Businessday 27 may 2018

BDSUNDAY BUSINESS DAY

Ogoni cleanup, not a jamboree, but where is the money?

?? Why Things Fall Apart still delights readers - literary icons

Arrests, arrests everywhere... but no one is convicted!

p. 40p.

p. 21

p . 10-11

Sunday 27 May 2018

Vol 1, No. 219 N300

Market & Commodities Monitor Brent Oil

5yr Bond

$76.36

-0.20 13.45%

Gold

10yr Bond

$1,309.10

0.00 13.34%

Cocoa

$2,558.00

20yr Bond

-0.07 13.48%

Muhammed Buhari

Atiku Abubakar

Kingsley Moghalu

Sule Lamido

Ibrahim Dankwambo

Ahmed Makarfi

Ahmed Buhari

Sonaiya Oluremi

Datti Ahmed-Baba

Omoleye Sowore

inside Under my watch, we remained committed to investing in the market - Ndegwa

Presidential hopefuls p. 16

Ahead 2019: Unlocking Wike’s inner mind

p. 24-26

Dangote Cement, Zenith, GTB top as shareholders rake in N514 bn dividends in 2018 p. 36

the quest, the questions

CHUKS OLUIGBO and INIOBONG IWOK

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t is barely nine months to the 2019 general election. Even though political analysts had told BDSUNDAY on good authority that many prospective presidential aspirants are keeping their ambition close to their chests owing to the perceived intolerant disposition of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration towards the opposition, a number of aspirants are beginning to make themselves known to the electorate.

This is even as the despondency brought about by the failure of Buhari and his party, All Progres-

We are seeing more youths aspiring which is good for us.

If you look at advanced countries, youths are taking over

sives Congress (APC) to deliver the massive change they promised Nigerians in 2015 reaches its peak amid high level of insecurity and violent killings in many parts of the country.

Apart from Buhari, who has finally declared his intention to seek another term in office, other aspirants like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Kingsley Moghalu, former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ahmed Makarfi, former governor of Kaduna State, and a number of others, as well as younger aspirants like Ahmed Buhari, CEO of Skylar, Inc., Adamu Garba II, founder/CEO, IPI Solutions Nigeria Limited, and others have been grabbing the news headlines with their increased political activities. Some of the candidates are, however, yet to choose a platform on which to pursue

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Children’s Day: What hope for the Nigerian child?

CHUKS OLUIGBO & CHINWE AGBEZE

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oday is Children’s Day, a day set aside to celebrate the Nigerian child.

This day was chosen by Nigeria in response to a call from the United Nations General Assembly to member states, in

1954, to set aside a day to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children, initiate action to benefit and promote world’s children and celebrate childhood.

The day is observed as a holiday for primary and secondary school children across the country. Ironically, while children in

many parts of the country will be in a celebratory mood, millions of their peers will not be part of the celebration for situations that are no fault of theirs.

In the insurgency-ravaged north-east, for instance, over 56 percent of the 1.62 million

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News

PDP alleges APC is funding Ekiti election with Abacha loots Akinremi Feyisipo

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he People’s Demo c r a t i c Pa r t y (PDP) in Ekiti State has accused the President MuhammaduBuhariadministration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of plotting to fund the July 14 governorship election in the state with part of the Abacha loots and funds from the country’s crude oil sales.

The party, which described the 77-man campaign committee set up by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the state governorship election as a “gathering of looters that will make the PDP victory in the July 14 election sweeter and memorable,” adding that; “appointment of the Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu as chairman of the committee was a demonstration of the APC love for corruption.

The PDP said the 77-man campaign committee was another clear demonstration of the APC’s hatred for Nige-

Oguntuase

rians, asking, “Was such committee set up on the nation’s economic problems, killings by herdsmen and hunger that is ravaging the country to the extent that Nigerians are committing suicide?”

State Chairman of the PDP, Gboyega Oguntuase, said in a release issued in Ado Ekiti on Friday that it

Stanbic IBTC joins fight against malaria, distributes treated mosquito nets to schools

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oncerned by the devastation which malaria inflicts on the Nigerian society, Stanbic IBTC, a member of the Standard Bank Group, has reiterated its commitment to fighting the scourge, which is mainly caused by poor environmental sanitation, living conditions and inadequate access to proper treatment.

The organisation, in collaboration with Slum2School, a non-government organisation, at the weekend distributed treated mosquito nets to school children in the Makoko, Yaba area of Lagos State. The distribution took place at Adekunle Anglican School, Makoko, as part of activities to commemorate the 2018 World Malaria Day. A similar gesture was extended to schools in Takwa Bay, Lagos as well as in select public schools in Bayelsa and Rivers States, all of which are riverine areas with high risk and incidence of malaria especially amongst children.

Yinka Sanni, chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, represented by Babatunde Majiyagbe, executive director, Stanbic IBTC Nominees Limited, said the medical outreach, distribu-

tion of the mosquito nets and similar interventions were Stanbic IBTC’s contribution to the eradication of the malaria pandemic.

This, he said, is in line with the 2018 theme for World Malaria Day, ‘Ready to Beat Malaria’ to eradicate malaria and other forms of diseases through appropriate interventions. Such intervention in the health sector, he stated, was one of the three key pillars of Stanbic IBTC Group’s corporate social investment philosophy, the others being education and economic empowerment.

“We have no doubt that these little steps we have taken today will contribute in reducing the malaria scourge in Nigeria and help to ensure that our children, irrespective of their social status or circumstance, live a healthy, malaria-free life so that they can concentrate on their education and stand a chance of actualising their potential,” Sanni said.

He enjoined the pupils to ensure they imbibe cleanliness as a habit and to use their mosquito nets as a preventive measure against malaria, as, according to him, malaria remains prevalent in Nigeria.

was funny that a party that claimed to be fighting corruption could appoint someone who was declared wanted in the United Kingdom for fraud to lead its campaign in Ekiti.

“It is on record that Governor Atiku Bagudu allegedly opened several bank accounts with Deutsche Morgan Greenfell Bank

where funds stolen from Nigeria were lodged, but falsely claimed that the huge funds were proceeds from his legitimate private businesses in oil and trading.

“The British Embassy in Washington wrote to the United States Department of State to make a formal request with reference number 34/03 dated April 11, 2003 for the extradition of Bagudu to its territory to face trial and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on May 7, 2003 issued a warrant for his arrest.

“On May 22, 2003, he was finally nabbed on the streets of Houston, Texas by two officers and was consequently detained for about 60 days while a court proceeding was on to facilitate his extradition. “ On No v e m b e r 1 9 , 2003, his wife, Aisha A. Bagudu signed his bail bond of $500,000 cash, prompting his return to Nigeria. On his return to Nigeria, Bagudu actually refunded to the Central Bank of Nigeria through the office of the National Security Adviser

Lack of respect to rule of law, impunity ruining APC – Baraje the sum of $604,743,187.19, £60,090,984. 93 and an additional £5.25million. The then CBN Director of Foreign Operations, M.R. Rasheed acknowledged the refunds in a letter to Bagudu routed through the NSA. “Today, the same Bagudu is the one that will lead APC campaign in Ekiti State and President Buhari, who claimed to be fighting corruption will stand beside him on the campaign podium to seek for votes.

“In other words, President Buhari and his APC will come to Ekiti to use corruption to seek for votes and return to Abuja preach anti-corruption after losing the election.”

While declaring that the APC 77-man APC committee, which he described as the Biblical Army of the Philistines going into battle with the Israelites, the PDP Chairman said, “If they like, they can gather all their governors, National Assembly members, States Houses of Assembly members and make President Buhari the campaign chairman, the party will be defeated by the might of Ekiti people.”

2018: Adeoti, Babalola insist on Osun west producing Aregbesola’s successor wo key political figures in the Rauf Aregbesola’s administration in Osun State and All Progressives Congress (APC) fold, Moshood Adeoti and Peter Babalola, have restated the demand that APC governorship ticket be given to an aspirant from Osun West Senatorial District.

Adeoti is presently the secretary to Osun State government, while Babalola currently serves as chairman, Local Government Service

Commission in the state and the two men are eyeing APC governorship ticket for the September 22 election.

Speaking in his Ikire hometown, Peter Babalola, said a Christian from Osun West Senatorial District must succeed the incumbent governor, Aregbesola.

Babalola, who spoke in Ikire, the headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area , during an interdenominational service he organised before formal flag off of his governorship campaigns, said agitations by the people of West Senatorial for the governorship ticket of APC is real, adding

Adeoti

Babalola

BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA, Osogbo

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that the zone would not compromise its stand no matter the interest of the power-brokers with in APC. He commended Go v e r n o r Ar e g b e s o l a for raising the bar of development in Osun, saying in almost 8 years of his reign, the state has witnessed unprecedented development.

“Iworkedwiththemilitary administration and also with civilian government.

Aregbesola’s has been able to outperform others before him since the creation of the state. We don’t want that to stop,” Babalola said.

Also, speaking at APC Secretariat when he submitted his intention form to the leadership of the party, the SSG, Adeoti, said Osun West must be given preference by APC in the search for Aregbesola’s successor in the interest of justice.

He added that he is still holding on to his position in government since APC constitution did not stipulate that aspirants who are serving must quit their position before vying for political post.

SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

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chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former acting national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Abubakar Kawu Baraje, has identified lack of respect for the rule of law and impunity as major factors responsible for high rate of internal conflicts within the ruling party, APC. Baraje, who stated this while speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, lamented the high rate of internal conflicts within the APC, which has culminated in parallel state congresses in about ‘21 states’.

He warned that if the APC failed to heed the request of the nPDP, then its forthcoming national convention

Baraje

might become an avenue to wash its dirty linens openly.

“I counted no fewer than 21 states where parallel congresses were held and as bad as PDP was then, we never had it so bad while in PDP. This is so dangerous to our internal democracy and survival of our party.”

“What really happened in Kwara State during the state congress was a repetition of what had happened in the past, therefore, history is repeating itself but we are not disturbed at all because it is the outcome of the forthcoming elections that will determine the superior,” he said Baraje expressed dismay over the path being trodden by leaders of the APC, adding that marginalisation, disrespect for rule of law necessitated the journey into forming alliance with other political parties and as well led to about five governors and 20 serving senators as well as other gladiators to dump the PDP in 2014.

Speaking on the forthcoming 2019 elections, Baraje said: “We in the APC are desirous that President Muhammadu Buhari comes back and contest and it is also our interest that we win the presidential election and that was what informed our decision to write the letter on behalf of our members.

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News ‘3rd tier govt, veritable tool for providing democracy dividends to grassroots’ UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

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ohnson Onuigbo, chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State has said that the third tier of government was the surest way of providing democracy dividends to the grassroots.

Onuigbo stated this in Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state when he led members of the party’s state working committee on Good Governance Tour of the council to assess the projects which had been executed by the Executive Chairman, Kalu James Kalu.

The Abia PDP boss after he had been conducted round projects being executed by Kalu commended him for providing dividends of democracy for his people.

He said the people of the area did not make mistake in electing Kalu as the chairman.

“We have come to know how Arochukwu people are faring. We have found out that you are strong supporters of PDP,” said Onuigbo.

He stated that it was no mean feat for Arochukwu Local Government alone to produce the senator representing Abia North senatorial zone, Mao Ohuabunwa and Uko Nkole, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency and advised them to work in synergy as brothers and PDP members to attract

dividends of democracy for their constituents.

Senator Ohuabunwa commended the state executive members of the party for the tour they embarked upon, noting that since the Good Governance Tour commenced in the state every local government chairman had been working hard to embark on projects.He said that the Omenuko Bridge on Umuahia- Bende-Ohafia road had been approved for expansion and had been flagged off.

Also speaking during the occasion Uko Nkole said he has projects in all the wards of his constituency while he had equally provided jobs for 122 youths in the Federal civilservice.

Kalu James Kalu, the Arochukwu Council boss in his speech said in terms of Internally Generated Revenue, the council has nothing to offer.

He enumerated some of the projects he executed within 16 months in office to include grading of Okpo Ihechiowa road, empowering of 500 persons with computers, sewing machines and other tools, among others which was flagged off by the wife of the governor, Nkechi Ikpeazu, deroofing and reroofing of management staff quarters, expansion and grading of Ndiafor-Ndi Okorie-Ezi Afor road, Abam; refoofing and renovation of four blocks at Umuzomgbo Health Centre.

Benue, FG contemplate change in settlement patterns …A follow up to Osinbajo’s promise on resettlement Benjamin Agesan,Makurdi.

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he Benue State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government is considering the introduction of cluster settlement patterns for communities in the state.

Governor Samuel Ortom disclosed this at the weekend in Gbajimba, Guma Local Government Area while interacting with newsmen during the inspection of facilities preparatory to the reconstruction of ravaged homes and resettlement of internally displaced persons in Benue.

The governor who was conducting round a delegation from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), led by the Director General of the agency, Mustapha Maihaja, said government and the traditional institution were exploring ways of adopting new settlement patterns aimed at bringing the people together for greater development.

He stressed that the pro-

Osinbajo

posed reconstruction of destroyed homes in the state by the Federal Government would soon commence.

Governor Ortom stated that the delegation’s visit was a follow-up to President Muhammadu Buhari’s promises through the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to rebuild destroyed homes in Benue and also provide

JCI partners NYSC to make youths self-dependent RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta

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s part of efforts to support Nigeria’s government quest towards youths’ employment and self reliance, the world renowned Junior Chamber International (JCI) has partnered the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on the training and sensitization of the corps members called Corps Volunteers under JCI Active Citizens.

The training, sensitization and requirement of Corps Volunteers in six pilot states across the country which include, Lagos, Rivers Bauchi, Kaduna, Plateau and FCT are being conducted for youth corps members following the approval of the National Youth Service Corps which solidified the partnership agreement that exists between the two bodies.

BDSUNDAY reports that the approval was contained in a letter signed on behalf of the NYSC Director General

by Y.S. Ehoda-Adi, stating that the JCI Active Citizens will operate as Sub-Group of NYSC/SDG/CDS groups in Six pilot states of Lagos, Riv-

ers, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi and FCT. It adds that in the partnership, JCI would also provide training of trainer workshop for schedule officers and monitor field activities of JCI Active Citizens CDS members. Speaking on the partnership arrangement with NYSC, the 2018 JCI Nigeria President, Adeniyi Balogun noted that Junior Chamber International kicked start the programme

with the just concluded 2018 Batch A Orientation Course, with the JCI Nigeria Team being led by the 2018 Director of UN and NGO Affairs, Henry Adedokun who visited NYSC Camps in Rivers, Lagos, Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna and FCT .

He added that JCI Nigeria Ambassadors addressed Corps members on the introduction of JCI Active Citizens CDS which would provide capacity building

to Corps members to carry out Sustainable Projects using the JCI Active Citizen Framework as a platform for Community Development Services.

The JCI Nigeria Team also spoke on the objectives of the Volunteer and its benefits and called on Corps members to initiate projects that would solve human and community problems using the 17 Agenda of Global SDG.

L-R: Henry Adedokun, 2018 JCI Nigeria/ United Nations and NGOs director presenting JCI Active Citizens souvenirs to Mohammed Momoh, Lagos State NYSC Co-ordinator, while Alowonlehin V. O, NYSC assistant director, Community Development Service and members of JCI Victoria Island watch.

security and inputs to farmers to enable them return to their ancestral homes and continue with their normal activities.

“Government, in conjunction with the traditional institution is encouraging that there is need to take a second look at our settlement pattern. This is trying to bring the people together and I believe

that the Federal Government will facilitate this,” he stated.

The governor acknowledged the prompt response of the President by sending ‘Operation Whirl Stroke’ to flush out killer herdsmen from Benue and for visiting in quick succession with a view to fulfilling promises made to Benue people concerning the crisis.

Also speaking, Maihaja said it was the responsibility of government to reconstruct homes destroyed as a result of farmers and herdsmen crisis, resettle the displaced persons and to provide farm inputs as well as basic amenities according to the needs of the displaced communities.

“You would recall that the Vice President was here just few days ago and he made several promises, so in response to those promises, we have come here to inspect the facilities around so that we can plan adequately how to make provision for those facilities – resettlement and houses that need to be built for the displaced people,” the NEMA DG stated.

IITA to hold training on ‘novel techniques for weed management in cassava farming’ Ngozi Okpalakunne

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nternational Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) says it will hold a training on innovative technologies for weed management.

The organisers said that the training was part of their efforts to share to a wider audience proven research findings generated from the IITA-Cassava Weed Management Project that have helped farmers to record 20-32 tons per hectare of cassava.

The training, which is scheduled to take place between 2-3 July in Ibadan, Oyo will come under the theme: ‘Novel techniques for weed management in cassava farming systems.”

Specific objectives of the course, the organisers said include teaching participants how to carry out good land preparation and control weeds;

building the capacity of participants to be able to understand what to look out for when selecting a site for cassava cultivation; and Identifying the different types of herbicides and how they work.

The training will also demonstrate the steps involved in calibration and how to determine the dosage of herbicides for application.

Besides, the workshop will create awareness on the importance of safe use of herbicides as well as teach participants the business side of weed management in cassava.

The organisers said the training course was designed for heads of departments, extension agents, agricultural officers, heads of crop protection, extension advisory service providers, farm managers, and spray service providers, adding that there will be both theoretical and practical sessions.

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Oyo APC Congresses: Unity Forum petitions, says list of winners made up of Ajimobi loyalists Akinremi Feyisipo, Ibadan

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he dust raised as a result of the congresses in Oyo state is yet to settle as Unity Forum, a group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has petitioned the leadership of the party.

The petition forwarded to the party’s National Chairman, President Muhammadu Buhari and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on the prolonged factional crisis rocking the party in the state over the recently held ward, local and state congresses of the party.

The forum also sent the copy of the petition to the EFCC, the Central Bank and the Inspector General of Police asking the APC National Chairman to declare the Congresses held by the “Unity Forum of the APCOyo State, as the only legal congress, with recognition of all the attendant prerequisites”.

In the petition signed by the Forum Secretary, Wasiu Olatunbosun, titled ‘Illegal conduct by Ajimobi faction, of a Purported APC ward congress in favour of persons who did not obtain nomination forms,’ the Unity Forum alleged that

Ajimobi

those in the Governor Abiola Ajimobi faction of APC in Oyo State should not be accorded “the status of lawful and proper contestants of the party at the ward and subsequent levels.”

It also alleged in the petition “that the Transfer Forms of Agodi Branch of First Bank which was presented as proof of payment for nomination forms for the ward congress was fake.”

Quoting the number of the Transfer Form of First Bank which is purportedly dated May 4 as 29173701 which it alleged to be fake, the Unity Forum claimed that the Governor Ajimobi “loyal-

ists only paid the nomination sum of N20.06million to the account of APC at the Agodi Branch of First Bank on Monday May 7th.”

The forum alleged further thatthosethatmadethelodgment on May 7,2018 paid, N4,200,000 each except two of them (names withheld) “lodged the same amount of N4,200,000 twice same day bringing the total lodgment to N21,000,000:00, which is the same amount purportedly paid on May 4, 2018 for the same purpose.”

“It has come to our attention that an illegal ward congress was conducted in Oyo State on 6th May 2018,

by some group of persons who parade themselves as the Ajimobi faction. This illegal/unlawful exercise is indeed worrisome, as it compromises the integrity of this quintessential party.”

According to the forum, “There is no dispute as to the fact that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is regulated by the Guidelines for Wards, Local Government Areas and States Congress. It is also not in doubt that the said Guideline prescribes the procedure for Nomination of Candidates [for party positions], in the following manner.”

Emphasizing that aspirants to party positions in the wards, local governments and States will be elected at the various congress and will be required to be persons with the highest degree of Character, Competence, Capacity and shall pay the specified fees for the party nomination form, the Forum in the petition wondered “if truly Ajimobi’s loyalists paid N20.06m on May 4 for the ward congresses as they claimed before the Appeals Committee of the APC, why will they pay the same sum again on May 7th, a day after the congress? “Will Governor Ajimobi’s contestants pay twice for the same set of forms? they asked rhetorically.

First Lady urges states to sustain efforts towards reducing maternal mortality rate BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA

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ife of the President, Aisha Buhari has urged states across the country not to relent in their efforts in sustaining maternal health care, saying such efforts would reduce maternal mortality rate.

Represented by Hajia Hazatu Zana, Buhari spoke in Osogbo during the flagoff of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW).

She explained that the week was introduced in 2010 following the recommendation of the National Council of Health as a strategic intervention to accelerate the reduction of child and maternal mortality in Nigeria with the aim of improving access to integrated package of essential quality and healthcare services.

Buhari said all hands must be on deck to ensure prevention of diseases that affect mothers and children across the country.

She said: “As long as we still have mothers and children that are dying of preventable diseases, all hands must be on deck to ensure

that pregnancy, child birth and child raising are not seen as life-threatening”.

Earlier in her goodwill message, the founder of Sheri Care Foundation (SCARF) and the wife of the governor of Osun State, Sharifat Aregbesola, appealed to pregnant women and nursing mothers to always take issues relating to their health seriously by making themselves available for immunization, health sensitisation programmes and other health packages provided by the government.

She added that measures have been put in place to improve healthcare services in the state, positing that one of such called Osun Health Insurance Scheme would soon take off.

Aregbesola said: “The governor is committed to ensuring proper healthcare service that will cut across all local government in the state and this will enable that each ward has a functioning primary healthcare service.

“Also, it is part of the government plan to introduce the Osun Health Insurance Scheme to the state and also make available pharmaceutical products, where shortage

Ciscon vs workers in N90m case: Port Harcourt high court to hear motion on June 11 Microfinance experts blame low agricultural Ignatius Chukwu & Godwin Egba

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he protracted case between one of Nigeria’s topmost oil service companies in Port Harcourt, Cisons Nigeria Limited, and nine of its 67 disengaged workers now before a Port Harcourt high court would receive attention on June 11, 2018.

The battle ground is in the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Port-Harcourt judicial division, where the Justice, J.K Omotosho, seats. It is between nine petitioners on behalf of the entire terminated staff and the respondent, CISCON Nigeria Limited.

Motion on notice before the court is pursuant to section six of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, Sections 4 and 19 of the companies winding up rules 2001 and under the inherent jurisdiction of honorable court.

The grounds for the petition among others include termination of the affected staff, non-remittance of pension deductions from staff salaries to their respective pension administrators, nonremittance of staff cooperative deductions including

non-remittance of Pay As You Earn (P.A.Y.E) tax to the relevant authorities which could not enable the workers obtain tax clearance certificate (TFC), and non-remittance of the salaries to the National Health Insurance Fund thereby denying staff access to medical services.

The petitioners stated that the company is indebted to them by way of outstanding

salaries and terminal entitlements based on the current CISCON Staff Manual 2009 the sum of N90.9million.

The petitioners also cried out that they have put in up to nine years of their youthful lives working for the company but that they had looked up to their terminal benefits to chart a way forward after the termination of their appointments which are now

unpaid.

They stated further that even by the letters of termination the company promised to pay the terminal benefits of the petitioners and other staff who were terminated but contrary to the said promise, the company failed, refused, and or neglected to pay the outstanding salary arrears and the said entitlements.

Hadiza Bala Usman, the managing director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), receives award of recognition for Corporate Governance and Contribution to National Development from Ituah Ighodalo the chairman, board of governors of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for girls, , to the right is the director of the School, Olufumke Fowler-Amba and the Best Graduating Student, Chinaza Esiaba at the 2018 Graduation Ceremony of the Vivian Fowler Memorial College for girls in Lagos .

PHOTO BY NPA MEDIA

productivity in rural areas to poor financing IDRIS UMAR MOMOH, Benin

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he need for governments to increase budgetary allocation to agricultural sector to boost financing of agriculture in the rural areas took centre stage at the 4th Nigerian Microfinance Annual Symposium in Benin-City.

Microfinance bank experts, who advocated for the increase in budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector in the one-day symposium with the theme, “Serving the Agricultural Sector Through MicroBanking”, noted that the increase in allocation would enable governments to set aside funds to the Microfinance banks to fund rural farming.

Some of the experts include Godwin Ehigiamusoe, founder and managing director of LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, Rogers Nwoke, managing director/ Chief Executive Officer of Hasal Microfinance Bank Limited, Taiwo Joda, managing director/Chief Executive Director of Accion Microfinance Bank Limited and Akin Lawal, managing director/ Chief Executive Officer of

Nigerian Police Force Microfinance Bank Plc. The experts opined that agricultural activities which are the mainstay of the rural dwellers economy will remain unproductive to contribute meaningfully to food security if not adequately funded.

Rogers Nwoke, who is also the national president of Nigerian Association of Microfinance Banks, lamented that the sum of N220 billion initially set aside for Microfinance bank was however, allegedly diverted to empower Medium, Small, Micro Enterprise (MSMEs).

He however, urged the Federal Government to restate the N220 billion fund and refocus it to Microfinance banks as rural agricultural scheme to enable it lend to rural farmers.

He said in 2012, Hasal Microfinance Bank spent about 27 percent of its portfolio on agriculture, and that the money would have been lost if not for the funding from the now defunct Millennium Development Goals.

Nwoke noted that Microfinance banks are willing to lend to farmers but they are however, constrained by paucity of funds.

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News

Aisha Buhari ready to partner group on mother/child health promotion holders in the Health sector.

Mrs. Buhari, who was represented by Tessy Maina, disclosed that her NGO was into advocacy nationwide on maternal, new born and child health.

“We are interested in the health of Nigerian mother and child. We accelerate efforts to the campaign on maternal, new born children and HIV/AIDS prevention.

The foundation will provide all the necessary support to ensure no woman dies during child birth,” the first lady said.

She thanked the wife of Abia Governor, Nkechi, for responding swiftly through her Foundation and described her as a champion of the advocacy campaign.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in his speech thanked the

UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

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isha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, has said that she was ready to partner any group or organisation with the agenda of promoting the prevalence of maternal, new born and child health in the society through her pet project, Aisha Buhari Foundation.

She gave the assurance in Umuahia, Abia State during the flag off of High Level Advocacy Meeting on Maternal, New Born and Child Health organised by her Foundation in collaboration with Vicar Hope Foundation, a pet project of Nkechi Ikpeazu, wife of Abia State Governor and other stake-

Aisha

wife of the President for the partnership with Abia State and for her interest in mother/child care.

Ikpeazu, represented by John Ahukanna, Abia State commissioner for health, disclosed that health was one of the priorities of his administration, adding that a lot of innovations had been recorded in the health sector.

Nkechi Ikpeazu, in her speech expressed happiness for being part of the coalition of persons and groups with the intent of reducing the incidences of HIV/AIDS from mother to child.

“As a mother, I know that every parent desires the best for their children and no parent will willfully transfer a medical burden to a loved child. Providing this HIV/

AIDS services will go a long way to making our people healthier and reduce statistics,” she said.

She hinted that she had worked extensively with sickle cell patients and knew the psychological and emotional pain such situation could wreak on a family.

Ikpeazu thanked the wife of President Buhari for introducing and championing this course, noting that it was not the first time Aisha Buhari and Future Assured had been intervening in the matters of Abia State.

She disclosed that the Nigerian first lady in the past distributed food and nutritional supplements to pregnant women and nursing mothers as well as distributing food items to 2000 indigent families in the state.

only 3.5 percent receiving any services.

Sadly, there seems to be no reprieve in sight for the victims as children’s right advocates complain of weak child protection structures in Nigeria.

Statistics of child trafficking, female genital mutilation and malnutrition in Nigeria are alarming.

According to Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), 60 percent of children involved in child trafficking from Africa to Europe as at 2004 were Nigerians.

UNICEF estimated that 17 million or 43.6 percent of children in Nigeria under the age of five have their bodies and minds limited by stunting.

About half of all deaths in children under five are attributable to under-nutrition, translating into the loss of about 3 million young lives a year. Under-nutrition puts children at greater risk of dying from common infections, increases the frequency and severity of such infections, and​delays recovery.​ According to WHO, more than 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM in 30 countries, including Nigeria, where the practice is prevalent, while about 3 million girls are at risk annually.

Data from the Nigeria Demographics and Health Survey show that 24.8 percent of Nigerian girls and women aged 15 to 49 have been circumcised, with 82 percent of women in Nigeria

getting circumcised before the age of five.

In the face of all this, there is an urgent need to negotiate a new and better deal for the Nigerian child. That children are the future of any nation is a bare fact. Without them, no nation can hope to build any meaningful future.

It is the child of today that will grow into the adult of tomorrow, supplying the direly needed productive workforce, providing leadership, and moving the economy forward. But without quality education and training, proper health care and other basic necessities, the child of today will grow into an irresponsible adult, constituting both a nuisance and a burden on the country.

This is why the government must go beyond mere populist sloganeering and such half-hearted expressions as “children are the leaders of tomorrow” to really look into the plight of the Nigerian child and begin afresh to build a successful generation of Nigerians that will move this nation to the desired destination. In a country where children in the 0-14 years age bracket make up 43.8 percent of the entire population (CIA World Factbook 2013 estimate), and where some adults in leadership positions have openly declared the older generations as total failures, this is imperative.

As we mark this year’s Children Day, let the emphasis shift from raising awareness on children’s rights and wellbeing to making efforts to better their lives.

Children’s Day: What hope for the Nigerian child?

Continued from Page 1 internally displaced persons in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe Sates are children, according to UNICEF, and the number of children in need of humanitarian assistance as at 2017 was put at 4.4 million.

To say that the Nigerian child has not had a fair deal in virtually every aspect of life is to state the obvious. Despite some progress made, issues of child abuse, child labour, child marriage, child prostitution, lack of access to basic education, lack of access to proper health care, malnutrition, extreme poverty, dangers arising from female genital mutilation, among others, still persist in the country.

The statistics are sobering.

According to UNICEF, about 1 million Nigerian children die each year before their fifth birthday, representing a shocking 10 percent of the global total.

In Nigeria, 43 percent of girls are married off before their 18th birthday, and 17 percent are married before they turn 15, according to a report, in spite of the fact that the Child Rights Act of 2003 sets the national legal minimum age of marriage at 18. The prevalence of child marriage varies widely from one region to another, reaching an alarming 76 percent in the North West region.

The plight of the Nigerian child has, however, worsened since the Islamic terrorist sect Boko Haram started its deadly campaign.

Since 2010, Boko Haram has targeted schools, killing hundreds of students.

It has also been known to kidnap children, giving the very young ones over to Islamic schools, using the girls as cooks, sex slaves or suicide bombers, while the male ones are conscripted and indoctrinated as supply channels for their horrible missions.

In February 2014, 59 boys were reportedly killed

by Boko Haram in a Federal Government College in the north-east. In March 2015, BBC reported that about 500 children aged 11 and under were missing from Damasak, a north-eastern town recaptured from Boko Haram militants. Of the 276 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram from a boarding school in Chibok town, Borno State in the middle of the night of April 14, 2014, several of them are still missing with the sect’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, once saying in a video message that the girls had been married off.

On the night of February 19, 2018, the terrorists struck again, kidnapping 111 girls from Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi in Yobe State. 105 girls were released on March 21, 2017; the whereabouts of five is unknown while one, Leah Sharibu, is still being held captive by Boko Haram.

According to an April 2018 UNICEF report, over 1,000 children have been abducted by the insurgents since 2013 and more than 1,400 schools destroyed

by the insurgents since the conflict started in 2009. A conservative estimate puts the number of children that have been unable to attend school as a result of Boko Haram activities at 10,000.

UNICEF puts the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria at 10.5 million, which is the world’s highest, and 60 percent of those children are in northern Nigeria.

In Nigeria, the number of child street hawkers is on the rise. Children from poor households face the greatest disadvantages as most of them begin working as early as five years old, which interferes with their basic education and development. Research has shown that child workers display poor educational achievements. The child suffers from fatigue, irregular attendance at school, lack of comprehension and motivation, and improper socialisation.

International Labour Organization estimates the number of working children under the age of 14 in Nigeria at 15 million. Child workers engage in tedious and highly dangerous tasks, such as bus conductors, street vendors, domestic servants and other menial jobs. These jobs expose the child to risk of being kidnapped or used for rituals, sexual abuse and high likelihood of being involved in crime.

Lack of access to good healthcare is one of the major concerns for the Nigerian child. Nigeria loses about 2,300 under-five-year-olds daily, making the country the

second-largest contributor to the under-five and maternal mortality rate in the world, according to UNICEF. Figures from UNICEF also put the number of stunted children under the age five at about 11 million, with more than half of children under five years in northern Nigeria stunted and one in every three severely stunted.

Also worrisome is the spate of child sexual exploitation in Nigeria which, unfortunately, has suffered a considerable neglect.

According to a 2014 survey by the National Population Commission, UNICEF and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, six out of 10 Nigerian children experience some form of physical, emotional and sexual violence before they reach the age of 18.

Another survey conducted by the Child Protection Hub (CPHub) shows that only 27 percent of all respondents who admitted to have witnessed child abuse confirmed to having reported the case to the authorities, mostly the police.

Findings from a 2014 National Survey on Violence Against Children in Nigeria show that one in four females reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood, with about 70 percent reporting more than one incident of sexual violence. The same study revealed that 24.8 percent of females aged 18 to 24 years experienced sexual abuse prior to age 18, of which 5 percent sought help, with

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Presidential hopefuls Continued from Page 1 their ambition.

Contenders and their quest Muhammadu Buhari Since he announced his second-term ambition to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of his party, Buhari has been busy activating all the machinery that would see him grab the APC presidential ticket and go on to win the presidential election next year.

Pundits say as an incumbent, Buhari’s re-election campaign should be hinged on his scorecard during his first term. But apart from pockets of successes in the fight against insurgency, which in any case have been clouded by the killings in the north-central region of the country, many Nigerians are of the opinion that the Buhari administration has performed abysmally and does not deserve a second term of office. They rate the administration low on the economy and the fight against corruption, the other two anchors of the Buhari policy thrust.

But Buhari supporters argue that the new initiatives introduced by the administration would take a while to manifest.

The administration in 2017 launched the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan to restore sustainable, accelerated inclusive growth and development, invest in the people and build a globally competitive economy. It hopes to achieve the target through stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment, achieving agriculture and food security, ensuring energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products, improving transport infrastructure, and driving industrialisation through local and small business enterprise.

During a recent visit to Nigeria, billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates criticised the ERGP, saying, “The Nigerian government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan identifies investing in our people as one of three strategic objectives. But the execution priorities don’t fully reflect people’s needs, prioritising physical capital over human capital.”

At the campaign trails in 2015, and especially at meetings with members of the private sector, then candidate Buhari laboured to convince Nigerians that he is a converted liberal democrat and would ensure that the country will continue to operate a free market economy. However, his actions and body language since coming to power have all been anti-business and pro-state-led economy approach.

Dissatisfied Nigerians, and they are legion, have been vigorously campaigning against Buhari’s re-election, urging everyone to grab their permanent voter cards (PVC) and get ready to vote out the current administration in 2019.

Atiku Abubakar Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition is not new. This ambition has seen him moving from PDP to ACN to PDP to APC and back to PDP. In all of these parties, he had always fallen short of clinching the presidential ticket.

Now back to the PDP, the party under whose umbrella he served as vice president of the country for eight years, Atiku officially announced his 2019 presidential ambition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, in March.

Atiku was elected governor of Adamawa State in December 1998 on the platform of

Muhammed Buhari

the PDP, but before he could be sworn in, he was picked by Obasanjo, then presidential candidate of the PDP, as running mate. The Obasanjo-Atiku ticket eventually won the February 27, 1999 presidential election.

Atiku is no doubt a political phenomenon who has not only the means and capacity to prosecute elections, but also the sagacity and clout to wield influence and garner sufficient support for his cause. As vice president under Obasanjo, Atiku was a powerful political figure who used his position to build and nurture a formidable political machine that remains a launch-pad for his soaring political ambition till date. Those close to him say he used his period in the APC to build even more bridges across the country’s geopolitical and ethnic divides.

Perhaps the strongest threat to the second-term ambition of Buhari so far, political observers say he is a major aspirant to watch as the struggle for PDP ticket hots up. They strongly believe that if Atiku secures the ticket to run on PDP platform, he would give the APC a run for its money.

Atiku understands the mood of the moment and has been striking the right chords among Nigeria’s progressives. He has been everywhere across the country and beyond “preaching” about restructuring and need for the unity of Nigeria. Observers recall his seminal lectures across the country bordering on the urgent need for restructuring, privatisation, job creation, revamping the education and health sectors, and generally growing the economy.

The long-term goal of Atiku’s key economic agenda as espoused in 2015, analysts say, is wealth generation through infrastructure development and power, education and skill acquisition, security, entrepreneurship and good governance, agriculture and food security and Niger Delta development. He has always maintained that if elected president, he would address habits and practices that currently compromise policy implementation, but also those that would promote the hallmark of good governance through effective policy monitoring, evaluation and implementation.

At a Chatham House lecture in London entitled ‘The Importance of Strengthening

State Economic Management Systems’, Atiku promised to offer states a matching grant of $250 million each to challenge them to enhance their Internally Generated Revenue.

Many are of the view that if Atiku gets the PDP ticket, the battle for presidency in 2019 would be between him and the incumbent President Buhari as other aspirants may chicken out and beat a retreat when the battle field becomes too hot and risky to advance further.

An analyst who is rooting for Atiku enumerated three key reasons why he believes the Turakin Adamawa is the right man for the presidency in 2019.

“Our beloved country is in a danger of being plunged into a civil war. There is a feeling of discontent all over the place. It will take a man who is very strong and reads the signs of the times to pull the country from the nadir into which it has sunk. It can also only be done by a Northerner. Nobody from any other part of the country can possibly say he will take over power from the North at this time; any attempt will only result in bloodshed. So, Atiku fits that bill,” the analyst, who pleaded anonymity, said.

“The second reason is that he is very wealthy and would not possibly be interested in stealing when he gets there. The man has seen money and he is using it to touch lives. If he gets there, he can only use the country’s wealth judiciously, giving what he is doing with his personal endowments.

“The third reason is that the man has built bridges across the country. He has friends all over the place. I am impressed the way he is taking the issue of restructuring and I believe that he will do well if he is given the opportunity. My analysis is based on my observations, but I also know that politicians in this country are not predictable,” he said.

The only snag for Atiku, however, is that many perceive him to be corrupt, even though there is as yet no evidence to prove this, neither has he been tried or convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction. Analysts say he will need all the luck to erase that perception from the minds of Nigerians and convince them to give him a chance even after laying out fantastic plans for the

economy and the country.

Ibrahim Dankwambo Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, the sitting governor of Gombe State, is a graduate of Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and holds M.Sc. in Economics from University of Lagos and a PhD in Accounting from Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State.

Born on April 4, 1962, Dankwambo, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and Nigeria Institute of Marketers, worked at Coopers & Lybrand and Central Bank of Nigeria and served as accountant-general of Gombe State and accountant-general of the federation before he was elected as governor of Gombe State in 2011.

Several articles on the internet are full of praises of the Dankwambo. For instance, Leaders.NG, an online news platform, said Governors Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (then PDP) of Kano and Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo were undisputedly two of the best governors in Nigeria in the last dispensation.

“Dankwambo’s case was even unique in the sense that he had little resources at his disposal when compared with his then Kano colleague and those of the southern states, yet, his performance rivalled and eclipsed those of his peers.

“Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo became a poster governor for the PDP in Gombe State and the entire northeast, not even the change mantra of the APC and Sai Baba wind was able to sweep him out of office in the 2015 general election. He came head to head with Senator Danjuma Goje’s political machinery and triumphed comfortably. He became the only PDP incumbent governor to deliver his state to the party in the entire northern region,” the news platform said.

Not long ago, a group known as Yoruba Solidarity Alliance (YSA) said it was throwing its weight behind Dankwambo’s ambition as the most marketable presidential material for the PDP who would represent the interest of the youth and defeat the APC. “It is amply evident that the long-suffering Nigerians have had enough of gerontocracy while majority of them are prepared to do away with this unworkable idea in 2019. What the nation needs at this time of untold economic hardship and insecurity is a much younger president who is fresh with new ideas and innovative concepts and Dankwambo is the only way out in 2019, especially with his proven achievements,” the group said.

In January 2018, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Ministry in Enugu State had made some predictions in line with the YSA leanings that Dankwambo would replace President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock in 2019.

This did not, however, go down well with some forces in Gombe, especially the Coalition of Gombe State Indigenes.

Reacting through Muhammad Jibrin Barde, the coalition insisted that if Mbaka knew the state of affairs in Gombe, he would not recommend Dankwambo as a worthy replacement for Buhari.

It went ahead to list some of the alleged damage done to Gombe State and its indigenes by the Dankwanbo administration.

“I advise Fr. Mbaka to travel to Gombe State and visit the state university, hospitals and water projects in Gombe town and all the other 10 local governments of Gombe State and tell Nigerians his findings,” Barde

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Ahmed Garba II

said.

But those rooting for Dankwambo to become the next president describe him as a professional, a perfect technocrat who, being in his prime, represents the call for generational shift in leadership that Nigerians yearn for.

“What else does Nigeria need in 2019 other than this professional accountant?

We gambled in 2015, we can’t afford to toe the same line in 2019. He is a 21st century technocrat who understands 21st century solutions to the myriads of problems in Nigeria. He has no corruption case or any baggage hanging on his neck,” they say.

Kingsley Moghalu Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu is not a career politician by any stretch of imagination.

A former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Moghalu believes the time has come for technocrats, intellectuals and experienced people to take power from career politicians.

Moghalu, who only a few days ago announced that he would run for the presidential election on the platform of Young Progressive Party (YPP), hinges his presidential ambition on the need to reposition Nigeria for economic prosperity “by creating an enabling environment for a productive, innovation-led economy, with a better approach to taxation that will reduce dependence oil revenues”.

“The future of Nigeria rests in technocratic interventions. We need thinking people that will take Nigeria from the politics of stomach infrastructure to politics of mental infrastructure,” he said at a recent event.

“My government will establish a productive innovation-led economy that reduces dependence on oil revenues, establish a public-private venture capital fund with a minimum capital of N500 billion (with private sector co-investment to fund could attain a size of N1 trillion) to create jobs by investing in new businesses by unemployed youth, reform the Nigerian Police Force by recruiting, training and equipping a minimum of 1.5 million persons with improved remuneration to create safe and secure communities, empower women with a 50:50 gender parity policy in political appointments, and initiate a constitutional

Atiku Abubakar

restructuring of Nigeria to restore true federalism for stability and prosperity,” he added.

During his declaration for the presidential election months ago, the erudite professor of International Business had lamented that nearly 60 years after independence, the vision and hope of Nigeria’s founding fathers had not materialized following successive years of misrule. He added that military rule, oil boom and bursts and failures of the civilian political class have combined to rob Nigeria of what seemed its destiny at independence in 1960.

“I am standing with the 100 million Nigerians experiencing crushing poverty, living on less than N300 a day. I am here today because 33 million of our able men and women are unemployed or underemployed, nearly 15 million children are out of school, and only 60 percent of Nigerians are literate,” he had said.

He promised that education would enjoy a prominent place in his government and that he would establish and propagate through the educational system a foundational philosophical worldview for the Nigerian state, around which all Nigerians will unite in a common purpose.

While also announcing his adoption of YPP, Moghalu described the ruling APC and major opposition PDP as “parties of tired old tricks and tired old systems and tired old men”.

“I thought about why I have joined politics, the imperative of a radically new political leadership for Nigeria, one with a vision and the capacity to build a new and different future for our country. That meant almost automatically that I would not be part of the old order of failed and recycled politicians that have run our country aground with poverty, insecurity and corruption as our national legacy.

“I, therefore, decided that I want to be part of a peaceful, democratic revolution that will usher in a new leadership and political order in our country. YPP is a great dare, a tantalizing promise and a notice of evacuation to Nigeria’s recycled political class,” Moghalu said.

The Anambra State-born political economist holds a Law degree from the Univer-

sity of Nigeria, Nsukka, M.A. degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and International Certificate in Risk Management from the Institute of Risk Management (IRM), UK. Moghalu worked at the United Nations before joining the CBN in 2009, where he served as deputy governor (financial stability) and led the implementation of far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s banking sector after a combination of the global financial crisis, corporate governance abuses and weak risk management left one-third of Nigerian banks on the edge of collapse. He later served as deputy governor, operations.

Analysts believe that Moghalu’s rich background in economic management is a plus, especially at a time Nigeria is in dire need of new thinking and new economic and development paradigm. They, however, add that the task ahead of him is arduous if he hopes to make any significant impact in the 2019 elections.

Oluremi Sonaiya She was the presidential candidate of KOWA Party in the 2015 presidential election, the only woman amongst the 14 presidential aspirants. Even though a report had then described her as “an underdog in a contest dominated by incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling PDP and his arch-rival, Muhammadu Buhari of the opposition party, APC”, Sonaiya, a professor, remained resolute till the end.

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed A Vanguard Newspaper report of April 6, 2018 describes him as “a young and vibrant Nigerian who has all the credentials to move Nigeria to the next level” and who “is capable of unifying the country and bringing peace to all the regions”.

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, according to the report, holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Westminster, two Masters degrees and a PhD and worked with Nigeria’s Security Printing and Minting Company in Lagos before entering politics.

Founder and pro-chancellor of Baze University, a privately-owned university

located in Abuja, and managing director, Baze Research and Data Services Ltd, Baba-Ahmed was elected to the House of Representatives (Zaria Federal Constituency) in 2003 on the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) platform, and to the Nigerian Senate in 2011 to represent Kaduna North.

Said to be a proponent of Security, Economy and Education (SEE) programme, Baba-Ahmed’s main policy thrust would be to stabilize the naira by tackling the current high risk factors, reduce interest rates and “flood the capital market with investible funds”.

Sule Lamido Born 30 August, 1948 in Bamaina, Jigawa State, Sule Lamido served as foreign minister from 1999 to 2003 and as governor of Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015. He was a member of People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in the Second Republic, national secretary of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Third Republic during the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, founding member and national secretary of the Social Progressive Party (SPP) during Sani Abacha’s transition programme, and a member of PDP since 1999.

As Jigawa State governor, Lamido initiated major construction programmes, led by the Dutse Capital Development Authority and the Jigawa State Housing Authority.

He also embarked on projects to rebuild schools, provide basic teaching materials, and train teachers in core subjects in junior secondary schools.

In 2015, Lamido and his two sons were briefly jailed after being arrested and tried for allegedly arranging for contracts to be placed by companies that they controlled.

He blamed this on his enemies.

A close ally of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lamido got a robust endorsement in 2014 to replace President Jonathan in 2015. Obasanjo, who at the time had grown weary of Jonathan’s style of governance, was looking for every means possible to oust the Bayelsa Stateborn president from office. Obasanjo had subtly endorsed Lamido at a function in Dutse, Jigawa State capital, and continued

Continues on page 17

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PhotoSplash

L-R: Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, group managing director, CMC Connect Limited; Olusola Momoh, vice chairman, Channels Media Group; Olusegun Mcmedial, chairman, Lagos state Chapter Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and Foluso Phillips, chairman/CEO, Phillips Consulting group/guest lecturer, at the Lagos state Chapter, NIPR lecture/AGM 2018 with the theme “Boosting Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth Through Communication” in Lagos.

L-R: Ayokunnu Ojeniyi, executive assistant, Industry, Trade & Investment, Office of the Vice President of Nigeria; Mayokun Fadeyibi, head of business development & strategy, OLX; Segun Ogunsanya, MD/CEO, Airtel Nigeria, and Chika Nwobi, founder/CEO, L5 Lab, during an interactive session at The Platform: Young Professionals Bootcamp 2018, recently.

L-R: Goran Slavic, regional sales director, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited; Sade Morgan, legal, public affairs and communication director, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited; Paul Gillett, representative of 1st place winner (Lightning Class); Lynn Obray, representative of 1st place winner (Hobie Class), and Dan Fratila, national sales director, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, during the NBC 2018 Lagos Yacht Club Boat Racing Competition held recently in Lagos.

L-R: Eniola Fadayomi, chairman Africa Prudential Registrars Plc; Modupe Irele, Nigeria’s ambassador to France; Oludolapo Osinbajo, wife of Nigeria’s vice president, and Taiwo Taiwo, founder, Aart of Life, during the Nigerian Creative Arts Exchange event in Paris, France recently.

L-R: Chairman, Parent Teacher Association, Adepegba kehinde, Local Government Nursery and Primary School, Jaguna,Itori; Assistant Education Officer, LGEA, Mrs Oluwakemi Adetunji; Head, OANDO foundation, Adekanla Adegoke and Head Teacher, Bolanle Daodu during the Foundation’s visit to the school to celebrate children’s day with the pupils of the school.

L-R: Emmanuel Eze, representative of Hewlett Packard (HP), Mohammed Idris, director economic services FMWASD and Francis Ukoh, project coordinator Nigeria UNIDO-HP Life during the National stakeholders meeting, titled “UNIDO Project: Facilitating Job Creation Through HP Life” held in Abuja. Pic by Tunde Adeniyi.

L-R: Wale Adenuga Junior, managing director, Wale Adenuga Productions; Olayinka Ademo, (aka Nnenna) also of Wale Adenuga Productions; and Gbolahan Oyenuga, senior brand manager, NASCO Cornflakes; during a press conference to announce the 2018 Nnenna & Friends Children’s Day party in Lagos recently.

L-R: Martin Mabutho , general manager, marketing and sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, presenting a gift to Fernando Torres of Atletico Madrid during the GOtv MAX CUP held in Godswill Apkabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State recently.

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When killings in Benue evoked ‘holy’ anger in Akwa Ibom ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, UYO

T

he killings of two priests and 17 parishioners of the Catholic Faith in Benue State by people suspected to be herdsmen appeared to have been the last straw in the unfolding security challenge that has gripped many communities in the country.

Apart from the killing of the priest and members of the Catholic Church, many other Nigerians have lost their lives in the Middle Belt with mass burials conducted in many communities, and hundreds of houses have also been burnt down since the security situation in the state took a dangerous turn.

Many observers have expressed indignation over the wanton killings and the lack of respect for human lives when the nation is not at war with any group.

What seems to be most disturbing is that the perpetrators of the killings have yet to be prosecuted and those found guilty made to pay for the crimes they have committed.

In the face of the deafening silence by those in positions of authority, the security of lives and property has taken a back seat resulting in the slaughtering of human beings almost on a daily basis in the country.

So when Catholic faithful in Akwa Ibom State joined their brethren in other parts of the country in their numbers to register their anger, it was a statement to say that “enough is enough.”

The protest, which involved almost all members of the church in Akwa Ibom State comprising two dioceses of Uyo and Ikot Ekpene gathered in Uyo, along Dominic Utuk Street after the morning mass with placards of various inscriptions and hit the street leading to the Akwa Ibom State Government House.

The protest began after the morning mass by the parishioners attended by priests and many faithful of the church who trooped out with placards demanding protection of lives and property in the country.

Some of the placards carried various messages relating to the insecurity in the country such as ‘say no to religious extremism,’ ‘no more hiding place,’ ‘don’t cause another civil war,’ and ‘stop killing our people.’

Addressing reporters, the Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Most Rev. John Aya, lamented the state of insecurity in the country which led to the killing of 17 priests and worshipers in Benue State “We are harmless, we don’t have arms. Our arms are prayers, the mass, and the rosary and so on and that is all we have. That is why we are telling government to wake up to its responsibilities and that is what we are doing today,” Aya said.

Donatus Udoette, vicar general of the diocese, expressed concern over the deteriorating security in the country, adding that Christians would not take up arms to defend themselves but would rather continue to pray and speak in a polite way about the insecurity in the country.

“We are fighting with prayers and rosary. It is a peaceful protest but if I ask my fellow Christians to take up arms, they will do that; I am asking them not

Catholics Protest

to do that but to pray and to speak in a polite, silent form to the government. If they want to open fire and kill us, we are ready but we are telling them the truth, we are not safe in this country, we want to be able to live in our county in a happy mood,’’ Udoette said.

The Vicar General, who urged Christians to remain calm, advised them to continue to pray for peace to return to the country and for them to worship without any fear of attack and molestation.

The protesters marched from the head office of the Catholic Diocese along Brooks Street to the Akwa Ibom State Government House.

Speaking after the protesters met with Governor Udom Emmanuel, the Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Most Rev. Aya, explained that the procession was to honour the slain Catholic Priests, Reverend Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, as well as their parishioners, in

Catholic members protest in Akwa Ibom

the course of celebrating the Holy Mass, saying that the manner of their killings suggested a carefully planned act, rather than revenge as claimed.

He stated that for over two years, the Catholic Bishops have joined other Nigerians, through conferences, to demand for the reconfiguration of the security apparatus in the country, noting that the non-adherence to repeated calls heightened the lack of confidence in the security agencies.

Aya disclosed that sometime in February, this year, the Catholic Bishops had raised an alarm, during a courtesy visit on the President, over the level of insecurity and the spate of violence perpetrated with impunity across the country, imploring the President to take drastic steps to stem the tide of the brutality.

The cleric said that Christians now feel betrayed and abandoned in the face of failure of the Federal Government to provide security for all citizens, saying

that the inaction has threatened the foundation of the collective existence and unity of Nigeria.

“Every Nigerian has a fundamental right to life and security; the Federal Government should, therefore, not discriminate unfairly among its citizens on the provision of security for their lives and property,” he said.

He maintained that the failure of the Federal Government to arrest or prosecute any of the persons involved in the heinous acts, was an indication of clear masterminding of the atrocities by some quarters, emphasising that the situation on security demands a sober and deep reflection, having taken part in voting for the emergence of the administration in 2015.

On his part, the Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene, Rev Fr. Umoh, thanked the governor for granting them audience and opportunity to show solidarity to their Benue brethren and to pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria, noting that the large crowd indicated the unity of the Christian faith.

Umoh, who was represented by Rev. Fr. Goddia Otu, remarked that the Catholics would continue to use peaceful measures to air their views, saying, “What we feel, we say it peacefully, we don’t say anything in violence because we are for peace”.

In his response, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State called for a safe and peaceful environment for worship irrespective of religion in Nigeria.

Emmanuel, who lamented the spate of killings, based on differences in religious inclinations, stated that it was apt to take proactive measures to forestall future occurrences, adding that if left unchecked, it could negatively affect the chances of conducting peaceful elections in future, in some parts of the country.

While indicating that there were strong possibilities that the perpetrators of the crime were being sponsored, trained and provided with ammunition, by unidentified persons, Emmanuel said the memories of the victims, would be difficult to erase from the minds of families, loved ones and their communities.

“I will do everything humanly possible, first of all, in our state, to protect lives and property but as a country, we all must contribute as well. It is left for us, leaders, to still do something to protect our people.

“In this state, we don’t restrict anybody from worshipping or taking a path of faith, even though the state is about 99 percent Christians but we still allow other faithful to worship freely,” the governor said.

He commended the orderly manner in which the Catholics have conducted themselves throughout the procession to avoid the hijacking of the situation by hoodlums, promising to deliver the content of their message to relevant authorities.

Indeed, the protest by Catholics has brought to the fore the levity in which human lives are being treated in Nigeria and their anger as seen in the inscriptions on the various placards has sounded a strong message. The protection of lives and property should be the main responsibility of the government and any government that fails to do so is not worthy of occupying such public space.

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L-R: Emem Okon (GASSIN), ,Inemo Samiama (CEPEDECW), Nnimmo Bassey (HMEF), Abel Agbulu (Priest, Pax Viva)

Ogoni cleanup, not a jamboree, but where is the money?

…Groups, government agency attempt cautious answer

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IGNATIUS CHUKWU uge doubts have continued to create fogs around the $1billion Ogoni cleanup project that ought to be eight years in progress since 2011 when the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) submitted its report to the Federal Government then led by a Niger Delta son, Goodluck Jonathan. Fears are rife that just as Jonathan did not intend to clean up Ogoni within the UN framework, President Muhammadu Buhari may also be toeing the same line; motion without movement. Besides, the people have continued to ask to know where the $1billion the UN asked Shell to put down can be located.

Many also want to know where the $10million that Shell said it has since made available can be traced.

The battle to clean up the Clean Up Now, groups that work closely with the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project (HYPREP), the agency revamped and gazetted by the Buhari administration since 2016 to begin action, attempted with great caution to prove that the project was no jamboree. Fearful of soiling their hard-earned reputations, the civil society organisations (CSOs) made up mostly of clerics and other activists of many years standing, tried to create confidence in the clean up and to point to where the money is.

At the one-day stakeholders’ dialogue in Port Harcourt on May 3, 2018 conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Peace, Development and Child Welfare (CEPEDECW), four CSOs briefed the media of the outcome of the stormy dialogue within them where HYPREP presented updates. The CEOs included Emem

Okon, Executive Director, Lekbetkache Women Development & Resource Centre; Inemo Samiama, Coordinator, Centre of Peace, Development and Child Welfare (CEPEDECW); the reverend, Nnimmo Bassey, Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HMEF); and a catholic priest, Abel Agbulu, head, Pax Viva Foundation, faith-based Ecumenical Coalition for Community Peace Building.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Building Trust & Common Ground for the Clean Up’, Samiama of CEPEDECW who played active role in the ongoing Bodo cleanup project won through out of court settlement, presented a communiqué of the workshop which found expectation gap and re-pollution as major treats to the cleanup project.

The fire flew from the news men who wanted to know if the project was not a forgone jamboree. They pelted the CSOs to show where the money for the cleanup was, if they were ready to put their reputations on the line for the FG. The reverend, Bassey, took up the challenge as an observer-member of HYPREP representing CSOs. He said; “The $10million you talked about is in an escrow account.

The Ogoni Trust Fund which has just been signed by the vice president is to warehouse the cleanup fund. Look, transparency is highly needed. The fund can even be invested to increase it or attract more. On where the $10million has been all this while, the board has just called for account of it. There is detailed financial management system which requires that every amount spent is accounted for and reported.”

He went on: “If it were a jamboree, many of us will not be involved.

I have spent 30 years holding polluters accountable. People have a reason to have doubt and it is nec-

essary. This is the biggest cleanup project in the world today. Niger Delta is even bigger and Ogoni clean up will provide a model for all of it. Why the funds will have to be invested is because, let funds not be idle. Funding is not an issue because it would be released when needed.”

Another cleric, Agbulu (of Pax Viva) added: “There is need for encouragement. Collaboration between HYPREP and CSOs to be stronger and the CSOs would help tell the people updates on the process. Much is being done but there is no portal to report them.

So, this will begin to happen.”

Agbulu, who was key to peace and reconciliation in Bodo that led to the clean up there was reacting to calls for a portal on Ogoni clean up to give equal update to all stakeholders real time.

The convener, Samiama of CEPEDECW said: “Performance so far is steady. This is not a jamboree?

It is not a one day affair, so different persons have different perceptions. It is too early to say it failed.

Structures are being put on ground.

It is not a jamboree. HYPREP has been gazetted, funds set aside, UNEP is involved, and the Ogoni are people through MOSOP and

KAGOTE. All these people cannot be a fraud. Yes, stakeholders want action and there is need for communication. Engagements such as this are absolutely necessary to ensure feedback, sensitization, etc.

Infographics are out already to help HYPREP communicate with the ordinary people”.

HYPREP puts up a fight An official from HYPREP, Marvin Dekil, briefed the roundtable on updates of the clean up, saying it is intact. He said over 400 companies have indicated interest in the clean up and that selection was ongoing.

“Clean up is intact and the government is committed. We are visiting communities in Ogoni on sensitisation and so far over 12 have been visited. We are soliciting the support of community in the area.

We have started technical work; delineation is going on and we have advertised for interested companies for clean up to show interest through Expression of Interest.

Over 400 local and foreign companies indicated interest at the close of the deadline being Monday, April 30, 2018. We are now selecting the good ones,” Dekil said.

He was further quoted thus: “Health outreach programme also started in 2017 because there

is need for media attention to the people in the communities. The huge turnout led to a second phase.

It took place in all the four local council areas of Ogoni using two healthcare centres each. So far, 20,000 patients have been treated.

There has been outpouring of support by the local people. Most local people who never expected anything got treatments. Some of them testified that this one has been done well without rancour.’

He said the minister of environment visited the state in the last week of April on the matter of soot, and that soot is connected to the main issue in question, which is artisanal refining that produces soot and disrupts the clean up. “Pressure on clean up should equally go to bush refining (kpo-fire). HYPREP needs the support of all. We are keen on clean up,” he said.

Measuring the Ogoni pulse The FG needs to understand that the problem in Ogoni is beyond money. The perception crisis in the place that has fought for over 20 years and lost over 2000 sons and daughters is huge. A source said a study was presented at the workshop to show how the Ogoni feel about the cleanup project.

Sam Kobari, PhD, an Ogoni and a force in the activist community and head of the Centre for Environment Rights and Human Development (CERHD), was said to have laid the facts bare through a study recently conducted on the clean up.

On community perception of clean up, he found that the Ogoni, about one million people predominantly farmers and fishermen, located in four local council areas of Rivers South-East region, understand the clean up ordered by the UN as compensation for their years of suffering and oil spillage.

He wants HYPREP to manage the expectation of the impacted communities better.

He was quoted to have said: “Our research took us to eight

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impacted communities where we talked to 240 community members; talking to top people gave different opinions from talking to the ordinary people in Ogoni.

Response system in spills: Who do you report to: 81 percent say there is no emergency response to their knowledge; 51 percent admit they have once reported spill and 56 percent said no effective system in place. Thirty seven (37) of the 240 said they learn things about spill from social media, an indication that leaders are not on ground and do not carry messages home; 58 percent said they depend on radio.”

He went on: “What is clean up?

Their response showed their understanding thus: Compensation, creation of jobs, removal of oil spill.

Has clean up started? 87 percent said it has not started, and asked the researchers if they saw any sign of it. Perception: 69 percent have negative notion of the Clean up; reason, no action, no jobs yet, etc. They have doubt. 57 percent believe it will ever go well if it does start. Youth: They expect it is for them, or they will be involved. They want reduction of political interference. They expect that if political intervention is removed, credible companies used, UNEP involved, it will work. Expectation: Jobs first before restoring environment; they demand sincerity on the part of the government (FG), adequate compensation, sufficient funding of the clean up.”

Pollution is now highest killer in the world – Nnimmo Bassey The grandfather of environmental activism in the oil region, Nnimmo Bassey, delivered a thought-provoking lecture where he pointed out how bad it is to play with pollution, especially one caused by cancer-triggering benzene from oil and gas.

He said: “Nigeria is one of the most polluted nations in the world (Reports put PH at 180 points, highest in the world). Ogoni is classified as a deadly environment because it has high cancer causing agent. Therefore, anything to clean it up is most welcome, much needed, and the best must be done.

We must hold all stakeholders to account; FG, state government, local councils in Ogoni, oil companies and all of us”.

He said Ogoni is now a metaphor or symbol for resistance

against pollution; and shows that neglect of environmental regulations is cause of pollution. “The Ogoni Bill of Rights meant to fight environmental pollution was written as far back as 1990, but how far has the environment changed since then? The OBR was an inspiring piece of writing to other ethnic groups in the Niger Delta which led to other declarations such as Kaiama, Ikwerre, Urhobo). This is a wakeup call. Environment unites us all in Nigeria. The Ogoni struggle is the most successful because it has clear strategy, clear target; it shows what could happen when communities come together.”

He recalled the writings of Ken Saro Wiwa’s words in prison: “Silence would be treason when the land is ravaged, the air is polluted”.

In Ken’s ‘A Month and a Day’, in every nation, there are Ogonis; people marginalised who have no future. “So, it’s important for our people to demand for their rights to exist. We are all Ogoni. The poisoned water flowing below reaches everywhere.”

On oil, he said: “Oil sabotage is rampant, and there is too much interference in oil facilities. Militarisation of the Niger Delta cannot stop it but would rather aggravate it. Bush refineries: There should be study on why it came into being and how it can be stopped. Do the bush refiners know the real danger of that activity? Oil companies easily show the illegal activities of bunkerers but their own pollution goes on unnoticed. Security agencies must be made to realise that their method is contributing more to pollution than stop it. Life expectancy in the region (41 years) is least in

the world. Burial ceremonies take over from festivals in our communities. It is a new tourism spectacle”.

He said clean up is a clear example of social engineering. “It calls for sacrifice. It is not to make people wealthy but may create jobs, and the competences to face the larger Niger Delta cleaning.

So, we say ‘No’ to profiteering and cutting corners. Some people have said; you cannot successfully mop the floor while the tap is running.

Re-pollution is evil.”

In his conclusion he said: “We cannot leave a legacy tomorrow with pollution today. Zero pollution to old and new pollution is what we demand. Yes, oil belongs to us but we cannot use what belongs to us to kill us. Every single pollution agent must be identified. Saying that re-pollution can go on since clean up has not started is wrong. It is time to hold people accountable.

We must go together.”

Inemo Samiama: Info-graphics needed to communicate clean up Samiama, a pro-people activist with a touch of creativity with striking brilliance, thinks new ways to converse with the people on clean up must be adopted. He chose infographics. He said: “This involves use of images to communicate the meaning of clean up to the people. Bodo clean up is going on in three phases; Collecting all the oil on water and land; Remediation; Restoration. Now, after first phase, birds were seen flying all over. We tried to find out and the locals said because of return of fish to good waters, birds that do hunt for fish are back. The sad aspect is that re-pollution is going on in Bodo. Just after phase one,

bush refining is going on already.”

He smiles at tomorrow, saying, after Ogoni clean up, the entire Ogoni will flourish again. “Water supply to Ogoni is a right as enshrined in the UNEP Report of 2011. The Ogale wells had 4000 percent of benzene. As part of my own activism to attract attention and support to Ogoni situation, I collected the water in bottles and went to Abuja with them and gave them to all the embassies.

It produced instant result. Some did not want to even touch the bottles. They started looking for how to help.”

He said HYPREP is in touch with Oxford University and the University of Port Harcourt to produce a health impact assessment in the Niger Delta. “If life expectancy is such low, why is nobody investigating it? Why are the governors of the region not bothered, not campaigning on this, not setting funds to assess it and make demands on this?

Why do we have to do a march on Soot before anybody or government would react? There is need to create alternative livelihoods for the youths so as to reduce the reliance on illegal lifestyles especially bush refineries. More pollution is going on for people to keep making money out of oil. We care, and people should care; due to oil boom, life expectancy is now very low. Amnesty International reports on level of pollution in the oil region is very alarming. If it were in any other region of the world, it would have become an emergency by now. In Nigeria, its normal living in polluted water and drink poisoned water, die young, etc, just for oil to go on.

Oil/Gas operates in other countries but they do not have pollution crisis. Why is it allowed to go on in Nigeria? Does the government really care? The government is very quick to make sure that oil production goes on. Living with pollution is not normal. So, all stakeholders must help. Do not re-pollute. Its either we want clean up or not.”

It was made clear that over 9million persons die yearly from pollution worldwide and that it is worse than all persons killed by wars.

He added with insights from

Bodo: “There are confidence mechanisms. Scrap team would evaluate the land before and after clean while project directorate manages the cleanup process (Mark Cowen is involved in this).

All Nigerian regulatory agencies are involved; International and local experts are involved too. If work is allowed to the end, we may have that one shining example of clean up in any place in the Niger Delta. Bodo clean up is from a litigation process. Let’s learn lessons and do things correctly.”

Others: Fidelis Allen, another doctorate degree holder, in his presentation, said the type of contracts between oil companies and communities over the years has not helped matters. He said shortcomings from International Oil Corporations (IOCs) and communities can make one lose hope that things would ever change. “Conflicts could still emerge even after clean up. Optimism has been injured because many say if it is to last for 30 years and if it had started in 2011, it would have been eight years of its action by now. Clean up has much to do with development goals.”

In a goodwill message, the Senate committee chairman on environment, Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by one of her aides, wondered why the clean up was delaying in the presence of clear guidelines. “Guidelines are clear, just implement them.

Relevant agencies must work together to achieve the clean up.

The UNEP Report is clear and the HYPREP guidelines are also clear; just implement them to save the lives of our people. Let the people of the area allow things to work because if there is no peace, nothing will happen. Above all, stop oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism.”

The one day dialogue seemed to caress the tiger by the whiskers.

Is the clean up a jamboree? It is expected that after the counters, the stakeholders now know whether it is still perceived as a jamboree or not. It is left for them also to decide whether they now know where the funds are lodged or not.

Where actually is the main money?

Nobody told them at the event that Shell once hinted where the main money is. They had once said that the company provides $180million out of the annual $200million stipulated by UNEP in their joint venture JV) budgets every year waiting for FG and HYPREP to demand for it for projects. Other culprits are to provide $20million yearly, too. Shell has always said they cannot release except in accordance with UNEP guidelines, which is when actual work starts. The initial $10million is to start administrative processes including buildings for HYPREP and groundwork for actual capital expenditure. This was not disclosed there.

Conclusion The organisers of the dialogue said the roundtable was about building common ground for the cleanup project and that the ‘Ogoni Clean Up’ is real though with information gaps. This makes people to ask, why so long? They said insiders know the cleanup is a process, not just an event. No information, no knowledge, and rumours take over.

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IGP fails to obey own order as VIPs retain security details STELLA ENENCHE, Abuja

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he Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris is known for disobeying orders - from failing to heed to several summons by the National Assembly, to disobeying his own employer, to even failing to carry out the very orders he has given himself.

On Monday, March 19, the IGP ordered “immediate” withdrawal of personnel attached to Very Important Personalities (VIPs), and other unauthorised persons.

The IGP’s directive, no doubt, followed concerns about the fragile state of security in the country, and the need for increased policing nationwide.

Idris handed down the directive a few days after Mike Okiro, chairman of Police Service Commission, had lamented that an estimated 150,000 personnel were attached to VIPs and unauthorised persons.

“In view of the current security challenges in the country, it has become expedient for the Nigeria Police Force to streamline the deployment of its personnel attached to political and public office holders, aimed at enhancing effective and efficient policing of the country,” Idris said.

“To this effect, a memo will be forwarded to the President for approval which will serve as a guideline or template for deployment to VIPs, political and public office holders in the country. Accordingly, a directive for withdrawal of all police officers deployed to VIPs, political and public office holders with immediate effect, is hereby given”, Idris had said.

With manpower strength of 308,000 personnel, it is clear that the Nigeria Police lack the capacity to effectively secure the country’s vast geographical space and the people.

Idris’ withdrawal directive, though critical, many say, yet, it was not the first of its kind.

Some of his predecessors had made similar orders during their tenures.

But a few days after March 19, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Jimoh Moshood, released a statement announcing the postponement of the commencement date, a signal that the IG may not be able to pull through the directive.

For over two months since that directive was issued, VIPs have continued to go about with their orderlies, BDSUN-

Ibrahim Idris DAY investigation has shown, though the police insist that the directive has since taken effect.

Moshood told our correspondent that apart from certain categories of public office holders such as ministers, and principal officers of the National Assembly, all other unauthorised persons have had their personnel withdrawn.

“It (withdrawal directive) has taken effect already. Depending on what you call VIP, there are people who are entitled to it, like ministers and principal officers at the National Assembly. The withdrawal is for people who are not entitled and unauthorised.

Policemen are being attached to criminals who now go around blaring siren while doing all sorts of dubious activities

“The withdrawal will increase the strength of the force and those who are to be deployed for crime prevention and control and other operational duties.

It has made more manpower available even for those who are to gather intelligence,” he said.

Some security experts, who spoke on the development, expressed divergent views, Bernard Obande, CEO of Amodu Security Services Limited, described the move by the IGP as a mere political statement.

He said the private security companies were yet to feel the impact of the pronouncement as the status quo has remained.

“The status quo remains as it was that is the truth. We have not been getting any increase in the demand for our services since his pronouncement. It is just a mere pronouncement. If you survey anybody that had police security before, have they been withdrawn? To the best of my knowledge it is just mere political statement,” Obande said.

“To the best of my knowledge I don’t think any police man has been withdrawn from people who hitherto were enjoying the privileges before. As a private security provider it has not brought any increase in the demand for security services provision,” he further said.

However, Ben Okezie, a security expert, said that the IGP ought not to have given

that order in the first place, knowing that it would be hard to implement given the high levels of insecurity in the country today.

Giving his perspective, he called it “a selfish move by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).”

“I don’t think he is showing concern and knowledge of what is happening in the country. This is a country that in anyway, we cannot applaud the internal security and because of his inefficiency, the military is being dragged into internal security which is solely his responsibility and he has not shown any atom of competence, he now wants to withdraw security guards from VIPs and thereby exposing them to danger,” he stressed.

“Now the country is getting unnecessarily polarised politically, things are going haywire and then you want to expose people so that they will be attacked and then tomorrow, people will clap for him that he has succeeded. Look at Benue State, the president asked him to go there, he could not achieve anything, ordinary operational order, he could not fix and up till today, that crisis is still going on, and instead of him to resign he is still sitting down there claiming to be IG. “When an IG starts withdrawing personnel you know that he is doing it for selfish purposes because at the end of the day people will start lining up to salvage. They will start bribing to collect personnel

back at the end of the day you will hear that they have already returned the personnel. So why is he doing it at this time that he knows that the country is going through hard time that we are in an unsecured society? Okezie queried.

“It is very unfortunate the way we are going .Well, I hope people that put him there understand what is happening because this thing might boomerang. The truth is that no one person owns this country,” he said.

Also speaking on the matter, Lawrence Alobi, a former commissioner of Police in the FCT, said deployment of personnel was based on need. ‘’The deployment of police manpower always depends on need. If the IG thinks that the individual needs police protection, of course, he will, because his duty is to protect lives and property. ‘’In the Nigerian society, every citizen has the right.

Section 14 in the constitution states that security and well-being of the citizen is the responsibility of the government and the IG is the number one person in charge of internal security of the citizen. He has the constitutional duty to make sure that Nigerians are protected not only political appointees, but any individual who has any reason to think that his life is under threat can call for the services of the police and if they see that he needs security, of course, they will provide,” he said.

Prior to the police chief’s directive, there had been mixed feelings over the manner police personnel were being deployed for private purposes, with many saying corruption may be embedded.

Isah Misau, chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, had alleged that the IGP made an estimated N10 billion monthly from multinational companies and other concerns.

He had further alleged that millions were paid by officers and other ranks, to influence postings to juicy establishments.

“There is also the allegation that more than 50,000 policemen are attached to oil companies, banks and private individuals with payments made to the police authorities.

“These people pay as much as N10billion monthly. They are however, unaccounted for. Policemen are being attached to criminals who now go around blaring siren while doing all sorts of dubious activities,” he said.

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Perspective Impending hike in excise duty rates on alcoholic beverages and the looming job loss in Nigeria JOHNSON OBAYUWANA

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he Federal Government of Nigeria has made public its decision to implement revised excise duty rates f o r a l c o h o l i c b ev e ra g e s and tobacco with effect from June 4, 2018.

According to Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, who made the ann o u n c e m e n t i n M a rc h , t h e n ew excise duty rates were to be spread over a three-year period from 2018 to 2020 in order to moderate the impact on prices of the products.

Sh e said th e n ew excise duty regimes followed all-inclusive stakeholder engagements by the Tariff Technical Committee of the Federal Ministry of Finance with key industry stakeholders.

According to her, the upward review of the excise duty rates for alcoholic beverages and tobacco was to achieve a dual benefit of raising the government’s fiscal revenues and reducing the health hazards associated with tobacco-related diseases and alcohol abuse.

While the ideas behind the review are quite respectable, there also seems to be a lack of absolute comprehension of the economic consequences, especially in terms of jobs loss. Unemployment rate in Nigeria, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, is currently over 18percent, and with about 250, 000 direct and indirect jobs set to be lost due to this new policy, things are only going to get worse and the pressure will spread out into the entire system.

The current excise at 20percent for Spirits amounts to N31 per Litre while the new one announced by the Minister amounts to N200 per Litre for Spirits and N150 per Litre for Wines; this is over 500percent increase at a go, by far the highest within the subsector.

The Excise Duty currently paid by the Wines & Spirits Sector stands at 20percent across board, while under the new approved exc i s e d u t y t a r i f f , i t i s f i xe d a t 67percent for the wines and Spirits sub-sectors, respectively.

The spirits and wine subsector represents 6percent by volume of the alcoholic beverages sector and is dominated by local distillers, the group that will be most affected by this decision.

Checks revealed that the data u sed in comp uting the recently approved excise tariff were largely luxury foreign products to which excise tariff will not apply like it will on the fledging but largely underdeveloped local subsector.

Domestic spirits production is dominant in Nigeria, accounting f o r a n a v e ra g e o f 5 3 p e rc e n t o f spirits consumption over the 2012 to 2016 period. With an invest-

Kemi Adeosun, Finance Minister

ment of about N420 billion, it will be Nigeria’s loss if this industry is crippled, and even worse for those whose source of livelihood will be cut off.

While the industry remain fragile, Local distillers have recently made significant investments to grow capacity as well as achieve backward integration, but all that is at the danger of being washed away by this latest astronomical increase in excise duties which many have said to be inconsiderable.

Contrary to the Minister’s claims, neither the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) nor the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) confirmed that they were consulted before the decision was taken. The economic impact of such drastic decision is well known to everyone.

The jobs of over 250,000 Nigerians and will be in jeopardy and consequently, family cohesion, social stability and economic well being of at least five million people will be threatened.

T h e a s t ro n o m i c a l i n c re a s e i n tariffs on locally produced goods such as Spirits and Wine is a systematic way of destroying credible local distilling industry with the implication of unleashing avalanche of illicit and unsafe drinks on the Nigerian masses.

With this danger in mind, a bill has also been recently sponsored

by Hon Francis Charles Uduyok, who envisages that the country would be worse off with more people out of their jobs as has been the trend in recent times.

“Killing a part of the local industry in our economy that has barely gone out of recession spells doom

Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment

for the nation and the end product will be a nationwide sack/retrenchment of workers in this industry thus throwing more Nigerians into the already saturated labour markets,’’ he said.

T h e d an g er of in c re asin g t h e restiveness and disgruntlement of a citizenry under enormous socioeconomic pressure as we approach the 2019 General Elections can only be imagined.

According to Lateef Oyelekan, president of the National Union o f F o o d B e v e r a g e a n d To b a c c o

Killing a part of the local industry in our economy that has barely gone out of recession spells doom for the nation and the end product will be a nationwide sack/retrenchment of workers in this industry thus throwing more Nigerians into the already saturated labour markets Employees (NUFBTE), the union had written the Minister of Lab o u r a n d E m p l oy m e n t , S e n a t o r Chris Ngige, on the implications of the new tariff, which may further exacerbate the problem of unemployment in the country, and that the drive towards foreign direct investment would be jeopardised as no investor would like to invest in an economy with low return on investment.

“The British American Tobacco (BAT) h as ju st d e c id e d t o make Nigeria its African headquarters where all its products for other African countries would be produced, but this may make the company to relocate to any other African country with much more favourable policy.

“O u r e mp loye r s h ave alre ad y notified us that it would lead to shut down of some of their companies. What government should be doing is to come up with policy that will discourage employers from downsizing, but before they can do that, tariff has to be reasonable.

“This new policy of the government will increase the cost of production and if that happens, the employers would have to look for a way of cutting cost, and workers are always the first option,” he said.

According to him, the union, in a bid to register their displeasure has also vowed to down tools soon.

A study on Excise Duty Changes for Spirits and Wine conducted by KPMG also revealed that given the challenges of border control and the illicit market, price increase driven by higher excise duty rates may also result in loss of governm e n t rev e n u e . T h i s m e a n s t h a t even jobs that are un-associated with the distilling industry can become affected by this decision.

If anything, the government should at this time be encouraging local industries through provision o f e n a b lin g in f ra s t r u c t u re s a n d reasonable excise duty rates that can enable them to flourish and affect the worrisome unemployment rate in the country.

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Ambode’s three years of ‘ekwueme’ trend

PUBLISHER/CEO

EDITOR Zebulon Agomuo

Sunday 27 May 2018

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

O

n May 29, 2015, Akinwunmi Ambode became the 14th governor of Lagos State. Three years after, he has invested tremendous time, energy and resources toward ensuring rapid socio-economic development of the state.

From the outset, Ambode’s goal was to give Lagosians a functional and safer city, where people can find success and satisfaction. His slogan, “Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko, ‘Lojewalogun”, which means “The progress of Lagos is our priority”, is about development and modernization.

Thus far, he has been able to achieve this through visionary leadership, untiring commitment to excellence, technocratic competence, commitment to results and, above all, accountability.

Across the state, massive infrastructure projects are visible. Recently, 21 roads and 3 bridges connecting Lagos with Ogun State were commissioned while Aboru Link Bridge was equally commissioned two years ago. In the Badagry axis, Imeke-Ajido Link Bridge and numerous other roads were constructed.

Similarly, the Ajah and Abule-Egba Bridges, Ojodu-Berger Pedestrian

Bridge with adjoining roads were completed and commissioned.

Also, a World Class Bus Terminal was recently opened for use. Earlier in 2016, 114 inner roads across the State were rehabilitated while a total of 181 community roads are currently being worked on.

Presently, work is on-going on the Pen Cinema Flyover while the redevelopment of the Lagos Airport Road into a 10 lane international standard highway is on course.

Equally, work is progressing on the Oshodi Transport Interchange which when completed is bound to change the face of public transportation in the State. Just a few days back, approval was given for the construction of Fagba flyover.

The strength of every nation is measured by the buoyancy of its economy. China is, today, a major world power due to the viability of its economy. In a democracy, a strong and thriving economy is vital because extreme poverty could be a serious threat. This explains Ambode’s unwavering dedication to strengthening the State’s economy.

Presently, in Nigeria, Lagos has effectively proved that it is possible to build an economy that is not solely reliant on oil.

A large chunk of the State’s infrastructure renewal projects is being financed from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Presently, due to the impact of ongoing reforms and growth in the State’s economy, the State is experiencing improvement in its average monthly IGR. In the first quarter of 2018, the State has

achieved an average monthly IGR of N34 billion, compared to monthly averages of N22bn, N24bn and N30bn in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively.

One vital tendency that has become a recurring symbol of the Ambode administration is the Governor’s penchant for fulfilling promises. Sometime ago, while on project inspection tour to the popular Ladipo Motor Spare Parts Market, Oshodi, as soon as the governor was sighted by the traders, chants of Ekwueme! Ekwueme! Ekwueme! filled the air. In Igbo language, Ekwueme means promise-keeper.

So, the ecstatic traders were merely expressing their appreciation to the governor for keeping to his promise of improving infrastructure around the market.

In the area of youth empowerment, Ambode promised to create a favourable atmosphere for the empowerment of the youth. Presently, his administration has put in place the N25bn Lagos State Employment Trust Fund which youths with creative ideas and talents could access to make possible the realization of their dreams. The governor is equally making good his promise of ensuring prompt payment of public servants’ wages on the 23rd of every month.

Retired public servants are equally benefitting from Ambode’s promise of improving workers’ welfare. For instance, in 2015, in order to reduce the economic and emotional burdens of the State pensioners, a sum of N11bn was released to pay

off pension liabilities owed retirees in 2010. Also, between May 2017 and March 2018, N9.3 billion was paid as pension to 2,466 retirees in the State. Last year alone, government paid over N9 billion as terminal entitlements of retirees. Without a doubt, this intervention has gone a long way in ameliorating the sufferings of retirees in the State.

A New York Times bestselling author, Richard Paul Evans, once said, “Broken vows are like broken mirrors. They leave those who held to them bleeding and staring at fractured images of themselves.”

Cheerfully, the Ambode administration has demonstrated that promises are sacred and, as such, they must be kept.

Thus far, Governor Ambode has been able to manage the Lagos economy through prudent and stringent management of available resources. This has qualified him as an authentic leader that can be trusted by the people. According to German writer and statesman, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, “Not the maker of plans and promises, but rather the one who offers faithful service in small matters is the person who is most likely to achieve what is good and lasting.”

As the governor focuses on the last lap of his four-year mandate, Lagosians are certainly in for more dose of his ‘Ekwueme’ trend in the state.

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

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Sunday 27 May 2018

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Comment

comment is free Send 800word comments to comment@businessdayonline.com

NNANNA NWAFOR Nwafor, a public affairs commentator, contributed this piece from Abuja.

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ll through the ages, mothers and motherhood have been celebrated in various forms by different cultures around the world to honour the women who take on – rather, who are bestowed with – what is truly a sacrificial privilege to incubate, birth and nurture a daily stream of new lives to replenish the human race. And mothers do much more. They are the pillars of our childhood, families, societies and nations.

In the present age of globalization, Mother’s Day is fast evolving as a worldwide celebration and one of the most popular commemorative days that celebrate humanity’s special social bonds; perhaps, second only to Valentine’s Day. In Nigeria, the eclectic nature of our modern culture with its subtly competing British and American influences, in particular, has seen us celebrating Mother’s Day at least twice in a year – in March and in May, following the British and the Americans respectively. And this is just as well – mothers truly deserve much more.

Mother’s Day presents us all HAMZAT LAWAL Lawal is an activist and a leader of the ‘Not Too Young To Run Movement’.

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here is no doubt that as the 2019 elections is fast approaching, a lot of Nigerians are anxious as to what the outcome would be. By outcome, I mean not just the results of how people voted, but the eventual climate – or anticlimax – of the progressively charged atmosphere over the whole nation as of today. Of course, everybody can feel the temperature rising.

Now, let us use an analogy to appraise our present situation as a nation. If Nigeria were a pregnant woman, she would be in her first trimester by this month of May. Her due date for delivery (DDD) is February 2019. On that date, we expect her to give birth to free, fair, credible and peaceful elections; a genuine democratic process. Surely, we earnestly hope to see a bouncing baby who will be the unifying force to weld together a divided people, and a polarised polity.

Personally, I would love to see the delivery of a new kind of baby in our midst by that time: the Not Too Young To Run becoming a reality. Officially known as the Age Reduction Bill, which is presently on the table of President Muhammadu Buhari waiting for assent, the universal approval of the #NotTooYoungToRun movement leaves no one in doubt that it is a baby whose time has come

Let’s keep mums alive – well, those who care – with an opportunity to tell, reassure or demonstrate to our mothers (biological mothers or the mother figures in our lives) how much we love them and how much they mean to us. As is usual with this kind of celebrations, we are flooded with a thousand and one commercial opportunities to show love to our mothers by small and large business organizations as they jostle for share of voice and share of sales on various channels, mostly social media.

As Nigerians celebrated Mother’s Day for the second time this year on May 11, I came across a short mother’s day video clip that I could not help watching again and again, each time with a smile plastered on my face and my heart yearning to give my mother a warm bear hug. The video featured five kids, probably between four and six years old, each speaking from the heart about why they love “Mummy”.

That video could have ended with the “Happy Mother’s Day” message that trailed the kids’ voices and still remained memorable. But it went further to tug at our social conscience with a voiceless challenge to “Keep Mums Alive”. It was from Coca-Cola; and it was an advocacy for safe births – a basic expectation

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that has become a mirage for about 40,000 women who die during childbirth every year in this country.

Pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood should be some of life’s most joyful experiences. However, the inadequacies of many countries’ healthcare systems to successfully deliver on the needs of expectant mothers have cut short many of such expectations. In recent years, governments, non-governmental organizations, and regional institutions have worked intensely to reduce the prevalence of maternal complications and mortality. According to UNICEF data, there was a 44 percent reduction in maternal deaths globally between 1990 and 2015 which, though impressive, fell short of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These concerted global efforts will continue through to 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In West Africa, a region with some of the highest national maternal and newborn mortality ratios, there has been appreciable even if very slow progress on this issue.

Studies in Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria, by the International Conference on Maternal Health, show similar causes of maternal mortality, that is, lack of access to adequate healthcare

services, unskilled medical personnel and unsafe medical practices.

Research by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that a lack of access to basic healthcare equipment,suchasobstetricalresuscitation units, the inability to identify birth complications early and take preventative measures drastically increase maternal mortality.

But there is positive action. From national action plans to regional initiatives such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Gender Development Centre (EGDC), which in 2010 developed a programme to disburse financial and medical aid to rural areas with little access to healthcare facilities. Many international NGOs are also helping in various ways – providing funding for equipment, while training nurses and traditional birth attendants to use modern childbirth practices and techniques.

Organizations such as PathFinders International, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team (AMURT), Georgia Global Health Alliance (GGHA), UNICEF, the West African Health Organization (WAHO), and many more intensify the battle through funding, training, and innovation.

A more recent hopeful trend is that some notable companies are

supporting the fight against maternal and newborn mortalities in the region. Companies such as MTN, Procter and Gamble, and Dangote are implementing programmes in this space. Coca-Cola is now lending its weight with what is reported to be a regional programme, the Safe Birth Initiative, which will be implemented in partnership with national SDG offices and health ministries. It is hoped that these companies, working in partnership with governments, regional bodies and NGOs, would help raise awareness of the scourge of maternal and newborn deaths; improve access to maternal and neonatal healthcare through building new facilities and strengthening existing ones; provide modern birthing equipment, tools and supplies, as well as strengthen the capacity of maternal and neonatal healthcare workers to effectively operate and maintain these facilities.

The bottom line is that no woman should lose her life in the process of birthing a new life. Mothers deserve to live and be celebrated. So, let’s all join hands to do whatever is necessary to bring our mothers and babies home alive from the maternities. That’s the least we can do to make Mother’s Day a reality for every pregnant woman.

If Nigeria were a pregnant woman in our democratic experience as a fast evolving developing country.

Pregnancy is an amazing experience in life when a little human being is developing inside another human being. This period lasts for approximately 40 weeks that has been divided into three trimesters. The first three months of pregnancy is considered the first trimester. This period lasts from fertilisation to the 13th week. It is a critical period in the life of any pregnant woman. This is where Nigeria is today.

With nine months to go, Nigeria needs to take all the precautions for the better and healthy growth of our unborn baby, which must not come out stillborn. Because we are at that time when the embryo will implant, form the fertile part of the placenta and develop all its organs, the woman’s body shall show a lot of visible, dramatic changes.

The many political organizations in Nigeria are currently aligning and realigning. There are a number of political movements declaring themselves, one of which to reckon with is the “New Nigeria 2019” #NN19. There are threats of pull-outs, merge-ins, and burst-outs. Young Nigerians have also joined the political fray.

The ruling party is rumbling with internal turmoil. And the body politic is trying to make sense of so many forces tugging at the soul of the nation. This is normal for the First Trimester.

Just like a pregnant woman, the dramatic changes taking place in

the body commonly cause nausea and fatigue in the first trimester.

Did I hear someone say that there would be no elections in 2019? Yes, that is the spirit of the First Trimester. Doubts. Retches.

Near-abortion. But, fear not, our pregnancy is intact!

However, if not managed well, this period presents a great risk of more serious complications which include the risk of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

And because we need neither of these mishaps, there are ways of managing our situation in order to experience a smooth and safe delivery come 2019.

The first strategy to manage the First Trimester is ensuring there is sincerity of purpose on the part of our leaders. What we have today in several violenceprone States of the Federation could be compared to the “Breast Tenderness” felt by pregnant women at the first trimester. The Herdsmen-Farmers crisis signifies an attack on the “Breast Spots” of the nation – from where our babies are fed, year in and year out. The “food basket” and “meat belt” of the country is under attack. We need a leadership that fits.

The Nigerian society is one of the most complex societies in the world, with over 300 different ethnic nationalities. To be able to govern it and manage this type of complexity and diversity is a job that requires extra sensitivity and hands-on intellection. President Buhari has shown capability in

tackling the menace of Boko Haram in the North-East, and needs a new energy surge to dismantle the present risk faced by the people in the area of orchestrated threat to food security.

The second strategy to manage our present situation is deliberate effort at peace building at all the strata of government and the civil society. Just like a pregnant woman, Nigeria is experiencing nausea, and to manage this pesky side effect, one must eat bland foods, such as toast and crackers, and also keep blood sugar at an even level with intake of Vitamin B6 and ginger products.

There are so many jobs to be done by the civil society in helping nurture citizen responsibility, without joining in fanning the embers of ethnic and religious sentiments which creates a very combustible atmosphere in times like this.

The third strategy is the use of open forums to ventilate ideas that would ordinarily not find mention in the public space, and therefore potentially cause unforeseen crisis situations.

This can be likened to the problem of constipation that is felt by the pregnant woman in the First Trimester. At this time, progesterone (hormone) and the enlarging uterus can impair motility of stool causing bloating, gas, and discomfort. The political atmosphere has to be constantly doused down by “fluids and veggies”.

As tensions rise ahead of elec-

tions in Nigeria, some fear the country’s unity will face a new test and divisions will be exacerbated by a growing divide among the people. But what I see is an emerging opportunity for the government to utilise the positively unutilised, and redundant, energy of the Nigerian youth, which is encapsulated in the Not Too Young To Run Bill.

Like I have reiterated in my previous interventions, Nigeria is currently passing through difficult times, and is highly in need of a “cohesion-incentive” to make the youths continue believing in our great country and our young democracy. The #NotTooYoungToRun bill, which is celebrated by the world and lauded by the best of political intellectuals, is such a mechanism. It presents yet another opportunity for the youths and the government to see eyeto-eye, stand side-by-side and hold hands in a journey to birth a people-oriented new Nigeria.

The spirit of the bill is in the truth that for far too long, young people have been deprived in the political space, and now they have an opportunity to contribute their quota. As expected, every new born baby is to be a uniting factor in a family, and my hope is that the baby that will come forth from the womb of Mother Nigeria come 2019 and beyond will be adopted by all and sundry as reflecting the epiphany of yet another divine intervention in our collective journey to greatness. A hope for the future!

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 27 May 2018

Interview Under my watch, we remained committed to investing in the market - Ndegwa

Peter Ndegwa, the outgoing MD/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, has just been moved into a new role as General Manager, Continental Europe & Russia based in the Netherlands after spending almost three years in Nigeria. In this interview with ZEBULON AGOMUO, Editor, Ndegwa reels out his achievements- how he was able to take Guinness Nigeria to a new height from the point he met it; the great results the company has posted during his regime, and the productive investments in the market despite the challenges of the past few years. He also believes that his successor will easily leverage on the success already recorded, pointing out that his move is a planned one which is a tradition in Diageo Group. Excerpts: Let’s start with the hottest news about Guinness Nigeria at the moment; you are moving on to a new role. May we know a little about that? have been in Nigeria for almost three years and in Diageo for 15 years. I am now moving into the role of GM, Continental Europe & Russia based in the Netherlands. It has indeed been an exciting time here in Nigeria and while I am excited about the new role, I will miss Nigeria.

How do you feel moving on from Nigeria to Europe?

At Diageo, we view talent as international. I have spent half of my working life, fourteenand-half years (14½ yrs) outside my home country, so I am used to working in foreign countries.

I think it is an opportunity to learn and to actually bring diversity, different perspectives, and also to appreciate what that country is about. I spent many years in Europe in other roles although that was in the UK. It will be good to reconnect with Europe once again.

How do you think the business is doing now? Do you think this is a good time for you to step down?

This is a planned move, so it will include a very smooth transition that will happen over several months. I have been in this country for three years and the business is in great shape; the team is very strong; the strategy is very clear and the performance track record is very consistent, I feel there is no better time to be handing over to someone.

We have re-organised our business in order to respond to the tough environment that businesses were faced with, and also for our business to be more balanced. Three years ago, we used to be more of a premium business, in terms of offering Guinness and some of the other brands that appeal to consumers on the premium end, today we have a much more balanced business. We have gone into the local production of spirits.

We also have a portfolio of spirits that we import, so we are in several categories of spirit, beer and adult soft drinks, across different price tiers.

Our portfolio is more balanced, our commercial execution is very strong. Productivity and cost management have also really transformed and that is translating into very strong top line growth.

We recently announced our results for the nine month period ended 31 March 2018, where we grew our business by 17percent.

This translates into very significant turnaround, supported both by the work we have done in the portfolio by giving consumers choice, but also the restructuring we have done around our balance sheet with the Rights Issue, for example.

In addition to that, we have set up a team for the future, previously we relied on a number of international assignees, but today we have very strong local talent. Fifty percent (50) of the leadership team is female, so we have really created a team that is diverse and very strong and I see it as a team for the

I

Peter Ndegwa

future.

So when you look at all these factors, this really is the best time to be handing over the business to an experienced CEO such as Baker, who I know well and I have worked with in the past. I see this as an opportunity to give a different person a chance to continue to drive that legacy but also take it to a new level.

With Nigeria attracting more competition in the alcohol industry (AB InBev and NB Plc) how do you think the industry will shape up over the next 5 years?

Competition is always expected when you are in business. We are the only total beverage business in Nigeria offering beer, spirits, and soft drinks at various price points from premium to the more affordable segment.

There is no other business in this country that has brands in those three segments; we believe we have competitive advantage.

In the beer category, competition is increasing, but as I earlier mentioned, we have expanded our portfolio and have become more competitive on both the portfolio offering and route-to-consumer. The other aspect that gives us competitive advantage is our entry into spirits production locally.

We were not previously represented in the spirits segment but we have now installed local production capacity to produce international brands such as Smirnoff, Gordon’s, and McDowell with more in the pipeline. This gives us a range of brands and makes us more competitive, so we will not be competing only in beer segment, but also in the spirits

and soft drinks segment.

During the recession, some analysts reported that spirits performed better than beer in terms of consumption. Can you offer an explanation as to why that might be the case?

During recession, consumers adjust to brands that they can afford because they have less money available, both in beer, spirits and in soft drinks. We found that consumers down-traded into price points which they could afford across all the three categories and not just in spirits. Our strategy is to ensure that we are represented in all these segments at various price points, all the way from premium to affordable.

For example we have brands such as Johnnie Walker Blue, and Gold which appeal to consumers who can afford higher priced brands. Also, we have brands that are further down the line and are more affordable like Smirnoff X1, Gordon’s Dry Gin with Moringa, etc. These brands are quality brands that are priced right and provide options to imported brands which tend to be more expensive because of cost of importation and transportation.

As such, we are able to make sure that consumers can afford our brands. In whichever category you operate, the brands have to be affordable and we believe that there is an opportunity in the beer, spirits and soft drinks segment.

What would you identify as the highpoints of your time at the helm of affairs at Guinness Nigeria and your greatest achieve-

ments?

Some of my best moments in Guinness Nigeria revolve around our talent. It is important that our business reflects our society and so focusing on the diversity of our team and on building local talent has been one of my biggest moments. It has been great working to ensure that the organisation really leverages and taps into the local talent base that we have in this country. The diversity that we can create and the opportunities that it gives is a critical part of the successes that we enjoy as a business. Most of our customers, distributors and retailers are actually females, so we should also have our employee base reflect that.

The other highlight is going around the country and discovering what Nigeria is. I really pride myself on having visited 20 states across the country!

What are your final thoughts on the potential of the economy as you depart Nigeria?

It is great to see Nigeria coming out of recession and to see the oil price looking stable, therefore, allowing the government to have more capability to invest in the country.

There have been some painful moments in the past couple of years, both for consumers, for companies and also for the wider society, but it is good to see confidence coming back and the economy starting to turn around for the best. I believe that this country has a huge potential being the largest economy in Africa. I love the fact that Nigeria has very vibrant, very entrepreneurial people who want to push the boundaries and discover new things. It will continue to attract a lot of attention from international investors.

In spite of the challenges of the past few years, we remained committed to investing in the market, for example, we invested behind our spirits production, in new formats etc. especially in areas that we previously did not have a strong presence. In Nigeria, the per capita consumption across both beer and soft drinks segments is still relatively low and as the economy recovers, consumers affordability will improve. For us, the Nigerian economy still holds much promise - we have belief in Nigeria and we are long-term investors.

What would be your advice to your successor, Baker Magunda?

Baker is coming into a lovely country with vibrant people and the largest economy in Africa. It is the place to be. He should understand that this country is huge and he should try and explore the geography of the country. I have been to about 20 states in the country in the three-year period that I have been here. By understanding what happens around the country, you can tailor offerings to the regional blocks depending on preferences. Although it is one country, there are different cultures, so understanding the culture is important as well. It is also important to continue to contribute beyond commercial interests into areas such as Alcohol in Society, shaping diversity and giving female employees career growth opportunities.

Sunday 27 May 2018

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Cover Presidential hopefuls Continued from page 7

the hurdles have become even higher for Sule Lamido.

It is not clear now whether Lamido is aligning with the Obasanjo-inspired third force, which has fused into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Analysts, however, say with the new thinking now that Nigeria needs a shift from the older generation to a more youthful generation of leaders, Lamido does not fit into the age bracket that is being proposed for the new Nigeria. Those championing the shift believe the likes of Lamido have overstayed their welcome in politics, particularly when they had been part of the political parties that have foisted poverty on Nigerians.

Ibrahim Shekarau Ibrahim Shekarau, governor of Kano State from 2003 to 2011, contested the 2011 presidential election on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), but moved to the PDP in the build-up to the 2015 elections. BDSUNDAY gathered that he has since informed his party of his presidential ambition and has also communicated same to various elders, community leaders, opinion leaders, political associates and religious leaders regardless of their ethnic and party affiliations.

Shekarau’s eight-year reign in Kano was remarkable for its giant transformational strides in the state’s education sector. He successfully removed Kano from the list of Educationally Less Developed (ELD) states through the provision of instructional materials, infrastructure and manpower to schools and scholarships for 33,000 undergraduates studying in various institutions nationwide.

Before he came to power, Kano had 3,421 primary schools, 20,526 classrooms, 1,026,300 pupils with 22,084 teachers. But under him, school enrolment improved by 80 percent while his administration established additional 364 primary and 241 secondary schools. Shekarau also served as minister of education under the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

His opponents, however, say although he is brilliant and well-exposed, Shekarau as governor failed to draw a line between religion and politics, such that he created a local religious police, the ‘Hisbah Guard’, which enforced Sharia law irrespective of the residents’ religious affiliation, and he opposed polio vaccination campaigns on the allegation that they were attempts to render Muslim women infertile.

Shekarau, the son of a police officer, was born November 5, 1955 in the Kurmawa quarters of Kano. After taking a degree in Mathematics/Education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1977, he went into the civil service. He would later work as a Mathematics teacher and school principal. He was deputy director of education, director of planning, research and statistics, permanent secretary, Ministry of Education and Youth Development, permanent secretary, General Service Directorate of the Cabinet Office, and as chief lecturer (Mathematics), Department of Physical Sciences, State College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies (CASRS). He later quit the civil service and worked as a secretary to businessman Aminu Dantata, from where he went on to pursue his gubernatorial ambition in 2003.

Younger folks in the fray Bolstered by the passage of #NotTooYoungtoRun Bill by the National Assembly last July, many young Nigerians, citing lack of confidence in current political leaders to deliver the nation from perennial economic and infrastructural backwardness, are jettisoning their long-held I-don’t-care attitude to politics. The #NotTooYoungtoRun Bill, when it becomes law, would reduce the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35, the age for governorship candidates from 35 to 30, and the age for the House of Representatives and the State Houses of

Assembly to 25.

Also spurred by the examples of Justin Trudeau, who became the Canadian Prime Minister in 2015 at age 44, and Emmanuel Macron, who defied all odds to become the youngest president of France at the youthful age of 39, a number of these youths are warming up to contest for the presidency ahead of the 2019 general elections. Those who have so far indicated interest or hinted that they may contest the 2019 presidency include Adamu Garba II, founder/CEO of IPI Solutions Nigeria Limited; Ahmed Buhari, CEO of Skylar, Inc.; Fela Durotoye, motivational speaker and leadership coach; and Omoleye Sowore, publisher, Sahara Reporters.

Adamu Garba II Adamu Garba II, founder/CEO, IPI Solutions Nigeria Limited, a leading cloud computing company based in Lagos, wants to rule Nigeria in 2019. Aged 36, Garba, who hails from Jimeta, Yola-North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, attended Kano University of Technology where he studied Electrical Engineering.

In a recent interview with a national daily, Garba listed his strong points to include that he is “strong-willed, able, healthy intelligent and smart”, with “strong emotional balance and all the attributes obtainable in a visionary leader”, and “fully prepared”.

“I think Nigerians should start to prepare for a new Nigerian dream by our great Nigerian renaissance project where each citizen will transparently measure our government in 4 key metrics namely: Better education and training for our children; better standard healthcare facilities for all Nigerians; better market to transact in goods and services, and more money in their pocket as a result of improved trade,” Garba said in the interview.

“We will work extensively to open our market potentials. We will use oil money only to build infrastructure and not to pay salaries and state subventions. The so-called FAAC will be discontinued under our government.

With creation of special geo-economic zones in each state, we will support them to create their revenues locally and run their government,” he said.

He also unveiled what some analysts have said are fantastic and actionable plans for education, healthcare, and empowerment of rural women to generate value to the economy.

Ahmed Buhari Ahmed Buhari, CEO of Skylar, Inc., a Lagosbased ICT company, says he has come to the realisation that young Nigerians should all be very concerned about Nigeria’s political environment because the decisions made by politicians determine their progress as a people and a country. He also spoke of his plans for the country.

He said his strategy for job creation and a reduction in the unemployment indices would focus on agriculture and solid minerals, Information Technology (IT), and education, adding that his agricultural plan has the potential of creating half a million jobs in the first two years.

“We intend to revolutionise the agricultural sector by introducing highly-equipped mechanised farming and unlike the eagerness perceived from our Ministry of Agriculture, we will not be in a hurry to export unprocessed products. My administration will be focused on ensuring that no tuber of yam leaves the shores of this country simply because we want to realise foreign exchange. We must understand that for every tuber of yam that we export, we are exporting jobs. When you understand that the by-products of yam are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, you will have a rethink before exporting unprocessed products.

“We must exhaust the entire value chain, not just stopping at the farm gates. We must begin to create jobs from the farm gate to the processing plants, then to the storage plant, and then we create openings around branding, packaging and transportation to the end user,” he said.

The young Buhari also promised to ensure

that price control mechanisms are clearly addressed so that Nigerians can purchase commodities at the same price all year round, that the marble and tiles imported from China and Spain are sourced from within instead, that the ceramic industry is rejuvenated, that efficiency and accountability are incorporated into the country’s economic reforms, and that the potentials in ICT are unlocked to create value.

“The number of young people today in Nigeria who are able to use ICT to proffer solutions as well as make a living for themselves is amazing. We must ensure that we make electricity and internet hubs available to enable aspiring tech-preneurs explore and develop the new Nigeria,” he told BDSUNDAY in an interview.

Omoleye Sowore Omoleye Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, who anchors his agenda on a threepronged policy covering security, power and infrastructure to lift the country from its present state, promises to create at least 250,000 new jobs in the agricultural sector, with commercial ranching operations that would cover 20 million cows.

Even though he has begun to traverse the length and breadth of the country making his intention known to some key figures in the country, many Nigerians see him as a joker.

When in February this year he declared his intention to run for the presidential election, pulse.ng, an online news platform, reported that Sowore insulted everybody while putting himself forward as the candidate to beat in the 2019 presidential contest.

“If I should run this country, Nigerians will be happy. I can run this country in my sleep better than Buhari can do. Ambode can’t govern a county in the US,” pulse.ng quoted Sowore as saying.

“Jagaban (Bola Tinubu) has taken every piece of land you can find in Lagos. Saraki has taken over Kwara.

“Buhari has no brain. If you ask Nigerians about the economic plans of Buhari, they’ll point to the British accent of the finance minister. How does accent create jobs?

“Buhari is not even analogue. He is worse.

He can’t even use a telephone by himself.

“As activists, we can run Nigeria. If a goat gets the kind of waiver Dangote gets, the goat will be rich,” he was quoted to have said.

Fela Durotoye Fela Durotoye, a Lagos-based motivational speaker and leadership coach, says he is ready to serve Nigerians in whatever capacity including as president in 2019.

“The problem with Nigeria so far is that we have not yet seen a system that produces natural good people in governance. The leadership system we have in Nigeria is what I call ‘seletocracy’; it is a kind of system whereby the access to position of authority and power is to a large extent determined by a few people who have a higher interest in themselves and their own selected interest than they have in the interest of the general public.

“It now time for us to lead, but remember it is not just about the people being led, it is about us the people, choosing how to make life better, that we have to make our mission. Because

we have woken up, now we have chosen to accept our responsibility for the wellbeing of our nation. Now we believe ourselves that our generation can do this; now we are committing our time and resources, rather than sitting in our comfort zones and most importantly, we are determined.

“I am ready to take up the task in whatever capacity it is. I will love to serve my people and create a desirable nation to live in first, which we can do. If I were to serve in the highest office in Nigeria and I am given the right condition, I will be honoured to serve my people in any position, including the presidency,” he said.

There are expectations that more presidential aspirants will be challenged on their economic agenda as the 2019 elections approach.

The questions Many observers have expressed the opinion that there is the need for the electorate to “look very well this time around before they leap”.

Tony Mmadu, a Systems analyst, told BDSUNDAY that his zeal for voting has died following what he described as huge disappointment being experienced in the present administration.

“From what I have seen in the last three years, nothing tells me that there is going to be a change in the next 10 years. You want to know why I said so? If President Buhari returns, we go deeper into crisis; if any of the old brigades step in we return to square one, and if any of the neophytes coming up should grab power, we go back to the laboratory as they will begin to carry out all manner of research of ABC of leadership. Honestly speaking, Nigeria is really in a deep problem,” Mmadu said.

Speaking in separate interviews with BDSUNDAY, some political leaders commended the youths who have summoned the courage to declare their ambition to contest the presidency, stressing that the older generation has failed Nigeria over the years.

They said that it would serve the country well to key into the world order as youths are now taking over leadership positions even in advanced countries.

Fadahunsi Fajuyitan, Lagos State chairman of the KOWA party, said that it was good development for the country that many youths, more than ever before, are aspiring and showing interest in leading position in the country ahead of the 2019 general election.

“It is a good development. Personally, I am looking forward to a day when a 25-year old or 24-year old would lead the country, But if you look at the situation, this people are taking us for granted because we are not ambitious enough. The likes of Atiku have been there for years, what have they, the older generation done for the country? They have continued to milk the country, all of them, without exception.

Tijani Yusuf, national chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), noted that Nigeria was endowed with industrious and intelligent youths who could lead the county out of its current woes if given the chance.

Yusuf added that though the experience of the present crop of leaders was important, it was also necessary that they learn to give the youth a chance when the need arises.

“We are seeing more youths aspiring which is good for us, if you look at advance countries, youths are taking over, our youths are intelligent, industrious and have the vigour to lead us out of our current woes if given the opportunity; but I would add that our youths need to be more daring,” he said.

Wale Ogunade, president of Voters’ Awareness Initiative Lagos, welcomed the increase in the number of youths aspiring for elective position in the country, but expressed worries that the present crop of leaders was not ready to relinquish power.

Ogunade stressed that it was obvious that the world has advanced beyond the present crop of leaders in the country, while charging Nigerians to vote out corrupt and re-circled leaders in the 2019 general election.

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TheWorshippers ‘Christian women must play the role of interceding for family, leaders and the nation’ Grace Impact Church recently celebrated Mothers’ Day with the theme, ‘An Extraordinary Woman’.

Pastor Esther Eseme Unen, resident pastor of the Lagos-based church, speaks with SEYI JOHN SALAU on what it takes to be an extraordinary woman and how women can live a balanced life. Excerpts: Tell us about the theme of the justconcluded Mothers’ Day celebration.

Who, in your view, is an extraordinary woman? he theme for this year’s programme is ‘An Extraordinary Woman’. As we all know, mothers all over the world are being celebrated and we at Grace Impact Church are not left out. As a matter of fact, the celebration in the church started with a three-day conference which began on Thursday, then a vigil on Friday and the grand finale on Sunday. Today’s woman has to be extraordinary, for the Bible says that by strength shall no man prevail.

Women have the responsibility of being mothers, building their homes, building their families, building the society, building the nation and building the world at large.

Gone are the days when the only thing for women was to be full-time housewives. I wake up by 4am to make sure that breakfast is fixed for my husband and children and head to the office, then I still ensure that dinner is fixed for the family. Like it is said, the easiest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach; so I wouldn’t want my husband to be eating outside because I don’t like that, so I ensure that there is food in the house. Aside from keeping my home front and job, I still have to minister in the church, I won’t say I am tired and so won’t fulfil my ministerial duty. One has to be an extraordinary woman to achieve all that.

Living a balanced life could be tough; how have you been able to balance things on the home front, church/ministry, and career?

I work in a multinational environment where much is being demanded from me and I just have to deliver and I cannot use my family or ministry as an excuse.

In fact, I have to resume at 7:30 am and I am expected to do that every day of the week because I don’t joke with my job; I also do not joke with my ministry. From work I head straight to the church during the midweek services; it is not easy, I must confess, because sometimes I come home worn-out but amazingly, when I mount the pulpit sometimes I don’t know where the strength comes from. I can remember during our Easter retreat, I was really down and I needed to present something in the church and that Friday morning when we got to church, we lodged in the church and when I came in I said to myself, ‘You just have to minister’. By the time I finished ministering, I was surprised where I got the strength from. I have as my slogan, ‘God please give me the grace, Holy Spirit help me’, which has really been of effect because sincerely speaking, it is not easy.

Before I got married I was looking forward to getting married and believed that my own marriage would be a bed of roses and honey all the way, I didn’t believe that marriage had its own challenges and issues. Imagine coming into marriage with such a mindset? So it was a challenge for me but I thank God for my husband; he is more mature than I in terms of marriage issues. I grew up in Port Harcourt and I

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Unen

worked in Bonny; it was after my marriage that I was moved to Lagos and a week into my marriage, I was like, ‘Is this marriage?’

Over the years I have learnt that marriage is a bed of roses with thorns, it has its own challenges and a wise woman builds her home. So when you understand that the success of your marriage lies in your hands, you will make sure that you work it out and above all, your husband is the ultimate after God – so you must respect that as a woman.

If you don’t mind, what exactly was contrary to your expectation of marriage?

Well, having grown up in an environment entirely different from my husband as I was working with the whites and you know how they behave and do things, marrying a typical Akwa Ibom man who believes sitting in the sitting room, having a wife who will prepare all the meals and not assist in anything, I was asking myself if I made a mistake. He said, ‘Forget what you see in home videos, they are fiction and not what happens in real life. You are the wife of my youth and I didn’t make any mistake; I am convinced that you are my wife.’ So those were the challenges at the initial stage of my marriage.

What is your take on a pastor’s wife being a pastor as well? Is it a must?

If you really want to record achievement in the ministry and you want your husband’s ministry to move forward, I think the answer is yes. For me, it was not easy because initially when my husband started the church, I did not join him for

one month because I was not ready for the work. I was bothered on how to start, I was concerned that it was not that he was going to pastor an already established ministry, rather he was going to start something new and I didn’t want to be a part of that. So he was going to church alone for one month. Before then, several prophecies had been made that I would

My advice to women out there is that if you are married to a minister, you also need to discover your own ministry because we are individually blessed with gifts

by God

marry a pastor and I never liked the idea.

At what point did you become convinced to join him in the ministry?

I had an encounter. My dream was to get married to a man who works in Shell or Chevron since I grew up in Port Harcourt, an oil environment. When my husband came, I said even if he wasn’t working in any of the two companies, he should at least be successful in life. As a single girl, 90 percent of my suitors were pastors, and you know that pastors then were being classified as among the poorest set of people, so I didn’t want to belong in that category. Eventually when I got married to my husband, I was raising my shoulders and saying, ‘The prophecy of being a pastor, let me see it come to pass.’ Then one fateful night he said to me, ‘I think I have a call’ and I said, ‘No way! That’s not possible! I do not want to hear that.’

Coincidentally, I was pregnant then and we were expecting a boy and I said it was the boy that would answer the call, but as for us, no way. Then sometimes at night he would wake up crying and describing to me the revelation of his encounter and I would simply refuse saying that he could never be called. But one day while I was in church on a Sunday morning, God said to me, ‘Tell me any manager in the oil and gas sector who is as rich as Bishop Oyedepo or Pastor E. A. Adeboye.’ I said to myself, ‘That is true.’ I told my husband to go and answer the call and in less than one year, I was posted to Lagos. Even after that, I still refused to follow him and you know how we humans can be doubtful sometimes. Thank God for the Holy spirit, after a month I decided to join him and that was how the journey began, that was how we began this church and that was in November 2008.

How has the journey in the ministry been?

It has been so awesome. The women’s ministry started three years after the church started. My husband, being a focused person that is not easily distracted, has been very supportive of the vision of raising godly women in fulfilling their destinies. We have been able to record the achievements we have through his assistance.

What is your counsel to women generally?

My advice to women out there is that if you are married to a minister, you also need to discover your own ministry because we are individually blessed with gifts by God. On discovering your gift or ministry, you have to put it into good use rather than leaving it dormant. It is when you activate your gift that God will expand it. Women have to rise up to pray. The mother of John Wesley had 12 children and she devoted one hour every day praying for each child. Nothing should take the place of our children no matter how busy we are. So, if we want our children to be great achievers, we must spend time in God’s presence interceding for them. We also need to intercede for our husbands and for the nation considering the time that we are presently in.

Sunday 27 May 2018

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Inspirations Redefining faithfulness PASTOR I.S JAMES TEXT: MATT. 25:14-30

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att. 24:1 to 26:5 captures one conversation between Jesus and His disciples.

He isn’t just addressing His immediate topic of discourse alone (the state and future of the temple), but a plethora of different issues. He was addressing the issue of the temple’s magnificence and destruction, His imminent coming, the Tribulation and His 2nd coming.

We can break down Jesus message in this passage into two parts: 1.Be expectant and attentive after My ascension for My return. (Matt.

24:36-44) 2.While you are attentively focused on my return, be dutifully effective in the work I have committed into your hands.

There are two parables in Matt. 25, the message of the 1st one (vv. 1-13) is to let us know that a Christian’s internal disposition is to always be on fire for God. It’s your personal responsibility to make sure you are and remain

on fire for God, ensure that you don’t succumb to fatigue or burn out.

The 2nd parable tells us that while we are working to ensure that we remain on fire for God, we need to be busy in the work He has committed into our hands.

1 Tim. 5:8 While you are working on ensuring that you have the fire burning, you ought to realise that you need to be productive. No matter how intense your spiritual life is, if you’re not productive, your spirituality is in vain.

(Matt 25:21-23) Here, God said the exact same thing to the servants who received 5 and 2 talents. It’s not in how much you receive, but in how well you do with what you have been given.

Notice that the foolish virgins in the previous parable and the unprofitable servant ended up in the same place – outer darkness.

Here are some points to note in this parable: 1.Talents sum up the totality of everything the LORD has deposited into you (special gifts, callings and abilities) when you were created.

2.Every servant was gifted according to his or her abilities. So, focus on your own abilities and not those of others.

3.The unprofitable servant spoke the longest.

4.The unprofitable servant lost his talent while the others increased in their gifting.

5.The unprofitable servant was described as wicked and lazy. He then suffered the same fate as unbelievers (v. 26) 6.The good and faithful servant knew what exactly they had to do with what they had been given. They traded effectively. · The word “traded” in Greek is translated as ERGON (which means to toil, labour, trade, put in effort) · We Christians today seem to have the wrong impression that God will prosper us when we are sitting back with our feet up. He is only going to bless your labour. · Our mindset should be one of trading with the intent to make profit.

When will the events of this parable occur in our lives? They are actually overlapping between now and the afterlife.

Before now we had equated faithfulness to being reliable, dedicated or dependable. However, we can see that it goes beyond that from this parable.

God wants our lives to be productive, there has to be something trace-

able to your existence. Just being a Christian is not good enough; you have to be effectively productive.

Jesus is not just talking about being busy, but being effectively productive.

It should be such that everyone that comes into contact with you is edified.

God has endowed every servant of His (every Christian) with the ability to be productive.

There’s a slight difference between an entrepreneur and a businessman.

An entrepreneur is associated with birthing something new that solves an existing problem in society and a businessman is someone who sees an opportunity in the marketplace and exploits it to make money/profit.

The major difference between an entrepreneur and a salary earner is just one word – RISK. You’re not going to make the desired appreciable impact in the place of business if you don’t step out of the boat. Take the risk and be an entrepreneur!

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

The painter’s vision

YOMI KASALI (Rev).

@rev.yomikasali

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his was triggered three weeks ago when I was thinking about Nigeria, I was pondering on how to proffer a solution to this country, thinking about our challenges and crisis in this great country with more than a million people, 250 ethnic groups and only God knows how many languages we speak. The Southern part of this country, Southwest, South-south, Southeast are very active when it comes to social media; millions of young people are very active, we post all sort on social media platforms, different kind of things, the truth and the lies, rumors, all kinds and a lot has been flying over the social media lately about Nigeria and you probably have been picking up quite a lot as well.

Only few of those things got my atten-

tion and I read one and began to think about how to solve and fix Nigeria’s problem and you know that to fix it, you have to know what the problem is.

Somebody sent something to me the historical account of this country of how Lord Luggard gave the name Nigeria in 1914, how they amalgamated the tribes and the people, different ethnic groups together to become a nation and I said to myself, What visionary person people that had vision of building a great nation because you cannot build without a vision!

In Genesis 11:4 and they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. There are builders and those that don’t build, I love builders, I love visionary people, I love men and women that can think, imagine. God wants us to imagine above what you an think or ask, God wants people to envision, your mind should not be wasted, don’t waste your mind, exercise it, use it.

Put a vision in your mind, it might take years, though it tarries, wait for it, it shall not cease, Habakkuk 2:2 and the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

This article is about painting the vision

instead of writing; you are your own painter, the painter of your future. The canvass is there called life, the brush is there called time, the paint is there but what you lack is a vision.

Live for a purpose, do something asides from waking up in the morning, taking your bath, eat, go to work, come back at night, that work you are going to is helping somebody else’s vision.

Live for something outside yourself.

Ambition is when it’s just around you while Vision is when it affects others, ambition is I want to build a house but vision is when you want to build a house for the poor. Vision is when people are impacted by your life.

Types of dreams and visions I speak about include; 1.Imaginations of the heart: have an imagination of the heart. The word imagination means Images, can you on your own come up with images of your life, the kind of life you want to live to bless people, God said in Genesis 11 ...the things that these men have imagined to do… their vision, I cannot stop it, to build a tower of babel, I cannot stop it.

2.The pictures of the future: Habakkuk 2:2 tells us we must have a picture.

Caleb came at age 85 and said give me this mountain, at that age you should be preparing to retire.

3.Desires: Your desires and aspirations are what keeps you going in life. They are like the fuel that keeps the engine called life running. Joshua 14:6-14, Ephesians 3:20.

4.Dreams of a person: This includes your dreams, your desires to say this is what I want to become in the future.

We are all painters, we have to paint our futures with God helping us. What you paint is the vision you conceive, the most important thing is not the painters brush but what you have in your head. You may not do a good job, a fantastic job but you must have it in your head, you must have an idea.

That is why people do not do anything because they do not have it in them, even husband and wife must agree.

When I saw my wife and I proposed to her 24 years ago, she asked me why she should marry me. I had to paint my future to her, she did not marry my present but my future because my present was not too good to marry. It was a very bad present, you could not fall in love with that present then, so what I sold to my wife was my future.

Have a dream and a vision; be inspired!

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

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Sunday 27 May 2018

ForTheRecord

Challenges of health care delivery for all ages in Nigeria (7)

Being the concluding part of the text of a paper presented at the 19th Bassey Andah Memorial Lecture by Michael C. Asuzu, professor of Public Health & Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan; consultant, Clinical Epidemiologist, Community & Occupational Physician, UCH, Ibadan; director, Ibarapa Community & Primary Health Care Programme, UI/UCH, Ibadan; president, Society for Public Health Professionals of Nigeria (SPHPN).

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n setting up their LGA/PHC/ HFA services, these states must endeavour to do it according to the world’s best practices, with properly trained, or at least properly orientated community physicians (as MOHs), nurses and midwives as statutorily ought; and the other health practitioner groups; and the auxiliaries as such– as closely and supportively supervised extension workers only.

•The states and all men and women of goodwill in this country should beg as well as assist the Federal Government and the power-brokers there to realise as well as accept the fact, that the Federal Government and her agencies have no direct business with PHC whatsoever!; except to assist the federating units independently and evenly/equitably, in developing it for their individual LGAs; as is their state or federating unit primary duty to do.

The Federal Government and her agencies have no business collecting, directing and howsoever spending resources meant as “community-service” ones; precisely because it is the furthest government from those communities and knows very little about them; nor do the people know them, as is usually the case in all meaningful community hearth services. In the very area of PHC,it will be flouting the most essential element of it - of community involvement up to the level of self-ownership and self-reliance - to continue to do so.

Moreover, social justice demands that all international development partners assistances to Nigeria are EQUALLY AND EQUITABLY DIRECTED TO ALL THE NIGERIAN STATES. Otherwise, the Federal Character content of our constitution will be violated thereof •As the federating units that they are, the state governments should run fast with the present state primary health care development agencies (SPHCDAs) drive; and so, establish thebest wellformed, informed and properly manned ones of them, for their respective states. In states that still, because of the prevailing national poor conditions of the public services, are not able to bring back their so very many medical doctors now working with all sorts of international agencies and programmes, MUST learn to use the doctors working in those state PHCDAs to do this work of the medical officers of health for all those/their LGAs while remaining with the SPHCDAs better conditions of service.

•There are no states in Nigeria where we cannot find at least a few retired nurse-midwives to

employ at reasonable/meaningful salaries and conditions of service, to provide the LGA community nursing and midwifery sister/superintendent for the overall LGA/PHC services. Many of them can, in addition, have and provide at least one or a few others to provide model community nursing and midwifery services for one or a few other community nursing and midwifery zones or districts in each of the LGAs. The states MUST endeavour to divide their LGAs into the universally accepted community nursing and midwifery zones or districts of 2,000 to 7,000 people – depending on their population densities – for this purpose of properly organized community and primary health care services.

This may or may not be within the present so-called ward-based PHC system of the NPHCDA/ FGN. The rest of these zones or districts for which such retired nurse-midwives or even fresh experienced ones cannot be found, should then determine how many such communities are, and deploy any of their willing CHEWs there. These should of course be after their proper orientation to the work of the community nurse (but not midwife, without being retrained and certified as competent birth attendants) to do so.

•The state leaders, all men

and women of good will, and especially the medical doctors, midwives and nurses and their councils, should be persuaded to

In the very area of PHC,it will be flouting the most essential element of it - of community involvement up to the level of selfownership and selfreliance - to continue to do so stop complaining about the seed of destruction of the health care system created by the establishment of auxiliary community health workers in parallel with the entire health system, and agree to develop bridging programmes AND THEIR NEEDED STANDARDS to allow those of them who make themselves worthy of such conversion to quickly and most competently advance into the normal nursing and medical professions. Experiences in the Nigerian medical and health services history3-6, as well as of similar ones in other parts of the world19-20, show amply that those who get into these proper health professions from these auxiliary or assistant

positions, usually prove to be better, more humane, emotionally intelligent and successful professionals in those regards.

It does not pay ANYBODY that we stay and look at this on-going destruction of the universal health professions and services in Nigeria because of a previous error. Surely the doctors, as the world undisputed leaders of the health professions, will be the ones with the greatest guilt that this continues to be the case.

•All the PHC implementationrelated agencies at Abuja should be assisted to get dismantled (whether of PHC as a whole, immunization, community mobilization, etc) and be reabsorbed and streamlined into the monitoring, true development, facilitating and policy-only agencies or departments that they should be at such national level of our existence. These functions belong to the LGAs, as assisted by the federating units or state agencies or units in those regards; no more, no less.

•The utmost process of the national all-round restructuring that we have merely achieved in bits and pieces in the past, by less than nationally charitable motives, and not originating from any universal desire for the common good of ALL Nigerians – in 1952 and 1963 respectively – should now be firmly,

courageously, comprehensively and charitably addressed in the interest of the common good and the common man of this country; rather than for the selfish few politicians. When we do this, PHC and the entire national health system will begin to work and do so very well indeed. Every state or region and every citizen of this country will become the better for it, rather than the few selfish political jobbers.

In conclusion Having said all the above, I may only add that having had the firsthand experience of PHC in places that it actually worked and still works, as well as in being a teacher and researcher of the history of medicine and the health services and systems, I will make myself available to any state or persons that ask or query me about what I have said here – whether in their interest to advance PHC or perhaps to teach me better in those regards – for I am always a ready student thereof.

In the modern world that is now a global village, we can do this mutual querying or assistances to one another in advancing PHC and HFA in any state, LGA or country, and without moving an inch from wherever we may currently be residing.

May God help us to do this as well as see true PHC and HFA in Nigeria in our life time.

Sunday 27 May 2018

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ketches With Zebulon

Arrests, arrests everywhere...but no one is convicted!

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he spate of arrests by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is becoming alarming. The colour is that of political persecution. This, at least, is the view of many Nigerians who are not comfortable with the body language and modus operandi of the current administration.

The Muhammadu Buhari administration says its cardinal drive is to stamp out corruption in society. It is a laudable project for which many Nigerians voted for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.

Three years down the line, that project appears compromised and the vision blurred.

Flaws started appearing on the letters and implementation of this all-important policy of cleaning the Augean stable when the ruling party began to play the Pontius Pilate. They, like Pilate began to set free Barabbas, a hardened criminal and a confirmed enemy of society and then chose

to sentence to a vicarious death a totally innocent man called Jesus.

Like Pilate who ignored the express warning of his wife not to have anything to do with that suicidal judgment and rape of justice, many Nigerians have, through writings and other means warned the current administration of the inherent dangers in acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent.

In our own very eyes, some people who were known to be “hardened criminals”,

The President’s faux pas

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resident Muhammadu Buhari is always boxing himself to a corner or rather subjecting himself to ridicule. He has aides who could save him from the needless embarrassments, but he does not make use of them at critical moments.

His utterances have been his major problem. He toed that damning path again last Tuesday when he played host to a delegation of Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) at the Presidential Villa.

BSO is a group that is campaigning for the President’s return to power in 2019.

First, Buhari was quoted as lavishing praises on the late maximum ruler, Sani Abacha.

“No matter what opinion you have about Abacha, I agreed to work with him and the PTF (petroleum trust fund) roads we did from here to Port Harcourt, to Onitsha, to Benin. Abacha built roads and hospitals”, he said.

Second, he wondered why people in authority chose to send their children outside the country to acquire education while they fail to develop the country.

“I wonder what kind of Nigerians they want their children to come and work with. I think there is a lot of lack of imagination, because if you are fighting for the country then you shouldn’t be misappropriating or misapplying the funds the way people do,” he said.

This statement sounds hypocritical for a president whose children, according to credible report at Nigerians’ disposal, lists the schools attended by his children abroad.

It is also hypocritical from the point of view of how many times the President has visited London hospitals for treatment and the huge resources Nigeria has lost

and continues to lose to those endless treatments and checkups.

While he seeks treatment abroad, many Nigerians are dying here for lack of good medical facilities. Even the medical centre inside the Villa that was supposed to service the President and other high-ranking people there was an issue sometime ago when the First Lady, Aisha, noted that the clinic was just like a whitewashed sepulcher.

Buhari is not the right person to make the observation he made last Tuesday. It smack of insensitivity; hypocrisy and lack of understanding of his duty as president of Nigeria. It also shows his disconnect from the reality of ground and the perception of his government by the Nigerian masses.

In a report on December 29, 2016, Premium Times gave an account of President Buhari’s children and where they went to school.

•Fatima: Born March 7, 1975. Education: Airforce Primary School, Victoria Island, Lagos; Government College, Kaduna; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; postgraduate degree, Business Academy, Stratford, United Kingdom.

•Nana-Hadiza: Born June 23, 1981.

Education: Essence International School; Cobham Hall, Kent, United Kingdom; University of Buckingham; Postgraduate, National Teachers Institute, Kaduna; Masters in International Affairs and Strategic Studies, Polytechnic Kaduna.

•Safinatu: Born October 13, 1983. Education: Essence International School; Cobham Hall, Kent, United Kingdom; University of Plymouth, United Kingdom; presently at Arden University, United Kingdom •Halima: Born October 8, 1990. Education: International School, Kaduna; British School of Lome; Bellerby’s College, Brighton, United Kingdom; University of Leicester, United Kingdom, Nigeria Law School, Lagos.

•Yusuf: Born April 23. Education: Kaduna International School; British School of Lome; Bellerby’s College, Brighton, United Kingdom; University of Surrey, United Kingdom.

•Zahra: Born December 18, 1994.

Education: Kaduna International School; British School of Lome; Bellerby’s College, Brighton, United Kingdom; University of Surrey, United Kingdom.

at least, as confirmed by government, have suddenly become saints for the mere fact that they left their opposition parties for the ruling party.

Some of them whose cases in the court had attracted public interest have had such cases dropped and their charged sheets forever torn into shreds just because they picked up microphones to lead the ‘azonto’ dancers for the return of the king, who incidentally was the leader of the prosecution team that was trying them in court.

Last week, two prominent politicians were remanded in prison custody over allegation of fraud. They appeared before the court and were sent to temporary jail.

Incidentally, both of them are of the opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). One of them is said to be nursing a presidential ambition and with a huge followership in the North.

Dino Melaye is just recuperating after his brutal encounter with uniform men.

It took a divine intervention for the judge handling his case in Kogi State to grant him bail even though he was always being taken to court almost half dead. Melaye is not of the opposition but the powers that be consider him more dangerous being an insider than in the opposition.

Olisa Metuh, a former national publicity secretary of the PDP has been falling and falling in the court over a precarious health, but his trial goes on in absentia.

While one is not making case for anyone who in the estimation of government has a clear case of fraud or corrupt enrichment of self, there is need to urge government to apply caution and consider the timing. Pundits say that the timing is the reason for the insinuation in many quarters that trial of some of the political figures a few months to the general election was politically-motivated and at best a way of intimidating the opposition to scamper into hiding. But one thing in politics is that it is not over until it is over.

A common foe

stop the second term ambition of Buhari.

Before now Obasanjo and Afenifere leaders were not the best of friends. All through the eight year-period of Obasanjo in the Aso Rock, Afenifere leaders did not see him as one to be trusted. There was no rapport whatever.

Obasanjo, during the Tuesday meeting, recalled how he was severally rejected by the late Abraham Adesanya, who was the then leader of the Afenifere.

“I remember visiting Pa Abraham Adesanya thrice in Lagos before the election and I was asked to join Afenifere and Alliance for Democracy (AD), then, but I told them that AD was a cul-de-sac. Pa Abraham told me if I joined them, things will change but I refused to join them. I went back the second time but they refused to work for my emergence.

“I went there again the third time, but Afenifere maintained their stand, they refused to vote for me, but I secured my votes outside Yorubaland, though they supported me in 2003 for my re-election,” Obasanjo told the Afenifere leader.

Today, it appears that there is unity of purpose. Only time will tell if the alliance will bear fruit.

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has suddenly become a common foe among many Nigerians who believe that he has not acquitted himself well in the last three years in office. Individuals and groups that ordinarily would never see things from the same perspective are now aligning forces and speaking in tandem that Buhari needs to be shown the way out of office in 2019 using the ballot box. Last week, we saw such an alignment when a former president, Olusegun Obasanjo paid a visit to Rueben Fasoranti, Afenifere leader, to solicit the pan-Yoruba Cultural group’s support to

‘Holy’ anger

N

ever in the history of Catholic faith in Nigeria had the faithful displayed such a “holy” rage as they did last Sunday across the country.

They marched through cities, towns and villages in the country over one issueworsening insecurity and the seemingly lack of seriousness on the part of government in dealing with marauders of death.

The Catholic faithful took advantage of the Biblical injunction that says “Be angry and sin not” to protest the unprovoked killing by Fulani herdsmen some weeks ago of two of their priests (Rev Fathers Felix Tyolaha and Joseph Gor) and 17 other parishioners who had gathered for a morning mass in their church in Benue State.

The peaceful protest was meant to get the Federal Government to arise from its slumber and stop the orgy of killings by the herdsmen.

The mass burial of last Tuesday was the second this year. The first was on January 11when 73 men, women and

children were buried at a mass burial ceremony organised by the state government after several attacks by cattle herders.

Despite the assurances by the government, it will serve the Benue people well if they do not swallow such assurances hook, line and sinker, and as a result go to sleep with their two eyes closed. They must be vigilant; no one is sure if there will be no other mass burial, after awhile; but God forbid!

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Sunday 27 May 2018

Politics

My mission is to pull Osun State from the brinks - Akin Ogunbiyi Akindele Akanmu Ogunbiyi, chairman of Mutual Benefits Group, is one of the governorship aspirants in Osun State on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He comes highly recommended among the number from the opposition side. Before joining the race, he had worked in the managing director/CEO capacity for 15 years, group managing director for more than 5 years and is presently the group chairman of the Board. He was the chief promoter/founding managing director and chief executive of VTL Insurance Brokers Ltd from January 1993 to September 1995. He has had several other public and private exposures. The aspirant parades an intimidating résumé. In this interview, Ogunbiyi speaks on his mission to deliver Osun from bad governance, which he says is very urgent; how he will bring his experiences in the private sector to bear on the economy of the state; tackle the insecurity challenge in the state, among other issues. Excerpts: The way the country is today, regarding security vis-à-vis the herdsmen and other crimes, it’s as if people are raising their hands in helplessness. Looking at the security architecture of Nigeria and based on your own experience and exposure, how do you think this herdsmen issue can be solved, bearing in mind that two priests among others, that were killed were just buried recently. t is really sad and inexplicable at this modern age that this is happening in Nigeria. I am sorry to say, yes, I am gunning for a political position, because I am convinced that leadership can make the difference in everything.

They will tell you that people is the most important when it comes to factors of production. But, I tell you, it is having the right people, not just people, but the right people. I don’t know how a country so blessed when you see the biblical country flowing with milk and honey, I have not seen any country in the world that fits into that description but God just decided that we won’t have the right leadership.

Fulani herdsmen (or killer herdsmen as they are called), communal clashes here and there, religious war, for crying out loud, we have to talk about what people need. I will be 56 in the next couple of weeks. We grew up in this country. I am a village boy to the core. My primary, secondary, modern school, my university, everything was in the village. My father’s best friends, especially in my town, IleOgbo, were from the Hausa community.

My father was a herdsman. They thrived and they lived in harmony. You find Igbo community; you find in virtually every locality within the South-West. You say Kano is a no man’s land just as they say Lagos is a no man’s land and you get to Kano in those days and you find every ethnic group represented and they lived as if they were in Umuahia or Ile-Igbo.

You get to Kaduna, it is the same thing.

Is it not the same country? It is all about leadership. You have leaders who have the capacity to lead well but they choose to do other things. This leadership issue we are talking about, they have the capacity to do the right thing, but they’ve decided to do otherwise.

resent as Akin Ogunbiyi; what I represent to my God, what I represent to my family, that is what I am taking to politics. As long as that independence is maintained; as long as you are able to align your thought, focus and energies to the goals of helping the people make a decent living, you will surely deliver. We can complain and complain, good people had gone into politics but the platform of getting there is the issue. Somebody said to me that if you want to run for governorship of Osun State, do you have N3billion to N5billion to throw away? I said I am not going into politics because I want to go and throw N5billion away. If I need to spend N5billion, I want to know why I am spending N5billion. Remember that what I know how to do best is to sell pure water N10, N10; buy a bag for N10 and find a way to sell and make N100. I am not used to free money. If I have to spend N5billion to make it happen, it has to be N5billion that I can walk away from if something else happens.

I am not desperate. It is not the N5billion I am relying on one godfather to give to me and tie my hands. If I win it and spend N5b it is not an investment that I want to recoup; whatever I am deploying to get to the office, they are part of the sacrifice, I think the society needs sacrificed. And that is part of the problem of this country - people are not ready to make sacrifices.

I

You said your father was a herdsman…?

Yes! My father was a herdsman. I grew up to know him as a herdsman. He would go - and buy with his friend from Ijebu - they would go to Kano and buy herds of cattle, 400 to 600, 1000; the two of them, they would trek, 90 days, 100 days to lead the cattle down to Oyo. There was no harassment in my locality; there were herdsmen.

The three localities that make up Iwo land, Aiyedire Local Government, Iwo Local Government, and Olaoluwa Local Government, we had herdsmen. We never had these issues. If you come to my farm, about 25 kilometers from my village, you will see 7 or 8 year-old boys, two of them controlling about 400 herds of cattle. They pass through farms, they know when to stop them; they know when they see virgin land, they know when they see free grazing land.

Ogunbiyi

So, what’s the way forward?

This is just political. The day our leaders would come together and say heck, we are one and let us line up as one. What else do we talk about? We are using ethnicity to divide ourselves. What do you say of India, a country of 1.3billion population; over 300,000 ethnic groups and their ethnic groups are as much as their religious beliefs. It is unfortunate. I can only appeal to our leaders. When people fail to give the deliverables that are needed for the common man to live a decent, peaceful life, they will look for alternative to engage us.

This is exactly what is happening.

You’re a private sector individual going into politics, how do you hope to deal with the violence associated with political activities?

Am I going there to go and fight anybody?

When I get to government by the special grace of God, I will go back to professionalise the civil service and make it more productive

I spend an average of N50m every year, picking people from the streets, supporting indigent students, talent hunting. If you take these ones off the streets, who will the politicians use to engage in violent acts? And what do they give to them. If you give anybody N200 in my village, that is a lot of money. Our parents gave us quality education from their merger resources.

When our leaders have failed to give us the deliverables to ensure a decent quality of life, they find something to engage us. Unfortunately, because of poverty in the land, they are able to use people to perpetuate violence.

We have always had people show so much commitment and passion about how to develop the nation when they are coming into politics, they espouse the same passion you are exhibiting now, but as soon as they get there, they, like you said, know what to do, but they refuse to do it. Why is this so and what do you think you will bring that will be more beneficial to the people.

There are a thousand and one people like me who are very passionate about leadership and know what to do. But it is either they are not bold and courageous enough when they get there or they get there using the wrong platform. Nigerian politics is dominated by some clear factors, god fatherism and monetisation. No matter what, no matter how principled you are, if you use the wrong platform to get into political office, unfortunately, you become crippled from day one.

Yes, I am gunning for this, but I can tell you by the special grace of God, though monetisation and godfatherism are in politics, but here I stand on God and what I rep-

You spoke about platform and you are using the PDP platform; looking at the state of the party as of today in Osun State, how confident are you that it is the right platform? Looking at the economy of Osun today because it is heavily indebted, will you still be able to work within that kind of environment?

I will start from the second question one of the things that spurred me into taking this decision is because of the common man of Osun State. For the past eight years, it has not been what it ought to be.

They always say if it is not broken, don’t try to fix it. But what did you describe now, you said Osun is indebted. We don’t even know how much the debt is: Some say it is N400billion, some say it is N200billion. The government itself said it is N143billion. But for eight years, this is the best that government can give. There is nothing bad in borrowing, the question is, what did you use the fund to do? We know that Osun State is heavily indebted. And luckily for all of us, there is no hidden place any longer. Debt management office, every month, they publish the statistics. So, there is nothing that is hidden. Not everybody would ride a car in his life time. Not everybody would build a house in his lifetime. Not everybody would buy bicycle or wear rubber slippers in his life time. But good leadership dictates that everybody must have access to the basic needs of life in order to live a decent life. My parents, your parents, under the leadership of some people, they had access to that and we are what we are today.

Let me take health care for example.

My mother gave birth sixteen times. She got married 1944 to my father, before then she was married to somebody else where she had given birth ten times. What

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23

Politics do you think was responsible, poverty!

When her in-laws advised that you have suffered enough with us, why not go and try another man, may be through another man, God would grant you grace of another child. 1944, she married my father and with my father, she gave birth six times before remaining the just two of us. Let me tell you something about health facility. 1962 they set up Iwo Medical Centre, General Hospital. My mother said she had forgotten about child bearing. She was just nurturing the only one remaining, my sister, when she saw her pasturing tummy and thought it was fibroid. She said there was nothing they didn’t do to about my pregnancy until February 1962 when the Iwo Medical Centre was established and my father said, ‘let’s take you to the clinic in Iwo’. The reason was that she was pregnant but our people thought it was fibroid so they attempted to dissolve it not knowing that it was pregnancy. They took her there where she was told that she was 6 ½ months pregnant. And here I am today, to the glory of God, employing over 5000 people, creating value here and there.

That is the power of a good health facility when made available to the people and the people will always pray. They have done, their best, let posterity judge them. I am fully aware of the challenges on ground but my life has been that of entrepreneurship.

I always start from ground zero. The grace of God is more than sufficient; we have more than enough resources in Osun. I am not saying it is going to be easy. It is going to be tough. But where there is a will, there is a way. I know how to create wealth. I know how to drive value. I am going to take Osun as a country that is indebted and has nothing and then start from ground zero. Look around, can you see greens everywhere.

Green means life. Green means wealth.

Mineral resources are there. The 4million people of Osun is a market on its own. So, there is work to be done. For somebody like me, by the grace of God, it is going to be tough but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Coming back to the platform, I am not just new in politics. I may not have been out there in the open but I have been in PDP from God knows when. I have impacted the party. There are so many reasons why the country is going through what it is going through now. We thank God for the crisis in PDP. Now, we have the benefit of a standard and which is the standard of APC coming into government. Failure isn’t a bad thing. But for the discerning eye, failure is an opportunity to start all over more intelligently. This is what PDP is presently is. I

was part and parcel of resolving the crisis of PDP in Osun State. Without peaceful platform, no matter how well meaning, there is nothing you can do. PDP has got its act right especially in Osun. And Osun is like the new foundation the PDP at the national level is going to ride on. We have learnt our lesson from our mistake. There is nothing bad in failure. It is a man who fails and still fails to rise above his failure that is a failure.

The bulk of the money they collected is used in servicing civil servants and their productivity you cannot really measure, just like it is in other states. As a manager of personnel and employer of labour, what is going to be your blueprint for Osun State as they are owing teachers, pensioners and everybody? How would you reform the civil service in making it efficient and effective?

The civil service is the bedrock of governance anywhere. They are the real technocrats. They know their onions.

They assist government to run efficiently and effectively. But the unfortunate thing about our civil service, it is not only in Osun, it has been politicised. When I get to government by the special grace of God, I will go back to professionalise the civil service and make it more productive.

They say there is time value for money.

There is also value of time. If you make this people professional and productive, there is no free lunch. They would give you ideas, resources, actions that would bring about productivity. What I heard they do now is task the people and increase taxes. If you tax somebody you are owing three years’ salary, even if you say the tax is 30percent, what you are going to get is zero. So what do you do? Create the enabling environment for civil servants to be productive, for SMEs to grow and thrive. What is the internally generated revenue, IGR of Osun State, it is about N660million in a month. The bulk of this revenue, about 60percent is derived from one senatorial district. What is happening to the two other districts? As I said, look at greens everywhere. Don’t forget, I am a farmer. My first degree was in agriculture. I have invested over N2billion in setting up of farms. This is how we are going to approach it. Once I assume

office as governor of Osun State, the first thing is unification of common purpose.

I must get a balance across the ethnic, political and religious divide. That is the first assignment. Let everybody know that before anything, I am Osun citizen. I am a stakeholder in this. In our business, do you know where ideas come from that we generate millions and billions? There is something we do in our organisation, we call it strategic session. It is every Monday. We gather together, from assistant managers upward, about 250 of us, from 6.30am to 8am. Some people say it’s too early but in a place where you find me as the boss, where would you say you were?

Look at the way I am dressed. I don’t need the glare of any office. I have wined and dined with presidents around the world.

When you find me in our farm, until they point at me that I am the one, you would not know I am the boss, so what is new?

I don’t need that title. I only need the office to be able to make the difference.

Leadership is about service. People are happy to make use of their time. There is that personal satisfaction the civil servants, director in agriculture, arts, will get.

Nollywood is the third biggest contributor to Nigeria’s GDP. About 8percent I think.

If I need to fetch water for Osun people and they will use the water and bring out money to pay salaries, who cares? This is leadership. It is about service.

How about other co-contestants; what is the relationship like?

There are about 23 of us on the platform of PDP contesting for one ticket. All I could do is what I am doing now. I have presented myself and everything I stand for. I have presented my pedigree. We are all aware of the enormity of the problems in the state today. Do you need a conventional politician? Good luck. Look at the profile of all of the aspirants. They are all qualified by their own right. But my God says everyone runs a race, only one person takes the crown. And it says run, do everything within your reach so that you will be the one to win the crown.

By the grace of God, I am comfortable. I am not looking for political power for additional relevance. Let the party look at us vis-a-vis the deliverables as it affects Osun and make a decision. I will do eve-

rything. I have reached out to some of my co-contestants in their homes. I tell them, I wish you the very best I wish myself. This is it. There is no fight. If I win, it is the same Osun and PDP. Please queue behind me. If you are the one that wins the ticket, if you look at your back, you would see me behind you. There is nothing other than that I am a stakeholder in Osun. I said earlier that I spend more than N50m every year supporting indigent people and talent hunt. Look at education, we are playing politics with the future and hope of generations yet unborn. A young man graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) with a First Class in architecture.

He won nine prices. After his service, he got back to the village as there was no work. He became a terrorist. There was no job, nothing. They say survival is the master of patriotism. I was in a function where my governor was seated where he was talking about patriotism. I said there is nothing like patriotism. Survival comes before patriotism. I said it openly.

I also said is it that we don’t have qualified medical doctors in Nigeria? But survival instinct made ‘baba’ to run to London for his medical treatment. You are now telling our youths that they lack patriotism. So this guy with first class, his life was ruined until by God’s intervention. He sent a text to me. He introduced himself but I didn’t know him from Adam. That was where I picked him up. I sent him abroad. It cost tens of thousands of euros. He still got distinction in architecture. Today, he is a senior lecturer at the University of Leeds.

UK gave him permanent residency. He has taken his wife and four children. He had no job after graduation, living in the village and within three years, he has had four children. What future are we giving our children? This is why somebody like us must come out into the position of leadership. We have been affecting lives positively but in the bigger picture, we need to be governor of Osun State to be able to do this.

Look, a friend of mine told me a story, sad story. He works in the local government. He was driving out one day and saw his neighbour, a woman, who was a vice principal in a school. He saw her by the road. Three hours after, when he was returning, he still saw the woman, standing on the same spot, he was then forced to park and enquire what the matter was.

As she opened her mouth to talk, she just burst into tears. She said ‘you know I’m a vice principal and my husband is a principal but for the past three days, we have been taking only water as there is no food in the house’. That my friend too hadn’t been paid but he dipped his hand in his pocket and brought out N1000, gave her N800 out of it. Somebody he respects so much, somebody he calls aunty, right there on the road, went down in her knees and started praying for him. Two of my colleagues in secondary school committed suicide. When I identified that, I had to place them on a monthly stipend. One of them committed suicide, because he was owed two and half years salary. Then they asked them to go and look for N30,000 for certification. Yet, here was somebody who hadn’t been paid two and half years.

He then wrote in a small note on a paper and committed suicide. I pray that Osun people know and appreciate the enormity of what is on ground and choose Dr Akin Ogunbiyi. As I said, it is going to be tough and rough but together we can build the Osun of our dreams.

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Sunday 27 May 2018

Sunday 27 May 2018

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BDSUNDAY 25

Politics

Politics

Ahead 2019: Unlocking Wike’s inner mind

…‘I have no reason to use crisis to get power’

G

IGNATIUS CHUKWU

overnor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has been marking his third year in office (many call it his third semester) and it seems loaded with activities. The biggest event may perhaps be his ‘world press conference’ which was attended by almost 200 journalists, yet not all journalists in the state were there. It afforded many newsmen who had not seen him except on television the opportunity. Emma Okah, his commissioner for information, the barrister, hinted earlier that the governor specifically asked for that meeting. Face to face with the Port Harcourt media family has been rare but things may change, because as Segun Owolabi of Rhythm FM who moderated said, many questions abound.

The governor came prepared, and as Segun observed, no suit, no fancy. The governor put on a blue shirt with thin stripes and fitting trousers and smart shoes a fighter would envy. The knuckles were bare. So, it was a combat, and so it was.

Full of fights?

The first thing an observer would want to interpret was the fact that he did not take opening speech or preambles. The tradition was for the CEO to give remarks in which he would enumerate his achievements and allow you to take over the interactive sessions, thereby converting it to a speech-making event. Wike chose a straight fight. This may show his opponents that the champion was full of fights.

Straight and simple Most of his answers were straight and simple. Most personality and management coaches advise their clients to keep it ‘simple and straight’. When the opening arrow came; what are your next plans after the success of Operation Zero Pothole? He said: “Provision of infrastructure is a continuous exercise and wherever we find need, we use the budgets to accommodate and address it.”

When a fighter is in this mood, opponents can only be careful.

And the venom came. Wike went straight to revealing a scandal-like scenario that shows he has many bullets for anything federal. “For instance, there is this N1.8billion joint project with the NDDC for the Mother and Child Specialist Hospital in Port Harcourt. The NDDC asked the Rivers State government to pay N800million while they would pay N1billion. The Rivers State Government paid their own N800million but the Niger Delta Development Com-

mission (NDDC) awarded the contract and paid only N400million which is half of what the Rivers State Government released to them. Up till now, they have not paid their own N1billion, they have not even released the remaining N400million that we paid since 2008 till 2018. We wrote to the NDDC to either contribute their quota or refund the money. They did none to this day. The job was abandoned; but it is important to our people. So, we now renewed the contract. The contractor demanded for review of cost and we haggled to N2billion and we have paid N1.6billion so far. It will take huge sums to equip it to international standards.”

He hinted that his administration could give the place out on concession for stable maintenance.

BDSUNDAY later reached out to the NDDC on the matter. The Director, Public Affairs, a chief, Ibitoye Abosede, said there was no controversy in the matter and that the Commission did not contend with Wike. He said paucity of funds was cause of delay of execution and that since the state government could not cope with the delays, they asked to take over and were allowed. He said the NDDC had paid out over N495million to the contractor, Rehab Vital Solutions. He said the initial plan was

Dakuku Peterside

to build a three-floor facility but due to security reasons (the place is near a military facility), they had to scale it down to two floors.

Abosede said work had reached 40 percent before handover to the Rivers State government in 2017.

He said the Commission was making efforts to refund the balance.

Wike was throwing blows left and right as he walked along the long media road. He said civil servants were always trying to use government projects to make money by allowing it to deteriorate, saying he was considering concessioning the Cultural Centre to independent managers too.

Chibuike Amaechi used to speak this way and gave many facilities including the N4.5billion international secondary school at Tai to Educom to manage.

Passion for health Wike strayed into the health sector unasked. “I have established a medical college in Rivers State University (formerly UST).

The BMH is being upgraded and rebuilt, too. The past administration initiated zonal hospitals system but most of the buildings in the various locations were at early levels. We are completing them.

The day we complete them and commission them, people would now say, oh, the projects were 95 percent completed before they left.” Watch the jab to the opposi-

When we raised alarm that INEC indicted a certain SARS commander, we had documents, and we went ahead to mention the particular page in the INEC report where they said the said commander beat up INEC officials and hijacked ballot boxes

tion (Amaechi and his APC).

You could see grooming. For every point he scores from his achievement, he gave a knock at the opposition. It was always plus one minus one.

Rivers people seem happy to hear what the past governor did wrong and how the present governor is repairing it; though they are always angered to hear what Goodluck Jonathan administration did wrong and the Buhari administration is repairing it. For instance, on why he was not releasing promotions, he said the past administration promoted without paying and asked why they did not hold them. He mentioned the UST, but however, promised to pay. There was huge applause.

Security without security When asked his greatest achievement, he named security. When asked his greatest challenge, same insecurity. Many wondered how a man can take first and last in same examination. For instance; What do you consider your greatest achievement and your greatest challenge? Answer; “Restoring security or stability in the state is my greatest achievement though no society is crimefree. My greatest challenge is still same insecurity; violence, getting people safe. I am happy to bring back security”.

This throws up the governor’s persistent lambasting of media men as those painting the picture of insecurity in the state where he

Governor Nyesom Wike

said there was none. He has admitted that insecurity was and is still his administration’s challenge but that he fighting it. He cannot be fighting what does not exist. He voted N22billion in 2018 Budget to fight more. So, take heart, journalists, and take the blame, but take solace in this great confession.

His latest strategy on security could the law establishing the Rivers State Neighbourhood Corps. “It is when you stay alive that you can go to work or do business.”

Who wants to kill the governor; who is always leaking it?

The interaction drove to a dangerous lane. Someone asked if he meant it when he said he uncovered plots to assassinate him and how he knew. Answer: “The position in Nigeria at the moment is that people are desperate for power.

When we said, they want to give me the DSP (framing and arresting DSP Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State those days) treatment, it is no empty alarm. The Senate president, Bukola Saraki raised his own alarm. I wonder why people cannot have a different view anymore. See what is happening to Dino Melaye. The alarm

I raised is not empty. When we raised alarm that INEC indicted a certain SARS commander, we had documents, and we went ahead to mention the particular page in the INEC report where they said the said commander beat up INEC officials and hijacked ballot boxes. We only helped to show it to the world. We should rather be commended. They always ask how I knew. I say, do not ask how I knew, but is it true? Deny it, if it’s not true. We have information on every set up”.

End SARS continues If they know how to fight so well, why did they not take out Don Wanni all these years? He even attacked my wife’s convoy. I said, ok, we will see. I set out about it.

They want to shut down the court to cause crisis. I am too steps ahead of them. I came prepared for this. They want to impound our accounts but they forget there is an EFCC judgment saying nobody should tamper with the Rivers State account. They have to vacate that judgment first before tampering with our accounts, anywhere.

Am not afraid of court Wike recently took front page ad-

verts in most top national newspapers to reveal what he termed SARS’s infractions during the rerun elections in the state. A journalist alerted Wike that the IGP has asked the SARS Commander (Fakorede) to sue him for defamation of character. Wike countered; “I am not afraid of court action. It is an irony that those who do not obey court order want to go to court now. The way I am looking at these people, they look like people who want to write election results.”

Referring to his predecessor (Amaechi), he said: “You did your eight years; you won’t allow us to do ours. Must you continue to put people in position here? You even did eight years as speaker, why not thank God and go on with life?

Are you the owner of the state?

Is it your personal matter? If you like, bring the submarine, it won’t work. Look, the day I finish and leave here, I will not look back or want to know who takes over.

Let the people decide. Must you violate all known rules just to install

somebody?

Even you, press people Newsmen were Wike guests and preys at the same time, maybe not preys but punching bags. First, he said journalists were also on his radar for surveillance. (They have always been). “We have intelligence on you people. We know what you do.”

“The press people are part of de-marketing of the state by daily reporting violence. Try and write good stories, not just bad ones.

Every day; ‘Rivers of Blood.’”

No government official has reported to the NUJ one single story about insecurity that was untrue. He said most journalists in the state were unhappy that their friend (Amaechi) lost but that they should learn to manage their sentiments and report the truth.

Most journalists have however, learnt to put up with this job hazard. But, let no middle man intervene when husband is beating his wife oh, somebody hissed from the press gallery. Gov Wike will still be the first person to jump into the ring to rescue any journalist that is in trouble. Allow him to insult them as he likes; do not help him.

Emma Okah grinned all through as his principal whipped his friends.

He knew better. It was same Wike that mid-wifed most of the friendships he complained about. He was Amaechi’s chief of staff and his 2011 re-election chief. He won many media men to Amaechi. That is why most journalists say if loving Amaechi is a crime, Wike is the biggest offender. The governor must know that Amaechi’s early media ‘friends’ were mostly Assembly Correspondents where he was

The press people are part of de-marketing of the state by daily reporting violence. Try and write good stories, not just bad ones.

Every day; ‘Rivers of Blood

Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi

speaker for eight years. Most media ‘friends’ from the mainstream media came to him from Wike, Blessing Wikina (CPS), Freddy Ndigbara (Blessing’s assistant), and Ibim Semenitari (his acclaimed information commissioner.

Nigeria Info FM station came under persistent fire. Wike has never gone there to talk to the Rivers people. He said they were always broadcasting fake comments. The media aides must help to explain that opinions are from callers. They also say worse things on the president. Their news bulletins stay with the facts while callers stay with opinion which is free. In America, the biggest gift to the citizens is liberty (right to opinion and right to a gun). In Nigeria, the biggest is same liberty (right to opinion and right to government money). In the US, the second right is being threatened or questioned; in Nigeria, the second right is being threatened or questioned. So, freedom of expression remains the biggest gift in a true democracy, plus the right to be yapped by the governor or other hazards of talking too much.

This narrative about the media is not just to share fun but to help interpret the inner minds of Governor Wike. He loves newsmen but he does not spare them in tonguelashing nor fear their poisoned pens. It also shows that he is man who wants hold the ‘four aces’ in any game he is involved in. When he is not, he seems to blow out.

Those around him may not hold much onto the leach because he has strong opinions on any matter he is interested in. So, in the coming days, Wike may fight harder to ensure that what he does not control does not control him. That also is the beauty of a plural press

system. Most journalists resolved after that encounter to be more meticulous in building the pegs and facts of their stories so that at no time can they be found wanting in facts of any story. After all, Wike only asked that the truth be written, not minding who your friend is.

That is the greatest gift any leader can give to the press.

Wike will force Peterside to drive home this time Those outside the riverine areas won’t understand this logic. Most people in the delta areas do not go home by car but by canoe (or now boat). Dakuku Peterside, the DG of NIMASA is one of them. The state has been struggling with N37billion to create a road almost on water to Opobo his home town from the Ogoni areas. It began during Peter Odili, spanned through Amaechi (when Peterside was Works commissioner) and goes on now. Wike thinks Amaechi/Peterside did not try enough, Peterside said the road was over 90 percent completed.

Wike screams it’s untrue. So a pressman asked Wike thus: “Peterside said you should be prepared to go to jail when you go out of power, what is your reaction?”

Answer: “It is frustration that makes men talk anyhow. I assure you, it won’t happen. He wants to be governor and he has right to contest but he must look for what to contest with, the projects he or his FG/APC has done in Rivers State. He must drive on the road I constructed to his community from Ogoni (since he did not complete it when he was in power).

I must force him to drive to his home. They awarded the road contract at N37billion, I continued it. I pay N1billion per month to RCC Continues on page 26

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Politics

Ahead 2019: Unlocking Wike’s inner mind Continued from page 25

for that project.”

How ‘Mr Project’ funds projects Wike always recalls how the then outgoing governor boasted that the incoming governor would not see money to pay salaries let alone execute projects. This was when federal allocation had crashed from almost N30billion in some months to N5billion, when salaries and overhead alone were over N9billion per month. When asked about this, Wike said God was to take the credit. (The state gets almost N10billion from FAAC and N7billion from IGR some times.) He said he sets aside N4billion each month for projects.

“We negotiated down the huge contracts they awarded to enable us be efficient. For instance, they awarded the Sakpenwa Road in Ogoni at N14billion but we negotiated it down to N9billion. They inflated contracts everywhere. I also cut down on overhead from N1.6billion to N800million. I know that commissioners are not happy, civil servants are not happy, but it is sacrifice we must make to do projects in the state for the people. The way I pay contractors is: this month, I pay some contractors, some N500million, some N800million, some N1billion. I bargain hard. They even say it.”

For months, many have said the commissioners are not feeding fat. Visit to the state secretariat will look like a trip to a demoralised community. Many say the governor holds tight to all money.

Now, the landlord has explained his policy. He said he wants to do projects that would be of benefit to all, period. Those who want to get rich may have to look elsewhere.

How he intends to catch votes “I will not say, vote for me, but take project. I will use commissioning of projects to campaign.

Let my projects speak for me. We have money in Rivers State but the past governor used it to do national politics. I know who they sold each government project to. Let them come for campaigns and we will tell the Rivers people what they did,” he said.

My room too has soot Those who want to use soot to intimidate the governor may better know he too has soot, right in his bedroom. “See soot. My room has soot too. Security agencies are not under our control here in the state. I have called them agents of cancer and killing. I asked them to find other ways of disposing crude oil vessels but they said, well, they would look into it, but for now, they have to continue burning them.

If I go and seal off NNPC which is another polluter (Refinery), they will call it sabotage.”

A suit for soot “Everything is politicised. That is why we are sensitizsing people on soot. We have reached an agreement with Agip and Total. They said they have a technology that can solve it. The soot can discourage investors just like the international airport at Omagwa is doing. We have asked Luscious Nwosu to sue the FG. He is an environment ex-

Governor Nyesom Wike

pert. Tyres are also a cause but we have set up a task force to pick up tyres and bring to a dump near the Isaac Boro Park. People burn these tyres every time and thick smoke will spiral into the sky. We commenced arrests and prosecution.

We now plan to build a recycling plant for tyres but it is not going to be quick. We cannot stop the security agencies quickly either.”

CP’s off and on phone “Yes, the security agencies are not under our control. For instance, the day the high court was invaded, I called the Commissioner of Police and he said he would find out and get back to me. One hour later, he did not call back and I called him again but his phone was switched off. We consider it a serious matter because if there is no court, the government is gone. But the day the Army stormed their station and clash was imminent, he called me to intervene, and I said, so his number can now go?”

I have no reason to use violence to win “I keep telling people that I have no reason to use crisis to get power because I have done so much for the people. Everywhere I go I will point at projects we did for them and win. It is those who have nothing to point to that need crisis to snatch power.

“On the threats, I am not afraid because death can come to you even in your bedroom. So, we will not give in to threats and manipulation will not work here.”

According to Wike, “The Professor, Ben Nwabueze, has said our democracy is threatened; my police was posted to me. I promise you they will not succeed in their plot to assassinate me. We are always ahead of them.

State-owned media houses may yet smile digitally The Tide Newspaper has a chance to lead again at least in the South-South. The state’s FM that ruled the east is ruling Degema Street now. The television station (RSTv) seems to be watching

Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi

others instead of being watched when it can be the leader through modern equipment, studios, and creative programming.

The governor promised, just like many before him, to do something. “We are trying to get the RSTV to go digital and we hear the budget is N1.6billion. We will ensure it is done. We will install the equipment procured at Radio Rivers too. We just want to do it on a renovated building. It will be done soon because it is one thing at a time.”

Economy What the governor said in this sector has been published in BusinessDay. He said he depends on IGR to do more. He expects N10billion per month and was ready to fire the revenue boss if this does not happen soon.

He has handed the state Rubber Plantation to SIAT of Belgium for doing well in managing RISONPALM (palm plantation).

He mentioned some investors on

We consider it a serious matter because if there is no court, the government is gone.

But the day the Army stormed their station and clash was imminent, he called me to intervene, and I said, so his number can now go

the way in banana, trye recycling, rice project, etc. He talked about many loan schemes he has floated for doctors, civil servants, young traders, women, etc.

Do they win or buy awards?

“They (detractors) say I bought the awards; Sun, Leadership, Silver Bird, abroad, Sports, BusinessDay. How can somebody buy all these awards? If it is easy, go and buy.

Unanswered questions The governor omitted some questions while answering, not out of nothing to say, no. BusinessDay man had sent in a question on whether it was true he had got proposal by the Marine Club of Nigeria (MCN) proposing partnership to develop a Maritime Free Trade Zone in Port Harcourt to house world class shipbuilding, maritime banks, maritime insurance, etc.

This was expected to swallow all the pirates and bad boys into waiting jobs and create wealth in the area. He did not remember to react. We hope he gives us a chance to get the answers.

There was the issue of an AfDB loan to deliver world class water system in Port Harcourt. What held it back was the sign-off by the FG (ministry of finance) needed for draw down to start. It was completed by the Amaechi administration waiting for sign-off that never came due to the quarrels with Jonathan. Wike came and reviewed the loan and project and seemed to pursue it but it seems not coming also.

Thegovernorbroachedthequestion by saying people would not want to pay for water because the project was designed to be commercially driven. He never admitted it was draw down issues that were the problem.

Matters arising: Federal officials oppressing Rivers State Wike persistently harries Federal Government for allegedly intimidating his state. Many wanted to ask him if this started now and if he felt the past administration did not also

accuse him and the FG of same.

Police: Mbu Mbu was an issue at a time. Militants once blocked the government house, they say.

These were blamed on some Rivers persons with powers in Abuja. He was one of them. Many therefore believe that it is all part of a prolonged political crisis. Before then, the state and FG were chummies.

If the situation changes tomorrow and Wike is on top at the centre and Amaechi is at home, they would still accuse the centre of same. It shows that until the centre and the state align, intimidation would continue in Rivers State because of the need to gain the upper hand. The bad blood is already flowing.

Wike points to the East West Road and PH International Airport as evidence of federal neglect. Many wondered if these were not the same thing Amaechi was saying. In fact, the quarrel came to open with East West Road and Orubebe. What Wike may be saying is; you people felt it was easy to do them, now, do them!

De-marketing: Many think even now, both parties are de-marketing Rivers State. Pointing out the evils done by the other against the state and showing how you are doing good is pure de-marketing. The investor hears all the evils you point out and runs away. This is because the evils, by you or your brother, are evil and is bad for his business. What markets a state is when you point at the good things your state has built up over the years and will continue to build up; the good policies, etc.

Press: The press thrives in bad news. They also report bad news caused by Wike’s opponents. In fact, the press here does not report kidnapping anymore, except profile ones or mass kidnapping. The pen is tired. The governor keeps winning awards and says he is not positively reported. His activities are all captured by his indefatigable press secretary and reported by the media nationwide. His own media (state owned) do not report his opponents and attack them daily. Buhari suffers far more pen attacks than any governor. Wike’s budgets get passed in hours or days; Buhari’s budgets get stuck for months. Gov Wike may have to look at the press again.

Contracts: Wike kept showing how the Amaechi administration inflated contracts and he is now reducing them. Amaechi, when he was governor, was always saying Wike collected school contracts and pocketed the money without doing them. Wike asked him to take it to court. He never did. Wike says he is unearthing things in Rivers State where Amaechi ruled, Amaechi seems to be unearthing things at the centre where Wike worked too. So, who would have the last laugh; who is cleanly clean, then?

Conclusion: The world press conference was one of the best ever. The attendance was huge and of quality. The handling is described as superb, except for PAS problems caused by unplanned media recording systems. Many asked for more in the absence of ministerial briefings.

Sunday 27 May 2018

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How I want to manage the 21st Century Nigeria, by Garba Adamu Garba 11, an entrepreneur-turned politician, is a presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). During his visit to the BusinessDay’s corporate head office in Apapa, Lagos, he spoke to senior editorial staff on his mission and the Nigeria of his dream. INIOBONG IWOK, political correspondent, was at the session. Excerpts: ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

M

ay we know the political party platform you wish to contest on, and how confident are you that you would get the party’s ticket?

I am a member of the APC, and I am contesting on the platform of the party as president. We have been assured and given guarantee that they would do the right thing, we want to see the way the primaries will go first, before thinking of the next move.

The APC made a lot of promises before the 2015 general election and most of them have remained unfulfilled; what would you do differently?

It is simple; we are going to do structural reform and to do that you have to liberalise the economy; it would be a complete turnaround, even the appointment of the ministers would be handled by a consulting firm McKenzie or KPMG. The economy may not be moving in the right direction in the present administration, but you have to realise that confronting the system is not easy, the system is corrupt and the kind of politics we play here is based on ethnicity and religion; I would discourage religion being used as an object to divide the country; I would discourage my religious life being made public issues. It should be private and I may sue anyone who brings my religion life into a public discourse.

Most of the people here focus on themselves but we would discourage that, we are going to focus on the system and when we do that you would still change.

It is the political will; the country is always bigger than any individual; it is my idea to run for the president; it is not for the country to serve you; you serve the country so that it can work.

What about funding; how do you intend to fund your campaigns?

Yes, I realise it is important, and we are trying to look at crowd funding and advertising; we would speak with BusinessDay to help us

Emmanuel Udom

Presidential aspirant, Adamu, during his visit to BusinessDay. Pic By Pius Okeosisi

do the marketing; we are also thinking of exploring other sources; we hope to get money.

How would you deal with issues of land use act in tackling the housing needs of Nigerians?

I don’t think we would put stringent land laws in the country, but I would give the ownership of land to their owners, naturally if you buy a land it is your own; there is no need for unnecessary documentation giving you power of the land. Our Land Use Act is a big problem; before anybody can review it, it must be removed from the constitution.

Most of the time, it is just the political will to get it out of constitution; most of the time we have back water deal negotiations; ones we have political will that can be done through credible media, fair and sincere objective. There must be that sincere political will to talk to the mind of the people; if it is my responsibility to make the people know that this is my challenges so that they can talk to the people. It is going to come out with the right process.

You have limited experi-

ence in terms of managing people, how do you intend to manage the country?

We manage over 200 companies, who manage thousand others, those thousands also manage thousands. Then we are in a digitalised world where managing staff is easy; my job is to formulate policies

There must be that sincere political will to talk to the mind of the people; if it is my responsibility to make the people know that this is my challenges so that they can talk to the people. It is going to come out with the right process

and make sure they work so that the ministers can implement the policies. We would also build a citizen services centre so that the people can download and monitor what is happening in the country.

As president, I have to monitor the process.

How would you deal with corruption in the country?

On the issue of corruption, we would put transparent e-governance system; we would not just put people in jail, we put in a mechanism to monitor people, to prevent people from stealing in the first place; there are some bad money around; we would not just put this toxic money there. We have to push toxic money out of the economy.

We would be the chief task officers to market Nigeria to Nigerians; and the reason is to market, let Nigerians see the country as their own, so that we can together build and protect it.

Former President Obasanjo tried, but I think Obasanjo rushed the process because they did not have time to think things over. They did not measure the competency of the people, they did not

look if the people they were selling the things to had the capital and capacity and even their technical partnership to deliver to the country.

What is your view on raging agitations for the restructuring of the country?

There are several stages of restructuring that need to be natural especially like state of residence, federal character. The only area I have concern is the area of resource control; because we need power, we need to build industries and we can’t do this by concentrating power in the regions; for example in Enugu we have large deposit of coal that we need to develop; but that cannot be done by concentrating power in the regions. We need to privatise the port; all of us want to survive from what is coming and accruing to the country and not grant from the regions.

The word is moving focus away from oil, even Saudi Arabia has moved from oil, we need money to diversify the economy, implement programmes, policies and all that.

What is your view on the security situation in the country?

The problem started long ago. Just after the civil war we had identity crisis; we had militant problems shortly after returning to democracy in 1999, and presently we have herdsmen attack that is where the country is going because we have identity crisis. We need to move away from leaders who are there for their personal interest; we need to make Nigerians realise that Nigeria is their personal project and not the country.

Look at Benue, it has more fruits that could be used to produce fruits by juiceproducing companies; even shops like Shoprite instead of buying from here are importing several of their wares from South Africa. We need to change this and build relationship between the farmers and herdsmen so that when this happens, the farmers can think there is something he can depend on the herdsmen for; then there would not be need for him to fight with the herdsmen because they would see themselves as

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AssemblyWatch From the Red Chamber With

OWEDE AGBAJILEKE

F

ormer Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati, once described Aso Rock as an evil place.

In his piece entitled: ‘Rituals, blood and death: The spiritual side of Aso Villa’, Abati argued that Nigeria’s seat of power needs urgent redemption, even as he advised the Nigerian government to abandon the Villa and turn it into a spiritual museum.

Hear him: “When Presidents make mistakes, they are probably victims of a force higher than what we can imagine. Every student of Aso Villa politics would readily admit that when people get in there, they actually become something else. They act like they are under a spell. When you

Fiddling while Rome burns issue a well-crafted statement, the public accepts it wrongly.

“When the President makes a speech and he truly means well, the speech is interpreted wrongly by the public. When a policy is introduced, somehow, something just goes wrong. In our days, a lot of people used to complain that the APC people were fighting us spiritually and that there was a witchcraft dimension to the governance process in Nigeria.

“But the APC folks now in power are dealing with the same demons. Since Buhari government assumed office, it has been one mistake after another. Those mistakes don’t look normal, the same way they didn’t look normal under President Jonathan....”

Events of last week have given credence to Abati’s submission.

On a day Catholics organised a nationwide protest to register their displeasure over the gruesome killings of two priests and 17 worshipers at St. Ignatius Catholic Parish in Benue State, on a day they were interred, President Muhammadu Buhari just like Emperor Nero, fiddled while Rome burned by fixating on his

re-election bid.

It is quite disheartening that while he was represented by his vice, Yemi Osinbajo, at the burial of the slain Catholics, Buhari at the Presidential Villa on the same day played host to a delegation of Buhari Support Organisation (BSO).

Rather than use the day to reflect on the wanton killings of Nigerians, he chose to play politics by using the occasion to make unsubstantiated claims against his friend-turned-fierce critic, former President Olusegun Obasanjo for allegedly wasting $16billion on power projects.

His exoneration of former Head of State, late General Sani Abacha of corruption despite receiving $332 million Abacha loot from Switzerland last month, betrays the holier-thanthou posture of a leader that promised to tackle the hydraheaded monster of corruption in the country in the build-up to the last general elections.

Such insensitivity also rared its head when the President transmitted an Executive bill the National Water Resources Bill - to the Senate.

The proposal, which failed to pass Third Reading at the

Senate last week, sought to concentrate the control of all waterways and their banks in Nigeria in the hands of the Federal Government.

A conspiracy theory is already going around in some quarters that the bill is aimed at handing over ancestral lands belonging to farmers and giving permanent grazing rights to herdsmen, who will commence expansionist agenda into the hinterland.

According to the theory, when passed into law, it will ‘abrogate’ the Land Use Act, which vest all lands in state governors. And an attempt to introduce grazing colonies through the backdoor.

Clauses Four and Five of the bill seems to give credence to the allegation as it provides thus: “As the public trustee of the nation’s water resources, the Federal Government, acting through the minister and the institutions created in this Bill or pursuant to this Bill, shall ensure that the water resources of the nation are protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled in a sustainable and equitable manner, for the benefit of all persons and in ac-

Impunity, invasion of Legislature and other matters

D

rawing inference from the words of Delia Ferreira Rubio, chairperson, Transparency International (TI) Worldwide, at the weekend, “Nigeria must reduce the level of impunity and open up critical information about government” in the bid to boost its transparency rating. A case of impunity which occurred recently was the refusal of a political appointee of President Muhammadu Buhari, in the person of Idris Abubakar, the Inspector of Police who flagrantly disregard the summons of the National Assembly not only to give account of his stewardship on the unabated killings of Nigerians and other social vices happening across the country, by the killer herdsmen. Several ethnic groups who voiced their frustrations over the ongoing ‘ethnic cleansing’ especially in the Middle Belt area of Nigeria, by these killer herdsmen, conferred on their respective representatives at the national Assembly the powers to call to question any public office holders serving in either the Executive, Legislature or Judiciary at any given time. Of course, the number One Citizen in person of President Muhammadu Buhari should be cognizance of this by respecting the opinions and feelings of the citizens whom he governs.

The clarion call by Nigerians to safeguard the lives of all Nigerians cannot be taken as secondary responsibility of the incumbent administration.

It’s a constitutional matter, which he sworn to uphold by all standard even if it’s going to be at the expense of his own life!

But with the situation of things at hand, the reverse seems to be the case.

According to the TI Chairperson, the rating was based on the collective perspectives of the academia, investors, civil society organizations and other actors across the globe, and void of any grudge against Nigeria as a country.

In his reaction to another impunity perpetuated on April 18, 2018 by some hoodlums who invaded the Senate chamber and indeed the National Assembly and charted away the Mace which serves as the symbol of authority in any legislative setting, Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the Nigeria’s House of Representatives who warned strongly against the obvious compromise by the Executive arm of government, warned that such invasion if not condemned and addressed squarely may happen to the other arms of government – Executive and Judiciary. Like the lone voice of Jesus Christ’s fore-runner, John the Baptist in the wilderness, Speaker Dogara prophetically said: “It may interest you to know that the National Assembly premises are even better secured than the courts, so nothing stops us from invading courts henceforth if this precedence is sustained and we won’t want to wait until the Villa

itself, the Executive seat of power is attacked before we come up with the appropriate response.

I want to say that an attack on the Legislature is an attack on Buhari’s government, an attack on the Judiciary is an attack on Buhari’s government, an attack on the Executive is an attack on Buhari’s government.”

Surprisingly, the River State High Court was attacked on Friday, 11th May, 2018 in the bid to prevent a court injunction seeking to stop the All Progressives Congress APC Local Government Congress. Of course, the only arm of government left out of the attack, is the Executive for now. But a stitch in time, saves nigh!

Dogara who was not at hand when the ugly incident occurred on that fateful day, never minced words by firstly condemning the assault on the symbol of democratic institution in Nigeria, and expatiate on the implication on other arms of government. Without mincing words, the incident exposed the lapses in the security apparatus of the National Assembly and the need to reinforce the system not only to ensure security of the lives of the 360 members of the House of Representatives and 109 Senators, but more importantly, the lives of thousands of National Assembly workforce, about 2,300 Legislative Aides; over 200 media practitioners, hundreds of outsources staff by contractors managing the facility/complex as well as countless

number of visitors who come on regular basis to visit their representatives at the National Assembly.

Mr. Speaker who cried foul over the unwarranted silence of the security agencies several days after the ugly incident, in strong terms his colleagues to desist from floating caucuses that might seem to express strong loyalty to any person or group of persons outside the National Assembly, but for the protection of democracy and the institution which they have sworn to protect.

He said: “As a matter of fact, in the institution of the National Assembly, there is no place for anarchists, there is no place for mobsters, there is no place for cultists, and there is no place for terrorists. We cannot allow anyone, no matter how highly placed or lowly placed to terrorize this institution.”

As observed by the lone voice of Mr. Speaker like that of John the Baptist in the wilderness, the Speaker noted that: “if this (invasion) happened in other climes, heads of security agencies would have tendered their resignation letters.

The fact that there has been no communication at all from heads of security agencies to principal officers of this institution that this is what happened and this is what they are doing in order to ensure that it doesn’t happen again speaks volumes. The issue of security around the presence of the National Assembly can-

cordance with its constitutional mandate.

“States may make provisions for the management , use and control of water sources occurring solely within the boundaries of the state but shall be guided by the policy and principles of the Federal Government in relation to Integrated Water Resources Management, and this Bill”.

This implies that states like Benue, Ekiti and Taraba where anti-open grazing laws are in place may become null and void, once the National Water Resources Bill is enacted.

This negates the principle of federalism and the agitation for restructuring which seeks the devolution of powers at the centre to the federating units. Ironically, it is coming at a time Nigerians are waiting on the National Assembly to revisit the devolution of power items in its constitution amendment exercise.

The Ad-hoc Committee constituted by Senate President Bukola Saraki, to fine-tune the controversial aspects of the bill is expected to submit its report this week, even as showdown looms between Northern and Southern senators.

From the Green House With

KEHINDE AKINTOLA not be attributed to us because they don’t take commands from us. It is the affair and the discretion of their commanders.” Of course, nothing happened barely a month after.

Of course, this presupposes “the voice of Jacob and the hands of Esau!”

Similar situation played out during the Seventh Assembly, when Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and other lawmakers who were tagged as anti-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration were locked out entering the National Assembly. All of these, when evaluated by the international observers who to me are objective, will mark Nigeria down as badly governed and non-tolerant.

I perceive there is urgent need for ideology cleansing of the military regime, which thrived when democracy goes into extinction!

2019 Watch Sunday 27 May 2018

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INEC begins issuance of fresh PVCs

Oyo APC Congresses: Unity Forum petitions, says list of winners made up of Ajimobi loyalists

INIOBONG IWOK

AKINREMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Lagos office has begun the distribution of permanent voters cards (PVC) across the twenty local government areas of the state to newly registered eligible voters.

This was disclosed by the spokesman of the commission in Lagos, Femi Akinbiyi, noting that the commission had concluded arrangements to engage extra manpower and improve logistics for the distribution of the PVCs in the 20 LGAs in the state.

Akinbiyi disclosed that the commission was expecting more cards for those who registered in the first quarter of 2018 and those currently registering, adding that the card currently being distributed were for individuals who had registered last year.

He said that the state resident electoral commissioner, Sam Olumekun has met with all the INEC officials in the 20 LGAs of the state, adding that the commission had put in place a mechanism to monitor the distribution of the card, while adding that the voter’s

T

Yakubu

registration exercise was also on going.

The continuous voter registration exercise began in Lagos in April last year throughout the country.

“We have started with the distribution of the cards in the 20 local

governments of the state; the PVC cards are for those who registered in April to December and we are expecting more cards; others would be made available later especially those who registered in the first quarter and those currently registering,” Akinbiyi said.

I am ready for reconciliation - Balogun, Lagos factional APC chairman INIOBONG IWOK

F

actional Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Tunde Balogun, has disclosed that he was committed to reconciling all aggrieved members of the party in the state.

Balogun, whose faction is loyal to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leader of the party, said this at the party secretariat on ACME Road, Ogba, Ikeja after being sworn in alongside other 36 state executive members of APC that were elected penultimate Saturday.

He added that his immediate responsibility was to build cohesion in the party by working assiduously to ensure that all those with grievances were accommodated in order to move the Lagos chapter forward.

The new APC chairman, while saying that he was irrevocably committed to sustaining the winning ways of the party, assured that he would take APC in Lagos to a new height as he had no fear about implementing his progressive agenda for the party due to his pedigree in governance and administration.

Balogun also said that he had

able and capable exco members to deliver on the mandate, saying driving progress in the state’s chapter would not be much of a task.

“I am irrevocably committed to taking the party to a new level in the state. With great commitment and my pedigree in governance and administration, this will be achieved by God’s grace. Also members of the new executive are competent men and women and I have no doubt that together we will take the party to greater heights,” the new chairman said.

Balogun further charged party members to give the new executive the needed support to achieve its vision for the party and also urged them to see the party as their project and do their bits to ensure its progress.

He lauded the outgoing party chairman, Henry Ajomale, for his achievements as leader, saying that he deserved all the accolades for the enviable heights the party had attained in the state.

Balogun equally noted that Lagos chapter of APC had won all elections under Ajomale, assuring that the momentum would not change under him, even as he said he would not hesitate to seek Ajomale’s counsel in the course of work whenever the need arises.

He thanked the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for his support for the party and his achievements in Lagos, saying that Lagos has experienced phenomenal greatness under the governor and the previous administrations.

S p e a k i n g e a r l i e r, H e n r y Ajomale, the outgoing chairman, while presiding over the administration of oath on the new executive members, thanked the outgoing executive members for helping to grow the party in the state, saying that he could not have achieved anything without the support and understanding of those who served with him.

“I thank you for your cooperation and support and for working with me as a family. I thank God we served together, you didn’t impeach me, no vote of no confidence, we worked as a family.

“The same level of support you gave to me, I expect some of you who are still in the new exco to give the same to the new administration,” Ajomale said.

Ajomale expressed confidence in the ability of Balogun to make the party better, adding that he would always be available when needed, even as he urged party members to give the new administration the needed support to succeed.

he dust raised as a result of the congresses in Oyo state is yet to settle as Unity Forum, a group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has petitioned the leadership of the party.

The petition forwarded to the party’s National Chairman, President Muhammadu Buhari and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on the prolonged factional crisis rocking the party in the state over the recently held ward, local and state congresses of the party.

The forum also sent the copy of the petition to the EFCC, the Central Bank and the Inspector General of Police asking the APC National Chairman to declare the Congresses held by the “Unity Forum of the APC-Oyo State, as the only legal congress, with recognition of all the attendant prerequisites”.

In the petition signed by the Forum Secretary, Wasiu Olatunbosun, titled ‘Illegal conduct by Ajimobi faction, of a Purported APC ward congress in favour of persons who did not obtain nomination forms,’ the Unity Forum alleged that those in the Governor Abiola Ajimobi faction of APC in Oyo State should not be accorded “the status of lawful and proper contestants of the party at the ward and subsequent levels.”

It also alleged in the petition “that the Transfer Forms of Agodi

Branch of First Bank which was presented as proof of payment for nomination forms for the ward congress was fake.”

Quoting the number of the Transfer Form of First Bank which is purportedly dated May 4 as 29173701 which it alleged to be fake, the Unity Forum claimed that the Governor Ajimobi “loyalists only paid the nomination sum of N20.06million to the account of APC at the Agodi Branch of First Bank on Monday May 7th.”

The forum alleged further that those that made the lodgment on May 7,2018 paid, N4,200,000 each except two of them (names withheld) “lodged the same amount of N4,200,000 twice same day bringing the total lodgment to N21,000,000:00, which is the same amount purportedly paid on May 4, 2018 for the same purpose.”

“It has come to our attention that an illegal ward congress was conducted in Oyo State on 6th May 2018, by some group of persons who parade themselves as the Ajimobi faction. This illegal/unlawful exercise is indeed worrisome, as it compromises the integrity of this quintessential party.”

According to the forum, “There is no dispute as to the fact that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is regulated by the Guidelines for Wards, Local Government Areas and States Congress. It is also not in doubt that the said Guideline prescribes the procedure for Nomination of Candidates [for party positions], in the following manner.”

APC governors task SSGs to develop policies, replicate Lagos economic model VICTORIA NNAKIAIKE, Lokoja

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) states have urged their Secretaries to the State Governments (SSGs) to meet quarterly, strategise and ensure that the vision of the party is really achieved come 2019.

Speaking shortly after the 6th Quarterly meeting held in Lokoja, Salihu Lukman said the vision of the party is to ensure that all government produced by the party are running almost with the same policy, adding that this would take Nigerians back to the era where if you mention a party, an average Nigerian will have an image in his or her mind about the party you represent.

Lukman also hinted that why their respective governors asked all the SSGs to be meeting was to basically ensure that they start by narrating some of the initiative or differences or principles, across those initiative identify

what they can regard as best party conditions.

“Our governors decided that SSGs should be meeting every quarter as a strategy to ensure that the vision of the party is really achieved,” he said.

He also said that from their first meeting they identified three issues revolving around the present administration of which the first is the issue of revenue collection and administration because it is about getting the needed revenue to be able to finance development, adding that they got a test run from Lagos State.

He emphasised that Lagos State can survive without federation account, adding that all the APC secretaries have been challenged to go back and work out technical strategies that will enable all APC states to replicate what Lagos is doing.

He equally hinted that they also have model laws which the state governments are working to ensure that those laws are implemented.

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Nigeria: On the throes of fear ahead of elections INNOCENT ODOH, Abuja

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he 2019 general election is just eight months away but the anxiety is mounting quite fast. The apprehension is predicated on the fact that most of the institutions of government charged with the responsibility to protect the people and their mandate seem to have abdicated their duties leaving the people with little options.

Nigerians fear that the election may not be free and fair because some foreigners are said to have invaded the country to allegedly swell the number of those angling to ensure that their candidate win the Presidential election.

BusinessDay correspondent encountered one of such people brought in from neighboring countries to participate in the election, who gave his name as Idris. On closer interaction in Hausa language, Idris claimed that he and thousands of others were imported into the country by some powerful forces in northern Nigeria to participate in voting.

“An Kawo mu dege Niger mu yi zabe,” he said in Hausa, which in English means “we were brought in from Niger Republic to vote.”

The Nigerian Immigration Service has shown grave failure in blocking the over 4,000 illegal entry points into the country, from where these aliens gain entry into the country as thousands of foreigners are said to be in Nigeria to unleash mayhem if their desired candidate does not win the election.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye on Friday, May 5, 2018 Holy Ghost service, expressed doubts about the possibility of the 2019 election holding, following the incessant killings across the country especially in the Middle Belt, many Nigerians echoed their fears in the same line.

The cleric said this while reacting to the herdsmen attack on St. Ignatius Catholic Church, UkporMbalom Parish, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, which killed two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners, warning that it could lead to a religious war if not tamed.

Pastor Adeboye said: “I am going to ask you to join me in prayer, because unless these killings stop, and stop immediately, even Nigeria may not live. I am not talking about individuals now, I am talking about Nigeria itself…A bishop asked me not too long ago, ‘Daddy, has God told you who will win the next election?’ “I said, Sir,

I am not even sure yet there will be an election. Because unless these killings stop there may be no elections next year.” ‘Are you prophesying, Daddy?’ “No, no!

I am not prophesying. I am just reasoning. Because nobody will want to go out to vote if they are not sure they will be able to return home safely,” he said.

Even the international community is worried that the election may not go well in Nigeria because of desperation as Nigerians are already polarised along regional, ethnic and religious lines.

BusinessDay had quoted a source from one of the African missions in the country who confirmed that the foreign missions following intelligence reports are apprehensive, due to the behaviour of the Nigerian politicians especially as they heat up the polity with unguarded and hate-filled utterances. The source added that the pervasive killings allegedly perpetrated by the Fulani herdsmen appear to be another prelude to anarchy.

“We are worried that the Nigerian politicians are in their belligerent dispositions, which depict some threatening situation especially now that there are widespread and unchecked killings across the country by armed gangs who may be recruited to cause mayhem. If the hallowed chamber of the Senate can be invaded by hoodlums who took away its symbol of authority in full

glare of security agencies almost unchallenged and up till now the hoodlums have not been uncovered, then the situation is really disturbing,” the source said.

Reacting to the killings across the country, another source from one of the European missions, who preferred anonymity, had also told BusinessDay that his country and many others in Nigeria are worried about the elections following intelligence reports that some foreign mercenaries have allegedly invaded the country to cause mayhem if certain candidates are not elected.

The Nigeria police appear overwhelmed by the sheer viciousness of the killings in states like Benue, Taraba, Zamfara, Plateau, Nassarawa and Kogi. But the most disturbing scenario probably was that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has refused to appear before the Senate, which summoned him over the high level of insecurity in the land. This has attracted severe criticisms.

The main opposition party the Peoples Democratic party condemned the attitude of the IG saying, “His (IGP)’s refusal to honour the invitation is a deliberate assault on Nigeria’s democracy; it is a willful denigration of the National Assembly and a recourse to totalitarianism,” the party said in a statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, its National publicity secretary.

Nigerians also express worries

that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been battling with the allegation of doing nothing while underage voters are allegedly issued with the Permanent Voters Card across the country, especially in Kano State.

Although INEC has absolved itself of complicity in the Kano underage debacle in the February 10 Kano state local election, Nigerians are yet to recover from the shock of the video of those little boys, seen with the PVCs. This has fueled the fear that a large number of unqualified persons may have been captured in the electoral process, which could greatly undermine its credibility.

The Nigerian army that is dreaded as a majestic force in the continent has unbelievably become constrained in the face of the increasing killings such that former Chief of Army Staff, Theophilus Danjuma, cried out recently that the army is allegedly colluding with the killers serving some sinister motives in the country. Unconfirmed reports said that the attempt to bring in mercenaries is to help destabilise some regions and scuttle their electoral chances.

The opposition politicians have also expressed fear that President Buhari has turned his anti-corruption against perceived enemies of his government and even critics within his own party. Recently the outspoken Senator Dino Melaye has been hounded by the police

over allegation of gun running.

But observers have attributed his travails to his consistent criticism of the President. Another Senator Matthew Urhroghide was attacked for allegedly raising the unconstitutional issue of Buhari’s payment of $496 million to buy 12 Tucano jets from the US without approval from the National Assembly.

Last Sunday, Timi Frank, erstwhile deputy national publicity secretary of the APC increased the alarm level in a letter he wrote to President Buhari accusing him of perpetrating impunity and spreading fear in the country.

“Under your tenure the rule of law has been replaced with the rule of force. You have injected fear into the society. People who voted for you to save them from corruption and ineptitude have been barred from speaking up against the myriads of evil and wicked acts being perpetrated by officials in your government,” Frank told Buhari.

He further told the President that people freely expressed themselves under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration without fear of being branded cultists’ sponsors, gunrunners or aiding murderers but not so under this administration.

“Under Jonathan, Nigerians enjoyed freedom of speech, association and right to hold dissenting views including organising and partaking in protests against unwelcome government policies.

All these are no go areas today. It is a fact that no member of the APC which was then in the opposition before 2015 was jailed or harassed for expressing dissent.

“However, under this administration, the Senate President is being persecuted, Senator Dino Melaye has been arrested and detained like a common criminal, Senator Matthew Urhroghide has been attacked for telling Nigerians that the Federal Government breached the Constitution by paying the sum of $496million for 12 Tucano fighter jets without National Assembly approval; the trial of Senator Isa Misau by the AGF over his face-off with the Inspector General of Police, the persecution of many members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the name of fighting corruption are all examples of intolerance under this administration,” Frank told Buhari.

As the atmosphere of fear allegedly instigated by President Buhari for his own gains pervades the political landscape, Nigerians are perhaps, condemned to an uncertain fate. But being very faithful people, the hapless citizens of the country may as usual invoke that popular prayer of hope, “God will help us.”

Sunday 27 May 2018

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31 Inside Lagos

Legislation may restrict use of kerosene, charcoal for cooking JOSHUA BASSEY

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iscussions are ongoing for a possible legislation to limit the use of kerosene and charcoal as cooking fuels in Lagos.

In their place, the government will be encouraging the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in homes. If the plan succeeds, the government will also be encouraging the design, local production and distribution of small gas cylinders to encourage residents’ migration to the new order.

BDSUNDAY gathers that there will also be massive public enlightenment campaigns during which safety measures with regard to the use of gas and handling of cylinders will be well communicated to the people.

It was also learnt that there plans to encourage investment in gas reticulation pipelines in highbrow areas such as Lekki, Victoria island, Ikoyi to enable residents connect directly to their homes, while in other areas, there will be gas refill stations.

Commissioner for energy & mineral resources, Wale Oluwo (m), addressing a press conference. With him are chairman, House Committee on energy, Folajimi Mohammed (l); permanent secretary, ministry of energy & mineral resources, Caster Bade-Adebowale (2nd l); his counterpart in ministry of information & strategy, Kofoworola Awobamise (2nd r) and special adviser to the Governor on information & strategy, Idowu Ajanaku (r).

The move falls in line the government’s vision to promote clean environment and reduce the level of carbon emissions in Nigeria’s most populous state.

To ensure this works, the state government will be

seeking to raise the level of gas supply to Lagos from its current 500 million standard cubic feet (scf) of natural and LPG per day to 1.25 billion.

The vision is captured in the Lagos State Electric Power Reform Law which imple-

mentation begins from July.

The law was passed by the state House of Assembly in January and assented by the governor on February 8, 2018.

Under the reform, the government plans to open the Lagos gas market to local and

international players; the major aimed being to wean the state economy from dependency on gas from the Niger Delta five years from now.

The state is considering signing long term off-take contracts for gas found in any

oil field in Lagos, including the Aje Oil Field in Badagry, operated by Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company, and the Dangote Oil Refinery which is expected to begin operations within the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) in 2021.

“Part of the objectives of the gas sector reform is to guarantee steady supply to power the state’s economy,” said Oluwo.

According to him, the government is considering a floating storage & regasification unit (FSRU) for supply of up to 750 million scf of gas per day, and connection of the re-gasified natural gas from the FSRU to the Escravos Lagos Pipeline Service (ELPS).

The state will also be increasing the supply of LPG from both local and international players, with the state ministry of physical planning already working on 200 designated locations across state where potential gas operators will set up storage and dispensing stations.

“There are plans to design small sized cylinders for distribution in the retail market and ensure that the cylinders to be deployed are manufactured in Lagos,” said Oluwo.

Monarch raises concern over FG to complete abandoned delayed Lagos-Badagry Expressway housing project in Ikorodu …tasks FG, LASG

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he traditional ruler of Kw eme Kingdom, Badagry, Sejiro Ogungbe-James says the Federal and Lagos State governments must join forces to complete the 64.8km Lagos-Badagry expressway in view of its strategic role as Nigeria’s gateway to the West African market.

Ogungbe-James, who spoke on Friday, said the timely completion of the road would alleviate the sufferings of motorists and commuters and further up the Nigerian market for patronage.

Motorists have continued to complain about the slow pace of work on the reconstruction and expansion of the Lagos-Badagry expressway, causing perennial gridlocks.

The road rehabilitation project was contracted to both Julius Berger and China Civil Engineering and Con-

struction Company (CCECC) 10 years ago, by the Lagos State government, with Julius handling the first phase spanning Orile to Mile 2, and CCECC taking the phase 2, from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.

The third and the last phase, Okokomaiko to Seme border has yet to be awarded.

“Badagr y to Mile 2 shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes but the journey takes more than five hours or more because of the deplorable state of the road. The expressway which is the gateway to other West African countries is an eyesore and it is prone to accidents because of the state of the road.

“Urgent steps must be taken to address this problem because it is one of the major reasons that the ancient city is underdeveloped because the state of the road drives away investors,” said OgungbeJames.

The monarch equally called on the Lagos State government to concentrate on developing rural areas so as to attract investors.

“We have three borders around our communities in which the government generates revenue but we have not felt the impact of the government at the grassroots.

“We hope that the new port which the government wants to build in Badagry would come to reality because such huge project would open Badagry to the global world.

“The government should focus on developing the rural areas as this will not only woo investors but it will also help in decongesting over populated cities,” he said.

The monarch, however, Ogungbe-James commended the state government’s effort at repositioning Badagry as a tourism hub of the country.

F

ederal Government says it is working to resolve the challenges delaying the completion and delivery of its Igbogbo/Bayeku housing scheme in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Suleiman Zarma, minister of state for power, works and housing stated this while inspecting the Igbogbo/ Bayeku prototype housing scheme.

Zarma said that the project was awarded in 2014 but was stalled due to demand for an upward review of the project sum by the contractors.

“The aim of this visit is to ascertain what is really happening on site from its managers. I have heard that the contractors are asking for an upward review of the contract sums,’’ he said.

He disclosed that the ministry was weighing the options and taking necessary steps to complete and allocate the houses to intending

home owners.

He added that the ministry was also discussing with the Lagos State government on how the state could provide land for more housing estates for residents of the state.

“We are going to appeal to the governor of Lagos State and I think he will accede to our request. Once the properties are developed, anybody that is taking possession of any of the buildings will either be a Lagosian or a resident of Lagos. “So the economic benefits will come to Lagos State,’’ he said.

The minister assured that Federal Government’s houses were for all Nigerians both in the middle and low income earners from the formal and informal sectors of the economy. He explained that there were different packages to suit different income levels and cultures.

The federal controller, housing, Lagos, Kenneth Abuah, said that there were

12 blocks of two bedroom flats, electricity and water works for the prototype housing scheme.

The federal ministry of power, works and housing site coordinator, Peju Fatiye, said that the project was divided into the prototype, public private partnership (PPP) and site and services sections.

Fatiye explained that a portion of the PPP had been completed and was in the process of being taken over by the Federal Mortgage Bank.

She said that all the contracts were awarded in November 2014 but that the contractors abandoned the project due to insufficient funding, adding, however, that the electrification and water supply aspects of the project had been completed.

“It is our prayer that these building blocks will be completed so that these facilities can be put into use very soon, “she said.

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Sunday 27 May 2018

Controversy

Why Atiku’s proposal to sell refineries is anti-people AUSTIN BRAIMOH & CASSIDY MADUEKE

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e shouldn’t be responding to the hysteria masqueraded as a response by the Atiku All Support Group (AASG) to our published stand on the anti-people proposal

by People’s Democratic Party’s Presidential aspirant, Abubakar Atiku, to sell off the country’s oil and gas assets in the name of privatisation.

However, we are determined to educate these fellows on basic social economics and why the Nigerian people should always be at the centre of all economic policies and considerations.

At issue is the privatisation of Nigeria’s refineries as proposed by Atiku, former vice president in the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, (1999-2007). We notice that the AASG sought to rouse base sentiments by alleging that NNPC’s operations are shrouded in secrecy to justify the predicates of their principal.

While not holding brief for that corporation, it yet behooves us to amplify the giant strides recorded by the NNPC in matters of public accountability under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. Since 2016, the NNPC has made it a matter of policy to circulate its financial and operating report every month plus its year-end report of same qualification at the end of each year. We wonder why Alhaji Atiku, and of course, his principal between 1999 and 2007, Chief Obasanjo, ignored this all important NNPC’s accountability connect with the Nigerian people.

It would seem as if Alhaji Atiku is just now experiencing an epiphany in that regard, 11 years after.

We assert here that government is premised on delivering services for the good of the mass of the people, a flip back to history shows that for more than 47 years, starting in 1973, PMS price had consistently been increased with the rationale of either reducing or removing subsidies on the product. This had led to a state of generic and generational inflation on the Nigerian economic template, in other words, every price increase historically lingers into the economy of the future.

President Buhari Of particular interest was the movement of PMS price during the Obasanjo/Atiku presidency, when, between June 1, 2000 and May 27, 2007, price moved from N20 a litre to N75 a litre a more than 250 percent price increase.

Yet, nothing was done to the efficiency of the refining processes in those years except desperation to sell them off to cronies and fronts just as the nation’s educational system were brought to its knees

We acknowledge Alhaji Atiku’s proclivity for IMF policies and conditionalities, when applied, it opens the economy to all manners of vulnerabilities that allow the very rich to cherry-pick at will, national assets that would be disposed

so the duo of Obasanjo and Atiku could make gains of it by establishing their respective universities.

If President Buhari had increased the price of PMS in May 2016, it was apparently to finally place a ceiling on possible increase on PMS price while insisting, at the same time, on the operational resurrection of the then moribund refineries. We can report that today, there has been no further PMS price increase since the only increase to N145 per litre. And subsidy payment associated with sustaining the social price of the product has shifted away from the awful rackets of few friends of the government diverting, inflating and pocketing subsidy claims to NNPC domiciled operational management of subsidy. Again, the NNPC’s monthly report is available to all and sundry to track subsidy management, not subsidy payment, as the AASG ignorantly claimed.

On the current performance threshold of the refineries, we gracefully invite the AASG to the 30th edition of the NNPC monthly report which gave the total crude oil processed by the local refineries for the month of January 2018, at 204,877 metric tonnes. Recall that as at 2015, the refineries were officially comatose at zero production.

For us, this is what government should be about; trans-

parently managed resources of state for the good of the larger majority of the people while conserving the public assets for the use of future generation.

We insist, once again, that whoever wants to own a refinery should go and build his or her own. The nation is experiencing the benefits of the GSM revolution not because NITEL was parceled out for sale but because investors secured operating licenses and independently funded the realisation of their respective telecommunication companies. And by the way, among the telecommunication companies, what is the operating status of NITEL, the public telecommunication company sold off when Alhaji Atiku was the chairman of the Privatisation Council of Nigeria, the council that parceled out public enterprises for sale. Associated to that query is the worrisome reality to the effect that most of the companies privatised under the supervision of Alhaji Atiku have little to show in terms of operational efficiency and direct impact on the economy.

We should correct the spurious generalisation of the intended sale of the Saudi Arabia oil company, Aramco, as so gleefully flaunted by AASG, obviously, in consequence of limited education.

Saudi Arabia is selling just five percent of its holding in Aramco and this is limited to its upstream activities not the refineries. In addition, the five percent holding is to be sold to the public not operators.

It is of course, a growing polemics to fraudulently assert unrelated examples to make a point. AASG is further enlightened that at no time did Brazil Petrobas or Malaysia Petronas sell any of their refineries to private operators.

We like to remind the AASG that privatization is not a single fit-all solution to an inefficiently run entity, this is why the International Monetary Funds and its conditionalities had become particularly odious to Nigeria and some other developing economies. But of course, we acknowledge Alhaji Atiku’s proclivity for IMF policies and conditionalities, when applied, it opens the economy to all manners of vulnerabilities that allow the very rich to cherry-pick at will, national assets that would be disposed.

This is in contrast to what President Buhari stands for.

The preservation of our collective patrimony for the economic good of all, and even, the Bretton Wood Institution are applauding him for this in the short span of time he has occupied the office of the President. It is the World Bank that rated the Nigerian economy, for the first time since 1999, as one of the world’s four best improving economies. It is also the World Bank that returned the great verdict of Nigeria moving up 24 places on the Ease of Doing Business Global ranking. Besides, two weeks ago, the IMF sent a team of its Directors to Nigeria for onground review of economic policies, the team excitedly announced that the government economic policies, as encapsulated in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, were impressive and realisable. These are commendable international applauses for the home-grown, ingeniously coupled economic policies.

Obviously, what President Buhari has done is to commit himself to a serious reflection on the Nigerian economic challenges, and evolved, in partnership with his cabinet, Nigeria’s own solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Not a lazy embrace of policies designed without considerations for the socio-political realities of Nigerians.

Right before us, we are witnessing a truly all-Nigerian stakeholder economy growing out of the rots engendered by the selfishness and recklessness of the past.

Despite the pains of changing the national economic template from a rent-seeking one to a production-based template, the country is recording more numbers of millionaires in the agriculture, manufacturing and general entrepreneurship segments of the economy. This is unlike the past where a few with access to power abused their offices to corner resources of state to step out as emergency billionaires right before a bewildered, frustrated populace, who know that these nouveau riche had no roots and linkages to the economy.

Braimoh and Madueke are chairman and secretary, respectively, of Buhari Media Organisation.

Sunday 27 May 2018

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33

Controversy

Between Nigeria and Atiku Abubakar AYODELE SIMON

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am a 40-year old woman; a mother, a wife, a working class citizen and a member of the fast disappearing middle class in Nigeria. I have voted only once in my life. Yes, just once! This was during the 2007 elections where I voted the late Umaru Yar’Adua for president.

Am I a bad citizen? I do not believe so. I just have not utilised my civic duty or responsibility to vote. Why? Because like many other middle-class citizens in Nigeria, I do not believe in party politics; I do not vote ACN, PDP, CPC, APC, SDP, but I believe in, no, I want actual solutions to the numerous challenges that beset us as a nation, and I will only vote for a candidate with solutions, not the party he or she belongs to.

Donald Trump played the solutions card to the average, unassuming Americans, when he promised to make “America great again.” He promised them safer borders, more jobs for Americans, less immigrants, a smaller government with fewer regulations and even a wall he promised to make Mexico pay for!

Trump swayed the voters in his favour, including voters in hitherto solidly Democratic states that were taken for granted as Never-Republican states. As a result, the American people voted for solutions; they voted for an individual who, even though at times was not forthcoming with the truth on several issues, but who they still believed could make things happen for the American people.

In other words, they did not vote Republican or Democrat, they voted Trump!

Let us come back to Nigeria. Has anyone of us taken a few minutes, apologies, a few days, to bother to read and understand the very recently passed 2018 Budget?

Can anyone please tell me the percentage allocated to education? 7percent! Yes! A budget of a whopping N9.1 trillion has a paltry 7percent allocation to education.

Now, what about healthcare? How much of our commonwealth has been allocated to healthcare? The answer is 3.9percent!!! Clearly, this shows how little importance the current government places on the education and health of Nigerians (amongst others). Little wonder, therefore, why some of our graduates struggle to string or write

proper sentences together; or why the life expectancy of an average Nigerian is 53. Wonder no more.

What about our economy?

In Nigeria today, we have 5 or 6 different exchange rates for conducting international business transactions. Guess which is the best exchange rate you can get for your transactions? For the importation of books? For the importation of medicines and medical equipment? For the importation of building materials to build more schools for our future generations?

No, of course not! Out of the multiple exchange rates in our economic space, the best exchange rate incentive you can get is for the importation of petroleum products! How unserious!

I didn’t vote for Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. I didn’t vote for him because I didn’t think his ‘change’ was anything more than a marketing slogan or a sales pitch as opposed to a real body of solutions to our many problems. On the other hand, majority of Nigerians fell for and voted for this concept of change, as they saw it. To these Nigerians, I now ask these questions; Are you better off now than you were in 2015? Are you safer now than you were in 2015? Are you more financially stable now than you were in 2015? To those who voted for change, “how market”? I thank you for the vicarious punishments that you have served to us, the non-voting citizens who are waiting for a candidate with actual solutions to our numerous problems.

For me, at this moment, only one person comes to mind that appears to have actual plans and workable solutions to these numerous problems. Atiku Abubakar talks, walks, sounds and appears to have something worth looking into.

As I read through Atiku’s policy initiatives and achievements from the past few years (visit www.atiku.org); as I research more into the person that he is - a statesman, a businessman, a seasoned politician, a father, a husband to 3 wives (one is Yoruba, one is Hausa and one is Igbo) and a genuine philanthropist, my hope is rekindled that all may not be lost for Nigeria.

Did you know that Atiku as an individual and as part of several corporations directly employs more than 50,000 people in Nigeria? Actions speak much louder than words. Did you know that in his time in office as Vice-President of Nigeria, from 1999 to

Atiku Abubakar 2007, Atiku was responsible for assembling, directing and overseeing what is, generally, regarded as the most dynamic and effective economic management team in the history of Nigeria. Far-reaching and wide-ranging economic reforms programmes were undertaken leading to the restructuring, opening up and transformation of most sectors of our economy, a marked improvement in the

I now ask these questions; Are you better off now than you were in 2015? Are you safer now than you were in 2015? Are you more financially stable now than you were in 2015?

To those who voted for change, “how market”? I thank you for the vicarious punishments that you have served to us, the non-voting citizens who are waiting for a candidate with actual solutions to our numerous problems

quality of life of many Nigerians and the commencement of a journey to economic revival and boom.

With the prospects of an Atiku presidency now looming, for the first time in my adult life and as a female living in Nigeria, I sense that palpable change and possible redemption that all those who truly love this country yearn for.

For the first time in a very, very long time, there is a new spring to my step every time I think about the opportunities for growth and advancement for my generation in this country with an urbane, dynamic and cosmopolitan Atiku at the helm of affairs of government.

Fellow Nigerians, what we need at this critical juncture in the life of our country is a leader who can plan for our future beyond resourcedriven booms and a leader who can assemble a forwardthinking team that will help build an economy that will be sustainable for the long term. A leader that will focus squarely on reducing our chronic unemployment and create opportunities that will keep pace with our rapidly growing population. We need a leader who believes, in and empowers our youth who are known to thrive if given the opportunity to do so. From listening to and reading about Atiku Abubakar, I am now firmly convinced that he is that kind of leader.

Come February 2019, I will

vote for a man that promises solutions to our lingering problems. I will vote for a man that demonstrably promises a better Nigeria. I will vote for a man that is a tried and tested Statesman; a man with well thought out policies and trackable plans. I will vote for a man that understands the meaning of GDP, Sustainability, Monetary Policies, Diversity, Inclusion; A man who knows from actual experience and interaction with Nigeria’s young populace that they are some of the most inventive and hardworking people on the planet, who seem to thrive anywhere else but here.

Next year, I will vote for Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria because, in my lifetime, I will like to know that My Nigeria Is Possible and that my children could have a country that they would be proud of.

In the final analysis, I want to be able to look back some day and know that, like the heroes that fought for our independence, I too fought through my one solitary vote and voice for a better future and a better country, and I did not fail the next generation.

I will vote next year because I believe, with Atiku Abubakar as President, the Nigeria of my dreams, the Nigeria of our collective dreams, is very possible.

Mrs. Ayodele Simon, a banker, wrote from Lagos

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SundayBusiness New initiatives for increased liquidity in mortgage market

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ecognising or identifying an existing problem, it is believed, is half way into solving the problem and this exactly is what is happening in the mortgage market in Nigeria where liquidity is a big issue.

From different fronts, initiatives are being brought up as means to solving the liquidity problem that has held the market down for ages. The driving force, perhaps, is the understanding that the inequality created by lack of affordable housing in Nigeria places a moral obligation on all housing stakeholders to use every tool at their disposal to find solution to providing access to sustainable affordable housing finance.

Nigeria has heavy housing burden with a ‘constant’ housing deficit estimated at 17 million units and low home-ownership level put at a little above 10 percent. All these easily find explanation in the country’s mortgage system that has remained a fledgling, unable to fund even low cost housing.

The coming of the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), a secondary mortgage institution that is private sectordriven with the public purpose of developing the primary and secondary mortgage markets

by raising long‐term funds from the domestic capital market as well as foreign markets for providing accessible and affordable housing in Nigeria, was aimed to address this problem.

Government’s attempts at addressing the country’s housing problem with the establishment of both the Federal Mortgage Bank (FMBN) and National Housing Fund (NHF) to provide low interest rate on mortgage loan for people to build or buy houses, have been anything but successful.

But the last couple of years have seen spirited efforts by the ‘new’ refinance company to not only reposition the country’s mortgage sector, but also to break down barriers to home ownership by providing liquidity, affordability, accessibility and stability to the housing market.

The company has the vision to be the dominant housing partner in Nigeria by providing liquidity and access to affordable housing finance and, in line with that, it has come out with ambitious and innovative initiatives aimed to improve mortgage market transactions and also fast-track affordable housing delivery.

When the company was established, the mandate given to it was to promote wider spread of home ownership, accessibility and affordability which explains

the setting up of what the company calls ‘Housing/Mortgage Market Information Portal (MMIP)’ aimed to enable it to gather data for intelligence and profiling of federal, states civil servants and informal sectors (off-takers) for affordable housing.

This is an effective policy and decision making tool on land allocation, infrastructure and concessions and, according to the officials of the company, “MMIP enables decision on creating polycentric cities in order to decongest major urban centres”.

The pilot implementation of this initiative is already taking place in six cities including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Bauchi, Enugu, Port Harcourt.

Another initiative the company has come up with is the NMRC Mortgage Market System (MMS) which is a transformational change that integrates the entire housing market, covering construction finance, primary and secondary mortgage.

The system which is available to all players in the housing industry has the benefit of removing duplications of effort in gathering data and documents; improving the turnaround time, reducing the cycle time of transactions and helping in making homes more affordable.

Described as a world class system that aims to bring all play-

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

ers in the mortgage and housing market into a centralised technology ecosystem, MMS allows a systematic market to operate and concentration of activities to take place.

What the system seeks to achieve, besides bringing credibility and attracting investors to the mortgage market, is also to let players and sundry individuals know what is going on in the market. “People come here asking about the market but they cannot get verifiable and dependable information”, said Inyangete, noting that the system creates a marketplace where there is information flow and people can see what is going on.

The system is a national market that is not only about mortgage but also the entire housing finance and so the new system allows NMRC to see the pipeline projects and know who is bringing what to the market, and as refinancers, it also allows the company to time and determine when to go to the market to raise bonds.

MMS also allows market op-

erators to track all the activities within the construction industry.

With it they can see which developer is doing what and in which location. It also allows them to begin to compare prices and know which property is being sold and in which location. This way, the developers will begin to be more competitive in the way they do their thing.

For the mortgage banks, the new system allows them to begin to manage their own systems by themselves using the uniform underwriting standards which NMRC has produced and, with that, they can evaluate their applications based on the underwriting standard.

It is hoped that the use of these systems, especially the MMIP, for federal and state governments, mortgage asset registry will reduce cost of homeownership; eliminate breaks in the chain of title; improve hard naira savings on each loan for homeowners and lenders, and reveal identity of servicer and investor available to homeowners via phone or internet.

in the Nigeria and make the country a global research hub, Anchor University has finalised plan for a collaboration that will drive research and development in space science.

According to Victor Nwankwo, Head of Physics Department, Anchor University, the University is on the verge of establishing a strong research base that will help in research and investigation relating to space science. As part of the plan, he was in India earlier in the year to meet with the Management of Indian Centre for Space Physics.

The visit wasproductiveas they discussed how the centre could work with AUL to promote research activities relating to space physics in Nigeria. Indian Centre for Space Physics is an Indian based research organisation dedicated to leading and advanced investigations in space science, astronomy and astrophysics.

Speaking on the development during the inspection of Radio Wave equipment given to AUL by the centre, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Afolayan said Anchor Univer-

sity was ready to explore different ways to promote research and ensure students in the University are exposed to the best training available anywhere in the world.

“We are happy for this development in Anchor University. Dr Nwankwo was sent to Indian to see how AUL can collaborate and undertake research in space science and, this response is a proof that we are moving in the right direction,” the Vice Chancellor said as he directed that work on the installation of the equipment should commence immediately.

Commenting on the success of the trip, Nwankwo hinted that the visit has already started yielding results. In his words, “the management of the centre was upbeat about the proposal to work with Anchor University. They even donated one of the toolsproduced by the centre to AUL and, once installed, we will be able to receive signal and work on data from the ionosphere. This will help us to study atmospheric activities and use the data for research and learning in Anchor University.”

Redefining learning in Nigerian varsities …As Anchor University sets to institutionalise outcome-based learning

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nchor University, Lagos, is set to bring refreshing perspectives into the teaching and learning process in Nigeria as lecturers across the country converged at the University campus in Lagos for a 3-day workshop on project-based learning.

The workshop on Project-Based Learning (PBL) was organised by the University in conjunction with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the United States. It held from Monday 21 to Wednesday 23, May 2018.

At the opening ceremony of the workshop on Monday, the Vice Chancellor of Anchor University, Lagos, Professor Joseph O. Afolayan emphasised that there was need to review the teaching processes in Nigeria if we desire to check the dwindling quality of graduates from our Universities. He also said PBL would enable the students to develop critical thinking skills that will ensure they become productive in their fields.

“Project-Based Learning would help trainers to understand and ap-

preciate the limits of their students and ensure learners apply practical solutions to problems in classrooms and the real world,” he said as he encouraged all participants to internalise the training and apply them in their classrooms, carefully.

Also addressing the participants during the opening ceremony, the Dean, Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences as well as chairman of the local organising committee, Prof Johnston Fatokun, said Projectbased learning would help both the lecturers and their students to become problem-solvers and not just theoretical learners. He pointed out that the problem with the prevalent learning system in our society today is the approach.

“Once this is addressed, the sky is the limit”, he noted.

“We need to understand and systematically teach our students how the lessons in their classrooms relate to the industry and how the solutions gotten in the classrooms can help resolve everyday challenges, he added.”

Speaking during the workshop, one of the participants, Fadeyi

Olatunji of Department of Business Administration, Anchor University, said the workshop was bound to transform learning processes in AUL. In his words, “I am so impressed with what I have learnt so far. If this model is properly applied in classrooms, they are bound to produce graduates who are clearly ahead of their colleagues who underwent the traditional learning system.”

Also, Henry Keyinde Oduwole from Nasarawa State University, Nasarawa, believes that the quality of the training would help drive a new perspective in learning. “It will improve teaching and learning in Nigeria. It will also ensure our students are well prepared for the outside world,” he said.

The training was facilitated by Paula Quinn, Associate Director, Centre for Project-based learning, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Caitlin Keller, Instructional Designer from the same Institute.

Anchor University On Course for Rigorous Research in Space Science In its drive to promote research

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SundayBusiness Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

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asting can be described as“extreme restriction or complete abstinence from food for a period of time”. Although the proponents of fasting for Muslims, Christians and other religious beliefs engage in it for spiritual reasons, including penitence there are some health benefits traceable to it. These include weight loss, detoxification, rejuvenation and treatment of various conditions, such as cancer and arthritis. However, there is inadequate evidence to support these claims, according to the American Cancer Society.

On the physical side fasting hasits own disadvantages. Amongst these is the loss of muscle tissue because when you stop eating,

Best food for the Fasting Season your body begins to get energy by breaking down your muscle tissue for protein within 12 to 16 hours.

After two days, your body does begin to burn fat for energy, but keeps using protein from your muscles for 21 days, according to the Boston Globe Online. Fasting also decreases the rate your body burns calories because it slows down your metabolism.

Fasting leadsto low blood sugar and your body’s breakdown of muscle protein for energy, which generates ammonia and urea as byproducts. Irritability, dizziness, headache, tiredness, weakness and depression can result. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding and people who react to drugs are therefore, advised not to fast.

To ensure that you stay healthy during a fast, consult a medical professional if this is your first time fasting or if you are on a fast longer than three to five days.

Pre-dawn meal Considered and listed below are certain food items nutritionists recommend for pre-dawn meal called Suhoor. First on the list are fruits and vegetables because they are rich in fibre. They increase the feeling of fullness and help prevent constipation. They also contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that are vital for good health. Similarly, high-fibre carbohydrate foods like brown rice and wholemeal bread take longer to digest, helping to sustain energy levels longer.

Great sources of protein while limiting your fat intake are skinless

chicken, fish and low-fat dairy products. Furthermore, they help repair and build body tissue, and build up your immune system. Consuming high-calcium dairy products such as Peak Milk also helps maintain strong bones. Those that are lactose intolerant can choose lactose-free milk or calcium-fortified soybean milk.​ According to Healthy Eating Magazine, there are many types of fasting diets and each one has its own rules about what you can or cannot drink. While most diets allow for an assortment of foods, partial fasting diets may restrict the type of food you’re allowed to eat or drink. As well, in a dry fast, not even water is allowed, which is considered essential for all of fasts.The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends getting a variety of vegetables from each of the subgroups such as leafy greens, red and orange vegetables, starchy vegetables for balanced nutrition Detoxification and nutrition Fasting diet supporters say it gives the digestive system a rest and encourages detoxification.

However, the NYU Langone Medical Centre states that no scientific evidence supports the benefits of detoxification techniques, including fasting. And, to ensure you receive all essential nutrients during a fast, eat a healthy balance of foods, including a variety of vegetables, and emphasize whole-grains and low-fat cooking methods.

Drink water Water is essential for all fasts,

including juice fasting because the body suffers from dehydration.

While MedlinePlus recommends drinking a minimum of six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water, you need to drink more while fasting. Jennifer Thompson, author of “Water Fasting” recommends drinking an additional 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight. The recommendation may increase if you are exposed to hot weather, as with Nigerians or if you are participating in strenuous exercise while fasting, especially artisans, drivers and farmers.

Other liquids Freshly made juices or light, low-fat broths and non-caffeinated teas are allowed when you’re on a juice fast or partial fast. For a juice fast, fresh juices should be made with a juicer to remove as much insoluble fiber as possible and to give your digestive system a rest.

Broths should contain no solid and as little fat as possible. Teas are allowed on all juice and partial fasts, though caffeine-free choices such as decaffeinated teas and herbal teas are preferred.

Cooked foods In general, eating low-fat, lowsodium foods like vegetables, fruits and whole-grains are recommended. Though it might seem counterintuitive, but some fasts allow for cooked foods. Partial fasts allow for cooked foods with some restrictions, such as eating only cooked brown rice, or intermittent fasting, where you are only allowed to eat during restricted times. To get

cooked foods in drinkable form, puree cooked foods with a little bit of water.

Breaking fast For Muslims, breaking Ramadan fast with dates is a popular Islamic tradition. According to experts in Birmingham City University, it seems that the practice is more than just a tradition and dates are quite effective, especially in restoring energy after a day-long fasting.

This is because dates contain glucose, fructose and sucrose as well as fibre, potassium and vitamin A. With so much nutritional values, the dry fruit is indeed a great food to consume at the end of the fast, said nutritionist Rita Ramayulis from the Indonesian Nutritionists Association, according to Jakarta Post.

In her words, “wet or dry dates are as good. One piece of date contains glucose, fructose, sucrose, fiber, potassium and vitamin A. The combination of sucrose, glucose and fructose can increase blood sugar levels, and stabilise them at the same time”.

Another big bonus of dates is that they do not spike your blood sugar level and are free from cholesterol.Dates are rich in protein and they help one to stay fit. Also, the iron contained in them can promote healthy teeth and be beneficial for people who suffer from iron deficiency.

Baje is Nigerian first Food Technologist in the media

Multiple taxes: NNEW sensitises women on business-enabling environment Innocent Iwara

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ollowing reports of multiple taxation and associated harassment of women at their business places by government task forces, security operatives and unidentified sources, NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) has taken to sensitising women on business-enabling environment.

Titled ‘Promoting a Business Enabling Environment for Women in the Informal Sector in Rivers State’, the event was held at Obio Akpor

Local Government Council in Port Harcourt.

Women were told how to channel their complaints should they be harassed. Toyin Odobo, an executive member of NNEW in Rivers State said part of it is working with radio and television stations for business women to direct complaints.

“For example, this year, we had Ehidiana of Wave FM in our meetings. She offered to be a champion advocate. She has a Saturday programme for market women. We brought her on board and she is part of us. She gave her phone num-

ber and contacts. So if anybody knows of any harassment, it is just a call away,” Odobo said.

Odobo also said it becomes easier because the sensitisation is sequel to NNEW’s advocacy calls to government, legislative assemblies and security agencies to put measures in place that would protect women at their informal market places.

“We have had different advocacy visits to those in power. We have had advocacy visits to regulators and those in different circles and we are sure that they would respond soon. “We are sure that

L-R: Laoye Jaiyeola, past president, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN); Mojisola Bakare, general manager Wealth Management and Financial Institutions, Sterling Bank Plc; Uche Messiah Olowu, president/ chairman of Council, CIBN, and his wife, Beatrice during the investiture of new CIBN council members in Lagos.

government has heeded to our plight. We are still expecting them to do more,” she added.

On her part, Debbie Effiong, anchor person of a cluster organisation to NNEW, Arise for Gender and Childhood Initiative (ARISE), said another channel for women to get a business-enabling environment is a “sales space platform” handled by legal practitioners.

Effiong, who is also a legal practitioner, said complaints received via the platform would then be given a legal push on behalf of the harassed trader.

“Part of what we are doing,

apart from putting policies in place, is, we are creating a platform where the traders can actually channel complaints of acts of harassment to. As legal practitioners and people who are doing the necessary follow up, we can take up the matter and then push for action,” Effiong said.

She further said the need to fight for a free business environment for women becomes necessary because: “women are critical stakeholders when it comes to the home. A lot of us here are products of multiple businesses that our mothers ran.

Unity Bank Visits Bauchi State Governor: The executive Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar flanked to the right by MD/CEO Unity Bank Plc, Tomi Somefun and executive director Finance & Operations, Ebenezer Kolawole and to the left by executive director, Business Development & Compliance, Usman Abdulqadir, Regional Manager, Bauchi, Mahmoud Ahmad Arabi, Group Head Resources, Abu Jibril and Zonal Head, North East, Mustapha Mohammed during Unity Bank’s courtesy visit to the State Governor, recently.

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Equity Market Dangote Cement, Zenith, GTB top as shareholders rake in N514 bn dividends in 2018 ...financial services, building materials sub sectors account for 78%

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Stories by TELIAT SULE hareholders of companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have earned N513.75 billion as dividend income in 2018. We arrived at this figure based on the analysis of the different corporate actions announced so far supported by information and data extracted from the audited financial statements of listed firms for the year ended December 31, 2017. The amount of dividend income made by shareholders in the 2018 dividend season represents a 41 percent increase over N363.69 billion paid by similar firms in 2017 dividend season.

The analysis excluded the interim dividends declared by some firms at the end of the first quarter of 2018.

That companies paid more dividends in 2018 comes as a surprise to many because in 2016 up to the end of the first quarter of 2017, the Nigerian economy was in recession. In the first quarter of 2017, the Nigerian economy recorded a negative growth to the tune of 0.91 percent. It recovered in the second quarter when it posted a 0.72 percent growth in gross domestic product. The growth accelerated to 1.17 percent and 2.11 percent in the third and fourth quarters of 2017.

The top five highest dividends paying firms when measured in terms of the total dividends paid remained the same in 2018 as they were in 2017. Dangote Cement, Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Nigerian Breweries and the United Bank for Africa (UBA)

topped the highest dividend paying firms. They collectively paid N373.74 billion dividends representing 73 percent of the total dividends paid in this dividend season.

That was against N292.33 billion these companies paid in 2017 which amounted to 80 percent of the total dividends paid in that year’s dividend season.

In 2018, Dangote cement paid N178.95 billion as dividends and that represents a 24 percent increase over N144.84 billion paid in 2017 dividend season. Zenith Bank paid N76.92 billion in 2018 compared with N55.57 billion paid in 2017, amounting to a 38 percent increase over the previous year.

GTB paid N70.63 billion in 2018, an increase of 37 percent over N51.50 billion paid same period in 2017.

The brewery giant, Nigerian Breweries paid N25.03 billion compared with N20.46 billion paid out to shareholders same period last year. Also, Africa’s global bank, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) paid N22.23 billion in 2018 in contrast to N19.95 billion paid in 2017, an increase of 11 percent.

“Most of the companies that paid higher dividends recorded more revenues last year. Apart from that, majority of them are multinationals which traditionally have high dividend payout ratios,” Kemi Akinde, a senior analyst with Meristem Securities said.

“Some companies paid dividends because they made money from other business sources, for instance Lafarge and GSK”, Akinde added.

Furthermore, deposit money

banks, microfinance, and mortgage and firms engaging in financial related services, paid N204 billion which amounted to 40 percent of the dividends paid in this dividend season.

Firms in the building materials sub sector collectively paid N193.51 billion which amounted to 38 percent of the total dividends paid in the first five months of this year. Okomu and Presco, Nigeria’s topmost agric and agro-allied firms both paid N4.86 billion, representing just one percent of the dividends paid.

Also, insurance firms paid N5.64 billion which amounted to just 1 percent of the total dividends paid by quoted firms.

Nigerian Breweries paid N25.03 billion to account for 5 percent of

the dividends paid in 2018. The firms listed under the food and beverages sub sector collectively paid N42.07 billion, translating to 8 percent of the corporate actions declared by quoted firms.

However, in spite of the increase in dividend payments to shareholders, the market sentiments have remained unchanged as the prices of equities continue of the downward trend.

As at the close of business on Friday 26 May 2018, the All Share Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) retuned 2.83 percent while the market capitalisation of listed equities posted 4.66 percent year to date. Compared with the same period in 2017, both indicators returned 8.55 percent and 8.66 percent returns year to date.

Forte Oil shareholders empower Board to divest from upstream, power

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ursuant to the post-listing requirements of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for quoted companies, Forte Oil Plc hereby notifies the NSE that at the Thirty-Ninth Annual General meeting of Forte Oil Plc held on the 23rd day of May 2018 at the Bespoke Event Centre Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Lagos, the shareholders of the company duly approved the following resolutions: Ordinary resolution: * That the report of the directors, the consolidated statement of financial position with the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year ended 31st December, 2017 and the report if the auditors

and audit committee thereon are hereby approved. * That upon the retirement of Anil Dua by rotation from the Board of Directors, pursuant to Article 89 of the Articles of Association of the company,, he is hereby re-elected as a Non-Executive of the company. * That pursuant to the section 361(1) (b) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 2004, the directors of the company be and are hereby authorised to fix the remuneration of the external auditors for the year ending December 31,2018. * That the following shareholder representatives be hereby reelected unto the audit committee: Okoro Emmanuel, Ahmed Suleiman and Tokunbo Shofolawe-Ba-

kare while the following directors will serve in the audit committee for the year ending December 31,2018; they are Anil Dua, Sala-

Akin Akinfemiwa

matu Suleiman and Chris Adeyemi. * That pursuant to Section 267(I) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004, the fees payable to the Non-Executive Directors be hereby set at the sum of N600,000( six hundred thousand naira) and the sum of N800,000(Eight hundred thousand naira) for the Chairman per annum. * The subject to the approval of all the regulatory authorities, the directors of the company be and are hereby authorised to restructure the company by divesting its upstream services business ( Forte Upstream Services Limited), and its power generating business (Amperion Power Distribution Limited), and its downstream business in Ghana (AP Oil and Gas

Ghana Limited) at such time and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the directors of the company. * That the proceeds from the divestment of the upstream services business and the power generating business be used to fund the downstream marketing business. * That the directors of the company be and are hereby authorised to take all necessary steps, do all acts and things and to approve, sign and/or execute all documents, appoint such professional parties and advisers, perform all such other acts and do all such other things as may be necessary to give effect to the above resolutions, including without limitation, complying with the directives of any regulatory authority.

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BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Why Guinness is tackling underage drinking There have been concerns about underage alcohol drinking. Worried over this development, Guinness Nigeria recently embarked on a ‘Smashed programme’ to educate youth, especially those below 18 years on the dangers of underage drinking. Daniel Obi takes a look at the consequences of underage drinking and Guinness campaign to address the challenges.

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ountries like Indonesia, Singapore, China and Malaysia that have death penalty for drug traffickers possibly have one common reason. They are securing their productive population.

The effects of drugs on youth cannot be under-estimated as it has turned some of them mad, led to death of some and rendered so many others incompetent for reasonable jobs.

Similarly, underage alcohol drinking has related effects on the society and the teens such as brain damage, assault and sexual activity among others. Experts say that youth, especially underage alcohol drinking can “cause alterations in the structure and function of the developing brain, which continues to mature into the mid-to late twenties and may have consequences reaching far beyond adolescence”.

“According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, underage drinking among minors has dire implications in terms of its wide range of costly social consequences, which include fatal and non-fatal accidents, inter-personal violence, risky sexual behaviour, and alcohol poisoning, amongst others” Unfortunately, some young boys and girls are often seen at strange places indulging in hard substances and drugs such as marijuana and alcohol without considering the eventual consequences. Sometimes they are unaware of the consequences on them. Some of them are decoyed into the practice as statistics have shown that youth “between the ages of 14 and 17 are most vulnerable to different societal burdens such as peer pressure and the need to fit in; this sometimes causes them to make uninformed decisions.”

It is equally worrisome to see more youth on the streets these days suffering brain damage, possibly caused either by underage drinking, hard drugs or other unexplainable factors.

If this trend continues, it spells danger for more families and Nigeria’s future. This is why there is serious concern for, especially, underage (below 18 years) drinking.

The concerns are genuine as Nigeria’s youth population, under 24 years accounts for 63 per cent of about 190 million Nigerians. This huge number represents a formidable bulge of untapped potential and opportuni-

Drama performers against underage drinking performing recently in Lagos

ties, which well harnessed would guarantee the nation’s economic sustainability. Therefore, this population deserves the necessary help from government and corporate organizations to ensure that Nigeria’s posterity is preserved.

Guinness Intervention Concerned about the effects of underage drinking on Nigerian youth and with intention to curtail the consequences and ultimately secure the future of the country, Guinness Nigeria, a member of Diageo group recently embarked on intervention efforts.

The multinational company partnered with some local companies to introduce SMASHED, a programme designed to reveal the consequences of alcohol drinking on the underage, especially school children (SS 1 to SS3) towards curtailing the trend.

The Smashed Project is a live theatre/drama performance delivered to 14 – 17 years old (SS1 – SS3 students) in government and private schools by professional actors, along with followup interactive workshops. The initiative took into consideration the Nigerian culture by engaging young people in a safe and motivational learning environment, enabling them to understand the consequences of underage

and binge drinking. The company started the programme in Lagos State with intention to go national.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Peter Ndegwa, said that the company’s Underage Alcohol education programme is aimed at reducing the incidence of alcohol related harm amongst young people.

According to him, schools are an important setting for such interventions aimed at shaping behavior among youths because no other community or institution has as much continuous and intensive contact with young people. “And this is why Guinness Nigeria decided to implement the SMASHED programme in 28 government and private schools across Lagos state,” Ndegwa reiterated.

He added: “In every country, Diageo works with reputable local organizations to deliver the SMASHED programme as our Diageo Marketing Code restricts us from engaging with persons under the legal purchase age of 18+. As a result, Guinness Nigeria did not interface directly with any of the schools during the implementation of the SMASHED programme as we partnered with Collingwood Learning and Rue 14 Studios in Nigeria to deliver the programme.”

Sharing global success stories from the SMASHED Project, Managing Director, Collingwood Learning, United Kingdom, Chris Simes, noted that SMASHED, an award-winning theatre and education initiative, was launched in the UK more than a decade ago.

“It has now been delivered in 10 countries around the world, including Mozambique. The result of the programme in other countries has been incredibly encouraging and we have received very good reviews from both students and teachers. Building on this success, the SMASHED Project was rolled out in Nigeria and reached over 5,000 young people and teachers in classes SS1 – SS3 in 28 public and private schools across Lagos State,” Simes said.

On her part, local implementing partner and Founder/Artistic Director, Rue 14 Studios, Keke Hammond, commended Guinness Nigeria for delivering such a unique initiative, which was at no cost to schools across Lagos during the 3-week tour of the pilot programme.

“At the end of this first phase, 80% of the students that watched the performance and workshop said that they won’t drink alcohol underage, over 94% of the students said that they really enjoyed the programme. Also, 85% of the

teachers think that students who watched the performance understood more about the dangers of underage drinking than they did before the performance, while 95% of the teachers feel that the performance explored pertinent and relevant issues for children between the ages of 1417. 91% stated that they would like the program to return to their schools next year,” she stated.

Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, said: “The SMASHED Project is dedicated to breaking the culture of underage drinking around the world.

Through creative education, we can equip young people with the information, awareness, and confidence to make responsible choices around alcohol.”

According to Graham-Douglas, the SMASHED project engages young people in a unique way, allowing them to explore the causes and consequences of underage drinking in a safe and motivational learning environment. This involved the use of emotive theatre, interactive workshops, and interactive teaching resources all backed up with robust evaluation, with fantastic results. “The program does not include any reference to Diageo or any Diageo brand positioning materials or adverts in the schools visited,” Graham-Douglas added.

Diageo is dedicated to preventing underage drinking around the world and has been a proud sponsor of ‘SMASHED’ since its birth in 2005, he said.

Drink Responsibly The Smashed programme is part of the company’s Alcohol in Society agenda which is an important part of Guinness journey towards being the most trusted and respected company.

Over the years Guinness Nigeria has continued to help tackle alcohol related harm through various programmes that address underage drinking, drink driving and excessive drinking.

This is a responsibility the company takes very seriously.

The Smashed programme is commended but the responsibility in this journey of curbing underage drinking is everyone’s business to secure Nigeria’s future. It is important that parents, schools, and other corporate organisations join hands with Guinness Nigeria in this sermon of revealing the dangers of underage drinking towards reducing the individual and societal consequences. The society will be good for it.

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Sunday 27 May 2018

Consumer Watch

Decline of major producers of consumer goods: Nigeria records loss of jobs, tax, others NGOZI OKPALAKUNNE

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he decline of major manufacturers of consumer products in Nigeria has continued to be a source of concern to many because of its negative effect on government and the citizens.

Statistics show that about 272 firms including manufacturing corporations were shut in the past few years while some reduced their production and staff strength. The consequences were deepened by the collapse of oil prices, depletion of foreign reserve and eventual devaluation of the local currency, the naira.

A market survey also confirmed disappearance of many consumer products from the market, an indication that the producers are either not producing much or have stopped production.

Analysts are of the view that the sector was confronted with challenges ranging from scarcity of foreign exchange, infrastructure deficit, high interest charges and lack of raw materials.

Speaking in a recent interview, Benjamin Nwaogu, a consumer affairs analyst, explained that the busi-

ness environment was overwhelmed by epileptic power supply, bad roads, high interest rate and high cost of energy which contributed to high cost of production and other impediments to competitiveness of the segment.

Nwaogu, who is also an administrator observed, that, over two million Nigerians have lost their jobs in the past few years following the decline of major producers.

He also lamented lack of productive inputs, stating that this was the key challenge facing the firms.

However, he attributed the problem largely to the ban by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on certain items from accessing the official window of the forex market, adding that the current operating environment is too harsh for many manufacturers to continue operation.

He wondered why the CBN and the Federal Government kept coming out with what he illustrated as contradictory polices, noting that this was affecting the expansion of the manufacturing sector.

“Currently, about 50 manufacturers have closed shop, while some have downsized. Some firms are

Banga Soup

Ingredients •1 kg Palm Fruits •Beef •Dry Fish •Vegetable: Scent Leaves for Ofe Akwu or Dried & Crushed bitter leaves for Delta-style Banga Soup •Onions •Crayfish (You can choose to use it blended as you desire) •Pepper (to taste) •Ogiri Okpei (Iru) •Knorr Chicken •Salt to taste Preparation Method •Extract the palm fruit concentrate from the palm fruits.

If using the tinned palm fruit concentrate, open the tin and set aside.

•Cook the beef and the dry fish with diced onions and Knorr cubes till done.

•Wash and cut the scent leaves into tiny pieces. The scent leaves give the Banga Soup (Ofe Akwu) its unique aroma and taste. If cooking Delta-style Banga Soup for starch,youshouldeithercook this soup without vegetables or use dried and crushed bitter leaves.

still producing due to their love for this country” Also speaking on the issue, an industrialist, Festus Uzoma, attributed the decline of some major multinational corporations in the country to insecurity in the northern region, adding that no serious investor based in that part of the country will like to remain there as the region is constantly under attack by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen.

According to him, lack of steady power is another reason for the decline of

some firms.

“Data have shown that goods manufactured in China are cheaper than the one manufactured in Nigeria because of cost of purchases and maintaining the generating set including cost of fueling it.

“Another reason for the decline is low income earning that has reduced purchasing power. Some workers’ monthly salary can’t take care of the food they eat throughout the month not to talk of buying something else. In such an

environment, goods produced may be difficult to sell and when there are no sales, the manufacturers will not continue to manufacture,” he stated.

To him, lack of access to good road is another problem responsible for the situation, adding “most of these companies are the ones that construct roads leading to their factories and they spend so much on road construction which should be the duty of the government, it becomes almost impossible for them

African salad- Abacha

•Cut some onion & set aside, Pound the crayfish, ogiri okpei and pepper in a mortar and set aside. You can also grind them with a dry mill as you desire.

•Set the pot of palm fruit extract on the stove and start cooking at high heat. Leave to boil till you notice some red oil at the surface of the Banga Soup.

•If your Banga Soup looks watery, cook till the soup has thickened to the consistency you like for your soup.

•Add the beef, dry fish and stock from the meat, onions, crayfish and pepper and leave toboilverywell.Addthescent leaves or any other vegetable, pepper and salt to taste.

•Leavetosimmerforabout 2 mins. The Banga Soup is done and ready to be served

Abacha is prepared with cassava. The cassava tubers are cooked till done then sliced with a special cutter.

The sliced cassava is then soaked in cold water overnight,washedthoroughlyand dried under the sun.

The salad will not be complete without Ugba . Ugba, also known as Ukpaka, is made from oil bean seeds.

These seeds are cooked for several hours then sliced, washed and fermented for a few days.

Ingredients for abacha Abacha - 3 handfuls Ugba - 2 cups Palm Oil - 30 cl Powdered Potash (food tenderizer) - 2 tablespoons Fish - Mackerel/Dry Fish/ Stockfish 1 large Onion Saltanddrypepper(totaste) Crayfish - 2 handfuls 2 Stock cubes (Maggi/ Knorr) 1 teaspoon ground Ehu seeds (Calabash Nutmeg) Other seasoning you can add to the abacha 1 teaspoon Ogiri / Iru (traditional Nigerian seasoning)

Other meat and vegetables for the abacha 3 Fresh Utazi leaves Pomo / Kanda (cow skin) Garden eggs - As much as you can eat Garden egg leaves - 1 medium bunch 1 medium Onion (for serving) Before preparing the salad *Prepare the ehu seeds by roasting, dehauling and grinding them with a dry mill.

If you will use kanda (cow skin), cook till done and cut into small pieces. *Depending on your choice of fish (you can also use all of them), fry or roast the mackerel, soak the stockfish in water and debone the dry fish. *Wash and cut the vegetables into tiny pieces. Cut the big bulb of onion into tiny pieces and cut the medium one in circles. Wash the garden eggs and set aside, no need to cut these. *Grind the crayfish and pepper *Soak the abacha in cold water and rinse the Ugba with

lukewarm water. *Once the abacha has softened, put in a sieve to drain. *Put the powdered potash in a cup or bowl and pour about 1 cup of cold water. Stir well and you are ready to start preparing the African Salad.

Preparing the African Salad: * Pour the palm oil into a sizeable pot. Then pour the water from the potash mixture, making sure not to pour the sediments. * Stir very well and you’ll see the oil turn into a yellow paste.

to continue in their business because of lack of funds.

“There is also political instability like Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the eastern region, which will discourage multinationals from investing in Nigeria because they do not know what will happen next. For decade now, China has never had any political instability and so many investors want to go there because of its peaceful nature. Some investors in Nigeria have been kidnapped and huge amount of money was paid as ransom to release them, while some were killed by their kidnappers,” he further said.

The Principal Partner, Sterling Partnership, a law firm, Boma Alabi said that Nigeria had indeed witnessed a decline in the market share of major corporations due to variety of reasons.

Alabi, who is the former president of Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CWLA), said the introduction of online platforms like Konga, Jumia and lately Yudala has contributed to the decline as they provide an opportunity for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to compete with the majors without incurring prohibitive overheads. * Add the ground pepper, ground ehu, crushed stock cubes, crayfish, diced onions and ugba (ukpaka), then stir very well. Note that everything done off the stove at this stage. *Add the iru/ogiri and make sure it is mixed very well. Add the diced kanda/ pomo and stir very well. *Nowaddthesoakedand drained abacha and stir till it is well-incorporated in the palm oil paste. *Add the sliced Utazi and salt to taste and stir well.

You can also use dry Utazi if the fresh one is not available where you live. It is important that you add salt last because afteraddingallthatseasoning, your abacha may not even need salt anymore. * If you like to eat Abacha when it is warm, you transfer to a stove at this point and heat it up to your desired temperature at medium heat.

When done, turn off the heat and add the sliced garden egg leaves,stirverywellandserve. *If you prefer Abacha when it is cold, after the last step you add the sliced garden egg leaves, stir and serve with garden eggs, fish and onions.

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Arts

Afrima 2018: Au unveils calendar in Accra

...President Nana Akufo-Addo embraces Afrima ...Submission of songs to commence on May 25

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h e Al l Af r i c a Mu s i c Awards, AFRIMA, experienced the warmth of the music and culture industry of Ghana on Monday, May 21, 2018 when the calendar of events for the 5th edition of the biggest awards event on the continent was unveiled by the African Union following a meeting and courtesy visit to His Excellency, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Welcoming the visiting delegation led by the Head of Culture, African Union Commission, Mrs. Angela Martins, at the Presidential Office, Jubilee House, Accra, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, lauded the initiative of AFRIMA in conceiving a platform that showcases Africa positively to the world through the creativity of the music talents and the distinctive African cultural heritage.

“The people of Ghana are proud to host the 2018 AFRIMA World Media Calendar Unveiling event and to receive the delegation of officials of AU and AFRIMA as well the talented artistes and the media. I’m excited to hear AFRIMA is engaging the rest of the world on an intellectual platform with conferences and the music awards. We hope you have had a remarkable experience of Ghanaian hospitality. Our hope is that we will host the main awards ceremony”, the President stated.

Other officials of the government of Ghana who received the AU-AFRIMA delegation included the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Abelema Afeku; Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo; Principal Personal Assistant to the President, Saratu Atta: Chief Director, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Dr. Joel Sonne; Director, Tourism Council, Ghana, Chief Nana Anim and celebrated Ghanaian music artistes such as veteran Nana Kwame Ampadu who joined artistes from other African countries for the courtesy visit.

The President further prompted the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Catherine Afeku to see to the completion of the formalities required to enable Ghana ratify the Charter on African Culture Renaissance.

Earlier, while delivering the AU’s remarks to President Akufo-Addo, Mrs. Angela Martins expressed gratitude to the government and people of Ghana for the commitment and support displayed towards hosting the 2018 AFRIMA Calendar Unveiling.

“We cherish the partnership with the government of Ghana since it will enhance the pan-African nature of the AFRIMA initiative. The AU also uses the AFRIMA platform to voice key messages related to the Arts and Culture and other social issues for example the campaign on Ebola in 2014”, she buttressed.

The international Committee of AFRIMA was represented at the

courtesy visit by President and Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Director, Brand Communications, AFRIMA, Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi; AFRIMA Regional Director, Central Africa, Mr. Ernest Ewane; AFRIMA Regional Director, West Africa; Mr. Don Obilor; AFRIMA Co-Producer/ Country Director Nigeria, Mr. Kingsley James; AFRIMA Country Director Ghana, Mr. Francis Doku, AFRIMA Jury Member (West Africa), Mr. Olisa Adibua and AFRIMA Consultant, Regional Partnerships and Sponsorship, Dr. Bukola Bello-Jaiyesimi.

Meanwhile, the Calendar Unveiling of the 5th AFRIMA took place later in the day at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra where the theme of the awards “Africa is Music” was also revealed to the large gathering of African and international media.

The ceremony, well-attended by record label owners, culture industry practitioners and music artistes such as Sarkodie (Ghana); 2Baba (Nigeria); Victoria Kimani (Kenya); Becca (Ghana); Ahmed Soultan (Morocco); Stanley Enow (Cameroon); Seyi Shay (Nigeria); Emtee (South Africa); Falz (Nigeria); Fancy Gaddam (Ghana); Stanley Adjetey (Ghana); Dark Suburb (Ghana); Zeynab (Republic of Benin) and Jah Phinga (Ghana), among others, featured a two-part interactive discussion session on the theme “Enhancing Music Business in Africa”.

This conference preceded the formal unveiling of the 2018 AFRIMA Calendar by Mrs. Angela Martins and Director, Brand Communications, AFRIMA, Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi, The 5th AFRIMA Calendar details build up and main events activities leading up to the 5th AFRIMA Main Awards ceremony slated for November 25, 2018. Build up events include musical conferences and concerts around the different regions of Africa but more importantly, on May 25 (Africa Day), the 2018 AFRIMA opens the call for submission of works/song by African music professionals released within the eligibility period to compete for possible nomination in one or more of the 36 categories of the awards.

The submission will end on August 1, 2018 Panel discussants including Ghanaian artistes and artistes from different African countries and culture/creative industry executives, professionals and practitioners discussed the challenges faced by the creative industry in Africa while also proffering inventive solutions to enhance the future of the music business on the continent.

Some creative industry discussants included President, Creative Arts Council, Ghana, Mr. Mark Okraku Mantey and AFRIMA Regional Director, West Africa, Mr. Don Obilor.

According to Kenyan music diva, Victoria Kimani, “Before now, the world of music, fashion and arts were not being taken seriously unlike politics, but the progress that have been registered in today’s music industry makes it easier to have a more confident ecosystem that encourages

L-R: Nigerian artiste, 2Baba; Nigerian artiste, Seyi Shay; Ghanaian artiste, Fancy Gaddam and Moroccan artiste, Ahmed Soultan during the panel session on “Enhancing Music Business in Africa” which was part of the activities of the AFRIMA 2018 World Media Calendar Unveiling held on Monday, May 21 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra, Ghana.

L-R: President/Executive Producer, Mike Dada with the Head of Culture, African Union Commission, Angela Martins presenting the 23.9 karat gold plated AFRIMA trophy to His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku during the courtesy visit to the President of Ghana as part of the activities of the AFRIMA 2018 World Media Calendar Unveiling held on Monday, May 21 at the Presidential Office, Jubilee House, Ghana.

L-R: AFRIMA past winner from Morocco, Ahmed Soultan; AFRIMA past nominee & Ghanaian rap artiste, Sarkodie; Head of Culture, African Union Commission, Angela Martins; H.E. President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana, Catherine Afeku; President/Executive Producer, Mike Dada; Director, Brand Communications, AFRIMA, Matlou Tsotetsi; Past AFRIMA winner & Nigerian artiste, Innocent ‘2baba’ Idibia; Ghanaian veteran artiste, Nana Kwame Ampadu and Nigerian artiste, Falz, during the courtesy visit to the President of Ghana as part of the activities of the AFRIMA 2018 World Media Calendar Unveiling held on Monday, May 21 at the Presidential Office, Jubilee House, Ghana.

L-R: Head of Culture, African Union Commission, Angela Martins; Ghanaian singer, Becca; Nigerian pop artiste, Seyi Shay; President of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo; Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku; Kenyan artiste, Victoria Kimani and Principal Personal Assistant to the President of Ghana, Saratu Atta during the courtesy visit to the President of Ghana as part of the activities of the AFRIMA 2018 World Media Calendar Unveiling

Ghanaian Rap Artiste, Sarkodie, Cameroonian Hip Hop Artiste, Stanley Enow, Nigerian Afro Artiste, Falz, AFRIMA Regional Director, West Africa, Don Obilor and South African Hip Hop Artiste, Emtee during the panel session on “Enhancing Music Business in Africa” which was part of the activities of the AFRIMA 2018 World Media Calendar Unveiling held on Monday, May 21 at the Movenpick Ambassador L-R: President/Executive Producer, Mike Dada; President of Hotel, Accra, Ghana.

Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Head of Culture, African Union Commission, Angela Martins at the courtesy visit to the President of Ghana by the International Committee of AFRIMA, African Union Commissions and a group of top African artiste during the courtesy visit to the President of Ghana as part of the activities of the AFRIMA 2018 World Media Calendar Unveiling held on Monday, May 21 at the Presidential Office, Jubilee House, Ghana.

music business.

Head of Culture, African Union Commission, AnGiving his submission on the discussion theme, Innocent gela Martins declaring open the AFRIMA calendar of events during the AFRIMA 2018 World Media ‘2Baba’ Idibia said proper structure must be put in place to Calendar Unveiling held on Monday, May 21 at the ensure that investors in the music industry can get returns on Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra, Ghana. their money.

the production of good music around the continent”.

Nigerian Afro pop singer, Seyi Shay, shared how the African music industry has empowered her as an artiste and how the system has given most artistes the control over their music.

Encouraging artistes to focus on building an authentic music brand, Ghanaian rap star, Sarkodie, talked about increasing the numbers of professionals in the music business that can provide structure and technical music production where everybody can in turn make more money through music business.

Nigerian artiste Falz encouraged artiste to not only have musical collaborations with fellow artistes but also with huge brands with whom artistes can share ideas and initiatives for support to help them grow in

The AFRIMA 2018 Calendar Unveiling event was hosted by the government and people of Ghana as part of the AU policy to achieve its objective of promoting social integration in the five regions of Africa. The 5th AFRIMA will also feature high-octane music concerts tagged “Turn Up Africa” which objective is to connect fans and followers of African music with their favourite Africa music stars of the traditional and contemporary genres.

In partnership with the African Union, the All Africa Music Awards is a music property that recognizes and rewards the work and talent of myriad of African artists from the old to the new generation of musicians. Through its conference, AFRIMA also stimulates conversations among Africans and between Africa and the rest of the world about the potential of the creative arts for real humanizing enterprise on the continent contributing significantly to social cohesion, national, regional and continental integration as well as sustainable development in Africa. It is broadcast live to over 84 countries.

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Sunday 27 May 2018

Arts

Why Things Fall Apart still delights readers - literary icons OBINNA EMELIKE

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n March 2018, Things Fall Apart, a classic by Albert Chinualumogu Achebe, late Nigeria literary icon, celebrated the 60 years anniversary of its publication.

The novel, which was published in 1958

by William Heinemann Limited, is still read and enjoyed by generations who only know the author through his thoughts in the book.

Barley a month after emerging as one of the 12 novels considered as “the Greatest Book Ever Written”, a compilation by Encyclopaedia Brittanica, Things Fall Apart has made the BBC’s Top 100 stories that shaped the world list.

Although the classic has achieved several feats in the past years, many Nigerian writers think the BBC’s Top 100 Stories list is phenomenal, coming as a posthumous award for Achebe.

Below are comments by some writers on Achebe’s recent feat:

Wood

Anikulapo

Yerima

Ahmed Parker Yerima, a professor of Theater and Performing Arts, playwright, and winner, also won the Nigerian Prize for Literature in 2006.

Things Fall Apart is a masterpiece by Achebe, a master story teller. What makes the novel thick and relevant even in contemporary literature is the intelligent manner Achebe

It also presented a unique world view, one that was not barbaric at all, but one that showed a civilized, albeit traditional social construct.

Achebe, also, in the character of Okonkwo, presented us a character in whom is appropriated all the elements of a classical Greek tragic hero.

All these elements had the very salutary effect of presenting a novel that quickly became a classic, one that was truly representative of a people and an epoch but which was also amazingly universal in the story it told.

That is the reason Achebe remains eternally relevant and why he is deserving of this honour.

It means that Achebe’s place in the Canon is assured both here in Nigeria and all over the world.

captured the then organised and thriving African traditional system before colonization. The book transcended its Igbo cultural setting to become the voice for the whole of Africa because it depicted the typical African system devoid of complexities and intrigues that were introduced later by the colonial rule, and eventually made things to fall apart in culture, moral, belief system among others across Africa where colonization thrived.

Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo, former Editor of The Guardian on Sunday, and culture activist.

Think it is very well deserved. Achebe is already well accepted into the classic club, so this admission into the Top100 Stories is only an addition to the laurels, even if the compilation is the opinion of those curating the project -- those who compiled the list.

Sure, it should increase visibility of his body of works, and stir curiosity of new readers.

I am not certain what impact this will have on general body of works from Nigeria or Africa. But it is an inspiring development for the writing family from here and continentally.

Molara Wood, writer, journalist, judge for the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature, and member of the Advisory Board of the Aké Arts and Book Festival.

I think it speaks to the universality of Okonkwo’s story as told by Achebe in Things Fall Apart. I do not think any list can increase what is already a perennial demand, in the particular case of this book. Pretty much everyone has read or heard of it by now. This list affirms what we already know, but it is much more than that. It affirms the place of our literature in the global canon. It says our stories are valid, deserve their place, and will stand the test of time.

Kan

Toni Kan, writer, winner of the NDDC/Ken Saro Wiwa Literature Prize 2009.

First, Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart, represented a paradigm shift in story telling as far as African representation is concerned.

It replaced the so called Conradian “absence” with a presence and a robust one at that.

In terms of demands for his book, yes, this recognition will bring his works to new readers, but Achebe’s books have never suffered from poor sales.

Classics are not made daily, so with time, I believe that other Nigerian authors whose works have aspired to such excellence would ultimately be so honoured. Time will tell.

Onitsha sets for Hi-Life Fest semi-final today ..as 10 singers, 5 dance groups battle for grand prize

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esidents of Onitsha are all set for an exciting evening of beautiful traditional Igbo highlife music and cultural dance as HiLife Fest’s ‘The Complete Experience’ hits the city for the semifinal stage of the talent hunt competition today Sunday, May 27, 2018.

Highlife music has been an integral part of the Igbo culture. It inspires its lovers and connects them to their Igbo roots. The initiative

by Life Beer brand is aimed at promoting the highlife genre of music while also preserving the beautiful heritage of the Igbo people.

At the recently concluded quarter final, fans were treated to a thrilling and engaging delivery of top-notch highlife music after which five dance groups and 10 singers made it to the next level. The semi-final stage will feature Prince Destiny Oluchukwu and Dons Ifeanyi (Anambra State), Chinedu Obiajulu and Emeka Ngwu (Enugu State), Agbom Emmanuel (Delta State), Kalapi Ojuka and Kelvin Emmanuel (Rivers State) Ifeanyi Ogbu (Ebonyi State), Chuks Arthur and Obioha Ikechukwu (Abia State) in the singing category.

Bright Chimezie

For the dancers, Kanaowo Dance Group (Rivers State), Noel Africa Cultural Entertainment (Ebonyi State), Umuchiziri Egwu Cultural Dance Group (Enugu State), Asin-

nodricks Africa (Imo State) and Ofu-Obi (Anambra State) will slug it out for a spot in the grand finale.

Expressing joy on reaching the semi-finals,

Emmanuel Agbom gave kudos to the organisers for providing a rich platform for young people to showcase their talents to the world.

He was particularly thankful for the grooming and mentoring sessions at HiLife Fest Academy. This, he said, impacted immensely on his performance in Aba. Speaking after the quarter final concert Michael Ndubuisi, a guest judge, said, “It has been a very unpredictable competition. We have had some amazing talents from the various auditions in different cities. It is almost impossible to even tell who will win as everyone is really talented, so I cannot wait to see which of these contestants will come out tops”.

With just one more hurdle between these contestants and the grand finale, the contestants will not afford to give anything other than their very best to impress the Judges made up of veteran highlife maestro and creator of Zigma style, Bright Chimezie, music producer and actor, David Jones David, studied instrumentalist, JJ Aguize, versatile dance instructor, Nicholas Akas, and guest judge, Michael Ndubisi.

Sunday 27 May 2018

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Arts Union Bank partners Mydrim Gallery in Meet the Masters OBINNA EMELIKE

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nion Bank is stepping out of the busy banking hall to partner Mydrim Gallery in an art event tagged ‘Meet the Masters’.

The event, which holds on June 4, 2018 at Desiderata, on Plot 5A Abuja Street, Banana Island, Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi Lagos will be featuring discussions on, ‘The place of modernism in contemporary Nigerian art’ with Frank Ugiomoh, professor of History of Art and Theory, University of Port Harcourt, as the main speaker.

Other speakers include; Duke Asidere and Taiye Idahor, who are both established fulltime studio artists in Nigeria. As well, Union Bank will be organising a session for 200 young artists and art students to interact with the Masters during the course of the exhibition.

Meet the Masters is part of activities of the two-day Master Exhibition, which holds from June 3-4, 2018 at Desiderata in Banana Island, Lagos. It is also in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Mydrim Gallery established in December 1992 by Sinmidele Adesanya, a trained lawyer who followed her passion in the arts.

The exhibition will feature about 12 veteran visual artists, who are masters in their own rights and who

Smuggler by David Dale

will be unveiling their recent works to art lovers, especially collectors.

The art masters are: El Anatsui, Abayomi Barber, Jimoh Buraimoh, David Dale, Nike Davies-Okundaye, Bisi Fakeye, Yusuf Grillo, Gani

Universal Music Group dominates 2018 BET Awards nominations

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ominees for the 2018 edition of the BET Awards were announced on May 15, 2018, with Universal Music Group (UMG) artistes dominating the Best International Act category.

Universal Music Africa has one nomination with South Africa’s DistructionBoyz, while Universal Music France has two nominations with Fally Ipupa, Congolese singer and Booba and Niska, rappers. English singer-rapper Stefflon Don and French singer Dadju of Polydor Records, a Universal owned label, are also nominated in the Best International Act category.

Famous for the smash hit, ‘Wololo’, the Durban based DistructionBoyz have pushed Gqom music to the mainstream with their gold selling debut album, ‘Gqom is the Future’, which

features another hit single, ‘Omunye’.

The BET nominations, which are selected from thousands of submissions across 20 categories, showcased some of the most gifted music makers of the past awards year. The nominations are selected

by BET’s Voting Academy, which comprises fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.

The BET awards are voted for by the public with an interest in all genres made by black people. Voting closes on June 1, 2018, and the show will air live on BET on June 24, 2018, from the Microsoft Theatre, Los Angeles, California, United States.

Odutokun, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo, Muraina Oyelami and Jimoh Akolo.

Speaking recently at a media parley heralding the exhibition at Mydrim Gallery at 74B Norman Wil-

liams Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, Sinmidele Adesanya, director and founder of the gallery, noted that the exhibition is aimed at recognizing the sacrifices of the pioneer artists who against all odds sustained the visual art call-

ing to the enviable height it is today.

According to Adesanya, “This exhibition is a display of the works of 12 of Nigeria’s masters, such that art lovers, artists and art students know the source”.

Some of those artists, according to her, steered the course and remained committed and focused to developing the visual arts in Nigeria in the face of monumental challenges. “They made sacrifices for the present generation of artists, hence young artists today need to know the history of those who paved the way for them”.

The gallery founder and director also noted that beyond the June exhibition, Mydrim Gallery would host other events that would climax in December 2018, when the gallery turns 25 years.

Speaking on the essence of the exhibition, Dele Jegede, professor emeritus of Art and Art History, Miami University, Ohio, USA, said, “Within the art historical space in Nigeria, the notion of an exclusive exhibition devoted to those who are accorded the professional insignia of ‘master’ heralds the coming of age of modern Nigerian artists: those who were born in the colonial era and whose education bore the imprimatur of colonial art education. These are the artists at the vanguard of a new creative order whose collecting presence heralded a new field that is now at its maturation”.

Also, Templars, a Lagosbased law firm, is supporting the exhibition by hosting and sponsoring the preview of The Masters’ exhibition.

BWL wins Gold SABRE Award 2018

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WL Agency, founded by 30-year-old Ronke Bamisedun have emerged winners of The Gold SABRE Award for Public Relations campaigns in Western Africa and have been awarded two certificates of excellence in two categories. They were also shortlisted alongside some of the largest brands and agencies in the world for The Platinum SABRE Award for Best in show, the highest category of the award.

BWL is a strategic brand development company composed of a team of young, hard-working, bold communication consultants who build brands and help them deliver compelling campaigns that cut through the noise. It is an exclusive affiliate of Grayling, top global communications agency. Their unique disruptive campaign for Jameson Connects Nigeria secured them the Gold SABRE Awards and the Platinum SABRE Award shortlist, whilst the fun curiosity led

FOLLOW THE SWIFT campaign for Martell Cognac earned them certificates of excellence in the practice area categories: Marketing to consumers (new product) and Food and beverage.

The SABRE (Superior Achievement in Branding, Reputation & Engagement) Awards is the world’s biggest Public Relations awards programme dedicated to

benchmarking the best PR work from across the globe.

The award ceremony took place on May 10, 2018 in Gaborone, Botswana. The gala dinner was part of the African Public Relations Association’s annual conference.

Present to receive the award and certificates of Excellence at the gala dinner, was Ronke Bamisedun, founder of BWL and a mem-

L-R: Paul Holmes, founder, Holmes Report; Ronke Bamisedun, founder, BWL Agency, and Sabre Awards, Yomi Badejo Okusanya, president, African Public Relations Association, at the awards in Botswana.

ber of the elite 2018 class of Forbes 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa under 30. “We are ecstatic and humbled with our Gold SABRE Award and Excellence Certificates. This amazing accomplishment has been a positive reinforcement for my team and I, further emphasizing BWL as a company, albeit small, that can transcend borders, disciplines and compete with the largest PR firms in the world”, Bamisedun said at the awards.

BWL have also been shortlisted as finalists for the Upcoming SABRE EMEA, nominated for The Gold SABRE AWARD under the geographical category of Africa. The 2018 EMEA SABRE Awards shortlist was selected from over 2,500 global entries.

The competition recognizes “Superior Achievement in Branding, Reputation and Engagement”. The winner of the award was announced on May 23, 2018 at the annual awards dinner in Amsterdam.

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Sunday 27 May 2018

Entertainment Sex, rape and consent: MTV Shuga IRL set to change the narrative ANTHONIA OBOKOH

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t’s 2018, the year of #Metoo and #NeverAgain. It’s safe to say this generation has never been more woke and this year, thanks to social media and women having the courage to speak out, more attention has been drawn to sexual misconduct and bad sexual practices.

However, while the whole world has been sitting up and taking note of how women are being abused, Nigeria is still behind in joining this advocacy bandwagon. This is not because Nigerians do not post about it on social media platforms or talk about the issue; it is mostly because as a country, we do not shine the beam enough on our own stories of sexual abuse.

All that is set to change with MTV Shuga IRL (In Real Life) documentary which takes a deep dive into the lives of real life people with striking similarities to those we see on screen.

The 30 minute special, chronicles the lives of real individuals as they go through the struggles portrayed in the hit series.

Now this is huge for a lot of reasons. This generation may have access to more information than ever before and this has definitely translated to more awareness on subjects relating to sex, rape and consent. However, very little has changed in behavioural pattern, people

Music meets football in Uyo ...as Star lager treats fans to epic music battle

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ootball fans in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, witnessed two battles go down at the Star Fan Park on Tuesday, May 22. The first battle had the national team Super Eagles go against the Spanish LaLiga giants, Atletico Madrid.

The Star Fan Park Uyo was lit as the football match was played by the NPFL all-star team which, according to Shehu Dikko, vice president of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), was the Super Eagles Team B. The second battle saw two prominent DJ’s going head-tohead on the turntables treating fans to pure entertainment and a plethora of songs courtesy of

the brand. DJ Neptune went all out playing songs ranging from hip hop, rap music, to reggae, and there was no limit to the mix of genres.

However, DJ Big N who was not intimidated by his opponent gave the crowd throwback vibes making guests sing along to hits they thought were long forgotten. These songs had the crowd excited and in high spirits.

At the end of the day, both DJs proved themselves worthy of the turntable.

Star Lager beer has a long history of fusing football and music to reach the Nigerian audience using platforms such as Star Super Fans, Star Music the Trek, Star Music the Fusion to impact football and music lovers nationwide. Star Fan Park Uyo will be the 10th in the series of activation by National Premium Lager Beer.

With a groundbreaking partnership with the NFF and as a long-standing supporter of Nigerian football, Star Lager Beer says it will continue to celebrate the true Nigerian spirit, urging the national team to shine on.

are still getting raped on a daily basis, guys still cannot tell when no means no and young people are still having unprotected sex without a care in the world.

This may be partly a case of too much being done around “telling” and very little about “showing”. A lot is being said about sex, rape and consent but not enough is being shown about it for people to really grasp the seriousness of these issues.

While many television series and movies have sometimes touched on the subject matter none has really taken such an honest approach to the problem like MTV Shuga In Real Life.

Here it is no acting, no script, no false depiction, just real life stories of people dealing with these issues that have plagued our nation.

In this season the drama portrays a young girl being sexually abused by older men at a party and a young woman trying to make a career in music only to be raped by a senior figure in the industry. In MTV Shuga IRL, a young woman caught in the world of transactional sex tells of being drugged and abused.

Some of the issues the documentary addresses are unprotected sex, transactional sex, female education and the myths behind contraceptives.

While Nigeria as a nation may not have evolved quickly enough to curb some of these vices that have defined us, one of the highlights of the documentary is seeing people who have been caught up in transactional sex turn a new leaf and change their lives for the better.

MTV Shuga In Real Life aired on May 24, 2018. Get ready to get emotional (we shed a tear or two), learn and see a new perspective to some of the stories we see on MTV Shuga as it airs again today, Sunday, May 27, 2018.

Jamie Foxx to host 2018 Bet Awards IFEOMA OKEKE

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cademy and Grammy Awards winner, Jamie Foxx, is the host for this year’s BET Awards.

Returning to the stage as host for the second time after nearly a decade, Foxx joins an A-List roster of comedians and entertainers who have lit the room, including Leslie Jones, Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Chris Rock, Mo’Nique, Kevin Hart and Chris Tucker.

BET in Africa, part of Viacom International Media Networks Africa multimedia portfolio, which made the announcement, says, “This year’s broadcast celebrates 18 years of dynamic performances, groundbreaking moments, the hottest talent in the game, and entertainment’s most thought-provoking players.

“Most importantly, the BET Awards continue to tackle culturally relevant topics and conversations, setting the standard for one of the most intently unconventional, news-provoking and talked-about broadcasts.”

Actor, musical artist, and renowned comedian, Jamie Foxx is one of Hollywood’s rare elite multi-faceted performers.

Getting his start on the comedy circuit, Foxx burst into the mainstream with, In Living Color and The Jamie Foxx Show. He most recently appeared in Edgar Wright’s critically acclaimed, Baby Driver, alongside Ansel Elgort.

Foxx is currently executive producer and host of an interactive game show, Beat Shazam, now in its second season. In

Jamie Foxx

November, he will star in Lionsgate’s Robin Hood opposite Taron Egerton and Jamie Dornan. Foxx also recently wrapped production on his directorial debut, All-Star Weekend which he also wrote and starred in.

In a BET Awards first, the top nominees from Africa and Europe (as voted for by an academy of industry experts) will now compete for the Best International Act category, with the winner being honoured as part of the US broadcast.

Recognizing the growing international appeal of African beats, five African artists have been honoured in the BET Awards. Leading the transformed Best International Act Award category will be Davido and Tiwa Savage from Nigeria, South African rapper Cassper Nyovest, Gqom evolutionists Distruction Boyz and Congolese star Fally Ipupa. Also included in the category are French performers Booba and Dadju and UK acts J Hus, Stefflon Don and Stormzy, The event will take place at Microsoft Theater on Sunday, 24 June 2018.

Sunday 27 May 2018

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Life&Living Why unity in cultural diversity is of utmost importance IFEOMA OKEKE

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lot of people are familiar with the popular saying ‘united we stand, divided we fall’, but in reality how much of this saying is really actualized in our day to day living as human beings.

I have always thought to myself, how possible it is for a country as large as Nigeria with multiple ethnic group and diverse cultures to be truly united and work as one. It is a very common practice for us as Nigerians to first identify ourselves with our tribes as Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa and others before we recognize ourselves as Nigerians. This has taken a wrong toll on us as a people and is probably a likely cause of attacks and conflicts among several ethnic groups.

Today, it is common to hear things like “as an Edo girl, I showed them that I can get any guy I want,” or “Warri guy no fit carry last,” or “I fully represent Igbos o! We don’t joke with money.” Stereotypic descriptions are being attributed to different tribes and Nigerians tend to want to be first recognized by their cultural sub-regions and tribes. The question is, with over 500 different languages, several ethnic groups, different religions and over 1,150 dialects, can we still be different but united?

People like Appolus Chu, Egbere Emere Okori of Eleme Kingdom, Rivers State, make it a point of duty to

HRH Appolus Chu, Egbere Emere Okori of Eleme Kingdom, Rivers State with HRH Emir of Misua, Bauchi State, HRH Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman during the visit.

constantly preach peace, unity, tolerance and understanding. Recently, he embarked on visits to various palaces in Nigeria, a gesture he wants other traditional rulers to emulate.

During his trip to Jos to attend the just concluded 2018 Nzem Berom, a cultural festival of the Berom nation in Plateau State, Appolus Chu was warmly welcomed by the Gbong Gwon, Jos, Da Jacob Buba and this he said, increased his believe that one of

the yardsticks for national unity is the cross integration of culture and social affiliation amongst different kingdoms irrespective of traditional variance and divergence.

Nzem Berom was instituted in 1981 as a unifying cultural festival of the Berom people in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria and indeed, the Berom people are irresistible with unique cultural endowment and love for their tongue, which has

sustained the survival of the festival.

“I appreciate Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos, of His Majesty, for guarding the culture and tradition of his people jealously. By promoting his culture in this manner, he is also affording his people the opportunity to come together in love and unity and this is a crystal for national unity,” Appolus Chu said, adding that, “Jos is a place for tourism and this festival is a message to the people

out there that it is a place fertile for investments.”

As custom with Nzem Berom, all invited guests and their entourage were hosted to welcome dinner at the Gbong Gwon majestic palace with the dining area nearly occupying a very huge table.

In continuation of his peace campaign that traditional rulers should be their brother’s keeper, synergise and network so as promote cultural tolerance, integration and cohesion, HRH Chu also paid a visit to the Emir of Misua, Bauchi State, Ahmed Suleiman to commiserate with the people of the town and the Emir of Misua on the 22 students of Government Secondary School, Misau, in Bauchi State and their driver who died in an auto crash along Bauchi-Kano early this year while travelling to Kano for an excursion.

Although very rare and uncommon in the Nigerian traditional institution, for kings to regularly visit one another, mostly, considering the distance, for example, the distance between the Northern Nigeria and South-South, it is always very difficult for kings from one end to regularly visit kings on the other end. But for a noble man of rare personality, distances know no barrier in Appolus Chu’s philosophy of building synergy and oneness aimed at the developing the nation, Nigeria.

Appolus Chu said his visit to different states was “to show love, unity, passion and also to improve in our relationship and we shall continue to support each other as one Nigeria”.

I want healthy hair but this dandruff wouldn’t go away!

JUMOKE AKIYODE-LAWANSON

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know how frustrating it can be trying to get rid of dandruff on your scalp for the longest time.

You must have spent so much money buying every single anti-dandruff shampoo and hair cream on the shop shelves and it still wouldn’t go.

However, have you ever considered the fact that you may just be treating the symptoms wrongly?

It is very popularly perceived that dandruff is a synonym for dry scalp and so you tend to douse your scalp with oil once you see flakes.

There are different types if dandruff; the oily dandruff and the dry dandruff which seems to be more common for men who usually wash their hair everyday with soap while in the shower and rarely oil the scalp after their bath.

Dry dandruff; typically consists of small white flakes that fall off your scalp easily at the slightest movement, so you usually see the flakes

drop to your neck and shoulders.

It doesn’t usually cause redness or irritation to the scalp and may disappear during warmer seasons. To treat dry dandruff, wash hair regularly with anti-dandruff shampoo and keep your hair well moisturized, by massaging into the scalps.

Oily dandruff; which is also called wet or greasy dandruff usually occurs

as yellow or brown flakes that clump together and cling onto your hear shaft. It usually looks like your scalp is peeling. This is usually caused by too much oil on your scalp, the probable cause is the skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. Located underneath your scalp are sebaceous glands that serve the primary function of producing the natural oil sebum. This sebum keeps your hair and scalp moisturized and prevents them from getting dehydrated. It also serves the purpose of reducing frizz and prevents the signs of aging from appearing. When your sebaceous glands start working in overdrive and are producing sebum in excess quantities, it builds up and makes it

sticky, resulting in oily dandruff. Since oily dandruff is longer lasting and can cause extreme itching, it is advisable to treat by using natural remedies rather than off the shelve products.

How to treat oily dandruff According to stylecraze.com, the use of Aloe Vera gel, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and Amla juice and baking soda could help treat oily dandruff. * “Aloe Vera gel is an excellent remedy for eliminating wet dandruff as it contains cleansing enzymes that get rid of dead skin cells, oil buildup, and fatty deposits that clog your hair follicles. It also contains glycoproteins that reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness,” Arshiya Syeda said in her article on Stylecraze.

By applying the gel all over your scalp and wrapping your head with a hot damp towel before washing out with mild shampoo, you could be on your way to having a clear scalp in three weeks. * Apple cider vinegar also acts as an excellent oily dandruff remedy mainly because it helps regulate the

sebum production on your scalp. It also cleanses the oil buildup clogging your hair follicles and soothes irritation. Just pour half a cup on your hair, massage it in and leave for 10 minutes before washing it off.

Hair experts say this routine should be followed at least once a week to see results. * A mixture of lemon juice and amla juice on your scalp before wash could also help, as Lemon juice and amla juice work in sync to cleanse the wet dandruff and accumulated oil from your scalp. Additionally, the citric acid content of the lemon juice acts as an antimicrobial agent that gets rid of any infection that could be feeding off of the wet dandruff on your scalp. * Baking soda paste works wonders because it completely removes all accumulated sebum on your scalp and deeply cleanses it. It also balances the pH of your scalp to regulate the production of sebum.

Just make it into a paste by mixing with water and leave on your scalp for ten minutes before wash.

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Sunday 27 May 2018

Travel Tourism peaks at Africa’s Travel Indaba Stories by OBINNA EMELIKE

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ourism in Africa is being geared towards new heights as West African delegates alongside others from 80 different countries were present at Africa Travel Indaba 2018.

The annual event which was once again held in Durban; Kwazulu Natal Province of South Africa from the 7th to the 10th of May 7-10, 2018 experienced a significant rise in participation from last year’s event with 23 African countries in attendance. The overall registrations saw an increase by 4 percent from last year’s figures reaching the 7000 mark. Total registered buyers increased by 14 percent from last year bring it to a total of 1747 registered buyers. With 200 first time exhibitors, there were over 1100 registered exhibitors, leading to a 57 percent increase from last year.

Indaba 2018 was positioned as a call to action to focus on the success of the continent as a whole, urging its people to go out and tell Africa’s story to the world. The event was rebranded from simply “Indaba” to “Africa’s Travel Indaba” highlighting a passion for Africa. This was announced

by Derek Hanekom, South Africa’s newly reinstated Minister of Tourism.

The minister in his mess a g e a t t h e o f f i c i a l We l come Networking Function said,“Tourism growth, and

sharing the benefits of tourism, contribute to replacing poverty and despair with prosperity and hope. Africa’s Travel Indaba is the ideal springboard for further growth” he further spoke about Travel and Tourism being the fastest growing sector in the world “Tourism already contributes about 8 percent to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product and employs 6.5 percent of the workforce.

Imagine the impact it will make on growth, jobs and livelihoods if, or rather when we double or quadruple that! We can exponentially increase the value that tourism brings by collaborating to make tourism work for everyone.”

Africa’s Travel Indaba gave qualified buyers who are really interested in selling Africa the opportunity to access the biggest variety of products on the continent, from the hidden gems in South Africa to the luxury experiences across Africa as a continent. It is not only about showcasing destinations, but the value-rich interactions that can lead to partnerships and trade agreements. These are the hallmarks that contribute to growth across the sector, rather than the success and growth of individual businesses.

To further strengthen existing partnership and collaboration within the continent, South African Tourism’s West African hub hosted 26 delegates from Nigeria and Ghana at the Africa’s Travel Indaba. Among the West Afri-

Africa’s Indaba 2018

can tourism delegations were President of the Tour Operators Association in Nigeria, Kwesi Eyison ,The President of the Tour Operators Union in Ghana, Rabo Saleh, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, president of The Travel Agents of Nigeria , Bankole Bernard, Ikechi Uko, publisher of Africa’s leading Travel and Tourism Magazine ATQ, and founder of West Africa’s biggest tourism expo, Akwaaba Nigeria, and Weizo

Accra, CEOs of travel agencies alongside notable media partners.

The West African trade and media delegates were treated to an incredible, activity filled exploration of South Africa.

The were treated to some of the finest luxury South Africa has to offer at the Oubaai Gold resort The delegates enjoyed a variety of experiences including, quad biking, power boating on the Kysna lagoon, and picnics at Cape

St. Francis. They explored Tsitsikamma Nature reserve and the very brave went bungee jumping.

Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South Africa Tourism, praised the Africa delegates for cooperating to promote and integrate the continent as one destination through tourism. He also made it known to the delegates that “Indaba’s goal is to create a platform that allows the world to do business with Africa”.

All set for Nigeria’s hosting of global tourism meeting - Minister

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ai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, has said the stage is now set for the 61st edition of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Commission for Africa (CAF) Meeting, which Nigeria will host from June 4-6, 2018 in Abuja.

The minister gave the assurance in Benin, Edo State, on Friday when he paid a courtesy/promotional visit to Godwin Obaseki, the state governor.

“Your Excellency, with the support of many stakeholders, I can boldly say that we are ready to host a very successful meeting. The various committees and sub-committees that we have put together to prepare for the summit are doing a great job. We will not disappoint,” he said.

Mohammed said Benin City, being a repository of a rich culture, cannot be ignored in the preparation for the global tourism meeting, hence the decision to visit the city as part of the ongoing nationwide advocacy tour for the meeting.

Lai Mohammed, minister of Information and Culture,(left), handing over an invitation letter to the 61st United Nations World Tourism Organisation Commission for Africa Meeting to Governor Godwin Obaseki (right) at the Edo State Government House in Benin.

He said the meeting will afford Nigeria the unique opportunity to expose her rich culture to the rest of the world, in addition to exploring the theme, ‘Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst for Development’, to generate the much-needed statistics for the

development of the tourism sector in Nigeria.

“For Nigeria, this is a great opportunity. In addition to the socio-economic gains, the event will put Nigeria, and the nation’s tourism industry in particular, on the world map, attract foreign

research experts and promote the necessary network that will form the basis for future cooperation. Nigeria will also get a rare opportunity to showcase itself to the world: Its tourist attractions, its rich culture, as well as its music and films, which have become the toast of the world, “the minister said.

Mohammed, who solicited for the support of the Edo State Government towards the successful hosting of the event, used the occasion to formally invite the governor to the event.

In his remarks, Governor Obaseki said the state government believes in the ability of tourism to significantly contribute to the economic development of the nation in general, and noted that Edo has so much to show the world.

“As it relates to the UNWTO CAF conference, as a state just like you explained, we believe that we have the greatest tourism potentials. We understand the benefits of tourism to any

evolving and emerging economy. A country like Indonesia whose GDP was four times less than that of Nigeria in 1994 today has a GDP five times that of Nigeria. The economy of Indonesia is grown by two key contributors to their GDP: oil palm and tourism,” he said.

While pledging the support of Edo State towards the hosting of the event, Governor Obaseki commended the minister for his untiring effort in educating Nigerians on the policies and programmes of the Federal Government.

“We appreciate the perspective and illumination you have continued to give federal government programmes and policies.

Times are difficult especially with the difficult economic environment we find ourselves, and it takes a man of competence and knowledge like you to explain for the people to understand what this government is doing to alleviate the sufferings of the people,” he said.

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Travel

Ethiopian airline marks African aviation history with 100th aircraft in active service …wins ‘on-board experience achievement award Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

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thiopian Airlines, the largest Aviation Group in Afr i c a a n d S KY TRAX certified Four Star Global Airline, has announced that it will take delivery on 5 June 2018 of its 100th aircraft, a Boeing 787-900, the 1st for an African airline to operate 100 aircraft fleet in the history of the continent, thus maintaining its pioneering aviation technology leadership role and ascertaining its leadership position in all aspects of Aviation Services in the continent.

On the planned delivery of the 100th aircraft, Tewolde GebreMariam, Ethiopian Group CEO, said: “It is an immense honour for all of us at Ethiopian to reach the milestone of 100 aircraft. This milestone is a continuation of our historical aviation leadership role in Africa and a testimony of the successful implementation of our fast, profitable

and sustainable growth plan, Vision 2025.

“Ethiopian was the first to avail jet service in the continent back in 1962, and operated the first African B767 in 1984, the first African B777-200LR in 2010, the first African B787-800 Dreamliner and B777-200 freighter in 2012 and the first African A350 in 2016 and the first African B787-9 aircraft in 2017.

GebreMariam said Ethiopian airline now operates one of the youngest and most modern 100 aircraft, with an average age of less than 5 years. Fleet modernization and expansion is one of the four critical pillars of our Vision 2025 strategic roadmap, in support of our fast expanding network, which has now reached over 110 international destinations covering 5 continents.

“Our new and cuttingedge fleet composed of B787s and A350s offer unparalleled on-board comfort to our customers and offer the best possible connections when traveling within Africa and between the continent and the rest of the world.

“This 100 fleet milestone, which we have achieved ahead of our Vision 2025 targets, compels us to re-

Osinbajo to launch travel industry ID card

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emi Osinbajo, the Vice President of Nigeria will be joining the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) to launch its Nigeria Travel Practitioners Identification Card, (NTPIC) on 26th of June, 2018 at Land Mark Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos.

Bernard Bankole, the p r e s i d e n t o f N A N TA disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing when he assured the agency is also embarking on aggressive awarenessacrossthecountry with over 33,000 viewers on social media to intensify knowledge of the scheme.

According to Bankole, the product is not a NANTA card but an industry card to give proper data, with which the government can rely on to know the actual number of travel agencies in Nigeria.

“We are not working in isolation of this. We are working with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA). NANTA works in collaboration with some other travel agencies around Africa. We work with Kenya As s o c i a t i o n o f Tr a v e l Agencies (KATA) to cover East Africa, Association of South African Travel Agencies (ASATA) to cover

South, Morocco Travel Agency in the North and NANTA in the West. When this was mentioned to KATA, they said it is a laudable idea and they too will implement it,” he said.

The NANTA president also said the association decided to embark on this project to ensure the government understands the worth of the sector and to sanitize the industry of all fraudsters and fraudulent activities.

“We realize that some people now use travel agenciesasameansofhuman trafficking and defrauding intending passengers. We are saying we are not going to let this continue but we are going to show to the rest of the world that a private

Osinbajo

sector can get itself well organized and other sectors can learn from it.

“If we are able to know the total number of travel agencies in Nigeria, empirical data can be drawn from it and government can plan effectively for this sector.

The government of today is showing a lot of interest i n Sm a l l a n d Me d i u m Enterprises and we are part of it. We are doing all these because we are concerned about bringing sanity to the industry which we find ourselves,” he added.

He r e c a l l e d t h a t i n 2017, the travel agencies in Nigeria sold tickets worth of N503billion, which contributes to Nigeria’s GDP. He regretted that the government is not moved because there is no data for them to run with in planning for the industry.

He explained that if the private sector can organize itself to implement a project as important as this, then it deserves support from everyone.

“We are going to ensure that this project is publicized in all the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. The good part of it is that NANTA has presence in five zones. We are present in Abuja, to cover

the Central North. We are present in Kano, to cover the Northern zone, we are present in Port Harcourt to cover the Eastern zone and in Ibadan and Lagos for the Western zone.

“We are well covered and we believe that this will get to everyone. After we have launched this ID card, no intending passengers should buy tickets without demanding to see this ID card because seeing the ID card means that such person is an authentic travel agency.

After the launch, we are going to proceed on training our members because when we train our members, it brings professionalism onboard and they can work just the way other travel agencies in the world are working,” Bernard said.

He said the agency has chosen Yemi Osinbajo as the chief launcher of the product, to reiterate the agency’s support of the anti-corruption crusade that Nigeria has embarked on, adding that the new scheme will cleanse the industry of all forms of fraudulent practices.

He added that the BVN of every individual that has the ID card has been attached to it, so that the record is clean and no one forges it.

vise our plans with a view to phase in more aircraft and further expand our network so as to meet the growing travel needs of our continent and support its economic development and integration by facilitating the flow of investment, trade and tourism.

We will continue to connect more and more Africans with their fellow citizens of the continent and with their brothers and sisters in the rest of the world to make life better every single day,” he added.

This is as the airline won ‘On-board Experience Achievement Award’ at the Nigerian Transport and Tourism Summit which was organised in collaboration with the federal government of minister of transport, ministry of information and other government stake holders.

The Airline was once again awarded a prestigious award in Nigeria. The Onboard Experience Achievement Award is in recognition of the Excellent Services the Airline is known for.

The award was presented by Odusanwo, the

organiser of the Transport and Tourism Summit at a well-attended event in Abuja. The award was received

by Firihewot Mekonnen, the general manager of the Airline in Nigeria and Tilahun Tadesse, the Traffic Sales Manager for Abuja.

Mekonnen in her response on behalf of the GCEO and entire team of Ethiopia Airlines thanked the Organizers for recognizing the good work done by the Airline in Nigeria. She used the Opportunity to inform the Public that Ethiopian Airlines now flies Everyday from West Africa through Lome and Abidjan to Newark asking Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the good services offered by the Airline.

Mekonnen also invited Nigerians to enjoy the new destinations the airline is about to open to Chicago, Geneva, Jakarta & Barcelona using the most modern and youngest fleets. She thanked Nigerians for their love and patronage and promised to always give the best for Nigeria as always.

Med-Trans opens new AeroCare VIII helicopter base in Plainview, Texas

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eading air medical transport company Med-Trans Corporation has opened a new AeroCare medical helicopter base in Plainview, Texas, joining a ground ambulance already operating there.

A medically-equipped Bell 407 helicopter is now available at Hale County Airport to serve patients in the Texas Panhandle and surrounding areas.

“Med-Trans Corporation is pleased to be able to incorporate this additional resource into the area’s healthcare assets,” said Med-Trans President Rob Hamilton.

“This expansion reflects years of successful air and ground medical transports and is a positive development for world-class patient care in the area.”

AeroCare VIII joins seven other air medical locations in Texas and New Mexico, serving emergency air transport in a threestate region. Plainview is located between Amarillo and Lubbock.

The Bell 407 helicop-

ter has a 300 nautical mile range, a 140 mph cruise speed, and like other AeroCare helicopters, is equipped with state of the art safety enhancements such as night vision capability, XM color weather radar, and an autopilot.

Additionally, Skytrac satellite tracking software allows Med-Trans to continuously monitor aircraft position.

“Fully staffed, AeroCare VIII in Plainview will have four pilots, four nurses and four paramedics,” Bobby Sanchez, Business Development Manager said.

He noted that AeroCare was established in 1988 and became a Med-Trans operation in 2009. Plainview’s ground ambulance service began in 2014 and is a licensed Mobile Intensive Care Unit providing 24/7 transport in the region.

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Sunday 27 May 2018

Health&Science A’Ibom signs deal to improve child-eye healthcare

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ANIEFIKOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

he Akwa Ibom government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brien Holden Vision Institute aimed at improving child eye health services in the state.

Dominic Ukpong , Commissioner for health made this known in Uyo , the state capital during the launching of Seeing is Believing Comprehensive Child Eye Health (SIBCEH) project.

Brien Holden Vision Institute is a global non-profit nongovernmental organisation which believes that sight is a fundamental right for everyone, everywhere.

Ukpong while the launching of the project, described the NGO as reliable for its sustainability that could be be monitored for upgrading, hence the decision by the state governmenttoagreetopartnerwithit.

He also said that the programme is coming at the time the state government is investing much resources in the health sectortowardsensuringbetterhealth services delivery for the people, especially at the grassroots.

Ukpong commended Brien Holden Vision Institute for its passion at solving the child eye

Wired Report

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health challenges for both present and future generation.

Earlier in her presentation on “Seeing is Believing Comprehensive Child Eye Health” project , Anne Ebri said the Institute’s programme launched in 11 states, is a new eye care initiative set to benefit over 1.5 million Nigerian Children.

Ebri who is the Sub-Regional Manageroftheinstitutesaid,the programme is funded by banks with two principal partners in nine states including Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

According to her, the Institute aims to implement the three-year programme at im-

proving the quality, accessibility and scope of the eye health services to 500,000 children; develop and/or upscale appropriate workforce to long-term delivering of the comprehensive services.

Others, she added are to, “Improve the quality of early intervention, education and blind children with severe visual impairment within the two state’s catchment; create change and sustainability by embedding child eye health procedures and guidelines within the existing school health policies held by the Ministries of Health and Education nationwide.”

She said that the agreement is expected to aid the establishment of a sustainable school eye health programme and development of referral chain for child eye health, reduce the harmful traditional eye practices, childhood blindness and improve early intervention and education of visually impaired child in the state.

It is expected to also integrate child eye health into the primary health care programmes, especially maternal and child health and bring about the poverty reduction through enhanced education and rehabilitation for quality life.

Nigeria must create a clinical environment for innovative discovery - Olutoye BOLADELE BAMIGBOLA, Osogbo

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n expert in the health sector has charged Nigerians to create an environment for innovative discovery.

This assertion was made by Oluyinka Olutoye, a Professor of Surgery, Paediatrics and Obstetrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, United States at the 11th Annual Prof T.A.I. Grillo’s Memorial Lecture organised by College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, at Oduduwa Hall, on Thursday, in Ile-Ife. “In Nigerian, we are very good at identifying problems, we can expound on the merits and demerits of solutions others may offer, but we need to do better at actually solving the problems.

“We cannot wait on others to proffer solutions to our own problems and challenges, not someone else, not even government,” said Olutoye.

The lecture with the theme: “Progress Through Innovation

and Discovery: Advances in Surgery Before Birth”.

Olukoye added people should identify their own problems and come up with innovative solutions.

“An individual cannot solve all the problems of the world, but if all contribute their own quota to the bits, the overall impact will be substantial”.

He further explained that OAU as a centre of excellence which has several innovations such as creation of the yam pounder, extraction of medicine for sickle cell disease, among others.

Nigerians is rich in human

resources with the proportion of extremely bright and talented individuals in any environment.

He urged individuals to be stimulated, supported and be encouraged so as to use their skills and intellect for positive gain, added that with their curiosity would be stir up.

He therefore appealed to institutions of higher learning to make a way forward by create an environment of transparency, accountability and efficiency that would manage endowment and naming opportunities.

“Institutions should estab-

lish a review system based on meritocracy that would award limited resources to deserving individuals and to translate the innovative findings to usable advance and technology that would benefit the society at large.

“They should set up a framework and expectation that funds allocated would be used exclusively for the purpose it dedicated for, with appreciates regular oversight to ensure severe enforcement penalties for deviant behaviour” he stated.

According to Eyitope Ogunnbodede, Professor and the Vice-Chancellor of the University, the University is making progress and achievement daily, the programme is of key interest of the Institution and I appreciate the organisers and other dignitaries that graced the occasion.

“I urged general public to support the innovation, identify the problems and use all!

Skills and other resources to make a way out for the country,” added Yemisi Amusa, Ear Nose and Throat specialist.

WHO rolls out health plans for three billion people ANTHONIA OBOKOH

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he World Health Assembly (WHA) on Wednesday agreed on an ambitious new strategic plan aiming to provide three billion people with better universal health coverage, protection from health emergencies and better health and wellbeing for the next five years.

Study shows how malaria became deadly

WHA is the world’s highest health policy setting body and is composed of health ministers from member states.

The plan sets three targets is to ensure the world achieve the Sustainable Development Goals with a particular focus on SDG3, ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all at all ages by 2030.

In this light, one billion more

people will benefit from universal health coverage; one billion more people will be better protected from health emergencies; and one billion people will enjoy better health and wellbeing.

“Achieving this “triple billion” target could save 29 million lives, says WHO. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general, WHO, speaking to the Health Assembly,

said the triple-billion targets is achievable on these three keys.

First is a strong WHO and leadership team that is more efficient and effective in its business practices; then the political commitment from governments, as “with buy-in from the highest levels, anything is possible,” and third is an “even’ deeper and stronger” partnership “in whatever way we can to achieve our goal.”

he secrets of how malaria became a human-killer have been revealed by a genetic study.

The work, led by researchers from Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, compared seven types of malaria - tracing the parasite’s family tree.

This revealed that, about 50,000 years ago, the parasites diverged, with one “branch” evolving into the most deadly human-infecting species.

The findings are published in the journal Nature Microbiology, according to BBC News.

One element of this diversion was a genetic switch that enabled malaria to infect human red blood cells - a “chunk of deadly DNA” that previous studies suggest could yet provide a target for a malaria-blocking vaccine.

“Our study has pieced together the sequential series of steps that set up the critical storm. allowing the parasites to not only enter humans but to stay, divide and be transferred by mosquitoes,” explained one of the lead researchers, Matt Berriman.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 200 million people are infected with malaria every year; the disease caused the deaths of almost half a million people globally in 2016, and the majority of those deaths were children under the age of five.

By far the deadliest species of the parasite which causes this global health scourge is Plasmodium falciparum.

While this species infects and often kills people when injected through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito, there are many other related species which infect some of our great ape cousins - chimpanzees and gorillas.

The rescued animals at the Gabon sanctuary are ‘blissfully ignorant’ of their value to science To study those, the researchers collaborated with a team caring for injured and orphaned apes in a sanctuary in Gabon. As part of the animals’ health checks, veterinary staffs take blood samples from them.

“It turns out that healthy animals have a really high background level of parasites in their blood,” Berriman told BBC

News. “[These animals] are blissfully ignorant of the scientific value in their blood.”

The blood samples provided a series of malarial genetic codes that the scientists could use to trace its evolutionary history.

“We don’t have fossils for tracing the history of a parasite,” said Berriman.

But comparing the genomes of these malaria species allowed him and his team to trace back how the genetic code had been “reshuffled” as the parasite evolved - and how and when that shuffling led to the deadly genetic recipe that is Plasmodium falciparum.

Close relatives The researchers examined seven different types of malaria - three that infect chimpanzees, three that infect gorillas and the deadly human-infecting species.

Scientists discovered that the evolutionary lineage leading to Plasmodium falciparum emerged 50,000 years ago, but did not fully diverge as a human-specific parasite species until 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.

“The recent expansion of modern humans created the home in which the parasites irreversibly evolved into a humanspecific form,” explained Berriman.

Prof Janet Hemingway, director of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine said the discovery was “really important” because it built a picture of how and when a disease crossed the species barrier, going on to become a deadly human disease.

Understanding how that happens could enable scientists to recognise - and even avoid - patterns that might lead to the same scenario in future.

“These days most people think of malaria as a human disease, and forget that this was a zoonotic disease that crossed the species barrier 50,000 years ago and then co-evolved with its new human host to become one of the most deadly diseases known to man,” said Prof Hemingway.

“It does perhaps underline why it is so important that we react to current movement of animal parasites and viruses into humans and do not give them chance to become permanently transmitted from human to human.”

Sunday 27 May 2018

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BDSUNDAY 47

Sports

DR Congo arrive P/Harcourt ahead of Super Eagles clash

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Stories by ANTHONY NLEBEM

he delegation of Senior National Team of Democratic Republic of Congo, the Simba, have arrived Port Harcourt ahead of Monday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Send Forth encounter with the Super Eagles.

Ranked 38 in the world (9 places ahead of 3–time African champions Nigeria), the Simba came very close to a Russia 2018 ticket, conceding to Tunisia only on the last day of the race.

A period of loss of concentration, which enabled the Carthage Eagles to score two quick goals and tie their encounter in Kinshasa on 5th September 2017, was their undoing, as subsequent victory over Libya in Monastir was neutralized by Tunisia’s own defeat of Guinea.

Yet, the Simba, who won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 1968 and in Egypt six years later, is never a team to be underrated. The team holds the record of being the first African side south of the Sahara to fly Africa’s flag at the FIFA World Cup, way back in 1974.

Rivers State Governor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, will be chief host as the Super Eagles test strength against the feisty visitors at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Monday, with scores of other prominent Nigerians and tens of thousands more to have a last opportunity to cheer their team before departure to the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

Nigeria’s squad includes Captain Mikel John Obi, Ogenyi Onazi and Ahmed Musa – who all featured at the last World Cup in Brazil – as well as Olympic bronze medallists Abdullahi Shehu, William Ekong and Oghenekaro Etebo. They provide the spine for a young team that was actually the youngest to make it out of the qualifying series.

Young and confident performers like Leon Balogun, Olaoluwa Aina, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Brian Idowu, Wilfred Ndidi, John Ogu, Joel Obi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi

add fluorescence and swagger, and the experience of the likes of Kenneth Omeruo and Elderson Echiejile would do no harm.

Monday’s clash will be the seventh official clash between both countries, with the most famous encounter being an Africa Cup of Nations battle in a sunny Dire Dawa, Ethiopia in March 1976, in which a young Eagles squad overhauled defending champions DR Congo (then Zaire) by four goals to two.

NIGERIA SQUAD Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United) Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (Ado Den Haag, The Netherlands); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England); Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium); Brian Idowu (Amkar Perm, Russia); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Stephen Eze (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria) Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi

Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (UD Las Palmas, Spain); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Joel Obi (Torino FC, Italy); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Nwankwo Simeon (Crotone FC, Italy); Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars) DR CONGO SQUAD Goalkeepers: Joel Kiassumbua, Anthony Mossi, Kalambayi Auguy Defenders/Midfielders: Issama Mpeko, Glody Ngonda, Wilfried Moke, Christian Luyindama, Yannick Bangala, Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Tshibola, PaulJose Mpoku, Gael Kakuta, Kevin Mondeko, Arsene Zola, Bobo Ungenda, Padou Bompunga, Lema Mabidi, Fabrice Ngoma, Harrison Manzala, Nelson Munganga Forwards: Chadrac Akolo, Cedric Bakambu, Britt Assombalonga, Benik Afobe, Kabongo Kasongo, Ben Malango, Ricky Tulengi, Firmin Mubele

Standard Chartered renews partnership with LFC

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iverpool Football Club and Standard Chartered Bank are pleased to announce a fouryear extension to their main sponsor agreement, taking the Bank’s partnership with the Club through to the end of the 2022/23 season.

The Bank first signed up as the Club’s main sponsor in July 2010, and the agreement was extended in 2013 and again in 2015. Financial terms of the agreement remain confidential.

Liverpool FC has a large number of fans across Standard Chartered’s core markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East and the sponsorship provides the Bank with an opportunity to accelerate visibility of its brand, improving recognition across key markets around the world.

Additionally, over the last eight years Standard Chartered and Liver-

pool FC have used their partnership to support a number of the Bank’s sustainability and community investment programmes. The annual ‘Perfect Match’ game – where LFC players swap the Standard Chartered logo on their shirts for the Seeing is Believing logo – has raised more than $480,000 to tackle avoidable blindness.

Billy Hogan, Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer, Liverpool Football Club said: “As a Club we’re very proud to have Standard Chartered renew their relationship for another four years. Our connection runs deep, it means more than just sponsorship, from the outset it has been about working together with the Club and our communities and supporters around the world.

“Importantly, it also means we

are able to support our ambitions on the pitch and compete with the best in the world. We have enjoyed many highlights of this relationship so far and I look forward to many more.”

Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered, said: “Liverpool FC is one of the world’s best-known football clubs and we are proud to be associated with them. It is a fantastic club that shares many of our values and is hugely popular across our global footprint.

Our partnership has provided valuable support to the charitable initiatives close to our hearts and has helped us to further engage with our clients and staff as well as with LFC fans. We are excited to be able to continue this partnership, and look forward to building on our successful relationship.”

Niger, Bayelsa win 20th MILO Basketball Championship

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ather O’Connell Science College Minna, Niger State and St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, have emerged champions of the 20th edition of the Milo Secondary School, Basketball Championships in the male and female categories respectively after the grand finale which held at the indoor sports hall of the National Stadium in Lagos, penultimate week.

Last year, Government Secondary School, Minna won the 19th edition of the championship for the male category. The school returned to the 20th edition as defending champi-

past 5 years, taking the trophy home in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nestle Nigeria, Mauricio Alarcon, expressed his delight to be part of the 20th edition of the Nestle Milo Basketball Championship. He stated that Nestle believes in helping to improve livelihoods of individuals in the communities where the company operates.

“As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of Nestle Milo Basketball Championship, we celebrate the alumni who today play in the Nigerian

ons and carted away with the first prize position but with a new name of Father O’ Connell Science College Minna.

The boys from Niger state defeated their counterparts from Gen. Muritala Muhammed College, Adamawa state, 60 – 59 to lift the trophy. The fiercely contested match had spectators on the edge of their seats as the game went down to the wire with just a point between the two teams. The game was tied in the second and third quarter with 28 – 28 and 41 – 41 respectively.

Unlike the male category, St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa state outclassed the girls from Yejide Girls Grammar School, Ibadan Oyo 47 – 31 to retain the title in the female category. The Bayelsa girls have won the trophy back to back for the

National Team, in European Leagues, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Some of them are here today and we celebrate them,” Mr. Alarcon said.

He further applauded the passion and professionalism of the participants as part of what inspires Nestle to invest in grassroots sports development in line with the company’s purpose.

“We will continue to work alongside our partners, the Ministries of Sports, Youth Development and Education in various states, the Nigerian Schools Sports Federation, the National Collegiate Sports Foundation and the Nigeria Basketball Federation to promote youth participation in sports,” Mr. Alarcon informed.

BDSUNDAY

NEW YOU CAN TRUST

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SUNDAY 27 MAY 2018

Proceeds of corruption to combat poverty

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s the ping-pong blame game over corruption charges unfolds between two former military generals-incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari and erstwhile counterpart, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo –what matters at the end of the day is that the cause of justice be served. That such public funds brazenly stolen be recovered back into the national till, the culprits be made to pay for their crimes against the Nigerian state.

And more importantly, that such funds be judiciously utilised to lift the quality of life of the average citizen.

The significance of this clarion call is hinged on the fact that successive administrations have made promises in this regard but much more has been said than done. Indeed, discerning Nigerians are tired of being daily regaled by the reeling out of humungous sums of money so far recovered from thieves of state. The issue took a new dimension when the All Progressives Congress (APC) government went to town to list the names of the public treasury looters (without any of their members) and the huge amounts of money recovered.

For instance, according to media reports, from Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Petroleum Minster alone stupendous sums such as $153m, $40m, $5m and N23.4billion are listed! From NIMASA came 578,080 pounds sterling, while the sleazy Ikoyi cash haul stood at $43,449,947, 27, 800 pounds and N23million. Some others include N449.6m from the Lagos shop cash, N1.8b traced to ex-Naval chiefs and N500m Paris Club funds amongst several funds.

But peeved by what it calls a one-sided listing of corrupt politicians, Reno Omokiri, the spokesman to former President Goodluck Jonathan made public his own list to include some of the Ministers serving under the current President Buhari-led administration. Some, he claimed surreptitiously used such funds to facilitate some top-notch APC political helmsmen into positions of power.

The funds so stolen, he insists come from the same treasury and belongs to the same country, Nigeria. Why then should they be excluded from the infamous list? That is some food-for-thought.

Be that as it may, one can only imagine

how much of the mind-boggling funds could have assisted Nigerians to enjoy stable electric power supply, build stable infrastructure, act as catalyst for job and wealth creation, ensure food security and provide quality education and healthcare delivery to the citizenry.

What about taking care of the over 10 million school-aged children that are currently out there turning into denizens of the street?

What about the need to stem the rising wave of human trafficking and the ever-increasing urge of the youth to travel outside our shores in search of the elusive greener pasture? What about reining in the monster of kidnapping for ransom, spates of bloody armed robbery attacks, the Boko Haram insurgency and sundry crimes with their roots in pervasive poverty across the land?

It would therefore, do this country a whole world of good if President Buhari implements his recent promise to channel the $320 million Abacha loot recovered from Switzerland to the poor.With only a year to go to the end of this tenure, and the political campaigns inching closer by the day, the time for him to act is now! But how best can this be done? That is the million-Naira question. The first sure step is to have a credible data base, state by state to rely upon. Answers should be provided to those in need of financial assistance and sustainable livelihood on the basis of age, gender, educational qualification. Others include entrepreneurial need and the cost implication to provide the enabling environment for them to start jobs that would make them self- dependent.

There are some vulnerable members of the society such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, the aged, orphans, victims of terminal illnesses, the blind and the helpless deformed citizens who should be catered for by the government. There should be well articulated social buffer security system tomeet their daily needs as it obtains in Germany.

Truth be told, however, we are not doing enough in this direction. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) should be well funded and equipped with the requisite machines and personnel to do so.The next step is to fully engage in Public Private Partnerships that would galvanize industrialization. No nation, as erudite economist Professor Francis Ogbimi would always insist, can grow without the citizens of

AYO OYOZEBAJE Baje is Nigerian first food technologist in the media and author of ‘DRUMBEATS OF DEMOCRACY’

Be that as it may, one can only imagine how much of the mind-boggling funds could have assisted Nigerians to enjoy stable electric power supply

productive age being actively engaged in local production of goods and services instead of over reliance on massive importation.

As one has canvassed for long, issues that bother on poverty alleviation through job creation and ensuring that the average Nigerian has food on his table, is best achieved with politico-economic restructuring. With so much concentration of funds at the centre, the ordinary Nigerian especially at the grassroots is far removed from the efforts at the federal level.

For instance, the claim by the presidency that 8,260,984 pupils, drawn from 45,394 public primary schools in 24 states are being served free meals daily under the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme though noble is not making the desired effect.

But why, one may ask? The answer is simple. It would have made more positive impact if the states control their resources as they would be better placed to identify the critical areas of need than the federal government does.

By and large, the socio-economic challenges we are bedeviled with go beyond shedding more heat than light on corruption charges.

Yes, it is good to know who has stolen what but what would put a permanent smile on our faces and in our pockets too is the direct effect such recovered funds have on the average Nigerian. From Shomolu to Sokoto, from Maiduguri to Mushin and from Uyo to Oyo, Nigerians deserve quality leadership.

Nigeria is abundantly blessed with natural resources such as oil and gas, solid mineral deposits, vast agricultural potentials and places of tourism attraction, all enough to provide quality wellbeing. Our leaders should act right.

We cannot continue to stand by the Atlantic shore and be washing our hands with spittle.

Off the Cuff

Anathema!

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ast week, Nigerians were treated to the sad news of the crisis in the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The crux of the matter was that the CAN henchmen visited President Muhammadu Buhari and they were given either N25million or N40million (only the giver and the receivers know the true amount) as “transport fare”.

The gift appears to have become a source of concern to many Christians in the country who believe that it is an anathema for Christian leaders who went to the President with a serious message on the state of the nation to have collected a whopping gift that is capable of blinding their eyes.

Nobody has denied that money changed hands during the meeting.

Although the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) felt scandalised by the conduct of the leaders and appears concerned about the mismanagement of the huge sum, my worries are that such gift has not only cheapened the receivers, it also casts them in the mold of

Quick Takes N288bn

the Biblical Judas who sold his master for mere thirty pieces of silver!

For your information, the CAN leaders went to see the President over the heinous activities of the Fulani herdsmen, the wanton killings across the country; the jihadist coloration of some moves by government, the increasing fear and apprehension in the land, the urgent need to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, the Yobe girl still being held hostage by the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, because of her Christian faith and many other serious issues bordering on the State of the Nation.

These men of God, if they were in the spirit, would have heard the same instruction God gave to the young prophet from Judah that was sent to deliver a message to King Jeroboam in Bethel.

The instruction was that he should not, for any reason whatsoever, eat anything there, but just to deliver the message and leave. He however, fell to the trick of an older prophet and ate food contrary to the instruction from God. He was slain by a lion on his way out of the city. He never returned to Judah!

CAN leaders went and collected money at a time when their members in Benue State were in a mourning mood over the gruesome murder of their priests and 17 brethren inside a church. They collected money from the President who they ought to have told pointblank that his style of leadership is not fatherly and accommodating enough.

These CAN leaders should not have even waited to eat anything in their host’s house, let alone receiving transport fare; after all, before setting out on such a journey, adequate arrangement ought to have been made to avoid making a non-sense of the message delivered.

It is most certain that whatever that was discussed that day ended at the discussion table without any plan by their host to either implement any good suggestion or correct some ills as they affect the Christendom. They just sold their birthright and ought to be reminded that whoever that breaks a hedge, a serpent will bite.

This is the amount of money said to be spent by Nigeria on fish importation, annually.

nPDP and politics of ‘chop chop’

The chieftains of the defunct nPDP are not happy right now and they make no pretence about it. They are pushing hard to belong and to be recognised. They pulled out from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) shortly before the 2015 general election and worked for the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Today, nPDP members are aggrieved that they are being left in the cold.

They complain of marginalisation and maltreatment by the leadership of the APC. They want a piece of the action. Talk of ‘stomach infrastructure’!

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