BusinessDay 28 Jul 2019

BDSUNDAY BUSINESS DAY

www.businessday.ng Sunday 28 July 2019

Kogi guber election: Wada, Bello and Ameh woo electorate with great promises

p.13

Market & Commodities Monitor Brent Oil

5yr Bond

$63.34

-0.37 12.69%

Gold

10yr Bond

$1,430.10

-0.21 13.67% 20yr Bond

Cocoa

0.09 14.08%

$2,389.00

APC toys with extinction in South-South as party dithers on crisis resolution in Edo James Kwen, Abuja

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he ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is heading towards extinction in the South-South geo-political zone of the country as the crisis in the Edo chapter of the party, the only state it controls, runs deeper.

Edo, apart from being governed by APC with Governor Godwin Obaseki in the saddle, was the only state in the SouthContinues on page 4

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BDSUNDAY 19

THE PROLOGUE

Shi’ites Vs Police 48 hours of madness in Abuja

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ast Tuesday, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Shiite moslem group, took the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the jugular.

The group rained fire and brimstone on the city, leaving the residents suffocating in the smoke of cross-fire.

They had protested the previous day, but it was on Tuesday that hell was let loose. Up till now, nobody is sure of the exact death toll.

The group wants their spiritual leader, Ibrahim elZakzaky, released, but government says only the court can do so.

El-Zakzaky has been in detention since 2015 on a murder charge that his supporters view as fabricated. The security agencies and the group have continued to accuse each other of sparking violence.

It does not yet appear Nigeria has embraced peace on this score. And the casualty figure continues to swell.

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Vol 1, No. 273 N300

Airtime, data, roaming send MTN ?? Presidential Taskforce on Apapa Nigeria’s half-year revenue to Gridlock: So far, so good N567bn p.39

pp.41 41.

Ministerial nominees in intense lobby for ‘juicy’ portfolios Critics say, Senate screening reduced to child’s play List does not reflect President’s claim of graft fight OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja & INIOBONG IWOK, Lagos

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head of the confirmation of ministerial nominees by the Senate, most of the appointees are already lobbying for juicy portfolios, BDSUNDAY can report.

Barring any unforseen circumstances, all the 43 nominees are expected to be confirmed by the upper legislative chamber on Monday, after which they would be sworn in by President Muhammadu Buhari and assigned portfolios.

It was also gathered that the ministerial nominees are mounting pressure on their political godfathers, members of the President’s cabal and governors who have the ears of the President to get juicy Continues on page 2

L-R: Rob Shuter, chief executive officer, MTN Group; Jonas Mcebisi, incoming chairman, MTN Group; Phuthuma Nklekho, outgoing Board chairman, MTN Group; Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, vice president, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Ernest Ndukwe, incoming Board chairman, MTN Nigeria, during the courtesy visit of MTN to the Vice Presidency.

Nigeria’s education sector in tatters p. 19

Jakande…the steps of a good man

…As leaders demonstrate lack of faith in system …Look abroad for own children’s training Our Correspondents

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very disturbing fad appears to have hit Nigerian leaders and elite who in recent history have developed the aptitude to train their children and wards in the most prestigious higher educational institutions in the West and other parts of the world.

In some conscious demonstra-

tions of the poor faith in Nigerian education system by the Nigerian elite, pictures have emerged where the men entrusted with the power to make policies to improve education in the country have allegedly used public funds to send their children abroad to acquire higher education to the utter neglect of the country’s education system, which had remained in coma.

It is gradually becoming a status symbol for the average public office holder and politician-sending their children to school abroad despite the high cost of education there. On the average BusinessDay gathered that some spend between N15 and N30 million per session to train a child in some of these foreign universities, especially in Europe and North America. Some who cannot

afford these high fees in the Western World have settled for higher education in some Asian and African countries such as China, Malaysia, India, Ghana, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, even Benin Republic.

Over the years, higher education, especially the public institution has degenerated so much in content and value as to lose the attraction of the elite, in what one analyst Continues on page 4

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Cover

Ministerial nominees in intense lobby...

Continued from page 1

portfolios.

‘Juicyportfolios’ are those offices that appear lucrative and hold high prospect of attracting financial and other favours to the holders.

Over the years, because of the perception of Nigerians and to the extent politicians who hold such offices attracted to themselves instant wealth and influence, there is always a high-level competition for such portfolios, and those who distribute the offices know this.

Ministries and offices that fall into this category include Finance; Power, Works and Housing; Petroleum Resources; Transportation; Attorney General of the Federation; Education; Budget and National Planning; Communications; Interior, Health and Defence.

Observers have accused President Muhammadu Buhari of creating such unhealthy jostling, by not attaching portfolios to individual nominees.

Matthew Odinka, a trained psychologist, said the Executive set the stage for such lobbying by not attaching offices to the nominees.

“We must not forget that in Nigeria self is the greatest factor that controls whatever people do here. Service comes last. With this background, I would say that the alleged lobbying could not have been possible if the President had been thorough enough to attach portfolios to each nominee, this would have also helped the senators to ask specific questions, even if for the sake of asking. From what we are hearing, it means that we are going to see another set of people who have seen their offices as a meal ticket and to recoup their electoral expenses; that’s for some of them that contested some positions in the last election. For me, four years will still be so, so,” Odinka said.

There are also indications that the President may split the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing into three and that Aviation could have a stand-alone ministry from that of Transportation.

“This is the reason Mr. President expanded his list of cabinet from 36 in 2015 to 43 this time,” a source at the Presidency said on condition of anonymity.

On whether the former governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister of Power, Works and Housing,BabatundeFasholawould retain his position, the source disclosed that there may be no ‘Super Minister’ this time around. Recall that Buhari had merged the three ministries in 2015 with Fashola as the head.

There have been calls in many quarters asking President Buhari to unbundle the Power, Works and Housing Ministry for effective service delivery.

Stakeholders at the third edition of BusinessDay Real Estate Roundtable and Exhibition last month added their voice to this issue.

Pundits have also stridently decried the non-attachment of portfolios to the ministerial nominees by the President.

Proponents of attachment of portfolios have argued that it would not only help the Federal Government put round pegs in round holes for good governance but also enable lawmakers ask nominees specific questions.

Frank Tietie, executive director, Citizens’ Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), shares in this school-of-thought.

The Abuja-based legal practitioner described the ministerial list as ‘uninspiring’, even as he condemned the controversial ‘bow and go’ tradition of the Senate which excluded some ministerial nominees from the rigours of extensive questioning.

“The whole process was faulty from the beginning in the sense that since the nominees were not attached to a portfolio and that there would be blanket screening by the Senate, it is an indication of unseriousness on the part of those who want to put together a cabinet for change or for Next Level,” he told BDSUNDAY in an interview.

Tietie said he had to turn off his television set when he noticed the

charade going on; that most nominees were asked to ‘bow and go’.

“This is a sad development that points to a government that will not live up to a high standard. It is not good enough that the nominee-list is lacklustre. It is uninspiring. There is nothing fresh about it. Rather, I join all those who see the nomineelist as a reward list.

“But government is beyond that. Government is about delivering services. It is about competence. But what the National Assembly has done by asking former lawmakers to take a bow means that it has thrown competence to the wind. It is of no consideration.

“And so, when they start by not attaching portfolios, it means that competence and compatibility will not be considered. But to further nail the coffin on competence, the National Assembly has decided to be lax in its demand for competence by serious questioning and process of scrutiny. This is not a good sign that this government will deliver on competence,” he added.

Speaking on the ‘bow and go’ screening method, Odinka noted that it did not start with the 9th Assembly as it had been a tradition; he however, pointed out that the current lawmakers may have “taken the joke too far.”

“I must point out clearly that it did not start today. We are used to it; but it appears that the 9th Senate has added a childish colour to it, and it is very dangerous for the country.

In the past, it used to be one or two, and for specific, cogent reasons, but today, we have a crowd of

those who should bow and go. That does not make sense at ll. By the way, this screening, for me, is just a fulfilment of righteousness and I am wondering why the waste of time,” he said.

In the same vein, Markson Prince,apoliticalanalyst,expressed concern over the trend.

He noted that the session would have provided opportunity for nominees to proffer solutions to national issues like housing deficit, diversification of the economy, maternal and infant mortality, insecurity, among others.

“The Presidency should have given out the portfolios of all the nominees before presenting them to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation. If I may ask, what are the cogent questions asked by the Senate so far? No relevant question because without the portfolios, nothing to be asked about.

“That has brought about the screening process so low.If the portfolios were assigned to the nominees, we would have heard important questions such as what the nominees have to offer in their respective ministries.

“We seem to have people that have inclined in their academic pursuits but it is an academic knowledge without practice. No one in the Senate was able to figure this out. We now screen based on their appearance and not based on what they have to offer.... Too bad!”

Speaking with BDSUNDAY also, Austine Aigbe of the Centre for Democracy and Development, lamented the use of recycled politi-

L-R: Gboyega Soyannwo, deputy chief of staff to the governor; Lateef Abiru, chief whip; Mosunmola Rotimi, minority whip; Jimoh Wahab, deputy house leader; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor; Mudashiru Obasa, speaker, State House of Assembly; Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor; Sanai Agunbiade, house leader, and Hakeem Muri-Okunola, head of service, during the governor’s visit to the House, at the Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday.

cians in the list.

His words: “When you look at the ministerial nominee-list, Mr. President did promise 35 percent Affirmative Action in his campaign. Which means that there will be 35 percent women, youth representation and persons with disability. But as we speak, there is even no person with disability in that list, no young person. That is people around 35 years and below.

Which means even though he said he was going to use ministers that he personally knows, Mr. President can only know people who are also old. You don’t expect Mr. President to know people around 35 years, except those he just knew recently.

“But it is more worrisome when you see former senators, former governors, ministers. So, the question that comes to mind is how do we ensure some level of inclusion?

“Apart from the new faces, particularly the women who are coming in. Someone like Sharon Ikeazor who changed the face of PTAD and one or two other folks, even though we know the antecedent of the Delta State nominee, Festus Keyamo, a lawyer who prosecuted an alleged corrupt person will now be sitting in the Federal Executive Council with the same person he had prosecuted.

“When we say, corruption is fighting back. Sincerely, corruption is actually fighting back in the Federal Executive Council”.

But speaking on behalf of the Ninth Senate in an interview recently, Chairman, Senate Adhoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Dayo Adeyeye, said it was not mandatory for the President to attach portfolios to the list.

He argued that presidents of advanced countries like the United States which subscribed to the practice, still reserved the right to swap the portfolios of their nominees before and after their inauguration.

He noted that the late Obafemi Awolowo, a lawyer, performed well as minister of finance, while the late Aminu Kano, a teacher, also excelled as minister of health.

“It is not a constitutional prerequisite, neither is it mandatory for the president to assign portfolios to the ministerial nominees. Also, Senate up till now has not made any law or any regulation that would insist on that. There is nothing, either in the Senate rules or in the Constitution, that will compel the president to do that. Our major concern is to identify the leadership qualities in the nominees being presented to us for screening,” Adeyeye said.

Cooperative societies urged to augment government efforts SEYI JOHN SALAU

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ooperative societies in Nigeria has been urged to do more in supporting government efforts at reducing scourge of poverty and getting more people to live above the poverty line. “No doubt, there is poverty in the land and cooperative societies should be positioned in

such a way to augment what governments at various levels are doing to help curb the scourge of poverty we are witnessing in Nigeria today,” said John Irabor, the president of Faithful Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd. Irabor stated this at the 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the society stating that the society was created to uplift the socio-economic life of its members. “The Faithful Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd

did not start big as we have it today; it was started by just four committed and transparent members who had the fear of God in them. The purpose is that in the long run members can be self-reliant.”

Irabor opined that loan facility available in most cooperative societies is not available in any 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the society. “But in a society like this, an annual interest of 5 percent on loan isn’t overbearing or too much

for a serious-minded person. In the Faithful Cooperative, we invest our fund in investment that can fetch us money from where we generate income and declare dividend to our members during our AGM as you have witnessed today. The cooperative was established 3 years ago,” he concludes.

Ibraheem Zulikhat, the Director of Cooperative Services, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Lagos State, commended the

management of the Faithful Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd (FCMS) on its financial prudence and for expanding the frontiers of the organisation.

Zulikhat stated this while commenting on the annual report and audited financial statement submitted to the ministry for scrutiny and approval as provided by the state law regulating the operations and activities of cooperative societies in the state.

Sunday 28 July 2019

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News

Nigeria’s education sector in...

Continued from Page 1 aptly described as a “sector on the throes of death”. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been in a protracted ‘war’ with the Federal Government over poor funding. ASUU has embarked on countless number of strikes to press home this demand. The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has also merited little attention from the government even with their strike option.

It is on record that poor funding and the industrial actions by the higher institutions have paralysed the sector, reduced the standard, wasted a lot of manpower and prolonged the academic duration of students by some times over 3 years. These are perhaps; the fundamental reasons the elite and others who can afford it have abandoned the Nigerian schools to the children of the poor who cannot afford to train abroad.

Education is basically described as the bedrock of the development of any nation, the fulcrum of skill acquisition and a preeminent tool of industrial and technological growth; economic and social emancipation of any nation. That is why serious nations have been known to have invested massively to boost education some with significant budgetary allocation and strategic policy implementation.

It is in recognition of the critical role of education that the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in its ‘Education for All, EFA, 20002015: Achievements and Challenges’ report, recommended that

15 to 20 percent should be allocated to education in the national budgets of developing countries.

Part of the report reads, “In 2006, the High level Group on EFA proposed that governments should spend between four per cent and six per cent of GNP on education and that, within government budgets, between 15 per cent and 20 per cent should be earmarked for education.”

It is pertinent to state that no law prohibits any sitting president or any public office holder or private individual from seeking to educate their children outside Nigeria. It is however, mandatory for the citizens to demand improvement of the sector by those entrusted with the power to make such policies to provide equal opportunities and better skill for the less privileged.

However, it appears the policy makers in Nigeria in the sector, either do not understand how to make requisite policy for education or they do not believe in their own policies and the systems they preside over.

The situation is even more challenging for those trained in Nigeria because they obviously lack the skill set due to poor infrastructure and ultimately lack the logistics to compete with their foreign trained counterparts. Apart from these disadvantages, the less-privileged are also easily deprived of top jobs in government institutions and corporate entities that appear to be the exclusive preserve of the rich children.

Since the President Muhammadu Buhari administration came to office in 2015 with a promise of ‘change’, the fortunes of the educa-

President Buhari

tion have hardly improved.

For instance in 2019 Budget, education got N620.5billion, which fell below the 15 percent to 20 percent minimum recommended by the UNESCO for developing countries.

President Buhari had on December 19, 2018, presented N8.83trillion estimate to the National Assembly as this year’s budget. The summary of theproposalshowedthattheeducation sector got N620.5billion (about 7.05 percent); marginal rise over the total of N605.8billion budgeted for the sector in 2018. Over some years, the country’s funding for education continued to revolve around five percent, sixper cent and seven percent of the national budget.

Buhari had assured that the education sector will have remarkable improvement in funding in 2019 such that during a visit to France in November 2018, he promised the Nigerian community there that education would be better funded in 2019. He had said: “We are currently reviewing investments in the entire infrastructure of the country like road, rail and power, including investing more in education. We will certainly need to do more in

APC toys with extinction in South-South as party dithers on crisis resolution...

Continued from Page 1

South zone where the ruling party got 45percent votes in the 2019 presidential election.

According to results of the 2019 general election, APC lost the presidential polls in the entire oil producing region to the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The results showed that in Akwa Ibom, APC scored 175, 429 votes, PDP got 395, 832; in Bayelsa, APC obtained 118, 821 and PDP scored 197, 933; in Cross River, APC polled 117, 303 while PDP garnered 295, 737; for Delta, APC scored 221, 292 votes, PDP got 594, 068, and in Edo, APC obtained 267,842 whereas, PDP scored 275, 842.

Edo APC has recently been shrouded in crisis following certain disagreements over the inauguration of the 7th House of Assembly that has pitted some leaders against one another.

There have been some insinuations that the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, wants to control Edo from Abuja evenwhenthereisasittinggovernor in the state. The governor has however, debunked the rumour of bad blood existing between him and his predecessor; he has also said severally that even though there may be a disagreement somewhere, it does not amount to crisis in the state.

The earlier scheduled date for the inauguration of the Assembly was June 7, but it could not hold because of the absence of GovernmentObaseki,buttherewas atwist

to the drama as the much-anticipated inauguration of the Assembly took place at 10 p.m. that day.

Clerk of the Assembly, Yahaya Omogbai, allegedly ushered the members-elect into the chamber and read out the letter of proclamation transmitted to his office by the governor and the lawmakers elected Frank Okiye (Esan NorthEastConstituencyI)astheSpeaker.

Since the inauguration, the Assembly, which now has duly sworn in members, has continued to be on the news for the wrong reason.

While Oshiomhole seems to be winning the war at the national level, particularly with the clear support of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, and at the National Assembly, Obaseki appears to be enjoying the support of stakeholders, state party executive, and the masses of Edo State who say they appreciate the quality of governance going on and would not want any disruption.

The governor also has the backing of John Odigie-Oyegun, a former governor of the state and the immediate past national chairman of the party behind him.

Recall that, Odigie-Oyegun had recently accused Oshiomhole of being responsible for the party’s crisis and wondered why he has failed to realised that governor Obaseki should be supported as the only APC governor in the South-South geopolitical zone rather than vilifying and destabilising his administration.

He also expressed worry that a man who claimed to have buried

godfatherism in Edo State politics could play God and become an agent of disruption in the smooth running of the state government.

“The recent outburst by Governor Obaseki and the report by the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee, indicting the current National Chairman of the APC, have confirmed my earlier claim that Oshiomhole is not only the architect but also responsible for fuelling the crisis in Edo State.

“In the face of these confirmations, I want to urge Oshiomhole to stop disgracing the ruling party and the good people of Edo State. I wonder how he could easily forget that I never interfered or bothered about how he ran the government as the then governor of Edo State all the while I occupied the position of the party’s national chairman “I am yet to come to terms why it has become difficult for Oshiomhole to realise that Governor Obaseki is the only APC governor intheentireSouth-southandshould be allowed to concentrate in giving the people of Edo the dividend of democracy”, Oyegun noted.

While the crisis festers, the PDP, which had good outing in the state in the general election, appears to be laying ambush for APC. Dan Obih, chairman of PDP, Edo State, is reported to have described the lingering crisis in the APC in the state as an early exit warning for the party in the 2020 governorship election as according to him, a party that could not manage just 24 members ofthestateHouseofAssemblywould surely not be able to manage a state.

education.”

However, in the 2019 Budget, the Federal Government still did not go beyond the five to seven percent abysmal benchmark. It had cited paucity of funds as excuse for the poor funding.

Even some countries in Africa have made better progress in education and now attract Nigerian students in droves. For instance, Ghana in the last 10 years, has never budgeted less than 20 percent for education. South Africa, Egypt, among others have also made significant investments in the sector according to the UNESCO recommendations and getting the desired results.

So, why is Nigeria trapped in this vicious cycle of poor funding for education and what are the consequences?

A senior lecturer with the Baze University Abuja, Sam Amadi decried the situation, saying “The reason for this sorry development is that the educational facilities in the country have collapsed. These leaders understand that our education is terribly assaulted by corruption and lack of commitment to merit. They don’t want their children to suffer the threat to future that the children of the poor face in Nigeria.”

He noted that the “consequence of this development is massive. It means that there is no incentive for improvement in the educational sector. They have no stake in the game, so they don’t feel the pressure of poor education. So, they will not work for the public good. There is little hope for the sector.”

Also speaking to BDSUNDAY, the Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Abuja, and a Professor

of Political Science, Yusuf Zoaka, said there is no way forward if the policy makers do not believe in their own policies. He stressed that the educational system in the country is supposed to be accessible to the people and affordable.

“But if you look at what Nigerians are paying for education I think it is something that the minimum wage earner will find very difficult to sponsor a child in the university because none of the universities has fees for less than N25,000 and you are paying somebody N18,000 minimum wage,” he said.

He also said that the leaders do not believe in the education system because they killed it. “Even though they got most of their training locally when the quality was so high, they have killed the system. May be, if the policy makes it compulsory for them to put their children in the schools in Nigeria that may make them to focus on how to make the schools better, but If that is not done I don’t see any head way,” he said.

Zoaka also warned of dire consequences of the continued rot in the system and the situation where the elite reserve the best jobs for their children. He stressed that the leaders will also be victims of it.

“The elite have no sense of enlightenment; they have created an economy that will not promote equity. We have even some jobs that fresh graduates earn as much as N500,000 per month and these are public sector jobs. That is where they put their kids and most time they do not advertise for these positions; it is based on connections and based on who you know.

Abia restates commitment to partner US for better life for indigenes UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

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bia State government has said that it was committed to collaborating with the United States of America in different spheres of human endeavour to secure better future for people of the state.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu stated this when he received a delegation of United States Consulate General in Nigeria led by its Political Officer, Shashank Iyer in Government House, Umuahia.

He noted that the state had collaborated with the US in many areas in addition to receiving medical support from USA while three containers of medical equipment from the USA were billed to arrive Abia soon.

Ikpeazu disclosed that to further strengthen the relationship between Abia State and the United States, the state was building a Mother and Child Care Centre to be named after an 80-year old American man, Jacksons, noted for sending medical equipment to Africa.

He said the importance of the Diaspora inflow into Abia cannot be over-emphasised The governor said that Jackson would be in the state for the commissioning of the health care centre and explained that he intended to have a resemblance of that of the Mother and Child Care Centre in the United States replicated in Abia State.

He informed the guests that Abia was hosting the first export zone in the South East, a private sectordriven project that would boost the economy of the nine states of the South East and South-South as Abia is at the centre of these states. He further gave assurance of providing security and needed ambience for economic development in the state, adding that the state has a robust conflict resolution mechanism that promotes security and would continue in that trajectory.

The governor appreciated the care and concern of the United States to Abia, especially for those living in rural areas and urged her to continue.

Shashank Iyer, in his remarks, said that the United States commitment to the South East, Abia State and Nigeria remained steadfast as she wanted a long engagement with the region.

According to him, the USA wanted to foster continued inter ethnic collaboration as she remained committed to ethnic harmony based on its interest to Nigeria’s development.

The political officer, who stated that his country had a programme to sponsor youths to the US, disclosed that it was committed to working on water, sanitation and hygiene in the state as Abia was selected for the programme because of the evidence of leaders like Ikpeazu who is dedicated to development.

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News Governors’ wives back Aisha Buhari’s stand on violence against women, children Seyi John Salau

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ives of Governors’ of the 36 six states of the Federation have thrown their weight behind the First Lady, Aisha Buhari on the need to urgently take proactive measures to stem increasing cases of violence against women and children.

Aisha had recently called for action to be taken to forestall rising cases of sexual abuse against women and children.

In a statement released at the weekend on behalf of the Governors’ wives, jointly signed by wife of the Chairman Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Bisi Fayemi; Chairman, Northern Governors’ Wives Forum, Amina Abubakar and Chairman of Southern Governors’ Wives Forum, Betty Obaseki, they

Aisha

noted that this had become expedient with daily cases of rape, violence, sexual harassment and murders of women and children.

The governors’ wives

also lamented that women and children with special needs have become targets of sexual violence.

“As concerned mothers and citizens, we hereby call

on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to direct the Nigerian Police to treat rape and defilement cases with the speed and seriousness such cases deserve, in order to ensure justice for victims.

We are also requesting that the Nigerian Police should be tactful and supportive in the handling of alleged sexual offences and take measures to prevent the intimidation of victims by families and associates of suspects.

We are also appealing for Rape and Sexual Offences desks to be created in Police Stations across the country where they do not exist, and that appropriately trained personnel are designated to provide timely support for victims,” the statement read in part.

According to them, “We implore the Attorney General of the Federation as well as State Attorney Generals to fast track cases of rape and defilement. We also urge the setting up of

Nestlé mobilises volunteers in reaching out to orphanages, NGOs across Nigeria CALEB OJEWALE

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s part of the Nestlé Cares initiative, over 200 Nestlé Nigeria volunteers have recently reached out to 18 orphanages and NGOs working with children across the country.

The company in a statement, said the Nestlé Cares initiative is an employeevolunteering program, which provides a platform for employees to give back to society by donating their time and talents to make a positive impact on individuals and families, on communities and the environment.

The orphanage outreach is the second Nestlé Cares activity after the beach clean-up exercise carried out by Nestlé volunteers in June 2019.

Speaking on the orphanage outreach, Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, stated this is part of Nestlé’s efforts to support parents and caregivers on their journey to raise healthier kids through the Nestlé for Healthier Kids, global flagship initiative.

She highlighted that Nestlé

for Healthier Kids aims to help 50 million children globally, lead healthier lives by 2030, and will achieve its objectives by promoting good nutrition, encouraging active lifestyles through adequate physical activity, teaching good hygiene practices and healthy hydration.

“We are excited to have hosted kind-hearted friends like Nestlé Nigeria Plc, who through their gifts and commitment today show their support” said Gboyega Fadowole-Aje, National Fund Development and Com-

munication Coordinator, during the visit to the SOS Children’s Village in Lagos.

According to him, the SOS Children’s Village continues to be the world’s largest international nongovernmental organization focused on supporting children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care.

“Our continued support to children around the world especially in Nigeria is only possible through the support of corporate bodies and individuals that collaborate with us to ensure these children and young people have a fu-

ture better than their past,” he said.

Highlights of the orphanage outreach included donation of food items and toiletries contributed by the volunteers and matched by the company, as well as training of caregivers on good nutrition and hygiene practices, healthy hydration and the need for children to maintain active lifestyles.

Nestlé Cares, according to the statement, is one of the ways Nestlé contributes to enhancing the quality of life, a healthier future, and adding values to life.

Nestlé Nigeria employees with caregivers and staff of the SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria Isolo, Lagos programme location

Special Offences Courts for rape and defilement cases, and for such cases to be charged to the courts and heard without undue delays.

“We beseech the Minister of Health to ensure the provision of timely, sensitive and comprehensive medical services to victims of sexual violence. We plead that all medical facilities be equipped with Rape Kits and Post- Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent rape victims from contracting HIV. It is also our hope that professional counselling services can be made available to sexual violence survivors.

“We appeal to the National Assembly, Executive Governors and State Houses of Assembly to facilitate the passage of laws to protect women and children from violence and abuse.

Where legislation already exists, we call for political will in the enforcement and implementation of such laws. In this regard, urgent

medical attention, shelter, counselling and other support mechanisms for survivors are important.

“We plead with all political, religious and community leaders to speak up against the abuse of women and children.”

“We encourage civil society organisations and women’s support groups to continue to advocate on behalf of victims as well as provide all relevant services. We acknowledge the efforts of organisations such as WRAPA, which was created by former First Lady, HE Justice Fati Abubakar, and many others across the country who have been working tirelessly on these issues,” the statement stated.

“We urge the general public to address this issue by supporting victims to get justice and breaking the culture of silence and stigma which prevents victims from coming forward,” they further said.

Akwa Ibom CJ frees 14 inmates, charges them on good behaviour ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

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he chief judge of Akwa Ibom, Godwin Abraham has released 14 inmates from the four prison institutions in the state and urged them to be of good behaviour .

Abraham gave the charge in Uyo during the conclusion of his inspection of the prison establishments in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot Ekpene and Uyo. He commended all the stakeholders which comprises the law officers, prison officials, police, judiciary staff, and legal practitioners for their commitment and assistance in the administration of justice.

According to him, the released inmates would have remained in prison, adding that their release has helped to decongest the prison custody. The Chief Judge said sometimes the cost of justice can be very cumbersome because there are a lot of interests to be reconciled, adding that every time they face a case, whether in the prison, police station, or in the court, there is an interest of the person alleged to have committed the offence.

He maintained that the essence of the visit was to consider the interest of the accused person in detention for a long time without a case

file and whose matter is a civil or minor one in order to help decongest the prisons in the State.

Abraham explained that he was aware that the facility erected in most of the prison establishments in the state were built since 1942, and for the past years, they have not been upgraded or updated.

“If the colonial masters were to come back here, they wouldn’t find any difficulties to identify these facilities they erected many years ago”.

“The facilities have been overgrown 100 per cent, doubling the number of people that were supposed to occupy it. The environment is not decent.

The tendency is that it could create in the minds of the inmates the impression that the prison is “impunity.”

He said: “Sometimes they may leave the custody with anger” and continue in criminality because of what they are exposed to.

Many of them cannot easily be admitted to bail, thanking God that a fantastic job is being done to ensure that cases of awaiting trials could not remain for too long before people are taken to court.

He said in the course of the exercise, he has found a matter that lasted for a month and the case was in the court already, encouraging the workers to do more.

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News Ministerial list: ActionAid urges Buhari to retract, include youths, persons living with disability, more women building.

“ActionAid Nigeria is dismayed that despite the promise by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) through Mr. President that the party is committed to inclusive governance, especially ensuring that women and young people will not be excluded in decision making spaces, but only seven women made the list out of 43 nominees, this is 16.6 percent accorded to women, and it is grossly unrepresentative and inadequate. It is unbelievable that rather than progressing, Nigeria is retrogressing in delivering its commitment on inclusive governance.”

Obi equally pointed out that women constitute 50 percent of Nigeria’s population and that the country has women who are qualified to put in their

VICTORIA NNAKAIKE, Lokoja

F

ollowing what observers have described as lopsided and short of meeting the 35 percent Affirmative Action in appointment into offices in the country by the Federal Government, ActionAid Nigeria, a nongovernmental organisation, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to retract the list and do the needful.

Expressing the group’s disappointment in the number of women in the recent ministerial list submitted to the National Assembly by Mr. President, Ene Obi, the country director of the antipoverty organisation, has said it was an impediment to nation’s

President Buhari

Brand authenticity, market dominance gives SIFAX Group BusinessDay award AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

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IFAX Group has bagged the prestigious Next Bulls Award of Nigeria’s premier financial business newspaper, BusinessDay. Frank Aigbogun, publisher/ CEO, BusinessDay, said the award was conferred on the business conglomerate due to its brand authenticity, incredible growth trajectory, market dominance, outstanding value system, innovative solutions and most importantly, the proudly Nigerian values espoused by its leadership.

Aigbogun said the award was premised on a survey conducted among active investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), and

was meant to celebrate private, indigenous companies, which investors on the NSE have expressed strong demand to own their shares, if ever listed.

“After collation of survey responses which was administered on equity analysts, retail and institutional investors, financial journalists, industry experts, professionals and millennials, more than 90 of the respondents identified SIFAX Group as a company whose stock they would like to own in their dream equity portfolio for long-term holding, if the choice was limited to only 10 companies,” he said.

He said that a total of 214 of the respondents affirmed that they would invest in the SIFAX Group’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) if it ever approached the market.

Adekunle Oyinloye, Group managing director, SIFAX Group, who received the award on behalf of the company, appreciated BusinessDay for considering SIFAX Group worthy of recognition.

“We know that an award from BusinessDay is not a fictitious or money-making venture. This award is credible. We are genuinely grateful for this. As a Nigerian company, we believe in this country and that is the major reason we continue to deepen our investment in various sectors of the economy,” he said.

He noted that SAHCO Plc, one of the company’s subsidiaries, had been listed on the exchange, adding that the management was impressed by the investors’ appetite as evident in the level of subscription to the IPO.

L-R: Adekunle Oyinloye, group managing director, SIFAX Group receiving The Next Bull’s Award on behalf of SIFAX Group from Frank Aigbogun, publiser/CEO, BusinessDay Media at the media company’s office in Apapa, recently.

expertise for national development, yet they are always put at the back when it comes to appointment.

ActionAid therefore, called on the President to retract the list and make it inclusive by nominating more women, youths and person living with disabilities as it is not too late to do the right thing and keep to the promise made to Nigerian citizens.

The group also urged the President to include women, youths and persons living with disability in other positions such as directors of boards, institutions and heads of departments and agencies.

“We are reminding the President that the National Gender Policy is in force and it should be complied with and not just in letter but in practice,” Obi said.

Unilag staff school celebrates literary powers of children with public presentation of books SEYI JOHN SALAU

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he University of Lagos (UNILAG) Staff Scholl in support and celebration of the literary powers of pupils of the school aged between nine and eleven years old, recently made a public presentation of short story books authored by pupils of Unilag Staff School.

The books authored by the pupils are ‘Arise To Wisdom’ by Theresa Balouga; ‘Beautiful Monkey’

by Kudirat Ayeni; ‘Bond of Identity’

by Tioluwani Gbemigakaye; ‘Jewells Are Born Of The Same Value’

by Uwana Williams; ‘Queen Of The Forest’ by Ebube Eke; ‘Not A Friend Of The Sun’ by Samiat Olugbode; ‘Tears At Heaven’s Gate’

by Oluwatosin Emoruwa; ‘Shock Of The Shadow’ by Anuoluwapo Sowunmi.

Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, the vice chancellor of University of Lagos, said information overload remains a critical challenge to reading culture among the youth in Nigeria. “Information traffic is on the high side, that is why so many students don’t want to seat down to read, but there is need for us to improve on that culture and to let our students know that somebody that reads will be able to develop his or herself”.

According to Ogundipe, there are so many distractions along the teaching and learning value chain in Nigeria, hence the need for collaborative effort to improve the writing and reading culture among children of school age in Nigeria.

“This is a very good development where we are celebrating our children and that will show you

the quality of the school and the product of the school. We are saying that we will need to do more to improve on what they have now; the university will attend to it,” said Ogundipe.

Juliet Ajayi, the headmistress of Unilag Staff School, said access to smart phones, especially social media is a major challenge to the writing and reading culture. “Most of our children are preoccupied with social media; they spent time on it wasting their time. It would have been better if they use social media for educational purposes,” Ajayi said.

According to the headmistress, Unilag Staff School is a complete education institution that not only identifies the literary talents of its pupils, but also supports the pupils to develop and grow their talents. “In our school, we want to rebuild the reading culture hence we encourage as many that are willing, to write so that they can make use of their time positively”.

Lydia Eke, a parent of the author of ‘Queen of the Forest’ by Ebube Eke, said the story speaks about ‘kingdom animalia’ that is what happens in the animal kingdom that can be of great benefit to humans. According to her, the story teaches the virtue of humility, tolerance, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

Tunji Sotimirin, an actor and lecturer at the University on his part decry the lack of support from cooperate organisations towards supporting creative works especially to improve the reading and writing culture, and urged the management of the school of the need to push the idea beyond the university environment.

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News

Lawmakers beg Akeredolu over deplorable condition of Ondo Assembly complex YOMI AYELESO, Akure

M

embers of the Ondo S t a t e House of Assembly have called on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to come to their aid in renovating the assembly complex to enable them carry out their legislative duties without hindrances.

Recall that there was a report on the disruption of plenary last Wednesday as a result of a snake which found its way into the complex, thereby making the lawmakers to scamper for safety.

Speaking on the develop-

ment, Chairman of House Committee on Information, Hon. Gbenga Omole, described the presence of the snakes as embarrassing, saying the development was a threat to the lawmakers’ legislative duties.

According to him, the most embarrassing situation was when the House reconvened to deliberate on some legislative business and the ceiling of the House caved in, dropping on the table of the Speaker of House of Assembly, Oleyelogun.

Omole, however, said the House had to adjourn sitting indefinitely over the infrastructural decay in the Chamber and some parts of the House of Assembly Complex.

He said: “We were about to enter into plenary on Wednesday when a big snake just ran out of the chamber which disrupted our sitting and we had to hurriedly leave the chamber.

“We were about to sit again yesterday when a ceiling caved in directly where Mr. Speaker was sitting, the whole House was agitated and when we looked around, we saw the damage that termites had done to most of the wood work in the chamber.

“At that point, we had to call ourselves and adjourned the sitting because we discovered that the chamber was no longer good for legislative business and because

Akeredolu

of this, we decided to adjourn indefinitely. The House will be going on an indefinite recess.”

Omole disclosed that the House had written to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, to

SEYI JOHN SALAU

…As TOMVIC College holds graduation ceremony

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Mushin, Lagos, during the 6th annual graduation and prize-giving ceremony of the school.

Oladipo said that parents play vital roles in the lives of their children and must be seen by their children as strong figures to emulate in everything they do.

She noted that the home

is the first school a child knows and that parents must show themselves as capable and all-round teachers at that level.

According to her, “Parents must be the role models of their children. It is said that charity begins at home.

We must therefore, make our homes conducive for

R-L: Adeleke Oladipo, proprietor; Funmilayo Oladipo, proprietor, and Gloria Igbojionu, a guest.

Members of the high table

House was relying on the governor for the renovation of the complex because “as at now, the House has not been given the (financial) autonomy we are agitating for, because if it had been approved, we don’t need to consult the governor. You know how things are being run presently; every arm of government needs to look up to the executive to get things done.”

He added: “But pending the approval of the legislative autonomy, we have to look towards the executive where Mr. Governor is in charge and we will have to appeal to him to come to our aid because we have a lot of business to do and there are lots of bills to be treated.”

EY, Open Banking Nigeria partner to innovate financial service in Nigeria

Be your children’s role model, parents told arents and guardians have been advised to always exhibit quality character that would make them role models to their children and wards, respectively.

The advice was given

by Funmilayo Oladipo, proprietress of Tomvic Comprehensive College, Ilasa,

inform him about the development and the need to renovate the whole complex, saying the House of Assembly complex had been turned into abode for reptiles and rodents.

“We eventually killed the snake, but there are lots of reptiles hibernating in the roof of the chamber, and whenever it rains, the whole chamber is flooded.

“We need to intimate the state governor about this development and we have decided to meet him on this.

Mr. Governor is aware of part of the infrastructural decay here because most of the things here are outdated and not too good for legislative business,” he said.

The chairman said the

that charity to flow. If you look at the society today, what we see outside is a manifestation of the ills in the home; the erosion of the value system and all that. So, I am challenging all parents to be that role model for their son, and for their daughter.”

In her speech at the event, Oladipo expressed appreciation to God for the divine guidance all through the session. She also thanked the parents for their unflinching support and the confidence they reposed in the management and staff of the school.

The proprietress also commended the graduands, who according to her, took their studies seriously while in Tomvic, noting that “this is one of the best sets we have ever produced. It is the first to write both their senior and junior West African School Certificate (WASC) examination in this school.

We are also confident that all of them who sat for the Joint Matriculation Examination Board’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) this year will gain admission because none of them scored below 180.

A cross section of the graduands

E

rnst & Young (EY), a global professional services firm, has finalised arrangements with Open Banking Nigeria to develop and advocate for a standard Application Programming Interface (API) for Nigeria’s financial services industry. The partnership will, in addition, transform the management of financial data and extend services to individuals and businesses across Nigeria.

EY, in a statement disclosed the recent agreement with Nigeria’s foremost Open Banking advocate and facilitator, Open Banking Nigeria. With this agreement, EY joins other leading industry stakeholders to analyse the need of the industry for a common API standard among banks and other financial institutions, support the development of API standards, promote adoption with stakeholders, players and regulators, and enable further innovations in Nigeria’s financial services industry.

The introduction of a unified API across financial institutions creates a foundation upon which data can be effortlessly accessed and securely shared in real-time.

It would, among others, empower individual and corporate users of services within the payment ecosystem to instruct their service providers to share their bank balance and transaction information with regulated Account Information Service Providers (AISPs).

This interoperability would result in the development of modern payment

services, cost saving for operators and increased innovation while also guaranteeing information security and privacy, which would not cause an uneven playing field for industry players.

Dapo Adewole, Partner, Technology Advisory, at EY said the service firm is working with stakeholders to use open banking to reshape financial services, especially as regulators and governments seek to increase competition and choice.

“We understand that customers also expect more convenience and flexible access to services, driven by broader digital experience and emerging technology. It is our desire to bring this goal to fruition, while working with other player in the industry,” said Adewole.

Ope Adeoye, a trustee at Open Banking Nigeria, said EY’s top-notch contributions, along with other stakeholders, would lead to the development of the next generation of API standard for the Nigerian financial services industry.

Already acknowledged as the future of banking on the globe, the adoption of Open Banking in Nigeria would enhance the service offerings of players in the financial services industry, improve customer engagement and build new digital revenue channels.

It is also expected that Open Banking when fully operational in Nigeria would transform the operation of other industries, including telecommunications, power, hospitality, retail and insurance, seeking to leverage data for the improvement of their operational scope and service offerings to clients.

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News

Ikpeazu’s wife urges state Assembly Why Buhari nominated Adegbite despite opposition from Ogun APC - Party Chieftain to pass violence against women bill ...wants works minister’s slot for Ogun RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta

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abatunde Onakoya, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ogun East Senatorial District, has declared that the choice of Olamilekan Adegbite as the ministerial nominee from Ogun State was arrived at by the Presidency based on the achievements he recorded in the state in the area of road construction and infrastructural development.

Recall that former Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State had engaged in a fierce battle prior to 2019 governorship election in the state which prompted the floating of a new political party - Allied People’s Movement (APM) by Amosun which broke away from APC to field his political godson Adekunle Akinlade against the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Against the backdrop of the impasse during and after the 2019 Governorship Election in the state, it was believed that former Governor Amosun who is now Senator representing Ogun

Adegbite

Central Senatorial District might not get the ministerial slot going by the norms that incumbents recommend ministerial nominee for the Presidency, but the ex-governor did and got the slot for one of his followers - Adegbite.

But speaking with BDSUNDAY on Friday in Abeokuta, Onakoya, who is a patron of APC Fans’ Club in Ogun State, noted that despite a stiff opposition

put up by some “disgruntled elements” within the party against the choice of Adegbite as Ogun ministerial nominee, President Buhari still went ahead to include Adegbite’s name to the 43 names of ministerial nominees submitted to the Senate for confirmation.

The Board member of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority explained that the President had earlier said that

UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia he would consider merit as against the political considerations in appointing the members of Federal Executive Council, saying the President only demonstrated the sincerity of purpose he is known for.

“As you know, Architect Lekan Adegbite has really done well in the area of roads, overhead bridges construction and other critical infrastructure in the last eight years as the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Ogun State.

“A trip around Ogun State, especially in the Ogun central where state capital is located testifies to my claim that Lekan Adegbite did well,” he said.

“I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for considering merits ahead of politics in choosing Adegbite whom we believe will replicate the wonders he did perform in Ogun State at the federal level if he were given a Minister of Works’ slot.

“We believe that critical infrastructure in this country needs urgent and holistic approach and upgrade and Adegbite is cut out for it, his appointment in Works Ministry will change many things,” he said.

AUN commences engineering programmes from 2019 fall semester

T

he American University of Nigeria (AUN) announces the commencement of six undergraduate programmes in Engineering, beginning from the 2019 fall semester.

A statement by Abba Tahir, AUN’s vice president for University Relations, confirmed that the University is rolling out the much-awaited engineering programmes after receiving an approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The approval letter, dated 22nd July 2019 and signed by Gidado Bello Kumo, NUC’s deputy executive secretary, conveyed the Commission’s approval for AUN to commence programmes leading to the award of Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degrees in Chemical Engineering; Computer Engineering ; Systems Engineering; Telecommunications Engineering; Electrical/Electronic Engineering; and Electronics Engineering.

Admissions have already begun for the first batch of intakes entering in the Au-

gust/September 2019 (fall semester) window.

The approval followed the acceptance by NUC’s management committee of the resource evaluation reports turned in by a panel of experts which visited the university in May 2019, and which attested to the institution’s preparedness to run first-rate programmes in engineering.

Dawn Dekle, the University’s president, described the development as a milestone for AUN. “Our learning community is opening the doors to students who have dreams of becoming engineers- they will add a significant voice to AUN and we cannot wait to welcome the pioneer class of engineering students in fall 2019”.

Vice President Tahir affirmed that the new engineering programmes will maintain the same qualitative and uncompromising academic tradition for which the American University of Nigeria is famous.

The Vice President further confirmed that the University’s management

and academic leaders were committed to applying to the new Engineering programmes the same rigorous academic standards and sound social education which its students have received since 2005, and which have given them the competitive edge graduating from top Graduate Schools in Europe, Asia and the United States, or in building their start-up businesses.

AUN’s Provost, Professor Muhammad M. Kah, assured that the Engineering programmes’ pioneer students will be getting the right education that prepares them for the knowledge economy.

“AUN established the first software engineering degree programme not only in Nigeria but also in Africa, and today, we host the largest pool of interest for young people who are interested in Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms, Complexity, Networks and Distributed Computing, among others”.

The six new Engineering courses bring to 22 the total number of majors taught at

the university which offers an American-style, technology-intensive liberal arts education from its secure Yola campus. All courses are fully accredited by the NUC. Accredited programmes include Bachelor of Laws (LLB); Communications & Multimedia Design (Journalism, Multimedia Design, Public Relations & Advertising, Radio/Television/Film); Computer Science; Software Engineering; Information Systems; Telecoms & Wireless; Economics; English Literature, and Language; International & Comparative Politics (International Relation, Peace and Conflict Resolution); Public Policy, and Public Administration.

Others are Natural & Environmental Sciences (Bioinformatics, Biomedical Sciences, Biostatistics, Conservation Biology, Environment & Health, and Public Health); Petroleum Chemistry (Generic, Oil & Gas Chemistry, Petrochemical & Polymer Science); Accounting; Agribusiness Management; Business Administration; Entrepreneurship; Finance, and Digital Marketing.

N

kechi Ikpeazu, wife of Abia governor, has called upon the Abia State House of Assembly to rise up to the occasion of passing bills that deal with the protection of women’s rights in society.

The three bills before the House, according to Ikpeazu are: Prohibition of all forms of violence against persons; Abolition of harmful and obnoxious widowhood practices in Abia, and Equal Rights and Opportunities for men, women and Special persons in Abia State.

Ikpeazu, who made the appeal during a seminar in Umuahia tiled, ‘Together Against Gender-Based Violence’, organised by Vicar Hope Foundation in collaboration with National Council of Women Society, Abia State, also called on the Judiciary and Police to fast-

track the trial of persons who have raped, defiled or abused women and children.

She enjoined all political, religious and community leaders to speak up against abuse of women and children as this would be the first step towards finding a lasting solution to the ugly trend.

Ikpeazu noted that abuses and violence appear in different forms which include, physical, sexual, psychological, economic, rape, domestic, sexual harassment, sexual slavery, violence by the police and female genital mutilation.

Onyinyechi Nwosu, the guest lecturer, noted that gender-based violence cuts across all spectra of society.

She charged women to develop themselves and confront the psychological, verbal, sexual violence, among others.

Nwosu noted that there is no stage in women’s life that was free from violence, urging the need to pursue laws for the enforcement of violence against women.

Human capital critical to harnessing marine resources – Head of Service AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

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inifred OyoIta, head of the Civil Service of the Federation, has identified human capacity as an area where Nigeria has a huge comparative advantage in the global maritime community.

According to her, this unique human asset was significant in the effort to sustainably harness the nation’s marine biodiversity.

She spoke in Lagos during the 2019 African Day of Seas and Oceans, organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) with the theme, “Harnessing Nigeria’s Marine Biodiversity for Accelerated Economic Growth.”

Represented by Bakare Wadinga, permanent secretary, common services, Office of the Head of the Civil Service, Oyo-Ita commended NIMASA for its initiatives to enhance human capital in the maritime sector and increase the industry’s contribution to national economy.

“Nigeria has enormous potential for economic growth and prosperity, and by enhancing its economy through significant increase in economic activities around fisheries, aqua culture, marine tourism, development of ports and terminals, intra-city water-borne transportation, it would help create jobs, reduce poverty, and diversify her economic base,” she said.

She said Nigeria needs to

create awareness on the potentials of the sea and ocean resources in order to catalyse her economic growth. “This will enable us to meet our sustainable development goals, and to conserve sustainably, use the seas and oceans to promote the restoration of our marine ecosystem.”

On his part, Dakuku Peterside, director general of NIMASA, stated that the 2019 celebration provided an opportunity to deliberate on the exploration of the enormous resources in Africa’s seas and oceans.

“Marine biodiversity consists of the different species, their richness and abundance in the world’s oceans and seas. The sustainability of these diverse species, which are abounding in African seas and oceans, is not only important to us as Africans but also of a direct economic benefit to us as a nation,” he said.

He disclosed that NIMASA was working with the different arms of government to formulate and implement relevant policies towards sustainable management of the marine environment.

“NIMASA has concluded and forwarded to the executive arm of government: the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009; the Protocol on Limitation of Liability for maritime Claims (LLMC) and four other IMO instruments on marine environment management, for ratification,” he said.

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Lateef Jakande: Celebrating a legend at 90

Frank Aigbogun editor Zebulon Agomuo DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja

Tayo Ogunbiyi

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGY, INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS Oghenevwoke Ighure GENERAL MANAGER, ADVERT Adeola Ajewole ADVERT MANAGER Ijeoma Ude FINANCE MANAGER Emeka Ifeanyi MANAGER, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Obiora Onyeaso BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (South East, South South) Patrick Ijegbai CIRCULATION MANAGER John Okpaire DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Linda Ochugbua ASSIST. SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Florence Kadiri GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (North)

Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

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

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha

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

T

he roll call of eminent Nigerians that graced the recent 90th birthday celebration of first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ), speaks volumes of his pedigree as a widely respected statesman. Dignitaries at the event include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun.

Others are Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola , former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Borno State, Muhammadu Goni, former Minister of Defence, Ademola Seriki, former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Jokotola Pelumi, and many others.

At the event, Governor SanwoOlu urged all political leaders to

emulate Jakande, especially with the way he ruled Lagos and transformed virtually all sectors within a very short period.

Popularly referred to as LKJ, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande is a visionary leader.

From the outset, he had pledged to model his government after that of the defunct Western Region of Nigeria, from 1952 to 1959, headed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He said: “That Government was the most efficient, the most dynamic, and the most responsive of all the Governments of the federation. That Government was the country’s pacesetter- the first to do all good things that others later copied. There has never been a government like it in Africa before or since.”

True to his words, LKJ assiduously went to work to realize his vision. Till date, many of his populist policies and programmes, especially in the housing, public transportation and education sectors, still endear him to all and sundry. The ambitious Lagos metro line project, which, if it had seen the light of the day, would have revolutionized public transportation in the State, was conceived by his administration. Some of the Housing Estates he established across various locations such as Iba, Isolo, Iponri, Ejigbo etc, are still serving the housing needs of Lagosians.

It was under his administration that movement into State’s current Secretariat at Alausa, Ikeja, began. LKJ reportedly attached so much urgency to the construc-

tion of the present government secretariat that he was so bent on the relocation plan that he virtually caught everyone unawares when it finally happened.

Being a consummate journalist, and following the trend of his political mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo who established the first television station in Africa, LKJ also established Lagos Television, LTV, which happens to be the first State owned Television in the country. LKJ also established the Lagos State University in 1983. His administration also constructed water works at Shasha, Agege, Somolu, Apapa, Badagry, Aguda etc to improve water supply and avoid outbreak of water borne epidemics.

It was LKJ that begun the transformation of the State’s transport sector. On November 29, 1979, 59 new buses belonging to the Lagos State Transport Corporation were inaugurated with a view to enhancing public transportation in the State. On January 28, 1980, the parking meters began to function in some busy streets in central Lagos. It was the first of such in Nigeria.

His government also opened up public education to accommodate more pupils. After only one year in office, additional schools were constructed by the administration. For instance, the number of public primary schools in Ikeja Local Government alone increased from 54 to 86. This implies that 32 new primary schools were built.

The number of public secondary

schools in the area also increased from 13 to 42, which means 29 new secondary schools were built.

All within just a year!

A workaholic and tireless leader, LKJ worked round the clock in his bid to fast track the development of Lagos State. Reports had it that on December 31st, 1983, when the Sheu Shagari civilian administration was toppled, in a military coup d’état, soldiers who came to arrest LKJ met him at his office working deep in the night, on a New Year eve. Such was his legendary dedication to duty and passion for hard work.

It is, therefore, not surprising that LKJ became a star among the 19 governors of the Second Republic. He soon became popular and given several appellations in the media such as ‘Baba Kekere’, ‘Friend of the Masses’, ‘Action Governor’ etc. Out of the lots, the one that really became prominent is ‘Action Governor’. Sure, during the Second Republic, there was only one ‘Action Governor’ in Nigeria –LKJ. It is hoped that more political leaders would take a cue from this visionary patriot by being selfless and patriotic in all their ways. They also need to pay heed to former American President, Quincy Adams, words that “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

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

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Segun Abiodun Architect Abiodun is immediate past Commissioner for Housing, Ogun State

M

y attention has been drawn to a statement

by Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, alleging architectural and structural defects in the new Ogun State Judiciary Complex, Abeokuta.

We are constrained to react to this falsehood because of the emerging pattern of a calculated attempt to rubbish all the good works of Senator Ibikunle Amosun as Governor of Ogun State between 2011 and 2019.

After almost two months in office, Prince Abiodun, rather than embark on programmes and projects that will benefit the good people of Ogun State, has made the demonisation of

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Stop the politics on Ogun judicial complex the programmes and projects of the Amosun administration his cardinal programme. His latest attack was on the Ogun State Judiciary Complex which was commissioned on 25 May, 2019 by President Muhammadu Buhari. The Judiciary Complex was conceived to be a world class facility that is compliant with all accessibility and safety standards to provide the State Judiciary with a befitting environment for the dispensation of justice. The major features of the complex are: Thirteen (13) court rooms each with a capacity for 200 people and with a complement of judge’s offices, support staff offices, library and conference facilities; a ceremonial court with a capacity for 500 people; Chief Judge’s Court with full complement of offices and conference facilities, offices for probate central registry and all other judiciary functions, central library, restaurant, crèche and clinic.

Other features are full pro-

visioning for internet connectivity and connection to IPP and already installed standby generators with combined capacity of 800Kva. The beauty and utility of the complex was acknowledged by no less a personality than President Muhammadu Buhari who at the commissioning commended the Amosun administration for conceiving such a laudable project. He wondered aloud how the administration was able to fund such a project.

The complex has also been widely acknowledged as one of the best judiciary complexes in the country by various stakeholders.

The allegation of architectural and structural defects was to create the impression that both the design and construction have been incompetently executed. This is totally baseless and unfounded.

The Judiciary complex was constructed by one of the most sought-after construction companies in the West African

sub-region, De Simone Group (Monterossa). Among the recent projects executed by the company are the Embassies of the United States of America in Accra, Ghana, Ouagadougou, Burkinna Faso, Monrovia, Liberia and the Dutch Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria. Its projects also include Nestle Flower Gate Factory, Sagamu, Nestle Distribution Centre, Sagamu and Unilever Distribution Centre, Agbara, all in Ogun State, just to mention a few. The other contractor Messrs. AFP, (a subsidiary and member of the Julius Berger Group) who handled the panelling and furnishing of the courts, need little or no introduction.

For the record, the architectural design of the judiciary complex was done and supervised by me as the Hon Commissioner for Housing. Incidentally, I designed and supervised the current residence of Prince Dapo Abiodun in Iperu, Ogun State. The construction and the furnishing company were

carefully and characteristically selected to deliver the high standards for which the Amosun administration was known, ‘The Ogun Standard’.

The comments of Prince Dapo Abiodun so far on projects inherited from the Amosun administration have indeed confirmed fears that many of them would be denied of funding to frustrate their completion so as to label them as abandoned projects of the Amosun administration.

Thankfully, the Amosun administration foresaw this and ensured that on-going projects were either fully paid for or advance payments of between 80 – 90percent were made.

But for this pro-activeness, all the projects would have been truncated.

We implore Prince Dapo Abiodun to roll up his sleeves and begin to work for the people of Ogun State rather than being distracted, trying to find fault in every project of the Amosun administration.

Why Senate needs a publicist (1) Anya Anya, a public affairs analyst and publicist, writes from Lagos. Tel: 08039181737

T

he need for the Senate to hire a publicist to inform Nigerians adequately about the performances of the red chamber is long overdue. This is so because there is no doubt that the National Assembly, especially the upper chamber- the Senatehas a negative image among the masses of Nigeria. This is because of the fact that the Senate is perceived as a retirement home for former and lack-lustre governors and ministers. The Senate is also considered as a cesspool of corruption due largely to the mouth-watering salary, fringe benefits and constituency allowances accruing to senators every now and then.

The revelation by Senator Shehu Sani that each Senator received as much as N13.5million monthly has worsen the already dented perception of the Senate. The sum of N13.5million monthly for an individual because he or she is a senator is humon-

gous when compared with the N18,000 monthly stipend paid as minimum wage to the Nigerian worker.

But is it a statement of fact that the legislature at the federal level receives the highest salary, allowance and other fringe benefits in the country?

Is N13.5million the highest sum of money every elected politician or government appointee receives monthly as salary in the country? To say the legislature receives the highest salary in the country is debatable. There are some questions probing the minds of certain discerning Nigerians. First, is it really true that members of the National Assembly earn the highest salary and allowances in the country?

Second, are the salary and allowances of the legislators in the National Assembly more than those of the President, Vice President, ministers, group managing director and chief operating officers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation? Do the legislators earn more than chairmen of boards of commissions and agencies? Do they earn more money than the Head of Service of the Federation, Secretary to Government of Federation, Comptroller-Generals of Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service,

It is true that the Senate has its own spokesperson but the work of a publicist is not one that can be combined with legislative duties Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Directors-General of Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, National Food Drug Administration and Control and other commissions and agencies?

It is however, disturbing because while Nigerians are daily demonising the legislators over their perceived huge salary and allowances, the same Nigerians are silent over the emoluments of the leadership of ministries, departments, agencies and commissions enumerated above.

Why are Nigerians not eager to know the emoluments of the commissions and agencies of

government mentioned above?

Why are Nigerians not interested in knowing the total monthly package of the group managing director of the NNPC? Why are they not asking how much the four group managing directors of the four refineries earn? Why are they not anxious to know the total take home of the comptroller-general of Customs, the DGs of NIMASA, NAFDAC, NDLEA, etc? Again, while the other two organs of government- Executive and Judiciary- keep their monthly emoluments as top secret, the members of the National Assembly, for the sake of transparency, have made their monthly emoluments known to all Nigerians. The Executive and Judiciary have refused to disclose theirs. Why? These are questions eagerly begging for answers that nobody is ready to provide answers. How many Nigerians know the salary and allowances of their President or Vice President? How many Nigerians know the salary and allowances of their governors, commissioners, ministers, DGs of NSCDC, NAFDAC etc just to a few?

Additionally, many Nigerians consider the legislators as lazy folks because they don’t tell them the volume of bills they have passed and submitted

to the President for his assent.

Until the end of the 8th Assembly, Nigerians didn’t know that the legislators passed 201 bills which they submitted to the President to give his assent. But it was revealed that of the 201 bills submitted to Mr. President, he rejected 40 of them!

One may be tempted to ask the purpose of this write up. It is to emphasise the urgent need for the Senate to hire a publicist. It is true that the Senate has its own spokesperson but the work of a publicist is not one that can be combined with legislative duties. The reason is because the work of a publicist is enormous, tedious and time consuming- it entails in-depth and elaborate researches. It needs a full time, dedicated and competent media professional to handle. To position the Senate on the minds of Nigerians positively, there should be a neutral person who is not an elected lawmaker to handle it.

The duties of the publicist in the Senate, among other duties, if one is hired, will be to inform Nigerians whenever a bill is passed and submitted to the President for his assent. Second, he will alert Nigerians whenever the President assents or declines his assent to any bill that is submitted to him.

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

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LASG plans crackdown on unregistered private schools JOSHUA BASSEY

T

he months ahead may prove very tough for unregistered and illegal private schools in Lagos, as the government says it is taking steps to uproot them from the system.

This is also as the state government, has urged patriotic members of the public to avail the ministry of education of information on the operation of such schools within their localities to enable the ministry weed them out.

With a population over 21 million people, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial city, runs with thousands of unregistered private schools, some of which engage non qualified personnel as classroom teachers and administrators.

Kayode Sutin, assistant director, public affairs, min-

R-L: Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with consulate general of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos, Abdulla Almandoos and Imam AbdulHakeem Kosoko during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday.

istry of education, who spoke with BSunday on Friday, said the monitoring team of the ministry had been charged by the permanent secretary of the education ministry to comb the state for such illegal schools, but stressed

that the support of the public was also needed to weed them out.

According to Suntin, “We expect members of the public to join the crusade. Once you suspect any private school within your community is not of

standard, they should report to the ministry of education at Alausa or any of our six education districts.

The truth is that the number of private nursery, primary and secondary schools in Lagos is huge and given the limited hu-

man resources at the disposal of the ministry, we may not be everywhere, but the public can also assist the ministry. What the state government seeks to achieve is that only registered and licensed private schools are in operation in Lagos,” said Sutin.

Similarly, Ronke Soyombo, the director general, Office of the Quality Assurance, in the state ministry of education, has urged unregistered private school owners to get their schools’ approved before the commencement of 2019/2020 academic session.

Soyombo at a lecture on quality and quantitative education organised by the Association of Formidable Educational Development (AFED), at the University of Lagos, said for a school to operate in the state, it must be registered, approved, secured with conducive learning environment as well as child protection and safeguard

Employees of 7-up accused of stealing get bail

Man charged with beating up policewoman

n Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos on Friday granted N100,000 bail to two employees of 7up Bottling Company, Oluwatosin Opeyemi and Olamiposi Ayoola.

The defendants had been arraigned on charges of conspiracy and stealing to which they pleaded not guilty.

The magistrate, B.O Osunsanmi, who granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50,000 each, ordered them to produce one surety each in like sum.

Osunsanmi ruled that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show

g u n k e y e Oyewole, 49, was on Friday charged before an Ikeja Magistrate Court, for allegedly assaulting a female police sergeant.

Oyewole, a resident of Alakuko, Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty to the two- count charge of breach of the peace and assault.

According to the police prosecutor, ASP Clifford Ogu, the defendant committed the offences on July

A

evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State government as part of the bail conditions.

Th e m a g i s t r a t e a d journed the case until September 9 for mention.

The police posecutor Ezekiel Ayorinde, had told the court that the defendants committed the offences on July 16 at Alausa, Ikeja.

Ayorinde said that the defendants were allegedly caught stealing a pack of Pepsi drinks valued at N960.00 from their employer, 7up Bottling company.

“The security guard caught the defendants, employed as ‘motor boys’,

throwing the drinks across the fence to another compound to pick them after closing time.

“The attention of the management was called; they went to the other side and saw 12 pieces of pepsi drinks. The accused were handed over to the police,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecuted submitted that the offences contravened Sections 287(1a) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 287(1a) of the law stipulates seven years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 411 attracts two years imprisonment for conspiracy on conviction.

Guard steals money from church offering box

M

i c h e a l Nwaogwu, a 20-year security guard, who allegedly stole N2,385 from an offering box, on Friday appeared in a Yaba Magistrate Court, Lagos.

Th e p o l i c e c h a r g e d Nwaogwu, who resides in Costain area of the state, with theft. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution counsel, Godwin Oriabure, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at

midnight on July 17, at St. Dennis Catholic Church, Akoka Bariga, Lagos.

Oriabure alleged that another security guard, Musa Ayay, discovered that the offering box was tempered with.

He said when Ayay confronted the defendant, he confessed to the crime.

Ayay alleged that the money was recovered from the defendant’s underwear.

The offence, he said, contravened the provi-

sions of Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015 (Revised).

If convicted under Section 287, a person is liable to three years imprisonment, Magistrate Oluwatoyin Ojuromi admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N30,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Ojuromi ordered that one of the sureties must be a blood relation.

She adjourned the case until August 19 for mention.

O

18 at Ajegunle, Lagos.

He said that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace by assaulting Blessing Familokun, a police sergeant, while she was performing her lawful duty.

“The defendant’s wife went to the station to report him for beating her mercilessly.

“When the policewoman followed the complainant to her house to invite the defendant, he beat her up too,” the prosecu-

facilities.

“September is coming, now is the time for private school owners to start the process of registering and approval of their schools.

“You must get your school secured and protected, because the children must feel safe in the school at all times. When was the last time you check your school bus? Schools are very vulnerable these days. We have handled many cases. Go and look back at how vulnerable your school is and make amends,” she said.

She further urged private schools operators to develop the ‘STEM’ (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) approach of learning so that children can develop key skills of the 21st century.

Soyombo listed the four skills of a 21st century to include critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.

tor said.

Ogu said that the offences contravened Sections 168 and 174 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Section 174 provides for three years’ imprisonment for assault.

The magistrate J.A. Adegun granted the defendant N50,000 bail with one surety, who should be gainfully employed with evidence of two years’ tax payment. He adjourned the case until August 9 for mention.

Ex-banker docked over N1m fraud

A

23-year former banker, Godwin Diala,who allegedly defrauded a microfinance bank of one million naira , has been charged before a Yaba Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos.

Diala , who resides in Agege area of the state, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining credit under false pretence.

The prosecution counsel, Modupe Olaluwoye, told the court that the defendant committedtheoffenceonSeptember 27, 2018, at 6, Sano Close, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Olaluwoye said that the defendant, who was a staff of Standard Chartered Bank,

used the names of five different staff of the bank to procure the loan.

She also alleged that Diala forged documents and obtained one million naira loan from Skystone Capital Investment Ltd, Lagos.

Olaluwoyefurthersaidthat when the bank discovered the allegedfraud,SkystoneCapital Investment Ltd wrote a letter to Standard Chartered, which in turn terminated the defendant’s employment.

“My Lord, the defendant wrote three post-dated cheques to pay back the one million naira. But only one cheque of N100,000 cleared and the remaining two, with numbers 05795605 and

05795610 were confirmed dud cheques due to insufficient money in the defendant’s account,” he alleged.

Olaluwoye said efforts to reach Diala failed as he allegedly switched off his phone and refused to attend any meeting with Skystone Capital Investment Ltd to resolve the matter.

He told the court that Skystone Capital Investment Ltd’s finance officer, Idris Abiola, made a formal report to the police station and the defendant was arrested.

He explained the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 287 and 315 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. (revised)

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Politics

Yahaya Bello

Idris Wada

Joseph Erico Ameh

Kogi guber election: Wada, Bello and Ameh woo electorate with great promises

F

VICTORIA NNAKAIKE, Lokoja

our months to the Kogi State gubernatorial election, aspirants have continued to harp on the alleged negative sides of the Governor Yahaya Bello administration, insisting the man has no business returning to office after November.

But the governor insists he still has progressive plans for the people of the state. Now, the die is cast.

Recently, Idris Wada, a former governor of Kogi, while speaking to journalists on why he should be elected again, faulted the current administration, accusing it of dishonesty and being dishonorable by claiming it has paid salaries when it has not done so.

“What is happening now is disgusting, that is why I come into the race. We have a government that is dishonest. They will say they have paid salary, when they have not paid. They said they have done projects. I heard the governor saying the other day that very soon Mr. President will come and commission projects, projects and projects. Where are they? Are they ghost projects or invisible projects?

“Look, we should tell our people the truth, people who elected you expect you to represent them in honest manner and what is going on is unfortunately very dishonorable. I did it before; I don’t have to learn anything new. We will improve our internally generated revenue (IGR). Hotels and Parks were meant to generate money.

These are not white elephant projects. These are projects that are revenue-based and we will do more.”

Wada, who is seeking the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), further said: “Agriculture will bring money into this state, if we structure it properly. I have the capacity to do that. While I was there, if our allocation is not enough I take overdraft from bank to fund salary. I shielded the workers from

the pains of dwindling allocation, while I was there. And I will do even better now because I have experience. I have learnt my lessons and I know what to do to make our people happy.

“My administration was at the point of commissioning Alo Cement, production was on-going before I left; now, it is producing.

You see that revenue coming from there; PAYE from the workers; all these will add value to the revenue of our state.

The former governor claimed that following the tremendous pressure from the good people of Kogi for him to return to Lugard House and complete the works he started that has been abandoned, he has come out to continue to fight for the well being, progress and development of Kogi citizens.

While officially declaring his intention to seek a return bid to office in the forthcoming governorship election slated for November 16, he added that the provision of needed infrastructure and engagement of best hands and modern technologies to put Kogi on the right track were already in place.

Wada said that having learnt a lot in his first term, the well being and development of Kogi were not negotiable and that, that was why he accepted the call from the people to seek a return.

Wada, who disclosed this in Lokoja while addressing journalists, said a defining moment that calls for deep reflection had come and all hands must be on deck to make the November 16 governorship election a turning point for the state, stressing that his experiences from the first term would uplift the state to the level it should be if given the mandate.

He alleged that 2015 election was a stolen election which, according to him, stole away great opportunities from Kogi State.

The PDP aspirant maintained that people’s plight, sufferings and non-payment of salaries had made

it difficult for him to enjoy luxurious life, adding that the next election is in the hands of the people of Kogi to choose another life line that would run for another four years.

“There is no day that I get less than 30 text massages soliciting for financial support. While I was the governor of this state people were never going out begging for bread.

I begin with a humble beginning, when I came here, I did my best and I will beat my chest that I did my best during my tenure. I and my family are organised. I come from a professional background where we do our work and let the work speak for us. I find it unacceptable to go for recreation enjoying myself while the people are dying in abject poverty,” he said.

Captain Wada also disclosed that when his administration came on board, they came up with a strategy that ongoing project must be made their priority, adding that he was working to make Kogi a selfsustaining state

My dear Kogites, when the blueprint is faithfully and comprehensively implemented, corruption, fragmented payment of salaries and wages and lack of infrastructural facilities will be consigned to the dustbin of history

He equally said that within the available resources to his administration, he made sure he completed all the inherited projects, payment of salaries was also a priority, emphasising that his aspiration is about the people who are dying on daily basis due to untold hardship they are facing. He further said that his administration made transparency, accountability and honesty its watchword.

He also appealed for the support of the PDP executives to enable him realise his aspiration.

But Yahaya Bello, the incumbent governor, who is seeking a ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said that whatever achievement his administration recorded in his first tenure will be a tip of an iceberg if given the mandate to run for the second tenure.

“I want to assure you that whatever we have achieved is a tip of an iceberg. What we have done before, in second tenure, it will be bountiful. By our performance we will unite Nigeria. I put God first in everything I do, and whatever that might have gone wrong, I am a mere mortal. We will continue to improve on what I met on ground.

I have given a marching order to all the contractors working on the water projects and by the grace of God you will have water,” he said.

According to Bello, “Gender equity will be my priority in my second tenure. Every day, we are giving birth to children yet we live in penury. A lot of people will benefit from Omimi Rice, job wise.

This plant will generate job for over 2,000 youths. We are building more plants in the state. You can never go wrong in Agriculture. We met three months’ salary arrears and that is what the present administration is owing now. Federal Government has graciously approved the remaining balance of N30.8 billion and in no distant time, the salary issue will be a thing of the past”.

The governor equally emphasised that the people’s desire for

good governance produced him through the APC, and that election is going to be rancor-free. “My leadership style led to APC clearing House of Assembly election,” he said.

Joseph Erico Ameh, an aspirant also on the platform of PDP, said his dream 20 years ago and the suffering of the people of Kogi State had been the driving force behind his ambition.

Ameh said that as a grassroots person, he knew exactly where the shoe pinches and in collaboration with other patriots, he had painstakingly put together a compendium of their action plan, otherwise called a blueprint, that will serve as a guide or political compass for the restoration of Kogi’s lost glory “My dear Kogites, when the blueprint is faithfully and comprehensively implemented, corruption, fragmented payment of salaries and wages and lack of infrastructural facilities will be consigned to the dustbin of history.

“I wish to state categorically that my adventure into politics is not for selfish reasons. I am essentially motivated by political philosophy and ideology of J. F. Kennedy that says, ‘Do not ask what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.’

“I am committed to making a difference in the governance of our dear state. I am not going to run a government of terror, but a humane, God-fearing and responsive administration void of its criticism,” he said.

Ameh also disclosed that education was his topmost priority based on his blueprint for the developmental transformation of the state.

“We see education as the corner stone of all developments. The blueprint therefore, advocates free and compulsory education for all, for the realisation of national and individual potentials. The blueprint also advocates easy access to quality health care services at all levels,” he said.

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Sunday 28 July 2019

Politics Cheers, jeers trail appointment of multiple aides

by Gbajabiamila, other political office holders JOSHUA BASSEY and INIOBONG IWOK (Lagos), ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK (Uyo), GODFREY OFURUM (Aba), IDRIS MOMOH (Edo), and ABDULWAHEED ADUBI (Kaduna)

R

ecently, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila stunned the nation with the appointment of 33 personal aides.

The appointments cover all manner of portfolios, including special advisers and personal assistants on internally displaced persons, gender and equality, political matters (one each from the six geopolitical zones of the country), special needs and equal opportunities, employment and job creation, members’ affairs, administration, special duties, inter-governmental affairs, youth matters, executive relations, budgetary and finance, oil and gas, Niger Delta, anti-corruption, former members’ affairs, and the list goes on.

Gbajabiamila’s appointments, however, melts to nothing when compared to Ben Ayade’s, the Cross River State governor, whose aides, inclusive of special advisers and personal assistants, in his first tenure, were said to be about 8,000.

The two examples captured the near bizarre in government, especially at federal and state levels, where president, governors and lawmakers appoint legion of aides.

Across the 36 states of the federation, governors hardly pay salaries of civil servants and entitlements of pensioners, just as they have huge debts hanging around their necks.

This is also as the Federal Government and organised labour are currently on each other’s throat over the yet-to-beimplemented new national minimum wage of N30,000 signed into effect in April

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to findings, an average appointee as special adviser or personal assistant to political office holders earn salary equivalent to grade level 14 and 16 in the civil service, aside allowances.

While some Nigerians believe these appointments smack of insensitivity, as well as breeds corruption, others, however, think it is a way to create employment.

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Moshood Salvador, disagreed that the large numbers of personal assistants by top public office holders were unnecessary, noting that in most instances, they often carry out administrative duties.

Salvador, who was a former chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, further stressed that such appointments often create jobs, adding that their salaries and emolument is often provided for by the law.

According to him, “Most of this people you are talking about carry out the function of their bosses; they help in administrative convenience and help in carrying out several duties.

“If you are saying the people are doing

Femi Gbajabiamila

one job, but they are doing different jobs, and here is a country where there is no job, it is also an opportunity to employ and empower people.

“When you select the disabled for a role, it is because he knows how it feels to relate with his contemporaries in the society, and it is not that what ten people are collecting that you are giving to one person,” Salvador said.

“The physical revenue mobilisation commission provides for the upkeep of staff of top public office holders, so people who raise eyebrows should know, if I collect the money and refuse to employ they would say I am corrupt.”

But former minister of special minister, Abimbola Ogunkelu, however, disagreed with him, noting that the current situation was worrisome. He stressed that such money could be used for governance and development of the country.

“This situation is becoming serious; you saw how much personal assistance the National Assembly leaders appointed.

We must look seriously into the cost of governance in different level of government in the country.

“The money you use in employing large number of staff could have been used for governance and other people-centred purpose. It is a major national issue, which must be checked,” Ogunkelu said.

Chris Onyeka, a deputy general secretary of United Labour Congress (ULC), condemned the appointment of multiple aides, describing it as the “height of irresponsibility”.

“For too long in this country, we have

complained that the cost of governance is too high and this relates to recurrent expenditure which is made basically of humongous salaries and allowances of political office holders.

“It would have been expected that a responsible government would cut down on cost of government, but unfortunately, what we see is increase in appointment of personal aides some of which are irrelevant,” said Onyeka.

Clifford Thomas, an Akwa Ibom-based human rights lawyer, described the develop-

It would be better to provide basic infrastructure that would help to build economic growth, they might be looking towards the next election and this might give room for crimes that have the backing of some politicians

ment as unsustainable and a means of “settling cronies who had worked for the politician to be elected” which breeds corruption.

Thomas, who, however, agreed there is no law pegging the number of personal aides to be appointed at any given time, explained that appointing too many aides would breed discontentment from those who left out in the appointment spree.

According to him, by appointing too many personal aides, politicians might be looking for those who might be handy during the next elections to be used as errand boys for various activities. He believed it would be better for politicians to channel their resources to the improvement of infrastructure in the society that would drive economic development for all.

“It would be better to provide basic infrastructure that would help to build economic growth, they might be looking towards the next election and this might give room for crimes that have the backing of some politicians,’’ he said.

Patrick Albert, the chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State, said that the concern should be the ability of the politicians to pay “beyond what is statutorily provided for by the organ he belongs,” adding that since democracy is people-centred, a politician should be assessed by the impact he is able to create by effective representation and his empowerment programmes.

However, Franklyn Isong, a public affairs analyst and chairman of the Civil Liberties Ogransiation (CLO) Continues on page 16

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Interview

Entrepreneurship has becomes very critical in today’s Nigeria - Imoukhuede With about N279 billion so far spent in empowering 500,000 Nigerian youths under the N-Power programme since December 2016, Federal Government is using the programme to change the narratives in job creation under the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP). Afolabi Imoukhuede, senior special assistant (SSA) to the President on Job Creation and Youth Employment, Office of the Vice President, in this interview with journalists in Abuja, spoke on other strategic initiatives under the N-Power programme. ANTHONY AILEMEN was there. Excerpts:

I

n the face of growing unemployment, what have you been doing in the last four years, as presidential aide on job creation?

We have realised that we have had a bit of shaky foundation in education producing our graduates. So, we asked what can we then do because even if we reform education as we have begun to do; they can’t go back to school to start all over. They have finished and need to get into the labour market; we need to attune them to the challenges of the labour market. So, as we constantly engage with different sectors in the labour market, one thing always stands out, employability. People are not ready for the jobs that are available. So, under the social investigation programme, it was important we have one component that would speak to job creation and ensure that it is focused towards the youths, and that is the N-Power. We then decided that we will use N-Power to address Nigeria’s employability challenges. Our focus therefore is that you must be within the bracket of at least secondary school, post secondary school and above, because those are the ones either going to labour market or are already in the labour market. So, the next step was to speak to the sectors and understand the challenges they are having with our people and create what is almost like a remedial, let us use this N-Power to correct the gaps that they say our people have. So that after that remedial time, it will further enable our people to be employable.

Secondly, we also needed to change the narratives of jobs for our youths. The era of you finishing school and waiting for white collar job is over. We are in the era of how can I even create jobs, so entrepreneurship becomes very critical. So we said, how can we use this NPower platform to build entrepreneurship skills amongst our people such that the skills will be well measured to the sectors that require a lot of enterprising youths.

Lastly, remember we also designed what is called the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which took certain sectors like agriculture and agriculture business as priority.

The other sectors including construction, be it roads, rails, housing and others; technology, entertainment, and the creative sectors. We looked at basically none oil and gas sectors really. So, putting all of those together, what we then did was to come up with different segments that helped to address the needs of youths and at the same time meeting the needs of the market.

The N-power graduate programme, as we speak has 500,000 youths engaged across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. There is no single local government area that you will not find N-Power there. Let’s also remember that but for the dedicated commitment of Mr. President, we won’t even have the N-Pawer programme. We started this programme in the heat of recession in December 2016, when we actually recruited the first badge. Now, we are not just dishing out money because each of them get N30,000 monthly stipend and none of them is being owed, as we speak. The most interesting part is that we work collaboratively with all the 36 states of the federation including the FCT irrespective of party affiliation, the programme is for all Nigerians. When we did the batch 1, the highest number went to Rivers State. The last time I checked, Rivers

Afolabi Imoukhuede State is a non-APC state but it didn’t matter the party colouration, we worked that way and we deployed.

Another thing is that technology has been the main backbone of this programme and we have worked with technology partners. Our technology partners are Nigerian companies made up of Nigerian youths and every technology we have deployed has been home grown.

We have not had cause to bring in Indians or any other nationality to work with us on this programme.

From the inception of the programme, how much has been invested?

It is every simple talking about amount that has been invested. I am saying that in Batch 1, they started earning from December 2016, so

roughly we invested N72 billion just for Batch 1 alone. That is aside from the gadgets that they get and aside from all the sponsored trainings that they get. For instance, all the trainings on agric for N-Agro, training for health for those who are in health, we sponsor all of that through the federal agencies, ministry of agriculture and ministry of health. So direct investment in our people is N30,000 x 200,000 = N6 billion every month for the first batch which started in 2016. So they have been there for over two years, that is N72 billion multiply by two years or thereabout. But since August last year, the wage bill moved from N6 billion to N15 billion because it’s now 500,000 of them that earn N30,000 monthly. We have been on N15 billion for almost one year because by end of July it will be one year that we have

been making that investment every month.

So if you put it together, that tells you how much investment we have made and like I have said, we don’t owe anyone because the money is paid directly to them not through a proxy. The Batch 2 we are just finalizing with the Bank of Industry to procure their gadgets and get it out to them.

Recently, the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Kayode Fayemi, announced a proposal to recruit N-Power beneficiaries for community policing. Are you involved in this? Was this your idea?

Yes. I defined the N-Power as standing on three tripods - Learn, so it is continuous learning hence they even learn through the gadgets that we have given them. Work, like I said they

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Interview Entrepreneurship has becomes very ...

Continued from page 15 all work, and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship means at some point you must exit the programme. This is one programme where we celebrate resignations, like Daniel from Taraba who got a job in CBN or Mohammed, an IDP from Borno, who used N-Power to settle himself and today he works with NTA in Yola. So when they resign like that we celebrate because you must exit at some point. This is a lifeline that Mr. President has given you to impact your life.

So that is what the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum was talking about. We know the security challenges and we have and we also know the challenges and limitations of the Nigeria Police Force, we know that they wanted to recruit another 10,000 but the governors felt as Chief Security Officers (CSOs) of their states, 10,000 in the whole of Nigeria is small and how many are you going to give every state. So they thought, we have NPower volunteers that are community based, the beauty of this programme is that it is so transformational because they impact their communities where they reside unlike the NYSC where you are yanked from your base and taken somewhere else. Also remember in N-Power, beneficiaries must be post-NYSC graduates except you are in the non-graduate programme which I will speak about or you are in NCE programme which obviously you are not deployed for NYSC. So that is the beauty that the governors saw and realize that these are foot soldiers and no state has less than 10,000 N-Power beneficiaries now. So 10 multiply by 37 equal 370,000 and that tells you that some states have more than 10,000 beneficiaries. States like Osun has 17,000, FCT 14,000 and when you divide that into local councils, it tells you how many foot soldiers they have. So the governors realise, this is the community policing we have been

talking about, this is an opportunity to engage our N-Power volunteers. This is something we have marketed to the governors, the ministries, departments and agencies.

So, for the people have been investing in, it should be their rights of first refusal. So if police or immigration wants to recruit, why not first offer the opportunity to those who qualify within this programme, so that as they are going out more people will come in. That is the promise Mr. President and his vice made during the campaign, that we are not even going to reduce N-Power, we are going to expand it. That explains why you have been hearing about the figure of one million. That means if we can move some of these people into other opportunities, we will have space to bring in more Nigerian youths into the programme.

You will get the re-skilling, re-tooling, as well as so you too can go out and merge into opportunities. So yes, we are working with the NGF because we supply the data to them and Nigeria Police.

What is the outcome of the N-Built training you had with the heads of centers to help review the outcome of your programme?

In taking care of the youths we needed to be careful so it won’t look like an elitist programme so it won’t look like we are taking care of only graduates. So that was why we designed the non-graduates programme. But I can tell you that 50 percent of the beneficiaries of non-graduate programme are already graduates, who are not looking for white collar job but want to learn a trade. Recall I said we created the non-graduate programme based on sectors, the N-Built deals with vocational skills for construction industry and automobile industry and more recently we added hospitality industry. We also have the N-Tech which deals with training of our young people on software development, we have 4,000 of them. We are just about to role that out but

we have rolled out already the first series of the hardware which we call N-Tech Hardware where we will train 6,000 young Nigerians, 1,000 per geo-political zone how to repair this smart phones, laptops and all that. The reason for that is that...remember I said we have our 200,000 devices, that is 200,000 devices in the market that are at community level. So if something happens, it freezes and all that you will have to come to the city, so we needed to train new set of young people that can really be repairing these things at community level.

Another component is N-Creative, here they learn animation, graphics, script writing, videography and all of that. We just launched the one for the 17 southern states in Benin recently and the one for northern states will take off in another two months in Abuja.

The last one is Social Investment Innovations Hubs, where we have one hub per geopolitical zone but north central zone will be here in Abuja, North East is Yola, North West - Kaduna, South East - Enugu, South SouthBenin, South West - Akure.

So, what we did with the skills in the N-Built, was to work with the Technical Colleges as training centers and other centers that are training on these technical skills after we did assessment and they passed. To pass it means you must have the equipment, the instructors and the structures because we recruit and send trainees to them. As at last year we had 250 centres but by early this year, we now have 401 centres that are participating in the N-Built programme. So far we have trained 20,000 in Batch 1 and another 20,000 already in Batch 2 began their trainings in March just before the elections and will train for another one year. Out of this number, construction has 28,000, automobiles getting close to 10,000 and hospitality getting about 2,600 trainees.

We work with organizations like the council of registered builders of Nigeria, they regulate all that happens in construction industry, we work with national automotive design development

council and with the hospitality council.

For those exiting the programme, how do they have access to startup funds?

That is one of the broad areas we are looking at as exit options. We have brought our GEEP counterpart to the table, who are already designing what could be the startup capital for each N-Power programme. The beauty of N-Power beneficiaries is that no matter what segment they were in, they learnt the business of cooperatives very well, understanding that my own N10,000 savings cannot do much but if 10 of us come together that is N200,000. So what we are looking at is with the startup kits we are looking to give them, cluster them as well so they can set up a garri processing cottage industry for instance. So if our startup is at N90,000, they already have what it takes to start up the cottage industry and own it.

We also have NESA which is ready to work with us in the 15 economic agric value chains that we have and we have spoken to CBN which is ready de-risk because they know they have market for the produce. We are also speaking to state governors to give land through anchor-borrowers programme to these youths in agriculture. We are also working with BoI to give small loans.

So we are also looking at taking up opportunities like community policing, if any company wants to hire a number of people, we link them through job matching. That is why each time Mr. President engaged, he tells them, nobody is going to throw you back to the streets. The assurance to N-Power volunteers is that nobody is throwing any of them back to the streets because throwing them back to the streets negates the purpose of why we started it. So we ensure that you exit into something, it may not be Hilton comfort but some kind of comfort that enables us to bring in more people and recycle them as well and give them opportunity life line.

Cheers, jeers trail appointment of multiple aides by Gbajabiamila...

Continued from page 14 in Akwa Ibom welcomed such appointments.

According to Isong, such appointments help to reduce unemployment and poverty in the society, as those appointed are positioned to contribute their quota to the development of their respective communities.

“It will go a long way to help those who have been appointed to be gainfully employed. What is important is that youths are gainfully employed and the minimum wage is paid accordingly instead of the youth being involved in unscrupulous activities,’’ Isong said.

For Tony Abolo, an Edo State-based media consultant, multiple political aides arise from “faulty Nigerian constitution”.

Abolo advised that Nigeria should borrow a leaf from the British unwritten constitution where government actions are guided by common sense and prudence.

“I know that politicians will justify the appointment of these aides because it is not restricted by the constitution. Those that drafted the Nigeria constitution may not have put public expenditure into consideration.

“For example, in Edo State, you have commissioner for information and then again special adviser on information or media, senior special assistant on media, commissioner for works and again special adviser on public works. What duplication! Who is doing what? Most of them just sit down inside the offices doing nothing, and all the necessary allowances among others are paid to them.

“If we rationalise political appointments, we ought to know that we are wasting the funds meant for actual development and the actual decision making in government. We

have said that bureaucracy is costing us too much in terms of recurrent expenditures, and for that kind of bloated bureaucracy at a time like this prudence is what is called for,” Abolo said.

Charles Chinekezi, chairman, Civil Liberties Organisation, Aba chapter, observed that appointment of ministers and commissioners was a constitutionally required necessity, as they are needed to help the president or governor in running the affairs of the country or state. But he frowned at legion of special advisers and personal aides.

However, Goodluck Ibem, presidentgeneral, Coalition of Igbo Youths, chided governors who dodge appointment of commissioners.

According to him, “The state is not the governor’s personal business, where he can do as he likes. He is duty-bound by law to appoint commissioners to oversee the various ministries in the state. “He cannot replace commissioners with special advisers or special assistants,” he said.

Uche Emeku-Udensi, national secretary, Easy Life Initiative for Rural Youths, argued that it was the responsibility of commissioners to explain government policies to those in the civil service, who are the technical staff in order to know the direction that the government is going, but expressed reservation over the appointment of multiple special advisers and personal aides.

“Our problem is when governors and other political officers go with so many aides, like special assistant on grassroots mobilisation, special advisers on sweeping of environment and all kinds of silly positions.

These are the main problems, because these positions are where corruption shows up,” Emeku-Udensi said.

“It is absurd to hear that at this time of economic recession, the Speaker of the House of Representatives would have the temerity to be involved in this kind of economic wastage of our little resources on 33 personal aides,” Ibem added.

Advising Gbajabiamila, Chinekezi urged right-thinking Nigerians to discourage Gba-

Politics jabiamila from taking so many aides, which according to him, is a waste. “I do not see a reason for that kind of waste,” he said.

He stated that the speaker’s action was an indication that Nigeria was yet to get responsive and responsible representatives and urged Nigerians to force their representatives to be responsible by holding them accountable.

Specifically, on Gbajabiamila, EmekuUdensi said: “When you give some people power you’ll begin to understand the sensibilities of such persons. What does a speaker need 33 aides for? Is he the president of the country? Is he a state governor? He’s only a man representing his federal constituency. I understand that in any gathering of human beings, there must be a leader, so on his part he’s just a leader of other representatives.

“Having 33 aides is outrageous. I learnt that majority of the people he appointed as his aides were former members of the house. Are we recycling leadership? What exactly does he want?”

He described the development as a drain in the resources of the country, especially on the fact that government is running on a deficit budget.

From Kaduna, Moshood Abdulrauf, chairman, Northern Area Committee, Nigeria Council of Registered Insurance Broker, called for streamline of political appointees to avoid excessive spending.

He argued that the government at various levels can run its affairs smoothly without legion of political appointees.

Abdulrauf, who is also the chairman of Kaduna Chapter of NCIRB, noted that “permanent secretaries can assist in the running of affairs of government to avoid the extravagant spending on the political appointees, which according to him, to a large extent, has not helped in alleviating the suffering of the common man.

The insurance broker noted that political aides earned fat salary at the expense of the government while doing very little.

“We must understand that in most cases, permanent secretaries are the ones helping to formulate policies, because they understand how the ministries work as professionals who rose through the ranks in their respective fields”, he emphasised.

However, in his contrary opinion, a veteran journalist, Tajudeen Tijanni Ajibade said spending on political appointees is not a waste, if they are doing what is expected of them.

Although, he agreed that the size of constituted cabinets in most cases are waste of resources, saying that government must look into making it smaller.

“At the face of this economic crisis, we do not need an over bloated cabinet, because in most cases these appointments are usually used to compensate those who had contributed to the emergence of a particular government”, he said.

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Interview

I come from a family of doctors, but destined to be a lawyer - Oladapo Oyebiyi Ladapo runs a thriving firm, BL Practice Hub, a transactions law consulting firm in Lagos, with branches in Abuja and a few other states, plus a fledgling branch in the UK. The Lagos State University Law graduate and an MBA holder from a prestigious UK business school, in this interview with BOLATITO ADEBOLA speaks on his impressive and blossoming career as a lawyer and social entrepreneur, amongst other aspects of his life. Excerpts:

W

hy did you become a lawyer?

I never knew I would become a lawyer. I just found myself as a lawyer which till today, I somehow believe is divine, because I have always been in the middle of medical doctors, so it was just right and somehow natural for me to be a medical doctor by tradition, but as fate and destiny would have it, I ended being a lawyer, which of course, surprised many.

Have you ever had any challenge in your career, and if so, what were the challenges?

I will restrict myself to the challenges I faced as a law student at the university, and when I qualified as a full-fledged lawyer. For the former, you are faced with a lot of challenges, such as industrial actions, which could extend the course duration, beyond the standard five years. Another challenge was the inadequate exposure to various legal procedures at home.

Abroad, for example, for the elective programme, universities in developed countries allow students to visit other schools and countries, in order to have international exposure. Some foreign-trained law students, therefore, have an edge over the Nigeria-trained law students, at some stages of their career. As a qualified lawyer, inadequate exposure, diminished vitality and limited opportunities in our society, often blur the vision and mission of most Nigeria-trained lawyers. Often times, lawyers are more interested in securing jobs to make ends meet, than pursuing aspects of the law that they are passionate about. It is essentially a case of survival and self-sustenance. By the time you are a qualified lawyer and after NYSC, you are already older than the minimum age to get a job in the society, because of the loss of ample time in your undergraduate years of studying in Nigerian universities.

As a successful entrepreneur and lawyer, why did you venture into politics?

I did not venture into politics, as this question suggests; however, I believe it is the responsibility of every Nigerian citizen to be associated with the manifestos of a political party, because the more the people get involved, the more it creates a pool of

ideas that aids in the development of the nation. For example, in the UK, citizens align with the ideology of being either in the Conservative or Labour Parties.

So, the youths should be encouraged to get involved in politics and bring ideas of the age of their time onboard, for the purpose of nation-building. Essentially, the not-too-young-to-run bill is an act that should be applauded.

How do you see the political situation in Nigeria?

A lot of progress is being made in Nigeria by Nigerians, but there is always room for improvement. I suggest we make most political offices less attractive, to achieve passion and national service. Only few individuals are in public office in the interest of the nation, whilst others go there for their own selfish interests or survival. In my honest opinion, our leaders should have the utmost knowledge of law or an idea of background of law and morality at least, and possess the features that are expected of leaders globally. Our leaders should be held accountable.

The world is evolving to a new age, so, young people should be given the opportunity to innovate, create, and express their minds. After all, according to the Nigerian history, before the year 1960 and post-independence, young minds got involved in nation-building, and they did so in their late 20s and early 30s, but most of them are still involved till date. So it won’t be a bad idea for a new age to take the reins of government and governance.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

First of all, I will say God, because I am a product of God’s grace. I don’t think I would have come this far in this profession without His divine positioning.

Also, at various stages of my life, as a man of many parts, I have met different people who have mentored and given me direction. Some of these individuals include my mother, who exposed me to current affairs, and a lot of social life balance; my father, who exposed me to history of the world, of why and how, anthropology, psychiatry and mental health at a very early stage of my life; Mr. Biyi, my cousin, G.A. Dare Falana, a very senior colleague, who gave me my very first major exposure in litigation, during my chamber attachment; Yemi

Oladapo

Edun of Daniel Ford, who made me see opportunities in every challenge I come across in my day to day activities; and Pastor Tai Adesugba, who helped me develop a positive and beautiful mind-set in any challenge, as well as an excellent spirit.

If you had not been a lawyer, what other career line would you have toed?

Aside being a man in the middle of six medical doctors, of whom I am one of them in equity, I would have probably been in the forefront of entertainment in Nigeria, from club ownerships to restaurant business, fashion or stand-up comedy, essentially, an entrepreneur of some worth.

What is your advice to anyone wanting a career in Law? I will advise anyone who wants to have a career as a lawyer, to identify their strength, passion, weakness, and do something totally unrelated at some point in

time, either in business, finance, religion, medical ethics or human rights, to gain a competitive edge from the synergy, upon completion of the first degree, because knowledge is power. Also, not to ever ignore little steps of progress from university days, because every stage and every day in your formative years of the career, counts in the future. This is because, the end justifies the means, but don’t ignore the means to the end. As undergraduates or qualified lawyers, you should have identified and studied the professional terrain by breaking it into segments, a target which niche suits your capacity, and position yourself there at a very early stage, from internships to building professional practice-based relationships.

What is your hand-out to the youth?

Nigeria is an emerging nation and has been so for a very long time, and this has led to a lot of economic instability, uncertainty,

and imbalance. Most Nigerian youths are thus, susceptible to anxiety and worry due to the fear of failure and not being fulfilled.

Based on my experience, in the presence or absence of worry, things always fall into place, as long as you follow the templates of life and precedents of realistic and attainable success stories.

Therefore, I advise the youths to be brave, decisive, goal-oriented, authentic, and worry less, because things will always fall into place.

How do you unwind?

The world is full of distractions, so I make a conscious effort to renew my spiritual mind by listening to podcasts and developing my mind to create a new world on earth, with a positive mindset. I define myself as a social introvert and whatever I choose to do, I do well, so when I am out, I’m out, and when I am in, I’m in. That explains it all.

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PhotoSplash

R-L: Collins Chkeluba, chairman, Kohinoor Lagos; Ini Edo, actress; Richard Mofe-Damijo, actor and former commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Delta State; Kate Henshaw, celebrant/Nollywood actress; Uche Jumbo, actress, at a party hosted to celebrate Henshaw’s birthday in Lagos.

L-R: Managing Partner & CEO, Brandzone Consulting and Committee Chair, Women In Business (WIMBIZ) Women in Politics (WIMPOL), Chizor Malize; Deputy Country Representative, Deutsche Bank Representative Office Nigeria Ltd, Adeola Azeez; Public Policy Expert/Senior Economic Advisor, AEDPI, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili; National Chairman, Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), Emmanuel Dania; CEO/Executive Secretary, American Business Council, Margaret Olele; at the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) Women in Politics Training, held at the American Guest Quarters, Ikoyi, Lagos recently.

Oyedokun Ayodeji Oyewole (r), president/chairman, Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa, presenting membership certificate to Kate Anolue, Mayor of London Borough of Enfiled, at the Induction of Kate as an honorary fellow of the Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa, during the 2019 Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa Annual Lecture, Induction and Investiture at the University of East London, Water Lane London, recently.

Participants (discussants) at ‘The Avalon Daily’s Roundtable on Banditry and Criminality in Nigeria’ held at Turnbull Road/Onikoyi Lane, Ikoyi, Lagos, Friday.

L-R: Adenike Oludare, assistant director, Nursing; Fausat Sanni, medical officer of health, both of Ifako Primary Health Centre Lagos; Lion John Oriazowan, Club president; Lion Blessing Umebali, Region 6 chairperson/Club marketing communications chairperson; Lion Sikiru Olajide, 2nd vice president; Lion Herbert Ehebha, past president; Lion Glady Usoro, financial director, and others, at the July Activity, on Environmental Protection at Ifako Ijaiye Health Care Centre.

L-R: Omolaso Omosehin, assistant rep/head, Lagos Liaison Office, UNFPA Nigeria Country Office; Georgia Arnold, executive director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation; Tope Oshin, Nigerian Television and Film director, and Bada Akintunde-Johnson country manager, VIMN Africa, at the MTV Shuga Naija Season 4 Cast Unveil.

L-R: Akinbamidele Akintola, head, Equity Sales, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited (SISL); Titi Ogungbesan, chief executive, SISL; Samson Okoliko, president, Centre for Destitute Empowerment International Lagos, and Bunmi Olarinoye, executive director, SISL, at the donation of food items, household essentials and relief materials to the Centre by SISL in Lagos, recently

(Middle) Managing Partner, Okwudili Ijezie and Co, Chief Blakey Ijezie; Henry Onwudike (left), and Kordy Agubata (right), during a press conference heralding a two day conference on Challenges and Strategies for improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) scheduled to take place in Lagos between 15th and 16th of August 2019.

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BDSUNDAY 19

THE PROLOGUE

Shi’ites Vs Police 48 hours of madness in Abuja

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ast Tuesday, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Shiite moslem group, took the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the jugular.

The group rained fire and brimstone on the city, leaving the residents suffocating in the smoke of cross-fire.

They had protested the previous day, but it was on Tuesday that hell was let loose. Up till now, nobody is sure of the exact death toll.

The group wants their spiritual leader, Ibrahim elZakzaky, released, but government says only the court can do so.

El-Zakzaky has been in detention since 2015 on a murder charge that his supporters view as fabricated. The security agencies and the group have continued to accuse each other of sparking violence.

It does not yet appear Nigeria has embraced peace on this score. And the casualty figure continues to swell.

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Sunday 28 July 2019

Sunday Magazine Shi’ites vs Police

48 hours of madness in Abuja CHUKA UROKO, OBINNA EMELIKE & AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

A

lmost always, the Shia Muslims in Nigeria, also known as Shiites, are in the news for the wrong reason. They are either protesting or agitating and the end, as a matter of course, is violence that usually leaves bodies bruised and battered, hearts broken and, in extreme cases, souls decimated.

Last Tuesday, in Abuja, hell seemed to have been let loose as the Shiites engaged the Nigeria police in a fierce duel, leading to the death of many innocent people including a senior police officer and a young reporter, a corps member serving with Channels Television.

Though the two-day duel was as bad as violence of that magnitude could be, it was not worse than what the country had seen from this minority group of Muslims in Nigeria estimated at three million.

They are a small fraction of the Muslim community in Nigeria estimated at 50 percent of the country’s 200 million people.

The Shiites are not new to violence. Since 2015, the group has been having one clash after another with Nigeria’s security agencies. Most of the clashes they have had within this period are in protest against the continued detention of their leader, Ibrahim el-Zakzaky.

El-Zakzaky is the head of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) which is an umbrella body for Shia Muslims in the country seeking justice for their members who were killed in the 2015 clash they had with the Nigerian Army. The group also wants an account for the hundreds of their members who have gone missing and, above all, the release of el-Zakzaky who has been held in detention with his wife Zeenah for four years following the clash.

The Shia head was accused of murder, unlawful assembly, disruption of public peace and other charges in respect of the clash.

An unconfirmed account has it that before the violence of 2015, el-Zakzaky’s Shia Muslims were a relatively unknown religious minority. But he is a Muslim scholar who is alleged to have got his inspiration from the 1979 revolution that happened in Iran.

Clearly, El-Zakzaky is the Muslim variant of the Pentecostal pastors whose style of preaching is not always agreeable to the more conservative orthodox Christian priests and

preachers.

He is charismatic in his style of preaching which appeals to the youthful Muslim population who are disenchanted with the government, resulting in millions of converts in a country that once had hardly any Shia Muslims. Today, according to records, there are an estimated three million Shia Muslims in Nigeria.

It is, therefore, understandable why the set is always violent in their protest even when they set out on a peaceful demonstration. It is the youthful energy in the members, coupled with their disenchantment with the social milieu in which they live, that has little or nothing to offer them that are erupting as violence each time they have cause to protest.

Abdullahi Muhammad, a 32-

year old Shi’ite whose family members were killed four years ago, typifies this youthful spirit/ energy. In 2015, he travelled to Zaria in Kaduna State with six relatives to observe Ashoura.

Their car was caught up in a clash between the army and worshippers.

Muhammad alleged that the soldiers shot at his car and killed five of his family members that day. According to him, two of them were undergraduates in colleges. One was his elder sister. The other was an in-law. The last was his youngest cousin preparing to enter college that year. Ever since then, he has vowed to give his life “to fight tyranny.”

Over and above other considerations, however, recent violent incidents happening mostly in Abuja and involving

the group are as a result of the continued detention of ElZakzaky who the government has kept in detention despite court orders to release him and his wife.

Defenders of government of the day insist the continued detention of the Muslim scholar was justified for security reasons, explaining that, if allowed the political space, El-Zakzaky and his group may want to replicate the Iranian revolution in Nigeria which, of course, will not be in the best interest of anybody.

But social and political pundits reason differently. According to them, given the repeated violence resulting from the clashes of El-Zakzaky group and security agencies, and the heavy casualties recorded, government is supposed to re-

consider its stand on the group and its leader.

“The mayhem in Abuja on Monday was avoidable. All that Nigeria needed to avert the calamity is a different approach to leadership. All the country needs is a leader who believes in the rule of law, not one that behaves as an outlaw,” said Ikechukwu Amaechi, a social commentator.

Amaechi reasons that if Nigeria claims to be in democracy, then the leadership must subscribe to the rule of law, adding that Buhari’s hard man posture on the El-Zakzaky’s continued detention and the ensuing violence is not only self-defeating, but also undemocratic, counter-productive and endangering the Nigerian state.

The Nigeria Army alleged after its clash with the group in 2015 that the IMN members “armed with batons, knives, and machetes stopped the convoy of the military”, explaining that it acted in self-defence and to avert the possible assassination of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

Though it is difficult to disprove this, Don Okereke, a Nigeria security analyst, is of the view that the manner the Nigerian government is handling this issue leaves much to be desired as far as human rights and the rule of law are concerned.

Okereke insists the rule of law must not be sacrificed on the altar of national security.

Ebere Ndubisi, a political scientist, agrees, stressing that the Federal Government should

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not, for whatever reason, mix politics with religion.

“Anything that will lead to loss of lives should be managed well in the interest of the people. Just imagine the Channel Television reporter whose life was cut in its prime because of what is, apparently, religious interest of a few individuals. That boy is only 21 years old and still serving his country. That same country, instead of giving him life in its fullness, has conspired with forces of darkness to end his life in a most gruesome manner,” Ndubisi lamented.

The poor youth corps member was just one of a thousand and one other youths and adults who have had to pay the supreme sacrifice for religious in-fighting they know nothing about.

A lot of people demand that the government changes its stance on this group. Amaechi argues that if El-Zakzaky dies in detention, the consequence might be cataclysmic, wondering if the country needs all the trouble when simple adherence to the rule of law would solve the problem.

El-Zakzaky’s continued detention questions the independence of the judiciary

Despite various charges including murder against the Shi’ites leader by the Kaduna State government, the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 2016, (a year after) ordered the release of the couple and two other Shi’ites members from custody.

Sadly, almost three years since the court release order, El-Zakzaky, his wife and two members of the sect, are still in detention.

For many people, the continued detention against court order makes mess of the socalled democracy, which the country acclaims to run as such acts are commonplace during military rule, where freedom is

not guaranteed.

Yet, the independence of the judiciary is in question as the executive arm flouts court orders, a development, which many political analysts say is not healthy for democracy, especially in Nigeria where many issues are confronting its unity.

“The Shi’ites case is not the first time the present administration is flouting court order.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was almost not released despite standing court order to release him. I don’t see El-Zakzaky leaving detention soon”, Imadi Ajume, a public affairs analyst, said.

Ajume, who said the Shi’ites are minority Islamic sect, noted that even minority ethnic groups in the country such as Igala, his tribe, are neglected as the laws hardly carter to their welfare and protection, and when they do, nobody obeys them.

In line with Ajume, Yakubu Ahmed, a Shi’ite, accused the Nigerian government of gross violation of minority rights in Nigeria across ethnicity, religion and other divides.

“The Nigerian Muslims are

more of Sunnis. A Sunni Sheikh would not have been detained this long, as well; the government would quickly obey court order because one of them was involved. But all of them in government swore oath to uphold the constitution of the country, which should guarantee freedom and protection of all citizens”, Ahmed said.

Also, looking at the flouting

of court order, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), called for speedy trial of the couple and the two Shi’ites members who are facing murder charge at the High Court in Kaduna.

Tony Ojukwu, executive secretary of the commission, warned that the crisis could degenerate into “monumental human rights and humanitarian crises” if not handled peacefully.

The continued detention is also condemned globally, especially by Amnesty International, which think the Nigerian government is infringing on the constitutional rights of the Shi’ites to express their views.

The London-based non-governmental organisation, which focuses on human rights, is also not happy on the recent attack on protesting Shi’ites in Abuja.

According to Seun Bakare, programme manager at Amnesty International Nigeria, “This new crackdown is part of a shocking pattern in which security forces have used live ammunition to disperse IMN supporters who are simply exercising their freedom of expression.

“Images of IMN supporters being driven from the streets of Abuja with gunfire demonstrate once again the Nigerian authorities’ resolve to use lethal force rather than the rule of law in addressing the grievances of the IMN”.

Though Amnesty was among the bodies that called for independent investigations on the attacks on the Shi’ites protesters, Ahmed said the only thing needed to stop the protests, which Shi’ites vowed to continue is to release their leader.

“As long as El-Zakzaky is still in detention, the Shi’ites will continue to demand his release and they are ready to do that despite the many threats.

I want other Nigerian minorities, whether religion, ethnic or political minorities to stand with the Shi’ites because it is a big slap on rule of law and gross injustice to on minority rights”, he said.

Considering claims by Shi’ites members that their leader is sick and should be released for urgent medical attention, Ajume urged for speedy trial of the suspects to also save other Nigerians who are not Shi’ites from falling victims of the continued protests.

Since the death of Yakuku Dankaduna, an Army corporal, who was part of the convoy allegedly attacked by the Shi’ites in Zaria, many others have died.

Usman Umar, deputy commissioner of Police in charge of Operations Federal Capital Territory Command, and Precious Owolabi, an innocent, Channels Television journalist, both lost their lives during the Abuja protest, many sustained injuries, yet the Shi’ites are dying at every protest and never captured. It is enough, try them, if found guilty or innocent take action accordingly and close the case,” Ajume advised.

…And the tears continue to flow

It was a very pathetic scene in Wusasa cemetery, Zaria in Kaduna State, on July 25, 2019 when uncontrollable tears were flowing down like torrent from the eyes of relatives, colleagues and well-wishers as the body of late Precious Owolabi, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was committed to the mother earth.

The 21-year-old late Owolabi, who was attached to Channels Television as a corps member, was killed in his prime after being hit by a stray bullet while covering the violent protest and clash between the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites’ and the Nigerian Police around the Federal Secretariat in Abuja on Monday July 22, 2019 as Channel’s reporter.

The presumed ‘peaceful protest’ turned violent when the officers of the Nigerian Police attempted to disrupt the protest by ‘firing unlawfully,’ according to Human Rights Watch, on Shia protesters.

Aside Owolabi, it was also reported that Usman Umar, a deputy commissioner of Police, was also murdered during the protest. Umar, who was in charge of operations in the Continues on page 22

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Sunday Magazine against Shia Movement protesters since 2015.

On December 12, 2015, the Nigerian army used ‘excessive force’ against the group’s street procession in Zaria , Kaduna State, which was allegedly attributed to efforts to clear the way for the army chief’s convoy.

This singular act resulted to a 3-day crackdown where the army killed 347 members of the group and arrested hundreds more, including the group’s leader, El Zakzaky, and his wife, Ibraheemat.

Instead of the arrest deterring member of the Shia movement from protesting, the continuous refusal of the presidency to release the leader against court order has been resulting to several other protests by members.

Continued from page 21

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, was shot and fatally injured by the protesters and was immediately rushed to the hospital where he died moments later while receiving treatment.

The Shia movement was protesting the unlawful detention of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the movement since 2015 by the Federal Government, as well as the act of refusing him access to proper medical care.

Report has it that on the July 22, 2019, eleven protesters including Owolabi and Umar, were killed, while dozens of other people were either wounded or arrested.

According to eye witnesses, the police unlawfully open fire on the protesters who were on peaceful protest.

“They started shooting at everyone – they didn’t care who the bullets hit. A bullet hit my left leg, and I was carried away by my brothers in the movement,” said a 26-year-old University of Abuja student.

The student said he participated in the protest with his friends until policemen opened fire on them.

“I went to the university hospital’s emergency room but left when police arrived to arrest protesters. We have changed our location twice because we are afraid of the police. The bullet is still in my leg; I think my leg is broken. I feel so much pain all over my body,” the student reportedly said.

Members of the movement had earlier on July 9, 2019 taken their protest to the National Assembly, which resulted to abrupt shut down of the seating of the legislators.

Contrary to the claim by Nigerian Police that Shia movement staged violent protest, the movement denied all allegations of violence by their members who took part in the protest.

They however, alleged that the police were responsible for the deaths of deputy commissioner Umar and Owolabi, Channel’s reporter.

Several human right groups and individuals that have the peace and unity of this country at heart have reacted to both the protest, and the reasons behind it. They have also raised valuable questions and concerns, which the presidency needs to look into in order to uphold peace in the already tensed country.

“The mistake President Buhari has made is to refuse to release El Zak Zaky and to have continued to persecute and kill his supporters and members of the Shia Muslim community.

History proves that Shias are ferocious fighters and they are far better educated and more enlightened than Sunnis,” said Femi Fani-Kayode, a lawyer and former minister of aviation, on his twitter handle.

The Presidency reacts Fani-Kayode, who made it clear that he did not agree with the movement on many things, said the Shia will not back down from this fight even if government kills them in their millions.

“Until justice is done and their demands are met, they will continue to return to the streets to protest. The biggest mistake that Buhari can make is to ban the IMN. The Shia Muslims have every right to practise their faith just as the Sunni Muslims and Christians do. Nigeria is a secular state where freedom of religion is constitutionally guaranteed,” he added.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday July 23, 2019, John Momoh, chairman of Channels Group, asked Police Headquarters to open up investigation into the killing of Owolabi.

Momoh, who made the request during a visit to Police Headquarters in Abuja, said it was extremely important that

the culprit was brought to book, in order to help bring succour to the families of those affected by the clash.

On their part, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) advised Nigerian security forces to abide by the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, which states that security forces shall “apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms,” and that whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, security forces should exercise restraint and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offense and the legitimate objective to be achieved.

The UN principle, according HRW, further advised security officials to also minimise injury and preserve human life.

The intentional lethal use of firearms may only be made “when strictly unavoidable in

order to protect life.” The Basic Principles further provide that in cases of death or serious injury, “a detailed report shall be sent promptly to the competent authorities.”

The Human Rights Watch also called for joint impartial investigations into the July 22 protest and violence by the Nigerian judicial officials and the National Human Rights Commission.

“Those responsible for the unlawful use of force should be brought to justice in fair trials. Authorities should immediately release protesters who were arbitrarily arrested and who have not been charged with a credible offense, and they should ensure that all injured protesters have safe access to urgent medical care,” the HRW further suggested.

According to Human Rights Watch, Nigerian authorities have used excessive force

Femi Adesina, senior special assistant to the Presi dent on Media and Publicity, while reacting to the clash on Channel Television, said: “Let me start by condoling with Channels Television on the sad loss of the reporter, condoling with the police on the loss of the DCP and all those that have been lost earlier in these series of clashes and even with the Shiites group because life does not need to be wasted wantonly and that is what we have seen in this Shiite protests. If you are human, the death of anybody will diminish you”.

He further said: “Perpetrators of the mayhem will not go unpunished...Let nobody or group doubt or test our will to act in the higher interest of majority of our citizens.”

He recalled that there were no problems when the group first started protesting, noting that they worked with the Police who handled their protests well.

He said authorities only responded to the protesters’ violence when they started causing murder and mayhem in public.

“People didn’t die in the first year of protests, but who escalated it to the point of murder and mayhem? It’s the protesters. And the security forces can’t just keep their eyes open and watch things deteriorate,” he said.

Adesina noted that Monday’s clash could have been worse if the Police responded to the situation with greater force, especially after DCP Umar was killed.

“If the police had responded in similar fashion, you would have been talking of rivers of blood in Abuja now. I still believe there was some restraint despite what happened and, personally, I still commend the police for showing that restraint,” he said.

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Arts ‘Rant Queens is enjoying great run at the cinema due to world-class production’ The cinemas are buzzing once again with exciting theatrical runs of ‘Rant Queens’, the latest and enthralling Nollywood blockbuster movie. Excited that the movie is already showing in 37 cinemas across the country since its premiere on July 12, 2019, Moyin Olutayo, producer of the movie, speaks to Obinna Emelike in this interview on the production quality and why the movie is a must-watch.

Congratulations on the successful premiere of Rant Queens. Is the movie your first film, how do you rate the quality and why did you venture into the production? hank you. No, it is not my first film. I have produced a couple of movies. “Rant Queens” was produced by me for Edak Willie Productions. We did a fantastic job and the quality is very good; beautiful pictures, great artistic direction, interpretation and delivery. Many who have seen the movie have attested to this. Our choice of this particular theme was influenced by the need to address an issue that is global in nature and has bearing to our persons.

the best in the craft.

Do you think the cast delivered on the roles, why and who impressed you most and in what role?

Yes the cast delivered, from feedback we got so far I must say they played their roles well to the admiration of the viewers. We have heard so much from those who have been to the cinemas to see “Rant Queens”, they talk about it with so much excitement and the “take home” from the movie.

The cast members were great in their craft.

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The movie has been in the cinema since July 12th, how is it fairing so far?

So far, the movie is doing well and we are also exploring other avenues opened to us for greater reach.

What influenced the title of the movie and are those reasons relatable in life?

The title was drawn from the thematic focus of the movie. Of course, it has a direct relation to our daily living and issues currently paramount in the global space.

You also had an assemblage of great cast, how did you arrive at that?

Thank you. We had a table conference (producer, director, assistant director, screen writer and executive producer), where we deliberated on the theme, our objective, character bible and actors

Moyin Olutayo

we believe could deliver on them.

That was how we arrived at those contracted.

Also, what informed the choice of Lancelot Imasuen as the director?

Lancelot is a fantastic director who has proven over time to be one of

is showing in 37 cinemas across the country. Same goes for movies distributed by these other names you mentioned. Movies distributed by them are showing in cinemas owned by other distribution companies.

Now as an entertainment entrepreneur, how is the business of movie production amid challenges?

Every business has its peculiar challenges. The movie industry is no exception. Several communiqués have been forwarded to the government in this regard, but having an enabling environment and favorable structure in place have remained top on our list of demands, and we, entertainment entrepreneurs, have forwarded our demands to the authorities.

Why the choice of Genesis Pictures as the distributors, when the big names such as Silverbird Distributions and Filmhouse are there?

How do you mean by “big names”? . . . Genesis Cinemas is a big name.

In the business of movie distribution, distributors work in synergy with other players. “Rant Queens” is distributed by Genesis Cinemas and is also showing in cinemas outlets own by Filmhouse, Silverbird, and others. “Rant Queens”

Are there funds accessible to movie makers and did you get such facilities for the movie production?

For an industry as massive as this and contributing immensely to the country’s GDP, providing funds and making them accessible to industry players should be one of government’s top priorities.

Enough of huge figures “thrown” around, what we need is “a working structure”. We did not get any facility for the production of “Rant Queens”. It was self-funded.

turn of her daughter. The documentary was first screened to the public on April 14, 2019 at selected Lagos parks and gardens to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the girls’ abduction. It has since had private screenings at the British Council, Lagos and Ventures Park, Abuja.

The film is a stark reminder that the traumatic events of that fateful night in April 2014 are still fresh, and there are women who are still waiting for their children to be returned.

“We hope that this film serves as a vehicle to not only transport people to Chibok, but we also want to use it as a means of raising financial assistance to families of victims of the insurgence. It is one thing to lose your child and spend years waiting for her return, and it is another to still be living in abject poverty. We must remember that these women have other children to cater for, and when you do not have the means of taking care of them, that is extra pain.

If we cannot bring back their girls now, at least we should be able to do something about their economic situation”, he said.

More so, he realised the significant role the womenfolk of Chibok play in sustaining their families, thus the need to support affected mothers who are waiting for the return of their daughters.

Benson is currently exploring avenues for commercial distribution of the film, and plans to use the proceeds to support the mothers of the girls that are still missing.

Benson’s love for virtual reality started in 2018, when he was commissioned to produce a 360 degree video for a client. That project opened his eyes to the potential of VR as a powerful and reformative tool for storytelling. His first VR film was ‘In Bakassi’, a short film that captures the plight of children living with PTSD in Internally Displaced Persons Camps in the northeast region.

‘Daughters of Chibok’ goes to Venice ...Only virtual reality film from Africa competing at world’s oldest film festival OBINNA EMELIKE

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t is another first for Joel Kachi Benson, a documentary filmmaker, as Daughters of Chibok, his virtual reality documentary film, has been selected for screening at the upcoming 76th Venice International Film Festival in Italy.

Venice International Film Festival, which is the oldest film festival in the world, introduced the virtual reality film competition in 2017 to celebrate and recognise films made using Virtual Reality (VR) technology. It is the first A-list film festival to toe in that path. Over 30 immersive stories were selected for in-competition and out-of-competition for this year’s edition. Popularly known as Venice VR, the festival looks at linear and interactive content.

Daughters of Chibok is competing in the linear content category.

Among 12 other VR films selected

from around the world, Benson’s film, from Nigeria, is the only VR documentary from the continent.

Other countries competing in the category include; France, China, Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Italy, Taiwan and Israel.

The films will be judged by an international jury, who will determine the winners for Best VR, Best VR Experience for Interactive Content and Best VR Story for Linear Content awards respectively.

Thrilled by his nomination, Benson stated that the role of VR in today’s filmmakingcannotbeoveremphasized.

“I am excited about the opportunity this gives us to share authentic African stories with the world. VR is an important tool for communication and it is delightful to know that festivals like Venice have the foresight to see its impact on the future of storytelling and are celebrating it.”

But more importantly, he added that, “We are excited that Daughters

Joel Kachi Benson

of Chibok is going to a platform as big as the Venice Film Festival, where the audience can have the opportunity to visit Chibok - a place that many have heard of but have never been to”.

Daughters of Chibok, which is the first-ever VR film on the infamous Chibok kidnappings, centers on Yana Galang, a woman leader in Chibok, whose daughter was among the kidnapped Chibok girls.

The 11-minute film mirrors Galang’s pain as she hopefully awaits the re-

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Arts ‘We are bringing Omega to Nigerians who are always seeking what is new and unique’ While wrist watch is fast becoming store of value, Polo Luxury, foremost luxury items retailer, is enriching its collections with the distribution of the Omega brand. In this interview, John Obayuwana, managing director, and Jennifer Obayuwana, executive director, both at Plolo Limited, tell Obinna Emelike how Omega is going to woo more watch collectors with its first big store in Africa in partnership with Polo Limited.

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What is the big news for Polo Luxury? e have been chosen as the official distributors of the Omega wrist watch brand in Nigeria. For us it is a big feat because the Omega brand is one of the most prestigious wrist watch brands in the world.

It has a lot of watch making history since inception some 170 years ago in Switzerland. Over these years, it has faithfully kept time and has broken a lot of time keeping records, and has achieved many milestones such that it is regarded as a legend.

The brand occupies a dignified position in the watch making pyramid. It addresses the needs of leaders, professionals, pilots, sailors. It is active in the field of sports and in many humanitarian endeavours across the world.

The brand is built around four pillars; it is speed master, sea master, the constellations and the feel; very dressy and very elegant. There is a good split between sporting timepieces, sporting creations and also very elegant and very dressy models.

Omega is the only watch on the moon. Over 50 years ago, at the first exploration on the moon, the astronauts had omega watches on their wrists. It was the only watch that could survive the rigor and demand and exerting pressure of the journey to the moon.

As we speak, there is an Omega time piece on the moon, which NASA uses for its research and to track time.

Omega is great and illustrious brand.

As well, over 50 years now, Omega has consistently sponsored the Olympic Games and remains the official time keeper of the Olympics. Therefore, it is known for its breathtaking achievements in the area of precision; when you can take a second and split it into a hundred parts, it is crazy. This is the sort of tolerance that is demanded when you are doing time keeping and Omega champions it and pushes the boundaries.

With all these going for Omega, we are bringing the brand to Nigeria. This not a launch per se, but an introduction of the watch to the

just during crisis.

L-R: Jennifer Obayuwana, executive director, and John Obayuwana, managing director, both of Polo Limited, during the media unveiling of the Omega wristwatch brand by Polo Limited in Lagos recently.

media, so that you can bring the presence and knowledge of this brand to the Nigerian consumers, who are always seeking what is new, what is unique, and what is beautiful. Of course, the Nigerian consumer is very astute, he is highly exposed and very discerning, he is not a moneymiss-road consumer, he is smarter than that.

So, we bring him this brand for the enjoyment, pleasure, possession, among other reasons for patronising the brand. It is also good for gifting.

What kind of relationship do you have with the Omega brand?

We are going to have the first store in Africa. It is in the works and is going to be a very big store. The relationship with the Omega brand now is distributor and retail.

Aside that, we are able to support the brand with after sales service, and this is very critical that we do not just sell a time piece, but able to maintain it; service, refresh, renew it when the need arises.

We do not want people to spend lots of money on a watch and lock it up in a drawer because it is not working and you do not know where to go for repairs.

So, we are not just trading, we are adding value and supporting the brand to ensure that the timepieces continue to beat to regular time and live up to the desires of the buyers.

Do you mean five-year warranty?

So, when we sell a watch,

we follow it to the end. From when you buy it, we check to make sure that it is working well. We have official after sales service here and more importantly, Omega after sales has a five-year warranty and should there be a problem, which hardly happens, we take it back and not just here in Nigeria, anywhere in the world as long as it is officially Omega.

So, five years warranty is an incentive and gesture from the Omega brand and during the period, the watch is serviced free of charge, excerpt things like changing the watch strap, which is not a defect. Truly, not many brands can give as much as five years warranty. It is an amazing offer.

Why did it take long to get an Omega distribution right in Nigeria?

It takes time to achieve anything good, and same applied to getting the Omega brand.

So, we pushed it until we get it. The Omega people have to visit to check for themselves if we meet their requirements for distribution among others. The fact that we are distributing for one brand does not mean that the next one is ready to do business with us. So, it takes a while to build that trust and cultivate the relationship.

Who are your target and how will Omega impact competition among other watch brands?

Our average customer is a watch collector, he loves his brand, but he is not satisfied with one or two brands,

he wants the newest toy in town. Why do people have many cars, which all do the same thing; taking you from one point to the other in comfort and safety; they want what is unique, what one brand has that the other does not have. It may be just the look, the feel, the aesthetics, the details that the other brand does not have, or even the story, which one brand tells, the other does not tell.

So, there is always a gap in a collection and that is why all the great brands keep coming up with newer and more unique models. Again, the brands know that you will want to change the timepiece you wore last year. Also, as you make more money, you desire watches for different occasions; you may want a dress watch for a gala evening, for everyday office work, and you may want a sports watch to go to the gym.

How is the luxury market faring in the face of the economy challenges now?

The luxury market is not different from the Nigerian economy. It is the same turbulence and headwinds that everybody encounters, but the ability to remain strong and keep pushing ahead in spite of the challenges is what will distinguish those who will survive and those who will not. However, the support of our staff has been immeasurable in seeing us weather the storm and challenges, especially government policies, tariffs, taxes, currency fluctuation, power among others. We were able to ad-

What are the unique selling points of Omega wrist watch?

For Omega, you are buying heritage and precision. For a watch that has been and is currently on the moon, the only watch that could survive on the moon, that already counts for quality. Then you are buying the heritage of over 170 years of existence, and that is another unique selling point. Moreover, Omega is among the top five selling watches in the world.

It fluctuates; one year it is number 3, another year it is number 5.

So, it has desirability; clients want it, reliability, and precision. All Omega watches are water-resistant from 150250 feet and all are made from precious metals; gold, and stainless steel. They are durable and can withstand wears and tears.

Can an Omega watch be a store of value?

Yes. Nowadays, wrist watches have gone beyond time keeping to becoming store of value. Now, you can buy a watch, store the value and sell it higher later. So, you can actually invest in wrist watches as a collector.

Do you have watches for all budgets?

We have a pyramid; the very exclusive top and down to the access level. At the entry level too, everybody is welcomed to Polo. At Polo everybody is a king, we do not know if you are a big man or not. For us, there is no small man or big man, there is no big money or small money, money is money and a customer is important and is treated like a royalty.

We have some very expensive collections and also have some access pieces. We have brands like Longines, Palma among others, which are more accessible and still offer great value for money. We have some digital watches that will beep you alarm, tell you time of the day, remind you of meetings and others, which the people of the younger generation are excited about. So, we have something for everybody. Omega features well in James Bond movies and once a James Bond movie premieres, sells soar.

9mobile to announce winner of 2018 Prize for Literature OBINNA EMELIKE

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merging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), operating as 9mobile, has expressed its commitment to the development of the African literary sector and also to redeem the 2018 Prize for Literature starting with the announcement of the winner from the shortlist for the 2018 edition soon.

The shortlist include; “What it Means When a Man Falls Down from the Sky”

by Lesley Nneka Arimah, a Nigerian; “Stay with Me”

by Ayobami Adebayo, also a Nigerian; and “Asylumby Marcus Low” from South Africa.

The telecommunication company also assured that it would fulfill its commitment to the finalist of the 2018 edition of the 9mobile Prize for Literature.

As well, the executive management of 9mobile sincerely thanked all the eminent scholars that have served as the patrons and judges of the 9mobile Prize for Literature initiative for their excellent service over the years since the debut of this flagship literary Prize in 2013.

The 9mobile Prize for Literature, launched in 2013, is the first pan-African literary Prize that celebrates African first-time writers of published fiction. It is open solely to writers from African coun-

Lesley Nneka Arimah

tries, resident anywhere in the world. Zimbabwe’s NoViolet Bulawayo won the inaugural edition of the prize in 2014 with We Need New Names, while South African novelist Songeziwe Mahlangu won with Penumbra in 2015. Fiston Mwanza Mujila from the Democratic Republic of Congo won in 2016 with Tram 83, and in 2017 Nigeria’s Jowhor Ile won for his first book And After Many Days.

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Life&Living Why natural products are best for problematic skin conditions

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Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson

e have to realise that just because one big cosmetic company brought out a new moisturiser, face wash, face scrub etc does not make it the best for your skin or the solution to your skin problems.

There is power in the natural products that we take for granted.

As a matter of fact, dermatologists have said that most of these off the counter products are manufactured with harsh chemicals such as Hydroquinone, which can cause damage to the skin over a period of time.

The face is the most delicate area of our body. It is also the first thing people see when they look at you.

This is the reason why it is more than necessary to give extra care and attention to your face.

Here are some tips on how to use natural products to beautify your skin and keep it looking fresh and radiant.

1. Shea butter: The local African Shea butter is an all-natural organic product which helps to fade scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, dark spots, blemishes, skin discoloration and improves skin texture.

To make your own natural face scrub, just add some corn flour, brown sugar and essential oils to shea butter. The coarse brown sugar helps to exfoliate your skin and remove bacteria and dead skin cells.

Use this once or twice a week to keep your skin clear and avoid over drying your skin.

2. Goat milk: has a myriad of benefits for the skin. In fact, goat milk is now found as an essential ingredient in new skin care products. It conditions and moisturizes

the skin. It serves as a great beauty treatment in the bath. Goat’s milk has smaller proteins, making it easily and quickly absorbed in the skin. It is a well known beauty aid in fighting and treating serious skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

To make your own facemask, add some honey to goat milk and rub on your face. Leave on for a few minutes and wash off before.

3. Coconut Oil: Studies have shown that intake of coconut oil can help our bodies mount resistance to

both viruses and bacteria that causes illness. More so, it helps fight off, yeast, fungus and Candida. It keeps the skin well moisturised and soft.

4. Olive oil: Olive oil is a great skin moisturiser. It contains linoleic acid, which prevents water from evaporating. You can also add a few drops of extra virgin olive oil to warm bath water for a good, healthy soak.

5. Lemons: Lemon Juice citric acid gradually fades spots and evens out your skin tone. Lemons are a great source of calcium, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. These minerals and antioxidants improve the appearance and condition of our hair, nails and skin. The antibacterial and antifungal properties make

them a natural alternative to treat acne and remove blackheads. You can add a few drops of natural honey to a half lemon and rub on affected area and leave on for 10 minutes before with cold water. They also help to get rid of oily skin.

6. Honey: You probably wonder why honey is used most times during your facial spa treatments. Well, when applied on your face, honey opens up your skin pores to cleanse them and get rid of black heads. Its antioxidant, antiseptic and antibacterial properties allow it to help you fight acne by keeping your pores free of oily dirt while at the same time keeping them hydrated and tight to give you clearer complexion.

Relationship tips that could be terrible advice IFEOMA OKEKE

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hen things get tough in a relationship, it’s natural to seek out the advice of friends, family, and even experts. Unfortunately, not all love advice is created equal, and some of the most frequentlymentioned recommendations could potentially do more harm than good.

These are the little bits of “wisdom” relationship pros wish people would stop listening to immediately.

And for more on what mistakes you shouldn’t make, check out some worst mistakes married people or those in relationship make.

Living together is a great way to test the waters for the future The problem with this advice is that very few couples have a seamless move-in experience, which means it’s easy to assume that a few hiccups along the way mean your relationship is doomed.

“Healthy, happy couples don’t start out compatible,” explains Patty Newbold, a marriage educator. “They build their relationship skills dealing with the small differences so that they’re ready for the big ones that come along later. Create a lifestyle and a home you’re both compatible with, and do it together, so you’re ready for whatever illnesses, losses, disabilities, career changes, lapses in character, and childrearing challenges might come up later.”

Play hard to get “The vast majority of the time

playing hard to get guarantees that both of you are going to end up alone,” says James Anderson, dating expert at Beyond Ages. “The dating world is competitive and few people have the time to constantly pursue someone who is not demonstrating any interest. Stop playing these silly games and show a little interest back. You will be giving yourself many more opportunities with people you otherwise might have missed out on.”

Never go to bed angry It’s actually better to take some time to chill out before discussing something you’re feeling worked up about, according to Eric Hunt, a licensed wedding officiant and marriage and relationship coach based in Myrtle Beach, S.C. “When things get heated, we tend to say things we don’t always mean. Sleeping on it can give you that needed time to cool off, and in most cases, whatever it was will not seem as big by morning.”

Forgive and Forget “Forgiveness is absolutely crucial to having a healthy relationship, but forgetting is not necessary,” says Monte Drenner, a licensed mental health counselor in Orlando, FL. “I have worked with many couples that made forgiving each other way more difficult than it already is because of the forgetting clause in the statement. ‘Forgive and let go’ is better advice.”

Age is just a number There are certainly relationships with age gaps that work out beautifully, but experts say couples closer in

age tend to be happier. “Age matters less as you get older—that’s true.

But dating someone close to your age has huge benefits,” says Anna Wood, dating and lifestyle expert.

“You’ll have the same cultural references, interests, and grow into new life stages (including seniorhood) at the same time.”

Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket It’s not unusual for friends and family to caution someone not to bank on a particular relationship working out, but this advice is pretty problematic for those in serious relationships. “This usually encourages couples to prepare for the end of the relationship in some subtle way,” says Natasha D. Oates, a relationship coach and licensed therapist. “All it really does is point to the insecurities and trust issues in the relationship.

Who can really make a happy home

with one foot in and one foot toward the exit?”

Look for a partner who loves all your hobbies Having a life partner who loves everything you might sound great, but there’s often more than meets the eye in these partnerships.

“Someone who needs to feel connected to another human being in order to survive will adapt their likes and dislikes to you,” explains Megan Hunter, co-founder of the High Conflict Institute and author. “Suddenly you’ve found a partner who also loves horses, worships your favourite sports team, has the same type of friends, loves the same movies.”

They’re probably just a little bit codependents. The moral of the story?

“Compatibility is great for most relationships but proceed with caution if it seems too good to be true.”

If you fall out of love, you should

get divorced “This is one of the worst things I hear from people over and over again,” says Irina Baechle, LCSW, a relationship therapist and coach.

“The truth is, falling in love is merely a nature trick pulling humans into marriage to reproduce. The trick always goes away because ‘falling in love’ is temporary. However, it does not mean that we stop loving the other person, it’s just the ecstatic lovingness that characterizes the experience that goes away. And that’s usually when the real love starts to begin.”

Your appearance doesn’t matter as much once you’re married “This is one of the biggest mistakes in marriage,” says Michelle Afont, relationship expert and author of The Dang Factor: A No-Nonsense Lesson on Life and Love. “Getting too comfortable and taking your partner for granted is when the problems and resentment begin to mount in the marriage. It is important to stay true the person your partner married: emotionally, spiritually, and physically.”

Opposites attract No, you don’t have to be exactly alike, but seeking out someone completely different from you in every meaningful way is a recipe for disaster. “You must have some common interests and values,” says Lisa Helfend Meyer, family law attorney and founding partner of Los Angelesbased family law firm Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers. “If you don’t, there is no glue to bind the relationship.”

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Travel

A taste of ‘euphoria’ in Limpopo OBINNA EMELIKE

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f the best trip is the one we have not done yet, then Limpopo; with its breathtaking landscape and world-class leisure facility offerings, is a deal this summer for holiday makers who seek to explore the best offerings in the rainbow country for the first time.

But for those who have experienced Limpopo, you need a repeat visit to explore further and heighten your experience with new offerings.

One of such offerings to explore in Limpopo, the South African province bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, is the Euphoria Golf & Lifestyle Estate.

Set in the beautiful Waterberg mountain range in Modimolle, Mookgophong, only two hours from Johannesburg and one and a half hours from Pretoria, the estate is truly an adventure that awaits visitors, no matter the excitement.

From the entrance, it is all beautiful scenery amid spotting some wildlife games, especially springbok in the surrounding bushveld, some challenging golf holes, helipad and villas until you get to the reception.

The intrigue is that there are many homeowners, but both residents and guests live in harmony, enjoying the best man and nature can afford across the Waterberg mountain range.

However, the estate offers a true test of golf in one of the most beautiful African bushveld settings with the 18-hole championship golf course that hosts professional, celebrity golfers and even guests practicing the high profile game for the first time.

From any part of the estate, there is a golf hole, yet there is a serious commitment to preserve

OBINNA EMELIKE

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Euphoria Lifestyle and Golf Estate indigenous fauna and flora in the golf course, which is the first in Africa to be designed by Annika Sorenstam.

For the discerning guest, the combination of golf and the unsurpassed beauty of the Waterberg landscape make Euphoria such a unique golfing experience.

Aside hosting the 18-hole championship golf course, the tranquil setting belies luxurious accommodation options including; Bush Villas nestled in the bushveld close to the magnificent clubhouse, hydro spa and golf course. The 64-room villas (all en-suite with balconies) follow the theme of contemporary African chic and are designed for sheer comfort and relaxation.

It is commonplace to spot wildlife game in the surrounding

bushveld from the balcony.

But the hydro spa represents the lifestyle offering at the estate. It features the villa spa, a first of its kind destination spa concept, which sets in a beautiful serenity surrounded by nature and its resources. The spa features four luxury private villas fitted with state-of-the-art equipment amid treatments such as; Indian head massage, hot stone massages, pedicures, manicures and facials.

Moreover, guests delight in birdsong heard while floating in the floatation pools or simply relaxing in the Jacuzzi. They can also spot some wildlife game species, which frequent the spa villas.

On a visit to the estate, the spa is the first offering recom-

surroundings.

As well, a visit to Euphoria without experiencing the cable car is not complete. The cableway offers bird’s eye view of the estate, and links the reception area to the Ntshonalanga Restaurant on top of the mountain.

While in the restaurant atop the mountain, guests cannot help but relax and enjoy casual atmosphere with bar and light menu.

Pictures taken from the cable car tell the stories better and capture the experience more.

Family fun awaits you as well at an exclusive mini water park at the estate featuring two supertubes that entertain all age groups. For adults, there is an over 18’s area that boasts a stunning sunken pool bar that offers delectable cocktails while taking

Golf course Room offering

The spa

Some visa free destinations for Nigerian travelers this summer

mended to guests to enable them relax and recover from the stress of long journey to the estate.

Expectedly, dining is an experience at Euphoria Golf and Spa Estate. The discerning guest can be spoilt in Hapo Zamani’s fine dining restaurant with culinary delights, while the A’luta Bar hosts all guests to fine wine menu unwinding, after function drink, golf activities or evening drinks while soaking in magnificent views of the golf course and

a break from the Limpopo sun, as well as, a boma area to celebrate the success of the day’s golf while enjoying a roaring fire.

If the above are not adventurous enough, guests can go hiking, engage in mountain bike trails, birding among other outdoor activities including trailing the wildlife game such as springbok.

With all these offerings going for the residential estate, Euphoria is the escape worth your visit this summer!

he hustle and bustle of securing a tourist visa can sometimes take away the excitement of planning a well deserved holiday.Aswell,followingtheUnitedStates Embassy in Nigeria’s announcement in May 2019 that the drop-box visa application process has been suspended and the difficulties of securing a Schengen visa to Europe, the prospect of a relaxing holiday seems unlikely.

Fortunately, there are over 40 destinations that Nigerian passport holders can visit without prior visa arrangements, and creating the possibility for a spurofthemomenttriptosomewhere new. Here are a few recommended destinations from Travelstart that you can book for your visa-free travel.

Ghana,coinedasoneofthefriendliest countries in Africa, might be the quick break you need. With its rich history, culture and equatorial climate, it takes less than two hours to get to the countriescapitalAccrafromLagos.This West African neighbour offers visa free entry to Nigerian passport holders and is perfect for a short getaway. Similarly, Kenya; the safari capital of Africa, offers Nigerians a 90-day free visa on arrival.

Alternately, Nigerians can apply for the e-visa ahead of time to simplify the airportexperience.ThecapitalcityNairobi ishometosomemust-seewildlifesuch as lions, elephants and rhinos. Enjoy beautiful beaches as this East African country has a magnificent coastline along the Indian Ocean.

ThepicturesqueEastAfricanIslands ofMauritiusandSeychellesarepopular destinations for honeymooners and it is easy to see why. Mauritius offers a pleasing tropical climate, beautiful architecture and a fascinating blend of cultures like Indo-Pakistani, Creol and Chinese. But Seychelles’ archipelago of115islandsoffersbreathtakingviews of secret waterfalls, mountain tops and deep sea coral reefs. Both locations have some of the most magnificent beaches in the world and offer visas on arrival to Nigerian travellers.

CatchaflighttotheSoutheastAsian nation Cambodia and receive a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. The year round travel destination offers a number of magnificent temples and landmarks. Travellers can also get in touch with nature with a visit to the ‘Mondulkiri Project - an Elephant sanctuary for rescued wildlife, which also serves to preserve the forest.

Also, Nigerians travellers are granted a 30-day visa on arrival when they travel to Bangladesh, a destination for the adventurous traveller seeking a truly unique experience. Home to the royal Bengal tiger, the country provides out of the ordinary activities such as swamp safaris where visitors take wooden dinghy boats to explore the swampy bayous of Ratargul. Bangladesh is home to some of the world’s largest working tea plantations; get serenity with a visit to a tea garden in the traditional tea-growing areas of Sylhet.

For an extremely secluded trip, Fiji offers a visa free stay of up to 120 days. Take part in adventurous activities like kayaking, snorkeling and hiking through a jungle trail.

This cluster of 330 paradise islands is home to 898,760 residents. Catch a flight and in under 24 hours, you could be on the South Pacific island of Viti Levu.

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BDSUNDAY 27

Travel How to get the ‘best’ seat on the airplane Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

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any of us have experienced this scenario: You’ve nearly completed the process of booking a plane ticket online when the airline’s reservation system prompts you to select a seat. How do you know if 8A is better than 14C? What if you end up in one of those seats that doesn’t recline?

Instead of anxiously pondering the fate of your comfort at 40,000 feet, wouldn’t it be nice to have some guidance?

Luckily, there are some genius websites and apps out there to help point you in the right direction.

Seatguru Get seat advice for more than 700 seat maps, backed by 45,000 flyer reviews. Users simply enter the airline and flight number for an upcoming trip and Seatguru provides a seat map for that specific flight. The maps show which seats have been rated as a “good seat” by previous flyers and also the seats to avoid.

Read detailed seat reviews from past travellers to get an idea of the storage space, legroom, armrests and more for the seat you’re considering. The maps also contain information on the locations of power ports, overhead televisions, emergency exits, lavatories, closets and galleys.

ExpertFlyer ExpertFlyer is a great tool for flyers that want to get out of the middle seat or just find a seat on a full flight. The website offers a free Seat Alerts feature that is

also available as an iPhone/iPad app. Through the Seat Alerts tool, travellers can select their preferences (aisle, window, etc.), even if the seats are occupied. ExpertFlyer then notifies the traveller by email or text when a seat becomes available.

The site also provides frequent flyers with services that make it easy to obtain an award ticket using miles and business/first class upgrade alerts.

SeatExpert This site is similar to Seatguru,

but offers a quick and simple glance on the best and worst seats on a specific flight with details on legroom, proximity to bathrooms and seats with restricted chair recline, or no option to recline.

Advice from an Industry Expert Chris Lopinto, co-founder of ExpertFlyer, gives further insight into selecting and securing the best seat for different types of travelers: What are the most popular seats or rows on the plane?

Exit rows, the first few rows of the cabin, and of course window

and aisle seats towards the front are the most popular. Unfortunately that means these seats are usually reserved for the elite frequent flyers or those willing to spend money on the seat assignment. If those reserved seats aren’t allocated, they are usually made available either at check-in or at the airport, depending on airline.

What sections of the plane offer the most legroom?

Usually the exit rows and bulk head seats (the first row of seats in a cabin). However, keep in mind that

any row of seats in front of an exit row won’t recline. So that means if a plane has two exit rows, the first row may have more leg room, but the seats won’t recline.

Air Asia recently announced that they are banning children from the first seven rows of economy. Currently there are no domestic airlines that do this (or at least they don’t publicize it). If you are looking for some peace and quiet on a flight, where do you recommend sitting?

Screaming babies aside, sitting away from the galleys or lavatories will give you the quietest flight. Seat ratings websites such as SeatGuru, which is integrated into Seat Alert and our mobile app can help you determine the layout of your flight Where would you advise families traveling with small children to sit?

Together, but that may not always be possible. Lately it has been quite common for families to have to pay for at least some of the seat assignments if they want to sit together. This is one of the reasons why we created Seat Alerts; to help families flying together.

Sitting in the back has its advantages Here’s another tip: As the competition for the front and exit rows is high, consider sitting in the back – a recent study by the Discovery Channel shows it might be the safest part of the plane. Scientists intentionally crashed an empty Boeing 727 into the Mexican desert to improve aviation safety. They determined that travellers in the back of plane could have literally walked away from the crash, but those in the front wouldn’t have been as lucky

British Airways focuses on youth development in Nigeria

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nited Kingdom’s mega carrier, British Airways has partnered with the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI), a United Nations group on youth Development in Nigeria.

The initiative is privileged to be endorsed by project partners and champions which include reputable individuals and institutions like; the office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, United Nations office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), European Union and Wole Soyinka, the reputable Nobel Laurette.

Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI), developed an innovative and inclusive model, aimed at engaging

youths to produce sustainable development goal solutions that can be implemented locally in Nigeria. This initiative which has been adopted by the United Nations is called Solution 17.

Speaking on the partnership, Kola Olayinka, British Airways Regional Manager for West Africa, commended the Solution 17 initiative.

According to him, “as British Airways celebrates 100 years of delivering aviation service globally, we are proud to be impacting the Nigerian youth through this partnership as they represent the future of the country.”

Foluke Michael, Managing Director of Creative Youth Community Development Initiative

said, “We are indeed delighted to be adopting British Airways as the official carrier for this project, they have been extremely supportive in ensuring a successful project.”

Full of energy and hope for the Nigerian youth, she went on to say “Solution 17 is not only valid for Nigeria, but is being adopted by other major world organisations to begin solving some of the problems particularly affecting youths, unemployment, substance abuse and so on.”

Solution 17 presents a sound opportunity for leaders to start refocusing on common problems facing the younger generation across different nations starting from Nigeria.

The Creative Youth Community Development Initiative’s flagship project, Innocreative Youth Club (IC2030) explores creative and innovative capacities of young people through the development of knowledge, skill and attitude that are relevant to employability and skills for entrepreneurship.

Leading the organisation to the BA team were Tayo Orekoya, President CITC Ltd and Ehi Braimah, Technical Communications consultants.

Arik Air introduces special fare for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria

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rik Air, Nigeria’s leading airline has introduced a special fare for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The applicable fare starts from N20, 000.00 for one-way economy class ticket on any of Arik Air’s domestic routes.

The fare is applicable to all categories of serving and retired personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Armed Forces covered by the scheme are Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.

The scheme, which is part of the airline’s corporate social responsibility is a way of supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the discharge of their duties.

To enjoy the special fare which is available at the Airport Ticketing Offices and City Ticketing

Offices of the airline nationwide, passengers must present a valid military identity (ID) card plus any other valid identity card (e.g. driver’s license, international passport, national ID card and permanent voter’s card) at point of sale and check-in. In addition, reservation and ticketing must be made not later than 72 hours before flight.

Roy Ilegbodu , Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, elaborated on the special fare: “Arik Air is pleased to be of service to the officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. We are a truly Nigerian carrier and we feel the need to support the gallant officers and men of the Armed Forces who toil day and night to defend the territorial integrity of our country and keep us safe.”

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Sunday 28 July 2019

Tribute

Jakande…the steps of a good man Iniobong Iwok

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ast Tuesday, Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State, clocked 90 years. Jakande, just like his contemporaries in the pen profession, the late Babatunde Ajose, is described as the doyen of journalism in Nigeria. It is instructive to note that it was under the Jakande’s four-year administration that Lagos State witnessed a rebirth, and transformation in all sectors of its economy.

In Southwest Nigeria, Jakande is seen as the father of modern Lagos, due to his giant stride in the state which has remained unrivalled since he left office in 1983. Born on July 23, 1929 in the Epetedo area of Lagos Island, his parents were said to have hailed from Omu-aran in Kwara State. He studied at Lagos public school at Enu-Owa, Lagos Island, then at Bunham Memorial Methodist School, Port Harcourt.

He also studied briefly at King’s College, Lagos in 1943, and then enrolled at Ilesha Grammar School in 1945, where he helped to edit a literary paper called ‘The Quarterly Mirror’.

In 1949, he started a career in journalism with the Daily Service, while later joining the Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, a position where he rose to become the Editor-in-Chief.

As the editor of the paper, his editorial was reputed to be factual and engaging, and was treated with respect by the then colonial masters. He, however, left the Tribune to set up his own paper titled ‘The Lagos News’.

Having been close to the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, Jakande contested for the governorship position in Lagos State in 1979 gubernatorial election, under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and emerged victorious defeating his main rivals, Adeniran Ogunsanya of the Nigeria People’s Party (NPP) and Adeniji Adele of National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

Jakande later served as minister of works under the Sani Abacha military regime between1993-1998.

However, during his four-year administration in Lagos, Jakande introduced housing and educational programmes, targeting the poor, building new neighbourhood primary and secondary schools and providing free primary and secondary education across the state.

It was reported that the Jakande administration constructed over 30,000 housing units across the state. Several years after his administration exited office, Jakande estates are spread across the state such as Amuwo-Odofin, Ijaiye, Dolphin, Oke-Afa, Ije, Abesan, Iponri, Ipaja, Abule Nla, Epe, Anikantamo, Surulere, Iba, Ikorodu and Badagry, providing shelter to innumerable number of people.

It is on record that 35 years after he left office, Jakande estates still remain the only low-cost mass housing

Lateef Jakande

estate, accessible and affordable to all Lagosians.

Among the several of the landmark projects initiated by his administration across the state include the thriving Lagos State University (LASU).

It was reported that to fund some of the projects, Jakande increased the tenement rates and price of plots of land in high brow areas of Victoria Island and Lekki and the processing fees for lottery, pools and gaming licenses.

His administration constructed the General Hospital in Gbagada and Ikoroodu and built about 20 health centres within the state. As a governor, he established 23 local government councils which were later disbanded by the military.

He also started a metroline project to facilitate mass transit. The project was halted and his tenure as governor ended when the military seized power on 31 December 1983.

Overall, Jakande was an epitome of integrity in government and he was everything that many contemporary Nigerian political leaders are not. He chose to be poor so that the masses would be taken good care of. Unlike Jakande, today’s public office holders steal almost all the money they should use to do projects. This explains why we no longer have numerous low-cost houses all over the country, despite the fact that more money is available to those in power than in the days of Jakande.

Since he clocked 90, prominent Nigerians from all walks of life have continued to eulogise his virtues.

Speaking at an event at Havens Event Centre in GRA Ikeja to celebrate him, Yemi Osinbajo, the vice president, felicitated with him, thanking God for

sparing his life.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, said that Jakande’s legacy in leadership and governance remained a reference point in contemporary history, despite leaving government for more than three decades ago.

Sanwo-Olu described Jakande’s personal life as selfless and exemplary, stressing that the ex-governor’s achievements became the pathway for progressive governance in the country.

According to him, “Lagos, under the Baba Jakande, became a pillar of support not only to neighbouring states, but also to faraway states, including Borno State, where he made landmark contribution. This goes to show that the progressive mind of Jakande has

Our celebrant does not have a deserved national honour when people of lesser contributions strut around the country with national honours. It is my recommendation that Jakande be decorated with nothing lesser than the Commander of the Federal Republic

been with him ever since.

“It’s something that all of us needs to copy. I wish today’s leaders could borrow from this example, which shows us how states can collaborate for greater development and opportunities. Jakande did it 40 years ago as governor of Lagos State and scored several firsts.”

In his tribute, Bola Tinubu, national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), described Jakande as a foremost progressive in Africa, noting that his loyalty to the cause of progressive politics and his leader, the late Obafemi Awolowo, earned him unparalleled respect.

According to him, “Papa Jakande had many firsts at a time it was extremely difficult to govern. One of the key qualities of Jakande is his unshakable, non-negotiable loyalty to his leader, Obafemi Awolowo go blessed memory.”

Tinubu stressed that Jakande’s achievements became the guide for governors after him when confronted with challenges of service delivery in critical sectors, adding that the success of progressive politics in Lagos was the best birthday gift to Jakande.

“Ideologically, Jakande has never departed from the progressive path. One record we must accept here, which is the best gift to Jakande is that, progressive governance has never failed in Lagos.”

Chairman of the occasion, Olusegun Osoba, declared Jakande as an accomplished Nigerian by all standards, saying he was already a global brand as a journalist and editor before he delved into public service.

“Our celebrant does not have a deserved national honour when people of lesser contributions strut around the country with national honours. It is my recommendation that Jakande be decorated with nothing lesser than the Commander of the Federal Republic,” In a birthday congratulatory message to him, Jimi Agbaje, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 gubernatorial election in Lagos State, equally described him as the most productive, credible and selfless governor the state had ever known.

Agbaje noted that Jakande left gigantic records of achievements that marked him out as a legendary trailblazer of Nigerian politics and administration.

“History will record Lateef Jakande as a forthright, kind-hearted and selfless politician, who lived and worked for the welfare of the masses. He personified the dream leader.”

“If anyone would be designated as the Father of Modern Lagos, that title should belong exclusively to Lateef Jakande,” “In just four paltry years, from 1979 to 2019, and without recourse to loans, Jakande established enduring legacies and left a record that subsequent administrations with vaster resources have found impossible to beat”.

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BDSUNDAY 29

StateOfTheNation

The Buharis and their graduating children abroad

Amaechi and his son abroad

The Osinbajos and their son abroad

Okorocha and son abroad

The Sarakis and their son abroad

Rasheed, NUC chairman and his son abroad

Wondering why Nigeria is not working?

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ZEBULON AGOMUO

here was a time in Israel that their sins had become so much for God to bear. He unleashed all manner of plagues and misfortunes on the people. They cried bitterly to God for forgiveness. It was a national calamity that called for prayer, fasting and sober reflection because everything at that point was working against Israel. It happened that on a day the whole Israel gathered to mourn and reflect over their state, a young Israelite, Zimri, came flaunting a concubine, a Midianite woman, and boldly waded through the gathering into his tent, and there and then committing the same sin that had caused the country serious misery. A young man, Phinehas, burning with zeal, armed himself with a javelin, went inside the tent and the rest as they say is history.

Nigeria can be said to be in a mourning mood right now.

The people are traumatised. Everything appears to have failed us. All the sectors of the nation’s economy are dead. People are dying in droves of treatable

diseases; many children in the country cannot even get basic education, and life generally is brutish. Nigeria, on record, has operated as an independent country for close to 59 years.

Within this period, trillions of dollars have been raked in from various sources, chiefly, crude oil sales. Sadly, critics say that about half of that money ended up in few individuals’ pockets. While these privileged few revel in affluence, the rest of the citizens daily pine away in abject poverty.

In all of these years, particularly in the last few years, government’s concern for education has been everything but ennobling.

They have only paid lip-service to commitment to education. The system has so collapsed that some privileged Nigerians who can afford it are now looking elsewhere for quality education for their children. But the most annoying part of it all is that the same people who have conspired to kill the sector in the country by their actions and inactions are now rubbing the insult in the faces of the down-trodden Nigerians, by posting the photographs of their graduating children on different social media sites, insulting the sensibility of the agonising Nigerians. These

leaders are giving their own children best education abroad at the huge expense of the poor masses of Nigeria. They seem to be competing on whose photograph is better on social media as they pose with their graduating children in various institutions offshore.

Can anyone imagine President Donald Trump of America posing with a son or daughter of his graduating from a Nigerian university, and tweeting same?

Can anyone imagine Angela Merkel, the German chancellor doing so with a son or daughter of hers graduating from a Nigerian high school? Who has bewitched Nigerians! These unbridled celebrations and the competition by leaders to send their children abroad while allowing education in the country to die have all confirmed that Nigeria is indeed a third world country.

In his piece ‘When political leaders flaunt their unpatriotism’, published in one of the national dailies, Azuka Onwuka, noted that “If there was any shame left in our political leaders, such events should have been made completely private with none of them posing for photographs that will be released

to the public. The reason is that even though it is their individual rights to train their children in whatever country they deem fit, such public display of their children graduating in foreign universities sends a bad message: that those who run the affairs of Nigeria do not believe in Nigeria.”

According to Onwuka, “As long as Nigerian leaders flaunt the pictures of their children graduating from foreign universities, no special attention will be paid to the country’s universities. Since it is only the children of those who cannot afford the high foreign tuition that attend local universities, there will be no pressing need to revamp the universities.”

The fad cuts across party lines, religion and ethnicity. And it appears that most politicians have been beaten by this bug.

There is nothing wrong with Nigerian citizens seeking better education for their children, but there is everything wrong with president, vice president, and other categories of leaders doing so when they have allowed the sector to collapse here. It is like a rich husband who drops few naira notes for his family to prepare a pot of soup, whereas

he does not eat it but feeds from a five star hotel where he spends 100 times what he drops for the entire family. The question some people would ask is, do the public office holders not have the right as Nigerians to send their children to wherever they like for studies since they can afford it?

That is not in contention. What is in contention is that at electioneering, they promise to make everything beautiful for the people, but as soon as elections are over, the people are abandoned and the huge budgets are shared away.

What the Nigerian people are asking their leaders is to return the public schools where they were 20, 25, 30 years back. Most of the leaders today are products of public school system, but they have collectively ensured the system is never revived. Truth is that, if the public school system is revived in Nigeria, the people would no longer be interested where the leaders send their children to, for studies. But as long as the injustice continues, there would always be numerous “Phinehases” seething with anger over the unfortunate state of affairs in the country. The tolerance may not continue indefinitely!

30 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 28 July 2019

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My wife told me her story only last year – Timi Dakolo

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hough they have been married for some years now, Timi Dakolo has come out to say that it was only last year that his wife, Busola, told him about her experience with the Senior Pastor of Commonwealth Zion Assembly, Biodun Fatoyinbo.

Just recently, in a tell all and explosive interview, Busola, had accused and alleged that the popular pastor raped her when she was still a minor.

In a press conference the Dakolos’ had with a select media earlier in the week, Timi said he had to support his wife as soon as she opened up to him.

“She has always wanted to tell me this story, she would say, ‘Baby, I have something to tell you’ and she would burst into tears. I would always tell her to chill and tell me when she is ready. She told me in detail what happened to her and that was last year. Last year. I actually posted something relating to the story she told me.

“As a man, I have done what I am supposed to do. I stood by my wife when she decided to tell her truth. I thought about this.

I felt it probably will not be the same again. I thought of my love songs, my career. I gave it serious thought. I have two daughters; I want to be able to drop them in church without the fear of coming back and seeing that it is not

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the same with them again.

“Asafatherandprotectorofmy home under God, I have decided to come out and speak out against this harassment and bullying we have received just because my wifedecidedtospeakhertruthand I decided to trust her and stand by her. I will never leave her side. I will do my best to protect her,” he said.

Timi said he is not doing this to attract fame or get quick money as some people have stipulated in some quarters.

He said, “This is not about fame. My voice will be sweet forever. I will write beautiful music forever. This is not about money.

I earn money from royalties that people don’t even know. I write songs for people outside the shores of this country. A crime has been committed and the criminal must face the music “I have never been to that

church before. I have never seen the COZA pastor face to face.

We have never sat together. I was neveramusicdirectorinhischurch; in fact, I have never been a music director. I only know how to sing.”

Timi said he is not fighting the church but their aim is to bring justice.

“This is not about the church, nobody can fight the church. If a person commits a crime, the person should not hide behind the church. I go to church every SundayandIlistentothewordofGod. Thereisadifferencebetweenasin and crime. We are just after truth.

We are not fighting Christendom.

As a child, I was raised differently.

I grew up with my grandmother.

You always tell the truth even if the whole world think it is a lie, the truth will always be the truth.

Even if everybody thing it is a lie, it doesn’t mean the truth is a lie.”

Hymnodia: Rainoil fetes Season 1 Finalists

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ainoilLimited,theintegrated downstream oil and gas company, has commended Hymnodia for reigniting the almost-forgotten hymn culture among young Nigerians, as it celebrated the five finalists of the popular reality television show.

Hymnodia, which climaxed its first season last April witnessed four other hymntestants (contestants) demonstrate strong resolve to outwitthemselvesinakeenlycontested grand finale dubbed the Hymncert with Kenneth Ekhuemelo, the bassofundo, adjudged the winner and first custodian of the ASAPH. The other hymntestants who made it to the grand final of the 14week show were Olumide Dada, the baritone singer and first runner-

RMD, Funsho Adeolu, Osas Ighodaro join MTV Shuga cast

up, Mobolanle Oladimeji, the architect-baker-hymn writer who came third, Abigael Nnadi and Rachael Darley. Five of them were hosted to a special reception and dinner at ParkviewAstoriaHotel,Ikoyi,Lagos, on Thursday, July 18, 2019.

The reception/dinner turned out to be a reunion of some sort with nine of the 12 hymntestants of the Hymnodia Season 1 present at the event and taking turns to regale the audience with tales from the Hymnstitute and reminder hymns from their time in the show.

The Group Executive Director, Rainoil Limited, Mrs. Godrey Ogbechie said Philosoville Limited, the initiators of Hymnodia, have successfully demonstrated that a reality TV show on hymns and church

music could be well structured and produced to the admiration of a wide-ranging audience. She noted that Hymnodia has created the desired impact which could change the perception of young Nigerians in the art of worship.

“Hymnodia has promoted the culture of hymns which gives in-depth knowledge and understanding to hymns, which are not fashionable among young Nigerians. Hymnodia has captured the interest of Christians and its worth celebrating for redefining hymns which inspire and inculcate ethical values. I believe we should be able to sing hymns everyday of our lives, and this has been reinforced through Hymnodia,” she said.

While applauding Rainoil for the reception, the initiator of Hymnodia and Managing Director of Philosoville Limited, Kufre Ekanem commended the five finalists and the collective efforts of all the hymntestants which led to the creation of 62 new hymns in the course of Season 1.

Ekhuemelo, the winner of Season 1, said the reception has helped to reunite the hymntestants after the show. As first recipient of the ASAPH, a trophy specially designed and named after King David’s chief musician, Ekhuemelo disclosed that after Hymnodia Season 1, he has been more engaged in writing hymns which would soon be recorded and released.

igeria’sNollywoodactor, Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD is joining the new cast of MTV Shuga Naija, alongside Nollywood Veteran, Funsho Adeolu, top actor and show host, Osas Ighodaro, Big Brother 2018 finalist, Tobi Bakre, Omowunmi Dada and Belinda Yanga among many others. This year’s cast will feature a mixture of both old and new faces – including three budding stars, who beat off the challenge of over 1,000 other hopefuls at April’s public auditions, to land a role in the award winning TV series.

Returning cast also include Funlola Raimi Aofiyebi, Timini Egbuson, Rahama Sadau, Yakubu Mohammed, Bukola Oladipupo, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Amal Umar, Alvin Abayomi, Helena Nelson and Ruby Akabueze among others.

TiminiEgbuson,whohasstarred in previous seasons, shared his excitement about the upcoming season: “I am so excited to be back on MTV Shuga Naija. I couldn’t be prouder to be such an integral part of this conversation, helping to educate young people on effective ways to manage pressure from society, and to make informed decisions about their sexual health. This is my fourth series of MTV Shuga, and not only have I learnt so much from being involved, but I’m sure that our fans have grown with us too. MTV Shuga Naija continues to make a positive change in Nigeria, and I’m thrilled to be back on set again and to meet the new cast”.

Executive Director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Georgia

Arnold also shared her thoughts on the unveiling of the new cast.

“The new series of MTV Shuga Naija has so many stories to tell: we’ll see characters dealing with family planning, contraception, and genderbasedviolenceamongother issues – all of which are so relevant to our audience. The cast of the series are such an integral part of the work of MTV Shuga - they are not only (brilliant) actors, but actors andambassadorswhoworksohard to ensure that our messages are reaching and positively impacting youngNigeriansacrossthecountry.

As producer for the show’s return, Tope Oshin shared her excitement for the new season “I’m elated to be producing the new season of MTV Shuga… We have so many issues in the world and while we entertain our audience, we also talk about serious issues raised in our communities.

MTV Shuga is entertaining, witty and fun but also effects change within communities and inspires the next generation of young people to serve the world better.”

Flavour dazzles in Hi-Life Fest Quarter Finals

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he ongoing Hi Life Fest sponsored by Life Beer, witnessed another level of fun recently when award winning super star, Flavour performed at the event.

The Carnival ground, Elakaiha, Port Harcourt, was almost filled to the brim as guests and other highlife music lovers turned out en-masse to witness the spectacle.

The Hi- Life Fest quarterfinalists were fresh from an exciting trip to Lagos which saw them meet with some of Nigeria’s leading entertainers including Selebobo, Sunny Neji, KCee and Phyno.

The contestants were quick to put to use the lessons learned from

the mentorship in Lagos, as these highlife hopefuls delivered some truly breathtaking performances.

Flavour used the opportunity to deliver a stellar performance as he serenaded the audience with some of his classic tunes and made so many people wanting more and more of him and his music.

And really, Flavour who is also a brand ambassador for Life Lager, pulled no stops in giving fans a night to remember, as he used his live band to full effect, much to the delight of the teeming audience.

At the end of the musical showpiece, six contestants were selected to proceed to the semi-final, while Okafor Chukwudi and Kingsley Otuya were eliminated.

Sunday 29 July 2019

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Feature

Building sustainable cross border transport system to boost travel, trade

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IFEOMA OKEKE he major enabler of movement of passengers, goods and cargoes across countries is a good transportation system. Movement of cargoes is facilitated through air, road, rail and seas.

As countries look to increase internally generated revenues and minimise importation, there is the need to develop transport systems to ensure goods or products generated from a country are moved effectively and efficiently for consumption, further production and revenue generation purposes.

These were some of the discussions at the just concluded two-day West Africa Ports and Rail evolution forum held at the Land Mark event centre, Lagos.

The forum, which was the first in West Africa, brought together ports and rail operators from around West Africa to collaborate and do business. The forum sought ways of upgrading the rail and port infrastructure to impact on export and import of products, job creation and skills development.

Speaking at the event, Deniel Dargent, Belgium ambassador, said in building sustainable transport systems, connectivity is key.

According to Dargent, “You need to transfer your goods and passengers in good time. If you produce agricultural produce in the northern part of Nigeria, and you cannot transport them by road or rail to the port to export them, then you lose a lot. Nigeria is a large country with over 200 million inhabitants or even more, so we need to organise the exchange of goods and if you don’t have the connectivity, everything will be damaged.”

He said West Africa can learn from how Antwerp, which is the second largest port in Europe, and about 11th worldwide, manages its port, adding that the Port of Antwerp has become a good source of revenue for Belgium and Nigerian ports needs to emulate its model.

“Belgium can bring the expertise in terms of ports and railways.

They are ready to assist Nigeria and West Africa in general, in case Africa needs expertise to develop their connectivity in the railways and ports. There is a very good expertise to assist Africa in the development of railways and ports and we are looking forward to seeing Africa put in place the right framework to develop the connectivity,” the Belgium ambassador said.

He explained that there should be development of free trade zones and the roads need to be constructed to enable the movement of people.

“The financial side is also very important. To move goods and

services, we need ports, rail and airport infrastructure. In Europe after the Second World War, countries exchanged goods and services and it was a success. Nigeria needs to develop its free trade zone because that is the major challenge to movement of goods and services.”

Speaking during her keynote address at the event, Hadiza Bala Usman, managing director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), acknowledged that there were some challenges hindering efficient cross border trade, one of which is the multiple check points which slow cargo inflow and outflow.

“There should be efficient trade facilitation within our countries.

Trade corridors should be expanded and bureaucracy and bottle necks should be removed. There is a need for more collaboration.

Regulatory compliance should be reduced to ensure we expand upon regional trade. We hope Nigeria takes a larger portion of this expansion. We need to provide rail connection between ports,” Usman suggested.

Bill Twehway, managing director, National Ports Authority of Liberia who also spoke at the forum, said there was need to create partnerships to ensure the ease of movement of goods with development of efficient ports and rail systems.

“Public Private Partnerships (PPP) is key. Countries need to address bottlenecks such as visa issues. Those who have the expertise and technical know-hows should ensure investments are not only domiciled in Europe and America.

We have had more advantages investing in Liberian ports. African

should begin to invest in African countries so we could develop the West African region. There should be infrastructure, investment and trade partnerships,” Twehway said.

Graham Lawal, managing director, Grolla Port Services, sole partner of the Ports and Rail evolution forum said there are lots of bureaucratic red tapes in Africa delaying the processes of transportation development, adding that there are internal processes, procurement processes and approval processes for some of these reforms which hamper the rate of development of the transport sector.

“If some of the solutions we have proffered are implemented, there will be a rapid acceleration in the way processes are being developed and implemented and that will also speed-up the development of these reforms that need to be in place for a lot of these projects to come in and don’t forget that these are big businesses,” he said.

“To develop a new rail way network system, we talk about billions of dollars. We need private sector partnership. The problem with Africa is that big businesses are only being carried out by government.

We still rely on government and they don’t have the money. The government run down to China or EU to borrow money which comes with some detrimental scenarios, some may have to mortgage the future of generations or mineral resources just to be able to access long-term loans,” Lawal added.

He said although the government is showing a lot of knowledge in this regard, the way they are going about some of these things are

questionable.

“For example, the port expansion business that is going on right now; some of the key questions are: Are there more profitable lines to be developed than the ones currently being developed? Why is Lagos South-East line which is more profitable for freight and passengers not the first, instead of the Lagos-Kaduna and Lagos-Kano line? At times, you can have a winwin situation where we balance the equation in the development of these infrastructures whether it is ports or rails,” he observed.

Fidet Okhiria, managing director, Nigeria Railway Corporation, said the corporation was making tremendous progress.

“As we speak, we can comfortably be on a train from Iju to Ibadan terminal. Right now, they are working seriously and the Lagos state government is supporting the progress of the construction.

They are making the right of way available. If you go to rail way compound, you will see that they have started the drainages and trying to create that link to Apapa.

“Rail is linked to massive cargo movement. Lagos is on the red line now and they also intend t0 do the blue line, while we are trying to develop the National Rail Network. In the recent contract, the federal government decided to take it to the ports and they will also be linked to the sea side so that you can offload directly from the ship to the wagon. By December, 2019, we should get to the ports, if not completely but the signs will be there,” Okhiria added.

Daniel Block, Portfolio director of transport for DMG events,

the organisers of the event, said DMG was a global company and has been organising transport infrastructure events around Africa.

Block disclosed that the company has been doing events in South Africa and Ghana on Africa Ports and Rails and launched one in Mozambique in May 2019, adding that the one held in Lagos is the West African version.

“This two-day event is to see how the West Africa region can better work together to grow the region and stimulate the economy.

For the conference, we have had about 120 delegates registered and 1,000 people pre-registered to attend the exhibition.

We have 20 exhibitors from Nigeria, South Africa, Liberia, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Belgium, France, United Kingdom, United States, Gabon, UAE. This is a representation around the world.

“The traffic in Lagos is much and the roads are not in great conditions. The bridges are unstable.

If the rail system is created or upgraded to take cargo from the ports into the rest of the city and into neighbouring states, it will free up the roads.

“All those trucks sitting on the roads don’t need to be sitting there. If there can be a parking lot for the trucks and if there is a rail system to take all the containers from the port into the rest of the country, it means the roads will be freed up.

If you upgrade your systems, it will impact the rest of the city and force the rest of the city to upgrade its roads, there will be more hotels and businesses,” he explained.

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Sunday 28 July 2019

Feature Wike berates NDDC, threatens court action …but the Commission’s boss keeps calm, probably to win rapprochement Ignatius Chukwu

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he relationship between the Rivers State government under Governor Nyesom Wike and the the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has not been good. Under Ibim Semenitari as interim CEO of the NDDC, Governor Wike found excuse to lambast the Commission, especially over who did what road project in some parts of the state. Ibim, who once worked with Wike under the Governor Chibuike Amaechi, seemed to side-step what was regarded as hot rod.

Recently, tax issues caused a furore that is yet to settle.

Now, the NDDC paid a courtesy visit to the host governor on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.

This is at a time the two bodies seem to have no love lost between them. The Rivers State government through the Rivers Internal Revenue Service (RIRS) had sealed off the gates of the NDDC, but the Commission was said to break the seal to repossess the offices. The RIRS is said to file contempt proceedings against the leadership of the NDDC. Before then, the Rivers State Government had accused the NDDC of collecting billions of Naira from them on partnership to build a hospital project but they neither did it nor refunded the funds. Wike thus grabbed the visitor by the jugular and demanded the refund within seven days.

Sources said there have been other feisty issues especially right to nominate contractors. It was under this atmosphere that the Commission paid the visit, but the media team of each group reported their own understanding of what happened. Some sources said one sounded like warfare, the other sounded like nothing bad happened.

Wike: Refund us billions or face court action (Govt House Report) Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has become a political institution where funds are used for political purposes.

Governor Wike also stated that the Federal Government deliberately refused to constitute the NDDC Governors Advisory Committee because majority of the South-South States are controlled by the PDP. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Prof Nelson Braimbaifa, the Rivers State governor regretted that the Commission has failed to deliver development projects to the Niger Delta region.

“NDDC has become a politi-

R-L: Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivrs State with the Ag. MD of NDDC, Nelson Briambaifa during a visit by the Commission in Port Harcourt, recently. cal institution where money is set aside for politics. Mention one mega project by the NDDC anywhere in Rivers State,” he said.

According to Wike, “The only mega project, the Mother and Child Hospital, which was to be a joint project, the NDDC duped the Rivers State Government.

For the Mother and Child Hospital, we paid our counterpart fund and NDDC paid nothing.

We have taken over the project, yet the NDDC has refused to refund our money. If the NDDC fails to refund our counterpart fund in seven days, we will drag the Commission to court”.

He regretted that any prominent politician in the SouthSouth, who wants to be a governor, is appointed a managing director of NDDC. He said such politicians are allowed to siphon development funds, only to resign two weeks to the election.

The governor said that NDDC cannot make significant impact in Niger Delta Communities because the states are never involved in the sitting and design of projects.

He said that the NDDC can only make progress when the governments of Niger Delta States are involved in the process of project location and design.

“They have refused to constitute the Governors Board since 2015 because majority

of the South-South States are controlled by the PDP. “Nineteen years after establishment, the NDDC is still constructing its headquarters.

All the participating states have no mega projects. The NDDC was designed to help the Niger Delta grow, but that is not the situation on ground. Can we justify the funds that have passed through the NDDC?” he said.

He said that the leadership of the NDDC is mainly controlled from outside the region, a situation which made it difficult for the current management to visit the Rivers State Government upon their appointment.

“You are coming because I have won election. You were on ground for six months, but never thought it wise to visit your Chief Host. The Rivers State Government gave NDDC a building and take off grant to start work. They told you not to come, but God in his own way ensured we are still here.

“It is a shame that what our people in the Niger Delta fought for is not what is on ground at the NDDC. You claim to have over 1000 projects in Rivers State and we are still where we are today?” Wike said.

He advised the management of the NDDC to go back to the drawing board to fashion out ways to site mega projects in the states where the Com-

mission operates. He said the current piecemeal projects will not help to develop the region.

The governor charged Rivers people working at the NDDC to work towards leaving worthy legacies. He said at present, they are not helping Rivers State.

Earlier, Prof. Nelson Briambaifa, acting managing director of the NDDC, said that the Commission was committed to executing projects that will improve the lives of the people of the Niger Delta.

He said several key projects had been designed by the NDDC to improve the living standards of the people.

He called for the revival of the NDDC Governors Advisory Committee to assist the NDDC carry out its development projects in the region.

Briambaifa said that the Commission had undertaken 1,793 projects, out of which 800 have been completed and 540 are yet to be completed. He said there are 103 new awards.

The Acting Managing Director said that the Commission had set up a process to complete all ongoing projects in the region.

(Source: Simeon Nwakaudu, SA Electronic Media).

NDDC boss offers partnership deal, waves N10bn project (Reported by Charles Odili, NDDC media) Governor Wike has called on the NDDC to partner stake-

holders such as the Rivers State government on landmark infrastructural projects that would bring development to the people of the state and the region.

Wike was speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, during a courtesy visit by the Acting Managing Director of the Commission, the professor, Nelson Brambaifa, who was accompanied by Rivers State office Coordinator of NDDC, Tekena Flag Amachree, and directors of the Commission.

He said that part of the functions of the NDDC was to assist in infrastructural development that would boost the economy and bring lasting peace to the region. He added: “You should collaborate with each state government on two major projects that would benefit our people.”

Wike advised the NDDC boss to ensure he writes his name in gold by ensuring that he embarks on projects and programmes that would bring positive impact on the people during his tenure, saying: “The only way you would be remembered by the people of the region by the time you leave office is by the projects that touched the people of the region positively.”

Earlier in his address titled ‘Together, We Can Do More’, the Professor Brambaifa admitted that the challenge of developing the Niger Delta Region was herculean, but surmountable, stressing that NDDC was seeking to partner with the Rivers State Government, as well as other stakeholders, “in order to secure lasting peace, security and development in the region.”

Brambaifa disclosed that a total of 1,793 projects have been awarded by the Commission in Rivers State out of which 800 had been completed; 296 projects were yet to commence.

He disclosed that the construction of Kaa-Ataba Road and bridges valued at over N10 billion, was ongoing, adding that a committee had been set up to facilitate the completion of projects, for the benefit of the communities.

“This 4.72 kilometer road with three bridges, will improve the quality of life of the people of Kaa and Ataba, as well as help in transporting farm produce, goods and properties from this rich agricultural area.

Even more importantly, it will reduce accidents and security breaches associated with water transport,” he said.

Brambaifa appealed to the Governor to assist in the revival of the Commission’s Niger Delta Regional Development Masterplan (NDRDMP) and the Partners for Sustainable Development (PSD) Forum which he said were produced by all stakeholders of the Niger Delta to bring lasting peace, security and infrastructural development to the region.

Sunday 28 July 2019

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SundayBusiness How poverty affects mortgage access in Africa

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opulation in other jurisdictions is an economic asset. Not in Africa.

Not even in Nigeria, the continent’s largest economy and most populous nation. This is why, despite its relative large population size, Africa is economically underweight with high-level poverty among its people.

Poverty is reason for the low standard of living and sub-human conditions in which some of the people live. Nigeria, the continent’s big boy, has been rated as the headquarters of poverty.

Intrinsically, there is a inverse correlation between poverty and access to mortgage.

With only €113 billion gross asset value of real estate, representing 1 percent of the world’s total value, Africa is also said to be underweight despite its large and growing population estimated to be 15 percent of the world total.

Analysts insist that the continent is underweight in asset value of real estate relative to other continents. But this, interestingly, has its positive side, having made the continent an attractive prospect for investible funds in real estate.

Home ownership in most parts of this continent is almost a luxury because houses are literally un-

available and where they are, they are inaccessible and unaffordable because of their high prices.

The World Bank estimates that only 3 percent of Africa’s population, about 15 percent of the world’s 7.3 billion population, has income viable enough to qualify them for a mortgage. This underscores the level of poverty in the black continent where some households live below poverty line.

In Nigeria, it is estimated that 70 percent of its 170 million people lives below poverty line, which explains the low home ownership level in the country said to be a little above 10 percent in the country.

It is also estimated that about 90 percent of houses in Nigeria are self-built with less than 5 percent of them in possession of formal title registration. Close real estate industry watchers note that mortgage loans and advances in the country stand at 0.5 percent to GDP in contrast to 30-40 percent in emerging economies and 60-80 percent in advanced economies.

Major obstacles to mortgage finance include dearth of longterm funds, absence of a secondary mortgage market, inadequate branch network of Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs), among oth-

Procurement and Supply Chain

with Gob-Agundu Uche Branch chair (CIPS), Nigeria ….. Continued from last week

A

Waste in supply chains number of studies have identified the following types of waste in a typical supply chain: • Transport between processes or organizations • Defects - called ‘scrap and rework’ in assembly industries and ‘waste and write-offs’ in continuous process industries • Over-processing - doing work that does not provide value to the customer • Waiting (or inactivity) - people or parts that are waiting for other activities to complete • Motion of people or parts within a process without adding value • Inventory, raw material, workin-progress or finished goods that are not being worked upon • Overproducing - making product sooner or in greater quantities than customers require in order to reduce unit costs of production • Exc e s s p r o d u c t i o n a n d distribution capacities

• Under-utilization of the skills of the workforce It will be noticed that some of these wastes are inter-related; over-production, for example, creates inventory. Procurement professionals will also understand that some ‘waste’ is necessary and cannot be removed (ie. necessary non-value adding). However, understanding the reasons why it is necessary and challenging the underlying assumptions can often lead to creative ways to remove more waste.

Procurement professionals should bear these examples in mind, but to also think of waste from a wider perspective by applying lean thinking to ensure that all aspects of the value chain are efficient and cost effective.

Although developed by the motor industry, lean thinking can be applied to all types of purchasing organization irrespective of size, including sectors such as utilities, services and retail. A key manifestation of lean thinking is to analyze the key value chain processes, including internal and external ordering (plan to requisition

ers. It is common knowledge that a lot still needs to be done to grow housing finance in the country.

The growth of housing finance in Nigeria, according to Guillaume Roux of Lafarge Africa Group, needs the support of the small microfinance institutions in their efforts to expand and diversify their offering.

Roux added that the growth would also come from the large commercial banks which are becoming more and more attracted by the low to medium income segment of the housing market.

His argument is that both the microfinance institutions and commercial banks need support to develop housing products and build up projects which would positively affect the low income segment, urging organization and institutions to help one another to achieve these goals.

Nigeria needs to grow housing finance through such initiatives as ‘Housing Microfinance Academy’ which Lafarge launched in 2014 in partnership with International Finance Corporation (IFC) and African Finance Development (AFD).

Training sessions need to be organized to promote housing microfinance and develop the capabilities of banks in that field.

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

Roux sees governments as critical stakeholders required to create the regulatory framework that would make the housing market work for the low income segment, noting that the setting up of the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) and the institutions for housing finance, including microfinance and mass housing financing, with the support of the World Bank, is a good example of a platform which would facilitate the growth of initiatives there.

“This will progressively enable a decrease in interest rates in the mortgage industry. However, more support from the government is needed to lower the interest rates for the funding of affordable housing and social housing

projects. Today, they represent a cost of up to 30 to 40 percent of the construction, which is borne by the end user”, Roux said.

It needs to be stated that there is a need to improve the affordability of construction itself in which case social housing projects should be setting the stage by showcasing new construction techniques that could improve quality, deliver faster and reduce the cost of construction.

African governments need to creatively innovate in order to improve the living standard of their people through the provision of affordable and mortgage-backed housing programmes. Also, the mortgage system has to be improved to make it not only accessible but also affordable.

Lean and agile thinking in procurement to payment), and remove any unnecessary steps or processes.

Self-billing for suppliers (where the customer creates invoices on behalf of the supplier) and some parts of e-Procurement (such as ordering standard parts via the suppliers systems) are just two examples of areas where lean thinking is commonly applied

by P&SM professionals. Simple improvements like consolidating supplier invoices also remove waste by reducing the numbers of invoices and thereby reducing the amount of processing.

One of the key aspects of all Supply Chain Management is the sharing of relevant data between buyers and suppliers, and this is particularly valuable in lean Procurement&Supplymanagement in order to ensure that all waste is identified and removed. To this end, CIPS believes that the ‘Shared Data Environment’ concept, where all data relevant to both parties is made readily available, should be seriously considered when deciding how to make an organization leaner.

As a part of this, Procurement and Supply Management, P&SM, professionals will ensure that both parties’ requirements are carefully detailed in the contract.

In a truly lean environment, many activities will be value-adding.

Activities to demonstrate good corporate governance and ethical practices, for example, should be determined in conjunction with their direct benefit to the organization (compliance with

legislation, enhanced reputation and prestige, etc.) and the needs of the stakeholders (ethical investment, for instance). Bureaucracy is always to be resisted and avoided.

Risks of lean thinking When organizations become too lean (such as relying on one supplier for a strategically important requirement) problems can arise.

For instance, in 2010 the farm and construction equipment maker, John Deere had moved towards becomingamake-to-ordercompany, and was losing orders because they were not holding enough stock to fulfill orders in sufficient time to meet their customers’ needs1.

Effective risk assessment employed at the appropriate stage in the sourcing process will enable mitigating strategies to be developed and provide greater confidence in the lean approach.

Increasingly uncertain global political and environmental conditions mean that supplier source reduction and extended supply chains, and especially single sourcing, are risky; many organizations discovered this when ships stopped using the Suez Canal due to Somalian piracy, or sources of supply disappeared fol l owi ng th e tsu nami th at devastated parts of Japan in 2011.

Lean thinking is very appropriate from the supply-side perspective but consideration must always be taken regarding the implications for the customer and the opportunity cost of not being able to respond to a customer need.

Another example of a company

suffering from being too lean is Ford who, in 2010, had standardized parts between models of cars. They had to recall 4.5 million cars because a faulty cruise-control deactivation switch was causing vehicle fires2.

The failure to understand the risk incurred by single sourcing a component on multiple models, brought about by lean thinking, contributed to a huge cost to the company.

Another area where lean thinking may pose a risk is the trend for outsourcing which, in the 1990s in particular, was intended to make organizations leaner by enabling them to concentrate on their core skills. However, in some cases they became too lean and lost their core competencies in the process.

Where organizations become deskilled (and in particular lose their commercial skills) they fail to see market opportunities, or are too lean to respond quickly to such opportunities when they arise.

CIPS believes that Procurement professionals must assess the risk to their organizations in losing core competences and correct the situation by in - sourcing as appropriate to ensure that the organization does not become dangerously lean. Leanness is important for ensuring costeffectiveness, but it should not add risks which could damage competitiveness or survival. In a largely uncertain world, excessive leanness can be as much of a weakness as carrying excess fat. ….To be concluded next week

34 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 28 July 2019

SundayBusiness Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

Willie Siyanbola

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mpleNG is a trademark of Amplefoods, a sole ownership founded

by Aisha Ime-Jones in 2015 when she lost her job and decided to convert her hobby of trading in spices and herbs into a full-time vocation.Over the years it has flourished into a preferred healthy food hub for locally grown staple foods. Most of these are processed into nutritious, dried herbs and spices.

Like a well-prepared entrepreneur Amplefoods came into the industry strongly with a commitment to service. Its Vision lends credence to this assertion: “To emerge as the preferred local leader, to become a global brand in the provision of healthy and personalised on demand food

Amplefoods’ unique food recycling model services, whilst promoting wellness in every bite”.

The company specialises in compounding and blending such into individual dietary needs on request. It is also actively engaged in food processing, providing food on demand, preparation and serving ethnic soups and stews in bowls, outdoor catering and coaching. Ample foods are on high demand because of its culinary skills as attested to by several of its customers spread across the states of Nigeria.

Another unique aspect of its operations is the recyclying of biodegradable waste into edible materials. For instance, activated charcoal with coconut shellsas well as egg shells are converted into calciumalternative. This reduces accumulation of wastes.

It is therefore, understandable that out there in the market its products have been commanding the customers’ attention. Amongst the products that have been at the forefront are cayenne mix spice, turmeric plus made from cinnamon, turmeric, ginger and black pepper.

Tamarind comes in as seed powder and fruit mixed with seed powder.

Tarmarind teas are presented in three brands as Classic(tamarind only), Tamarind and ginger as well as tamarind mixed with mint and lemon grass. But that is not all there is to the company’s products currently making waves in Nigeria’s bustling food market.

Other products available in the powder form include that made from baobarb fruit, tigernuts known as kunuaya, and those from dates, eggshells and activated charcoal specially formulated to prevent

food poisoning. The drinks come as products of baobab milkand tamarind milk.

Having got the much-needed approval from NAFDAC for its products such as eggshell powder as an alternative to calcium, activated charcoal, tigernut mix and cayenne mix Amplefoods continues to make the required inroad into the highly competitive food market.

Within four years of its presence, it has begun to live to the tenets and moving mantra of its Mission Statement. That, precisely is to treat each client as an individual with peculiar needs. In addition, it is to “ensure that prompt professional and courteous service is rendered to the customers.” It also promises to maintain fairness in its pricing and uphold integrity in the use of the carefully selected ingredients.

What Amplefoods has shown in its unique presentations and products is the need to go back to Mother Nature in the quest for food products that are both readily available and nutritious to consumers. But there is the next step to take. And that ahs to do with food recycling as it is done in Texas, U.S. This will not only save our waste-clogged environment but generate jobs for thousands of people. For instance, according to the website fusionwaste.com Fusion Recycling provides Organic Recycling Services. Food makes up the largest percentage of waste going into municipal landfills and combusted for energy recovery.

Organic Recycling is already mandatory in many states and our program is to help North Texas get a

Enyimba economic city, IFC sign MoU to market project to global market UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

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he International Finance Corporation, global financial management services giants, has signed an agreement with the Enyimba Economic City to market the project to the global market.

Chibuzo Chiemela Ekwekwuo, the company secretary and legal adviser of Enyimba Economic City, disclosed this at Government House, Umuahia while making a presentation on the project to a group of Igbo Economic Professionals known as Nzuko Umunna, led by Emeka Onwuka, former managing director of Diamond Bank Plc. Ekwekwuo said that the agreement was the single biggest endorsement for the project and was a clear indication that the Enyimba Economic City Project has all it takes to rank amongst the top business deals on the African continent.

He noted that the International Finance Corporation was

the Investment arm of the World Bank Group with over 60 years experience in unlocking private investment, creating markets and opportunities where they are needed most.

The Enyimba City Legal hinted that the organisation had leveraged over 2.6 billion dollars in capital to deliver more than 285 billion dollars in business financing in developing countries.

While describing the Enyimba Economic City as the single largest Development Project in Nigeria to be undertaken under the Public Private Partnership model, Ekwekwuo stated that it was 100percent private sector-driven with a clearly defined shareholding structure of 50 billion shares.

50percent of the shares had already been subscribed while the remaining 50percent would be publicly offered through an Initial Public Offer (IPO) within the first five years of the commencement of construction.

Ekwekwuo also said that the project would have first class infrastructure provided by leading

global infrastructure development giants with all agreements signed to that effect.

“There will be uninterrupted power at the city to be generated independently off the National Grid through the construction of a dedicated Power Plant in addition to the Power Purchase Agreement already signed with Geometric Power with guaranteed financing of 135 million dollars already in place by Chinese textile giants, RUI Group. The City will have its own private sector-driven administrative agency to ensure first class service to its stakeholders,” he said He noted that the strides so far achieved in the project could not have been possible without the commitment of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu who pulled all available strings to market the project to the Federal Government and successfully pushed for the granting of all necessary approvals from Special Economic Zone status, Free Trade Zone status, Inland Port status, among others from the Federal Government.

jumpstart on the organics recycling train.

By partnering with Fusion Recycling, the company diverts organic waste from grocery stores, restaurants, schools and other organic producing industries and recycle it by means of compost or animal feed. Every day it is helping more and more companies achieve greater success towards their corporate responsibility and zero waste goals. Removing food/ organics from the landfills reduces Green House Gases (GHG’s) and creates a greener lifestyle for North Texas.An environmentally friendly program that reduces trash costs and promotes landfill diversion. The company also provides customers with signage, educational literature, and presents a custom programme for Organic Recycling Initiative.

Recycling organic material may (understandably!) still bean odd concept to a lot of people, but it’s an increasingly common practice here in North Texas, to the point that food products now constitute RR’s single largest incoming streamsurpassing even the paper, plastic, and cardboard goods we collect and receive from local businesses each month.

In all of these, a lot of lessons should be gleaned by food companies on having a futuristic approach to their processing, preservation and even marketing operations.Thefirstistounderstand that the application of modern technology to our techniques will go a long way towards enhancing productivity, processes and eventually profit margins.

The other consideration is to be conscious of using

environmentally-friendly methods in food production, processing and preservation. Nigerians have to gear up for this paradigm shift.

That underscores the support for Amplefoods’srecycling format. It may seem a little effort for now but the future is bright for the company, more so that it conducts its affairs from the Technology Incubation Centre, in Lagos.

Also of importance is to begin to train many food entrepreneurs on what it takes to engage in food recycling. The methods, the machines and the knowledge of their application will go a long way towards saving our fragile environment from further degradation.

And whether the end products of food recycling are other food products or associated chemicals and plastics they are all of economic benefits to man.The machines involved would increase productivity in the automobile industry while engaging several youths in waste gathering and factory processes.

The value chain is therefore, so important that in the end it would encourage food production and add value to our scientific and technological knowhow with regards to reducing food wastes. This is where the efforts of Amplefoods and some others in that category would become more appreciated.

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

Hacey Health kicks off media entrepreneurship boot camp in Lagos Josephine Okojie

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ACEY Health Initiative; a development organisation focused on improving the health and productivity of vulnerable/underserved people in the society has recently kicked off an advocacy storytelling boot camp for media entrepreneurs.

The initiative with the theme, ‘Spurring Investment in Young People for Demographic Dividend’ is focused on raising emerging creative media experts to tell stories promoting ways the country can harness demographic dividends.

The official launch which was witnessed by representatives of the Africa Storytelling Development & Advocacy Initiative, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as well as representatives of the Ikorodu Community brought together 50 emerging creative media entrepreneurs. Rhoda Robinson, executive director of HACEY Health Initiative explained that the project among other things would help participants acquire skills that will help them translate available data into compelling stories spurring interest of key stakeholders

on issues that affect young people.

“The event is built on the idea that well-crafted stories connect people, inspire and create change.

So, at this edition, we’re training 50 young people on the use of the media to create effective social change through story telling,” Robinson said. She explained that media is a powerful tool in bringing positive change in the society, saying when media practitioners are adequately trained and mentored, the society will be a better place for all.

“This boot camp is about building the capacity of creative media expert to tell stories focused promoting investment in young people to harness demographic dividend.

We also look forward to helping the participants acquire skills that will help them translate available data into compelling stories that will spur interest of key stakeholders on issues that affect young people,” she added.

In line with this, Amaka Haruna, program officer of UNFPA, hhdisclosed that the UNFPA is happy to be associated with the project, saying the key issue of achieving Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved without the youths who constitute a larger percentage of the population.

Sunday 28 July 2019

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SundayBusiness Nigeria’s motorcycle-hailing business threatened by increasing state hoodlums …hailing firms has raised over $65 million for expansion MICHAEL ANI & GBEMI FAMINU

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egularly, Nigeria sends entourage abroad, to market its economy and attract more private investments but the few it has are being squeezed by tight regulations from governments.

A clear example is the case of motor hailing firms that have been raising investments to tap into the increasing population in the country’s commercial city, Lagos, but their operations are being disturbed by hoodlums under the auspices of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

In most instances, their activities are being disrupted as they are being forced to pay numerous levies- both official and unofficial- by road associations who claim to have the backing of Lagos State Government, BusinessDay has learnt.

Our investigation has shown that transportation unions in the state extort from motorcycle as much as N500- in excess of N400 they collect from regular bike riders- in the form of ticket fee daily on each of their riders, a situation analysts say could deter new investments into the space

at a time when the economy is in dire need of private investments to reduce the high unemployment rate currently around 23 percent, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics data.

“Nigeria is fond of making the business environment unfavourable for investors,” said Pascal Odibo, group country director, Jeff & O’Brien Knowledge. “At times, I wonder whether they consider their actions before they are ever taken,” Odibo said.

Motor hailing firms in Africa’s biggest economy have been keen to see a much working environment where they could better be regulated by the government to enable their effective operations.

In an interview with BDSUNDAY, the Country’s manager for Opay, Iniabasi Akpan said: “The firm is looking out for a situation where there would be synergy between the firm and law enforcement agencies to guarantee the safety of its riders by tackling the challenges it faces daily with the transport unions”.

The Lagos State government plans to introduce a new licence agreement for bike hailing start-ups so as to allow them operate within the state.

The licence will see hailing firms pay a licence fee of N25 million (about $70,000) annually for every 1,000 bikes and thereafter pay N30, 000 for each registered bike rider after the 1,000 mark.

“I think it is a good thing and we have anticipated this.

If you are going to get serious players into the market then you have to get people who are willing to pay for the cost to run the business. It is a means to identify those who are serious and those who are not,” Akpan noted.

While this regulatory framework seems plausible, there are fears that the proposed amount would be a hard nut for these firms to crack, considering the fact that many of them have over

1,000 bikes at their services.

With that, they will be expected to pay over N25.5 million annually or risk being harassed by government officials.

This could also limit the expansion plan of firms in the industry as they have raised funds to expand to other parts of the country. It would also create a barrier for new entrants wishing to enter into the market, according to analysts who spoke to BDSUNDAY. Lagos, Nigeria commercial hub and fifth biggest economy in Africa, is home to over 21 million residents, who go about trying to meet up with the basic necessity of life.

With an increasing popu-

lation, the state is still challenged with inadequate transport system that makes the populace seek quicker means to get to their various destinations.

The trend of hailing business in the country started with the coming of Max.Ng biking services which started operations in August 2015 followed by the Gokada which started operations in February 2018. Recently added to the league is the ORide biking service which began operations in June 2019 and started by offering 90 percent discount to its riders.

Since inception, the three firms combined have raised a total of $65 million and employed thousands of the

working population, based on data tracked by BDSUNDAY. The funding raised, according to these firms, was for expansion purpose into other West African countries as well as other states in Nigeria.

As advanced transport operators, these firms have distinguished themselves through the use of technology and driving financial inclusion.

They have also strictly adhered to traffic regulations, safety compliance for both passengers and riders by having a corporate branded identity and also with the use of helmet which has been warmly welcomed by Nigerian commuters, especially Lagosians.

American multinational transport firm, Uber is eying to establish its motor cycle-hailing business, Brooks Entwistle, head of Global Business Development for the firm, earlier said. However, the numerous outcries by already existing firms could make the transport firm take a pause on its decision.

Adetayo Bamiduro, cofounder for Max.N, said: “As long as the firm continues to demonstrate value to Lagosians, political leaders should do the right thing so as not to frustrate progress of the players in the sector”.

Simba Group rewards dealers

MTN Nigeria appoints Ndukwe chairman, as Dozie bows out

...introduces new product to Nigeria market

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Bolatito Adebola

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imba Group, the distributors of Luminous Inverters in Nigeria, recently held a glittering ceremony in which to honour their largest Nigerian dealers and charting the roadmap for the future of power backup solutions in Nigeria.

The ceremony was attended by several dealers of Luminous Inverters and batteries from across Nigeria, with Vipul Sabharawal, Managing Director of Luminous Power Technologies (India) in attendance as Chief Guest.

A key focus was on innovation which has always been the hallmark of Luminous products across the world.

Speaking at the Simba Partner Programme (SPP) gathering, Kunal Grover, Group Head of Strategy at Simba said: “Innovation has been the key driving factor behind Luminous’ rise to Number One in Nigeria. The company’s innovative prod-

ucts which have helped them to secure the leading position in markets around the world, including India – the world’s largest inverter market, are supported in this country by Simba’s innovative approach to service delivery. Together with our channel partners, we are able to offer these products, supported by aftersales service, in every corner of the country, helping Nigerians enjoys always-on power like never before.”

The event also witnessed the launch of Regalia, a revolutionary product that consists an integrated wallmounted unit and is the first inverter in Nigeria to be equipped with a Lithium-Ion battery. The key proposition of this product is that the whole inverter and battery system is designed in a compact wall-mounted unit that is not only space-saving but has won plaudits for its aesthetic design. It has been developed to not only provide power but to give protection to high-end devices like Home Entertainment

Centres, with a possible battery life of over five years.

Ravi Srivastava of Simba Group added, “Luminous has had an exciting journey to become Nigeria’s favourite inverter, but we are not resting on our laurels, we shall continue to innovate and keep providing products for the betterment of the Nigerian consumer. We are particularly thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of our channel partner community at this event, as it gives us great pleasure to see how they’ve grown with us throughout the years.”

The Simba Group, one of the country’s most respected business groups, has been in Nigeria for over 30 years.

In that time, the group has contributed greatly to the Nigerian economy, and its portfolio of widely recognised brands, continue to dominate industries in which Simba operates. Some of the most of known brands in the Simba portfolio include TVS Keke and Okada as well as Luminous inverters.

SEYI JOHN SALAU

TN Nigeria in a recent letter to notify the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the investing public and other stakeholders announced the appointment of Ernest Ndukwe, a former chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), chairman of MTN Nigeria as Pascal Dozie takes a bow out of the board of the telecommunication company.

The change in board was done in compliance with the codes of Corporate Governance following the expiration of the tenure of its board members. According to MTN, the change takes effect on 2 September.

Ferdinand Moolman, the CEO of MTN Nigeria in acknowledging the vital contribution made by the outgoing directors over the last 18 years, said, “On behalf of MTN Nigeria, I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to our pioneering chairman, PascalDozie andthe outgoing directors. Our journey over the last 18 years has been incredible,anditwouldnothave

been possible without the initial entrepreneurial spirit of our founding directors, and their unfailing and dedicated support for MTN Nigeria’s vision over the years. I could not have asked for a more supportive, knowledgeable and experienced group of advisors.”

According to Moolman, the following non-executive directors are retiring from the board of MTN. They are, Pascal Dozie, chairman of board; Sani Bello, vice chairman; Victor Odili, non-executive director; Ahmed Dasuki, non-executive director; Babatunde Folawiyo, non-executive director and Gbenga Oyebode, non-executive director.

Pascal Dozie, the outgoing chairman while speaking on behalf of others said no one envisaged the pace and scale of growth the telecom sector in Nigeria would witness when the first call was put through on the MTN Nigeria network in 2001.

“Having served as Chairman of MTN Nigeria for all of those 18 years, I achieved a long held ambition earlier this year, when MTN Nigeria listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, providing an opportunity for a wider pool of Nigerians to become inves-

tors in the company.

“On behalf of the outgoing directors, I would like to thank the board and management of MTN Nigeria for their support over the years and to welcome the incoming directors. They have a hugely exciting future in front of them, and I believe, the opportunity to make the next 18 years even more successful than the last,” Dozie said.

The newly composited board members as announced by MTN Nigeria are Ernest Ndukwe, chairman designate; Ferdinand Moolman, chief executive officer; Michael Onochie Ajukwu, independent nonexecutive director; Muhammad K. Ahmad, independent non-executive director; Rhidwaan Gasant, independent non-executive director; Andrew Alli, non-executive director; Omobola Johnson, non-executive director; A.B. Mahmoud, non-executive director; Ralph Mupita, non-executive director; Paul Norman, non-executive director; Ifueko Okauru, non-executive director; Jens Schulte-Bockum, non-executive director; Rob Shuter, non-executive director and Karl Toriola, non-executive director.

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Sunday 28 July 2019

TheWorshippers Nigeria needs divine intervention in the present security situation - Prophet Francis Starting Monday 29 July, Ebute Ayo Model Parish of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Oworo, Lagos will commence a week-long activity in celebration of the church’s 10th anniversary. In this interview with SEYI JOHN SALAU, the Most Superior Evangelist, Prophet Adeniyi Adegbenga Francis, the secretary to the Prophet and Prophetess worldwide, and pastor in charge of the parish speaks on ‘The Rebellious Prophet’ the theme of the anniversary. He said that many of today’s preachers, pastors and prophets have abandoned their calling to seek after other things. Excerpts: How did you arrive at the theme for the church’s 10th anniversary, ‘The Rebellious Prophet’? e went to the book of Jeremiah, chapter 28 verse 15 to 17; I found out that these days a lot of people who call themselves prophets are liars. We rebel against the wish of the Lord; what the Lord said we should do; we are not doing it, instead, we are doing the opposite. I want the people to know that for the present dispensation, we have lots of rebellious prophets which mean, lying prophets that the Lord did not send. They are using their own selfish interest to call themselves prophet because they need something to eat.

If I get you correctly; you are saying we have prophets who are not called into ministry. So, what is the relevance of the theme to the nation?

If you look at the country today, we have lots of pastors who call themselves prophet. Now, let’s look at the political atmosphere of the country especially during electioneering campaign period; a lot of people on social media (Facebook) prophesying that if Buhari campaigns, so, so thing will happen; another one will say, if Buhari contests certain things will happen, but at the end look at the same Buhari is still the president. God does not even tell them anything but because they are in need of what they will eat – if you look at this country today, you will see that the so-called pastors and prophets are the ones bringing this country down because what the Lord has not asked us to do is what we are doing, especially in Christendom.

We are now turning things upside down instead of allowing the will of God to take its place, and that is affecting the country negatively.

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Prophet Adeniyi Adegbenga Francis

I can say we the ministers are the ones doing the wrong things like I said ‘rebellious prophets’ and if you find out very well; at the door post of some pastors and prophets, you will find corruption – it falls at their doorpost but when they come out to the public, they will say, ‘the Lord says, the Lord says’. So, what I know now is that God is coming to intervene very soon.

What is the way out?

The good prophets should go out and preach to the world; not about financial prosperity, or materialism, rather we should go out and tell people about salvation and the kingdom of God by putting people back on the right way of what the Lord wants. For instance, nobody is preaching about the Ten Commandments again but if you look at the bible from Genesis to

Revelation: that is the most important thing and even if you look at the constitution of most countries in the world, it stemmed from that Ten Commandment. But right now, we are not preaching about that rather we will find some pastors going astray because what the Lord wants us to do, we are not doing it. What you find now is that the pastors are the ones committing fornication, idolatry, stealing and all sorts.

Back to the anniversary celebration, can you tell us briefly about the history of the church?

I will say am the first prophet of this church from 1997 when the church started. The church was founded and built by the Most Superior Evangelist Emmanuel Olusanya Adetula JP (dead); he died July 2018. After procuring the land,

he did the sand-filling and building of the first church in seven days, then the services started. In 1998, I was transferred out of Lagos to Delta State in Obiaruku, Parish one.

After Obiaruku, I was transferred back to Lagos and then to Eket in Akwa Ibom State. I was in Eket till year 2000 when God asked me to leave and then I moved to Port Harcourt. However, in 2006, I was planning to travel out of this country to South Africa with the hope that I was going there to study Aviation while I was still doing my pastoral work. Along the line, everything just got disorganised – the person with my passport disappeared and till today, I have not set my eyes on him.

Because I started the church here in March 2006 when I came back to Lagos; I felt I should visit the church for Sunday service to reconnect with the people in the church, but I met the founder of the church who came back from America to Nigeria; who then asked me to stay and build the church. I told him I was travelling of which I did not know God had a different plan for mine.

From that 2006 I met someone as a senior shepherd here who I assisted being the prophet-in-charge then.

By 2010, he was transferred out of this place and by 2011, I took over the mantle of leadership. Really, it is not that we are doing the 10th prophets and prophetess anniversary. I started in 2006, but there are some break in-between (some years) that is why I calculate the real years I came back to take the mantle of leadership of the church with the hope of doing more than we have done before.

Looking at politics in Lagos State; Governor Babajide SanwoOlu recently transmitted names of people that will work with his administration, what is your view of governance in the state?

I really do not go into politics and

I don’t want to talk about politicians because I believe those that are there, the bible says don’t judge. I don’t want to judge anybody; he has appointed the people to work with him and the only thing I can say to that is that I will be praying for them, that the mind of God will be in them – what God wants them to do, they will be able to do. I do not want to get involved with anything politics.

What is your view on insecurity in Nigeria?

The only thing I can advice is that the president, governors, senators should do more to equip our security agencies and architecture because all the things we are hearing today were not there in the past.

The stories about the Fulanis, Boko Haram and others; who are the people behind these things, where does it come from, who are the insiders?

Nobody knows. I will also urge the Christians and Moslems to go into prayers because the scripture says, if we are watching and God is not even watching; then what we are watching is in vain. But, lets pray (both Christians and Moslems) very hard that God should take over the security situation in the country and assist all our security men and women. Again, I will advise that if the government would listen, it should employ and deploy people that are trust-worthy to take charge of our security across the country and not touts.

So, if Christ tarries; what is your vision for the church in another ten years?

In another ten years, if I am still alive and not transferred out of here; am going to make this place a point of contact and location that would be known globally. I am working towards that right now. On social media, evangelism, prophetically I will do to the extent that the Lord says I should do globally and not just the Lagos region alone.

Aboyeji takes over as General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Nigeria SEYI JOHN SALAU

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everend Samuel Aboyeji has taken over from Rev. Felix Meduoye after his election as the fifth General Overseer of the church in Nigeria. Aboyeji has been the Senior Pastor of the Foursquare’s Olu of Warri Palace since 2001 and the Warri District Overseer/Mid-West Region Coordinator since 2006 and 2011 respectively where he was rated the best District Overseer of the church for three consecutive

years.

Rev. Aboyeji is also a member of the board of both the Home and Foreign Missions and the National Executive Council of the church.

He joined the Foursquare Gospel Church in 1988 and served the movement in various leadership capacities before he was ordained a minister of the church in 2001.

Rev. Aboyeji holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from LIFE Theological Seminary, Ikorodu; B.sc.

(Hons) in Economics from the University of Ilorin; and an MBA in Financial Management and Ac-

counting from the University of Lagos. He however, started his working career with the Nigerian Stockbrokers Limited (NSL), a subsidiary of NAL Merchant Bank Plc (now Sterling Bank Plc) from 1987 to 1992 where he trained as a stockbroker and licensed as an authorised dealing clerk of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1989.

Rev. Aboyeji left Nigerian Stockbrokers Ltd (NSL) to join Shell PetroleumDevelopment Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) with the Corporate Treasury in 1992 as an Investment Analyst with responsi-

bility for money and capital market investments of the Pension Fund.

He was a pioneer staff of Shell Trustees Nigeria Limited where he had responsibility for building and managing its capital market portfolio until his transfer to the Community Relations department of SPDC in Warri in year 2000.

Aboyeji participated in the negotiation of the company with Niger Delta Communities during the Niger Delta Crisis of 2006 to 2009 and was a member of the SPDC West Re-entry team that facilitated the company’s production restora-

tion in the post-amnesty era as the Community Interface Coordinator (CIC) for Swamp Communities of SPDC West. It was from this position that he opted for early retirement in March 2010 to answer to the call of God as a full-time minister of the gospel.

Born on December 26, 1960, the clergyman is married to Rev. (Mrs.) Olabisi T. Aboyeji, a qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist, who has been in full time ministry with him since 1993. The union is blessed with four children- Iyanuoluwa, Iyinoluwa, Ifeoluwa and Ireoluwa.

Sunday 28 July 2019

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BDSUNDAY 37

TheWorshippers Inspiration With Rev. Yomi Kasali

@rev.yomikasali

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e disliked him p a s s i o n a t e l y, hated his guts, was disgusted by his bravery and

Spreading bad news courage, did not appreciate the fact that this rookie was loved by all (God and man) so, he nursed vengeful animosity against the fellow who did nothing but serve him, worked for the elevation of his corporation and was absolutely loyal to his admired mentor/role model for years.

The boss tried to kill the rookie several times before and after he resigned from his organization; did not give him breathing space, chased him everywhere, did not give a pleasant referral; fired all those who supported the guy and even dissociated with his own son and heir apparent because of his affection towards the rookie. Eventually, after the Boss was killed in battle and the opportunity opened for this Rookie to become the Boss, he issued a decree that all men should

‘mourn’ for the Boss, the person who killed him in battle should face death immediately and the people should not spread the news or publish it in social media... what a man!

The above story is about Saul and David, the first and second kings of Israel in the Bible. I got arrested by the

reaction of David to the news of Saul’s death and said to myself, What a Man! I will love to inspire my readers today on what David said to the people in his poem about Saul and Jonathan just immediately after their demise…

Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters

of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. (2 Samuel 1:20) There are things and news believers should never ‘Publish’ or ‘Spread’ because they will not bring glory to God. Especially when it comes to the matters of ill news about the anointed Of God, I do not mean Pastors alone but also those God has put in charge of certain things over our lives.

3 Categories of people to protect Flaws of genuine servants of god: This has been a major problem lately, what to say and not. The only problem here is the word genuine because, there are many fakes out there who we should push out of ministry while there are real men of God who we should protect

when they fall. We should never ‘Tell’ joyfully nor ‘Publish’ gladly because they will not ‘Glorify’ God. Our fathers in faith: It is not every man that can qualify to be called father but those who have labored over us and in faith over the years for us to enjoy the prosperity that we have today.

We should never publish or expose their frailties whilst we are not condoning their actions if sinful.

Our brothers who gave us their love and loyalty: David remembered Jonathan even in death and wrote a poem for him, we should never celebrate the ills that befall our brothers because of the opportunities that might open up for us through their deaths.

Be Inspired!

Cleric who predicted Ihedioha’s victory draws large crowd, celebrates 25 years in marriage Ignatius Chukwu & Saby Elemba

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he man of God, who boldly predicted that Emeka Ihedioha would win the governorship contest in Imo State, and it came to pass, drew large crowd in a part of the state when he marked 25 years of marriage.

Eric Onunji, the general overseer of True Believers Church in Nnorie Ngor-Okpala, had invited Ihedioha or his representative to his rural church headquarters near Ekeukwu Nnorie long before the election, where he declared a message he said he got from Jehovah, assuring that Ihedioha would win despite foreseen odds.

The odds came when the then governor of the state allegedly mobilised supporters to ensure victory for his son-in-law in another party.

Violence took over but the security agencies stood neutral and allowed the wishes of the Imo voters to prevail, though with slim margin. Today, Ihedioha sits as governor of Imo State.

Onunji, who had in 2015

Reverend Onunji and wife, Celestina

predicted that Ihedioha would not win and that Muhammadu Buhari would shock the world to become president, had this time told Ihedioha to be prepared to rule with a bible in his hand and to do justice to the ordinary Imo people; the only demand he said God made of him (Ihedioha).

This message had attracted attention of the mighty and lowly in Imo areas to True Believers Church and the reverend, leading to influx of worshippers with problems requiring knowing the mind

of God. When he thus celebrated his silver jubilee recently, huge crowds traced the church venue from as far as Port Harcourt and Enugu and Owerri to grace the occasion.

Many sent messages from as far as the USA, recounting one breakthrough or the other they had recorded following the prayerful intervention of Onunji. The father of the day was the monarch of area, the Eze, Noble Eke. On this score, the True Believers Assembly Church in Nnorie, Ngor-Okpala Lo-

cal Government Area became the convergence of the creme de la crème for both the religious class and the social circle to the Silver Jubilee of Eric and his wife, Celestina.

The man of God shocked the crowd when he revealed how he prayed for a life partner suitable for his ministry as a preacher and the name (Ngozi) was dropped for him. He said he knew no lady by that name and continued searching for an Ngozi, not knowing that one of the ladies going out for evangelism with his team, Celestina, was also Ngozi, until he opened her bible one day. He said the marriage has been fruitful and that Ngozi or Celestina has truly emerged as the pad carrying the fire-some ministry, calming frayed nerves and sacrificing her comfort for things to work out and for peace of the ministry to prevail at all times.

Presenting the message of the day, the guest minister, a retired venerable, Reuben Amadi, described Onunji as a true man of God whose dedication to the work of God had saved many souls.

He delivered his message titled, ‘The Great Jubilee Life’.

The venerable said the topic was chosen to tell the world that when a couple makes Christ Jesus the centre of their lifestyle the result of the union will be jubilee, liberty, fruitfulness, and life free from fear of the unknown.

He described jubilee life as one full of happiness, love of God and things of God; noting that the marriage between the reverend, Eric and Celestina, is a perfect example a great jubilee life.

He said what could bring the great jubilee of life for any couple just like that of celebrants, is desire to have a total repentance, and devoting one’s life to serve God genuinely. Quoting John 3:16 and John 10:10, he said, “The Devil has come to steal, kill and destroy life. One can only have freedom if one can make up one’s mind to love Jesus who God has given to redeem mankind, because He loves the world”. He added that jubilee of life is for those who have earnestly been born again.

He disclosed that Onunji and Celestina embarked on prayers when it was their time to marry and as such those who want to marry must embark on prayers, seek and ask God to direct them to the rightful partner. “Every wife is good”, he declared. “The Bible says ‘he who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour from the Lord. He admonished wives to show that they are indeed good and submissive to their husbands in order to have a good report concerning them.

He enjoined young girls to keep themselves from being defiled and to remain virgins until they are married, advis-

ing parents to endeavour to urge their young men and girls to preserve themselves.

Earlier in his remarks, an elder of the church, Ignatius Nwachukwu, who served as a member of the organising committee and chairman of the occasion on the day, said to the mammoth crowd, thus: “What makes today different is the blessing we are going to get today and not necessarily the food and wine we are going to consume”.

He reminded the world that Tuesday is always a special day in True Believers Assembly as a Church organisation, because it is a day set aside for interdenominational church service, aimed at delivering many from bondage. He noted that world leaders like Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Enoch Adeboye did well because their wives were behind them, the way Celestina has stood behind the Reverend for 25 years.

Another elder, Oliver Ekeh, who gave witness to marriage of the celebrants, disclosed that Eric and Celestina indeed, heard God clearly before marrying each other, and that this has made their marriage to flourish. He described the reverend as “God’s chosen vessel that has never brought shame to the Church in the course of his ministry to God and mankind any where he had gone”.

The highlights were the cutting of the Silver Jubilee celebration cake, rededication of their marriage, the Glorious Choir ministry of True Believers Assembly that entertained the audience and a Startup singer, Wisdom Nwachukwu (VOW) whose worship songs enlivened the audience as well as added glamour to the occasion.

38 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 28 July 2019

BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Buhari’s ministerial list: Where are the youth?

Daniel Obi

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urrounded by a number of youths, President Muhammadu Buhari had on May 31, 2018 signed into law the #NotTooYoungToRun bill, and presenting the document to the world with a rousing of laughter. But he gave them a warning, not to contest against him, but to allow him finish his tenure.

Looking back now, with the release of the ministerial list that contains no youth, it appeared that those who had said that the signing into law of that bill was just a mere fulfilment of righteousness were right. The argument is that if the President meant to accommodate the youth in sync with the verbal promises and body language, the drawing of the ministerial list would have been the best opportunity for him to walk the talk.

As it is, It is now obvious that Nigerian government does not believe in its youth and regrettably, it is not ready to utilise the energy of the young population that accounts for about 60 percent of 200 million Nigerians for development.

In the recent time, the Nigerian youth, between the age of 18 and 35 who have really shown that they are not ‘lazy’, have demonstrated their competence in

various fields with less support from government; yet, they face marginalisation from Nigerian gerontocratic administrators.

The reason is not farfetched. Appointments into ministerial and other similar positions are largely predicated on politics, as demonstrated by President Buhari in this latest ministerial list.

This kind of attitude by the leadership poses a big challenge to the development of Nigerian youths.

While the Nigerian youth have exhibited their skills in the private sector, managing firms from ground zero to

stardom, government appears yet to recognise those skills and begin to recruit them into governance. Even in the 21st Century when the youth are piloting affairs successfully, government is still tied to historical belief of assigning all responsibility to the elderly, without necessarily considering the competence and dynamism of the youth.

A few days ago, President Buhari, who is 76 years old, did not disappoint. He did not fail to follow former Nigerian administrators who did not consider the youth as members of their cabinet.

The average age of the 43 ministerial list released by Buhari is about 55 years, and then the question is where is the place of the youth that make up 60percent of the population? It is now obvious that Nigerian government does not believe in its youth.

Today, some ministries would be more effective if they are managed by the youth such as ministries of communication; science and technology; sports; ministry of environment, women affairs, youth development; Niger Delta Affairs and ministry of tourism. To realise potentials in some of these min-

istries, government should be thinking of a paradigm shift and involve the youth to handle them to ensure good governance.

Some analysts had expected Buhari to give Nigerian youth some hope under the ‘Not too Young to Run Act’ by appointing them into his cabinet. President Buhari had signed the bill in to law in May last year after the National Assembly had passed it. The Act alters Sections 65, 106, 131, 177 of the Nigerian Constitution and reduces the age qualification for president from 40 to 30; governor from 35 to 30; senator from 35 to 30; House of Representatives membership from 30 to 25 and State House of Assembly membership from 30 to 25.

Whereas ‘Not too young to rule’ is appreciated for inclusive governance, it must be noted that many of those under this bracket do not have enough financial muscle to compete for some positions. Government can therefore, start elevating them with appointments such as ministerial, to tap their competence.

If the young people below 35 years are as good as voting, many of them are also as good as to be appointed to positions. However, the Nigerian young people need to step up campaigns to sensitise the government on their right to be appointed to positions to create the necessary change to move Nigeria forward.

Presently, it is regrettable that the Nigerian young population has lost the steam to fight for their course either as students’ union or social groups. In the past, they had achieved a lot, such as “Ali must go protest” staged nationwide in 1978 against “bad” education policy. But today, most Nigerian youths, educated and non-educated have relegated their own courses and instead become tools in the hands of gerontocrats advancing the elders’ paths.

Akonte Ekine, a social commentator, says the youth today faces big task on how to navigate their way to Nigerian public service. “The system that is full of moneybags appears to have excluded them from participation and contribution to governance.

This is unfortunate.”

It is clearly observed that Nigerian youth of today are entrepreneurial, hardworking and passionately driven on their course. They have exhibited these attributes in various lives they find themselves. It was on this basis that the ‘Not young to rule’ was hatched. Government should therefore, have a rethink and begin to appoint the young people to positions of authority for greater impact on the nation. The young ones are bubbling in spirit, they want to make impact.

Nigeria should give them the opportunity. The population of the youth in Nigeria is too much to ignore.

Recommendations for better brand’s momentum and growing sales now and for the future Mike Umogun

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ccording to Mark Kaye of marketing projects in the United Kingdom and Charles Foster of Kantar Africa and Middle East, one of the major reasons most marketers keep awake is the challenge of providing and measuring the return on investment by their organization, showing that sales have grown because they have taken some critical marketing initiatives.

While many marketers have argued that we cannot say for certainty that investment on marketing com-

munication like advertising, public relations and the like would impact growth, we cannot take the risk of turning down investment on marketing communication to grow our businesses some other seasoned marketers have opined.

Measuring the ROI (return on investment) of one’s marketing activities was identified by Mark Kaye as the most common marketing problem all marketers face. Interestingly larger companies recognized this as more significant (71%) than smaller ones (42%).

Either way, it’s vital for marketers to understand the effectiveness of each

marketing campaign, piece of content, other types of marketing communication, corporate social responsibilities, corporate visible, brand power etc. on their bottom-line.

Proving ROI often goes together with making an argument to increase budget: No ROI tracking, no demonstrable ROI. No ROI, no budget. But tracking the ROI of every single marketing activity isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t have two-way communication between your marketing activities and sales reports.

When it comes to providing ROI, there’s a strong

case to be made for dedicating time and resources to establishing links between marketing activities and sales results. This means using both marketing software plus a CRM solution and then tying them together to close the loop between your marketing and sales efforts. That way, you can directly see how many leads and customers are generated through your marketing activities.

According to a recent report tagged Mastering Momentum by Kantar, growing sales can be tied to five major marketing actions not just spending on marketing communications.

First, balance your investment across three key activities. Do this by exerting marketing pressure across the three key points in the buyer cycle: experience, exposure and activation. Where a brand finds the most leverage will depend on its industry and brand size Second, deliver the brand experience that will delight your existing users. To grow, a brand needs to retain as many existing users as possible by predisposing them to choose the brand again.

Third, grow your brand exposure and reach out to future buyers. To grow, a brand needs to reach out to

new, potential buyers. Do so by creating excess share of voice with compelling, memorable creative that builds clarity around what the brand stands for and encourage positive buzz and word of mouth.

Four, plan your brand activation to create salience with meaning among shoppers. Ensure that the brand and its meaningful difference comes readily to mind in relation to specific needs and occasions. Justify your price point, do not resort to excessive discounting to drive volume.

Umogun works with Kantar Nigeria

Sunday 28 July 2019

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EquityMarket Airtime, data, roaming send MTN Nigeria’s half-year revenue to N567bn Shareholders to get N60bn interim dividend Stories by TELIAT SULE

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oticeable increase in revenues from airtime and subscription, data, interconnect and roaming has increased the gross revenue of telecoms market leader, MTN Nigeria, to N566.95 billion at half year 2019, representing an increase of 12 percent over N505.67 billion realised same period in 2018.

MTN Nigeria as at May 2019 controlled 37.38 percent of the nation’s telecommunications market while the telecoms sub sector contributed 10.11 percent to the nation’s GDP as at the end of the first quarter of 2019.

Further analysis of the H1 2019 results showed that the company’s revenue sources are airtime and subscription, data, SMS, interconnect and roaming as well as from handsets and accessories. Other sources include digital services, value added service and other revenues.

The management of the company has proposed N2.95 interim dividend per 2 kobo ordinary share for shareholders whose names appear on the register of members as at August 8, 2019. The amount proposed per share, in view of 20.35 billion shares outstanding amounted to N60 billion and a dividend payout ratio of 61 percent. According to the release, the interim dividend, which is subject to the appropriate withholding tax, will be paid electronically on August 18, 2019. MTN Nigeria’s share price gained 1.60 percent today to close at N127 per share.

On why the results failed to lift the market, an analyst attributed this to the general state of the Nigerian economy.

“In our opinion, while MTN recorded impressive results (double digit growth in both revenue and net profit), the broader market sentiment has been largely bearish due to the uncertainties around the Nigerian economy. Most foreign and local investors prefer to invest in the safe haven of fixed income securities

as uncertainties in the political space and banking sector in particular have contributed to the poor performance of the market so far. Despite the mild rally on MTN by 1.60% due to the result, it was insufficient to change the mood in the general market” said David Adu, a telecoms analyst with Meristem Securities.

In the first six months of this year, MTN Nigeria realised N359.03 billion as revenue from airtime and subscription, representing 9.73 percent increase over N327.20 billion made same period in 2018.

However, revenue from airtime and subscription unit at half year 2019 amounted to 63 percent of MTN Nigeria’s overall revenue whereas in similar period in 2018, this product offering generated 65

percent of the gross earnings, indicating that competition may have reduced new opportunities yet to be explored by industry players.

On a year on year basis, that is, from June 2018 to June 2019, MTN Nigeria’s voice subscribers declined marginally by 2.5 percent from 66.49 million voice subscribers last year June to 64.81 million subscribers as at May 2019. This decline had no impact on MTN Nigeria’s revenue generation because it made more money per subscriber at half year 2019 compared with same period last year.

On the average, MTN Nigeria realised N5, 539.56 per voice subscriber in the first six months of 2019 which translated to N923.26 per voice subscriber on a monthly

basis. This compares with N4, 921.19 per subscriber in the first six months of last year which amounted to N820.20 per voice subscriber on a monthly basis.

Further, data revenue spiked by 30.01 percent from N79.47 billion last year June to N103.32 billion at half year 2019. This implies that at half year 2019, data revenue contributed 18 percent to MTN Nigeria’s revenue as against 16 percent same period in 2018. While this amounted to additional N23.85 billion revenue from data subscribers, competition within the industry ensured a decline in revenue per data subscriber on a monthly basis from N340.17 in H1 2018 to N328.43 monthly per data subscriber in the first six months of 2019. This was in

spite of the fact that between June 2018 and 2019, MTN Nigeria’s data subscribers rose by 34.7 percent from 38.9 million to 52.4 million.

“In the first half of 2019, we sustained a solid performance, delivering double-digit growth in service revenue, underpinned by growth in voice and data revenue.

We added 3.3 million customers to our network, increasing our subscriber base to 61.5 million.

Pleasing we saw data subscribers increase in the period by 2.1 million to 20.7 million. We made significant network investments to improve network quality and expand our 4G coverage.

“Our recent work to revamp our data prices and accelerate our 4G network has put us in a strong competitive position to offer more value to our customers, supporting data and voice revenue growth which will ultimately strengthen our business. We are pleased with obtaining a super-agent license from the Central Bank of Nigeria, which will enable us to build an agent network and accelerate the growth of our Fintech business”, Ferdi Moolman, MTN Nigeria CEO, said.

Growth in SMS services was marginal at 1.73 percent as revenue rose from N6.94 billion by June 2018 to N7.05 billion in June 2019.

Handset and accessories generated N533.4 million at half year 2019 as against N122.5 million in corresponding period in 2018, an increase of 335.6 percent. Value added service increase by 11.43 percent from N14.75 billion last year to N16.4 billion this year’s June.

However, revenue from digital services as well as other revenues fell by 27.91 percent and 42 percent respectively. In other words, MTN Nigeria generated N16.9 billion as digital revenue during the period compared with N23.6 billion in last year’s June. Other revenues declined to N1.5 billion as at June 2019 compared with N2.6 billion in 2018.

Profit after tax (PAT) improved significantly by 34.8 percent from N73.4 billion in June 2018 to N98.9 billion by June 2019.

Ecobank posts 15% increase in H1’19 profit on higher fee and commission income

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cobank Nigeria Plc last week announced its half year unaudited results for the period ended June 30 2019 with the bottom line witnessing 15 percent improvement. Gross earnings rose by 5 percent from N384.59 billion in June 2018 to N405.20 billion in

June 2019. Interest income was up marginally by 2 percent from N242.2 billion to N246.6 billion during the reference period.

However, interest expense spiked by 21 percent from N95.6 billion in June last year to N115.7 billion by June this year. Conse-

quently, net interest income declined by as much as 11 percent to N130.9 billion from N146.6 billion in corresponding period in 2018.

But the pan African bank generated more fee and commission income which increased by 10 percent from N77.2 billion to N85.15

billion during the reference period.

That improved its net interest revenue by 13 percent to N149.2 billion up from N132 billion same period last year.

Profit before tax rose by the same margin to N73.4 billion up from N65.1 billion during the ref-

erence period. Profit after tax increased by 15 percent from N51.6 billion in June 2018 to N59.5 billion in June 2019.

Ecobank share price shed 6.11 percent today to close at N8.45 per share. Year to date, it is down by 39.6 percent.

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LifestyleHomes&Suites

Sunday 28 July 2019

Paul Ojenagbon pauloje2000@yahoo.com

Seattle Residences, a real deal in luxury

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eattle Residences is a collection of beautifully appointed apartments in two distinct blocks set over six floors providing panoramic views of the Lagos lagoon.It is prestigiously located at Walter Carrington Crescent within the diplomatic enclave housing an array of embassies and consulates, including the almighty US embassy.

It is said to be one of the most secure places in the country. Seattle Residences boasts of a water front plot that enjoys uninterrupted vista of the Lagos lagoon on one side and

the leafy, well appointed diplomatic buildings on the street .A boat service provides a great way to beat the Victoria Island to Ikoyi traffic. The $32million project was funded by Triton Universal Global Concepts, a private real estate investment company.Seattle Residences was built to be leased, it has since been commissioned and is fully operational but some units of residences are still vacant It has an intimidating luxury accommodation schedule comprising 4 bedroom (pent house) apartments, 3 bedroom apart-

ments and dedicated 3 bedroom apartment hotel .The 4 bedroom ( pent house ) apartment are multi level with 3 light filled living areas, dining room, fully fitted top of the line kitchen, 4 luxury ensuite bedrooms and breathtaking terraces overlooking the Lagos skyline on every floor. The 3 bedroom apartments are elegant and replicate some features and attributes of the 4 bedroom pent house apartments. There is an option to have the 4/ 3 bedroom apartments furnished or not .The gorgeous and dedicated 3 bedroom apartment is available for short stay with utmost comfort. .

Seattle boasts of an armada of facilities including a concierge, spa, bistro, swimming pool and house boat services. There are also perfectly formed gym, boxing gym

and yoga classes. There is floor to ceiling windows and generous terraces to overlook the bluish water of the lagoon. Occupants have a real treat here.

Seattle Residences was projected to be a bench mark in sophisticated urban living .it is a selection of highly specified, beautifully appointed apartments.It is creatively designed, blending performance with elegance and efficiency with style . It features an exterior that complements an attractive internal design and is driven by excellent facilities that are matched by a serene environment. The interior design effortlessly combines practicality with contemporary state of the art design, offering maximum space and comfort .Apartments are made airy with double glazed windows and external doors.

Telecom and internet points feature in each apartment as part of a user friendly satellite TV and internet service network that users can subscribe to.Stylish, bedrooms incorporate fitted wardrobes complemented by large areas of glazing to create the perfect space .The kitchen features vitrified floors and modern, durable base with fronted wall units combined with time serving appliances .It is custom designed and fitted, combining timber and gloss painted cup board designs .

The bathrooms are complete with appliances, marble or vitrified tile finish and exquisite colour blending . Apartments in Seattle Residences are letting at the annual rates of $120,000 for the 4 bedroom unit and $80,000 for the 3 bedroom respectively while a night in the apartment hotel costs $950.

Castos Villa glows in Asaba

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saba, capital of Delta sate has its own fair share of beautiful houses.Infact, since it became state capital several decades ago, it has gone through a steady upgrade in infrastructure and real estate development has surged tremendously .

Castos villa is one of the sizzling hot new developments in the Asaba property market at the moment.It is an exquisite 4 – bedroom duplex located at Hon. Roseline Bozimo Crescent

opposite Mastercare International School, behind Macdon Fast Food, off Okpanam Road.

The house is set in a generously spacious, well planned compound of over 1500 square metres that can accommodate ten cars. It is well endowed with a garden and ornamental flowers.

The ground floor consists of an ensuite ante room , general lounge ( with void), family dinning , kitchen and guest bedroom which is ensuite with walk- in closet .

The upper floor has the private family lounge enhanced with gallery ( balcony), large

master bedroom and two other bedrooms, all ensuite.

The house is well finished

in exotic dĂŠcor and radiates immense appeal. The neighborhood is fairly new, serene and endowed with good road network . Some facilities have been provided in the house to make the occupants very comfortable. A Jubaili Bros 15 kva generator is on ground to ensure steady power supply, complementing mains supply for 24/ 7. A further back up is high performance inverter with batteries to ensure there is no room for any outages in Castos Villa.

For prospective buyers who love dogs there is an ample cage to take more than one dog. Water supply is from borehole with treatment plant.

The kitchen, with terrace, is fully fitted and ready to issue the dishes, having all the necessary appliances such as gas cooker, microwave, oven, fridge and extractor fan.

The house is furnished and the vendor leaves open an option for the new owner to either acquire the household property along with the house or to renege.

Exclusive of the household items, the price tag on the house is N 65 million, negotiable to a reasonable limit. What is more,the property carries a certificate of occupancy title issued by the Delta state government

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Sunday 28 July 2019

Focus

Apapa onApapa rceon Taskforce ential Taskfo Presidential good sogood far, so So far, Gridlock: So CHUKA UROKO

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or Apapa residents, business owners, motorists whose daily income comes from commuting to and from the port city, it has been a long, tortuous and unnerving trek to where and what Apapa is at the moment.

Apapa had been in the news daily for the wrong reasons. The premier port city was literally under siege by trailers and tankers who occupied everywhere, blocking every exit and entry into the city. It was such that Apapa became a national issue, disrupting proceedings even at Federal Executive Council meetings.

Repeated public outcry and residents’ outrage over the impact of congestion and gridlock in the port city on their businesses and investments caused stakeholder interventions, leading to the setting up one taskforce or committee after another that hardly produced any results.

A presidential order was in August 2018 given by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo which never worked because, according to an Apapa resident who did not want to be named, the vice president was merely a toothless bull-dog that could only bark, but not bite.

Though not without initial hiccups, the new taskforce set up by President Muhammadu Buhari is gaining traction and has recorded appreciable results. The taskforce chaired by Vice President Osin-

bajo was established to restore law and order to the area within two weeks.

Members of the taskforce include Kayode Opeifa, former Commissioner of Transport in Lagos State, as the Executive Vice Chairman; a representative of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC); the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

This taskforce would work for two weeks which was extended by another two weeks and handover the management of the traffic to the Nigeria police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA).

Its terms of reference included the development of an efficient and effective management plan for the entire port area traffic, including the cargo, fuel distribution and business district traffic; enforcing the permanent removal of all stationary trucks on the highway, and the development of an effective manual truck call-up system, pending the introduction of the electronic truck call-up system. It also includes the implementation of a workable Empty Container Return and Export Container Truck Handling Policy, amongst others.

Even though it remains to be seen how much of these orders the taskforce has been able to carry out, one significant success it has recorded is the relative free and easy access to Apapa through Ijora and Eko Bridges.

For those who saw it all, especially the residents, this is a considerable milestone.

The taskforce has been able to clear trucks on Eko Bridge particularly, and those still found, occasionally on Ijora Bridge maintain a single lane on the Apapa in-bound carriage way, leaving one lane for other road users.

Similarly, as at Friday July 26 afternoon, there was no single truck on the whole stretch of Ikorodu Road from Maryland to National Stadium in Surulere which used to be almost impassable and caused motorists to spend long hours to commute to either Apapa or the Lagos Island.

Though Bode Karunwi, the vice chairman of Apapa GRA Residents Association, is not comfortable with the one lane which the trucks still occupy on Ijora Bridge, business owners commend the taskforce for being able to sustain the free access to the port city in the last one month or more.

“We should commend them when they are getting it right. But at the same time, we must not fail to scream when they fail in their duty, because they have no reason to fail,” said a business own who did not want to be named.

The federal government is insisting that trucks should not be seen parked for days on Apapa roads on bridges. Opeifa assured in a telephone interview with BusinessDay that he and his team were determined to ensure that this mandate was achieved.

This has been helped significantly by the opening of the

Lilypond Container Terminal in Ijora and the Tin Can Trailer Park which is now in use even as construction work continues.

Many trucks now find their way into these terminals and from there, through a fledgling call up system, enter the ports.

So far, so good, but it not yet uhuru for both Apapa and the presidential taskforce. The Apapa Oshodi Expressway which is the major route to Apapa remains a ‘highway to hell’. Besides the rehabilitation work going on there, there is still heavy presence of trucks that are stationary on the expressway.

To an average observer, nothing has really changed as articulated trucks still litter the expressway such that right from Second Rainbow through Mile 2, trailers and tankers occupy the roads as usual, forcing other motorists to seek alternative routes to Apapa.

It is clear that the presidential ultimatum has failed to bring sanity to Apapa and its environs.

The environment has been so degraded to a point where property value in the port city has dropped by more than 50 percent and will remain so for a long while.

Uche Chiejina, an estate manager in Apapa, told BusinesDay in an interview that even if Apapa returned to its former glory, it would take years for both interest and confidence to return to its property market.

“Many people and businesses that have relocated from here to the island will find it hard to make a U-turn. So, Apapa will be a hard

sale for a long time to come,” Chiejina contended.

Vice-President Osinbajo is Head of the task force and during his recent visit to Apapa, he said it would take both medium and long term solutions to ultimately deliver to the users an efficient port environment for the economy and businesses to thrive.

He hinged it all on infrastructure development.

But it is quite obvious that, the short term measure is not succeeding in which case hope now lies on the medium and long term measures. This is why concerned stakeholders are tasking the government to let the implementation of the medium and long term solutions begin given that orders and use of force cannot solve the congestion and gridlock in the port city.

While government dances around with its medium and long term measures, the next best thing to do in the immediate term is the establishment of more truck parks which, many believe, is a key solution to the problem of Apapa gridlock. Without parks, it is pretty difficult to clear the trucks off the road.

This has long been acknowledged by all government operatives. What is delaying immediate implementation continues to beat the imagination. Urgently, truck parks are needed not only in Lagos but also in Ogun State from where these rampaging trucks will find their way to the Lagos ports.

42 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 28 July 2019

Health&Science diabetes influence Sedentary lifestyle: Middle-aged workers Can cancer spread? now more at risk than pensioners S

M ANTHONIA OBOKOH

ostmiddle-aged office workers now spend as much time sitting down as older pensioners, says a new study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, ...UK/US The study found that 45 to 54-year-old men spend on average 7.8 hours per weekday sitting down, compared with 7.4 hours for the over-75s. Sedentary work is the main reason for this inactivity.

Only the youngest group of men surveyed – 16 to 24-yearolds – are significantly less sedentary than the over 75s on weekdays.

Sedentary time is defined as time spent in any waking activity done while sitting, including working, eating, watching TV or time on a computer.

Experts say that high levels of sedentary time - more than seven hours a day - increases the risk of an early death, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, even if people are physically active at other times of the day.

Nigeria with a large and increasing middle-aged office workers have increased risk from sedentary lifestyle.

The researchers said the figures highlighted the potential health risks of excessive sitting at work.

Experts say that high levels of sedentary time - more than seven hours a day - increases the risk of an early death, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, even if people are physically active at other times of the day.

Larne yusuf a medical practi-

tioner based in Lagos said with the population of Nigeria, sedentary life style in work place is very dangerous to health.

“Many middle aged workers, are affected with high levels of sedentary time, working on the lap top for more than eight hours, given much time in sitting is not healthy and it attributes to the increase in heart diseases to sedentary lifestyle”.

“Ninety per cent of countries worldwide have recorded increases in lifespan but are likely to develop cardiovascular diseases.

“This leads to risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, mental stress and hypertension affect a billion people worldwide,” he said.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) report on raising it termed on

the growing sedentary lifestyles among adults and adolescents.

WHO urged people to “get up and get active”, saying that insufficient exercise contributes to cancer, diabetes, depression and other non-communicable diseases.

The UN health agency, in a new document, expressed concerns that “less and less people are active in many countries, with nearly a quarter of all adults and more than 80 per cent of adolescents being too sedentary”.

WHO’s Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020 recommends that inactive people start with “small amounts of physical activity” and then gradually increase duration, frequency and intensity over time

ome researchers argue that there may be a direct link between having diabetes and exposure to an increased risk of metastasis in cancer. New research validates this idea, explaining how diabetes can elevate this risk.

New research investigates how diabetes may promote the spread of cancer.

Hundreds of millions of people across the globe live with one form of diabetes, which makes this one of the most common health conditions that doctors diagnose.

People with diabetes tend to have a higher risk of developing certain additional medical conditions, including problems with eyesight, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems.

Now, emerging evidence also suggests that diabetes could elevate the risk of tumors metastasizing — or spreading — in cancer.

Recently, a team of researchers from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, has explored the potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between diabetes and metastatic cancer.

“Cancer and diabetes are two of the worst health problems in developed countries, and there’s a link between the two,” says study author Prof. Mingming Wu. “For cancer, half of the story is still in genetics. It’s only recently we realized there is another half that we missed, which is the microenvironment,” Prof. Wu adds.

In other words, the growth and spread of cancer might be highly dependentonthebiologicalenvironmentthatsurroundsit,anddiabetes, the researchers believe, may create therightsettingtoincreasethemotility (ability to move) of cancer cells.

‘Glycation boosts the rate of metastasizing’ Metastasis — or cancer spread — occurs when cancer cells are able to “travel” from the site of primary tumors towards other parts of the body, eventually giving rise to new tumors.

To get from the site of a primary tumor to elsewhere in the body,

cancer cells must navigate the extracellular matrix, a network that provides support and structure to the cells of the body. Different types of macromolecules, which include collagen and glycoproteins, make up this matrix.

Wu and colleagues explain that elevated blood sugar in people with diabetes can impact the structure of the collagen fibers in a way that makes it easier for cancer cells to move around.

The changes to collagen fibers occur through a process called “glycation,” a reaction between sugars and proteins or other biological compounds. “[People with diabetes] have higherbloodsugarlevels,whichlead to glycation and changes the structure of the collagen in their tissue,” explains the study’s lead author, Young Joon Suh, who is currently a graduate student at Cornell.

“If they happen to have cancer, we believe this glycation process promotes the rate of metastasizing.” Young Joon Suh In their study — the results of which appear in the journal Integrative Biology — the researchers testedthis mechanismbylookingat howcancercellsfrombreastcancer tumors fared in environments with different levels of glycation.

Their experiments revealed that the cells had increased motility — that is, they were able to move around at faster rates, and also to “travel” farther away from the original site — when their environment had high glycation.

In fact, the team explains that the average speed of movement of breast cancer cells was higher in all three types of collagen environments that they used — when they were glycated.

These findings, the researchers believe, indicate that the conditions that diabetes creates in the body may indeed increase a person’s risk of metastasis if they have cancer.

Going forward, the scientists aim tofurtherdistinguishbetweenthemechanicalandchemicalimpactofglycationontheprocessofmetastasis.

•Culled from Medical News Today

Health benefits of Baobab tree CONTRIBUTOR

TOBI AYODELE KEENEY

B

aobab is a tree that grows in the dry savannas of Africa, Australia and parts of the Middle East. In Nigeria, baobab tree is cultivated and used traditionally in the northern parts of Nigeria. While the all parts of the tree are utilized for different uses, the fruit, seeds and leaves of the baobab tree are highly prized for their nutritional and medicinal qualities.

This seemingly unknown fruit has recently gained big traction in the western parts of the world and has been named as a super food and a super fruit due to its amazing health benefits. Baobab leaves have been used to treat several ailments like malaria, fever, infections, anemia, and boost the immune system.

Baobab leaves also possess antihistamine qualities which mean it can be used to treat common allergy problems (problems that require the use of medication like loratidine). The leaves are also rich in vitamins C, A as well as the minerals potassium and calcium.

The leaves are usually dried, ground up as a powder and used to thicken and flavor soups and stews.

Baobab fruit is also highly nutri-

tious and very medicinal. First of all, baobab fruit has one of the highest amounts of antioxidants than any other fruit on earth! Antioxidants are crucial in preventing cancer, strengthening the immune system and even giving you clear, glowing skin. It also has the highest amount of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium than any other fruit. In fact, the calcium found in baobab is higher than that found in milk! This means baobab can strengthen the bones and even reduce your risk of developing tooth problems.

The high fiber content helps in improving digestive health and it prevent conditions like constipation, intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases and piles.

Baobab slows the increase of blood sugar and reduces the

amount of insulin needed to keep the blood sugar under control.

Baobab maintains heart health.

Baobab is very rich in potassium (5 times more than bananas) which helps balance out sodium and maintains normal blood pressure levels. In addition, the fiber content of the fruit helps to lower cholesterol, further reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Baobab helps prevent cancer.

With the excessive inflammation in the body which can lead to cancer, the regular consumption of baobab fruit helps prevent cancer due to the anti-oxidants properties and anti-inflammatory properties found in the fruit.

In conclusion, baobab is a nutrient rich and highly adaptable food, and can easily be incorporated to

your diet. Add a tablespoon to your favorite smoothie recipe, yogurt, oatmeal or cereal for an extra boost of nutrients. Also for a postworkout drink, stir a tablespoon of baobab powder in a glass of water to replenish the electrolytes lost during your workout.

You can even apply baobab fruit powder directly onto your skin.

Mix a teaspoon of baobab with honey and apply to your skin. Leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse off.

This simple mask helps brighten the skin complexion and even the skin tone. Eating baobab will add more vitamins, nutrients and fiber to your diet which will help your body reap the health benefits of this exotic fruit.

•Tobi Ayodele Keeney Managing Director Quincy Herbal

Sunday 28 July 2019

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BDSUNDAY 43

Sports Sports stakeholders set agenda for new minister … say policy framework, reforms key to development of Nigerian sports

N

Stories by ANTHONY NLEBEM

igerian sports in the last decade have gone through the worst stage and with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday releasing the list of ministerial nominees; sports stakeholders and enthusiasts are skeptical about the choice of the new sports minster.

In Europe, Asia and South America sports business is gradually turning the fortunes of these countries around, as it is seen as a major revenue driver, adding significantly to the GDP of these countries.

For Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people with about 55 percent youth population, sports hold huge prospects. Sports have been known to be a uniting factor in the country, defying ethnic, regional or political divides.

Nigerian sports industry over the years has seen decline from what it used to be in the early 80s and 90s.

Analysts say there should be a system in place to drive potential investors into Nigeria sports business.

Mitchel Obi, a veteran sports analyst, laments that the sports sector has remained dormant for decades and with decayed facilities lying waste, and urges the new minister to read up all literatures hindering the sector with a view of proffering solutions.

“Any sports minister who comes should spend one week on a retreat and read up all the literatures on the issues of Nigerian sports, understand the problems and the solutions that have been proffered over time.

“The next thing is to take an inventory of sports facilities in

Solomon Dalung, former minister of youth and sports

Nigeria and see how he can make these facilities working. For me, that is just one point agenda for the sports minister.

“The problems have been there since independence, we have had vision 2010 and 2020 master plan and till date nothing has changed,” he states.

He advises that the sports minister should use sports as an enabler or catalyst for meeting the agenda of the Federal Government.

“The Federal Government under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should use sports as a catalyst or enabler to drive its political agenda to Nigerians; engage the youths, provide employment. Sports have the power to change the world,” he says.

As regards expectations, he

opines that for Nigerian sport to attain the desired growth, the sports minister should have some traits that will help the sector.

“The minister must have the three C’s qualities: Competence, Character and Capacity, and the most important one is Courage.

Without these qualities, it will be difficult for to attain the desired result.

“The beauty of the last four years is that we have had one minister in charge, but the ugliness is that these years have been a monumental disaster and a disservice to APC government, because they can not use sports to say they have met one basic objective, which they claim they want to do in Nigeria,” he says.

Speaking with BusinessDay, Sola Fijabi, director, Pace Sports and Entertainment, advises Presi-

dent Buhari to choose a competent minister to drive Nigerian sports to greater heights, as he speaks on the agenda Nigerians expect from the new sports minister.

“With the ministerial list released, I have not seen who is going to be the sports minister, maybe another set of list.

“The person should understand and appreciate the role sports play in uniting Nigeria, and the President appreciates that. That is the strongest potent point,” he says.

He adds that the sports ministry should be properly funded and attractive to private investors, noting that reforms, innovation and private sector partnership can only come if there is transparency in the sports ministry.

“He should ensure that there

is public and private alignment to attract sponsorship and focus should be on grassroots’ sports development, because talents abound. We know what to do, but the will power to do it is a major challenge,” he states.

He further gave insight to qualities or attributes expected from the new sports.

“Innovation, courage and realise that Nigeria is way behind schedule in the world when it comes to sports administration and move very fast to catch up.

The world is not waiting for us. He should also exploit opportunities and create conducive environment for sports to thrive.

“A lot of times, the sports ministry rely on government for funding to attend local and international competitions and often times these had hindered the performance of Nigerian teams. This challenge has crumbled Nigerian sports for over two decades,” he notes.

Over the years, investors have refusedinvestinginsportsandthese has caused significant decline.

Speaking further on this, Fijabi advises the incoming minister to create a policy framework as a guide for investors and should source for funds from corporate bodies and not depend on government for funding.

“Somebody must have written a policy paper, the minister should take it up, rework it and pass it to the National Assembly.

“Engage the private sector, create enabling environment that will encourage the private sector to come in. If the policy and environment are right, private funds will come, because they will see value for their investment,” he states.

They all agreed that the sports minister role should be creating enabling environment, get the right policy and engage the right people.

Budweiser announces global partnerships with Premier League and LaLiga

A

nheuser-Busch InBev’s (AB InBev) global brand, Budweiser, today announces multi-year partnerships with two of the top international football leagues, the Premier League and LaLiga. As a longtime partner of the FIFA World Cup™ and supporter of football leagues and several national teams worldwide, Budweiser is proud to expand its support for the world’s game and connect to more football fans every year.

These new partnerships will activate across five continents and in more than 20 countries* including the United Kingdom, China, South Africa, India, Chile and Nigeria, bringing fans closer to their football heroes through

a series of unique programs across the globe.

As the world’s most valuable beer brand**, the King of Beers will launch its global ‘Be A King’ campaign in conjunction with these partnerships. This campaign will inspire fans around the world by bringing them closer to the kings of the game. Activations will include limited edition packaging showcasing the iconic league trophies, exclusive viewing parties, broadcast media assets and content partnership designed to celebrate the greatness of the players on the field and the cultural impact of the players off the field.

“We are excited to kick-off these long-term partnerships with the Premier League and

LaLiga, two world-class football competitions. These partnerships will allow us to further connect with key consumers and football fans across the globe,” said Pedro Earp, Chief Marketing Officer at AB InBev. “We are passionate about football, and

so are our consumers, so we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate the sport, the players, and most importantly, the fans.”

Premier League Interim Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “We are delighted to announce Budweiser as a new Premier

League partner. Budweiser has a track record of innovative football sponsorships, including partnering with the FIFA World Cup™ over many years.

We look forward to working together to bring our new partnership to life and capturing the imagination of our fans all over the world.”

LaLiga President Javier Tebas added: “We’re committed to growing the passion for football around the world. This historic partnership with Budweiser will only add to the growing excitement and anticipation for this year’s season and we’re thrilled to have them as partners. The global visibility of Spanish clubs will be strengthened thanks to this agreement.”

BDSUNDAY

NEW YOU CAN TRUST

I

SUNDAY 28 JULY 2019

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Lagos and the imperatives of environmental regeneration

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leaner environment is among the yardstick for ranking cities and for attracting multinational companies as well as investors. Ranking of cities is helpful in terms of employment and development opportunities. Multinational companies are attracted to set up their offices in the cities with good rankings.

Avoidance of degradation is another benefit of a clean city.

It is, therefore, with a view to promoting environmental regeneration in Lagos State that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made Health and the Environment a major pillar of his administration’s THEMES Agenda.

Indeed, one of the earliest actions of the governor was the signing of his first Executive Order to address sanitation as well as cleaning of drainages in the State.

Since it came on board, the Sanwo-Olu administration has demonstrated the zeal and willingness to enhance improvement in the state’s waste management system.

The administration is resolved to rid the state of waste, necessitating the introduction of “Lagos at 4 am” operation and other laudable initiatives aimed at improving the state’s environmental architecture.

“Lagos at 4 am” is an initiative to ensure wastes are evacuated and carted away in the early hours of the day as it is done in major global cities.

The Sanwo-Olu administration has disclosed plans to undertake waste sorting for households, as well as the provision of bags for bottles, kitchen wastes and other items, emphasising that waste sorting has potentials for economic growth by way of providing employment opportunities.

This is hinged on the promotion of 3 ‘R’sReduce, Reuse and Recycle.

One vital strategy that the administration is already employing to improve waste management in the state is ensuring synergy between PSP operators and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in order to attain a cleaner environment. Presently, LAWMA is work-

ing assiduously to collaborate with PSP operators. This is being done by encouraging them to reinvest in the business so that the confidence of the public in their capability could be restored. Presently, LAWMA is doing well in this direction as a reasonable proportion of the PSP operators are already back in business. This explains why heaps of refuse are gradually being eliminated along Lagos roads.

LAWMA is equally intensifying efforts to preserve the environment. To this end, it recently clamped down on Sangotedo Market, Eti Osa, Lagos due to indiscriminate dumping of refuse and poor hygiene practices. LAWMA has also commenced an intensive clearing exercise to clean the Adeniji-Adele canal, just as it urges residents to think of making money from their recyclable items, instead of dumping them in canals. The exercise is to be extended to other clogged drainage channels in the state.

Tree planting is another strategy being used by the state government to protect the environment. Trees have been scientifically proven to be very useful as first line of defence in the fight against global warming as they absorb the carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere, replenish the air with oxygen and also contribute immensely to the aesthetics of the environment. They also check erosion and stem the tide of windstorm by serving as wind breakers. On another note, trees are brilliant cleansers. They remove other pollutants through the stomates in the leaf surface.

In order to fully maximize the environmental benefits of trees, Governor Sanwo-Olu has urged Lagosians to support his government’s tree planting vision. The governor urged residents “to join hands with his administration to rid the state of waste, as well as improve the aesthetics of the environment by adorning it with ornamental plants, beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees”.

Governor Sanwo-Olu has, no doubt,

demonstrated immense knowledge and commitment of how to tackle climate change when he emphasized the strategic importance of tree planting in bringing about a healthy environment and protecting the general wellbeing of the citizenry, saying “it remains a strong tool to tackle the effect of climate change and global warming”.

It is, therefore, not a surprise that Lagos State used the theme ‘Clean and Green is our Perfect Dream’ for this year’s tree planting sensitisation campaign to accentuate the THEMES Agenda of the State Government which plays significant emphases on improving citizen’s health and creating a sustainable environment.

One unique message that should resonate across the State and, indeed, Nigeria from the 2019 Sanwo-Olu tree planting day messages was the one that enjoined Lagosians thus: “As we mark our birthdays, let’s plant a tree; as we dedicate our children, let’s plant a tree; as we celebrate our children’s graduation, let’s plant a tree; whatever memorable event that we do, let’s endeavour to mark it with planting of trees. This little act of benevolence to nature can actually save our planet from further destruction”.

Similarly, on-going cleaning up of the Badagry axis is another pointer to the administration’s strong resolve to improve the state’s environmental landscape. While matching his talk with actions, particularly to reinforce his first Executive Order on zero tolerance for environmental abuse, respite has now come for road users and residents along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as work has commenced on the reconstruction of the all important road.

While executing the Governor’s Executive Order, the State Environmental Task Force has begun massive clearing of all illegal structures and shanties built

FOLA ADEYEMI Adeyemi is permanent secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

on setbacks on the stretch of Eric Moore to Trade Fair on Lagos-Badagry Expressway. This is in a bid to clean up the entire stretch to pave way for reconstruction and completion of the expressway.

The move is in line with the state government’s zero tolerance on environmental degradation and sanitation, as well as tackling traffic menace in the Lagos metropolis. The state government is also working along the Oshodi-Abule Egba corridor to secure it for a clean-up exercise aimed at reclaiming rights of way for free passage of vehicles and improving the aesthetics of the environment.

Essentially, the purpose of clearing the Badagry axis of shanties was to also activate the BRT corridor and ensure the roads are free of miscreants and illegal traders. Residents are, therefore, advised to vacate this corridor and desist from all illegal activities along the axis. They are also advised to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse forthwith and make good use of large Dino bins and containers provided along the corridor.

Certainly, the determination of the Sanwo-Olu administration to achieve a greater Lagos, especially through environmental regeneration is, without doubt, on course. But then, Lagosians need to also walk the talk with the state government by playing their part in the dream to make Lagos greater.

Quick Takes

Off the Cuff

Insensitive Nigerians and the paparazzi mentality

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igerians have increasingly become insensitive to the plight of fellow citizens. Many lives that should have been saved have been lost through sheer insensitivity of citizens who could have swung into action but refused to do so in order to satisfy some bizarre crave.

Many people would nowadays prefer to watch a fellow Nigerian die to taking such a wounded person to hospital. It is not that they would pass and move on when they come to an accident scene or when they see someone in a difficult situation that help is urgently needed, but they would be snapping away with their iphones and posting same to the social media, while the individual is writhing in pain or even nearing death.

Too many lives have been lost already and there is nothing suggesting that the dangerous trend will be done away with soonest.

Many Nigerians appear to have gotten used to death or to hearing high figures of casualties arising from attacks by Fulani herdsmen, bandits, Boko Haram, that a corpse lying before them no longer moves them.

That human attribute of empathy is gone. This animalistic tendency is also responsible for the jungle justice we see all over the place.

The society is filled with gory sights of Nigerians parading their fellow beings in state of nakedness with all manner of insult and assault being meted out to them, just because of mere allegation that has not been proven to be true.

While the circus display so to say is going on, videos are being made and posted straight to the social media. Nobody cares to know the damage such sights cause to the sensibilities of a few right-thinking members of the society.

The recent incident where a budding musician, Chinedu Obi, who was allegedly shot by the men of Ogun State Police Command in the Sango area of the state, and was watched to bleed to death by bystanders, speaks volume of how we have lost that human attribute that differentiates us from lower animals. The fledgling musician was said to have been arrested for spotting tattoos on his body, and was also accused of destroying over 17 vehicles parked on the premises of the area command.

The police personnel believed that to pay for

the vehicles, his life must be snuffed out.

We no longer put any premium on life, even though it is a popular saying that life is worth more than silver and gold. And the scripture puts the value of a man’s soul above all the wealth of the whole world put together. And like the complicit Jews that gathered at the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, not to pity him, but to deride him, it was reported that a motley crowd of mindless Nigerians gathered, and they watched a promising fellow Nigerian’s life ebb away, in rather painful circumstances.

All his entreaties for people to help him contact his parents were not heeded by a mocking crowd that was busy making short videos of him and posting same online.

How callous can a people be! It is sad that Nigerians have been reduced to a point that they no longer have human feeling. No wonder there are crimes of unimaginable dimension going on in the country. The future is indeed bleak for a nation that treats life as if it had a duplicate.

Too bad!

N5.9bn

This is the amount of money said to have been made between January and June, six months, this year, by the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, KLT, Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.

The bull’s eye “No country that values its independence and indeed its self-respect could agree to a treaty which signed away our economic independence and self government as this backstop does.”

Boris Johnson, new prime minister of Britain, before the House of Commons, demanding a complete removal of the so-called Irish backstop as key objective in future Brexit negotiations with the European Union

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