Leadership Newspapers ,E-Paper, April 18,2018

18.04.18

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

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IMF Warns Of Possible Crash In Oil Prices Projects 1.9% economic growth for Nigeria

BY BUKOLA IDOWU, Washington DC

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned Nigeria and other oil-dependent countries of a possible crash of the prices of crude oil in the near future.

This just as it projected a 1.9 per cent economic growth for Nigeria in 2019.

The Fund also predicted that Nigeria’s economy will grow from 0.8 per cent in 2017 to 2.1 per cent

by the end 2018.

The IMF made these predictions at its latest World Economic

INEC Chairman Swears In 7 New RECs ➔Pg. 7

Outlook (WEO) Report launched in Washington DC yesterday.

On the possible crash in crude oil prices, the IMF advised oildependent economies, including ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Sultan Gives Miyetti Allah 2 5 Months To Fish Out Killer Herdsmen Senate seeks review of security tactics

EFCC Traces 50 Bank Accounts To Ex-NSITF Boss, Olejeme

BY EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja

L-R: Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Hassan Bello; assistant director, Complaints’ Unit of the NSC, Mr. Moses Fadipe and deputy managing director, Grimaldi Shipping Company, Mr. Nitin Senan, during a meeting in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO NSC

A bank verification number (BVN) search by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered 50 different bank accounts with different names linked to former chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mrs Ngozi Olejeme.

Olejeme who was the deputy chairman, finance committee of the Goodluck Jonathan campaign organisation, is under investigation for allegedly receiving $2.8 million from one Arthur Eze under false pretense.

In a petition written to EFCC, Arthur Eze who is the MD/CEO of Oranto Petroleum alleged that Olejeme, sometimes in 2014, sought for his assistance to give her the said amount to prosecute her governorship ambition. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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our stand

LEADERSHIP Wednesday, April 18, 2018

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Money, Sex For Marks In Schools

I

n the last two weeks, the Nigerian social media has been agog with the tale of a leaked audio/video recording of a professor in the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, demanding sex from a female student to help her pass her examination. As expected, the disclosure has generated instant outrage, vituperations and condemnations from the Nigerian public.

Some of the reactions spotlight the challenges sexual harassment pose to female students. But this trending incident is not an isolated case.

Last October, a married lecturer at the Cross River State College of Technology, Ogoja, was seen in a video that went viral soliciting sex from a female student assigned to him for her project. He was arrested by law enforcement agents. Another was caught in his underpants with an Auchi Polytechnic student. The lecturer claimed that it was a set-up. Not unlikely, considering the desperation of some of the not too serious female students. In 2005, the Lagos State University, Ojo, sacked a lecturer, who was also caught in his underpants in a Lagos hotel room in the process of having sex with a 200-level undergraduate.

Sex for marks in schools is without doubt, an act that is not only shameful and worrisome, but calls to question the quality of academic instructions and the certificates the graduates bandy around.

We are afraid that this latest sex for mark scandal allegedly involving Professor Richard Akindele of the Accounting Department of the OAU and an unnamed female student, though not the first, may not likely be the last. The reason is not farfetched. It is simply because the university system has not done enough or taken steps to check its occurrence. Even though the

institutions of higher learning consider sexual harassment an offence punishable by extant laws governing the schools, they have proved reluctant to act on previous cases so as to deter any future misdeed along that line.

The lack of political and even moral will on the part of universities to vigorously tackle sexual harassment and other

forms of sexual assaults such as sex-for-marks, coupled with a lack of faith in the system to impartially dispense justice, have seen some students resort to taking the law into their own hands. Some lecturers have been set up, stripped, beaten and humiliated by students desperate for revenge.

On the face value, it can be blamed on the societal attitude

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Dele Fanimo

POLITICAL DIRECTOR/ STATE HOUSE Jonathan Nda-Isaiah EDITOR Muazu Elazeh

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Christian Ochiama

DEPUTY EDITOR Raliat Ahmed-Yusuf

ASS. MANAGING EDITOR George Agba COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD Suleiman Abdullahi

GENERAL EDITOR Silas Ezeugwu

GROUP LTD CHAIRMAN Sam Nda-Isaiah GMD, LEADERSHIP GROUP Abdul Gombe GMD, LEADERSHIP HOLDINGS David Chinda GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Dele Fanimo Felicia Ogbonlaiye Geoffrey Essien HR DIRECTOR Solomon Nda-Isaiah CHIEF PROCUREMENT & ASSETS OFFICER Mrs Zipporah Tanko DIRECTOR, HAUSA PUBLICATIONS Mubarak Umar GENERAL MANAGERS Ibrahim Halilu Femi Adekunle Ebriku John

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.

We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being:

For God

and

Country!

and practice that tends to stereotype women as sex objects–for men’s pleasure. But there is also an angle that is very obvious in which the women make themselves vulnerable to sexual exploitation. That, too, must be condemned. However, this newspaper will stridently fight against sexual abuse targeted at women wherever it rears its ugly head be it in the streets, in the market place, schools and workplaces.

Though, sexual harassment in universities is mostly viewed from the angle of male philandering lecturers running after female students, little is often spoken about female students deliberately seducing male lecturers, mainly for good grades. We also have a situation whereby male students, offer lecturers inducements for better grades. All these scenario must be put in their proper perspective so as to engender a holistic solution to the problem.

In our considered opinion, most, if not all of the problems bedevilling the society have their roots in the quality of family upbringing. Or even lack of it. A good upbringing goes a long way in moulding a good character.

Parents should nurture and train their children in sound moral and religious upbringing, and for their male children, not to see females as perks of office when they grow up and are in a position of authority.

The failure to adequately address this cankerworm eating deep into the societal fabrics is unfortunate. It calls for better governance of schools and the recalibration of the incentive mechanisms of these institutions.

There are major governance failures in the way the schools are managed.

Many lecturers are not subjected to any form of oversight or certification that they should go through and until the authorities create a merit-based school system, the problem will persist and fester.

Experts warn that bargaining for marks through money or sex deserves serious scrutiny condemnable as it is. Students too should always take their academics seriously to avoid some lecturers taking advantage of their weak academic performances to make unfavourable demands.

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Group News Editor: Ekele Peter Agbo INEC To Conduct 4 By-elections This Year– Yakubu

BY SUNDAY ISUWA, Abuja

(Front row) Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (4th left) with the Seven Resident Electoral Commissioners after their Swearing-in Ceremony, at the INEC Headquarters, in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

Constitution Amendment: Senate Passes, Transmits 12 Bills To PMB For Assent

BY SOLOMON AYADO AND AHURAKA ISAH, Abuja

Senate yesterday passed 12 bills seeking to alter various provisions of the constitution and resolved that while it awaits the resolution of some of the State Houses of Assembly, the bills be transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

The amended Bills have met the requirements of the provisions of Section 9 of the constitution and were passed by Senate.

Specifically, the lawmakers said the bills passed should be processed immediately in line with the Acts Authentication Act, to enable institutions of government prepare for immediate implementation of policies and programmes pursuant to the provisions of the consti-

tution.

The 12 alterated Bills passed are Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 2 (Authorisation of Expenditure in absence of Appropriation); Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 4 (Financial Autonomy of State Legislatures);Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 8 (The Legislature); Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 9 (Political Parties and Electoral Matters); Also, the Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 15 (The Nigeria Police Force);Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 16 (Restriction of Tenure of President and Governor); Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 20 (Submission from the Judiciary); and Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 21 (Determination of Pre-Election Matters) were passed.

Others are Constitution (Fourth

Alteration) Bill No 22 (Consequential Amendment on Civil Defence);Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 24 (Procedure for Overriding Presidential Veto in Constitutional Alteration);Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 27 (Reduction of Age for Election); and Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 28 (Time Line for the Presentation of Appropriation Bill) respectively.

The resolution of the Senate followed a motion by Senator Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu West) and 49 other Senators.

Tagged “Passage of Constitution (Fourth) Alteration Bills, 2018” the motion seeks that the amended bills be passed, processed and transmitted to the President.

Precisely, on Wednesday, 26th July and Thursday, 27th July, 2017

respectively; Thirty-three (33) Bills seeking to alter various provisions of the Constitution were presented at the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives respectively.

While the Senate had approved Twenty-nine (29) of the Bills with the required 2/3 majority of members, the House of Representatives approved (Twenty-one (21) of the Bills with not less than 2/3 majority.

Also, the National Assembly has approved Seventeen (17) of the Bills without difference and were transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly for their resolution.

Four of the Bills were approved with amendment and have been committed to a Conference Committee for further action in line with the Senate and House of Representatives Rules.

NAE Award: Obaseki, Baru Celebrate Okoigun

BY MARK ITSIBOR, Abuja

Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki and group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru are among the key figures that have poured encomium on Engr.

Alfred Okoigun over an award conferred on him by the highest Engineering body, the Nigerian Academy of Engineers (NAE).

Engr Okoigun was recently conferred with the award of honorary fellowship by the revered Nigerian Academy of Engineering.

Governor Obaseki who knew Okoigun in 1972 as a young Form3 student of Government College, Ughelli of the old Bendel State dur-

ing an excursion to Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), said in an exemplary manner, Engr. Okoigun has learned the value of hard work and how to connect with people; shaping his life with social, economic and technological forces to reach new heights and surpassing where a lot of others have been deadlocked.

Obaseki said, “As an affirmation, there is no doubt that your very inclusive knowledge in the field of engineering is highly worthy of recognition and commendations,” adding that “but for this recognition to be reaffirmed by a profoundly revered organisation such as the Nigerian Academy of Engineering is not just a response

to your contributions in the field of Engineering, but again, a statement of your uncommon determination to see about a productively aspiring nation and a more fulfilled humanity.”

For the Edo State governor, “This newest honour and award certainly umpires my felicitations and wishes for you to keep revelling in the unbroken achievements spanning through your life.”

25 years old friend and NNPC GMD said that Okoigun has proven to be an astute, resolute and dependable Engineer worthy of emulation in both persona and character.

“This honourary Fellowship conferment on Engr. Alfred Okoi-

gun by the highest professional engineering body in Nigeria is a testament of your distinguished leadership, your contribution to the Engineering profession, your outstanding achievements, your exceptional character and not forgetting your contribution to the well-being of society at large,” Dr. Baru said, adding, “Sir, I dare say, this is an honour well deserved.

The cap really fits!”

Baru also commended leadership of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering for its promotion of policies relating to the general advancement and promotion of excellence in Science, Engineering, Technology and innovation for a better academy and society.

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday said apart from two governorship elections it will conduct in Ekiti and Osun states, four other by-elections would be conducted.

Yakubu stated this while swearing in seven new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters, Abuja.

He said in addition to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, the commission would be conducting four by-elections this year to fill vacancies in Takum state constituency in Taraba, Lokoja/Koton-Karfe Federal Constituency in Kogi, Bauchi South senatorial district, and Kastina North senatorial district in Kastina State.

The INEC boss reassured newly registered voters in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) of getting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the 2019 general elections.

“We have consistently reassured the public that for those who registered in 2017, their PVCs would be available for collection in the first week of May 2018.

Gov Dickson Signs N316. 9bn Appropriation Bill Into Law

BY OSA OKHOMINA, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State governor, Hon Seriake Dickson has signed into law the 2018 Appropriation Bill of N316.9 billion comprising capital expenditure of N156 billion and recurrent expenditure of N160 billion.

Assenting to the bill in Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Dickson assured that the appropriation budget would enable his administration consolidate on investments made in stimulating the state’s economy.

He explained that the initial appropriation bill was N295 billion but the State House of Assembly, in its wisdom, increased it by N21 billion.

According to a statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, the restoration government would ensure the completion of projects in the health and educational sectors as well as boost investments in other critical infrastructure such as the Eco-Industrial Park and Agge Deep Sea Port.

While thanking the State Assembly for its commitment to duty and the expeditious passage of the bill, which was presented in late December last year, Governor Dickson urged the members to collaborate with the executive arm in sourcing the much needed resources to fund the budget.

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Sultan Gives Miyetti Allah 2 Months To Fish Out Killer Herdsmen

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto, AHURAKA ISAH And SOLOMON AYADO, Abuja

The Sultan of Sokoto and presidentgeneral of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday gave the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) two months to identify and apprehend herdsmen behind the killings in the country.

Specifically, he charged the association to find out whether Fulani herdsmen are responsible for the killings or some bandits are disguising as herdsmen to perpetrate the act.

Speaking in his palace during the formal swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected executives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, the Sultan decried the unwarranted labelling of Fulanis as the killer herdsmen behind massacre in Nigeria.

He insisted that Fulanis are not purveyors of trouble but apostles of peaceful coexistence, just as he warned that generalising a whole race to be bad is a grievous injustice on the people.

He said, “To you the newly elected leadership of MACBAN, I want to remind you that your task is a very challenging one. Don’t forget that Fulanis are also being killed in Nigeria and no media attention is given to it.

“However, we are giving you two months to go round the entire country and find out why Fulanis are accused of being behind the killings. Go and find out who are those Fulanis doing the killings. Also find out if it is other people that are doing the killings and are accusing the Fulanis.

Please, we want to get the truth from you within two months”.

The Sultan urged the Miyetti Allah leadership never to be ashamed of being called Fulanis because they are simply herders and not troublemakers.

He said, “We are not ashamed to be called Fulanis because Fulanis are not trouble makers. Despite the fact that any wrong doing in Nigeria now is erroneously said to be caused by Fulanis.

“We however want people to know that though there might be bad ones amongst the Fulanis, just like there are in every race, that is not enough justification to generalise that all Fulanis are bad”.

Insisting that there are herders who are not Fulanis, the Sultan said a typical Fulani

Sultan Abubakar III

man caters for his cattle and will never have time to go for trouble.

Urging the Fulanis to fear God in all their dealings, the religious and traditional leader equally charged Nigerian security agencies to wake up to their responsibilities by ensuring that all those wielding weapons to ferment trouble are arrested and prosecuted.

Appealing to Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, the Sultan charged other states to emulate Sokoto State on how best to accommodate people for peaceful coexistence.

Responding on behalf of all newly elected officers after the oath of office was administered on them by Barrister Abdulrahman Harande Tsamiya, the national president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Mohammed Kirowa, appealed to Fulanis to continue to embrace peaceful coexistence.

Kirowa who said that Fulanis are not purveyors of troubles added that they will never relent in ensuring that Fulanis live in peace with everybody.

Senate Seeks Review Of Security Tactics Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately review his security tactics as

well as change heads of security agencies and service chiefs, saying it is time to appoint men and women with fresh ideas.

Apparently frustrated and angered by the unabated spate of killings across the country by herdsmen and criminal militia groups, the Senators submitted that because Nigerians are increasingly becoming disappointed and frustrated over government’s failings and inactions on the growing insecurity, democracy has become endangered.

In a motion moved on the matter, Senator Suleiman Adokwe (PDP, Nasarawa State), said the president should seek immediate help from the international community to arrest the worsening insecurity situation in the country.

On his part, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Lagos State) insisted that President Buhari must inject fresh ideas into how the security problems in the country can be remedied.

Adeola noted that there is nowhere that is safe in Nigeria with the daily killings that the nation is regaled with.

“The security situation has not improved and what the president need at this time is fresh ideas on how to tackle numerous security challenges confronting the nation” the lawmaker stated.

He argued that the only way to get fresh ideas for the president to address the security challenges is to remove the incumbent service chiefs to give room for those with fresh ideas, stressing that the nation should do away with unproductive tenure elongation in areas where fresh ideas are needed.

“We know the way the military organisation operates. Those with fresh ideas dare not come out against their superiors or else they risk premature retirement from service. So, the current service chiefs should go to allow officers with fresh ideas address our alarming security issues”, he stated.

Also speaking, Senator Jeremiah Useni (PDP, Plateau State), identified the constant clashes among security agencies as part of the security problems.

He maintained that heads of such agencies be removed to pave way for more harmonious relationship among security agencies.

Defending his motion earlier, Adokwe said: “Throughout the weekend and up to the moment that I am speaking, herdsmen have unleashed terrorism and mayhem on the people of my senatorial district,

EFCC Traces 50 Bank Accounts To Ex-NSITF Boss, Olejeme FROM COVER

He alleged that the money was given to her between April 2, 2014 and March 25, 2015.

An EFCC source told our correspondent that following a search on Olejeme’s Abuja residence upon receipt of the petition, the commission discovered a Ghanaian international passport and driving licence bearing her picture but carrying different name.

The source who did not want his name in print said, “Her house was searched and we found a Ghanaian international passport number: H2619481 and one Ghanaian international driving permit number: IDP0008462 both in the name of Amartey Doris but carrying Mrs Olejeme Ngozi’s pictures.

“One ECOWAS travel certificate with number: 232/270052 in the name of Osakwe Justina Otito carrying the picture of Mrs Ngozi Olejeme was also recovered”.

According to the EFCC source who is familiar with the investigation but prefers anonymity because he has no official authorisation to talk, “one Nigerian diplomatic passport with number: F50000049 in the name of Olejeme Juliet Ngozi was also recovered”.

The EFCC source insisted that Olejeme obtained the multiple passports under different names in her desperate bid to evade arrest.

Arthur Eze had in petition which was sighted by our correspondent, alleged that in April 2014, Mrs Olejeme told him that she intended to run for the 2015 Delta state governorship seat.

According to the petition, Olejeme reportedly told Eze that she has put her properties in the market for sale but prospective buyers were delaying payments because they noticed that she was desperate.

She was said to have asked Eze to give her $2.8 million pending when she sold her

properties.

Olejeme is also being tried for allegedly diverting and embezzling N69 billion while serving as the NSITF Boss.

The allegation, which was contained in a petition by concerned staff of NSITF, was dated October 8, 2015 and signed by one Daba Momoh.

The EFCC source further said, “Investigations revealed that several funds were diverted from NSITF account to several individual and corporate accounts during the time Olejeme held sway as NSITF boss.

“About 37 choice properties belonging to Olejeme and believed to be proceeds of the embezzlement, were recovered during investigation and the matter was charged to court”.

When contacted, the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, simply said, “ I am aware that Mrs. Ngozi is being investigated. That’s all I can say for now.”

leaving many dead bodies, numerous wounded persons and hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons.

The victims are largely the Tiv-speaking ethnic nationalities with a reported dead toll of 32 persons and we are still counting.

“The real tragedy is not in the wellcoordinated and simultaneous carnage across Awe, Obi, Keana and Doma local government areas of Southern senatorial district but the tragedy stems from the fact that for four days running, this mayhem continues unhindered, unchecked, unstopped by any arm of the law and security enforcement agencies”.

Also contributing, Senator Barnabas Gemade (APC, Benue State) stated that the country is becoming a state without control, a state that is experiencing anarchy and a state in which ethnic cleansing has been witnessed.

According to him, “it is a shame that a sitting government could watch criminality go to the level that we have seen it today and rather than rise up and take very decisive steps against it, we embark on deniability and simply shield this evil by just explaining with flimsy excuses that these are communal clashes in those communities.

“I don’t understand why responsible people elected to control the governments of Nigeria will simply turn away from the reality of facing this matter squarely.

And the Inspector-General will fly by helicopter to a town, land in the market square and be asking people whether there is militia in this town or not. And nobody whatsoever seems to call anybody to order.

This is very sad. We have done enough of a minute silence for innocent Nigerians being killed”, he added.

Ruling on the motion, deputy president of Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, noted that the primary purpose of government anywhere in the world is the preservation of the lives of citizens.

“If citizens are being killed, we owe the responsibility as a parliament to give it the desired attention. And we will never stop talking about these killings. Unless it stops, we will never be tired of speaking about it”, he stated.

On the need to seek external help, he said, “The time has come for us to seek help from other countries as some of us have suggested here. We should not be ashamed to ask for help.

“The President met with the UK Prime Minister and she was of the opinion that Britain would help us security wise.

America is also offering to help. We should not be reluctant to come out openly and say we need help because what we have now is a global village”. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

HOW DO FRUIT AND VEGETABLES KEEP YOU YOUNG? These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that keep the body healthy. They also contain chemicals called antioxidants, such as carotene, which are thought to protect against damaging chemicals (‘free radicals) that get into the body. Regular consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables will keep your bones, teeth and organs healthy and will improve the look of your skin. Basically, this is how they contribute to keeping you looking and feeling young, although the exact way in which they prevent disease is not fully understood.

– Culled from 100 Best Ways To Stay Young

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IMF Warns Of Possible Crash In Oil Prices FROM COVER

Nigeria, to intensify their economic diversification efforts.

IMF said: “Some lowincome countries like Mozambique and Nigeria have experienced financial stress or deteriorating loan quality in recent years as growth has moderated and corporate balance sheets have weakened.

“Further deterioration in loan quality would impair credit intermediation and ability of the banking sector to support growth, which would raise the risk of cost recapitalisation and severely burden the already strained public finances.’’

IMF’s director of research, Maurice Obstfeld said at the WEO press conference that global economy would grow by 3.9 per cent in 2018.

Obstfeld said the forecast was borne out of the continued strong performance in the Euro area, Japan, China and the United States.

“Despite the good nearterm news, longer-term prospects are more sobering.

Advanced economies are far facing ageing population, falling rates of labour force and low productivity growth.

“Emerging and developing economies present a diverse picture. Many of these countries need to diversify their economies to boost future growth and resilience,’’ he said.

According to Obstfeld, global financial conditions remained loose despite the approach of higher monetary policy interest rates and enabling a further build-up of asset-market vulnerabilities.

According him, the recent

escalating tension over trade between United States and China presented a growing risk for global financial stability.

He explained: “The prospect of trade restrictions and counter-restrictions threatens to undermine confidence and derail global growth prematurely.

“While some governments are pursuing substantial economic reforms, trade disputes risk diverting others from the constructive steps they would need to take now to improve and secure growth prospects.’’

The IMF encouraged each national government to advance growth by resolving issues of climate change, infectious diseases, cybersecurity, corporate taxation and corruption, among others.

Kachikwu

Meanwhile, the IMF has said that Nigeria’s inflation will remain in double digits in 2018 as it raised concerns over rising public and private debts globally, calling on governments to invest

more in people and build up fiscal buffers as well as infrastructure that would not only engender but sustain economic growth.

According to the World Economic Outlook released

at the 2018 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings holding in Washington DC, Nigeria’s inflation is however expected to moderate in the coming years.

The rate at which consumer prices rise in the country have been on a steady decline dropping from around 18 per cent to 13.34 per cent in March this year.

“Inflation in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to moderate slightly in 2018 and 2019 but is expected to remain in double digits in key large economies, reflecting the passthrough effects of currency depreciation and their impact on inflation expectations (Angola), supply factors, and assumed monetary policy accommodation to support fiscal policy (Nigeria),” the report read.

Festus Keyamo Appointed Buhari Campaign Spokesman

BY TUNDE OGUNTOLA, Abuja

Human Rights Lawyer, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has been appointed the spokesman of the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO).

His appointment was contained in a letter signed by the minister of Transport, Mr.

Rotimi Amaechi, who doubles as the director general, Buhari Campaign Oorganisation.

The statement made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Abuja reads in part: “I am pleased to convey to you the decision of the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation to

appoint you as Director, Strategic Communications in respect of the forthcoming campaigns for the 2019 Presidential elections.

“As you are aware, President Muhammadu Buhari is seeking the nomination of our great party, the All Progressive Congress, as the candidate

for the said election, your appointment is to aid in getting that nomination and to ensure the success of the subsequent campaigns for the 2019 Presidential Elections.

“In your capacity, you are to be the spokesman for the campaigns during the nomination process and also

at the subsequent campaigns for the 2019 Presidential Elections”.

Confirming his appointment in a tweet from his handle @ fkeyamo, the lawyer wrote: With this letter below, I have just been appointed the Director, Strategic Communications (Official Spokesperson) for the

President’s 2019 Presidential Campaigns. I will be making a formal statement on this much later”.

Festus Keyamo was born 21 January 1970. He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), social crusader, critic, columnist and human rights activist.

FG Moves Against Fall Armyworm Invasion Of Maize

BY KINGSLEY OPURUM, Abuja

The federal government, in partnership with Bayer, a global firm with core competence in health care and agriculture, has moved to stop the Fall Armyworm invasion on maize in the country, which was first identified in Africa last 2 years.

The Project Coordinator, Fall Army worm, Dr Mufutau Adeleke, who is also the Desk Officer of the Maize

Value Chain, federal ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, revealed this at the Bayer Nigeria Maize Conference held in Abuja.

He said the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, held an emergency meeting with commissioners of Agriculture from the 36 states, including FCT, when the first case was discovered, giving a directive to create awareness to farmers on how to fight and

manage the pest.

He added that the ministry was also collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) through a project known as Integrated Pest Management, aimed at fighting the pest in the country.

Dr Hassan Hamidu, Lecturer, College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who also presented a paper at the conference, advised the federal

government to take the issue of weed management seriously, as it affects lot of farmers in the country leading to low yield and income.

According to him, Maize is the third most important cereal crop in the world after wheat and rice and it is an important cereal crop in Nigeria with a total production of about 11.46 million tons in 2014.

He added that despite its importance, the yield of

maize obtained in Nigeria was far below expectation due to numerous factors, which include weed infestation, low soil fertility and unavailability of labour.

Mr Laurent Perez, Country Commercial Lead, Bayer, said that it was important for the company to embrace the farmers because through this partnership, it would be easier to launch sustainable products that would address their needs.

Senate Confirms Ojukwu, Momoh As NHRC, NERC Bosses

BY SOLOMON AYADO And AHURAKA ISAH, Abuja

The Senate yesterday confirmed the nomination of Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu as substantive Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The Red Chamber also approved the appointment of Professor James Momoh as chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

President Muhammadu Buhari had nominated the duo for confirmation in varied appointments but the Senate refused to grant the appointments following the standing impasse between the legislature and executive arms of government.

It was however, learnt that the Senate made a u-turn following harmonisation which was brokered by the national chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who

had met with Senators in the National Assembly recently.

While the confirmation of Ojukwu was based on screening and recommendation by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, presented by committee Deputy Chairman, Senator Babajide Omoworare, that of Momoh was recommended

by Senate Committee on Power and presented by the chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

Buratai

While speaking on the importance of the conference, Temitope Banjo, Country Sales Manager, Bayer Nigeria, said it was organised in order to address major problems affecting Nigeria maize farmers such as weed and Fall Army worm.

He further called for more collaboration with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to help fight the pest in good time.

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NEWS EXTRA 7 Airtel Share Crisis: Oba Otudeko Seeks $28.7m Damages

BY OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle); Deputy Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Jimoh Olumuyiwa Wahab (left) and Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I (right) during the 2nd Quarter 2018 Town Hall meeting (11th in the Series), at the Apapa Amusement Park, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO

BY KOLAWOLE ALIU

Tinubu Blames Jonathan, Others For Nation’s Woes

BY ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI, Kano

The All Progressives Congress,APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has again blamed past civilian administrations for the nation’s economic woes.

He stated this in his address as the special guest of honour at the 35th annual Aminu Kano Memorial Symposium, held in Kano, yesterday.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, described the exPresident Goodluck Jonathan-led administration as the worst culprit in the pillaging of the nation’s resources.

Speakers at the event, Publisher of Premium Times, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi; and a stalwart of the APC, Dr. Usman Bugaje, examined the “Democratic governance in Nigeria and the imperatives of party ideology and supremacy.”

Tinubu attributed the country’s current infrastructural deficit to the billions stolen by the past governments.

He said the APC government had in the past three years been labouring hard to clean the rot and give the people a new lease of life.

The APC leader stated: “The APC government may, at times, be

imperfect in fulfilling the spirit of Aminu Kano but we are far from the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party), which has perfected the malign craft of giving selfish ambition primacy over the public good.

“Consequently, the Buhari government has spent inordinate time cleaning the rot and plugging the holes in the corrupt system the others had institutionalised as their strategic policy and national direction.

“The APC has been working to steer our national ship from this awful direction in order that we may bring the people and their welfare into safe

harbor.

“Had the billions of dollars and trillions of naira that were stolen by past governments been used for the people, the nation would have been able to acquire the infrastructure and implement the programs that bring greater development and economic justice to all.

“Instead, the select few ate more than their bellies could contain.

Distorting the cause of justice and hijacking the means of national welfare, they wildly enriched themselves and left the average Nigerian to dine on the passing wind.”

CJN Moves To Enhance Efficient Justice Delivery

BY KUNLE OLASANMI, Abuja

In a bid to ensure efficient justice delivery and case management in the country, the judiciary has adopted the use of new technology, with the introduction of Nigeria Case Management System (NCMS).

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, disclosed this in Abuja during the opening ceremony of a refresher

course for magistrates, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

The CJN said the innovative case management system is presently being piloted by the Supreme Court and will soon be rolled out to the strata of courts in the country.

According to the CJN, technology has transformed the manner in which service of court processes, record keeping and retrieval of

data and other operations are carried out in courts.

“Technology has afforded us the opportunity to have virtual libraries and law reports at our finger tips. Case management tools can now be accessed 24 hours a day from the comfort of our homes and hearing notices will, in the nearest future be e-mailed to lawyers once enrolment on the Judiciary’s Nigerian Legal E-Mail System (NILES), is fully achieved in

The new RECs are: Mr Baba Yusuf and Mr Segun Agbaje, representing Borno and Ekiti states for second term; Dr Uthman Ajidagba, Kwara; Yahaya Bello, Nasarawa State; Dr Emmanuel Hart, Rivers; Mohammed Ibrahim, Gombe and Dr Cyril Omorogbe, Edo. INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, expressed confidence that the new RECs would contribute to

the commission’s determination to make 2019 general elections the best in the country.

“With the track records of service in the academia, public service and private sector, it is gratifying to note that the new RECs made positive contributions to the society in various ways.

“I am equally delighted to note that some of you have managed elections at national level as RECs.

INEC Chairman Swears In 7 New RECs

BY SUNDAY ISUWA, Abuja

The chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu yesterday swore in seven new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

The swearing in brought the total number of serving RECs in the commission to 33.

conjunction with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

“As we speak, the deadline for paper court processes in the Supreme Court has been fixed for July 2018, the CJN stated and urged Magistrates to be proficient in the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) as the e-proficiency will become a veritable pre-requisite for career advancement within the judiciary”.

“I am confident that you will bring to bear on your new assignments, the experience of the recent past that will contribute to our determination to make the 2019 general elections our best elections in Nigeria.”

Yakubu advised the new commissioners to maintain openness and consultations, as well as be firm and courageous in carrying out their new assignments.

Lawyer Decries Continuous Detention Of El-Zakzaky, Wife

BY KUNLE OLASANMI, Abuja

A United States based legal practitioner and the cocoordinator, Justice for Jos Project, Mr. Emmanuel Ogebe, has called on the federal government to immediately release the detained Shiite leader, Ibraheem El-zayzaky.

El-zakyzaky and his wife had been in detention for more than two years.They’ve been in the

custody of the Directorate of State Security (DSS).

Justice Gabrieel ‎Kolawole, had over year ago ordered the release of the Shiite leader and his wife and also ordered the government to pay them damages for infringing on their fundamental human rights.

At a press conference in Abuja, Ogebe, the son of a retired Supreme Court Justice, described the continuous detention of El-

zakyzaky as a dent on the human rights record of the country.

He said, “This government has failed woefully in the area of human rights. The FG may be creating another Boko Haram unknowingly.

The federal government has a moral burden to ‎release the Shiite leader.

Their peaceful protest should not be taken for granted.

“It is not only the country’s economy that is being destroyed,

the human rights record of this country is also being affected”.

He also accused the government of not doing enough to reescue the remaing Chibok girls.

According to him, some of the Chibok girls that were taken to the United States by the government for studies have been abandoned.

He said he took ten out of the Chibok girls to the US and they are currently doing well.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned hearing in a $28, 728, 125 suit filed by businessman, Oba Otudeko against a cellular mobile telecommunications company, Airtel Networks Limited (formerly known as Econet Wireless Nigeria Limited) till May 2, 2018.

Otudeko is jointly claiming the sum with a limited liability company, Broad Communication.

Joined as co -defendants in the suit are: a promoter of Econet, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, with 9,906250 shares being 9.9% voting capital, O&0 Networks limited, Delta ministry of Finance Incorporated, Delta State Government, Corporate Affairs Commission, Econet wireless Limited,Econet Development Corporation,Ecobank Nigeria limited, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

According to an amended statement of claim filed on behalf of Oba Otudeko and Broad Communications Limited by Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN), the plaintiffs alleged that sometime in 2011, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated acquired the defunct Oceanic bank Plc with all its liabilities and assets which at the time of acquisition included the 3rd defendant O&0 Network limited.

Prior to the acquisition of Oceanic bank the plaintiffs became aware that the 4th defendant,Delta State ministry of Finance incorporated and the 5th defendant Delta State Government purportedly transfer their beneficial ownership in the shares of the O&0 Network Limited back to 2nd defendant Jubril Adewale Tinubu who subsequently purported to transfer the shares to Oceanic bank Plc as part of a process of securitization and foreclosure arising from loans advanced to him by Oceanic bank.

The plaintiffs stated further that in the course of promoting Airtel,it was a fundamental term that in order to facilitate financing arrangements, Nigerian individual shareholders would take their shares in their own names or by the agency of their respective nominee vehicles, by this agreement Oba Otudeko was to hold directly or indirectly, 15% of the ordinary shares and Jubril Adewale Tinubu was to hold directly or indirectly about 10% of the ordinary shares of the company.

Further to the above arrangement and as preliminary step toward the acquisition of 40% equity stake in Airtel, Oba Otudeko and Adewale Tinubu through a special purpose corporate vehicle called First Independent Network limited FINL, executed a settlement agreement dated June 11, 2001,with Econet International Limited.

It was also selected fundamental term of the agreement that Nigerians would hold 40% of the ordinary shares and that Econet Wireless International EWI, being the original technical partner would hold 40%, while 20% was reserved for Transtel -a South African company.

Oba Otudeko took 13,035,936 shares in the name of Broad Communication and 187,500 in his own name while Adewale Tinubu took 9,906,250 shares in the name of Ocean &Oil services and later transferred same to O&0 Network.

8 NEWS NORTH-EAST, NORTH-WEST

Police Arrest 9 Suspected Kidnappers In Katsina

BY ANDY ASEMOTA, Katsina

No fewer than nine suspected kidnapers operating in three different robbery cum kidnapping syndicates have be nabbed by Katsina State Police Command.

The spokesman of the command, Gambo Isah, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed this yesterday, adding that nemesis caught up with the suspects in Katsina, Dan Musa and Kafur local government areas of the state.

He said the police bust a 4- man gang in Katsina metropolis based on a tip off on 4th April, 2018, following the unusual movement of two of the suspected hoodlums with one disguising himself as a lady wearing Hijab and Niqab covering his body and face very close to the State headquarter of INEC. “The Divisional Police Officer (GRA Division Katsina) swiftly swung into ac-

tion and led a surveillance team to the area, where one Mubarak Babangida, 21, of Dutsen Safe Low Cost; Abubakar Lawal Suleiman, aged 19, of Kerau Quarters, Katsina; Aliyu Lawal aged 22 years of Adoro Quarters, Katsina, and Nura Abdulhamid alias Bazgi, male, aged 22 years of Filin Pipes Katsina were arrested with Hijab and Niqab,” he disclosed.

Isah added that investigations into the case of the suspects, who had confessed to the said plan to kidnap Muhammad Rabiu, a four year old son of the Katsina state Assistant Accountant General, were in progress.

The police image maker also revealed that four robbery and kidnapping suspects arrested in Kafur local government area of the state were also cooling off their heels in police custody for extorting N300, 000 out of their demand for three million ransom.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

2019: Katsina Traders To Purchase Nomination Forms For PMB, Masari

BY ANDY ASEMOTA, Katsina

In their determination to encourage President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State to seek re-election in 2019 general polls, traders under the aegis of the Katsina State Amalgamated Traders Union yesterday vowed to purchase the nomination forms for the two leaders.

Announcing the decision during a solidarity vis-

it of the leaders and representatives of the union to Masari at Muhammadu Buhari House Katsina, Ibrahim Dikko, said the traders comprising 72 different associations were satisfied with the exceptional performance of Buhari and Masari.

Dikko further highlighted the gains of the Katsina and Nigerian electorate since 2015 to include improved security, health care, anti-corruption fight,

agricultural revival, infrastructural development in education and other sectors.

He assured that the union would soon embark on massive enlightenment campaign across urban and rural areas of the state to ensure that the achievements so far recorded by the two leaders would be handsomely rewarded during general elections.

Receiving the union, Governor Masari hailed the

resolve of its members as apt and urged them to sustain their efforts in order to safeguard their businesses.

Masari however implored them to groom their young ones including their educated children to take after them because the place of their business in the society could not be overemphasized, adding that both the state and federal governments are doing everything possible to boost commerce and trade among others.

NAF Combat Helicopter Destroys Boko Haram Vehicle In Lake Chad

BY JOY YESUFU, Abuja

The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, on the night of April 13, 2018 successfully destroyed some Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) vehicles at a location, about 12km East of Arege, in the Lake Chad Region.

Earlier on, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft had discovered BHT activities, with some vehicles mounted with guns, moving within the location.

A statement signed by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, (DOPRI) Air Vice Marshal

Olatokunbo Adesanya said the ATF detailed NAF Mi35M Helicopter gunships to conduct Air Interdiction strikes to take out the targets, adding that overhead the location, the attack platform acquired, interdicted and neutralised the targets with rockets and cannons.

The statement said the subsequent Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) revealed that at the end of the attack, a BHT gun truck, with its entire occupants, was completely destroyed and engulfed in fire.

“Another BHT vehicle was damaged and immobilised as a result of the attack while several BHTs were killed in the process.

2019: Yobe Youths Mount Pressure On Bomai To Run

BY HUSSAINI JIRGI, Damaturu

Less than a year to the 2019 general elections, there are political maneuverings of different across the state some coalition of youth groups in Yobe state calls for Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai (Turakin Fika) to seek position in political leadership.

Speaking to Leadership the leader of the group, Comrade Abdulhamid, said that, the group which was comprises of mostly youths and businessmen, declared that, this is the high time where his service is needed for the development of Yobe state.

The call was made dur-

ing a meeting in Potiskum yesterday promising that, if their call is answered, are ready to make their contributions from all angles for its success.

According to him, to show our readiness and seriousness to this matter, We

formed Bomai Mobilization Network’ and we have already embarked on massive mobilization through canvassing

and convincing army of electorates in all nooks and crannies to support him and we are getting good responses “ said Comrade He elaborated that their decision to call for Ibrahim Bomai comes after a long observation and evaluation over several candidates.

L-R: Former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido; Bauchi State governor, Mohammed Abubakar; chairman of the occasion, Malam Mahmud Usman and Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who represented the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at the 35th memorial anniversary symposium of Malam Aminu Kano, in Kano, yesterday.

el-Rufai Has Given Us Sense Of Belonging – Residents

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN AND AZA MZUE, Kaduna

The people of Tudun wada and Ungwa Sanusi area of Kaduna South local government area of Kaduna state has commended Governor Nasir el-Rufai for remembering them and giving them a sense of belonging.

Some of the residents who spoke to newsmen who were on tour of ongoing government projects in the Central senatorial zone

expressed satisfaction with the spate of jobs going on in their locality.

Our correspondents who were on the tour reports that the 11.6 kilometer township road at Ungwa Sanusi covering 12 streets, the Tudun wada 20 kilometres township road covering over 50 streets and 23 kilometer township road covering about 93 streets were at various stages of completion.

A competent source

within the government circle confirms that government is doing everything possible to see that the projects are completed on or before the 29th May, 2018.

Also a box culvert, drainage and retaining wall of 100 meters each way was constructed and completed at the Tudun Wada abbatior to the amazement of the people of the area who expressed joy with the elRufai led administration for remembering them and

saving them from persistent and yearly flood as a result of the broken culvert.

Alhaji Aliyu Mairago said, “ We are indeed grateful to this government particularly for the roads under construction and the culvert construction, every year we suffer a lot from flood as a result of the broken culvert.

This government has remembered us and we will also remember the governor in 2019.

Kaduna Deputy Gov Clarifies Statement On World Bank $350 Loan Request

BY AZA MSUE,Kaduna

Kaduna State deputy governor,Barnabas Yusuf Bala, on Tuesday, clarified statements he made at Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Barnawa branch law week regarding the Senate’s rejection of the Kaduna World Bank $350

loan request.

Bala, regreted the insinuations that came in off-the cuff remarks that he made after delivering the Governor’s prepared text at the NBA event which held in Kaduna.

In a statement he personally signed and released to journalists in

Kaduna,Bala,said he was unimpressed by the unbecoming arguments that certain Senators employed to deny Kaduna state a loan for which the World Bank had adjudged it eminently qualified.

The deputy governor stressed that the same Senate passed loan re-

quests for other states, including some that the World Bank has not yet approved.

The statement reads:” I wish to clarify statements I made yesterday at a ceremony of the Barnawa branch of the NBA, regarding the World Bank loan for Kaduna State.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

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SOUTH/ SOUTH 11

PDP Tackles Obaseki Over N500m Sobe Farms, Sale Of State Assets

Amakpe Refinery To Commence Production Soon – CEO

BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City

BY BERNARD TOLANI DADA, Uyo

Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday alleged that some of the projects the state claimed it is embarking on were conduits to siphon the resources of the state.

The party also alleged that some state assets such as the rubber processing plant, the Oil Palm Mill in Ekpoma, and the Ubiaja Rice Mill have been sold by the Obaseki administration.

State chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, disclosed this

yesterday shortly after inaugurating PDP grassroots mobilisation committee as part of the build up to the 2019 general elections.

He equally alleged that plans are underway by Obaseki to also sell the state own transport company (Edo line) and warned that the party would resist such plans.

Orbih said: “ Some of the things they came out to say they want to use to develop the state have been manipulated as drain pipe to siphon the resources of

Edo State. One of such projects is the over N500million Sobe Farm project which was meant to provide employment for unemployed Edo youths.

“As I speak, no single graduate was engaged, no land to manage the original concept. What the governor did was to invite one of his Lagos boys to come and run the project. It is important for Obaseki to tell Edo people who are behind Saro Investment Limited.”

He alleged that plans have reached advanced stage to sell

Edo line, adding that Obaseki must stop selling the prized assets of the state.

However in a swift reaction, the special adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on media, Cusoe Osagie yesterday described the allegations as ridiculous and a tissue of lies coming from the PDP. He said that it has becomes ridiculous to continue to respond to cheap lies from Edo Peoples Democratic Party adding that the governor is living up to his campaign promises.

Imo Neglected By Niger Delta Ministry – Okorocha

BY EMMANUEL MGBEAHURUIKE,

Owerri

Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has said that the state has suffered neglect by the Ministry of Niger Delta since it was created and noted that the only project of the ministry in the state is the long abandoned skills acquisition centre located at Ohaji/Egbema local government.

The governor made this claim when the minister of State for the Ministry of Niger Delta, Professor Claudius Omoleye Daramola visited him at the Government House, Owerri. According to him,

the vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo had promised that the skills acquisition centre would be converted to a University of Science and Technology, and noted that if action had been taken on that, it would have been to the credit of the ministry and would have equally arrested the restiveness in the region.

The governor further remarked, “I want to make this plea based on the role this state played for the enthronement of the APC government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. Imo is the only state in the Southeast that produced a

governor to support the change mantra of APC. Without the state, probably the balancing we have today in Nigeria wouldn’t have taken place.”

“APC would have been seen as a sectional party that does not consider some regions of the country. So I demand that attention be given to Imo State considering the role we played,” he added.

He noted that in the last election, they stopped the opposition from writing five million votes as used to be the case before.

“Because of our doggedness, we resisted them. If the opposition had gotten 5million votes, we

wouldn’t have had President Buhari as president today but we fought gallantly to the extent that even though they won, the margin was minimal.

If the result of Rivers was repeated in the Southeast there won’t be President Buhari today in Aso Rock”.

In his response, Prof. Daramola told the governor that they were in the state to commission a project, the Oil Palm Processing Plant, which he said has been completed, describing the governor as number one governor in the country because of his giant strides especially in the education sector.

The Amakpe Refinery in Eket, Akwa Ibom State is to commence operation soon.

Chief executive officer (CEO) of the refinery, Chief Asua Amanam, who gave the indication in Eket while addressing over 3,000 youths, women and elders of Eket at the council secretariat, said Amakpe Refinery has come to stay despite many years of setback.

He said that everything has been put in place with the assistance of the federal government to ensure that the 10,000-production capacity per day refinery commences operation soon at Ikot Usokong in Eket local government area.

“I am in Nigeria to facilitate the procurement of the right of way for the pipeline from the site of the refinery to the source of raw material, which is crude oil at Qua Iboe Terminal. The federal and state governments have given us all the necessary support and we are ready to kick off installation,” Amanam said.

The CEO explained that the refinery had long been fabricated in component parts in the United States, adding that what was needed was just installation and laying of pipes from source of raw material to the plant at Ikot Usokong, Eket.

Bayelsa: APC, PDP Trade Words Over Attacks In Brass Community

BY OSA OKHOMINA, Yengoa

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Twon-Brass, the Brass local government council headquarters in Bayelsa State yesterday traded words with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the violent confrontation between their supporters emanating from alleged defection controversy.

While the PDP leadership, on a Facebook post of the Brass local government caretaker

chairman, Victor Isaiah, claimed that some thugs loyal to the APC allegedly attacked some politicians and their supporters who defected to the ruling party last month led by a former local council chairman, Chief Ngo Sylva, the APC, through the chairman of Brass local government chapter, Chief Ayerite Nimiworio Kwesi, dismissed the claim as fallacious and a childish outburst meant to instigate hatred and confusion in the local government.

Hon. Victor Isaiah, in the post, alleged that there was confusion at the weekend in the council headquarters of Twon-Brass following the alleged attack launched by suspected APC thugs against PDP loyalists who recently dumped the APC for the PDP. According to him,” Evident reports indicate several attacks on some PDP loyalists who were earlier threatened that their decision to leave the APC will warrant bitter consequences.

CAN Raises The Alarm Over Missing N100m

BY BERNARD TOLANI DADA

Uyo

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Akwa Ibom State chapter said the present executive inherited an empty treasury from the former executive despite the N100million donated to the association by former Governor Godswill Akpabio.

The executive of the association expressed concern that the leadership headed by Arch Bishop Cletus Bassey left behind nothing for present executive to work with.

The state chairman of

the association, Dr. Ndueso Ekwere, who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen yesterday in Uyo , added that the land also donated by the former governor has not been developed because of lack of funds and perfection of documentation.

Ekwere said even though the governor had promised the association a befitting office at the proposed International Worship Centre, the land could be used for investment purposes to yield returns for the association.

“We are yet to see the N100 million donated to us by former Governor Godswill

Akpabio, since we came into power, we have set up a committee to review the land and take proper ownership, even if we will have offices at the International Worship Centre as promised by the state governor we still need the land for investment purposes”.

The chairman who used the occasion to review his leadership expressed disappointment at the orgies of violence and killings of Christians all over the country and called on churches not to fold their arms and watch while Christians are being murdered every day.

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BRINGING THE SOUTH-WEST TO YOU

SMARTNEWS

FG Needs To Establish Facilities For Senior Citizens – GAC

BY OLAJIDE FABAMISE , LAGOS

a Non Governmental Organisation, Ghalp Caregivers Academy (GAC)has said the federal government must march its policy on the importance of caring for the citizens with action by establishing those centres.

The President of the group, Dr. David Olalekan who spoke at the graduation of over 700 American Caregiver Association (ACA) trained and certified professionals in Ibadan said over 720,000 jobs can equally be created in the process.

According to him, each state is mandatory to establish homes in all the local governments, adding that each state may need up to 20,000 caregivers to work in the homes as well as in the hospitals.

He said, "We want to start with Oyo State‎ here, and we believe that if we get the opportunity to train people who are looking for jobs, they can be absorbed into all these homes and that will be taking a big burden off the shoulder of government in the area of job creation.

"In Oyo state alone, over 20,000 can be engaged, some of them will work in the facilities that will be established and some can work in the hospitals to stand in the gap for doctors and nurses.

"We believe that it is possible if government, state governors' wives and other institutions can make it their pet projects."

Olalekan said the act has further opened Nigerians to better global opportunity‎ and career in Care giving both in Nigeria and outside the country.

Ambode To Lagosians: Use PVCs To Prove Population Density

BY GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday appealed to residents of the state to go all out and collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC), saying that the state must use the forthcoming 2019 general elections to confirm its status as the most populous state in the country.

Ambode, who disclosed this at the second Quarter 2018 Town Hall Meeting, the 11th in the Series,

held at the Apapa Amusement Park, said such prof will help to correct the anomaly in distribution of resources.

He said, “I want to strongly appeal to all Lagosians, this coming election is a different one. We want to define once and for all where the population of Nigeria lies. So it's not just about APC or about any other party or people that are not interested, we want to use the PVC to send a message that the real population is in Lagos State.

”So the duty of all of us ‎is to say that before any census, there is one census, the census of votes and that PVC, so it becomes a finality that the real population is in Lagos State and that is why we must encourage each and every one of us to push ourselves if it is door to door or house to house, in our various groups and unions to ensure that they go out and get our PVC. “Because each time we make our own State to look good, other people coming in and also put

pressure on it for us and that's why we are having too much pressure on our health facilities, our schools and other facilities that we have arranged, but because we have refused to participate in our civic obligations, the long result is the short-changing of the resources that is distributed across Nigeria.

I want to appeal to all Lagosians and all party leaders that this mobilization for the PVC has a longer reach than what you think,” Ambode said

Nigerian Army Set To Holds Inter-Brigade Guard Drill Competition Rebuilding Nigeria

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

The Nigerian Army yesterday said it has concluded plans to flag off activities marking the 2018 Inter-Brigade Quater Guard Drill Competition of the Nigerian Army, saying it will hold between Thursday and Friday this week.

The director of Information, Nigerian Army, 2 Division, Colonel Ifijeh Mohammed in a statement signed on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), said the competition is expected to

hold at the 2 Division Garrison Parade Ground, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo, Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to him, the objective of the competition was to enhance the quality of quarter guard drill competition in the 2 Division.

He added that it will also improve the comradeship among troops, as well as quarter guard organisation abilities of participating units.

Mohammed said that a total of 154 participants drawn from

brigades and other units under 2 Division were to take part in the competition.

"A mobile quarter guard will be placed at the 2 Division Garrison Parade Ground and used during the competition.

"Headquarters 2 Division Nigerian Army is conducting this competition to acquaint and imbibe troops with quality Quarter Guard Drill, improve comradeship among troops as well as to showcase the dynamics of modern quarter guard form-up," he said.

L-R: Head, Corporate Services, Development Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Idris Salihu;Executive Vice Chairman, Verdant Zeal Group, Mr. Tunji Olugbodi; Managing Director/CEO, Development Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Okpanachi; and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba, at the Vanguard economic forum in Lagos. PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU

Initiative Set For Launch In Lagos

BY ADENIYI ADUNOLA, Lagos

Re-building Nigeria Initiative, RNI, a pan Nigerian movement that seeks to advocate for the development and growth of the Nigerian state and the protection of its citizens’ rights and privileges worldwide will be formally launched this week in Lagos.

The Deputy National President of the organization, Otunba Earnest ’Wale Fasan who revealed this in a statement made available to the press said the movement will be formally launched with its key national officials inaugurated to kick-start the campaign for the support of the Abubakar Atiku’s presidential ambition.

Otunba Fasan reiterated that the movement with its over five million members across Nigeria decided to pitch its tent with the former Vice-President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku because he parades the best credentials to be the next president of Nigeria considering his experience and acceptability in all the geo-political zones in the country.

He added that, Atiku is a completely de-tribalized Nigerian who also understands the dynamics of governing a multi-ethnic and religiously sensitive country like Nigeria.

He affirms that all the ‘who is who’ in the political firmament especially from the South-Western zone and other political gladiators from other zones of the country will be at the formal launch to give their unalloyed support and full endorsement for the organization and the Atiku presidential ambition.

Lagos Reiterates Commitment To Staff Training

BY DUSTAN AGHEDO, Lagos

Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to the training of its staff, saying its drive to make the state a ‘Smart’ city had made the training of its staff imperative to push the vision with all enthusiasm and be able to cope with the transformation.

The state’s Commissioner for

Establishments, Training and Pension Dr. Akintola Benson Oke disclosed this at the 2018 Ministerial Press briefing held in Lagos.

He said the training department within the ministry which has the mandate to develop a highly skilled workforce for optimal performance and excellent service delivery has trained about 3,520 officers who attended 35 in-plant training.

Oke revealed that it achieved industrial peace within the public service in the state through consistent engagements and interactions between its officials and industrial unions operating in the state’s public service.

According to him, for the first time in the political history of the state the state government has been able to run for three years without its

employees embarking on strike action.

He said the Lagos State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC) holds statutory meeting between government and unions in the public service twice in a year to address and decide for implementation issues pertaining to the welfare of the staff as well as promote industrial harmony in the service.

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

$1.8bn Malabu Deal: Why Court Absolved Adoke Of Wrongdoing

BY MOSES ORJIME, Abuja

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja has given reasons why the immediate-past Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), could not be held liable for his roles in the Oil Processing Licence 245 transactions, popularly known as Malabu deal.

The judge while delivering judgment in the suit filed by

Adoke against the current AGF, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), held that since Adoke only executed the lawful directives of his former boss, then President Goodluck Jonathan, Adoke was free of any liability for his roles in the deal.

It would be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,EFCC had charged Adoke with various offences involving his alleged roles in the transactions in which the Federal

Government was said to have been defrauded of about $1.8bn.

The transactions involved the chains of transfer of the ownership of the OPL 255 covering a lucrative oil field.

Adoke subsequently filed the suitmarked,FHC/ABJ/94/446/2017 against the incumbent AGF praying to be freed of any criminal liability in respect of the transactions and declaring his prosecution by the EFCC null and void.

Malami challenged the suit on the ground that it lacked merit.

However in her judgment, Justice Nyako resolved all the

issues raised for determination in favour of the plaintiff and also dismissed the preliminary objection raised against the suit

by the Malami.

She granted four of Adoke’s prayers but refused one which sought a declaration that his prosecution was null and void.

CHOGM: ‘Stop De-marketing Nigeria’, PDP Tells Buhari

BY CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday implored President Muhammadu Buhari to show leadership and stop allowing his re-election interest to further de-market the nation and blocking Nigeria’s chances of accessing international help in critical sectors.

A statement by PDP’s national spokesman, Kola Olagbondiyan,

recalled that yesterday, the nation was burdened with yet another integrity issue following claims

by President Buhari before British Prime Minister, Theresa May, that he is not preoccupied with the 2019 general election, when the world is already aware that he has since kicked off his campaign.

The statement said “All over the world, well-meaning leaders relegate their personal interests, accept responsibility in the face of

failure and use every opportunity to seek help and remedy a bad situation.

“Nigerians are therefore miffed that instead of presenting the true state of affairs in our country under his watch, particularly, the comatose economy and worsened insecurity, President Buhari, obviously in a bid to give an impression of performance, chose to understate the challenges, thereby jeopardizing

the chances of securing much needed international support for the country.

“We are shocked that rather that engaging his international hosts on ways to pull our economy from the biting recession, President Buhari opted for self-praise, brandishing unsubstantiated record of achievements, thus stalling possible beneficial bilateral discussions and engagements in that area.

$1bn: NDCP Backs FG’s Procurement Of Arms To Fight Insurgency

BY TUNDE OGUNTOLA, Abuja

A newly registered political party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress Party (NDCP), has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to spend $1 billion for the procurement of equipment to fight insurgency and related crime in the country.

In his address in Abuja at the

party’s maiden national convention, executive meeting, and training for state representatives and strategy launch for membership drive, the national leader of NDCP and presidential aspirant, Dr. Johnson Edosomwan said the procurement of the equipment will boost the fight against.

Edosomwan also advised the president to dialogue with the

National Assembly; instead of the current dog-fight over the sequence of the 2019 general elections.

“We need a government that is supported by the people and run by the people; if the voice of the people says that the sequencing of the election is the right thing to do, that will be the right way to go. ‘’Now, if that is what they are

proposing, they (legislators) need to dialogue with the president. As a Nigerian, I will recommend that you listen to the voice of the people,” he said.

Edosomwan said, the party was poised to overhauling the nation through infrastructural and manpower development as well as massive job creation, if given the opportunity.

Reps Want Mass Recruitments To Reflect Federal Character

BY KAUTHAR ANUMBA-KHALEEL, Abuja

The House of Representatives has decried the lopsided nature of recruitment exercise into the federal government Ministeries, Agencies and Departments.

This is as it called for the equitable distribution of employment opportunities across board in line with Part 1 and 2 of the First Schedule of the Constitution.

The decision was contained in a motion of urgent national importance on the need to rebase the employment formula into Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the federal government using local government instead of states as a base in compliance with Federal Character provisions sponsored

by Hon. Muhammed Sani Zorro.

In his lead debate, Zorro who lamented the manner with which recruitment is carried out noted that it doesn’t reflect the spirit of Federal Character even as it deprives a section of the country the opportunity to be gainfully employed.

Similarly, Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba while recalling the recruitment saga that rocked the Nigeria Immigration Service in 2014 revealed that of the 2000 that were employed, 500 were from one local government.

“This is an issue we must take seriously.

Human Traffacking: Man Sentenced To 4 Years Imprisonment

BY BLESSING BATURE, Abuja

L-R: Chief Great Ogboru; APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Dr. Maryam Ali; Chief Frank Kokori and APC Vice Chairman, Delta Central, Chief Adelabu Bodjor when party leaders from Delta State visited the National Chairman at the Party’s secretariat in Abuja yesterday PHOTO OYEDELE

Ekiti Guber: Olumilua Picks APC Governorship Nomination Form

BY HENRY TYOHEMBA AND BLESSING BATURE, Abuja

A son of the former governor of old Ondo State, Muyiwa Olumilua, Bamidele has joined the race for the All Progressive Congress (APC) ticket for Ekiti governorship election.

Olumilua who was at the national headquarters of the APC in Abuja, yesterday, picked his

nomination form from the party’s National Organising Committee.

Speaking to newsmen few hours before collecting his form, Olumilua expressed confidence that his experience as the ex-governor’s son will give him an edge because he doesn’t have to introduce himself to the people.

He said if given the opportunity, his administration will put

into consideration agricultural mechanization. “We are going back to the land, if you know about the history of the old western state,most of the money made by Nigeria as a nation was from the south west and it was from cocoa. Ekiti state has some of the best quality cocoa about the largest quantity, but what happens now, where are we today, though we still produce cocoa but

the fact is that we no longer produce as we used to, other States like Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom produce more cocoa than Ekiti state.

“So we have to redevelop to regenerate to that level, you know I keep telling people if you go back down the train of industrialisation, industrialization started with agriculture, you plant, you harvest, you eat some”.

The fight against human trafficking in Nigeria has recorded another victory as the Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto, sentenced 25-year-old man, Samaila Jelani to 4 years imprisonment for human trafficking.

In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Abuja, the head, press and public relations NAPTIP, Nneka Aniagoh, said the offender was arraigned by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on a two-count charge of sexually exploiting an underage girl and harbouring the said girl in his friend’s house with intent to further exploit her sexually. Both acts contravene sections 16(1) and 15 (b) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration (TIPPEA) Act, 2015.

The presiding judge, Justice Saleh Idrissa, having listened to evidence presented by both prosecuting and defense teams, found the accused guilty of procuring an underage girl for sexual exploitation, and subsequently sentenced him to 4 years imprisonment without the option of fine.

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AN APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE 11-year-old Jamila Needs N5m For Stem Cell Transplant

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t the tender age of 11, pretty Jamila Umar Mohammed is battling with sickle cell anaemia and more than ever before needs the assistance of kind hearted members of the public.

Born with sickle cell anemia and her parents getting to know about it when she was about six months old, Jamila suffers severe body pains and organs disorder anytime the ailment begins.

This entails that she has to be admitted to the hospital a couple of times in a year to be treated for hand-foot syndrome occasioned by swollen hands and feet.

Miss Jamila who is currently undergoing treatment at Celltek Healtcare Limited in Benin City, needs N5 million as hospital bills for transplantation and one year drugs post transplantation.

According to her father, Umar Mohammed, while Jamila needs N10 million to be treated, he has been able to raise the sum of N5 million through the benevolence of some members of the public, with which she has successfully undergone stem cell transplant at Celltek Healtcare Limited in Benin City while the results are awaited from Basel University, technical partners to Celltek Healthcare.

“We are seeking the help of public spirited individuals to help us raise the balance of N5 million to cover for the cost of transplantation and one year drugs post transplantation”, Mohammed noted in a letter he sent to LEADERSHIP. He further noted that the family has expended all its funds; hence, the appeal to the public to further assist.

He said willing donors could support by contributing their widow’s mite.

Donations could be sent to the following bank account: Account name: Umar Mohammed.

Bank: Zenith Account number: 1003926359 For further enquiries, please contact Mohammed on: 08035888894

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THE NATION’S

N E W S A R O U N D T H E C A P I TA L C I T Y Eze Igbo Abuja Warns Kinsmen Against Disunity

Ex-Councillors Protest Non-payment Of Severance Allowances

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI The Eze Igbo 1 of Abuja, HRH Eze Nwosu Ibe has warned his kinsmen, living in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), against being involved in activities detrimental to their unity.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP in his palace yesterday, Ibe noted that some faceless Igbo groups have emerged, with the aim of destroying the unity existing among the Igbo kinsmen in the FCT. He maintained that the Conference of Igbo Community Assembly Executives (CICAE) is not a recognized arm of the Abuja chapter of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Abuja, just as he called on his kinsmen to stop identifying with the group.

He advised genuine members of the Ohaneze Ndigbo in the FCT to always respect the tradition and culture of the Igbo race, as well live in peace with their neighbours, from other parts of the country.

The royal father stated that the purported suspension placed on him by the faceless and unrecognized group was meant to attract unnecessary attention to the members, adding that he still remained the Eze Igbo 1 of Abuja.

AMAC Boss Inaugurates Committee For Anniversary Celebration

BY TARKAA DAVID Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, has constituted a 12-member committee to coordinate activities for the two years anniversary celebration of his administration A statement issued by the chief press secretary (CPS), to the chairman, Chief Dayo Lawal, which was made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday, listed the committee’s terms of reference, to include identifying projects that would be commissioned during the two years anniversary celebration.

Other terms of reference, according to the statement, are drawing up a complete programme for the celebration, preparation of expenditure for the entire anniversary, as well as performing any other duty assigned by the council.

Inaugurating members of the committee, Candido charged them to be speedy in their actions to identify projects that would be 100 per cent completed for commission before the anniversary celebration next month.

He also urged them to take into account the financial position of the council while preparing the expenditure and handling of finances, during the celebration.

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI

LR: The MD/CEO Chikeson International Ltd Mr Okechukwu Ali, the chairman, Bwari Area Council Hon Musa Dikko laying foundation for chairman’s official residence while the Esu Bwari Ibrahim Yaro watch, yesterday.

PHOTO BY TARKAA DAVID

Dikko Promises More ‘Dividends Of Democracy For Bwari Residents

BY TARKAA DAVID Chairman of Bwari area council, Hon. Musa Dikko has promised to improve the living conditions of residents of Bwari town, before the end of his administration.

Dikko, made the promise yesterday at the foundation laying ceremony of the official residence for the chairman of the council, also disclosed that his administration was focused on projects that have direct bearing on the people, as part of the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He noted that work is ongoing on the township roads, which, according

to him, would hopefully be completed before the end of the administration, adding that the construction of the official residence for the chairman was first of its kind in the history of the council.

According to him, “I believe that if the chairman, as the chief security officer, constitutionally, resides at the headquarters of the council, alongside the two royal fathers and the security heads, the better for the council.

It has become a necessity to have it built in Bwari. It is more comfortable and anyone, especially the royal fathers, could visit at anytime without having to come all the way to Kubwa.”

Earlier, the Sarkin Bwari, Alhaji

Awal Ijakoro, had commended the efforts of the area council chairman, just as he urged the contractors, handling the building project to ensure timely completion.

Also speaking, the Esu Bwari, Ibrahim Yaro, noted that several administrations had come and gone, but none could achieve the dream of having chairman’s residence, located in Bwari town.

The contractor, handling the project, Mr Ikechukwu Ali, who promised to complete the project on schedule, also disclosed that the structure would consist of six bedrooms, a penthouse, a parking lot, among others.

… Lauds Councillor For Empowerment Scheme

BY CECILIA OGEZI Chairman of Bwari area council, Hon. Musa Dikko has lauded the councilor, representing Dutse ward, Joshua Ishaku for empowering 240 persons, in his ward, through the Bhotadushekwo Foundation.

Dikko, who stated this during the disbursement of about N1.2million, to the beneficiaries, noted that the gesture would go a long way in reducing security threats

in his domain.

He explained that the N5, 000 empowerment fund to each of the beneficiaries was a start-off capital for small businesses, would go a long way in touching their lives.

Speaking earlier, the councilor, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of the foundation maintained that the project was set up to empower people of Dutse ward.

Ishaku explained that

the 240 beneficiaries were carefully selected among groups of students, farmers, petty traders and youth groups, from the 19 villages in the ward.

He disclosed that the foundation would be empowering more people in the area, through its skills acquisition programme, while plans are on to start scholarship grants to students in the ward.

Some beneficiaries who spoke with LEADERSHIP

expressed gratitude at the gesture as it would go a long way in reducing their challenges of getting capital for their various businesses.

One of the beneficiaries, Terfa Josephine, noted that the N5,000 would go a long way to improve her business, while Faith Amos, who also benefitted from the gesture, noted that the councillor has done something to improve the livelihood of many people.

Candido Wants Second Term For APC Executives

BY TARKAA DAVID Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, has called for a second term in office, for the current executive members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area council.

Candido, who stated

this while addressing party stakeholders in AMAC yesterday, noted that allowing the current executive to continue for a second term would make way for a smooth victory for the party in the coming general elections In a statement signed by the chief press secretary (CPS), to the chairman, Dayo Lawal,

which was made available to newsmen, Candido also pleaded with the party stakeholders to give all the executives at the ward levels another opportunity to serve for another term.

He added that such measure became necessary to ensure that the party continues to enjoy the peaceful

atmosphere that existed within the party members in the area council.

Candido stated that it would do the party good if all the party officers were return back to their offices, instead of allowing them to go through election process, especially at this time too close to the general elections.

Members, Forum of Excouncillors and Former Political Office Holders in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday gathered at the office of the FCT minister, to protest the nonpayment of their furniture and severance allowances, since 2016.

The former political officers, numbering about 50, held a peaceful protest at the front of the Minister’s Block, to ventilate their anger and frustration over the refusal of the area council chairmen in the FCT to pay them their entitlements.

Addressing newsmen, the secretary of the forum, Hon. Comrade Ishaq Kaura, alleged that the six area chairmen in the FCT have deliberately sat on their entitlement and refused to pay them.

The money is there to pay us, but some people are deliberately enriching themselves to our disadvantage. The area council chairmen are sitting on these entitlements and refused to pay this money to us.”

Kaura disclosed that after series of pressure from the forum, the area council chairmen only succeeded at paying 50 per cent of the allowances to their members, adding that about six members of the forum have died, while waiting for the payment.

He therefore drew the attention of the FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello as well as President Muhammadu Buhari, to see the attitude of the chairmen as part of corruption at the area councils.

He continued: “We have been crying since 2016 so that this administration can help us and break this vicious cycle that makes politicians, who have served successfully, not to be paid their furniture allowances, not to talk of severance allowances.

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Electricity: The Plight of Bwari Residents Electricity is considered to be one of the drivers of a modern economy. However, TARKAA DAVID writes that the dream is far from being achieved in Nigeria, especially in Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the residents pay for black out.

E

lectricity is reckoned as the greatest driver of a country’s economy, modern industrialisation cannot be achieved without a stable power supply. Energy is increasingly becoming a major force in the pursuit of sustainable development. As a major source of energy, access to electricity aids the process of meeting residential and domestic needs.

It also contribute positively to capital and labour productivity, promoting export potentials of countries and creating employment, as well as reducing the level of poverty. Electricity ultimately improves socio-economic development of the country. Unavailability of electricity has been a major problem in Nigeria, as its widely acknowledged that most subSaharan Africa states is in the midst of power crisis outages are not just frequent and long but also erratic.

Available reports show that more than 50 per cent of Africa businesses surveyed cite inadequate power supply as a major infrastructural challenge that dampens development. The situation is more challenging in Nigeria, as many businesses have relocated to neighboring countries due to poor electricity infrastructure and rising cost of production. Also, power shortages are adjudged a major deterrent to SMEs development and culminating into rising unemployment and civil disturbances.

The causality running from electricity consumption towards economic growth infers that electricity influences economic growth and thus expansion of electricity services is compatible with improvement of economic perfor-

mance of the country. The causality running from economic growth to electricity consumption implies that economic growth is not dependent on electricity usage and therefore conservation policies should be pursued.

Residents of Rockville community in Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) having been living for over five years without electricity which is one of the basic needs of urban dwellers. The residents have accused the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) of extortion as the company has refused to electrify the community after five years of existence.

The general secretary Rockville Residents Association, Mr. Ekhaegbah Orbih said that the community had approached the area office of AEDC in 2014, but has not been connected. Orbih noted that the community, which has over 60 residential houses, has been in the dark, while the company officials make fortune out of their predicament, even though electricity is critical to any community.

The secretary further stated that the community had paid more than half a million naira to Bwari area office of the AEDC as part of the conditions to be connected to the electricity greed since 2015. He added that the community met some of these conditions, but later jettisoned it when they realised that the AEDC Bwari office was defrauding them of their hard earned money.

Explaining their predicament further, Orbih explained that AEDC head office after series of back and forth correspondence provided a 500KVA

transformer in 2017. The outrageous estimated bill for the installation 200 KVA transformer in the community by Bwari AEDC stood at N950, 400.00.

Also, residents of Ushafa community in the area council have equally lamented the outrageous estimated billings by the management of AEDC, when they spoke with LEADERSHIP recently. Chairman of Ushafa Village Expansion Scheme, Mr. Michael Momoh said the AEDC outrageously estimate bills for consumers who have no meters. Michael alleged that the AEDC prefers consumers to be without metres so that they can make money out of their helplessly.

He also alleged that the AEDC provides metres only to customers who pay N35, 000, which is against the standard procedure for acquiring metres, noting that those who apply for the metres are denied and issued estimated billings, which is mostly high above what the customer has consumed. Momoh regretted that the officials, due to the outrageous estimated billings prefer to disconnect residents and collect reconnection fee.

A resident of Kuduru, in the same area council, Mr. Joel lamented that the community is often billed for power that they do not consume. Joel said that the community has written several times to the customers care section of the AEDC but no action. He further stated that the company has refused to issue metres to residents in attempt to shortchange them. “We have some challenges in Kuduru. We have the lowest supply of light, but the highest of billings. They gave us light last

month on the 21-22 and charged us for 30 days. When we refused to be disconnected, they brought the military to enforce the disconnection,� he said.

Speaking on behalf of the commissioner consumer affairs, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Moses Arigu, said it is the sole responsibility of the AEDC to provide transformers to their customers. Arigu also said that the metre is a very important component of the chain, adding that the commission has issued the metering of houses to some companies who would ensure that metres, as an asset, are provided to the consumers.

Speaking at an electricity town hall meeting in Bwari recently, the general manager AEDC FCT North, Isa Abdulrahman said the community has not been connected due to a new regulation by NERC that new customers should not be connected without metres. Abdulraham urged residents to apply for metres before they complete their buildings to ensure quick connection to the national grid. He also stated that the epileptic power supply is due to the response of the power system to weather, adding that the heat season affects the system negatively leading to low supply.

Abdulraham further disclosed that the company would no longer extend the 33KV line, but rather customers on 33KV will be transferred to the 11KV line. He explained that the 33KV line is supposed to be a sub transmission voltage, carrying power from the sub transmission stations to where it would be evenly distributed, just as he attributed the present disparity to wraths that existed in the system before it was privatised.

The situation is more challenging in Nigeria, as many businesses have relocated to neighboring countries due to poor electricity infrastructure and rising cost of production

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politics today Wednesday, April 18, 2018

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

GROUP POLITICS EDITOR: MUYIWA OYINLOLA 08054701492 (SMS ONLY )

PMB, Jonathan And The Long Awaited Assent To Climate Change Bill Although former President Goodluck Jonathan twice declined assent to a similar bill in 2011 and 2015, ADEBIYI ADEDAPO in this report speculates that President Muhammadu Buhari may sign the Climate Change bill into law

These predictions can however, be averted if appropriate measures are taken to tackle the growing consequences of climate change

In 2007, experts warned that Nigeria could lose up to one third of its entire land area over the next 50 years to climate change threats.

According to experts warning, rising sea levels from warming temperatures may see the whole of Lagos, Bayelsa and Rivers states go under water, with the inundation also covering up to half of Cross River and Delta states.

In the North, advancing desert climate could render economic activities impossible in vast areas stretching across the region from Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states in the North-West, to Yobe, Borno, Adamawa and Taraba states in the North-East.

Other risk factors include but not limited to loss of livelihood in fishing communities that would be compelled to relocate from their natural terrain; internal refugee problems from the displacement of large populations from affected areas; as well as worsened poverty levels due to the extent of impact on already poor communities.

These predictions can however, be averted if appropriate measures are taken to tackle the growing consequences of climate change.

An expert in global environmental and associate of Presidents of United States on Climate Change issue, Mr. Jerome Ringo, recently charged African governments to retain opportunities in Green Development in the continent.

He advocated for legislations that would introduce skill developments on Green Projects into the higher institutions of learning in the country through their curricula.

He also argued that development of Green Technologies can be localised as the trained graduates would work with those foreign companies on technology transfer basis.

To an average Nigerian, the word ‘Green’ may sound so foreign and distant, or like something that could only materialise across the seas.

Unfortunately, the very few category of enlightened Nigerians who could understand the effect of this misnomer often ig-

Buhari

nore the reality.

The aggressive enlightenment campaign on climate change by international bodies and environmental experts is definitely not to raise a false alarm or scare Nigerians. Rather, it was aimed at educating the world about the causes, effects, and possible control of the phenomenon.

To this end, National Assembly is set to transmit to bill seeking to provide a legal framework for mainstreaming of climate change responses and actions into government policy formulation and implementation to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The bill which is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Provide a Legal Framework for the Mainstreaming of Climate Change Responses and Actions into Government Policy Formulation, Implementation and the Establishment of the National Council on Climate Change; and for Related Matters.” is expected to provide effective reponse to the threat posed by greenhouse emissions.

Although, the 6th and 7th Na-

tional Assembly passed similar bill, but former President Goodluck Jonathan refused to assent to the bills, thereby lost the opportunity to make history as the president who gave life and meaning to a legislation aimed at addressing the threats posed by climate change.

But President Muhammadu Buhari has raised hope on this.

The president in 2016, signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, to demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to a global effort to reverse the effects of the negative trend.

While addressing a meeting on Taking Climate Action for Sustainable Development in New York, the President promised to ensure the ratification of the Paris Agreement before the 22nd Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Marrakesh, Morocco in November 2016.

He stressed that it was to demonstrate his personal dedication to the process of implementing the Agreement that he was hosting the side event on Taking Climate Action Towards Sustaina-

ble Development.

The meeting was co-hosted

by Nigeria and the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, as one of the Side Events of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA71.

The Paris Agreement requires all Parties to put forward their best efforts through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and to strengthen these efforts in the years ahead. This includes requirements that all Parties report regularly on their emissions and on their implementation efforts.

Also, article 4 paragraph 2 of the Agreement provides that each Party shall prepare, communicate and maintain successive nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that it intends to achieve. Parties shall pursue domestic mitigation measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives of such contributions.

Furthermore, article 4 paragraph 12 of the Agreement, ➔ CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

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PMB, Jonathan And The Long Awaited Assent To Climate Change Bill ➔ FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE

states that NDCs communicated by Parties shall be recorded in a public registry maintained by the secretariat .

The Agreement also provides that by 2018, Parties will take stock of the collective efforts in relation to progress towards the goal set in the Paris Agreement and to inform the preparation of NDCs. And there will also be a global stocktaking every 5 years to assess the collective progress towards achieving the purpose of the Agreement and to inform further individual actions by Parties.

To this end, President Buhari, pledged Nigeria’s commitment to “Green House Gas Emissions unconditionally by 20 per cent and conditionally by 45 per cent” in line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions.”

The President expressed confidence that with support from development partners, Nigeria will meet the above targets.

Therefore, there is a huge obligation on government to strengthen existing arrangements to deliver on the pledges.

Interestingly, the Inter parliamentary Union (IPU) in its December 2015 conference, held in France, suggested Parliamentary Action Plan on Climate Change Scaling up Climate Action The 2015 Global Climate Legislation Study2 which covered 98 countries and the EU,showed that there were 804 climate change-related laws and policies at the end of 2014.

The study revealed that the 98 countries and the EU, are together responsible for 93 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Sequel to this discovery, IPU noted that effective and legally enforceable international agreements must be transposed into national legislation, supported by appropriate budget allocation and robust oversight of government performance.

This puts parliaments at the heart of the response to climate change.

Parliaments are not only well placed to scrutinise how governments are responding to national and international climate change issues.

National parliaments are also expected to hold their executives to account over their actions, or lack thereof.

The parliamentarians are expected to bridge the gap between constituents, governments and decisions made at the global level.

National legislation and international agreements are mutually reinforcing at the same time help to create the conditions for a more ambitious international agreement by demonstrating what is possible.

After the negotiations, national laws are required to maximise effective implementation of the commitments and contributions made by governments in Paris.

Suffice to say, a well-informed climate legislation can bring significant national and local co-benefits, including strengthened energy security, improved health, reduced disaster risk, increased access to sustainable energy, investment in clean and domestic energy sources, the crea-

Saraki

tion of high-quality jobs and better air quality.

In view of the above factors, the Nigeria’s National Assembly announced plans to adopt a new legal framework for the review of existing policies and regulations on climate change in the country.

The chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Bukka Abba Ibrahim, and his counterpart in the House of Representatives counterpart, Hon Samuel Onuigbo, at different fora expressed their commitment to the new bill.

This law was designed to encourage the use of information in planning by outlining how emissions data captured through detailed greenhouse inventory with adequate and timely reporting from all sectors is adhered to, to inform mitigation.

It will also create the mechanism for greenhouse gas emissions trading and add impetus to the contribution of the private sector in low carbon development.

According to Ibrahim, the law would address institutional arrangements and responsibilities, to avoid duplication of roles.

“It will seek financing arrangements to mobilise finance from the public and private sector resources, including improving access to international climate finance schemes and other financial instruments available.”

Sequel to this, the House of Representatives in November 2017, passed a bill to provide a legal framework for mainstreaming of climate change responses and actions into government policy formulation and implementation.

The bill also proposed the establishment of a council to coordinate climate change governance as well as support the adaptation and miti-

Jonathan

gation of the adverse effects of climate change in the country.

Onuigbo who midwife the process in the Green Chamber, said there was need for a strong national institution to address the effects of climate change compelled him to come up with the bill.

According to him, the absence of a law on issues of climate change has scared investors from investing in the country. ‘‘Today, there is no law on climate change, all we have are policies and that has been a serious setback for the country as far as climate actions are concerned.Climate change is a global issue that cuts across the world and that is what informed the move of the United Nations’ convention on climate change,” he said.

According to him, the is no national law or sun national towards protecting and mitigating the effects of climate change “But back home, there is no law both at the national and sub-national levels and that has necessitated this bill. The early coming into force of the 2015 Paris Climate agreement reinforced the necessity of a climate change legislation. It will facilitate the domestication of the agreement and enable Nigeria to effectively implement its commitments, particularly the emission reductions target,’’ he said.

Onuigbo further explained that absence of a law that prescribed legal obligation for compliance with elements of national climate policy and all other climate-related initiatives and programmes had also inhibited climate change management in the country. ‘‘But this bill will provide a framework for a federal budget appropriation process that institutionalises transparency and accountability of

climate related sources, including international climate finance,’’ he said.

The lawmaker added that the bill intended to balance institutions and approaches responsible in addressing climate challenges across economic sectors and through public and private participation.

According to Onuigbo, the will also aid the ‘‘setting up of guidelines for prescription of range of economic instruments and regulatory techniques to reduce Green House Gas emissions. ‘‘Pursue high economic growth rate at a low carbon trajectory at the same time reduce environmental risks and ecological scarcity in an inclusive manner, and growing new jobs.’’

Consequently, the Senate in followed suit, and passed the “National Climate Change Bill, 2018 (H.B. 1020)”, sponsored by the Senate Leader, Sen. Ahmad Lawan.

The legislation is a Concurrence Bill that emanated from and passed into law by the House of Representatives. Accordingly, the Bill was presented before the Chamber for debate on its general principles by the Senate Leader.

Experts in the Climate Change community are however optimistic that President Buhari, giving his commitment to climate change agreement, will sign the bill into law.

This according to experts guarantee institutional framework, as it will establish the Nigeria Climate Change Commission (NCCC).

Environmental activists also advised the president to re-tool and redirect part of the resources in the Ecological Fund Office towards meeting Nigeria’s climate change capacity building and knowledge management needs.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

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INTERVIEW 23

Nigeria Must Priotise Science, Technology To Grow Economy – Okoigun An engineer of about 40 years experience in Petrochemical engineering, Mr. Alfred Okoigun, who was inducted into the Nigerian Academy of Engineering(NAE) as honourary fellow is also the Founder/Group Managing Director of ARCO Group Plc. In this interview with ZAKA KHALIQ, he spoke on the need for the country to invest in science and technology for rapid economic growth and development.

How do you feel to be inducted as the only fourth honourary fellow since the inception of the Nigeria Academy of Engineering(NAE) 21 years ago?

This induction means a lot to me.

When I got the call that I was going to be honoured, it came to me as a very big surprise because this honour is not given every year. The last one was given about eight years ago and four honorary members inducted in 21 years of this academy.

So, I feel very proud and happy to have been recognised this way. For me and for those who have known me over the years, I am deeply passionate about engineering and science and technology.

I developed this in my secondary school days, when we went for an excursion in Shell company, where I knew that through science and technology, we can extract crude oil from the ground, process it into various products for nation’s growth and development.

And that was the reason for my love for engineering. When I went abroad, the first time in 1977, I saw the great work of science and technology and Okoigun what we can do with it. But then also, I disagree with some school of thought in the olden days that people can be held down by witches and therefore, they can’t progress in life.

To people that still believe in this, I will advise you that you go abroad and you will know that is not true.

With science and technology, you can get to the peak of your career faster and that is what has happened in other parts of the world. So, with that in mind, and especially, the way I went to abroad, the same feeling when I was told my name was among 12 students Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) selected to go abroad on scholarship in 1977, I am having the same feeling now.

When I got the call from the academy, I was very elated because I knew the value of people in this academy. These are people who have worked to the peak of their career and now, they are given back to the society. These are people that are never tired, because they want to make contribution to the growth and development of science and technology in Nigeria as well as the development of our nation. So, who am I not to partner with this great academy.

Why is it that Nigeria has not really progressed in science and technology like other countries?

Why Nigeria has not progressed the way it should is because we fail to recognise the roles of science and technology to national growth.

Other nations such as China, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Israel knew this and their respective country is better for it.

We must believe in Nigeria, that is the only way we can do it. We must reduce our appetite for foreigners and believe in our local capacity

populated by 8.5 million people.

Today, Israel is the number one in startup engineering business. They are next to America. So, that is what science and technology can do for you.

But the thing is, those in this field of science and technology did not know how to beg or lobby and in Nigeria, if you don’t beg or have somebody, you are not going anywhere. We have to change that concept.

So, therefore, what I am going to do going forward, is to support and continue to support the academy in advocacy on the good things science and technology can do.

As you know, I have interest in science and technology and I want to contribute more to the growth and development of engineering. Arco petrochemical engineering firm has been encouraging our youths and we will continue to do it.

In those days, Malaysia, Singapore, China were aback, but immediately they started to embrace science and technology, you could see the impact it has made on their respective economy.

Let’s take China as an example; where was China 30 years ago?

But today, China is competing with America. Why? This is possible because of science and technology. And how did they do it? They started by encouraging the youths, that once a time had travelled to study in universities in America and U.K and are already working there, to return home.

There were a lot of Chinese going to study in higher institutions across America and Great Britain then, and when they finished their study, America hired them, which is what is happening to Nigeria today. Top brains in Nigeria go abroad and they are not coming back.

Go to any sphere in the world today, these Nigerians are doing great jobs but they are not encouraged to come back.

But what China did was to encourage Chinese to come back.

How much are they paying in China?

Maybe 60,000 dollars a year. The country said, if you come back to China, we give you $60,000 to $80,000 a year and in addition, we will also give you research grant of $200,000 to $250,000 a year. With this incentive, 80 per cent of those who were in America came back to China and the country’s development started with a serious leap.

That is also similar to what happened in Israel, a country

Do you think Nigerian engineers have what it takes to compete with their colleagues globally?

I will tell you without any doubt that we have top quality Nigerian engineers and as you too may know, we have them performing well in other parts of the world, doing excellently well, but unfortunately, they are not doing so in Nigeria.

This is because of the challenges of the environment. But this is what we want to break now. We are trying to encourage them, that inspite of all the challenges, let create a posisibility that they can do as much as what their counterparts are doing across the world. They have the brain, the knowledge, but sometimes, environment can be influential.

want us to imbibe.

Where do you want to see Arco Petrochemical Engineering Company in the near future?

First and foremost, at Arco, we are looking at a company that will outlive not only the founder, but anyone who works at Arco. That means, we are talking about sustainability and growth. We are working on that and that is the focus.

In any event, there must be challenges, but the important thing is to believe in where you are going to build your goal. And if that goal isto build a sustainable company, then, those challenges are irrelevant.

The youth in engineering don’t seems to be challenged to be able to innovate. What will you want to advise the institutions who chunk out these graduates year in year out?

The youth should not be moved by the immediate luxury, let them believe in building their future. They should be committed to their beliefs, be honest in dealing with themselves and others and if they can have these values, there are many avenues to which they can come out. Don’t be limited by challenges, if you believe in yourself, you will do it. Have your idea, believe in it and then push it. But when you say Mr. A makes more money without doing so much because he knows A, B, C and D, that is a path that is not sustainable.

Now that the federal government is trying to fix some of its refineries and with private individuals, such as, Dangote coming to float refinery, what does this portends for the petroleum sector and the nation’s economy?

My advise to the government this time around is to challenge Nigerian engineers by asking Nigeria Society of Engineers(NSE) and NAE to proffer solutions to the challenges facing the petroleum sector.

For some of us who are in the business, we will rally round together.

We must believe in Nigeria, that is the only way we can do it. We must reduce our appetite for foreigners and believe in our local capacity.

In the past, everybody patronises foreigners and the local engineers are not recognised, but things are changing for the better. The President has just signed its law now, that is, the executive order on local content in science and technology and with that, it will be another encouragement for the local engineers.

With the challenges you mentioned earlier, how will you advise relevant stakeholders to rise up to their respective responsibilities?

For example, in Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), we are already doing that and Arco Petrochemical Engineering Company is partnering them on this. What we want to do is to begin to assist some of the young engineers who are doing tangible things, who, ordinarily are unable to bring their expertise to the open market. We want to make effort to look for them because one thing about engineers is that they don’t know how to make noise. They don’t know how to solicit for or beg as they believe they have got the knowledge and you will be the one to seek them. This is the principle all over the world.

China is doing it, America has done it many years ago. In China today, if you have a Phd, from top universities Are players in the engineering in America, China will just give you sector complying with the local $60,000 to $80,000 annually and content act? research grant of about $200,000 to We are making some efforts. There $250, 000. You don’t solicit for it. was a time it was not there, but now, That is promotion. We are not there its there. So, let’s hope that we will do yet, but these are the things we will better to make sure it works.

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"Ghost And The Tout” Gets Over 500,000 Views Within 48hrs

BY ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM, Abuja Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham is no doubt around to stamp her presence as she attains yet another milestone in the Nigerian movie industry.

Toyin Abraham’s latest movie which is yet to hit cinemas has started setting its own record right and creating high enough buzz from its trailer making us wonder what is about to hit us.

Barely 48 hours after the release of the trailer, the movie ‘The Ghost and The Tout’, has garnered over 500,000 hit views on social media making it the first movie to ever hit that mark.

The trailer which she released two days ago had celebrities like Kiss Daniel, DJ Exclusive, Faithia Williams, Lasis Elenu, Brother Shaggi, SlimCase, Damilola Adegbite, Chioma Chukwuka, Ogbeni Adan, Regina Daniels,

Ronke Ojo, Bobrisky, Tunde Ednut and more post on their pages. Entertainment pages such as KraksTV, Tatafo9ja, YawEntertainment, BroadwayTV, PlagroundTV and more also shared the trailer.

‘The Ghost and the Tout’ follows the story of a young and vibrant lady, Isila (Abraham), who grew up in the core of a ghetto. An unforeseen event sends her world into a series of drama involving a murder case and a mystery from a forbidden spiritual event. Left with no choice, Isila journeys on a mission to unravel the truth to get her life back on track and in turn free a ghost from the restlessness of his soul.

The movie features talented actors like Chiwetalu Agu, Dele Odule, Femi Adebayo, Rachel Okonkwo, Sambasa Nzeribe, Chioma Akpotha, Omowunmi Dada, Chigurl, Ronke OshodiOke and more. It also stars

talented Instagram sensations like Josh2funny, Cute Abiola, Bobrisky, Lasisi Elenu, Oshisko Twins, Iya Ibadan and more.

Speaking to the actress she said; “My team told me that this is the first time a trailer will be getting over 500k views in 48hours. As much as I am glad about the milestone, I am super grateful much more about the love. How you people love a deeply flawed human being like me is amazing and confusing to me at times. I am not the best human beings out there but the love I get in real life and on social media is humbling.

Please I want to say a very big thank you to everyone for the love. #TOYINTITANS thank you. All celebrities that reposted, Thank you to the blogs, papers who never fail to share my works, my friends, my team members, Nollywood as a whole and present business associates.”

US-based Actress Takes ‘Iyawo Olele’ To UK

Toyin

BY SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos ‘Iyawo Olele’ is fast becoming a brand idea. After a successful launch in God’s own country, United States of America, the United Kingdom is next. For those who know the brain behind "Iyawo Olele," Fadojoe very well, one can tell that he is an engaging impresario, as far as music is concerned having given more than two decades to the music industry.

The last time he performed at an event in town for Africans and Nigerians in North America,

it was a memorable one for those who were privileged to be part of that masterpiece of a show.

This time around, the United Kingdom is up next for the show.

It is the second leg of the highly entertaining 'Iyawo Olele'.

Packaged by BNS Enterprises with O Billy Entertainment in the UK, the event is also an album launch of "Iyawo Olele" by hi-life music veteran, Joseph Faduri a.k.a Fadojoe.

The all-music and funfilled event will parade special appearances from top Nollywood actors and actresses.

Again Wizkid Misses Coachella Festival Due To Visa Issues

BY SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos The Starboy who will not take a no for an answer or an agency discrediting him has come out to shade the foreign embassy for not giving his band performance visas for the Coachella Festival.

As hard to believe as it may seem at the moment, Wizkid does wish he could be at Coachella 2018 as promised but in his words, "Embassy no be my papa."

The "Ojuelegba" singer made this statement as an explanation for his absence from the 2018 Coachella Music Festival but his fans are not having it.

The singer has come under fire

since it was revealed that he would be unable to make an appearance at the festival. Seeing as this was a huge performance for Wizkid, it is safe to assume that he is not immune to the loss.

Wizkid revealed that his band couldn’t get visas in time for Coachella. Trust Nigerian fans, a fan was then quick to point out that he had the same issues last year but his curt reply makes it obvious that not even he is immune to visa issues, contrary to popular belief and the fact is that he has to wait for visas like everybody else.

As you might recall, during the Wizkid and Davido fued, the "FIA" singer took a shot at him,

on his "Summer Body" track featuring Olamide where he sang ‘With Yankee passport, them say we local…’

Wizkid is planning on releasing a new EP titled "Made In Lagos."

The Starboy also missed the Made in America Festival in 2017 and a few months later, he once again got fans talking when he missed his former boss, Banky W’s wedding.

His explanation again at the time had been visa issues: He wrote "God bless my big bro @bankywellington and our new wife @adesuaetomi God will bless you with happiness and abundance of Joy as u start

your new life together! Missing this day is something that will forever make me sad, But this is not about me, its abt you! Enjoy!

Happiness and love forever! #Stillwaitingonmypassport".

Of course, fans seem to think that Wizkid has had one too many visa issues and have had a field day bashing him on social media.

As different comments are trending on the social media regarding these visa issues of Wizkid whose real name is Ayodeji Balogun, his management will do well to help alleviate issues on his forrign music tours and travelling palava as Wizzy deserves a better bargain.

Wizkid

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

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GALLERIA 25

Goldberg Talent Amos Mumbere Wins 7th DStv Eutelsat Star Awards Hunt: 40 Artistes, BY GABRIEL EMAMEH The winner in the poster category will be Ms. Patricia Kiconco, Head of Operations, rewarded with a trip, along with a parent/ MultiChoice Uganda. Commenting on the Amos Mumbere from Ntare School in legal guardian, to visit the South African entries, Nespoli said: “The purpose of the 12 Drummers Uganda was announced overall winner in National Space Agency and MultiChoice competition was achieved! There were alessay category at the just concluded facilities. The two winning schools attend- most a thousand entries from young people Qualify For Quarter the 7thedition of the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards ed by the overall winners will be rewarded across the continent and I believe all the organised by MultiChoice Africa and Eu- with a DStv installation, including dish, students were exposed, involved and exFinal telsat in Kampala, the Ugandan capital. TV set, PVR decoder and free access to the cited about science and technology, satelBy SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos Fifty-two winners have emerged in the Ariya Repete Traditional Music and Drums Goldberg Talent Hunt.

The talent hunt is aimed at developing drumming skills, juju and fuji music genres, while also rewarding upcoming acts in the music industry.

The audition and selection stage was held in eight cities including Sango Ota, Ogun State, Ado Ekiti, Akure, Lagos, Ilesha, Ilorin, Ibadan and Oyo where several contestants came to slug it out for a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.

The panel of judges in Ota who screened the qualifiers were Juju musicians, Wale Thompson of “Lalale Friday” fame, Adebayo Faleke, an Ace radio broadcaster, Alhaji Sikiru Kolotiti Agboola, Alhaji Kabir Kehinde Akanni popularly known as Baby Barrister, Dele Bravo and Babatope Temidayo popularly known as “PuffyTee”.

According to the Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout brands, NBPlc, Emmanuel Agu, participants at this year’s edition of Ariya Repete are competing for a bigger prize money compared to the previous editions, with the overall winner in each category carting away a grand prize of N2 Million.

“Goldberg’s Ariya Repete creates an avenue for fuji, juju musicians and traditional drummers to showcase their talents as a means of promoting Yoruba language and rich heritage.

The Juju artistes selected in Sango ota, Ogun State are: Prince Ade Michael who came 1st, while Bukola Ahmed came in second place.

Also, Oriade Calypso came 1st, closely followed by Sulaimon Ajao in the 2nd position and Mohammed Adewale came 3rd in the Fuji category. Meanwhile in the drumming category, Igba-Iwase Group came 1st while the Eniafe Group came 2nd. Other quarter-finalists Ado-Ekiti and Oyo town environ include in Ayodele Olatunji who came first in the Juju category and closely followed by Adeyemi Ase who came 2nd. In the Fuji category, Gbenga Adeyeye came 1st, Saheed Aremu 2nd and followed by Olayemi Kehinde who came 3rd.

Meanwhile, in the Drummers Category the Ayangbayi Group came 1st and the Alofuge Group came 2nd behind them.

The upcoming artistes, drummers and dancers selected from the auditions will proceed to the Quarter Finals and Ariya Academy where they will be trained on Yoruba music instruments, Fuji and Juju music by some prominent Juju and Fuji musicians to help hone their musical skills.

Tanzania added to East Africa’s tally when Rasheed Taher from Al-Madrasa-tus-Saifya-tul-Burhaniya School in Tanzania was announced as the overall poster winner.

The winning essay was lauded for its simple yet eloquent style, as it demonstrated an understanding of the application of satellite technology and the role that Sputnik played in launching humankind into the 21st century. Judges said the poster reveals a deep understanding of the topic with a level of ingenuity in using mirror imaging to demonstrate the rapid transformation of satellite technology.

The winner in the essay category is entitled to a trip, along with a parent/guardian, to Paris and to a launch site in French Guiana to witness a rocket blast into space in order to place a satellite into orbit. This is third win in the essay category for Uganda, following wins in 2011 and 2012 and making a tally of six previous winners, including runners-up in the poster category.

DStv Education Package.

For the 7th edition, students from secondary (high) or combined schools were asked to write a creative essay or design a poster based on the topic: “It’s sixty years since the first satellite, Sputnik, was launched, broadcasting a unique and easily captured ‘beep, beep, beep’ signal. Looking back at this historic moment, write an essay or design a poster depicting how satellites have launched humankind into the 21st Century and acted as a unifier.”

Paolo Nespoli, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, who returned for the fourth time as chairman of the jury, was assisted by a panel of industry experts that included Professor Funso Falade, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos; Mr. Michael Niyitegeka, Country Manager, ICDL Africa; Mr. Patrice Paquot, Deputy Regional Vice-President for Sub-Saharan Africa, Eutelsat as well as

lite technology in particular. The finalists showed an exceptional grasp of the subject matter along with a distinct use of creativity and ingenuity. We all were extremely impressed by the calibre of the work we had to judge. As a jury, we were challenged when we had to pick the winners: it was a mammoth task that took an entire day of intense discussions. If it were up to me I would have given the first prize to all the finalists.

“I take this opportunity to commend the DStv Eutelsat Star awards team for this initiative that has been held every year since its inception in 2011 and particularly for bringing Paolo Nespoli an astronaut and engineer of the European Space Agency. I would also like to recognise that he is the first astronaut to visit Uganda,” he said.

He added that Nespoli’s visit will inspire the students, especially those interested in the space industry and create hope among them that anything is possible.

L-R: Sales Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uche Unigwe; Mrs Ebere Maduakor; Chairman, Ken Maduakor Group Limited, winner, National Champion Award/2017 Best Distributor, Mr. Kenneth Maduakor, and Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries at the Company’s Distributors Award in Lagos, recently.

Nigerian Breweries Celebrate Trade Partners

BY ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM It was all smiles and fulfilment when brewing giant, Nigerian Breweries Plc in an award ceremony last Friday in Lagos, celebrated its distributors and trade partners who excelled in the course of their business partnerships with the company in the last year. It also promised more exciting years ahead for consumers of its products all over the country.

Mr. Uche Unigwe, the company’s

Sale Director explained that the theme of this year’s award: “Winning More Together”, was conceived to recognise and reward the excellent performance of the company’s distributors and transporters for the year 2017.

He added that despite the challenges in the operating environment, the company did well and achieved many milestones that called for celebration. Unigwe described the partners as “super stars of Nigerian Breweries who constitute

the important segment in the route to the market”. While saluting them for their excellent contribution to the company’s success, he emphasized that the partners are the best in the industry.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel lauded the partners for the long years of support and affirmed that the company looks forward to a more rewarding relationship with them in the years ahead

26 SCIENCE/FEATURE

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

NITTF As Panacea For Local Technology Development

Director-general of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Dr. Gloria Elemo presenting a cheque to the NOTAP-Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship scholarship beneficiary, Aliyu Ahmed, while the director-general of NOTAP, Dr. DanAzumi Ibrahim (l) and the general manager, external and regulatory affairs of PZ Cussons Plc, Tahir Mohammed (r) look on.

O

BY NKECHI ISAAC, Abuja

This scheme (NITTF) will serve as a platform through which industries will voluntarily support the process of building the needed critical mass of highly skilled knowledge workers

vertime Nigeria has become overly dependent on foreign technologies with these technologies powering over 90 per cent of various sectors of the economy. The nation loses an estimated N400 billion annually on capital flight via the importation of software to run its sectors such as the banking; health; commerce; tourism; agriculture; education; oil and gas; agriculture; transportation sectors, etc.

However, with the dip in the nation’s economy, the Federal Government is making more efforts to develop various sectors of the economy and most importantly steps are now being taken to reverse the trend of Nigeria being a consumer nation, solely dependent on foreign technologies to run its sectors, to a knowledge-based economy, striving to develop its manpower and local content to take care of its needs.

Sequel to this, the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari has signed series of executive directives aimed at promoting the nation’s local content, one of such orders is the Executive Order 5 to improve local content in public procurement with science, engineering and technology components.

Keying into government’s drive, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) launched the NOTAPIndustry Technology Transfer Fellowship (NITTF) under its government and private sector

partnership.

The fellowship is aimed at developing the nation’s critical human capacity for the purpose of transforming the economy through provision of skilled and professional Nigerians highly needed by the industrial sector. The maiden edition of the fellowship in 2015 saw the presentation of PG scholarship to five Nigerians.

Speaking at the 2018 NITTF second batch disbursement ceremony to 10 beneficiaries in Abuja, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Amina Shamaki, said the fellowship from industries would support training of selected candidates to acquire PhD with industrial content in Nigerian universities and ultimately become lecturers in tertiary institutions.

“This scheme (NITTF) will serve as a platform through which industries will voluntarily support the process of building the needed critical mass of highly skilled knowledge workers and the development of specialized personnel, strategic managerial skills and provision of key technology acquisition process, industrial R&D capacities and capabilities,” she said.

Shamaki represented by the acting director of technology acquisition and adaptation department of the ministry, Mr Anpe Michael Fut, emphasised that the purpose of the fellowship was to strengthen technology transfer process in the institutions and the country as a whole.

Earlier in his remarks, the director-general of NOTAP, Dr

DanAzumi Ibrahim, said the fellowship was as a result of observation during its technology acquisition regulatory functions, stressing the need to bridge the gap between research institutions, the academia and private sector to promote research which can translate into products that can be used for national development.

He said: “This is a partnership between NOTAP and the private sector. We observed that like every other sector, the education sector is not well funded, and we have a number of intelligent, young talented Nigerians that are very intelligent, can undertake research that can translate into products and services but they don’t have opportunity for sponsorship.

So, we approached the private sector under their corporate social responsibility to see how we can now provide opportunity for these young, talented and energic Nigerians to undertake research and development based on the operation of those industries so that by the time the research and development effort is concluded it is almost ready for commercialization.

“So, that is in a bid to bring the academia and industry together, so that now the academics can be taking their research and the industry will now begin to use those research and translate those research results into products and services.”

According to him, “The implication of this to our economy is that at the long run more than 90 per cent of technologies that power the Nigerian economy are imported, we cannot as a nation

continue to import and consume foreign technologies, we have to learn how to come out with strategies that we can develop and bring out technologies that can power the Nigerian economy, we have to reduce the level of foreign technology consumption because of the enormous amount of money Nigerians spend in bringing all those technologies, where are those technologies generated.

“They are products of research and development. So they are supposed to be generated from the universities, polytechnics, research establishments but they said because the funding is not too good technologies are not coming out from these research and development efforts so the private sector must have to come in.”

In his goodwill message, the general manager, external and regulatory affairs of PZ Cussons Plc, Tahir Mohammed, said the company is sponsoring some students in the fellowship to promote research, adding it is the way to go in promoting the critical infrastructure needed for rapid development of the nation.

Speaking to journalist, one of the beneficiaries, Akinride Ibukun Oluwa, a University of Ibadan graduate, expressed gratitude to the sponsors, saying the scholarship would ease her PhD programme and help her concentrate on her research instead of worrying about funding, even as she urged the federal government to invest more on research and development, describing it as pivotal aspects that lead to transformed and developed countries.

business

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

NEWS

MONEY

CAPITAL MARKET

INFLATION RATE (%) 2016

OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

18.3 18.48 18.55

INSURANCE

INTERVIEW

2017

15.91 15.9 15.37

ANALYSIS

Leadership Newspapers

INTER BANK LENDING RATE (AS AT APRIL 16) RATE CHANGE (%)

O/N 1M 3M 6M

3.0000 13.4297 14.1665 15.3549

-1.94 -1.00 -1.11 -1.63

Brent Crude Jumps To $71.80pb On Fear Of Supply Disruptions

BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

Oil prices rose yesterday amid worries there could be a high risk of disruptions to supply, especially in the Middle East. Brent crude oil futures were at $71.80 per barrel, up 38 cents, or 0.5 percent, from their last close, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 39 cents, or 0.6 percent, at $66.61 a barrel.

Traders said oil markets were receiving general support due to a sense that there were high risks of supply disruptions, including a potentially spreading conflict in the Middle East, renewed U.S. sanctions against Iran and falling output as a result of political and economic crisis in Venezuela.

“With so many potential supply disruptors in play and few signs that the current market upheaval will end any time soon, traders continue to pay the geopolitical risk premium,” said Stephen Innes, head of trading for Asia-Pacific at futures brokerage OANDA in Singapore. Oil prices should remain bid ... at least through the Iran nuclear deal deadline (May 12) if not for the remainder of 2018,” he added.

Oil markets have generally been well supported this year, with Brent up by around 16 percent from its 2018-low in February, due to healthy demand which comes as the producer cartel of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC leads supply cuts aimed at tightening the market and propping up prices.

Group Business Editor Bayo Amodu 08118672002 Business Editor (Lagos) Chima Akwaja Assistant Business Editors Kingsley Alu Tony Awunor Correspondent Chika Izuora Reporters Festus Okoromadu Mark Itsibor Mbakaan Kwen Bukola Idowu Olushola Bello Abah Adah Chika Okeke

L-R: Head, Business Planning, White Nile Sugar Company, Sudan, Hitham Elebaid; director, Strategic Development & Business Excellence Agri Processing, Tongaat Hulett, South Africa, Dave Meadows; group executive director BUA Group, Nigeria, Kabiru Rabiu; group managing director ILLOVO sugar, South Africa, Gavin Dalgleish and executive director, International Sugar Organization (ISO), Jose Orive, at the 8th Africa Sugar Conference 2018 in Kenya, recently.

Financial Statement: NSE, NAICOM Slam N115m Fine On 7 Insurers

BY ZAKA KHALIQ, Lagos

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) have sanctioned seven insurance companies N115 million monetary fine over late submission or non-submission of their 2016 financial statements, LEADERSHIP can exclusively reveal.

The companies were fined for late and non-submission of their 2016 quarterly and annual reports to the regulatory bodies. The erring companies are: Alliance and General Insurance, Alliance and General Life Insurance, Goldlink Insurance Plc, International Energy Insurance (IEI) Plc, Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc, Investment and Allied Insurance Plc and Spring Life Insurance Plc. While the listed ones were sanctioned about N100 million by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the likes of Goldlink Insurance Plc, International Energy Insurance (IEI) Plc and Spring Life Insurance Plc are already in discussions with investors and had notified the Exchange on this.

The seven insurance firms paid a cumulative N10 million to NAICOM, with each of them paying about N1.3 million for late submission of their 2016 annual reports, while paying about N5 million for late submission

of their 2016 quarterly reports as well.

NSE had set 31st of March as the deadline date for listed entities to submit their financial statements of the previous year, while failure to comply attracts monetary fines until the affected firm is able to submit the account.

In the same vein, insurance companies are given till 30th of June

by NAICOM to submit their accounts, failure to which attracts N5,000 each day after the deadline until the concerned firm submit the financial report to it for approval.

Virtually, all the seven concerned underwriters are struggling for survival in the insurance industry with five of them having eaten deep into their shareholders fund, thereby, having negative reserves.

While the likes of Goldlink Insurance Plc, International Energy Insurance (IEI) Plc, Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc and Spring Life Insurance Plc are under regulatory intervention, Alliance and General Insurance and Alliance and General Life Insurance are battling court cases, having taking NAICOM to court in 2011 when the regulatory body wanted to take over the board of the companies for breakdown of corporate governance rules.

Meanwhile, NAICOM had earlier disclosed that it fined some insurance firms over $4 million (N1.46 billion) as penalties for various infractions.

LEADERSHIP learnt that the infraction includes: late submission of accounts, breakdown of corporate governance, lack of regulatory approvals on products before selling, non-payment of genuine claims, among others.

The deputy commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Sunday Thomas, who disclosed this in Benin, Edo State recently said the commission has stepped up its regulatory action and, saying there would be no sacred cows anymore in the sector.

He pointed out that any operator that defaults, will be given an opportunity to defend itself, but would be made to pay the price if found to have defaulted, stressing that adequate warnings have been given to the operators. The commission also frowned at some insurance operators’ attitude to filing annual reports.

A top official in NAICOM said some companies, especially, those quoted on the floor of the stock exchange file their reports as late as March 29 to NAICOM of which they are supposed to get NAICOM’s clearance before going to NSE which has March 30 deadline for submission. This indeed leaves NAICOM with no time to go through and verify their financial reports.

He stressed that despite the commission’s decision to fast track approval for all quoted companies, insurance companies listed on the NSE have been flouting the commission’s rules.

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Business 101 with MBAKAAN KWEN

Tips To Get Celebrities To Endorse Your Brand

Getting celebrity endorsement for products is a trend that has been in place for a while but selecting the right celebrity to endorse your product can sometimes pose a huge challenge. In this piece, Kylie Lee outline some useful tips thus; •RESEARCH: Know your demographic and carefully determine which celebrities best appeal to your target market. Then choose ambassadors whose endorsement will not only align well with your brand, but also ones to whom your product would be most likely to appeal to on a personal level.

•PLAN: Formulate a plan. A tiered approach can be a useful strategy.

Begin with more approachable celebrities such as sporting personalities and bloggers. As you start to build your endorsement list make sure to include photos and details of your ‘current influencers’ in future communications when approaching other more high profile influencers.

•BE POLITE AND DIRECT: Not only are celebrities insanely busy, but they receive communications constantly about product endorsement.

Be polite and succinct, and explain who you are and what you would like from them. Always offer product for free; as the saying goes you have to spend money to make money.

Wherever possible give them a choice (from included quality, styled product pictures) to pick something that they genuinely love. That way they are more likely to be seen with it! Celebrities get sent hundreds of products and will associate themselves only with products that suit their brand image.

•PROMOTE IT: It can take months of scouring celebrity social media feeds or other sources for pictures featuring your product, so be patient.

QUOTE OF THE DAY We have learnt our mistakes and are retracing our steps.’’

Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari.

Bwari

28 NEWS/BUSINESS

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STOCKINDEX INDEX (AS APRIL 19) 17) STOCK (AS ATAT MARCH Gainers

Symbols CP Unitybnk 1.27 Oando 8.25 Skyebank 0.96 Glaxosmith 34.00 JBerger 25.95

% change 9.48 9.27 9.09 8.45 8.13

Losers

Symbols CILeasing Fidson AGLevent Sterlnbank Wemabank

CP 1.33 0.59 0.59 1.62 0.88

% change -5.00 -4.84 -4.84 -4.71 -4.35

STOCK INDEX (AS AT APRIL 17) ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

(Points) (Numbers) (Numbers billion) (Nbillion) (Ntrn)

40,788.68 4,729 1.6 10.91 N14.734

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Group Gives Adeosun 30-Days To Review Tariff On Tobacco

BY MARK ITSIBOR, Abuja

President of Business Renaissance Group (BRG), Mr. Mazi Omife Omife has called for a downward review of excise Duty on Locally produced Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco or face legal battle.

Recently, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun announced a new amendment to the existing tariff/excise Duty on locally produced Wines/ spirits as well as tobacco products.

He noted that the current excise being paid by alcoholic beverages Beer, wines and spirits stands at 20 per cent, while 20 per cent is paid for spirits, which he said amounts to N31 per litre.

Omife said the new excise that was announced by Mrs. Adeosun amounts to N200 per litre for spirits and N150 for wines. “This is over 500 per cent increase and beggars belief to say the least,” he said yesterday at a press briefing in Abuja.

Addressing reporters

yesterday, Omife said: “We hereby give a 30- days grace period for the minister of finance to revert to status quo or at best come up with a modification of the amendment based on input from critical stakeholders whose opinion must be sought so as to collectively arrive at a new legislation that will impact positively on both the government the industry and the general populace and ultimately help the further growth and development of the country.’’

Stocks Market Rebounds As Investors Gain N93bn

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

The Nigerian stocks market rebounded yesterday as investors gained N93 billion, following bargain hunting across major sectors.

In summary, the All Share Index (ASI) gains 255.31 absolute points, representing a growth of 0.63 per cent to close at 40,788.68 points. Similarly, the market capitalisation gains N93 billion, to close at N14.734 trillion.

The bullish performance can be attributed to gains in Nestle, Beta Glass, Glaxosmith, Julius Berger and Wapco.

Analysts at Cordros Capital Limited said “we maintain a positive outlook for the equities market in the medium to long term, amidst relatively lower prices of value stocks, which make room for bargain hunting.”

Similarly, market breadth closed positive, recording 33 gainers against 18 losers. Unity Bank recorded the highest price gain of 9.48 per cent, to close at N1.27 per share.

Oando followed with a gain of 9.27 per cent to close at N8.25, while Skye Bank followed with a gain of 9.09 per cent to close at 96 kobo per share.

Glaxosmith appreciated by 8.45 per cent to close at N34, while Julius Berger went up by 8.13 per cent to close at N25.95 per share.

On the other hand, CI Leasing led the losers’ chart by five per cent, to close at N1.33 per share. Fidson Healthcare followed with a decline five per cent to close at N5.51, while AG Leventis depreciated by 4.84 per cent to close at 59 kobo per share.

Sterling Bank declined by 4.71 per cent to close at N1.62, while Wema Bank down by 4.35 per cent to close at 88 kobo per share.

Lafarge Africa Adopts LafargeHolcim Code On Ethics, Business Conduct

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Following its migration to the Premium Board of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), the chief executive officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, Michel Puchercos has said the company has adopted the LafargeHolcim Code on Ethics and Business Conduct.

In a press statement yesterday, Puchercos said this will ensure that all directors, officers and employees share a common commitment to conducting business with integrity and compliance with existing rules and regulations relevant to the Company’s operations.

He urged the other companies on the premium Board to leverage their new status for the overall good of the investing public. Lafarge Africa Plc has joined three other companies in the elite Premium Board of the Nigeria Stock Exchange.

The Premium Board is the NSE’s listing segment for showcasing companies who are industry leaders in their sectors. The Premium Board features companies that adhere to international best practices on corporate governance and satisfy the NSE’s highest standards of capitalisation and liquidity.

It also serves as a benchmark for investors looking to track the

performance of large firms with excellent corporate governance and sustainable business models. The Premium Board of the Nigeria Stock Exchange opens new frontiers to attract investment from global fund managers and thematic portfolio investors.

It will be recalled that Lafarge Africa successfully raised N131 billion by way of rights issue, the largest rights issue by size raised in Nigeria so far.

Minority participation was in the 50s, while LafargeHolcim subscribed to the un-allotted portion. This brings the ownership of Lafarge Holcim to 76.32 per cent from 71.35 per cent prior to the Rights Issue.

Presco To Pay N2bn Dividend For 2017 Financial Year

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

The directors of Presco Plc, a fully integrated palm oil company, offered a dividend of N2 billion to its shareholders for the financial year ended December 31, 2017.

The company’s result on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that the N2 billion dividend translate to a dividend per share of N2 up from N1.5 billion or N1.50 per share in 2016.

According to the result, Presco’s profit after tax stood at N25.4 billion, representing a rise of 16.87 per cent from N21.74 billion in 2016.

Its revenue for the year rose

by 42.3 per cent from N15.72 billion in 2016 to N22.37 billion, of which local sales contributed N18.89 billion, up from N14.82 billion, compared with N3.37 billion, which was a significant improvement from just N891.22 million. Cost of sales rose by 34.88 per cent to N5.94 billion, from N4.40 billion, while the gross profit increased by 45.19 per cent from N11.31 billion to N16.42 billion.

Selling and general administration expenses jumped to N7.18 billion from N4.17 billion, distribution expenses climbed 72.11 per cent to N317.25 million from N223.95 million,

while operating profit before changes in fair value of biological assets, tax and finance cost therefore climbed by 29.92 per cent from N7.03 billion to N9.14 billion.

Gain on Presco’s biological asset revaluation fell sharply to N2.79 billion from N24.88 billion, just as financial costs rose to N973.48 million from N684.66 million, with interest on loans gulping N588.13 million, down from N598.92 million. Interests on overdrafts jumped to N385.35 million, as against N85.74 million.

The chairman of Presco, Mr. Pierre Vandebeeck, had last year assured shareholders that the company was moving in the right direction.

Managing director, Digital Jewel, Adedoyin Odunfa (left ) presenting ISO, PCI-DSS certification to the chief executive officer, SunTrust Bank, Muhammad Jibrin (right), during the presentation in Lagos.

PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU.

Jumia Grows Gross Merchandise Volume By 65%

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Jumia, the leading online ecommerce ecosystem in Africa said it grew Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) by 64.5 per cent in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017.

In a release sent to LEADERSHIP, the GMV volume went up from €120.2 million in fourth quarter 2016 to €197.9 million in 2017.

Jumia marketplace platforms significantly scaled the number of orders with a year-to-year growth of 94 per cent under the period review.

GMV is a term used in online retailing to indicate a total sales value for merchandise sold through a particular

marketplace over a certain time frame.

The company stated that “Jumia Group saw GMV increase by 41.8 per cent year over year from €357.5 million in 2016 to €507 million in 2017, mainly driven by improved macro-economic conditions, as well as a stronger relevance of the marketplace, notably with a significant increase in the number of active merchants as well as products and services available.

“Jumia is increasingly addressing daily needs of consumers across its markets, resulting in a strong increase in the number of orders and growth of customer base.”

Jumia said that it reached

the threshold of 550 million visits across Africa in 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA for 2017 stood at a negative €120.1 million, while EBITDA margin as a percentage of GMV was -23.7 per cent compared to -25.5 er cent for the previous year, reflecting the continued investment in building the ecosystem as well as the continuous improvement in efficiency.

Co-chief executive officers of Jumia, Sacha Poignonnec and Jeremy Hodara, stated, “we made great progress in 2017 with significant growth of the business, driven by technological innovations and improved relevance of the offering of goods and services.’’

Downstream: Association Set To Commence Nationwide Operation

BY FESTUS OKOROMADU

The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) says it has put machinery in motion to commence operation across the country.

The Secretary to the Board of Trustee of NOGASA, Chief Eddy Nwosu told journalists in Abuja shortly after the board met that the association would now work to support its members especially those operating in the downstream

sector of the petroleum industry.

He explained that NOGASA formerly known as Oil and Gas Suppliers Association (OGASON) plans to return to its principal objectives replete with “special features and benefits for their members in Nigeria”.

Chief Nwosu noted that the association which was formally registered in 2008 went into hiatus some years ago due to technical challenges which have now

been resolved.

“The organisation is poised and repositioned for improved services for suppliers of natural oil and gas across the nation”, he added.

He emphasised that the association has been strictly reorganized for bona fide suppliers of natural oil and gas in the industry. As part of activities to mark a new beginning for the association, its flag was hoisted at its new national headquarters in Abuja.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

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L-R: Manager, Kano Main Branch of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Ali Yahaya; deputy governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Samaila Dabai; a beneficiary of the FCMB sponsored Priceless Gift of Sight project for free eye screening and surgery, Master Umaru Danjuli; Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar; another beneficiary of the project, Mallam Garba Chindo and manager, Kebbi Branch, FCMB, Mr. Musa Salihu, during the community outreach of the project, in partnership with Tulsi Chanrai Foundation of India, held in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, yesterday.

Reps Summon Emefiele, Adeosun Over Double Charges On Oil Companies

BY ADEBIYI ADEDAPO, Abuja

The House of Representatives committee on Petroleum Upstream has invited the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to explain controversy over the collection of weight and measures charges from International Oil Companies (IOCs).

The committee also invited the director of the Department of Petroleum Resources, (DPR) Mr. Mordecai Danteni Baba Ladan. The invited government officials are expected to appear before the committee on Tuesday, 24th April.

Also, the director, Weight and Measures, in the federal ministry of Trade and Investment, Ibrahim Abubakar Musa, is expected to produce detailed records

of revenue accrued to the ministry from International Oil Companies from 2014 till date. While the oil companies are also expected to produce comprehensive records of oil lifting between 2014 and 2018.

The committee is investigating an alleged non implementation of a federal government policy on legal metrology services in the upstream sector. Chairman of the committee, Hon Victor Nwokolo, while engaging stakeholders in the industry, observed that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade and Investment charge separate levies and provide similar services on weight and measures of oil exports.

He also noted that the IoCs were right

to have complained about the double payment and thereby sought the presence of concerned parties to shed light on the issue. “Looking at this matter without bias, there is no cohesion in government.

You are disengaging some service providers and engaging others. It is good for you to defend your job, but you should also do it in good conscience,” Nwokolo said.

Also, a group of Independent Service Providers (ISP) at the public hearing complained that their contract with the ministry of Trade and Investment was rudely terminated, and that they were not paid for the services rendered. But the ministry blamed the development on refusal of IoC to remit charges to the ministry.

…Begin Public Hearing On Estimated Billing

BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

Members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc committee on Electricity Customers Complaint has commenced public hearing on complaints from electricity consumers from the south west region.

Twenty presentations were received and allowed to be read by the committee from community representatives and residential associations. Angry consumers who accompanied their representatives expressed disappointment with poor performance of Ikeja, Eko and Ibadan Distribution Companies (DISCO’s) as presentations were made.

Earlier in his opening remarks, chairman of the committee, Hon. Israel Ajibola said the public hearing was being conducted to determine the issues around continued issuance of estimated bills by Disco’s as well as non-compliance with reconnection regulations.

Ajibola assured that the committee would be fair in its recommendations after the exercise that would be carried out across the six geopolitical zones of the country. He informed the consumers that the committee was specifically set up to among other things investigate excessive billings, quality of prepaid meters being installed and make recommendations.

“This is a very important legislative exercise and we decided to start this exercise with Lagos because it represents the economic interest of the country with several international investors consuming higher electricity more than other areas”, he said.

The first presentation made by Mustapha Shitta Bay representing Amuwo Odofin, stirred a near commotion when he recounted experience of consumers in the area. He disclosed that a protest almost occurred when youths in the area wanted to go on rampage following incessant estimated billing from Eko Disco even after several complaints were laid.

Uncertainty Over Safety Of Abducted Customs Officer In Ogun

BY YUSUF BABALOLA, Lagos

Three days after an officer of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Rasheed Abdulsalam was k‎ idnapped, there is palpable fear among officers of the unit over his safety, LEADERSHIP has learnt.

Abdulsalam who is spending three days in the kidnappers den is yet to regain his freedom after he was kidnapped on Saturday during an operation at SangoOta, Ogun State.

LEADERSHIP recall that an officer of the Ogun State Command of the service, Musa Muhammed Maigari

was in February attacked by suspected smugglers in an ambush in Idogo area of Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Maigari who was injured was rushed to National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos where he is still receiving treatment. However, a source in the Customs yesterday informed LEADERSHIP that the unit is working with the Nigerian Army and the Police to bring him back to the unit.

The source who craved anonymity said the smugglers are yet to make any contact with the unit for demand of ransom or release of consignment seized by the officers. “The latest on this

situation now is that there are concerted effort by the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force and the Army to bring him back to the unit.”

“No communication yet from the kidnappers but I know efforts are on top gear to get the officer rescued,’’ said the source.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that apart from the missing officer, some of his colleagues also sustained varying degrees of injuries in the encounter. The public relations officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Joseph Attah, said plans were afoot to rescue the abducted officer, describing Sango Ota axis of Ogun State as a den of smugglers.

NEWS/BUSINESS 29

NDIC Gets US Treasury Commendation

BY MBAKAAN KWEN, ABUJA AND BUKOLA IDOWU, LAGOS

The Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) of the United States Department of Treasury has commended the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) on the establishment of a world class academy that serves as a reference point for capacity building on Deposit Insurance System (DIS) for the African continent.

The Regional Adviser of the US Treasury, Mr. Philip Morris made the commendation during a meeting between the NDIC management and delegates from the Office of Technical Assistance convened to explore areas of collaboration towards the enhancement of training needs of the NDIC Academy.

According to Morris, the Corporation’s reputation in the international community was already acknowledged by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI).

He added that several African countries now counted on the NDIC Academy for the capacity building for members of their staff. Mr. Morris expressed his confidence that the OTA’s collaboration would further strengthen the Academy’s efforts towards achieving its vision of becoming the model Deposit Insurance Training Institute in Africa and the Asia regions by the year 2020.

In his remarks, the NDIC managing director/chief executive, Mr. Umaru Ibrahim described the visit as a crucial step towards enhancing service delivery in the operations of the Corporation to address current challenges in the banking sector.

He expressed his optimism that the OTA would collaborate with the Corporation in the areas of contingency planning and simulation for bank crisis, including failure resolution strategies such as the Purchase & Assumption (P&A) and bridge bank options already explored by the Corporation.

British Geological Survey Delegation Visits Nigeria

BY ABAH ADAH, Abuja

A two-man delegation from the British Geological Survey (BGS) was yesterday hosted by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) in Abuja to mark the beginning of a four-day assessment tour of NGSA facilities in Abuja and Kaduna with a view to executing a proposed World Bank sponsored project for the agency.

Speaking when the BGS staff paid him a courtesy call in his office, the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari said the visit was a most welcome development as Nigeria now looks forward to resuscitating the mining sector by going back to build on the foundation laid by the British colonial masters many years ago which was abandoned.

“We have learnt our mistakes and are retracing our steps by going back to the foundation i.e. the British Geological Survey. We thank you most sincerely, especially as you want to do this at no cost to our Ministry,’’ the Minister said.

The head of BGS delegation, Matt Harrison, who was accompanied by Jenny Forster to Nigeria, said they were in the country to assess what is

on ground and identify the areas of need so as to assist the NGSA accomplish its goal of having a well-coordinated digitised geological data base.

According to him, they have done same successfully in some African countries and elsewhere around the world, and would like to do so in Nigeria.

Explaining the importance of the visit, the director-general of NGSA, Alex Nwegbu said “The footprint of the British Geological Survey still remains with us, and what we are doing now is to take it to a different level through this partnership so that they can be of assistance in terms of improving the skills to our staff, rearranging the format of our data and digitising them. “ It will avail us the opportunity to have long time data that are up to 50 to 60 years or more but which are still relevant in the operations of mining in Nigeria.’’

On his part, World Bank Project Co-coordinator in the Ministry, Mr Utsu Addie explained that the project, when completed, it will enable the assemblage of all geological information in the country in one system in digitised form that can be easily retrievable by investors and others who may have need

30 E-BUSINESS

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Worldwide PC Shipments Down 1.4% In Q1 2018- Gartner

L-R: Managing Sales Director, Intelsat Africa, Hans Geldenhuys and Managing Director, Vodacom Business Nigeria,Lanre Kolade, during the signing of an agreement to deploy next generation Intelsat 35e Satellite to improve internet connectivity in Nigeria at the just concluded Satellite 2018 event held in Washington, D.C.

Nigeria’s MFBs, Others To Grow 30% With Cloud Technology STORIES BY CHIMA AKWAJA, Lagos

Microfinance institutions, microfinance banks and cooperative societies in West Africa using Oradian’s cloudbased toolset have the potential to grow by more than 30 per cent per year by becoming more efficient.

The revelation was part of the conclusions of a networking dinner organised by Oradian in Lagos last week. The event brought together leaders of financial institutions, regulatory groups, financial inclusion experts and fintech providers to form strategic partnerships that will boost financial inclusion in Nigeria and West Africa at large.

It connected the private, public sectors and financial services regulator.

Attesting to the positive impact of Instafin utilisation in rural microfinance institutions, the head, LAPO Rural Development Initiative, Mrs. Florence Omofonmwam, said that LAPO, through Oradian and its CBS Instafin, has been enabled to continuously open new branches,

reach new clients and boost financial inclusion in Nigeria.

She stated, “Oradian has helped us eradicate the cumbersome process of monitoring packs and client data management is now simpler and less stressful. With digitisation, my team has less administrative work to do and they can spend more time in the field out of the office, finding new clients.”

Addressing guests at the event that included other stakeholders from Oradian, media and ICT sector of Africa, Antonio Separovic, affirmed that their CBS Instafin enables financial institutions to eliminate manual, pen and paper processes and move to digitised operations.

By reducing the time spent on administration through digitisation, financial institutions have more time to focus on their core competency; delivering financial services to clients in their communities.

He added that as part of the process to minimise inefficiencies, Instafin reduces high operational costs through automatic reporting that replaces time-consuming

month end reporting processes.

The CEO highlighted several other tools for such digital transformation such as Instafin Messaging, Automatic Updates, Maximum Data Security, Training and Implementation – including data migration from their previous CBS or from spreadsheets.

Co-founder and programme director for Africa, Oradian, Mr. Onyeka Adibeli, added that financial institutions on the Instafin platform can offer timebased loans on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis. He added that the system was not customised but parameterised in a bid to ensure that every entity can configure their products to suit their clients.

“Providing loans is the main service for many microfinance institutions and microfinance banks in West Africa. Clients don’t just come to the institution because they want to save, they are saving because they need a loan. And in anticipation and understanding this demand, we create the tools that financial institutions need to service their clients in the most efficient way,” he explained.

Worldwide PC shipments totaled 61.7 million units in the first quarter of 2018, a 1.4 per cent decline from the first quarter of 2017, according to preliminary results by Gartner, Inc. The PC market experienced a 14th consecutive quarter of decline, dating back to the second quarter of 2012.

Mikako Katigawa, principal analyst at Gartner said , “The major contributor to the decline came from China, where unit shipments declined 5.7 per cent year over year.

“At the same time, vendors were cautious in overstocking due to the upcoming release of new models in the second quarter of 2018 with Intel’s new eighth-generation core processors,” she said.

The top three vendors — HP, Lenovo and Dell — accounted for 56.9 per cent of global PC shipments in the first quarter of 2018, compared to 54.5 per cent of shipments in the first quarter of 2017.

Dell experienced the strongest growth rate among the top six vendors worldwide, as its shipments increased 6.5 per cent.

HP Inc.’s worldwide PC shipments

increased 2.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2018 versus the same period last year.

In EMEA, HP Inc. recorded double-digit growth in both desktop and mobile PCs. This was contrasted with a small decline in other regions.

HP Inc. was adversely impacted by declining demand in the U.S., which generally accounts for one-third of its total shipments.

Lenovo’s global PC shipments remained flat in the first quarter of 2018. Lenovo achieved 6 per cent growth in EMEA and double-digit shipment growth in Latin America.

However, in Asia/Pacific (its largest market), PC shipments declined 4 per cent.

After record holiday sales for consumer and gaming products in the fourth quarter of 2017, Dell continued to perform well in the first quarter of 2018. With double-digit shipment increases in EMEA, North America and Latin America, Dell grew in all regions except Asia/Pacific. Desktop and mobile PCs grew in equal measures, showing Dell’s strength in the business segment.

Canon Debuts DSLR Camera In Nigeria

As part of its #Liveforthestory campaign in Nigeria, leaders in imaging and business solutions, Canon Central and north Africa have introduced the lightest digital singlelens reflex (DSLR) camera Canon EOS 6D Mark II, into the Nigerian market.

The camera will help photographers unlock their full creative potential and explore all the different avenues of digital photography in a bid to reiterate Canon’s commitment to the “ShootRemember-Share” ecosystem which is tied to its consumer- bound range of products.

The EOS 6D Mark II camera is designed for advanced-amateur photographers looking to improve their creative photography skills.

The camera allows photographers to shoot with a Full-frame CMOS sensor DSLR camera to capture beautiful high-quality portraits and striking landscapes, even in low-light situations.

Resistant to dust and moisture, the camera is also ideal for on-the-go shooting and gives users the power to approach their photography in new, exciting ways while maintaining

reliable high performance to unleash their creative ambitions.

Speaking about the new camera, sales and marketing director B2C, Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA), Somesh Adukia said, “We are constantly working to better understand the sentiments of our customers in Nigeria and introducing cameras such as the EOS 6D Mark II enables us to better serve them.

“Our ‘closer to customers’ strategy has been one of the pillars of our growth in the African market and with the launch of this camera we aim to encourage our customers to tell more stories using imagery.

“The new EOS 6D Mark II is evidence of Canon’s dedication to providing a wide range of camera choices for photographers of all skill levels in Nigeria. The product is tailored to fit the needs of photographers taking their first picture or video with a DSLR camera or those looking to make the jump to a Full-Frame sensor camera.

“The new and improved autofocus is way ahead of the previous generation and it performs extremely well, even in very lowlight situations,”he added.

MTN Nigeria, Twinpine Introduce New Mobile Advertising MTN Nigeria has partnered with Twinpine, a Terragon company with specialties in mobile marketing, to introduce an upgraded version of MTN Mobile Advertising.

Launched recently at a stakeholders’ gathering, the enhanced version of Mobile Advertising with self-service capability is a smart means of optimising advertising budget, allowing brands and businesses to

reach their profiled target audiences with ease. Witnessing the launch were industry giants who were presented with a live demo of MTN Mobile Advertising and how the platform guarantees cost efficiencies while reaching the target audience.

Speaking at the launch, chief enterprise business officer, MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor stated that, “MTN as a brand aims to help its customers get the best of their

business using the services that we provide. We’re particularly proud of our Mobile Advertising as it offers much more than receiving an SMS on your phone. MTN Mobile Advertising involves a wide array of channels like USSD, End-ofCall Notification, Balance Enquiry and Recharge Notification.

“With MTN Mobile Advertising, you have clear reach, targeting real-time engagement, real-time audience, permission marketing,

lasting conversations and a door to a world of opportunities. We believe our customers will get the best of the platform and will be just as impressed as we are,” she said.

MTN Mobile Ads is a complementary channel for advertising that makes integrated marketing communication plans more comprehensive and airtight.

Chief executive officer (CEO) , Terragon Group, Elochukwu Umeh said, “The new version of

our Mobile Ads platform delivers superior results on mobile for consumer goods, financial services and SMEs. The direct channel offers participating customers and businesses an opportunity to connect with their target audience in their mobile journey from discovery to conversion.

“It is our hope that more businesses will take advantage of the performance this channel is able to deliver for them.”

agriculture

Wednesday, April 18 , 2018

NEWS INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

COMMODITY PRICES AGRIC

Commodities Crude Oil 52.1784 0.17 Brent 55.3062 0.11 -0.20 Natural gas 3.4726 0.055 Gasoline 1.6075 0.0031 Heating oil 1.64900.0043 Ethanol 1.49 0.01 Gold 1202.40 5.1 Silver 16.83 0.01 Palladium 753.34 88.09 Platinum 984.10 0.00 Corn 358.00 5.50 Soybeans 1046.25 4 Wheat 426.00 0.25 Cotton 70.92 1.96 Rice 9.90 0.26 Canola 502.70 2.60 Cocoa 2,211.53 47.38 Rubber 303.60 14.50 Orange Juice 183.15 1.35 Coffee 149.00 0.65 Lumber 333.30 6.50 242.00 0.25 Oat Wool 1,422.00 67.00 Sugar 20.53 0.23 Live Cattle 118.29 1.27 Lean Hogs 65.38 0.17 Beef 10.27 0.04 Feeder Cattle 130.22 0.65 Copper 2.66 0.02 -0.89% Cobalt 34,450.00 1,700.00 Lead 2,308.00 268.00 Aluminum 1,811.00 69.00 Tin 21,155.00 150.00 Zinc 2,774.25 90.00 Nickel 10,399.50 208.25 Molybdenum15,000.00 0.00 Steel 312.50 0.00 Iron Ore 82.50 4.50 Coal 83.50 0.00 Baltic Dry 925.00 38.00 CRB Index 195.81 1.03 LME Index ABUJA

50kg Stallion Rice- 22,000 25kg Stallion rice- 14,500 2 kg Semovita- 3,700 25 Litres Kings Groundnut Oil12,800 25 Litres Palm Oil- 10000 70Kg Iron Beans- 19,000 70kg Red Beans- 18,000 70kg Millet10,0000 70kg Guinea corn- 10,000 70kg Maize15,000 60kg Garri13,000

All correspondence to: agriculture@leadership.ng

Nigerian Farmers Set For Country Mushroom Festival

BY CHIKA IZUORA

For the first time, local farmers are set to witness another festival like Calabar carnival called Mushroom festival which is premiering for the first time in Nigeria.

It is an exhibition and seminar/campaign based awareness event focused on intimating Nigerians/Africans on the nutritional, health and financial benefits attached to mushroom cultivation promoting it as a way of achieving poverty alleviation and improved livelihoods as part of the sustainable development goals.

Mrs. Chi-Tola Roberts, president of Mushroom Development Foundation Nigeria in a chat with our Correspondent in Lagos, said the Mission of “Mushfest 2018” is to promote mushroom and all its benefits, educate consumers and to promote tourism in Nigeria, while financially supporting local landless poor and the internally displaced persons.

Speaking on the inspiration, Chi-Tola, said, “I founded Mushroom Development Foundation out of passion to help improve livelihoods of the rural poor and the urban landless poor too. In totality to help all improve livelihoods. After a careful study of what other countries are doing with mushroom and how it has and is still helping them live better, I just felt Nigeria can tap into the huge opportunity there is in the mushroom market both locally and internationally.

According to her, Mushroom Development Foundation-Nigeria, an organization dedicated with commitment to promoting the best growing standards and creating awareness for edible and medicinal mushrooms in Nigeria birth for Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information and to strengthen the mushroom industry’s position in the marketplace, maintain and expand existing markets and uses for mushrooms, and develop new markets.

She said the Foundation will play a very important role in the national promotion of fresh mushrooms through consumer public relations, foodservice communications and retail communications. Many different venues will be used to promote fresh mushrooms to consumers, and also dedicating the month of September for celebration of national mushroom month every year.

Speaking further, she said, Mushroom farming today is being practiced in more than 100 countries and its production is increasing at an annual rate of 6-7 per cent, adding, “In some developed countries of Europe and America, mushroom farming has attained the status of a high-tech industry with very high levels of mechanization and automation.

Present world production of mushrooms is around 3.5 million tonnes as per Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO statistics and is over 25 million tonnes (estimated) as per claims of Chinese Association of Edible Fungi. The wide variation in world

production data in FAO statistics and CAEF is partly due to the fact that in FAO statistics mushroom means button mushroom (Agaricus spp.) along with the boletes, morels and tuber, whereas CAEF data covers all types of mushrooms. China alone is reported to grow more than 20 different types of mushroom at commercial scale and mushroom cultivation has become China’s sixth largest industry.

Chi-Tola further notes that Mushrooms Development Foundation -Nigeria is in light of the above driving a cause that will see edible mushrooms organically grown by farmers of this Foundation with its Growing Standards Policy & Guidelines widely acceptable in Nigeria and beyond.

LEADERSHIP reports that Mushroom Development Foundation Nigeria is in Partnership with Mushroom Development Foundation India and the China Edible Mushroom Business Company, working out seminars, training and empowerment programs for Nigeria.

GT Bank Food And Drink Fair Boosts Nigeria’s Farmers Market

BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos The third edition of the GTBank Food and Drink Fair is bringing together small businesses in Nigeria’s food sector, more than a dozen internationally renowned chefs and food experts and thousands of food lovers to create the biggest food experience in Africa.

Organized by foremost African financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, the GTBank Food and Drink Fair is designed to celebrate Nigeria’s vibrant food culture whilst Promoting Enterprise in the small business sector of the Food Industry. The 3-day event is free for all to attend and provides small businesses with a free and vibrant platform to connect with a wider segment of their target markets as well as experts in their business fields.

Having hosted over 250,000 people and helped hundreds of small businesses achieve record sales, the GTBank Food and Drink Fair has, over the past 2 years, become a major event in the social cal-

endar of Nigerians and beyond.

This year, the GTBank Food and Drink Fair will feature a series of Masterclasses in the art and business of food and drink whilst treating attendees to a host of live cooking demonstrations of their favourite delicacies by renowned international and indigenous chefs. The carefully curated selection of small food businesses will offer the best culinary experiences in Lagos and beyond. There will be a space for Street Food, which will offer the best of local delicacies, as well as a Farmer’s Market where SMEs involved in agriculture will sell fresh and organic farm products. Attendees can also expect a fabulously diverse range of gastronomic delights from restaurants and outdoor grills well-known for setting taste buds on fire and an exciting mix of eclectic cocktails.

Commenting on the 2018 GTBank Food & Drink Fair, Mr. Segun Agbaje, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc,

said; “Alongside the unparalleled culinary experience, the GTBank Food and Drink Fair showcases the richness of Africa’s food culture and the vibrancy of the small businesses involved in the industry.

This year, we have added an extra day to the fair, thereby increasing the opportunities for small businesses to connect to more consumers as well as businesses.

He further stated that, “Apart from the amazing experiences that we create for our tens of thousands of guests, it is the personal testimonials that we receive from small businesses that speak to the true value of the GTBank Food and Drink Fair. Behind these small businesses are hard-working fathers, enterprising mothers and incredibly passionate youths, and when they share their remarkable stories of record sales at the fair, we see not just the impact of our efforts at Promoting Enterprise but the immense capacity of our organization as a Platform for Enriching Lives.”

NCAM Calls For subsidy On Agric Equipment For Farmers

BY KINGSLEY OPURUM, Abuja The Acting Director of National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), Ilorin, Kwara State, Dr. Yomi Kasali has called on government to subsidize agricultural equipment for farmers in order to bolster agricultural productivity.

In a press statement made available, Kasali made the disclosure during the Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Training for Youth in Welding and Fabrication of Agro Processing Equipment, in Ilorin, where he noted that agriculture could contribute meaningfully to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if the sector was mechanised and such equipment affordable to average farmers.

He said: “Nigerian farmers unlike their counterparts in other developing nations of the world are still employing primitive tools to till the soil, yet they produce about 70 per cent of the nation’s food production.

But to make agriculture contribute significantly to the country’s GDP the country needs to mechanise its agriculture.

“To achieve this, the level of adoption, accessibility and affordability of low cost equipment should be increased. Increasing these levels means there should be increased fabrication of this equipment, which will reduce drudgery and also improve productivity.”

The youths, numbering over 80 and drawn across the six geo-political zones, including a lady from Bayelsa State, were sponsored to the two weeks intensive training programme by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

The NCAM boss stated that the trainees at the end of the programme are expected to transfer the acquired skill to other youths in their localities towards making same available across the nation. He praised the courage of the sole lady venturing into a male denominated vocation, just as he announced a sum of N10, 000 for her as an encouragement to other female youths.

Also, he encouraged the farmers to organise themselves into veritable cooperative groups to acquire loans, and to share capital and inherent risk in the agricultural sector.

The NCAM was established by the Federal Government to research and innovate into indigenous technologies that can reduce drudgery in farming processes, thus increasing timeliness and efficiency of operations.

HOMES & PROPERTY

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018 Leadership

NEWS NHF Deductions: FMBN, Labour Unions, Assure Better Deal For Workers STORIES BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Employees Consultative Assembly (NECA) have promised better deal for Nigerian workers contributing to the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme.

This is coming on the heels of media report (not LEADERSHIP) attributed to the executive secretary of Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB), Mrs Hannatu Fika which sought the transfer of 50 percent of federal civil servants contributions of the NHF to the board.

The NHF which is managed by FMBN is a social savings scheme designed to mobilise long-term funds from workers, banks, insurance companies and the federal government to advance concessionary loans to contributors.

The proposal which is currently before the national assembly is contained in Section 8 of the amended loans board Act. Fika further alleged that the disburse-

ment of Home Renovation Loan (HRL) to federal civil servants was done to douse tension.

Recall that the FMBN last year disbursed HRL worth N643m to 740 federal civil servants across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) through the loans board.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the managing director of FMBN, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa noted that the essence of the tripartite collaboration between the bank and labour unions is to widen access to affordable loans and housing to workers.

He lamented that houses sold by developers are exorbitantly high saying that civil servants who are the low and medium income earners cannot access the houses.

This he said compelled the bank to come up with plans of either building the houses or sourcing for cheaper low income houses for the workers.

Dangiwa debunked claims that the HRL was disbursed to douse tensions adding that HRL is one of the special products developed by the bank to assist workers with N1 million each to reno-

vate existing homes.

He maintained that the bank has disbursed HRLs to over 6,000 workers in the last five years adding that the bank disbursed N6.5bn HRLs in 2017.

Also speaking, the president of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama kicked against splitting of the National Housing Fund (NHF) contributions adding that labour cannot rob Peter to pay Paul.

According to him, “we cannot rob Peter to pay Paul because the operational scope of FMBN is different from that of FGSLB, though there are challenges but we are prepared to face the challenges from both sides.

Kaigama noted that the problems observed in terms of the law establishing FMBN and NHF is being ammended at the national assembly saying that the leadership of NLC, TUC and NECA are involved at every stage of administration of FMBN. He called on federal government to fund the FHSLB and pay up their share holdings in FMBN stressing that the entire funds of FMBN are owned by workers.

Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola,SAN(left)) and Chairman, Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Senator Barnabas Gemade(right) during the Committee’s final 2018 Budget Defense Meeting on the Housing Sector of the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing in Abuja recently.

Experts Say FG Lacks Political Will To Implement NHP Experts in the realty sub- sector have disclosed that federal government lacked the political will to implement the National Housing Programme in all the 36 States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory.

In a chat with LEADERSHIP in Abuja, the managing director of Justin Okpu & Co limited, a facility management company, Prince Justin Okpu disclosed that government lacked the political will to implement the NHP. He linked the operations of the housing sector as a musical cord producing scattered notes adding that until the keys are tuned to produce a syncronised sound that Nigerians would continue to listen to discordant tunes from the sector.

Okpu sought for a review of the NHP, saying that he earlier had extensive discussions with two elderly retired civil servants who narrated their frustration in accessing homes through the National Housing Fund (NHF) contributions.

“Why will government compel workers to contribute a certain fraction of their wage to a purse promising them accessible home, and on the other hand reneging on the promise. Is the government a first hand offender and travening the laws she seeks protect”, he inquired.

“If government can not fullfill her own part of the obligation on NHP, I think its high time they expunge the laws enpowering NHF and Nigerians should be ready to test its legal strenght and moral legitimacy in the corridors of adjudicants”.

Also, the Convener of Abuja International Housing Show, Barr.

Festus Adebayo said though the minister of power, works & housing, Babatunde Fashola has informed that the NHP is currently on going in all the States that Nigerians are yet to know the actual beneficiaries of the project.

He pointed out that Nigerians are still wondering if such houses would be purchased through NHF or outright sale and the cost of each unit of the houses.

“If the present government is interested in National Housing Policy document of the previous

administration, they would have looked into it and adopt it other than starting the NHP that only focused on building of housing estates (50 units)in each of the states”.

Adebayo noted that its only the minister and his team that would provide useful explanation on how they resolved to build 50 units of housing in each state, stating that the project would be abandoned soon.

In his contribution, a real estate expert, Mr Victor Mayowa wondered why federal government is yet to understand that a virile housing sector is critical to economic recovery.

He described federal government partial interest in agriculture and solid minerals as fundamental error in visioning even as he wondered if the two sectors could spur economic growth.

“We have seen projects (NHP) like this one all over the place all the time.

What is the philosophy behind it? How does it fit in within the overall housing delivery strategy in the short, medium and long terms? Is the housing delivery architecture suffiently reconfigured and strengthened to guarantee the sustainability of the project?” he asked.

Mayowa lamented that the mortgage sub sector is virtually dead saying that it’s impossible to create virile housing sector without vibrant mortgage sub sector.

He was optimistic that there are Nigerians with vested interest in government and the Central Bank of Nigeria that have refused to allow the sub-sector to utilise its full potentials.

The expert emphasised that the 2.5 percent contribution to NHF cannot create adequate number of mortgages given the low salaries paid to workers in the public and private sectors.

“The 30 year roadmap which the former minister of housing, land and urban development, Mrs. Amal Pepple unveiled during her tenure addressed all these issues,”.

He lamented that Union Homes Savings and Loans Limited and several mortgage institutions are in a state of comatose, stressing the need for the administration to priortise housing.

NICE Worried Over Non-Implementation Of Masterplans The Chairman, Abuja chapter of Nigeria Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Engr. Ben Ossy Oko has stated that the greatest challenge with Nigeria is non-compliance to the master plan particularly in Abuja.

In a chat with LEADERSHIP Newspaper in Abuja, he noted that Abuja is the only city in Nigeria that was designed before government started providing infrastructures.

He maintained that Cambera, the capital of Australia was the first capital city in the world that was designed

before building infrastructure followed

by Brazilia, the capital of Brazil and the third Abuja.

“If you visit these cities, you will see the way they have been able to follow the implementation of the master plan but in Nigeria, reverse is the case”.

Oko stated that NICE has been providing support and professional guidance to the government given that 80 percent of development in Abuja was carried out by civil engineers.

He lamented that the sprawling slum settlements in the city was due to the

increasing population at the centre and economic downturn that affected the provision of infrastructure This he said energised residents to seek alternative ways of habitation.

“From the Abuja master plan, we are not supposed to have soakaways, electric poles or build houses anywhere without the presence of infrastructure but today; if you visit places like Kuje, Lugbe, Nyanya, Gwagwalada, you will notice the absence of infrastructure”.

The chairman pointed out that government had in the past built mass

housing to control illegal settlements as seen in places like Apo and Pegi.

Oko disclosed that their job as a professional body is to advise the government on best ways to reduce slums which is to channel resources towards speedy development of the city.

He further pleaded with federal government to develop alternative means of transportation by investing heavily on railways instead of constructing many roads.

“If we have functional railway

system in Abuja, somebody living in Kaduna, Keffi, Abaji doesn’t need to live in the city centre. All they need to do is to enter the train in the morning to the city and when they closes for the day, they will enter similar train back home which is what is applicable in every part of the world”.

Oko was optimistic that the institution would continue to advocate for increased alternative means of transportation adding that their job as professional engineers is to advise government on people oriented policies.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

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RMAFC Recovers N57.7bn Unremitted Revenue From Collecting Banks

BY MARK ITSIBOR, Abuja

The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has disclosed that it recovered the sum of N57.7 billion unremitted revenues from collecting banks.

The Commission explained that the recovery was as a result of intensive verification and reconciliation of revenue collections and remittances by the collecting banks engaged by the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) between July 2012-December, 2015.

The acting chairman of the Commission, Umar Abba Gana made the disclosure yesterday in a chat with journalists in his

Abuja office, a statement from the commission said.

According to the statement, Gana explained that the sum of N48.7bn has already been recovered and remitted into the Federation Account while the remaining balance of N9.07bn which relates to withholding tax on dividend only has been duly released to the benefitting States Boards of Internal Revenue (SBIR).

He also disclosed that in the course of the exercise which is still on-going, the Commission had to seek the intervention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the recoveries following the uncooperative attitude earlier exhibited by some revenue

generating agencies and collecting banks. He reiterates the Commission’s resolve to follow up on the outstanding balance of N16.4bn liabilities established which demand notice were issued to banks but yet to be defrayed.

It would be recalled that in an earlier exercise covering January, 2008-June, 2012 RMAFC had announced the recovery of the sum of N4.2bn from the banks promising that more recoveries would be made.

Buoyed by the huge success recorded, the Commission following the approval of the National Economic Council launched the 2nd phase of the exercise covering the period July 2012-Dec. 2015 which so far established the sum of N57.7bn.

L-R: Regional adviser of US Treasury, Mr Philip Morris; executive director, Corporate Services, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mrs Omolola Abiola-Edewor; managing director/chief executive officer, NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim and senior advisor, Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) US Department of Treasury, Mr. William Thomas, during a capacity visit to the Corporation.

Expert Opens Leadership Academy For Top Business Executives

BY ADENIYI ADUNOLA, Lagos

The founder of CWG Plc, Mr. Austin Okere, has said that the Ausso Leadership Academy was established for executive experiential skill transfer, emphasising what has worked and the pitfalls to avoid.

Okere who declared this at the commissioning of the academy in Lagos, said that the initiation of the academy is a quest to give back to the society and to retrain already top flight entrepreneurs’ who

are on the speed lane of their businesses to achieve more and inspire more in business development.

He said: “The need for resourcefulness and an innovative mindset to reinvent oneself when disruption knocks on the door is a key skill every business needs to survive present market realities. The huge gap in the business ecosystem is due to the lack of a personalized mentorship programme to complement what professors teach at the business schools”.

He also said that though there are windows for beginners’ in the Academy, “The ALA was set up to mentor entrepreneurs to institutionalize and scale up their businesses geometrically”.

“We believe that the ALA fills a huge vacuum in making practical and democratizing entrepreneurs hip so that differentiation is majorly through intuition, acumen and luck, rather than by a lack of basic knowledge of a workable methodology,” he boasted.

AEDC Tasks Consumers To Protect Equipment In Nasarawa

BY DANJUMA JOSEPH, Lafia

The management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), has urged electricity consumers in Karu Local government council to protect electricity equipment installed in their respective domains.

Speaking during consumer’s consultative forum in Ado area office, Karu local government council of Nasarawa state yesterday, the general manager, AEDC

Nasarawa, Alhaji Ameen Mohammed Shakur, who was represented by engineer Paul Mary Onwuzulike, said that there is a need to guide AEDC equipment. He also said the company is making frantic efforts on daily basis to improve power supply to its customers.

According to him the essence of the stakeholders’ forum is to discuss ideas that will move the industry forward. “We are here to share information on the challenges to enable us improve

our service to you.

“We are here to hear areas we offended you so that we can ratify them amicably. We share knowledge so that at the end of the meeting, it will be of our benefit.”

Also the head of corporate communication at AEDC headquarters Oyebode Fadipe, described the interactive event as delightful, saying that they were mandated to interface with esteemed customers in order to know what they feel so that AEDC can improve.

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NEWS/BUSINESS 33

Compel MDAs To Patronise Treasury Academy, AGF Tells HoS

BY MARK ITSIBOR, Abuja

The Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Ahmed Idris has urged Head of Service to the federation, Mrs Winifred OyoIta to make a policy statement that will compel all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the federal government to always patronise the Federal Treasury Academy in Orozo, Abuja.

The Federal Treasury Academy is a training institute first, for the federation’s Treasury managers and a training centre for interested private and public institutions, with fees charged for use of its facilities. Built with a loan obtained from the World Bank, it is owned and managed by the federal government through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

The Accountant General who made the demand yesterday while conducting the Head of Service round the renovated facilities in the Academy said patronizing the facilities will not only serve as a cheaper training centre to all government MDAs, but will also help to generate revenue to make up for revenue shortfall in the country.

“This institution has

been brought to the level of patronage. We on our part, in line with government policy to look inward, to reduce cost, have made it a policy to conduct all our courses in house at this institution.

And that has resulted substantially in reduction of cost.

“I want to use this opportunity to request and appeal to the Head of Service to use her good office and her good influence to direct that agencies, as much as possible, patronize this facility; not for free but at small and reasonable charges.

By so doing we will not only maintain this facility, we will also be generating income for government,” he said.

Mr Idris said the dilapidated state of the institute over the years was due to the inability of government to fund it fully over time. He said it was brought back to live through engagement with “our partners, friends, well-meaning Nigerians - both private and public and other institutions. We should them the beauty of development of this place. We showed them that this place, being the training arm of the office of the AGF, is not only useful to us but useful to the entire public office management. And they

reasoned with us and keyed in. They came to our rescue.”

Adding: “what you see today is manifestation of extension of corporate social responsibility by largely public organizations, Banks and in some instances, individuals and private companies.”

Mrs Oyo-Ita who said the place was homecoming for her, expressed delight that the facility will contribute to the training of accountants in Nigeria. “It is so important that people who managing the treasury functions of government must be well trained,” the HoS who failed to make a policy statement as requested by the AGF said.

“For the Federal Training Academy to be fully reactivated, renovated to the extent am seeing today, is a thing of joy and of pride for me as the Head of Service of the Federation,” she said, adding that she was impressed by the fact that the Accountant General was able to secure so much support from outside the budget to do the work.

The facilities rehabilitated are administrative block, sports arena, Hostel, Clinic, Computer/e-library, Main library, staff quarters and tarred roads.

34 NATIONAL NEWS Delta APC Leaders Chide Senate Over Omo-Agege’s Suspension

BY ANDREW ESSIEN, Abuja

Wednesday, April 18 2018

Stop Media Trial, Let’s Meet In Court, Secondus Tells FG

BY CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja

National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has accused the federal government and the ruling, All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to frame him up with some blatant fabrications ostensibly to distract him from carrying out his responsibility of rebuilding his party.

The media office said that the national chairman would ordinarily not want to join issues with the government on a matter already in court but noted regrettably that the administration has great contempt for the

court and the rule of law and has instead chosen to use blackmail and media persecution to defame and discredit their enemies. A gimmick Prince Secondus said has failed because Nigerians have come to know the antics of the drowning government.

The statement quoted the PDP national chairman as saying that the federal government and its agency “In its desperation to forge documents and defame him, forgot to reconcile their lies; the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammad and the EFCC couldn’t agree on the date of the purport-

ed money collection and whether it was collected by him Secondus or by a faceless fictional Chukwura that has no surname.

“While they may have embarked on a wide search since 2015 for the surname of the so called aide of the national chairman, Alhaji Mohammed claimed in his press conference on Good Friday March 29th, 2018 that Secondus collected the money on 19th of February, 2015, EFCC on their part on April 16th, 2018, eighteen days after said the money was collected on February 9th, 2015 and in another version still quoting the same EFCC claimed February 2, 2015.”

Leaders of the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday protested the recent decision by the Senate to suspend Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for 90 legislative days.

The party leaders while rejecting the purported suspension, maintained that the move if not checked, posed grave danger to the current leadership of the senate, the interest of the APC as a party, APC senators, and the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Spokesperson of the group, Chief Adelabu Bodjor who addressed a press conference at the national secretariat of the party in rests were made in 2017. Of the ar- had 108.30 kg. A total arrest of 72 Abuja described as unlawful the BY MBAKAAN KWEN, Abuja rests made, 9,626 were male while male and 13 females was made with decision to suspend Omo-Agege Data released by the National Bureau 664 were female. 1,605 or 15.6 per a total worth of 1,266.44 kg of drugs. who represents Delta central senof Statistics (NBS) has shown that cent were convicted in 2017 while Similarly, Special Enforcement atorial district of Delta State.

The APC leaders insisted that 309,713kg of drugs were seized in 1,167 or 11.3 per cent were on coun- Team made arrest of 19,716kg canOmo-Agege’s position on the elec- 2017. A total of 191,353 kg of Can- selling. 92,687 kg of exhibits were nabis, 71,660.20kg of tramadol tion sequence was within the am- nabis was also seized within the pe- destroyed while 317 hectares of among other drugs with a total arrest of 91,407.64 kg worth of drugs. bit of Section 39(1) of the consti- riod under review. This represents farmland were also destroyed.

The highest cannabis of 17,014 22 male and 5 female were found tution which grants “every person 61.8 per cent of the total drug seized. … freedom of expression, includ- Tramadol followed closely with was seized from Seme-Lagos border with these kilogrammes of drugs. ing freedom to hold opinions and 96,136kg seized representing 31 per with an arrest of 56 persons out of Abuja made a seizure of 12,029.53 which 44 were male and 14 female. kg of cannabis, Yobe recorded to receive and impart ideas and in- cent of the total drug seized.

According to the data, Edo State Arrest made from Murtala Moham- 1,055.66 kg and Plateau 1,857.64 kg formation without interference.” .

They further posited that Omo- recorded the highest kilogrammes med International Airport Lagos in the same category. Plateau also Agege ‘s views were also within the (45,338) of drug seizure while Zam- amounted to 96.66 kg of cannabis, seized 4,820.02 kg of tramadol and purport of Article 9(2) of the Afri- fara State recorded the least with 51.52 kg of cocaine, 53.93 kg of her- 4,196.55 kg of cough syrup with cocan Charter on Human and Peo- 87.21kg of drug seized. 10,290 ar- oine, 938.55 kg of tramadol, ephed deine. ples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act which says, “Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.”

While urging President Buhari to apply “strategic measures” to urgently end what it termed the dangers and threats posed by the suspension to the country’s democracy, they further called upon the Justice Minister, and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, the Director-General (DG) of the Directorate of State Security (DSS), and all relevant security agencies to promptly move in to enforce the rule by allowing Senator OmoAgege to return to the Senate for peace to reign.

They said: “We wish to and hereby state that we totally, firmly and unequivocally reject the so-called suspension action for being uncon- L-R: Members House of Representatives committee on National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hon stitutional, lawless, anti-democrat- Peter Akpatason, Gabriel Onyenwife; Hon Johnson Agbonayinma and Amirv Idris, during a press briefing at the ic, disrespectful, oppressive and ul- National Assembly, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKGBO tra vires the powers of the Senate.

Nigeria Records 309,713kg Of Drugs Seizure, 10,290 Arrests In 2017– NBS

ADP Confident Of Success In 2019 Polls – National Chair

BY ERNEST NZOR, Abuja

National chairman of Action Democratic Party, ADP, Engr Y.Y. Sani, has assured party faithful that the party has put in place effective structures across the country to ensure success in the 2019 elections.

Engr Sani gave the assurance while addressing chairmen and secretaries of ADP in Kaduna yesterday as part of his nationwide

consultations with the grassroots.

According to him, the national secretariat has completed arrangements to effectively mobilise members as they embark on recruitment and sensitisation drive.

“Posters and other materials are ready. Offices would soon be secured at all levels while membership cards are ready for distribution,” he said.

He said that the acceptabili-

ty of ADP across the country had given the national secretariat the confidence that the party would perform very well during the forthcoming elections.

Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of Kaduna State branch of the party, Dr. Harisu M. Jibril, assured that ADP would perform well during the 2018 election in Kaduna State and the general elections in 2019.

Dr. Jibril disclosed that even though ADP was a young party, it had recorded great successes in terms of establishing structures, administration and mobilisation.

He explained that grassroots mobilisation was on-going.

Explaining further, Dr. Jibril disclosed that ADP was fully established in all 23 local government areas in Kaduna State and also at ward levels and voting centres.

Ex-Naval Chief Retracts Statement Made To EFCC

BY CHIDI NWACHUKWU, Abuja

At the resumed hearing, yesterday, of the trial of former chief of naval staff, Admiral Usman Jubril (rtd) at the Maitama division of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, Jubril who is the first defendant in the suit, told the court that he was pressurized by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to agree to their terms of writing a confessional statement on the 18th of April, 2016, which was tendered before the court as Exhibit AA1.

He told the court that his wife was invited by the EFCC on the 18th of April, 2016 for interrogation, and that he and his friend, Gen Bauta, a retired military police officer and lawyer, accompanied his wife to the venue of the interrogation.

He said that on arriving at the EFCC office, he raised an objection to the fact that his wife, rather than himself, was to be interrogated, especially as the matter had to do with the Nigerian Navy, but that he was simply asked to cooperate with his interrogators by the three operatives he met there, namely Shehu Alla, Nweke Cyril Chidi and Zara.

Jubril added that he was not allowed into the interrogation room with his wife, but was rather being briefed on how the interrogation was going on.

MURIC Demands Withdrawal Of Mutilated N100 Notes From Circulation

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of N100 note introduced by the former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The director of MURIC, Prof.

Ishaq Akintola in a statement titled: “Jonathan’s N100 Note: Nigeria’s Worse Currency” yesterday, affirmed that the N100 note was a scam and called for a probe.

It called for the reinstatement of Arabic Ajami on N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations, warning against any attempt by any future Nigerian leader to remove Arabic Ajami from the few remaining denominations.

MURIC said, “We will not hesitate to deploy every constitutional means at our disposal to stop such an attempt now or in future.”

According to MURIC, the administration of exPresident Goodluck Jonathan officially issued the N100 commemorative centenary banknote on 19th December, 2014, a major feature of that banknote was the removal of Arabic Ajami.

“Nigerians consider Jonathan’s N100 note inferior to others printed earlier. It is of very low quality. It tears easily.

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INTERVIEW 35

Abuja: New Guidelines’ll Increase Fares – Yar’Adua

Comrade Shehu Shugaba Yar’Adua is the chairman, Painted Abuja Taxis (PAT). In this interview with DAVID ADUGE-ANI, he speaks on the recent guidelines about operations of commercial vehicles in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

W

We want the secretary to use his office to introduce financiers so that they can partner with us

hat is your take on the guidelines for commercial vehicles released by the FCTA ?

Well, we have the copy of that guidelines and I know that the secretary, FCTA Transport Secretariat, Comrade Kayode Opeifa took that decision after a meeting with us. The guidelines are meant to improve the transport system in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

It is a laudable scheme.

On our side, we will try as much as possible, to meet up with those guidelines, as much as we can, while the ones we cannot meet up, we will liase with the secretariat to see how we can make adjustments.

Specifically, what is your opinion on the issue of fixing air conditioner in taxis?

It is both sides. For instance when I buy a car which has an air conditioner, at the cost of about N3m, you should not expect me to carry passenger for N50.00 or N100.00, the way it is being done now. You should expect that each drop I carry should be around N500 or N700.

And you will discover that most workers in Abuja don’t earn up to N30,000 in a month, and you know that such people cannot afford to pay for N500 or even N300 as drop every day, because of the hardship. So I believe that the increase will still go back to the commuters. Because by upgrading our cars, the transport fares in FCT will definitely rise. So

Yar’Adua

the administration should equally look at the cost implications of the guidelines.

But if the administration, on its own, can discharge it own obligations, which involves removing the unpainted taxis on Abuja streets, allowing registered taxis to enter government ministries, hotels and estates, then we will have no problems with the new guidelines.

So, we are waiting for these guidelines, which will take off in October1, 2018, to see if the administration will succeed in removing these unregistered and unpainted taxis on Abuja roads. And also to see whether our taxis will be allowed to enter estates, hotels and government establishments and everywhere in FCT, without discrimination. I think we will comply with the guidelines, be-

cause they must have taken care of most of our challenges.

We also believe that if that is done, we will partner with banks and then recapitalise and bring in new vehicles.

But the issue is whether Abuja commuters can pay N500 for each drop.

We want the secretary to use his office to introduce financiers so that they can partner with us to give us vehicles that we can drive at a subsidized price, which will be of an advantage to Abuja commuters.

This is because as it stands today, investors are afraid to invest in transport business in the FCT, because the illegal operators are too many.

In fact unregistered taxis are more in number than registered taxis and government has refused to arrest them.

But if the FCTA starts arresting them, the business will be good, which is what the secretary wants to do. The administration should make it in such a way that not every dick and harry is allowed to operate as taxis in the FCT. It is all about security. The secretary should sanitise the transport sector in the territory to give room for investors to invest,

so that people will have confidence in the operations.

Apart from the menace of unpainted taxis, we also have the challenge of multiple taxations in the FCT. For instance, if a company pays tax to government, there is no need to ask individual drivers, who are part of that company, to pay another tax. To me it does not make any sense.

Painted Abuja Taxi (PAT), as a company, pays tax to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), but our individual drivers are being asked, by even the area councils, to pay levies and taxes.

This, I believe amounts to double taxation. And even after paying these taxis in FCT, by the time you visit other parts of the country, you will also be made to pay another tax. These have been our problems and we believe that if government removes these challenges, we will be ok.

What about the plate number issue?

Well, we have appealed to the transport secretary on this issue, because he said that every commercial taxi in the FCT must carry Abuja plate number. But some drivers have registered their vehicles before now. That is why

we are saying that those that have registered their vehicles with their data and biometrics should be allowed to operate.

Alternatively, the secretariat should subsidise the cost of acquiring the new plate numbers, at least, N5, 000.00, so that the secretariat can collect the old plate numbers and give the new ones to them at that rate. These are people, who for sometime have complied with government policies and directives in the FCT. So, they should be given some preferential treatments. Then those ones, who are coming to register their vehicles new, must have Abuja plate number.

How many of your members are registered ?

We in PAT have our own data base and data capturing for all our drivers and we have sent the same to the secretariat. So we don’t have the problem of biometrics.

In our data base, we have about 8,000 drivers, as at last December. The number has reduced to about 4,000 because some vehicles were broken down. So as at now, we have to do our verifications to know the number of vehicles on our fleet.

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42 ISSUES

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Nasarawa 2019 And Issues At Stake

BY AHMAD MOJOE Nasarawa State that borders also the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may be one of the smallest states of the Federation, but when it comes to partisan politics; its proximity to the Nation’s Capital tends to attract so much attention.

If not, how can we explain the fact that almost two dozen candidates have already made known their intention to occupy Government House Lafia when the two term tenure of Governor Al-Makura ends next year 2019?

As at now, all the major towns of the three Senatorial Zones are dotted with billboards with portraits of gubernatorial hopefuls, with only one female in the person of Senator Mrs. Akwashika and naturally in a male dominated political firmament, we can’t expect otherwise.

Again, and also intriguing, is the fact that most of the prospective guber aspirants seem to have aligned with the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) the ruling party at the centre, and in Nasarawa State.

As would be expected, rumors

and counter-rumors surrounding other prospective aspirants made the rounds prior to the show of intents of one of the State’s most colourful and distinguished personality in the person of the State’s first Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Hassan Muhammad Liman, SAN, Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) and Member of the Order of the Niger, MON. So far, the role call remains impressive with Architects, Engineers, Lawyers, Educationists, Journalists advertising their potentialities through eye-catching billboards at strategic corners of the capital Lafia and other major towns.

As a youth empowerment guru and philanthropist of renown, joining the fray of gubernatorial aspirants may have altered the political equation of other leading aspirants. As the Wakilin Lafia, even the leading aspirants would be cursing, and wishing he hadn’t joined the fray.

In his “NASARAWA STATE ON MY MIND”, he eloquently portrayed why his candidacy will alter the political permutations already banding around on the leading aspirant. His preamble

amply demonstrates that if he were to govern Nasarawa State, he will do so with an inimitable style centered at Town Hall meetings across the State with a broad view of communicating and articulating government policies, and securing the endorsement of the direct beneficiaries of such policies.

Since he envisions a people’s type of administration with defined roles for every citizen, there will be a role for all stakeholders in the art of conventional as well as accountability.

He also envisions a government of continuity whereby, after a thorough assessment of the status of projects on ground and their viability and impact on the lives of the citizenry, such projects would be completed and with new ones initiated The Wakilin Lafia, if afforded the privilege and honour to manage the affairs of Nasarawa State intends to unveil immediate practical and infrastructural action plan that would promote the rebuilding of the public sector, as well as government business towards enhancing the further delivery of democracy dividends to all

the nooks and crannies of the State.

He intends also to bring his well rooted philanthropy into governance and as such would launch a multi-sector lifesaving programmes intended to bring succor to the populace via a programme based on “do it yourself” philosophy through well thought out self-sustaining economic palliatives.

Similar to the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Wakilin Lafia and Senior Advocate of Nigeria-SAN, intends to launch a value and orientation programme capable of reforming the past epoch of orderliness using community remobilization and re-awakening process that will rekindle the innate awareness and consciousness of everyone.

If beckoned by the good people of Nasarawa State to serve them, he intends to relaunch Nasarawa State on the real path of a new “journey to rendezvous with its intended destiny.” It will be a journey where the emplacement of budgets would be all inclusive to serve the community in needed infrastructure, providing the enabling socio-economic

environment for clear cut Agro-Industrial Development Plans, exploring the State’s solid minerals development profiles that would also include huge investment in education, healthcare, human capital, and creating a new civil service that would serve as the engine room of a modern Nasarawa State.

Whether we call it a “Dr. Hassan Muhammad Liman Plan”, or any other name for that matter, the bottom line is that the Wakilin Lafia’s well thought out socio-economic blue print for Nasarawa State is worth exploring at the appropriate time if his people would after taking a critical look at the State’s socio-economic realities beckon on him to implement his action plan of “Integrity, Action, and Justice.”

So in this rat race to Government House Lafia, many would desire that exulted office but only one would be chosen.

Whoever that person may be, lies in the womb of the unknown.

Would it be the Wakilin Lafia?

That is the question on the lips of keen observers of Nasarawa State political landscape.

which were ostensibly sponsored however convinced me of the need to be careful with him as before.

My posers for Mustapha, which if honestly answered could give further insight into his dirty scheming, include amongst others: Whether he obtained the consent of Ambassador Dauda to reveal and print what transpired between them, and whether such revelation was in overriding public interest, as demanded by journalism ethics?

At what point did Mustapha Shehu met and got so close to Abubakar Rufai Ahmed, the new NIA DG, and in what capacity did he meet the DG? If he was visiting him as the investigative journalist he claims to be, did he also take into account the principle of confidentiality in investigations, and the need to protect his sources of information, in accordance with the dictates of the profession he claims to love so much?

Even if he was visiting as a journalist, was there any time in the 32 year history of the NIA that the Director General granted press interview and the contents of such an interview became public knowledge through media publication? Did he obtain the new DG’s permission to go public with that aspect of the so called investigation, and even if he did, was it permissible for the DG to be publicly quoted, and if yes was it in consonance with security operational code?

Having been identified with Ambassador Dauda, what was Mustapha Shehu’s motives of betraying him, after making

monetary requests which were declined? If it is in the pursuit of the truth and justice, is it morally right to betray somebody in order to satisfy your own quest? As for me. I have been an activist as Mustapha Shehu knows, and I declined his offer to join in his own negative crusade because the quest for justice cannot be materially induced nor hypocritically pursued.

Mustapha Shehu’s actions in recent times are capable of provoking one into making full disclosures of some of his antics which I am aware of, but I will restrict myself to merely describing the scenario he attempts to paint as a mere façade. He has been exposed by others who may not have known half of what I know about Mustapha Shehu, to the effect that, he is merely playing the ostrich in the NIA debacle.

I decided to tow the path of truth and decorum, because I know that we shall all one-day account for our actions before the Almighty God. We have remained consistent in the National Patriots’ Forum in our arguments that the removal of Ambassador Muhammed Dauda, the appointment of Rufai Ahmed and the purported dismissal of Dauda, are scripts that negate the law, common sense cannot stand the test of time. As for Mustapha Shehu, only when he tells the truth, the only truth about what really transpired, shall he be free, otherwise, guilt will continue to hang on his neck.

–Mojoe is a public affairs analyst

NIA: The Crux Of The Matter

BY COMRADE ISA TIJANI My initial reaction when somebody called my attention to Mustapha Shehu’s write up which appeared in some media, it was to call him and verify whether he was being impersonated or he truly wrote what I read. My other mind told me to ignore him, but emerging trends have made it necessary for me to reply and tell the actual truth in consonance with the dictates of my conscience as a Muslim.

In trying to respond, my initial challenge is where to even start from. I could not imagine that although I know Mustapha Shehu as a brother, and hardly know Ambassador Muhammed Dauda, the embattled former Acting Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, I could not fathom why Mustapha could condescend so low as to bring to public knowledge what he discussed with a fellow brother in confidence: if at all there was any such discussion.

I know that it was brotherly wrong, just as I am made to understand that it also breaches the ethics of journalism: the profession Mustapha claims to know about so well and preaches the sacrosanctity of it’s ethics.

At the risk of falling into the same traps by disclosing what transpired between Mustapha Shehu and me over the NIA issue, I was also tempted to expose the contents of the phone recordings and clips of the exchange of sms and whatsapp between us, but on

a second thought, I felt there is the need for caution and restraint.

This reaction would not have been necessary if Mustapha Shehu had had the modesty to publish the truth or keep to himself an issue discussed in confidence about his role in the crisis, instead of mortgaging his conscience for the pittance he may have gotten from his paymasters to rubbish his own brother. I had wished he were as pure and truthful as he appeared in his well scripted analogy, because the Mustapha Shehu I know, who had tried to induce and win me over to support his new found cause in defending the new Director General of the NIA, is a fraud.

If somebody had given him the script to append his name and circulate for a price, I make bold to state that, such a person was most uncharitable to Mustapha, and to those of us whose names he mentioned in his piece, even as no price could be said to be justifiable for such a dirty job. His seeming remorse following the widespread condemnation of his action, and the emergent exposures of what may have actually transpired before he wrote that stinker are clear indications that he may have shot himself in the leg.

As much as I would love to keep the evidences of collusion and conspiracy in Mustapha Shehu’s actions, I hasten to state that I will throw caution to the winds and expose all the details of my own encounter with him, if the fight gets dirtier than it is now, and if he fails to make amends. I will not

want to be as unkind to him as he has been to me and others, but he deserves getting back his pay in the same coins, in the fullness of time.

As I said earlier, I am from the same place as Ambassador Dauda and Mustapha Shehu, but wheras I have known Shehu since childhood, I cannot claim to have ever known or met Ambassador Dauda, until the organization I am leading, “National Patriot’s Forum”, developed interest in the injustices prevailing against him.

We have had cause to intervene in past cases of injustices, including the cases of the NHIS, SEC, EFCC, AMCON, to mention but a few, without ever meeting or knowing the parties involved. The NIA issue cannot be said to be different.

Shehu, it was who approached me to explain the predicament of Abubakar Rufai Ahmed asking to see reasons and pipe down or withdraw from the fight. I was thus surprised that the pot had suddenly turned around to call the kettle black.

I recall one night when Mustapha Shehu dropped me off in my hotel, I had cause to caution him against betrayal of Dauda, whose house I know is adjacent to that of Mustapha Shehu because they are outright neighbours and it may boomerang even with residents of their place of birth.

The alias, Boogie Mustache, which was given to Mustapha Shehu, was not unconnected with his often intriguing adventures since childhood, a habit from which I thought he had repented.

His diatribes against Dauda,

–Tijani wrote in from Abuja

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ISSUES 43

Funtua Senatorial Zone Deserves Better Deal

BY KABIR DANGUSAU

Since the creation of Katsina State in 1987 from the old Kaduna State, the Funtua Senatorial Zone has suffered perpetual neglect by both the state and the federal government in terms of locating development projects in the zone which prides itself as the food basket of the state, commercial nerve centre and industrial hub. What with Funtua Textile Limited, Funtua Oil Crushing Company, Funtua Ginnery, Northern Diaries Limited, Funtua Bottling Company, Jargaba Oil Mill Company, Integrated Flour Mills, Funtua Burnt Brickworks Limited, Limited, Funtua Cotton Seed Crushing Company, Fertilizer Blending Plant to mention but just a few.

Pundits observe that the continued marginalization of the zone in terms of educational development, infrastructure and the provision of other vital social services has arrested development in the

zone which on its own deserves a state of its own given its comparative advantage in terms of population density, material and human resource endowment.

Critics and the informed public are quick to point out that most of the development projects were skewed in favour of Katsina Central. For instance, they allege that most higher institutions of learning in the state like the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, the Islamic University and the School of Nursing and Midwifery are located in Katsina metropolis in close proximity to the Federal College of Education Katsina and the Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic just as the newly established Federal University and the Isa Kaita College of Education are both located in DutsinMa, and the College of Legal Studies in Daura thus leaving Funtua zone without any tertiary Institution.

Even the recently commissioned Solar Powered Project which would have powered the industries in Funtua

zone is sited in Rimi local government near Katsina metropolis.

Even in terms of political appointments at both state and federal levels, the zone is seriously marginalized including the positions of ministers, ambassadors, security chiefs, and chief executives of parastatals. Since the return of democratic dispensation in 1999, all ministers appointed from the state were from Katsina and Daura zones. Nearly all political appointees from chief executives and board members, heads of security organizations and ambassadors all came from the most favoured zones.

And to add salt to injury, the zone is unlucky to have poor representation at both the state and federal legislatures as most of the members of state House of Assembly, and senator and members House of Representatives are only interested in collecting jumbo salaries and allowances which do not trickle down to their constituencies.

While their

counterparts in other states are concerned with bringing more constituency projects to their people, our legislators hardly frequent their constituencies to know what their problems are. It is disheartening to note that the only federal presence in the zone is the Funtua maximum security prison.

It is noteworthy that the application of federal character principle in the distribution of projects besides ensuring equity, fairness and justice is informed by the need to ensure even development of the country which will give every component part of the country a sense of belonging.

In view of the electoral value of the zone, which being the most populous one in the state contributed the highest number of votes to both Masari Governor and President M u h a m m a d u Buhari in the last general election in 2015, the zone deserves a better deal in this political dispensation.

Recent media reports indicate

that the federal g o v e r n m e n t is desirous of establishing special science research centres and universities of technology in the six geopolitical ones.

The universities and science centres are meant to serve as hub of scientific research and innovation in the country. Funtual Senatorial Zone, no doubt, deserves to be considered in this regard as it is eminently qualified to host these institutions as it already has the enabling environment and required facilities for their take-off.

For instance, the presence of the state vocational training centres in Funtua and Malumfashi recently rehabilitated by the Masari administration can serve as temporary sites for the two institutions.

This is the only thing that will satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of people of the zone who have longed for democracy dividends.

–Dangusau is a public affairs analyst

NCCE And Journey So Far

BY AUDU H. SULEIMAN The fact that Prof. BappaAliyu Muhammadu, a professor of Technology Education, an academician, astute administrator and a teacher who attaches zero tolerance to corruption had spent over one year at the National Commision For Colleges of Education (NCCE) as substantive executive secretary is no longer in doubt. To be exact, he assumed the leadership of the teacher regulatory agency in August, 2016. On assumption, he wasted no time in acquainting himself with the rudiments of the core mandates of the Commission.

In keeping the ball rolling, he immediately engaged all stake holders in Teacher Education in various fruitful dialogue and discussions that resulted in the on-

going peace being enjoyed in all NCCEawarding institutions across the country.

His humane approach to administration has brought about good governance and entrenchment of principles of fairness and justice.

The modalities of his operation bonding unity among members of the commission’s management team, transparent and all inclusive administrative style suggest determination to evolve intramural fair dealings among the NCCE workforce and Colleges of Education in Nigeria.

He also believes in improving the welfare of the staff, all anchored on the principle of bonding relationship.

His philosophy of open administrative style gave room for participatory model that led to expanded management where issues of the

Commission are often discussed.

Under his watch, NCCE/ COREN entered into memorandum of understanding (MoU) for graduates of NCE Technical to be registered as members of COREN. He also drives with passion the core mandate of the Commission which are; accreditations and reaccreditations; resource visitations to Colleges of Education; monitoring and evaluations in Colleges of Education and other NCE awarding institutions in Nigeria; advising the Federal Ministry of Education and government on cogent issues on Teacher Education in Nigeria.

He recently kick started the process of re-reviewing NCCE minimum standards, in which the pre-review workshop was held at the Federal College of Education Akwanga

recently In his quest for harmony and physical fitness amongst NCCE and Colleges of Education in Nigeria, he recently donated a football trophy to be competed for by NCCE football team and Colleges of Education in Nigeria, which was first of its kind since the establishment of National Commission for Colleges of Education.

He is also negotiating and engaging the National Assembly on the proposed up-grade of the Commission’s Act to National Commission for Teacher Education, (NCTE) which first reading had already been taken in the Senate. He saw the constitution of Governing Councils of MDAs/Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education as a welcome development towards the on-going struggle to produce quality teacher

education for Nigeria.

He immediately arraigned for the first inaugural meeting of the Board and it was successfully held on 12th April, 2018.

The chairman of the NCCE governing board, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, (Katukan Sokoto) on behalf of other members applauded the fatherly disposition of the Executive Secretary, Prof.

Bappa-Aliyu Muhammadu and obliged to cooperate with his administration in taking Teacher Education to greater height in Nigeria. The chairman who is a grassroots politician from Sokoto solicited for all hands to be on deck so that the Education Action Plan of the Buhari administration will yield results for Nigeria and Nigerians.

– Suleiman wrote in from Abuja

His philosophy of open administrative style gave room for participatory model that led to expanded management where issues of the Commission are often discussed

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NEWS

IMF Predicts Stronger Growth But Warns Of Risks The International Monetary Fund has forecast that 2018 will be the strongest year for global growth since 2011. In its new assessment of the World Economic Outlook, the IMF predicts growth this year and next of 3.9%.

However, it warned that performance could be curtailed by trade barriers.

For the UK, the IMF has made a modest upgrade for growth this year to 1.6%. For next year, the forecast has been slightly reduced, to 1.5%.

The IMF report warned that the current momentum was “not assured”.

It lists a number of risks that could lead to weaker performance than its main forecast, including what it calls policies that “harm international trade”.

The report refers to “waning support for global integration”. It says increased trade barriers - tariffs or other restrictions - could harm sentiment in financial markets, disrupt global supply chains and slow the spread of new technology.

Protectionism also affects consumers by making tradable goods more expensive.

The increased tension in recent months over trade largely reflects President Trump’s view that the deficit in US trade - the country imports more than it exports - is a result of poor agreements negotiated by his predecessors and other countries taking advantage of the US. But IMF chief economist Maurice Obstfeld dismisses the idea that the steps taken by the US can reduce the deficit.

He says the reason for the deficit is that total spending in the US exceeds income. He says that recent tax measures are actually likely to increase the deficit.

IMF chief economist Maurice Obstfeld warned of a ‘sobering’ longterm outlook for the global economy The general thrust of this report is relatively upbeat for the near-term future. The forecasts for this year and next have been raised.

The upgrade to global growth for this year to 3.9% potentially makes 2018 the strongest year since 2011, when the economy was rebounding from the financial crisis. Mr Obstfeld describes the upgrade from 3.7% as “substantial”.

R Kelly Faces Sexual Misconduct Allegation R Kelly is accused of “predatory, controlling and abusive behaviour” R Kelly is facing a fresh allegation of sexual misconduct, from a former partner who claims he “intentionally” infected her with an STD in Dallas.

According to her lawyer, the unnamed woman was the victim of “unlawful restraint” during her 11-month relationship with the R&B singer.

It is claimed that Kelly, 51, attempted to make the woman a member of the “sex cult” he is alleged to have run. The Dallas Police Department has said it is looking into the allegation.

In a statement issued in advance of a press conference scheduled for Wednesday, lawyer Lee Merritt

claims his client was 19 when she and Kelly began a sexual relationship.

Mr Merritt goes on to accuse the singer of “predatory, controlling and abusive behaviour” and “furnishing alcohol and illegal drugs to a minor”.

The singer has faced accusations of sexual misconduct since the 1990s Kelly, best known in the UK for hits including I Believe I Can Fly, has faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct, making indecent images of children and other offences.

Last year the singer - whose full name is Robert Kelly - denied allegations he was holding a number of young women in a so-called cult.

The Washington Post has quoted a representative for the singer as saying that he “categorically denies all claims and allegations”.

Assad Prepares To Assault Last Rebel Enclave Near Damascus The Syrian army began preparatory shelling for an assault on the last area outside its control near Damascus yesterday, a commander in the progovernment alliance said, building on its recent capture of the major suburb of eastern Ghouta.

Recovering the Yarmouk camp and neighboring areas located south of the city would give President Bashar al-Assad complete control over Syria’s capital, further consolidating his grip on power.

Yarmouk, Syria’s biggest camp for Palestinian refugees since the mid-20th century, has been under the control of Islamic State fighters for several years.

Although the vast majority of residents

have fled, the United Nations says thousands remain.

Assad has benefited from Russian air power since 2015 to regain large swathes of Syria, putting him in his strongest position since the early months of the seven-year-old war.

The war has killed more than 500,000 people and has drawn in regional and global powers. The United States, Britain and France launched their first coordinated strikes against Assad’s government on Saturday in retaliation for what they say was a poison gas attack on April 7 that killed scores of residents in Douma, the last town in the eastern Ghouta to fall.

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Theresa May ‘Deeply Regrets’ UK’s Colonial Anti-gay Laws British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she deeply regrets the UK’s role in criminalising same-sex relations in its former colonies.

The laws were passed under British rule and are still used in 37 of the Commonwealth’s 53 member nations.

There is a global trend towards decriminalising homosexual acts, but some countries, like Nigeria and Uganda, have imposed stricter laws.

At a Commonwealth meeting, Mrs May said laws were “wrong then and wrong now”.

Same-sex relations are explicitly banned in 72 countries, according to the International Lesbian, Gay,

Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).

“Nobody should face discrimination and persecution because of who they are or who they love,” Mrs May said in London as Commonwealth leaders gather for their summit, which is held every two years.

“The UK stands ready to support any Commonwealth nation wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible.

“Across the world discriminatory laws made many years ago continue to affect the lives of many people, criminalising same-sex relations and failing to protect women and girls.”

The number of states that crimi-

nalise same-sex relations is decreasing annually, with Belize and the Seychelles repealing such laws in 2016.

But in many socially conservative and religious countries in Africa, where homosexuality is a taboo, there has been resistance to calls to decriminalise same-sex relationships.

South Africa, which rejoined the Commonwealth after the end of white-minority rule in 1994, is one of the exceptions.

It has one of the most liberal constitutions in the world, which protects gay rights, and was the first African country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2006.

Steinmeier May

France’s Macron: EU In ‘Civil War’ Over Democracy French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that “there seems to be a European civil war” between liberal democracy and rising authoritarianism.

He urged the EU to renew its commitment to democracy, in a passionate speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

“I don’t want to belong to a generation of sleepwalkers that has forgotten its own past”, he said, recalling how the EU arose after World War Two. He is launching debates with voters, aimed at re-engaging them with the EU. In his speech he condemned what he called “a fascination with the illiberal” in Europe.

Last year Mr Macron and his new liberal party, La République en Marche (LREM), triumphed in French elections

with a strongly pro-EU platform.

His second-round rival in the presidential election was National Front (FN) leader Marine Le Pen, a nationalist and fierce critic of the EU. Mr Macron was also hitting back at the Eurosceptics who drove the vote for Brexit in the UK. As Brexit will leave a big hole in the EU budget he said there should no longer be budget rebates for some member states. He added that France was prepared to increase its contribution.

Mr Macron’s set-piece speech in Strasbourg set out his vision for democratic renewal in the EU, at a time of growing nationalism in the 28-nation bloc.

This month Hungary’s right-wing

leader Viktor Orban, another archcritic of EU policies, won a new twothirds majority in parliament.

There is much nervousness in the EU about Russian influence on European voters, with many examples of fake news spreading in social media - often blamed on supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

MEPs applauded Mr Macron when he said democracy “is a word with meaning, which emerged from the battles of the past”.

He faces a big challenge ahead of the 2019 European elections as his LREM party does not belong to any of the main groups in the European Parliament.

President Macron used some memorable phrases as he sought to reinvigorate European democracy.

Actress Kidnapped By N/korea Dies At Age 91 A South Korean actress, once kidnapped by North Korea and forced to make films for the state, has died at 91.

Choi Eun-hee was a leading actress in the South when she was kidnapped under the orders of then-leader Kim Jong-il in the late 1970s.

Her ex-husband, a famous film director, was also abducted several months later. The duo later escaped.

North Korea has always denied abducting the couple, saying they had sought sanctuary there. Ms Choi died on Monday afternoon in hospital in South Korea.

“My mother passed when she

went to hospital for kidney dialysis this afternoon,” Ms Choi’s eldest son, director Shin Jeong-gyun, told news outlet Yonhap.

Born in November 1926 in South Korea’s Gyeonggi province, Ms Choi began her film career in 1947.

She and her then-husband Shin Sang-ok eventually rose to be among South Korea’s most celebrated film directors and stars.

This still of Ms Choi and Mr Shin is taken from a film about the couple, titled “The Lovers and the Despot” But by the late 1970s, the couple had divorced and Choi’s career had hit a downturn.

It was during that time that Choi was approached by someone posing as a Hong Kong businessman with a proposal to form a film-making company which would revive her fortunes.

According to a book “A Kim Jongil Production”, she was persuaded to go to Hong Kong. Once in Hong Kong, she was grabbed and sedated by a group of men.

Eight days later she was in Pyongyang in a luxurious villa that was constantly guarded.

Despite being divorced, Mr Shin and his ex-wife had remained close and he went to Hong Kong to look for her. He too was later abducted.

Wednesday April 18, 2018 www.leadership.ng

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FOREIGN ANALYSIS 45

A Case For Collective Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking

Over the last decades, human traffcking has captured signifcant attention world wide. BLESSING BATURE in this report writes on the need for all actors at the international, regional and local levels to cooperate, coordinate and share responsibility in combatting human traffcking.

A

Human traffcking is a worldwide epidemic that deprives women, men and children of their basic rights each day. It has been recognized as one of the fastest growing crimes in the world that profts from the exploitation and victimization of human beings and undermines national economy and human safety. Virtually all countries are affected, acting as countries of source, transit, destination or a combination thereof. Over the last decades, human traffcking has captured signifcant attention worldwide and raised awareness on the different forms of exploitation and its consequences.

As businesses become more globalized and borders open, the transfer of people, both willing and forced, is becoming more widespread contributing to unprecedented growth of human traffcking such as Increasing levels of inequality, both globally and internally, encourage millions of disadvantaged individuals to migrate internationally and internally. As migrants search for more economic opportunities outside their homes, some end up in coerced work by the use of threat or deception. Although the number of humans traffcked is not known, it is estimated that there are at least 700,000 traffcked victims globally each year.

It is clear that human traffcking poses a problem at both the local and global levels. There is an urgent need of local, national, regional and international cooperation to combat this exploitation, from government offcials to law enforcers, health care professionals to education offcials. society and Local governments in particular play a key role in improving human traffcking prevention, victim protection and prosecution of traffckers.

While it is clear that the global community is committed to counter human traffcking, there is still much to be done to eradicate this crime.

The multifaceted and clandestine nature of human traffcking poses a challenge for effective prevention, victim protection and prosecution related measures and policies. Its linkages with illegal migration, labor issues and health problems underline the complexity of the problem and demand different approaches from all actors. It is crucial now more than ever for actors at the international, regional and local levels to cooperate, coordinate and share responsibility in the fght against human traffcking. Law enforcers, local and national governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations are among the key actors at the forefront of this fght. In particular, society and local governments play a signifcant role in reducing the vulnerability of potential victims, providing support and assistance to presumed and current victims, and implementing development strategies that address the root causes of traffcking.

Despite rigorous policies all across the world against human trafficking those questions remains very subsistence but still makes every effort to abolish Trafficking imperception, Child and women trafficking in Nigeria is not a sociolegal issue but is deeper than that hence, requires a comprehensive strategy needs to be drawn to fight the crime. Every country has different root causes for trafficking which is influenced by socio, religious and economic factors.

Political instability, militarism, civil unrest, internal armed conflict and natural disaster may result in an increase in trafficking. The destabilization and displacement of population increase their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse in trafficking. Trafficking in women for exploitation is the most prevalent form of evil at this point of time. Women and children from different countries are lured by the promise of decent employment into leaving their homes and what they consider to be a better life. There is a trafficking for forced labour in which people are recruited by deception and find themselves in condition of slavery in variety of jobs. Trafficking in organs for purposely using it especially kidney is a risin form of criminal activity being witnessed in the various countries; the operation of the patient is done in a very clandestine manner without any medical follow-up which also exploits the potential

Lack of employment makes easy for traffickers to persuade victims from different walks of life and bring them into unethical forces of world for earning their livelihood.

donors. Child marriage is also considered to be a major modus operandi of child trafficking and there has hardly been any respite from this rampant social evil even after the passing of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The abuse of women and children has severe Poverty and Unemployment has conspicuously leads unprivileged people to come into the suasion of traffickers and chose the wrong method of earning money without knowing that they are being made victim of a very inhuman crime.

Lack of employment makes easy for traffickers to persuade victims from different walks of life and bring them into unethical forces of world for earning their livelihood. One of the most infamous consequences of trafficking is child labour, small kids taken by culprits and influencing their parents by grabbing their confidence that their brood would be given jobs and will be paid for their work but what happens is totally contradicting.

The boys are sent to construction sites whereas girls are taken to borstals and misused in various other ways. Poverty forces folks to take steps without being aware of the consequences, in some cases individuals are forced to sell their organs and get a huge amount in their hands and at that time scarcity of resources bequeath them with nothing else than accepting the offer. There have been cases where father have sold his kidney to get money for his daughter marriage and give dowry to the boy, which is the most deplorable site of our country.

Ignorance has been the most crucial factor for trafficking in Nigeria which should be taken care of as soon as possible. Small villages person are especially the ones who are targeted because they are the ones who are tried to influenced due to their less exposure towards big metropolitan cities where all these types of crimes takes place and are used as a business hub where they convert all such person brought from different parts of country into such kind of felony.

However the issue of Prostitution can not be left out as it has become a highly profitable business; commercial sex trade has been chief destination for trafficked girl in nigeria. The trafficking of girls from forced prostitution is perhaps one of the busiest slave sex trafficking routes anywhere in the world; with estimated 5,000-10,000 , Sometimes this crime is committed forcefully and sometimes it is done out of sheer necessity by young girls when they leave their home in order to earn money but could not succeed in their process. It is the darkest side of the country where girls have to adopt for such methods to earn their livelihood and unfortunately our country is one of those. Many politicians talk about legalising the profession but it would help only those women who choose to do it with their consent not the victims to trafficking.

And the inaction on the part of government and lack of consideration to matter may facilitate trafficking; few corrupt government officials may indulge in trafficking which is very shameful on their behalf. Existing regulation are out dated and hence are ineffective in handling the problem, combating this crime needs regulation, monitoring, investigation and prosecution with constant cooperation with colleagues in other countries. Many governments have not implemented national policies that coordinate the work of various branches that deal with trafficking, including law enforcement agencies.

National immigration policies can inadvertently affect trafficking routes. Weak border controls and untrained officials make it simple for the traffickers to transport victims from one country to another. Government policies should be such that adequate training should be given to officials so that they recognize the instance of trafficking and ensure that needs of victims of trafficking are addressed. Directives should be such which not only save the victims from trafficking but also lead to trafficked people swiftly being returned to home and same conditions from where they were brought furthermore not being identified as victims of crime. Corruption among government officials can include asking bribe from traffickers or extracting profit from trafficking industry.

Oba Ewuare 11

There should be internal affairs departments within the government structure as well as prosecution of government officials who are found involved in such types of commotion.

In an effort to stem the tide of human trafficking in Edo State and Nigeria in General, the traditional ruler during an advocacy visit of the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli to His Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II Ogidigan, Oba of Benin Kingdom, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, the Director-General had led a team of NAPTIP officials to the Royal father to enlist the support of the traditional institution in Edo State and in particular the Benin Kingdom in the fight against human trafficking bearing in mind the endemic nature of the State in human trafficking and the image problem accompanying that status.

She urged the Oba of Benin to join NAPTIP in its renewed efforts at stopping the juju priests in Benin from further administering oaths on victims of human trafficking that are brought to them by criminal elements.

She said, ‘’We are doing our best in sensitising the juju priests against the practice and many have assured us that they will no longer administer oaths on the victims, but as a respected Royal Father in this land whose words are respected, I respectfully implore Your Majesty to use your good offices to talk to these juju priests and the chiefs involved. You may wish to summon all of them and talk to them, and we are ready to join Your Majesty to sensitise them on the effects of their actions on the helpless young people. ‘’Many of the young people that have left may never come back as they are dead and their parents are still hoping that they will come back some day with loads of money, while many have lost their minds as a result of the exploitation they have gone through’’.

She also enjoined the Royal Father to bring the issue of human trafficking to the front burner within the fold of the traditional institutions across the country. ‘’Every victim of human trafficking has come from a community before being a Nigerian and one of the responsibilities of the traditional institution apart from upholding the culture and tradition of the land is to protect and defend the people that they lead’’, she further added.

In his response, the Oba of Benin who commended NAPTIP on its activities over the years declared his commitment to fight the menace, adding that he had done it in the past when he was the Nigerian Ambassador to Italy. He said it was for that reason that he established the Oba of Benin Foundation.

The Foundation has Miss Ifueko Aideyan as the FACE OF OBA OF BENIN FOUNDATION. ‘’NAPTIP has been doing a very wonderful

work in fighting human trafficking and everyone sees it. I know it is a difficult and challenging work but we are behind you’’, he said.

He however, directed officials of the Foundation and members of his cabinet to work with NAPTIP as partners to fight the scourge in Benin. He also warned perpetrators of the heinous act to stay away from Benin as the trade has brought more sorrow than joy to the people.

While condemning the enslavement of Nigerians in Libya, he disclosed how shocked he was when he heard that many of the victims were able bodied men and women who packed up their businesses, sold all they had to embark on they journey and later became slaves. ‘’If anyone wants to travel, he should travel legally’’, he said He also frowned at the activities of the native doctors and the juju priests in the trafficking chain but assure that the Palace will call them to order. ‘’We have noted the activities of the native doctors or the juju priests as you call them.

We will do our best to discourage them from getting involved in this crime. We will appeal to them. We will talk directly to them to stop what they are doing. We will call them to order and I believe they will listen to us’’, he further added.

While calling for a tripartite arrangement amongst the Federal, States and traditional institutions in the fight against trafficking, he stated that the leadership of Churches should also be called to order as some of their activities encourage human trafficking.

Curbing the menace of trafficking in persons, it requires a corporate efforts, everyone has a role to play.

INDIGENES of Edo State in Europe and America under the aegis of Edo Global Organisation, a pan Edo socio-cultural organisation in the diaspora, have expressed their support for the curses placed by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11, on human traffickers, saying the curses and state government’s tough stance on human trafficking, will check excesses of the perpetrators.

President, Edo Global Organisation, Dr. Stephen Ogbonmwan, said drastic times the Edo people found themselves called for the drastic measures.

He said: “What happened in the palace shows the concern of the Omo N’Oba to the current negative trend in Edo land. We need more of such actions from religious, political and traditional leaders to stop our youths from sliding the slope to self destruction, greed, excessive love for money and the get-rich-quick syndrome, to get back to the straight and narrow path.

46 NORTH CENTRAL

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Rotary Gives Awards To 107 Polio Frontline Workers Paradigm Initiative Donates BY WINIFRED OGBEBO, Abuja teers, local immunisation officers National Primary Health Care Devel(LIOs), disease Surveillance and No- opment Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Computers To The Nigeria National Polio Plus tification Officers (DSNOs), volun- Shuaib, while acknowledging the key Committee (NNPPC) under Rotary In- teer community mobilisers (VCMs), role of Rotary International in Nigeria, Schools ternational has given awards to 107 town announcers, community and said the organisation initiated the fight

BY JERRY EMMANSON, Abuja

In a bid to encourage digital inclusion in the country, Lagos based social enterprise, Paradigm Initiative has donated 47 computer sets to eight secondary schools across Nigeria.

The organisation said it is dedicated to improving the livelihoods of young people by providing them with “ICT-enabled” support system.

A press statement signed by the communications officer, Sodiq Alabi, said the donation of computer systems to schools forms part of the organisation’s strategy at bridging the digital divide in the country.

According to the organisation, the beneficiaries include: El-Leonora College, Umbrella High School and Soland Int’l School, all based in Ajegunle, Lagos State. Others are Al-fijr International School, Zaifat Secondary School, ECWA Aro Restoration School and Hameedah Secondary School, all based in Kano State. New World Secondary School, Aba, Abia State also got some of the computers.

Speaking also on the development, Paradigm Initiative’s Dig-

ital Inclusion Programme Manager Tosin Abolaji said, “We recently scaled our digital inclusion programme to schools and one of the things we discovered is the inadequacy of computer systems for the training. So we decided to donate 90 desktop computers to schools that have demonstrated interest in practical digital skills training. We are in the process of identifying more schools that would benefit from this intervention.”

Principal of Al-fijr International School Kano, one of the beneficiary schools, Mallam Kazeem Zakari, said, “The donation of computer sets to our school is most commendable. We really appreciate the gesture and we are very happy because these sys-

tems will make our computer practical session easier.”

The organisation said it also runs a free digital inclusion programme known as LIFE, in three underserved communities in Aba, Ajegunle and Dakata, through which it provided free ICT and entrepreneurship training to over 600 youths in 2017 alone.

local community volunteers and primary health care workers who have shown greater sense of duty in the discharge of polio eradication services.

Speaking yesterday during the awards ceremony, the chairman, NNPPC, Dr Tunji Funsho, said the award is not only to reward but to motivate the grassroots workers.

According to him, frontline workers are the foot soldiers of Polio Eradication Initiative, working at the local government areas and ward levels.

He said these individuals are mostly vaccinators, ward focal persons, team supervisors, field volun-

religious leaders among others.

The NNPPC chairman said they were people who were able to make a difference wherever they are and whatever position they hold.

In his remarks, the district governor, Rotary District 9125, Engr Nnoka Mbanefo, noted that many frontline workers have lost their lives fighting for the cause of polio eradication in the country.

He said that the work of Rotarians is very important in the polio eradication efforts.

“The statistics we have this year shows that we have improved, “ Mbanefo added.

Meanwhile, the executive director,

against polio in Nigeria since 1988.

Represented by the incidence manager, Polio Emergency Centre, Dr Usman Adamu, he said Rotary International’s initiative of rewarding frontline workers is in line with NPHCDA’s vision.

Shuaib enjoined the award recipients to see the award as a call to higher duties.

One of the recipients, Asmau Namakka, a polio survivor, called on parents to avail their children of the polio vaccine.

Beaming with smiles, she promised to do more to ensure that no Nigerian child is stricken with the wild poliovirus.

2019: Youths Adopt Ajia As Kwara PDP Guber Candidate

BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin

Kwaran youths in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have adopted a chieftain of the party, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Ajia, as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2019 election in Kwara State.

Rising from a one-day summit in Ilorin, the state capital, the youths under the aegis of Kwara Youth Stakeholders Forum said they resolved to back Ajia after closely studying his credentials

among other contenders in the governorship race.

A communiqué issued at the end of the summit and signed by the forum’s president, Comrade Charles Olufemi Folayan, harped on the need to put youths forward for the governorship seat in the forthcoming general elections.

It said the passage of ‘Not Too Young to Run Bill’ by the National Assembly was instructive and lent credence to the ongoing campaign to provide enabling environment for youths to take their rightful

Communities in Agatu, Guma, Logo and other areas in Benue State that have suffered massive destruc-

tion of homes and properties from attacks of armed herdsmen are to be rebuilt by the federal government.

This followed the acceptance of a presentation, calling for the rebuilding of the devastated communities made by the Benue State governor to the governors’ sub-

BY ABU NMODU, Minna The Forum Of Foundation Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) has lauded the governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello for fulfilling the obligations of retirees even as it called for immediate action to rehabilitate some roads.

The forum in an 11-point communiqué issued at the end of its meeting in Minna , and signed by the chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Katcha, and the secretary, Barr Lakpene Yusuf Bida, drew the attention of the government to some key issues that needed government interventions.

“The Forum commends His Excellency for prompt payments of retirees monthly pensions, and civil servants monthly salaries. Please, keep it up,” the communiqué reads in part.

The forum while expressing its support and loyalty to the party at the national and state levels, noted that APC as the ruling party in the state should ensure that it retains power in 2019 in Niger State as one of the cardinal principles of all members of the party.

Consequently, the forum stated in the communiqué that the Governor of Niger Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello was advised to continue in his effort to listen, respect and to honour the aspirations and concerns of the people of Niger State.

places in governance.

The communiqué urged PDP’s stakeholders to support the aspirations of youths to take charge of the nation’s affairs.

“Having studied closely the credentials of one of the major contenders for the governorship race in the state in line with his antecedents in person of Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Ajia, we hereby unanimously endorse him as KWSG Assures Ilorin the choice youth candidate for the 2019 gubernatorial election,” the Residents Of Regular Water communiqué said.

Supply

BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin

L-R: Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai; Vice Chief of the U.S. Army, James Mcconville and other senior Officers, during a military exercise as part activities of the on-going African Land Forces Summit at the 176 Guard Battalion Barracks in Gwagwalada, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO NAN

Herdsmen/Farmers Clash: FG To Rebuild Benue Devastated Communities

BY ACHOR ABIMAJE, Jos

Niger APC Tasks Gov Bello On Rehabilitation Of Roads

committee on the farmers’ herdsmen clashes set up by the National Economic Council and headed by the vice-president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Benue State acting governor, Engr Benson Abounu disclosed this when a delegation of chiefs from Apa and Agatu local government areas and the two council chairmen led by the Oche Apa ‘Agatu, HRH, Chief Baba Odangla paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Engr Abounu who said the state government would do all it can to

see that the federal government acts as quickly as possible on the rebuilding of the devastated communities disclosed that as requested, the state government is already compiling data on all the destroyed buildings, adding that the preliminary report is at the moment being fine-tuned.

Earlier, Chief Odangla who said they came to identify with the acting governor for his untiring service to the state thanked Governor Samuel Ortom for the infrastructural de-

velopment in the state, particularly in Agatu local government area.

Chief Odangla also thanked the governor for providing succour for victims of the herdsmen attacks on Agatu.

He however complained that several houses destroyed during the attacks are yet to be rebuilt in many communities and appealed to the state government to help in the rehabilitation of the people and the reconstruction of the houses and other infrastructural facilities.

Following the completion of the Ilorin primary water reticulation project, the Kwara State government has assured residents of regular supply of potable water.

The general manager of the State Water Corporation, Alhaji Tunde Yahaya, gave the assurance while conducting journalists round the five water works in the metropolis yesterday.

He noted that the testing of the water reticulation to ensure that water is supplied to homes began over the weekend, adding that before the reticulation, there were two tanks at Tanke and Adewole but has been augmented with two tanks at Oke-Ose and Ogidi areas, which had been tested and are supplying water to parts of the metropolis.

He said that the corporation is giving attention to reported leakages in some parts of the city.

Yahaya added that previously served areas would continue to receive supplies while pipes will be laid to newly developed areas.

He urged residents, who are yet to get water supply in their homes to be patient as water will soon be channeled to their areas.

The PPRO said two members of the gang identified as Ali Mohammed and Isiya Hassan got into police net after sharing the ransom, adding that the sum of N170,000 being part of their share of the ransom was recovered from the suspects.

ASP Abubakar explained that the gang had kidnapped one Umaru Alhaji Manu and collected the ransom before they were nabbed with five locally made pistols and fifteen cartridges.

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Revolution Plus To Add Colours To Lagos City Marathon

New sponsor of the Lagos City International Marathon, Revolution Plus has promised to add more colours to the IAAF bronze-label event.

At a media briefing in Lagos, yesterday, Managing Director, Revolution Plus, Bamidele Onalaja said the real estate and property development outfit is proud to be involved in a big project like the Lagos City Marathon as it reputation continue to soar each year.

The five-year title sponsorship goes for N500m.

“We are proud to be a title sponsor of the Lagos City international Marathon for the next five years starting with the 2019 edition. Sport is very important for human life; if you are involved in sporting activities, you tend to have a healthy and longer life,” he said adding that one of the reasons it is getting involved is that the sponsorship is part of its corporate social responsibility Executive Director, Revolution Plus, Mrs Tolulope Onalaja said though they were approached to be a community sponsor which is N20m yearly, they chose to get involved in a much bigger way as the expectation was surpassed with what was on offer at the last edition held on February 10, 2018.

Lagos City International Marathon Consultant, Bukola Olopade described as the most understanding and seamless sponsorship it has ever had stressing that the enthusiasm shown by Revolution Plus was overwhelming.

Olpade said the coming on board of a real estate as sponsor is good omen pointing that other reputable global marathon like those of Dubai and New York have major sponsors that are from the real estate.

Tombim Open: Emmanuel, Imeh Crash Out Tuesday was a forgetful day for Nigeria at the ongoing Tombim Open Nigeria FI Futures as all the country’s representatives crashed out from the ITF Pro Circuit tournament holding in Abuja.

Wild card entrant, Sunday Audu was the first local to exit as he was beaten by Frenchman Remi Boutillier 6-3, 6-0 in a first round match that lasted approximately an hour.

Michael Michael, also a wild card beneficiary, was overwhelmed by another Frenchman Jaimee Angele 6-2, 6-0 in 57 minutes while Joseph Imeh Ubon, the top ranked player by the Nigeria Tennis Federation, was lost 1-6, 6-4, 3-6 by Stephan Gerritsen of the Netherlands.

Spain-based Sylvester Emmanuel was the last Nigerian in action for the day and he started well by breaking Ronnie Schneider at the start of their match on Centre Court but the sixth-seeded American was unstoppable thereafter and bagged a 6-2, 6-3 victory.

Also through to the second round is Croatian Ivan Sabanov, another wild card player, who came from a brink of defeat, to stun Tom Jomby of France 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-3 in a match that lasted two hours.

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Wednesday April 18, 2018

C’WEALTH GAMES Tikon Lauds Table Tennis Team’s Performance

BY SALIFU USMAN, ABUJA Despite failing to win a single gold medal at the just-concluded Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Queensland, Australia, President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Engineer Ishaku Tikon has lauded his players’ performance at the Games. The five-man table tennis squad won silver medals out of the 24 medals won by Team Nigeria at the Gold Coast Games.

Team Nigeria opened her account for medals at the quadrennial championship with a silver medal in Table Tennis Team Event when the trio of Segun Toriola, Bode Abiodun, and Olajide Omotayo combined well to take Nigeria to the podium behind Team India who snatched the Gold. Nigeria also won her last medal at the Games in Table Tennis courtesy of tennis Aruna Quadri exploits in the men’s single event.

Nigerian sensation loss the men’s single gold to Gao Ning of Singapore despite come from 2-0 down against the experienced Singaporean. Quadri succumbed to the two–time silver medalist with a 4-2 loss to settle for silver medal.

Speaking in Abuja, yesterday, the NTTF boss said despite challenges that affected his team’s performance at the Games, they were able to achieve their pre-tournament medal target.

He said the fact that the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development reduced the number of his athletes from nine to four was enough prove that he faced financial hurdles. “ In fact, it was because of the financial challenge that my request of nine athletes was pruned down to four. It affected us seriously because I am sure that if the female team had gone there they would have added to the medals we got.

“We are proud of the successes we recorded at the Gold Coast, Australia. For a long time now, Nigeria Table Tennis never recorded this feat in such Games.

“We went fully prepared and met our medal expectations, winning three silver medals. The pre-tournament preparation in Nigeria was not easy. It was also difficult getting our foreign based players to come over to Gold Coast.

“We had to go with our male team based on recommendations and medal prospects at the Games.

From the beginning, we requested for nine athletes, five for male team and four for female team. But along the line, perhaps because of the cost implications, The Ministry had to look back at our past record in Glasgow where we went with about nine athletes, participated in seven events and came back with just a medal.

“The ministry insisted that it was the

basis at which our slots must be reduced from nine to four but when I made personal appeal to the permanent secretary we include one more slot to increase to five,” Tikon explained.

He also blamed jet lag and ill-heath for the team inability to win gold at the Games.

SWAN, Dalung Differ On Team Nigeria’s Feat At Gold Coast

BY WALE AYENI, ABUJA

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Abuja, yesterday, said Team Nigeria’s performance at the just concluded XXI Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast could have yielded better results if the right things had been done.

Dalung

The association, after a review of Nigeria’s performance in Gold Coast and in comparison with earlier appearances, faulted the position of the Minister of Youths and Sports that the Gold Coast appearance was the best in history. ``It is unbelievable that the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, could contend that our performance in Gold Coast which brought a total of 24 medals from 10 sports was better than that of Glasgow in 2014 where the country recorded 36 medals, comprising 11 gold, 11 silver and 14 bronze medals from seven sports. ``Also, given the resources that were put into our participation at the Gold Coast Games, as well as the benefit of learning from the mistakes of the past, we should have done better than ever,’’ SWAN said in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Olawale Alabi.

The association said it was its belief that the Minister must have acted from an ``ill-informed position’’.

SWAN, going further, said Dalung

by now should have been aware of the fact that sports in view of its sensitive nature to Nigerians and the role it plays in uniting the country does not deserve utterances and conduct which sway towards politicising the sector.

The body expressed wonder at the fact that Dalung was expecting success from a situation where the athletes were not well-prepared, advising that adequate preparations should always be the focus before subsequent international competitions. ``If not for the intervention of Nigeria’s foreign-based athletes who had better training opportunities and facilities, we might not have won any medal,’’ he said.

SWAN then urged the federal government to stop paying lip-service to sports development and called on the National Assembly to step up its oversight function in the sector, while cautioning administrators against actions that could further worsen the alreadybattered sports sector.

“We did not get to Gold Coast at the same time. Two of our athletes arrived even on the eve of our event.

It was the same thing for Segun Toriola and Aruna Quadri who joined even when we have gotten to the quarterfinal.

By the time Quadri arrived the venue from his base, he was already exhausted because of the activities at the Portuguese league. We had to excuse him because of jet-lag and illhealth,” he stated.

Speaking further, the NTTF boss added that he has no regret opting for the male team, saying he took decision based on past experiences.

“Our team did the country proud.

I have no regret opting for the male team based on past experiences. I took a very painful decision and I apologised to the female team.

“I want to commend the Minister of Sports for supporting the event. He was there in most of the events to encourage the players. The ministry did something that has not been done in this country by rewarding the players. The minister made promise that winners from silver to gold medal will be given a token and he fulfilled it. The action really encouraged our players to do what you saw them did,” he said.

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Wednesday Column Ray Morphy

M

ultiple taxation, o v e r taxation, punitive taxation, criminal taxation and even devilish taxation!

These and many others are the tools with which virtually all state governments are clubbing small businesses to death!

And I speak from experience. I own and operate a couple of small businesses in a couple of states and I tell you, I am tired. There is no week that we do not receive one notice or the other of unjustified tax.

It was Cross River State, my own state that came up with cooking tax. They imposed a flat rate tax on every commercial cooking operation from ‘Mama Put’ to the early morning ‘akara’ seller. That scam sought to tax the indomie maker as well as the cooked ‘okpa’

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seller. It was called the “carbon emission tax!”

Only an uproar from the people of the state got the governor of that state to stand it down.

This is on top of “green tax”, piss tax and other laughable taxations that seem to have been generated by a hack writer in Nollywood! It may interest you to know that all these taxations are usually contracted out to thugs and other sundry felons who use their collection drives as an excuse to rob and intimidate businesses.

As at the last count, more than half of all businesses that were in operation in Cross River State in 2014 have closed down by the end of 2017, yet no one in government seems to understand that multiple taxation works against revenue generation. It indeed reduces revenue accruing to a state because, it discourages and causes the shutdown

Fowler

of businesses with the multiplying effect of staff layoffs!

The simple fact is that all state governments in Nigeria are unfriendly to business and to businessmen because most of the governors have never been businessmen in the true sense of the word. Surely, some were contractors, some were professionals but none was a businessman of the sort who built their businesses purely through trade or manufacturing! This is the main reason why most of them have no idea of the fact that their taxation policies are actually leading to a net reduction in their internally generated revenue. I do have business activity in

Plateau State and our experience there in the recent past is best described as a horror.

All manner of people walk into our premises with all kind of letters demanding all kinds of fees. For instance, we handle our refuse ourselves yet, someone brought us a bill to pay for refuse disposal. We have never seen a refuse service but someone simply thinks that it is his or her right to extort that money from us. This is at a time when most businesses are struggling to stay afloat and pay wages! Indeed, many of us would have shut down our businesses if it was a matter of profit, that one disappeared long ago with the advent of Boko Haram activities

and other sundry disturbances there.

Despite the direct losses some of us face by these calamities, nobody thinks about our business losses, but every time a state government thinks about money, it thinks about the little cash flow of small business! Can they go and borrow a leaf from the business growth policies of countries as near as Ghana or Botswana!

Can they simply realise that businessmen need a respite from vampire policies of state governments who give us nothing, who provide no incentives, yet they daily kill our honest and genuine efforts with taxation policies that virtually criminalise our operations. Interestingly, businesses of no fixed addresses are never taxed, they are never even seen to be taxed, but those of us who have physical addresses and physical investments get harassed every day by people who think that the size of our businesses automatically translate to the size of profit.

The other day, we receive visitors asking for the income tax returns of our staff. We reminded them that there is a by-law on minimum taxable income, they didn’t want to hear that.

All they wanted was to collect tax from people whose incomes fall within the lower limit allowed! They seem to forget the laws under which they themselves ought to operate. Simply

put, state governments should set up policies that promote businesses rather than policies than kill businesses and raise the already high unemployment levels! In this regard, I commend the Ebonyi State government that even gave grants to some categories of businesses including schools to enable them grow their operations and employ more indigenes of the state, that is what it means to be business and growth friendly. Other states should emulate that too. Those of us in one legitimate business or the other should be encouraged to stay in business because of the services we render and the many other benefits to society. A situation where civil servants and thugs are unleashed on businesses in the name of taxation is undemocratic and negative to the economic and investment potentials of any state.

Aluta Continua

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