BusinessDay 27 Oct 2019 by BusinessDay

What manner of yuletide amid kidnapperinfested Nigerian highways?

T L-R: Comfort Booth, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation executive director; Georgia Arnold, MTV Staying Alive Foundation; Shina Aladeshawe, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Bada Akintunde-Johnson, Country manager, VIMN Africa, at the MTV Shuga Season 4 Premiere in Lagos.

he menace of kidnappers on Nigerian highways is yet to abate. Although it appeared subsided months back, there is a resurgence two months to yuletide. Many Nigerian roads are in bad shape, causing accidents and providing opportunities for criminals to strike. These have raised serious concerns as Christmas period approaches. With the shutting down of the Enugu

Airport (for repairs) that could have provided an alternative route for many Eastern travellers, chances are that movements could be impaired. CHUKA UROKO, OBINNA EMELIKE and IFEOMA OKEKE take a look at the challenge. See pages 12 & 13

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Controversy trails Buhari’s N10.069b request for Kogi P. 17

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Nigerian governments not serious ??Access Bank, Stanbic IBTC about reducing 30 million housing announce N146bn profit deficit - BSTAN CEO P.38 & 39 after tax in Q3 2019 P.p 4041.

inside Ablade Glover, an undeniable artistic talent

p. 24

A glance at the mandate and operations of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission P. 23

I can’t be too busy not to read – Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi Watch out for the full text of interview this week

L-R: Bamidele Abiodun, first lady of Ogun State; Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, first lady of Lagos State; Pauline Tallen, minister of women affairs; Siju Iluyomade, convener, Arise Women; Mairo Al-Makura, special adviser to the president on African’s first ladies peace mission; Bisi Fayemi, first lady of Ekiti State, and Martha Udom Emmanuel, first lady of Akwa Ibom State, during the 2019 Arise Women Conference in Lagos, yesterday. Pic by Olawale Amoo

How much does Nigeria gain from int’l summits? Mere endless junketing – Analysts No, is worth its weight in gold – Presidency

P. 4

‘Trips should be with President’s economic team, not hangers-on’ $150b gains from Russia trip monumental - BMO See full story on page 2

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Cover How much does Nigeria gain from int’l summits?

Innocent Odoh, Abuja

mid the celebratory mood and clinking of glasses in government quarters over perceived gains from President Muhammadu Buhari’s numerous foreign trips, particularly the recent visit to Russia, observers say the hype may have been more than the benefits. The analysts believe that nothing much seemed to have accrued from most of the President’s engagements at international summits and conferences. A few days ago, the President led another delegation to the Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, Russia. Presidency sources claimed that through the Sochi Summit, Russia would assist Nigeria rehabilitate its moribund oil refineries through the establishment of a framework for a joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Russia-based leading oil company, Lukoil. The sources further said that as part of the gains of the Sochi summit, Nigeria and Russia also agreed to revive and solidify the venture between the NNPC and Russia’s gas giant, Gazprom, in order to develop Nigeria’s enormous gas potential and infrastructure especially the Ajaokuta Steel complex in Kogi State. They also said that Russia handed Nigeria, on a platter, 12 attack helicopters following a military deal struck in Sochi. However, analysts believe that while these appear enticing on paper, proper implementation could be cumbersome and may be detrimental to the nation when the chips are down. And this has been the recurring decimal as similar promises and several memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed at such engagements seem not to have materialised. Justifying President’s recent visit to Sochi, Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), said Russia will invest huge sums of money in different sectors of the Nigerian economy, and that the investment attracted has the potentials to lift the economy substantially. However, Gaius Nathaniel, an information technology expert, told BDSUNDAY that too many MoUs have been signed that are yet to move beyond the paper on which the agreements were penned. “If all that we hear about countless MoUs signed during such engagements were anything to go by; if all the promises made by the Western countries were redeemed, Nigeria would have been like Dubai in terms of development and beauty. But the problem is that most times, it appears there were no intentions to implement the agreements even from the point of signing. Just a fulfilment of righteousness sort of,” Nathaniel said. According to him, “I recall that President Buhari’s foreign trip began immediately after his election; months before his inauguration

in 2015. Some Western countries told him to bring his wish list. He visited several countries at that time, but the fruit of the so-called wish list is yet to be seen by Nigerians. I think these things are more apparent than real. They seem to me like mere politics. We have heard so much about the willingness of the Western world to help Nigeria end the Boko Haram insurgency; with the quantum of technology available to them, they have not been able to do so. I wonder what Nigeria has gained in relation to what we have lost in all the President’s trips.” He further lamented that Nigeria still plays at mediocre level where even smaller countries in Africa are ashamed to play. “It is shameful that Nigeria is always at the front row on the beggar list when it comes to such international summits. Always attending as receiver and not giving anything. I consider that too humiliating,” he said. Nigeria also participated in the 2018 Forum for China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) where the much-touted “Belt and Roads Initiative” dominated discourse. Through this forum Nigeria has opened up to Chinese investments in varied fields. The nation’s railway infrastructure had gotten a boost from the Chinese companies. Roads construction and rehabilitation in Nigeria including the massive Lekki Deep Sea water Project in Lagos estimated to gulp $1billion are being handled by Chinese companies. However, most of the projects are on concessional loans with areas that leave room for some questions. In August 2019, President Buhari led a large Nigerian entourage to the 7th edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) in Yokohama, Japan. Despite Nigeria’s large entourage, the country got the pledge of $300,000 from the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, in what the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described as a ‘disgraceful outing’. The PDP in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said: “It is lamentable that while President Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), are reducing our nation by celebrating a mere pledge of $300,000 (N108 million) from the Japanese Prime Minister and a promissory note for 50 million euros from an EU Commissioner, his Ghanaian counterpart, Nana Akufo-Ado had sealed a deal with automobile giant, Toyota, to immediately establish a Toyota and Suzuki manufacturing plant in Ghana with a determined timeline of August 2020 for production.” But Femi Adesina, spokesman of the President, said that through TICAD, Nigeria specifically gained as Japan has provided counterterrorism measures and humanitarian assistance, particularly for internally displaced persons, adding that “the help is worth its weight in gold.” The President has however, come under criticism for embark-

Abayomi Awobokun, chief executive officer, Enyo Retail and Supply, speaking on ‘Technological innovation as a tool for behavioural change’ at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Lagos Zonal Office, 2019 Annual General Meeting, in Lagos recently.

ing on those trips with politicians instead of core businessmen and business-oriented private sector organisations, which increasingly makes attendance to such serious events to look like mere jamborees. BDSUNDAY gathered that the decision to always travel with state governors and not core economy-minded/private sector players has continued to agitate the minds of many. Why would the President not travel with his economic team? It could be argued that the essence of travelling with governors is to give them the opportunity to strike some business deals, it is however, difficult to quantify how beneficial this has been to the states. But Nigeria and indeed the entire Africa has been warned about such summits and their detrimental impacts on the continent. Speaking to BDSUNDAY on Friday, a public affairs analyst and columnist, Majeed Dahiru, said there is not much to celebrate from such summits as they are meant to scramble for African resources. “What is going on with all the different summits in the world from FOCAC to TICAD and now what is going on in Sochi, Russia is a renewed scramble for Africa. This can be aptly described as the ‘third scramble for Africa.’ Russia is the newest entrant into the scramble for Africa,’’ Dahiru said. He noted that there is a realisation that has eluded Nigeria and most African countries for so long and that is the fact that no nation is truly blessed by abundant human and natural recourses. Therefore, nations always struggle and strive to shore up their economic needs by looking for external sources of revenue through competitive exports or what is now called Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which is the most sustainable way to grow the wealth of any nation. “China, Japan, Singapore, India have been very active in Africa in contemporary times, they have taken over this venture from

Europe and the US and they have significantly grown their own economy through massive export into the African continent as well as a shrewd form of FDI that targets our own kind of meagre revenue from rentals from exploitation of our natural resources. So, what they do here is to invest in the production of consumer goods and services that we will patronise with our own meagre resources accruing to us from the exploitation of our mineral resources. So, this now weighs the balance of trade heavily in favour of the so-called investor nations,” Dahiru said. He further explained that, “It is expected that Nigeria having gone through colonialism and neocolonialism during the Cold War era, should have learnt this vital lesson from those who colonised us the way China, Japan and India have learnt. That to be able to grow the demand of any nation, it is to first unite your nation around a pan-nationalist economic agenda that allows you to launch into the league of well-managed and competing nations for global resources. “Therefore, by now Nigeria should have been an oversea investor nation in less-developed economies than ours. But we are still at the receiving end of all forms of exploitative mechanisms under the guise of development partnership. That is why we have been going from Sochi to FOCAC, from Tokyo to New Delhi and it has not brought the necessary economic succor for us and it cannot bring because the conferences in Sochi, the conferences in New Delhi, in Beijing, China and Tokyo in Japan are to the benefit of the host countries. It is not for the benefit of Nigeria. “No country helps another therefore you must position yourself strategically to attract a fairer share of global resources through active participation in world trade and investments. This is the conversation we should be having now because as you can see none of these conferences has helped

Nigeria’s economy in any fundamental way,” he said. Dahiru blamed the Nigerian leaders for their lack of foresight adding that they do not have the thinking because there is a low quality leadership system in Nigeria. He lamented that the political leadership has willingly abdicated its responsibility of governance and outsourced it to the so called foreign investors and private sector development partners. He alleged that the Nigerian leaders are only willing to go to these conferences and sign off the economic sovereignty of the nation in exchange for aids and loans and the impact is that Nigeria keeps sinking deeper into debts, rising poverty and a shrinking economy in real terms. “These investments and these partnerships are predatory. They are doing it for their own national economic interest not for yours. No country will spend so much amount of money to host a conference in its own country and invite you just to help you. Nigeria should have joined the league of countries in looking for economic opportunities off shore. “Nigeria is supposed to be the giant of Africa but what is the investment portfolio of Nigeria or Nigerian businesses in countries on the West coast of Africa? How is Nigeria playing in the oil and gas industry of south Sudan for instance? How is Nigeria participating actively in the tourism industry in The Gambia? How about the services sector in Ghana, what is Nigeria’s presence there? How is Nigeria dominating trade along the west coast of Africa? This is the way you grow an economy, you don’t grow an economy by excessive taxation that will come to the federation account and then be shared by the three tiers of government and then spent on frivolous activities that have no bearing on the life of the common man,” he added. On the possible solution to this challenge, he tasked the leaders to put on their thinkContinues on page 4

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I can’t be too busy not to read – Ekiti State Governor Chido Nwakanma

ibliophile, writer, author and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi has affirmed the place and importance of reading in his development and career choices in an interview with the BDSUNDAY trending ‘My Book World’ section. Fayemi, in his home office, spoke of his love for reading from childhood and how that has informed and influenced his activities. Asked the role of his passion as a bibliophile in his career, he stated: “Very critical role. Even my getting into politics was informed by my childhood connection to reading. I grew up with a father who was an Information Officer in government. Newspapers were all over the place. As a child it was a must for me to read newspapers. I then grew very much attached to it.” The governor recalled a recent encounter that epitomises his connection to books. “Somebody saw me the other day who I had not seen since my secondary school days and he said, do I still carry a James Hadley Chase book around? (laughter). Apparently, I used to do this a lot when I was young. That is his abiding memory of me. Just sitting in one corner, not bothered by anything around

Kayode Fayemi

me, totally engrossed. Reading has been a major part of my life. People find it strange when they come into my car and find loads of books there or in my office.” Fayemi affirmed, “I cannot be too busy not to read because there are always lessons that are

ingrained in what you read. You are actually what you read”. Ekiti State is renowned for its love for education and many educated persons. Fayemi said he was reviving interest in knowledge production in the state through schemes and competi-

tions. They include the Ekiti Knowledge City that would be a combination AgriTech, biomedical, ICT innovation and outsourcing place. There are also competitions for younger citizens such as the JKF Essay competition. The governor said Ekiti State has the support-in-principle of the African Development Bank and Afrexim Bank for the Knowledge City. It would run on publicprivate sector partnership basis. A doctorate in War Studies from the University of London, Kayode Fayemi read History at the University of Lagos and International Relations at the Obafemi Awolowo University. He played active roles in the prodemocracy movement of the military era, running the Radio Kudirat from offshore Nigeria. His book Out of The Shadows tells the story of exile and the struggle for democracy while he wrote four books to capture each year of his first tenure as Ekiti State governor. They are Reclaiming the Trust, Regaining The Legacy, Legacy of Honourable Service and Staying The Course. Fayemi spoke on his book preferences, recommended must-read books for young people and the state’s economic path under his leadership. He spoke about the agreements with private sector players for the Ikun Dairy, reviving Ikogosi Resorts, Fountain Hotels and

much more. The governor’s discussion of his book choices will feature in My Book World in our Executive BookShelf section next Sunday. Other aspects of the interview would also run in BusinessDay this week. Book your copy. Executive Bookshelf is an interactive exploration of the world of books involving authors, readers, publishers, distributors and everyone in the book value chain. A major draw is My Book World featuring conversations with all these players. The goal is to promote interest in book reading in the country through shared experiences and conversations. Respondents are leaders whose opinions and choices of books would influence many individuals and groups. Chido Nwakanma, adjunct faculty at the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University and editorial board member of BusinessDay, coordinates. Respondents have included Prof. Juan Elegido, vice chancellor, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos; Bunmi Oke, former president AAPN and member of the 2014 Constitutional Conference, Patrick Okigbo 111, promoter of Enugu Town Hall Nkata Umuibe and Tony Onyima, former Commissioner in Anambra State and former managing director of The Sun newspapers.

Guber poll: PDP flags off campaign in Kogi, Appeal Court affirms pledges to liberate state from oppressors Dambazau’s victory VICTORIA NNAKAIKE, Lokoja

he People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has promised to liberate the people of Kogi from alleged oppressors, while flagging off its campaign in Lokoja Friday. Musa Wada, the party’s flag bearer, also expressed the optimism that PDP would win in the forthcoming governorship election slated for November 16. Addressing party supporters at the Confluence Stadium, he promised that his administration if voted by the electorates of Kogi State would make sure that it embarked on the development of the state and also build on human capacity. Wada equally promised to solve any problem confronting the civil servants in the state, adding that the issue of non-payment of salary and illegal deduction of workers’ salary would be a forgotten issue when he comes to power. He therefore, called on the people of the state to shun APC

and vote the party out of office, alleging that the party brought hardship to the people, and that the only party that can bring good governance to the state is PDP. Kola Ologbodiyan, national publicity secretary of the party, said that it was time for the people to reject APC and vote them out of power. He said that three years of APC in the state had brought untold hardship to the people as many civil servants cannot meet up with their responsibility. Ologbondiyan gave assurance that if PDP comes on board the face of the state will change with development and progress. The National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus, while presenting Musa Wada to party supporters, said that Wada and Aro were in the best position to ensure prompt payment of salaries as well as bring about an improved standard of living. Presenting also Dino Melaye whom he described as a voice that cannot be silenced in Kogi State and at the national level to party supporters, he urged them

to support him to return to the red chamber come November 16. Speaking before the event, Joseph Erico Ameh, head of security of the party, stated that the cardinal points of focus of a PDPled administration was prompt payment of salaries to alleviate the suffering which the people have been subjected to in the last three-and-half years of Governor Bello-led administration of APC. He also said that PDP government would bring back smiles on the faces of Kogi people if given the opportunity in the forthcoming election, adding that PDP will not subscribe to any form of violence. Erico Ameh who was one of the aspirants that lost to Wada also urged the youths not to allow themselves be used to perpetrate any act of violence in the November 16 election. He also stated that if Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would do the needful and carry out its constitutional role as an unbiased umpire in the forthcoming election there will be no cause for alarm.

How much does Nigeria gain from int’l summits? Continued from page 2

ing cap, saying “Nigeria is being scrambled for the third time not even by developed countries but

by developing countries such as China, India, Singapore and now Russia. Nigeria is too big for this but because we have an acute

failure of leadership we are not able to launch into the league of major players in the economy of the world today.”

Iniobong Iwok

he Court of Appeal Kaduna division has reaffirmed the victory of Shamsudeen Bello Dambazau, as the lawfully elected candidate for the Takai/Sumaila federal constituency of Kano State. Dambazau’s election had been challenged by Suraja Kanawa who was the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Kanawa had filed a claim of incompetence against Dambazau, praying the court to disqualify the APC candidate and declare him the winner of the election. The Court, however, ruled that Shamsudeen was not a party in the suit at the tribunal, and failure to join him rendered the judgment of the tribunal a nullity. The Court of Appeal further ruled that the decision of the tribunal was null and void, and that the tribunal was incompetent when it assumed jurisdiction to entertain the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Suraja Kanawa. Speaking on Dambazau victory, his Senior Legislative Aide, Sadiq Samaila said that with

the Court ruling justice had prevailed. According to him, “I am grateful to Allah who has once again granted us victory today and in effect has placed his seal of approval on our capable lawmaker. “It has been a gruelling past few weeks from tribunal to court, but in the end, justice, fairness and competence have the day, and there is cause for celebration.” “Let me repeat that the mandate given to Shamsudeen Dambazau by the people of Takai/ Sumaila will never be ignored, overlooked, or taken for granted. We are well positioned to bring needed change to our constituency, and this victory proves that,” he said.

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News Eastern ports get new security verve with Ogwuche taking command

Holistic implementation of 2020 Budget critical for economic growth - Stakeholders SEYI JOHN SALAU

Ignatius Chukwu

he battle to revive eastern ports and enthrone industrialisation in south-south and south-east may have got a huge boost with the posting of a new Eastern Ports Police Commander, Yunusa Ogwuche. This is as a new police commissioner, Mustapha Dandaura, has been sent to Rivers State in the wake of serial killing of women in hotel rooms in Port Harcourt, needing a big hunt. His arrival seems to pay off as Gracious David West from Asari-Toru Local Council Area of Rivers State was recently captured while fleeing to Akwa Ibom State soon after. Stakeholders, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rivers/Bayelsa chapter, have pushed for revival of eastern ports but the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) national leadership has pinned down insecurity amongst other factors militating against the eastern ports. Apparently to start by tackling insecurity, a new commander has been sent with clear mandate to fight back port insecurity in the east. Ports in the region have faced incursions by hoodlums, some burrowing underground in Berths 5, 6, 7 in Port Harcourt Port to cut steel to sell. Those arrested were said not to be seriously dealt with, thus getting out to do even more havoc. Now, the ports have cried out and the NPA seems keen to give hoodlums a fight so

Mustapha Dandaura

that the ports in the east could regain vitality and vibrancy. Many vessels are now diverting to the east while activity is said to have increased by over 100 percent. NPA and the security agencies seem to want stronger policing in the ports in the region, hence, Oguche’s arrival. It is not clear how he plans to meet the huge expectations and how he plans to sanitise the security system and win the support of all units to win the battle, but he has already given indications which are being interpreted in the port community. Speaking with newsmen on arrival, he promised to build on the existing relationships in the command so that those who do business in the ports will have their goods secured. He however, warned those pot rats to retrace their steps or will be dealt with within the ambits of the law. The new eastern port commander, Oguche, took over the Command in a brief ceremony after inspecting a

Yunusa Ogwuche

guard of honour. The Commissioner is seen to be returning to a familiar turf, Rivers State, in a higher rank. He had served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in some divisions in Port Harcourt where he was known to have busted so many crimes due to his operational tactics. During this period, he served as DPO Elimgbu, Central Police Station CPS, Olu Obasanjo, Isiokpo and Rumuji, amongst others. He is viewed as an officer and gentleman and a true professional to the core who has served his fatherland in different capacities. Due to his operational prowess, he led a contingent of Nigeria Police to Haiti for peace keeping operations where he excelled in the Latin American country. Other tactical postings were as Police Mopol Force (PMF) unit commander, and squadron commander 8. Ogwuche has served in all geo-political zones of the country in different capacities. Before his redeployment

to the Eastern Ports Command, he was the Commissioner of Police, Border Patrol Force, at the force headquarters, Abuja. He is happily married with children. On his part, the new Rivers police boss, Dandaura, has been a headquarters man with a brief stint in Anambra. He is said to be relied upon when crack investigations were needed and why integrity and thoroughness were important. Coming from Kastina State, and from the same Daura as President Muhammadu Buhari, many see him as a strong character that has much to defend. He wasted no time in throwing a dragnet through close circuit television camera system that exposed David-West in a hotel and soon had the suspected serial killer in the dragnet, an event that has turned Port Harcourt into global cynosure. The suspect has sensationally been confessing and making the Dandaura-led police look wonder.

Why VAT increase at this time is not appropriate, by Accounting expert Ngozi Okpalakunne

ederal Government has been urged to seek for other means of generating revenue instead of going ahead with its plans to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5 percent to 7. 2percent. Speaking at a press briefing held recently in Lagos, Blake Ijezie, managing partner, Okwudili Ijezie and Co., an accounting firm, affirmed that the decision of the Federal Government to increase VAT is not appropriate at this point in time, because of the inflationary tendency that will result from it. Ijezie, who is also a tax consultant with over two decades of experience, said that the government should increase the tax net with incentive instead of increasing the percentage of VAT. “There are lots of people

who are not in the tax net, they should be encouraged to enter with incentive; I think that should be ideal instead increasing VAT now that the economy is down”, he said. Ijezie, however, applauded the government for expanding the number of products and services in the VAT exemption list, such as fruits, baby products, books and educational materials, rice, medical and pharmaceutical products and services, among others. On the proposed introduction of toll gates, he advised the government to discard such proposal, adding that most Nigerian roads are not roads in the real sense of it, but death traps. He said: “It is not appropriate to introduce toll gates when the roads are bad. Government should be more concerned about the reconstruction of bad roads. I advise that roads be

concessioned to the private sector that can toll them after reconstruction”. He commended the closure of Nigerian borders by the government, saying that such effort will further strengthen the Nigerian economy. “If the borders are not closed, the CBN Anchor Rice initiative will fall apart. Recall that many states are now into rice cultivation and some industrialists have set up rice mills. The employment opportunities by this new rice industry are huge. If borders are left open, this will result in flooding of the country with cheaper rice from Asia and the resultant collapse of the industry. “Most of the small arms that come into the country allegedly are smuggled via the porous land borders. These are being checkmated through this border closure. We may start witness-

ing drop in kidnapping and herdsmen banditry. “What about the usual claim by NNPC that the spike in the fuel subsidy is caused by smuggling of petroleum products out of the country to neighbouring countries? If this is true, a lot of money will be saved,” Ijezie said. He therefore, advised the masses to bear with the government on border closure and added that the challenges they are facing now due to the closure is for a while. “Nigerians should bear with the government for now. The foreign rice we consume in this country is not as nutritious as our local rice. If the country is continuously flooded with imported products it will be difficult for us to be a producing economy unlike other advanced countries of the world.”

takeholders in the organised private sector of the economy have posited that for Nigeria to fully experience the economic benefits of the Federal Government economic recovery and growth plan (ERGP) initiative, government, both at the federal and state levels, must push for holistic budget implementation. Chris Okunowo, president and chairman of governing council, Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria, said budget formulation and implementation are major strategies for driving national growth and development in advanced and developed economies of the world. Okunowo made the observation at the 2019 Fellows’ Night and Investiture held in Lagos. The Fellows’ Night and Investiture is an advocacy forum endorsed by council of the institute for creating awareness on government policies and programmes with the theme, ‘A Critical Analysis of the Federal Government 2020 Budget Proposal’. According to Okunowo, budget frameworks are the prerogative of government which set the policies and create the enabling environment for it, and work collaboratively with the private sector to drive the desired development. “Over the decades, economic reforms in Nigeria have been multifaceted. However,

the concern of directors and business leaders is that despite several reforms and economic frameworks introduced by the Federal Government, the Nigerian economy still appears to be moving at a snail speed and certainly not in conformity with the country’s resources both human and material,” said Okunowo. “…we have continued to canvass for good corporate governance of all private and public sector organisations in the country and will continue to partner with all business and thought leaders from both the public and private sectors to push forward our innovative ideas for our collective benefits,” Okunowo further said. Speaking on the investiture, Okunowo said that traditionally, the IoD Nigeria confers fellowship status annually on deserving members who have meritoriously distinguished themselves in the service of the institute in varying capacities while making notable contributions to the success stories of their respective companies and the Nigerian business community. “The Annual Fellows’ Night and Investiture is therefore, an event for the formal induction and celebration of the newly upgraded members of the institute to fellows,” he concludes. Ben Akabueze, the DG, Budget Office of the Federation and keynote speaker, said, early budget submission was geared towards ensuring early approval and restoration of January-December budget cycle.

Maritime industry honours departed Promise Anaroke with ‘night of tributes’

he maritime industry stakeholders have concluded plans to honour the late Promise Anaroke, wife of Kingsley Anaroke, CEO/ editor-in-chief of MMS Plus newspapers, with a night of tributes scheduled to hold on November 7th, 2019. The event will take place at Eagle Club, Surulere in Lagos from 5pm to enable industry operators; friends and colleagues the opportunity to extol the bereaved. Kingsley Anaroke, husband of the deceased said the event would give maritime industry stakeholders, friends and family of the deceased the opportunity to honour the departed Promise for her contribution to the development of the nation’s maritime industry. Until her death, Promise was a founding Member of Kings Communications Ltd passed on recently after brief illness. She was a Board of Trustee member of MMS

Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame (WOFHOF) Initiative, a member of the Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), African Women in Maritime (WIMAFRICA), Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, among others. Following her venture into politics, she served as the supervisor for Education, Oji-River Local Government Area in Enugu State between 2015 and 2017. She was also the Lagos State coordinator of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) E-Women network; Enugu State coordinator of ‘Women 4 Women’ and held many other political positions in Enugu State. According to the family, the burial arrangements would begin afterwards as Promise would be laid to rest in her home town in Enugu State few weeks after the night tributes in Lagos.

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Traditional ruler’s quest for national unity receives federal nods IFEOMA OKEKE

n a bid to ensure security in the nation and grow the nation’s economy by empowering people in his community and elsewhere as well as soliciting for peace and a sense of togetherness amongst kings and kingdoms around the nation, Appolus Chu, the paramount ruler of Okori, Egbere Emere Okori I of Eleme Kingdom, has invested in making this a reality. He got the backing of the Federal Government when recently, Ahmed Idris Wase, deputy speaker, House of Representatives, along with Hellen Tallen, minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, led a delegation of some Federal Government officials to pay homage to the monarch at his palace in Ogale Eleme of Rivers State for being a patriotic Nigerian. For Appolus Chu, securing the peace, unity and safety of Nigeria is a task that must be carried out by everyone rather than the citizens just folding their hands and watch as the nation degenerates. For a while now, the campaign for unity and harmony

L-R: Ahmed Idris Wase, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives; HRH Appolus Chu and Hellen Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, during the visit of the federal government delegation to Chu’s p.

in Nigeria has been a crusade carried out with passion by the Egbere Okor in various ways and in various parts of the country. For some time now, Appolus Chu has been traversing the length and breadth of the country with the message of Nigeria’s indivisibility, the need for cultural integration, tolerance, peace and unity. He sees this as grounds that breed progress and national development. This crusade according

to Chu is part of the moves to strengthen cultural ties and peaceful coexistence amongst the different regions and ethnic groups in the country. Apart from organising various events in his community to achieve this, like hosting high class traditional rulers and other dignitaries across the country in his palace regularly, Chu has made it a tradition to travel from one part of Nigeria to another every now and then, trying to establish a

crusade of oneness, a gesture he wants other traditional rulers to imbibe. It was in recognition of the bridge the monarch is building that Wase and Tallen visited his palace, leading a delegation of some Federal Government officials to pay homage to the Chu at his palace in Ogale Eleme of Rivers State to convey this message to the man they regard as a detribalised Nigerian, a patriot and nationalist. The constant message that Chu has come to be known with is unity, peaceful coexistence and tolerance among traditional rulers and people of different ethnic groups in Nigeria for development to thrive. As the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, some members of the National Assembly and Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development called at his palaces, his role as a bridge builder was extolled. They see his unity campaign which he has been carrying round the country as a move that supports the three cardinal points of the present administration, which is security, fighting corruption and growing the economy.

Abia community honours journalist for humanitarian roles UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

he People of Amaekpu Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, recently celebrated their maiden outing Iri Ji Ezieogo festival The occasion also witnessed the honouring of some of their illustrious sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in various ways to make the community proud. Ezieogo Awa Nwankwo, the Traditional Ruler of Amaekpu Ohafia, in his speech noted that the maiden edition of the Iri Ji Ezieogo

Umar Bature Masari

which annual celebration would become character of the community would endear their country home. He said that since ascension of the Ezieogoship stool, his mission for the community was anchored on the cherished stand of bringing prosperity to the doors of every Amaekpu man or woman and moving development to the next level. “My concept of rulership is to try as much as possible to put Amaekpu on the map of relevance and importance. In fact, my utmost desire is to see Amaekpu and her people shine and lead on” said the Royal father.

Ezieogo Nwankwo restated the need for Ndi Amaekpu at home and Diaspora to regard Iri Ji Ezieogo festival as a way of fostering peace, unity and harmony in the community. The Royal father used the occasion to call on investors within and outside the country to come to Amaekpu and invest in industry and other sectors of the economy while assuring such investors of providing the enabling and conducive environment for their rapid development. During the occasion, one of the illustrious sons of the community honoured was Anaga Ibe Ojo, a renowned journalist and public relations guru, who was bestowed with chieftaincy title of Ochonma Oha (which means a man who seeks the welfare of all). According to the Traditional Ruler, Ojo, as a philanthropist to the core and full of milk of human kindness, has over the years been sponsoring many students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions and had contributed immensely to the development of Amaekpu, Ohafia. Ojo had earlier been honoured by members of his Age grade, Ifuruaku, with a title of Okaa-ome (man of his words) for his numerous supports to his community.

Ojo, in his speech after being honoured by his Community expressed joy for the recognition given to him by his community. He quoted Stephen Greliet (1773-1855) words, thus: “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” He said one should not be a millionaire before showing little kindness to the lessprivileged or indigent ones. He said that once somebody has the spirit of giving, it does not need the person being an affluent somebody. “I have 50 persons working in farm at my village and they are earning their living there for their various families. One thing about my person is that I don’t like making public all that I do for people because it is not my nature to do so,” Ojo said. He enjoined members of society to show love to the less-privileged no matter how small it may be for they would always receive the blessings of God. Ojo is a member of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).

Arewa24 goes global with new allHausa language streaming service

REWA24, the leading Hausa Language entertainment and lifestyle channel in Nigeria and West Africa, announces the launch of “AREWA24 on Demand,” its new global subscription video-on-demand (“SVOD”) and “Over-the-Top” (OTT) streaming service. Hausa speakers and their families everywhere around the world will now be able to enjoy the award-winning and diverse Hausa language programming that Nigerians and other West Africans get to enjoy on a daily basis from the 24/7 AREWA24 television channel. Jacob Arback, AREWA24 CEO, describes the new ‘on demand’ streaming service as a way of extending the network’s reach to Hausa speakers throughout the world. “Sharing a sense of home and a deep pride in local culture lies at the heart of what the AREWA24 ON DEMAND streaming service and the AREWA24 brand is all about. Now, through our new on demand streaming service, our viewers will be able to share and enjoy the best, locally relevant, family-focused entertainment programming with Hausa speakers everywhere. Most importantly, we are sharing pride in culture and a sense of belonging for Hausa families living outside of Nigeria or other West African countries,” Arback said. He added that “AREWA24 ON DEMAND will launch with thousands of hours of unique and original content. We’re producing a dozen original shows across genres and formats each and every day in our Kano, Nigeria production studios, including two of the highest rated

drama series in the region, ‘90 Days’ and ‘Dadin Kowa.’ “In addition, we voice-dub a wide variety of international and independently-produced African programming into Hausa in our three dubbing studios; all of which will be available on the new streaming service.” He further said that the new AREWA24 ON DEMAND SVOD service will provide unlimited access to all currently-produced AREWA24 series and programming as well as to its library of Hausa Language programming, the largest library of Hausa content in the world. “Along with the channel’s popular drama series, AREWA24 ON DEMAND will serve up a large collection of new and fresh programming every day, including new Kannywood movies, Hausa Hip Hop, cooking shows, the channel’s flagship daily breakfast show, sports, culture, behind the scenes Kannywood entertainment, women’s programming, youth and kids shows, and much more,” he said. A R E WA 2 4 O N D E M A N D i s p o w e r e d by Vimeo’s state-of-the-art SVOD and OTT technologies. Vimeo provides powerful tools for creators to build custom subscription services across all major platforms and connected device. “We’re proud to offer Vimeo’s best-in-class OTT technology, uncompromising customer service, and high-quality user experience to AREWA24 and its fans,” Kathleen Barrett, SVP, Enterprise, Vimeo, said. “Now global audiences can access and enjoy the first Africabased Hausa language SVOD service,” Barrett added.

FG pledges full support for AFRIMA as Nigeria hosts 2019 edition

he Federal Government has promised its full support for the successful hosting of the 2019 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), as the country prepares to host the glamorous event in Lagos 20-23November 2019, with the theme: ‘Feel Africa’. A statement by Segun Adeyemi, special assistant to the President (Media), Office of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lagos, said that Lai Mohammed, made the promise in a statement in Lagos. “When you look at the All Africa Music Awards, it’s one of the biggest awards for the music industry in Africa, and what government has done in the past is to provide the enabling environment for the awards to take place. ‘’We provided support services for AFRIMA, we

gave them the backing they need and I think it’s on record that the AFRIMA editions that have been held in Nigeria have been among the most successful. ‘’This year again, we are ready to partner AFRIMA professionally, give them the maximum support such as effective media coverage and also help them in reaching out to other critical stakeholders,’’ the Minister said. He said part of the reasons why Nigeria has successfully hosted the music awards is because the country has relaxed its visa regime, with the visa on arrival policy, thus making it easier for people to come in. AFRIMA, which was first held in 2014, was established in collaboration with the African Union (AU) to reward and celebrate musical talents and creativity in Africa as well as to promote African Cultural Heritage.

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Food insecurity poses threat to national security Group stages sensitisation UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

pprehensive of food insecurity occasioned by natural disasters and rapid national population growth, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has established t h e Na t i o n a l Fa r m e r s Helpline Centre as one of the pluralist extension delivery approaches that will most effectively help all stakeholders in the Agricultural Value Chain. Victor Ihediwa , Abia State Director, of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development gave the hint at the Women Development Centre, Umuahia, in a goodwill message on the occasion of Abia State 2019 World Food Day celebration, with the theme, ‘Our Actions are our Future: Healthy Diets for a Zero Hunger World’. Ihediwa also spoke about the sale of farm production/ processing chemicals and equipment at government highly subsided rates, such as all kinds of herbicides and insecticides, motorised hand push weeders, planters, soil tillers, threshers,

reapers among others which, he informed, could be purchased at FMARD office, within the premises of National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike. The FMARD State director hinted that government was also packaging different conditions and processes to ensure sustainable food supply in the country. “ Th e g o v e r n m e n t i s aware of the food insecurity that is occasioned by natural disasters and rapid national population growth without equivalent increase in other factors of production like land, skilled labour, etc. This then has justified the continued provision of new supporting structures and programmes by the state and the Federal Government to counter such negative influences to national agricultural production and processing. “In line with the above message, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development established the National Farmers Helpline Centre as one of the pluralist extension delivery approaches that will most effectively help all stakeholders in the Agricultural Value Chain to

get the latest and proven best agricultural practices, get real-time market information for agricultural produce buyers and sellers, get guidance to address field challenges, get guidance and information on how and where to source quality agricultural inputs and so on. The Zonal Centre covering farmers from South east zone is located at National Root Crop Research Institute Umudike. Farmers requiring extension services would simply use their GSM to call from the comfort of their homes or farms to the zonal centre Number 0800 220 0444 and get the expected services. “Another activity of the government is the sale of farm production/processing chemicals and equipment at government highly subsided rates, such as all kinds of herbicides and insecticides, motorised hand push weeders, planters, soil tillers, threshers, reapers etc. these can be purchased at Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) office, within the premises of National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike”.

Unilorin waxing stronger despite challenges, says VC SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin

ulyman Age Abdulkareem, professor of Chemical Engineering and Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin has said the institution has increased its capacity in order to generate more Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He says the management took the decision having realised that government alone cannot fund education to attain global standard. Abdulkareem, who identified insufficient funding to run the university and accomplish its set goals as major challenge confronting the institution, revealed that collaborations with relevant agencies and individuals have made the University to wax stronger. He, however, urged the Federal Government to passionately pursue its promise to increase annual budget for education to 15 percent, with a view to bringing it closer to 26 percent UNESCO recommendation. Th e V i c e Ch a n c e l lor, who stated this in his speech delivered recently at the 35th convocation ceremony of the institution, says: “We have realised long ago that government alone cannot sufficiently

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fund education to attain the global standards that can drive national prosperity and development we desire. “This is because, as President Muhammad Buhari, once frankly noted, there are numerous other competing demands and responsibilities from different sectors of the economy”. The Vice Chancellor disclosed that the University is spending more than N30 million monthly to generate adequate power supply, adding that, “Challenges facing university, particularly in Nigeria, is insufficiency of funds to run the university and to accomplish its set goals. “In the last five years, there has been a nose-dive in the budgetary allocation to education from a height of 10.78percent in 2015 to 7.92percent in 2016, 7.4percent in 2017, 7.04percent of the 2018 budget of N8.6 trillion, and then still going lower in the 2020 Budget proposal presented to the Joint Session of the National Assembly on Tuesday, 8th October, 2019. “To this end, I want to encourage the Federal Government to passionately and sincerely pursue its promise and determination to increase annual budget on education to 15percent of

the total annual budget in order to bring the annual education budget closer to 26percent recommended by UNESCO.” Speaking on his stewardship, Abdulkareem explained that “the full implementation of our 4th Strategic Plan, which entails the ambitious giant strides; we want to make before the end of our tenure have been estimated to gulp N36,443,500,000.00. “There is no way we can get all the money from government. Immediately I assumed the captain’s seat of this University, I began aggressive scouting for and negotiation with reliable businessmen who could help us use our massive endowment of land to generate money that will make us self-reliant and that has been yielding positive results. “With the assistance and the goodwill of our Chairman of Council, we have been able to get one who will soon turn our University into Eldorado of academic and business prosperity. “The collaboration we have consummated with the businessman, who is known for his integrity, is a bold step in the direction of solidifying our philosophy of combining academic with entrepreneurship initiative.”

programme for teenage girls

Iniobong Iwok

oundless Hands Africa in collaboration with Women’s Right and Health Project has organised an empowerment and capability building programme for teenage girls and outof-school children in Lagos State. It is estimated that 13.2million children are out of school and 60percent are girls. The programme was part of event marking the inter-

national day of the girl child with the theme; ‘Girl Force: Unscripted and Unstoppable’. The event was divided into two sessions and exposed the teenage girls to how they can set life goals, cultivating healthy people skills and menstrual health hygiene education. They were also taught ways to prevent and report sexual harassment, while contacts of personnel they could call were disseminated. Aghama Jesurobo, found-

er of Alpha Initiative for Development and a Champion, urged the teenage girls to believe in themselves and set goals so they could excel in life. Other notable speakers shared their stories of growth and success, inspiring the girls to a new thinking and awareness to possibilities. At the end of the event, some of the girls who expressed interest in learning vocational skills were offered placements by the Majority Leader of Ejigbo Local Government Area.

The group at a sensitisation programme recently.

Experts chart path to digital skills growth in Nigeria David Ibemere

igeria’s digital skill talent gap is causing the country to lose out on fortune a year as companies are finding it increasingly difficult to find the right candidates with the digital skills to fill its vacancies. This gap according to digital experts who gathered at an industry event entitled Accelerating Talents for Industry organised by Digify Africa and supported by Facebook in Lagos over the weekend, believe can only be bridged, if Nigerians begin to show more interest in uplevelling their digital skills, which goes beyond just checking and posting events on social networking sites. Taking turns to explain the gaps and how technology is disrupting brand communication while highlighting government‘s role is in closing the digital divide, the experts were also in consensus opinion that to bridge digital skills gap in Nigeria, there is need for every citizen to understand the rudiments behind being computer literate. One of the speakers, Yemi Orimolade, Regional Philan-

thropies Marcom Coordinator, Microsoft MEA, said with the fourth revolution being in place people will need to upscale, learn new skills and relearn to become more relevant with the future of work or jobs in the new industrial revolution. Orimolade said basic computer literacy is the first step in closing the huge digital skills gap in the industry. “We need to go back to the basics and make digital education available across board.” Also speaking, Lanre Osibona, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Information Technology however noted it will take the collaboration of both private and government intervention if Nigeria will take the Lead in the developmental drive to Bring ICT to the Fore in the Formal and Informal Sectors of the country. While praising the effort made so far by Digify Africa in training and preparing graduate for digital workplace he accepted that there is more work to be done to prepare Nigerians for the 4th revolution. For Olamide Egbayelo, Chief Digital Strategist, Hexal Place, he noted that

the importance of having a Social Media Manager can no longer be underestimated. The system is changing, brands have to adjust. He tasked institutions not to wait for the government to change the curriculum, but for individuals to go out there and learn for themselves. Earlier in her remarks Florence Atunwa Olumodimu, Programme Director Digify Nigeria, who had interact and nurtured over 5000 youths said what is apparent is that there is a major gap between what the majority are learning at the university and the skills required to flourish in the industry 4.0. “We have been able to deliver digital skills and soft skills that are required for the future of work. We activate Africa`s most valuable natural resources, ‘young people’ — as a solution to one of its most critical challenges: youth unemployment,” she added. Ken Ndubusi, head of Operations at TCY Africa, emphasised the need for every sector to brace up and not wait on the government to close the digital skills gap but readily embrace every digital skill opportunity and evolve alongside.

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Despite resistance, threats, Oyo Assembly passes anti-open grazing law REMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

espite opposition from Fulani herdsmen, Oyo State House of Assembly, on Thursday passed the state anti-open grazing bill into law. The passage of the bill is coming barely two days after some Fulani herdsmen in the state threatened the State House of Assembly with legal action should it decline to rescind its decision to pass the bill into law. Some herdsmen in the state who converged on Igangan, an agrarian com-

munity in Ibarapa North Local Government Area, where they met for several hours, on Wednesday resolved to use legal option to stop the state House of Assembly from going further to enact the proposed law. The Fulani herdsmen at the meeting presided over by the Sarkin Fulani of Oyo State, Saliu AbdukKadir described the Bill as “too draconian” and targeted at crippling herdsmen from practising their age-long cattle rearing activities across the state. They threatened to sue the Assembly if it does not step the bill down.

The bill entitled, ‘Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Bill 2019’, is jointly sponsored by the Speaker of the Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, the deputy Speaker, Abiodun Fadeyi, Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin and the minority Leader, Asimiyu Alarape. The law would prohibit open grazing in the state. However on Thursday, the house finally passed the bill into law, saying that the law will foster peace and promote agricultural business in the State and avoid continuous damage as well as end loss of lives and unquantifiable investment to constant clashes between

herders and farmers. Ad e b o Og u n d oy i n , Speaker of the House of Assembly, who stressed the importance of the bill, appealed to residents of the state to ignore falsehoods and misconceptions on the bill. “Public hearing was held in which critical reviews and opinions of all concerned stakeholders, individuals, groups and experts were accommodated and considered before it was passed into law. According to Ogundoyin, we assure the people that all suggestions and memoranda of understanding submitted by various

groups, agencies and representatives of different communities and tribes on the open rearing and grazing regulation bill 2019 was painstakingly looked into before it was passed into law. While appealing to everyone to shun the rumour spreading that the law is to make life and business unbearable for some targeted group or set of people, the Speaker said the law is meant to promote peace among residents and different tribes in Oyo State. According to him, “Both herders and crop farmers are farmers, and because laws are made to correct,

definitely we do not expect it to favour anyone 100 percent. I implore them to embrace developmental changes this law is bringing into the agricultural business after its enactment.” “Let us consider partnership, cluster farming, cooperative ranches and other helpful methods that are working in successful neighbouring countries. If we truly desire development and growth in our agriculture, then we have to get ready and adopt new strategies to boost our produces and reduce loss of resources and lives,” he further said.

Ondo moves to end Nigerians’ medical tourism abroad with $1.1bn Sunshine medical city RAZAQ AYINLA

onsidering the scourge of ceaseless brain drain which the Nigeria health sector experiences and capital flight through medical tourism in foreign countries, Ondo State government has concluded plans to establish a $1.1 billion health facility in Akure, the state capital, to cater for both quality healthcare delivery and training of health personnel. The establishment of the proposed biggest health facility named ‘Sunshine Medical City’ in Akure, Ondo State capital will be made to offer quality healthcare services to residents and

non-residents of the state as well as to improve the quality of medical teaching in the state-owned University of Medical Sciences located in another major city - Ondo city, and other institutions with medical departments and faculties. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to mark the establishment of Sunshine Medical City was signed at Ondo State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro in Abuja on Thursday between Ondo State government being represented by Ifedayo Abegunde, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Germanybased Health Institution - Medicus International, being represented by Frank Spriewald, Chief Executive

Officer (CEO). Speaking shortly after the signing of MoU, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu noted that Medicus International has good intention to develop the medical infrastructure in the state, hence, the choice of Ondo State, adding that the state government would set up a team of medics that would be headed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Health, Jibayo Adeyeye, to work with Medicus International. “I am more than convinced that Medicus has good intention. As I told them when they came, coincidentally about few weeks ago, I was in Germany myself and I saw their structure.

Utomi, Akinfeleye, Okoye chair committees of The Kukah Centre, New Narrative Newspaper Awards

enowned Professor of political economy, Pat Utomi; first African Council Member, World Journalism Education Council and Mass Communication Lecturer, University of Lagos, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye and former presidential aspirant and IPAC National Secretary, Godson Okoye have been appointed to chair various committees of The Kukah Centre and New Narrative Newspaper Annual Leadership Lecture and Good Governance Award slated for December 2019. Utomi is the chairman of the national planning committee while Akinfeleye is the chairman of the Award Selection Committee while Okoye will chair the Abuja committee of the event. A statement signed by Kalu Okoronkwo, publisher/CEO, The New Narrative Newspaper, said that it became necessary to seek for men of integrity to drive

Pat Utomi

the process of the event to ensure openness and fairness in the process leading, during and after the good governance awards being the first of its kind in Nigeria. He said that it was also the need to ensure high integrity and positive perception for the award that The Kukah Centre, a global non-governmental organisation, and The New Narrative Newspaper collaborating on key areas that will enhance servant leadership and good governance in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. “This is an international

event that will attract personalities within and outside the country. The awards are strictly based on integrity as they will be benchmarked against global best practices in tandem with the United Nation’s development goals of participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus-oriented, equity, inclusiveness, effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability”, Kalu said. According to him, The New Narrative Newspaper is collaborating with the Kukah Centre in the leadership lecture and good governance awards to stimulate a vibrant leadership that will deliver positive, tangible social change in Nigeria. Speaking further, Kalu said that the good governance awards represents a refreshing shift in paradigm in media and other awards in Nigeria as it will reward institutions and office holders with track records of good governance culture.

L-R: Taieck Son, managing director, LG Electronics West Africa Operations; James Lee, Regional president, LG Electronics, Middle East & Africa Region; Toke Makinwa, celebrity and a renowned On-Air Personality and Mohammed Fouani, managing director, Fouani Nigeria Ltd at the launch of the LG DUALCOOL Premium Air Conditioner in Lagos.

Group commends Sanwo-Olu over State of Emergency declaration on Lagos roads

pro-democracy group, Black Youth Vanguard (BYV), has commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on his declaration of State of Emergency on the roads across the state describing it as a welcome development towards economic progress. AstatementfromitsChairman, James Adeyemi stated that benefit of good roads in the economic advancement of any country can never be over-emphasised,addingthat, it is a sure means of economic buoyancy. Adeyemi stressed further that, passable roads would curb the productive time being wasted in traffic, saying, Sanwo-Olu deserves to be commended for walking the talk by fulfilling his campaign promises made during the electioneering toward the election. The youth leader also gave the governor kudos

over his agreement to pay more than N30,000 stipulated minimum wage to the workers, pointing out that, “this singular act is an indication that he is a man to be trusted and be entrusted with the affairs of the state. According to him, Sanwo-Olu has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he understands the governance terrain and that the electorate had not made mistakes in giving him their mandate to be their governor. The BYV boss added that, Sanwo-Olu surely deserves to be at the helm of affairs of a state like Lagos that accounts for more than 50 per cent of the country’s economy which needs good roads to drive economy, enthusing that, with declaration of zero tolerance for bad roads, productivity across all the sectors would be enhanced and thus assist in raising the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), higher.

Adeyemi therefore urged, the people of the state to reciprocate Sanwo-Olu’s good gestures by raising the tempo of their support for him to encourage him be more up and doing for the benefit of all and sundry, reminding that, “art of governance is not exclusively for the people in government but a collect responsibility of all.” Looking critically at some of the steps the governor has been taking so far, Adeyemi declared with all emphasis in his disposal that said, people would now be convinced that they have a round peg in a round hole at the Alausa Government House. “Against this background, it is now crystal clear that with Sanwo-Olu in the saddle in Lagos, the state would soon reach the Eldorado where more democracy dividends would be guaranteed across board,” Adeyemi concluded.

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L-R: Eason Duan, general manager, Tecno Mobile West Africa; Chidi Oguchi, executive director, Pointek Nigeria; Emeka Oguchi, managing director, Pointek Nigeria; Luke Pan, brand manager, Tecno Mobile Nigeria, and Jimoh Mustapha, business manager, Pointek, during the inauguration of Tecno flagship store at the Ikeja City Mall, Lagos.

L-R: Usman Imanah, corporate communications manager, Stanbic IBTC; Sola Fijabi, director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing; Emeka Ogbu, vice president, Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA); Olamide Adeyemo, chief operating officer, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, and Tope Asiwaju, group public relations and events manager, Dufil Prima Foods, at the 2019 Higher Institutions Football League, Super Four Press Conference in Lagos.

L-R: Director, Commercial Finance, 9mobile, Femi Adebayo; Founder, Lasmara Art Consultancy, Hana Omilani; and Ag. Managing Director, 9mobile, Stephane Beuvelet, at the VIP Opening of Impart Artists Fair organised by Lasmara in partnership with 9mobile, held at the Alpha One, Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos Thursday, 24th October 2019

L-R: Representative of Arla Foods, Ajibola Olatubosun, Kedaik Kaushik of Fareast Mercantile Nig. Ltd, General Manager, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Kemi Olugbode, Robert Thouanel of Promasidor Nig. Ltd, Olumade Soyemi of Friesland Campina Wampco, during a stakeholders meeting to address the unwholesome sales of powdered milk in Lagos markets organised by LASCOPA recently.

L-R: Andrew Uaboi, senior director, Visa West Africa; Visa Summer Campaign Winners, Jonathan Edhele Joshua, Ubendu Obisike Ndubisi, and Folashade Femi-Lawal, head, card and messaging business, at the Visa Summer Campaign Prize presentation ceremony which held in Lagos recently. Seyi Iwayemi (r), senior group head/project director, Maximedia Global Communications Limited receiving an award on behalf of Maximedia for consistent patronage from Serge Noujaim, CEO, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Nigeria Info FM and Arewa FM in Lagos recently.

L-R: Osayi Alile, CEO, Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation (ACT); Titilayo Akisanya, vice president, Chartered Institute Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPMN); Olawale Adediran, president and chairman governing council, CIPMN; Rosie Ebe-Arthur, group head, human capital and management development, First Bank Nigeria Limited, and Timi Ologunoye, director corporate services, Cars45 during the 51th annual national conference of Chartered Institute Personnel Management of Nigeria held in Abuja. Pic by Tunde Adeniyi

Lawan Ahmed, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila during a working visit to the leadership of the National Assembly by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (standing)

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China in the New Era:

Frank Aigbogun

Greater opportunity for Nigeria and the world

EDITOR Zebulon Agomuo DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGY, INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS Oghenevwoke Ighure ADVERT MANAGER Ijeoma Ude FINANCE MANAGER Emeka Ifeanyi MANAGER, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Obiora Onyeaso BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (South East, South South) Patrick Ijegbai COPY SALES MANAGER Florence Kadiri DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Linda Ochugbua GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (North)

Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

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

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

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PUBLISHER/CEO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha

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ZHOU PINGJIAN Dr. Zhou Pingjian is the Ambassador of China to Nigeria

he First of October this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. What path did China take? Where is China going? What are China’s goals in shaping the world? How will a developing China interact with the rest of the world? In respond to the above-mentioned questions and aiming to give the international community a better understanding of China’s development, the State Council Information Office of China recently published a white paper entitled ‘China and the World in the New Era’. The white paper systematically introduces China’s achievements, development path and directions over the past 70 years and deeply elaborated on China’s relations with the world. Over the past 7 decades, China has achieved great success. From 1952 to 2018, China’s industrial added value increased with an average annual growth rate of 11 percent. China’s GDP increased with an average annual growth rate of 8.1 percent, and per capita GDP increased by 70 times at constant prices. China’s life expectancy has increased from 35 years in 1949 to 77 years

in 2018, higher than the world’s average of 72 years. The living conditions of the Chinese people have been greatly improved. China’s rural population living under the current poverty line decreased from 770 million in 1978 to 16.6 million in 2018. China has established a preliminary social security system covering the largest population in the world. China was one of the poorest and most backward countries in 1949, now it is the second largest economy in the world. How has China scored remarkable accomplishments? Firstly, the right path of development. The choice of path is critical to the successful development of a country. China has found and will continue on the right path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which is the ultimate reason for China’s success over the past 70 years. As a vast country with a nearly 1.4 billion population, China has no experience of modernisation to borrow from in history. It has to blaze its own path. Secondly, the steadfast leadership. The Communist Party of China (CPC) is China’s core leadership, ruling the country for long and supported by the people. China’s success over the past 70 years boils down to the CPC’s leadership. Due to China’s vast territory and complicated national conditions, the governance of China is uniquely difficult. Without centralised, unified and firm leadership, China would have tended towards division and disintegration and caused

widespread chaos beyond its own borders. Thirdly, the industrious people. A large country with a nearly 1.4 billion population, China cannot achieve prosperity by asking for assistance and waiting. The only option is hard work. China relied on the solid and unremitting efforts of generations of Chinese people, relied on fulfilling its own responsibility in good times and in adversity, without exporting or shifting problems elsewhere, and without seeking development by trading under coercion or exploiting other countries. Over the past 70 years, China has defused many risks and overcome many challenges, and marched forward step after step. The Chinese nation has risen and become prosperous,China’sdevelopment path will look on brighter and brighter prospects as time moves on. China has entered a new era of development, which also constitutes even greater opportunity for Nigeria and the world. China’s All-round opening up creates more opportunities. China pursues a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up and strives to open up wider. It is not only “the world’s factory”, but also a global market. With a population of nearly 1.4 billion and a middleincome group of 400 million, China has the largest market in the world. Its huge consumer demand provides an enormous market for countries all over the world. In the coming 15 years, China’s imports of goods and services are expected to exceed US$30 trillion and US$10 trillion.

Owing to the initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) was launched in Shanghai in 2018, aiming at giving firm support to trade liberalization and economic globalisation and actively opening the Chinese market to the world. The second session of CIIE will be held from 5th to 10th November in Shanghai. We welcome more and more Nigerian companies could utilise this channel to explore the Chinese market. China-initiated cooperative mechanisms boost dynamic growth. China has benefited from the international community for its development, and it has never forgotten to provide it with more and better public goods in return. The most convincing mechanism is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which is an economic cooperation initiative proposed in 2013 by President Xi and is aiming at exploring new driving force for the world economy and building a new platform for world economic cooperation. The BRI originated in China, but the opportunities and achievements belong to the whole world. We are pleased to see that in Africa, the African Union and 39 African countries have already signed documents on BRI cooperation with China. We stand ready to strengthen comprehensive cooperation with the African countries in jointly building the Belt and Road to share the win-win outcomes. Note: the rest of this article continues in the online edition of Business Day @https://businessday.ng

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Sunday 27 October 2019

Sunday Magazine

What manner of yuletide amid kidnapper-infested, devastated highways? CHUKA UROKO, OBINNA EMELIKE and IFEOMA OKEKE

s a country, Nigeria excels in superlative description of self. If an average Nigerian, especially those who steal from the common pot, is not telling you that the country is the most populous black nation in the world, he is telling that it is the largest economy in Africa. It is, indeed, a fad in the country for even individuals and institutions to ascribe big names or qualify themselves in superlative terms with little or no consideration for the implications, demands and even moral burden such epithets or labels place on their shoulders. So, Nigeria is the big brother in Africa with the largest economy on the continent. When its economy was rebased in 2014, it was valued at $510 billion, putting it ahead of South Africa which, in real terms, is the largest and best managed economy on the continent. But Nigeria is a lame-duck even with largest economy in Africa and its 200 million population. The country has very disquieting statistics that belie its acclaimed status on the continent. For its large-size population, Nigeria has no house for its citizens; no electricity to power its economy and, above all, no roads to walk or drive on. With about 198,000 kilometres network of roads, Nigeria has the largest road network in West Africa and second largest in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Only 2,627 kilometres of these roads are dualised. Roads in the country are owned by the three tiers of government. Approximately 18 percent is by the federal government, 16 percent by the state governments while 66 percent is owned by local governments. That is, however, not the road story in the country. The story, instead, is that the condition of these roads is so poor that only about 35 percent of the network is motorable. “And that is the crux of the matter,” noted Camillus Okon, a social affairs commentator, who also expressed

worry over the level of insecurity on the nation’s highways. “For want of better words, the state of Nigerian roads can best be described as deplorable and it is a national shame and embarrassment. Whether you are talking about Trunk A roads which are federal, or Trunk B which are state roads or Trunk C roads which are local government roads, all are just bad,” Okon said. All over the country, federal roads have become highways to hell where people get killed or kidnapped for either ransom or death or both. Highways such as Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ibadan-Akure Road; ShagamuOre, Enugu-Onitsha Road, EnuguPort Harcourt Road, Abuja-Lokoja Road and several others have become nightmares to people who use them. Only two months to Christmas, travelers are already having ugly experiences on the roads. AbujaKogi-Lokoja Road particularly has become a metaphor for insecurity. Every traveller that uses that road would have his heart in his hands till the journey is concluded. The Abuja-Kaduna highway is also unsafe for travelers. Even though this has the advantage of boosting the newly introduced rail system on that route, that road

captures everything wrong with a nation that thrives by the riverside yet washes its hands with spittle. The condition of roads in the South Eastern part of Nigeria is even worse. According to Ejike Anyaduba, a public affairs analyst, whether it is a bumpy ride on Enugu-Onitsha or Enugu-Port Harcourt, Aba-Owerri, Aba-Port Harcourt, Aba-Umuahia, etc, the truth is that no federal road in the zone is in good condition. He said that the deterioration

of a nation. This expressway is very strategic economically as it is a gateway to Nigeria’s West Coast neighbours. It is a major aide to regional trade and commerce. But the expressway is a nightmare. It is unfortunate that of the country’s nearly 200,000 kilometres roads network, only 15 percent is paved which is far behind Malaysia’s 80 percent and 13 percent in Ethiopia. “Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Malaysia are ranked as the 27th, 32nd

of the roads has now reached a critical stage where people can no longer understand why they should still be paying tax to the government. Temper is running high because people’s patience, like a taut muscle, has been stretched to its limit. “What is more, everybody in authority is now an accursed of the people. Even the sane minds, blinded by anger and frustration, find it rather difficult to make a clear distinction on who to blame on the matter,” Anyaduba noted. In the South Western part of the country where Lagos is the centre of virtually everything, the condition of the roads is not any better. The Lagos-Badagry Expressway stands out as the shame

and 66th largest countries in the world by landmass. Though the data is inconclusive, one would imagine that larger countries would have more roads – and more paved roads,” noted Martha Sambe writing on ‘Rethinking Roads in Nigeria’. For Nigeria’s failure to pave its roads and secure them for travelers, there are consequences which Sambe says is the danger it poses to human lives. As the Christmas approaches, government should spare no efforts in terms of resources and time to secure the roads for travelers. This has become necessary because, according to Sambe, “while numerous causal factors are at play, frequent road travel-

lers would finger the deplorable state of Nigerian roads as chief among them.” Herdsmen still on the prowl Since the murder of Funke Olakunrin in July this year by suspected killer herdsmen, Nigerians have been celebrating a somewhat respite in the senseless attacks on innocent travellers, especially on highways across the country. For many observers, one of the reasons for the respite in the attacks may be fear of reprisal attacks in the South Western Nigeria by the Odua People’s Congress (OPC), because the late Funke was the daughter of Reuben Fasoranti, chairman of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation. “It seemed the death made the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria to ask its members to retreat across the country as tension was so high then and could lead to reprisal attacks. But the herders seem to be back now”, an observer, who pleaded anonymity, said. In line with the observer, AkinloyeOjolanre, a community leader in Ekiti State, explained that the ceaseless deaths also resulted in the formation of local vigilance groups by communities to protect themselves as they feared that government response would come late. Others think that the offering of grazing reserves to the herders did the magic. But Mathias Terfa, a Benue State indigene, who grew up and still lives in Kaduna, thinks that the herdsmen will not restrict their movements to grazing reserves because they see nomadic life as a cultural heritage. “For me, the only way to get them organised in a grazing reserve is to convince their leadership and show an example of what they can benefit from staying in a place instead of roaming across the country to rear their cattle”, Terfa said. He also explained that since nomadic life is cultural to the Fulani, it would take a strong Fulani to convince his kinsmen on the trend in cattle rearing globally. Probably, that was what Nasir El-Rufai, governor of Kaduna State, sensed when he took the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the state to Denmark for two weeks to understudy the ultramodern, all-inclusive, more lucrative and peaceful Danish cattle rearing model. “The nerves are calmed in Kaduna now because herders are now being encouraged to learn the modern way. It will be difficult for those herders to leave nomadic life, though El-Rufai is a strong governor, he can enforce it and

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BDSUNDAY 13

Sunday Magazine

nothing will happen”, he said. It would be recalled that at the height of herdsmen attacks and controversies trailing RUGA, Governor El-Rufai signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Arla Foods International, a Denmark company, to flag off a modern livestock production model in the country and to boost dairy production starting with one of the 15 grazing reserves in the state. At the MoU signing, the governor said: “Our hope is that what we started with Arla leading to the development of the grazing reserve in Kubau Local Government; and we want to develop jointly with them, and will show the itinerant nomadic herdsmen that it is possible to engage in modern livestock production without having to go up and down the country. “We want to show that it is possible for livestock production to be a business rather than a culture or habit or lifestyle but something that can empower and enrich our herdsmen and women”. Apart from Kaduna State, the Central Bank of Nigeria has commenced a flagship partnership on livestock development initiative in Bobi Grazing Reserve in Niger State. The reserve is one of 26 grazing reserves in the state with a land area of 31,000 hectares, about 700 families and 300,000 heads of cattle resident on it. At the flagoff, Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor, noted that Friesland Campina WAMCO and Neon Agro agreed to take 10,000 hectares of land each, while Chi Limited and Irish Dairy are to develop 4,000 hectares each while the State Government retained the remaining 3,000 hectares for its development programmes. The CBN, according to him, will support and integrate smallholders, subsistent and nomadic herdsmen through its Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) to boost livestock production. While these projects are ingenious, BulusMadaki, an Abuja-based economist, said that their success would provide a template that can be replicated across other grazing reserves in Kaduna , Niger and across Nigeria. “If Kaduna and Niger succeed with the model, it will impact Nigeria greatly because herdsmen/farmers problem is not just an economic or political problem, but now a national security problem that needs to be tackled”, Madaki said.

He also thinks that most herdsmen retreated up north to listen to the campaign of grazing reserves by their leaders, a development, which according to him, required herders to visit the proposed grazing reserves to see things for themselves. Now that attacks on travellers by suspected herdsmen have resumed, Madaki said that it may be a sign that the herdsmen rejected the grazing reserve idea. “If governments in the northern part of the country are offering grazing reserves and even going to the extent of partnering foreign diary companies, I don’t see why herders will not buy into the idea because of the numerous benefits except some strong influences are telling them to reject it”, he said. ObidikeOrakwe, a telecom engineer, said that the attacks should not resume, especially few weeks to Christmas when many families will travel, meaning more casualties from the attacks. “It seems there is ceasefire agreement. Let it continue for long because the people killed in the attacks are breadwinners, they have families that will suffer afterwards and it encourages hatred as nobody will love murderers of his or her relations”, Orakwe said. Closure of Enugu Airport will compound Easterners’ woes As Christmas nears, passengers travelling to Enugu have lost hope of having an easy travel experience as the earlier announcement by Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation that Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu will be re-opened December 2019 is no longer feasible with the change in date to April 2020.

The minister last Wednesday said Enugu Airport which is undergoing rehabilitation will be ready for use by April 2020, four months beyond the earlier announced date of its re-opening. Airlines have had to divert flights from Enugu to Port Harcourt, Owerri and Asaba airports, following the closure of the airport on 24th of August, 2019. Fifty-four days after the closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu State, President Muhammad Buhari announced his approval to the request made by the Ministry of Aviation for N10bn for repairs of the airport. Prior to this time, concerns were raised on why the Federal Government showed little seriousness with the Enugu Airport repairs, which is the sixth busiest airport in Nigeria after Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Owerri. In 2018 the Enugu Airport processed an average of 273,000 local passengers and 41,000 international passengers. The situation of the Enugu Airport is in sharp contrast with what transpired during the closure of Abuja Airport for repairs. The Federal Government shut down Abuja International Airport on March 9 2017 and work began the following day by Julius Berger. Flight operations began a day before the six-week deadline given by Sirika. Moreover, before the shutdown of Abuja Airport, the Federal Government upgraded Kaduna Airport. In February 2017, navigational facilities at the Kaduna Airport were upgraded by NAMA ahead of the closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The runway was also repaired to absorb the in-

creased volume of traffic to be diverted from Abuja to Kaduna airport, said Mathew Pwajo, NAMA general manager, Safety Management Systems/Quality Assurance. While business owners around Enugu Airport are experiencing low patronage this period, it seems to be a merry moment for business owners and airlines that operate into Port Harcourt, Owerri and Asaba Airports. Passengers appear to be the worst affected by the development as they are forced to either travel through the alternate airports or travel by road. Before President Buhari granted approved the special grant request of N10billion for repairs frequent travellers to the region who are already feeling the impact of the closure expressed worry over the delay of the airport repairs before. “Since the airport closure, it has been very difficult to get to Enugu because of the bad condition of the roads which will get worse by Christmas. Our fears have worsened since the silence of the federal government over the repair of the airport. “It is so bad that the repair of

said travel is driven by businesses and if there is a need for people to travel for business reason, they may have no choice but take the pain of going through the alternate airports to get to Enugu. Ojuri however, said there are some passengers who may rather decide not to travel looking at the risks on the roads and as a result, passenger traffic may be slightly affected. John Ojikutu, member of aviation industry think tank group, Aviation Round Table (ART) and chief executive of Centurion Securities, told BDSUNDAY that if government must make heavy, main repairs or reconstruction for Enugu runway, it has to be upgraded to accommodate heavy aircraft. “Runways are constructed with periodic maintenance programmes but how many of FAAN airports have the maintenance programmes? That explained why PH was closed for two years for reconstruction purpose. That is the Nigeria way that cannot be compared to that of Scotland or anywhere else,” he said. Ojikutu explained that proper planning means having maintenance programmes which

an airport very significant to the South East region was being delayed for a period of time. Those responsible need to wake up to their responsibilities and stop playing politics,” Obi Amos, a frequent traveller told BDSUNDAY. Already, ticket prices to Port Harcourt and Owerri during Christmas season is already seeing a slight increase. A one-way ticket booked as at today for December 24th and 25th from Lagos-Owerri or Lagos-Port Harcourt flight is currently selling between N53,000 to 55,000 as against N30,000 to N35,000 average cost of air ticket. Aviation experts say for prices of tickets to be this high three months before Christmas, smells doom for travellers as these prices may increase by 50 to 100percent during the period. Some other passengers who spoke to BusinessDay said since the development, they have had to change their travel plans pending when the airport is ready as a result of incessant attacks, insecurity and the bad condition of the roads. Tayo Ojuri, chief executive officer of Aglow Limited, an aviation support services company,

Nigerian airports do not have on its runways, adding that since 2017 after the Abuja runway experience, FAAN has been asked to provide maintenance programmes for runways but has failed to do so. Hadi Sirika said for the airport to be ready by April, he will be relocating his office to Enugu temporary to directly supervise the rehabilitation of the airport which he said will be completed before the end of April 2020. The minister who spoke while defending his ministry’s budget before the House on Aviation said with the approval of N10 billion for the Enugu Airport by the President, the contractors are expected to mobilise to site as soon as possible, adding that the President has already directed all agencies associated with the smooth work on the airport to work together to ensure it was delivered on time. The Minister disclosed that the rehabilitation work on the Enugu airport will be done in such a way that the airport will be the best in the country, adding that all houses located close to the airport may have to give way for increased safety.

14 Inside Lagos

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Sunday 27 October 2019

COWLSO: Empowering women to build better society

JOSHUA BASSEY

or three days, Tuesday, October 22 to Thursd a y, Oc t o b e r 24, 2019, the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, was thrown into an extraordinary atmosphere, as women of colour and elegance, supported by men of political influence thronged the Eko Hotel and Suites. Of course, the hotel, being a major attraction centre in Nigeria’s economic hub, is no stranger to women and men of brain and accomplishment in chosen fields of endavour, as top class events at the hotel are not in supply. But the annual national women conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) is proving unrivaled. For almost two decades, since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the COWLSO’s conference, slowly but steadily has grown in leaps and bounds, getting better and bigger with every passing year. This is what played out at the 19th edition of the conference which attracted over 3,000 participants, mostly women, drawn from all walks of life. Among them were ranking officials, including Aisha Buhari, wife of Nigeria’s president, represented by Dolapo Osinbajo, wife o the vice president; Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the House of Representatives; Babajide Sanw-Olu, Lagos State governor; Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun State, his Kwara State counterpart, Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq; Remi Tinubu, senator representing Lagos central senatorial district, among others. With the theme: “unlearn, learn and relearn: 21st century women’s T.H.E.M.E.S perspectives/approach,” it was time again to discuss and dissect issues, especially those that have direct impact on women and the society. Apart from the main theme, the conference equally featured other sub themes, including: “21st century woman-build not born to influence the society, entertainment and tourism: prism of possibilities, the total woman;

R-L: Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, first lady of Lagos State and chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO); Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Aisha Bala Muhammed, first lady of Bauchi State; Governor Dapo Abidoun of Ogun State; Elishama Ideh, recipient of Inspirational Woman of the Year Award; Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Bamidele Abiodun, wife of Ogun State governor, during the COWLSO 2019 National Women Conference in Lagos

The governors during the conference.

entrepreneurship: making money and more money; agric entrepreneurship, financing and general trading, mould a child and build a greater generation, healthy woman – a healthier nation, maternal & child mortality, development and a healthy city – creating a balance, waste to wealth, and obey traffic laws. The event was fully package to fortify the women with knowledge and skills that will make them relevant in a modern economy. It was no surprised, therefore, that Nigeria’s first lady, Aisha Buhari called on wives of political office holders to work towards impacting the lives of women and the vulnerable in the society. According to her, wives of top government functionaries must create peoplecentred programmes to catalyse social change. “One of the key tenets of COWLSO is the issue

of restoration of values. I wish to call on more members to use the opportunity of this event to share ideas about ensuring that our children grow up morally upright, patriotic and with a sense of responsibility. We have a duty to raise better Nigerians,” said Aisha. For Gbajabiamila, women possess natural ability to positively influence the society and education is critical in empowering them to play this role. Hence, the House of Representatives, according to Gbajabiamila would leverage legislative process to champion action that would challenge laws that limit women educationally and politically. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, first lady of Lagos State and chairman of COWLSO, the organiser of the conference, said it was packaged to open up women to their innate potential as well as position them to embrace

new thinking towards a positive change in the society. “It is the tradition of the conference to strategically empower women to contribute positively to the development of Lagos and Nigeria at large. According to her, the theme for the 2019 edition of the national women conference was carefully selected in line with the vision and aspiration of the present administration to build greater Lagos of our dreams. Ibijoke believed that in the days ahead, COWLSO would be investing its energy and resources implementing projects specifically tailored to strengthen the capacity of women to build resistance against disabilities that may limit their economic potential. “As women, we must strategically position ourselves to take full benefit of the programmes of government. To unlearn means to do away with habits that

are outdated and as well jettison practices that are against public good and public safety. “In this 21st century, women must also embrace new ideas and new innovations to be relevant. Women must learn to think outside the box and even go a step further to think without the box, to fit into the modern society.” She urged women to key into programmes of the state government in strategic sectors, including health, environment, agriculture, education, and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs. Her husband and host governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who described the theme of the conference as harp, posited that it was to impart knowledge that would engender value re-orientation and equip women with skills that would make them relevant for life. Sanwo-Olu observed that continuous learning and capacity building remained a potent tool to drive social change and that knowledge or mindset that stood against the growth of the society must be discarded. “The goal of this conference is to impart knowledge on all the participants and equip them with relevant skills. The knowledge that will enable them contribute to the collective goal of building and delivering the Lagos we all deserve. “Imparting knowledge is not only about adding new knowledge, which is

the learning. It is also about reminding ourselves of old and unchanging truths, which is the re-learning. It is important that we discard ways of thinking that are no longer compatible with current realities. If impracticable knowledge is left unchallenged, it can stand in the way of our ability to imbibe and practise new knowledge. This is the un-learning.” He informed the capacity audience that his administration has redefined gender balance in public administration with the appointment of 13 women into the state cabinet. Empowering women with right skills and given them opportunity to be part of the decision makers, Sanwo-Olu noted, would set Lagos on the course of irreversible growth, economically and socially. The implementation of the present administration’s six pillars of development, known as project T.H.E.M.E.S, he believed would not be effective without the support of women, citing waste management as one of the key areas where women would be playing key roles. Abdulrazaq, kwara state governor, described the conference as ‘bold steps’ towards empowering women and making sacrifice for the development of Nigeria. Governor Abiodun of Ogun, on his part, commended COWLSO for relevant to the development of Lagos since its establishment. He believed that the conference was one of the ways to change negative narrative against women. “ Th e t h e m e o f t h e COWLSO conference has offered a template for strategic thinking towards changing negative narratives against women in our country. A 21st century woman must learn and relearn. To hold a woman back is to hold a society back. Democratic values don’t support the relegation of women.” As usual the case, some women whose works and activities empowered the less privileged were honoured at the event. They include founder of Real Women Foundation, Pastor Nike Adeyemi, who received the Inspirational Woman award for her dedicated service to the empowerment of women. Other honoured were Siju Iluyomade and Rosemary Ideh.

Sunday 27 October 2019

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Politics

NDDC has not impacted much on Niger Delta people - APC chieftain A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Garus Gololo, has backed President Muhammadu Buhari’s bid to probe the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He alleges that past leaders of the commission had looted the funds meant for the development of the region. In this interview with INNOCENT ODOH, Gololo says the probe will open up the corruption in the commission even as he suggests that President Buhari has good intentions for the Niger Delta region by appointing Godswill Akpabio as the Niger Delta Minister. Excerpts:

there are no roads. There is a bridge they said they have commissioned but they have not built it in Delta State. The same thing happened in Bayelsa, in Rivers State even when a lot of money had been pumped into the projects. So, why are the people not benefitting from that money? I am sure this committee will come out a positive result.

hat is your reaction to the proposed probe of the Niger Delta Development Commission

(NDDC)? I am very happy that the President has ordered the investigation of NDDC because in the first place from 2010 till date you cannot see anything on ground despite all the money invested in the Niger Delta. So, I want the President to make those in positions to properly account for the money. There are serious infrastructure problems in the area and even the Amnesty funds are being diverted into private pockets because the hapless citizens of the region are still crying that they are not being given the money. I wrote a book for the ‘Next level’ agenda as a member of the APC. I stayed for two months in the Niger Delta and researched the issues in the region. But I am afraid there are places you go to in Niger Delta, even motorcycle cannot go there because of bad roads but the government has been releasing money for projects for those people. So where is the money? We don’t have roads in the north where even bike cannot ply. Look at the former governor of Borno State, Shettima, upon the Boko Haram insurgency; look at the estate he has built that is a credit to him. We understand that there are people using their position and influence to share the money for themselves and family while the masses living there have no infrastructure, have no houses, no good road. So, the government should properly investigate those people. The other issue is the past Ministers of Niger Delta; from that region from that time till date also they should be properly investigated. The President should also probe the Amnesty Programme because when I was doing my research, I met some of the boys, the ex-militants who claimed that they have not been paid. Their leaders who are collecting the money from the Federal Government are not doing anything for their people but they advertise fictitious performance and projects on TV. Another issue I want to emphasise is why must the director of finance of NDDC and director of projects come from Rivers State from 2015 till date? It was supposed to rotate and they should form a proper committee made up of people who are neutral to give a concrete report because if we don’t

Don’t you think there should be another kind of intervention on this issue other than probe? Do you think that the current structure of NDDC should be reviewed and perhaps a new one put in place? Yes, I will advise that they should demolish it and form another one because this one does not help. So, a new one should be put in place. Let the President get the person with proper record and the National Assembly should intervene. I am impressed that the National Assembly has said they will probe all abandoned NDDC projects from 2010 till date and we support that. When they want to appoint anybody to head the NDDC, there should be transparency in selecting the person to head the NDDC, so that they select a more qualified person to address the crisis there.

National Assembly

Gololo

get a proper report I will publish everything because I have already gotten a clue from that area. I met with Tom Polo one-on-one and he is one of the persons that can tell the truth about everything happening

I stayed for almost two months and I touched almost the whole place even though I am from the north. The headquarters of the NDDC is in Port Harcourt, I have seen many companies that collected contracts and have nothing to show for it

in that area because he is very good and has worked for this government but people threatened him and he went into hiding. The other one is Asari Dokubo, they will tell the President about what is happening in the Niger Delta and about the exmilitants and developments there. There is no way money should be sent to develop the people and the money does not get them, it does not make sense at all. Do you think that the culture of setting up committees will solve this problem judging by past failures? This is not politics. I am APC, but the point is if they give you money to do the job for the people do the job for them. It is very painful when you go to some villages, they don’t have drinking water in that area, and the places have been polluted and that is why they are not happy; that is why they are lamenting, because there are no roads. In some places I had to take canoe because

Sometimes, it is believed that the budgetary provision for the commission is not enough. What is your reaction to this? The earlier budgets are a lot of money but just like the President said, most of the money fell into the lagoon. There is enough money; people are just collecting money without doing the contract. We have so much proof. I stayed for almost two months and I touched almost the whole place even though I am from the north. The headquarters of the NDDC is in Port Harcourt, I have seen many companies that collected contracts and have nothing to show for it. Could you imagine that a former Acting MD, his son is a Personal Assistant? So, anybody he wants is the person he will give the contract. Where do you see that type of thing? It is very wrong. He is not the only person in the Niger Delta. Right now the President has appointed the best minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio and I believe he will work just like he did in Akwa Ibom State, judging by his performance as state governor. Look at the stadium he built is like Liverpool or Chelsea Stadium.

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Sunday 27 October 2019

Politics Crisis threatens APC plans to capture Bayelsa, retain Kogi

...Courts fixes November 4 for Lokpobiri suit against Lyon ...Deposed Kogi deputy governor may join PDP James Kwen, Abuja

he crisis brewing in the All Progressives Congress, (APC) ahead of the November 16 governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi is posing serious threat to the resolve of the party to capture the ‘glory of all lands’ and retain the ‘confluence’ state. This is albeit the conviction of the APC that nothing can stop it from taking over Bayelsa which has been under the control of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Kogi which has been under its control in the last four years. Adams Oshiomhole, APC national chairman, while inaugurating the National Campaign Council for Bayelsa comprising, 10 governors, 3 former governors, 2 senators, 4 members of the House of Representatives, 5 ministers, 10 national officers, among other top party chieftains, told PDP to start packing out of the Bayelsa Government House as his party is taking over the realms of power. Oshiomhole boasted that the people of Bayelsa have never really determined their leaders because their votes never counted but it is going to be a different ball game, come November 16. “In Bayelsa, the heart of the people will be turned to elect a man that will make a difference; that will demonstrate that in a genuine democracy, very ordinary people who connect with their people, who understand and live with their people and share the joy, pain and aspirations of their people. “The reaction of PDP shows they are in trouble. My very good friend, Governor Dickson is in trouble, but I assure him that his labour pains will soon be over by the time we win the election. “We take these two elections very seriously, because we believe in the power of the ballot, we believe that the issues should be contested in a peaceful environment and not by the power of gunshots which has been the tradition of the opposition and we know that people want a change. “Let me use this opportunity to assure the opposition that we are ready for campaigns, it is not a fight; it is not a war. The only thing

Heineken-Lokpobiri

el-Rufai

Oshiomhole we will insist on is that the votes must count because Bayelsans are not used to votes being counted. The PDP must know that and learn new tactics in winning votes and not fight wars,” he declared. In the same vein, Chairman of the Kogi State Governorship Campaign Council, made up of 7 governors, 3 former governors, 2 senators, 4 members of the House of Representatives, 6 ministers, 12 national officers and other party stalwarts, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State said his Committee would work towards the final burial of the PDP. “After the flag-off, I will like to urge all members of the Campaign Council to relocate to Lokoja and remain there in preparation for the final burial and nailing of the coffin of the PDP”, el-Rufai charged. While APC, particularly at the centre appears to be confident of victory and continued to map out strategies to have a successful outing in both Bayelsa and Kogi, it has obviously turned deaf ears to the internal wrangling that if overlooked would made its efforts futile. In Bayelsa, former Minister of State for Agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri, who participated in September 4 governorship primary election, has dragged APC before a Federal High Court in Yenagoa, seeking the nullification of the candidature of David Lyon. Lokpobiri is praying the court to declare him winner of the contro-

versial poll as he won the primary election with majority votes of 111, 439, and Aganaba Stephen came second with 5,426, Ebitimi Amgbare got third position with 638 votes while Lyon came fifth with 325 votes. He also sought an order of perpetual injunction stopping the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its officers, agents and privies from accepting or further accepting, publishing or further publishing Lyon as the flag bearer and barring the electoral body from excluding him as the APC governorship candidate for Bayelsa. The governorship aspirant sought another order to stop Lyon from parading or further parading, presenting or further presenting himself as APC candidate and a similar order against INEC to stop it from accepting, recognising, or dealing with Lyon or putting his image on the ballot paper in the name of APC as the party’s governorship candidate. Lokpobiri asked the court to compel INEC to treat him as the lawful candidate of APC and to accord him the rights and privileges as candidate of APC in the gubernatorial election. Consequently, the court has fixed November 4, barely two weeks to the poll for commencement of hearing in a suit filed by Lokpobiri and nobody can predict the outcome, whether his prayers

Achuba

would be granted. The suit, which APC seems to give no damn about, is capable of playing back the scenario in Zamfara where all candidates of the party were sacked after the February/March general election on grounds of acrimonious primaries, thereby awarding victory to PDP which came second during the polls, or in Rivers where such circumstances led the barring of party’s candidates from participating in the general election. On the other hand, if Lokpobiri as former minister with political structures and support base decides to join forces with PDP as being speculated, it would be a herculean task for APC during the governorship polls. This is more so that observers are of the opinion that some leaders of APC from Bayelsa were afraid that if Lokpobiri emerged the party’s candidate they would be deprived of APC leadership, considering the manner he became minister in 2015 shortly after jumping ship from PDP to APC, almost without their knowledge. For Kogi where incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello, the APC governorship candidate seems to be enjoying the support of his co-contestants for the same ticket, all is still not well, especially with the recent removal of his exdeputy, Simon Achuba who has been replaced by Edward Onoja, the immediate past Chief of Staff and running mate of the governor.

While APC appears silent on this ugly development, chances are that if Achuba who has indicated the intention to challenge his removal in court joins PDP whose candidate, Musa Wada is his kinsman from the Igala majority, Bello, a minority Ebira may be affected at the election. Apart from being politically unwise to undermine the political clout of someone who has been Deputy Governor for almost four years, Achuba may be privy to some information that when leaked would add weight to the campaign against Bello who in the opinion of many has performed abysmally. Already, the opposition is using the ouster of the former Deputy Governor to campaign against the governor as demonstrated by the House of Representatives minority caucus which warned the people of Kogi to brace up for a “more oppressive and rapacious mode of governance if Governor Bello and the APC were allowed to force a minority government on the people once again”. The House Minority caucus led by Ndidi Elumelu (PDP, Delta), said its understanding of the government in Lugard House is that of one given to an unabashed, unrepentant, and a rapacious breach of the people’s will. “The so-called removal of the Deputy Governor is the height of unhinged travesty. It is impunity taken too far. It is neither known to law nor the Constitution of Nigeria and cannot be allowed to stand. “By the purported removal of the Deputy Governor despite a ‘not guilty’ verdict returned by the Impeachment Panel, it is selfevident that these people are no respecters of law. The travesty is of no consequence for it imposes a defacto and not a dejure Deputy on the people of Kogi State and can only be short-lived. “The good news is that the blundering government will soon have its day in the court of public opinion on November 16 and we trust the people of Kogi to pass an overwhelming Vote of No Confidence in the government and remove the incompetent and overbearing minority contraption from their Government House”, the caucus maintained.

Sunday 27 October 2019

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Politics

President Buhari

Ahmed Lawan

Gbajabiamila

Yahaya Bello

Controversy trails Buhari’s N10.069b requests for Kogi SOLOMON AYADO, Abuja

ixed reactions have continued to trail the request by President Muhammadu Buhari seeking Senate’s nod to okay a promissory note in the sum of N10.069 billion for Kogi State. The request is coming less than a month to the governorship election scheduled to hold in Kogi State. It is also coming on the heels of rumors that pressures are on the President not to approve N7billion VAT refund to the Bayelsa State government, for fear that the fund may be diverted towards the forthcoming governorship election. Analysts say it has become glaring that since Buhari’s request was being made at a critical time the state is facing elections, the fund may be intended to finance the All Progressives Congress (APC) to defeat the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the poll scheduled for November 16. Although the President had in the letter of the request told the senators that the money is bond issuance to settle inherited local debts on projects executed by the Kogi State government on behalf of the Federal Government, insinuations are that he was being economical with the truth. Part of the letter read: “The resolutions of the 8th Aseembly was conveyed through three different letters from the clerk of the National Assembly as follows; Letter dated 27th of July 2018, Ref: NASS/CNS/106/vol 10/277 which approved the issuance of promissory notes to 21 States; Letter dated January, 29th, 2019 Ref, NASS/CNS/106/vol 11/004 which approved the issuance of promissory notes to Delta and Taraba States and May, 23 2019, Ref: NASS/CNS/106/vol. 11/164 which approved the issuance of promissory notes to Bauchi State. “The three resolutions approved the issuance of promissory notes to 24 out of the 25 State Government that requested and the only state for which approval has not been given is Kogi State with an outstanding claim of N10.069b. “The Senate may wish to know that the claim of all the 25 states for project executed on behalf of the Federal Government were verified by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and Bureau of Public Procurement for which the Federal Executive Council approved the claims which they were forwarded for the approval of the National Assembly.

“The Senate will note that subsequent resolution of the National Assembly approving the refunds to the 24 State Governments, the Federal Government has issued promissory notes to all the 24 State Governments for the settlement of their claims. “Accordingly, the Senate is hereby requested to kindly approve the issuance of promissory notes in the sum of N10, 069, 692, 410.15 to Kogi State for projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government. While looking forward to the timely consideration for the refund to Kogi State,” Buhari wrote. It is understandable that Kogi State, according to Buhari, was not among the 25 states that benefitted from the refund. But the big question is, why was the state not paid the money, over a year after, and only to be refunded, at a time the state governor is neck deep in the race and possibly in dire need of huge resources to seek a second term? Of course, it is a fact that offsetting the refund is an obligation of the Federal Government. Likewise, the owed money is what is due to Kogi State, hence it claimed to have expended state funds to execute projects on behalf of the Federal Government. Retrospectively, the 8th Senate had in 2018, given approval for N488.7bn as reimbursements to states for federal projects they executed across the country. The money was okayed for 21 states. The 8th Senate’s decision had followed a consideration and adoption of the report of an ad-hoc committee chaired by Senator Francis Alimikhena (APC, Edo). According to the report, Ogun and Oyo states were allocated N59.2bn and N13.4bn respectively. Also, Zamfara State which was earlier allocated N39.9billion got N60billion. Lagos got the highest with N114bn. It was followed by Akwa Ibom with N78.7bn. Niger State got the least with N333.8m. It further showed that Adamawa got N4.2bn, Kwara N11.2bn, Plateau N12.1bn, Jigawa N10.7bn, Gombe N6.9bn, Ondo N4.3bn, Ekiti N11.6bn, Edo N10.4bn and Osun N13.2bn. Others were Ebonyi N15.4bn, Kano N4.4bn, Enugu N13.5bn, Benue N3bn, Imo N2.8bn, and Anambra N37.9bn. The Senate report had stated clearly that some states were not included as a result of incomplete document and bogus claims, and later on January, 29th, 2019, approved of promissory notes to Delta and Taraba, as well as in May, Bauchi State refund was okayed. Considerably, given the pervasiveness of corruption in the country, even if the Federal Government pays Kogi as it is obligatory, the

timing calls for question. It could turn out a preconceived disposition that is politically motivated. This is why the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faulted the Federal Government action, and rather, posited that the N10.069 billion presidential refunds were not approved for Kogi State but for Governor Yahaya Bello. The party fumed that salaries of Kogi workers were being owed for about 36 months and FG did not care to aid the state to clear it, only to technically refund money owed state when it is election time. Specifically, PDP said the seeking of NASS approval on the refund is high level of deceit by the Buhari administration that preaches transparency and integrity. It noted that Buhari’s action is to misdirect lawmakers and to claim that the refund is meant to settle debts on projects executed in the state. “The PDP says it is scandalous that the Buhari Presidency, with its claims of transparency and integrity, would seek to mislead the National Assembly by asserting that the fund is for projects done by the state government on behalf of the Federal Government, when in reality no one can point to any such project executed by Governor Yahaya Bello in the last four years. “The PDP describes as endorsement of corruption and inexcusable injury to the people of Kogi State, for President Muhammadu Buhari to seek to direct funds to Governor Yahaya Bello, for phantom projects, and neglect the Kogi workers many of whom are owed salaries and pension in arrears of 36 months,” it stated. “If the Buhari Presidency means well for Kogi State, it should reword its request and put the interest of the masses ahead of all selfish and parochial political considerations, particularly as the state approaches a critical election in which the people have made up their minds to vote out Governor Yahaya Bello,” National Publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan said in a statement. The issues raised by PDP are as weighty as they are damn serious. They hinge on the lack of transparency by the government of the day. Yet, in this crucial time, desperate situations demand desperate actions and the seeking approval of N10.069bn for Kogi may not be far from it. However, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has described the position of the PDP as desperation to block payment of the money which, he insists cannot work. Bello through his Director General of Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo said: “Kogi State would have gotten the refund

for long but for the obstructive tendencies of the former Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye. He was able to obstruct the refund to the state because of his closeness to the then Senate President.” “It should be noted that other states had gotten their refund except Kogi State. The President, by writing to the Senate for the approval of the refund has displayed his father figure as the father of the nation who supports and promotes equity and fairness,” he said. But the governorship candidate of the PDP in Kogi state, Musa Wada, has alleged that “the money is meant for buying of votes.” “The money is meant for vote-buying. The APC observed that all indications show they are going to lose the election. President Buhari released N30 billion bailout earlier but it didn’t help matters. Now he wants to release another N10 billion few days to election,” Deputy Director, Public Communication of Wada campaign council, Austin Okai said. The unfolding debate over the N10.069bn to Kogi, especially with regards to plan by Federal Government to reimburse the governor, and or APC, to defeat Wada and the PDP represents an arena where everything wrong in democratic dispositions have taken centre stage. And given that perception is reality, this current situation can be hugely worrisome and the contrived fog needs to be cleared. An Abuja public affairs analyst, Isah Samson, in an interview said, seeking approval for refund on money a state used to execute projects on behalf of the Federal Government is developmental. However, he said that the projects are invisible considering the level of underdevelopment Kogi State has witnessed since 2015, expressing suspicion that the timing for the payment of the money when election is near is preconceived. “Nobody can be worried if money owed a state is paid. But for the case of Kogi State, it is obvious that the governor has not executed visible projects and the people are aware. If at all it is said the money is to be used for clearance of salary arrears, it will be believable. “And for the Federal Government to choose to pay the refund when election is by the corner can simply be adduced that it wants to empower the APC to defeat PDP because the opposition party is no longer in power. “All said, whether the money is genuinely paid or meant to facilitate election, I think we need to change the way and manner our government operates so that confidence and credibility would be built in the minds of the citizenry,” Isah posited.

18 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 27 October 2019

VOX POP

‘The border closure as we see it’

The debate has continued to rage on the desirability or otherwise of the land border closure by the Federal Government. Opinions are divided on this issue. ESEOGHENE AYOMAH went to town to sample people’s views on the issue. Below are their responses.

hat is your opinion on the border closure? Nnamdi Alozie -

Businessman When I heard about the border closure, I was shocked at first and wondered what had happened and why it was closed. I thought it was just false news from the net but after about two weeks, I started seeing the reality in it. I think the closure of border had affected me a lot in the sense that my business is at a very low profit today and customers find it hard to buy their required goods because I don’t have some goods they need and most goods seems to be very expensive for them to purchase. Although the closure has actually helped in some ways because now illegal goods have been halted for the meantime, it has also affected the legal goods from coming into the country. I think the negative side of the closure outweighs the positive. Esther Dike - Student My take is that ever since this new development, so many people in the rural areas are going back to their farm and the country has saved a huge sum of money. So, the closure of border has its good and also bad sides.The good side is that the country has saved a huge sum of money for the time being. I also think that it will trigger food inflation in the nearest future and some food prices have increased as the price of rice has improved compared to few months back. Well, the decision was aimed to crack down smuggling in the country and at the same time traders have complained on how it has crippled their businesses, especially traders in neighbouring Niger and Benin Republic. Abigail Joel Abosede - Business woman Well, the closure is temporary and not permanent; we will watch and see how it will be in the next few months to come. Border closure is a blessing to us, FG’s move to support manufacturing is commendable, but we need infrastructure and loans. I think we are heading somewhere better with the border closure and I

Expert tasks SMEs owners on technology

pray and believe all Nigerians will accept this new development because it’s really helping us a lot in so many ways. Matthew Ekezie - Blogger The problem here is that we import foreign rice and our local grains are short, and Nigerians prefer longer grains because it’s more appealing than the shorter ones. I actually ate the local rice of recent and it’s far different from the foreign rice because most of them are filled with sand and I had to wash it so many times before it was clean enough to prepare, but the foreign rice is quite different. I guess the foreign rice has corrupted us for so long and we need to embrace the hard work of our farmers who work so hard to make a living. I also read a trend of recent of how custom arrested smugglers re-bagging foreign rice into the country; the government is working hard on this and they need to be praised for their hard work. SalaudinMaimuna - Trader It’s good because so far so good, no one has died from eating our local rice, it’s very good for a growing economy like Nigeria. China closed its border for 25 years and it helped them a lot. I have seen so far that some hardworking Nigerians have taken the border closure as an advantage to return back to their farm and

it’s really good and helping a lot. I happen to have a friend who is into farming and he told me of how the closure of the border has made him become more serious with his business as he keeps saying ‘no pain no gain’. And I think the closure of border will become one of President Buhari’s greatest achievements. Miracle IjeomaOkolie - Student I think the step the President has taken is a good one, it’s for the interest and well-being of the people and also to make sure our economy is secure. This step the government has taken is to protect the interest of the country as a nation and they do not have any intention to hurt any citizen whatsoever. Nigeria is a great country and I see the need for us working in our own farms, doing our own businesses by ourselves instead of depending solely on foreigners. Well, I guess it will have an effect on some of our neighbours but your country comes first before any other thing, and I guess it’s really helping us here in Nigeria. Oyebola Barnabas Ife - Aspiring footballer Closure of border has affected me in particular a lot because I’m not used to the short rice, and since I was born I’ve never eaten the short type of rice. When I heard about it the first thing I did was make sure I purchase more

of foreign rice at home before it gets out of sales in the market place. The way the price of rice increased so much is very alarming and I don’t think the government has any plans on doing something about it. There are two ways to this: as it has helped so many people embrace their work as farmers, but it has not helped me since the day the borders were proclaimed closed. The prices of some goods have been increased and it’s not helping at all. I hope the government sees to this and make amends. YunusaAbubakarSediq – Civil servant There is hunger in Nigeria and the President took the decision to close the borders; people in the rural areas can farm but we in the urban area we cannot manage anything because we use our money to buy most food and even with our money when we go to the market the things that we used to buy cheapwe cannot purchase them at that cheap amount. Maybe, when you have a particular budget on goods you want to buy and you go to the market to find out that the prices have changed, you will definitely feel bad about it. I think the government needs to do something about it. So, for me I think the closure of border has affected many of us so far. Israel Rotimi - Fashion designer What I think the government should have done in place of border closure is to pro-actively encourage local manufacturing by making the environment conducive in terms of road infrastructure; security, making loans available to those willing to go into agriculture and other areas of production ventures. Smugglers still have secret access to the country so far despite the shutdown of the border, but I think customs are doing a very good job to that. I think if much effort is put into this, they will be able to eradicate all smugglers in no time.

o - f o u n d e r o f La g o s Startup Week, Olumide Olayinka has appealed to small scale business owners (SMEs) to take advantage of technology in order to enhance their business operations and scale across multiple countries. Olayinka said this at the 2019 Lagos Start-up Week that took place across Lagos. It was organised by Prime Startup, Lagos Innovator, Alliance Franciase, Lagos, and Africa’s Talking. Tagged ‘Collaboration: Together We can Achieve More’, the programme had hundreds of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, developer, corporate and local leaders, information and technology experts, and government officials for a full week of learning and networking. He said although SMEs owners are the backbone of the economy, someone who has an e-commerce stores can easily launch operation in Ghana because technology enables and gives the opportunity to scale across multiple countries as against the bricks and mortar business that we have been used to in Africa. He stressed that the world is changing and technology is no longer an industry but rather the underlying driver of change and innovation for every business everywhere. He noted that collaboration is the new competition in Africa and across the world. It’s enable business owners build lasting and sustainable businesses. “We are highly competitive in Africa but to create sustainable business is by working together. There will be inclusiveness and interconnectedness of various talents and communication and exchanges that will lead to facilitating new developments and ideas when we collaborate together,” he said. He stressed that even corporate organisations now understand corporate service startup which aim at fostering collaboration with small businesses. He noted that for corporate organisation, they are looking for starts-up that can leverage on their infrastructure and customers base to build long lasting solutions to business needs. “For starts-up on the other hands, they are looking at access to market which the corporate organisation provides”, he said.

Sunday 27 October 2019

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BDSUNDAY 19

Feature

Lamentation, apprehension as flood ravages Nigerian cities and villages

Niagale Bagayoko is the chair of the African Security Sector Reform (ASSN), an internationally renowned political scientist with extensive field research on security systems in African Francophone countries, Western security policies (France, United States, European Union) in Africa and African conflict-management mechanisms, focusing on the interface between security and development. In this interview with INIOBONG IWOK, she spoke on the activities of ASSN and the import of its existence. Excerpts:

AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

armers and dwellers in cities with high intensity of rainfalls and resultant flooding in Nigeria are seriously counting their losses. The impact of the increasing rate of downpour on farm produce, lives and property is proving catastrophic. Apart from farmers losing crop yields to rain damage, waterlogged soils, and delays in both planting and harvesting, the increasing rate of flooding have also aggravated transportation problems experienced by these farmers and motorists due to damaging effect of flood on road infrastructure. At the peak of every rainy season, flood wreaks havoc on planted agricultural crops and in some cases end up carrying away the top soil leaving the land barren. It also destroys all immovable properties such as houses that get submerged in flood waters. In Lagos for instance, whenever it rains for three consecutive days especially between June and September, majority of the streets, roads and people’s homes are usually heavily flooded particularly in areas like Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikoyi, Maroko, Agege, Isolo and Oworonsoki. Presently, most roads and streets in Lagos metropolis have become impassable as they have developed portholes and gullies that result in heavy traffic congestion for motorists and passengers. On Thursday, October 24, 2019, Chiedu Ebie, secretary to the Delta State Government said the State has in four weeks recorded 18,000 persons displaced by flood, and that they are currently at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Reeling out figures, he said that in Patani IDP camp there are 5, 228 persons; in Emede camp 2,842; in Alaka 2,756; Ashaka 1,686; Utagba-Ogbe 1,650 and in Ewulu the number is 1,772 persons. BDSUNDAY recalls that on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State had raised the alarm, that the current flooding in IsheriNorth, a border area on the LagosIbadan Expressway, has gone beyond the state government. Abiodun, who described Isheri-North as area in Ogun that has several estates and deplorable road infrastructure, said that the entire estates have been

completely submerged. “This place requires to be declared a state of emergency and we are actually going to do that because the problem is beyond the state,” he said. Presently, communities and estates in some parts of Lagos and Ogun States have been submerged in water following heavy downpour as well as the opening of Oyan Dam. Communities around Ketu and Mile 12 in Lagos; Akute and Warewa, as well as OPIC in Ogun State have remained flooded in recent time due to the water released from the Oyan Dam and the rise in sea level. To resolve this, Tunji Bello, Lagos State commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, said the state government was in talks with the officials of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority, to control the situation. Also, on Friday, October 11, 2019, reports had it that Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA) said that flood displaced close to 30,000 people, including children in six local government areas of the state. Chibueze Iteshi, the agency’s

acting executive secretary, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki that the flood submerged farmlands, livestock and houses. According to Iteshi, the disaster affected infants, children from one to 12 years, adults from 18 to 49, 50 years and above, who were housed at camps. “When the disaster occurred, about 95 percent of the children stopped going to school because the school structures were also affected by storm,” he said. Before the Ebonyi incident, it was reported on the October 10, that after days of heavy downpour in Lagos and its Ogun State neighboring communities, that Magboro (Oke-Afa) area of Obafemi Owode LGA in Ogun State, became flooded such that residents were finding it difficult to return to their homes. As a result of the torrential rain, some houses were submerged in waters while roads were cut off from the communities on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Report has it that one Ejike, a gas retailer, who owns Kingsfield Gas at Magboro, was swept away by the flood.

According eye-witness report, the deceased got drowned in a flood around the Sparklight Estate area of the expressway in Ogun and his bloated body was discovered by the search party of Ilaje fishermen around HighImpact Sparklight Road. Bolaji Dada, a resident attributed the flood to the diversion of waterways by Julius Berger, the contractor handling the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Findings by BDSUNDAY show that before these incidents, story had it that no fewer than 300 houses and several farmlands were destroyed by floods in Ngalda, Yobe in August 2019. The floods, which followed days of persistent rainfall, also destroyed schools and livestock. In Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria, it was reported that rainstorms and flooding affected parts of the state from 01 August, 2019. According to reports,

which displaced around 6,000 people and damaged 200 homes. Prior to these incidents, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), a Federal Government Agency under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources released its annual flood outlook in July, detailing that, 74 LGAs in 30 States in Nigeria are likely to experience severe flooding between July to September 2019. Also, it has been observed that floods usually cause severe havoc annually in these states because most state governments, out of negligence, overlook these early warning. Meanwhile, a recent report by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), confirmed that since June 2019, torrential rainfall and flash floods have hit 124 Local Government Areas within 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. This has affected a total num-

seven persons died and dozens of houses were damaged in the city of Yola, the Adamawa State capital, resulting to power supply cut in some areas of the city. On 2 August, heavy rainfall affected central areas of the country, with flooding reported in Abuja. It was said that a government official died when his car was swept away by flood in the city. In Kaduna state, for instance, report has it that government on August 3, called for residents living close to the Kaduna River and other flood-prone areas to temporarily relocate to safer areas. Meanwhile, heavy rain in the southeastern state of Imo on 04 August caused flooding in Oguta

ber of 210,117 people with 171 casualties recorded in hospital and 130,610 people reported to be displaced, said IFRC report titled, ‘Emergency Plan of Action (EPoA) Nigeria: Floods’. Flash floods are due to the high intensity of the rainfalls at the peak of the flood season which is experienced in places that are flood prone. “The floods have been widespread with the worst impacting some states within the six geo-political zones in Nigeria,” the report says. State by state breakdown shows that about five states in the North West were affected; seven states in the North Central; five

Continues on page 20

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Sunday 27 October 2019

Feature The untold stories of alarming rape, defilement cases in Akwa Ibom ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

Lamentation, apprehension as flood... Continued from page 19 states in the North East; five states in the South East; five states in the SouthSouth and four states in South West, totalling 32 states that were severely affected by flood out of 36 states of Nigeria and FCT. The report attributed the increasing rate of flooding experienced from 21 to 27th September 2019 to high-water levels in Rivers Niger and Benue as well as heavy rainfall in Cross River, Kogi, Niger, and Taraba States. Exactly on the 21st and 22nd September, there was high peak in the water levels for River Niger and Benue which affected some communities in the above-mentioned States. As a result, about 18,640 people and 3,104 households were affected by floods in 54 communities while about 4,485 people while 746 households are currently displaced. Consequently, the State Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) was activated on the 22nd September 2019. According to the State Coordinator of the State SEMA, seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) located along Rivers Niger and Benue have been

severely affected with over 90 percent of Ibaji community been fully submerged. Over 20 camps have also been set up for the flood affected households. It has been grief and loud lamentation in parts of Ondo and Ekiti States as many indigenes and residents have suddenly become refugees following the loss of their houses to torrential rains and floods. A nonagenarian, Mabel Ojute, an indigene of Ondo, was reported to have described the situation as hopeless. The old woman said she woke up and found out that her house had been taken over by water. She barely made to safety when the building collapsed. “l was in my sleep when I felt an unusual coldness in my body and I quickly got up. Before I knew what was happening, the entire house had been filled up with water. “I began to shout for help, calling the

people around for help. I also heard some other people in the communities whose houses have been submerged by flood calling for help. I rushed out of the house shouting, but soon after my house came down. I am lucky to be alive,” she said. “I began to cry because I have nobody to help me; I have nothing left behind. The flood has destroyed everything I have. So, I am appealing to government to come to my aid. As I’m talking to you now, most of us have nowhere to lay our heads. Since the incident happened, we have been sleeping on the roads upland our communities,” the old woman said. Pundits believed that early warning is a proactive mechanism in which certain recognised agencies take to the study of climate and human interactions with the environment towards foretelling the occurrence of floods, with a view of effectively being prepared and averting loss of lives and properties to flood menace. To reduce the reoccurring rate of flooding in Nigeria, there is need to adopt preventive strategies that involve structural and non-structural measures. This can include measures such as checking of dams, levees, flood walls and adequate drainage systems to help control periodic inundation in the areas that are liable to flooding.

There is also need to construct structures for irrigation and the use of excess run-off water for inter-basin transfer as an alternative to absorb excess water from the Cameroon. However, it is believed that checking of dams will reduce peak flows; levees and flood walls confines flow within predetermined channels while adequate drainage systems will reduce peak flow stages of flood and divert excessive flow. In communities where the rate of flow of storm water is high, government can begin to construct embankments to breakdown storm water that could result into floods. There could be a plan developed and applied to prohibit certain types of building or activities in flood high risk zones. There is also need to construct a flood way that allows floods to flow through the community with most minimal or no damage.

ordid stories of rape and defilement of young girls by men, some old enough to be their grand fathers, are shocking and alarmingly rampant in Akwa Ibom State. The cases are mind-boggling and the numbers are huge. According to police sources, at least seven cases are reported every week and this could be a tip of the iceberg given the unreported cases which are said to be ten times more than those that are recorded by the police. What is sickening is that some of the sexual assaults are often perpetrated by fathers against their daughters, uncles against their nieces and in some cases, church leaders against underage girls. Many times, the perpetrators use the threat of traditional sanctions to prevent their victims from going to the police to lodge complaints. For instance, a self-styled prophet of a new generation church reportedly prophesised that a little girl was a witch and lured the parents to bring the child to his house to exorcise the “demons.” After sending the parents away, the man of God defiled the six-year-old girl. Another pathetic case was that of a 77-year-old man and his friend of same age from Ibesikpo Asutan who jointly raped a 14-year old with one of them claiming that the girl was his wife. The 77-year-old man claimed that he found the girl at the village market square and took her home as his wife where she was repeatedly raped. It was gathered that when the man left his residence in search of his daily bread, his friend went to the house and raped the girl repeatedly. One day, the man came back and saw his friend raping the 14-year-old girl in his house and a fight ensured which attracted the attention of the neighbours who reported the matter to the police. Another jaw-breaking case is that of a father who raped his two daughters repeatedly and often used to have a two-some with the two (daughters). Ukeme Udofia of Itumbang in Uruan Local Government defiled his two daughters aged 13 and 9 years for three years, claiming that he did so to test his malfunctioning manhood. Trouble started when the father saw the daughter with another man and got angry that the daughter was cheating on him. When the matter was reported to the police, Udofia claimed his penis was dysfunctional, adding that he was only ‘managing’ it with his daughter. When the man was arrested, the second daughter begged that the matter should not be taken to the court because she was in love with his father. It was gathered that the matter was brought to the attention of the police by office of the Governor’s wife through her pet project, Family Empowerment and Youth Empowerment Programme. According to the investigation, the most pathetic appears to be the one in which a man placed an advertisement in local newspaper claiming that he was looking for cooks. Joseph Sunday of Obot Ideng in Ibesikpo Asutan, 46 years, asked people to apply for the position in Ewet Housing Estate, a high brow housing estate in Uyo, the state capital. According to the investigation, a

lady responded to the advertisement but her husband prevented her from taking the job, saying she whould not be able to combine with her household chores. The lady instead asked her sister to take up the offer. Joseph, a father of three took the girl to Etinan, about 20 kilometres from Uyo and kept her in an apartment where he raped the girl for more than 27 times from Friday to Sunday. After the assault, he took the girl to the police station claiming that the girl was after his life. It was after further interrogation that the truth was known as he accepted that he made love to her eight times between Friday and Sunday when he took her from Uyo to Etinan. According to the findings, the victim after being threatened by the perpetrator and his family pleaded that the matter should not be taken to court but it was revealed that she only changed her mind when the police threatened to charge her to court as an accomplice. The offender has since been arrested. Glory Edet, commissioner for women affairs, described the growing incidence of Gender-Based Violence as a tsunami that should be checked and accused security agencies of often release GBV offenders without charging them to court. Edet said 15 convictions have so far been obtained against GBV offenders. She did not state the period in which the convictions were made. And the cases are alarming. For instance, a girl who went for her industrial attachment in a company was gang-raped by three men who forced her to swear not to report the sexual attack to the police. But the girl whose name was withheld was bold enough to damn all consequences to go to the police and reported what she went through in the hands of the randy men. Further investigation showed that two of the men have been picked up by the police while the third is the run. Odiko Macdon, spokesman for the Akwa Ibom State police command blames the growing cases of rape and defilement in society, saying there is an urgent need to re-identify the role of morality in the society. “The people seem to be morally bankrupt. They continue to commit these atrocities when a lot of them have been arrested. We are not arresting on our oars, the number of those arrested over these crimes show the decades of the society,’’ Macdon, a superintendent of police said. According to him, many of the offenders have been charged to court, some convicted and many under investigations, adding that the police are doing their best, maintaining that it is high time all hands be on deck to fight the scourge of rape and defilement in the society.

Sunday 27 October 2019

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BDSUNDAY 21

Ogun Watch US Embassy visits Ogun, pledges more investments in health, manufacturing

...As Abiodun reels out feats in security, other infrastructure

aving considered improving business atmosphere and ease of doing business which have become hallmarks of Ogun State among the comity of states in the country, the United States of Americahaspledgedtoattract moreinvestmentstothestate. This statement was made on Thursday in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, when a delegation of the US nationals led by Commercial Attaché at the American Embassy, Christine Kelly, paid a courtesy visit toGovernorDapoAbiodunof Ogun State. Speaking on their mission to Ogun State, the Commercial Attaché declared that the Commercial Service with offices in the countries where America has trade relations around the world was in the state as part of Southwest business outreach designed to assess the level of performance of US-owned investmentsandpossiblefacilitation of more investments. Kelly, who acknowledged the investment potentials in the state as the state already hosts a couple of US-owned firms such as Procter and Gamble, said the Commercial Service as the trade arm of the United States, is out to connect American firms with business opportunities in foreignlands,andthatOgunState is a state in Nigeria that offers such opportunities. While expressing US Embassy’s desire to enter into business deals and attract moreinvestmentstothestate, Kelly said American firms are

Governor Dapo Abiodun (right) presenting Ogun State plaque and souvenir to Christine Kelly, the US commercial attaché, when she led a team of Embassy officials to the Governor’s Office at Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta.

ready to compete for opportunitiesinhealthcareandother sectors,suchasmanufacturing and technology as the CommercialServicesectionislookingtopartneringwiththestate on any on-going project. Responding, Govenor Abiodun asked existing and prospective investors, including American investors, to key intohisadministration’sPublic Private Partnership initiative and invest in the state, adding that the state is blessed with large expanse of land suitable for agriculture and also has the highest number of tertiary institutions for quality human resources. Abiodun noted that the

state is strategically located and is working towards providing adequate security, good healthcare services and conducive teaching and learning environment to accommodate influx of people fromneighbouringstateswho might want to live or invest in the state. “We welcome open channels of opportunities that wouldallowustakeadvantage of your Commercial Service. We are working towards taking advantage of the overflow of Lagos by providing security. So far, we have procured 100 patrol vehicles with communication equipment and 200 motorbikes for our security

agenciesbandweareplanning to do more. “Our health facilities are in bad condition, but we have started putting them back into shape. We are currently rehabilitation 236 Primary Health Centres, just as we are also re-equipping our General Hospitals,” he noted. The governor, who noted that the State Government is liaising with some group in America for the supply of medical equipment to the State’s Hospitals, added that his administration is willing to partner American firms who are ready to work with the state in any sector of the economy.

Abiodun is an epitome of culture - Ogun Assembly

he Chairman, House Committee on Information, Culture and Tourism in Ogun State, Yusuff Adejojo has described the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun as epitome of indigenous culture whom others should emulate. Adejojo, who said this during an interview with pressmen at the ongoing National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), themed, “Our Royalty, Our Pride” in Edo State, said the Governor promotes and guards our inherited culture in Ogun State jealously, thereby making him approve the State to partake at the Festival. He advised Nigerians to be proud of their indigenous cultures and patronise locally made goods, as this will usher us into the path of a much desired economic prosperity and our cultural values not go into extinction. He appreciated Governor Abiodun for giving his State the approval to participate at the festival, saying this has provided opportunity for the State to showcase its rich cultural heritage, which will in turn influence other States to visit Ogun, the Gateway State and learn more about its cultures. “I appreciate Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving the State’s performance at the festival, I am so impressed on the performances, especially the parade and drama that had a standing ovation from the audience, which his Excellency will be very proud of,” Adejojo stated. The State Permanent

Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Selimot Ottun, on her part said the Ministry has the full support of the present administration at the festival and other cultural activities, because one of the missions of Governor Abiodun is to place the State on the landmark of culture and tourism, preserve, promote and propagate indigenous cultural heritage. She stated further that the Ministry on its part has not relent at the festival, as it has been promoting the cultural heritage of the State especially, through Adire, which the Gateway State is known for. Also speaking, the Director of Culture in the Ministry, Oluwaseye Adeyemo, said the importance of NAFEST cannot be over emphasised, because it is a means of projecting whatever culture or tradition in Nigeria. Adeyemo said the state’s presentation, so far is awesome, and a template for other states to adopt, for them to be a custodian of culture like the Gateway State. As the festival progresses, the State is experiencing a high level of visit at its exhibition stand and has participated in the following competitions: Indigenous Fabrics in Royal Apparel, drama titled ‘this Land must Sacrifice, which aroused a loud ovation from the audience, Traditional Cuisines, where the local foods, known for, in the three senatorial districts of the State were prepared, Traditional Board Game, Children’s Cultural Quiz, Essay Writing, Crafts and Poetry.

OGSG empowers 5,000 MSME’s operators in novel MSME clinic

bout 5,000 traders in Ogun State have benefitted from the first phase of the State’s Micro, Small and Medium En t e r p r i s e s ( M S M Es) clinic embarked upon by the Dapo Abiodun administration. The novel MSME Clinic which was established for smooth takeoff and operations of micro, small and medium-sized businesses, is designed to improve financial inclusion, offer credit facilities, register new businesses and facilitate exports of goods manufactured in the state. Speaking on the desired economic impacts of the MSME Clinic, Sola Arobieke, consultant to the

state governor on Commerce and Industry, said during the MSMEs Clinic held in Ijebu-Ode, one of the major cities in the state, that the programme is meant to improve ease of doing business by giving MSMEs operators the needed facilities that improve their businesses. Ar o b i e k e s a i d t h a t the MSMEs Clinic was in fulfilment of the campaign promises of Gove r n o r Ab i o d u n t o e m power more traders in their businesses towards boosting the state’s local e c o n o m y, a d d i n g t h a t prerequisite economic stimulus is being created by State government to ensure speedy economic growth.

According to her, over 5,000 participants from Og u n Ea s t b e n e f i t t e d in the areas of business registrations, product registration, access to

bank loans, exportation and other incentives that bordered on setting up businesses and MSMEs growth. Ar o b i e k e h o w e v e r,

charged the participants to make good use of the opportunity availed them and make judicious use of the fund, so they could assess more, saying government is working in synergy with bodies like National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (NASMEs), Small and Medium Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Association of Small Business Owners Association of Nigeria (ASBON) and other small business owners to facilitate creation of more business outlets to ameliorate the sufferings of the less-privileged. Also, the Deputy Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludare Kadiri, called on the beneficiaries

to reciprocate the gesture to improve on livelihood, promising that the State legislature was ready to make laws that would enhance the growth of MSMEs. The MSME Clinic held in Ijebu-Ode witnessed the registration of 120 new businesses by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), while about 720 new bank account holders opened accounts with partnered banks like Access Bank, Zenith Bank and Sterling Bank. The next phase of the MSMEs business clinic has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at the Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta.

22 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 27 October 2019

Travelogue

A visit to top historic destinations in Istanbul

IFEOMA OKEKE

here are very few old cities in the world that reflect cultural influences and are historical yet do not lose touch with modernisation and development. One of such few cities in the world is Istanbul. Istanbul, the most populous city in Turkey and the country’s economic, cultural and historic centre, has its commercial and historical center on the European side and about a third of its population lives in suburbs on the Asian side of the Bosporus. The city is one of the world’s most populous cities, ranking as the world’s fourth largest city proper and the largest European city. It was therefore with excitement and so much anticipation that I received the news that I will be visiting the beautiful city. Three days stay in the city was amazing, fun-filled and educating. Some of the destinations visited are the 1600-year-old Theodosius Cistern, Little Hagia Sophia mosque, Nakilbent Cistern, Sultanahmet Koftecisi, Blue Mosque and Arasta market, courtesy, Turkish Airlines. The high point for me was the boat cruise, which took over two hours showcasing Bebek, Istanbul’s trendy village along the Bosphorus as we cruised over the sea. 1600-year-old Theodosius Cistern 1600-year-old Theodosius Cistern no doubt is a beauty to behold, decorated with important works which carry the traces of old civilizations and beauties again. The 1600-year-old cistern, known as Şerefiye Sarnıcı in Turkish, is an important example of the complex infrastructure developed by the Byzantines and protected and enhanced under the reign of the Ottoman Empire, İstanbul Governor Vasip Şahin said at the 24 April opening event for the historic structure. The Theodosius Cistern, believed to have been built under the reign of Byzantine emperor Theodosius II (428– 43), was uncovered under an early 20th century mansion and a municipal building that was constructed in 1950. The municipal building was torn down in 2010, initiating an eight-year restoration project for the cistern that was carried out by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the General Directorate of Foundations. Measuring 1125 squaremetres with its nine metrehigh ceiling held up by 32 marble columns, the Theodosius Cistern is smaller, but

Little Hagia Sophia mosque approximately 100 years older than the nearby Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), which was built in 532 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in İstanbul. A third underground reservoir in the same area, the Cistern of Philoxenos (Binbirdirek Sarnıcı), dates to the fourth century. All three were part of a 250 km-long system that brought fresh water from the Belgrad Forest north of the city through the Aqueduct of Valens and eventually to the ornate drinking fountains that can still be seen scattered around İstanbul. The Theodosius Cistern is located at Piyer Loti Caddesi 23 in the Fatih district. It is open daily from 10am to 7pm and hosts periodic art exhibitions and other events. Entrance is free and the interior is elevator-accessible. Little Hagia Sophia mosque The entrance leading to the Little Hagia Sophia mosque didn’t seem like an entrance into a mosque and the reason is not far-fetched, it was once a church converted into a mosque. Li t t l e Ha g i a So p h i a (Küçük Ayasofya Camii), former Greek Orthodox church during the Byzantine period, currently functions as a mosque. Hagia Sophia Museum, Chora Mosque (Church of St. Saviour and Chora), and Fethiye Mosque (Pammakaristos Church) were other important Byzantine churches in Istanbul that were converted into mosques which are now museum. The original name of Little Hagia Sophia was “The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus” which was dedicated to two young saints: St. Sergius and St. Bacchus. The Church of Sts. Sergius and Bacchus was built in 536 CE by Justinian I, who also built Hagia Sophia, Underground Cistern, and many other important landmarks. Therefore, Justinian I is also called “Justinian the Builder.” Rchitecture of Little Hagia Sophia church is unique and not similar with Hagia Sophia. The structure has an octagonal nave inscribed within an irregular rectangle and is covered by 17 meters

diameter umbrella dome. The church was converted into a mosque in 1513, sixty years after the conquest of Constantinople. Transformation of the church was commissioned by Hüseyin Ağa, who was the Chief Eunuch of the Topkapı Palace in the first quarter of the sixteenth century. Today, the temple functions as a mosque and welcomes visitors everyday except prayer times. Nakilbent Cistern Not many people know that you can look at a cistern from the times of Emperor Justinian in Nakilbent Sokak Nr. 13. This building can be visited when you walk down from Sultanahmet Camii to Kücük Aya Sofia or Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Camii. Admission is free. From the basement you walk down a modern steel staircase and end up in another world far away from modern times. The cistern is very well preserved. It has got 18 marble columns which support brick arches, and it belonged to a private palace on the extended grounds of the Great Palace. The original walls of the cistern provide an ideal background to exhibitions. Sometimes other cultural events (even concerts) take place down there, too. Sultanahmet Koftecisi restaurant There can’t be a better way to relax after a long walk and sight-seeing than relaxing over a nicely prepared local dish and drink. It was really good to taste how the

Nakilbent Cistern

locals like it, hot from the pot. Sultanahmet Koftecisi provides nice dishes, serene atmosphere and variety of local drinks. The place is very clean and the order needs almost zero time to come to your table. Located at the centre of the city, the restaurant provides quality of food and is specialized in grills and price as very suitable. Blue Mosque The Blue Mosque (Called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design. Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I. just like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasa and a hospice. Besides still used as a mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque has also become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul. With the mosque’s exterior, the architect, Sedefkâr Mehmet Ağa, managed to orchestrate a visual whambam effect similar to that of nearby star Aya Sofya’s interior. Its curves are voluptuous; it has six minarets (more than any other mosque at the time it was built); and its courtyard is the biggest of all of the Ottoman mosques. The interior has a similarly grand scale: the İznik tiles number in the tens of thousands; there are 260 windows; and the central prayer space is huge. To b e s t g r a s p t h e mosque’s design, enter the complex via the Hippodrome rather than from Sultanahmet Park. Once inside the courtyard, which is the same size as the mosque’s interior, you’ll appreciate the building’s perfect proportions. The mosque is such a popular attraction that admission is controlled in order to preserve its sacred atmosphere. Only worshippers are admitted through the main door; visitors must use the south door (follow the signs). Besides being tourist attraction, it’s also an active mosque, so it’s closed to

Sultanahmet Koftecisi restaurant non-worshippers for a half hour during the five daily prayers. Best way to see great architecture of the Blue Mosque is to approach it from the Hippodrome. (West side of the mosque) As if you are non-Muslim visitor, you also have to use same direction to enter the Mosque. Arasta market The Arasta market is a very prominent market in Istanbul providing house hold and commercial products, giving you a feel of culture and architectural designs on the walls of the market. The market is very

tions in 1981. As a result of the excavations made in 1930, bazaar was established upon the old structures which were body of the palace in Byzantine Era. In Ottoman Age, this historic construction was used by cavalrymen because there were found many various materials for them. Boat cruise around Bebek The boat cruise was an amazing experience and one that availed me the opportunity to see the various places in the city just sitting and feeling the cool breeze of nature as the sailed slowly. The cruise experience

Arasta market popular for its length of about 60 meters. Located on the Blue Mosque Square in Istanbul, Arasta Bazaar has been one of the most charming shopping centers since it was built by savvy Ottoman officials in 17th century. Popularly known as Sipahiler (Cavalrymen) Bazaar in that period, market consists of approximately 70 series of shops placed on Torun Street. Although it is smaller than the magnificent Grand Bazaar, this relatively calmly and pretty market contains many kinds of productions attracting people in its shops such as eyeful jewellery, carpets, souvenirs, ceramics, Turkish tiles, apparel and more today. In the last time of Ottoman, the market burned in a fire, because of that it was demolished. But that breath taking building was rebuilt and reopened by General Directorate for Founda-

was more enjoyable passing through fortresses, water mansions, bridges and five star hotels. The boat cruise helped showcase Bebek, Istanbul’s trendy Village along the Bosphorus. Bebek is a very trendy village along the Bosphorus. It has a buzzing atmosphere and it is wellknown for the nice cafés and shops that line the waterfront. Locals also praise Bebek for its nice seaside promenade, ideal for long strolls along the strait. Bebek is located on the European shore of the Bosphorus. It has a nice deep and wide bay, which offers stunning views of the Bosphorus in both directions. Obviously, this attractive natural location didn’t go unnoticed. In the 19th century, Ottoman aristocrats picked Bebek’s ideal location to build their summer houses and palaces. Today it is still a popular residential area.

Sunday 27 October 2019

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Perspective A glance at the mandate and operations of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission CELESTINE TORUKA

he Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) is the apex national regulatory body for Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria. It is the only government Christian agency that has direct link with the federal government. The Commission was statutorily established by an Act of the National Assembly No. 32 of May, 2007. Its enabling Act empowers the Commission to organize and coordinate the activities and movement of Christians, who perform Holy Pilgrimage from Nigeria to Israel and other Holy sites around the world. The Commission is also saddled with the responsibility of licensing and regulating the activities of Christian pilgrimage operators in Nigeria as well as providing conducive environment for the smooth airlift of Christians to the Holy Land. NCPC also provides health, financial and security support for Christians who participate in Holy pilgrimage. The Commission commenced full operation in 2008 and moved to its corporate headquarters in 2010 at plot 1348 Cadastral Zone, Ahmadu Bello way, Garki 2, Abuja. Considering the need to bring Pilgrimage nearer to the people at the grass root, the NCPC Management in 2011 resolved to decentralise the administration of pilgrimage by creating six zonal offices in each of the geo-political zones of the country. Presently, the NCPC zonal offices are situated in Yola for the North-east, Kaduna for the North-west, Enugu for the South-east, Lagos for the South-west, Bayelsa for the South-south and Gwagwalada for the North-central.

NCPC

Esther Kweghe Over the years, pilgrimage whether Christian Pilgrimage or the Hajj for Muslims, has gained ground in Nigeria and has generated positive debates on various circles. One fact remains that pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to a sacred place in order to enable the faithful have a deeper understanding of their faith. Every year, Nigerian Christians look forward to having a personal encounter and spiritual revival with our Lord Jesus Christ in Israel because of the underlying life changing experience embedded in it. Indeed, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has grown in leaps and bounds since its establishment in 2007. The Commission has expanded its operational scope from a single pilgrimage destination which is Israel to more destinations that include Greece and Rome. The

2019 general pilgrimage is a two-way destination – Israel and Rome. Aside the expansion of the pilgrimage destinations, the Commission also added and developed more pilgrimage programmes in one calendar year from a single general pilgrimage programme of October – December to three more pilgrimage programmes of Easter, Youth and Family pilgrimages. Also, the number of Christian pilgrimage operators licensed by NCPC has equally increased in recent time from 71 to 113. The Commission has over the years enjoyed maximum support from the Federal government, state governments, churches and well-meaning Nigerians, who have helped to advance the cause of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria. One of the takeaways from

this is the fact that Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria has become a model for African countries and one of the best in Sub-Sahara Africa. Little wonder therefore, that in 2018 a powerful delegation from the Ghana Ministry of Religious and Chieftaincy Affairs visited NCPC to under study the art of pilgrimaging and the Ghanaian Minister, Chief Kofi Damezi commended the Commission for having the best organised Christian Pilgrimage body in Africa. The general pilgrimage exercise remains the major pilgrimage plank of the Commission in terms of content and form as it is critical to the survival of the Commission as every of its strategic plan and policy is geared towards actualising it. Before now, the Commission had carried out a lot of programmes towards having a successful and hitch free 2019 general pilgrimage to Israel and Rome. Early in the year, the Comm i s s i o n o rg a n i s e d b i d f o r ground Handlers and Air carriers and the successful ones were subsequently approved by P re s i d e n t M u h a m m a d u Buhari after which a contract agreement was signed by the NCPC and the service providers. At the signing of the contract Agreement, the Director in Charge of the Commission, Esther Kwaghe, urged them not to renege on the agreement of the contracts and also tasked them on safety of the pilgrims and value for money. It is equally instructive to note that the Commission also reviewed downward the pilgrimage cost to Israel this year from N731,000 to N715,000. T h e D i re c t o r i n C h a r g e o f NCPC, Esther Kwaghe said that was the effort of the Chairman of NCPC Rev. Yomi Kasali and the Board; such has never happened in the history of the Commission. Early in the year too, the Commission organised medical examinations for the Federal Medial Team in conjunction with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). At the end of the day, 65 Federal Medical Team comprising medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses and medical laboratory scientists were selected and the Commission consequently organised medical orientation for them at Goshen, Nasarawa State. The Chairman of the Board of NCPC, Rev. Yomi Kasali, the Director in Charge, Kwaghe, board members and management staff also embarked on sensitisation visits to some state Chief Executives, Churches and well-meaning individuals soliciting for support for this year’s general pilgrimage. The Commission also embarked on screening and re-

screening of intending pilgrims across the states by ensuring there was thorough vetting to avoid potential absconders during the pilgrimage exercise. Indeed, a lot of strategies have been deployed by the Commission to ensure a hitch free 2019 general pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Rome. As part of the build up to this year’s general pilgrimage, the Director in Charge of the Commission, Esther Kwaghe, the Director of Operations, Rev. Amos Yohanna and officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), as well as the officials from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) visited Istanbul, Turkey on the pilgrims’ Aircraft inspection in order to ascertain what was signed in the contract Agreement and to physically inspect the aircraft with aviation experts. The inspection of pilgrim’s aircraft is a sin-qua-non for a successful airlift operation of Nigerian pilgrims. Similarly, the Commission and all the states pilgrimage leaders, comprising state chairmen and secretaries of states Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board also embarked on the state of Readiness visit to Israel and Rome to inspect facilities in the hotels and Holy sites as signed in the agreement between the Commission and the Ground Handlers. Rev Kasali and the Director in Charge of the Commission led the delegation on the State of Readiness’ visit. It is important to state unequivocally that the progress being made in the Commission in recent time is as a result of the healthy and robust relationship between the NCPC board, led by Rev. Kasali and the management of NCPC led by Kwaghe. This is encouraging and should be sustained for the interest of Nigerian pilgrims and the growth of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria. The Commission is full of commendation for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for the support and effective supervisory role on the Commission. In the same vein, same congenial atmosphere is being replicated in all the states Christian Pilgrim Welfare Boards under the auspices of the Conference of States. The Board and the Commission are working effortlessly to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are carried along in the Scheme of things as far as Christian pilgrimage is concern. At the moment, the Commission is also working tirelessly to ensure the commencement of the 2019 general pilgrimage to Israel and Rome in November. …Toruka, is an assistant director and head - Media of the NCPC

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Sunday 27 October 2019

Arts Artist in focus

Ablade Glover, an undeniable artistic talent are more beautiful than men. That was not a serious answer. It was later, thinking about it, that it struck me they have courage. Women of Africa have some courage and they show it. When they walk the street, they are elegant. They are courageous, they are brave. When they are going about, they show it. Men do not do that”, he explains. As much as the artist loves to paint women, he also loves to paint the crowd movement and the crowd spirit. But in a review of his 85 years practice, keen observers will notice the shift and evolution in his artistic career. From mixing colours, applying them to the canvas, he progressed to mixing the same colours, working with varying tones and now to working with contrasting colours; a technique, which he says is something that surprises him. The intrigue again is that even at 85 years, Glover is still evolving and most importantly, experimenting with new colours. But no matter the experiment or shift, the subject matter in his work stays the same. Looking back at his successful career, Glover is happy with some legacies. In the early 90s, he used Glo, his art gallery in Kumasi, to offer space to a lot of trained artists and those who are struggling to practice and exhibit their works free of charge. Years later, when GLO was no longer working, he created Artist Alliance Gallery to celebrate and exhibit local West African artists. He is fulfilled that artists are encouraged, careers built, and lives bettered through his platform. It is of note that Glover has exhibited widely with works held in many prestigious private and public collections, including at the Imperial Palace of Japan, the UNESCO headquarters in Paris and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. More importantly, Gallery1957, a Ghanaians art gallery, will be exhibiting his works at the ART X Lagos 2019. Lovers of his works are urged to visit Booth 22 at the art fair holding at Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Victoria Island, Lagos from November 1 - 3, 2019.

OBINNA EMELIKE

t 85 years, Ablade Glover, a retired Ghanaian professor of Art, is not tired. He is still the undeniable artistic talent he was in his early 30s. Now in his retirement, he is able to grant more time to painting, and express himself through vibrant colors and textured canvases resulting in countless masterpieces. His body of work stands as an invaluable chronicle of the people, landscape and the spirit of Africa, while his canvasses overflow with vivid flecks of warm colour in celebration of Africa’s bustling scenes, boisterous energy and visual richness. Most of his paintings are done with palette knife instead of brush, which he claims is too soft. Collectors across the world can testify to his creative ingenuity. Most recently, at the Modern and Contemporary African Art sale, which held on October 15, 2019 in London, five of his paintings were highly sought-after by notable collectors. Moreover, the renowned artist recently celebrated his 85th birthday with an exhibition of new works at his London gallery and those who witnessed the exhibition applauded the sheer ingenuity of the masterpieces. Lovers of his works, his students, galleries and collectors alike, are always looking forward to his birthday because of the tradition of hosting a special exhibition of new works to celebrate his birthdays. While that is an intrigue, it connects his followers more to his works and humble personality. Speaking on his birthday exhibitions, Glover says, “I started hosting birthday exhibitions in 1970 with October Gallery. We had them in 1975, 1980 and so on. For me, these exhibitions are quite significant as they mark my periodic evolution”. His style has been described as “swirling between abstraction and realism”, and his subject matter typically favours large urban landscapes, lorry parks, shantytowns,

thronging markets and studies of the women of Ghana. The retired professor, artist and educator, is a child of Ghana’s revolution; an early life experience that shaped his artistic works. “I remember as a young boy attending numerous nationalists’ rallies all over the city and hearing our leaders as they convinced people to rise up and seize their freedom. I was very young and probably highly impressionable but I know that the education I received was due to the doors they opened for me and my generation. I realized early the need to educate our people to participate in nation-building. These lessons have stayed with me and are reflected in my works”, he says. Beyond the revolution, Glover speaks of other things that influenced his works. “If you notice, you see a lot of women in my work and people do ask me, why do you paint so many women? The first time I was asked the question, I didn’t think about it. I just opened my mouth and said because they

Ooni felicitates with Adebutu, the Odole Oodua at 84, charges him to unite kinsmen

he Arole Oodua, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has charged Kensington Adebutu, the newly installed Odole Oodua, who turned 84 years recently to use his new age and the rest of his life for the peace, unity and cultural advancement of Yoruba land and the entire Oduduwa race worldwide. The Ooni made the charge on recently in a statement signed by Moses Olafare, director of media and public affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, congratulating Adebutu on his 84th birthday anniversary. “With the warmest royal regards from the House of Oduduwa, it is with great delight that we celebrate the new Odole Oodua, Sir Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu on his birthday as he has clocked 84 today.

“Odole Oodua Adebutu is a fine gentleman and charismatic leader with a life worthy of emulation and evident in his countless philanthropic gestures and social develop-

ment strides. He is undoubtedly one among promoters of the prestigious Yoruba and African cultural values. “Before his installation as the Odole Oodua, he has been sever-

ally involved in selfless efforts at ensuring peace and unification of the Yoruba race. This, he must continue with more vigour as one of the fathers of the race, especially by virtue of his new position as the 4th Odole Oodua”, the Ooni said. Ooni Ogunwusi who is a cochairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) also added prayers for the Odole Oodua and his entire household. “On behalf of the descendants of Oduduwa worldwide, Yoruba race in particular, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II heartily felicitates with the Odole Oodua, Sir Kensington Adebutu also known as Dodondawa as he marks his 84th birthday today”, the royal father prayed. He wished the celebrant a

healthy long life filled with immeasurable prosperity and fulfillment of his dreams for his family, Remo people, Yoruba race and the descendants of Oduduwa both in Nigeria and in diaspora. Ile-Ile, the cradle and ancestral home of the Yoruba was agog recently with the installation of Sir Adebutu as the 4th Odole Oodua, pioneered prince Oranmiyan Akan’tunkan’si Akin ni’le Akinl’ode, who later went to establish Benin and Oyo royal dynasties. The epoch installation done by the Ooni of Ife was witnessed by president Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior, vice president Yemi Osinbajo, governors of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Edo State deputy governor, among other dignitaries.

Sunday 27 October 2019

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Arts Nigerian cultural heritage attains new height

Impart Artists Fair debuts in Lagos

OBINNA EMELIKE

…as over 300 artists interact

…as Edo hosts first NAFEST in 40 years

or a week, Nigerian cultural heritage was on spotlight at this year’s edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST). The festival held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, for the first time in the 40 years it has held across the country. Themed ‘Our Royalty, Our Pride’, the 32nd edition of the annual festival witnessed more participation by states and cultural groups from across the country amid pomp and fanfare. It will also be remembered as a royal NAFEST of sort given the royal complexion to almost every aspect of the festival. From a royal demonstration of Nigerian cuisines by several states to a display of indigenous fabrics in royal apparel to a night of glorious royal grandeur personified by Oba Ewuare II, the Benin monarch himself, all showcased royalty in its purest form. The renowned Oba attended a variety show with his beautiful wives, which is a rarity as far as Benin tradition is concerned. Al s o i n a t t e n d a n c e at the show was the full complement of the Edo State Government led by Godwin Obaseki, the governor, alongside Olusegun Runsewe, director-general, National Council for Arts and Culture, who led over 25 state contingents to the event as they collectively pay homage to the revered Oba. The main feature of the night was a dramatic presentation of the legendary Queen Mother, Idia whose brave exploits in saving the

asmara, an independent art consultancy, has flagged off the maiden edition of Impart Artists Fair, a new initiative and veritable platform to promote African artists within and outside the continent. The three-day art fair opened on October 25, 2019, at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos, and will end today, October 27th. Th e m e d ‘ Ar t Me e t s Tech’, the fair featured 300 African artists who exhibited over 1000 recent artworks to visitors including; over 6000 international

organisers of the fair, explained that Impart Artists Fair is organised to increase awareness of African arts and culture sector, as well as, to improve African art recognition on a global pedestal. Speaking further, she noted that with the support of Templars (a law firm) and the Consulate of the United States in Lagos, the fair offered artists a platform to exhibit themselves via the use of Interactive and Immersive Technology. “This is where technology plays a vital factor and we believe that through technology we can reach a larger audience needed to create

and local art collectors, established members of the art community, students and art enthusiasts from different socio-economic backgrounds. The artists were selected through a thorough vetting process supervised by the selection committee made up of 11 international art professionals and collectors. Exciting activities at the fair include; a Digital Art showcase (using ground breaking Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Technologies), workshops with artists and professionals, exclusive collectors’ events, among others. Speaking on the rationale for launching the platform, Hana Omilani, founder and director, Lasmara, the fair

volume in the transaction of African art,” Hana said. The organisers of the fair used it to officially launch the Impart platform. “Impart is a new initiative – a platform to promote African artists. But the Impart Artists Fair is just one of the series of initiatives. The fair uses technology to promote art, this is why the maiden edition of is themed Art Meets Tech. “We have ongoing plans to empower artists through this platform, as we are actively involved in social, nonprofit activities, such as community building, portfolio management, talks, artists’ workshops, residency programmes and special workshops for women, to help increase the representation of female artists in the field”, she said.

OBINNA EMELIKE

Olusegun Runsewe, director-general, National Council for Arts and Culture, presenting a branded gift to Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin in his palace during NAFEST 2019.

old kingdom are well emblazoned in Benin folklore. Earlier in the day, Nigerians in attendance were treated to a full dose of royal culinary delight by several tribes drawn from states like Ekiti, Delta, Adamawa, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna and many others in a healthy food competition staged to ascertain the tribe that can rival Benin royalty. As the weeklong fiesta hits a crescendo with many anticipated activities like; culture quiz competition, royal splendour, traditional wrestling, free skill acquisition, free medical services, royal golf tourney among others, Nigerians experienced complete treat of culture and royalty never before experienced in NAFEST. Earlier, the opening ceremony was colourful as governor Obaseki alongside members of his executive and director general, National Council for Arts and Culture symbolically opened a cultural calabash to declare the festival open at the University of Benin Sports Complex. The opening witnessed

a string of captivating performances by veterans such as the legendary Guitar Boy, Sir. Victor Uwaifo and ace Afro-pop Crooner, Innocent Idibia among other highly entertaining displays. Speaking at the event, governor Obaseki said the festival would help in strengthening the bond of unity in Nigeria, noting, “We are happy to host the nation. Our culture unites us all. You saw the performances by various states today and for the first time in the history of the festival, we are having the highest number of states participating in the programme.” He thanked the NCAC for making the hosting right possible for the state admonishing everyone to participate in the programme throughout the week. Delivering his address at the festival, Runsewe said the 32nd edition of NAFEST has shown that Nigeria is a great nation with diverse culture, adding, “There is no disagreement that this programme has strengthened the unity of the country as both the

military and civilians have participated in this edition here in Benin.” Also speaking at the opening, Omoregie Ogbiede Ihama, chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Culture and Tourism, said, “History has been made here with Edo hosting NAFEST for the first time in 40 years.” “My committee is committed to supporting the festival. We beat five other states to win the hosting right. The festival coincides with the birthday and thirdyear coronation anniversary of our Oba, Ewuare II”, he added. Other dignitaries who graced the opening include, wife of the Edo Governor, Betsy Obaseki; Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu and his wife, Maryann Shaibu and Osaze Osemwengie-Ero, Edo Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs. The weeklong event was programmed to entertain, empower and foster unity and pride among Nigerians with a sumptuous lineup of activities that light up Benin City and the state at large.

Fans mourn Mad Melon of the ‘Danfo Driver’ fame

he Nigeria music industry has lost yet another icon. The industry was shocked over the death of Oghenemaro Henry Azubuike Emeofa, who was popularly known as Mad Melon. The musician, who was said to be battling an undisclosed ailment passed on at Tolu Medical Centre Hospital in Ajegunle, Lagos. While the corpse was

escorted mortuary, Ajegunle residents and some musicians including Daddy Showkey mourned the late musician and commending his contributions to the Nigerian music industry under the Danfo Drivers label. Mountain Black, the surviving member of the ‘Danfo Driver’ fame, was also present and very devastated by the demise of his partner. The musician, who lives

in Satellite Town Lagos, fears that Danfo Drivers may not survive the challenge as duo have always been together for each other even in career and businesses. On Friday October 25, 2019, major streets in Ajegunle were blocked by crowd of mourners as part of the activities for the burial of the musician. Some of the mourners had T-shirts with differ-

ent write-ups on them that describe the late musician. Until his death, Mad Melon was part of the popular music group called ‘Danfo Drivers’ which also had Mountain Black as a member. The group became popular in the early 2000s for their unique music style, which till date has remained admired by Nigerians, es-

pecially their huge fan base in Ajegunle area of Lagos. They drove commercial bus popularly called ‘Danfo’ to make ends meet until they were discovered by Cornerstone Music in early 2003. From being a ‘Danfo’ bus driver that plied the Ojo Road and Mile 2 route, they rose to become one of Nigeria’s best music duo and international stars to come out of Ajegunle.

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Sunday 27 October 2019

Travel A feel of royal touch at African Travel Times Award OBINNA EMELIKE

nce again, the West African travel and tourism community gathered in Accra, the Ghanaian capital city, for the 6th edition of the annual African Travel Times award. This year’s edition was the third in a roll to be hosted in Ghana, as well as, the most colorful because of the royal presence of a revered paramount ruler in Ghana. The presence of Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Akwamumanhene of Akwamu Kingdom, was well felt. The paramount ruler, who left his Bogyawe Royal Palace in Akwamu to grace the occasion, truly deserved to be the ‘father of the day’ at the award. From the entrance of Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra, venue of the event, the high profile guests at the hotel witnessed the glamour of African royalty first hand. From the colourful royal dressing, awesome procession to the intentional guarding of the kind from public view, the entourage was worth seeing. Of course, all guests at the award night awaited the entry of the king, whose presence and blessings are needed for the event to kick off. As expected, the well-trained palace guards led the way, while the very gifted flutist, drummers and praise singers uniquely announced the entry of the king with melodious sounds and gestures. The ovation was overwhelming for the king who appreciated it and signaled to the organisers to move on with the event. The organisers went on with the event, but eyes were still glued on the king and his huge entourage of over 15 traditionally costumed subjects. Moments later, Herbert Acquaye, former president, Ghana Hotels Association and the chairman of the occasion, formally rolled out programmes of the event and noted that the Ghanaian hospitality sector always look forward to the award because of the healthy rival, which has also

His Royal Majesty, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III Akwamumanhene with his entourage helped stakeholders to improve on service and facility delivery over the years. As well, in his opening remarks, Lucky George, publisher, African Travel Times Magazine, the organiser of the award, highlighted how the award, which was initiated six years ago, has blossomed into a veritable platform for networking, healthy rivalry among industry players and encouraging world best practice in the West African region. He noted further that six years down the line, the award has maintained its core objective, which is to recognise ‘excellence’ in the travel and tourism sector in the West African region and beyond. George commended the Ghanaian government, the people and stakeholder in the travel and tourism industry for the immense support so far given to the African Travel Times Award, which he doubted he could get in Nigeria, his home country. He particularly appreciated Acquaye, the chairman of the occasion, for his support, which helped in the berthing of the award in Ghana. He also used the opportunity to throw light on trends in tourism, and calling on Ghana to expand its tourism offerings beyond the usual slave castles and harbors as tourists are continuously looking for new at-

tractions while on a trip. Citing instance with the Nigerian more skilled tourism and travel reporting, he challenged Ghana travel media to retool and scale up their reports in a way to market the country and woo more visitors. But when Wasiu Babalola, vice president Africa, Continent Hotel, took over the stage for his keynote address, the venue was silent as guests were eager to learn from the wealth of knowledge and experience of the former Swiss Hotel managing director. The hospitality expert with PhD in related field took the guests on a knowledge lane, explaining why regular upgrading in the hospitality industry is necessary for growth, catching up with trends and for results. The PhD holder, who is currently pursuing a law degree, charged youths to constantly develop themselves, and that they must first have passion for the hospitality to truly excel on their jobs. He insisted that easy jobs do not pay at the end, but career in hospitality requires extra effort and pains to enable them get fulfilled on their jobs and to laugh at last. Concerned over closing the skills gap in the hospitality sector, Jenny Adade, managing director,

The new range of water sport facilities introduced by the resort include: Boats for luxury cruise and fishing; surfing, snorkeling, jet ski, kayaking, canoeing, scuba – diving, underwater bike, tubing, and sea scooter and seabob. Retreat/conference on the Lagoon Retreats and meetings on lagoon is a new experience as you enjoy sessions on boat cruising on Lagos waters and it comes with a rich treat, quite relaxing and blissful as you savour breezy natural feel from the elements while cruising either from Radisson Blu Hotel in Victoria Island to the resort or cruising on the lagoon within the resort. It is a whole new experience recommended for corporate, religious and private retreats. The conference boat is equipped with the state-of -the - art conference facilities such as projectors, screens, flip chart, Wi-Fi,

and writing materials. At the resort, the conference crew disembarks and engages in many of the resort numerous bonding activities and water sports as part of the added on value for the lagoon retreats and meetings package. Also, part of the itinerary is buffet breakfast at Radisson Blu Hotel for 9am before departure for 10am for

Ilearn Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre, offered guests at the awards, especially hotels opportunity to train and retrain their staff in her outfit, which she said is world class based on her many years of experience in the sector in abroad. However, while the royal father’s presence was a boost to the event, the paramount ruler also used the occasion to do real time marketing of tourism assets and attractions within his domain. From Royal Senchi Hotel, the Volta Akosombo Hotel, Afrikoko Resort, Dodi Princess, which offers sailing and boating facilities, the Akwamu Gorge Conservation and railway projects, and many others, the Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Akwamumanhene of Akwamu Kingdom, urged global tourists to visit and explore nature unlimited. The marketing prowess of the royal father amazed even the expert destination managers at the event as the paramount ruler truly proved himself as the custodian of his people’s culture. In the main highlight of the event, awards were presented to the winners in different categories. As expected, Ethiopian Airlines emerged Best Airline International for Africa; Kenya Airways won

the “Most Supportive National Carrier” for tourism brand; Arik Air bagged the Most Recognizable Airline Brand in Nigeria; and Air Africa World Airlines emerged the Most Reliable/Best Connectivity Airline in West Africa. Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, the host, won two awards; the Best Five Star Hotel in Ghana and the Hospitality Brand of the Year. Royal Senchi Resort emerged Best Resort in West Africa; Tang Palace Hotel won Best Dining Experience Hotel of the Year in West Africa; Zaina Lodge emerged Best Safari Facility; and The Envoy Abuja won the Most Modern and Environmental Friendly Facility in West Africa. For its support, Akwa Ibom State won the Top Sport Tourism Destination in West Africa; Rivers State emerged the Most Supportive Government in Sustaining Tourism Facilities in Nigeria; Ghana Tourism Authority won the Most Active Tourism Agency in West Africa, South African Tourism emerged the Most Effective National Marketing Tourism Agency in Africa for the second year running while Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture of Ghana was the Most Active in West Africa. In another category, the National Council for Arts and Culture, Nigeria won the Most Active culture agency in West Africa; Gambia won the Most Visited Destination in West Africa; YOKS Rent A Car, Ghana emerged the Best in West Africa. Winners in the individual categories who were given recognition awards include; Bernard Bankole emerged the Most Active Association President, Seth Yeboah Ocran, CEO, YOKS Investments Limited, David Nana Anim, former president, Ghana Tourism Federation; Sajid Khan, Paul Kavanagh, Romam Krabel, general manager, Accra City Hotel, and Susan Akporiaye, Most Active Woman in Tourism, West Africa. At the end of the award, George commended all the winners for their efforts, urging them to improve on it and promised a more exciting award next year.

La Campagne thrills with water leisure offering

a Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort has continued to live up to its reputation as not just world rated African themed resort but as an enclave where ‘man and nature live in harmony’. To this end, the management of the Ikegun Village, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos – based outfit, has consistently explored better ways of enhancing this relationship in order to deliver a unique experience to the guests of the resort. The resort has introduced new range of water sports life style packages to its already existing water leisure bouquet. The new offering is tagged: The new way of life in La camapgne. The new offering is in four distinct and enchanting categories; water leisure, water sports adventure, lagoon retreats and meetings and dining on the lagoon- breakfast, lunch and dinner. Water sports Adventure

Water sports

those taking off from the hotel while for those taking off from the resort breakfast is served onsite. At noon, the team members are taken through various bonding exercises and then buffet lunch at a setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is capped by a set of water sports activities before departure for Radisson Blu Hotel where dinner

is served on the lagoon, offering a rich blend of culinary and atmospheric treats for the benefits of the team, while resident at the resort are treated to sumptuous dinner on the lagoon. Dinning on the Lagoon This is good for outdoor lovers and typically offers you the experience of man and nature living in blissful harmony. As part of this new package, you are treated to delicious culinary offerings; breakfast, lunch and dinner while cruising on the lagoon; savoring the natural bliss of the mangrove forest, bird watching and being serenaded not only by the airy and breezy natural elements, but the sonorous chippings of the birds. The package is tailored made to suit lovebirds, family, group of tourists, corporate and religious retreats. It also comes with live entertainment and private butlers and sentries.

Sunday 27 October 2019

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BDSUNDAY 27

Travel

FAAN, aircraft engineer questions report of Royal Air Maroc on cabin door opening IFEOMA OKEKE

ollowing the report by Royal Air Maroc that its baggage cabin door was open after take-off upon discovering its cargo door light flickering, an indigenous aircraft engineer with over 41 year experience have questioned some claims made by the airline. Recalled that the pilot flying the B737-700 belonging to Royal Air Maroc with registration number CN-RNQ said he discovered that the cargo door light was flickering on and despite the aviation security escort visual observation that the Cargo door was closed, he alerted the control tower, requesting to return back to the apron, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, at about 05.30 hours of October 20, 2019. According to the engineer who carved anonymity, he said the aircraft cargo door is opened from outside the airplane by pulling the door handle out of the recess and rotating it counter-clockwise, adding that rotation of the handle activates a torque tube to withdraw the latch rollers from the latch fitting. “As the door swing on board under tension of the door balance mechanism, the door warning proximity switch is activated to energize the appropriate door warning in the control cabin to alert the crew. “The forward cargo is close to

the second engine which is called ‘Danger Zone.’ When the engine is operating, the forward cargo becomes dangerous zone as anyone within the zone could be sucked into the engine. The opening and closing of the cargo door however takes more than three minutes. “The afterward cargo compartment works on the same principle as the forward cargo doors. However, the afterward cargo door is higher from the ground than the forward. It is a dangerous practice to go and open because of the engine blast,” the engineer said.

He said the proximity switch and the plunger could vibrate when the engine lever is moved above idle running, for some seconds, the light may flash and warning light will remain off. “It is never an easy thing to open the cargo doors while the engine is running,” he added. Victoria Shin-Aba, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) Terminal Manager, said a lot of efforts have been made by FAAN to beef up safety and security at the airside. “We have bushes around and since then, we made sure that all the

bushes are cleared. We started using patrol vehicles to escort aircraft. These issues always happen in the evening from 7 till Morning, which is when it is slightly dark. So we positioned the patrol van permanently to the Alpha three, which is where most of the aircraft turn after landing into the taxi way. “There is a patrol van with security agencies such as FAAN, police and AirForce. We have another van escorting the aircraft to park. We do this both in the day and night. You see them escorting the aircraft. So, as soon as they land and turn, we

follow them to a reasonable, allowable distance until they park,” Shin-Aba said. She acknowledged that there is a little challenge with CCTV because of the night operation but assured that they now have dashboard cameras installed in some of the patrol vans. She assured that by next week, all the patrol vans will be equipped with dashboard cameras. The terminal manager also acknowledge that FAAN has challenge with its perimeter fences since the area that the airport covers is very large and the airport is faced with constant encroachment, which has been like a battle between FAAN and the surrounding communities. “The airport is within the city and we are battling with the communities around. We are trying to make sure we do it right. We have the military men on the airside that helps us at the airside. We have night guards and those hiding inside bush to ensure there are no intruders. “We have identified where we are going to build the dog house at the airport. The consultants are coming and they will build the dog house. We are having 10 dogs for a start. This is also on the pipeline. “On our part, we try to reduce access control. We had about 25,000 people with on duty cards but this has been reduced to about 16,000. We are doing a good job,” Shin-Aba said.

Egypt Air rewards student with free ticket, supports humanitarian efforts

Emirates rolls out Nollywood blockbusters for Nigerian travellers

n line with its policy to support youth empowerment, education, and excellence among Nigerian youngsters, EgyptAir has rewarded the commitment and hard work of Miss Deborah Olatunji, a student of Holy Saviours College, Isolo with a free ticket to Dubai for winning the 10th edition of the National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2019). The airline was further magnanimous to present a second free ticket to the Parent or Guardian of the successful student of the writing contest in order to allow her travel to Dubai together with

mirates, the awardwinning airline has presented a series of Nollywood blockbusters, specially curated for its discerning Nigerian travellers to give them an unforgettable onboard experience. With a diverse mix of African and Nollywood films and music, Nigerian customers can fly better and get a taste of home on every Emirates flight from either Lagos or Abuja. Popular Nollywood movies such as Her Mother’s Man, Chief Daddy, Up North, King of Boys, Papa Joe, and the Intern, can now all be enjoyed on board. The movies for this month of October features some o f Ni g e r i a ’s b e s t - k n o w n stars such as Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Akin Lewis, Sola Shobowale, Funke AkindeleBello, Folarin Falana and many others. Nigerian music also features on ice and customers can look forward to D’banj’s ‘King Don Come’, P-Square’s Shekini & Personally, Pana’s

any family member of her choice. Muharram Abdelrahman, the District Manager of the airline in Nigeria, presented the two free tickets to Deborah Olatunji in the company of her Aunt, Ayodeji Adewakun, during a Courtesy Visit to his office recently. “EgyptAir is an airline that believes strongly in securing the future of the younger generation because we believe they are the leaders of tomorrow. With this in mind, we have supported the National Travel Essay Competition since it started 10 years ago in 2009 and we are committed to continue to strengthen our rela-

tionship and support for Travel & Business News, organizers of the competition as we join hands with them to raise future aviation professionals,” Abdelrahman said. In a related development, EgyptAir also recently took its humanitarian campaign efforts to the streets by supporting the Rotary Club of Lagos District 9110, Nigeria with one Business Class and two Economy Class Tickets to support the club in its drive to better understand and create greater awareness about the treatment of children with Alzheimer disease. Abiodun Osiyemi, President of the Rotary Club of Lagos expressed delight in the partnership with EgyptAir and thanked the airline for identifying with the goals and aspirations of the Rotary Club International in the spirit of service to humanity. Similarly, EgyptAir extended its arm of fellowship to the less privileged by joining forces with the Landmark Group to support the Music Dance Hall Festival which held recently at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island with proceeds from the show being donated to support various humanitarian initiatives aimed at easing the burdens of the less privileged in society.

Tekno, Davido’s Fall, and Wizkid’s come closer are amongst the special musical selection on Emirates’ ice Emirates offers passengers the choice to make their entertainment playlist before they fly. To help customers plan their trip more effectively, Emirates introduced an innovative new function on its app to allow customers to browse the expansive entertainment catalogue, create bespoke playlists ahead of their flight and then sync it to their seats once on board. With an inflight entertainment catalogue that boasts of up to 4,500 channels, customers are spoilt for choice. The award winning inflight entertainment system, offers up to 1,500 movies from all genres and in 44 languages. The year 2019 has been a stellar year for ice, clinching its 15th consecutive Skytrax win for Best Inflight Entertainment and most recently, its 3rd consecutive APEX Passenger Choice award for Best Entertainment.

28 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 27 October 2019

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

Clarity but no comfort about the future

Yuval Noah Harari (2018), 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. London: Jonathan Cape. ISBN 9781787330870

he combination of artificial intelligence with biotechnology is upturning many certainties in the increasingly uncertain world of mankind in this age. Many new developments promise to create even more complexity as they seemingly simplify many processes and practices. Yuval Noah Harari’s 21 Lessons for the 21st Century is essential reading for anyone trying to understand the unfolding developments in several areas of life. It is the third book of the Israeli historian whose previous works established a reputation for hard-hitting dissection of man’s past and future. Previous works include Sapiens: A brief history of humankind (2014) and

Homo Deux: A history of tomorrow (2016). 21 Lessons is in five parts. Part 1 deals with the technological challenge before humankind. Part Two is on the Political Challenge, Part Three Despair and Hope arising from the first two. Part Four is on Truth and Part Five on Resilience. The book examines current affairs and the immediate future of humankind. Key questions are What is happening right now? What are today’s greatest challenges and choices? What should we pay attention to? And what should we teach our kids? Th e b o o k s e e k s t o guide by providing clarity through “a selection of lessons” about the deep meaning of the events happening today.

What does the rise of Donald Trump signify? What can we do about the epidemic of fake news? Why is liberal democracy in crisis? Is God back? Is a new world war coming? Which civilisation dominates the world currently? The West, China or Islam? Should Europe keep its doors open to migrants? Can nationalism, increasingly pushed by political leaders such as Trump, solve the problems of inequality and climate change? What should we do about terrorism? The book is sociological, linking the global and big issues to the personal. A key question is the challenge of the tremendous and raw power of biotechnology and AI that threatens and are changing whole industries and professions. One of the

My book world

My book world: Azuh Arinze

chapters on Work asserts that “When you grow up you might not have a job”. Algorithms that combine artificial intelligence and biotechnology will be the purveyors. “It is crucial to realise that the AI revolution is nor just about computers getting faster and smarter. It is fuelled by breakthroughs in the life sciences and social sciences as well. The better we understand the biochemical mechanisms that underpin human emotions, desires and choices, the better computers can become in analysing human behaviour, predicting human decisions and replacing human drivers, bankers and lawyers”. Read this book for insights into the current flux. You can order online or check out for downloads.

Azuh Arinze is the Publisher/Editor in Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine, owners of the premium website - http://www.theyesng.com. A respected journalist, motivational speaker and author of three published books, Tested and Trusted Success Secrets of the Rich and Famous and The CEO’s Bible 1 & 2. His fourth book, Success is not served a la carte, will be out next year.

Azuh Arinze What are you reading currently? am currently reading Mike Awoyinfa’s new book, 50 Nigeria’s Boardroom Leaders: Lessons on Corporate Governance and Strategies. It’s a very voluminous book and will sure take me some time to finish. What informs your choice of a book to read? Two things usually - the author and the message. I’m an unapologetic sucker for biographies and autobiographies. Which books would you rate as the Top 5 in your reading experience? a. The CEO’s Bible - Azuh Arinze. Now, this is not because I wrote the book, but because you can’t read the two volumes and your life will remain the same. b. Think and Grow Rich Napoleon Hill c. Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe

d. Battlelines: Adventures in Journalism and Politics Olusegun Osoba e. All the ‘Rules’ series by Richard Templer Which books would you return to again and again? The CEO’s Bible and Think and Grow Rich Which books would you consider essential or critical in your profession or line of business? a. The Art of Feature Writing - Mike Awoyinfa and Dimgba Igwe b. Voices Beyond The Newsroom - Richard Ikiebe c. Battlelines: Adventures in Journalism and Politics Olusegun Osoba Please, suggest five essential books in your field and five general interest books that are a must-read for young people a. Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe b. Arrow of God - Chinua Achebe c. There Was A Country Chinua Achebe d. Ake - Wole Soyinka e. The Richest Man In Babylon - George Samuel Clason f. Purple Hibiscus - Chimamanda Adichie g. The CEO’s Bible - Azuh Arinze h. Battlelines: Adventures

in Journalism and Politics Olusegun Osoba i. Ovonramwen Nogbaisi - Ola Rotimi j. The Art of Feature Writing - Mike Awoyinfa and Dimgba Igwe Do you prefer hard copy or digital texts? Hard copy, of course. There’s something sexy about looking at all the hard copies you have read in your library. What are the significant differences and appeal of each in your view? As I said, there’s something sexy about parading a rich library. You also do not need data or whatever to refer to the books. Just walk into your library, Internet or no Internet, and you conduct your research. Another beautiful thing about hard copies is that as you are reading, you are also marking and underlining some key points, which makes for easy reference. Any preference between fiction and non-fiction? I prefer non-fiction. In fact, the more I can relate to the person and his or her story, the better. And that is why I always go for biographies and autobiographies. Who are your all-time favourite authors? Chinua Achebe, Richard

Templar, Ola Rotimi and Chimamanda Adichie Do you do audiobooks? What are your thoughts on audiobooks? No, I don’t. I didn’t grow up doing that. Guess it’s for the younger generation. Any preference between Nigerian or foreign authors in your choice of books? Which ones predominate in your library and why? I go for both. All I am after is good writing and the inherent message. I’m unconcerned about where you come from.

Just give me what I need and you have my loyalty. Permanently, most times. Do you share the notion that Nigerians do not read? What informs your response either way? No! And my reasons are two. The first is - once you give Nigerians a good book, they will surely read. And the second one is - what strategies have you deployed in the marketing of your book? As an ‘insider’, I adopted a unique strategy in the marketing of my books, particularly The

CEO’s Bible, 1 & 2, and it really, really paid off. Any thoughts on reading generally and what it contributes to readers? Two simpls quotes: “Reading maketh a man.” “Readers are leaders.” But for my voracious reading, I don’t think I would have gotten where I am today. In fact, the only day I would be caught without having read something should be the day the Lord invites me home, and that would be after having lived for 110 years. Do you plan to transit from a reader to a writer? When should we expect to read your works? I’m already one. In fact, I’ve written three books so far - Tested and Trusted Success Secrets of the Rich and Famous and then The CEO’s Bible, 1 & 2. My fourth book, Success is not Served a La Carte, hopefully, will be out in June 2020. We are working seriously to meet that deadline. Of course, more books would follow, because the thing about writing is that after one book, you want to start another. So, writing, as far as I’m concerned, is one interminable exercise that comes with so much joy and happiness and satisfaction.

Sunday 27 October 2019

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Focus

As Africa targets $6.7trn spending power in 2030:

MAN insists business community must be part of further AfCFTA negotiations ...MAN boss hails studies commissioned on impact of the African agreement ...Says, ‘stop wishing that AfCFTA was not signed, it has come to stay’

Ignatius Chukwu s Af r i c a t a r g e t s spending power as high as $6.7 trillion by the year 2030, top business magnates have warned that governments alone must not be left to continue the series of negotiations needed to fine-tune the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). A top leader in the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has thus declared in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that business must be part of further negotiations because the impact of the continental agreement is huge. The Opobo-born senator and now manufacturer, Adawari Michael Pepple, made the declaration on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at the first ‘CEOs Business Luncheon’ organised by Rivers/ Bayelsa chapter of MAN where he encouraged business associations to monitor and participate in the negotiations to help formulate agreements that will improve the regional business and trading environment. He said business people must be strategic in their engagements in the new market era. “We are very happy that the Federal Government had commissioned a study as advised by MAN to look at the impact of the signing of the AfCFTA before signing. The President of MAN also commissioned a study which has given our Association better understanding on the way forward irrespective of the ratification and signing of the AfCFTA by the President of Nigeria in Niamey,” he said. Pepple told the gathering of CEOs at Oak Heaven Hotel that this new market drive (AfCFTA) will have great impact on the way business owners do business going forward and that there is an urgent need to start positioning for a better opportunity rather than wish that the AfCFTA protocol was never signed. “As we all know, it has been signed and it is here to stay,” he said. According to him, “As a leading Branch in the region, we are poised to see businesses in the region grow. We have improved partnership with government regulatory agencies and the vision is to see how to help businesses meet required criteria and grow the business to greater heights which is why we have organised this luncheon.” He said his leadership, though just in its second year in office, thought it wise to bring CEOs and

business leaders across the various sectors to discuss the emerging trend in the global business space; particularly the African market as a result of the AfCFTA. “The theme of our 1st CEO Business Luncheon is ‘Current Realities in the African Common Market (AfCFTA): The Role of Nigeria Customs Service and Other Business Support Organisations’. This was necessitated by the fact that manufacturing continues to be the key driver of rapid economic growth and the associated creation of employment, both directly and indirectly. There is considerable accumulated evidence that manufacturing still functions as the heart of the economic development process. By the foregoing, it becomes imperative for us to partner with other sectors to face the current realities of the African market in line with AfCFTA. It is also imperative to note that we cannot exist as manufacturers without the ports, cargo handlers, shippers, insurance, financial institutions, accountants, etc and very essentially, the Nigeria Customs Service,” he explained. According to him, “The African Continental Free Trade Agreement officially came into force from July 7, 2019. And according to a recent Brookings Africa Growth Initiative policy brief, under a successfully implemented AfCFTA, Africa will have a combined consumer and business spending of $6.7 trillion in 2030. Indeed, Africa is home to the world’s largest free trade area since the establishment of the World Trade Organisation, with nearly every country on the continent joining. This agreement and new free trade area are undeniably important achievements for the region’s economic development. In this light, the AfCFTA

Adawari Michael Pepple, MAN chairman (Rivers/Bayelsa chapter)

is critical because it could boost intra-Africa trade by 15 to 25 percent by 2040. This increased market access to other African countries like Nigeria has positive spillovers too, including improving the competitiveness of industries and enterprises, increasing opportunities for economies of scale improvements, and boosting the efficacy of resource allocation. May I use this opportunity to state here that though all the protocols have not been signed, we need to start positioning our businesses to take advantage of the opportunities that this free

trade area provides.” Quoting Aracha Gonzalez, executive director of the International Trade Centre, the MAN boss said the projected benefits of the agreement are significant. “With expectations of a virtuous cycle of increasing intra-African trade and international investment, the AfCFTA has the potential to make a concrete impact on the lives of ordinary citizens across the continent. By facilitating job creation and greater competitiveness of African micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the AfCFTA

Top MAN executives at the CEOs Business Luncheon in PH: 2nd by the right is Michael Pepple followed by Charles Beke, immediate past MAN chairman

will be a crucial ingredient in lifting people out of poverty and invigorating Africa’s growth trajectory. These objectives are to be achieved through successive rounds of negotiations that progressively eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade in goods and liberalise trade in services. “The African business community is a key beneficiary of the agreement. Potential advantages to the private sector include increasing economies of scale and access to cheaper raw materials and intermediate inputs; better conditions for regional value chains and integration into global value chains; catalysing the transformation of African economies towards greater utilisation of technology and knowledge; facilitating both intra-African and external direct capital flows to African countries, and creating a labour market and a demand pull throughout the continent. “To ensure that the private sector can benefit from the African Free Trade Area, it is important that business understands what the AfCFTA and future negotiations will cover. Business should ensure its voice is heard as governments craft and operationalise the agreement. In order to do that, they need to be fully aware of the issues, potential benefits and opportunities and, most importantly, the role they can play,” he said. “With this objective, this guide sets out the context and the guiding principles behind the agreement and analyses its provisions. It compares them to existing multilateral and regional trade agreements to identify potential synergies, issues, opportunities and benefits for African business, particularly MSMEs. It also explains the ongoing negotiations and indicates the road ahead for future negotiations in realizing the objectives of the AfCFTA,” he further said. This knowledge will enable business to engage effectively in advocacy and public-private dialogue mechanisms to support the negotiations and subsequent implementation of AfCFTA.” He said part of MAN’s efforts in preparing for the new African market is to make Port Harcourt a preferred manufacturing hub, and that this would hardly be done without bringing together the various sectors and the regulatory agencies to be on same page. He pointed out the ports and the major port services terminal operators in Port Harcourt (PTOL) as key in the new partnership.

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I kiss passionately in movies since I’m single – Mimisola Daniels

imisola Daniels is one of the young talented ladies that are making a mark in the Yoruba movie industry at the moment. She came into the movie industry few years ago and it seems nothing stopping her from achieving her desired aim. With her latest movie, Surface, trending at the moment, Mimisola is making some mouths wag especially with the sexy roles she played in the movie. The kissing scene in the movie has been talk of the town as Mimisola was seen kissing so passionately in the movie. Explaining the role and why she put up such brazen act, Mimisola, who also produced the movie said, “I have been getting a lot of comments on that movie but I was only being professional about it. Besides, I produced it and wanted the best out of it.” Mimisola revealed she is not in a relationship, as such, there is no man that would raise eyebrows concerning the role she played. “I am ‘singularly’ single. I mean,

I’m not in a relationship and I am not seeing anyone at the moment so it was easier for me to kiss very well in Surface.” Regarding why she is still single at the moment Mimisola said, “Well marriage is a lifetime contract and I believe I don’t have to rush myself into it just because my friends are getting married. Also, if one is considering marriage, it is highly necessary to get married for the right reasons and not for the

wrong ones. We have too many babies getting married lately; I mean those who are not mature enough. That’s why we have lots of failed marriages in our society today.” With her current success rate in the industry, Mimiosla said she is not in competition with anybody as such; she could soar as high as she wants. “I don’t see anyone as a competition because we do not have the same dreams and vision. Inasmuch as I want to make the headlines, I also want to have a scandal free life. So far, I have been myself by living a very modest and simple life. I make the movies I want and I do that on my own terms.” Mimisola also revealed that making movies is not the only thing that puts food on her table as she is also a business woman. “It is known for a fact that our industry doesn’t pay much. I have been into business for a very long time even before I got serious with acting. I mean, I had to take a break from it for a while to finish my education. So basically, I run my personal business which is the sales of Fabrics on Instagram.”

MTV Shuga hits the screens

he much talked about MTV Shuga Naija has finally returned with a brand new season themed “Choices” and it has hit the screens, premiering on MTV Base, DStv Channel 322. The show returns with the trials and tribulations of the students of Molade Memorial High, the glitz and underbelly of Lagos nightlife and the family dramas of the characters from Kano. According to the producers, This season of MTV Shuga Naija will be the best MTV Shuga series yet, with entertaining yet educative storylines that integrates sexual reproductive health, family planning, HIV & AIDS, gender based violence, maternal health, early child nutrition, female empowerment, positive parenting, young mums and adolescent girls.

“Veteran actors, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Funsho Adeolu alongside popular TV host and actor, Osas Ighodaro and Big Brother Naija 2018 finalist, Tobi Bakre have joined this season’s list of amazing talent who will ensure MTV Shuga’s messaging positively impacts the audience,” the produces said. According to them, in addition to the new season, MTV Shuga has unveiled a brand new theme song for the drama, featuring top Nigerian artistes, Larry Gaaga, and Vector Tha Viper. Larry Gaaga’s expertise as a renowned Executive Producer, coupled with Vector’s expert flow, delivery, and lyrical prowess, results in a classic and memorable track that truly embodies the theme of the television drama’s new season titled “Choices”.

AMAA 2019 will be fun-filled – Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

he African Academy Movie Awardisoneeventthatkeeps setting the movie industry buzzing every year. And it seems this year is not going to be different as all is set for the 2019 edition ofAAMAnextSundayinLagos. According to AMAA CEO, Ms Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, the continent’s leading and most glamorous awardseventwilluptheantewithan unforgettableeveningofhigh-calibre entertainment, colour and glamour. AMAA, she stated, has consistently for 14 years, honoured and promoted excellence in the African movie industry and Africans in the Diaspora, as well as served as a platform to unite Africans from across the globe through arts and culture. Speaking during an interactive session with correspondents, she revealed that “ Engaging The Narrative” , the theme for this year , was specifically chosen to inspire practitioners to begin to tell the African story in our uniquely special way and in our own language. She therefore urged governments to invest in practitioners

who tell authentic African stories because such stories though impactful may not necessarily make it to the cinemas or festivals. Ms Anyiam-Osigwe revealed that the event would be hosted by Lorenzo Menakaya, Lala Akindoju andChibunduStanley(FunnyBone). Anotherfeatureofthe2019edition istheintroductionoftheBestNigerian FilmwhichissponsoredbytheNigeria FilmandVideoCensorsBoard. She said that AMAA has earned the respect of industry professionals over the years because of its insistence on integrity, probity and excellence. She further revealed that the organisers don’t know winners until they are announced and there is usually no pressure on the Jury to favour any film or entry. “Members of Jury this year include: Dorothy Wenner, Asantesewa Olatunji, Berni Goldblat, John Akomfrah, Steve Ayorinde, Keith Shiri,JuneGivanni,HyginusEkwuazi, Shaibu Husseini, Ayoku Babu and Filippe Savadogo,” she said. She went further to explain that the film industry has the potential to

solve the problem of youth unemploymentbecauseithastheabilityto engage assorted professionals. According to her, “On a typical movie, hundreds of people made up of 172 differentprofessionalsareusuallyon ground:Fromelectricians,tofashion designers to caterers, to IT experts and even mechanics.” She was full of praise for the Lagos State Commissioner for Toursism, Arts & Culture, Mrs Olufunke Adebolu who she said has started by creating a Film office that has begun to provide advisory services and logistics support to movie makers. She stated that she was excited abouttheeventbecauseoftheintense competitionthatwillensueamongthe filmsthathadbeenentered. “Though there are more short films, that feature films, the competition this year will be intense because no one has any clue about the leading film, this will increase the excitement and fun of the award night” she said. The 15th edition which will feature 26 categories will be aired on the Startimes bouquet and will be covered on all AMAA social media pages. The event has such sponsors as Lagos State Government, Startimes and Moet & Chandon. Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Mr Adeumi Balogun of Startimes said his organisation was happy to associate with the AMAA brand. He revealed that Startimes viewers will enjoy AMAA on channels such as Nollywood Plus and NTA 2 Channel 5, adding that there is a likelihood that this relationship will linger for years.

Oyo State Govt endorses PERA awards 2019

he chief of staff to the Governor of Oyo State, Chief Bisi Ilaka, has thrown his weight behind the Pacesetter Entertainment and Recognition Award PERA 2019 scheduled to hold in the state soon. While receiving the members of the award’s team led by Mr Rotimi Martins who paid him a courtesy visit, the chief of staff stated that he’s a proud indigene of Oyo State, the Pacesetter State. “We are a state of many firsts: The first television station in Africa; the first university, stadium and so much more all came from our state. I would like to invite everyone to Oyo State for the Pacesetters Entertainment and Recognition Award (PERA) 2019. Let’s celebrate indigenes and residents of our dear state who are making us proud in their various fields.” According to him, the event presents an opportunity for corporate organisations to support the project and for visitors to explore

the tourism sector of the state. “PERA is the largest coming together of Oyo State’s biggest and brightest entertainment and business stakeholders. It also will serve as an exposé for citizens of the state to recognize our own shining stars doing remarkably well in their various fields,” he said. Responding, the chairman organising committee Mrs Kennie Osaro Aiyeola, thanked the chief of staff for welcoming them and promised him that the third edition of PERA Awardswill not only create an avenue for celebrating indigenes and residents, it will also aid the positive socio-cultural legacy from Oyo state to Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world. She also appealed to Chief Ilaka that the state should also support the committee to achieve a befitting award as the award is self sponsored. The award night is slated for Sunday, 8th of December 2019 at Jogor Centre, Ibadan with the theme, ‘Believe and Achieve’.

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Group gives scholarship to Delta schools

NGOZI OKPALAKUNNE

s part of its continuous efforts to encourage girls to study engineering and other science-related courses in the university, Association of Professional Women En-

gineers (APWEN), has awarded scholarship to some schools in Oporozaweiware village and Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta. The schools were Okerenkoko and Kokodiagbene Secondary Schools as well as, Gbaraun; Oporoza and Ogidigben Grammar Schools, among others.

Felica Agubuta, president of APWEN, who spoke at the event, affirmed that the scholarship award was part of the association’s activities lined up for their 2019 annual conference which took place in Asaba, Delta State. Agubata further described engineers as problem-solvers

and stressed the need for girls to study engineering in the university so that they will contribute their quota to the technological development of the country. “Many girls, while in secondary schools run away from science subjects that will enable them study engineering and other related courses in the tertiary institutions. So, the idea behind the award is to encourage them to study sciences,” she explained. Stating the reason the organisation decided to hold this year’s conference in Asaba, she said it was to honour one of Delta daughters, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Engineer Ebirerin Otuaro. It is interesting to note that eleven girls from the above mentioned secondary schools underwent the bridge building which is the first engineering experiment. And out of these, five of them

emerged winners. The winners include, Samson Diena, Anity Etifia, Favour Ebiyernitu; Jonathan Jessica and Destiny Brakolu Ogborun. These students will enjoy scholarship from secondary school to university level, courtesy of the Deputy Governor of the state, Kingsley Otuaro and the wife, Ebirein. Some of the awardees who spoke in an interview, lauded APWEN, Deputy Governor of Delta and his wife for given them hope in life. According to them, the scholarship will go a long way in removing financial challenges their parents would have gone through in training them from secondary school to university. “We are glad and grateful, now we are sure of going to university to study engineering; what a wonderful opportunity,” they added.

Poem Coordinator of children department, Assemblies of God Church Rosanwo Aguda Surulere, Pastor (Mrs.) Antonia Bright ( right) with other teachers pose with the children after church service, during a programme organized for the children by the church recently in Lagos. The event came under the theme, “Ring the gospel bell”.

Winners emerge at 2019 Indomie Heroes Awards NGOZI OKPALAKUNNE

hree kids have emerged as winners in this year’s Indomie Independence Day Awards (IIDA). Each of them went home with a cash scholarship fund of one million naira courtesy of Dufil. The emergence of this year’s set of winners, a total of 42 winners have now been rewarded over the 12-year existence of the initiative. The award, which is in three categories: Physical, Social and Intellectual Bravery categories, saw 13-year-old Yahaya Zaki from Sokoto, who risked his life entering into a well to save a young girl who had slipped and fell inside, claiming the Physical bravery category. A 14-year-old aspiring mechanical engineer, Anthony Lawrence from Imo, clicked the Intellectual bravery category for constructing a functioning prototype police patrol van using carton boxes, glue and electronic components he sal-

vaged from the waste bin. The third winner, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke is an autistic artist who helps other autistic kids by raising awareness about autism. Kanye, a 9-year-old who lives in Maitama, Abuja, also won the sum of one million naira scholarship award in the social bravery category. Limited in verbal skills, Kanye was diagnosed with autism at three-and-a-half-years, but was noticed to be exceptional in art. According to the mother, they noticedthatKanyestarteddrawing on walls and any surface he could find; he was then subsequently enrolled in an art class. He was able to communicate with his painting as his emotions are reflected in his works. Last year, he was given the FlameofPeaceInternationalaward for outstanding work in art by the Arch-Duke and Arch-Duchess of Austria in Vienna, becoming the youngest awardee ever. He was also made a fellow – the young-

est one ever – of the Association, because of his outstanding work. In an event organised by his family in April, Kanye’s artworks were given out for auctions and most of the proceeds went to other kids who are on the autism spectrum, but could not afford the needed therapy. His artworks also serve to increase awareness about autism. Speaking at the event, CEO, Tolaram Group West Africa, Pawan Sharma, said the initiative was established to fill the gap that exists in celebrating and rewarding the positive efforts, strong character and achievements of many young children who have exhibited various acts of courage and heroism at one time or the other within the country. “This event is noteworthy as it is in consonance with the core values and deep rooted belief of our company and the brand (Indomie) that in every child lies what it takes to become great”, he noted.

Mother, a cradle to hold me It is true I was created in you. It is also true That you were created for me. I owned your voice. It was shaped and tuned to soothe me. Your arms were molded In to a cradle to hold me, to rock me. The scent of your body was the air Perfumed for me to breathe. Mother, During those early, dearest days I did not dream that you had A large life which included me, For I had a life Which was only you. Time passed steadily and drew us apart. I was unwilling. I feared if I let you go You would leave me eternally. You smiled at my fears, saying I could not stay in your lap forever. That one day you would have to stand And where would I be? You smiled again. I did not. Without warning you left me, But you returned immediately. You left again and returned, I admit, quickly, But relief did not rest with me easily. You left again, but again returned. You left again, but again returned. Each time you reentered my world You brought assurance. Slowly I gained confidence. You thought you know me, But I did know you, You thought you were watching me, But I did hold you securely in my sight, Recording every moment, Memorizing your smiles, tracing your frowns.

In your absence I rehearsed you, The way you had of singing On a breeze, While a sob lay At the root of your song. The way you posed your head So that the light could caress your face When you put your fingers on my hand And your hand on my arm, I was blessed with a sense of health, Of strength and very good fortune. You were always the heart of happiness to me, Bringing nougats of glee, Sweets of open laughter. During the years when you knew nothing And I knew everything, I loved you still. Condescendingly of course, From my high perch Of teenage wisdom. I grew older and Was stunned to find How much knowledge you had gleaned. And so quickly. Mother, I have learned enough now To know I have learned nearly nothing. On this day When mothers are being honored, Let me thank you That my selfishness, ignorance, and mockery Did not bring you to Discard me like a broken doll Which had lost its favor. I thank you that You still find something in me To cherish, to admire and to love. I thank you, Mother. I love you. •By Maya Angelou

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TheWorshippers

It is never too late to return the church fully back to God – Pastor Ladipo The Senior Pastor of Grace of God Restoration Assembly, Abiodun Ladipo spoke with SEYI JOHN SALAU on the leadership development; stating that his ministry focuses on church growth. Excerpts: As a preacher with robust experience in the ministry, what difference do you notice in modern day churches compared to early days? roverbs 22:28 – Says do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set. – KJV. When you are talking about modern way of worship; you will be talking about certain things that came out with modernisation and that were not visible in the early church then. Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Thus says the LORD, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein.” The truth is that the new and modern way of worship cannot be compared to old and early way of worship. For example, in some modern churches, technology has helped the gospel to reach a wider coverage. It has also enhanced corporate social responsibilities. In the name of modernism, many ancient landmarks have been removed. For example, Sunday school no longer exists in many 21st Century churches; financial prosperity is now being more emphasised than salvation of souls while many Christians are deficient in their knowledge of the scriptures. But in the early church, ancient landmarks were preserved; Sunday school classes were the backbone of the churches. Soul winning was the major preoccupation of the church, where believers were grounded in the scriptures and things of God and there was discipleship. Holiness and righteousness showed forth in behaviour and dressing was also not left out. In the early church, the concern was more of pleasing God and financial prosperity was downplayed. Having travelled wide, I see modernisation coming out with some changes in the way we communicate, changes in culture, changes in interactions but there are

ways all these can reflect in the same internal principles without allowing it to destroy the biblical aspect of the scripture. Note: What will the church look like in the next 20-30 years, if Christ has not returned? What will this generation teach or pass down to the next generation? The way we are groomed is not the way we are grooming the next generation. The clergy is to be blamed for this state of things but it is never too late to return fully back to God. You have been in the ministry about a decade now; what are the errors you have noticed in the present day church? A lot is going on in the church today. 1 Corinthians 3:19 - For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. A lot of things are going wrong now that need to be addressed in order to change people’s mind towards things of heaven. For example, Church politics, negligence of some spiritual leaders in decision making, not consulting God, worldliness and immorality, red carpeting, comedy on the altar, variety night, ‘oshaprapra’ Sunday, hip hop Sunday, games Sunday, suya night, asun night, disco lighting effects on the altar, background keyboard effects during message, holy spirit relegation to the background, absence of adequate discipleship and mentoring, lack of disciplinary measures, immoralities and immoral dressing, scarcity of salvation messages, absence of basic Christian ethics, lifting miracle above salvation, making it quick syndrome and not studying the word of God regularly. All the above listed errors are common in the present day church and the body of Christ needs to quickly do the needful to address these errors. With your experience in ministry; how will you describe your journey so far in church administration? My journey into the ministry

Abiodun Ladipo

was an awesome one. It started on a conviction that God’s mandate to spread the gospel across the globe is real and urgent. Jeremiah 1:5 says ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’ I was born into a polygamous Muslim family but got born again under a powerful revelation on 12 May 1993 during NYSC orientation camp at Abuja, where I became a member of Assemblies of God Church. I got the call of God on May 25 1997 and later went to Assemblies of God Seminary, Southwest Advanced School of Theology (SAST), Iperu, Ogun State Nigeria. I was pastor of several parishes under Assemblies of God Church till 18 July 2013, when I resigned by the leading of the Lord to Join Qodesh Grace International Ministry, Ibadan, Nigeria; July 2013 as the associate minister. After a

while, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, I was sent forth into Grace of God Restoration Assembly on 3rd January 2016 by Qodesh Grace International Ministry Ibadan. My wife and I are icons in public speaking on singles and married affairs as well on premarital and marriage counseling and Christian match-making. I have ministered both nationally and internationally in a bid to ensure the spread of the gospel. To God be the glory, I am happily married to Pastor (Mrs.) Caroline Nwaji Ladipo and we are blessed with Godly children and grandchildren. God has been faithful to us such that Grace of God Restoration Assembly now is not just a Church but a movement where worship is regarded as a matter of relationship, not location or tabernacle. A lot of people have been giving testimony to God’s praise and we have been receiving feedbacks. It was tough at the be-

ginning because Satan is not resting and we as children of God are not relenting as well, but God vindicated us and here we are praising God; for He is awesome. Away from the church; what is your assessment of the present security situation in Nigeria? Haggai 1:5 – 8; ‘Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways! You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes.’ Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the Lord’. As long as the ills in the government are not taken care of, the story will remain same. The socio-economic factors and infrastructures are going from bad to worse; there is siege in the land and nation. Our leaders need to go back to God in repentance and restitution. I believe there is a future and hope for this country. Nigeria will be great once again; we have all it takes as a people to make the country great. All we need is focused and dedicated leaders in all aspects of life. The present government’s performance is below average. Proverbs 2:22 says; ‘But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.’ The security situation in this country calls for concern, wickedness abounds everywhere. Lives and property are not safe anymore. Government and security personnel are not doing enough. Strong warning from the Lord if they fail to repent; God has done it before in Nigeria during Abacha’s regime and He will do it again. The wicked, both in the public and private sectors, will be cut off and destroyed. Government should step up in its strategy to curtail this security menace.

‘Christ Army Church consecrates Oghumah bishop of Lagos’ SEYI JOHN SALAU

t was a moment of divine upliftment and celebration for Christian faithful in Christ Army Church of Nigeria, as the church celebrated the Episcopal visit of his grace, Most Rev. Abel S. Vurasi, the president and supreme head of Christ Army Church of Nigeria Synod to the consecration and enthronement of Augustine Oghumah as the bishop of Lagos Diocese. Vurasi in his sermon to the congregation said the purpose of the enthronement is that the new bishop will bear fruits in leading the flock of God, as the shepherd. “Today, God has given us someone who will take care of this diocese. Believers are

Augustine Oghumah

called to ministry to bear fruits,” he stated. According to him, Christ expects us as believers to bear fruits that will remain in the vineyard of the kingdom of God. Vurasi however, urged the newly consecrated bishop to take root in God by being prayerful always. “Without prayer you cannot succeed in ministry. God never leaves you; and before he gives you a task, he gives you ability to deliver and fulfill the task,” he said. On the state of the nation, Vurasi said Nigerians seems unhappy with the situation of things in the country. However, he encouraged the worshippers to keep faith in God for a better and secure nation. “As believers we are not to forsake God.

God is ready to bless us when we work according to his will,” Vurasi stated as he advises the new bishop to take heed of the gospel, quoting 1Timothy 4:15. Augustine Oghumah, the newly consecrated bishop of Christ Army Church of Nigeria, Lagos Diocese with headquarters in Apapa, thanked God for the uncommon favour and blessing upon his life, as he pledges to carry the church along in every decision taken to uplift the church. Oghumah in his declaration affirmed his loyalty to the inheritance of faith as his inspiration and guidance under God in bringing the grace and truth of Christ to his generation and making him known to those under his care as bishop.

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TheWorshippers Inspiration With Rev. Yomi Kasali

info@yomikasali.com

am always captivated by the eloquence of motivational speakers and salesmen; how they put words together, persuade people, insert stories and fables, close their speeches, create pictures and strike their audiences. The applause is usually deserved, and the speakers

What motivational speakers will not tell you are dutifully good in their art. However, some of the most popular Speakers in this field are not Christians and do not consult the Bible as their manuscript. They are simply therapists who stimulate the minds of people towards achieving their set goals in life by using certain creeds and principles. I must say, those principles are sometimes found in the Bible if we can only study the Word deeper with keen eyes. There are many things that those motivational speakers won’t tell you and that the Bible tells us. I will cite some from the Temptation of our Lord Jesus so that we may learn about how to live our lives as believers in this ungodly world. The writer of Hebrews tells us that He was tempted in every way yet did not budge so we should all learn how to resist as well and be like our Master and Saviour. For we have not an high priest which cannot † be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like

WOWICAN Lagos admonishes women on rightful living, holds convention

he Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) has admonished women on the path to achieving spiritual, physical and financial well-being. The admonishment was contained in a communiqué issued after the annual residential award of excellence and conference hosted by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Women and Children Department, Lagos State Chapter, which held at the Apostolic Church Nigeria International Convention Ground. The group’s Chairperson, Elizabeth Onojobi in her address, encouraged Christian women to stay in line with God’s words and represent Christ well wherever they go. Mother-In-Israel, Ngozi Onyeleonu, who spoke on the conference’s theme, ‘Living By Faith’ underlined that Christians will be able to do great exploits in life through living by faith. Reeling out the steps to take in doing exploits, she encouraged women to identify who they are in Christ, think positively, speak positively, follow after the Zarepheth widow in giving generously and being courageous in taking

bold steps. She also encouraged women to avoid compromising God’s standard, shun worry and worrying companies. In his paper on ‘prevention of breast cancer’, Adegboyega Oke advised women to visit the hospital for screening, engage themselves in self breast examination, engage in daily body exercise, maintain healthy weight and eat healthy. Rose Ogechi, another speaker took the women on general health talk laying emphasis on well being, balanced diet as well as the need for major health supplements. After the paper presentations, awards of excellence were given to 13 mothers who have excelled in various areas of their individual disciplines in life and have impacted immensely to the development of the Christian Association and the country at large. This was followed by the launching of diary by the different Chapters of WOWICAN; thereafter, there was a Bible quiz from the Book of Esther. There was also section for bead making anchoredbyProphetessOgunniyi the essence of which was to make the women financially independent.

as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 3 v 15) 3 THINGS THEY WILL NOT TELL YOU MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE: They

will not tell You that life is not natural alone but also spiritual. The natural man may live and survive by eating natural bread, but the spiritual man MUST live off the Word Of God. Sometimes

they make it look like our lives should be defined by natural bread alone without Spiritual Bread. I want us to balance both and be fruitful in life. A MAN’S LIFE DOESN’T

CONSIST IN THE ABUNDANCE OF THINGS HE POSSESSES: Our Lord Jesus rebuked a young rich man who thought life consists in the abundance (Wealth) Of things one possesses, its strange that they teach wealth as Ways Of measuring man’s worth not other things. We are worth more than our wealth, net worth isn’t the same as spirit worth. DON’T TAKE SOME RISKS FOR POWER AND FAME: Our Lord was tempted with Power and Glory by the devil but He refused to jump down and take some risks because of that, He was willing to wait for God’s time and Divine Promotion. They teach us to go for it at all cost, I totally disagree with their ideas of getting and making it in life. I hope you have been inspired by this piece and will not let your heart be swayed by all the things you hear from motivational speakers. Drop me a note of acknowledgment and encouragement. Be Inspired!

‘It is confusion to think that Mammon is same as the Book of Mormon’ UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

amuel Ekpo Ekpolo, the Stake president of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, has explained that the Book of Mormon used by the denomination is all about the life of Jesus Christ and other History. Ekpolo, who said this in Umuahia during the Semi- Annual Conference of Umuahia stake of Zion, said that the explanation had become nec-

essary because of erroneous impression of people who confuse Mammon with the Book of Mormon. He further hinted that Book of Mormon repeats the message of Jesus Christ to the people. The Stake President disclosed that the essence of man’s existence on the earth is contained in the Book- where you come from, why you are here and where you are going, adding that it is a further witness that Jesus is the Lord.

Ekpolo hinted that the Book was written by authority and inspiration of God by the Jews (Prophets) in Arabic Language and translated by Joseph Smith (Prophet). He said that residents of Umuahia should know that the same Church Jesus Christ organised in different parts of the world during his earthly Ministry, therein he appointed the Apostles and made Peter, James and John their leaders, the same God is here today.

“The Church ended because of Apostasy, when Dark Age ushered in; people were no longer communicating with God because of sin and killing of the Apostles and other men of God,” he said. According to him, “The same Church that was lost has been restored and it is called Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is here again with Apostles and Disciples representing Jesus. We are educating the people to prepare to meet Christ again.”

Cross River produces 200,000 metric tons of palm oil annually - CALCIMA MIKE ABANG, Calabar

he President of Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, mines and Agriculture Eta Ndoma-Egba has said that as at 2018, Cross River State produced over 200,000 mt tons of Palm oil an had over 360,000 hectares under oil palm cultivation, with over 18,000 farmers involved. Egba disclosed this at a one-day export workshop for stakeholders across the oil palm value chain by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council NEPC held at Marian Hotel Calabar. Also, the executive director of the Nigerian export promotion council, Olusegun Awolowo said that in 2017, Nigeria imported450,000tonsofpalm oil to the tune of N116,3billion

which he said is worrisome because this is a country that once controlled 60percent of global palm oil output. Awolowo said this in a keynote address at capacity building workshop to encourage oil palm export in Cross River State. The chief executive officer who was represented by the Trade Promotion Advisor Calabar Office, Emmanuel Etim said the annual oil palm demand of Nigeria stands at about 2.5 million metric ton whereas the local production stands at 1.25 million tons, leaving a gap of 1.25 tons, saying it was on that note that about N30billion naira is being made available to stakeholders by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). According to Awolowo, apart from the present high and still growing demand, oil

palm produce is highly priced globally, especially in nonproducing countries. In his welcome address delivered by the Trade Promotion Advisor, Emmanuel Etim, he said that significantly, Cross River State has huge oil palm produce potential across the 18 local government areas, stressing that palm oil is category A strategic export products in the priority sectors in the zero oil plan. Etim, whose address was read by Ella Onoja, assistant director NEPC, Abuja, disclosed that the capacity building workshop on the was directed towards achieving greater output for export. In a good will message Eta Ndoma Ndoma President Calabar Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture said Nigeria is the 5th largest producer of oil

palm globally with an annual production of 970 metric tons and that Cross River State was 2nd to largest producer after Edo State ThePresident,whosegood will message was read by Kenneth Asim Ita, the executive secretary of the Chamber, further disclosed that Cross River state produced over 200,000 metric tons of palm oil per annum with over 18,000 farmers involved in oil Palm cultivation. Chairman of Oil Palm Growers Association Owali Illem said the decline of oil palm production since the end of the civil war has been fast. According to him, “We are now depending on imports to satisfy our domestic needs.” He said in 2015, Nigeria was spending about N59.1billion a year in importing oil palm produce.

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NORTHFEST 2019: C’River to buy up excess agro produce to check post-harvest losses MIKE ABANG, Calabar

he Cross River State government has promised to buy up all excess agricultural produce from farmers in the state particularly those in the northern part of Cross River to check post-harvest losses. Besides, hardworking farmers from the Northern Senatorial Zones of the state will be rewarded by the government through mouth-watering prizes to spur them for greater productivity. This was disclosed in Calabar by Noel Ugbong, the Senior Special Assistant, Events Marketing, Content Development and Tourism to the Cross River State governor during a briefing to herald this year’s Northern Cross River State Festival, NORTHFEST. Ugbong, who spoke on behalf of Ken Aklah, the Special Adviser to the governor on Events Management, said the five participating local government areas in the state are ready for this year’s event which is themed: ‘Humanity: uniting the people and increasing production’ and will

comprise a series of events that will build up to the grand finale on November 30th this year. “The State government has concluded plans to buy up all surplus agricultural produce displayed at the festival to check post-harvest losses and enhance the prosperity of the people. “Also, in the attempt to bring out the ingenuity of the people of Northern Cross River, the state government has instituted mouth-watering prizes for the best agricultural innovation in this year’s Northfest”, he said. On h i s p a r t , Ak p e h Edung Ogon assured that this year’s festival will be bigger, better and that the agricultural potentials of the Northern part of the state will be opened up to the international community. NORTHFEST, an agrobased cultural festival, was added to the Tourism Calabar by the state governor to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state to the international community and also foster healthy competition among farmers in the state.

Ambidextrous unveils brands basecamp Africa in Nigeria to boost product marketability Iniobong Iwok

mbidextrous, a capability and training specialist agency, is set to launch brands basecamp Africa in Nigeria. This would be facilitated by three women professional leaders, Folusho Olaniyan, Allisyn James and Ruth Williams. The event is expected to expose Africa’s marketing professionals and business leaders to modern techniques in product marketing strategies. The London-based agency has a passion for training business professionals to unlock their potentials, and help their business grow. Allisyn James, founder of Ambidextrous, said that the brands basecamp would expose business and marketing leaders to best practices to enable companies in Africa meet local challenges, ineffective and uneconomical product brand that reduce profit. Allisyn spoke yesterday at a networking reception

LG launches dual cool premium air conditioner into Nigerian market Iniobong Iwok

G Electronics has launched its new ‘dual cool’ premium floor standing airconditioner into the Nigerian market. The company said that the product was first of its kind to be introduced in the Middle-East and Africa region apart from the Korean market. “LG dual premium is a life changer, as it is packed with health benefits for the consumers and other mindblowing features that they would desire to have in their air-conditioner,” James Lee, president LG electronics, Middle East and Africa, said at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos weekend. Lee said that the company had strived to support millions of households in the continent over the years with quality cutting-edge technology products, stressing that the brand had become favourite among consumers due to the quality of its products. He further said that the LG dual cool premium was designed with a unique fea-

ture such as LG ThinQ, air purification, ice and custom cooling, energy-saving and many more. The Middle East and Africa President added that the dual cool premium was an art of technology inspired by a form of round pillar that sends optimal wind to anywhere. He said that the product has two short haul and long distance runners inside the air-conditioner to operate in the most optimal way in each section. “The new product is equipped with dual premium design and unique features such as LG ThinQ, air purification, ice and custom cooling, energy saving and many more. LG dual cool premium air-conditioner comes in rose

and taster event organised for marketing and business leaders, held at the Deputy British High Commissioner’s Residence, Ikoyi. She noted that marketing was becoming more competitive and required more innovative ways of meeting consumer needs. “I think some products may not get the required patronage or profitability because they don’t get fundamentals right. “We believe the brands basecamp would expose business leaders to the modern technique and strategies to help their brands and company grow,” Allisyn said.

Ruth William, partner at Ambidextrous, said the partners understand the business terrain and the intricacies associated with product failure, stressing that having conducted the training in several countries it was equipped and experienced enough for the task. “We have trained thousands of people internationally. We have all the experience and we know what people are facing. A lot of products in Nigeria, perhaps, need innovative ways that it can use to grow profit. A lot of innovative ways to overcome this are things the course aimed to

deal with,” she said. On the decision to float the brands basecamp in Nigeria, the agency said: ‘Nigeria is the giant of Africa, and it is the largest economy in Africa. Nigeria is a mixed economy market; in terms of nominal gross domestic product (GDP), it is ranked as the 27th largest economy in terms of purchasing power, and in terms of purchasing power parity the 22nd largest. Nigeria’s population is about 195million.” The “taster” of “Basecamp” was hosted by The Deputy Country Director for Department for International Trade, Moses Adekola at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos. Senior guests from across the Nigerian business fraternity enjoyed a networking reception. The second again a “taster”, held at the Institute of Directors Friday, where guests were able to experience the training first hand and networked afterwards. Organisers said that guests at both events were potential delegates for the inaugural training to be held in December in Ghana.

How Supreme Court cleared Wike as winner of 2019 governorship election and gold and white colours. “They are truly an epitome of beauty as they add décor and novelty to your home. With LG ThinQ, users can operate the air conditioner, change the mode or set the temperature from anywhere,” he said. Mohammed Fouani, managing director of Fouani Nigeria Limited, a major distributor of the LG products, in his remarks lauded the company for consistently producing quality products that meet the yearnings of consumers in the country, while expressing his company’s delight in being a distributor of their products. “I believe the new LG dual cool premium floor standing air-conditioner will address the needs of our esteemed consumers who are healthconscious and want to live a healthy lifestyle,” Fouani said. According to him, “The new air-conditioner is a solution provider to all worries, especially when you are worried about the quality of air you breath in. you can rest assured the LG dual cool premium will beautifully take care of everything”.

Ignatius Chukwu

overnor Nyesom Wike seems to have crossed the last electoral huddle to continue in his second term as governor of Rivers State. This was made possible as the Supreme Court Friday upheld his victory in the 2019 gubernatorial election. The Apex Court, in a judgment delivered by a panel of three Justices, upheld Wike’s appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal which reinstated the petition of the candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) Biokpomabo Awara. The Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal had earlier in October dismissed the petition of AAC candidate, Awara, declaring Wike winner of the poll, which was later challenged by the AAC candidate at the Court of Appeal. On Friday, the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment by three Justices led by Inyang Okoro, ruled that hearing of an abandoned petition amounted to no other

purpose than academic, adding that the hearing was an exercise in futility. Earlier, the apex court also upheld Wike’s appeal against Awara with appeal number SC1111/2019 over a judgment by the lower court dismissing the appeal by the governor that the appointment of counsel to Awara, to file court processes Speaking after the judgment, Counsel to Wike, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, noted that the two judgments were landmark pronouncements by the Supreme Court. “Across all the tribunals in the country, the issue has always been what is the relationship between the power of the tribunal to dismiss the petition that has been abandoned vis-a-vis the constitutional provision that says that interlocutory matters bothering on jurisdiction must wait until the final judgment. “That is the issue that was resolved by the Supreme Court today that when an issue is abandoned you don’t have to wait until the final judgment before

the tribunal can pronounce on it that you are dismissing this petition because it has been abandoned,” he said. Orbih noted that by the two judgments, the matter filed by the AAC in rivers state has received its final nail on its coffin, its dad and buried forever. Reacting to the judgment, Counsel to AAC, Henry Bello counsel, disclosed that the two judgments just delivered by the Supreme Court cover six appeals, and said: “The first judgment has to do with abuse of process. At the tribunal in Port Harcourt there was appeal against a decision of the tribunal at the same time the same thing in the appeal was also sought to be rectified by the tribunal in another application. “Our contention at the tribunal was that it was an abuse of court process and that it should be dismissed. The tribunal agreed with us and dismissed that. They went on appeal to the court of appeal in appeal number CA/PH/EPT/375/2019 the court of Appeal disagreed with the tribunal that it was not an abuse of court process.

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BDSUNDAY 35

SundayBusiness EDGE as green building certification: What buyers should know

ncreasingly, green building is gaining traction in Nigeria, making it necessary for builders who decide to embrace the new way to get any of the prevailing certification models. One of those certification models is EDGE which is an acronym for ‘Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies’. EDGE is an innovation of International Finance Corporation (IFC) created to respond to the need for a measurable solution to prove a financial case for building green and to help jumpstart the proliferation of green buildings. It helps property developers to build and brand green in a fast, easy and affordable way and it is supported by free software that encourages solutions to reduce energy, water and the energy used to make building materials by, at least, 20 percent, which is the standard for EDGE certification. Growing population and rising urbanization contrasted sharply by gross lack of critical infrastructure has made the development of green building important more so with its business/economic benefits. This has also brought to the fore the need for housing

investors and developers to make a paradigm shift and embrace the new order. Available statistics show an urgent need for emerging economies like Nigeria to start building green. About 50 percent of the world lives in cities today and 70 percent is expected to live in urban areas by 2050. The world population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, about 34 percent higher than what is presently available. Growth will be fastest in poor countries like Nigeria where population is expected to actually double. Critical infrastructure, especially power, energy and water are still a huge challenge in most cities. It was against this backdrop that the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) and IFC gathered together housing industry stakeholders in Lagos to discuss and point the way forward for green building development and its certification using the EDGE model. As a private sector-driven mortgage refinancing company with the public purpose of promoting home ownership for Nigerians while deepening the primary and secondary mortgage market, the

vision of NMRC is to be the dominant housing partner in Nigeria, while its mission is to break down barriers to home ownership by providing liquidity, affordability, accessibility and stability to the housing market. On the other hand, as a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group, IFC is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. It works with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in the toughest areas of the world. Along with SGS, the certification provider for EDGE in Nigeria, the two institutions held two workshops in Lagos and Abuja recently on EDGE adoption and implementation. NMRC and IFC share a common aspiration to move the building construction industry on to a lower carbon, more resource-efficient path. Through their partnership, they are set to work together to promote sustainable design practices in Nigeria. This will include NMRC recommending EDGE

Talking Mortgage with CHUKA UROKO (08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com) certification to clients to increase the value of their green properties. NMRC partnered with IFC to launch and operationalize EDGE in the Nigerian market. Through its value chain approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities in the Nigerian housing sector, NMRC looks to collaborating with its member-banks and other stakeholders to catalyze sustainable green buildings in Nigeria, to unlock the benefits of same to the housing industry and to the country’s GDP. IFC aims to transform 20 percent of the construction market in rapidly industrializing countries with the support of industry leaders, governments and financial institutions. Resource-efficient buildings provide a tangible value that can be passed from property developers to their customers

through utility savings. Green buildings also have less negative impact on the environment and reinforce a more sustainable corporate brand. They also enable homebuyers to make a difference through choosing green homes for their families, which have the potential for higher re-sale values. Going green and affordability are not mutually exclusive, according to officials of IFC who said that both are possible. IFC has a green building investment portfolio of more than $3 billion, which includes its own direct investments and mobilized financing. Complementing its investment work, IFC advises governments on green building regulations in Bangladesh, Colombia, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Panama, Peru, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Access Bank: Championing the growth of the Nigerian creative industry Bunmi Bailey

he Nigerian creative market is regarded as one of the fastest growing industries in the world, with massive global revenues in entertainment and media set to be generated in less developed markets and economies where spending on a per capita basis is generally quite low. According to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, a multinational p r o f es s i on a l s er v ic es network with headquarters in London, United Kingdom, while consumers in mature markets such as North America and Europe, among other wealthier Asia-Pacific markets, spend a lot more than $500 per capita annually on entertainment and media, Nigeria with a 12.1 percent Compound Annual Growth, is gradually becoming the world’s fastest growing entertainment & media market, strongly influenced by surging spending on mobile Internet access. As with most sectors a c r o s s t h e e c o n o m y, creatives in the industry

have been limited by poor access to finance, which continues to pose an obstacle to sustained growth across the value chain. Globally, experts have always emphasised the importance of a publicprivate partnership in order to boost investment, including the need to improve platforms, programmes, infrastructures and of course, people who have shown promising artistic prospects by leveraging on various programmes, initiatives and projects. In 2016, the Nigerian creative industry accounted for 2.3 percent (approximately N239 billion of the entire GDP). With more private investors forming a strong body of partners and stakeholders, many experts are already projecting at least $1billion contribution to the country’s GDP by 2020. Interestingly, Access Bank is taking the initiative to become a key contributor in the movement to grow the Nigerian creative sector. For example, the Bank recently announced the disbursement of loans to beneficiaries in the entertainment industry under

the Creative Industry Financing Initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Under the initiative, the first tranche of the loans worth N20 billion was made easily accessible to the borrowers in the sector. Access Bank also relaunched ‘The Dome’, a high-end entertainment and leisure multiplex in Abuja. The introduction of Art X in Lagos, as well as the historical relevance of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nigeria, was an important moment for the economy. While the CBN mandated that banks should create a budget for creative loans that would help fuel the growth of the creative industry, many financial institutions have failed to notice and leverage on the dramatic shifts, especially by understanding how creative brands and individuals can compete and generate value. Consequently, even though the marketplace has grown increasingly competitive and sometimes with more emphasis on product quantity than quality, consumer experience, including the unique style of storytelling in the

industry, has opened a globally recognised market to those willing to invest. Over the years, Access Bank has completely embraced stakeholders in the entertainment and art industry, providing the necessary products, services, resources and support for artistes, artists, and even innovators and designers who prefer to work behind the scene. The Bank has also successfully deepened its affiliation with contemporary and African arts, especially as a gold sponsor for the Art X Lagos event, an art festival celebrating African artists, while drawing in resident clienteles, curators and art critics through the Access Bank Art X Prize. Since its inception, ART X Lagos has welcomed over 22,000 visitors to see the works of Africa’s leading established and emerging artists, including representatives of institutions such as the Tate Modern, Zeitz MOCAA, the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian, the Art Institute of Chicago and Centre Pompidou. In November 2019, the event again takes centre

stage with its fourth edition; another opportunity for winners to access capital and training through the Art X competition, which would, in turn, propel them to global success and appreciation for African arts and creativity. The Access Bank ART X Lagos art fair begins on the 1st of November, which would culminate in an excellent exhibition with more diverse and original works than have been previously shown in recent events all across the continent. Prior to the CBN’s directives, Access Bank has always contributed to the growth and development of the country’s creative industry, sponsoring concerts and entertainment events all over the country. Similar to almost every other sector, Nigerians have come to expect limited support, and creatives have consistently grown their career through selfgenerated funds, which is many cases, can appear very risky, affect production quality and discourage young creatives from venturing in the creative sector. With the intent to support the next set of young Nigerian music stars, Ac-

cess Bank has also partnered with Star Lager Beer, to create the ‘Access the Stars’ reality show. The show offers young talented Nigerian musicians a platform to display their talents, and the winner a whooping prize of N150 million. Through the partnership, the Bank also promised contestants an opportunity to perform with top-tier artistes such as Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Flavour, Phyno, Olamide, Kcee, and many more. As the mission grows in redeveloping the operations of National Arts Theatre through a N22 billion investment, Access Bank is again at the forefront of redefining arts in the country in order to sustain our society, our culture, and continually looking for new ways to build a better future. Th e Ba n k ’s h i s t o r y in delivering excellent services, relief and benefits to the general public through Corporate Social Responsibility remains unmatched and remarkable, thereby reflecting a wonderful story for the future: that Nigerian entertainment and arts will truly be leading industry for Nigeria’s economic diversification and growth.

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Sunday 27 October 2019

SundayBusiness Foods that protect body’s vital organs Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

he increasing importance of nutrition awareness, with regards to the immense health benefits of the foods we consume on daily basis has enhanced healthy lifestyle and eventually l o n g l i f e . S p e c i f i c a l l y, t h e knowledge of foods that protect the body’s vital organs such as the brain, eyes, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bones, as well as those involved in reproduction would go a long way in saving valuable money spent. That is more so on drugs, or in hospitals seeking for solutions to different debilitating diseases. Much as we are aware that evidence-based nutrition, or diets that are peculiar to certain tribes, ethnic groups and races have their benefits, the wave of globalisation has given some food items recognition and acceptance. Listed below are some choice food items and the related vital organs they protect: The brain According to health.harvard.

edublog several researches have shown that the best brain foods are the same ones that protect your heart and blood vessels. They include the following : Green, leafy vegetables such as our local bitter leaf, ugu, efo and spinach. Theyare packed full with brain-healthy nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate, and betacarotene. Research suggests these plant-based foods may help slow cognitive decline. Also effective are fatty fish which are abundant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, healthy unsaturated fats that have been linked to lower blood levels of betaamyloid. This is the protein that forms damaging clumps in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Try to eat fish at least twice a week, but choose varieties that are low in mercury, such as salmon, cod and tuna. Berries according to a 2012 study published in Annals of Neurology, are full of flavonoids, the natural plant pigments that give berries their brilliant colours, also help improve memory. Tea and coffee: In a 2014 study published in The Journal of Nutrition, participants with higher caffeine consumption scored better on tests of mental function. Caffeine might also help solidify new memories, according to other research. Investigators at Johns Hopkins University. Walnuts are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats that help in improving memory. A 2015 study from UCLA linked higher walnut consumption to improved cognitive test scores. Walnuts are high in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alphalinolenic acid (ALA), which helps lower blood pressure and protects arteries. They are good for both the heart and brain. Fo o d s t h a t b o o s t b r a i n

CWG appoints Nwoga business director services

WG Plc has announced the appointment of Martin Nwoga as Business director, Services, effective October 7th, 2019. The appointment is in line with the company’s commitment to strengthen its delivery and service organisations. “We are particularly pleased that Martin, with his wealth of global and regional experience in ICT has joined us here in CWG Plc. His various roles in Africa, UK, China, USA and Europe will be of great value to both CWG Plc and our customers in ensuring that we deliver to the highest standards we preach and achieve a more profitable organisation,” the

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firm said. Nwoga has more than 25 years in Information and Communication Technology, including 15 years of management, experience in Africa, US, UK, Europe, and China. He has developed and delivered frameworks for project management and infrastructure management; and has held executive roles in end-user and supplier environments including Financial Institutions, Big 5 Consultancy, Telecommunication, roles in Public and Private Sector engagements as Operations Director, Service Management Director, continental Portfolio Management, continental Programme Management, Country Service Manager (Nigeria), regional OEM/Service Management,andcontinentalServer & Systems Operations focused on infrastructure deployment, maintenance and compliance. His professional career spans roles in Infosoft Nigeria, Integrated Technologies Nigeria, Microsoft Nigeria, Cancer Research UK, Accenture UK, Abbey National UK, Airtel, IBM Global Services and Old Mutual Insurance. In his new role Martin will be responsible for driving the simplification of the management of customers’ computing environments, optimisation of operational efficiencies and improvement of service levels.

power includewhole wheat breadbecause they are rich in the energy-releasing B-Complex vitamins and magnesium. Whole wheat bread is a great source of complex carbohydrates. With the lowest glycemic index (GI), it provides fuel for the brain. Others are liver as a fantastic s ource of prot ei n, i ron and B-vitamins. Liver enhances your brain’s production of dopamine, a natural brain chemical that keeps you alert. Soy bean contains isoflavins which are good in fighting memory loss (amnesia). It also possesses chemicals that are anti-angiogenesis powerful in fighting cancer cells. Therefore, a glass of soya milk taken along with oat meal is ideal in this regard. While tomato’s lycopene helps to open up the blood vessels to the brain, oat meal is highly recommended because it has high content of phyto-nutrients, calories, vitamins, and minerals. As a good source of glucose, it provides fuel for the brain. Wa t e r m e l o n e n h a n c e s retentive memory.Honey: A spoon of pure honey in your coffee, tea or any breakfast food drink (Milo, Bournvita, Ovaltine) stimulates the release of a chemical called acetylcholine. This is a brain chemical that enhances memory. Excess of it would lead to drowsiness by raising serotonin levels that induce sleep. Parents are well advised to ensure that they provide their children with quality breakfast every day. Several researchers have shown that children who go to school on empty stomach always find it difficult to concentrate on their school work. Invariably, most of them perform poorly in their academics. The eyes Generally, people believe

that failing eyesight and related problems such as cataract are as a result of aging or frequent eye strain. The truth however, is that a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of such problems.The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), published in 2001, found that certain nutrients — zinc, copper, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene — may reduce the risk of age-related decline in eye health by 25 percent. Oily fish are fish that have oil in their gut and body tissue, so eating them offers higher levels of omega-3-rich fish oil. These include tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines. Nuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high level of vitamin E, which can protect the eye from age-related damage. Such Citrus fruits are oranges, grapes, lime, and lemonade rich in vitamin C. Just like vitamin E, vitamin C protects the eyes. Also recommended are walnuts, cashew nuts, groundnut and lentils. Leafy, green vegetables are rich in both lutein and zeaxanthin and are also a good source of eye-friendly vitamin C. Carrots are rich in both Vitamin A and beta carotene. Vitamin A plays an essential role in vision. It is a component of a protein called rhodopsin, which helps the retina to absorb light. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene. They are also a good source of the antioxidant vitamin E.Beef is rich in zinc, which has been linked to better long-term eye health. Zinc can help delay age-related sight loss and macular degeneration. The eye itself contains high levels of zinc, particularly in the retina, and the vascular tissue surrounding the retina. Eggs are an excellent source of

vitamins C and E, zinc lutein and zeaxanthin, which can reduce the risk of age-related sight loss. Drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration, which may reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. The Liver The liver is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, making glucose, and detoxing the body. It also stores nutrients and creates bile, which is necessary to digest and absorb the nutrients in food properly. There are many foods and drinks that a person can consume to help protect the liver. Liver health is vital for overall health. Liver dysfunction can lead to liver disease, metabolic disorder, and even type 2 diabetes. Some of the best foods and drinks that are good for the liver include: Coffee. Drinking coffee offers protection against fatty liver disease. Oatmeal: Consuming oatmeal is an easy way to add fiber to the diet. Green tea: Consuming green tea may help reduce overall fat content. Other food items are garlic, berries and grapes. Kidneys The kidneys’ main job is to filter your blood. They remove wastes, control the body’s fluid balance and keep the right levels of electrolytes. All of the blood in your body passes through them several times a day. Blood comes into the kidney, waste gets removed, and salt, water, and minerals are adjusted. Others include red bell peppers, cabbage, garlic, onions and apples. To be continued…

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

Bells University, Ota: Driving processes with technological... Continued from back page C - J AVA . I n t e r e s t i n g l y, t h e training came at no cost to the University and members of staff ! To equip the students for the future, 272 of those graduating obtained certification in IT fields such as Peach Tree, Comptia Project, Customer Relations Management, MATLAB, Android Application and CCNA. All these efforts are showing as some of the students are breaking academic grounds and coming up with worthw h i l e i n n o v a t i o n s . Fo r i n stance, Cynthia Komolafe and Taiwo Alamu, who represented BellsTech in a competition by the Society of Testing LaboratoryAnalysts under the auspices of the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), came first and third, respectively, beating students from long-established universities, including Unilag. Notably, some final year (Top-Up) students from the

College of Engineering have innovated an Automatic Boom Barrier at the two entrance gates to the University. The new product comes with Vehicle Number Plates Recognition Device via Cameras. Another group has installed a self-devised Security System via a Closed Circuit Camera System. This would increase the security system within the campus. Intriguing also is the fascinating fact that trio of Tobilola Akala, Oluwatobi Falolu and Za i n a b Aj a o h a v e b e c o m e Chartered Accountants while still in school! Some creativeminded students of the Department of Architecture, College of Environmental Studies have been requested to design a 200-Seater Staff Cafetaria at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. And talking about the Chief Promoter, he has initiated the much-talked about ‘Interactive Sessions with Baba’ during which students are free to ask questions on topical issues, as they drink from his fountain of

immense knowledge. Such grooming must have encouraged graduates of the university who are now into philanthropic gestures. An instance is that of Mr. Tobi Ogunsemowo, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering now made famous by the annual donation of branded exercise books, beginning in 2017 but has spread from Lagos through Ogun to Anambra , Edo and Delta states. Still on giving, the Bells University Parents Forum (BUPF) which has in the past donated building structures and buses has added a standard Computer-Based Test Centre. In all, kudos goes to the management team made up of the Vice Chancellor, his able Deputy, Prof. Olubukola Kuforiji; the Registrar, Sumonu Tarfa, the University Acting Librarian, Dr. Kuburat Towolawi and of course, the Bursar, Mr. Omotayo Adepoju, Deans of Colleges and heads of departments for being great catalysts in driving processes with innovative ideas.

Sunday 27 October 2019

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BDSUNDAY 37

BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Reasons regular breakfast in-take are beneficial for healthy living Ever wondered why people skip breakfast in Nigeria. It is obvious many of those who skip breakfast do not know that it is the most important meal of the day. Whether your goal is weight loss or simply to be healthy, it is important that you make eating breakfast especially bread and butter such as Mamador Light Fat Spread a regular habit. This report examines the benefits of taking breakfast. Seyi John Salau writes.

tudies have shown that consuming breakfast greatly decreases hunger throughout the day. A report by WebMD on food recipes clarifies that breakfast kick-starts consumer’s metabolism, helps to burn calories throughout the day. “It also gives you the energy you need to get things done and helps you focus at work or at school”. But a lot of people skip breakfast to avoid extra calories. By eating a high fibre, nutrient-filled breakfast early in the morning, you are actually less likely to be hungry throughout the day. However, by eating breakfast to start your day, you will jumpstart your metabolism and be well on your way to reach your health goals, say experts. It is, however, incomprehensible why many people in Nigeria, especially Lagos are skipping the morning meal, considering the various evidences by experts to show the importance of taking breakfast. The report by WebMD further cited other reports that linked eating breakfast to good health, including better memory and concentration, lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, and lower chances of getting diabetes, heart disease, and being overweight. According to a recent market research by NPD group as quoted by oatsovernight wesite, approximately 18% of males and 13% of females between the ages of 35 and 54 skip breakfast in the US. This data may not be different in Nigeria. What this indicates is the fact that people are always on the move, hasting to get out in the morning, hence skipping breakfast and not considering the health implications. Sherese Ijewere, a nutrition consultant and CEO of Carib Health Ltd, based in Lagos told BD Sunday that, adding breakfast to your eating pattern is a major step to improving your lifestyle. “Food is fuel. Many studies have emphasized the importance of breakfast. If you want to make the most of your day, fuel your body early with the right stuff”. According to Ijewere, a good breakfast is one that provides at least one-third of the day’s calories. This is also for children, he stated. “It is essential for children

to have breakfast; it keeps them alert, attentive and focused. Studies have linked healthy breakfast with less chronic diseases but increases longevity and better health,” said Ijewere. “This is vital because breakfast provides the body and brain with fuel after an overnight fast; that is where its name originates, breaking the fast. Without breakfast you are effectively running empty, like trying to start a car with no petrol”, he said. Ijewere warned that the effects of a skipped breakfast are short attention span, lack of alertness, longer reaction time, low blood sugar, decreased work productivity. “Glucose is the basic fuel for the brain and central nervous system. A good breakfast will keep you from being tired and irritable by midmorning,” Ijewere stated. Apart from providing consumers with energy, breakfast foods are good sources of important nutrients such as calcium, iron and B vitamins as well as protein and fibre. The body needs these essential nutrients and research shows that if these are missing at breakfast, they are less likely to be compensated for later in the day. “Most people give a variety of reasons for not eating breakfast. Such as, “I am never hungry in the morning”, or “I don’t have time”. Important as we make time for everything else, we should make time for taking care of our body.

“Many people eat late meals or snack late at night. When they go to bed, the body is still busy digesting all that food. Digestion slows down during the hours of sleep and there is still food in the stomach in the morning. The stomach needs a rest too. When you wake up in the morning, it is recommended to drink at least 2 glasses of room temperature water. The water rehydrates your body from the night sleep (as we become dehydrated at night – sweating, breathing) wakes you up, and helps the bowel move freely. “When you get up in the morning, your glucose or blood sugar level is at its lowest point in the day. Glucose is the basic fuel for the brain and central nervous system. A good breakfast will

Apart from providing consumers with energy, breakfast foods are good sources of important nutrients such as calcium, iron and B vitamins as well as protein and fibre

keep you from being tired and irritable by mid-morning”. Therefore, if you are not sure of what to take for breakfast, you can go for bread, spread with butter. Some of those who spoke to BD Sunday endorsed bread with Mamador Light Fat Spread. “Yes, a little fat is good for you if it’s the right kind of fat”, a consumer said. Others who have used the brand for bread, commended the rich and quality of the product from the stable of PZ Cussons. In July 2018, the multinational company extended its footprints into the spreads category by introducing the Mamador Light Fat Spread into the Nigerian market. More consumers who spoke to BDSunday on the importance of breakfast, especially the reasons for combining bread and butter at breakfast said both are inseparable. Franka Ihentuge, a nurse and mother of four said, there is no breakfast especially with bread for family without butter. “For me, it is nutritious and easy to digest, unlike when there is no butter. Spreading butter on bread makes breakfast appetizing”, she said. Mary Ogbaki, a teacher based in Lagos said she often cook with butter or spread butter on bread for breakfast. “I love butter because of its softness on bread,” she says. Agatha Ukamaka however

said, “bread and butter is delicious, especially when you are using Mamador,” stating that her family enjoys taking soft butter spread on slices of bread because, “good bread and good butter go together”. “Among other foods, addition of Mamador Light Fat Spread into bread or other food is one of the breakfast meals needed for healthy living because of the immense nutritional value it contains. It is cholesterol free and trans-fat free, and contains 30 per cent daily allowance of required vitamins. The Mamador product was launched in two variants: classic spread; and particularly, the Light Fat Spread which emphasises ‘health and taste’ benefits,” said Omobolanle Akin-Fatodu, the Assistant Brand Manager, Mamador. Eating breakfast equally presents an excellent occasion to eat together as a family when possible. Hence, establishing good breakfast habits in childhood and maintaining them throughout adolescence may be an important factor in reducing the prevalence of breakfast skipping and developing good eating habits that last a lifetime. “The Mamador Light Fat Spread doesn’t just make your meal taste better; it also makes your meals healthier. Having no cholesterol and being trans-fat free, it is the perfect breakfast option, leaving your breakfast with not just a rich buttery taste, but also seven essential vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, B6, B12, folic acid and Niacin. Omobolanle recommends Mamador breakfast with the Light Fat Spread for those who want their breakfasts tastier, healthier, juicier and more exciting. According to her, the Mamador light fat spread is PZ Wilmar contribution to making breakfast tastier and healthier for Nigerians. “This product can be enjoyed with bread, you can also throw in some eggs and vegetables and you have a soft and sumptuous sandwich. If you are a toast lover, lay the Light Fat Spread on your bread slices, add your eggs, and make crunchy toast bread with a moist juicy interior”, said Omobolanle who stated that it is “to make your breakfast tastier, creamier and healthier”.

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Sunday 27 October 2019

Interview

Nigerian governments not 30 million housing deficits The President and CEO of BSTAN Group, a housing firm, BECKY DAMILOLA-OKE, decries poor investments and neglect of the housing sector, stressing that successive Nigerian governments at all levels have failed to address the huge housing deficits in the country, which she says is about 30 million contrary to the claim of 17 million deficits in public domain. In this interview with INNOCENT ODOH, the CEO says the HouseFair hosted by the group recently in Abuja was to sensitise the people and attract investors into the potentially rich housing sector even as she demands more robust mortgage system adding that Public Private Partnership (PPP) remains the only solution to the challenges in the housing sector. Excerpts:

ow do you see developments in the Nigerian Housing sector and how has BSTAN exploited this opportunities therein? I think the Housing sector has improved a little bit though not as expected compared to the developments in other sectors or industries in Nigeria. Nevertheless, compared to few years back, I think the sector is growing. There are certain things things that need to be put in place to help the sector grow more. These are; the right polices, good partnership, financial growth, mortgage system, among other factors. But for us in BSTAN Group, to a large extent in over a decade now, we have tried as much as possible to make a strong impact in the Housing sector and to the glory of God I think we have been able to a lot. It might not be largely seen because the deficit in the country cannot be solved by one single organization, it requires the involvement of more organizations and government involvement and willingness. For the fact that I am in the industry I can tell you that the housing deficit is over 30 million because we have too many displaced people right now that are not captured in the UN statistics. So we have too much homelessness. So, if you put all these together the number is very high. In BSTAN Group, we have been able to do over 22,000 housing units’ singlehandedly without government involvement yet, without partnership yet, without so much of involvement of state governments. At the moment we have ‘Vision 2020’, which is to provide 1 million housing units per year. The Vision 2020 will largely require a lot of partnership between the federal government, state government, the financial sector, between a lot of parastatals and organisations which are the off takers. So a million per year is a vision we have put in place for us as an organisation to improve the housing sector as much as possible. This is because if we are doing a million in a year, other organizations also pick up a million per year, in five years from now; we should have reduced the deficit by 50percent. You have mentioned a lot of things which have not been captured very well by the government, particularly the issue of mortgage. What exactly do you think is the problem of mortgage system in Nigeria? In practical terms, unavailability of funds is one major issue that I think it is a problem with mortgage system in Nigeria. Secondly, the unwillingness to do the right thing and thirdly the crazy bureaucracy, high interest rates is another issue and fifthly, the unwillingness to produce mortgage for the

Damilola-Oke

people. I believe there is a way these things can be done properly. In the last HouseFair summit, I proposed that for everyone that is a civil servant, the government can prepare twenty years out of 35 years mortgage plan for everyone and do what we call ‘Housing for All’. We in BSTAN are ready to produce the low cost housing for all civil servants in Nigeria if the government is ready to put that in place. We have the machinery, we have capacity, we have the technicality and everything required. Two things we need from any state government or the federal government is availability of the land. Government owns the land so instead of us to spend our money to buy the land we spend the money to build the houses. Secondly, the off-takers, which the government has, are the civil servants that are suffering. Imagine a man retires after serving the country for 35 years and is still living in a rented house; he cannot afford even a two–bedroom, which is wrong for a growing nation like Nigeria with all the resources we have in this country. So, what we are proposing is a 20-year mortgage

plan that a few amount of money can be reduced from the civil servants for the next 20 years and every civil servant will be able to go for it. I have a slogan which says, when accommodation problem is solved for any Nigerian, 50percent of that person’s problem is solved because if you solve accommodation problem, then you can solve Nigeria’s problem because the nation starts from families. When the families are in trouble the nation is in trouble. If the family does not have peace the nation cannot have peace. So if truly our country wants to grow, I think the growth should start from the housing sector because a man that is homeless cannot think education, cannot think of jobs, food or any other thing and housing is a basic need, the fundamental right of every Nigerian. Then the financial sector, the banking sector, the mortgage sector need to as well come in partnership with developing companies such as BSTAN Group. If we have the off takers ready to take the houses through the civil service housing scheme

and the banks are ready to partner with us financial wise, then that becomes a synergy that can fly. One million houses per year become very easy to do. And this will also help investors to come into the sector if there is a good policy in place. There are several investors who are afraid to come into the housing sectors because of policy. There is no strong policy backing the sector because Nigerian government does not see any growth in the sector. But they forget the fact that this is what is feeding some countries like UAE, Singapore, Egypt and several others. It is from this housing sector that they grow. Despite all the challenges, you have provided 22,000 of housing units this year alone that is huge investment in the sector. But how do you cope with the high cost of land registration and titling and the policies of government said to be inconsistent over the years? Business comes with passion and for us in BSTAN, we have passion to provide housing, it has gone beyond money making for us, it is a vision that we want to see come to reality and as much as possible we try our best to go the extra mile. But it is not easy because we do have

Sunday 27 October 2019

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Interview

serious about reducing - BSTAN CEO some financial challenges. We are struggling with loans, interest rates, banks, investors, cost of land which we have to buy; we have to struggle with the locals. But in all of these challenges I think our passion and willingness to go the extra miles have kept is alive of course by the grace of God. We have focus and we set goals for what we want to achieve year in year out and to the glory God it can get better. That is why we are using this opportunity to call on the right investors who understand that we have the goal, we have the business and we have the market. Any investor, be it a bank, an individual, government or organization that partners with us will go home smiling quarterly or yearly because you can get as much as 40 – 50percent return on investment when you put into BSTAN group. We have tested the market for years, we have the right market, we have the experience, we are not building super luxury homes, we are building what is called a need not a want. PPP has been adopted in Nigeria for the construction of affordable housing in the country but not much has been achieved through this scheme. How can this be improved? And what are the prospects of the PPP in the housing sector? The PPP scheme is what grows every nation. PPP is what is growing Lagos. Take for instance in Nigeria most of the capital and infrastructure projects done in Lagos are done under PPP and that is why the business is growing and investors are willing to come because they mastered the act of PPP. That is the model that can work in the housing sector because the government cannot singlehandedly provide the houses for the whole nation, no nation does that. All the countries that have grown in the industry have grown through the PPP scheme. Government has the land everywhere, it can bring in financial investors that can grow the nation and bring in developing companies like BSTAN Group that has track records in the sector, without unreasonable bureaucracy and without nepotism. The PPP scheme is supposed to grow the housing sector and I still advocate for the scheme, it should be encouraged, the government should come into partnership with Housing development companies and the financial sector; this is how we can solve the problem of housing. So, I call on Minister Babatunde Fashola to do something about the Housing sector because only the PPP can solve the problem. Why is the PPP model not working in Nigeria? Is it a question of rivalry between the government and the private sector? It is a question of unwillingness, it a matter of selfishness and not rivalry, it is a matter of ignorance and nonchalance. There is no rivalry between the government and the private sector because there is no government that can strive without the private sector and there is no private sector that can strive without the government because the government prepares the policy that guides the private sector, so every entity has their roles and responsibility both the private and public sector. We have written letters to government parastatals, we have written to the Vice President’s office telling them that we are willing to build and construct these

Becky Damilola Oke (left) and other participants during the HouseFair in Abuja

houses state by state. We wrote to the state governors, but it seems these guys are in those offices to enrich themselves, and not to do anything for the state. We are not asking them to bring cash, we are only asking them to create the platform as a government and give the land as equity to build the houses. We will source for the funding and get our financial partners to come in because the investors want to come for a project that can guarantee security which is the off takers ready to take these houses and we will build the houses. We have partners from Germany, from the US and China and Dubai who are willing to do all these projects but the right thing needs to be put in place but the state governments and federal government are not ready because the willingness is not there. During the National HouseFair Summit, you made strong statements about looking for alternatives especially now that the government appears to have shown nonchalant attitude towards the sector. So, what alternatives do you have? We know the problems. Most of our projects are for those who really need it- the 70percent who are average Nigerians, the middle class, the low class. So the National HouseFair is an event we put together every year to reach out to people, to let them know what we have. At the National HouseFair we also give out to people for free. Last year we gave about five plots of land for free, this year we gave 8 plots of land for free and many other goodies that went with it for people who are in need of it. Beyond that we bring our projects to their door steps by doing what we call the ‘flexible payment’ plan aimed at giving people affordable homes at flexible payment plan, doing it a t 30percent discount in most of the projects, allowing people to pay as little as they can to the point that we even allowed a monthly payment of

33,000 naira. This is what we call ‘Housing for All by Force,’ because if you are a civil servant or business owner, 33,000 is what you can afford in one month. So, we give to people in that way that they can buy into it and allow people to pay and spread the payment by installments up to three to five years on some of our houses. Owning a home had been made easy by BSTAN but you must make some sacrifices. There is the challenge of poor quality of housing stock attributed to the fact that the construction industry is driven by cost minimisation rather than value maximisation. This has manifested in poorly constructed buildings, some of which have collapsed killing their occupants in some cases. What is your reaction to this? I am a civil engineer by profession, so this is my core area. I have my PhD in Estate Management and construction and I am a member of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and a fellow of Council of Registered Engineers in Nigeria (COREN). It is a pathetic story to see structure that is supposed to be put in good standard falling off; it is an eye sore for the associations like COREN and NSE. But you see the professional bodies cannot be completely blamed for this because the owners of those structures most of them run away from paying the required bill of the professionals thereby going about to hire amateur bricklayers who may have 5 – 10 years experience. You see people building structures on swamps without soil test, without picking the right foundation. We have different types of foundation for different soil strata and you see people picking the wrong foundation for the wrong soil thereby causing what we call ‘differential settlements’ in construction. So, most of the constructions falling off are

not completely caused by bad materials some of them are caused by wrong persons doing the project, some are caused by wrong designs, some of these projects are overloaded, some of them are under -designed while some are over designed. Lack of professional supervision also causes some of these building collapses and that is why the bodies have some blames because they are the regulators. NSE needs to put up task force, COREN needs to put up tasks force to monitor construction going on. There is also another body called the Federation of Construction Industry in Nigeria, all these bodies should be given authority. The bill the NSE and COREN sent to the National Assembly should be passed. Authority should be given to them to regulate the industry and stop people not following the standard of construction in Nigeria, stop quacks and introduce a quality control teams. If you want to get a standard house get the right materials , get the right professional, a bricklayer is not an engineer, so there is no way you can ask a brick layer to build for you and expect a good quality house. That is why in BSTAN quality control is key to us and that is why we have not had any case of collapse structure in any of our estates in over a decade. The government has presented a budget estimate of N10.33 trillion for 2020 and N262 billion for works and Housing sector. This is one area you should be looking at. What is your take on this? With N262 billion allocated to the sector, you cannot expect the country to grow when people are becoming increasingly homeless. Population is increasing and how do you want housing deficit to reduce with this budget? The rate of birth is higher than the rate of death in Nigeria. So we need more houses for people. The Boko Haram insurgency caused IDP crisis and now flood caused more problems. Look at homelessness everywhere with no amenities or planning on how to provide house to these people. So, if homelessness is everywhere, the Housing sector should have taken forty percent of the Nigerian budget considering the state of the nation right now. What is your take on the sprawling slums around major cities in the country? Slums will keep growing because there are no plans for people to live in comfortable homes. Standard of living in Nigeria is bad. We have a programme coming up called ‘House Matter’ which will capture a lot on the issue of slums and probably provide solutions to how slums can be rehabilitated through urban renewal. You see people living in Maitama, Abuja but there is slum there. Everywhere you go in Nigeria there is a slum by the corner. Slums can be discouraged and we can do that by providing affordable houses for the people. See what Rwanda is doing they are providing affordable houses for people who cannot afford the villas. The growth of Rwanda since the 1994 genocide is amazing. Lack of adequate Housing causes more problems for Nigeria because when you live in a slum, you will be sick, when you live in slum; you cannot perform well in school and living in slums breeds criminality.

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Sunday 27 October 2019

EquityMarket Access Bank, Stanbic IBTC announce N146bn profit after tax in Q3 2019

TELIAT SULE

f your are still in doubt as to why the management of Access Bank went into a merger with the defunct Diamond Bank, you may have to check the bank’s latest financial results for the period ended September 30,2019 to see justifications for their move. Across all metrics, Access Bank showed significant improvements in spite of the obvious challenging environment. Net interest income at the end of the third quarter rose by 37 percent from N254.9 billion to N349.2 billion. It made N66.9 billion as fee and commission income in Q3 2019, which was 54 percent higher than N43.5 billion the bank realised same period in 2018. Net fee and commission income in third quarter of 2019 was better than the corresponding period in 2018 as it rose from N37.5 billion to N56.01 billion, thus amounting to an increase of 50 percent. Profit after tax(PAT) at N90.7 billion for this year’s third quarter amounted to an increase of 44 percent over N62.9 billion in corresponding period in 2018. In terms of contribution, corporate and investment banking segment of its business generated 50 percent of

Market Returns Jan 31, 2019

Index

All Share Index(ASI) NSE Premium Index NSE Main Board Index NSE ASeM Index NSE 30 Index NSE Banking Index NSE Insurance Index NSE Consumer Goods Index NSE Oil/Gas Index NSE Lotus Islamic Index NSE Industrial Index NSE Pension Index

Market Returns Mar 29, 2019/Q1

Market Returns June 28, 2019(H)

Market Returns July 31, 2019

Market Returns Aug 30, 2019

Market Returns Sept 30, 2019/Q3

-‐2.78%

-‐1.24%

-‐4.66%

-‐11.81%

-‐12.42%

-‐12.09%

-‐3.05%

0.40%

9.17%

4.17%

5.40%

-‐2.57%

-‐1.37%

-‐13.11%

-‐22.55%

-‐0.60% -‐4.04%

1.69% -‐1.73%

-‐1.45% -‐11.39%

-‐2.49%

1.26%

-‐3.26%

Market Returns Oct. 25, 2019

A Year Ago: Market Returns Oct. 26, 2018

-‐16.17%

-‐13.95%

3.49%

-‐0.17%

-‐5.85%

-‐23.88%

-‐21.45%

-‐26.05%

-‐15.87%

-‐1.80% -‐19.60%

-‐1.87% -‐23.25%

-‐2.46% -‐19.06%

-‐4.56% -‐24.74%

-‐27.69% -‐15.49%

-‐8.04%

-‐16.49%

-‐19.49%

-‐18.44%

-‐20.29%

-‐11.47%

-‐0.40%

-‐2.16%

-‐8.49%

-‐15.52%

-‐4.81%

-‐5.53%

-‐10.40%

6.91%

-‐5.15%

-‐16.89%

-‐26.74%

-‐29.74%

-‐28.85%

-‐32.00%

-‐24.34%

-‐7.27%

-‐3.87%

-‐16.21%

-‐25.26%

-‐34.35%

-‐22.86%

-‐25.70%

-‐9.99%

0.72%

1.51%

-‐12.03%

-‐20.11%

-‐22.25%

-‐23.35%

-‐24.86%

-‐11.25%

5.77%

0.14%

-‐12.12%

-‐13.26%

-‐11.85%

-‐13.16%

-‐16.24%

-‐26.18%

-‐3.12% -‐1.16% -‐12.35% -‐19.85% -‐23.34% -‐19.93% -‐22.69% -‐11.66% Market 12.67% 15.25% 14.25% 14.76% 9.43% -‐11.73% Capitalisation -‐2.78% -‐0.41% Computed by BusinessDay Research and Intelligence Unit (BRIU). For enquiries, please call 08098710024 or teliat.sule@businessday.ng ; biodunteliat24@gmail.com

the bank’s profit before tax. At against N19.8 billion last year’s to N14.01 billion during the N51.94 billion at the end of the September to account for 27 period , up from N5.06 billion third quarter 2019, the profit. recorded last year Access Bank, corporate Stanbic IBTC apercent nnounce Nof 146bn profit after tax in Q3 2the 019 bank and investment banking segBusiness banking profit September, and thus contribment of Access TELIAT SBank ULE grew by before tax rose by 134 percent uted 14 percent to the over25 percent to account for 25 from N3.76 billion last year all profit before tax. Access percent of September to N8.79of billion share price closed last If ythe our abank’s re still in profit doubt as to why the management Access in Bank Bank’s went into a merger with before tax. Commercial bank- Q3 2019 and thus accounted Friday at N7.30 having gained the defunct Diamond Bank, you may have to check the bank’s latest financial results for the ing segment profit before for 9 percent of the profit be- 7.4 percent year to date. period September to Personal see justifications for sertheir move. Across IBTC’s all metrics, tax rose by 43 ended percent year 30,2019 fore tax. banking Stanbic net interest Access Bank billion showed improvements in percent spite of the obvious challenging on year to N28.35 assignificant vices increased by 177 income remained flat at the environment.

end of the period as against N58.44 billion it made by September 2018, Stanbic IBTC announced N58.67 billion net interest income for the period ended September 30, 2019. Net fee and commission income also remained flat at N53.37 billion in September 2019 as against N52.9 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2018. However, profit after tax stood at N55.6 billion, representing a decline of 7 percent when compared with N59.7 billion the bank realised same period in 2018. Stanbic IBTC ended the third quarter with a capital adequacy ratio(CAR) of 16.2 percent which is slightly higher than the regulatory 15 percent for tier one banks. Notwithstanding, CAR is not the only requirement that qualifies a bank for tier one, according to industry experts. “CAR is not the only requirement that qualifies a bank for the tier one status, as there are other conditions stipulated by BASEL II which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) looks out for. Such conditions include the size, assets, among others which the bank might not have fulfilled”, an industry expert, who did not want his name in print, said. Its share price closed at N37 per share, representing 22.8 percent year to date decline.

Net interest income at the end of the third quarter rose by 37 percent from N254.9 billion to N349.2 billion. It made N66.9 billion as fee and commission income in Q3 2019, which was 54 percent higher than N43.5 billion the bank realised same period in 2018.

CCNN doubles third quarter profit in spite of rising costs TELIAT SULE

ement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) last Friday announced a 117 percent increase in revenue and 119 percent rise in profit after tax (PAT) for the period ended September 30, 2019. In a year which is characterised by slow growth, with the growth rate of the nation’s gross domestic product hovering at 2 percent, the announcement of N42.5 billion revenue for the first nine months of the year came at a time stakeholders in the nation’s building industry have been calling for ingenious ways to solve housing and in-

frastructure challenges in the country. When compared with N19.6 billion that was made as revenue in the corresponding period in 2018, the initiatives of the CCNN management ensured the third quarter revenue jumped by 117 percent year on year. Cost of sales rose by a whopping 120 percent from N10.9 billion last year September to N18.5 billion this year, which was why the gross profit at the end September 2019 was N18.5 billion compared with N8.6 billion in September 2018, an increase of 114 percent during the period. Finance costs increased by

three digits to N92.3 million as at September 2019 in contrast to N28.8 million last year September, representing an increase of 104 percent. Profit after tax increased by 119 percent to N8.76 billion in Q3 2019 up from N4.01 billion in Q3 2018. In terms of efficiency, the surge in revenue and profitability meant little of CCNN. This is because when evaluated by cost of sales to revenue, this metric remained virtually flat during the period. Last year September, cost to revenue for CCNN was 56 percent, meaning that it cost the company N56 to generate N100 revenue.

By September 2019, the metric declined marginally to N57 to generate N100. In the same manner, profit margin remained virtually the same during the period under review. Profit margin was 20 percent in Q3 2018 and was slightly higher at 21 percent in Q3 2019. The weak profit margin may be attributed to the stiff competition in the cement industry and the infrastructure challenges that affect distribution of goods in the country. “The company faces stiff competition from other bigger cement players in the industry within the region. The strong presence of other cement prod-

uct in our distribution channel did not hinder our supply to the market. However, our products are preferable due to its high quality and general acceptance within the region. CCNN will continue to introduce several sales and marketing initiative in ensuring that its targets and distribution of its product is acceptable by its teeming customers”, CCNN stated. Traders were not moved by the announcement as despite trading 472,860 units of its shares, CCNN’s share price fell by 6.25 on Friday last week to close at N15 per share. Year to date, its share price has declined by 22.7 percent.

Sunday 27 October 2019

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BDSUNDAY 41

LifestyleHomes&Suites

Paul Ojenagbon pauloje2000@yahoo.com

Raine Court exudes elegance in Lekki

aine Court is an ongoing top-of-the market residential development being undertaken by Magnificent Property & Development Company Limited. It is a gated community located at a serene and secure environment behind Ebeano Supermarket, off Chevron Drive and comprises 5-bedroom terraces each attached with ensuite boys’ quarters. Its strategic location gives direct access to the Lekki-Epe Expressway. Prominent places within the immediate neighborhood include Chevron Headquarters, Carlton Gate Estate and Lekki Conservation Centre, among others. Work achieved is currently at about 80 percent and completion is slated for November ending. It is indeed a contemporary style apartment development that will be adorned in the finest quality materials and impeccable finishing. Each unit is on three floors and offers on the ground floor an ante room, a dining area, spacious living area with automated home entertainment systems and floor to ceiling aluminiumframed windows that allows sunlight into the apartment. The kitchen comes equipped

with gas cooking hobs, cooking hood, microwave oven and an oven. For convenience and

easy accessibility, the steward’s room is ensconced right next to the kitchen. The first floor landing showcases a well ventilated family lounge and all ensuite bedrooms. The master’s bedroom is loftily located on the second floor, a study room with 8mm thick floor to ceiling windows, a walk-in closet, Jacuzzi and large terrace area that serves excellently as a relaxation area providing a truly urbanised living

experience. The floor is finished elegantly in extensive Italian marble and granite, just as the baths counters and walls. Built into the ceiling is an audio system with speakers serving the entire house while the presence of alarm system enhances the security around the house. The front entrance is fortified with exquisite steel door. Adding tremendous beauty to the exterior of each terrace house is the

Royal Corinthian column and glass balustrade. Other prominent exterior features of the terraces are courtyard entry, full landscaping while ample parking space is provided for the cars. The title on the land is governor’s consent which is the highest grade. Each unit carries a N130 million price tag for outright payment but it can be spread across six months with a minimum deposit of N20million.

The mass demand for plots at The Estate encouraged the promoter to extend the scheme to a The Annexe located in the im-

mediate vicinity of the Shoprite Novare that has among others as neighbours Emperor and Diamond Estates. Baring traffic, it is about twelve minutes drive from Victoria Garden City (VGC). The promoter’s other schemes (the first phases of which are sold out) are Lekki Southern Villa 1& 2, Pacific Gate as well as Pen Gardens 1&2. Deluxe plots in Pacific Gate requires N500,000 initial deposit, it is N1million at Lekki Southern Villa 2. A 3-bedroom duplex at the The Annexe Estate requires an initial deposit of N5million. These estates are provided with basic infrastructure and services such as perimeter wall fence with entrance, roads, drainage and electricity among others.

Pennek offers serviced plots options

ennek Nigeria Limited offers for sale choice plots of land “premium land offerings” in the rapidly developing Lekki and Ibeju-Lekki axes; although the developer also builds for specific clients. The Estate is essentially a serviced residential scheme located off Abraham Adesanya Roundabout; about 5 minutes drive, baring traffic, from Chevron. According to the promoter, it is a dry table land with good titlegovernor’s consent. Its strategic location guarantees fast and high rate of return for investors and also buy and build for families. A

land area of approximately 300 square metres carries a price tag of N13million total package and requires N3million initial deposit. A fairly larger land size of 500 square metres sells for N23million and requires N5million deposit. For the land with building options undertaken for specific clients, 2- bedroom flat carries a price tag of N15million with N4.5million initial deposit, 3-bedroom terrace duplex goes for N28 million with N5 million initial deposit. Similarly, a unit of 4-bedroom Terrace duplex goes for N32 million and requires N6million initial payment while the 5-bedroom

detached duplex that is attached with boys’ quarters sells for N40 million and requires N8milliion initial deposit.

42 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 27 October 2019

Health&Science Indoor Air Pollution - Conscious effort required to curb menace in Nigeria

ANTHONIA OBOKOH

espite the rise of air-borne diseases and an alarming impact of indoor pollution on the general public and particularly little children, Nigerians may be underestimating the severity of the impact of indoor air pollution. In Nigeria, major sources of air pollution include tailpipe exhaust from ill-maintained automobiles, smoke from open burning, diesel and petrol generators, road dust, factory wastes and soot from the use of biomass-fuelled cook stoves. Air pollution occurs both indoors and outdoors. Though, Nigerians often pay attention only to outdoor air pollution. Meanwhile, indoor air pollution

is equally as harmful as outdoor air pollution. “Indoor air pollution is responsible for 2.7 percent of the global burden of disease,” according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO). Indoor air pollution is the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the air in the indoor environment within a home or facility and the quality of indoor air is often determined by various factors. It is in recognition of the dangers of indoor air pollution especially on new born children that a leading downstream Company, OVH Energy decided to embark on a campaign to sensitise the general public on the dangers of indoor pollution and the need to adopt clean energy for cooking purposes. The company recently began

a campaign titled “Clean Energy 100”. OVH Energy partnered with World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers – Lagos Hub to educate pregnant women at the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Community Hospital, Apapa, Lagos on the importance of using clean energy for cooking and went a step further to donate 100 filled O-Gas 6KG cooking cylinders to these pregnant women to ensure their children are not exposed to pollution when born, with plans to reach over 1,000 more pregnant women in the next couple of months. The Company also commissioned the installation of monitoring devices to assess emission performance and patterns to further drive usage and adoption in this class of women. “Nigeria needs to be become aggressive in tackling air pollu-

DrugStoc shortlisted as a finalist for Jack Ma’s Africa Netpreneur prize initiative

ANTHONIA OBOKOH

r u g St o c , Ni g e ria’s premier drug procurement platform has been shortlisted as one of ten finalists for the Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative, a Jack Ma’s flagship entrepreneur program. After over 7months of a comprehensive, rigorous and competitive selection process with several judges, DrugStoc was selected alongside 9 other African start-ups from over 10,000 applicants in 50 African countries. The e-Health start-up will be pitching directly to Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group, Strive Masiyiwa, founder of Econet, Joe Tsai, Vice Chairman at Alibaba and Ibukun Awosika, chairperson of First Bank Nigeria this November to receive a share of the $1million USD grant prize pool. Founded in 2015, Drugstoc seeks to eliminate counterfeit drugs, increase access to pharmaceutical products and improve transparency in pricing for healthcare providers and the product supply chain in Nigeria. The drug procurement platform enables healthcare providers and professionals to purchase genuine pharmaceutical and healthcare products within 24hours. Today, between 10 – 30 percent of drugs sold in open and informal markets are fake, and others can be ineffective due to improper storage, a growing threat to Africa’s biggest economy. To

Chibuzo Opara, Co-Founder DrugStoc

solve some of these challenges, Drugstoc operates an internationally accredited end-to-end traceable supply chain with zero tolerance for fake drugs. ‘We are honoured to have been selected as one of the top 10 finalists for the Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative. To be selected alongside other entrepreneurs changing the narrative of our continent is a great feat not just for the Drugstoc team

but for Nigeria as a whole. We are super eager to pitch Jack Ma at the grand finale in Accra, Ghana next month.’- Chibuzo Opara, Co-Founder DrugStoc The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative is Jack Ma’s flagship entrepreneur program in Africa led by the Jack Ma Foundation with a mission to identify and spotlight African entrepreneur heroes and their stories to inspire the continent and beyond.

tion, adopting measures that will promote clean energy. Thankfully, the provision of small sized LPG stoves like 3KG and 6KG by companies like OVH Energy (O-Gas) make LPG more affordable for the average man. Sensitization campaigns backed up with actions such as has been demonstrated by OVH Energy is a step in the right direction,” the company said. According to the company, more efforts like this are required if Nigerians are to become fully aware of the dangers of indoor pollution and act to reduce the menace. “There would be greater benefits for all if a national policy is in place to accelerate the adoption of LPG and to address the challenges of supply, regulation, distribution and affordability of this clean cooking energy.” It states.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been adjudged to be a cleaner source of cooking energy and has the potential to change the landscape of household energy utilization in developing countries. Meanwhile, it has substantial potential benefit for health and even in climate protection and plays an important role in reducing household air pollution. Studies show that an aggressive action on the fight against air pollution is ongoing in several countries including China, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan. These countries used to lead as the most polluted regions, with over 1.5 million air-polluted related cases. Proper sensitization on the use of LPG and the actual adoption of it has contributed to the reduction of indoor air pollution in these areas.

Group demands more allocation for family planning, adolescent healthcare in Ogun 2020 budget

RAZAQ AYINLA

head of 2020 fiscal estimates being prepared by Ogun state government, a Non-governmental advocacy working group - the Family Health Initiative Ogun (FAHIO), has tendered an appeal before the State government to allocate and release more fund to Family Planning and adolescent healthcare programmes in the 2020 fiscal year. It added that more investment in such programmes is necessary for early procurement of more consumables needed in health facilities across the state in order to meet the demand of intending clients for family planning services and provision of youth friendly centres for information and services that would impact on the adolescents and young person’s reproductive health lifestyles as well as prevent them from contracting STIs/HIV & AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, abortion, among others. A statement made available by Waliyat Odemakin , media officer of the group in Abeokuta indicated that efforts to strengthen all aspect of the health sector in the budget process requires a focused thinking policy and funding decision that would allow prudent allocation of resources to strategise priorities within a major sector. Odemakin explained that government spending on family planning and childbirth spacing services would save unwarranted healthcare costs on maternal and newborn issues, saying it would help government save fund for development of other sectors of the economy such as infrastruc-

ture, power, housing and others. “Family Planning and Childbirth Spacing services have been proven to reduce maternal and child deaths that could occur as a result of pregnancy related complications while promotion of activities on adolescents and young person’s to accessing right information and services on their reproductive health will avail the state achieve great economic and political change”, Odemakin added. The group also admonished Family Planning providers in the public health facilities to make judicious use of consumables provided by the state government to high volume facilities recently and ensure that services are offered free of charge. This was brought to the front burner in a release at the end of the monitoring exercise by the members of the group to some health facilities where the consumables were distributed to, in Ogun Central, West and East Senatorial Districts of the State. The group noted that in recent past, fundings have shown that the unavailability of consumables hindered the accessibility of family planning services resulting to low uptake of Contraceptive in the state, adding: “We identified this gap and advocate to necessary quarters in order to help the state in achieving its 52 percent Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) by year 2020. “FAHIO as a coordinating mechanism and platform for advocacy, policy dialogue, partnership development and resource mobilization for family health will not relent in its effort to accelerate improvement in the state reproductive health outcomes.”

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BDSUNDAY 43

Sports Mourinho waiting for Real Madrid call … but Real Madrid fans back Zidane Anthony Nlebem

ose Mourinho has gone through several phases since leaving Manchester United. Initially Mourinho turned away from the noise in order to reflect on the value of what he was doing; a genuine need to review his own methodology led him to question what should change. Without his lieutenant, Rui Faria - from whom he split and who was sorely missed in the final months at United - he needed to lay the groundwork for a future club with a coaching team full of renewed energy. Mourinho has spoken with coaches, physical trainers and former colleagues to try and get to the bottom of what was being done wrong and what he needs to do to stay at the top. Very quickly, however, he decided that in parallel to this he should maintain his presence in the limelight and began to collaborate with the media. First on Russian television programme RT, then DAZN and Sky Sports, where he admitted that the job of commentator or pundit is rather more difficult than he thought. While there he has given us a couple of gems (some subtle digs at United, and some surprising criticism of Lampard and Solskjaer) and generally seems to

be having a good time in the role. He has since been back to Old Trafford where he was applauded and shown affection, certainly much more than he received near the end of his time there. Distance helps us to forget. While this has been going on, rumours have emerged about his future, some more plausible than others. They say they want him in China, in Portugal (Sporting), in France (Lyon) and Bild reported a few days ago that he is flirting with Dortmund. He has also dropped the fact that he is learning German into several recent interviews. In his case, the build up of such speculation normally leads to something, just as Lyon president, Aulas, said: Mourinho has already decided where he wants to manage.

Everything is already in place, including his technical team. It is only a start date that is missing. This is what those who know him well are saying. Mourinho is waiting for Real Madrid. He believes that want him (he is aware that their are doubts over Zidane from within) and he is keen to have another chance at Los Blancos. Interest in him from some inner circles of the Madrid leadership has been admitted to but there is also denial over is any desire to have him return. Both extremes. But sources very close to the man in question admit that it is not so much about “if he will go to Madrid,” but “when”. Amid the speculations, Real Madrid fans are backing Zinedine Zidane. They believe that he’ll finish the season still in the Estadio San-

tiago Bernabeu hotseat despite a difficult start to the campaign. In a survey carried out by Sigma Dos, only 19.4 percent of the Real Madrid supporters questioned said they would sack Zidane based on the team’s performances this season. On the other hand, 31.4 percent of those surveyed said they support the Frenchman, with 30 percent of those asked giving him a good grade for the season. However, only 6.7 percent gave him an outstanding grade, while 5.8 percent gave him an okay grade. As for Zidane’s job prospects, 51.2 percent believe he’ll still be in charge come May, 31.2 percent think he won’t be and 17.5 percent weren’t sure. After a damaging 3-0 defeat away at Paris Saint-Germain on the opening matchday of the

Champions League group stages, Zidane was already up against it. The three-time Champions League winner took a weakened Real Madrid team to the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan just a few days later and, with the pressure mounting, Los Blancos pulled off a hugely important 1-0 victory against Sevilla. A draw against Club Brugge at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and a 1-0 loss at Real Mallorca started crisis talk again and meant that nothing but a win would do away at Galatasaray. Just like in Sevilla, Real Madrid did just enough to see out a narrow victory away from home and ease the pressure on Zidane in the process. Two crucial matches, two crucial wins and it looks like those results have removed the doubts over Zidane’s position.

First Bank restates commitment to sponsorship of Georgia Cup

Skoro seeks redemption at GOtv Boxing Night Mini

ANTHONY NLEBEM

irst Bank Nigeria Limited has restated its commitment to the sponsorship of Polo’s most coveted trophy; the Georgian Cup. Speaking at 100th edition of the glamorous Cup in Kaduna over the weekend, the Chief Executive Officer of First Bank, Dr. Adeola Adeduntan said the shared value of passion, heritage and excellence has helped the bank sustained the sponsorship, saying the Bank has recommitted to the sponsorship of Georgian Cup for another One Hundred Years. “We are happy to be a longtime partner of Kaduna Polo Club. It is a rare opportunity and we want to thank the Club for it”, the CEO said, adding that “We will continue to support the club and Georgian Cup for the next 100-years’’. First Bank sponsorship of Georgian Cup has already been tagged Guinness World Record Potential. Meanwhile, the clash the finalist in this year’s Georgian Cup lived up to expectation as both teams put polo fans including government functionaries and Royal fathers on their toes throughout

the Six Chukker round. The finalists, Abuja Rubicon led by Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and Lintex Agad led by Bashir Dantata, saw Rubicon fought back from 3-goals deficit to win the competition by 7-6 at full time. The victory is the third for Abuja since joining the High Goal cadre. Rubicon had won the trophy in 2012 and 2016. Sirika who was excited by the outcome thanked First Bank for their support for Polo over the years. Part of the highlights of the weeklong competition was the introduction of Blue Jacket to previous Georgian Cup winners

with a pledge by the President of the Club; Suleiman Abubakar to ensure that henceforth winners of the Georgian Cup would be robed in Blue Jacket. Present at the Centenary Georgian Cup are top government functionaries, Business Executives and Royal fathers which include the Emir of Katsina; Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari and the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State; Engineer Martins Babale This year’s Georgian Cup coincides with 125th anniversary celebration of FirstBank Nigeria Limited.

ormerAfricanBoxingUnion (ABU) featherweight champion, Waidi “Skoro” Usman has vowed to use the inaugural edition of GOtv Boxing Night Mini to bounce back strongly. Usman’s last fight was an eightround national featherweight challenge bout at GOtv Boxing Night 19 in July, where he was comprehensively defeated by Taiwo ‘Esepo’ Agbaje, who was also adjudged as the best boxer on the night. Speaking in an interview in Lagos on Friday, Usman stated that the defeat has taught him lessons, which he has taken seriously. “I’m happy that an opportunity for a comeback has manifested so soon through GOtv Boxing Night Mini. I’ve pushed my loss to Agbaje out of my mind and I want to open a new chapter in my career,” he said. He commended the sponsors for launching GOtv Boxing Night Mini, which he said will afford Nigerian boxers more opportunity to develop. Usman stated that as a former African champion, he understands benefits accruable from a show like GOtv Boxing Night, which he is persuaded will properly

position Nigerian boxers for shots at sub-regional, continental and international titles. Boxers scheduled to fight at GOtv Boxing Night Mini include Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu, West African Boxing Union (WABU) lightweight champion; Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde, West African Boxing Union (WABU) welterweight champion; Waheed “Skoro” Usman, former African Boxing Union (ABU) featherweight champion; Kabiru “KB Godson” Towolawi, Opeyemi “Sense” AdeyemiandSikiru“OmoIyaEleja” Shogbesan

BDSUNDAY

NEW YOU CAN TRUST

SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER 2019

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Bells University, Ota: Driving processes with technological innovations

ention private universities in Nigeria today and the swelling opinion in the public sphere describes not a few of them as nothing but “glorified secondary schools”. The reasons are obvious because several are characterised by decrepit infrastructure, ill-equipped laboratories, libraries and learning facilities, as well as inadequate and ill-motivated staff. But one citadel of learning that has remained the exception rather than the rule is none other than Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State. Also known as BellsTech, it is the first private university of technology established in Nigeria, by the Bells Education Foundation back in 2004. It began admitting students from the 2005/2006 academic session. Its moving mantra right from the outset is its “dedication to quality delivery of value in every way; for national development and international cooperation and understanding. We create new ways of thinking and achievement, making us stand out”. Without sounding immodest, some 14 years after, the university has achieved tremendous feats worthy of recognition and encomiums; to serve as inspiration to others. These achievements, truth be told, span academics, sustained human capacity development of staff and students, administrative processes and projects, as well as pragmatic partnerships. What more, it has produced brilliant minds that the current and third, goal-getting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran has aptly described as “world changers”. He has also praised his two predecessors, Prof. Julius Okogie and Prof. Isaac Adeyemi for laying a solid foundation upon which his team is currently building some edifices. It would interest the reader to know that as the university prepares for its 11th Convocation, empirical evidence on ground “points to new initiatives and policy directions aimed at re-engineering and revitalising its academic programmes”. The salutary aim of course, is to increase its visibility and positively impact

not only on the popular Ota industrial hub, as its immediate environment but nationally and internationally. For instance, as a first-of-a-kind, the university is launching a book with the title: ‘BellsTech@10’. As a milestone, it affords Nigerians and indeed the world at large the privilege of appreciating the noble efforts of its founding fathers, celebrating their foresight and resilience over the first decade of its existence. This is noteworthy. In a remarkable vein, the university has pioneered new narrative to implement a Conversion Programme. The move is to avail HND holders affected by the B.Sc/HND dichotomy to upgrade their certificate to B.Sc degree status. The first set, numbering 533 are graduating with 39 of them making First Class! Currently, the university is affiliated to the league of other universities that form the body called ‘Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board’ (JUPEB). It runs a one-year intensive foundation programme similar to A’ Levels in selected number of subjects. This qualifies the products to be admitted to any university at the 200 Level in their respective programmes. Also, worthy of mention is the fact that

“A University should be a place of light, of liberty, and of learning. Challenging, questioning, enjoying good people and good friends, and pushing yourself to the limit” — Benjamin Disraeli

virtually all the courses offered at the university have been fully accredited, not only by the National Universities Commission (NUC) but highly respected professional bodies such as COREN and ICAN in related fields. Amongst the new ones are B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics (College of Natural and Applied Science), B.Eng. Computer Engineering by NUC and COREN. The otherisTelecommunicationsEngineering (NUC and COREN) from the College of Engineering. Others in the same College (faculty) include B.Eng. Electrical and ElectronicsEngineering(NUC,COREN), B.Eng. Mechatronics Engineering. There is also the B.Sc. Accounting from the College of Management Sciences. Still on the running of courses relevant to the needs of Nigerians, focus has shifted to the trio of Entrepreneurship, Agribusiness and AgriPrenuership, prompted of course by none other than the duo of iconic promoter, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the new Chairman, BoardofTrustees,Re(Dr.)WilsonBadejo. Driven by a rare sense of sheer innovative leadership, piloted by Prof. Ojediran, new units within the university now enjoy a breath of freshair. Amongst these are the Skills Development and Resource Centre (SDRC) with an Acting Director. Essentially, the students are imbued with skills that would make them channel their energy, imagination and innovation as employers of labour rather than job-seekers. Good enough, it has a working relationship with the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Library (OOPL). Also worthy of mention is the Research and Development Unit as a directive from the NUC. Working under the Office of the VC the focus is “on fostering knowledge development, strengthening and facilitating advancement with bold, novel and relevant ideas”.

AYO OYOZE BAJE Baje is Nigerian first food technologist in the media and author of ‘DRUMBEATS OF DEMOCRACY’ 07068638066

Then comes a fruitful gesture, the forward-looking Centre for Agriculture Technology and Entrepreneurship (CATES), which is “to lead the way in the drive towards self-sustenance and abundance in agrarian revolution, beginning with Nigeria”. It already has a working relationship with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Rome Business School. While the Bells University Open Distance LearningCentre has trained some members of staff on setting up and operating the OnlinePlatform, organised by Prof. Peter Okebukola, the Advancement Unit was established to serve as the clearing house for all linkages and collaborations. And talking about pragmatic partnerships, theuniversityhasreachedagreementtowork withICTUniversity,BatonRouge,USAbuoyed by the recent visit of the President of the University,Prof.Mbarika.Thereisalsothepartnership with Zhejiang University, China with an international conference being anchored by the Advancement Unit of the university. Upping the ante in partnerships is the training which New Horizons is providing the students such that 10 of the graduating students registered for and passed with international certification examinations of Microsoft Office Specialist, 2016. Beneficiaries are graduating with degrees in Architecture, Electrical and Electronics Engineering., Mechanical Engineering, Accounting and Economics. Also, 116 members of staff have benefitted from training in Microsoft Office Word 2013, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Comptia Security and

Quick Takes

Off the Cuff

Checking medical tourism, the Ondo example

hile commissioning new Amenity and Labour wards at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State recently, Osagie Ehanire, minister of State for Health, said that Nigeria spends about $1billion annually on medical treatment abroad. Some medical experts say it is over $1.3billion; an amount that can build at least three world class hospitals in the country. Sadly the huge foreign exchange is spent on treatments in countries with good medical facilities and not necessarily manpower. Dr. Adeyinka Shoroye, secretary, Board of Trustees, Nigerian-American Medical Foundation, once said in an interview that in 1995, the American Medical Association confirmed about 1,200 Nigerian doctors who were born in the US and by April 2018, the number increased to 4,500. So, if you build the facilities and offer Nigerian doctors abroad good working conditions, some will return to reduce the number of Nigerians travelling abroad for quality medical treatment. Already, Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo State, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Medicus International, a German outfit, to establish the

Continues on page 36

Sunshine Medical City worth $1.1 billion. As well, about 100 hectares of land have been secured close to the airport for the project, which will offer facilities such as conference halls, cinema halls, teaching hospital, technical school that can handle all the medical equipment for the hospital; a recuperating centre, among others. Nigerians await the completion of the mega hospital in 36 months. But the question remains, will Nigerian ‘big men’ patronise the outfit despite its world class facilities and 50 percent of the doctors trained in Germany? It is obvious that many will still prefer to travel to India, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, UK, US and Germany, even when German authority refers them to the Sunshine Medical City Akure. For government officials, it is going to be difficult to go for check-up in the country when there is a lot of estacodes to collect for travel abroad for same treatment. Recently, President Muhammadu Buhari reduced the number and duration of foreign trips for ministers and other categories of government officials in a move described as ‘cost-saving measure’ to achieve fiscal prudence. But the officials are still travelling though, collecting estacodes and other allowances until the directive is enforced. But the person who will

enforce the directive also needs estacodes and that is why medical tourism abroad will still thrive, amid growing number of collaborators in foreign hospitals. This is another business entirely. However, Nigeria needs more projects like the Sunshine Medical City. There should be laws to enable stolen funds be redirected into projects like this and get the right partnerships to see them to fruition. The hospitals abroad should be encouraged to establish here, while legislature should make laws that will forbid government officials from travelling for medical treatment abroad if there are such facilities here. Same should apply to education in order to improve the standard. There is the need for political will to do away with negative lifestyles that have continued to make Nigeria a laughing stock in the comity of nations. If government can close the nation’s borders against influx of illegal products, it can as well insist that every Nigerian, irrespective of status, must seek medical treatment locally. If this is done, within a short time, Nigeria’s healthcare system would be greatly improved. Obinna Emelike

N262 bn

This is the amount of money budgeted for the Ministry of Works and Housing in the 2019 appropriation Act, presented recently to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The whole truth! “When we talk about inconclusive election, over-voting, Nigerians in the rural areas cannot differentiate certain symbols because you have a ballot paper that is as lengthy as one kilometre”. Abubakar Sulaiman, directorgeneral of the National Institute for Legislative & Democratic Studies (NILDS), speaking on the need for INEC to prune the number of political parties in the country.

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