve their dreams.

According to her, “We are not just in search of the typical size zero girls but curvy girls who are the ideal Nigerian woman. We hope to find the best girl who can use the opportunity to create a platform to inspire young girls in Africa.

“We want them to know that that it is possible for them to have big dreams

and achieve them, that they can be anything they want to be once they put their minds to it. We are more than just a beauty pageant,” she said.

LMSN is an affiliate of Suzzie D Celebrity Network, which organises, promotes and supports diverse cultural activities in the field of international model searches and beauty pageants. The model search is also linked with Most Beautiful Girl in the World, guaranteeing winners international exposure in their chosen fields.

The competition is aimed at discovering the next female leader and is open to girls aged 18-25.

Suzzie Odeniyi (middle), CEO and founder, Luxury Model Search Nigeria, and media associates at the launch of the brand in Lagos.

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News

2019: Akwa Ibom governor declares for second term in office …Wike, Ikpeazu in solidarity, urge voters to stick to Emmanuel, PDP ANIFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

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he Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has made his intention to contest for a second term in office known following his formal declaration at an event that attracted a mammoth crowd in Uyo, the state capital. “I submit myself for consideration to continue with the good work that I have done and I seek your support for my candidature as governor for second term,” Emmanuel said.

The governor said he was banking on his superior performance to return to the

Government House, Uyo, in 2019.

He listed industrialisation as his major achievements in the last three years, stressing that the conglomeration of industrial clusters including toothpick, pencil, syringe, electric metres, coconut factory, peacock paint, fertilizer firms and several kilometres of roads, would recommend him for a re-election.

He said that the Akpabio administration left behind some uncompleted projects including the Four Points

by Sheraton Hotel at Ikot Ekpene and the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road, stating his administration has been working hard to ensure the completion of those legacy

projects of the immediate past era.

“Who said they had completed the Sheraton by Four Points Hotel? It is only today that we are negotiating with Starwood Group for the retainership of the name, which some surreptitiously put up on a building. Is building a hotel?”

He urged the people to rally round him in his quest to sustain the tempo of good governance he introduced in his first term in 2015.

In the same vein, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke; the former Military Governor of the State, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, who chairs the gover-

Emmanuel

19-year-old Ololade Adeiye crowned Miss Ojude Oba 2018

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200-level Accounting student of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ololade Aminat Adeiye, Friday night, emerged Miss Ojude Oba 2018.

In the keenly contested beauty pageant, sponsored by telecoms operator, Globacom, 19-year-old Adeiye defeated 12 others to pick the crown in the event that held at the Equity Hotel, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

An Environmental Edu-

cation graduate of University of Benin, Kofoworola Osoteku, emerged second, while Halimah Olorode of the Economics Department of the Olabisi Onabanjo University came third. The beauty queens were exemplars of Ijebuland and were tested on proficiency in Ijebu dialect, culture, poise, composure and general knowledge.

“I am very happy to win. I never expected I will emerge the queen of our

prized festival. Honestly, it is great to be the Queen of Ojude Oba; it is something I have been looking forward to,” highly elated Adeiye quipped with broad smiles radiating her oval face. The beauty pageant brought to a close the 2018 Ojude Oba festival.

Similarly, 30-year-old Ayodele Dada, who teaches Mathematics in a private school, Quite Pretty School, Ijebu Ode, won a brand new Hyundai Accent car, the star

Winner of Miss Ojude Oba beauty pageant, Ololade Aminat Adeiye flanked by 1st runner-up, Kofoworola Osoteku (left) and 2nd runner-up, Halimah Olorode (right), at the Ojude Oba Festival sponsored by telecom operator, Globacom, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, recently.

nor’s re-election committee and the state PDP chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo, charged supporters and stakeholders of the PDP to work towards ensuring that the PDP retains Akwa Ibom with Udom Emmanuel, in 2019.

Solidarity messages from neighbouring governors of River State, Nysom Wike and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, assured Governor Emmanuel that he would be returned based on trackrecord of quality works in the last three years and encouraged the people not to allow external influence to alter the already political arrangement ably directed by the PDP since 1999 in Akwa Ibom.

prize of the Raffle Draw organised by Globacom at the festival sponsored by the telecommunications giant.

Indeed, drama followed the raffle draw that pulled out the winner’s name before the unprecedented crowd. The rule of the draw was that the winner must be at the venue. Unfortunately, the first three names pulled out by the Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona were not present at the event.

But luck fell on Dada who screamed from the crowd when his number was called.

He caused a huge buzz as he wriggled his way through the massive crowd to mount the dais, looking ruffled and dazed. The Festival officials calmed him down and asked him to button his shirt before the key of the car was presented to him by the Guest of Honour and Senate President, Bukola Saraki, assisted

by Globacom’s representative at the grand finale, Folu Aderibigbe.

Besides, there were other lucky winners in the draw who went home with various consolation prizes. They included 40-year-old Adeyiga Adeboye, 33-year-old Oshin Oluwadara and 34-year-old trader Dupe Saheed who won refrigerators. They expressed gratitude to Globacom for giving back to its subscribers.

The Youth Party set for election primaries JOSHUA BASSEY

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he Youth Party, one of the political parties recently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is set to conduct its primary elections in preparation for the 2019 general election.

Olusegun Adeniyi, the party’s national organising secretary, announced that in conformity with the INEC guidelines on the conduct of party primaries, the Youth Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has issued guidelines for the conduct of its primaries.

According to Adeniyi in a statement issued by Ilamosi Ekenimoh, the national publicity secretary, the schedule for the party’s primary elections is as follows: Sale of forms commenced August 20 to September 1, 2018; screening, August 27 to September 3, 2018; appeals August 27 to September 5, 2018; state house of assembly primaries, September 25, 2018; House of Representatives and Senate primaries September 26, 2018; governorship primaries September 27 and presidential primary September 28, 2018.

The statement said the party has made nomination and expression of interest forms available at the national secretariat and state

offices from August 20 to September 1, 2018.

It said the party’s primaries guideline and other information were also available on the party’s website: www.youthpartyng.com while the primaries would be conducted on the basis of One Member One Vote (OMOV) with all party members entitled to vote.

“Our nomination forms are affordable. Voting will be innovative and convenient as we are adopting electronic means: online and SMS. It will be secured, monitored by candidates and INEC, and secret as required by the law.

The guidelines for the primaries are open and accessible for transparency.

The members’ list/voters list for each constituency or elective position will be available to all aspirants without discrimination, said Adeniyi.

He maintained that the party was committed to expanding the democratic space by providing a level playing field for all aspirants on its platform. He said anyone who aspires to contest in free and fair primaries should join the party at www. youthpartyng.com/ join-movement/.

He said: “Persons interested in voting for a candidate of their choice in a party primaries without fear or favour, are encouraged to join the party.”

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News

2019: Five parties adopt Udensi as governorship candidate in Abia

Return our guns now or we will disrupt 2019 general election, militants tell govt YOMI AYELESO, Akure

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ome of the militants who returned arms in exchange of amnesty brokered by the Ondo State Government have asked the government to return their arms within the next 21 days or face another round of violent crimes in the Southwest geopolitical zone.

The former militants led

by General Ogailo Ibory, expressed regrets that they submitted their arms to the government under the pretext of amnesty.

But the state government appealed to them to give it sometime within which to address their grievances.

Ibory, in a statement said they would not allow the 2019 election to hold but would disrupt the peace of Ondo, Ogun, Lagos and part of Niger Delta region if their requests were not acceded to.

“We are tired of the unfulfilled promises of the Ondo State Government that collected our guns since last year without any effort to make us benefit from the Amnesty

programme of the Federal Government.

“Last year, we heeded to the appeal of the Ondo State Government through the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi and the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Donald Ojogo who came to the creeks to carry the six Epe students we kidnapped in protest. “That time, the two of them promised to work out Amnesty for us and we thereafter agreed to drop our guns,” he said.

Accordi ng to him, “Up till now, we have been abandoned and no one is talking to us, they have used us and

dumped us in the creeks and since last year, Amnesty is not coming.

“We are using this medium to request the Ondo State Government to kindly return our guns that they took from us since last year within twenty-one days.

“We are very serious and we are prepared for anything that will follow. We are saying this because if at the end of the twenty-one days the government does not return our guns they deceived us to take, we will hold the entire riverine areas of Ondo, Ogun and Lagos States to ransom.”

The group further warned:

“Especially for Ondo State, no one should come to the riverine for any electioneering campaign. We are prepared for the worse.”

But the state government through the Commissioner for Lands and Housing who is also the Chairman of the Publicity subcommittee of the Amnesty Programme appealed to the militants to allow peace reign in the state.

Ojogo said they would only appeal to the ex-militants to give the government some time.

“It is true the Ondo State Government brokered the arms surrender deal that was approved by the Presidency. As I am talking to you now, the Deputy Governor who risked his life to drive that process is on top of the situation. We cannot come to press and give details of his efforts that are ongoing.

But I can assure you that very soon, their expectations would be met.

“They should not just allow themselves to be used by selfish politicians and crisis entrepreneurs who tried, but failed in their desperate moves to frustrate the Amnesty offer for them.

UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

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ive political parties in Abia State have adopted Chikwe Udensi, the governorship candidate of Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) during the 2015 general election as their sole candidate in the 2019 on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Uma Ogbonnaya, chairman of Accord, who spoke on behalf of four other party Chairmen said for the past years things had been going wrong in the state and Abians need a credible somebody in the person of Udensi to salvage them.

“We want credible person to lead us. Ebonyi and other states in the SouthEast are far developed than Abia. Teachers, other category of workers and pensioners are being owed many months of salaries and pension arrears,” said Ogbonnaya.

“We are 100 percent sure that Udensi will get the

ticket of his party, APGA. In 2014-2015 he was the sole sponsor of APGA before he was robbed his chance,” he further explained.

Ogbonnaya noted that Udensi as a philanthropist had impacted positively on the lives of so many people, hence, the choice of the group.

Onukwubiri Sunday, secretary of APGA, in his speech said by adopting Udensi from his party as the sole candidate the five political parties; the party is now leading the way for the electorate to know who they should vote for during the 2019 election.

“I am happy that the five political parties have adopted somebody from my party. The parties have agreed that they will not field their candidates for governorship position in 2019,” Sunday said.

The five parties that adopted Udensi as their candidate in 2019 election are Accord, Democratic Alternative, New Generation, New Progressive Movement and All progressives Alliance.

Teach For Nigeria inducts second cohort of change-makers …trains 173 prospective fellows

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each For Nigeria, a non-profit organization focused on improving the quality of education for Nigeria’s most marginalized children, has concluded its 2018 Summer Training Institute and inducted the second cohort of changemakers into its fellowship programme.

The induction followed a four-week intensive training programme held at the Greensprings School, Lekki, Lagos.

A two-year full-time paid commitment, the Teach For Nigeria Fellowship programme is designed to build a movement of leaders who will work towards eliminating educational inequity by teaching in underserved schools in low-income communities across Nigeria.

The Summer Training Institute focused on deepening prospective Fellows’ understanding of the many issues facing the educational system in Nigeria, while exposing them to a wide breadth of subjects and pedagogy knowledge with

the aim of preparing them for the challenge of leading their students towards achieving ambitious academic and non-academic goals. Prospective Fellows also had ample opportunity to put theory into practice at Summer School where

each Fellow independently planned and taught one 40-minute lesson per day for two weeks under expert supervision.

Upon induction, Fellows were posted to carefullyselected placement schools in Lagos, Ogun and Kaduna

States.

“If in 20 years, a critical mass of Teach For Nigeria Alumni were holding key positions in both the public and private sectors of our national life, our education system and, indeed, our nation would be much bet-

L-R: Alero Ayida-Otobo, Board member, Teach For Nigeria; Joke Silva, ambassador, Teach For Nigeria; Folawe Omikunle, CEO, and Gbenga Oyebode, chairman, at the Teach For Nigeria 2018 Summer Training Institute in Lagos, recently.

ter than what it is today,” Gbenga Oyebode, chairman, Teach For Nigeria, said in his opening remarks at the induction.

Oyebode advised the incoming Fellows to uphold their commitment to the Fellowship, while also assuring that the Board would remain committed to the sustainability of the Teach For Nigeria programme.

“We believe every child has the right to an excellent education and an opportunity to determine their own pathways and meaningfully engage with their communities. Therefore, we support our Fellows to help them transform the life trajectory of the pupils we serve through a rigorous, ongoing training programme starting with the Summer Training Institute,” said Folawe Omikunle, CEO, Teach For Nigeria.

Esohe Eigbike, DFID aducation adviser and Teach First UK Alumni, told the 2018 Fellows that they are the future of Nigeria and that the training they have received would serve them

well during and after the Fellowship.

“I encourage you to be steadfast and do your best to be positive role models to each and every pupil under your influence,” Eigbike said.

Sharon Takim, who spoke on behalf of the 2018 TFN Fellows, said, “We are not unaware of the challenges we will face, but we will have to believe in our kids when no one else does and hope that the laughter, joy and fulfilment of seeing a life transformed before our very eyes is enough to grease the wheels of this great cause.”

The Teach For Nigeria Training and Leadership Development team supported prospective Fellows through Summer Institute, monitoring their development to ensure they were making progress in order to be ready for the start of school in September.

The 2018 TFN Training Institute was sponsored by Greensprings School, Sterling Bank and FBN Quest Merchant Bank.

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News Unbundle power generation now to save economy - NACCIMA tasks FG David Ejiohuo, Airport Correspondent, Port Harcourt

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he Federal Government must unbundle power generation section of the power sector now to save the economy, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has demanded.

NACCIMA called it “decentralisation of the production and the distribution of electricity generation in the country”, saying it is the only way to save the nation’s economy from the impending collapse.

Alaba Lawson, the NACCIMA president, made the proposal at the weekend, when she spoke with the journalists at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, on the state of the nation’s economy.

According to her, both the Federal Government and the National Assembly should as a matter of urgency, put a motion in process that would allow states, organisations, the organised private, public sector companies, and other corporations to be involved in electricity or energy generation and distribution to save the nation’s economy from collapsing again.

The Nigerian economy,

she explained, was recovering at a very slow pace and therefore, needed all that was required to let it come on stream for the interest of Nigerians.

According to her, one of the things needed to boost the nation’s economy was adequate electricity or energy generation across the country but that the failure of the Federal Government to do so was not helping matters.

One of the ways to make this possible she pointed out was for the Federal Government to abolish all obnoxious laws affecting the generation and distribution of electricity in the country and ensure that all executive orders on electricity issues were carried out without further delays. “It is obnoxious to make the generation and distribution of electricity the exclusive right of the Federal Government, even when the mission is an impossible one,” she said.

The National Assembly and the Federal Government, she pleaded, should legislate and allow interested parties get involved in electricity generation to save the nation’s economy and bring succour to Nigerians which she said were passing through hell to get energy.

“They should remove the issue from the exclusive list to the concurrent one as a matter of urgency and in the interim, carry out all executive orders as concerning the

electricity issues in the country,” Lawson said.

She warned that both the Federal Government and the National Assembly would be held responsible for failing the nation, if they failed to do what was obvious and necessary but watch the nation’s economy collapse once more. Nigeria, the NACCIMA President emphasized, stands to gain much from it, apart from the fast recovery of the economy, but in the generation and distribution

of the energy as it would yield lots of revenue to the Federal Government.

“The Federal Government should provide the infrastructure needed but allow those interested parties to be independent by not linking their produced power to the national grid but should be made to pay revenue to the Federal Government based on the amount of energy they produce”.

Also speaking on the issue, a gubernatorial aspi-

rant, under the Green Party in Kano State, Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, said he totally agrees that the electricity generation and distribution should be removed from the exclusive list to the concurrent one.

According to Abdusalam Zaura, lack of electricity was slowly killing the nation, her economy and greatly affecting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation and affecting the development of the nation as a whole.

Kwara APC warns against rejection of prospective members …Says, it is ready for revalidation of membership register SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State at the weekend warned ward chairmen of the party along with their local executive committees, against rejecting prospective members as the party braces up for membership registration and revalidation.

Chairman of the party, Ishola Balogun-Fulani, gave the warning while addressing newsmen in Ilorin, the state capital, on their preparedness for the exercise.

Balogun-Fulani, whose leadership of Kwara APC is recognised by court, stressed that his leadership was ready to instill discipline and necessary sanction on any ward chairman who shows favou-

ritism or intimidate old or prospective members who come for the registration.

He said the development followed the recent directive by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for the commencement of registration of new

Balogun-Fulani

members and revalidation of the identities of existing ones.

Balogun-Fulani commended the NWC for the initiative saying it would bring tremendous benefits to the party in Kwara State where according to him there are indications thatmanyKwaransareyearn-

ing to join the party. Just as well, he noted that revalidation of membership will assist the party in identifying its loyal members in the state.

“As a loyal and responsible party in Kwara State under our leadership, I therefore, direct all our ward chairmen in conjunction with their working committees to be fully ready for the registration of new members and revalidation of old members in their respective wards. The party register will be distributed to every ward. All old members coming for revalidation should produce for sighting their membership card for authentication.

“I use this medium to inform our registration desk not to reject anyone who wants to register, for the party is ready to instill discipline and necessary sanction on any

ward chairman that shows favouritism or intimidation to anyone,” he said.

According to him, “Our doors are wide open, we therefore implore all Kwara residents to come out in large numbers and take advantage of this open-door and register in their wards as bonafide members of the APC.” Askedhowhisgroupwould secure the register needed for the exercise given the fact thattheNWChad“dissolved” them, Balogun-Fulani said the APC has in stock party registration materials but would still look forward to receiving more documents from the NWC. “We are sensitising our members to get ready so that any day the national executive says we should commence we would not be caught napping,” he said.

Sunday 26 August 2018

OSIWA appoints Ayisha Osori executive director

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yisha Osori has been appointed the head, Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA). She is expected to resume work on September 4, 2018.

A lawyer, development consultant and communications strategist, Osori has worked in both the public and private sectors in different capacities. She has also worked with the World Bank, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the National Democratic Institute, and the Department of International Development. Osori has been at the forefront on the fight for good governance, gender equality, women’s economic and political empowerment, and ending violence against women.

She also serves on the board of directors of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund.

“I can’t wait to get started.

OSIWA has been at the forefront of civil society’s work across West Africa, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help lead its efforts to promote democratic practice, economic advancement, equality, justice, and human rights; and to work with some of the smartest and most committed people in the region and the world,” Osori said shortly after her appointment.

The human right activist, who has been vocal on several national issues, is also the author of the book, ‘Love Does Not Win Elections’. The book captures her experiences as a candidate of Nigeria’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a primary contest for a seat in the country’s National Assembly. She has also written a series of children’s textbooks on social studies.

A graduate of the University of Lagos and Harvard Law School, Osori is licensed to practice law in Nigeria and New York State. An Eisenhower Fellow, she also holds a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Osori has a deep knowledge of OSIWA, having served as board chair for the past three years. With Osori’s appointment as executive director, Senegalese scholar, author, and OSIWA board member Felwine Sarr takes over as board chair. Board member Mariama AnthonyWilliams, an accountant and public financial management advisor from Sierre Leone, becomes vice chair.

“We are honoured to have the leadership of the next chapter of OSIWA’s work in Ayisha Osori’s capable hands,” said Patrick Gaspard, president of the Open Society Foundations.

Sunday 26 August 2018

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PhotoSplash

L-r: Anglican Church on the Peninsula, V.G.C. Lekki, The Ven. Segun Ladeinde, New Lagos Anglican Bishop Diocese of Lagos (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, and Ven Josiah Oluwabunmi, during the visit of New Bishop Diocese of Lagos (Anglican Communion) to Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins in Lagos on 21/8/2018 PHOTOS CHINYERE IKEANYI

VP Osinbajo with Saheed Ademola Elegushi - Oba Eleguahi of Ikate land, Kusenla III, flanked by Murphy Adetoro - leader of Eti-Osa Central Area during a courtesy visit by the VP to Eti-Osa in Lagos.

Managing Director, Nigeria Film Cooperation (NFC), Prof. Chidia Maduekwe (L); with the Charge d’Affaires, U.S Embassy in Nigeria, David Young, during Charge d’Affaires ‘ visit to NFC headquarters in Jos , Plateau State NAN

Outgoing Customs Area Comptroller (CAC) Apapa Customs Command, Jibrin Musa (L), with the newly redeployed CAC, Apapa Customs Command, Abubakar Bashir, during a handing over ceremony in Lagos .

L-R: Frank Aigbogun, publisher/CEO, BusinessDay Media Limited; Orinayo Ayodele, community manager, Impact Hub Lagos; Bukky Komolafe, chief commercial officer, Travelstart, and , Anthonio Pinheiro, director of operations, Andela; at the on-going 2018 BusinessDay CEO Apprentice in Lagos.Pic by Olawale Amoo

From left: Abdulkadir Abubakar, permanent secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development; Abubakar Bwari, minister of State for Mines and Steel Development; and Alex Nwegbu, president, Organisation of African Geological Surveys, during the inauguration of a nationwide Integrated Mineral Exploration Project, in Abuja /NAN

Managing Director, Nigeria Film Cooperation (NFC), Prof. Chidia Maduekwe (L); with the Charge d’Affaires, U.S Embassy in Nigeria, David Young, during Charge d’Affaires ‘ visit to NFC headquarters in Jos , Plateau State NAN

L-R: Kafayat Oyetunji Olanipekun, wife to the Ataoja of Osogboland, Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye 2, the Ataoja of Osogboland, Anike Oyetunji Olanipekun, wife to the Ataoja of Osogboland, and Adewale Bamigbade, team lead, sales and trade development, Osun State, MTN Nigeria at the 2018 Osun Osogbo Festival Gift Presentation at Ataoja’s palace in Osun State.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

COWLSO’s legacy of service to humanity With various life-touching initiatives and donations of equipment worth millions of Naira to different health institutions, the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) is seen leaving indelible footprints in the sand of time writes JOSHUA BASSEY

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he Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) may not be making a lot of noise but its impacts on the society are enormous.

Since its formation by Funmilayo Mobolaji-Johnson, wife of the first military governor of Lagos at the creation of the state in 1967, COWLSO has grown in leaps and bounds, reaching out to institutions and individuals especially the less privileged in the society.

Bolanle Ambode, current chairperson of COWLSO and wife of the Lagos State governor, captures the essence of COWLSO this way: “It is a delight to see COWLSO fulfilling one of its founding objectives which is to complement the effort of the state government in catering for the welfare of citizens.”

With this in focus, Bolanle Ambode has continued the legacies of her predecessors in office, leading the committee in the last three years plus to embark on various life-changing projects worth millions of naira.

One institution where the impact of COWLSO has been felt is the Lagos Island Maternity and Hospital, where the Bolanle-led committee recently handed over an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The donation was in line with the committee’s health intervention initiative targeted at checking the rate of maternal mortality in Lagos State.

The donated ICU comes

with state-of-the-art facilities such as humidifier, multi parameter monitors, portable multi parameter monitor, volumetric infusion pump and portable suction unit.

Others are blood fluid/ warmer, automatic external defibrillator and marquet servo air intensive care unit ventilators.

The idea was to further strengthen the Island Maternity said to be among some of the best maternity hospitals in Nigeria with an enviable record of an average of 400 deliveries monthly.

COWLSO had also gone ahead to donate to four other health institutionsGbagada, Ikorodu, Badagry and Ifako-Ijaiye General

Hospitals Otoread Audiological equipment in aid of patients especially the infants.

The Ambode-led committee was also at Odan General Hospital, Lagos Island, to donate state-ofthe-art Ear, Nose and Throat (E.N.T ) equipment. The E.N.T equipment included Heine Otoscope, Diagnostic Audiometer AD629, video laryngoscope and propose ear injector among others.

The equipment have the capacity not only to detect hearing impairment in adults, but also in children and new-born.

The committee went further to sponsor free goitre surgeries as well as distributed hearing aids to selected

Bolanle Ambode, wife of Lagos State governor and chairperson of COWLSO (left) attending to a patient

women, men and children who were picked after medical screening carried out by the officials of the state ministry of health.

A c c o r d i n g t o Wo r l d Health Organisation (WHO), early detection and treatment of infections such as measles and hearing impairment and other diseases in children and adults is essential to building a healthy society.

However, in nearly all health facilities across the country modern equipment for early detection and treatment of these diseases and birth related disorders are lacking, and in places where they are available, the cost is way above the reach of less privileged parents, who, in many cases, simply resign to fate.

It is medically and socially unhealthy, for example, for goitre to be left untreated.

Whereas there are a variety of treatment options, including medications and a special kind of radiation therapy, surgery is more often recommended for patients diagnosed with toxic modula goitre, especially where medication has failed to control thyroid production.

Due majorly to the high cost of the surgical procedure, many women suffering from this disorder are unable to complete the full circle of treatment. It is in this wise that the intervention by COWLSO is seen as a

welcome development.

The wife of the governor explained that the decision to upgrade the E.N.T department of the Odan General Hospital was to reduce the percentage of people suffering from hearing impairment.

“Communication plays an important role in the society because hearing and understanding are central to social life. People with hearing difficulties have the tendency to be isolated and more likely to suffer depression.

“Using hearing aid presents a number of advantages for a hearing-impaired person and these include improved oral expression. With a modern hearing aid, they not only understand others better, but others can understand them better too.”

Studies, according to Bolanle Ambode, have shown that hearing aids generally improve the quality of life and help affected persons get better relationship with family, feel better about themselves, get better mental health, and concentrate better at school. It also helps them feel more independent and secure.

“Our aim therefore is to ensure that hearing defect does not constitute a limitation to children of school age, as well as adults,” said Ambode.

Ambode also spoke on the resolve of the committee to sponsor free goitre

surgical operations for the less privileged women and recalled with concern the weekly diagnose of women with the disease, majority of which require surgery, The decision to sponsor the free surgeries for women suffering from the disease, according to Ambode, has been informed by the prohibitive high cost. She disclosed that 30 women have benefitted from the free surgeries while several others received modern hearing aids.

Ambode spoke on the ICU and other equipment donated to the Island Maternity and other health institutions, saying it was a special intervention aimed at saving mothers and children during delivery.

According to her, “every now and then, we hear of many pregnant women and their babies dying of conditions such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, convulsion or shock arising from post-delivery bleeding. We recognise that until the state’s health insurance scheme becomes fully operational, affording the ICU services may remain a challenge for most people.

“Here lies the wisdom in COWLSO’s intervention in upgrading and strengthening the existing high dependency unit, to an ultramodern ICU, to cope with increased number and complexity of emergency cases.

This support has the potential to save mothers and babies, as well as ease the financial pressure on families that may need the services, she said.

The COWLSO restated the commitment to ‘safe motherhood’ project and continued partnership with different health institutions in Lagos to guarantee the safety of mothers and babies during pregnancy and delivery.

She noted that the different projects undertaken were carefully selected to complement government’s efforts at reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

“COWLSO is very concerned about the good health and wellbeing of mothers and children, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals on the health of citizens, says the governor’s wife,” said Bolanle Ambode.

Sunday 26 August 2018

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NewsFeature Woman woos fellow widows to agribusiness

...Turns Oxfam grant to multi-million naira tree-crop venture because here in Nigeria, people don’t venture into things like this because they see farmers as lepers but it is the present administration that now makes farming now look a little bit beautiful.

How the proceeds from Indian lemon improved my family’s income I thank God for this Indian Lemon because my son studying welding and fabrication at Petroleum Institute Warri, would be graduating this year.

Proceeds we made from lemon trees and the fruits helped us to pay his fees. People come from far and near to buy my lemon. I pay my bills from it, I feed out it and I am happy.

Sometimes, if people are coming from outside the state, at once, I usually sell N200,000 worth of the trees. The lemon fruits, there, in the depart mental stores, one is N300 while my own I sell eight for N1,000, so people troupe in for it. Sometimes in a week, I sell like N40,000 worth of fruits.

A matured tree with adequate fruits on it in rainy season could cost N120,000, that is all the fruits. Those trees in the nursery bags, with my calculation, by God’s grace, if somebody comes and buys them, I would get N7m.

MERCY ENOCH, Asaba

A

widow who won award as ‘Female Fo o d H e r o ’ a n d got financial support from Oxfam has invested wisely and is now inviting other widows to turn to agriculture especially tree crops because he is now a multimillionaire in the making.

Now, she has proved that the death of a husband could be to some women the end of life or beginning of prostitution but to some, it is the beginning of another chapter of life – a life of hard work and absolute dependence on God. Rebecca Isagbah belongs to the latter category and is wooing other widows across the country, to join her even as they take the agric option to survive economically.

Life was rosy for the family when her husband, Azubuike, was alive, but at his sudden demise, things turned upside down to the extent that even the amount of money left for her could not even pay for the school of her first son.

According to Rebecca, she looked up to God and God used husband’s family members and well-wishers to support her as they brought in some money that enabled her to cope with some of the bills.

But for how long would she continue to depend on them for support? This, she said gave her serious thought that she considered the farming option as a way of survival. Today, the 52-year old and mother of three has no regret for choosing agriculture, especially tree crops as she now makes millions of naira from it thereby providing her socioeconomic needs.

Excerpts: I am Mrs. Rebecca Isagbah.

My middle name is, Takopwa (which means ‘How can I reject you, God?). It gives me joy to answer this name. By birth, I am from Adamawa and my husband from Delta Igbo. I am the first Lutheran evangelist to Delta State.

The major thing I do for a living is farming. I’m into tree crops. When I was coming down to Delta State from Adamawa State, I knew very well that Delta State is a rainforest and decided to pay more attention to tree crops of which I’m having good yields than the ones in the north.

Because of this, I’m encouraging people to go into tree crops. I’m saying so because these tree

crops, in the future, you don’t have any regret. Other crops like cassava, at a certain time, we cannot bend down to do the cassava stuff but the tree crops, even our grand children can go and harvest them for us. They have huge economic value.

If someone is a working class person, with tree crops, he has something to fall back on retirement. This is something you pass on from generation to generation. Your future generations would not have any stress because you have laid the foundation for them.

Like in livestock or poultry sometimes there would be outbreak of diseases that one can lose thousands of chickens. Secondly, younger ones may not like to go into poultry because they may see it as dirty considering the odour that oozes out from poultry. So, I encourage people to go into tree crops business because they are very promising.

The economic and health benefits of trees like mangoes, banana, lemon, avocado, palm tree etc, cannot be overemphasized.

Benefits of lemon crops: Talking of the lemon trees, I have Indian lemon in my tree. The

difference between Indian Lemon and the local one we have in Nigeria is that it is not that corrosive like ours. It has a lot of health benefits too. It helps people with high blood pressure, and when you take it every day on empty stomach, you are alkalizing your body on empty stomach before taking your breakfast. People with diabetes can take it. People with body odour need it. You can use it as first aid in treating snake bites and scorpion stings.

Lemon tree crops I’m into the Indian type, not the local one that we have. I’m trying to incubate those ones just like they incubate eggs. I’ve just got the English lemon and I’m trying to raise them on the Delta.

Economically, I make money out of it. It is something new.

The other ones (lemons) we have here in Nigeria are not valued. These Indian limes, they go to departmental stores to buy them very expensively. So, if I can queue into this, then those departmental stores would be off-takers than bringing them from far away. Here, it would be at their door-steps. So, I’m raising nursery that I can have orchids where I can have them plenty

So, part of the fruits that I sell, I would go and buy topsoil and manure and mix them up myself because most the people you engage to help you do the work often demand exorbitant amount for labour

They are about 3,000 stand in a bag, multiply it by N2,000 each stand. There are people that buy like 200,000 stands, 150,000 stands. Some people order like 900,000 stands. Now, calculate 900,000 X N2,000. As a widow, why should I be jumping from one bed to the other doing what?

When we harvest the fruits, we eat some, sell some and preserve some. So, part of the fruits that I sell, I would go and buy topsoil and manure and mix them up myself because most the people you engage to help you do the work often demand exorbitant amount for labour.

So, I wonder why I should spend so much when I can do the work myself. I sit down in front of my house and sand-fill it instead of going about galvanizing.

I do the work and my son keeps the account as well as the marketing.

Oxfam’s support I’ve been doing the farming without government’s support but through federal ministry of agriculture, I was selected from Delta State by Oxfam, an international confederation of 20 Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) that fight injustices that cause poverty.

They recognize women that are working hard. They also send where there are crises among other things. Because the nightmare that poverty is causing internationally, the organisation assists youths and women to realise their dreams.

So, when I won the “Female Food Hero” award, they blessed me with money start up something so that I can stand on my feet. That money really helped me to buy some things that I’m enjoying today, including the nursery bags for the trees and some parcels of land to be used for the orchid. Presently, we are cultivating rice on the land (in the north) pending when these lemon trees that are in the nursery would come up, then, I would move them to that place.

Widows should go into agric: I’m encouraging widows to go into agriculture. They should go into dry season farming because that time, there are less hands on farms because farming implements are very cheap, even the herbicides and insecticides are usually cheap then because nobody is rushing. Even waterleaf, one can make a living from it during dry season. When you have a land and you plant bitterleaf, people would even come and buy it off. The bitter-leaf tree would still be there till rainy season. Like myself, how much did my husband left me with?

It was just nothing. It was the well-wishers and my husband’s relatives that God used to support me.

On the other hand, I am calling on government, religious bodies and well-spirited individuals to support widows to stand on their feet economically. Nigerian government should learn from countries like Israel and pay widow’s bills rather than levying taxes on them.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

Feature

Dassa-Zoume: Religious tourism

H

CHUKS OLUIGBO

ow does one begin to describe the crowd that gathered at the grounds of La Grotte Marial Notre Dame d’Arigbo in Dassa-Zoumé, Republic of Benin, between August 17 and 19, 2018?

Words are simply not enough. The pilgrims must have come in their thousands because everywhere you turned, it was a sea of faces. There was hardly an inch of ground that was left unoccupied.

Located on the Cotonou-Parakou railway and on the main north-south travel route in central Benin, Dassa-Zoumé, often shortened to Dassa, has been a significant destination for Catholic pilgrims since the first National Pilgrimage that took place on February 11, 1954 brought together many Christians from all over the Apostolic Vicariate of Dahomey.

Every year since then, pilgrims from across West Africa and beyond have gathered there on the weekend that falls within or succeeding August 15 – the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – to pray at La Grotte Marial Notre Dame d’Arigbo (the Marian Grotto of Our Lady of Arigbo). Not only pilgrims but also tourists have found the city’s picturesque hills, beautiful scenery and forests (Igbo Idaasha) more than enchanting, turning the small agricultural town into a cluster point.

Dassa was established as a Catholic diocese in the Ecclesiastical Province of Cotonou on June 10, 1995. It was carved out from the Diocese of Abomey.

Lourdes in Africa The origin of the pilgrimage centre has been a subject of speculations. One version of the story says that Dassa-Zoume was declared a pilgrimage centre after Mary first appeared atop the rocky hill behind the centre.

Andrew Lawrence Nana, a chorister at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, Badagry, who said he has been going for the pilgrimage for the past 15 years, told me he had heard earlier that before it became a pilgrimage centre, the place where the centre now stands was inhabited by locals who always went to fetch water and do their washing at the stream at the base of the rocky hill.

One day, however, a woman went to that place to fetch water when Mary appeared to her. She later related the story to the church authorities.

Nana, however, said he later heard the true story, which is that the origin of the centre is not in any way linked to any apparition. The centre, he said, was created to accommodate Catholic faithful within the locality who could not afford the cost of travelling to Our Lady of Lourdes Pilgrimage Centre in France for a similar spiritual exercise.

The pilgrimage centre in Lourdes has its origins in Marian apparition. The story goes that on February 11, 1858, Bernadette Soubirous, a simple 14-year-old peasant girl, was out with her sister Toinette and neighbour Jeanne Abadie gathering firewood in the cave of Massabielle when she saw a tiny lady (uo petito damizelo) dressed in white, with a golden rosary and blue belt fastened around her waist, and two golden roses at her feet. In subsequent visitations, Bernadette said she heard the lady speak to her, saying, “I am the Immaculate Conception (Que soy era Immaculada Concepciou)”, and asking that a chapel

Pilgrims praying at the foot of the cross

be built there. After church investigations confirmed her visions, a large church was built at the site.

Pope Pius IX in January 1862 authorized Bishop Bertrand-Sévère Laurence to permit the veneration of Blessed Virgin Mary in Lourdes. In 1863, Joseph-Hugues Fabisch was charged to create a statue of the Virgin according to Bernadette’s description.

The work was placed in the grotto and solemnly dedicated on April 4, 1864 in the presence of 20,000 pilgrims. Lourdes thus became a major Marian pilgrimage site.

Perhaps, it is against this background that there have been speculations that the Dassa-Zoume centre was also inspired by Marian apparition. It is, however, not so.

The initiative to have a Marian grotto in Dassa-Zoume came from Mgr Louis Parisot, who gave the responsibility to Fr. Germain Boucheix, parish priest of Notre Dame Fourviere at Dassa, in 1951, according to a pamphlet handed to this writer by a priest at the centre. The pamphlet contains the history of the centre written in French language, which was later translated According to the history, two sites were initially identified – the Grotto of Gome and that of d’Arigbo at Dassa. Eventually, Arigbo was chosen. Mgr Parisot, a Marian devotee, asked Fr. Boucheix to model the Grotto of Arigbo on that of Lourdes on the occasion of the centenary of the promulgation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Dassa-Zoume was thus to become the Lourdes of Benin Republic.

For the first pilgrimage in 1954, an altar was built at the foot of the rocky hill, Stations of the Cross were set along the slope of the hill, and the statue of the Virgin Mary was installed.

In 1960, Mgr Maury, Apostolic Delegate from Dakar, brought a piece of rock from Massabielle in Lourdes and it was implanted in the Arigbo rock under the Marian statue.

With the help of the Conference of Bishops of Benin, the centre entered a new phase in August 2004, becoming the Centre National de Pelerinage Marial d’Arigbo (CENAPEM) with modern structures.

The current Bishop of Dassa, Mgr François Gnonhossou, who assumed office on February 28, 2015, has been working to make the place even more modern.

A prayerful journey Themed “Tout les ages me diront Bienheureuse”, which translates as “All generations shall call me Blessed”, a key line in the Magnificat, Mary’s canticle in Luke 1:46-55, the 2018 pilgrimage, the 64th edition, I was told, was different from others

before it only in terms of the increased number of Catholics and even non-Catholics from far and wide it attracted.

This year’s pilgrimage began with an opening Mass at 8pm on the first day, which was a Friday.

Prayers continued with a Eucharistic adoration from midnight to 5am on Saturday, followed by a Mass for the sick at 6am. Seminars followed thereafter, held simultaneously at different venues and in different languages. I joined the one in English.

Confessions held almost all day at different points and in different languages as well, including French, Mina, Yoruba, Fon, English, and some others that I cannot easily recall and many Catholic faithful seized the opportunity to reconcile themselves to God. English, however, got the

Frontal view of the Dassa rock. Pilgrims are seen making their petitions at different praying spots

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Feature

made in Benin Republic short end of the stick due largely to the paucity of English-speaking priests. A fellow pilgrim from Nigeria could not find a queue for confession in English. He had to beg a catechist who could barely speak English to help him get a priest to hear his confession in English.

All through Saturday and going into the wee hours of Sunday, Masses held at different times in different languages. At the same time, people gathered in groups according to languages to hold Catholic prayers like Divine Mercy, Stations of the Cross, and Rosary procession. The Nigerian pilgrims assembled at the foot of the cross in front of the church gate and held their prayers in English.

The group prayers were not compulsory.

Those who did not want to be a part of these group prayers offered their petitions to God individually at the different prayer spots. Some prayed at the foot of the cross in front of the church; some offered their petitions in front of the Blessed Sacrament inside the church; some prayed at the Marian Grotto at the foot of the rock; some prayed before Mary’s statue inside the church building; and some prayed at the steps going up the rocky hill atop which many say they had seen Mary appear. There were no restrictions.

It was, indeed, three busy days filled with a flurry of spiritually-enriching activities. If you are spiritually-minded, or if you are the prayerful type, you will find the centre an ideal prayer ground to pray as much as your strength can carry.

I saw pilgrims in their numbers, united in faith, making the tortuous journey through the 14 Stations of the Cross. I saw pilgrims journeying prayerfully up the steps at the foot of the rocky hill, many on their knees. I saw many gathered at the Marian Grotto praying out their hearts and making their petitions to God through Mary the Mother of Jesus, considered in the Catholic faith as a great intercessor for the faithful. I saw folks raise their hands to catch the droplets of water falling from under the Marian statue hewn into the rock and rubbing same on an ailing part of their bodies. I saw a couple of white folks around as well but couldn’t tell whether they were pilgrims or tourists. They were clearly French, however, because they flowed fluently with the locals. It was overwhelming seeing faith at work.

Hospitality made in Dassa The overwhelming majority of the pilgrims made themselves comfortable in self-made makeshift tents spread across the expansive open field of the church premises or under the shady trees lining the major avenues leading into the church.

There are toilets and bathrooms here and there, but they were hardly enough for the multitudes that made the open space their home for the three days. So, the open fields were freely converted to toilets and urinals.

But pilgrims who desired some level of comfort and had the wherewithal found accommodation at the Centre Marial A L’Ombre Du Sanctuaire guest house and some other hotels around, such as Maktub Ferme Auberge chez Armand, Auberge de Dassa Zoume, Jeco Hotel Benin, among others.

At the Centre Marial A L’Ombre Du Sanctuaire guest house, which is run by nuns, you are charged per bed space. At the rate of CFA4,500 (about N2,700 at the exchange rate of N1/ CFA1.625) per bed space, a two-bed guestroom costs CFA9,000 (N5,500) per night while a fourbed guestroom costs CFA18,000 (N11,000) per night. I and a fellow pilgrim from Nigeria shared a room with two beds.

Drawn by the mammoth crowd that gathers at the pilgrimage centre every year, a 24-hour market flourishes on either side of the entire stretch of the road in front of the centre for

Grotte Marial Notre Dame d’Arigbo

A 24-hour market has sprung up on the road in front of the pilgrimage ground

the three days. Especially just across the road opposite the centre, which locals call Grotte (Grotto), the market booms like a full-blown daily market, even though it sports only makeshift stalls, while some hawkers move up and down the road with their wares. I saw all sorts of wares on display – sacramentals, candles, sweetsmelling incense, shoes, mobile phones, ready-to-wear clothes, African fabric, cooked food, edibles like bread, fruits and others.

Feeding was, therefore, not such a big issue as there was an array of food on display at affordable rates. I ate a plate of rice and beans cooked together garnished with a whole egg and a piece of chicken for CFA500 (about N307). You could eat more or less if you chose. A woman was advertising 20-litre glass of fresh fruit juice (containing any of pineapple, water melon, orange, lemon, baobab, etc) for CFA300 (about N185). I later took a glass and it was worth it. So refreshing!

The only snag is the language barrier.

You need to have at least a passing knowledge of French to get by. Republic of Benin is a French-speaking country and so, most of the programmes, including even the closing Mass that held at 10am on the closing Sunday, were held in French. The printed programme of events was also in French, though a portion of it had the Bible readings in English, for the first time, I was told.

During the seminar, some of the Nigerian pilgrims complained that despite several years of attending the pilgrimage, their interest was not being accommodated in terms of holding some of the programmes in English.

In his response, the English-speaking priest, whose name I have taken the discretion to omit here, explained that the pilgrimage was actually a national programme that has over time attracted people from surrounding French-speaking countries like Togo, Mali, Niger, and Chad, and recently English-speaking like Nigeria and Ghana as well.

“It is a national pilgrimage that has become international, and we are working to broaden it to accommodate everyone,” he said.

When this writer tried to get information about how the centre started, alas, nothing was documented in English.

Rather, I was handed a pamphlet with everything in it written in French. The priest who gave me the pamphlet advised that I get someone who could speak French to assist me with translation.

Miracles and apparitions I was told that there have been testimonies of miracles received by pilgrims who prayed at the grotto. However, Lawrence Nana from Badagry (mentioned earlier) told this writer that he has personally received no spectacular miracle in that sense;

he believes that sleeping and waking up every day is a miracle.

“Truly, people have been giving testimonies. Some people say when they come here and pray for a particular intention, it works for them. As for me, I believe everything that goes on about me is a miracle. For me to sleep and wake up is a miracle; moving up and down is a miracle. Even the fact that I can come here every year is a miracle.

I pray every day, even when I’m not here.

So, I don’t really link anything that happens in my life to my coming here,” he said.

Nana, who said he has been going for the pilgrimage for the past 15 years during which he has seen many things that have made him believe more in God, told me his first coming was just like someone who was going on a tour. That time, he said, he was chosen as a chorister to join the choir for the Nigerian Mass in Dassa. But on getting to the centre, he began to see things beyond his expectations. Since then, his interest has grown such that he made up his mind never to miss any year. Even in a particular year when his church could not attend as a group, he said he paid his way to the centre to be part of that year’s pilgrimage.

“As we started coming here they told us about apparition right here, and every year we asked so many questions, but as time went on, they clarified it to us that the centre did not spring up as a result of any apparition, the church too has not confirmed any apparition but many people say they have been receiving miracles here and they keep coming back to testify to that,” Nana said.

“Last year, 2017, when I came for this pilgrimage, we were sitting down and waiting for the priest to come in for the grand finale Mass on a Sunday. While waiting, we were reciting the Holy Rosary. All of a sudden we heard some wailing from the other direction. We saw people on that side all standing up and facing the rock and waving their hands. The wailing would subside and then increase again. We couldn’t see what they were seeing and the church wardens prevented us from crossing over because the Mass was about to start.

“However, a friend who sat beside me, out of curiosity, managed to cross over to that side where he joined the wailing crowd. When he came back and I asked him what it was, he said they saw a woman sitting atop the rock who looked like she was carrying a baby in her hand.

“While we were still marvelled at it, the wailing erupted from the side where I sat.

When I looked up, I saw a very bright sun.

It was at about 9.30 in the morning but the sun was so bright and round. Everybody was shouting, but I managed to look and saw the image of Mother Mary appearing and receding right in the middle of that sun.

Some people even started crying because of the wonderful sight; it was like coming face to face with something you have been hearing about but probably thought it was not possible. I had the feeling that something great was happening that day. It was so marvellous – two apparitions, one at the rock top and the other in the sun, all at the same time. What I am telling you is what I saw. It is real,” he narrated.

If you do not have faith as strong as Nana’s, you may not be able to see Mary when she appears, but you will certainly find a quiet location within the precincts of La Grotte Marial Notre Dame d’Arigbo for inner reflection.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

Feature How youth group crushed over 45 ‘criminal elements’ to restore safety in Eleme GODWIN EGBA, Port Harcourt

T

he success of any authority or youth committee in Eleme, near Port Harcourt, is often measured by how much effort spent in protecting Nigeria’s biggest industrial hub east of the Niger including Onne with over 200 corporations.

The youth committee in the area seems to operate with the maxim that any child that says his mother will not sleep will not sleep either. This seems to be evidently playing out for youths whose trade-in-stock includes cultism, kidnapping and robbery in the Eleme industrial and commercial-rich land space in Rivers State.

Eleme, hitherto a home of peace and leisure, with population of over 500,000 people housing, has of late become volatile and violent. Its Saturday market is a beehive of commercial activities for traders who throng in from Aba, Abia State, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom and environs in Rivers State.

But in recent years, cultism, kidnapping and rubbery activities began to seize the town and soil the land. Like every other developing town or city, criminals of different hues began to infiltrate the land, turning it into operating zone to the chagrin of security agencies.

However, the Eleme youth council president, a prince, Brain Emere Gokpa, in an interview with the BDSUNDAY, says his committee has taken the war to the hoodlums. He recalled that since the inception of his council came in 2015, not less than 45 suspected criminal gang members have been crushed following the combine synergy between the youth council, Eleme Local Government Authority, the police command in Eleme, and other security agencies in the state.

Gokpa, backed by other analysts, traced the metamorphosis of criminal elements – cultists, kidnappers and armed robbers to the political activities in Rivers State. The analysts are of the belief that the different criminal gangs in Eleme and other parts of the state were vibrant youths employed as political thugs armed with dangerous weapons by some do-or-die politicians to win elections through violent means. After elections the thugs are dumped to face their life for another political opportunity.

“An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. Most of the jobless

Brain Gokpa

thugs have now become tools in devil’s hand that lures them into all forms of criminal acts to fend for themselves. That is the state Eleme found itself.

The area has experienced a dismal security break down.

At a point, residents were no longer sleeping with two eyes closed. Some communities like Ebubu, Alode, Alesa and Agbonchia became criminal dens where cultism, killings, robbery and kidnapping held sway,” an analyst stated.

Eleme is not an isolated place as a hot bed of criminality in Rivers State because other local government areas and their environs are also seen to be contending with dastardly killings by cultists and kidnappers in their midst.

The Eleme youth council president said it must be appreciated that his council, the Rivers State police command and other security agencies were living up to constitutional duty cracking down criminal gangs in different parts of Eleme. The security synergy between the state government and security agencies is said

‘

An idle mind is a devil’s workshop.

Most of the jobless thugs have now become tools in devil’s hand that lures them into all forms of criminal acts to fend for themselves. That is the state Eleme found itself. The area has experienced a dismal security break down. At a point, residents were no longer sleeping with two eyes closed.

Some communities like Ebubu, Alode, Alesa and Agbonchia became criminal dens where cultism, killings, robbery and kidnapping held sway

,

to be commendable considering a number of notorious criminals that have met their waterloo so far while in confrontation with the police.

Gokpa confirmed that his council met a totally collapsed security system where cult activities almost subjected security operatives helpless.

The youth council and security bodies were confronted with the challenges as they went into physical combat with the dare – devil elements.

“The youth council set up a security outfit to complement the effort of the security agencies and the war against criminals lasted up to 2017 when the Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike rolled out his amnesty programme for criminals across the state,” Gokpa recalled.

According to him, there had been tremendous result in the war against criminal elements in the area, pointing out that not less than 45 notorious gang members had been so far crushed or wiped out, since assumption of office.

Gokpa revealed that 50 criminals in Eleme embraced

the Wike amnesty initiative– an offer or advantage keyed into by groups including the youth council, the archbishop, Moses Kattey (General Overseer (G.O) of the commonwealth international church Alode in Eleme), and O – E – L – A Obor – Eleme Socio Cultural and economic body headed by the sitting president-general, and elder, Israel Abbey, that gave the criminals moral and spiritual encouragement to embrace new lease of life.

“More than 20 dangerous weapons were surrendered to the amnesty officials by some of the repentant cultists. Thereafter, the youth council set up a seminar programme on moral orientation for them out of which 10 have so far gained employment with companies in Eleme, but woe unto a dog that goes back to its vomit. So it was with a deadly devil incarnation, a notorious kidnapper and killer Mba boy, alias SK from Ebubu and his three gang members who were beneficiaries of the amnesty offer but could not cast off their criminal skin. They went back to their former ways,” he revealed.

Mba and his gang were reported to have been responsible for several cases of killing and kidnapping in Eleme to Okigwe in Imo State where they were recently crushed in gun battle with a joint task force of security agents following a tip – off.

“When Mba and his boys went back to their former ways, the Eleme Youth Council mounted a monitoring body keeping tap on their movement since last year till they came to the end of their road this year. As far as I remain president of the Eleme Youth Council, our Eleme industrial peaceful land can never serve as a safe habitation for criminals. The government and security agencies can count on us,” Gokpa stated.

It would be recalled that, Mba and his commanders, Teetito Frank (a.k.a Obele), Teetito Godwin (aka Coachboy) and Gift Paul were declared wanted among other cultists last year by the Rivers State government among others who have been tracked and wiped out by security forces.

The Rivers State government is said to have given marching orders to those in authority in Eleme to take protection of industries as number one mandate or lose the backing of government.

This may be reason for new energy in waging war against armed hoodlums in the area, all aimed at giving ample safe space to companies in the area.

Sunday 26 August 2018

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Perspective Boost for the leather industry as BoI embraces made-in-Aba TAJUDEEN KAREEM

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igeria’s leading development finance institution, the Bank of Industry (BoI), is on the threshold of becoming a real game changer and growth catalyst for micro, small and medium enterprises, MSME, across the country.

On August 8 in Aba, BoI unveiled its new innovative product, Cluster Financing of small and medium industries in the manufacturing sector.

Correctly, the bank is propping no fewer than 70,000 artisans engaged in the leather products business. Each beneficiary, all members of the Leather Products Manufacturers Association of Abia State, LEPMAAS, have started receivingshortterm loans, between N300,000 and N500,000.

Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and other officials witnessed the disbursement of loans to the first batch of beneficiaries. Also present was the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, MrEdet Sunday Akpan, members of the organised private sector,as well as several cooperative and business groups in Abia State.

BoI drives the Aba Finished Leather Goods Cluster Financing scheme,butFidelity Bank will handle the disbursement of about N400million every quarter to 300 new target beneficiaries, all members of the cluster. The package was designed to provide a tailored bundle of financial and nonfinancial services including capacity building to qualified members of LEPMAAS. Beneficiaries will maintain SME accounts with the commercial bank and will enjoy zero-cost in opening current accounts.

Indeed, this latest intervention is targeting some 150,000 artisans at Aba shoe and leather goods cluster who produce shoes, trunk box, belt and bags for markets in Nigeria and its neighbouring countries including Cameroun, Togo, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Gambia and Mali. Members of LEPMASS, the umbrella association of the Aba Cluster, are in four distinct clusterswith 284 production lines. The group is structured into14 administrative zones.

Analysts have hailed this collaboration between the two banks as a win-win situation for its flexible terms, the propensity to accelerate import substitution in the leather products industry, create more jobs and earn the nation substantial foreign exchange. Such optimism is not misplaced going by the enthusiasm exuded by the Managing Director of BoI, MrOlukayodePitan. “Taking a cursory look at the

Olukayode Pitan, MD, BoI

Aba cluster and the contributions of the members of LEPMAAS to the leather sector, informal computations put revenue from the cluster at over N10 billion annually despite the competing volumes of similar goods being imported into the country,” he observed.

The Federal Government is not oblivious of this opportunity.

It is writing a national Leather and Leather Products Policy after acquiring machinery and equipment to modernise the leather craft industry in Aba, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment disclosed in his message.

The Aba Cluster scheme, owing to its simple framework,maybe the magic tonic to bring out the best from the famed industrial ingenuity of Abians. The loan fromBoI is at meager interest and is without any collateral; available for procurement of materials to expand and improve existing production lines. Pitan spoke about the promising outcomes. “It was this significant opportunity to substitute import volumes by supporting the quality improvement of Made in Aba products, create additional jobs and improve the quality of lives of the artisans that led the Bank of Industry to design this tailored programme.

“By providing low interest, non-collateralized loans, BoI has offered flexibility for qualified members of LEPMAAS recommended by their line and

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia State

zonal chairmen to access up to N300,000 towards the procurement of materials to expand and improve their production activities. These members are also covered by a guarantee provided by the LEPMAAS executives who are working closely with the Bank to ensure prompt repayment of these loans by the beneficiaries,” he elaborated.

For the industrious Aba craftsmen, this is also an opportunity to learn best practice methods.

The BoI is offering “a bouquet of financial and non-financial services.” The Ford Foundation and Fidelity Bank are providing invaluable support service described by Pitan as “well-rounded product that speaks to the financial and capacity development needs of the members and executives of LEPMAAS.” Specifically, the Ford Foundation, already pursuing an advocacy agenda in the Aba cluster region, will be providing a grant that focuses on strengthening the capacities of the leaders and beneficiaries in the cluster even as it erects monitoring structures to ensure loan repayments.

Fidelity Bank will provide account management services to the loan beneficiaries. Afully furnished secretariat to support the governance activities of the LEPMAAS executives was commissionedshortly after cheques were distributed to loan beneficiaries whosuccessful passed the litmus test

of BOI’s evaluation process.

Pitan promised that the bank is keen in growing the size of beneficiaries from the increasing number of applications endorsed by the LEPMAAS leadership even as he advisedbeneficiaries to be diligent in the repayment of their loans to ensure the sustainability of the scheme. He had kind words for Governor Ikpeazu, the champion of “Made in Aba” revolution, for his keen interest and support for the scheme while promising thatBoI will continue to focus on the growth and development of the Aba Finished Leather Goods cluster through initiatives that promote the Aba brand both locally and globally.

Aba is an industrial hub not only in Nigeria but the entire West-African sub-region. Entrepreneurial activities in the city revolve mainly around finished leather and garment works. But business clusters have emerged as entrepreneurs strive to build synergy with similar businesses and link up with customers and support institutions.

It is recalled that BoI recently secured a $750m (N250bn) facility from 16 financial institutions to fund the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector of the economy. The loan was syndicated by the African Export-Import Bank, Afrexim, and financed by 16 lenders including the Afrexim,

the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development and British Arab Commercial Bank Plc. The deal is the outcome of a strategic corporate plan to enable the bankmeets its obligations and aspirations. The big idea is to raise an N1trillion loan facility, locally and abroad, to part-finance the industrial component of the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

The gesture extended to BoI is the single largest syndicated facility to be received by a development finance institution in Nigeria. Pitan had expressed confidence on the bank’s capacity to effectively utilise the fund for its purpose even as he promised financial lifeblood for local enterprises for a period of between five and seven years as BoI seeks to bridge the funding gap for MSMEs, estimated at N704billion.

“The idea is to support industries. This package will enable us to loan additional N250billion to willing and able entrepreneurs in the industrial sector’, said Pitan, who also disclosed that the bank would target enterprises in the creative industry, manufacturing and gender-based businesses.

The ultimate objective is to act as a catalyst in creating wealth for small and medium enterprises, create new jobs and thereby drive down the unemployment rate in the country

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Still on Senator Dino’s wilderness experience

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Sunday 26 August 2018

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

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n our nation, every political dispensation comes up with assorted hilarious personae. Currently, Senator Dino Melaye (SDM for short) offers the best of comedy in the political vista. Since his days at the House of Representatives, SDM has always been at the center of uncanny humorous displays. At the climax of his epic show at the House, SDM and a few others clashed with other honourable members. The whole matter soon developed into chaotic tango. SDM was at the center of it all. Bruised, battered and in torn clothes, he was bundled out of the Hollow Chamber by security personnel. Luckily, the show happened in full glare of students who were on excursion to the National Assembly. So, it was not without spectators.

SDM’s stepping up to the Senate only meant a corresponding upgrade in his melodramatic expertise. Hardly had the 8th Senate settled down for business than SDM popped up his acting skill, once again. First, he report-

edly threatened Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) in a most uncanny manner. Then, he came into the Hollow Chamber in an academic gown to wittily prove cynics wrong over his certificate controversy. He later came out with a commanding short video performance titled “Ajeku Iya” to celebrate his triumph over the certificate brouhaha. The video show was such a smash hit.

As Nigerians were still caught in the euphoria of the hilarious “Ajeku Iya” flaunt, SDM came out with a more captivating display. This time around, the act is so daring that it would make James Bond chuckle approvingly.

In the company of policemen who were allegedly taking him to Lokoja to answer a gun running accusation, SDM fell off a moving vehicle on the excuse that he feared for his safety. Pronto, he was taken to an Abuja hospital where more drama ensued.

At the hospital, patient SDM was medically attended to by the Senate President Bukola Saraki, who used his medical deftness to remind those watching that once a doctor always a doctor.

So, with a stethoscope around his neck, visiting Saraki helped feel SDM pulse and assured a horde of colleagues who were eagerly awaiting the report that SDM would be good in a couple of days. And truly, he was.

For SDM, there is no limit to drama. Dino is drama. Drama is Dino. SDM recently took bravery to an incredible height when he impudently made a heroic foray into an Abuja jungle. How did he get into the forest? What was his mission there? It is a simple story, but with a complicated plot. According to SDM, he ran into the forest to escape evil plot to kill him. So, like every lead protagonist in a captivating movie, SDM outsmarted his pursuers and took refuge in the forest.

SDM was able to survive in the forest on a tree for eleven hours. Definitely, this must have a divine dimension. Of course, the embattled senator alluded to the divine nature of his survival at the lonely wilderness when he tweeted thus: “I thank God once again for escaping another dangerous attack. I spent 11 hours in the wilderness traumatized, but God preserved me. God is the best and in whom only I trust.”

Characteristically, detailed report of SDM’s alleged escapade was like a fascinating scene in an action movie. According to SDM, he was travelling from Abuja to Lokoja when a convoy of three vehicles drove recklessly by his vehicle, intercepting him on the highway and forcing him to stop.

His attackers who were heavily

armed tried to open fire on his vehicle but could not succeed because the car was bullet-proof.

So, they opted to burn him inside the car.

To achieve this, they went in search of tyres to set him and his vehicle ablaze. It was at this point that the James Bond instinct in SDM unfolded. He jumped out of the vehicle and ran straight into the wilderness for refuge.

What happened to his vehicle?

What happened to those with who were in his car? Did all his alleged assailants go in search of tyres at the same time? How long did it take SDM to dash into the wilderness? Was he pursued by the assailants? How did he outsmart them? The senator’s narrative didn’t seem to offer much explanation in respect of all these. But then, one could excuse him. It could not have been possible to recount all in the face of such a scary experience.

At the moment, what is most important is that we now have our distinguished senator back, hale hearty. Now, we can look forward to more drama from his stable. Hopefully, very soon, he might become the governor of Kogi State or even the country’s president. Who knows?

Why not? Whatever, his future political options are, one thing is certain: with Dino, you can be sure of more drama.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

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Comment Kofi Annan’s achievement

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RAMESH THAKUR Thakur, a former assistant secretarygeneral of the United Nations, is emeritus professor at the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, and co-convenor of the AsiaPacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament.

K

ofi Annan deserves to be remembered as a near-exemplary United Nations secretary-general (SG). Great chief executives need a guiding vision for the exercise of authority, and all the more so when that authority is international civil authority. Annan’s success was based on his ability to combine pragmatism and humility with an enduring vision of human progress and solidarity.

This fusion of vision and character was perhaps best encapsulated in the Millennium Development Goals (20002015), which mapped an ambitious set of priorities for the UN. In addition, animated by an abiding humanism and faithful to the spirit, as well as the letter, of the UN Charter, Annan stretched the executive authority of the organization through creative interpretations of the Charter and a charismatic personality to secure the adoption of the exciting, but challenging, “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) principle.

The grandson of tribal chiefs and son of a provincial governor in the British colony of Gold Coast (now Ghana), Annan blended an aristocratic style of leadership with soft-spoken

NNANNA NWAFO

Nwafo writes from Lagos.

I

n 2012 when SABMiller entered into the Nigeria market and sought an opportunity for instant impact, the brand observed that while there was intense competition at the national level of the beer segment, the regional markets got very little attention. Consumers at the regions were orphaned and left at the mercy of whatever was in vogue in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and other big cities. The marketing campaigns were also designed with such stereotypes.

This discovery gave birth to Hero Larger beer, Nigeria’s first beer brand that will be developed, produced and marketed specifically for the South Eastern region. The experiment did not just work; it practically revolutionized the topography of the beer market.

personal charm, empathy, intellectual gravitas, and sartorial elegance. His years as SG (1997-2006) were marked by political judgment, tact, and integrity. An eloquent testament to the quality of his ten-year tenure at the helm is the lasting loyalty, bordering on devotion, he inspired in the immensely talented group of senior advisers he assembled.

The world witnessed many profound changes during those turbulent years. Annan oversaw a massive expansion in UN peace operations, in response to growing demands and expectations, but many were dogged by charges of ineffectiveness, financial corruption, and sexual exploitation.

A central challenge with which Annan had to contend, with mixed success, was how to combine the UN’s unique legitimacy with the Security Council as the world’s geopolitical cockpit. When the big powers were united, he could but obey. When they were at one another’s throat over clashing vital interests, he could do little. But when the international community was bitterly divided, he tried to forge agreement by identifying common interests and nudging member states toward face-saving compromises.

Annan’s approach to UN reform was instructive. Identify the big global issues that require UN engagement, he told me. Then ignore issues where states will not agree to common action, as well as

those where they can agree on their own because of shared priorities. He saw no point in expending scarce political capital in either case.

Instead, he focused on the big issues where action by member states could be pushed beyond the tipping point by investing the prestige and authority of the SG in the cause. Annan succeeded as SG through the skills of soft leadership: the elusive ability to make others connect emotionally and intellectually to a larger cause that transcended their immediate self-interest.

Treated as a “rock star” celebrity in his first term, Annan was in regular contact with leaders of governments, international organizations, multinational corporations, and civilsociety organizations. Quiet diplomacy within the confidential confines of his private office was only rarely supplemented by the public diplomacy of the UN’s bully pulpit.

On one hand, Annan tried to expand the “license” function of international law to empower the UN to take necessary action against recalcitrant states using sovereignty to shield their behavior. On the other hand, he upheld the “leash” function of checking aggression by great powers.

In 2004, Annan pointedly noted that the invasion of Iraq was in breach of the UN Charter’s law on the use of force. This earned him the undying hostility of the neoconservatives in US

President George W. Bush’s administration, who threatened to make the UN irrelevant. Yet if the Security Council had capitulated to Anglo-American pressure to endorse the war, based on trumped-up charges of terrorist attacks and fabricated evidence of weapons of mass destruction, the UN would have suffered graver and more lasting harm.

Annan did become entangled in the oil-for-food scandal, which his neoconservative enemies exploited to the fullest. Yet even there, the ethical lapses by member states – including the US and Australia, which refused to take action on red flags raised

by UN officials – were more serious. The involvement of his son in shady dealings was personally painful to Annan.

The more indelible stain on Annan’s reputation was his responsibility for the restrictive interpretations of the UN mandates for the peacekeeping operations in Rwanda and Srebrenica, Bosnia, in 19941995. Indeed, some people contend that Annan never paid the political price for these two derelictions of duty.

But Annan did commission internal reviews into these conscience-shocking failures, encouraging the investigators to go wherever the search for truth took them. When the investigators were finished, he authorized the publication of their reports, including adverse findings of UN systemic shortcomings and a failure of leadership on his part as the

top peacekeeping official at the time.

Deeply scarred by these searing experiences, Annan converted a troubled conscience into an enduring legacy of three principles and institutional advances. The protection of civilians was made a top priority in UN peacekeeping operations. He championed the R2P principle to circumvent the abuse of state sovereignty by brutal rulers committing atrocities against their own people.

And he welcomed the creation of the International Criminal Court as the legal instrument to end impunity and prosecute and punish military commanders and political leaders for the most heinous crimes.

Annan’s dedication to serving humanity did not end with his departure from the UN. He remained engaged with poverty alleviation, conflict resolution, and humanitarian relief efforts through UN requests, the Kofi Annan Foundation, and the Group of Elders as a custodian of world conscience.

Annan was exceptionally considerate and solicitous of the welfare of his staff, often with a gentle sense of humor.

On one occasion, some UN personnel were trapped in a rapidly escalating conflict zone.

A couple of senior aides were trying to explain the danger to Annan when one stopped and asked: “Why are you not panicking, SG?” “Why should I panic,” he replied, “when I have you to panic for me?”

Hero Beer’s roaring success – the Dijo Communications connection Within four months of the launch, 10 million bottles were sold, an unprecedented history in beer mileage of 1 million hectoliters. Hero beer’s performance also got international recognition as it was awarded the prestigious MONDE award for taste and quality.

But the story of Hero larger beer cannot be fully told without a generous mention of Dijo Communication, the agency that provided the insight, creativity and marketing strategies that drove and still drives Hero larger beer’s unprecedented performance in the market; which now extends beyond the South East into other regions. And it is now being considered for the international beer market.

Dijo Communications is credited for being the first agency in Nigeria to extensively leverage culture and history of a part of the country to drive a campaign.

In doing so, the agency crafted a brand messages with strong

emotional correlation and resonance with the Igbo people, with a narrative around their pride in heritage and culture.

“It is credit to the agency’s deep thinking and ingenuity that they were able to execute such campaign without offending the ethnic prejudice of Nigerians.

Because even though the brand was formulated for the Igbos and branded for that market, it is widely accepted and proudly enjoyed in other regions. People don’t event view it from ethnic prism, because of the quality and brilliant marketing concept,” Ganiyu Olowu, a Lagos-based brand analyst, said.

Coming shortly after the passing of Dim Emeka Ojukwu, a legend of the Igbos, whose war heroics still inspire his people, Dijo Communication saw a gap and developed a message using the identity of the rising sun, which for the Igbos symbolizes new hope, new leader and a real hero that can be looked unto

after the death of Ojukwu.

In order to deepen the cultural and historic affinity between the Hero beer and the Igbos as well as inspire consumers to take ownership of the brand, Dijo Communications brilliantly created various emotional touch points and messages that resonated deeply with the Igbos – communications like A New Hero Has Arrived (signifying the birth of another Ojukwu), Mmanya m (My Beer), O’Mpa (Oh My Father), Land of Heroes (referring to prominent Igbo cities as the land of heroes).

This explains why even in recession, Hero Beer’s growth trajectory was sustained because, according to analysts, the beer’s brand positioning is so strong that consumers rely on it for solace during trying moment. The brand has also developed new campaigns to sustain its brand loyalty in the region and beyond.

It was recently knighted with a new crown cork – a red cork

and the title of “Mmanya ejiri mara Igbo” in an activation that was graced by His Royal Majesty, Obi of Onitsha, one of the eminent most revered symbols of royalty and culture in Igboland.

Also during the Russia 2018 World Cup, the brand rallied consumers behind the Super Eagles with an activation campaign tagged “fearless”, which was inspired by the gallantry of the USA 1994 World Cup team.

Hero Beer’s exceptional success essentially opened the eyes of competitors to the growth opportunities they had ignored for years, triggering an unprecedented competition in that segment.

The regional market became a battleground for value brands like Harp, Life, and others to compete for consumers’ mind and market share growth. But despite the flurry of activities in that segment, Hero held tight to its first arrival advantage and has taken ownership.

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

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Sunday 26 August 2018

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TheWorshippers ‘Christianity that does not absorb and rebrand people for good has failed’ Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Ile-Iyanu Parish, Ipaja, Lagos is today celebrating its 2018 harvest themed ‘Divine Blessing’.

The shepherd of the church, Superior Evangelist Moses Ajao, speaks with SEYI JOHN SALAU on the theme of the harvest, urging Christians to be bridge-builders by taking the gospel message to the world. Excerpt:

H

What is your perspective on harvest? arvest simply refers to the gathering and reaping of things planted in natural time; what has been sown and produced during the year (2 Corinthians 9vs10, Exodus 23vs16). God has planted us as Christians to be fruitful; He created you and me and made us to be fruitful, either by getting your loved ones or wife, or by getting a job, doing business and every other thing in your life, being alive, having a family, and being healthy. So whatever we are doing, we have to thank God for making us fruitful, especially in his vineyard.

What inspired the theme of this year’s harvest, ‘Divine Blessing’?

Themes do not just come from human beings; it’s the direction and commandment of God through the Holy Spirit that gives harvests a peculiar meaning and theme. God is the reason why we are celebrating because the church has really experienced God’s favour over the past year. As a church, we have enjoyed God’s faithfulness in terms of the physical blessings, the spiritual life of the worshippers and also the sweet fellowship with God that we experienced. All these gave this year’s theme as harvest of ‘Divine Blessing’.

Is there any biblical justification for harvest?

Yes. Matthew 9vs37-38, Le-

Superior Evangelist Moses Ajao

viticus 26vs5, Psalm 10vs37, Isaiah 62vs8-9, Genesis 8vs22, Exodus 23vs10-11, Psalm 85vs12, to mention but a few. All these aforementioned scriptures are the backup for harvest in the Bible. Harvest is not something that is not biblical.

In Genesis 8vs22, we can see the importance of harvest, and harvest is all about a period of harvesting what you have sown as human.

What we do annually is to align with the theme of the harvest, significantly trusting God for whatever

we need as a people and church, believing him for his faithfulness over the years.

What roles should Christians play in today’s world?

To me, Christianity is a religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. Also, Christianity is the belief in Jesus as the son of God and the Messiah. 1 Peter 2vs17 succinctly describes the role of Christians as follows: fear God (our relationship with God); honour all men, that is, our relationship with

Cleric urges Nigerian youth to live above societal demands SEYI JOHN SALAU

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he new spiritual leader and head of mission of Gospel Church of Christ Worldwide, Bishop Eric Emiaso has challenged Nigerian youth to live above societal demands to attain their aspiration and dreams of a better life. The clergyman urged the youth to draw closer to God, and celebrate God’s goodness and believe in their given abilities to transform Nigeria’s political, economic and social landscape.

Emiaso made the remark at the church annual convention that coincided with the 50th anniversary and transition of the church leadership.

Emiaso therefore urged the youth to rise up and take their rightful place as the next generation of leaders in Nigeria. “You must rise up, get equipped, develop good vision and run with focus at this season and time to take position. God’s plan for you is to be strong enough to overcome any form of failure, oppression and intimidations that may hinder your development and achievement,” said Emiaso.

Declaring that, instead of allowing themselves to be used for dirty jobs that will truncate their destinies, they should draw closer to God and remain steadfast with absolute trust in God to maximize their potentials and opportunities available for great impact and meaningful living that glorify God. The new head of mission of Gospel Church of Christ also used the opportunity to advised govern-

ment on restructuring and careful handling of ongoing war against corruption, so as not to jeopardize the purpose of sanitizing the system and building a better society.

He however called for unflinching support, cooperation and loyalty from church members for the new leadership with assurance that, God will move the church to the next level of higher height and the promise land.

Bishops Sam Oniekoro, chairman convention anniversary committee; Andy Ogbu, guest speaker and Eric Emiaso, the new presiding bishop & head of mission, during the Gospel Church of Christ Worldwide 50th anniversary held recently in Lagos.

the world (2 Corinthians 4vs3); love the brotherhood, that is, our relationship with other Christians (John 13vs35). We as Christians must learn to honour the king, which talks about our relationship with those in authority (Acts 5vs29, Romans 13). However, what we notice is that Christians of these days don’t fear God, they don’t show love; instead, they betray and mislead one another. Also, most Christians do not adhere to authority. May the Lord change Christendom.

What does Celestial Church stand for?

Celestial Church stands for inculcation, restoration of Christian values into homes/families, and also to encourage family cohesion, peace and stability in homes, neighbourhoods and nations through prayers, counselling, and spiritual ministration. The CCC also stands for the work of unity of all Christians, to worship God Almighty in holiness and reverence and to prepare believers for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is your advice to Christians and the church at large?

As a church, preach the gospel of God through the teaching of Jesus; do not mislead people. The church is meant to absorb and rebrand people for good. As a Christian, do not forget the commandments of God; obey the authority, and fear God. The church at large should have this in mind: that we shall stand individually to account for what we have

done on earth. So we must be careful of what we preach. Any practice or teaching that will not glorify God should not be encouraged. And as we come to church, people should understand better that the church does not belong to the pastor, and whatever you do in the church is done in the name of the Lord – you do not look at how other people behave in the church. Once you are in church, know you are there because of the Almighty God and when you feel there are one or two people in the church doing things contrary, just put them in prayers so that God will touch them. However, I also want Christians to note that whatever that is happening in Nigeria, prophetically is something that will make the church in Nigeria to be stronger. The church will conquer and get over these trying times. It is unfortunate that many lives have been lost already and blood is being shed at the moment, but the church in Nigeria has come to stay.

Any word for Nigerians at a time like this?

Nigerians should desist from any behaviour that will endanger the lives and property of the people.

They should fear God and remember that there is life after death. Do not sell your right, and also pray for the growth of the country Nigeria. I pray as a prophet of God, may the God of Celestial bless this country; may God deliver to us a free and fair election come 2019. God bless Nigeria.

No human factory can boast of producing grace – Rev. Godfrey

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he presiding pastor of ElShaddai Bible Church, Mercy Cathedral, Omole, Phase 2, Reverend Godfrey Emmanuel have called on Christians to renew their faith in God by asking for grace for service in the kingdom, stating no human factory can boast of producing grace.

Speaking at the 2018 convention of the church with the theme, ‘The Grace Dimension,’ Godfrey said, “As Children of the Kingdom, we are all saved by the Grace of God. We are all products of this saving grace through the knowledge of the word of God. Without Grace, we are nothing,” he stated.

According to cleric, everything about Christianity is based on grace; hence without the grace of God operational in a believer’s live, he/she is doomed. “In fact, without Grace, an individual will be swimming in ocean of disgrace. The Grace Factor in our lives: suspends human errors, obstacles, demonic legislations; it removes protocols for our sakes for divine interventions.

“What can we do without the Grace of God? Grace is a free gift from God and human factory cannot boast of producing it. Grace is

the only bridge between divinity and humanity. The sum total of the gospel is grace. Remove Grace from our salvation and everything will become religion of works, and God forbid. Take every other thing but give me God’s Grace,” said Godfrey.

Speaking further on the grace dimension and its place in every believer’s live; the clergyman stated that what makes a Christian very successful in any area of human life is grace. “The difference between a successful person and a person struggling is just the grace factor.

Everything you need in this life is in the grace of God; if you must pray and desire any product from Jehovah Yahweh, ask and Pray for His grace,” Godfrey said.

He opined that “You cannot even make spiritual progress without the Grace of God,” said Godfrey as he prays for God’s grace for service.

The convention which started with a variety vigil on Friday night, business seminar yesterday evening, will be concluded with a thanksgiving service today. Other ministers at the convention are the Archbishop and bishop of the church, Joseph Olarenwaju Obembe and his wife respectively.

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Inspirations Concluding part:

Cultural Christianity Pastor I.S James Acts 14:8-12

H

ere we see Paul challenging a man who was lame from birth to walk because he saw & knew he had the faith to be healed. Part of the reason why God puts a shepherd over you is because he can see certain things that you can’t see. Alongside your faith in God, you need to have faith in your pastor. (v.11) When the man was healed and the people saw what happened, they referred to Paul & Barnabas as gods in the form of men.

This came from what’s in their subconscious, the things they’d learnt over time from their various sources of learning.

These were people in the church who were supposedly saved, but not saved in their minds (souls) yet.

Man is a spirit, whose spirit is saved once he becomes born again (2Cor. 5:17). But the soul is not saved immediately; it is in the process of being saved through renewal by God’s word (Phil. 2:12; James 1:21, 1Pet. 1:22). Man’s body will only be redeemed/saved at the return of Christ (Rom. 8:23).

Once a person comes to Christ, a third of him - his spirit is ready for heaven (Col. 1:22), but the soul is being purified – that’s why man sins.

Notice that these “Christians” at Lystra were probably young in the faith, people whose souls were still trapped in the world. They were worshipers of God who still had the mindset of the world. This is the near total personification

of cultural Christian.

Unfortunately, people of this kind seem to be more predominant in the church today.

Jesus told to us to go make ‘Disciples’, not just ‘Converts’.

Some Characteristics of Cultural Christians: 1. They are more conscious and afraid of the devil’s power than they are of God and His word. God’s word such as what He said in Isaiah 54:17 and Luke 10:19, pale in comparison to their fear of the devil.

2. Their belief system is still what they received while they were in the world (such as a man believing it’s the wife’s responsibility to give him a male child or believing that the spouse they marry can be a source of good or bad “luck”). Unfortunately, we are all culpable in some form or the other. Practically every one of us are still held bound by our cultural mindsets than we either realise or want to accept.

What’s The Bible Definition Of A Christian?

A bible Christian is a believer in the Words of God, one who believes in the substitionary death, burial & resurrection (and also His ascension to heaven) of Jesus with a lifelong commitment to obedience & discipleship. In addition to this, such a person has received and committed himself to the Holy Spirit to dwell in, empower, guide him and to transform his thinking to enable him conform to the mind of Christ and empower him to fulfill Jesus’ words as well. (Rom. 10:9-10, John 1:12) The challenge we have as Christians today is how to live in two worlds at the same time.

How do we manage this? How do we live in this world and refuse to allow this world to shape or

control our thinking, attitudes and lifestyles?

How can we live in this world, but are not of the world?

(Rom. 12:2a) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

When your mind is renewed, you won’t attribute miracles you see performed by God in the Church to Zeus like the people in Lystra did, you’ll give the glory to Whom it belongs – God. When your mind is renewed, you won’t see every little thing that goes wrong as the result of bad luck or the work of your enemies or because you did something that wasn’t culturally acceptable like receiving something from someone who offered it to you with his/ her left hand. Your mindset will be informed by Ps. 37:23 “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord”.

Steps To Renewing Your Mind: 1. Recognise the power in God’s word.

You have to acknowledge and realise there’s creative power in God’s word that can change your life.

2. Spend time with the word of God. Read it, study it and meditate on it. (Phil. 4:8). It’s by this process that you assimilate God’s word into your subconscious mind and can thus act “automatically or reflexively” based on the word in any situation you find yourself. The physical acts in line with what is abundant in the heart (Luke 6:45, Prov. 4:23). Believe the word of God because it’s not the word you “quote” that will save you, but the word you believe.

3. The power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit turns the word in your heart into a sword in your hand. If you don’t renew your mind with God’s word when crises come your way you are going to act based on what is abundant in your heart. So, if God’s word isn’t abundant in

your heart what are you going to act based on?

Let’s look at the case of Abraham. When God called him and promised him a son but it hadn’t come to pass for about 10 years, he and Sarah resorted to traditional means of him having a son.

When God’s sanctioned method (in your estimation) seems to not have worked in meeting your need, what will you fall back on? It’s most likely going to be what you learned in the world (from your culture & tradition).

(Gen. 16:15-16; Gen. 17:1) Here we see that when Abraham resorted to traditional means of meeting a need in his life instead of following God’s way, it resulted in God being silent for 13 years. If you have a means outside of God for meeting your needs then what do you need Him for?

If you want God to help you, you have to serve Him faithfully & live a blameless life. Then you’ll see Him step into your situation and turn things around for you. But if you’re going to resort to your traditional, man–made methods don’t expect Him to intervene or make things better in your situation.

Prayer: LORD, please heal our hearts and bring us back to You. Have Your way and make us Christians that You’re proud of. Help us fall in love with Your word again & shape us into being more of Your image & likeness. Break every resistance to You in our lives in Jesus’ name we pray.

Dr. Iruofagha James is the Founding Pastor, Glory Christian Ministries, Odo-Olowo Street, Apapa/Oshodi Expressway, Ijeshatedo, Lagos. www.isjames.org Tel: 08060599144

Good Riddance

REV. Yomi Kasali

W

@rev.yomikasali

e have entered the season of defections in Nigeria politics. It occurs every four years with some people cross carpeting to other parties looking for different things from significance to automatic nominations, one very prominent politician referred to one major defection as Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish. I was shocked because how could you live with bad rubbish for years and had to wait for the person to leave before you celebrate the defection, well I honestly do not want to bore you because it is not my turf, so I will discuss what I am more comfortable with.

I want to share my experience as a pastor with respect to ‘defections’ or ‘exodus’ from churches. I have had my painful share of people ‘leaving’ our church or even my person after spending time together for years in ministry. Those times have not stopped and I do not think may even stop, but one thing I have to stop doing is crying over some exits from both my life and church; this of course is very scriptural and I will take us through some biblical experiences of exits from

people that eventually became beneficial.

The day many people left Jesus because of His principles and message in John 6 is a perfect example of Good Riddance but many people will not want to agree. You have to understand that our Lord did not really mourn their leaving but rather asked those that stayed back (the apostles) if they were not going to join the crowd by leaving Him. What boldness! ‘many therefore of His disciples, when they had heard this, said, this is a hard saying, who can hear it... from that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him, then said Jesus to the twelve, will you also go away’ (John 6 v 60-67).

There are about 4 times you should celebrate people leaving you as Good Riddance without considering them as Bad Rubbish because there is no Bad Rubbish with God. He is the Saviour of the world and knows how to repair man’s life that is broken in shame and sin. We should not be depressed however when some people exit our lives but just consider it as Good Riddance while the Lord moves you to the next level of your assignment in life.

4 TIMES TO SEE EXITS AS GOOD RIDDANCE WHEN YOUR ‘LOT’ LEAVES YOU: Remember that Abraham was called to leave his father’s house and people, yet he took Lot along his journey. God had to trigger the exit of Lot from Abraham’s life and blessed him much more thereafter. Sometimes we hold unto our ‘Lots’ because they are family members and we feel responsible for them

but they may not be ‘covenant’ partners though they are ‘family’ members. We need to see Lot leaving as Good Riddance but please note that they are not to be treated as ‘Bad Rubbish’ (Gen 13 v 6-12).

WHEN YOUR ‘BROTHERS’ SELL YOU OUT: Sometimes the People May not leave you but sell you out or cast you out of their midst like Joseph was sold by his brothers. The experience may be very painful and heartbreaking and you probably have always wanted to be in their company but they just cannot stand the ‘Favor’ Of God on your life hence they will engineer your leaving them which is actually Good Riddance Without you knowing until you get to your land of Blessings (Gen 37 v 20-30).

WHEN YOUR ‘GEHAZI’ LEAVES YOU: There are some people around you that are there to ‘use’ you to climb and just want to benefit from your grace without contributing to it; they are what we call ‘parasites’ in

ministry not ‘protégés’ but Called ‘users’ in life and marketplace. Never try to hold on to a ‘Gehazi’ because their hearts are not with you but your money, blessings and gifts. I have actually had to cry in life because I took some ‘Gehazis’ into my life and inner circle thinking they are ‘protégés’ but only to learn with their exits that they were parasites.

Let them go, and treat the exits as Good Riddance but don’t treat the people as Bad Rubbish because God can meet with them in the future.

WHEN YOUR ‘JUDAS’ LEAVES YOU: Finally, Let your ‘Judas’ go and fulfill why they were around you in the first place; to help you get to the place of your cross before your crown. They are the most painful people to exit our lives, simply because we shared our best moments with them, our dreams, goals, visions, aspirations and assignments not knowing they are going to be used by the devil (Luke 22 v 3) to betray us unlike ‘Gehazi’ who was used by the flesh.

Do not mourn their exits but celebrate it as Good Riddance because now you will be ‘glorified’, but do not treat them as Bad Rubbish because even Jesus called Judas ‘friend’ (Matt 26 v 50) when he came to fulfill his dastardly act of treason and betrayal.

Please expect some defections in your life also, unlike politics that have its own season of defections, let them go. Their exits could be Good Riddance but the people must not be treated as Bad Rubbish.

Be inspired.

Shalom.

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

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Sunday 26 August 2018

Interview

Local Content component of Egina project is faulty - Siasia Moses Siloko Siasia is the chief executive officer (CEO), Mosilo Global and chairman/founder of the Nigeria Young Professionals Forum (NYPF). In this interview with OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, he speaks on the Egina Oil Field Project and the non-implementation of the programmes with regard to the Local Content Act. Excerpts: What are the challenges you have concerning the Egina project? am excited about the Egina FPSO project by Total and by extension, the NNPC because this is a project that will further boost efficiency and service delivery in the oil and gas industry and would also attract possible Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). We are a sovereign country and it gives me a lot concern that after signing the Local Content Act, such kind of project cannot be fully implemented in terms of achieving the local content drive that we have.

So, the challenges are very enormous. To me, fighting for this kind of irregularities in the system is not for my selfish interest and if you look at me, I am very comfortable by the grace of God, so why will I give my attention to such things? On the other hand, we are talking about safeguarding the unborn generation, we are talking about speaking the truth to things that are happening in our country, we are talking about how our kinsmen have actually compromised the collective aspiration of the Nigerian people with their positions, pens.

So, a lot of irregularities went on with the project which I am not so comfortable with. It is an issue we are dealing with. My own passion is to see how we can generate concrete employment for our young people. How we transfer knowledge from foreign companies to our local people because all these are obtainable elsewhere in the world, even in Africa. So why is Nigeria different? My passion is to ensure we create job opportunities for our young people and also to ensure that we follow through the implementation process of the Local Content Act so that we can build capacity of our people and this is what the Act is all about.

Another issue of concern is the greed of some people, even the foreigners conniving with government officials, some private sectors to ensure that the role they are going to play in terms of building capacity is not being followed.

There have been a lot of issues and this is why we are fighting to ensure that we get result at the end of the day.

Talking about the Local Content Act, I am aware some companies participated in the project,

I

Moses Siloko Siasia

contributing about 30 percent. But if you look at it critically, you will know that there is a lot of falsehood in the outer expression that people are getting. Let me tell you, it is not enough to come and say 30 percent was contributed and a lot of companies were empowered.

No doubt there are some companies genuinely that were empowered in the process that also built capacity, but are these processes up to the standard obtainable elsewhere? In America or Asia, you cannot come in as a company and start doing things that do not conform to the moral standards and principles, but in Nigeria, they get away with it and when they say 30 per cent I begin to laugh. Let me be sincere, the ratio of work in that project is about 1:4, one Nigerian and four expatriates from Korea and the Philippines. But it was because some Nigerian lawmakers who went there and saw people from the Philippines and they grumbled, that made the Philippi-

nos return to their country. Check the expatriate quota that was brought in to work on that project, you will find out a lot of irregularities. You hear people saying that they want to create jobs for our youths, how can we be spending such resources as a nation and we are not even concerned about the jobs that could be created.

I do not know if we are thinking as a people. In some other oil producing countries and most

times I use African countries as an example, look at Angola, Egypt, you cannot go and try all this nonsense. If you are saying that you are giving 40 per cent employment to the youths, you have to follow it up and monitor. You have to check there are indices, Key Performance Indexes (KPIs), you have to show that you do what you say and you will also agree with me that Samsung has been involved in some corruption issues.

Another issue of concern is the greed of some people, even the foreigners conniving with government officials, some private sectors to ensure that the role they are going to play in terms of building capacity is not being followed

These are information that we have at our disposal and there are some information that if we let out, Nigerians people will not sleep. For example, how can a South Korean tell a Nigerian to kneel down with his hands up and eyes closed? This happened and we have pictures and unknown to the South Koreans, our people were taking pictures. Nigerians being enslaved in their fatherland, let us call a spade a spade for once and this is my passion to ensure that the right things are done so that tomorrow when such projects are coming into the country we will not make the same mistakes again.

You spoke about implementation, that some things were not done according to laid down rules. Can you be specific?

Those are some of the things I have been mentioning here.

Firstly, the local content element of the entire contract, the scope of work that needs to be done in Nigeria, the man hours that are needed for this project, did they come from the Nigerian people?

These are some of the irregularities we are talking about and the variation they are asking for; is there any local content element in that variation? Even now, they are asking for over $200 million variation without any local content in it. Have you ever been to any Samsung office in Nigeria? People are saying that the $3.8 billion we are talking about is child’s play, but that job is well over $16 billion?

The actual price was $3.3 billion, but how did it get to $16 billion?

When we started this advocacy, we got a lot of calls and information that we did not even know about and even from some foreigners who have worked on the project advising us not to let this kind of thing happen in our country.

The maltreatment they even give to Nigerians who are working on the project is very discouraging. The project has been commissioned, but why is it that the project has not sailed till today and even the local content company LADOL does not have access to the project? When good men keep quiet society gets bad, so that is why we have decided not to keep quiet and we have decided to speak. The Nigeria Young Professionals Forum and also connected development of organizations that have been following through

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Interview the project are all part of advocacy.

We are together in this and we must find the solution to this. We are doing this for our children and not for us as a people.

There were reports that you sought to get some contracts during the projects, based on the fact that you are also a stakeholder in the oil and gas industry and you were also fronting for some foreign countries. How true is this?

People can say anything, I do not care. They should go and do background check and bring evidence and records. I have never sought for a pin in that project. I do not have any interest in that project, my interest is the critical mass of young people who are unemployed. Do you know the pressure I go through as Chairman of the Forum? Frustration of young people, some have committed suicide.

Doctorate degree holders becoming taxi drivers and we are spending billions of dollars in the oil and gas industry. I cannot keep quiet and not in my generation. I do not want a situation where my children will ask questions, so those who are criticizing and I understand that my own generation are the people who are castigating this, but mind you, I am not doing it for them, but for the generation unborn. All this nonsense must stop and this cannot happen elsewhere.

What is the population of Angola, Egypt and Algeria? Nigeria is the highest producer of crude oil with over 2.4 million barrels per day and we are not creating jobs for our people. In the past, do you know how many jobs that have been awarded; have you ever asked how many youths were employed in the project? Do you know that other oil producing countries in the world, their biggest cash cow in terms of engagement and employment is the oil and gas industry, but in Nigeria is that the case? Meanwhile, you see people who are supposed to be protecting the interest of our generation are the ones killing us because of selfishness.

We must say no. I do not have interest in the Egina project everybody knows. People feel I know about Hyundai, they have an investment in Bayelsa, they were building a fabrication yard.

Go there and see the kind of investment and they have even put over $50 million in that place. They have a school where they train young people and when you have a group of young people that are industrious, they give you information and you are well satisfied with some of these companies who have good intentions to empower our people, you must give them kudos.

What has Samsung done? In this job, the lowest bidder was Hyundai, but why was the job taken from Hyundai to Samsung?

Have you ever asked this question as a journalist? Why was this job taken from Hyundai as the lowest bidder to Samsung and what has Samsung done? Look at KPMG, is that not an investment, is that not a physical investment that can even pay tax, let alone the number of people employed in that build-

Moses Siloko Siasia

ing, but where is Samsung office?

We cannot continue like this as a nation and that is why we have poverty everywhere.

What is the solution to these problems going forward?

The solution to these problems is that a lot of irregularities have taken place in this project, let us tell ourselves the truth. That is why I am sending a strong message to Samsung, they should come out and realise that they have made mistakes so that people can help them, but when they meet with some of these political bigwigs, some of our representatives in the oil and gas industry with government appointments and bribe them, it does not help us as a country. The only thing is that every company who has genuine interest should always stand by the truth.

I am not fighting anybody and I cannot say that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is not trying its best, but it has to be a collective effort because they cannot be everywhere and when we have information like this, they should understand that such information and advocacy is to further strengthen the efficiency and capacity of that institution.

I understand that investigations are going on in the EFCC, DSS, National Assembly but what are the outcomes of these investigations? So let us also try our own, being the worst hit and try and see if we will not achieve results because right now ,as I speak to you, a lot of international media are interested in this matter and I have also made myself available to speak because I want them to do the right thing and tomorrow another project bigger than Egina

is coming up, are we still going to make the same mistake if this one is not corrected? I am very passionate about this country and I have no other country to call my own. I am from the streets and today God willing, I cannot beg for

People feel I know about Hyundai, they have an investment in Bayelsa, they were building a fabrication yard. Go there and see the kind of investment and they have even put over $50 million in that place

food because I have worked very hard. Look at my antecedents, I have always been speaking for people, I have always been doing things that are selfless, so once you know a man and his capacity, ability, sense of direction, you will understand where he is going to and this one, I will ensure that the right thing is done.

People feel the Egina project is an advancement to what was obtainable in the past ,considering the fact that some of the projects were carried out here, so some persons should not complain, so going forward in the future ,perhaps more percentage will be done locally.

So if for example, you went to a party and someone cooked food and everybody died after eating the food, then another party was done where few people died, will you say because people died in one party and only few died in the other? My brother, death is death; let us tell ourselves the truth. Yes, there are some improvements and I give credit, but we could have done more as a nation.

Nigeria is the most populated, the giant of Africa and we cannot call ourselves giants without doing the right thing and most of the information we have were given to us by foreigners who are involved in the project and if they are not passionate will they be giving us that kind of information? We need foreigners to come, we need companies to come, but with genuine intentions not to reap the country.

What is happening now is portfolio companies coming into the country without any sense of investment and this are not done anywhere else in the world. The children that we are giving birth to today are already asking questions and I remember when I was growing up I could not even look at my father, but these children are asking questions and one day they will ask you and say ‘Daddy did you speak?’ And I will tell my son that I spoke.

During former president Jonathan’s administration, it was reported that he wrote to those handling the project that they should shift their yard to Bayelsa.

Could this be another reason you and your people are in this?

I do not know if he wrote a letter that the project should be transferred to Bayelsa State and that is my sincere truth. What we are doing is not a Bayelsa thing. We are doing a Nigerian thing and not a Bayelsa thing and that project is not employing only Niger Delta people but Nigerians. There are Igbos, Yorubas and Hausas working in that project. Okay, the project was awarded during Jonathan’s time why didn’t they ask if I was talking during Jonathan’s time, Hyundai won the bid, why is it that they gave it to Samsung during Jonathan’s time and why are they not asking that question? When people start getting employment in the oil and gas industry that is when they will come and start celebrating with you and these are people that are criticizing you.

I want you to send this message to Nigerians, when the country was going through colonialism, slave trade and when the white

men were dealing with our forefathers with chains, there were some Nigerians that were applauding their acts but when it stopped, there was a celebration and those who also applauded the whites came for the celebration and also when Nigeria was going through dictatorship people were applauding the regime. But when there was a transition from military rule to democracy the same people celebrated, so I do not care about what people say but focus on the message.

What can we do to attract investments into the oil and gas industry?

The oil and gas industry is very important. The foundation of everything matters and even the foundation of your home.

Although there are some improvements, more needs to be done. I am talking about setting up standards, procedures, programme management processes, monitoring. Let me also ask, some of the equipment and materials used in that project, who monitored them to be sure that they are up to standard to stand the test of time? This is the problem we have.

There is no proper monitoring process and for example in the project, most times they will say National Assembly members are coming to inspect and when they come, they hide all the expatriates, I have pictures and when I show you as a journalist you will cry for our country and when we bring it out people will not sleep. The only thing Samsung needs to do is to realise that they have made mistakes and look for ways to sort it out and the $300 million they are looking for, we want to know the local content element and how Nigerians will benefit from it and not for them to give it to South Korea. And you are also aware that the Samsung Chairman is in jail.

I get so worried that companies who are struggling in their countries to survive are being revived with our resources because we have stupid people in positions.

Let me go religious, either Muslims or Christians who are they praying to when they have sold their conscience and the unborn generations because of their selfish aim? I will not do that and if I have a position tomorrow I will not tolerate it. They must ensure that they do what is right and this is what Nigeria is not doing. This is my passion and we will ensure that people do the right thing.

On the 28th of August, we are taking a detailed petition to the EFCC and we are bringing the world’s attention to it and this is something that has never happened before and the only thing is that we are praying for Samsung to come out to accept that they have made mistakes and let all stakeholders come together to seek ways to do the right thing.

The Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL) was used as a face. Why is it that the project has not moved on since it was commissioned? Let me also state that some media houses are not helping Nigeria to achieve its cause to be developed because they do not carry out investigative journalism.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

Politics 2019: Proper distribution of democracy dividends would end agitation for restructuring - Ezebuiro Chinedu Ezebuiro Ezebugwu, a presidential aspirant for the 2019 general election, says his ambition to lead Nigeria to the promise land is a divine call. He also said that his emergence as president would mean the end to the killings in the country and that the reason for the agitation for restructuring is because people are deprived of political and democracy dividends. Excerpts: You have tried previously to be the president of Nigeria. Why are you back again in the race for 2019?

Well, it was not that it was not successful but you should know I entered with a mission to answer the call of God on my life. And when that call came, I resisted answering that call for two years, and so God allowed me to test the waters of that mission and after that all the fears that I have had were completely dissolved and then God allowed me to leave Nigeria and moved to Germany for my safety and perfection of the mission.

me is there.

When should Nigerians expect you to do your formal declaration towards achieving your ambition of being the president come 2019?

Well, when the hour comes you will know and I am not privileged to expose it now. This God that has kept this relationship between you and me for these years will keep us till the declaration day and I am very surprised that I still kept your number.

So, how far have you gone in perfecting your mission to be the president of Nigeria?

Well, we formed the narrative in 1992 and now we are going into the conclusive stage for the manifestation of the mission.

Are you saying that the message from God about your ambition is that you are the David of our time? How possible will that be?

I didn’t call myself the David of our time but that is what God calls me.

On which party platform are you going to run for the presi-

Ezebugwu

dent of the country in next year’s general election?

Well, God is responsible for all that is going to happen. I started with SDP and by the grace of God my new platform will be made known as we move forward.

In case you become the presi-

dent of Nigeria in 2019, what will be your mission for the country?

I sent something to you on Nigeria towards the imminent and irreversible manifestation of a new and good Nigeria. Did you read that? If you read that the answer for the question you ask

What is your take on the call to restructure the country?

You see God has an excellent model for the good and new Nigeria. God wants to make sure that the democratic and political dividends reach every Nigerian no matter where they are located. And so, I hope that those who are talking or calling for restructuring know the meaning of restructuring.The real meaning of restructuring is to make sure that the political and democratic dividends reach every Nigerian no matter where they are located.And that is the model that God has given to me.

What is your reaction on the killings across the country?

I have always said that the real

enemy of Nigeria is Satan because God has a very big mandate for Nigeria. And Satan has so many cohorts in Nigeria that revolves around incredible corruption going on in the country so that God’s good wishes for Nigeria do not manifest. And so,these killings you are seeing are the handiwork of Satan and all his cohorts.They are bent on taking over Nigeria for their own selfish end. But unfortunately for Satan, his days and powersresponsible for all these killings are very, very numbered because God’s true plan for Nigeria has irreversibly and irrevocably come.

It is only a matter of time and God will use Nigeria to do what he has never done to any other nation before. A day is coming that you will look for the killers you will not see them anymore.

You will look for their sponsors you will not see them anymore.

How do you think the war on corruption should be fought?

Well, I think Nigerians should be properly educated.We still don’t have a nation because there are various nations that are gathered together. When God’s chosen leader for Nigeria manifests, every part will reap the benefits of the political and democratic dividends.

Benue agog as major political zones endorse Ortom for 2019 BENJAMIN AGESAN, Makurdi

T

he major political zones in Benue State ranging from Jechira, Kinsmen of Senator George Akume from Jemgbagh comprising Gboko, Buruku and Tarka, Konshisha, Vandeikya,etc on Monday pledged their unalloyed support to Governor Samuel Ortom ahead of the 2019 general election.

Speaking at the Benue Peoples House,Makurdi during a courtesy call on the Governor by Jemgagh Elders Forum of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sam Tsumba, said the visit was to register their solidarity with the governor and to welcome him back to his former party.

Tsumbaexpressed the readiness of Jemgbah to stand behind the governor, owing to his laudable performance in office, stressing that the appointment of many of their sons into key

positions including Professor Anthony Ijohor, SAN, as SSG and acting Chairman, Board of Internal Revenue Service, TerzunweAtser could garner support for Governor Ortom in the area.

Others, who spoke including elders TarhuleNev, IkyumeYongu and Mbakorlumun Chia for Buruku, Gboko and Tarka said they were solidly behind the governor to continue providing purposeful leadership for Benue people.

On his part, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, YandevAmaabai said the party was lucky to have a ‘prodigal son’ who was pushed out of his father’s house empty-handed only to return with much wealth.

They also acknowledged the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law as landmark, stressing that the law had helped in no small measure in ending the activities of militia herdsmen.

The elders vowed to recall

any of their representatives in the State Assembly who is involved in the illegal impeachment move against Governor Samuel Ortom.

Responding, Governor Ortom expressed appreciation to the people of Jemgbagh for their show of solidarity, pledging that he would continue to work with them to salvage the state.

He noted that impunity should not be allowed to continue to rear its ugly head in the country, stressing that allegations of embezzlement of public funds were ridiculous and those behind such would be put to shame.

Governor Ortom commended members representing Buruku and Gboko East constituencies in the State Assembly, NgunanAdingi and NgohembaAgaigbe for their steadfastness in the face of monetary inducements, describing them as worthy ambassadors of women.

Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony

Ijohor, pledged on behalf of government appointees from Jemgbagh, total loyalty to the administration of Governor Ortom.

Also, the Nigerian Military recentlycommended Ortom for timely and consistent support to enhance activities of Operation Whirl Stroke in the state.Force Commander of the operation, Major General MutiuYekini gave the commendation when he received Governor Ortom who visited the Air Force Hospital, Makurdi to see soldiers recently attacked by armed herdsmen while on operation.

He noted with satisfaction the concern shown by the governor over the welfare of their men, stating that such would spur them to step up their operations.

Major General Yekini assured the governor and the entire people of the state of the readiness of their operation to comb areas known to be hideouts for criminal herdsmen in the state and beyond.

Governor Ortom in response, applauded the Nigerian Army for the good work it had been doing since the operation was deployed to the state and urged it to maintain the tempo.

He also acknowledged the Federal Government for deploying operation Whirl Stroke, pointing out that the performance by men of the operation had largely brought the attacks on Benue communities under control.

He, on behalf of the government and people of the state, expressed sympathy with a member of the operation that had lost his life and others wounded during the attack and were receiving treatment in the hospital.

Ortom, who also visited the Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, offered to settle the medical bills of one Miss Margret Ede who was being treated for severe injuries she sustained during a motor accident, which resulted in the amputation of her right hand.

Sunday 26 August 2018

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Politics Miyetti Allah’s incursion into politics, a danger signal for 2019

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ZEBULON AGOMUO

n the last three-plus years since the inauguration of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, the security situation of the country has taken a plunge. Many Nigerians have been killed for trying to protect what belongs to them, and hatred has become the order of the day.

Before now, no government had openly declared hatred for any section of the country, even though they may have taken actions that covertly portrayed that. But the current administration, right from inception, displayed in words whom to love and whom to hate. Hence, the evil seed of hatred was sown in the polity.

Today, many people believe that the country is more divided than at any other time in its history. Not even during the civil war was so much division witnessed.

This is the sad story of Nigeria.

The resultant effect is that some groups are now taking advantage of the “covert” hatred being pronounced by the government at the centre to wreak havoc on fellow Nigerians.

Today, some individuals and groups are hiding under President Buhari to perpetrate criminal acts that are not consistent with the letters of the constitution.

And his inability or refusal to openly dissociate himself from the murderous activities of such groups has continued to leave many Nigerians tongue-tied.

The kid gloves with which the Federal Government handles the excesses of the Fulani herdsmen may have emboldened them to think that they can say or do anything and get away with it.

For over three years, the Fulani herdsmen, many of them members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, have killed many Nigerians and sacked many communities across the country.

Although the group has always owned up to these massacres and accepted responsibility, the Federal Government under the control of President Buhari, who also is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has continuously looked the other way.

Buhari is the national patron of the group, and the association is also touted to have a branch inside the Aso Rock Villa!

The incursion of this group into politics a few days ago has given an inkling into what Nigerians should expect in 2019. The utterances of the Miyetti Allah show that the group is prepared

Saraki: Arewa youth group warns Miyetti Allah to steer clear of politics OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja

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to advance its blood-letting campaign across the country if the 2019 general election does not go according to a certain predetermined plan.

A few days ago, the Miyetti Allah issued a threat on Bukola Saraki, president of the Senate, insisting that he either resigns or be removed. The seriousness of the threat can be seen against the backdrop of the colossal damage the herdsmen can cause without any inhibition.

The post-election disturbances in some parts of the North in 2011, which claimed many lives, may be a child’s play when compared to what could happen in 2019 with the group that thinks it has been certified to dispense havoc.

The killings across the country by the Fulani herdsmen and the no-response posture of government should tell Nigerians that the Miyetti Allah is not bragging in vain. The group must be drawing support from somewhere and getting itself ready for 2019; otherwise, how could cattle rearers become so audacious as to give ultimatum to the Number 3 citizen of this country to leave office?

There must be something beating the gong for the association.

Not many Nigerians are taken in by the explanation that the threat was not a collective thing, but the view of an individual.

Following the reactions the threat elicited, the national secretariat of the Miyetti Allah decided to issue a disclaimer. A statement signed by Baba Uthman Ngelzarma, national secretary of the group, said that the threat issued by one Garus Gololo in Makurdi,

Benue State, in an interview with a national newspaper where he ordered Saraki to “resign or we will force you out”, was not made on behalf of the group, but in Gololo’s capacity as an individual. It described the statement as unfortunate.

“Miyetti Allah is a non-partisan association with no interest in the political terrain and we couldn’t meddle into the affairs of political actors thereby compounding our already obvious challenges.

I therefore urge all and sundry to disregard this statement. This statement is not from MACBAN and should be disregarded in its entirety,” Ngelzarma said.

Despite the disclaimer, some observers have remained sceptical, saying that “some people are testing the waters ahead of 2019”.

Anthony Nmezi, a policy analyst, said that Nigeria has come to a point where no one takes anything for granted.

“What people are saying is that

The killings across the country by the Fulani herdsmen and the noresponse posture of government should tell Nigerians that the Miyetti Allah is not bragging in vain

with what they have seen in the last three years concerning the havoc being done by herdsmen across the country, which the Miyetti Allah claimed responsibility for, the group is capable of doing anything. If a group is supporting the killing of innocent Nigerians and a Federal Government is not doing anything about it, they can believe anything is possible and that may induce them to be making all manner of comments,” Nmezi said.

“It is true that the association has clarified issues, but it is difficult to swallow everything hook, line and sinker. This is from experience. My fear is for 2019. I am not too sure that this Miyetti Allah of a group would not be an issue,” he further said.

The analyst believes that these excesses and dangerous signs are what the international community should urgently contain before the elections.

“All those who have influence on the government must speak out now and issue the necessary warning, not to wait till the election, when violence breaks out they begin to issue releases condemning electoral violence in Nigeria,” he said.

Indeed, this is the time the civil society organisations (CSOs) and the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should rise up and issue the necessary warning on the implications of such threats

by Miyetti Allah on the general election and on the peace of the country. They should not wait until it is too late, and then they begin to write long statements bombarding the media. This is the time to shoo the wolves.

he Arewa Youth for Peace and Security (AYPS) has cautioned the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association to steer clear of partisan politics and focus on helping to stop the incessant farmers-herders clashes that have claimed many lives across the country.

The group’s warning is coming against the backdrop of a statement credited to the National Coordinator of the association in Benue State, Garus Gololo, where he urged Senate President Bukola Saraki to resign his position immediately or be forced to do so.

Although the national leadership of the association has disassociated itself from the statement, insisting that Gololo spoke in his personal capacity, AYPS National President Salisu Magaji, in a statement on Thursday, expressed shock over the threat made by the association’s chairman.

He reminded the association to realise that Saraki was elected by senators and only two-thirds of the entire legislative body can remove him from office as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Magaji further cautioned the cattle breeders to desist from heating up the polity, stressing that “they should restrict themselves to the constitution of Miyetti Allah. Saraki is a Nigerian and he remains the Senate President of Nigeria as elected by the senators.

“We are shocked and concerned by the statement of the national coordinator of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Benue State, Garus Gololo. Is Miyetti Allah now a political group?

How can they be talking about forcing the Senate President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki out of office? Do they not know he was elected as the Senate President by senators and that only two thirds of the entire senators can remove him from office as stipulated by the constitution of Nigeria?

“We would like to think that this chairman of Miyetti Allah in Benue State does not understand the rudiments and essence of politics.

So let him concentrate on how to stop the killings in Benue State and desist henceforth from talking about politics because Miyetti Allah is not a political group.

“He should desist from heating up an already fragile polity. Our laws are clear on how to remove a sitting Senate President. This attempt of resorting to unconstitutional means, as advocated in some quarters, does not mean well for our democracy and ultimately, the stability of our nation.”

Magaji explained that even though the cattle breeders association consists mainly of the Fulani people, not all Fulanis are members of the association.

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Politics

Violent by-election in Rivers: Why APC will not try that again in 2019 – Glory Emeh A Rivers State elder and Governor Nyesom Wike’s chief strategist, Glory Emeh, in this exclusive interview with IGNATIUS CHUKWU, reveals what Wike did to save the oil state last Saturday. He also reveals the mood in the Government House now and what to expect in 2019.

The chief tactician however, warns against stirring trouble in the state that still holds the key to the nation’s oil wealth. Excerpts: You are the Special Adviser to the Governor Nyesom Wike on Politics and Strategy, what is the mood in administration and in the ruling party (PDP) in Rivers State following the widespread violence that led to suspension of the by-election of August 18, 2018? or us in Rivers State and for true Rivers men and women, we were rather embarrassed by the posturing and the activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in that by-election. Governor Wike has in the past three years shown that the criterion for voting anybody into office in Rivers State should be the ability to perform, going forward. He has also tried to break down the barriers that divided the state into riverine and upland thinking. He has united the people into one family.

The PDP went out of their way to do door-to-door campaign, using the party and organisations that are friendly to it to canvas for votes in this particular election. We were taken aback that while we did that, the APC and their backers were planning something that could push the state to crisis or war; something the international community did not expect that would happen in Nigeria after 19 years of democracy.

The governor was very proactive in the emergency situation; and so, what would have snowballed into a very big uprising in the state if the PDP had reacted in the same manner that the APC acted, was thus averted. The governor went on air to calm the nerves of PDP supporters across the state. The PDP was taken unawares by the actions of the ‘factional’ chairman of the APC, Flag Ojukaye Amachree, and those he commanded in the Port Harcourt 3 on that fateful day.

The belief of the people of the state is that this situation should not continue.

We should discourage it and condemn it. I am happy that the greater number of our people and others in the Rivers Elders Council, the Committee of the Rivers Patriots, and Support Popular View Group, among other groups, have all come out to condemn this on unmistakable terms.

They have condemned the actions of Flag Ojukaye Amachree and those in the same boat with him. The people have said that this behaviour is alien to the Rivers culture and their known behaviour.

That is why we feel embarrassed, not just because the election was disrupted and cancelled or suspended, but because of the character displayed by APC leadership in the state. It was unlike Rivers. In the past almost four years, Governor Wike has re-arranged the psyche of the people of the state and his behaviour has cemented the bond of fraternal co-

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existence of our people. His actions have broken all the barriers of what we used to call riverine/upland dichotomy. So, Rivers people are now united, cohesive, and now work together toward a state where politics should no longer be do or die affair. To win an election, you listen to the voice of the people; you talk to them, win their votes and earn it. You would be happy that you have touched their hearts. That is what Governor Wike and the elders of the state are preaching. That is the paradigm shift in Rivers politics.

People should not paint Rivers State in bad light anymore. We are a peace-loving people and a very important state in the federation.

We are the highest producer of oil and gas. So, any ugly behaviour or uncultured actions and attitude of people born out of wedlock would create problem for Nigeria. That is why President Muhammadu Buhari and the government at the centre should continue to discourage the APC in Rivers State to desist from uncultured behaviour that is likely to create an atmosphere of insecurity, rancour and acrimony. This is because politics all over the world is an interesting game where you talk about your capacity and programmes and policies to win support.

That is why Gov Wike spent over two months going round the state commissioning over 153 projects at a time. He was telling the people; this is what I have been able to do in this short period of three years. Since you are asking me to come back, I am considering the request.

If I come back, I will double what I have done before.

Many people think that what happened was an effort by the APC to demonstrate what they would be capable of doing in 2019; as a political strategist who was in APC and is now in PDP and is an insider, is that how the think-tank in PDP sees it?

First of all, it is a mistake for anybody to think he can take power by violence. You know violence begets violence. Wike has consistently preached peace. That is why the entire Christendom in Rivers State declared him the Ambassador of Peace (actually Apostle of Peace). It is no mean feat. That award puts him in a situation where he cannot do anything otherwise. That was why immediately that ugly situation occurred he went on air to plead with our people not toe the path of violence as orchestrated by APC on that day. I do not think that with the degree of condemnation that trailed the unruly behaviour of the man commanding the APC rampaging team that day, he would repeat it. I believe that they are human beings and they can see that nobody clapped for them, even the APC

themselves. I gathered that the APC national body condemned their action. I think the original plan was mismanaged by those who carried it out because the level of violence they unleashed on the people over a small election of eight wards was uncalled for. If you are popular, go and ask for votes. Both candidates are from the same community of Rebisi in Port Harcourt local council; just a constituency. The two young men should be allowed to compete between them and we would see who is more popular.

The Rebisi community can decide that.

Whoever they voted for is their son. The irony is that both of them worship at the same St Thomas Church and belong to the same St Thomas Youth. What the APC would have done is sit back especially as their factional state chairman is not from that place. The law is that you don’t go to a constituency that you do not belong to. I could not cross Ikwerre Road to go peep into what was happening. The law says; do not go if you are not from there. So, it becomes very strange and irresponsible for somebody from Asari-Toru local council area, irrespective of the position he occupies in the party, to go there. The PDP state chairman lives in Port Harcourt but he left for his hometown (ONELGA) to avoid any entanglement. May be they think if they cause some insecurity, it would help buttress their rumour that Rivers State is insecure.

I do not think they can do it again. The world has condemned it. I do not expect that those who manage APC and their several factions would attempt what they did before. If they do it, I think they would be calling on the international community to descend on them. I expect them to call their followers to order.

What next now after suspension of the exercise by INEC? That is the responsibility of the INEC and they have taken their position. The irony is, if INEC officials had confined themselves to their office and did not go out to see things for themselves, it would have been different. It is only a snake seen by one man that can become python, not the snake seen by many people. That is the danger the APC exposed themselves to. By the fact that INEC personnel were trapped and were equally held hostage, that materials were destroyed, you don’t need a soothsayer to know that INEC has taken a decision that does not require any other interpretation. According to one of them, what they saw was unprecedented. It falls at the bottom of what is known as standard even in our country. It ought to be cancelled in its entirely. INEC

Glory Emeh

has done the right thing by going according to their impulse and experience. If not the grace of God, many would have perished because many persons were trapped. Ammunition, armoured carriers, etc, were on show. Even as backward as Nigeria is, what happened was still terrible.

Those who were there saw hell. We do not think it can repeat. Anybody who attempts to repeat it is calling for God’s wrath upon his head.

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration (NIMASA), Dakuku Adol Peterside, observed last week at a press briefing that all the indices that measure states, were in the case of Rivers State, pointing downward; he thus wondered why Wike was being held up high. Do you see his point?

First, Dakuku Peterside is a very young person who even worked under me when we worked for the then Gov Peter Odili. So, whatever he says should be handled by fellow young people.

However, as the governor’s special adviser on politics and strategy, and to put the records straight, I can help the world to appreciate what is on ground. For eight years of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi administration, I was in the UK and I am therefore, not in a position to talk about that administration. On the same right, Peterside has been away in the past three years and is also not in any position to discuss the Wike administration. But, because he comes home and goes, I think he is in a position to at least see some changes.

The evidence of change in Rivers State is everywhere. For instance, a friend came from the UK to my house, but he could not recognise Abacha Road in GRA 3 anymore. He once lived there while he was in UNIPORT before he went to England to study Law. He could also not believe he could get into Port Harcourt in 15 minutes from the airport. That was simply because

he followed the new link road Wike just constructed.

We do not need to use this interview to narrate the barrage of infrastructural projects Gov Wike has executed but I have already told you that the governor spent two months commissioning over 153 projects across the state. So, if somebody decides not to be truthful over what everybody has seen, how is it my concern?

Such a person is even ruining himself politically by distancing himself from what everyone sees.

The people are seeing a governor who has re-arranged attitude towards governance; a governor who continues to instill confidence in governance and instills a new spirit of the time; a governor who continues to promote fresh commitment to the values of vision of performance; and a governor who has prescribed solutions to problems of our people. He has even done so within a framework of a more ideological perspective. And everything he is doing he has been done so that our people would continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy. This is a governor that has re-arranged the side of our people to appreciate one another. This is a governor that has shown that performance is the basis of electing anybody to office. It does not matter what anybody says. That is why most of us have chosen to talk less because the taste of the pudding is in the eating. Gov Wike is working; in fact, he is a practical man.

People speak but they are talking to people who know the truth. I was in a church on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, and a lady told me how she had to switch off a radio station that was airing Peterside speaking what she said was irritating.

She said she was driving on smooth road constructed by Wike to Elelenwo. She would have had to struggle on Aba Road for about two hours but she just hit Peter Odili Road to Woji Bypass and she was in Elelenwo, joining Eleme to Ogoni to Eket.

Fiam, she was in Eket. She was thanking Wike for this and when she heard Dakuku Peterside saying he did not see what Wike was doing, she said she switched off. We should stop talking about each other but about projects and issues.

Look at Borokiri! Everybody knew that Borokiri suffered and was shut down for eight years of Amaechi. It became impassable because all the roads failed. But this was the best designed area of Port Harcourt. Wike has changed all that. Why can’t APC and my younger brother Dakuku Peterside appreciate that somebody has brought some changes in the system and encourage him to do more.

Every day, they call themselves Ijaw, and they are the people that use the Nembe jetty to travel, but they were in

office for eight years and did not bother.

Wike has built an international jetty which can only be compared with that in Lisbon in Vasco da Gama. You will see the embankment there. Today, people can board boats without folding their trousers.

Women were walking into water folding their wrappers to board boats. Wike is an Ikwerre man but he has done that, but this man is an Ijaw and for eight years did not solve this problem. Dakuku Peterside is an Opobo man but did not do anything for eight years about his people. Now, I drove to Opobo with Felix Obuah in a convoy of six cars. To the Opobo people, it was a mystery, hearing siren. People were running out singing praises of Wike.

I am not talking because I am working for Gov Wike. I, Glory Emeh, I would have said so if he was not doing the right thing. I do not have anything to lose by saying the truth. If a man is doing well, tell him so he can do better. If he is not doing well, tell him so he can change. Must you be the only person who says a snake is a python when it is not?

People will hate you if you don’t appreciate a man who has done what they are seeing and touching. If a man from the UK can shout in happiness, how come you who fly in every time cannot see any difference? Where were Dakuku Peterside and the APC when the area was not done? In fact, the day I was on inspection with Gov Wike on that Woji Road, I did not know where we were until one Ogbonda told me when I asked. I was expecting to go through Aba Road, Artillery Junction, etc, but we got there through Eastern by Pass, Abuloma, Amadiama, Peter Odili Road, Slaughter, etc. We must continue to thank Gov Wike, irrespective of what anybody is saying.

Rivers people are happy; they are united that once in their lifetime, they can find a leader they can trust, a leader that has united the people, a leader that is passionate about the welfare of the people, and a leader that is prepared to think. It is not everybody that is prepared to serve.

I have served five governors. I once asked Wike, ah, how are you managing to think.

He is ahead of his peers. There is nothing he does without thinking. Wike is a prepared governor. Everything he wants to do, he thinks about it, reviews it, and examines it. Look at all the structures he has executed, he thought them out. He plans ahead.

Our prayer should be for God to give him long life, good health to come back for another four years, and also give him the wisdom to ask God to reveal to him a successor to double his efforts. By so doing, Rivers State would be better. Condemning him because you want to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it is very bad.

We defected to add value to nation’s governance, economy – Kwankwaso IDRIS UMAR MOMOH, Benin

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enator Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso has said that they defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in order to add the needed value to the nation’s governance and economy.

Kwankwanso, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the PDP made the remarks during consultation with the leadership and members of the Edo State chapter of the party in Benin-City ahead of the party’s presidential primary.

The presidential aspirant, who was accompanied by the former two-time governor of the state Lucky Igbinedion, serving and former senators among others, said he has what it takes to bring the needed value to the country.

While describing the forthcoming general election, especially the presidential election as very crucial to the party, urged delegates to be extra careful and do the right thing by nominating a credible candidate for the party.

He observed that not doing the right thing might portend a danger for the party in the election.

According to him, “We should avoid making mistakes. We have to be extra and very careful; do the right thing at the right time. We have to look at all the figures and facts on ground, failure to do that God forbids, can create a lot of serious challenges to the party.

Kwankwanso

“That means, anybody that is qualified to contest can contest and get the ticket but getting the ticket is one thing but the most important thing is winning the general election.”

Kwankwanso said he had contested elections for 15 times and only lost two which are the APC presidential primary election in Lagos in 2015 and his re-election as governor of the Kano State in 2003.

He also disclosed that his political governance started from the local government, House of Representatives, six local governments in the constitutional conference, governor, North-West in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), minister of Defence and currently a senator representing Kano central in the senate.

He said as a grassroots politician, he is acquainted with all the challenges confronting the people of the country in all sectors of governance.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

Politics Guber race: I’ll implement the blueprint drawn by Gombe founding fathers - Garba Haruna Garba is a former ambassador, senator and career civil servant. In this interview with some select journalists, Garba spoke of his desire to make Gombe a better place when he becomes governor of the state, and that he would implement two remaining agenda of the founding fathers of the state. Zebulon Agomuo here, brings you some Excerpts: How has it been since you left active service as an ambassador and senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

Well, I was a senator before becoming an ambassador, and I was senator between 2007 and 2012 and I was an ambassador to Kuwait and Bahrain in the kingdom of the Arab land between 2012 and 2015.

And I think it was very educating, an exciting experience and it was very wonderful to work at those levels as a citizen of Gombe State first, and as a Nigerian You want to be the governor of Gombe State? In a very simple word, why do you want to be the governor of the state?

Well, in my earlier interview, I said that there is agitation by some people that I should come and contest because they think so far in all the places I have worked it has been very beautiful and people are very proud of that. My records have been very good and untainted, and I have never been found wanting in any of those assignments whatever. Let me list them for you: I was with the Standard Bank as a cashier and I later moved to Ashaka Cement Company as a sales distribution accountant and later came back to the ADP where I later rose to be the financial controller in the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme. In fact, I was the first accountant general of Gombe State and after that I became the commissioner for finance in Gombe and the chairman of the investment company.

In all these appointments I held, I was never found wanting in the course of discharging my duty for the state and country and it has been a source of pride for anybody who knows me and I think it has been a wonderful experience and my thanks go to Almighty ALLAH for preserving my life to serve my country and my land.

If eventually you become the governor of Gombe State. What would be your focus?

Well, let me tell you that first and foremost, in 1995 when we mooted the idea of having our own state we had drawn up what is known as a blue print, and I think the previous governors of the state- three military and three civilian governors- they have all tried their best but I believe there is one or two items on the blue print which I will like to work upon to see to their actualisation. It is my own desire to consolidate on all those gains and also achieve more of what has been designed in our blue print.

What are the two agenda that are yet to be implemented as designed by the founding fathers of Gombe State?

Let me tell you that I believe that for now it is not good for me to give out the secret of some of the things we want to do because I don’t want some other persons to hijack it; may be, in due course, when I become the governor then I can to tell you but for

Garba

now I think I better keep it so that people don’t pounce on it.

By September 28, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in all the states of the country will be nominating their governorship candidates. How prepared are you towards September 28, 2018?

Having declared my intent to contest as a governor; we are now goinground to tell various delegates that they should please, when the nomination comes up in September, give us the chance because I believe that my records are there for everybody to see.

What is your take on the political developments in the country; particularly the decampments?

Well, my own position is very clear; I believe that there is need for people to take caution. I believe there is need for us to play the game of politics neatly so that people will not be insinuating one or two things. It is very unfortunate that we are having developments that will not do any good to anybody. And I believe we can forge ahead and make this country a better place for everybody. And I pray that we

all consolidate our gains so that we shall move forward. I am worried somehow and I think there is a need for a lot of caution so that we have peace in this country.

The battle for the PDP ticket in Gombe is going to be for contenders, heavyweights and moneybags. How prepared are you for the race come September 28?

You see, the name Haruna Garba alone is an institution and everybody in Gombe

I think I have done so many wonderful things for Gombe State, including the creation of the state and may be, for over forty years now I have been doing that

State knows Haruna Garba very well for his services to the state and the country at large. I think I have done so many wonderful things for Gombe State, including the creation of the state and may be, for over forty years now I have been doing that. We shall meet on the battle field.

What is your slogan for this race?

Yes, for sure, ours will be surely the consolidation of the gains of what the governor has done so far. And one of the ways is that we have followed very carefully all the achievements in Gombe. And our intention is to continue wherever he is going to stop when I become the governor and Gombe State will be truly transformed.

What is your message to Gombe people and Nigerians as a whole as the 2019 general election draws nearer?

Well, the number one message is that people should make sure they get their permanent voters card. It is therefore, my own appeal not only to the people of Gombe but to all Nigerians to ensure that they have their own PVCs because that is going to be very important to vote for that person you love.

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Politics I am passionate about delivering results that have positive impacts on mankind – Shuaibu Idris Shuaibu Idris, popularly known as Mikati, an experienced professional with diversified knowledge in Finance, Human Resources, Economics as well as Sales and Marketing to mention but a few, is a man with rural background yet cosmopolitan. A disciplined and astute personality who abhors parochialism and sentiments or bigotry. Idris is a PDP governorship aspirant in the 2019 gubernatorial election for Kaduna State. He is not new in the race for the top governance seat in Kaduna State. This is his third shot at it, and he is not tired yet. The young shrewd persona wouldn’t give up; his passion to deliver good governance, to meet the needs of his people wouldn’t let him. He spoke to SIAKA MOMOH about how he would govern Kaduna State if given the ticket.

F Drive

or Shuaibu, his drive in politics is service to humanity; in work place is excellence, devotion to duty. “I am passionate about delivering results; results that have positive impacts on mankind,” he says.

eration account. We shall implement the concept of value for money accounting in all the affairs of government. Areas of leakages shall be identified and blocked.

Wastage shall be eradicated and over bloated structures streamlined in order to save costs.”

Difficulties encountered in party policies and programme representations He has not had the opportunity to be in government so does not have such experience as to challenges of selling or marketing his party policies and or programmes. But in general, according to him, “one can say that PDP policies appear to be welcomed and accepted even by the opposition”. He explains: “PDP agricultural policy was adopted by APC and its implementation is still ongoing. PDP policies on transportation as regards rail network, inland water ways and airports rehabilitation are being implemented by APC government with little or no change.

Hence it does appear that our party policies and or programmes are generally accepted by all and sundry.”

First 4 years in government Mikati believes strongly that within the first three to four years of any government certain policies and programmes should be identified as possible success stories.

He notes that projects involving water, housing, health care and security have short gestation period; that areas such as education may take some time but even then people would begin to feel the impact of the government. “Indeed because governors are elected on four year tenure, those elected MUST work towards ensuring that they perform because the mandate is for four years. So I will say four years are long enough to judge any government and in any case basis for seeking election shall be performance and not excuses,” he says.

Plans for Kaduna State This is contained in a document or Blue Print tagged WIPER which stands for Wealth Creation, Infrastructure, Peace based on equity and justice, Empowerment and Resource mobilisation and management. Each of these subjects has major value drivers and an implementation strategy. In addition to the blue print, Shuaibu intends to run an all inclusive government and shall consult widely on issues. “Moreover because God Himself has placed mankind on a high pedestal amongst all Creation, I shall accord everyone the dignity and respect we deserve” he says.

Priority areas for development/incentives for investors He says, “Kaduna state has potentials in several areas such as hospitality and tourism, agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, power and education to mention but a few. Local and foreign investors alike shall be welcomed and accorded priority as they come to help develop our state.”

For him, “Investment incentives are usually the prerogative of the federal government. However, as an investment banker, an entrepreneur as well as someone with vast experiences internationally, investors shall be welcomed with delight.

Areas such as land acquisition, state and local government’s taxes shall be considered and where necessary tax holiday will be considered.”

What has changed between the last elections and now?

He gunned for the State top seat twice without success and thus “I have no experience of elections”. He explains: “If what we hear people say is anything to go by, Nigerians are gradually coming to terms with democracy. People are considering voting personalities and not party. God fatherism politics is gradually disappearing. Voters are beginning to ask questions, the right questions and the fact that a ruling party lost election at the centre for the first has made everyone not to take voters for a ride. However the influence of money politics appears to still be prevalent and this has to be changed”.

Current realities in Kaduna State He says point blank: “There was a bandwagon effect in 2015 elections. The sympathy of the electorate to Buhari and mass followership he enjoyed helped quite a number of candidates to win elections. This was the case in 2015. Current realities are different. Voters appear to be disenchanted with the incumbent Government of Mallam Nasiru el rufai. The

Shuaibu Idris

Governor embarked on several unpopular policies and programmes which have made voters to dislike the government as evidenced by the votes cast in favour of PDP candidates during the last local government elections in the state. Our party shall if we put up a decent candidate win back the state.”

Chances of other parties participating in the coming elections A number of factors contribute to success in any election. These include personalities or candidates, programmes or manifestos, resources and incumbency factor, he says. “Based on these factors the ruling party has advantage only in areas of being incumbent and possibly resources. PDP candidates are men and women of high degree of Integrity, our manifestos are people orientated and appealing to voters and we are determined together with citizens of the state from all walks of life to effect a change come 2019.”

Distinguishing factor Shuaibu Idris says with all confidence that the people of Kaduna state would be having several takes for the price of one. He explains, “They would have a rural man, an urbane and cosmopolitan person and a professional all in one. These qualities are rare and when combined, produce exceptional results whether in government or in private organisation. The qualities and attitudes of rural the dweller, as well as those of an urbane and cosmopolitan person and that of professional would form the basis of running the state. The

diversity of the state in terms of tribes, religion and rural/city dwellers shall be carefully considered and managed for the benefits of all.”

Foundations of economic policy programme For him, the cardinal economic policy shall be wealth creation through empowerment of citizens; the state’s natural resources and it’s potentials as a colonial administration base shall be harnessed.

He explains, “Because Nigeria is running a fairly unitary government it is difficult or near impossible for any state to develop a robust stand alone economic policy that can stand the test of time. Issues such as exchange rate, employment, interest rate etc are all centrally managed so the states abilities in this regards may not be seen clearly or apparent.”

Funding source Mikati’s Blue-print which will be his guide in government, recognizes the importance of revenue generation. He argues, “Without funding, no policy can succeed.

My first place of work after leaving university was Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue as such I have some experiences in how best to harness and improve the generating capacity of the government.

IGR shall be accorded its prime place.

Areas such as signage, markets developments, ground rent and even the PAYE taxes that are not collected efficiently shall be restructured and enhanced.

Moreover, there shall be strict management of Funds received from the fed-

Plans for Diaspora Kaduna indigenes Shuaibu Idris wants to run an all inclusive government as stated earlier. He states, with all sense of responsibility that Kaduna state indigenes and indeed Nigerians from any part of the country, who have contributions and or suggestions to make, shall be welcomed, adding that “open and focused group discussions will be conducted regularly and these group of indigenes would be brought to assist the government”.

Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment This something that his government can consider “subject to availability of resources”. “However, in the short and medium terms, we shall leverage on the existence of Commercial and Economic Attaché that Nigerian government embassies and missions abroad already have.

Continues on page 28

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Politics 2019: When trekking becomes ‘qualification’ for presidential race ZEBULON AGOMUO

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he last few days have been quite interesting in the Nigeria’s political scene. Although it was a period of religious reflection as the Moslem faithful marked their Eid El Mubarak festivity, it turned out that even the principal officers who were also part of the celebrations, found some elements of politics in what they did during the holidays.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), in an effort to tell the world that President Muhammadu Buhari, who returned to the country from a 10-day vacation in London two days to the Sallah holiday, was fit like a fiddle to run for second term in office, decided to put him on a road show.

Buhari, whose nomination ahead of the party’s primaries as the APC presidential standard bearer, has since assumption of office in 2015, been in and out of foreign hospitals, particularly in London, fueling suspicion that he may not have the sound health to withstand the rigours of electioneering campaign.

He was said to have trekked a distance of 800meters from the point of Eid Prayer in a mosque in Daura, his home town, to his residence to the admiration of his supporters and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The trekking became a political point when Garuba Shehu, senior special adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said it was a proof that Buhari was fit to go for a second term in office. It was an allusion made to a statement credited to Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto State that the President was too old to continue in office beyond 2019.

Shehu was quoted as saying, “I think the President has done one thing today– that the issue is not how old one is but how fit he is; how healthy he is. Now that the President has proven his fitness and well-being, to continue in office is a settled matter.”

“I think that if people want to campaign against him, they should do so on issues that are of significance to Nigerians. The president is fit, he is healthy; he is good to go for the second term,’’ he said further.

A huge distraction In a quick response, Atiku Abubakar, one

of the aspirants on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said Buhari’s trek was not a big deal as he, himself, is used to regular jogging. He said it was usual of him to jog for over a mile on a regular basis. He stressed that such an exercise should not be the yardstick to determine a candidate’s suitability to be president.

“I regularly jog more than a mile and exercise, but it will be pedestrian of me to ask Nigerians to vote for me because of that. I want my party - the PDP, and Nigerians, to vote for me because I WORK not because I WALK. I will work to create jobs. I won’t walk to create an illusion,” Atiku said.

By the same token, Omoyele Sowere, another presidential aspirant, posted a picture of his in 2017 marathon race, claiming that he completed the marathon in four hours.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has said the 800-metre trek by President Buhari should not be seen as a yardstick for good health.

Akin Osuntokun, the group’s spokesman, said: “There is no healthy 75-year-old man who will invite you to come and see him walk for 800 metres as an indication of his good health. I am not a doctor and,

of course, we have our own different yardsticks of what constitutes good health.

Trekking a distance of 800 metres, for me, is not. And I don’t see any reason why it should be.

“And this has become an issue because the health of the President is an issue. That is why in advanced countries and I’m sure is also done here, you are required to have a physical and medical examination on a yearly basis. So the health of the President, as a matter of fact, is a priority issue.”

Osuntokun was also quoted as saying that it is “unfortunate that the Presidency of the giant of Africa has been brought to a level whereby walking for less than a kilometre is described as an achievement.

It is ridiculous.

“Only a person who was in a vegetative state or crippled should celebrate the ability to walk for less than a kilometre. It is a pity that this is what Nigeria has been brought to. Let it be known that being Nigeria’s President requires 24-hour dedication and hard work and not just the ability to walk for half a kilometre.”

Side-stepping the main issues It is unfortunate that leaders have reduced the issue of governance to mere “ability to trek”, rather than the capacity to drive policies that can transform the

country. They have reduced the country to a laughing stock and trivialised what should be a serious matter.

While these politicians bicker over non-essentials, the masses of this country are interested in who would bring quality governance that would guarantee them quality life.

What should be at stake is how to provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths, how to guarantee freedom of speech, freedom of movement and of association; how to ensure that life has meaning in society and how to permanently halt the senseless killing of innocent citizens in the country.

These and many more are the expectations of Nigerians, not who walks kilometers.

Eniola Ojajuni, a presidential aspirant, wondered the “Much Ado” about the President’s trekking. He wondered how the physical exercise of the President has positively impacted the country.

“Has the trek solved the infrastructure deficiency, troubled economy, security threats against Nigerians and other issues confronting the nation under the APC government? We should be committed to issues that will drive growth and development in the country rather than irrelevances,” Ojajuni said.

I am passionate about delivering results that have positive ...

Continued from page 27

Other agencies such as Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and its activities and offices shall be tapped into so as to attract investments into the state.”

Thoughts on industrialisation This is an area in which Mikati is at home.

As an entrepreneur, this is familiar turf for him. Says he with all poise: “I will say in our challenges of Industrialisation lies the opportunities. The state requires quality roads, electricity supply, rail network, and a host of other infrastructure. As such these are opportunities for potential investors on a Public Private Partnership arrangement. The abundance of agricultural produce such as cotton, cashew nuts, sesame seeds as well as solid minerals offer potential investors money spinning businesses. Our plans to have industrial clusters would ensure provision of adequate and reliable infrastructure in

clusters for the use of industrialist so as to develop the state faster. There would be technical assistance with skills and competencies to young citizens so as to be gainfully employed either self or in organisations. We will aim to tap in to the demography dividends within the shortest period of time.”

Unique experiences await a first time visitor to Kaduna State Mikati reels out: “A Five Star Service Governance. Democracy is said to be government of the people by the people and for the people. Citizens and indeed visitors seldom have a feel of government and even when they do it is usually negative. The level of filth on the streets of Kaduna, the lack of traffic control, absence of planning particularly in building and structures would certainly be addressed. Scenery and the environment are the first sight of any visitor to a new place. The warmth and friendliness of

the people is the next and finally markets where visitors may wish to make purchases, these would receive immediate attention. Visitors shall see a different Kaduna city and indeed state.”

Advice to His party His sincere response: “It is important that leaders of PDP should realize the mistakes the party made in past and ensure that those mistakes are not repeated. As students of history, we must learn from those mistakes. I am sure all of us still have those issues very fresh in our minds. A situation where a senior member of a party comes out to say the party will rule for 60 years posit some level of arrogance and grandstanding. Where is the will of the people?

Where has the place of God in this kind of statement? Again when a senior member of a party claims that there is no vacancy in a position that is supposed to be contested by aspirants before selection of the best and people’s choice entails imposi-

tion and clear disregards for democratic principles.

“Worst still, several members of the party were not treated fairly. Management of success became an issue as the electorate was taken for granted. Unpopular candidates were presented for election because of their political mentors. The mediocre got appointed in to various positions of responsibility. Loyalty was put above competence. These and many issues should not and must not be repeated if we are to have a lasting success. But these issues are peculiar to PDP. Even the APC that is in its first four years of rule is guilty of them. The tragedy of African politics and not just Nigeria is that men of ideas are not being sought to lead.

Voters are so poor and uneducated that they choose those without ideas to rule.

We all have a responsibility to see that this situation change for better. Together we can make it happen. That’s my strong believe.”

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SundayBusiness MultiChoice launches Star Life on DStv, GOtv …revamps its Compact package with Alex Iwobi

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ultiChoice has announced the launch of a brand new channel, Star Life.

Specially created with the African audiences in mind, Star Life will be a 24/7 English Language channel available to DStv customers on Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, and Family, as well as GOtv MAX customers from 27 August.

With over two decades of award-winning and highly-rated shows in its repertoire, Star Life will showcase only the very best family dramas (daily soaps, both short and long form), celebrity dance shows and blockbuster movies from its famed library of A-List Bollywood movies.

In the same vein, MultiChoice Nigeria has unveiled a brand new campaign for the DStv Compact package that features its latest brand ambassador, Super Eagles and Arsenal forward, Alex Iwobi.

The latest campaign featuring the ace player explores intrigue, passion, discovery and suspense that are available on the Compact bouquet. Iwobi’s remarkable energy, passion on the pitch and versatility embody what the Compact bouquet offers. The campaign uses Nigeria’s most loved sport and the talented wonder boy to tell a story about the importance of choices.

Speaking on the launch of Star

Life, Yolisa Phahle, general entertainment CEO, MultiChoice, said, “Delighting our customers with exceptional content is key for our business. What makes Star Life a remarkable addition to our content offering is that it has content that is relatable, with shows that aim to tell stories about weaknesses, strengths, miracles and victories.”

A fully-owned subsidiary of 21st Century Fox, Star is the undisputed global powerhouse in Indian programming and a market leader in most of the 100+

MTN Nigeria launches mPulse, a new proposition for tweens and teens

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TN mPulse, the latest innovation from MTN Nigeria, made its debut last Thursday at the Landmark Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The proposition designed for tweens and teens (ages 9-15) will enable them learn and gain useful skills while having fun.

For the elaborate launch, MTN transformed the venue into an impressive wonderland tagged “mPulse Planet”, providing attendees with lots of memorable attractions and activities.

This included a Virtual Reality masterclass facilitated by 13-year-old JSS3 student, Obaloluwa Odelana, and the youngest hyperrealism artist in Africa, Kareem Waris Olamilekan of Waspa Art, both of whom inspired children at the event.

Speaking at the launch, Oluwole Rawa, general manager, consumer marketing, said MTN always seeks to proffer innovative and relevant solutions that enable its customers connect with their tomorrow and that the MTN mPulse provides a controlled environment where youngsters can explore and learn

more, and have fun while doing it.

“MTN is a community of people from across the country – mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters some of who are parents themselves. We all have family connections and like you, are dedicated to protecting and nurturing a brighter future,” Rawa said.

The mPulse package comes with a voice plan and a fun, educative website which hosts a wide variety of courses and study aids to help children from Primary 1 to SS3 excel. The portal also provides a bouquet of single and multiplayer games as well as life-skill videos. From computer programming, fashion designing, medicine and blogging to engineering, writing, data science and motivational speaking, there is something for every interest.

The portal has built-in parental controls. Once a child is signed up, the registered parent/ guardian can track and control what the child is accessing on the internet.

With the launch of MTN mPulse, MTN is giving parents and guardians more ways to equip the next generation.

countries it operates in worldwide. Star Life brings to Africa extraordinary journeys of ordinary people, progressive storylines, inspirational characters and compelling dramas – produced to the highest international production standards.

Star Life will be available on DStv channel 167 and GOtv channel 23.

Also speaking on the DStv Compact package campaign, Martin Mabutho, general manager, sales and marketing, MultiChoice, said, “It’s always about

choices. As people, we make choices every single day, and the choices we make play a huge role in shaping who we become in future. Alex Iwobi is who he is today because of some of the brilliant choices he made in the past; taking up his uncle’s mantle by juggling a football, to signing with top football club, Arsenal FC. “The power of fun and affordability defines Compact and with over 120 channels, our customers are spoilt for choice with front row live football action from the

Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and perfectly picked local drama series, action movies and other lifestyle channels.”

Mabutho said viewers would experience intrigue, passion, discovery and suspense #INPADISU by watching all the Premier League matches on the Compact package for N6,800 monthly.

He added that new subscribers are not left out in the football extravaganza as they can get limited offer of HD Decoder, dish kit + one month DStv Compact subscription for only N11,900.

“We remain committed to offering our customers more value.

We recently wrapped up the DStv Open Window where subscribers were treated to extra Sports channels at NO EXTRA cost as well as the addition and broadcast of Italian competition, Serie A. We have no doubt that Iwobi’s story will resonate with our passion for the game and our customers,” Mabutho said.

The full-fledged campaign that includes TV, out-of-home, digital, radio and press adverts has officially been launched to coincide with the 2018/19 Premier League season. With such amazing features such as DStv’s video-on-demand service, Catch Up, Compact subscribers with an active Explora and PVR subscription can key into the experience.

DStv Now is also available to Compact customers with an active subscription.

When Ilorin Durbar got a boost with MTN KultureFest support SEYI JOHN SALAU

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s part of its efforts to promote and project the rich cultural heritage of northern Nigeria, MTN Nigeria last week joined in the celebration of this year’s Durbar in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Durbar, a century-old festival in most parts of northern Nigeria, is a celebration that involves prayers, parade by the Emir and his entourage, as well as accompanying music. It is a major sociocultural event of the people of Nigeria’s northern region.

The MTN support came under its KultureFest initiative, a platform through which the telecoms company supports, enriches and showcases the diverse cultures of Nigeria. It is part of a larger initiative that seeks to make a positive and enduring impact on the nation’s socio-cultural landscape through support for festivals, arts and culture across the country.

In Ilorin Emirate, the seat of Emir Abubakar Sulu Gambari, this year’s Durbar was celebrated with the governor of the state, the Emir and other dignitaries in attendance. This year’s edition lived up to its billing as the Emir

had constituted a committee to see to a rebranded Durbar that truly showcases the people’s heritage to the entire world.

The emirate city of Ilorin played host to culture-conscious Nigerians as well as observers from around the globe, with more than 500 horses on display at the annual festival. The rejuvenated edition of the Dubar festival presented lots of fun and excitement for funseekers in the spirit of the Islamic celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.

MTN’s KultureFest is borne out of the desire to preserve and project the country’s rich cultural heritage. It puts various cultural festivals in the country on the international map and also stimulates their potential to generate revenue for the communities and engender communal bonding. So far, the initiative has supported important festivals and traditions like the Ofala Nnewi, Argungu Festival, and the recently concluded Osun Osogbo Festival.

“It is always an exciting experience when we get to support festivals every year. We enrich them, make them bigger and better,” Adekunle Adebiyi, sales and distribution executive, MTN Nigeria, said in a statement.

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AssemblyWatch From the Red Chamber

OWEDE AGBAJILEKE

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t’s exactly 173 days to the 2019 general election and is always the case, governance has taken a back seat.

This is the time politicians will maneuver either to be elected or re-elected to serve. Federal lawmakers who metamorphosed into Abuja politicians and became demi-gods after the 2015 general election will suddenly become accessible by visiting their constituencies frequently, c a r r y i n g o u t e m p ow e r ment programmes to woo unsuspecting voters. Also, the media will be inundated with pictures of political office holders buying roasted corn, plantain and other food items from the roadside.

This is the season when

When physical fitness equates good governance aspirants will engage in deception, misdirection, fact-bending, half-truths, and downright lies to the electorate; a time to hear common lies Nigerian politicians often use to persuade Nigerians into voting them into power including making one dollar equal to one naira, uninterrupted power supply, free education, an end to medical tourism, stipends for unemployed graduates, reduction in fuel price, infrastructural development and so on.

The present administration made the aforementioned campaign promises (and many more) in the buildup to the last general election but here we are today, Nigerians have become impoverished than they were in 2015, as evidenced in the report by the Brookings Institution, which saw Nigeria overtaking India as world’s poverty capital.

A new dimension was added to politicians’ quest for power last week when some presidential aspirants d e m o n s t ra t e d t h e i r s o called physical fitness for the nation’s top job.

It all started after a presidential aspirant and Gover-

nor of Sokoto State, Aminu Ta m b u w a l , a l l e g e d t h a t President Muhammadu Buhari and All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in the forthcoming presidential election, was ‘too old’ to rule the country beyond 2019.

In a swift response, the Presidency showed off President Buhari’s ‘physical fitness’ to run for a second term by trekking 800 metres from the mosque to his home in Daura, Katsina State.

In what has been dubbed ‘2019 Elective Office Fitness Test’, two other presidential aspirants: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Omoyele Sowore, followed suit by sharing their physical fitness photographs.

As is the case, some Nigerians also posted various fitness pictures of themselves on social media platforms, insisting they are equally fit to rule the country.

Unfortunately, the same aspirants who have been silent about their true health status have reduced governance to mere ‘walk’. It is as though we now measure the capacity of our Nigerian President by the capacity

of the distance he can trek.

What a pity!

When nations with visionary leaders are celebrated for being innovative, building their economies and making their countries a better place to live in, some aspirants including the incumbent President have reduced governance to mere ‘walk’.

The country is confronted with myriads of challenges that have hindered economic prosperity, sustainable security and overall national development including terrorism, incessant farmersherders clashes, widespread poverty, rising unemployment, epileptic power supply, corruption, armed banditry, kidnapping among others.

As we approach the 2019 general election, we need a focused political leader that would raise the bar and rescue the country from the depth of chronic indiscipline, disorder and decadence.

Speaking of the forthcoming election, attention will shift to the National Assembly Joint Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission, as it is expected to meet tomorrow to conclude work

Impeachment threats: Reign of ‘evil geniuses’ and ‘political jobbers’

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he drum of impeachment against some notable principal officers of the House of Representatives is becoming deafening. Of course, it’s no longer a joke but I can see that some opportunists in ‘Babarigas’ have turned the entire issue to ‘political business’. Prior to now, promoters of Buhari Support Group (BSG) in the National Assembly and specifically in the Lower Chamber, which had earlier threatened to ensure the removal of Speaker Yakubu Dogara seems to have shifted the battle to the Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila (APC-Lagos). According to the Group, Gbajabiamila allegedly used divide and rule methodology in selecting the APC lawmakers who attended a meeting held with Adams Oshiomhole, APC National Chairman, held at Sheraton Hotel penultimate week. He was also accused of scheming to remove Speaker Dogara. Despite all of these accusations, the Majority Leader seems unperturbed. I recall that one of the promoters of this Group who was once a die-hard support of Speaker Dogara got a huge compensation with the most ‘juicy’ or call it, ‘Grade A’ Standing Committee until the

budget scandal which rocked the House erupted like whirl fire! It was mother of all financial scandal which I perceive may be revisited anytime by the antigraft agency perhaps after the expiration of the Eight Assembly.

Of course, I’ve envisaged it, knowing full well that the spiral effects of the hullabaloo will record quite a number of casualties. I actually chose not to be taken aback by the unveiling issues. But my concern is about the authenticity of the allegations leveled against Gbajabiamila which to me is coming from a doubtful channel. It is a public knowledge that the promoter which can be best described as ‘political jobber’, will spring surprise at any given time he gets slight opportunity again.

This development just brought to mind the scheming of the ‘Evil Genius’ that pervaded the Nigerian polity sometimes in the 80s.

Never forget that the crop of these political jobbers usually operate behind the scene and do sponsor anonymous reports similar to that of the Fifth Columnists. However, they summon courage once a while to buttress their points specifically to prove their worth to their pay-master.

For me, they are such persons provide useful information to work with a times but never make conclusions or make hero out of them when you get acquainted with the piece of information coming from them!

You can’t rule it out that the new scheming in the House may be an attempt to curry the favour of Speaker Dogara proved to be in charge and never spare his sword against the opposition who attempted to blackmail him and some principal officers in the wake of the 2016 budget padding scam which was the biggest financial scandal that have rocked the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, the House and Senate are yet to take decisive step on the request of Mr. President on the N242 billion budget for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies.

According to my findings, the National Assembly should take cognisance of some items listed in that particular budget proposal including the sum of N28.6 billion proposed as honoraria for 2,763,990 Ad-hoc Staff during the 2019 general elections; N2.916 billion proposed for RAC preparation for the gen-

eral elections, the Commission proposed for RAC management/ activation, N56.600 million for operation kits for 2,000 tents, N123.474 million for unstipulated number of megaphones, N6.016 billion for unspecified number of sleeping mats and N232.773 million for unspecified number of tactical torch lights, respectively.

According to Mahmoud Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), from the total sum of N189.2 billion required to conduct the polls including: Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, the sums of N134,427,868,157.50 is for election operational cost; N27,503,970,680 is for election technological cost; N22,660,887,887.50 is for election administrative cost while N4,614,818,168.13 is for miscellaneous expenses.

The lawmakers during the scrutiny of the budget observed that the 2019 elections budget rose by N69 billion above the N120 billion spent on the 2015 general elections, also demanded explanation for the N6 billion proposed for feeding of policemen.

on the N189 billion 2019 INEC budget submitted to it by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The bone of contention is the pattern of approval of the funds. While INEC chairman, Mahmoud Yakubu had told the joint committee that the N189 billion be approved in one fell swoop, Buhari in his letter dated July 17, 2018 asked lawmakers to approve the amount in two tranches: N143,512,529,455 in 2018 and the balance of N45,695,015,438 for 2019.

Already, lawmakers are divided along party lines.

PDP legislators want the President’s proposal upheld, even as their counterparts in All Progressives C o n g re s s (A P C ) m a d e a case for the adoption of Yakubu’s submission.

The joint committee is also expected to submit its report to the joint committee on Appropriation, which would in turn invite relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the sources of funding the election and submit its report to the Committee of the Whole.

From the Green House With

KEHINDE AKINTOLA Other controversial subheads identified in the documents which I took time to scrutinized include: N1.050 billion for CBN charges for storage and logistics including NAF charges; N7.995 billion for movement allowance for poll officials; N2 billion for election duty allowance; N972 million for production of election guidelines; N40.630 million for monitoring of training of Ad-hoc staff for regulatory compliance in the states and LGAs, N5.477 billion for hiring of vehicles for Ad-hoc staff as well as N1.867 billion for security at elections.

This budget must be monitored to ensure Nigerians get value for money in he forthcoming general election.

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SundayBusiness GreenHouse Lab partners Google to launch First Cohort …Experts optimistic of fruitful outcome

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n the coming years, markets outside of the Silicon Valley will increasingly impact the global startup and technology ecosystem. And while it’s easier than ever to start a company, access to success methodologies, expert mentors, and ecosystem best practices for building companies remain unevenly distributed.

On Tuesday, August 14, GreenHouse Lab, the first female-focused tech accelerator programme in Nigeria, launched its first cohort, comprising nine promising ventures. The accelerator, located in the heart of Lagos and a subsidiary of GreenHouse Capital and Venture Garden Group - a catalyst for much of the tech ecosystem’s growth and development in recent years– has teamed up with Google Developers Launchpad to support Nigeria’s growing startup industry.

This partnership with Google is the first of its kind in Africa.

Go o g l e De v e l o p e r s Launchpad is a branch of Google that operates a global acceleration programme that helps startups grow.

Google is a thought leader when it comes to building and scaling products and

businesses using the most advanced technologies.

The “GreenHouse Lab Powered by Google Developers Launchpad” initiative will connect GreenHouse Lab to an elite group of the world’s top accelerators, allowing it to share information and leverage resources.

GreenHouse Lab will also access Google’s global network, insights from the company’s Silicon Valleybased startup programmes, and twenty years’ worth of Google research and best practice insights on building businesses, products, and teams at massive scale.

These resources will help GreenHouse Lab’s startup portfolio - which already includes some of the fastestgrowing companies in the region - scale its businesses exponentially.

Speaking on the partnership, Kevin O’Toole, head of International Growth at Google Launchpad, said: “Google is thrilled to begin working with GreenHouse Lab. GreenHouse Lab’s mission to elevate women in technology is incredible, and we are humbled to work with their amazing leadership team to accelerate the Nigerian tech ecosystem. This is

Tosin Durotoye, GreenHouse Lab Director

Njoku Nneka, Nicademia

about building a lasting relationship - Google Developers Launchpad doesn’t take an equity stake in accelerator portfolio startups, but instead focuses on developing companies and their ecosystems over the long term.”

The “Powered by Google Developers Launchpad” programme is about empowering startup communities around the world and helping them leverage each other for insights and resource sharing.

Through its collaboration with Google Developers Launchpad, GreenHouse Lab and Nigeria will join a growing network of top, independent accelerators across Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

The nine ventures in the cohort are AllPro, AMPZ. tv, Bankly, BitMama, Kozzi Homes, Nicademia, Social Lender, Versus, and Xigma.

The programme will run from mid-August to midNovember and will conclude with a Demo Day during which each venture will have the opportunity to receive a minimum of 100K USD. To track the progress of the program, follow @greenhousecapital on Instagram.

Nichole Yembra, Venture Garden Group CFO/ GreenHouse Capital Managing Partner

Bukky Akomolafe, MC

Nichole Yembra, Venture Garden Group CFO/ GreenHouse Capital Managing Partner

Fola Olatunji-David, Head of Startup Success at LaunchPad Africa/Google

Kunmi Demuren, Executive Director, Venture Garden Group/ Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Chairman of Board of Directors, GTBank

Xigma led by Joy Egbe

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Sunday 26 August 2018

SundayBusiness

Business community in Delta seeks Okowa’s intervention for business growth MERCY ENOCH

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embers of business community in Delta State are seeking the intervention of the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa in creating enabling environment that would assist them grow their businesses to enable them contribute to the state’s and nation’s economy.

They spoke at a maiden interaction and dinner with the governor whose administration has continued to reaffirm its commitment to partner with the organised private sector towards the fulfillment of his SMART agenda anchored on prosperity for all Deltans.

The event which was organised by the state’s ministry of Commerce and Industry, held at the Unity Hall in Government, Asaba, where groups like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Delta State Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture DACCIMA), National Association of Small Scale

Ifeanyi Okowa

Industries (NASSI), cooperative societies, market men and women association amongst others, had their representatives spoke their minds on the challenges they were encountering in the course of doing business in the state.

Though they noted that the maiden interaction was a proof of the governor’s understanding of the role of the private sector in a society’s economy, they decried inadequate developmental infrastructure, saying some

of them lack good access roads to their business locations.

They asked the governor to intervene in the power sector as according to them, the huge cost of power supply in their businesses has been affecting the successes and viability of their businesses.

They lamented that while some of the business operators have continued to pay taxes, there were others who were about to be choke out of business as a result of

More winners to emerge in Three Crowns Mum of the Year 2018

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hree Crowns Milk, N i g e r i a ’s l e a d ing dairy brand and a flagship product from the stable of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, has raised the stakes in its Mum of the Year (MOTY) campaign for 2018 as it flags off this year’s edition of the competition.

Omolara Banjoko, senior brand manager, Three Crowns Milk, said during a media parley in Lagos that three mums would win the grand prize at this year’s edition instead of one as in previous editions.

The iconic brand has since 2015 celebrated the unique role of mothers in the family, especially by ensuring a healthy nutrition for the family. This is very much in line with the pay-off line, “Healthy Mums, Happy Families”, which it adopted since its re-launch in 2015.

This also defines its role to enable mothers take extra care of themselves by eating right and keeping fit.

Interestingly, this year’s campaign coincides with

the 30th anniversary of the brand in the Nigerian market.

It would be recalled that Olamide Olaleye emerged the first Three Crowns Mum of the Year winner in 2015, Nkechi Brayila in 2016, while Oluwakemi Longe was crowned Mum of the Year in 2017. They were rewarded with all-expenses-paid vacation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with specified numbers of their family members. In addition, they enjoyed brand ambassadorial status and a year supply of Three Crowns Milk.

The consistent loyalty of the brand to its promise for the campaign has been constantly applauded by each of the crowned Mums of the Year. For instance, while reflecting on her trip to Dubai in 2015, Olamide Olaleye expressed her appreciation to Three Crowns and FrieslandCampina WAMCO, promising to remain a Three Crowns Milk brand ambassador her entire life.

“I am indeed very delighted to be named the Three Crowns Milk Mum of the

Year. I want to thank the company for the opportunity and also my daughter for celebrating me,” she said.

Apart from the grand prize winners, other competitors also win consolatory prizes ranging from refrigerators, washing machines, to shopping vouchers. And they have all been appreciative of the the initiative.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Banjoko said that the Three Crowns Milk ‘Mum of the Year’ campaign is the brand’s special way of rewarding mothers who are the key target consumers for their unalloyed support and patronage.

“Mothers are as invaluable to Three Crowns Milk as they are to their families. We like them to always keep fit and feel appreciated. Mothers are our primary target as the key decision makers and most times prioritize themselves last in pursuit of their families’ happiness and wellbeing. Hence, the brand places a very high premium on identifying and celebrating them,” Banjoko said.

huge tax payments.

While commending the governor for his job creation scheme which has seen to the empowerment of thousands of youths in the state, they pleaded that the private sector be funded to enable them assist in the employment and the development of the economy. They are also appealing that industrial parks be constructed across the state and that the state government ensured original industrialists own landed property inside the parks rather than fake industrialists that who own such areas without any intention of developing them.

Governor Okowa while responding to the issues raised, bemoaned that 70 to 75 percent of effective budget goes to salaries and overhead expenses, which he said ought not to be so because according to him, “there is need to create enabling business environment so as to solve the problem of youth employment”.

He explained that the major problem with issue of power supply was that of transmission as the responsibility was not within the purview of state govern-

ments but with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which he also observed have their own challenges. He however assured of his administration’s support within its limit and resources to help the businesses survival.

On industrial parks, he declared, “We are going to start a proper head count on the businesses that are genuine in the industrial parks and those who have acquired land for the purpose of handing over the land to their children will not be tolerated, so, in 2019, I will be coming in personally to take account of industrialists that have developed their land and any land that is not developed, their C of O will be taken away and given to those with the capability to develop them because, I am aware that there are a lot of lands that are owned by people who believe that those lands will, be handed over to their children and it is not supposed to be so.”

He directed that “the Ministry of Commerce and Industry should between now and December ensure

that those who are actual industrialists are given the opportunity to develop and those who acquired land fraudulently should be fished out.”

He also disclosed that agro-industrial parks are being developed in different parts of the state, “to serve as epicenters driven by an anchor private investor devoted to agricultural value chain development activities including agro-processing, commercial farming, out-grower schemes, market linkages and farm support services.”

“We are also working hard in partnership with the private sector to develop a Gas-industrial Park in Ndokwa West, while collaborating with the Federal Government on the Gas Revolution Park at Ogidigben,” the governor stated.

All these efforts, he said were aimed at creating job opportunities to the teeming employment youths.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mary Iyasere had in an address, said the event was to create a forum for businessmen to have unhindered interaction with the governor.

NIMASA executive director launches book on Maritime assets ...Book presentation August 28

A

book titled, ‘Harnessing Nigeria’s Maritime Assets – Past, Present and Future’ authored by Bashir Jamoh, the executive director, Finance and Administration of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is set to be launched.

The book, which is a chronicle of events in Nigeria’s maritime industry, will be launched at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, Tuesday, August 28, 2018 with His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, as the special guest of honour alongside dignitaries from all walks of life.

Dignitaries to grace the occasion include the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi as chairman of the occasion;

do all we can as Nigerians to preserve it. This public book presentation is my own way of contributing to the growth of the sector and also to point policy makers,

Jamoh

Governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai and the Director-General of NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside as the chief host, amongst others.

Speaking ahead of the book launch, Jamoh said: “the maritime sector is very critical to the growth of the economy, hence the need to

operators and scholars to the direction of sustainably developing the nation’s maritime assets”.

The author holds a Master’s degree in Management from the Korea Maritime and Ocean University in South Korea, an Advanced Diploma in Management from the Bayero University Kano, a Professional Certificate in Materials Management from the Institute of Logistics in the UK and a Diploma in Accounting from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

The NIMASA Executive Director who is a seasoned administrator with over 25 years’ experience in the maritime sector is currently a Ph.D student at the University of Port Harcourt, specialising in Logistics and Transport Management.

In addition, he holds membership of several professional Associations including the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics, Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria and Institute of Maritime Economists (Canada).

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SundayBusiness Housing, mortgage and informal sector growth potential

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he informal sector of the Nigerian economy is, increasingly, becoming the toast of other sectors of the economy that is not doing well or not growing at expected pace.

The housing and mortgage sectors seem to be more inclined to leveraging the informal sector for growth.

The pension fund is also in this class. There is an on-going debate which argues that the inclusion of the informal sector with its estimated N81.048 trillion income to a new housing fund that could be created and added to the existing Pension Commission’s (PenCom) multi-fund structure can narrow down significantly the housing affordability gap.

But this has to happen alongside lowering of mortgage interest rate to single digit of 8- 9 percent, down from the current 22 - 25 percent commercial rate which operators charge on mortgage loans.

This argument flows on the assumption that the inclusion of the informal sector operators who constitute 67.54 million of Nigeria’s 81.15 million workforce in the contributory pension scheme will lead to increased housing affordability.

In the same vein, as economic activities continue to shrink leading to loss of jobs, salary cuts

Spiritonomics

and significant drop in personal income, most of the primary mortgage banks (PMBs), which are struggling with hash operating environment and rising non-performing loans (NPL), are looking to the informal sector to sustain their business and also stimulate growth in that sector.

Low capital base coupled with the prevailing economic conditions have so impacted the operations of these banks that a good number of them are unable to meet their contractual and statutory obligations to their clients and regulators respectively.

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC), one of the regulators of the sector, was quoted as saying that the inability of as many as 15 PMBs to pay their insurance premium as at December 2016 was an unfortunate situation that put the customers at risk.

“The loans and advances extended by these PMBs declined significantly by 31.87 percent to N168.96 billion in 2015”, the commission added, pointing out that 14 out of 42 PMBs failed to render returns to it while unpaid premium from nine PMBs amounted to N238.30 million the same year.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says that notwithstanding PMBs’ improved performance in the past couple of years, their loans and advances, deposit liabili-

Debo Atiba

H

ave you ever wondered that everything you will ever do in this life whether good or bad starts from your thought life? If you’ve never thought about it, begin now.

That place you want to go now you realise it starts with a thought.

The step you are about to take now begins with a thought. What is it about this thought? Why is this most important aspect of a man’s life? I believe that if it is not so important we would not have been admonished repeatedly by God that we should guard our heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life( the force that governs life) Prov.4:23. This aspect of our lives is given to us as an advantage and a form of empowerment to chart the course

with CHUKA UROKO (08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com) both the volume and the price went down. All these affected consumer purchasing power.

Don’t forget that the balance sheet of the mortgage banks were not strong abnitio”, said, Ayodele Olowookere, CEO, Omoluabi Mortgage Bank Plc. He stressed that the problems of the mortgage banks revolve around their small capital base and so there isn’t much they can do. “For all the money that I have, unless I raise additional capital, I don’t think I can do 1,000 mortgages. To do mortgages, you need long term funds and that is the only way you can do long term mortgages”, he said.

Udo Okonjo, vice chair/CEO, Fine and Country West Africa, agrees, emphasizing that the real core factor responsible for the slow growth in this sector is that the banks and the mortgage institutions don’t have long term funds; all they have are short term deposits.

“The underlying fundamental for mortgage growth is that we have to have saving culture and large financial base because

mortgages are long term funds.

In an ideal world, you will be talking about 20-25 years mortgages at very low interest rate”, Okonjo added.

Technically speaking, Nigeria has no mortgage system and Okonjo reasons that the country doesn’t really have a real estate sector. “What we are doing is just scratching the surface. If we really want to create wealth through real estate which is one of the major ways the developed world creates wealth, then we have to develop and grow the mortgage sector”, she emphasised.

But the operators are not deterred. “We are here to stay and grow this sector”, Olowookere assures, revealing, “at Omoluabi, we are looking at the best way to do things, especially in credit management and evaluation. We are looking at the informal sector.

People in this sector are not collecting salaries, but earn huge and regular income. So, we are finding creative ways of bringing them into the net. We are also looking at new ways to raise capital by bringing in more shareholders”.

enemy that is responsible for planting these thoughts would not standby and allow you get out of his grip. Thinking right thought, repositioning your thought in opposite direction delivers you from the hands of the task master.

You cannot think right thought without thinking Jesus thought.

Jesus thoughts have capacity to affect and correct other thoughts, he said “ the WORD I speak unto you they are Spirit and Life” (John 6:63). His words impact your life positively. He equally said, “I am the way the TRUTH and the life”) John 14:6). Jesus is the embodiment of truth. Deliberate efforts would have to be made to do this if we truly want a change in our situation. Time has to be made out to settle down to the word of Jesus. The ingestion of his word is the start of repositioning our thought, which consequently affect our lives. Our success in life and business emanates from thinking right thought.

So what are the few steps we must take to reposition our thoughts?

1.Recognition: Recognise that your thought in its present state requires a change. If you are not happy with your present state it is

prove-positive that your thoughts are due for a change.

2.Be Intentional: By reason of years of thinking stinking and negative thoughts, we have gotten accustom to such thoughts.

So we must be intentional on the type of thoughts that we permit.

Fearful thoughts, discouraging thoughts, depressing thoughts, suicidal thoughts are thoughts that come to us naturally , they must be vetted at all times and pushed aside.

3.Be violent; Getting rid of old rotten thoughts is not easy, the more you try to push them off, the more they seem to return back.

Such reaction is expected because you have aided them for so long that it becomes their natural habitat. However your insistence and violent attitude will give them no room to remain.

4.Be expectant: Like the saying is, the only incidence that is constant in life is CHANGE. Your present situation brought about by your present thought is subject to change. Be optimistic that a change has begun in your life as your thought changes by thinking Jesus thoughts.

Remain blessed. @spiritonomics

Thoughts of greatness of our lives. This design is in everyman that ever walked the face of this earth.

www.spiritonomics.org

ties and other liabilities decreased by 6.85 percent, 5.25 per cent and 5.89 per cent to N154.46 billion, N115.77 billion and N68.06 billion, respectively, at end-December 2016 from N165.83 billion, N122.18 billion and N72.32 billion at end-June 2015.

But the operators are not resting on their oars. They are building blocks and putting measures in place to engender growth of this fledgling sector in order to increase access and affordability, and by extension, enlarge the clan of homeowners in the country.

Unbundling of mortgage origination process, further reduction in loan origination period, introduction of computerised land titling registration, land title insurance, introduction of uniform underwriting standards (UUS) for informal sector, enactment of foreclosure law, and wider public awareness for the sector are part of the push by the operators for the growth of the sector.

Mortgage is a sub-sector of the economy and the operators are saying that since the larger economy is not doing well and the mortgage sector is not insulated from what is happening in the larger economy, what is happening to them is not unexpected.

“We know what happened to oil price and the forex market.

These have affected everything in the economy. In the case of oil,

Talking Mortgage

You will bear me witness that every fear we ever had, every discouragement that ever came, all came from within, from the realm of our thoughts. And every step of strength we ever took also came from the realm of our thought. It is glaring that this aspect of our lives is like the engine in a vehicle.

If it is absent or malfunctioning the vehicle is going nowhere.

From the beginning it was created original, untainted, clean, clear and without fault, until sin entered and corrupted it. Immediately every thought of man became wicked, evil, destructive, etc. This became the undoing of man. Since then man became a victim of discoloured and repressible thoughts.

A new thought life came as a result of the death and the resurrection of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. However, serious contention begins the moment we begin to think in line with the new life that Jesus brought. Why should there be oppositions or attacks against the right thought? Life after the fall of man is a fallen life. That is why you do not need to struggle to

think evil or for bad imaginations to come to your mind. Do not forget in the fallen world, bad news is good news. In fact if it is not bad, it is not news. To conceive or do evil is effortless, and the system even encourages compromise. You are strange if you do what is right.

Why would you disclose 10,000 dollar that you found when no one saw when you found it? The world system cannot fathom such concept, and you must be out of your mind to do that. There is a common proverb that says “Everyone is a thief when nobody is around”.

What a conclusion? This emanates from their thought life.

So why should we reposition our thought life? From various examples given already and also from our day to day activities, it is easy to keep failing in this life so long as you align your thoughts with that of this fallen world. For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Prov.23:7). Everyone in their present state is a direct reflection of their thoughts. You may not want to admit it but that is true.

The poverty, the penury, disappointment, the discouragement and failure are all products of the thoughts in your heart. You live your life from inside out. The

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Sunday 26 August 2018

SundayBusiness Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

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he one million dollar grant to the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) by t h e Af r i c a n Development Bank (AfDB) to restructure and strengthen its capacity in responding to emerging challenges comes as food-forthought to Nigerian farmers and the country at large.

Reinvigorating the bank would no doubt boost the nation’s economy as it would facilitate provision of raw materials needed by the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, it will conserve foreign exchange on importation, reduce unemployment and create more lucrative jobs and curb the effect of rural-urban migration.

According to Kabiru Adamu, CEO, Bank of Agriculture, “c o n s i d e r i n g t h e n a t i o n s teaming population and unemployment, under the agriculture revolution more l and w i l l b e c u l t i v a ted a s Nigeria has over 80 per cent arable land but unfortunately less than 40 per cent of the land

Property Logic With Akhigbe Dominic

BOA and easing access to agric loans is cultivated’’. One persisting challenge however, is how to recover such loans given out to farmers. The bank is still working to recover the N60 billion owed it by farmers. He said the intervention by AfDB was timely as the new BOA executives had inherited a lot of liabilities due largely to the failure of farmers to repay loans granted them.

It is on record that most of the beneficiaries are not willing to pay back the loan because they are seeing it as a national cake, but the bank has to make all efforts to recover all the money disbursed as loan to farmers.

The CEO explained that: “My team inherited a lot of liability from the previous management of BOA, a lot was done to clean their books and recover so many loans and the loan recovery exercise is still ongoing. The team has just finalised the 2016 outstanding accounts and work has commenced on the 2017 accounts, even at this a lot still need to be done to ensure a clean book.’’

One of the right steps taken so far is that BOA officials are always with the farmers now unlike before. This is meant to avoid diversion of funds and this will make farming a profitable venture for the farmers and they will repay the loan. This life line would re-engineer the bank to be more efficient and carry out its mandate for the benefit of farmers and the nation.

The bank has strengthened its risk framework in a way that farmers won’t just access loans freely as before due to adequate monitoring and constant evaluation.

The issues this laudable initiative raises are fundamental to sustainable national food security. What are the criteria used to identify the farmers that need the loans, in the first place?

Were there credible data on their performance and ability to repay such loans? Or were the loans given out on the basis of political patronage? How many of the beneficiaries are engaged in large scale farming? How many of them are involved in agronomy and what percentage is into animal husbandry? And how transparent are the processes of procurement of such loans?

Answers to these questions have become necessary if BOA is truly concerned in developing the new agenda that will ensure food security, job creation as well replace the ageing farmers with younger ones and make agriculture more attractive, as promised by Adamu. It is also noteworthy that BOA is into strategic collaborations with major stakeholders in the industry aimed at creating more jobs for the teaming youths and equip farmers for sustainable agricultural development.

These include the partnership with the Development Bank of Nigeria and Nigeria IncentiveBased Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending. Its benefit is that it will reinvigorate MSMEs as it involves risk-sharing arrangements. Another aspect of such partnerships was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with 30 business executives and officials from Germany Other modules adopted to meet its mandate include signing an e-banking agreement with the

SunTrust Bank using its existing 140 branches in the country to reach its farmer customers. “The bank will also provide Mobile Money Service, Merchant a n d Se t t l e m e n t Ac c o u n t s for e-transaction, deploy its innovative banking services and other complimentary e-banking services to simplify BOA services to its over one million farmers.”

It is noteworthy that BOA, Nigeria’s foremost agricultural and rural development finance institution was incorporated in 1972 as Nigerian Agricultural Bank before it transformed into the Bank of Agriculture Limited in October 2010. It is wholly owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria with 40 per cent of its shares held by Central Bank of Nigeria and 60 per cent by the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated.

Agriculture has since the precolonial times been identified as the main stay of the Nigerian economy, with agricultural produce abounding in every state of the federation. The challenges have always had to do with the limited capacity for processing and preservation.

Th e s e h a v e r e s u l t i n g i n huge lo s s e s a n d wa s t a g e s accounting for as much as 50-60% of farm produce. It was such observation that prompted the Bank of Industry (B0I) to establish the Cottage Agro-Processing (CAP) Fund to support the establishment of cottage agro-processing plants. They are to produce food products and raw materials for industries within and outside the Staple Crop Processing Zones (SCPZs) Bio agric processing fund. The

Fund ensures that anticipated risks are dimensioned and mitigated by its transaction structure. It enhances goodwill by supporting agricultural production, rural development and to create employment.

With the promise to grant support to over 2.5 million farmers nationwide during the cropping season, with inputs and certified seeds data capturing in addition to farm inspection for the participating farmers before the loan disbursement BOA is on the right track. But one’s concern is that there should be priority to the rural farmers. They are those who require support with tractors, harvesters, pesticides, high-yielding, disease-resistant and early-maturing seedlings.

The truth however, is that they require the services of farm extension workers who would educate and enlighten them on modern farming techniques include that of storage/preservation and processing. They would work with the farmers to ease their access to agric loans with single digit interest loans and make repayment stress free. Only these measures would sustain agricultural growth. The time to stop the importation of what we could produce locally is now.

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

The intrigues about land titles “The reason why men enter into society is the preservation of their property…”

--John Locke

J

ohn Locke FRS was an English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers and commonly known as the father of Liberalism (according to Wikipedia).

John Locke died in October 28th, 1704. His quote cited above came long before his demise. Today; this quote has become more relevant in the

narratives of property ownership with definite respect to Real Estate. No one demonstrates confident ownership of any Real Estate variable without an unencumbered Proof of ownership to same. This is what is clearly referred as Title. If otherwise done; such a fellow only wallops in the illusion of real ownership. It is in view of the above assertion that we would take a cursory look at THE INTRIGUES OF LAND TITLES as a welcome back pack for our various teaming readers who have unavoidably missed us in the last two months when we consolidated on other very important assignments thrown

at us by those who reposed confidence in our capacity to emancipate them from political emasculation.

Your darling Column that enriches your nomenclature with undiluted information about Real Estate and Property is back with new Property peps that are expected to help mitigate if not totally take away the usual harrowing hassles associated with procuring, disposing or managing your Real Estate derivatives.

Just keep hanging on to PropertyLogic Incorporated; your One Stop Property Information Mall.

PropertyLogic Incorporated is a huge community that can

serve as a profitable medium to reach your target audience. Do you doubt me? As far back as 2016, close to fifty thousand persons read a single write up titled: When Regularization does not come to the rescue on: www.govandbusinessjournal. com.ng /when-regularization-does-notcome-to-the-rescue/ We are even larger today. Just keep visiting www.govandbusinessjournal.com.ng/propertylogic Incorporated and do not hesitate to reach out to us when there is need to reach your business target audience.

Now, let hit the ground running

Sunday 26 August 2018

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EquityMarket CCNN, Cutix, 20 others beat bond yields as equities shed N676bn YTD ... Market rally hinges on effective elections management TELIAT SULE

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ement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN), Cutix and C & I Leasing led the table of companies whose share prices outperformed the bond and treasury bills yields as at the close of business on August 24, 2018. The share prices of the three companies recorded market returns to the tune of 225.3 percent, 100 percent and 93.8 percent year to date respectively.

Others are NEM which returned 80.7 percent; Fidson, 66.2 percent; Ikeja Hotel, 56.7 percent; Beta Glass, 52 percent; Eterna, 47.8 percent; Unity Bank, 39.6 percent; Caverton, 37.2 percent; AIICO, 34.6 percent and Custodian, 34.4 percent.

The list also has AXA Mansard, 32.1 percent.; NPF Microfinance Bank, 28 percent; Unilever, 28 percent; Learn Africa, 27.3 percent; ; FCMB, 23.6 percent; Sterling Bank, 22.2 percent, Stanbic IBTC, 19.3 percent, ETI, 17.6 percent; John Holt,16 percent and Wema Bank, 15.4 percent. Based on the data sourced from FMDQ Plc, the highest bond yield as at August 24 2018 stood at 14.97 percent while that of the treasury bills was 13.30

percent.

The yield is the income return on an investment, such as the interest or dividends received from holding a particular security, according to Investopedia. The yields and capital market returns help asset man-

agers to effectively allocate their funds on different asset classes with a view to getting maximum returns to investors.

On the flip side, Multiverse, FTN Cocoa and Courtville ended the week as the worst performing stocks year to date, each with a negative 60 percent returns YTD. These stocks are followed by NSL Tech, -58 percent; Cornerstone Insurance, -54 percent; Regency Alliance Insurance and Japaul Oil, -52 percent each; Sovereign Trust Insurance, -50 percent and Thomas Wyatt, -48 percent. Each of these stocks ended the period at less than 30 kobo per share.

“The stocks in question are outperforming the equity and money markets because of their financials which were impressive in the first half of the year”, Kemi Akinde, a senior analyst with Meristem Securities said.

CCNN realised N12.08 billion in

earnings in the first six months of 2018, representing 42 percent increase over N8.511 billion made at the end of June 2017. Finance costs fell by 62 percent from N78.588 million as at June 2017 to N30.967 million in June 2018. Profit after tax rose by 153 percent from N1.029 billion in June 2017 to N2.603 billion in June 2018.

Cutix made N5.06 billion revenue at half year 2018, translating to a 38 percent increase over N3.68 billion made same period in 2017. Profit before tax increased by 79 percent from N370.14 million last year June to N661.56 million by June this year. Profit after tax jumped by 71 percent to N440.29 million in June 2018 in contrast to N257.50 million realised by the same company in June 2017. Its earnings per share rose from 29 kobo in June last year to 50 kobo this year’s June.

C & I Leasing increased its gross earnings by 10 percent from

N11.55 billion in June 2017 to N12.78 billion same period this year. Profit after tax rose by 17 percent from N580.03 million to N682.15 million during the period.

To analysts at the United Capital, the prominence of penny stocks on the table of equities that outperformed the capital and money market returns may not necessarily be connected to their half year results but due to the increased activities of local retail investors.

“It is a pity that notable stocks with very impressive half year results are not outperforming the market currently except the penny stocks which are not attractive to foreign and institutional investors because their market capitalisation is thin and transactions in their shares are very low. They are only attractive to local retail investors.

When conditions are favourable again, market rally will start from the well-capitalised stocks which are naturally attractive to foreign and institutional investors”, Kayode Tinuoye, head, research department at the United Capital, said.

“The downward trend in the market will reverse when major investors are confident that the political risks around the forthcoming general elections are effectively managed”, Tinuoye added.

The All Share Index (ASI) closed last Friday at 35,430.68 points representing 0.47 percent week to date gain and -7.35 percent year to date negative returns. In the same manner, the market capitalisation of listed equities closed at N12.93 trillion which amounted to N58.38 billion appreciation in the values of equities week to date and a loss of N676.17 billion in market capitalisation year to date.

Among the sub sectoral indexes, only the NSE Premium Index closed in the positive territory at 1.66 percent YTD. The components of the NSE Premium Index are FBN Holdings, Seplat, UBA, Wapco, Access Bank, Zenith Bank and Dangote Cement.

Ecobank appoints Mayilamene, Anan-Ankomah as group executives

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cobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) the Lome-based parent comp a n y o f t h e Ec o b a n k Group has announced the appointment of Yves Mayilamene as group executive, human resources, following the resignation of Julie Essiam early this year. His appointment took effect immediately.

As a member of the group executive committee, he will report directly to the Group CEO. Prior to this appointment, Yves Mayilamene was the deputy group head of human resources and head of human resources for Ecobank Nigeria.

Yves Mayilamene joined Ecobank in 2012 with more than 15 years of experience covering all aspects of Human Resources in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.

He started his professional career with British American Tobacco (BAT) as a graduate trainee and held different senior HR positions there in Congo, Switzerland, Senegal and Kenya. He then joined the Telecom industry in 2006 to become the Chief Human Resources Officer – Francophone Africa for Celta/ Zain and in 2010, he was appointed Chief Human Resources Officer Africa for Airtel, covering 17 countries.

Yves Mayilamene holds a Master degree in Economics, Finance and Management (Commercial Engineer) from the University of Mons in Belgium and various executive certificates and diploma in leadership, change management and other Human Resources related fields.

Similarly, ETI has appointed Josephine Anan-Ankomah as group

executive, commercial banking with immediate effect. This appointment follows an internal recruitment process. As a member of the group executive committee, Josephine Anan-Ankomah will report to the Group CEO.

The position of group executive, commercial banking became vacant following the appointment of Laurence do Rego to the position of Senior Advisor in the Group CEO’s Office. Prior to this appointment, Josephine

Yves Mayilamene

Josephine Anan-Ankomah

Anan-Ankomah was the Managing Director of Ecobank Gambia.

Josephine Anan-Ankomah is a well-rounded banker with over 25 years’ experience within Ecobank, having joined Ecobank Ghana in 1992 as a Treasury Officer. She has held various senior positions within the bank, such as Regional Treasurer in several affiliates of the Group, Chief Operating Officer at regional level, Head of Corporate Strategy and Business Development (Ecobank Ghana) and Deputy Head - Investment Banking Group (Ecobank Ghana).

Josephine Anan-Ankomah holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Ghana and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology from the same university. She is also a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants of Ghana.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

LG Electronics says future-oriented products with AI taking the lead DANIEL OBI

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he world is today experiencing a rapid shift in technological advancement, with the introduction of various smart devices that are helping to direct the affairs of humans to achieve seamless operation. Most people would agree that technology is no doubt getting smarter every day, which in reality is contributing to making everyday life experience worth the while. With today’s smart technology, companies all over the world are exploring the possibility of using video streams and highspeed computer analytics to monitor and analyze in-store activities based on footage garnered from the security footage. We are already in the era where everything around us is being shaped by artificial intelligence and smart learning.

Interestingly, according to LG Electronics in a statement, modern day smart devices would have to rely on the superior technology of Artificial Intelligence to remain relevant for today’s’ users who are totally dependent on technology to drive their daily activities.

Consumers across the world have grown accustomed to using smart technology in their daily lives, so they have set higher standards for their next generation devices. The smartphone revolution has also planted the seeds for new types of smart technology to emerge. The ongoing Internet of Things revolution owes a great deal to the inroads made by smartphones. Fans of smart cars, smart homes and advanced wearables all have smartphones to thank for taking the technology mainstream. LG said it origi-

nally embraced the global growth of smartphones by releasing mid-tier handsets alongside its more advanced flagship devices. This lineup of more affordable smartphones implemented the intuitive UX of LG’s more advanced devices.

However, LG says it has continued to innovate and push boundaries as consumers across the world look to upgrade to the smartphone of the future. The IoT era is indeed a massive leap forward for consumers with its mobile-centric devices and progressive technolo-

gies that empower users to achieve their set objectives.

Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Taeick Son said in the statment: “Our commitment in ensuring that products from LG are usually consumer-oriented and can easily be adapted seamlessly would never be compromised. The era we are in, there is a lot of positive technological disruption currently going all thanks to Artificial Intelligence, and it is our duty to see that our consumers get smarter with our products.”

He said LG has invested

heavily in smart technology and DeepThinQ AI solutions, extending connectivity to its entire appliance lineup for 2018 and beyond. Every LG appliance with SmartThinQ is built on an open platform, which means they’ll work with evolving smart technologies and devices for years to come. This goes beyond expanded compatibility to include the ability to partner with third party AI platforms that will allow appliances to function effectively on their own or work seamlessly in tandem with smart networks in conjunction with devices from other manufacturers Tablets and PCs are also set to feel the effects of this revolution in smart technology as traditional technology is replaced by unified devices that can quickly scale from a smartphone to a PC. The push for unified devices will remake everything we know about smartphones by forcing radical changes to iOS and Android, the two most popular user interfaces.

While these predictions are far from certain, the trends that inspired them are already influencing innovation in smart technology.

“With a product lineup LG is well poised to take advantage of the upcoming changes in the smart tech-

nology market. In addition, the nature of smartphone displays is one of the primary reasons consumers have become dissatisfied with the technology as a whole”.

Until recently, smart technology has been so closely linked to smartphones that many believed the two were synonymous. However, recent advances and the continued march of wearable technology is set to broaden our definition of smart technology. It should come as little surprise that as more and more devices become smart, the average consumer is expected to own more and more smart devices. Next generation smart devices with Heightened Connectivity are highly in-demand today owing to the fact that most consumers who live their lives on the fast lane are increasingly seeking to stay ahead on all fronts.

As the world continues to evolve, human daily experiences would continue to tilt towards technological trends designed to help them live a smarter and more fulfilled life, achieving a lot within a short time. LG Electronics array of products is a pointer to the fact that, the company is very much interested in helping consumers live life smarter everyday

Esan youths acquire skills to boost human capital development in Edo state

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he graduation of Esan youths from Petroleum Training I n s t i t u t e ( PT I ) ,

Effurun, Delta State with international certification in welding and fabrication and the induction of another

batch to commence a ninemonth training are parts of the various milestones in the journey to Esanland capacity

L-R (In suit): Barrister Matthew Egbadon, immediate past president, Association of Esan Professionals; Godwin Obaseki, executive governor of Edo State and Sam Obaze, current president Association of Esan Professionals, flanked by beneficiaries of the skill acquisition scheme sponsored by the association, during a courtesy visit to Government House Benin city recently.

building and industrialization championed by the As s o c i a t i o n o f Es a n Professionals (AEP).

Fr o m i n c e p t i o n i n 2001, the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) was clearly focused on empowering Esan people through rapid social and economic development of Esanland, mobilizing and facilitating youths and human capital development as well as fostering the spirit of unity and a sense of oneness among all Esan people.

The founding President o f A E P, Ch i e f La w s o n Omokhodion enthused about mobilizing “Esan business elite towards developing the investment opportunities in Esanland” therein providing a platform for sharing best practices and a crossfertilization of ideas on how to deal with critical developmental challenges

facing Esanland.

The EEEW was hosted in turns, on a rational basis by the five Local Government Areas (LGA) that make up Esanland, namely; Esan West LGA, Ekpoma; Esan North East LGA, Uromi; Esan Central LGA, Irrua; Esan South East, Ubiaja; and Igueben LGA, Igueben respectively.

In continuation of the capacity building in agricbusiness and vocational opportunities, AEP again collaborated with Uhiele Farms Training Centre (UFTC) promoted

by Charles Osezua. The process commenced with a train-the-trainer programme, who was then enrolled in Shongai Farms Centre, Port Novo, Benin Republic to acquire requisite skills and henceforth, train participants.

At t h e g r a d u a t i o n ceremony of the first batch of trainees held at

PTI Conference Centre in Effurun recently, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki who was represented by the Commisssioner for Ed u c a t i o n , Em m a n u e l Agbale, eulogized AEP for this noble project being the first of its kind in Edo State.

He assured the graduands of the Edo State Government support and urged them to upload their curriculum vitae (CV) on Government job portal.

The Principal and Chief Executive of the institute, Sunny Iyuke, through the Director of Research and Development,. Umoh commended AEP for the laudable initiative of the training. He likened the programme to the Malaysian model for capacity building, poverty alleviation and economic independence and called on other bodies to emulate the Association of Esan Professionals.

Sunday 26 August 2018

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Arts The power of arts: Montaigne Place offers artistic backdrop for ‘aesthetic selfies’ Stories by OBINNA EMELIKE

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or a few months now, the Entrance 2 at The Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki, Lagos, has become an attraction for many shoppers, celebrities and residents alike because of a mini art gallery, which Montaigne Place has created with its space at the mall.

The main attraction is a beautifully installed 8ft by 10ft oil painting. The artwork, which is tagged ‘Forever Yours’ overlooks the parking lot at Entrance 2 of the mall where the store is located, and has also become a perfect artistic backdrop for selfies for celebrities and social media aficionados.

Obviously, the painting, with its sheer size, has completely transformed the outdoor area into a centerpiece for art lovers, art enthusiasts, curators and more. The installation, Forever Yours examines and celebrates the

Tolu Aliki, the artist; Alali Hart, MD, Montaigne Place, and Uti Nwachukwu, at the launch of the Urban Art Series few months ago at The Palms in Lekki. The backdrop is the 8ft by 10ft oil painting.

essence of commitment and love for the people we care about and those who care about us.

Beyond the outdoor oil painting, Montaigne Place further entices its customers with more beautiful paintings that adore the interior of the

leading luxury fragrance, skincare, cosmetics and lifestyle company, offering customers values beyond the products they buy at the luxury beauty retail outlet at The Palms Mall.

While taking selfies, visitors easily notice the auto-

graph of the artist who created the works and appreciate him accordingly.

Of course, the mastermind behind the painting is Tolu Aliki, a renowned contemporary artist known for high standard of understanding and application of

colours, depth of content and aesthetic beauty. The uniqueness and originality of his work give them the flair and authenticity no art lover could resist.

These are the qualities that made Montaigne Place to engage Aliki in the maiden edition of its Urban Art Series, which it launched a few months ago.

The series is a platform to bring modern and contemporary works of Nigerian artists by commissioning and installing artworks for free access and viewing to the public; a stunning venture, which has won the hearts of many from the start.

As well, the Urban Art Series was conceived by Alali Hart, managing director of Montaigne Place, and its essence stretches far beyond corporate social responsibility.

The business mogul is grateful that from the launch of the maiden edition, the artwork has taken a life of its own and is fast becoming the go-to spot for many visiting the mall.

The rationale for the art

project is obvious and sustainable. “We were looking to excite creative dialogues while providing a sort of reprieve and we are very excited that it has become an amazing phenomenon to everyone. For us, this infers we achieved the main goal of its commission”, she says.

Aside that, creative arts has always been a part of Montaigne Place, which is clearly exhibited in its extravagant and sublime creations from some of the world’s greatest artists; therefore, an art development project designed to give back to the community is not far-fetched for the leading luxury brand.

Beyond Aliki’s works, Montaigne Place aims to continue to promote and team up with talented artists using its different outlets across the country to provide free access to fine works of art for public leisure and fun.

However, the artworks are still inspiring shoppers at Entrance 2 of the mall, visit to see, get inspired and also take selfies.

Premier Records leads reggae lovers in Tribute Night for Ras Kimono

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n Monday August 20, 2018, lovers of reggae music gathered at Freedom Park, Lagos for the Night of Tribute for Augustine Okeleke Onwubuya, popularly known as Ras Kimono, the legendary reggae music icon who passed on at the age of 60.

Despite the heavy downpour and the Lagos traffic, the crowd of mourners thronged the venue of the tribute night organised by Premier Music in conjunction with Freedom Park to pay their respect to their idol.

Just as Kimono would have wanted it as a free minded and jolly good fellow, it was music, dance and inspirational words about the life and times of the great legend.

Aside the songs of Kimono professionally rendered

by Covenant Child, a reggae on-air-personality, the tribute song by Righteousman, veteran reggae star, rent the air as the crowd with the trademark whistle of Kimono, whistled as they danced.

While welcoming everyone and opening the floor for a deluge of tributes, Mike Odiong, project manager, Premier Music, said, “The Ras kimono I know would not tolerate a dull moment. He will forever remain in our hearts.

He was one of the most char-

ismatic and cherished artistes on our brand. We closely worked with him for over 30 years with four albums to his credit. He has always been there for us. We are supposed to do his 35 years on stage but we would still do it regardless of his passing on”.

Representing the motion picture industry, top filmmaker, producer, Zik Zulu Okafor said: “I stand here on behalf of Nollywood. I have known Kimono since 1990. Kimono was not only a musician, his philosophy was deep. It is a personal tragedy for me. But I am glad his songs, which are timeless will speak to generations to come.”

As well, Bola Brown who spoke on behalf of Freedom Park, said, “I have known Kimono when I was a DJ at the Floating Buka Restaurant.

Kimono was the only old school artiste that supports new artistes. To keep his legacy alive, I am suggesting a foundation be set up. We will follow that up. His music is evergreen.”

For Dezign, he was happy to meet his dream legend, he had been admiring from childhood. “Ras Kimono never discriminated against anyone”.

With his full paraphernalia of office, Ras Edu Dicksons, national grand patron of Rastas in Nigeria and Africa, said; “I am the father of the Rastas

Raggae family at the night of tribute for Ras Kimono

in Nigeria. It is difficult to come to terms with the death of my son. I have been in town all week long to see that my son is laid to rest. I am not scared because I know kimono is not dead, he has only flown to Zion. For his prophetic philosophy, lifestyle and humility, four years ago, I gave him an award, ‘First Reggae Royal Prophet.’ He has been a prophet a long time ago. If you notice none of the big prophets have lived for a long time. I am here to make sure that my son is put to rest. May he rest in the bosom of Jah Rastafari”.

“He was a very honest person. Kimono is one of the most hardworking, disciplined and honest of all the artistes that I have worked with. He was not a regular artiste, he would have been a multi millionaire but he never was because he was driven by his principle and philosophy”, Eddy Lawani said.

Sam Okoro, a longtime friend of Kimono, and artiste who flew in few hours from Atlanta, U.S recalled the bond whenever he comes to the United States. “He does not put money on anything he does. He was featured in a yet to be released wonderful

gospel song with an American based gospel artistes. I only go out whenever he comes around. My daughter uses as screen saver a photo she took with Kimono. He will surely be missed.”

Ben Okoro: “His humility was unsurpassed. He had his first outing in University of Lagos. He was a honourary member of the reggae international club, UNILAG.” Dede Mabiaku, Fela’s protégée, said, “Kimono’s passing should be a sign for us.

Kimono’s life is a symbol of our truth. If we have good medical professionals and facilities, Kimono would have been alive.

The hospital he was rushed to was waiting for N2.5 million and they kept him for a long

time. By the time they got the money, it was late. They were only interested in collecting money. If we all keep on keeping quiet nothing will change.

Kimono changed the face of the music industry. In your life never deny the great one his last wish”.

Shivering and in tears, Oge Kimono, daughter of the late icon said, “It is really tough, it is still a shock. We are just keeping strong, trying our best to celebrate him. No one has said anything bad about him. Kimono stood for equality, unity, peace and love.”

Others at the well attended event included; Gloria Ibru, Angel Zigzag, Zeb Ejiro, Mike Nliam, Zubby Enebeli, among others.

John Madu, multidisciplinary artist, with guests at the recent Artyrama exhibition of Madu’s work, “Identity Tones”, in Lagos.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

Arts Olumide Onadipe still connects the dots at Temple Muse with new works

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OBINNA EMELIKE lumide Onadipe, Nigeria’s fast rising visual artist, is still connecting the dots with his thoughtprovoking works.

Since May 14, 2018, the artist has been exhibiting his new works titled ‘Connecting Dots’ at Temple Muse in Victoria Island, Lagos, offering art lovers, collectors and the general public opportunity to see, appreciate and also acquire works that generously display the artist’s creative ingenuity.

The exhibition, which is entering its last week of display (August 30, 2018), is in celebration of Temple Muse’s 10th anniversary, and features paintings and sculptures by Olumide Onadipe in a solo outing.

Curated by SMO Contemporary Art, the exhibition reflects over 40 of Onadipe’s thought-provoking works, which show amazing artistic dexterity, sensitivity, and breadth in tackling urgent issues of global consumerism against the backdrop of daunting environmental pressures facing millions of

Portrait of Olumide Onadipe

Africans everyday.

Some of the works include; Conflict of Thoughts, Le t t e r Se r i e s , P y r a m i d Scheme, Inverted Series, The Watchers, among others, which give viewers the impetus to be more open to self-discovery and experimentation.

His signature sculptures, made from up-cycled and

re-purposed plastic shopping bags, water sachets, juice packs, cement bags and newspapers are presented alongside his paintings, which are a continuation of his eclectic palette of rich materiality and textural freedom, showing human forms emerging out of intricate tangles of roots and leaves.

Connecting the Dots ex-

poses the different layers of Onadipe’s artistic personality in which he grapples with identity and migration vis-àvis a universal yearning for global citizenship and communication across a world of bold color. Onadipe’s interpretation of these universal themes are presented through the tying, knotting, folding and melting of vibrant

re-purposed materials used to create striking sculptures with life size legs and geometric shaped torsos and heads. They are a powerful counterpoint to the delicate brushstrokes of his paintings depicting human forms yearning towards emotional harmony and environmental balance.

Explaining why the exhibition is a must-see, Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, artistic director of SMO and curator of the exhibition, said, “In Connecting the Dots we see an artist who boldly questions the status-quo, and whose art has swept him to the very cusp of the rising tide of contemporary art coming out of Nigeria. His expression is in-sync with the aspirations of millions of Nigerian youth trying to seek better livelihoods within a totally overburdened natural and political ecosystem.”

According to Onadipe, whose work is referenced against Africa’s rich history, “The materials I explore, polythene bags, newspapers, jute and cement bags, electrical cables, ink, paint, wood, and metal reflect “ordinary” Nigerian life and question our consumerism,”

It surprises the artist that Africa, a continent that supports the economy of the rest of the world, now has need for support and her citizens; a people of earliest inventors and inventions, have become consumers.

In seeming appraisal of Onadipe’s work, Jess Castellote, art critic, noted that, “For those of us who have followed him for more than a decade, his new works do not present themselves as a surprise or a rupture, but as an evolution and deepening of ideas and formal solutions.”

“He is finding an aesthetic vocabulary and a formal language that allows him work with ideas and meanings in a much more forceful way.”

Onadipe graduated with a Bachelors’ degree in painting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2008 and earned his Masters’ of Fine Art in 2012 from the University of Lagos. He has taken part in numerous exhibitions in the United Kingdom, Ghana, and Nigeria and is in important local and international collections.

Connecting the Dots is supported by VeuveClicquot, and runs through August 30, 2018.

Again, FCMB supports Ijebu cultural heritage at Ojude Oba Festival 2018

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ver the public holiday, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited threw its weight behind the 2018 edition of the annual Ojude Oba Festival.

The bank, which has sustained its sponsorship of the festival over a decade now, urged Nigerians to sustain the country’s cultural heritage in order to boost tourism and its associated benefits.

According to the bank, this will go a long way to educate and inspire generations about the history of Nigeria, the people and values, while also fast-tracking the efforts of the government to diversify the economy.

Speaking at the festival, which took place at IjebuOde in Ogun State on August 23, 2018, the bank, which has been a major sponsor of the festival over the years, pledged its commitment to ensuring the festival’s success.

As well, the bank used the occasion of the festival to offer exciting and rewarding experiences, including excellent products and services to thousands of people within and outside the country that graced the cultural fiesta.

The Ojude Oba (which in Ijebu dialect means, the king’s fore-court or frontage) is a major festival in Nigeria that began over 100 years ago.

It brings together all sons and daughters of Ijebuland in Nigeria and diaspora for a carnival-like celebration of the traditional, cultural, spiritual accomplishments and other values of the Ijebu nation. During the festival, various age groups (popularly known as the Regberegbes), indigenes, their friends and associates from far and near all in their colourful costumes and riding on horses - throng the palace of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland to pay homage to him amid prayers and other fun-filled activities.

In a goodwill message to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona on the occasion of this year’s festival, Olasubomi Balogun, founder of FCMB Group, who is also the Olori OmoOba AkileIjebu, expressed his gratitude to the Awujale of Ijebuland, especially considering the paramount ruler’s selflessness in attending to the different requests and yearnings of the people of Ijebuland.

Balogun commended Oba Adetona for his distinguished and exemplary leadership over the years, which has continued to endear him to Ijebu people.

“I sincerely appreciate the amazing grace of the same Almighty God we share together, much more for spar-

ing our lives to celebrate yet another Ojude Oba Festival.

The festival provides us the opportunity to gather, pay homage and demonstrate our affection for a very unique monarch, an exceptional father figure and the paramount ruler who has continued to endear himself to his people.

Apart from being the Olori Ebi (the head of the family, by the grace of Almighty God and interestingly not in contest by all who admire the grace of our God), as your Olori OmoOba (the head of princes and princesses), I will continue to lead the way in showing our appreciation by being very close to you and showing my total loyalty to you’’.

While congratulating the entire indigenes of Ijebu-

land, the FCMB founder also prayed that the monarch’s reign would, ‘’continue to be filled with many more years of joy, good health and satisfaction in all that you endeavour to do for your people both at home and in the diaspora’’.

In the same vein, Ladi Balogun, group chief executive, FCMB Group Plc., congratulated the monarch for upholding the values of Ijebuland and raising the status of the event over the years. He reiterated the commitment of the financial institution to the longevity of the Ojude Oba Festival. ‘’For all true sons and daughters of Ijebuland, the Ojude Oba Festival is more than an event for us. It has become a long-standing yearly

tradition we look forward to as a unifying platform and a tourist attraction. For over a century, the festival has become an internationally acclaimed event that has gone a long way to promote our cultural heritage and further unify humanity. As a socially responsible corporate citizen, we recognise that respect for our heritage is important as a catalyst of cultural diversity and a guarantee of sustainable development’’, he said.

Balogun added that, ‘’The Ojude Oba Festival, for us at FCMB, is not just another event. It is a pride to us; being a major platform through which we connect with the community and promote our nation’s diversity through

L-R: Olori Abimbola Balogun; Subomi Balogun, founder, FCMB; Bukola Saraki, Senate President and Special Guest of Honour and Oba Sikiru Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland at the Ojude Oba Festival 2018.

purposeful partnership. The annual display of rich cultural heritage via the festival attracts tourists from across the globe and Ijebu indigenes in the diaspora, boosting trade and the hospitality sector in the region. It is time to begin to see the Ojude Oba Festival as a fulcrum to inspire individuals, awaken their entrepreneurial spirit and encourage the birthing of other endeavours that stimulate development in a sustainable manner’’.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) is a member of FCMB Group Plc, which is one of the leading financial services institutions in Nigeria with subsidiaries that are market leaders in their respective segments. Having successfully transformed to a retail and commercial banking-led group, FCMB expects to continue to distinguish itself by delivering exceptional services, while enhancing the growth and achievement of the personal and business aspirations of its customers.

Beyond being a crowd puller for tourists, the festival also attracted top politicians including, Bukola Saraki, Senate President/special guest of honour, Toyin, his wife, Saraki; Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State, Ben Murray Bruce, Dino Melaye, senators, among others.

Sunday 26 August 2018

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BDSUNDAY 39

Kiddies

The Tiger and the traveller O ne day the villagers caught a tiger by setting a trap, and placed him inside a cage. They placed the edge by the side of the road for the people to see the wicked tiger who had so far killed many cattle and children by suddenly attacking the villagers.

The tiger was now in real problem. He was not given any food nor any drink. He requested each and every passer­by to release him, promising that he would not kill his rescuer. But no one believed the ferocious animal.

At last, a kind traveller agreed to help the tiger, after the latter promised not to kill him. But as

soon as the tiger was released, he wanted to kill the man. The man pleaded for life, reminding the animal of his promise. But the animal did not want to listen to his prayer. He said, “I am hungry, and you are my prey. How I can let you go?”

Meanwhile, a fox happened to come there. He heard everything from both the parties, and said, “I don’t believe that such a big tiger could fit in that small cage.”

The tiger said, “Let me show how I was locked in the cage.”

So saying, he entered the cage.

And the sly fox at once closed the door of the cage, and went away with the traveller

The hare and his many friends

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here lived a Hare in a forest. He had many friends.

He believed that they would help him in his danger.

On e d a y, t h e h a r e w a s chased by a ferocious dog. He ran fast to save his life. On the way, he met his old friend, the bull, whom he asked to worry the dog and save his life. The bull said, “Friend, I’m very busy now.

I must meet my wife who is waiting for me on the bank of the river. You’ve many other friends in this forest. Any one of them will help you, I’m sure.”

Saying so the bull left the hare now met another old friend, the horse, whom he asked to drive away the dog.

The horse said, “Friend, I am very busy now. I’m looking for my lost child in the forest. So, I am going, but I am sure, any other friend of yours will definitely help you.” The horse too galloped away.

The hare then requested to a few more friends, such as the buffalo, the zebra, and some other strong animals. But each one turned down his request on some plea or the other.

Now the dog was so near as to catch him. Finding no other way to save his life, the hare entered into a hole which he noticed nearby. As the dog did not see the hare, he went back.

Moral: One real friend is better than too many false friends.

Students of King Emmanuel Progressive College Ayobo, Lagos performing choreography during their graduation ceremony held recently.

Literature class Knowledge for us

What is air?

Air is what we breathe. Air is what support’s life on planet Earth. Air is what the plants need to grow. The air is all around us. In fact, air surrounds planet Earth like a blanket. Also known as the Earth’s atmosphere, the air is made up of many gases like oxygen, carbon-dioxide, nitrogen, trace elements like chlorine, sulphur and fluorine. It also has traces of water in the form of water vapour.

Can we see air?

We cannot see air as it is made up of colourless gases.

In fact, nitrogen, a colourless gas, is made for 78 percent of the air that we breathe.

Hence, no colour is reflected and we cannot see air with the naked eye. We can, however, experience the presence of air around us in the movement of objects like trees, clothes and flags, which move or bend in the direction of winds and breezes.

Why do we sweat?

By sweating, the body regulates body temperature. When the body gets heated, then we sweat and release moisture in the form of tiny droplets of water that cools the body as it evaporates. We also set to release substances that our body does not require.

Our body, usually gets rid of waste material through urine and excreta and through the nose (in case of a bad cold). Sometimes, when this is not enough, the waste material is released through sweat. Sweat can also smell strongly depending on our diet and state of health. The maximum number of sweat glands is found on the palms and soles – almost 3,000 to the square inch, six times as much when compared to the rest of the body.

How is wind generated?

Some parts of the earth receive direct rays from the sun throughout the year and the air is always warm.

Other places receive less sunlight. So the air is cooler.

Wind is generated when air comes into motion. Warm air weighs less than cold air and thus above. Then, cool air moves in and replaces the rising warm air. This movement of air results in winds.

Is light white in colour?

White is not the fundamental colour of light, but is a spectrum of many colours.

This was aptly demonstrated by the great scientist Newton . He passed white through a prism and observed that the white beam of light split into a band of many colours.

How does a rainbow form ?

A marvel of nature., the

rainbow is an arc of light composed of a spectrum of colours, such as, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. These colours make up the sun’s white light. A rainbow is seen when the sun shines after the rain. When sunlight passes through a raindrop, it bends and scatters into its band of colours. These colours are then reflected from the back of the raindrop. These colors bend again as they pass through the front of the raindrop, and hence the curved rainbow is formed.

Why does water dry out in puddles?

When the sun shines, the water in the puddles changes its physical form from liquid to gas. This process is called evaporation. Hence, we say that water evaporates from the puddles, and changes to water vapour that mixes with the air. This is the same principle that also works when we dry our wet clothes in the sun.

How can we see our image in the mirror?

Mirrors have surfaces that are extremely smooth and polished. When light falls on such surfaces, it bounces back or reflects completely.

So, reflected by us bounces back from the mirror surface, and we see our clear image.

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Bliss with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo

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Sunday 26 August 2018

Email: chiwuagwu@yahoo.com Phone number (sms only) 08057511893

Music can’t stop me from being a neurosurgeon - Kbaby

Why I became a gospel artiste – Righteousman

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eteran artiste, Righteousman is doing more of gospel music at the moment but just a few might know there was a time the artiste was more of a conscious music artiste.

In a chat with Bliss recently, the musician however explained he was not really a ‘secular’ musician even before now.

“There was a shift in my music and it wasn’t because I was singing songs that weren’t good. I have never done sex and gang music all my life. I have always been a conscious artiste singing about the life of the common man.

I still do that kind of music anyway.

When you see things going bad around you, you don’t have to wait for the secular artistes to do something about it first, you have to talk about it first.

“Before now, I was doing 30 percent gospel music and 70 per cent conscious music. But now, I do 90 percent gospel and 10 per cent conscious music.”

Righteousman revealed that his name was another reason behind the kind of songs he had to make.

“I didn’t just follow the route, it was a call. I grew up loving Jesus. My name

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too was another thing. I was caged. I cannot be called Righteousman and be doing an unrighteous thing. I needed to heed my calling.”

Even as he is into gospel music, Righteousman explained that he is not struggling commercially but has become more successful.

“We are not selling tomatoes. However, I have never been a commercial artiste. I have been playing music for almost three decades. In all these, I have never done anything to sound like this or that person. I have never done anything because it is trending.

“Now that I do gospel, life has been great. There have been a lot of testimonies. You know that in our industry, so many people live fake lives. But that is not me. I can even jump okada. God has been faithful. In fact, I am even more successful now that I am doing gospel. I travel all over the world anytime I want to and I tour the world with Jesus music.”

Few years ago, the artiste dropped a video titled ‘No’, which featured so many Nigerian artistes.

Explaining the reason the video didn’t trend as many had expected, Righteousman blamed it on “Nigerian System” .

“It didn’t trend because this system didn’t allow it.

You have something good and because there weren’t naked girls dancing in the video, people didn’t trend. If we had added such, within a week we would have hit one million views. When you have a conscious music, TV and radio stations will not play it. I don’t think I have such money to give to a presenter or a TV owner to air my music,” he said.

Artistes unite for Ras Kimono

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t was an incredible show of love earlier in the week in Lagos during the tribute night organised for the late music icon, Ras Kimono.

Organised and held at the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) house in Ikeja Lagos, artistes who even before now, had

differences, showed up to honour the late Kimono.

Many would have thought that Oritz Wiliki, the chairman of Music Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), would be the last person to visit COSON house but the veteran artiste was there to pay his last respect to Kimono irrespective of the differences between the two copyright societies Talking about the late legend, The MCSN chairman had said, “Ras Kimono was an easy going man who was always full of energy. He was a jolly good fellow who hardly had an enemy. We were always together every day. We were together till his final hours on earth.”

Several other artistes paid their tributes in glowing terms as they all honoured the late icon.

And as soon as veteran artiste, Majek Fashek climbed the stage, the tempo of the tribute night changed as the reggae icon sang and danced and carried everybody along.

Some other artistes who performed on stage include Essence and Righteousman.

hukwukeayem Okoro is an 11 year- old artiste who wants to take over the music industry with her music.

Fondly called Kbaby, which is also her stage name, the young lady has said her love for music will not deter her from being a neurosurgeon, which she aspires to be in future.

“Music cannot affect my studies. Even if they say a man cannot serve two masters at a time, I know how to manage my music and my education. I would want to be a neurosurgeon when grow up. Being a neurosurgeon will not mean that my life would be all about the brain. Omawumi is a lawyer and also a musician. Dr. Sid is a doctor as well as an artiste.

I can also be a doctor and an artiste,” she enthused.

With her debut single titled, Peace, Kbaby said music comes effortlessly to her.

“I started singing when I was much younger. I actually started singing when I was eight years old. I do afro pop and inspirational music. What really inspired me was my love for literature. However, if I were to read a piece of a literature book, I would rather sing it than read. I did it for years.

So somebody saw me singing a literature and felt I have a talent for music and I should

harness it.”

Kbaby said her parents weren’t so comfortable with her going professional at first.

“Initially, my mother was sceptical about it. However she decided to encourage me. Now I have so many songs.”

At the moment, Kbaby has mastered the act of music and performance that she doesn’t get cowed performing on stage.

“I don’t get stage fright. Each time I am on stage, I dance, I enjoy myself. I carry people along.”

She also revealed who her role models are.

“My role models are Fela Kuti when it comes to music and Ben Carson when it comes to neurosurgery.”

Mr. P, Bovi gather for Sujimoto training

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nother side of the lives of some celebrities was seen recently as they gathered in Lagos for a one day internship and mentorship program organised by Sujimoto Construction.

The likes of Peter Okoye and comedian, Bovi, recounted their days of humble beginnings to young Nigerians who were eager to listen and assimilate how these stars grew to stardom.

Speaking with the CEO of Sujimoto, Sijibomi Ogundele, he said the event was part of the company’s CSR initiative, aimed at equipping Young Nigerians to be self-sufficient and reminding them of their true potential.

“This event is about inspiration. I wanted us to create an event that inspires young generation. Without mentorship, people might miss their road to their destination. That’s why we invited people from

different facets to talk to these young people and remind them that they can reach where they are going,” he said.

Mr. Ogundele shared his success story with the students and took them through the creative process of the Sujimoto brand, using their company’s recent project in Banana Island – The GiulianoBySujimoto, as a case-study.

The event was chaired by Chief Dele Momodu, who compared the Sujimoto entrepreneurship story with the Ovation vision.

Sunday 26 August 2018

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Life&Living Sylvia: A tale of love, betrayal, obsession unravel when dreams come alive

D IFEOMA OKEKE

reams are said to be succession of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.

Although the content and purpose of dreams are not fully understood, they have been a topic of scientific, philosophical and religious interest throughout recorded history.

In the movie, ‘Sylvia’, dreams come alive, when Chris Attoh, the protagonist who plays the role of Richard starts to see his ‘abandoned’ dream lover haunting him in real life.

Time and life goes on leaving Richard in a dicey situation. He is now faced with the decision on a future and full commitment, either to the real world with its demands or the surreal world that houses an increasingly frustrated Sylvia. Events unfold leading Richard on a downward spiral. The movie ends shockingly and unforgettably.

The 104minutes movie, while focusing on the cause and effect nature of relationships, mental health and the real versus the surreal world with this compelling story, Richard exists between the real world and a fantasy world; home to his friend and lover Sylvia (Zainab Balogun).

The movie no doubt is one to excite viewers with a tale of love, lust, betrayal and obsession. It is a movie covered in mystery, confusion and obsession.

In delving into the supernatural to keep viewers in suspense, we find a balance in reality as the events in the movie are universally applicable and

relatable. It also tries to focus on the everyday lifestyle.

Uche Okocha, co-executive producer, Sylvia reveals that Sylvia was titled, ‘My Dream Girl’ when the writer first wrote it and sent it to TRINO, to see if they were interested in purchasing it. “The first draft we read, we liked it. There wasn’t much to be changed. She wanted a named titled to make it more characterised,” Okocha says.

On the take home for viewers, he hints that “People have had experiences in life but our main aim is just to

entertain people. We want people to go t0 the cinemas and have fun. I hope this will blow the minds of people but I just want people to have fun with the movie and interpret it whichever way they like.”

Vanessa Kanu, the writer of the movie in an exclusive interview with BDSunday, she reveals the inspiration behind the movie, “I had a series of dreams. The story is not from the dream; it is the concept that is from the dream. In these dreams, I was meeting same person over and over.

I go to bed, I am in the dream and I see

the same person.

“So, I thought, what happens if I develop a relationship with this person? What if these persons I see in my dreams can actually cross over?

So I thought since characters in our dreams tend to be supernatural and do things that are not real. I thought to myself, what if I was to anger somebody from that side, what will be the implications? From these ideas, I conceived Sylvia.”

The writer who says she believes in arts for the sake of arts and expression, notes that the reason she adopted an open ended stand on the movie is because she wants people watching it to have their own opinion on it.

“What one person gets will be different from what every other person gets from it. I want people to see it themselves and whatever it is that people resonate with, should inform their own opinions. For some people Sylvia is supernatural, for some others it is being jilted by their lovers,” she explains.

Sylvia is the first feature film by TRINO studios. TRINO studios are also the producers of short films Las Gidi Vice and the Encounter offer an enthralling thriller drama ready to set the film industry ablaze.

Coming off the more than positive reception from its entry into the Nollywood Week Paris, the buzz around the upcoming movie has been electrifying and many people expect it to be a jaw dropping and captivating film.

‘Sylvia’ also features Nollywood ‘It’ girl Ini Dima Okojie, Udoka Oyeka, Radio host Lolo and other new faces.

‘Sylvia’ will be released in cinemas from 21st of September, 2018.

Botanically-inspired cosmetics your skin would love!

IFEOMA OKEKE

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ou can almost never go wrong with products made from natural ingredients.

Plant-based products are swiftly gaining momentum in the beauty and skin care market.

With no excessive preservatives, artificial additives and other harmful chemicals, you can trust nature to reveal the beauty of your skin.

Here are a few suggestions of some botanical products your will skin would surely love!

Yves Rocher 360° Volume Mascara

The 360° Volume Mascara plumps the lashes making eyes look bigger. It’s a mascara that unfurls lashes like a fan, as it combs, defines, and thickens them.

A long-lasting creamy texture (12 hours), enriched with rice wax which sumptuously coats all lashes and thickens them, without clumping.

Yves Rocher Gel Effect Lacquer

Its light red-pink tint gives a glamorous touch to your smile.

Yves Rocher Grand Rouge Matte Lipstick

With The Gel Effect Lacquer in a single brushstroke, nails are smooth and perfectly contoured with a gel-like finish. Enhanced by an innovative formula, color stays vibrant and exceptionally shiny for 7 days without touchups. Enriched with Elemi resin, the formula is easy to apply and dries quickly.

Yves Rocher Nourishing Lip Balm Cherry

This lipstick is the perfect blend of matte color and comfort: thanks to a formula enriched with regenerating Camellia Oil.

With its creamy texture made with Shea butter and Macadamia oil, the Nourishing Lip Balm - Cherry repairs and soothes dry lips leaving them feeling instantly comfortable.

A gentle way to remove make up, this product perfectly removes makeup from lashes and lids while respecting the delicate eye contour area. Its gentle and fresh texture provides all the comfort and soothing

Yves Rocher Pur Bleuet Gentle Make Up Remover

necessary for cleansing sensitive eyes.

Yves Rocher Long Lasting Moisturizing Hand Cream This hand cream provides an

all-day moisture for the hands. Enriched with Arnica extract for its skin protecting properties, hands are immediately and lastingly moisturised with no oily film left behind. They regain their softness, suppleness and get protected.

Yves Rocher SOS Clean Hands

This gel cleans the hands without water or soap! Apply a pearl-size amount to your hands and rub them together until fully dry.

These products are exclusively available at Yves Rocher Boutiques and Montaigne Place

MTN mPulse makes a perfect blend of fun and skills

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JUMOKE AKIYODE-LAWANSON

TN mPulse, the latest innovation designed for tweens and teens (ages 9-15) will enable them learn and gain useful skills while having fun.

For the launch of the innovation on Thursday 23, August 2018, MTN transformed the Landmark events centre in Victoria Island Lagos, into an impressive wonderland tagged “mPulse Planet,” providing attendees with lots of memorable attractions and activities.

This included a Virtual Reality masterclass facilitated by a 13-year-old, JSS3 student, Obaloluwa Odelana and the youngest hyper-realism artist in Africa, Kareem Waris Olamilekan of Waspa Art both of whom inspired children at the event.

Speaking at the launch, Oluwole Rawa , MTN’s General Manager, Consumer Marketing, said: “We always seek to proffer innovative and relevant solutions that enable our customers connect with their tomorrow.

This platform does precisely that, providing a controlled environment where our youngsters can explore and learn more, and have fun while doing it.

“MTN is a community of people from across the country, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters some of who are parents themselves. We all have family connections and like you, are dedicated to protecting and nurturing a brighter future,” Rawa added.

The mPulse package comes with a voice plan and a fun, educative website which hosts a wide variety of courses and study aids to help children from Primary 1 to SS3 excel. The portal also provides a bouquet of single and multiplayer games as well as life skill videos. From computer programming, fashion designing, medicine and blogging to engineering, writing, data science and motivational speaking etc, there is something for every interest.

The Portal has built-in parental controls. Once a child is signed up, the registered parent/ guardian can track and control what the child is accessing on the Internet.

With the launch of MTN mPulse, MTN is giving parents and guardians more ways to equip the next generation.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

THINGS TO DO IN LAGOS It is another Sunday Funday and as always, I have somewhere for you to be at! Here are a few events happening today that will thrill you:

Take Coffee breaks at Lumena Café

Judging by the location – Victoria Island – one would automatically think everything on the menu would be pricey, but, wrong! Affordability is probably their watchword.

As a first timer, at any restaurant, I always like to try out in-house or original meals and drinks. I picked up the menu and opted for the Lumena FRAPP, which is – roast coffee, milk and ice topped with flavoured syrup – along with a “Croissant with Fill”. Best Combo!

Violet E. Johnson The Croissant was served hot and from omewhere along Ahmadu Bello way its taste, the ingredients were fresh. No sour in Victoria Island of Lagos state, lays a spoiler. small Café –Lumena – capable of satisAs for the drink, oh my days, I finished it fying your taste buds with its rich coffee to the last drop and began nibbling on the and variety of snacks. straw. Don’t blame me. Hahah!

I knew when it launched over a year ago but Although this café isn’t so spacious, it is was too busy to pass by. Thanks to meetings that still a good spot to chill during your coffee tend to pop up at random spots around town, I breaks from work or for grabbing pastries had the opportunity to finally have a feel of what with that latte on the go without worrying this place has to offer. about it digging a hole in your wallet.

Am I impressed? Yes! Thank me later.

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Lumena FRAPP & Croissant with fill

Sunday 26 August 2018

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BDSUNDAY 43

MarketPlace with the founder of E’Sorae Luxury Group, Ewaen Sorae

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waen Sorae is one man with a very unique name and unique qualities too. Apart from paying attention to every detail, Ewaen is the big brain behind the successful beddings company (atleast now you know it’s not a woman).

He has dominated the beddings space, so much that it’s hard to pass a night in a top hotel in Nigeria, and not find E’Sorae linens around.

Find out more about the company as we asked Ewaen some really interesting questions.

Tell us all about E’Sorae Luxury business E’Sorae Luxury and its sister brand Bedsheets Express are brands that are into selling good sleep As a made-in-Nigeria brand employing and training local artisans, Bedsheets Express has always been more than just a Bedding company. It has the objective of training 300 tailors over the next 5 years, providing a career opportunity for young Nigerians who may hitherto have been unemployed. The E’sorae Tailors Apprenticeship Scheme is the business’ flagship social intervention initiative, given Nigeria’s precarious youth unemployment rate, which some analysts put at 33.1% as at Q3 2017.

“Our products are produced in Nigeria.

From the tailors who stitch them, to the workers who package them, down to the person who beautifully ties the ribbon that comes with our sheets and towels, they are all Nigerian. And that is the story of Bedsheets Express, our people and their heart is the story, and when a person enters one of our stores, they see the story in our superb customer service.

Along with affordable quality, Bedsheets Express is keen on quality control. The company is devoted to operating a completely transparent supply chain that prioritizes fair trade and organic materials.

The products do not only look beautiful; they are also healthy.

How did you source for your initial capital?

Largely bootstrapping , because we didn’t have enough capital to do major marketing at the initial stage, we ensured we provided real value , providing a product or service a customer can count that solves a problem or meets a real need. for hotel clients for example because of the constant washing of linens , it was advisable to offer them Egyptian cotton fabrics towels and bedding to be able to stand the rigorous washing , hotels have to wash their linen at a 160 degrees F, to kill bacteria and viruses in their towels

Ewaen Sorae

and bedding. Egyptian Cotton is the best cotton in the world, known for its absorbency and durability. We also offered free training to hotel managers on how to maintain their linens.Our loyal customers became our Brand advocate, which made us concentrate on the part that mattered most which is offering value to the customers. The economic downtown ( recession ) provided opportunities for us to scale up. In booming time the major retail clients ( Supermarkets ) and Hotels we supply today imported these products to the country themselves but the increase in foreign exchange made them look inwards for good and affordable linens produced in Nigeria What do you think about the luxury market in Nigeria?

The Nigeria consumers are very well informed and sophisticated in taste and trend in the luxury market. Luxury doesn’t necessarily mean that the product or service must be very expensive. I know it sounds like a paradox, when i use the word affordable luxury for our brands, i will continue to use that because i believe that it is about giving the end user value for their money, The market

for luxury in Nigeria will keep growing as the upper middle class continues to grow. A lot of international brands are also coming into the country from the hospitality industry to fashion etc.

However the major challenge is that we don’t have enough quality malls that offer affordable and convenient price. What we have are more of plaza and clustered store in buildings How do you currently generate revenue?

As a group we have decided to use both Online and brick and mortar to grow our business. We use a robust email marketing program that target consumers based on where they found the brand and what product they purchased. There is a growing number of online start-up that offer the right price but whether these company will sink or swim remains to be seen

How have you applied your knowledge of Accounting into E ‘Sorae Beddings?

My accounting background has helped me in building proper internal control measures , determine profitability as well as make financial projections for each period. We are always mindful of the fact that a small business may generate high amount of sales revenue, however failing to generate enough profits may doom the business to failure ( high operating cost can affect the net profit) Where do you see E’Sorae Luxury in 5 years?

I am quite confident that we have the right team and a well-structured franchise model to facilitate the creation of 18 Bedsheets Express stores in 5 years. “We want to be where all What is the most important thing to of our customers are. We’re dreamconsider when doing a deal ? ing big and we believe this is the start of what will become the largest There are a few things to consider retail brand of bedding in Africa.” when doing a deal, but the most important in my opinion is the credibility of the individual i’ll be doing business Interview by Uzochikwa Akumah with.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

Travel Ojude Oba: Ijebu people rally round their grandeur cultural heritage OBINNA EMELIKE

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f you were at the Golden Jubilee Centre, Ijebu-Ode on August 23, 2018 for the Ojude Oba festival, you will have every cause to appreciate the flamboyance, colour and strength that marked the royal parade of warriors that came to pay homage to their king in majestic horse ride.

The warriors who are called the Balogun families are often the highlight of the festival as most spectators look forward to horse prancing, ceremonial gunshots and show of strength.

Yet, the glamorouslydressed age groups are the soft power of the festival. They danced and sang with glee on their way to also pay homage to the king, and everything about them spoke volume of elegance, showcase of success and affluence, but in a healthy competitive manner.

M oreover , th ou sand s of spectators rendered applauses to group of horse riders and age grades that impressed them with their performances.

Of course, the king, who sat majestically to receive his subjects, was happy over the healthy rivalry that ensued on the parade ground, which he often insisted was good for individual and, especially community development.

These were among the events that set the atmosphere for the 2018 edition of the Ojude Oba festival, which witnessed thousands of Ijebu people of Ogun State and their friends from across the world that rolled out the best of their drums in Ijebu Ode to pay homage and celebrate their king.

The act of paying homage to the paramount ruler started over 100 years ago and has always been known as Ojude Oba Festival. The festival holds annually on the third day after Eid al-Kabir and is no longer a Muslim festival as many indigenes of the land both Christians, Muslims and traditionalists and even their friends from across the world attend the cultural parade.

A UK-trained accountant, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the paramount ruler of Ijebuland, truly deserve the praises because of his esteemed personality and insistence on preserving the Ijebu heritage and culture since ascending the throne in 1960, at a youthful age of 26.

Now 84 years, the Awujale of Ijebuland, born on May 10, 1934, to the Anikilaya Ogbaba Royal Family of Ijebu Ode, is one of the longest serving traditional rulers in Nigeria, having ruled for 58 years as monarch.

The peace, harmony and

A female member of one of the Balogun families parading at the festival progress witnessed in Ijebuland today testify to his acceptance by all the people, faiths, and cultures in the land.

Of course, it is a credit to the king-makers who unanimously selected him among five other princes nominated by the Anikilaya Ruling House in 1960.

Then, the Western Region government who found no guile in him and in conformity with Section II of the Chief Law of 1957, quickly approved the appointment of Prince Adetona as the Awujale of Ijebuland.

But today, a lot of people wonder how the paramount ruler has scaled through the challenges of leadership in his kingdom over these 58 years.

The Oba ascribes his success to loyalty and patriotism of his people toward the progress of

the kingdom.

“The Ijebus are very honest and responsible people who have excelled in all spheres of national endeavours, including commerce, politics, sports, education, among others,” the monarch said.

Of course, they (the Ijebus) rally round the Oba during the Ojude Oba festival every year and this year’s edition was not different. The festival was more glamorous this year, especially as festival revelers and dignitaries witnessed favourable weather unlike last year where the heavens sustained the showers of rain.

This year’s edition witnessed a return of Musiliu Haruna Ishola as the lucky band of the festival. Aside his creative ingenuity, the choice

A male warrior decked in a colourful costume

of the musician was influenced by the fact that he is a son of Haruna Ishola, a legendary apala singer who hailed from Ijebu Igbo.

Musiliu took advantage of the platform to praise the Oba, dignitaries and especially the age groups to enable them perform well and in turn, rain money on him. He truly kept the festival alive with his ingenuity.

Musiliu had to change the game during the warrior horse parade. He took on each of the Balogun families including, the Kuku Family, Odunuga Family and the Balogun Alausa. But the ovation was very high for the Balogun Alausa family not just for dancing last, but the stunt it deployed while tickling the arena.

The spectators commended Agoola Alausa, leader of the group, for the show of strength. Also Musiliu’s band sustained the tempo for the procession of the sponsors, which include First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Globacom, Rite Foods, Nigerian Breweries among others. As expected, FCMB and Globacom have sustained their sponsorship of the festival as the founders; Olasubomi Balogun and Mike Adenuga are Ijebu sons.

While the paramount ruler was full of appreciation for Ijebu sons and daughters for holding him in high esteem and supporting his reign all these years, some of the indigenes think the king deserve more.

Olasubomi Balogun, founder of FCMB Group, who is also the Olori Omo-Oba AkileIjebu, commended the Awujale of Ijebuland, especially considering the paramount ruler’s selflessness in attending to the different requests and yearnings of the people of Ijebuland.

Balogun commended Oba Adetona for his distinguished and exemplary leadership over the years, which has continued to endear him to Ijebu people.

“I sincerely appreciate the amazing grace of the same Almighty God we share together, much more for sparing our lives to celebrate yet another Ojude Oba Festival. The festival provides us the opportunity to gather, pay homage and demonstrate our affection for a very unique monarch, an exceptional father figure and the paramount ruler who has continued to endear himself to his people. Apart from being the Olori Ebi (the head of the family, by the grace of Almighty God and interestingly not in contest by all who admire the grace of our God), as your Olori Omo-Oba (the head of princes and princesses), I will continue to lead the way in showing our appreciation by being very close to you and showing my total loyalty to you’’, Balogun said.

Olumide Martins, a Nigerian Diaspora who visited from Atlanta, USA with his family for the festival and Osun Osogbo, as well, appreciated the diversity and tolerance at the festival as Christians participated though it is a Muslim festival.

“You can see that the festival is attracting tourists from across the globe and Ijebu indigenes in the diaspora. It has potential to boost tourism in the town and state at large if sustained on a larger scale”, Martins said.

Like the previous editions, the festival attracted high level politicians who also came to pay homage to the king. Bukola Saraki, the president of the Nigerian Senate, was the special guest of honour at this year’s edition. The politician, who recently declared his intention for presidential candidacy in the 2019 elections, came in the company of Ben Bruce, Dino Melaye and Buruji Kashamu, all senators and also enjoyed the festival.

However, the festival did not end after the Awujale’s official remarks and general blessing.

The end of the activities at the Golden Jubilee Centre ushered in township-wide merriment as the different groups went to their designated spots across the town and villages to further entertain themselves and hoping for another successful outing next year.

Of course, food vendors, hawkers, restaurants and bars, taxi drivers, souvenir and craft shops are counting their gains.

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Travel

Recovered dollars at Lagos Airport: It wasn’t my first time – Daniel Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

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chi Daniel, the junior security guard of Halogen Securities Limited who found bad containing dollars, jewelries and other documents at the multi-storey car building at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos has said that it was not his first time of returning money in foreign currencies to their rightful owners This is as the management of the security company has given Daniel and Francis Emepueaku, his supervisor, education scholarship and the sum of N250,000 as rewards to the two security officers.

Speaking with journalists recently in Lagos at an event organised to reward the duo, Daniel who said that he had worked in the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos in the past, explained that he had returned sums recovered in the cause of his duty to their owners before now.

The items were discovered at the car park on Saturday 18, 2018 in the evening

by the two security guards.

He insisted that the contents in the bad was never attracted to him, but lamented that some people close to him were already make jest of him for returning the contents in the bag. He, however, said that he was never discour-

aged by their mockery.

He said: “If the money was in multi-millions of foreign currencies, I would still have returned it. I saw the bag on a trolley and I said to myself that somebody must have forgotten it there; it was not padlocked and

Ethiopian Airline, IDC to re-launch Zambia Airways with $30m

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t h i o p i a n Ai r l i n e and Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), have signed an agreement for the establishment of Zambia Airways.

The agreement was signed by the chief executive officers of both companies, Mateyo C. Kaluba and Tewolde Gebremariam in Lusaka on August 19, 2018 as shareholders of Zambia Airways. A statement made available to the BDSunday from Ethiopian airline, stated that as strategic equity partners on the national airline project of Zambia, IDC will hold 55 percent equity in the carrier while Ethiopian holds 45 percent.

“The initial investment as we start-up the national carrier will be USD$30million. Obviously, as we operate the airline, we will facilitate the finance necessary to support the growth. It is expected that the new airline will operate 12 aircraft and carry 1.9

million passengers by 2028. “ As s h a r e h o l d e r s , we have a clear sense of direction we need to take in order to ensure the fortunes and secure growth of the national airline. We will instill a performance-driven culture through corporate governance structures and make Zambia Airways commercially viable. Zambia Airways will launch local and regional routes, while the international routes, including Europe, the Middle East and Asia will be added in the near future”, the statement said.

Ethiopian airline Group CEO said: For Ethiopian airline, this investment is consistent with our vision 2025 Multiple Hubs Strategy

in Africa. As an indigenous and truly Pan African airline, we believe that African carriers will only get their fair share of the aviation industry and African market through partnerships with other African carriers’.

IDC CEO said: For IDC, this investment represents our commitment to deepening and strengthening Zambia’s industrialization, the establishment of the national airline will spur growth in the tourism sector and will have significant multiplier effect on job creation through the different business in the aviation supply chain such as hotels, restaurants travel agencies, publisher and others”.

without opening it, I went to the ground floor with the bag to meet with my supervisor.

“Inside the bag, I saw a mobile phone, jewelries and huge amount of money in dollars and several other documents. At that point, we went straight to the manager’s office who now put a call through to somebody in Atlanta Georgia, who happened to be the daughter of the owner of the bag.

“When they returned, they were jittery that some of the items in the bag may have vanished, but after crosschecking it, she discovered that everything was intact and the family attempted to give us some amount of money as a form of appreciation, which we rejected, telling them that we were doing our job. “It never crossed my mind to steal the money and I wouldn’t have done that because it wasn’t my first time of finding such and returning to the owners. No amount of money would make me to take what doesn’t belong to me. I believe my own time will come and at the right time.

He urged other Nigerians to emulate his character, insisting that it pays to be good.

Also speaking at the event,

Saleh Dunoma, the managing director of FAAN, said that several other related cases had been recorded at the nation’s airports.

Dunoma who was represented at the event by Salisu Daura, director of engineering services, FAAN said that the act gives confidence and credibility to the agency’s security profiling system.

He emphasised that the duo would forever be remembered in the annals of the industry as role models, reference points, shining lights and good ambassadors.

“Some others may look at you and tag you stupid, but I want to assure you that by virtue of this act, you have secured seats for yourselves in the comity of those with credibility and integrity. I hereby want to advice other staff to emulate this great virtue and become role models just like these two,” he said.

Also at the event was Banji Oyegbami, a medical practitioner who had gone to the car park to pick up his friend and his family who returned to the country for a burial programme.

According to him, he had parked his car on the

first floor of the car park and waited for his guests to arrive, which took another one hour and the team moved towards the car park to commence their journey out of the airport.

But, over an hour after driving, his friend who he declined to mention his name received a call from his daughter in United States about a found bag, which incidentally belonged to the wife.

He added: “It was only then that my friend’s wife realised that her bag was missing. To confirm the information, I called the missing phone and it was picked. The receiver confirmed that the bag was with him. He gave his name as Mr. Francis and that he is the supervisor of the park.

“We headed back to the airport with speed and shortly we met Francis who after confirming madam’s identity narrated the story.

Achie Daniel, a junior officer of Halogen Securities found the bag and gave it to his supervisor as lost and found item.

He also confirmed that all the documents were intact as at the time it was returned to them by the security guards.

Nigeria Air: NAAPE insists government employs Nigerians in compliance with Executive Order

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he National President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and En g i n e e r s ( N A A P E ) , Abednego Galadima has insisted on compliance to Executive Order 5 stating that when Nigeria Air comes on stream, jobs meant for Nigerians will not be given to expatriates.

This is just as Galadima has called for separate processes of acquiring Air Operators Certificate (AOC) for commercial operators and general operators stating that it would help investors go into the business more.

The NAAPE President who spoke at the “Unveiling of NAAPE Compendium of 50 Outstanding Nigerian Aircraft Pilots and Engineers” In Lagos said that some advantages the commencement of Nigeria Air will have on NAAPE members and even the unemployed, is that government has indicated

that it would start with five aircraft and this will require no fewer than 50 pilots and over hundreds more engaged.

He however said the jobs should be for Nigerians as the country currently has over 200-250 unemployed associate pilots and over 600 pilots and engineers.

He said, “If the National Carrier comes, it is a plus to us. While they absorb some, I am sure and there will be some migration from one airline to the other. It is our hope that some of the unemployed will find somewhere to fit in.”

“They are talking about five aircraft to start the operation. You know that will require a minimum of 50 pilots. The spiral effect will require more, 100 people engaged. I will always call on our people to be patriotic. The issue of compliance to Executive Order 5, giving Nigeria jobs to Nigerians is key to us.”

“It is not justifiable to

have an airline and just go and be bringing expatriates, does not speak well of our patriotism. We expect that this patriotic zeal, the investors should have. I want our social partners to see us as such. We are partners in progress, not competitors. We are not competing with them.”

“We are not in NAAPE to pull down businesses.

No. W h e n I a s s u m e d office, my dealings and my philosophy is always aiming at synergistic win-win. Win for the employer, win for the employee. Let them be rest assured that we are going to be partners. Once we engage, we understand o u r s e l v e s m o r e . Th e erroneous perception on the union is in the past.”

On the processes of acquiring AOC Galadima said that it was at variance with logic that both commercial and general aviation investors g o t h rou g h t h e s a me processes.

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Sunday 26 August 2018

Health&Science Diabetes: More Nigerians losing limbs due to ignorance

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s the statistics on diabetes and amputations show increases in Nigerians, health experts are left scratching their heads on finding long term solutions to the problems.

The situation is said to have worsened largely because of ignorance of both the affected individuals and persistent delays by medical personnel caring for them to refer them to appropriate centres where they can be properly managed.

According to Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) estimates, 1 in every 11 Nigerians has diabetes and the ratio is one of the worst in the world.

“Delays in presentation, oftentimes lead to amputations as a means of saving the person’s life or even death. Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of nontraumatic lower limb amputation worldwide, including Nigeria,” said Afokoghene Rita Isiavwe at the 5th Annual Podiatry and Diabetes Foot Care workshop in Lagos recently.

Isiavwe said Podiatry, a specialised branch of medicine that focuses on foot and ankle disorders, which is relevant in the care of persons living with diabetes mellitus is currently not taught in Nigerian universities hence, the introduction of the annual podiatry workshop by Rainbow Medical Centre to fill the gap.

Adeyemi Johnson, a cardiologist and vascular specialist, articulated the need for Nigeria to seriously consider measures

IFEDAYO OGUNYEMI, Abeokuta

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aimed at reducing the rate of amputation in the country especially among the underprivileged.

“Management of diabetes and its complications could be very expensive, especially when complications such as diabetes foot set in. The burden could be greatly prevented through awareness and enlightenment of the public,” he said.

The workshop was organised

by Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre, a private hospital with focus on the management of diabetes and other endocrine and metabolism conditions, in partnership with the World Walk Foundation, Jamaican Chapter.

The World Walk Foundation, Jamaican Chapter, is designed to train Nigerian doctors, other health workers and people living with diabetes to equip them with basic knowledge and skills on diabetes foot care.

Owens Bernard, founder, World Walk Foundation, Jamaican Chapter, said there is a need to prevent amputation, no matter what stage it is.

“We need to focus on the simple things that lead to amputations. The primary care level is very important and this starts with education. We are here not to tell you what to, but to share with you our experience and knowledge so you can prevent amputations in the interest of humanity,” he said.

Bernard told the audience there was no podiatrist in Jamaica some 25 years ago and foot care was therefore not on the raider in the country at that time. The situation, he said, had changed with the intervention of the World Walk Foundation through partnership with the country’s ministry of health which trained health workers and provided them with basic foot care tools.

Ondo boosts healthcare delivery, distributes medical equipment YOMI AYELESO, Akure

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he Ondo state government has distributed multi-million naira worth of medical and laboratory equipment to health facilities across the 18 local government areas of the state to improve healthcare delivery.

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo state, said that the exercise was to ensure that at least one unit of a well - equipped, standardised and functional laboratory is available in each of the Local Government Areas in the state while inaugurating the equipment’s on Thursday in Akure.

The equipment inaugurated and distributed by the Governor include, microscopes, bench centrifuge, improved counting chamber, micro- haematocentrifuge, micro-haematocrit reader, glucometers and strips, widal test kits, Oxygen concentration (with in-built inverters), oxygen face masks and laboratory reagents of various types.

According to the Governor, the distribution of these medical and labo-

Family planning spurs economic growth – OGSG

ratory equipment’s, shows that the present administration is on course to improve the health and wellbeing of all citizens of the state.

“One striking feature of some of the multi-million naira worth of equipment is that proper cognizance was taken of the infrastructural profile of our communities,” “The equipment will enhance healthcare services in the state health facilities and would also address the increased case management of common causes of childhood death by health workers,” said Akeredolu.

Wahab Adegbenro, the state commissioner of health in his remarks said the procurement was to add value to humanity by making life better for every citizen in the state through the Akeredolu- led administration.

Adegbenro further said that the understanding of the Akeredolu- led administration on the primary healthcare at the grassroots and to the common man necessitated it intense commitment.

“The commitment is geared towards significant improvement of infrastructure condition of the primary healthcare system,” he added.

he Ogun Primary Health Care Development Board has said that uptake of different family planning methods will improve the economic powers of individuals and families in the state.

Family planning refers to a woman’s ability to choose if and when she becomes pregnant and continues that pregnancy to term. A large gap persists between women’s reproductive intentions and their access to family planning options including contraceptives and safe abortion.

Elijah Ogunsola, executive secretary, State Primary Health Care Development Board, in an interview during the 2018 Ojude Oba Festival held at the Oba Sikiru Adetona palace ground, Ijebu Ode on Thursday, said the present administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun through the Primary Health Care Board would continue to encourage people in the state to adequately plan their families.

“The family planning is not meant to limit the number of children born but rather give to them better economic

power as well as ensure a secured future for the citizen.

“The State’s Social Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) and the Advocacy Working Group (AWG) team are fully on ground to counsel women and also provide family planning services ranging from condoms, Implants, Injectable and IUDs at no cost for everyone at the festival ground and in all primary health care centres across the State,” he said.

Ogunsola noted that the state is working in collaboration with The Challenge Initiative (TCI) to increase in the contraceptive prevalence rate in the state, adding that all methods available were safe and without health risk to their consumers.

In their separate remarks, beneficiaries, Abosede Odumade and Ganiya Olajide appreciated the State government’s efforts at bringing family planning services closer to the people through the Ojude Oba festival saying they would encourage members of the various communities who were yet to take on any family planning methods to do so in any health centre closer to them.

Home remedies for muscle aches IFEDAYO OGUNYEMI, Abeokuta

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ome remedies are often sufficient to relieve aches resulting from minor injuries, too much exercise, or stress.

Muscle aches can occur in adults and children. In many cases, sore and aching muscles are nothing to worry about and will resolve without medical treatment.

However, muscle aches can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying illness.

Common causes of muscle aches include: overexertion, trauma to an area of the body and viral infections.

Muscle aches, also known as myalgia, can be felt in any area of the body that has muscles. Depending on the cause, the discomfort may be mild or extremely severe.

Many people can treat their symptoms using the R.I.C.E method, which involves: Rest: Rest the affected area and discontinue the activity that caused the injury.

Ice: Use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas to help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Apply ice to the area for 15–20 minutes three times a day.

Compression: Use a compression bandage to help reduce swelling.

Elevation: If possible, elevate the feet to minimize inflammation.

Other helpful home remedies include: using OTC pain relievers, carefully stretching out the affected muscles, taking part in activities that encourage relaxation and reduce stress, such as yoga and meditation

Sunday 26 August 2018

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Sports

2019 AFCON: Rohr names 24-man squad for Seychelles … Uche Agbo, Stephen Eze on standby

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Stories by Anthony Nlebem

head of Super Eagles make or mar 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in Victoria on Friday, 7th September, Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has released a list of 24-man squad who will do battle for the three points.

At a world press conference in Lagos on Friday, Rohr, flanked

by NFF 1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi and Executive Board Member Aisha Falode, unveiled a list of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards. He also put four other players, including former U17 World Cup –winning captain Musa Muhammed, on standby.

The three goalkeepers are those who made the final cut for the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia in the summer, but the defence has two new boys in England –based Semi Ajayi and Germany –based Jamilu Collins, while Olaoluwa Aina, overlooked for the World Cup, has been recalled.

Another former U17 World Cup

–winning captain, Kelechi Nwakali, is the new face in the middle, just as France –based Samuel Kalu is the new man upfront. Henry Onyekuru, who got injured before the World Cup, is also recalled.

Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor said the invited players are expected to fly directly to Seychelles, arriving on Monday, 3rd September, while the one player goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and team officials travelling from Nigeria will fly into Victoria on Sunday, 2nd September.

All three points in the Matchday 2 encounter are important for the Super Eagles, having lost their opener to the qualifying campaign at home to South Africa 14 months ago.

FULL SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa)

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United, England); Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia);

Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England);

Friesland, FCMB battle for honour at Remita Corporate Champions Cup final

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he 2018 edition of the Remita Corporate Champions Cup (RC3) has reached the final stage as the last two teams, Friesland Campina and FCMB set for a grand clash on Sunday, August 26, 2018, at the Sports Complex of the Yaba College of Technology .

The RC3 is a football tournament organised by leading Nigerian FinTech company and owners of Remita, SystemSpecs for corporate employees. To get competing teams, winners and runners-up from each of t h e c or p o r a te games (Banking, FMCG, telecoms, insurance) are selected to participate in what has been described as the Champions League of the corporate games in Nigeria. It is designed to promote team-building, inter-company networking and wellness among core employees from different corporate organisations in Nigeria , in a fun and competitive way.

To r e a c h t h e f i n a l , Friesland Campina beat First Bank while FCMB triumphed over Leadway Assurance during the semifinal clashes on August 19, 2018.

As part of the preparations for the final, the organisers have conducted a trophy tour to the offices of the finalists. The new

L-R: Dirk Van Breen, Finance Director, Friesland Campina; Adewale Arikawe, Sales Director, Friesland Campina; Peter Rufai, Tournament Ambassador; Tominiyi Oni, Human Resource Director, Friesland Campina; Damola Olofinlua, Content Management Lead, SystemSpecs Limited, owners of Remita and, Jimi Shogbesan, Chief Operating Officer, MediaVision Limited during the 2018 Remita Corporate Champions Cup (RC3) Trophy Tour.

silver-plated, gold-embellished RC3 trophy known as the Koenig Trophy, Trophy for Kings, was taken to offices of the makers of Peak Milk - Friesland Campina and FCMB, accompanied by representatives of SystemSpecs and the organising partner, Mediavision.

SystemSpecs Managing Director, John Obaro expressed his delight at the progress of the RC3, remarking about the tournament’s ability to reduce work stress and increase inter-corporate relationships.

“The Remita Corporate Champions Cup has indeed gotten bigger and better this year and continues to excite Corporate Nigeria. We have been

rejuvenated and refreshed with the eclectic display of football skills on the pitch, and the relaxed ambience created by the competition,” Obaro said.

The final ceremony will be attended by executives from SystemSpecs, Mediavision, other top brands across Nigeria, as well as the tournament ambassador and former Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, also known as Dodo Mayana. A side attraction of the final ceremony is the Ambassador’s Challenge whereby participants will play penalties with Peter Rufai as the goalkeeper. Also, popular musician and DMW artiste, Mayorkun will be there to thrill the audience.

Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Kelechi Nwakali (FC Porto, Portugal); Joel Obi (AC Chievo Verona, Italy)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassar FC, Saudi Arabia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Simeon Nwankwo (Crotone FC, Italy); Henry Onyekuru

(Galatasaray SK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Samuel Kalu (Bordeaux FC, France)

Standby: Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium), Stephen Eze (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria); Musa Muhammed (HNK Gorica, Croatia); Blessing Eleke (FC Luzern, Switzerland).

Football stakeholders applaud Chivita Active campaign

16 teams jostle for N3m Premier Cool 5-A-side football tourney

grassroots soccer coach in Agege, La g o s , Ch i n e d u Johnson, has thrown his weight behind the recently launched Chivita’s C’mon Ge t Ac t i v e c a m p a i g n aimed at making Nigerians to develop healthy lifestyle.

The C’mon Get Active campaign represents a shift for consumers like him who are desirous of a healthy beverage to support their daily activities without compromise on great taste, convenience and enhanced nourishment.

“As a soccer coach, I have had the privilege of supervising numerous young people through daily fitness regimen. They are passionate about achieving their fitness goals and wellness through active health as well as enhanced nourishment from Chivita Active that supports to keep them focused,” he narrated.

Another Nigerian very much interested in healthy lifestyle, Adewunmi Akintola, a marketing executive, takes a long walk in the morning or evening after work to a few light indoor exercises, are part of her daily regimen to stay healthy. She therefore urged more people to adopt active lifestyle habits that are beneficial and convenient.

he 5-a-side football competition designed

by Premier Cool, a brand of PZ Cussons, tagged ‘Turf Wars’, kickedoff with a flurry of matches on the 22nd of August 2018. The matches have been scheduled for Wednesday, 22 August and Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the sports ground of Children’s International School, Lekki, in Lagos.

Following the conclusion of the voting phase of the competition, 16 teams emerged and proceeded to complete their medical screening to ensure that every player was certified healthy and physically fit to be part of the competition.

This activity was then followed by the official draws of the competition which was officiated by the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), who are also supporting partners of the competition. The fixtures have been set and the matches are now set to commence.

Sp e a k i n g a f t e r t h e draws, Brand and Activation manager, Busayo John, stated that the Premier Cool Turf Wars is an initiative borne out of “love for the game” and its social impact.

“Football is a widely loved sport especially in Nigeria, it has the power in uniting millions and changing lives. This is no differ-

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ent from what we want to achieve with the Turf Wars 5-a-side football competition. We want to reward the passion of our consumers, who still make time out of their work schedules to play and enjoy the game of football. This event is not just about the football, as we have created a cool atmosphere for relaxation, networking, good food, as well as music to make it a worthwhile experience for everyone,” she said.

Th e m a t c h e s w i l l spread across two days; matchday one will feature the qualifiers, while matchday 2 will feature all the final matches. The winning team will get a cash prize of N3million, while the second and third runners up will walk away with N1.5million and N750, 000 respectively.

The Premier Cool Turf Wars is endorsed by the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA); the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF); and also proudly supported

by SociaLiga, a sports entertainment company that aims to bring people together by creating an ambience where people can network and enjoy fun activities.

Premier has been in Nigeria for over 30 years and recently relaunched the brand with new offerings and variants to provide consumers with the total personal care.

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NEW YOU CAN TRUST

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Sunday 26 august 2018

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My thoughts on the incessant attacks on the media by executives

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ournalism, the Fourth Estate of the Realm and the society’s watchdog, is a profession that has paid its dues in nation building and that continues to play the inevitable surveillance function so that the country for which generations of men and women have laboured to build would not go on its knees.

There is no telling the sacrifices the practitioners of this noble profession have made in the evolution of this country, right from the time of struggle for self-governance, through the dark ages of the military rule to the dawn of democracy.

However, one would expect that this group of persons who have given talents, bodies and blood to see their country attain democracy would now be better placed to enthrone civility and good governance for the benefit of all. But the sad reality is that the opposite is the case.

Instead of being positioned to enhance development and good governance, the profession is going through another round of repression in the hands of crude political leaders.

There have been repeated reports of cases of abuse, harassment, assault, arrest and jailing of journalists in different parts of the country. The ugly tide has risen to a level where concerned citizens must markedly intervene.

The business of journalism, one must say now requires utmost caution. Journalists now have to be on guard, members of the pen profession have to put their houses in order on a daily basis as they do not know who is next to be picked up, locked up or even incarcerated by politicians who hate to see themselves in the mirror. I must in any case state that this present situation of the Media in Nigeria is a breach of the laws upholding our Constitutional Democracy.

Nigeria like every other nation of the world has laws regulating its affairs and these laws ought to be respected and complied with by Agencies of Government in carrying out their activities.

Unfortunately, just like in banana republic, it appears that the Nigerian government has no regard for the rights of Citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) being the ground norm has stated in its Section 39 that: (1) “Every

person shall be entitled to freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impact ideas and information without interference.”

In the recent past, there was the case of Samuel Ogundipe, a Premium Times reporter who was apprehended by the Police. The news of the arrest and account freezing of Mr. Samuel Ogundipe is an appalling narrative in a democratic dispensation. Samuel Ogundipe in the exercise of his duty as a journalist reported news appertaining to the invasion of the National Assembly by the officers and men of the State Security Services and insisted on maintaining the confidentiality of his source in accordance with Article 4 of the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalist which is made pursuant to Section 9 of the Nigerian Press Council Act (CAP N128 LFN 2004). Having accused him of many unfounded allegations, the officers of the Nigerian police proceeded to arrest him.

The usual trend, until recently, was to arrest a journalist and free him or her after few days of arrest then the arraignment, of certain unlawful charges. The new turn of regular harassments as exampled by Samuel Ogundipe is unlawful, uncivilised and totally unacceptable.

This is condemnable in the strongest of terms as an unreasonable and barbaric act on part of the Nigeria Police.

Trying to muzzle Mr. Samuel Ogundipe whose only offence was being a journalist is a drama taken too far. And the sadder part is the silence of persons who are supposed to rein in on these anomalies. It is now so precarious that we don’t know who will be picked next.

The demolition of the Radio house (Fresh FM) of the renowned musician, Yinka Ayefele is another obvious attack on the media. The Oyo State Government had claimed that the building contravened state laws, even if it did, due process was not followed. What could have been done was either to fine him or withdraw his Licence.

The demolition of the building is an unfair act, aimed at frustrating the Media. The fact that the matter was already in court is

KAYODE AJULO .Dr. Ajulo, Castle of Law, Abuja.

There have been repeated reports of cases of abuse, harassment, assault, arrest and jailing of journalists in different parts of the country.

The ugly tide has risen to a level where concerned citizens must markedly intervene

enough to make the government apply breaks, respect the status quo and not to tamper with the building, irrespective of whether there was a court injunction or not. Yet the building was demolished in a manner that tells of the reign of anarchists.

The discerning is very persuaded that the spate of attacks on the media is a politically calculated ploy to manipulate, tilt or cow the Media in favour of the ruling class in the imminent 2019 election. Other similar occurrences lend clear credence. The Channels TV was fined 5 million in the month of July 2018 for refusing to be the propaganda machine of the government against National Assembly.

A host of other Media platforms are going through suspension, fine or lock down in a democratic regime.

As things stand, it appears we are having a repeat of the effect of Decree No 4 of 1984 where Nigerians could not voice out their opinions and beliefs.

With the way things are within the polity, journalists can no longer do their job without fear of arrest and incarceration, whereas they ought to be given a free hand and accorded their right according to Section 39 of the Constitution as stated above.

I am particularly worried that this is a deliberate fettering of the Media who is the eyes of the citizenry. It is now happening at a rate that can no longer be tolerated. We cannot afford to fold arms and watch our hard earned democracy being fragrantly desecrated by autocratic men of governments by attacking the Media unjustifiably. It is condemnable and strange in a democratic regime. All well meaning citizens must rise up against this.

Quick Takes

Off the Cuff Wanted! More ‘Goodheads’ as civil society organisations die in Nigeria

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ome called it youthful exuberance; some said it was unnecessary braggadocio; some described it as a joke taken too far, and a number of other Nigerians said it was sheer madness. Whatever the case, the bravery displayed by youthful Boma Goodhead, who represents Asalga/Akulga federal constituency of Rivers State in the House of Representatives member, some weeks ago poses a challenge to the civil society organisations (CSOs).

The 47-year old lawmaker displayed an undying love for the nation’s fledgling democracy, when she single-handedly withstood hooded armed operatives of the Department of the State Services (DSS) who besieged the National Assembly on August 7, 2019.

The bravery displayed by Goodhead was reminiscent of what Nigerians used to see when the CSOs were still innocent and alive.

The National Assembly for so long has continued to receive bashing from many Nigerians who believe that the federal legislators have been more of liabilities than assets. Since 1999, the consensus is that the legislature has not positively impacted the country through its roles in the nascent democracy. Over the years, the Senate, for instance, has only served as a

retirement cottage for old, expiring and expired politicians. Many of them have no business being in that place because they do not understand the rason d’être of the legislative arm.

Goodhead said in a recent interview that she felt that what the DSS operatives were doing was very, very undemocratic and provocative and that was why she lost her cool.

She dared the hooded operatives to shoot her. She pointed menacingly at one of the gun men, challenging: “Shoot this gun; how many people can you shoot down here? Let those bullets start coming out. We are not going anywhere. Use these bullets and Nigerians shall face you. I dare you to shoot these bullets. Go back to your station; go back to your station. You come here with masked face, bullets in your guns, to intimidate. Enough is enough in Nigeria.”

Goodhead’s challenge reminds me of the days when the civil society organisations were alive in Nigeria; when the members dared gun-toting soldiers and demanded a fair deal for the masses of this country. Those were the days when government policies or decrees that were deemed anti-people were resisted. Leaders of the organisations were always on the move, protecting the interest of the people. There were protests here and there, and

Nigerians saw the vibrancy of those who claimed to protect their interest. Not anymore.

Goodhead reminds me of Gani Fawehinmi (of blessed memory) who for the sake of speaking up to power and resisting anti-masses policies went to jail several times. He did it happily, not for any gain. In those days, Gani would call press conferences to alert the nation to the junketing of their presidents and its implication for the country. Had he been around, he would have documented how many times President Muhammadu Buhari has left the country and the economic implication of such journeys on Nigeria.

He never looked for crowd to support him, but he was convinced that government must be accountable to the people.

But today, the CSOs are dead. In the words of Olisa Agbakoba, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a known leader of CSO, the “civil society is fractured.”

What has happened now is that members of CSOs have joined the bazaar. It is a matter of “if you can’t win them, join them”. That’s the tragedy of Nigeria!

N324.3bn

This is the amount of money said to have been lost by the power sector this year.

Ayogu Eze!

This politics thing is like a barber’s chair that rotates. The chair is never stationary. As you sit on it, you begin to turn and turn. So, when I heard a few days ago that Senator Ayogu Eze has also voted with his legs and jumped into the All Progressives Congress (APC), I was not surprised. The man has been in political wilderness since he left the Senate in 2015. Nobody has been visiting him unlike when he controlled men and money. So, he decided to imitate the four leprous men at the gate of Samaria, who, out of hunger and deprivation, took a huge risk, saying: “If they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die”.

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