Thursday, august 25, 2016 binder1

Forex sanctions: Bank CEOs meet in Lagos today lCBN readmits UBA to FX market lBanks speak on penalty, NNPC funds lNaira hits 402 per dollar Tony Chukwunyem

T

he Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of banks will today

meet in Lagos over sanctions imposed on nine lenders for failing to remit

money owed to the Federal Government, New Telegraph has learnt.

Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will not be part of the meeting.

This is contrary to reports that the bank CEOs met officials of the apex

NPA seeks CBN’s intervention to recover N13.6bn from banks }3

bank yesterday over sanctions imposed on nine lenders.

A source familiar with CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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Sanusi: Buhari’ll end up like Jonathan if...

Buhari

Ayokunle

Adeosun

Kanu

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‘

If this government continues to behave like the last government behaved, we will end up where Jonathan ended.

You may not like it. But that is the truth. You have to listen

‘

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THURSday, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sanusi: Buhari’ll end up like Jonathan if…

Muhammad Kabir KANO

T

he Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sunusi II, yesterday, warned President Muhammadu Buhari against making the same mistakes of the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking at the 15th Joint Planning Board (JPB) and National Council on Development Planning organised by the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning in collaboration with Kano State Government entitled ‘Nigeria: The Search for a New Growth Model’, Sanusi insisted that Nigeria has to retrace its step in terms of economic policies.

Sanusi said: "If you get on repeating same mistakes, you will only end up like Jonathan government’s mistakes of not taking advices on economy as well as refusing to invest money generated in the nation.

"We will not continue to blame past governments.

Right now, mistakes are being made on hourly basis and we should retrace our steps to drawing board and see how we will make progress."

Emir Sanusi was worried that things are not right even now. His words: “If this government continues to behave like the last government behaved, we will end up where Jonathan ended. You may not like it. But that is the truth.

You have to listen.

“You don’t need to be an economist to know that any system that allows you to sit in your garden, with a telephone call and make N1 billion without investing a kobo is wrong. It is unsustainable.”

He said today Nigeria was witnessing so many voodoo economists parading around and many of them are not economists; they are just demagogues.

“The first thing I want to say is that there are many voodoo economists parading around and many of them are not economists.

They are demagogues.

They tell poor people that anybody that wants you to devalue wants you to pay more,” he said.

He argued that urgent steps should be taken to make things right because “as a nation, things are not going smoothly.”

The monarch said that urgent steps should also be taken to correct mistakes made by previous govern-

23

The life expectancy of women at age 60 years of Brazil in 2012.

Source: Un.org

ments on the economic viability of Nigeria.

He said that if not done, it would have devastating effect on the country in the long run.

He said: "In 2010, when I was Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the government increased minimum wage to N18,000.

I protested, but they went ahead and borrowed money to pay. In 2012, as Governor of CBN, I said that this is an unsustainable wage bill. We need to reduce the size of public service, which fell onto deaf ears.

"I believe we have started retracing our steps and we have to retrace our steps. If a policy is wrong, it is wrong and it has to be changed."

Jonathan, who became Vice-President to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007, acting president in 2010 and President of Nigeria, from 2011 to 2015 was overwhelmingly voted out by Nigerians following allegations of massive corruption, wrongheaded economic policies and the inability to contain the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

In his place, Nigerians voted for Buhari, who promised to fix the ills of the 16 years of ‘bad governance’ of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Buhari came in on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He has since tackled Boko Haram head-on in a war many believe his government has almost won.

But the economy has been bleeding under the Buhari administration.

Analysts attribute the poor state of the economy to three things, namely – the declining prices of oil, the major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria; the policy of the Single Treasury Account (TSA), which has left revenue of the government domiciled in one account and the reluctance of the CBN to devalue the naira early enough in the face of the sliding oil prices.

The apex bank recently announced the flexible exchange regime, which “even investors are still viewing with skepticism.”

During Jonathan’s regime, Sanusi, who was the CBN governor, had open running battles with the government, which led to his eventual removal. He had particularly blown the lead on massive corruption in the petroleum industry, with emphasis on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and some unremitted funds. He was also concerned that the

56.51%

The percentage of international football players in Italy in 2011-2012 season.

Source: Football-observatory.com

government was not saving enough.

The monarch, who reiterated his support for subsidy removal, said few people were using it for their own selfish ends.

He also supported the devaluation of the naira because the manufacturers, who used to benefit from it, ended up recycling their wares with the profits going to their personal pockets at the expense of Nigerians.

Sanusi further advised the Federal Government to copy from Lagos State

in terms of formulating policies that can boost trade, business and attract investors, adding that the Lagos example can bail the country from its current economic woes.

He decried over-dependence on oil, pointing out that more investment in agriculture, power sector, manufacturing and infrastructural development and attractive incentive to investors would enhance the growth of the nation's economy According to him, "I just saw that we are always

blaming the past administration. But we have also made mistakes in this administration.

“There is nothing that we are facing today that we did not know it will happen. Nothing. We made mistakes, many of them deliberate. We ignored simple economics warning. Yes, this is not a perfect time.

Over and over, there are certain things that you do that you get certain consequences.

“If you take a brand new car and give a driver who does not have a license to

drive it and he has an accident; you can’t really say it is a surprise except for some idiots.

“You can’t just be borrowing money to pay salaries and not building roads, and improving power to boost the economy.

"We are spending 30 to 40 per cent of every naira we earn servicing debt.

The new borrowings were simply recycled into much higher recurrent expenditure. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was growing largely due to consumers’ items.”

Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, with Chairman, UBA Plc. and Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, during Elumelu's visit to Lalong in Jos… on Tuesday.

FEC approves fiscal strategy plan …pegs 2017 budget oil price at $42.50per barrel

Anule Emmanuel Abuja

T

he Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a new Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (SFP) spanning from 2017 to 2019.

The approval of the fiscal strategy paper signals the commencement of the process for the preparation of the 2017 appropriation bill.

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, disclosed this yesterday while briefing State House Correspondents on the outcome of FEC meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Udoma said under the new projection for the years ahead, crude oil benchmark price for 2017 has been pegged at $42.50, while government is projecting $45 and $50 as reference prices in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

According to Udoma, who was joined in the briefing by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, and the Special Adviser

on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina, Federal Government plans to maintain a zero-based budgetary approach throughout the three-year period.

He said government intends to devote more resources going forward to critical infrastructural projects with heavy spending on roads, rails, transport, ports development, security and good governance.

The minister explained that: "We intend to use $42.50 as a reference price in 2017. We are projecting $45 in 2018 and $50 in 2019.

"So we are keeping to the very conservative in terms of the reference price of crude oil even though we are expecting it to go higher than this, but we are keeping to an extremely conservative price scenario.

"In terms of oil production, we are keeping to the same level of this year for 2017 and that is 2.2 million barrels per day. For 2018, 2.3 million barrels per day; for 2019, 2.4 million barrels per day," he added.

The minister noted that the Federal Government is targeting a growth rate of three per cent in 2017, 4.26 per cent in 2018 and 4.04 per cent in 2019.

"The reason 2019 is slightly lower than 2018 is because that is an election year and because of the uncertainties that usually charasterised an election year, we have also made provision for that," Udoma stressed.

As captured in the MTEF, the Federal Government, in the 2017-2019 plans, targets to intensify efforts in pursue of a manpower-driven economy.

The plan is also to intensify efforts at diversifying the economy while implementing ongoing reforms in public finance, enhancing the environment for ease of business in order to generate private sector and private investment.

"We intend to continue to pursue gender sensitive, pro-poor and inclusive social intervention schemes similar to what we did in 2016, our social intervention programme is going to be sustained," Udoma noted.

Also speaking, the Minister of Trade and Investment said that council also approved the ratification of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade facilitation agreement.

According to Enelamah, "this is an agree-

ment that was approved by all the members of WTO in the ministerial conference that was held in 2013.

"What that agreement seeks to do is basically to lower the cost of trade generally for everybody.

"There was a clear understanding that everybody benefits from lowering the cost of doing trade, it is particularly beneficial to developing countries that want to be able to access the international market," he said.

He added that: "Nigeria was one of the countries that approved the agreement then and we have been going through the process to ratify the agreement so that it will come into effect. The idea is that the agreement will come into effect when it is ratified by two-thirds of all the countries that approved it originally; we think that will happen sometimes this year.

"Given the importance of trade to Nigeria and our standing, we believe that is appropriate that we not only ratify the agreement, but also that we champion the cause of lowering the cost of doing business that the agreement seeks to achieve," the minister noted.

NEWS

THURSday, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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NPA seeks CBN’s intervention to recover N13.6bn from banks

Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

T

he Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has sought the intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on ways to recover the authority’s N13.595 billion trapped in some commercial banks.

New Telegraph exclusively gathered that the Managing Director of NPA, Hajiya Hadiza Bala

Usman, along with the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mohammed Bello-Koko, met with the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, last week Tuesday in Abuja to explore the easiest means of retrieving the funds.

Sources privy to the meeting said that the NPA managing director briefed the governor on the challenges facing the authority following the trapped funds in some banks.

Although the managing

directors of the affected banks were said to have sent letters to the apex bank about the trapped funds, Tuesday's meeting was, however, convened to seek the apex bank’s intervention in facilitating the recovery of the funds.

The source said: "The NPA management, led by its MD, met in Abuja with Emefiele, during which Usman briefed the CBN governor on challenges facing the authority following the trapped funds. The bank

promised to step in and work with parties involved towards paying the money in a manner that will not cause threat to the health of the banks.

"It is not that the banks cannot pay. The banks offered to pay in three instalments, an arrangement the NPA is not comfortable with. The argument of the management is that the Treasury Single Account (TSA) is a government policy that directed banks to move all government agen-

L-R: (Standing): Minister of State for Solid Minerals Development, Abubakar Bawa Bwari; Senior Special Assistant to the President (Domestic), Sarki Abba; National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno.

(Sitting): Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja… yesterday.

Forex sanctions: Bank CEOs meet in Lagos today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the issue told New Telegraph last night that the meeting, which will take place at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN’s) office in Lagos today, would also have bank treasurers in attendance.

The apex bank suspended two Tier 1 banks and 7 Tier 2 lenders last Tuesday for not remitting government dollars from the national treasury, following the crisis in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market where the CBN is said to be holding over $3 billion Letters of Credit from the lenders.

The banking watchdog alleged that the banks had failed to remit $2.1 billion, which was the government's share of dividends from the state-owned gas company, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG). The banks had earlier, at a meeting with the CBN last March, worked out a monthly remittance, which they had been complying with until last June when the dollar started drying up at the forex market, making them unable to honour their obligations with the apex bank.

Last year, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a full implementation of the TSA, directing all Ministries, Departments and Agencies’ (MDAs) accounts merged into that single account in a bid to reduce corruption.

The CBN tightened re-

strictions on the flow of dollars to domestic lenders in March, forcing the banks to delay hard-currency loan and trade repayments and increasing their risk of default.

The apex bank has readmitted UBA into the forex market. The bank made the disclosure yesterday. “We are pleased to inform our valued customers, stakeholders and business partners as well as the general public that the CBN has re-admitted us into the Foreign Exchange Market following our remittance of all NNPC/NLNG dollar deposits.

“UBA wishes to thank you all for your continued support and patronage,” Charles Aigbe, the Divisional Head, Marketing and Corporate Relations, stated in a statement.

However, most of the nine banks have denied that they withheld any government funds.

In its reaction, Keystone Bank Limited said, “We wish to assure you that Keystone has always made full disclosure of outstanding TSA Funds and had, at various times, diligently engaged the CBN and relevant stakeholders for resolutions to enable the bank fulfill the TSA obligations in the face of challenging market conditions.”

Keystone Bank, in a statement signed by the management, said it had engaged in efforts that were geared towards very

timely resolution.

“We wish to assure you that Keystone has always made full disclosure of outstanding TSA Funds and had, at various times, diligently engaged the CBN and relevant stakeholders for resolutions to enable the bank fulfill the TSA obligations in the face of challenging market conditions,” Keystone Bank stated.

It said the bank understood the importance of sourcing foreign exchange for its customers’ needs to support economic growth.

The bank said that the development did not adversely affect customers' existing transactions with it except that there would be constraints in establishing new letters of credit until the issue was resolved.

Also, Sterling Bank denied media reports of concealed funds belonging to any government agency with the bank.

According to the statement, “The Bank unequivocally rejects the suggestion that it failed or neglected to disclose at any time, any sum held on behalf of its clients to the regulatory authorities as such balances were fully captured in the relevant regulatory returns.

“In actual fact, the bank affirms that it went beyond this basic requirement of disclosure and reporting to holding several meetings with the parties involved.”

It, however, stressed that

it was working with the said client and the banking regulator to resolve the situation in the shortest possible time.

Heritage Bank said that the CBN's announcement of temporary suspension was a systemic challenge to the banking industry that cut across most banks.

It said that the bank would continue to treat forex transfer, remittance from domiciliary accounts, establishment of non-valid for FX form Ms and establishment of Letter of Credit (LoC) on the bank's offshore lines.

Similarly, another lender, First Bank, in a statement, said that the referenced NNPC dollar accounts were fully disclosed to the CBN. It said that accounts were being operated in line with the regulatory requirements.

The bank also said that tripartite documented discussions had been ongoing between the CBN, NNPC and the bank on the need for domestic retention of those balances.

It said that was as part of measures to ameliorate challenges posed by the lack of FX availability, and customers’ inability to source FX to fund their trade finance obligations to the bank.

The bank reassured its stakeholders that the issue was not a function of concealment or willful nonCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

cies’ deposits to the CBN, while the banks chose to hold on to the funds in their vaults.”

On assumption of duty last month, the Usman-led management discovered that about N13.595 billion belonging to NPA was trapped in three commercial banks.

About $24.1 million (N9.399 billion at N390 to a dollar) of the sum was lodged with a new generation bank.

Nothing about the trapped funds was mentioned in the handover report given to the Usman-led management.

Another trapped 6 million (N2.09 billion) is also in some banks.

The last tranche of $5.4 million (N2.106 billion) is in NPA’s TSA at CBN, although some top officials of NPA had feigned ignorance of its existence.

These discoveries were unearthed by the new NPA management as part of its ongoing reform at the organisation.

The new team, which assumed duties on July 18, also discovered that NPA had been losing about $38 million (N14.820 billion).

According to investigation, the NPA management has opened up discussions with the affected banks.

Meanwhile, the NPA boss has lauded the implementation of TSA across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government, describing it as the best policy that ensures openness in the affairs of MDAs. Hadiza said TSA implementation came at the

right time, saying that her agency was in total support of it.

She spoke to New Telegraph in Abuja on the sideline of a sensitisation workshop on Medium Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) organised by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning for permanent secretaries and chief executives of government agencies on Monday.

"TSA is a very good policy, it is important to put all our revenues in one single account. And for us at NPA, we will ensure full compliance," she noted.

On what she considered the authority's immediate challenges since she took over, the NPA boss said it would be premature to point at challenges, considering she was still on tour of port formations.

She said: "I am sure you have been following my visit to ports. I have just visited Calabar and some other places where I made some policy statements during my visit."

She also disclosed that the agency was not in a hurry to downsize, but would rather beef up its manpower by hiring more qualified hands in no distant time.

19

The life expectancy of men at age 60 years of Barbados in 2012.

Source: Un.org

3

The total number of goals conceded

by Italy at Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

TCN restores critical facilities to boost electricity transmission

T

he Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored some critical facilities designed to effectively transmit electricity to distribution companies in the country.

The Managing Director of TCN, Mr. Abubakar Atiku, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said that the restoration of the equipment was part to fast track delivery of efficient and cost effective power to Nigerians.

Atiku said that some of the equipment included the 75 MX reactor in Lokoja, Kogi State, and the 60 MVA transformer at Okene which was down for three months.

He also listed the restoration of the second 330KV line from Shiroro to Katampe in Abuja which was also down for more than two months.

“The 60 MVA Transformer was restored back

at Owerri transmission station after one month of outage and a newly installed 60 MVA transformer at Okene transmission station,” he said.

He said that two additional 60 MVA transformers were also commissioned at Akangba transmission station in Lagos.

The Managing Director said that the transmission stations in the country have been stable.

He said that it was on record that when the new management took over, more than 20 major equipment comprising transformers, reactors and transmission lines were out of service.

On the company's 2016 budget, Atiku said that N30 billion was approved, and already N9 billion had been released for its services.

He said the company would execute 22 critical projects in the 2016, to boost power transmission in the country.

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NEWS

THURSday, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FG tracks offshore investments to boost revenue …retrieves $1m dividend from Swiss tobacco firm

Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

F

aced with huge revenue gap, the Federal Government has begun tracking offshore investments to recoup its unclaimed dividends.

To this end, the Accountant-General of Federation (AGF), Alhaji Ahmed Idris, whose office oversees the investments, met with officials of Caribbean Development Bank to wrap up plans for retrieving dividends due to Nigerian government in foreign investments.

For instance, it has just been discovered that Federal Government’s investment in Switzerland Sugar Company is yielding an annual dividend

in excess of $1 million for Nigeria, a dividend that was not followed up by past administration.

The AGF gave insight into some of Nigeria's offshore investments, including local ones that are currently being reviewed to augment government's dwindling revenue.

He spoke at the weekend in Abuja with the media at an interactive session chaired by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

He said: "The Office of Accountant General of Federation has a department known as Revenue and Investment Department. The department is also responsible for monitoring Federal Government's investments and we have noted some list

of investments, especially those outside the country that are revenue yielding investments.

“We put ourselves to task of tracking those investments abroad by attending their meetings, especially those companies Nigeria has substantial stake and follow-up on dividends. There is a company in Switzerland – Switzsugar Company, which gives Nigeria over $1 million in dividend annually. It is a huge dividend and a couple of other foreign firms that Nigeria invested in."

Ahmed said the department was working assiduously to engage those companies outside Nigeria and those within the country through the Ministry of Finance In-

corporation (MOFI).

"We are also looking at those government investments whose disposals were not properly done.

We are looking at it to come up with a position and resolution on some of these investments within and outside the country.

All these are meant to beef up our revenue generation and enhance the potential of meeting 2016 revenue targets," he said.

This comes as government is said to be considering a review of its tariffs with a view to making them contribute maximally to the revenue pool.

The recent Kano retreat organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance which examined five revenue potential open to the government was said to

Buhari seeks law to facilitate recovery of looted funds abroad Foluso Ogunmodede

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said his administration has begun a process that would facilitate the recovery of looted funds in foreign countries as a bill on mutual legal assistance had been forwarded to the National Assembly.

The bill, Buhari said, became inevitable, as there were no enabling laws in place that would tackle a series of legal challenges, which had tied down the looted funds in foreign countries.

He said although his government was already tackling the legal challenges, the bill would, no doubt, facilitate the recovery process if passed into law.

The president, who was represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Malam Abubakar Malami (SAN), spoke yesterday at the ongoing 56th biennial conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt.

Malami’s address was entitled, ‘The Role of Law in Advancing the Change Agenda’.

According to him, the Federal Government was addressing the legal challenges, which had tied down the looted funds in foreign countries as the current law in the country did not provide the procedure for the recovery of looted funds.

He said: “The executive has submitted a bill to the National Assembly on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

“The Federal Government is fighting corruption within the ambits of the law. The fight against corruption requires the support of all Nigerians.

“The judiciary must ensure transparent use of its powers in the adjudication of cases brought before it.

“We are fighting corruption, providing security for the masses and the commitment to improve the economy.”

Buhari said tackling corruption was key to the nation’s prosperity and the Federal Government was fighting it within the ambits of the law as corruption had, no doubt, undermined the fight against terrorism, insisting that the war was aimed at preventing it, prosecuting offenders, recovery of looted funds and encouraging collaboration amongst states and non-state institutions.

This, he said the country had signed all major instruments to counter terrorism so as to fast-

track the recovery process even just as he bemoaned conflicting judgements being churned out of the courts. “Multiplicity of judgements brought by

the same parties at different courts did not encourage the people as lawyers stand to benefit more from the instruments of change and the rule of law.”

have made profound recommendations on how best to drive revenue into government coffers.

A former Acting AGF and Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance, Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, confirmed some of the recommendations of the Kano retreat.

He said: "N100 billion was being generated out of N160 billion target, so that retreat was essentially to look at how we can overcome the shortfall and enhance revenue generation. We made some recommendations.

"One, if you look at the tariffs and the cars coming to the country, they normally go through Cotonou border. About 90 per cent of those cars come in through that border and just 10 per cent through Nigeria. They charge 10 per cent while we charge 30 per cent. We now recommend that, to avoid losing revenue, why don't we also review our tariffs?

“We are working hand in hand with the Customs to see that tariffs are re-

viewed to affordable level to avoid a situation of revenue leakage. The other recommendation we proposed at Kano retreat is the creation of single window to cater for all goods that go out of the country because we realise that a lot of revenue is being lost in this area. We estimated that about N500 billion has been lost in the last one year, which we believe if we put single window in place, with other stakeholders involved, we will realise the revenue.

“We also thought about the issue of rate. We said there is urgent need to review some of the rates, which have become too obsolete. For goods to move from one place to another point, they charge between N50 and N100 and these rates are not commensurate to the goods, so the rates should be reviewed. The minister has inaugurated a committee to overhaul the rates and this will boost sources of revenue for Federal Government. We also look at other areas we are having leakage and wastes.”

United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry (right), with the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Girls: Rukayat Inusa, Fatimah Owolabi and Jamilat Yahaya, during a meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja … yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Forex sanctions: Bank CEOs meet in Lagos today compliance by the bank.

“We are confident in our ability to meet and honour all our obligations as and when due and are currently in talks with the CBN and other relevant bodies and are positive of an amicable resolution soonest," said the bank.

Also, Fidelity Bank said it had repaid over $288 million of those funds in line with the advised repayment schedule.

0.016%

The capital importation percentage share of Agriculture of Nigeria in 2009.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

30.7%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in developing countries in 2013.

Source: Itu.int

“We will like to clarify that these deposits were duly reported to the CBN

by Fidelity Bank in line with the extant TSA requirements contrary to the erroneous view in certain media reports that the funds were concealed from the regulators.

“At the commencement of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in 2015, Fidelity bank advised NNPC and the regulators with a schedule of repayment for the NNPC/NLNG dividend dollar deposits. “…Although the market condition remains quite challenging, we will continue to honour our obligations and operate with the highest level of corporate governance,” the bank said.

The bank said in the interim that it was engag-

ing with the other eight banks involved, stakeholders and the regulators to resolve the issue quickly and ensure its return to the FX market.

In its reaction, FCMB said it was working with the apex bank to resolve the issue, which was function of illiquidity in the currency markets and the weak economy rather than willful non-compliance.

Financial analysts have expressed concern that the CBN’s action could create panic in the industry, scaring investors and leading to a run on banks.

The CBN had, on Tuesday, barred the banks from the foreign exchange market.

The banks were the United Bank for Africa (UBA), $530 million and

First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), $469 million.

Others are Diamond Bank Plc., $287 million; Sterling Bank Plc, $269 million; Sky Bank Plc., $221 million; Fidelity Bank $209 million; Keystone Bank, $139 million; FCMB, $125 million and Heritage Bank, $85 million.

Meanwhile, investors yesterday dumped bank shares, while traders said the naira sank to a record low of N402 per dollar on the parallel market.

The Nigerian currency exchanged at about N400 on yesterday afternoon, from N397 it closed on Tuesday; while it traded against the Pound Sterling and the Euro at N515 and N450 respectively.

At the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment of the market, the naira

traded at N397, N513 and N443 against the dollar, Pound Sterling and the Euro respectively.

At the interbank segment of the market, the naira appreciated against the dollar as it closed at N315.93 from N335.25 posted on Tuesday.

Traders at the market said that the ban of nine banks from the sale of Forex by the CBN was already deepening the scarcity of Forex at the market.

A financial expert, Mr. Harrison Owoh, expressed the hope that the situation would improve as the CBN was handling the matter with all the seriousness it deserved.

Owoh explained that the news of the ban of nine banks from Forex sales had stifled the flow of Forex at the market.

THURSday, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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NEWS | national

Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

T

he Chairman of the North West Zone of the Christian Association (CAN), Bishop David Bakare has accused the Federal Government of not taking concrete steps to stem the tide of violent attack on Christians in the north.

Meanwhile, the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has condemned both the alleged blasphemy that occurred in Talatan Mafara town in Zamfara State and the killing of eight people that followed.

JNI, which made this known in a statement, signed by its SecretaryGeneral, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu and made available to newsmen yesterday, said that there were some people who were bent on causing crisis in the country, using blasphemy as a cover.

Addressing a news conference in Kaduna yesterday, Bakare said

Blasphemy: CAN accuses FG of not protecting Christians the killings of Christians in the north in the name of religion was unacceptable, stressing that government had a duty to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The Bishop, who condemned the recent killing of eight Christians in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, for alleged blasphemy, warned that government must go beyond the usual rhetoric of condemnation.

According to him, Northern Nigeria has become a killing field in recent times, where Christians were murdered without restraint and governments at all levels were doing nothing about it.

“This is unacceptable.

This cannot be the Nigeria we long to see. These ugly incidences are getting worse by the day.

“The unfortunate thing

is that, up ill now, nothing has been done beyond public condemnation of these acts of brutalities.

There must be actions that ought to be taken by government to convince us that they are on top of the situation”, Bakare said.

Going down memory lane, Bakare said “in Kano, a Deeper Life church pastor's wife was accused of blasphemy and killed, only for everyone to hear later that she never uttered any word of blasphemy against Islam or Mohammed.

“During Ramadan, a young man was attacked

by Moslems and severely wounded in Kaduna be-

9

The total number of goals conceded by Australia at Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

cause he was found eating during fasting.

“There is the well publicised hacking to death of a Redeemed pastor's wife in Kubwa, Abuja, an ECWA pastor who was murdered in Nasarawa State, just last Friday, a Redeemed pastor was shot in his farm by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

“Few days ago in Zamfara State, a boy was accused of blasphemy and attacked. The incident led to the killing and burning of eight Christians in the state,” Bakare narrated.

The Bishop further alleged that early in the year, “the Zamfara State government pulled down several Christian places of worship, including an Anglican auditorium, a Catholic building and an NYSC Secretariat chapel among others”.

L-R: Vice Chairman, House Committee on Banking and Currency, Salisu Zakari Ningi; Chairman, Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria (CBAN), Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun; Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Rafiu Ibrahim, and Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Financial Institute, Umaru Kurfi, during the CBAN 3rd National Credit reporting conference in Lagos…yesterday.

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Mojeed Alabi

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or the second time in less than two weeks, the meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), over issues of impending strike threatened by the union, has once again been deadlocked.

This is even as the two parties have concluded plans to hold another peace parley next Wednesday, after which the union is billed to hold its National Executive Council meeting to deliberate on the agreements reached at the proposed meeting.

In an exclusive interview with the National President of the union, Mr. Usman Dutse, he explained that appreciable steps were taken towards resolving the contradic-

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quadrupled since 1980 to 422 million adults, with most living in developing countries and 3.7 million deaths are also attributed to the disease each year.

For those with type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes and drugs may initially help lower blood sugar levels, but if the disease progresses, some patients also have to inject themselves with insulin.

The daily injections can be invasive - but now, scientists believe they may have discovered a less painful way of administering the hormone.

The mailonline reported that the scientists are developing a new way of delivering the medicine orally using tiny vesicles that can deliver insulin where it needs to go, without an injection.

These new vesicles are made of naturally occurring lipid molecules, which are normal building blocks of fats.

Reacting to the development, the lead author,

Professor Mary McCourt, of Niagara University in New York State, United States (U.S), said: “We have developed a new technology called a Cholestosome, which is a neutral, lipidbased particle that is capable of doing some very interesting things.”

According to her, the biggest hurdle to delivering insulin orally is ushering it through the stomach intact.

Proteins such as insulin are no match for the highly acidic environment of the stomach.

They degrade before they get a chance to move into the intestines and the bloodstream - where they are needed to lower blood glucose levels.

One approach to overcoming the problem is to package insulin inside a protective coating to shield the protein from stomach acids. This is currently being tested in clinical trials and researchers are due to present their findings at the national meeting of the American Chemical Soci-

ety in Philadelphia soon.

Reports state that although, another company developed and marketed inhalable insulin, despite positive reviews from some patients, it did not take off.

Professor McCourt's team has developed a new approach.

Using the patented Cholestosomes developed in the laboratory, the researchers have successfully encapsulated insulin in a coating made of fat, which protects it so it can get through the digestive system into the bloodstream.

The new vesicles are made of naturally occurring lipid molecules, which are normal building blocks of fats. “They are unlike other lipid-based drug carriers, called liposomes,” researchers said.

The vesicles pass through the intestines, into the bloodstream, and then cells take them in and break them apart, releasing insulin.

tions, adding that the option to embark on strike may eventually be jettisoned if the government lived by its promises.

According to Dutse, one of the conditions remains the release of the reports of probe panels into seven universities and three polytechnics.

He said that the Federal Government has promised to release the white papers this week on the reports earlier submitted by the 10 ad-hoc panels.

Dutse said; “We want to strongly believe that government will be sincere this time and implement all the decisions reached so far at the meeting. The neglect being suffered by the polytechnics is already negatively impacting on our economy and until we go back to the drawing board, the contradictions may not be addressed.”

FG invites 2000 Immigration recruits for screening Abuja

Insulin pill to spare diabetics of daily injections n insulin pill that would save millions of diabetic people from administering daily injections is now closer to reality.

There are two types of the disease, which is caused by high levels of sugar circulating in the blood, causing organ damage which can be fatal.

Type 1 is an autoimmune disorder normally diagnosed in childhood, while type 2 normally diagnosed later in life - and largely associated with being overweight and inactive. People with type 1 diabetes typically make none of their own insulin and therefore, require insulin injections for survival, hence inject themselves with insulin daily.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that the number of people living with diabetes worldwide has almost

Strike: FG, ASUP meeting ends in deadlock

Emmanuel Onani

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Appolonia Adeyemi and Eleazar Nwanti

thursday, august 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

he Federal Government has advised 2000 immigration recruits, to attend a fresh screening scheduled for next week, or bid goodbye to their chances of recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

It would be recalled that the 2000 recruits, had staged protests in Abuja, against Federal Government's decision to subject them to a fresh screening exercise.

They contended that there would be no need for another screening exercise since, in their own argument, they had allegedly passed through all processes leading to their recruitment into the service.

But the ComptrollerGeneral (CG) of NIS, Mr.

Mohammed Babandede, yesterday insisted that the earlier decision reached by the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration, and Prisons Service Board (CDFIPB), was irreversible.

"The only condition we gave them is to pass through certain test and they don't want to pass through that test.

"Do you blame government for that? I think we should commend the President for approving this kind of procedure.

"It is very commendable. We could have started fresh recruitment with other people but we said we want to take them alone. When we screen them and they pass the screening, they will get their jobs.

"The assurance I will give is that, first, we are going to follow the due process," the NIS' CG said.

Jega slams broadcasting industry Clem Khena-Ogbena Abuja

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ormer INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, has criticized the Nigerian broadcasting industry for playing roles, more often than not, that are inimical to democratic development, and by extension, to the nation’s overall socioeconomic growth and development.

Jega, who was the key speaker yesterday at the Second Annual Lecture 2016, organized by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Abuja, also added in his

presentation with the theme, “Broadcasting, Democratisation and the Challenge of the New Nigeria” that the control of broadcasting in the country had been left at the whims and caprices of the government.

He further noted that this negative development resulted from the long military dictatorship in the country.

Jega, now of the Department of Political Science, Bayero University, Kano, stated: “The contemporary role of broadcasting in Nigeria’s democratic development, therefore, leaves much to be desired."

national | news

thursday, august 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Kwankwaso petitions Buhari, others over police invasion Chukwu David Abuja

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enator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano Central senatorial district, yesterday petitioned President Muhamnadu Buhari, the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki and the Police Service Commis-

sion (PSC) over an alleged invasion and sealing of his constituency office in Kano on Monday.

The former Kano State governor in the petition written by his political movement, (Kwankwasiya Amana) and dated August 24, alleged that the state police command under Police Commissioner, Rabiu Yusuf, carried out the action on the directive of Governor Abdullahi

Nkire commends INEC on conduct of elections

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or mer National Chairman of the Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA) and now a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Sam Nkire, yesterday said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made remarkable improvement in the area of curbing electoral malpractice.

Nkire, who was reacting to the fears by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State that INEC might rig the governorship election in favour of the APC, said time had gone when INEC officials openly aided thugs of the ‘highest bidder’ to carry away ballot boxes and change election results.

The former PPA boss said before the general elections of 2011, it would have been somewhat right to say that

rigging was the order of the day, but that a lot has changed in terms of election rigging.

He, however, added that the area he could not stand in the gap for the electoral body INEC was in the area of ‘inconclusive election.’

The former party administrator warned that if INEC allowed more inconclusive elections, all the gains it made in checking election rigging would have been wiped out by the current spate of ‘inconclusive elections.’

Nkire further assured the PDP in Edo State that the APC as a responsible political party that came to power with the promise to rid the country of corruption would neither support nor condone any act of corruption in whatever guise, including election rigging.

Abuja

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former Minister and Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamusdeen Usman, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for bringing the budget under the National Planning Ministry, describing the decision as appropriate as it would ensure judicious allocation of resources on approved plan.

This was as he advocated that the Ministry of Budget and National Planning be renamed Ministry of National Planning and Budget (MNP&B).

Usman gave this advice as a panelist and discussant at the ongoing annual Joint Planning Board meeting organised by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning in collaboration with the Kano State Government, holding in Kano.

The ministry confirmed this in a statement issued

tion of the police as illegal, unconstitutional and reprehensible.

The group in the petition, signed by Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki and Yusuf Bello Suleiman and made available to our correspondent in Abuja, called on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to call the Kano State police commissioner to order in the interest of peace in the state.

It specifically urged the Chairman of the commission, Sir. Mike Okiro, to investigate the invasion and recommend appro-

priate sanctions to those behind it.

According to the group, the invasion and sealing of Kwankwaso's constituency office in Kano by the police was nothing but a hatchet job on behalf of the state government, arguing that it was not security related in any way since the mass wedding did not take place there anymore.

The statement reads in part: "Having realised that the Commissioner of

379,000

The total population of men of Equatorial Guinea in 2012.

Source: Un.org

Liberian VP visits Obasanjo, decries capital flight in Africa Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

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Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, at the latter's hilltop residence in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The Liberian vice-president was in the country for an international conference organised by a non-governmental organisation, Save Democracy Group Africa.

According to him, it was imperative for African leaders to ensure sustainable peace that would enhance economic growth and development.

Boakai bemoaned the rising rate of capital flight

in Africa while many of its countries remained underdeveloped and their youths unemployed.

He said: "We should begin to invest in our youths. We should begin to do away with corruption and stop taking money out of our countries and sending it elsewhere when our youths need employment.

"I think if we begin to invest more in our countries and demonstrate that they are entitled to the resources, then they will feel a sense of belonging and Africa will

by its Assistant Director, Press, Salisu Haiba Badamasi.

The former minister said the name, 'National Planning and Budget,' is a global standard because funds allocation (budgeting) comes only after a plan has been developed and approved.

Chukwu David and Dan Atori

Saraki, Bello fecilitate with Sultan at 60

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enate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday described the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, as an ambassador of peace, promoter of national unity, champion of national development, embodiment of tradition and culture and a source of inspiration to many Nigerians.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, on the 60th birthday anniversary of the Sultan, said he was delighted to identify with the royal father in view of his worthy lifestyle, egalitarian leader-

Police has aligned himself with the Gandujiya group of the state governor, we dropped the idea of a mass wedding and advised the couples to individually contract their marriages with their families and friends.

"To our dismay on Monday evening without any justification, the police came, armed to the teeth and illegally sealed our office on No 2 Lodge Road, where furniture, food and other gift items were stored for distribution to the newly wedded couples, whose marriages must have been contracted individually after the Saturday ban by the police."

L-R: Chief Medical Director, University College Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Prof.

Tope Alonge; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma; Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, MTNF Director, Mr Dennis Okoro; and Chairman, House Committee on Telecommunications, Hon. Saheed Fijabi, at the inauguration of the brand new maternal wards at the Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan…yesterday

iberia's Vice-President, Mr. Joseph Boakai, yesterday called for urgent action

by African leaders to arrest the increasing rate of capital flight and corruption on the continent.

Boakai also stressed the need for stakeholders to ensure quality investment in youths to secure the future of African countries.

He spoke after his courtesy visit to former

Ex-minister lauds Buhari for moving Budget to National Planning ministry Abdulwahab Isa

Umar Ganduje.

The police command had last Saturday prevented the Kwankwaso group from holding a mass wedding programme for 100 couples to avoid a clash between members of the group and that of the governor, who were billed to attend another function at the Government House, a few meters away from Kwankwaso's office.

But the police on Monday, invaded the office and sealed it off for several hours for allegedly conducting a mass wedding by the group.

The Kwankawasiya group in the petition, however, described the ac-

ship, compassionate support for the downtrodden and acting as voice to the voiceless in the society.

He said: "I am delighted to congratulate you on this epoch anniversary of attaining the age of 60.

Your legacies as the Sultan of Sokoto, the head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), are visible to all. You have continued to diligently serve humanity both in your immediate domain and the country at large.

"You remain a great source of blessing and inspiration to the entire

country, especially your quest for peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, fight against insurgency, free and compulsory education for the less privileged and the holistic development and unity of the entire country.

“I pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to grant you perfect health, long life and more wisdom in the discharge of your duties," he said.

The Senate President also wished the Sultan more fruitful years of service to the nation in particular and humanity in general.

While also congratulating the Government and

people of Sokoto State on the occasion, he called on the entire country to continue to pray for the Sultan for more wisdom and strength.

Also yesterday, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State felicitated with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Sa’ad III on his 60th birthday anniversary.

In a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Governor Bello showered encomiums on the royal father, describing him a relentless leader, who builds bridges across the ethno-religious divide of the country to ensure peace and unity.

be open to all."

Boakai, who had also visited Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, said his meetings with Nigerian leaders had reassured him that Liberia could continue to count on Nigeria for support.

He said Nigeria was not only a sister country, but also a dependable ally that made necessary sacrifices to ensure Liberia survived its civil war.

He described Obasanjo as a special friend of Liberia and lauded the ex-president for strengthening the relationship between the two African countries.

Earlier, Obasanjo had assured that he would continue to support everything that would be in the best interest of both Liberia and Nigeria.

The former president said his country would not relent in playing a significant role in forging unity and peaceful co-existence in the continent.

He said: "Whatever is in the best interest of our country, you can always count on us. The progress and development of Liberia is paramount to us here.

"If any country is West Africa is lagging behind, then Nigeria is disturbed."

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO

ABIODUN BELLO

...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

Tears as vehicles, houses, goods are burnt in tanker explosion

Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

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oods, vehicles, houses and other valuables were burnt yesterday when a fuel truck crashed at Aduwawa market on Benin-Auchi Road near Benin, the Edo State capital and burst into flames.

Scores of traders, artisans, residents and property owners wept profusely while bemoaning their fate.

In the incident, which occurred about 7:10a.m., at least six vehicles, five houses, several shops, among others were burnt.

The accident occurred at a bad spot at the popular Upper Mission extension Junction of the Aduwawa end of the dual carriage Benin-Auchi Road now being reconstructed by the Ray Royal Construction (RCC) firm.

It was learnt that the driver of the truck was trying to make a U-turn at the junction when it ran into a ditch which forced the front tyre to pull out. The tanker then fell in the middle of the road.

Witnesses said after the truck fell down, the petrol it was conveying poured on the road while some people started scooping the product. Others, however, scampered for safety.

One of the witnesses, who refused to give his name, said residents and shop owners, especially occupants of the nearby buildings were alerted about the accident and the imminent danger.

According to him, several

Scene of the accident. Inset: One of the victims

people evacuated their property.

He said: “As the truck was making U-turn, its spring pulled off and the weight of the product in the vehicle was on one side which made it to fall. Immediately it fell down, the product started pouring on the road. In the process, some people in the nearby buildings and shops were alerted, although some of them were yet to open for business.

But suddenly, the truck burst into flames which took over the whole area.”

Some people were said to have sustained varying degrees of burns when the truck exploded.

When our correspondent visited the scene, there were charred remains of six vehicles, including the truck, buildings

City Briefs Fabricator killed in Yobe explosion Hassan Jirgi Damaruru

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ipe-like military equipment exploded and killed a roadside fabricator who attempted to cut it to size in Damaturu, Yobe State.

Witnesses said that a soldier was wounded and was rushed to the hospital by his colleagues.

It was learnt that the equipment was dropped by a military vehicle with the wounded soldier to monitor the fabricator while cutting the equipment.

The Public Relations Officer

of 27 Task Force brigade, Lt George Akupe, confirmed the incident.

He said one of their men was wounded in the incident.

Akupe, however, said details of the incident would be made available after proper investigation.

A witness, who gave the name of the fabricator as Usman Musa, said the deceased was apprehensive to do the job, but the soldiers who brought it convinced him.

He said: “It was not long I left the place when the loud sound rent the air.”

and generators belonging to a deaf and dumb ‘vulcanizer’ and a hairdresser.

Also, goods stored in the affected shops were burnt to ashes.

The accident also caused gridlock on the Benin-Auchi Road as motorists plying the road were trapped for several hours.

It attracted sympathisers and emergency responders.

Firefighters from the Edo State Fire Service had a hectic time battling the inferno. Security agencies were also on ground to maintain law and order as well as rescue victims.

The arrival of the security personnel helped to bring the chaotic situation under control.

Two buildings housing sever-

al lock-up stores housing paints shops, food stores, restaurants, electronics shops among others were completely burnt while three other residential houses were also affected.

An officer of the state fire service, Mr. Agbonlahor Franklin, said his office got a distress call about 08:01a.m. that there was a fire.

He said: “You know that fuel is highly inflammable. As soon as the truck fell, the product poured on the road and it flowed into the buildings because it fell down on a slope.

“The driver of a vehicle ignored the warning signals from security men who were flagging him down. It was through that the fire started

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

and there was explosion which was very devastating.

“But thank God, the men were here on time and were able to put everything under control.

“A lot of people sustained various degrees of injury. On the interim, there are about six vehicles, including the truck and several lock-up shops that are burnt.”

While speaking with journalists, some of the victims called on the state government and other relevant bodies to come to their aid.

One of them, Mrs. Felicia Ewonemen, who runs a restaurant, said she and her children escaped death by a whisker.

She said: “I was selling this morning when the truck was trying to reverse. Suddenly the truck fell down, fuel started gushing out and flowing towards my shop. My children and I were running and shouting.

“The fire has destroyed my shop. All the foodstuffs and everything that we had prepared for our customers have been destroyed. This store is my life and only source of livelihood.”

Another victim, Mr. Imafidon Iyoma, who sells paints, said goods worth over N2.5 million was destroyed by fire.

Iyoma sought government’s intervention to save him and other victims from their agony.

He said: “Someone called me to say my shop and those of others were on fire. I rushed down to see that all I have laboured for has been destroyed.

“Well, I don’t have much to say other than that the government should investigate the owners of the truck. But we know that the truck had the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) logo. For now, we are waiting to see what government would do.

“Apart from the goods, I also lost about N150,000 which I left in the store.”

Youths attack nursing mother, other FRSC officials Ola James Warri

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ouths of Ekuigbo community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have reportedly attacked an official of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) attached to the Ughelli Unit Command.

The victim, Ebuka Egama, a Deputy Road Commander, is also nursing a baby.

Egama had on Monday led an FRSC team to the commu-

nity for a routine patrol.

The Public Enlightenment Officer of the unit, Esenohor Avweresuo, said the victim and her team had stopped a commercial motorcyclist who was riding against traffic only for them to be attacked by the youths who were lurking at the scene.

Briefing journalist yesterday, the Ughelli Unit Commander, Olusegun Olusola, said when he got the message that his officials were being attacked, he immediately dis-

patched some officers to the scene of the incident.

He said: “On getting there, it was realised that the assailants had assaulted one or two of our men including a nursing mother who sustained some degrees of injury.

“We reported the matter at the Ughelli Police Station and to the Ekuigbo President General who assured us that the culprits would be sanctioned according to their traditional laws and handed over to the police.”

METRO

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sisters arrested for preying on Lagos doctors Taiwo Jimoh

Two men murder friend, offer his head for sale Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

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wo friends, Yahaya Umar and Abubakar Saletu, are now in police custody in Kwara State for allegedly beheading their mutual friend.

Umar and Saletu, who were paraded yesterday at the state Police Command Headquarters in Ilorin, reportedly attempted to sell the head to an Alhaji.

This came as a suspect, Abdullahi Adamu, allegedly murdered his 65-year-old mother Khadijat Usman and his elder brother’s wife, Ramatu Shagari (35), after he had killed their cow without provocation.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olusola Amore, who paraded the suspects, said Umar and Saletu committed the offence on August 8 at Wobe Fulani Camp, via Okuta in Baruten Local Government Area of the state.

Amore said the suspects lured their victim into an isolated area where they killed him and decapitated him. They put the head in a bag and went to a man identified as Alhaji Kuranga to find out if he would buy their ‘product’.

Kuranga, according to the police boss, refused the offer.

The commissioner said the suspects were later arrested in possession of the head by a team of policemen. They led investigators to the site where they buried their friend, who had earlier been declared missing.

Amore warned residents on the need to keep people informed about their movements with friends.

“Use your medium to tell people that if they have friends and they are going somewhere, they should inform people close to them,” he urged journalists.

The police chief expressed reservations about the state of Adamu’s mental health.

According to him, the suspect killed his victims at Patigi in Patigi Local Government Area of the state on August 13.

In another development, Amore said the command also apprehended a suspected kidnapper, Issa Nurudeen, operating on IlorinOffa Road.

According to the police boss, when the suspect was arrested, he was found with various charms which he allegedly confessed were given to him by his father to help him escape gunshot and arrest by the police.

Man jailed for raping friend’s daughter Foluso Ogunmodede

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wo sisters, suspected to be members of a terror group targeting medical doctors in Lagos for extortion through threats of elimination, are now in police net.

The suspects, Rita Ojobo (30) and Mrs. Emmanuella Ossai, were apprehended by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the state Police Command, led by ACP Olatunji Disu.

The RRS officials tracked down the syndicate and arrested two of them.

It was learnt that the RRS had contacted the International Police (Interpol) to help repatriate the other gang members who had fled to Togo.

Ojobo and Ossai, along with other members of the syndicate, it was learnt, usually contact doctors on the phone to ask them to remit certain amount of money into account numbers or risk being kidnapped or murdered.

Ojobo was arrested at Diamond Bank in Onitsha after she went there to withdraw money paid in by one of their victims.

However, the suspects said they knew nothing about the crime.

They claimed that their older brother, Kenechi Ojobo, who resides in Togo, sent their account number to the creditors to pay in money.

The sisters also claimed that Kenechi, a motorcycle parts merchant in Togo, told them that he usually gives relatives of the creditors the CFA

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Ossai with her baby

Ojobo

(Francs) equivalent of the money paid in.

Ojobo said she was invited by her bank that there was an issue with her account and rushed to the bank only to be arrested.

She said: “I do not know anything about threatening people. My brother was the one who called and told me that someone will pay in money to my account that he has given the person’s relation in Togo the equivalent in CFA. He said that he would collect the money when he comes and add it to the money to buy his goods.

“But I was just in my house last Thursday when I received a call from the bank that someone has tampered with my account. I rushed to the bank but I was arrested and taken to Central Police Station in Onitsha. It was at the bank that they told me what happened.

“After they arrested me, I told them

that it was only once money was paid to my account and that my brother usually uses my sister’s account for the transactions and they now took me to my sister’s house and arrested her as well.

“If I knew anything about such thing would I not have escaped when the bank called me?”

But Ossai, who has a one-month-old baby, said four people had paid N220,000 into her account at different intervals which her brother had come back home to collect.

The suspect she only knew Kenechi “does local money transfer”.

According to her, each time he comes home, he would collect his money to buy goods.

Ossai said that she went to the bank sometime last month after her brother told her that someone had paid N50,000 but she did not get alert.

45-year-old businessman, Mr. Sheriff Oyewole, was yesterday sentenced to 19 months imprisonment by a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for raping his best friend’s daughter.

The magistrate, Mrs. Kikelomo Ayeye, found Oyewole guilty for deliberately getting his friend’s daughter drunk at a party and afterward raping her.

He was found guilty on a charge of rape and assault levelled against him by the police.

Oyewole committed the offence last week in a hotel in Yaba area of Lagos.

The matter was taken to court with witnesses called by the prosecution to prove the case, including members of staff of the hotel where the incident occurred.

Oyewole lured the lady to the hotel after getting her drunk at a party and stripped her naked, recorded her nudity and threatened to release the video on social media if she refused to have sex with him.

Besides, the convict soaked the victim’s clothes after the incident while he returned the wet clothes and kept the panties in a bag.

He, thereafter, escorted her to her mummy’s shop about 10p.m.

On sighting her daughter, her mother was curious, but the victim told the court that out of fear, she lied that she had a scuffle with her friends at the party.

Rapist posed as banker Two Benue Poly students to lure me –Victim die during protest

Oluwole

Camillus Nnaji and Flora Onwudiwe

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24-year-old lady yesterday told journalists in Lagos how a suspected fraudster, Mr. Faloseyi Oluwole (30), posed as a bank manager on Facebook to lure her to bed.

The victim, Atinuke (surname withheld), said Oluwole raped her, stole her Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, wristwatch, Samsung handset and an undisclosed amount at Opral Hotel, FESTAC Town, Lagos.

Oluwole was paraded at the state Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday by the Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni.

The suspect, who hails from Osun State, posed as a bank manager in Abuja.

Oluwole, who also used another Facebook account as Nifemi Ajanaku, had deceived several young girls to meet him at different hotels.

Whenever he lures his victim, he would get them drunk, rob them of their belongings and also rape them.

According to Owoseni, the suspect did not know his last victims had contacted one of his targets.

One of Oluwole’s targets, identified as Mercy, said the suspect had been deceiving her through his Facebook as a bank manager in Abuja.

She said: “We have been chatting on Facebook over a year.

He said he was a manager at a branch of one of the new generation banks in Abuja. He invited me to Abuja but I declined. Suddenly, he said he was in Lagos; that I should come and stay with him in a hotel at FESTAC where his friend’s birthday party would hold last week. I was not around, but I told my sister, Atunike, to go and attend the party on my behalf.”

Atunike visited Oluwole at the hotel where he lodged her.

She said: “He first of all asked me if I take alcohol, but I said no.

But he gave me another strong drink which made me to fall asleep. It was in the process that he raped me. Under the influence of drink, I was dizzy; he asked for my ATM pin number, I gave him.

“He then asked that we go out to eat. In all this, I still believed he was a bank manager. He then left me, used another key to open the hotel room and stole my belongings, including money, Samsung phone, wristwatch and jewellery.

He then disappeared into thin air.”

Atunike went home to narrate her ordeal to Mercy. On a second thought, Mercy used one of her friends to track Oluwole.

Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

T

wo students of the Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko, Benue State, were yesterday killed, many others wounded and property worth millions of naira destroyed when crisis erupted in the institution.

The bursary, bakery, the ranch and a penthouse, among other property were destroyed in the crisis.

Trouble started when the students were sitting for their semester examination.

Sources said most of the final year students who had not paid their fees were barred from sitting for the examination.

Miffed by this development, the students staged a peaceful protest over the directive issued by the school authorities as well as the delay in the issuance of examination permit.

It was learnt that the arrival of policemen at the scene worsened things as they started firing canisters of tear gas and shooting sporadically.

In the process, a student was hit in the chest and died instantly while another died at the hospital.

It was learnt that as

the crisis raged on, hoodlums known as “Shawa,” invaded the institution to engage the students in a fight.

The students, however, overpowered the hoodlums.

The management of the institution later announced outright cancellation of the examination.

Angered by the cancellation, the students regrouped and embarked on massive destruction of property in the polytechnic.

When contacted, the Rector, Ugo Abah, said he was on his way to police headquarters in Makurdi to lay a formal complaint.

But the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Moses Yamu, said miscreants and students overpowered policemen during a peaceful protest in the institution, injured two policemen and damaged six vehicles, one of which was a police van.

He dismissed allegation that police killed one person.

The PPRO, however, said that 21 persons had so far been arrested.

Meanwhile, at press time, news filtered in that the state government had ordered the indefinite closure of the institution.

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POLITICS

THURSDAY, august 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Oyegun: Performance’ll earn APC victory Stories by Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

T

he National chair man of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, has said his party would win the September 10 governorship election in Edo State on the basis of performance.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun, who spoke with journalists in Benin, said the people of the state would not be caught unawares as they know what they want, pointing out that the ruling party’s campaigns across the state have been very successful and are issues-based.

He said: “Our campaign has been very good, there was a period of drama but all that is behind us and the arguments are very clear irrespective of whatever individual issues there must be and there have

been. The issue is simple, we have had the APC in government for seven years plus. Before that we had Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in government in Edo State for 10 years and you can hardly see anybody who can point to any single substantial development in the 10 years of PDP compared with the almost eight years of APC under Adams Oshiomhole. That decides the issue.

“When you ask people, what is your preference, do you want the good times to continue or do you want to revert to the bad old days?

The issue becomes very clear and then you get a resounding let the good days continue and that is where the debate rests and the result has been very good.

“Yes there was a bit of time when there were all sorts of discordant tunes as a result of group interests, personal interest

CONFIRMATION/change OF NAME

Gilbert: I, formerly known and addressed as Isedirikonghen Emieyefa, now wish to be known and addressed as Isedirikonghen Emiyenyfa Gilbert. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note.

UJEBE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ujebe Blessing Precious, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Blessing Precious Nwode. All former documents remain valid. Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu, Ebonyi State University and general public should please take note.

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I, formerly known and addressed as Adeshola Emir Rufai. now wish to be known and addressed as Adeshola Isiaq Rufai. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note.

Oloko-Amusan

I, formerly known and addressed as Wuraola Aderoju Amusan, now wish to be known and addressed as Wuraola Aderoju Oloko-Amusan. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note.

Olaide

I, formerly known and addressed as Osayemi Sherifat Ibironke is the same as Osayemi Esther Olaide.

Now wish to be known and addressed as Osayemi Esther Olaide. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public note.

Dapus

I, formerly known as James Dashen now wish to be known and addressed as Dapus Maktong Sunday. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Nwokoma

This is to confirm that the bearer of these names Olagunju Olaniyi and Nwokoma Daniel Olaniyi refer to one and the same person. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Nwokoma Daniel Olaniyi. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

Iguru

This is to confirm that the bearer of these names Iguru Esther and Sugar Esther refer to one and the same person.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Esther Iguru. All former documents remain valid. Sterling bank Plc, Skye bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

Taiwo

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anthonia Emitherogolu Ikhenoba now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anthonia Emitherogolu Taiwo. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public please take note.

Ahmed

This is to inform the general public that I, Ahmed Alex was born on 21st September 1989 at Ondo State. This declaration was done due to lost of my birth certificate. General public note.

Oladokun

I, formerly known and addressed as Baiyewu Temitope Florence, now wish to be known and addressed as Oladokun Temitope Florence. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note.

Saka

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Salami Rafiat and date of birth 30th OCTOBER 1978, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Saka Tanwa Rofiatu date of birth 21th JULY 1983. All documents bearing my former name remain valid.

Banks and general public please take note.

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Edo DECIDES

but all that have been sorted out and I think we are rowing down to a very substantial victory no doubt at all.”

The APC national chairman, who noted that the PDP owe Nigerians apology for the years of waste and looting of the country’s resources, assured Nigerians that the present pains they are passing through would soon be over as the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is poised to address holistically the

myriads of problems confronting the nation.

His words: “One thing that pleases me today is that Nigerians and the ordinary voter is more perceptive than we think he is. Yes the APC at the national level has been in office for one year plus but everybody knows that the problems we have today could not have been created in one day.

“We have come to fix the nation, to fix the problems otherwise as a people, as a nation, we would have been going through a struggle for existence and a great challenge would have been confronting this nation. These were issues and challenges that were inflicted on this country due to years of misgovernance at the national level. Unfortunately, as if that was not enough, we also took over at a time when the crude market collapsed from $140 per barrel of crude oil to between $30 and $40. That is the reality and the people realize this.”

SDP leader dumps party for PDP

T

he leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Edo State, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, has disclosed that Edo will fare better if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is elected governor of the state.

Momoh, a former member of the House of Representatives and SDP’s senatorial candidate for Edo North in the last general elections, made the declaration when he led thousands of SDP leaders, members and supporters to resign en masse from the party to join the PDP at a campaign rally held at Royal block courtyard at Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

He said: “We decided to join the PDP because it has a candidate that will help Edo State get out of where it is today and which is not comfortable.

That candidate is a person who I believe will help to move Edo forward.”

He said his faith in the

PDP and its candidate, Ize-Iyamu under which platform he served as a two-term state lawmaker and partly as a federal lawmaker, stemmed from the fact that he had known the candidate since 1987.

“Ize-Iyamu is a man I honestly believe is the right person for the job.

Why I think he is the right man is because he is a man of truth; he will not make empty promises,” enjoining the new PDP members to take the good news down to their units and wards.

Welcoming the new entrants into the part, the state PDP chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, assured them of equal status with existing members of the party and enjoined them to go back home with the message from Momoh that they must all work to deliver Ize-Iyamu as governor.

In his response, the PDP governorship hopeful assured voters at the rally that he will keep faith with all his electoral promises if elected

My empowerment concept, holistic – Obaseki

T

he governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, described his empowerment concept for youths, men and women as holistic and all encompassing.

Obaseki who stated this while addressing APC supporters in Iruekpen, Esan West Local Government Area of the state,

said his administration would devote enough time and resources to resuscitate tertiary institutions and technical colleges to train young men and women from local communities to handle technical challenges affecting companies that would operate in the different areas of the state.

He noted that while his administration would also offer at least 200,000

employment opportunities for the people of the state, women would be given soft loans to improve in their respective businesses.

Obaseki said the haven of economic development would further be invoked across communities in the state through the utilisation of the natural resources available to their prosperity.

He said: “We will focus

on promoting employment for the youth because they constitute a great percentage of our active population. We need to provide viable job opportunities for them in order to harness their energy into productive ventures. My administration will invest heavily on the abundant natural resources available in virtually all the communities across the state.”

Our brilliant performances’ve distinguished us – Principal Ayobola Lawal

T

he Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Bright Hope Schools, Agege, Lagos, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Bello, has expressed confidence in the performance of his pupils in both internal and external examinations, and other extra-curricular activities.

Bello stated this recently during the school’s end of the 20015/2016 academic session ceremony, and acknowledged the contributions of parents, teachers and the pupils themselves to the many successes recorded by the school during the last academic session.

According to the principal, be-

yond academic activities, the pupils of the school had also exhibited their talents during the school’s annual inter-house sport events and cultural carnival organised by the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools.

Alhaji Bello prayed for the outgoing pupils and advised them to be good ambassadors of the school and their parents.

He said with such programmes, the pupils were exposed to cultural dance across the country and beyond. He urges the parents to make their children available for such events, saying they form integral part of education.

He said; “Our school will from next session introduce more ex-

tra-curricular activities like Art and Craft, cultural celebrations, musical rendition, swimming and excursion. All these are to expand our horizon.

“It is also my joy and happiness to announce to you the brilliant performance of our students in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, among others. All these have given us edge over many schools.”

Meanwhile, at the ceremony, the pupils, who were decked in various attires, entertained guests through various events such as beauty contests. They also thrilled them with beautiful performances including dancing, cultural presentation, and choreography.

Agorokeme

I, formerly known and addressed as Korekiye Ayibaimi now wish to be known and addressed as Agorokeme Ayibaimi. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

Enemare

I, formerly known and addressed as Enemare Stephen Sunday and date of birth 15th May 1972, now wish to be known and addressed as Enemare Stephen date of birth 5th May 1972. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public take note.

Cross section of the staff and some of the SS3 graduating students.

JSS3 graduating students of the school.

11

THURSDAY, august 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Interview Buhari’s anti-graft war selective – Anyanwu

Politics

13

United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry was in Sokoto on Tuesday, where he lauded the efforts of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for promoting religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians. He also spoke on the need to build a community of tolerance for peace, progress and political stability in Nigeria. Excerpts:

Preamble Good morning to all of you – your Excellency Governor Aminu Tambuwal; your Excellency Governor Abdulaziz Yari; your Eminence, Sultan, who was very, very kind to host us here today and whose leadership I particularly appreciate with respect to all of the interfaith efforts, which are so important; Charge Brennan; leaders from Nigeria’s religious communities; teachers and students – thank you very, very much for being here.

You honour me by being here and it’s my privilege to be the first Secretary of State in history to come to Sokoto. I’m very honoured to be here. I want to thank Maryam for that very kind introduction, and for the good work that she is doing in her community to promote social entrepreneurship and youth education and women’s health.

Sokoto’s place in history This is my third visit to Nigeria in the past 20 months, and I am delighted to be here. One of Nigeria’s strengths is its diversity, which grows out of the distinctive contributions and culture of the various regions. And Sokoto is the place with an extraordinary history of faith, of tolerance, and of scholarship in all of its forms. And I just came from a meeting a few minutes ago in which I heard from various religious leaders and from his Eminence of the work

FELIX NWANERI

GROUP PoLITICAL EDITOR nwanerif@yahoo.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Anyanwu

Why US is backing Buhari’s govt, by Kerry that they are doing to try to embrace tolerance and provide opportunity for people.

So, this is a very special region.

You don’t need me to tell you that, but I want to make sure the world hears how special this region is. And it is special because the teachings of religion and ethics are prioritized right alongside the virtues of reading, writing, math, and science.

Many of your former leaders actually started out as school teachers, including, of course, the inspiring Ahmadu Bello.

In fact, shortly after he graduated from a teaching college, and years before he founded the university that today bears his name, Ahmadu Bello returned to his birthplace – not far from here, in Rabah – in hopes of educating his community. And at the time, there was no school. So he built a thatched hut where he began instructing children in his own family how to read and write. Then he asked his young scribes to teach their friends what they had learned, and to keep expanding the circle so that the number of educated citizens would continue to grow.

That kind of commitment has made a huge difference in Nigeria.

Nigeria... can also become a model in fighting corruption and organised crime

And I expect that Ahmadu Bello would be proud that, in the country today, school attendance, literacy, and graduation rates are higher than ever before. But he wouldn’t be satisfied, and you know that.

Because even late in his career he declared a “war on ignorance,” and that is a war that much of the world is still fighting every single day well beyond Nigeria. The reason is that to some people in this world knowledge is not a goal to be pursued, but rather it is an enemy to be destroyed.

Impact of insurgency As everyone in this room well knows, in its quest to destroy knowledge, the terrorist group Boko Haram has killed more than 20,000 people, displaced more than two million, and flung some seven million Nigerians into hunger, thirst, and desperate need. On Sunday, they descended into a small village near Chibok in the middle of the night, looting every home that they saw, and then they took food and livestock before burning those huts to the ground. They killed 10 people that night and abducted 13 others – women and children – adding to the thousands of other victims, includ-

ing the hundreds of girls, of Chibok girls who were abducted more than two years ago.

Boko Haram boasts no agenda other than to murder teachers, burn books, kidnap students, rape women and girls, and slaughter innocent people, most of whom are Muslims.

It has a complete and total disrespect for life, the opposite of every religion. It has a complete nihilistic view of the world. It fears knowledge. It fears education. It fears tolerance. In the past two years, it has used more than 100 women and girls to carry out suicide attacks. They actually teach girls how to hold a bomb under their armpits so that the explosives remain steady.

They show teenagers how to use swords to decapitate. We might as well ask how anyone could be brainwashed into such atrocities, but because the children are so young and because the abuse that they suffer is so great, even brave souls can be broken. This then is what Boko Haram is all about – and you know this better than I do – not just murdering innocent people, but also transforming the most vulnerable CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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POLITICS

THURSDAY, august 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Abba Kyari ‘frightening’ politics Saleh Mari Maina

Y

emi Adebowale’s piece with the title, ‘The Frightening Influence of Abba Kyari in Aso Rock’ in ThisDay newspaper on August 13 was as interesting as it was a food for thought on the intrigues that shape the happenings in Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of power. Though the piece show-cased the dangerous trends unfolding in Aso Rock where it is increasingly becoming clear that President Muhammadu Buhari may have become captive of a cabal whose interests, rather than those of the president or the nation is the driving force behind appointments or decision by the Presidency, the piece raises fundamental questions about the objectivity and transparency in the management of the nation’s seat of power under Mallam Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff.

May I concede, at this stage, that it is not exactly my business as to who is appointed or not appointed into various positions of authority by the powers that be in Aso Rock.

Suffice it is, however, to state that the alleged nepotism in appointments by Kyari may be attributed to the influence he has over President Buhari, courtesy of his links to Mallam Mamman Daura, the president’s nephew. What is, however, of much interest to me and other Nigerians is where decisions by the Presidency have the potential of negatively impacting on the fulfilment of the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians who endured all manner of hardships to ensure the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) in general and Buhari in particular, in the 2015 elections. A case in point, which featured in Adebowale’s piece, is the alleged nepotism and unilateral decisions by Kyari, the Aso Rock Chief of Staff in the formulation and implementation of presidential decisions which if true, portends grave dangers to Nigeria’s nascent democracy.

For instance, it is indeed scandalous that the Chief of Staff overruled the National Assembly leadership’s legislative nominees who were to accompany President Buhari on his trip to Chad for the inauguration of Idris Deby’s new term of office as President and replaced them with his (Kyari’s) choices.

On the surface, it could appear as if there is nothing wrong with Kyari’s unilateral decision to drop Senator Baba Kaka Garbai and Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno both of which represent Borno State in the National Assembly on the President’s Chadian trip. The reality, however, is that the decision negates protocol and established conventions on such trips.

For one, the Chief of Staff has no right whatsoever to determine who represents the National Assembly on presidential trips. It is, for all intents and purposes, a gross breach of protocol and a negation of the letter and spirit of the theory of separation of powers for Kyari to interfere with decisions by the NASS leadership.

With these kinds of decisions by the Chief of Staff, it becomes clearer why there has been no love

Kyari

between the NASS leadership and the Presidency.

Beyond this breach of protocol is the display of gross ignorance of established procedures on issues related to presidential trips to neighbouring countries. The tradition is that whenever Mr. President visits countries that share common borders with Nigeria, he is accompanied by governors and legislators representing the state or states that are on these borders.

This tradition is in place not for the fun of it but predicated on the belief that the president stands to be better informed in the course of his bilateral discussions or agreements with his hosts.

The imperative of this tradition is even more so in the case of Nigeria–Chadian relations. The Aso Rock Chief of Staff cannot claim ignorance of the fact that for decades, Nigeria’s relationship with Chad has been characterized by events that have significant bearings on developments in both countries. For instance, Nigeria has been home to thousands of Chadians who were camped in Borno State as refugees fleeing from the civil wars that ravaged Chad in the late 70s and 80s when ex-Presidents Goukuni Wadeyye and Hissein Habre battled each other for control of their war-torn country. And in recent times, from 2009 to date, Chad and its leaders have been central in Nigeria’s internal affairs since the outbreak of the Boko Haram insurgency and the subsequent military operations to end it.

The Chief Staff cannot also feign ignorance of the fact that thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of indigenes of Borno State are languishing in camps in Chad as refugees due to the Boko Haram insurgency. That apart, Nigeria, and its neighbours have set up a Multinational Task Force to fight Boko Haram with its headquarters in Chad.

In this context, the Chadian

It is indeed scandalous that the Chief of Staff overruled the National Assembly leadership’s legislative nominees

Armed Forces have played a significant role in liberating many towns and villages in Borno State.

All these facts make it imperative for the governor and legislators representing Borno in the National Assembly to accompany Buhari on his trip to Chad given that any discussion on the Boko Haram insurgency will require inputs from the Borno State Government and the state’s federal legislators.

It is against this background that the unilateral decision by Kyari, Aso Rock Chief of Staff to drop Senator Garbai and Hon. Monguno from the President’s Chadian trip should be seen not only as reckless but unpardonable breach of protocol for which he must be held responsible.

Indeed, one wonders why Buhari decided to appoint Kyari who has been a banker all his life as Chief of Staff given his lack of any experience in handling issues of state or international relations.

Beyond issues of protocol, Kyari’s appointment as Chief of Staff raises further questions about his relevance to the political process that brought Buhari and the APC to power.

“Politics”, according to Tim O’neil, the former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives “is Local”. In practical terms, O’neil is saying that politicians cannot afford to ignore or toy with the interests of their primary constituencies. This objective reality it seems, mean nothing to Kyari. Or else, how does one rationalises the Chief of Staff ’s alienation to Borno State, his primary constituency.

It may interest all that care to know that since his appointment as Chief of Staff, Kyari has never visited Borno State despite all the tragedies that have befallen the state in recent times.

In the last one or two years, Borno State has lost many of its prominent sons and thousands of ordinary people who lost their

lives as a consequence of the Boko Haram terrorism. It is, however, curious that Kyari has never considered it necessary to visit and condole with the people of the state over the loss of these citizens.

No politician worth his salt can afford to toy with the interest of his primary constituency as Kyari is doing. Could this behaviour by the Chief of Staff be because of his belief that with Mamman Daura, the president’s nephew behind him, nobody, including the people of Borno State could determine his political future? Your guess is as good as mine.

What is all the more painful is Kyari’s attitude to the plight of the common man in Borno, millions of who have been reduced to refugees and Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs) as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency. Recently, the Doctors Without Borders including the United Nations drew attention to the hunger and death facing millions of people in the areas ravaged by Boko Haram. The Presidency in its response dispatched a paltry number of 113 trucks (each carrying 600 sacks) of assorted food items to feed nearly four million people facing hunger. One expects that with one of its sons occupying the position of Chief of Staff in the Presidency, Borno State will receive much more than 113 trucks the Presidency sent to the state which translates into a mere 2,511 sacks of food items to each of the 27 local government areas of the state.

With their sons occupying strategic positions in the Presidency, the people of Borno expect the likes of Kyari to do more than paying lip service towards addressing their plight.

There is no doubt that the people of Borno and the NorthEast in general, have incurred human and material losses since the Boko Haram insurgency broke out. Many communities have been targets of Boko Haram attacks culminating in the death, kidnap and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. The people of the North-Eastern geo-political zone are mainly farmers and petty traders. In the last half a decade or so, farmers have abandoned their farms while traders have lost billions of naira worth of their wares. The region is facing all manner of humanitarian crisis. The least one expects from the likes of Kyari is the demonstration of genuine concern and provision of meaningful assistance to the people. The Chief of Staff, however, seems not prepared to face these challenges. This, however, is not surprising given the Chief of Staff ’s political antecedents.

Kyari is not a grassroots politician and has never participated in political activities or the electioneering that brought Buhari to power at least as far as Borno State is concerned. One therefore wonders how such a character can help the political fortunes of his principal, i.e. President Buhari given his lack of links with the grassroots. Indeed, Kyari is proving to be more of a political liability than asset to Buhari •Maina, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja

THURSDAY, august 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, believes that the selective nature of the anti-corruption fight is responsible for its inability to make any impact so far in the polity. The Imo East senator also speaks in this interview with Chukwu David on other issues governance. Excerpts: As the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, how do you manage the affairs of the committee, knowing that certain issues and petitions coming to you might be controversial?

We have been able to succeed in this committee because we believe in team work; we believe that nobody knows it all, and that is why it is called a committee. We bring ideas together especially when it comes to preparing and sending our report to the Senate or to the plenary. And luckily for us, none of our reports has been turned down by the Senate for any reason. Almost all our recommendations received acceptance by the Senate. However, it is not been easy. In a situation where sometimes sentiments come in because of the political divides and the issue of leadership tussle; anything we do even in the interest of the Senate, we still get negative impression. But I can assure you that we have strived to do our work in the best interest of the nation and our committee has not been found wanting.

One of the things that has helped the committee in achieving success is that members are men of proven integrity, and we believe that our interest is to do justice to Nigerians, who have been meted with a lot of injustice. And this principle has yielded a lot of positive response, and we are happy about it because the committee is what everybody talks about today. People will tell you that there is no money in Ethics and Privileges Committee but I always tell people that life does not start and end with money. What matters is for you to put smiles on people’s faces by making sure that the right thing is done. I believe that public office is primarily a call to service; any other thing is secondary. We see all kinds of petitions because we have a lot of politically exposed persons and you must handle the petitions in such a way that people will retain their dignity while also doing the right thing.

In the course of treating petitions, do you get threats from those who feel that your handling of petitions against them might injure them some way or another?

To be honest with you, I have not been threatened and I believe that it is because I usually take my time to ensure that I don’t treat any petition with sentiment. It is only when you do things on sentiment, you are carried away or you are biased that you can be afraid. I am not

POLITICS \ INTERVIEW

13

Buhari’s anti-graft war selective – Anyanwu within the last 10 months I have been in office. It comes to show the confidence the people have reposed in our committee. For me, it is a welcome development. As I speak to you, apart from the documents that are crossing from the Senate President’s office as direct petitions, the ones that have been laid on the floor of the Senate are over 160 petitions. Out of this, we have looked into over 70 petitions, and we have sent in our reports on them, out of which over 30 reports have been adopted by the Senate without any dissenting voice. We are happy about it and we are going to do more. The people have built so much confidence in our committee because of the way we have handled the issues objectively and with so much patriotism.

I will give example of a celebrated case which we treated in our committee. There was a man who was suspended from the Police force for 21 years. You know that a child of 21 years must have finished from the university. And this man went as far as meeting a former president of this country, late Umaru Yar’adua, yet he was not reinstated.

But when the matter was brought to us, we carried out an indepth research into what really happened, and did a forensic investigation of what transpired and came up with recommendations. At the end of the day, the man was reinstated by the Nigerian Police. I don’t know him from Adam. He is from Lagos State and his case was presented to us by one of our colleagues. He is today back to service. This is a man who could have gone to court but he is too poor to go to court.

But today he has found succour in the Eight Senate. The Sixth and the Seventh Senate could not do it.

So, that is the kind of result you get when you have an assemblage of people who are responsible and know how to do their work.

Anyanwu

afraid of anything because in my committee, I don’t ask anybody for anything, and of course they can’t look at me to ask me for anything.

Nobody can bring any bribe money for me because I will not bring down the integrity of the committee and the Senate in general. In the past, they used to say that the only thing you could use to get the Igbo man is money but that era is gone. The new political Igbo leaders are interested in making sure that their people are protected. So, I am not afraid of anything. Yes, there could be some political issues but you still have to do it but I have not received any threat.

Do you mean that since you took over the chairmanship of the committee, no person or group has come to you or the committee as whole with financial inducement to influence your report?

To be honest with you, as a Christian, I won’t say what is not right; nobody has approached me or the committee with any form of inducement. Probably during the time of the issue of ministerial nominees, some people who were to be dropped tried to make overtures but nobody came out to say I want to give you money because obviously, they would be afraid of me because I just came into the Senate. I don’t have any ulterior motive; I just came here to represent my people, the teeming unemployed youths of my zone, who are the younger generation of my own generation but who have no opportunity like me. I am here to represent them, so I cannot compromise their interest for a pot of porridge.

How many petitions have your committee received since you became the chairman?

I actually took my time to look at the records of the Sixth and Seventh Senate, and the petitions for the two assemblies were not up to one-third of what we have received

The anticorruption war must be holistic but for now, I see it as selective

There are petitions that tend to task your conscience and morality, and thereby put you in a tight corner; one of such was the petition against former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, when the commission had a case against the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki.

How do you wriggle out of such daisy situation?

You don’t place something on nothing. There was a petition and our job as the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions is to attend to every petition.

If it is frivolous petition, of course we discard it but if there is merit in such petition, we look into it. The law is made for man and not man for the law. So, obviously we are doing what we are supposed to do because we believe in what we are doing. Today, the issue of Lamorde is there; nobody is a sacred cow as far as this country is concerned. We are doing our job.

You are one of Saraki’s ardent supporters. What is behind your consistent loyalty to him?

What makes people to like you

may not be what makes me to like you. We have individual idiosyncrasies and ideologies in life. I have always seen Saraki as a man of my generation; he is just 53 years and I am 51 years. So, I am giving him support as a man of my generation.

Even if the man is accused of corruption, he has not yet been convicted and I should not stay away from him. He is my friend; I believe in friendship and I respect friendship. He is also my leader as the President of the Senate. So, I cannot be there and I won’t give him my support. So, my support is natural.

There is no inducement but I will stand by him as the Senate president just as I will stand by any other person who is my friend even if he is not a Senate president. I am not giving him a blind support; I am not doing it because I want to achieve anything.

He is a senator like me; he is only first among equals. We elected him to lead us out of love and what we saw in him. We didn’t know each other before I came to the Senate. Some people gave erroneous impression that he is the son of a rich man, and so he is arrogant but when you go close to him, you will see simplicity and intelligence in him. So, I appreciate him for who he is.

What is your impression on the anti-corruption fight of the Federal Government?

I have said it many times that Mr. President has my greatest support in the anti-corruption fight but I have always said that it must be all inclusive. Let it not be used as a vendetta against a person or a people.

It must be seen clearly that justice has been done and if it is done that way, the whole world will know that corruption is being fought because corruption is not good for Nigeria.

It has given the country a very bad image.

Do you see vendetta in the way President Muhammadu Buhari is going about the fight?

I don’t see it as sanitising the system; I see it that a group of people are isolated and being tried; it is not because I am of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after all, apart from Mr. President, all others in government are of PDP extraction.

Some of them just left PDP for the APC when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan lost the election and started castigating PDP but they were all part of the government. So, the anticorruption war must be holistic but for now, I see it as selective. How many people from other parties are involved in the whole process? How many people from the APC have you seen being tried? So, people see it as selective and vindictive.

Look at the issue of Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, a sitting governor being banned from traveling if what I heard is true. It is vindictive because he appears to be the only one talking from the opposition camp. In a democracy, the minority must have their say, and the majority their way. If we don’t play opposition in this country, we CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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POLITICS \ INTERVIEW

THURSDAY, august 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Corruption costs Nigeria, others C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 1

people among us into killers of their neighbors – their own families – and even themselves.

Curbing extremism Now certainly northeastern Nigeria is not the only region that is plagued by violent extremism. And sadly, Boko Haram isn’t the only terrorist group that we face in the world today. Earlier this year, an Islamist militant group linked to al-Qaida killed 30 people when they bombed a hotel in Burkina Faso. Over the first six months of 2016, the Lord’s Resistance Army abducted more than 500 people, mostly in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. And just a few days ago, al-Shabaab militants killed 15 people and injured more than 80 when they detonated an attack near an open market in Galkaayo in Somalia. And terrorists from or inspired by Daesh have carried out vicious attacks in Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the United States of America.

So make no mistake: We do not have to be the prisoners of this violent extremism. It can be eliminated. No one anywhere has to live, or should have to live, among this evil. And it is evil. But it isn’t going to disappear on its own, and that is something that his Eminence the Sultan understands better than anybody as he preaches tolerance and brings interfaith groups together in order to do the hard work of pushing back against extremism. It takes work and it takes leadership. And it will require sustained effort from all of us – from regional, national, and sub-national leaders, from the United Nations and other multinational institutions.

It’ll take great efforts by law enforcement and civil society. And I want you to know today that the United States is deeply committed to this effort, including by helping our partners to be able to build counterterrorism capacity. That is why at the State Department we introduced a countering violent extremism strategy earlier this year, and it is why we are working so hard to implement it – though I might add you all are already, under the leadership of the governor and the sultan, are already engaged in your own countering violent extremism efforts.

Denouncing dead-end ideologies There’s no question in recent months that important progress has been made, and particularly here in Nigeria. Over the last six months, the Nigerian army has rescued thousands of civilian hostages. Hundreds of Boko Haram fighters surrendered to Nigerian forces. In July, Nigerian troops captured 16 of the group’s leaders who admitted that they were running out of food, that their fighters were living off roots and unripe fruit. And just last week, your army thwarted an attack in the northeast and took out more than a dozen militants in the process.

The fact is that through the Multinational Joint Task Force – with help from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom – Nigeria and its neighbors are steadily degrading Boko Haram’s capabilities.

Your country has taken back most of the territory that the terrorists had once captured. And Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, and Benin have

made important contributions and enormous sacrifices in areas along Nigeria’s borders.

But we also know that beating Boko Haram on the battlefield is only the beginning of what we need to do. As the American writer Henry David Thoreau wrote: “There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil, to only one who is striking at the root.” So we have to strike at the root causes of violent extremism.

To win the struggle for the future, nations need to do more than just denounce bankrupt, dead-end ideologies that the terrorists support.

They also have to offer their citizens an alternative that is better, that offers hope that actually delivers on its promises.

Lessons learnt Now we have learned a lot about extremism in the last years. We obviously have been consumed by the fight against it since 2001, when out of the blue the attacks in New York took place. People join violent extremist groups for a number of different reasons – and some, obviously, do so against their will. But there are far too many who join the ranks of these organizations because they have trouble finding meaning or opportunity in their daily lives – because they are deeply frustrated and alienated – and because they hope groups like Boko Haram will somehow give them a sense of identity, or purpose, or power.

We see this in every part of the world – whether we are talking about the Lake Chad Basin or the Sahel, or a village in the Middle East or a city in Western Europe, it’s the same. When people – and particularly young people – have no hope for the future and no faith in legitimate authority – when there are no outlets for people to express their concerns – then aggravation festers and those people become vulnerable to outside influence. And no one knows that better than the violent extremist groups, which regularly use humiliation and marginalization and inequality and poverty and corruption as recruitment tools.

War against corruption So one of our tasks, one of our central tasks – and almost every single religious leader I just heard in the other room talked about this task – has to be to remove the vulnerabilities in our own position. To effectively counter violent extremism, we have to ensure that military action is coupled with a reinforced commitment to the values this region and all of Nigeria has a long legacy of supporting – values like integrity, good governance, education, compassion, security, and respect for human rights. Values that the terrorists don’t just ignore, my friends, but values that they desecrate and try to destroy at every turn that they can.

So to start with, it is essential to build and rebuild trust in government, trust in the military, trust in law enforcement community, wherever that trust has been diminished.

The fight against corruption has to be a global security priority of the first order. And we, all of us, particularly those nations like mine that have so much more than other countries, have an obligation to help those countries to avoid the downside of what happens when you are

Kerry

United States strongly supports the steps that he (Buhari) is taking in order to clean government

left on your own. Bribery, fraud, other forms of venality endanger everything that we hold dear, everything that you value. They feed organized crime. They gnaw away at nation-states. They take away the legitimacy of a nation-state. They contribute to human trafficking. They discourage honest and accountable investment, and they undermine entire communities.

And despite recent progress, as a global community, we are collectively not yet doing nearly enough to clean up and improve governance globally – and that needs to change.

We all pay for corruption, folks. We all pay for corruption. Corruption costs the global economy an estimated $2.6 trillion a year. That’s $2.6 trillion that could be going towards infrastructure, towards health care, towards education, food security, other initiatives – any number of areas where we know we need money to be able to make the investments that give young people that sense of future.

But let’s be very clear: Corruption is not just a disgrace and a crime. It is also dangerous. There is nothing more demoralizing, more destructive, more disempowering to a citizen than the belief that the system is rigged against them, the belief that the system is designed to fail them, and that people in positions of power, to use a diplomatic term, are “crooks” – crooks who are embezzling the future of their own people.

U.S support for Nigeria Now this is something that your president, President Buhari, understands very, very well. President Buhari was elected on a platform of clean government and the United States strongly supports the steps that he is taking in order to clean government. Nigeria is already a regional leader in many ways – economically and culturally – but you

can also become a model in fighting corruption and the organised crime that so often goes along with it. And you have made a terrific start, a strong start, at all levels of government.

Already, President Buhari is working with civil society to encourage official transparency and accountability. It is so important to restoring trust among the people.

His administration has taken important steps to prevent the theft of public funds, and to recover stolen assets. Last May, I joined him at the Anti-Corruption Summit in London, where he announced that Nigeria would join the Open Government Partnership – a step that will further strengthen the country’s anti-crime efforts, and advance institutional integrity, economic development, and citizen engagement.

Now of course, building public trust in government also requires cooperation from law enforcement and the military. It is understandable that in the wake of terrorist activity, some people are tempted to crack down on everyone and anyone who could theoretically pose some sort of a threat. I caution against that today. Extremism cannot be defeated through repression or just creating fear. Fear instilled through repression invites not confidence; it invites contempt. It creates terrorists – trust creates citizens.

Progress in this fight against corruption is going to go a long way to bringing Nigerians closer together, and creating confidence in the integrity of government institutions. And it would also unleash the enormous potential that you have for economic growth, which exists in every single part of your country – and that would obviously be good for Nigeria, good for Africa, but be a good for everybody else in the world.

Any government’s most basic duty is to meet the needs of its people

POLITICS \ INTERVIEW

THURSDAY, august 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

$2.6trn annually – Kerry

– and good, accountable government, just plain old good governance, is basically the key, but it’s not the end of the story. In this country, more than 60 percent of your population is under the age of 25 years old. So it matters to all of us whether or not these young people are able to gain access to education and jobs that will enable them to contribute to their communities in beneficial ways.

Dwindling economic fortune We also know that the economy in this country has been hurt by the fall in oil prices and by shortages of infrastructure, especially in energy.

A modern economy must have access to power; it needs ample grid capacity, the grid has to be able to deliver electricity to all parts of the country in order to keep the lights on, in order to enable a company to work, in order to build a factory, in order to let a business thrive; and it has to be supported by enough roads and bridges and rail lines and port facilities to connect producers to consumers with as little delay and expense as possible. But a modern economy also requires investments in its people – that’s the key – in schools at all levels, and in programs that train and prepare graduates in order to be able to compete in the global marketplace.

That is why the United States is partnering with the Nigerian Government and international donors to open temporary schools and other non-formal learning centers – places where, in addition to traditional schooling, displaced children are given access to meals, counseling, and other social services that empower them to be able to learn and to be able to grow up and be full citizens.

At the center of that effort is a goal that I know is shared by so many Nigerians, including President Buhari, and that is giving women and girls an equal chance to compete in the classroom and in the workplaces. I was really pleased to hear about the initiative that his Eminence the Sultan has launched to invest in girls’ education, including setting up a women’s college of medicine. When women are educated and empowered, societies are more productive, more democratic, more inclusive, and far more prosperous. And that is a fact, undeniable in country after country.

So my friends, improving governance and providing opportunities for all are two important pieces of the puzzle. The final piece that I want to mention today is the importance of building bridges through tolerance and acceptance – and that is another area in which Sokoto serves as a model for the region, for the country.

I mentioned Ahmadu Bello at the beginning of my remarks, and there’s an old story that I’m sure many of you have heard at one time or another. I heard his Eminence use the words a few minutes ago when we were in the meeting we were in. Shortly after Nigeria’s independence, the country’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who had met briefly with Mr. Bello to discuss Nigeria’s future and ways to overcome the deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions that existed then. And as legend has it, President Azikiwe proclaimed, “Let us now forget our differences.” And Bello countered: “No

– let us understand our differences.”

And that is what his Eminence said.

He said: “It is by understanding our differences that we can build unity throughout Nigeria.”

Peaceful co-existence Equality and tolerance; justice and mercy; compassion and humility – these are values that transcend religions, ethnicities, and all kinds of moral codes. They are certainly in keeping with the teachings of Islam that have enriched the world for centuries.

And those who would tear our communities apart – pitting one religion or one sect against another – they can only be defeated by citizens’ unyielding commitment to unity and mutual understanding. And here I underscore: Breaking the cycle of violence requires treating those who escape or defect from Boko Haram, and particularly those who were abducted against their will, with sensitivity as they try to return to their old communities. Welcoming these individuals – especially women and girls – back into society, safely, without the threat of continued violence or discrimination – and ensuring that the millions who have been displaced here in Nigeria and throughout the region, that they get the humanitarian and government support that they desperately need – that is the only way to move a community forward, beyond the turbulence of these times. That is something that the United States is working very, very hard to support, and we will continue to work with you as you engage in this extremely important work.

Empowerment of citizens My friends, all of these efforts – fighting corruption, promoting good governance, promoting opportunity for men and women alike, showing compassion and understanding for fellow citizens, even when it’s difficult – all of these things will do an enormous amount to reduce the threat that is posed by violent extremism and to prevent it from re-emerging in the future. This is the way you invest in a future that is free from violence and provides you with the stability and the peace that you so desperately want. But they are also worthy efforts in their own right. It is amazing what can be accomplished when people are empowered to succeed.

Consider the difference that a young man named Saied – who is here today – has made in his community. Saied, thank you so much. Saied grew up in an impoverished community in northeast Nigeria. Conflict was very common in his neighborhood, and Saied came to believe that poverty was largely to blame. So he wanted to turn that around. When he turned 18 years old, he began to volunteer with a nongovernmental organization that provided microloans to help women start their own businesses. Later, while studying for his undergraduate degree, he led a UNICEF team that educated youth about reproductive health and AIDS, and through his work, he developed a new understanding of the lack of trust in government, of the prevalence of corruption, and the need for transparency and accountability.

He started working with the Federal Inland Revenue Service – the FIRS

Progress in this fight against corruption is going to go a long way to bringing Nigerians closer

Kerry

– leading public campaigns to empower taxpayers to check on spending activities of tax officials and monitor for fraud. He spent years with the FIRS here in Sokoto, and he was honored multiple times for the mechanisms that he introduced to improve fiscal transparency and openness in the tax process. And Saied’s work to address fraud and corruption continues to this very day. Not too long ago, he launched a website called “Follow Taxes” that helps Nigerians who cannot afford a tax consultant understand how to pay what they owe, and avoid being taxed under false premises.

Now certainly, Saied could have chosen a lot of other things to do. He could have pursued a very different path. Others who grew up in his situation have chosen a lot of worse ways to air their frustrations. Instead, Saied has dedicated his life to finding solutions, and his work has helped millions of fellow citizens.

He didn’t accomplish what he has done by accident; he did it with hard work, compassionate mentors, a solid education, and the help of government programs and initiatives like the Washington Mandela Fellowship, for which he was selected in 2015.

Still, Saied’s story, frankly, shows us what is possible when people are given the opportunity to explore their dreams and act on their ideas.

It shows what is possible when people have a stake in the community and when they are able to have confidence in their future: A citizenry that is inspired, engaged, and empowered to take on whatever challenges society confronts. That’s the way it works. That’s what Ahmadu Bello, and many of Nigeria’s great leaders have worked to pursue, and the same goal should guide all the steps that we take today. That is how we will build strong, resilient communities. That is how we will pull up terrorism by its roots. That is how we bring about the future that Nigerians and people everywhere deserve. And working together, the United States, Nigeria, and our international partners can make this happen.

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Anti-graft war selective – Anyanwu C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

are not running a democracy and it will end in dictatorship.

Whether selective, vindictive or not, do you see the anti-corruption fight making any impact in the system?

I can tell you that because of the way he is going about it, it is not making any impact. It is not making any impact because people have abandoned Nigeria. If there is no victimization and vindictiveness, people will be here, and at least money will be collected back from them and invested in Nigeria. But some of them have left this country and government and the citizens cannot even have access to the money anymore and that is why there is hunger everywhere.

What do you think is the solution to the present crisis in the nation’s economy?

My advice is that there should be liberalization of the economy, and some policies should be relaxed. Look at importation; take for instance cars, it is a section of this country that imports cars, mainly the Igbos but they don’t bring cars into the country anymore. They now stop in Cotonou because the Republic of Benin gave them incentives of very low charges. They pay it there but the vehicles still end up in Nigeria.

Why can’t we have special ports and give concessions. Even the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) made a mistake in the items they banned from importation because it has limited the number of goods coming in and going out. What is the basis of export? It is to earn foreign exchange but what are we exporting; where is the electricity to produce?

Some people have accused President Buhari of indulging in lopsided appointments. Do you really see it from that angle?

You are only stating the obvious. The President himself even stated it one time he traveled out that he will give those who voted for him 95 per cent of the appointments and those who didn’t vote for him five per cent. It is not an imaginary thing, he said it by himself. We have been talking about it in the Senate. You don’t see an Igbo man from the South-East in most of his appointments. Why is it so?

There is crisis in the House of Representatives over padding of the 2016 budget, what is your view on that vis-a-vis what the Senate did on the Appropriation Bill?

I don’t know what is called padding. As far as I am concerned, the 2016 Appropriation Bill has been passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President, to make it a law. So, we now have an Appropriation Act, which is now under implementation by the executive. I don’t want to believe in the issue of padding or no padding. What is padding? That the Parliament carried out its constitutional function and somebody from nowhere is talking about padding. I am a novice to that expression.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Opinion Edo monarchs as politicians Turning Point MIKE ARAYUWA WILKIE pmikky1950@yahoo.com 0802-3097-251 (sms only)

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onarchs or Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, in which Edo State is part and parcel, play the roles of custodians and act as the bastion of native customs, tradition, cultural heritage, and as spiritual fathers of members of their kingdoms, Dukedoms, communities and perhaps, a little bit of influence around their catchment areas. They also adjudicate traditionally on matters of land disputes and marriages.

In the pre-colonial era, the traditional rulers were actually regarded as the Alfa and Omega of their people. During the period in question, some of the monarchs were committed tyrants and dictators, who preferred to act as if they were direct representatives of God on earth. Some of the ruled probably believed this assertion, while others felt that God had no such representatives on earth. It is obvious that nobody can play God, and it is therefore certain that only God can play God and not humans.

During the colonial period, the monarchs had a few changing roles after the conquest and colonialisation of Nigeria’s ethnic nations. The roles were designed to the advantage of the British imperialist overlords. For instance, the traditional rulers were manipulated to assist them to collect taxes for onward transfer into the fat bank accounts of the British Empire.

The 1960 and 1963 constitutions, however, created the Council of Chiefs in the four re-

gions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The 1979 constitution made provision for the creation of a National council of states, where the traditional rulers were duly represented. Thus they were accommodated in the politics of Nigeria as a nation state. This opportunity appeared to be abrogated by the 1999 constitution on the ground that the said constitution did not even make mention of traditional rulers, let alone, their roles in the politics of the country.

However, Nigeria’s erstwhile Senate President, David Mark, during a condolence visit at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Mustapha Umaru El-Kanemi, on the passing away of the Waziri of Borno, Alhaji Ahmed, inter alia: “we will continue to assist our traditional rulers and leaders, who are responsible for the unity and peace in order to further strengthen their roles. We shall find specific roles for them in the constitution when we finally review the 1999 constitution”.

Senator David Mark did not mess-up or muddle his position on this constitutional matter. He re-echoed and told Nigerians the blunt truth. Inspite of these obvious circumstances, most Edo State Monarchs have volunteered to frog-jump their traditional roles and launch themselves into the political arena. Not too long ago, Nick Dazang, the deputy Director of voter Education and Publicity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced that on September 10, 2016, the Gubernatorial election of Edo State would be conducted. In this vein, about 19 governorship candidates have criss-crossed the length and breath of the state to canvass for votes. Events emanating from the state have clearly revealed that a few monarchs are already partisan in the politics of the State, preparatory to the said election.

In this scenario, evidence abounds, that

What was expected of these Monarchs, was to receive and pray for the success of each candidate

some Enigies (dukes) of Benin Kingdom had endorsed Godwin Obaseki (APC) as their choice governorship candidate in the forth coming election. Also, in Esan land, a few political monarchs, announced their support for the same Obaseki. In Edo North, the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Aliru H.Momoh, Ikelebe 111, was said to have anointed the APC candidate, too.

He claimed to have the mandate of the traditional rulers in the areas to speak for them.

The reason was based on the achievements of Adams Oshiomhole as Governor of the State, who doubles as Obaseki’s political godfather.

Whereas, these traditional rulers of lower grades, ought to have realized that the governorship contestants are all their traditional children. They ought not to have preferred one contestant to the others. And, what gave them the impetus to conclude that Godwin Obaseki would have a smooth and easy ride to the Dennis Osadebay, Government House, Benin City, when infact, the contestants are legion?

What was expected of these Monarchs, was to receive and pray for the success of each candidate, during courtesy visits. To have done otherwise was to negate the culture and tradition, which they uphold. In these circumstances, the concerned traditional rulers would have faired better if they had thrown their royal regalia and other paraphernalia of office into the political ring and contest the governorship of Edo State. It is also better for such traditional persons to renounce their offices and concentrate on both the theories and practical aspects of Edo politics.

As a citizen, who is maternally Edo State, I pray that the best candidate should emerge as governor. Assuming that Godwin Obaseki fails to win and occupy this high office, what will be the relationship between the victorious governor and those political Monarchs who preferred the success of their anointed Obaseki? Such relations would be rough, afterall.

Maritime: Growing govt-stakeholder model Ken Kirkbun

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lobally the maritime sector is passing through challenges but it also provides opportunities for growth especially in developing countries where nobody can talk of excess capacity. In good and bad times alike government plays a significant role in the growth of maritime sector through visioning, regulation, infrastructural development, creating the right environment,amongst others. This is why the recent development in Nigeria’s maritime sector is gladdening. We have a Minister of Transportation who understands the power of the private sector and a regulator who knows that regulation can make or mar an industry.

For once industry players have absolute confidence that the regulator is up and doing ,focused and ready to make necessary changes to put the industry on a sound footing to run.

The global maritime picture is worrisome. There is excess ship building capacity in almost all the ship building centres of the world including China and South Korea that recently have been acknowledged as the topmost two ship building nations in the world ahead of Europe.

The fall in the price of crude oil has also affected the demand for new vessels and platforms. Funding of new ship facilities is a big challenge as return on investment has been slow. Competition for new projects is intense between China,Korea and Singapore on one hand and Europeans on the other hand. There is also a serious gap in skilled professionals which ordinarily the developing world should take advantage of.

This is despite the fact that in China alone thirty four million persons are employed in the maritime sector yet China does not have enough trained personnel to man the industry.

The picture of maritime in Africa is not better. Despite new oil finds which should fuel growth in the sector, the multiplier effect is not being felt. There are no new shipyards established in the past one year, vessels demand is not commensurate with expected trend mostly due to low price of crude oil and low investment in the oil and gas sector. Export which is expected to boom has not grown geometrically. Africa thus has not maximized the benefit of excess capacity and low demand of vessels in Europe and Asia which could have seen a shift to Africa to handle the effect of competition.

Nigeria appears worse off in this

interplay of forces. A new unpredictable forex exchange regime appears to stifle investment in the maritime sector by making it unattractive. Dip in price of crude oil which is the main driver of maritime growth in Nigeria has not helped matters. Insecurity and piracy have contributed to affect low vessel traffic to the Gulf of Guinea. Excess charges and multiple charges are also having negative impact in both import and export.

Poor infrastructure at the ports and access road to the ports has further complicated the matter. The country does not have a national fleet thereby tilting the balance of trade and cargo against her. It’s only natural area of strength, skilled manpower is grossly underdeveloped. Nigeria thus has not taken advantage of its geographical location to assert itself as a maritime hub. Two developments seem to give observers of the industry hope of a bright future. One is the realization

by Hon Minister of transportation Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi that the private sector working with Government can change this gloomy picture. The second is the current leadership in Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA which has proven to be visionary, dynamic and goal oriented. This is what is referred to in the industry as Government- Stakeholder

model for the development of the industry in Nigeria .

The Federal Ministry of Transportation is driving the national fleet project through the private sector. This is to address the gap in cargo sharing, training needs of young cadets, employment opportunities that abound and restore the dignity of Nigeria at the comity of maritime nations without wasting government scare foreign resources. The ministry also intends to upgrade facilities at the ports soon using the public private partnership model. There has been increased industry networking since Amaechi assumed office as minister.

To complement the trend NIMASA, the industry regulator seems to have suddenly recovered itself . Dr Dakuku Peterside the Director General has proven to be a competent, knowledgeable and determined driver. NIMASA does all within its power to ensure total enforcement of international standards as enshrined in various IMO instruments. NIMASA is also championing the creation of a critical mass of trained maritime professionals to take advantage of the global acute skill gap that will see to the creation of not less that forty million jobs around the world.

•Dr. Kirkbun is an IMO activist and researcher.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Lagos: Government at work

uesday, August 10 was a sad day for many traders in IsheriIdimu Area of Lagos as bulldozers moved in to demolish over 500 shops and shanties built on the Right of Way (RoW) of high tension power cables at Oba Wahab Ayinde Balogun Modern Market, Isheri Olofin in Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area of Alimosho Local Government of Lagos State.

The exercise, which was jointly carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development was aimed at making the Lagos Mega City environment friendly and liveable.

Traders, residents and owners of demolished properties wept profusely while lamenting their losses. Many of the traders had paid between N1.5 million and N3 million to the Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area to secure the shops built under the deadly high tension cables. These included lock-up shops, K-clamps, kiosks etc., built in contravention of the state’s building law. One of the traders explained to a reporter that he had sunk over N13 million of his life investments to acquire some of the demolished shops.

This is in spite of government’s several warnings to the property owners to vacate the area for safety and health reasons. The state, in a statement signed by the Commissioner of Physical

Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Anifowoshe Abiola, had stated its determination to enforce the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010 in a bid to maintain a liveable and friendly environment in the Lagos Mega City.

Lagos State’s Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010 proohibits building under the centre-line of overhead electric wires. The law also specifies the distance to be observed between a property and a public utility such as the PHCN high tension cables.

The law recommends setback for buildings of not less than six metres for 11KV wire lines and nine metres for the 33KV wire lines.

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Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun Head, Arts & Creative n Ugochukwu Nnakwe Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

cuted in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital when a high tension cable snapped and landed on vegetable traders at the busy Apata Market. The Oyo State government responded by demolishing all the structures under the high tension cable on the Apata-Bembow Road to avoid another occurrence. This is medicine after death.

Also, in May this year, a 14-year-old school leaver was cut down in her prime when a high tension wire fell on her at the entrance to her sister’s apartment

No responsible government will fold its arms while allowing its citizens risk their lives

Lagos State Government moved in to demolish the structures because, according to Abiola, “Buildings on the Right of Way of high tension electricity cables are dangerous, illegal and a source of serious concern to the state government. Having residential buildings or conducting business under high tension power lines constitutes danger to lives and properties that could have fatal consequences.”

In 2014, eight people, including a pregnant woman and another nursing mother were electro-

DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha

in Alakuko area of Lagos. All these are avoidable calamities.

While we wonder why citizens would subject themselves to dangers by living and transacting

business precariously under the high tension electricity cables, we commend the state government for being proactive in saving citizens’ lives. One of the roles of government is to ensure the safety of lives and property of citizens.

No responsible government will fold its arms while allowing its citizens risk their lives.

The government has also demonstrated that it would not tolerate any form of illegality, no matter from which quarter it is coming from. With the demolition, it has shown that the Ambode

administration is working.

Two land grabbers, alleged to be relations of a traditional ruler in Isheri had claimed ownership of the land where the structures were demolished.

They had earlier stormed the area with thugs.

The duo was alleged to have collected several millions of naira from the developer who built the illegal shops in conjunction with officials of Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area.

It took the developer under one month to develop the shops.

We condemn in its entirety the actions of these land grabbers who, because of their closeness to a monarch, would perpetuate illegality in a state where law and order prevail.

Also condemnable is the action of the local government officials who should know that building under high tension cables is illegal in Lagos State, but still allowed such illegality to be perpetuated.

We call on the Lagos State government to investigate this matter. Government should take the bold step of demolishing all structures built under high tension distribution cable, not only in Lagos, but in all the states of the federation to avoid deaths by electrocution.

We hail the Ambode administration’s determination and will to step on toes in its plan to maintain a friendly environment and keep certain deaths at bay for citizens in Lagos. Life, they say, is cheap in Nigeria.

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THURSDAY, august 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Insight Politics’ gain, education’s loss Nigeria’s education sector is bogged down by familiar issues of inadequate funding, decaying infrastructure, industrial strife and declining productivity, but brain drain due to rising academics’ involvement in politics is accelerating the progressive decay of the system, FELIX NWANERI reports

Adewole

Daramola

Rufa’i

Gana

Olowofela

Soludo

Chukwu

Anwuka

CONTINUED FROM last week

Soji Adejumo The professor of Animal Physiology of the University of Ibadan left the academia during the administration of Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, upon his appointment as chairman of the state SUBEB. Just like Adedoja, he also ventured into the governorship race of the state on the platform of PDP, but his ambition was thwarted with the emergence of Senator Folarin.

Adejumo, who was also active in the campaign to see former President Jonathan return for a second term, is currently a private man but still a chieftain of the PDP in the state.

Adeniyi Olowofela The Ibadan, Oyo State-born professor of Geo-Physics of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State left the university to take up appointment as the caretaker chairman of Ido Local Government Area in the first term of Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He was recently appointed as commissioner for Education, Science and Technology by the governor.

Nureni Adeniran Adeniran is a graduate of the University of Ibadan, as well as former lecturer in the Adult Education Department of the institution. He later read Law at the university.

Having bagged a doctorate in Education and an LL.B in Law, Adeniran was appointed as Oyo State commissioner for Education in the administration of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, a position he held till 2011 when the PDP lost the reins of government to the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The former academic later dumped the PDP for Accord Party and was appointed as the publicity secretary of the party. He is pres-

ently running a law chamber in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Adekunle Ogunmola Ogunmola hails from Oyo town in Oyo State and was a former lecturer at the St. Andrews College of Education, now Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo. He later rose to become the provost of the college before he was appointed the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for Lagos State.

Benard Odoh A professor of Applied Geophysics, Odoh is presently secretary to Ebonyi State Government (SSG). He taught at the Ebonyi State University before he moved to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

He ventured into politics in 2015, when he contested Ebonyi Central Senatorial District election on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) but could not make it. Odoh was appointed SSG

by Governor Dave Umahi after his failed bid for the Senate.

Mike Otuma Otuma, a professor, was the

former personal assistant to former Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State on Higher Education. He was a lecturer in the Department of Animal Science, Ebonyi State University before his appointment. He returned to the classroom immediately Elechi left office on May 29, 2015.

Gana has remained in politics since his foray during the military era

Adaeze Nwuzor Nwuzor holds a PhD in Agric Extension. She worked as a lecturer in Ebonyi State University from 1996 to 2006.

In 2007, she was elected chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and was reelected for second term in 2010.

Governor Umahi appointed her senior special assistant on Higher Education, a position she is currently holding.

Daniel Umezuruike Umuzuruike obtained his MBBS in Medicine and Surgery from Abia State University in 1999. Prior to his appointment by Governor Umahi as Ebonyi State commissioner for Health, he was a senior registrar at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH). He is currently a consultant lecturer and consultant surgeon at

Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital.

Chike Onwe Onwe served as Ebonyi State commissioner for Information and State Orientation in the administration of former Governor Elechi. He was a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Ebonyi State University, from where Elechi picked him.

Before then, he had contested the House of Representatives election twice but lost. He has returned to classroom at the Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo (FUNAI) in the state.

Patrick Muoboghare Prior to Muoboghare’s appointment as Delta State commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education by former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, the professor was chairman of Association Staff Union of University (ASUU), Delta State University. He has returned to his lecturing job, while serving as a consultant to the state government.

Hope Eghagha Eghagha was a lecturer at the University of Lagos before he was appointed by Uduaghan as Delta

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THURSDAY, august 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Monye

Muoboghare

Agada

Onwe

State commissioner for Higher Education. The professor is back to his lecturing job at the university.

He had his first degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos before proceeding to the University of Lagos where he obtained a Master’s degree and PhD in English Language in 1984 and 1994, respectively.

Eghagha majored in Drama; Dramatic Literature; African Literature; Theory of Drama; African Poetry; Poetry and Minor; Comparative Literature; Creative Writing and Diaspora Studies. He was appointed graduate assistant in the Department of English Language, University of Lagos, upon the completion of his Master’s degree.

Between 1988 and 1994, he also taught at the Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti (now University of Ado Ekiti) before returning to University of Lagos as a Lecturer I. While at Ondo State University, specifically between 1993 and 1994, he became a sub-dean, Faculty of Arts. He was also the general secretary of the institution’s chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) about the same period.

Eghagha acted as head of department (HOD), English Department, University of Lagos between October and November 2006. He was elected member of the Senate of the same institution in 2000.

Sylvester Monye Monye served as special adviser on Project Monitoring and Evaluation in the Jonathan administration. His bid for the governorship position of the state in 2015 could not sail through but was compensated by the winner – Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as senior political adviser on Programme Monitoring. Prior to this, he headed an ad-

Kwaja

Abass

Borishade

Gaya Best

administration of the immediate past governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, as SSG for four years.

He has returned to the teaching profession at the University of Jos, where he was before his appointment.

hoc committee - the Multi-Agency Task Force on Illegal Structures.

Monye bagged an master’s degree in Marketing Management before he proceeded to acquire an MBA in Management. He later obtained a PhD in International Business. He was appointed professor of International Business in 1999 at the University of Applied Science, Bremen in Germany. He also taught at South Bank University in London.

Ademola Abass Abass, a professor of International Law is the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Overseas Affairs and Investment.

He was formerly Head of Programme and Research Fellow in Peace and Security and CapacityBuilding at the United Nations University Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS), Bruges, Belgium.

He was a professor of International Law and Organisation at Brunel University, West London.

He taught at several British universities, including the Universities of Reading, Nottingham and UWE, Bristol. He was African Union’s first expert on Regional Mechanisms.

Abass was educated at the Universities of Lagos, Cambridge, and Nottingham. He holds a doctoral degree in International Law and he is a recipient of Advanced Diploma (Magna cum Laude) from the Institute of International Public Law/International Relations at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and International Law Association.

Shedrack Gaya Best Best, a professor, served in the

Chris Kwaja Kwaja, a former lecturer/researcher at Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies, University of Jos, served as director of Research and Documentation during the Jang administration for four years. Kwaja also returned to the university.

Borishade was appointed senior special assistant to President Obasanjo in May 1999

Nicholas Ada Ada served as minister of state II, Foreign Affairs, in the Jonathan administration. He was until the appointment, deputy vice chancellor (administration), Benue State University, Makurdi.

The professor returned to the university after Jonathan left office and contested the position of vice-chancellor of the institution, but was not successful. He still lectures in the university.

John Tsua Tsua is the chairman, Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC). Before now, he was a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Benue State University, Makurdi.

Jerry Agada Agada was minister of state for Education in the Jonathan administration but was relieved of his appointment during a minor cabinet reshuffle. The onetime national president of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is back to literary work after dumping his party, the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

19

Chukwuma Soludo Soludo, who was appointed professor of Economics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1998, after obtaining a First Class Honours degree in 1984, an MSc Economics in 1987, and a PhD in 1989, was named governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2004.

Prior to this, he held the positions of chief economic adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and chief executive of the National Planning Commission. After leaving the CBN in 2009, Soludo announced his aspiration for the governorship position of Anambra State.

He emerged candidate of the PDP for the February 9, 2010 election but lost to the then incumbent, Mr. Peter Obi. He later joined APGA with the hope of picking the party’s ticket for the November 2013 governorship election in the state but could not go beyond the screening stage.

Onyebuchi Chukwu Chukwu trained as a medical doctor at the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos in 1986. Subsequently, he obtained post-graduate qualification in Orthopaedic Surgery from the West African Postgraduate of Medical College.

He was the Chief Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (2003–2008). In 2007, he was appointed professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Ebonyi State University and visiting professor of Surgery at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus in 2010.

He was appointed minister of Health 2010 by then President and re-appointed in 2011. He resigned in October 2014, to run as a candidate for the governorship of Ebonyi State, but the bid failed.

Viola Onwuliri The professor of Biochemistry, served as minister of Foreign Affairs and a minister of state for Education in the Jonathan government. She was a deputy governorship candidate in Imo State in the 2011 elections before she was appointed minister.

She attended University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she had first degree and University of Jos for her MSc and a PhD. She later went for certificate courses at Howard University and Harvard School of Public Health in the US and upon her return, took a job as a graduate assistant in 1981 and worked her way up to a professorship in Biochemistry in 2004 at the University of Jos. Anthony Anwuka Anwuka, a former vice-chancellor, Imo State University, is the current minister of state for Education.

The professor studied English Language and Literature at the University of Sierra Leone and did his Masters in Educational Administration and Planning at the University of Portland, Oregon, US and doctoral degree programme in General Curriculum, System Analysis and Social Studies at the University of Washington, Seattle, also in the US. He acquired the prestigious CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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INSIGHT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

rank of professor of Education from former Imo State University, now Abia State University, 19891993. He was former SSG, Imo State in Governor Rochas Okorocha’s first tenure.

Isaac Adewole The current minister of Health, Adewole obtained his MB BS degree from the University of Ibadan in 1978, winning the Glaxo Allen-bury prize for the best performance in Paediatrics.

He then started practicing in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology as a senior house officer in 1981 and at the same time, underwent further medical training which qualified him as a senior registrar in the department in 1984.

He later went to Britain, where he studied for the Research Fellowship in the Department of Medical Oncology at Charring Cross Hospital, London. He returned to Nigeria and became Lecturer I at the College of Medicine in the University of Ibadan in 1989. In 1995, he became a senior lecturer and in 1997 and a professor and the dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences and Dentistry between 2000 and 2002.

In 2002, he became the provost of the College of Medicine of the University of Ibadan, a position he held until 2006. On December 1, 2010, Adewole became the vicevhancellor, University of Ibadan.

Claudius Daramola The current minister of state for Niger Delta graduated from the University of Sokoto (now Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto), where he bagged B.Sc. Ed. in Sociology.

He later attended the University of Jos and obtained M. Ed. in Sociology of Education. His PhD degree was earned at the University of Ilorin, where he was later appointed professor of Sociology of Education.

Daramola has held many administrative positions at the university and national levels. He has served on quite a number of committees in the university and edited and/or co-edited several academic journals within and outside of Nigeria.

Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa’i Rufa’i was appointed minister of Education in 2010 by then Acting President Jonathan. She was previously commissioner for Health in Kano State between 1993 and 1996.

She obtained a B.Ed in History at the Bayero University, Kano in 1981, an MA in History from the same university in 1987 and PhD in Education from the West Virginia University, US, in 1991.

She was appointed professor in 2003, and served as commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Jigawa State.

Ahmed Abdullah Abdullah was appointed minister of Agriculture in 2010 by then Acting President Jonathan.

He earned a B.Sc in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in 1974, and an MBA from Syracuse University in the USA in 1977.

He spent most of his working career at ABU in the human resources and management develop-

THURSDAY, august 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Internal brain drain’s negative impact on education ment area, and in 1990 was awarded a PhD by the university. The professor was director-general at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) in Badagry from 2003 to 2008.

Muhammed Abubakar Abubakar served as minister of Science and Technology when Jonathan was president on acting capacity.

The professor of Biochemistry held several teaching positions at Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University before he was appointed minister. He studied Biochemistry at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he earned a B.Sc in 1982 and an M.Sc in 1989. In 1994 he earned a Ph.D in Biochemistry from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom.

Jerry Gana A professor of Geography, Gana was a lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University before he was appointed chairman of Mass Mobilisation for Social and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) in the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

He was at various times minister for Agriculture and Natural Resources; Information and Culture; Cooperation and Integration in Africa and again Information and National Orientation.

He ran for the office of President in 1992 on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). Before then, he was elected senator in 1983, serving briefly until the military coup that brought then Maj. General Muhammadu Buhari to power.

He attended Ahmadu Bello University for his first degree and Aberdeen University, Scotland for

his Masters and Ph.D. He was appointed a Geography lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University in 1973, senior lecturer in 1976, reader in 1980 and professor in 1985. Gana has remained in politics since his foray during the military era.

Osuji voluntarily retired from Imo State University in 1990 to pursue a career in politics

Tunde Adeniran A political scientist and a product of the University of Ibadan and Columbia University in the city of New York, US, Adeniran taught in some American universities before he took up appointment at the University of Ibadan, where he worked for 20 years before he retired to go into politics in 1998.

The professor was appointed minister of Education in 1999 by then President Obasanjo.

Chinwe Obaji Obaji, who holds the record of being Nigeria’s first female minister of Education, was a lecturer at the College of Agriculture, Umuagwo, Imo State, before her appointment in June 2005 by the Obasanjo administration. She left office in 2006 and was appointed professor of International Education at the Voorhees College, United States in 2007.

Babalola Borishade Borishade was in government between 1999 and 2011 and served in various capacities. A graduate of the University of Ife with first class honours in Electrical Engineering, he was retained as graduate assistant at the same university. In 1972, he secured a Commonwealth Scholarship for a Doctoral Degree in High Voltage Engineering at the Victoria University, Manchester, United Kingdom. He later obtained his

Osuji

Umezuruike

Adeniran

Odoh

Onwuliri

Eghagha

PhD in 1975 and returned to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he pioneered the establishment of the Electrical Power Systems Degree Programme and the University of Ife Consultancy Unit in the Faculty of Technology.

In 1988, Borishade was elected as member of the Constituent Assembly. He teamed up with the late General Sheu Musa Yar’Adua to establish the Peoples Front, which later metamorphosed to Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), a political association which has remained dominant in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The professor served as director of Research and Planning of the defunct Society Democratic Party (SDP); coordinator (Administration) of MKO Abiola’s campaign (1993); director of Administration, Strategy and Planning for the Obasanjo Campaign Organisation (1999) and coordinator of the Election Administration and Management Unit of the Obasanjo/Atiku Campaign Organisation in 2003.

Borishade was appointed senior special assistant to President Obasanjo in May 1999. Between February 2001 and May 2003, he served as the minister of Education.

Between July 2005 and November 2006, he was minister of Aviation. In November 2006, he was reassigned to the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism as a minister, a position he held till May, 2007.

Fabian Osuji Osuji was minister of Education from July 2003 until March 2005. Before then, he had worked as a lecturer, senior lecturer and associate professor in the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan (1973-1981). He became a member of the university’s Senate. He also was a visiting Scientific Fellow at the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

He was dean of the College of Science, dean of the College of Postgraduate Studies, deputy vicechancellor and member of the Governing Council of Imo State University. He was also a visiting professor to several universities within and outside Nigeria.

Osuji voluntarily retired from Imo State University in 1990 to pursue a career in politics. In 1991, he emerged as the Imo State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with an unprecedented landslide. An enormously popular candidate, Osuji was favoured to win the governorship election ahead of the late Senator Evan Enwerem of the NRC. However, a few days to the election, the then regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, inexplicably disqualified him alongside other candidates in several states.

Osuji later served as Imo State Commissioner for Information and Social Development (19941996), and pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2000-2003).

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

SouthEastFocus

GEOFFREY EKENNA coordinaTor

goeekenna@yahoo.co.uk 08068774740

South South Focus Delta: Invasion of the mentally-unstable

23 News Squabbles over NDDC board

24

The borehole

Hot water borehole

Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

W

ater is a gift of nature and very essential to life. There is hardly anythingplant or animal- that can survive without water. Water supply from dug well and borehole have become the common source of domestic and industrial use in the towns and villages.

It is however strange to have a borehole that supplies hot water.

Commonly, homes and industries where hot water is needed, there is a mechanism for heating or boiling the water to the required temperature.

It is not common to have hot water directly supplied in its natural state for use. It is against this background that the water borehole in Amasu

Village in Arochukwu, which water is hot without undergoing any process of mechanical temperature change remains a mystery.

Located at the Amasu, Arochukwu village square in Arochukwu Local Government Area, of Abia State, the borehole was sunk in 2015 by an indigene of the community, Mr Godfrey Nnadozie, for his private use. But unlike other borehole water points in the village, this one is not just warm but “hot enough to prepare garri.”

According to Mr Chima Okoro, an indigene of the community, who served as guide, “no one has been able to unravel the phenomenon.”

“I have been to Ikogosi. Ikogosi warm spring is warm but this one is hot enough to prepare garri. Those who fetch it for drinking have to wait for it to cool. No explanation has

Ikogosi warm spring is warm, but this one is hot enough to prepare garri

been found for this and there is no other one with this unique feature in the village.”

“I have been to Ikogosi warm spring. The wonder there is that while one arm of the spring is cold the other is warm and you will feel it as you put your hand in the water, but this one is completely hot that one cannot deep hand into it.”

What could be responsible for the phenomenon? A geologist, Mr Temple Okereke, said it was strange and mysterious. He noted that the depth of earth crust where hot elements could be found is too far for the borehole driller to get to.

According to Okereke, “the heat at that level can even melt iron.”

Could it be impact of the sun on the overhead water tank?

Okoro said “no, it has been like that even before the overhead

tank was mounted.”

The water became hot as soon as it flowed out and has remained hot since then.”

The ancient kingdom of Arochukwu is known for its famous Long Juju and slave trade. It was also among the first contacts with European missionaries to the hinterland including the venerable Mary Slessor, who stopped the killing of twins, but not for hot water boreholes.

In fact, these places, the slave market, the twin babies home of Slessor and the Long Juju are veritable tourist sites but little is known of the hot water borehole.

In spite of its hot nature, the people still fetch it because like the normal hot water, it cools after it is fetched and kept for some time.

Meanwhile, the borehole supplies the hot water needs of the community. Members of the community no longer need to burn their fuel to boil water.

All they do is fetch from the borehole free for bath, preparing garri or other domestic needs that require hot water.

22

News|south-east

Waiting for Biafra on newsstands

Readers at the newsstand

Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

I

f anybody is in doubt about the Biafra renaissances and other information about the state of the rising sun, he or she should visit any newsstand across the South East states.

At anytime of the day, one must find a group of young men standing in different groups, scanning through newspapers papers and magazines while others engage in brainstorming on the latest development from the Radio Biafra.

Kenneth Ofoma ENUGU

C

ivil servants in Enugu, Enugu State have course to rejoice. It was indeed wild jubilation over subsidized and affordable residential houses courtesy of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

It was a historic moment as the governor presented keys to 100 housing units to 100 junior civil servants in the state, who had won the facilities through an open ballot exercise.

It was celebration galore, as it was the first of its kind in the state.

The estate is located at Ibagwa Nike at the outskirt of Enugu, just about 10 minutes drive from the city centre, in a sprawling land with serene atmosphere and beautiful courtyards.

The governor had initiated the gesture and his administration paid over 30 percent equity contribution to the developers of the Elim Estate, to enable the lucky beneficiaries to acquire the 100 housing units.

It is the first time in the history of the coal city state that a government would dole out that kind of largesse to junior public servants.

Visibly satisfied and elated Ugwuanyi spoke on the occasion of the presentation of the houses to the beneficiaries, saying that “this is a very auspicious and historic occasion. We

They also among other things discuss other issues bothering on marginalization of Ndigbo, appointment of political portfolios, budget proposal and distribution of project across the country.

Others also give statistics of how many MASSOB, IPOB and BIM members who have so far lost their lives, the need to continue the struggle as well as the fate of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in incarceration in prison while some educate others on the international support and acceptance in various parts of the world even as they name branches where the

movement has stronghold, giving details of how some other countries of the world that fought for the self determination fought for it The most interesting thing about this struggle is that both the old and the young seem to be in full support of the struggle, when they give analysis about the Nigerian/Biafran war and the struggle for self determination in most African and West African countries.

For instance, in Old Market Road in Onitsha, Anambra State, as early as 7 O’clock in the morning, one would find them already

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

assembled in their numbers and continue the discussion till late in the night.

South East Focus gathered that in keeping with the spirit of the founding father of the Biafran State and Late Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu, the agitators for the Biafra believe in the undying spirit of the late Biafran war Lord and would better die than to succumb to the threat of the Federal Government to truncate the ambition and demand for the Biafran state.

A member told South East Focus that “the actualization of the sovereign state Biafra, is a spiritual, as well as divine and no Jupiter can stop it. It is just a matter of time.”

He said: “We may live to see the Biafran Republic actualize but if we don’t, well the spirit is well made. We are not afraid of death but the Nigeria government should allow us to go. Alexander Maduebo in his Book “The Nigerian Revolution and the Biafra war” stated in its work the lamentation of the Biafra soldiers as they sing, and I quote take my book when I die, tell nobody where I have gone and fight for the father land”.

He added “It is in this spirit of struggle that we found ourselves and there would be no retreat, no surrender till victory is achieved.”

Another one said: “The issue of Biafra is not about negotiation.

It is about self determination and sovereignty. They are wasting their time because it is spiritual and not manmade. We have no gun, machete or even stick but we have God. How can you kill somebody who is innocent who did not offend you? His blood must revenge and the earlier the Nigeria government understands this, the better.

“We are grateful to various countries of the world that have supported our struggle since Nigerian government was killing us. Since we are not part of this country and our people are not worth being part of the government of Nigeria, we cannot continue. Instead, let the Buhari Government wipe us out or sink us as he already promised.”

Roofs over their heads

are indeed here to celebrate the goodness of the Lord to the people of Enugu State.

“You will recall that on the 29th of September, 2015, we took the unprecedented step of conducting an open lottery for civil servants from grade levels 1-10, in respect of 100 units of one bedroom apartments at this very estate.

“A hundred lucky civil servants thereafter emerged as winners of the lottery and, having paid the over 30 per cent equity contribution that we promised for each of them, we are here today to formally hand over to them, the keys to their apartments.

“This event is in accordance with our promise to deploy government resources and services to create fair and equal opportunity for every willing citizen, to make a living, create wealth and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment”, he told the jubilant gathering at the estate venue of the handover ceremony.

He further recalled that the gesture “is also a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving the welfare of workers in Enugu State and to the provision of affordable housing for all Enugu citizens”.

It is, indeed, the first time the state government is acquiring housing units for the lowest cadre of civil servants

Ugwuanyi used the occasion to commend the leaders of the organized labour in the state as well as workers for cooperating with his administration in the past year, especially in the face of the present economic difficulty.

“As I congratulate the beneficiaries, I wish to use this opportunity to once again thank the organised labour and workers Enugu in state in general for the support, understanding and cooperation that they have continued to extend to my administration especially in these times of severe economic challenges.

“We want to reassure you that we will continue to work within our means to address issues affecting the welfare of workers and to ensure that industrial peace continues to reign in Enugu State.”

It was an occasion when the governor received commendations from stakeholders, including the workers who reaped the benefit finally.

Chairman of COPEN Group, Rev. Ugochukwu Chime, whose company are the developers, the state Head of Service, Mr. Chidi Ezema, praised him for doing for workers in the state what no other administration

has attempted to do by providing junior workers a concrete opportunity to own their houses within Enugu metropolis.

While the developer said the governor’s down-to-earth exemplary leadership in many spheres has become unprecedented in the history of the state, and lavishly endears him to the hearts of the people, a jubilant state commissioner for Housing, Charles Ogbo Asogwa, an engineer, said that “this novel accomplishment is remarkable and memorable in the history of the state.

“It is, indeed, the first time the state government is acquiring housing units for the lowest cadre of civil servants”, said the commissioner.

And on their part, the beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen through Mr. Peter Odo, a driver on grade level 3, said, “we have seen a governor who likes ordinary people from his heart and God will continue to bless him and his administration.

“He has done for us what nobody will have agreed to do for us. Who would have given me a house, a flat as my own in Enugu capital here?” he queried rhetorically.

23

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

SouthSouthFocus

Insanity or madness is a state of mind that is caused by several factors.

Many in Delta State are worried by the number of men, women, boys and girls, who parade the roads in the state in total insanity. While some are violent, others occupy every bus stop. Yet, others roam from Asaba to as far as Edo State. DOMINIC ADEWOLE reports from Asaba

W

hen you see them walking to and fro the uptown streets in rags, with strangulated hair on their heads and carrying their tattered bags and baggages, you would understand that madness is synonymous with confusion.

Thought provoking as their case may be, they neither know where they are going nor where they are coming from. They are not even bothered whether they are naked or not.

Like sheep, they have gone astray, each following his or her own way.

The picture painted above succinctly described how the number of lunatics have increased geometrically in the past one year along the ever busy Benin-Asaba-Onitsha Expressway.

Their floodgate and those of homeless persons into the streets of Asaba, the Delta State capital, and its environs, recently became awful, following their age bracket, which ranged from 15 to 40 years.

Besides that dozens of lunatics usually roam the streets of the state capital aimlessly, they have equally taken over the ever busy Agbor-Asaba Expressway.

Homeless and sick persons are also hibernating in hundreds in the illegal structures at the defunct TollGate, near the River Niger Bridge and uncompleted buildings along Okpanam and Ibusa roads, two nearby towns to Asaba, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.

Now that their statistical data has assumed a dangerous dimension, following the way and manner they constitute nuisance to commuters, and most times, pounce on unsuspecting residents of the state, vandalise vehicles and property, worth millions on naira, the question has become, ‘How do they find their ways into the oil rich state?

Their presence in every nook and cranny of the state became worrisome sometime last year, when one of them, who was walking nude round Agbor, in Ika South Local Government Area of the state, with strangulated bushy hair, smashed the windscreen of a Sport Utility Vehicle

One of the bus stops

Delta: Invasion of the mentally-unstable

(SUV), popularly called Highlander, neatly packed along Okoh Street, by Old Lagos/Asaba road junction in the locality, with a big stone.

For fear of the unknown, nobody could get near the mad man. To call the police to arrest him was a problem. Where will the police keep such a person? In the cell? How will he pay for or replace the windscreen? Who will come out as his kinsman to take him on bail? These were the rhetorical questions agitating the minds of the vehicle owner and bystanders until the mad man escaped into thin air.

South-South Focus investigations however revealed that the mentally derailed persons were usually dumped at the bush paths along the expressway by their kinsmen, who could not withstand the shame and embarrassment their continued stay in their home place have caused them.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that 90 per cent of them were dumped at midnight by ritualists along the expressway or in obscure bush paths where nobody could identify their family backgrounds.

Recent roll-call revealed that no fewer than 12 mad persons are presently walking helter-skelter round the thick bush covering the four major towns leading to Agbor, namely, Issele-Uku, Igbodo and Ekwuoma and Umunede communities, along the expressway.

Bad as their scary sight may look, another set of 16 lunatics, have turned the multi-billion naira

Apart from constituting nuisance, their presence on the streets of Agbor and its environs have, since, posed serious threat to our corporate existence

bus stops, built by former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2014 to give Asaba a befitting facelift, for Delta City Taxis and commuters, into their homes, where they spread their wretched clothes, live and have their being, even as the government of the state has turned blind eyes to the development.

A Managing Director of one of the Psychiatric Hospitals in Agbor, Hon. Joseph Enumah, who spoke extensively on their geometric increase in Agbor axis, lamented their influx into the state in recent time, describing it as “unfortunate”.

According to him, most of the mad persons were dropped at midnight in the state from neighbouring states by either their relatives, friends or acquaintances, who having spent huge sums of money to treat them to no avail, hence, decided to do away with them because they could no longer withstand the stigma of being associated with their madness.

He confirmed that some of them were evacuated by their state and local governments and were dumped along the expressway, so as not to find their ways back home, “to ostensibly create the impression that their villages and towns are free of lunatics and their cities, clean of beggars.”

He categorically said that those who dump them at the popular Uromi Junction in Agbor, Ika South council area of the state at night, usually come from the neighbouring SouthSouth and South-West states, even as he emphatically said “I saw them on

two occasions.”

He continued, “Apart from constituting nuisance, their presence on the streets of Agbor and its environs have since posed serious threat to our corporate existence. Their presence recently assumed a dangerous dimension when they started expressing their madness in action and words on lives and properties.”

Corroborating him, a commercial driver at the Uromi Junction, who simply identified himself as Friday, said most of them were dropped along the road after they have been used for money rituals by desperate politicians and other money-bags, who he said, “needed human parts, virgins or girls of easy virtues, to perfect some rites of initiation into one cult group or the other.”

He narrated how one Asaba lady, who he referred to as Philomena, was milked to death by a ritualist sugar-daddy about a decade ago. According to him, the sugar-daddy used her for occult rituals during sexual intercourse but when he could not stand to see her running mad along the streets of the state capital, pleaded with the native doctor - the man that prepared the charm, to make her fall sick in a mysterious circumstance until she died.

He explained that most of the mad persons, especially women, who are on the streets of the state were put in their present condition because of their waywardness, infidelity to their matrimonial vows, repercussion of oath taken and doing of mystical persons.

A herbalist in Agbor, who does not want his names in the print, attributed some of the causes of madness to misuse of charms, magical powers and desperation in unraveling some metaphysical powers.

According to him, the efficacy of charms that have been prepared for CONTINUED ON PAGE24

24

News|south-south

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

The protesters

Squabbles over NDDC board Dominic Adewole ASABA

A

rmed with the word on marble, “No success without struggle”, the people of Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal constituency have scores to settle with the Federal Government for short changing them each time the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is being constituted.

For the indigenes of the constituency, who are determined to take their destiny in their hands and kill the ghost of marginalization that has been tormenting the ethic nationality for decades, the locality, which is responsible for 12 per cent of the total Oil and Gas being explored in the Niger Delta region and plays host to the largest Oil and Gas recycling plant in the whole of West Africa, must now produce a representative on the board.

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

some persons backfired on them after they failed to adhere to the precautions (the dos and donts) attached to the charms, maintaining that “ every charm has what it detests.”

He also listed excessive intake of hard drugs, including Indian hemp, cocaine, as consequences of madness, even as he said “curses were placed on some persons who you see running mad.”

The herbalist also sounded scriptural, “Evils bring death to the wicked; those that hate what is good are doomed to be eternally destroyed. You should have observed that witches and wizards, who have perpetrated so much evil, usually run mad after

The recycling plant is called Kwale/Okpai Gas Plant, being operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and it supplies electricity to 14 states in Nigeria.

South-South Focus however gathered that the Gas Plant supplies these states, except Ndokwa Nation where it derives its source and was stepped down at Obosi axis of Onitsha in Anambra State.

Now, the people are angry, desperate and may resume hostility if something is not done to restructure the proposed NDDC board list as the people have started to wonder why the incumbent national government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has again ignored the relevant sections of the Act establishing the commission on July 12, 2000, which stipulated under section 2(1)(b)(v) that “There is hereby established for the commission a governing Board which shall consist of; one person who shall

It will be proper to state that several foreign and indigenous oil producing and servicing companies are operating without hindrance in Ndokwa land

be an indigene of an oil producing area to represent each of the following member states, that is: (i) Abia State; (ii) Akwa Ibom State; (iii) Bayelsa State; (iv) Cross Rivers State; (v) Delta State; (vi) Edo State; (vii) Imo State; (viii) Ondo State; and (ix) Rivers State.”

Dissatisfied with the recent nominees’ list for the commission sent by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation, indigenes of constituency, under the auspices of Concerned Ndokwa Patriots (CNP) have risen in defence of their ethnic nationality.

The group, in a protest letter, addressed to the President, cosigned by the National Co-ordinator and Secretary, Comrade Victor Okwuepusu and Barr. Ben Ellu, respectively, expressed disgust at the way and manner the Federal Government forgot in a hurry that the constituency has contributed immensely to oil and gas production in Nigeria and should always be compensated when the

need arises.

The group protested that the action of the Federal Government was apposite to the tenets of the law establishing the commission.

“We were deeply shocked to read in several national dailies that the proposed list of by President Muhammad Buhari to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation of persons nominated for membership of the recently reconstituted NDDC Board, for which no Ndokwa/Ukwani indigene was included despite the fact that since the Commission was established on 12 July, 2000 and reconstituted four times, none of Ndokwa/Ukwuani indigene has been appointed as either the Chairman or Member of the Board of Directors.

“Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State consists of ethnic groups of Ndi-Osumili-Ukwuani speaking people who are indigenous to Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East and Ukwuani Local Government Areas of Delta State.

“These three Local Government Areas have within its geographical area of oil bearing and producing communities contributed 12 per cent of the total oil and gas produced in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.

“It will be proper to state that several foreign and indigenous oil producing and servicing companies are operating without hindrance in Ndokwa land. These companies include: Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Sterling Energy Exploration Company (SEEPCO), Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited, Energia Oil J.V., Chorus Energy, Pillar Oil and Gas, Platform Petroleum Limited”, the protest letter read.

While they called on the President to preside over the country as a nation founded on the principles of rule of law, equality and justice, they maintained that all over the world, democracy only thrives on equality among individual and group of persons, irrespective of their place of origin, sex, religion or political affiliation.

The group heaped the blame on the President, accusing him of being insensitive to the pursuant to the powers conferred on him by the Act establishing the commission, particularly section 2(2)(a) (v), which they “enough power was vested on him to appoint the Chairman and other members who are persons of proven integrity and ability to the Board, subject to the confirmation of the Senate in consultation with the House of Representatives.”

Delta: Invasion of the mentally unstable

making open confessions. So it is in some of the cases you see on the streets, they are products of their own mischief.

“Have you ever taken time out to count the number of mad persons now roaming the expressway between Onitsha and Ore? Take your time to examine this when next you are travelling along that route. Aside that your guess will be as good as mine, you will also be amazed at the result you will get.

At a point, you will be wondering why, where, who and how they got there”, the herbalist said.

T ​ he Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Tradi-

tional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), Delta State Chapter, Chief Dr. Ayo Ben, sometime ago, in Agbor, however sounded philosophical and customary in his approach, insisting that some of those in that category were in such condition, “not by their own making.”

He said some, knowingly or unknowingly, raped African sacred culture, dared the gods, even as some committed taboos that landed them into madness.

He also explained that some opted for mystical things that were beyond human comprehension, and in the process got lost in

the trance (became mad).

He said, owing to the ‘tremendum-fasinam’ Latin words (fascinating but awesome) in which Africa culture held traditional medicine, it became a taboo to have a woman, no matter her economic and political consideration, to emerge as the President of traditional medicine practitioners across the country.

He said any woman that dares such position may find herself where she does not belong. ​Ben, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ayo Ben Psychiatric and Orthopaedic Hospital, said, allowing a

woman to be in such awesome position and observe the sacredness of some herbs, roots and practice of the profession, is tantamount to reducing the efficacy of some of the curative culture of the practice.

“But some women dared this sacred venture, got the spirits of the predecessors in traditional medicine practice provoked and got what they did not bargain for”, he said.

He contended that a woman could be a President of any country as evident in many countries but not the president of traditional doctors.

25

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Industry

Business HOPE Regulator says it is working with stakeholders to address non-technical challenges being faced by the licensees while it continues to sustain market-friendly policies

Kunle Azeez

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bout 57 per cent of licensed telecoms operators in Nigeria have closed down operations in the last three years.

National Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, disclosed this in a chat with New Telegraph.

Gbenga spoke on the sideline of the BICSI Conference and Exhibition Nigeria 2016, where he discussed challenges facing telecoms operators in panel session moderated by the convener of the conference, Mr. Boye Oyerinde.

According to Adebayo, despite the growth already recorded in the industry, telecoms operators continued to face challenges emanating from the regulatory environment.

He said: “When I became the Chairman of ALTON three years ago, there were 35 licensed telecoms companies, comprising some small players, those in the fixed line, code division multiple access (CDMA) and global system for mobile communications (GSM) players doing well, though not without challenges.

“However, today, that figure

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

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Asst. Editor (Maritime)

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Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Manufacturing: Groaning under gas, forex challenges

eWorld Curbing fresh barrier to telecoms investment

Energy Editor

Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa

L-R: Executive Director of Operations, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Aghatise Erediauwa; Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mrs. Omolola Edewor; Managing Director, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim and Director, Financial System Strategy (Fss2020), Mohammed Suleyman, during the visit of officials of the Fss2020 to NDIC headquarters in Abuja.

has come down drastically, as we now have just about 15 licensees still operating and this tells you that something is not going well.”

Adebayo maintained that the loss of about 20 operators, representing about 57 per cent, within a space of three years “has been traced partly to the problem of regulatory environment, where there are multiple regulations and impositions of all kinds of taxes on the operations from federal, states and local levels.”

He said: “The fact that as operators, we are still confronted with willful and unwillful damage, rising wave of insecurity in the past years, multiple taxation, especially right of way (RoW) charges and attendant problem of indiscriminate shutdown of telecoms infrastructures, among others, suggest that regulations in the industry remain unfriendly with

varying degrees at different levels of government.”

For instance, he said, the RoW in most states remains exorbitant, as government agencies, especially at state and local levels, continue to perceive telecoms as ‘cash-cow’ to boost their revenue generation.

He noted: “It is only in Lagos now that we have been able to achieve better understanding from government. For instance, Lagos State government, having realised the great impact pervasive deployment of telecoms infrastructure and unhindered access could have on the state’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP), three years ago, crashed RoW charges to N500 per meter.

“Conversely, in states such as Osun and others, operators are charged N8,000 per metre covered while laying their fibre optic cables in addition to other laughable charges on the operators.

These are some of the things that we face as operators and it is tell-

INFLATION RATE June 2016...............................16.5% May 2016............................15.6% April 2016..............................13.7%

LENDING RATE Interbank Rate....................12.57% Prime Lending Rate...........17.93% Maximum Lending Rate...26.83%

Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent Energy

Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Being the number of active subscriber base in Nigeria as of June 2016

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

EXCHANGE RATE

WHAT'S NEW

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parallel Market August 19)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N395 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N510 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N440

l Foreign Reserves – $25.709bn as at 19/8/2016

Industry, Agric & Brands Editor

Nnamdi Amadi

149.8 million

ing on our sustainability as a business with the smaller operators being the most susceptible, thereby leading to their collapse,” he said.

Adebayo insisted that while the telecoms regulator has been consistent in engendering market-friendly policies, the state and local government’s policies and those by some other federal agencies have been counter-productive.

“The regulator can testify to the fact that most of our members have closed shops. It gave them licences and it knows how many of those operators licensed and still in operations today.

While we are not blaming the collapse of those companies entirely on regulatory environment, there are other factors such as mismanagement, lack of foresight and proper planning on the part of some operating companies, which could have given rise to their woes.”

Meanwhile, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Dan-

Rates Dashboard

Taiwo Hassan

Chuks Onuanyin

29

ALTON: Nigeria loses 57% of licensed telecoms operators in 3 years

Adeola Yusuf Wole Shadare

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(Interbank as at August 19)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N308 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N428 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N368

Source: CBN

Economic downturn: State govts put housing projects on hold

Dangote, Erico to reduce Nigeria’s Tomato paste importation by 80% –Osinbajo

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BUSINESS |NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Economic downturn: State govts put housing projects on hold BUDGET

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Alhaji Aminu Bisalla; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar and Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (Smedan), Dr. Dikko Umaru, at the meeting on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Msmes) Sector Development, in Abuja.

Ten states were allocated N239.15 billion for housing in 2016

Dayo Ayeyemi

M

any housing projects in some states of the federation have been put on hold due to ongoing economic recession in the country, New Telegraph has learnt.

It was gathered that while few states have slowed down works on some of their housing projects, many have suspended activities in the sector due to scarcity of fund occasioned by plunge in oil revenue resulting to governors’ inability to pay workers’ salaries for months.

According to findings, more than 10 state governments that had budgeted over N239.149 billion on housing provision in 2016, are now concentrating efforts on payment of workers’ salary.

Some of the states include Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, Taraba, Enugu, Ogun, Anambra, Akwa Ibom and Kogi states.

In Lagos for example, many uncompleted housing projects, including Ilubirin Foreshore Housing Estate, started by the immediate past governor are still in a state of abandonment.

In 2016 budget documents of each states, Kaduna State has allocated N31 billion to housing, Taraba - N4.8 billion, Enugu -N738 billion, Akwa Ibom -31.3 billion, Anambra -30 billion, Kogi - N6.51 billion, Ogun - 26.6 billion, Lagos - 62.7 billion and Enugu - N138 million.

In an info graphic on how much funding each state has proposed to housing project released

by Lamudi Nigeria early in the year, Lagos had earmarked seven per cent of its N662.5billion to housing , Akwa Ibom - 7.34 per cent of N426billion, Kano -13 per cent of N274billion, Ogun -13 per cent of N200.3billion, Sokoto - 4.9 per cent of N174 billion, Kaduna

-18 per cent N171.7 billion, Anambra- 29.56 per cent of N101.4 billion, Enugu- 0.9 per cent of N85.1 billion, Kogi -8 per cent of N75billion and Taraba- 6.9 per cent of N69billion.

A source from Ondo state told New Telegraph that the government is not doing anything presently about housing as “it is still battling with inability to pay salaries for over six months now.”

The source explained that the last time the state government embarked on housing project was two years ago along Oba-Ile road and Oda road. According to the source, the two housing estates have been completed and occupied since then.

Another source in Osogbo, Osun State capital, said that there was no housing project going on, except the ongoing construction of some abandoned road projects.

Similarly, in Oyo State, the government is contending with workers’ unpaid salaries. The situation is also the same in Akwa Ibom, Taraba, Kogi and Imo states With an estimated housing deficit of 18 million units and an average family size of six, it is believed that 108 million Nige-

Nigeria loses 57% licensed telecoms operators in 3 years CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

batta, who was represented at the forum, by Fidelis Onah, Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the Commission, explained extensively on what the regulator has been doing to position telecoms industry as one currently rated as fast-growing and major investment haven for investors.

He noted that the good regulatory regime introduced by the regulator on various fronts has boosted the growth of the industry.

“Nigerians telecoms has witnessed exponential growth

in the last 13 years moving from active subscriber base of 400,000 with teledensity of 0.004 per cent to active subscriber base of 149.8 million with teledensity of 107.01 per cent, as of June 2016 statistics,” he said.

On the various operating challenges being faced by the operators, Danbatta gave assurance that the regulator, having been working with different stakeholders at different levels, was set to tackle the concerns of multiple taxations and RoW, which, he said, were among the non-technical factors conspiring to degrade quality of telecommunication services in the country.

rians are not properly housed.

The figures derived from World Bank statistics confirm that 60 per cent of Nigeria’s estimated population of about 180 million people is homeless.

Although, the Federal Government had budgeted N433.3 billion to the power, works and housing sectors, Lamudi

Nigeria said that without the support of states on accommodation provision, homeownership among Nigerians may not improve.

Increase in funding allocation to the housing sector of the country, Head of Public Realtion, Lamudi Nigeria, Ogo Onichabor, said would bring

about much needed influx in foreign direct investment (FDI) and boost the construction sector of the country.

“Therefore, research into the state’s housing budget is a much needed exercise to ensure that the plans of the governors and ministers are in-line with that of the presidency,” she said.

Dangote, Erico to reduce Nigeria’s Tomato paste importation by 80% –Osinbajo CAPITAL FLIGHT Nigeria spends $1bn on importation of tomato paste from China, India and USA Taiwo Hassan

T

he Federal Government has disclosed that the multi-million naira investments being under taking by Dangote Group and Erisco Foods Limited in the manufacturing of tomato paste, are expected to reduce the product importation by 80 per cent soon.

Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in chat with New Telegraph, during the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) 2016 Presidential Policy Dialogue Session in Lagos, admitted that the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari, was concerned with the recent events in the tomato industry, even as he said that the country’s two leading tomato industries Dangote and Erisc - are fully prepared to fill the gap created by the recent outbreak of Tuta absoluta, as soon as harvests become steady.

Osinbajo explained that government was committed to supporting the development of local industries

through an enabling environment, as he noted that progress was being made in the tomato industry, if not for, the Tuta Absoluta outbreak that marred the projected harvest.

According to him, it is regrettable to note that the country spends huge foreign exchange in the region of $1 billion to import tomato paste from China, India and the United States of America, and over $25 billion on food imports annually, adding that this cannot continue in this current dispensation as government will encourage local manufacturers to step in and bridge the gap to reduce tomato importation.

His words: “The other question which you asked was supporting local manufacturers and you’ve mentioned in particular, the tomato industry. Well, am sure that Dangote will tell you a lot about what he is doing in that area. Erisco Foods Industry is also another major player in that area, but I think we would have made a great deal of progress in that industry but for the Tuta Absoluta, the tomato disease, that wiped out the considerable portion of the harvests, I mean, the last harvest, I think by now, we would have make a lot of progress. Frankly speaking, I am quiet confident that if harvests remain steady, I don’t think we will be import-

ing anywhere near this (current tomato imports) but I am sure, we will be able to reduce importation by 80 per cent.”

On whether government plans to hike tariff for importers of the product, Osinbajo said: “I cannot say what will happen in terms of tariff or any such thing. But one thing that is very certain is that the local industry is fully prepared to fill the gap so that importation will be reduced in many ways. And just looking at the projection figures from Dangote and Erisco, I think that gap will be filled up. So, I don’t think that there is much problem in terms of filling that gap.”

It could be recalled that over 40 per cent of tomatoes produced in the Nigeria is lost due to lack of storage and under-developed marketing channels, necessitating plans are to unlock financial investments in production, processing, packaging and distribution; improve primary handling operations from farm operations to processing centers; and improve and expand support services like structuring farmers organisations, improving their technical and managerial skills, extension and training, storage and transportation.

Nigeria imported 150 million tons of concentrated tomatoes worth N170 million into the country yearly.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

INDUSTRY

27

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Gas Users Group has again lamented the astronomical increase in price of natural gas and the thorny path to accessing foreign exchange, TAIWO HASSAN report

J

udging from every indication as at today, Nigeria’s economy is passing through one of its greatest trials since its existence as a nation.

The critical economic woes Gas installation. have created a lot of lacunas Inset: Emefiele for the real sector, especially for manufacturers, who have been at the receiving end.

The reasons for all the challenges have been traced to the sharp drop in crude oil price at the global market, which has slashed Federal Government’s revenue, thus flaring instability in the country’s macro-economic sector.

The Federal. Government has, therefore, been compelled “The situation, however, has to adopt backward integra- become more challenging by tion programmes through its the recent spate of insecurity various economic intervention in the Niger Delta, impacting on policies to arrest the dwindling the supply of gas for electricity fortunes. generation.

Specifically, the introduc“The sabotage of the Fortion of some intervention pro- cados export terminal alone grammes, especially monetary caused the loss of 40 per cent of policies, has had significant gas supply to power plants.” disadvantages on the manufacturing sector as the policies MAN’s lamentation have failed to impact positively The sabotage as well as some on growth. economic policies thrown up by the government appears to be Gas issue telling more on manufacturers.

As government battles with MAN feels that there is need the various challenges, a mili- for the Federal Government and tant group was sabotaging the the general public to know the effort by attacking sensitive gas constraints manufacturers opinstallations. erating in the country are passSpecifically, the Niger Delta ing through with the persistent Avengers attacked the coun- increase in the price of natural try’s two biggest oil and gas gas used in powering plants and facilities- the Shell Petroleum machinery.

Development Company (SPDC)’s This, according to MAN, has Forcados export pipelines and persisted for some time now Chevron Nigeria Limited and has reached a crisis point (CNL)’s Escravos-Lagos links. as most factories have stopped The attacks adversely af- production and are about to shut fected gas supply and distribu- their operations. tion across the country and also In fact, the association said forced the two multinational oil some of the factories had been companies to declare force ma- threatened with disconnection jeure on gas supply to the Ni- on account of their inability to geria LNG’s export facility on pay for the gas price increase.

Bonny Island and Nigeria Gas According to the Chairman, Company (NGC) for domestic Gas Users Group of MAN, Dr. consumption.

Michael Ola Adebayo, manufacConsequently, the Federal turers operating in the country Government placed an order have been subjected to further that gas supply should be chan- economic challenges under this neled to power stations in order recession as it is adversely afto avert imminent blackout. fecting their production capacAccording to the Vice Presi- ity. dent, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, “you are all witnesses to the fact that Foreign exchange crisis the power situation has started Worried by the whole chalto improve after this adminis- lenges, MAN raised the alarm tration came into office. that Nigeria’s natural gas was “The data available shows now the highest in the world as that average generation rose it moved from $2.5 to $7.65. from 3565MW from January to Consequently, the 35 per cent May 2015 to as high as 5000MW price variation against the globin February 2016. al benchmark price of the prod-

Manufacturing: Groaning under gas, forex challenges As government battles with the various challenges, a militant group was sabotaging the effort by attacking sensitive gas installations

uct is brewing more uncertainties in the country’s industrial sector, as gas providers have resorted to selling at dollar rate.

Currently, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) sells gas to Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) at about 9cents, NGC sells to other franchisers at $2, and the same franchisers sells to the manufacturers at $7.38.

Besides, the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had directed that business transacted in Nigeria must be in local currency, but the gas twist has contravened the laws governing business transactions in the country.

MAN has, however, threatened that if the gas companies do not reverse their stance on the continued collection of dollar denomination it will order its members to shutdown production and downsize its workforce as part of protests against the arbitrary gas pricing regime.

Global gas price Reacting to the development, the group’s chairman noted that it was unfortunate that the price of natural gas in Nigeria was the highest in the world when compared with United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland.

His words: “At this juncture, there is need for Nigerians to know that the price of gas in Nigeria is now far higher than the international price, which is at an average of $2.5, whereas, the average price of gas in Nigeria is currently at $7.65 per standard cubic metric.

“Since we operate in a global market, it will only make sense to adopt the global pricing instead of indulging in the habit of exploiting our manufacturers and innocent citizens.”

Effects of gas hike He explained that the growth of the manufacturing sector was currently being hampered with the huge burden of energy crisis caused by power outages and high cost of petroleum products in Nigeria.

He, therefore, noted that the incessant increases in the price of gas would not only be punitive, but also add to the woes of the sector.

This, he said, could lead to high cost of production and possible job losses in the immediate future, among others.

Way forward In order to bring some relief to the already depressed manufacturing sector, MAN said that government should enhance governance and sustenance of the country’s economy as well as ensure that effective mechanism is put in place to checkmate those who are always bent on breaking the rules.

It noted that government must be seen to protect its policies, stressing that it was wrong to watch while people flout the currency rule.

“Government and CBN directed that business transacted in Nigeria must be in local currency, yet government is turning its eyes away from reaction to an obvious flagrant disobedience to their directives,” it noted.

Conclusion To make things easier for the manufacturers and Nigerians, sale of natural gas should and must be charged in naira in line with the original intention and plan of government.

The Senate and House Committee on Gas should also intervene as was done in the past to prevent possible collapse of the economy and manufacturing sector in particular.

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BUSINESS \ INDUSTRY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Foreign investors to inject $80m into local biscuit firm GROWTH The industrial sector, which is being driven by population growth, is growing at an annual rate of 10 to 15 per cent

Miles, named after the closest distance between Africa and Europe. 8 Miles bills itself a “hands on” investment firm in Africa.

Other private equity firms involved in the Beloxxi deal include Nigeria-focused African Capital Alliance and DEG, the German development finance institution.

Beloxxi employs about 2,300

people and operates through a network of some 400 distributors.

It has one of the best-selling cream cracker brands in Nigeria with a significant market share.

Rising inflation this year has forced many manufacturing companies in Nigeria to increase their prices.

Chief Executive of Beloxxi, Obi Ezeude, said that the biscuit maker had reduced its dependence on imported raw materials and was striving to keep the prices of its biscuits affordable for Nigerian consumers.

He, however, said the company had been forced to increase the price of its smallest-

sized product — a three-biscuit package of 21 grams that costs the equivalent of less than $0.05.

Geldof ’s funded 8 Miles, which plans to acquire more stakes in African companies before the end of the year, is seeking to tap into an expanding pool of consumers on the continent.

Stories Taiwo Hassan

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group of private equity investors from United States and Europe, led by Rock star, Sir Bob Geldof, has concluded plans to invest $80 million in a biscuit maker, Beloxxi Industries, a deal described as a bet on the company’s ability to meet the rising demand of a budding middle class in one of Africa’s largest economies.

Nigeria has one of the continent’s fastest growing consumer classes despite the economic challenges the West African nation has faced in recent years due to falling oil prices, its main export commodity that accounts for more than 70 per cent of government revenue.

Nigeria’s biscuit sector is growing at an annual rate of 10 to 15 per cent driven by population growth, rising disposable incomes and increasing urbanisation, along with the growing popularity of biscuits as a convenience snack.

Large Nigerian cities such as Lagos and Abuja have had strong growth in the snacks market, which is now attracting interest from foreign investors, such as Geldof ’s 8

L-R: Director, Standards Development, standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Mr. Abiola Komolafe; Ag. DG, SON, Dr. Paul Angya and Katsina State Deputy Governor, Alh. Mannir Yakubu, at the opening of SON Launch of Standards for priority Agricultural Products and sensitization for MSMEs in Katsina

FG to parley OPS on controversial telecoms bill

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he Minister of Communication, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, has given assurance to the organised private sector (OPS) of the Federal Government’s readiness to consult extensively on the controversial Communication Service Tax (CST) bill currently before the Nation-

al Assembly.

Shittu made the disclosure in Lagos during a stakeholders’ meeting organised on the bill by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The bill seeks to levy a tax of nine per cent on telephone users by service operators.

Volkswagen to halt production at six plants

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erman auto giant, Volkswagen, has said it will shut down production at six plants for several days as a legal dispute with two key suppliers deepens.

Around 27,700 workers at factories in Emden, Zwickau, Kassel, Salzgitter, Brunswick, and the firm’s home base of Wolfsburg would see their work hours slashed by the end of August, the group said in a statement on Monday.

VW had been forced to take the drastic measures at the factories that produce some of its most popular models, including Passat sedans and Golf compacts after the two suppliers of gearbox parts and seat covers halted deliveries.

“Although the state court in Brunswick issued temporary injunctions requiring the suppliers to resume deliveries, they so far haven’t fulfilled this obligation,” the statement read.

Instead, the components’ manufacturers are appealing the court decision.

VW said it would resume talks with the suppliers on

Monday.

While the group “wishes to achieve a result through negotiations,” it may also pursue legal means, a spokesman said.

The parts suppliers say that VW broke off several contracts with no advance warning or compensation, leaving them with no choice but to suspend

deliveries to protect their own businesses and workforce.

Reports in German media suggest that VW has been seeking concessions from all of its suppliers, amounting to several billion euros.

Volkswagen, which also owns brands from luxury Audi to lower-end Skoda, is still in the throes of its biggest-ever

The services involved in the CST bill include voice call, SMS, MMS, data usage from telecommunication service providers, internet service providers and pay television stations.

According to the minister, the outcome of deliberations on the bill will form crisis after it admitted in September 2015 to a massive emissions cheating scandal affecting 11 million diesel engines.

The revelation slashed the carmaker’s share price by 40 per cent — a drop in market value of 25 billion euros — in two days.

VW has had to set aside billions of dollars to settle damage claims from car owners and to retrofit the affected cars.

FG engages local firm to produce gunboats

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s part of the current administration’s drive to reposition the country, the Federal Government has contracted the production of gunboats to Almarine, a division of John Holt PlC. Leading a delegation of the board of directors and senior management of John Holt Plc on a courtesy call to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibot-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the Chairman of the company, Chief Christopher Ezeh, assured of John Holt’s competence to deliver on the contract.

He said: “My presence today with my colleagues is to

gratefully acknowledge the navy’s contract to us for the manufacture of gunboats.

“As your senior officers sent on inspection of our facilities can confirm, we have sufficient expertise to successfully deliver this project and others such as ambulance boats, mass transit boats and patrol boats, which may be of need to the navy,” he added.

Ezeh further commended the CNS for his commitment towards equipping the Nigerian Navy for readiness in combating incidents of pipeline vandalisation, piracy and

other crimes on waterways.

He assured of John Holt’s support in navy’s fight against sabotage, which is a threat to Nigeria’s national security with negative impact on the economy.

In his response, the Chief of Naval Staff thanked the John Holt team for their visit and pointed out government’s current interest in locally manufactured products.

He assured of navy’s support, provided their needs are met. He further highlighted continued determination to ensure security of the nation’s waterways.

the basis of his advice to the president. This will be based on the stance of the stakeholders and will have to be in line with global best practice.

He said that the introduction of new taxes without harmonising existing ones would put pressure on the country’s tax system, thereby making it unattractive to investors.

He said: “This may also be counter-productive in the long run for our targets on broadband penetration.

“Our ICT Roadmap gives fresh impetus for implementing existing policies and reviewing any that is inimical to the growth of the sector.

“My focus on any tax regime will be to align any process that will stimulate the economy and also ensure that the tax system is efficient by widening the tax net and also creating an effective framework for tax compliance to protect the poor and vulnerable in the society, who nonetheless have to use telecoms services for social inclusion and financial services.”

He said that the government’s effort at increasing its revenue made the bill worthy of consideration.

“I have been reliably informed that the projected earnings from this effort is over N20 billion every month, which is an attraction to the government for funding our budget deficits.

“I must be quick to say that this government has a human face twined around its decisions,” Shittu said.

eWORLD

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Curbing fresh barrier to telecoms investment Telecoms stakeholders have described the proposed Communication Service Tax (CST) bill proposing a fresh nine per cent tax in addition to the existing five per cent value added tax (VAT) across telecoms service types as an ill-wind that would blow the industry no good. KUNLE AZEEZ reports

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takeholders in the Nigerian economy have again expressed dismay at the government-proposed Communication Service Tax Bill, which (CST) seeks to impose additional nine per cent tax on users of electronic communication services (ECS) in the country.

Majority of the stakeholders, who gathered at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s (LCCI’s) dialogue session on the proposed nine per cent CST bill held in Lagos recently vehemently rejected the passing into law of such a bill, which they argued would, among other things will be a great disincentive to telecoms investment.

Following the full deregulation of the telecoms industry in 2001, the industry has grown significantly from an investment profile of about $500 million to over $38 billion, according to Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta.

The NCC chief regulator had also consistently stated that in the current ‘broadband era’ that Nigeria is, more investment would be needed in the telecoms industry through incentives for existing and potential investors to see Nigeria’s telecoms industry as an investment haven.

Major provisions of the bill Accordind to the bill tagged: ‘Communication Service Tax (CST) Bill, 2015’, the categories of communication services liable to the tax include voice calls, short messaging service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), data and paytelevision service.

For CST purpose, “User” is defined as “a customer or subscriber of any electronic communication network or broadcasting service and includes a customer that is an operator or provider of electronic communications network or service.”

In effect, customers, who purchase ECS solely for resale (middlemen) are also required to pay CST on their purchases.

As contained in the bill, providers of ECS are required to collect CST upon supply of services and remit the tax to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) not later than the last working day of the month following the month of transaction.

However, this timeline may be extended in certain circumstances, according to the proposal of the bill.

Failure to submit CST returns by the due date would attract a penalty of N50,000 plus N10,000 for each day of default, and interest at the rate of 150 per cent of the average prevailing commercial bank lending rate published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Also, refusal of service providers to provide government access to the network nodes attracts a penalty of five per cent of the annual gross revenue of the last audited financial statements, among others.

Attraction In the same vein, it has been gathered that government’s appetite to have the bill passed is being fuelled by the projection that if passed into law, government would be earning over N20 billion monthly, which will help it in funding its budget deficits.

But speaking at the LCCI event, the Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, cautioned against any tax policy capable of truncating the ongoing efforts by government towards encouraging investors to come to Nigeria to invest.

While reiterating the Federal Government’s determination to provide the needed enabling environment for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry to thrive through enactment of relevant legislations, Shittu called on stakeholders in the communications sector “to have a holistic deliberations” on the communication services tax as being proposed in the bill pending before the National Assembly.

He said: “Such deliberations are

Telecoms base station

necessary in order to weigh the effects of the proposed tax regime on government, stakeholders as well as end users of communication services.”

We reject the bill in its entirety. It is not good for the industry and we ask government to have a rethink

Vote of no confidence Meanwhile, telecoms consumers, currently using the over 148 million telephone lines to make calls and access data, currently spend an estimated N2.8 trillion on services annually.

According to experts and stakeholders, this expenditure is bound to increase by nine per cent if the bill is eventually passed into law.

While passing a vote of no confidence on the bill, the President, National Association of Telecoms Consumers (NATCOMS), Mr. Deolu Ogunbanjo, said any bill that would further add to the cost burden being borne by subscribers should be repelled.

“Already, we spend a lot of money on service and we do not get value for their money because of unsatisfactory quality of service we get and you are talking of imposing fresh taxes,” he said.

Ogunbajo said: “I don’t think government is being fair enough to introduce this kind of tax regime. It should focus on other areas to raise its internationally-generated revenue (IGR).

“The move will go against the tenets of healthy competition, whose result is always reduction of cost of services for subscribers,” stressing that “something must be done by the consumer protection groups in the country to stop the passage of the bill into law.”

Speaking in the same vein at the

New Horizons, varsity to drive IT skills

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igeria’s the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training institution, New Horizon has struck a strategic partnership with Caleb University, to integrate international ICT and e-business certifications into the university’s academic curricular.

Speaking at the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing event in the university, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Diji Aina said he was excited

at the great opportunities, which the programme will primarily accord the students, irrespective of their academic disciplines, and the relevant university staff members who will also enjoy periodic staff training.

The don in a statement, reiterated that the seamless mandatory schedule will guarantee that every student of the university will undergo specialised international certificationbased professional IT and

e-business skills training and acquire a minimum of four international professional licenses in lucrative technologies.

He said given the global economic challenges and the shrinking employment opportunities worldwide and in Nigeria especially, Caleb University graduates will be able to use the extra internationally-validated professional skills-set as the “Icing on their BSc and BA academic Cakes’’ to become the toast of the employers.

LCCI event, President of the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Olusola Teniola, said: “As we all know, Nigerian telecoms subscribers are already paying tax because value added tax (VAT) is embedded in calls made and data consumed.”

He said: “If the bill sails through it would reduce the subscribers’ consumption of data and reduce length of a voice call, this will result in drop in revenue that would accrue to telecoms operators, which will in turn reduce the contribution of the sector to our gross domestic product (GDP).”

ALTON has also rejected the bill in its totality. “The new bill, if passed, will increase telecoms tax being paid by subscribers, in addition to five per cent VAT to 13 per cent and this will make things difficult for average consumers. So, we reject the bill in its entirely. It is not good for the industry and we ask government to have a rethink on this,” ALTON Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, had said in an interview.

Accordingly, during his recent visit to Nigeria, a United States Senator, Edward Markey, speaking at the CCHub in Yaba area of Lagos, had urged Nigeria to deploy tax policy being implemented in various sectors of the economy as an incentive to boost foreign direct investment (FDIs) into the country’s ICT industry rather than using same as a disincentive to investors.

According to him, government does not need to stifle businesses through imposition of multiple taxes, but create a relaxed atmosphere for investors such that as businesses expand and add value to the economy, they are also able to pay more taxes.

Conclusion While the bill has continued to generate heated debates and controversies across industry verticals, most stakeholders are of the view that passing such a bill into law will be counter-productive on the industry, stressing that expanding the business through friendly tax regime should be encouraged rather than a tax policy that will create contraction.

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BUSINESS \ eWORLD

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

HackJos: NITDA, NCS, others to reverse N5bn capital flight LOSS Stakeholders are working together to unleash IoT potential by encouraging local software devt

L-R: Assistant Director, ICT, Science & Technology, Lagos State, Mr. Adeyinka Sorungbe, Country Manager, OLX, Ms Lola Masha and Chief Technology Officer, OLX SSA, Mr. Stephen Ballot, during the commissioning of the OLX office in Ilupeju as part of its 4th anniversary.

Stories: Kunle Azeez

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takeholders in Nigeria from both public and private sectors have thrown their weights behind this year’s edition of HackJos, the software/hackathon competition, where young Nigerians would be encouraged to massively develop indigenous software solutions in this age of Internet of Things (IoT).

Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) has said Nigeria loses an estimated N5 billion annually as capital flight to patronage of foreign software and the stakeholders.

The institute said they were ready to reverse the ugly trend by supporting local software development initiative such as the HackJos. Already, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is among key stakeholders in the Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry backing the second edition of HackJos, the software/ hackathon competition.

NITDA’s participation in the annual event, holding in Jos, Plateau early in November, this year, was part of the agency’s efforts to promote innovation hubs across the country and kit young people with software and entrepreneurship skills.

HackJos, which already enjoys the support of the Plateau State Government, has an A-List of new frontier technology companies and innovation hubs including Hotels.ng, Smartweb, and Konga .com, Enspire Incubator, Abuja; Idea Hub, Lagos, Gigalayer, Lagos; Andela and the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS).

Others are Precise Financial Solutions (PFS), Lagos; BAU Research and Development, Metronet Communication Concept Ltd and Unity FM, Jos; Qitech Technologies, ProJaro, Instinct Wave, and Smartweb, Jos. They are all billed to make presentations at the four-day software development marathon featuring a one-day conference with the theme: “How ready is Nigeria for the Internet of Things (IoT).”

According to the Deputy Governor of Plateau State/ Commissioner for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, “Technology with Innovation drives today’s economy and we believe young people are the drivers of this process. This is the new Plateau State open to business and willing to promote entrepreneurs under the leadership of Mr. Simon Bako Lalong.”

The Hackjos forum is designed as a meeting point for

budding entrepreneurs and already established tech-companies as well as for policy makers and investors angling to bet on technology innovation.

Speakers for the IoT conference are drawn across sub-sectors with IT and Innovation.

“We are glad to be supporting HackJos and believe Nigeria’s future rests on the resourcefulness of its young people. As part

of our mandate to promote software skills and build indigenous capacity in IT, we consider HackJos a strategic window to build confidence in young people, identify with their budding skill set and provide them with the required impetus to thrive,” said Ag. Director General of NITDA, Dr. Vincent Olatunji.

About 30 teams consisting of a minimum of three developers/

‘hackathoners’ 10 judges, 10 tech support team and over 300 audience members and spectators will be housed for four days in a marathon of wit, entrepreneurship and mental fitness to develop apps-solutions under the framework of Nigeria’s readiness for IoT and sector-bysector challenges in Nigeria’s economic space.

The confirmed speakers in-

Nigeria to get 500,000 teen coders

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bout 5,000 young coders may soon be raised in Nigeria, given the commitment by Diamond Bank Plc, to continue partnering with Code Camp Africa (CCA) for training teens and other children in coding and technology development.

This, according to a statement, followed a successful first edition of a training programme organised by CCA, where participants ranging from seven years to 15 learnt computer coding over five weeks.

Managing director of Diamond Bank, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, in a statement, said this was in line with bank’s vision of empowering young Nigerians with the language of technology.

He spoke at a cocktail held to commemorate the end of the programme at Jade Palace Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Dozie said that Diamond Bank focused on developing homegrown talent across all fields as in its recent hashtag Homegrown.

“The future of almost everything nowadays is technology and will depend on the ability to use technology. The Western world is outsourcing jobs to India because of this ability to write code. It is paramount that we develop in this area of development,” Dozie said.

Diamond Bank collaborated with Code Camp Africa and programming firm Andela Limited to deliver the five-week programme that equipped about 25 youngsters with knowledge and skills in various computer languages.

Participants showcased at

the event the websites and applications they had learnt to develop following their tutelage.

Dozie added, “In 10 years’ time, these kids can work in Nigeria and across the world. It is critical that we equip these children with the ability to code and understand the language of technology.”

Code Camp Africa promoter, Mr. Edwin Momife, said the vision of the organisation was to train, at least, 500, 000 youngsters in coding.

Momife has over 20 years experience working in technology and telecommunications in Europe,

Africa and Nigeria.

“If you learn how to code, you become a global citizen”, Momife stated. “We need Nigerians to get to code and use technology to solve problems.”

The young coders spoke of their thrilling experiences in learning various computer programming languages, from JavaScript through Python and Scratch, among others.

A participant, Daniel Abass, said, through the training, he could now make his websites while Judex Umorgu and others displayed various websites and applications.

Jim Ovia bankrolls N16m IT scholarship

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hairman of Zenith Bank Plc and Cyber Space Limited, Mr. Jim Ovia, has made good his promise to back computer scholarship scheme of the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) with N16 million annually.

Ovia had, at the 2015 edition of the NCS’ annual National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA), announced to teaming attendees of the event, the magnanimous and unprecedented largesse of scholarship award to ICT students in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions.

The annual event, which celebrates, recognises and awards medals to every worthy professional in the IT industry, was also attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal.

Ovia, a Fellow of the NCS, also promised automatic employment in Zenith Bank Plc and Cyber Space Ltd to whosoever graduated with second class upper division in ICT.

The NCS scholarship scheme is one of the corporate responsibilities geared towards mentoring and monitoring Nigeria youths for ICT sustainability.

The programme started four years ago and NCS has been, yearly, awarding scholarship to discerning students across the country base on some established criteria.

As announced by Ovia, the scholarship will be awarded to five PhD. Students, 10 Masters Degree students and 20 undergraduate students across all categories of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, covering universities, polytechnics and colleges of education nationwide and students pursuing relevant courses outside the country.

“Mr. Jim Ovia has empowered the Society with the fund, which will be given to all candidates in November this year, during NITMA awards. He will be at the event to physically present the cheque to the beneficiaries,” said President, NCS, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu.

clude Dr. Vincent Olatunji of NITDA; CEO, Hotels.ng, Mark Essien; Software Engineer at Konga, Celestine Omin; CoFounder, Andela, Aboyeji E Iyinoluwa; Center Manager, Idea Hub Lagos, Mr. Olufunbi Falaye.

Others are President, NCS, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu; former Communications Minister of State and CEO, Unity FM, Alhaji Dasuki Nakande; and Gossy Ukanwoke of BAU Research.

Also confirmed to speak are Center Manager, Enspire Incubator, Abuja, Mr. Bankole Oloruntoba; CEO, Instinct Wave, Mr. Akin Naphtal; CEO/Co-founder ProJaro, Dimgba Kalu; and the Director, Research and Development Center, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain OC Ubadike.

Residents get free WiFi in Lekki

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esidents, visitors and commuters around Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos, have been provided with free and fast wireless Internet connection.

The initiative, a product of collaboration between Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and CBC Netcomms, is made possible with the launch of Stallion Hotspot, Nigeria’s first street wireless fidelity (WiFi) network.

Speaking at the launch of the service, Head, Corporate Affairs & Communications at Union Bank, Mr. Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, emphasised the importance of keeping everybody connected in the current digital era.

“In this mobile age, we need to stay connected to loved ones, businesses and the world in general. To this end, Union Bank customers can carry out their transactions in real-time via UnionMobile. Stallion Hotspot is another simpler and smarter solution to help our customers and communities do more of what matters while on the go,” Ekezie-Ekaidem said.

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THURSday, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

News Forex limitations ‘ll hinder growth – Pharmacists

Health

Interview Tomori: Federal laboratories can diagnose nothing

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Invitro Fertilisation (IVF), the modern assisted form of conception which tackles the menace of infertility has become acceptable globally, but comes with the challenge of huge cost. Now, some auxiliary therapeutic methods are used to improve its success rates, writes APPOLONIA ADEYEMI IVF treatment

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he marriage ceremony of the Cooker’s in Abuja 15 years ago was well attended.

It was a gathering of who is who, courtesy of the official designation of Mr. Cooker who was the chief domestic staff of the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF). Given his job in the kitchen cabinet of his boss, Cooker enjoyed tremendous favour from friends, colleagues and family members of the SGF. After the initial razzmatazz of the marriage ceremony which became the talk of the town then, more than five years passed before family members of the Cookers became distressed over lack of any visible signs of conception by Mrs Lolade Cooker.

They were not only worried they mounted pressure on their brother to seek medical attention for infertility.

According to a Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr. Victor Ajayi, infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of regular sexual intercourse without the use of contraceptives/family planning. This is provided both couples are still within their productive years, especially if the woman is less than 35 years.

Not too long afterwards, the Cookers began to see medical experts and after numerous tests at a private facility where they accessed care, the couple was referred to a fertility centre where the Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) was finally recommended.

IVF is the process of fertilisation by manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish, and then transferring the embryo to the uterus. It increases the likelihood of a couple being able to have a child.

It is useful in situations like the woman has blocked fallopian tubes

Appolonia Adeyemi Health Editor

appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

PHOTO: www.garkihospital.com

IVF babies are normal children

PHOTO: WWW.FSSC.COM.AU Ajayi

and the man experiences low sperm count/abnormal sperms. IVF can also be useful in unexplained infertility, among others.

Over five million babies have been born worldwide, using the IVF technology since 1978 when the first IVF baby, Louise Brown was delivered.

Robert G. Edwards, the physiologist who developed the treatment, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010.

With high hope, the Cookers raised the almost N1 million bill for the procedure but sadly having procured the treatment, six weeks afterwards, it failed.

Similarly, with renewed hope on two subsequent occasions they went for the treatment again, all to no avail. Effectively, within 10 years the Cookers have done three circles of IVF and all the three attempts failed.

At this stage, the couple had become weary, not only as a result of despair but also because they have been sapped financially. Similarly, for the couple, especially Mrs Cooker the situation was already giving her emotional stress.

Given her state of despair, she felt that she could no longer go on; it was as if the world was actually coming to an end. But what more can she do?

Sadly, Cooker is not alone in this kind of problem. Fertility problems are common in Nigeria. It is estimated that up to one in every four couples in Nigeria will experience delay in achieving pregnancy.

Thousands of other couples facing the challenge of infertility in this environment have been through similar problems. Mr. Dehinde Kukoyi (not real names) disclosed that he and his wife attempted IVF treatment nine times and were successful only on the ninth occasion.

Those around found it puzzling.

“They were quite dogged,” was the reaction of another couple. “Hmmmmm, nine times,” wondered another couple that was rather alarmed at the thought of anyone going through that.

But thank God, today, they are a happier couple, living with their biological child.

Given these background, IVF could really be stressful because it involves a lot of emotions for some people who

Boosting IVF success using Acupuncture, Endoscopy IVF is useful in women with blocked fallopian tubes and men with low sperm count/abnormal sperms

have gone through it several times without success.

It is a known that IVF fails sometimes. Ironically, this also happens in natural conceptions which sometimes fail.

However, with advancement in modern medicine, there are now auxiliary methods that can be used to improve success rates of IVF. Part of the methods now being used in advanced nations to boost IVF success include of Endoscopy, Acupuncture and counseling, said Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, a fertility physician and managing director of the Nordica Fertility Centre in Ikoyi.

Everybody going through IVF treatment needs support in the form of counseling, he said.

As for using endoscopy to boost success rate, Ajayi said it is not everybody that needs this.

Endoscopy means looking inside and typically refers to looking inside the body for medical reasons, using an endoscope, an instrument used to examine the interior of a hollow organ CONT INU E D ON PAGE 32

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THURSday, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Forex limitations ‘ll hinder growth – Pharmacists Eleazar Nwanti

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he Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently intervene on the issue of forex as the present situation hampers the growth of the sector.

This is contained in the communiqué of the 2nd National Council Meeting of the PSN held in Kano.

The council stated that inability to access forex by pharmaceutical companies to directly source finished products, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other excipients will naturally breed out of stock syndrome in the inventory of life saving drugs with obvious consequences in the days and weeks ahead, as most companies will exhaust the leftover stocks acquired from last year.

“It is impossible to transact pharmaceutical inclined business at the rate of $1 to N400 as the drug products from such transactions will be completely unaffordable,

thus defeating the goal of our National Drug Policy which advocates the availability of safe, efficacious and affordable drugs in the health system at all times,” PSN stated.

The council called on the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) to continue to work with pharmaceutical stakeholders who resolved jointly in 2015 to actualise State Drug Distribution Centres (SDDCs), Mega Drug Distribution Centres (MDDCs), Registered Wholesalers and newly introduced Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) as the main legs of drug wholesaling in Nigeria.

In a bid to stem the tide of fake drug sales and circulation, the new drug distribution channel approved by pharmaceutical stakeholders, the FMOH, Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the council insisted that they must be upheld and made to work maximally in public interest.

President of PSN, Dr. Ahmed Yakassai

Eye for details

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f the human eye were a digital camera, it would have 576 megapixels. An eye can distinguish about 10 million different colours.

Local drug production is the way to go

Lack of enabling environment, cause of medical tourism, says Arowojolu Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

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medical expert, Professor A y o d e l e Arowojolu, has blamed the governments of Nigeria for the rampant medical tourism among Nigerians due to lack of enabling environment in the profession.

Arowojolu, a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the University College Hospital’s Annual Scientific Conference and All Fellows’ Congress (ASCAF) 2016, said this recently at a press

briefing addressed at the College ahead of the conference holding next week.

The medical expert, who noted that “there are trained doctors that can handle any form of ailment and disease in the country”, maintained that “there is no enabling environment occasioned by poor facilities, strife among the various groups of health personnel and non-concentration of facilities in the hospitals.”

All these, he said eroded the confidence of the citizenry in the ability of medical personnel in the country to handle their medical challenges, hence, the jetting out of privileged

Nigerians for medical trip abroad, not even minding the seriousness of the ailment.

To halt the trend, the LOC Chairman counseled the government to harmonise the system to ensure good working relationship among the various groups of health workers.

He equally charged the government to establish good training centres in each of the six geo-political zones of the country where there would not be any disease that could not be handled in terms of personnel and equipment which would serve as template for expansion in other parts of the country.

IVF: Acupuncture, Endoscopy to the rescue CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

or cavity of the body. Unlike most other medical imaging techniques, endoscopes are inserted directly into the organ.

According to him, “the older you are there might be need for endoscopy treatment because in this environment fibroids are common as women grow older.

“The higher the incidence of problems inside the uterus such as people developing fibroids, surgery may be needed to look at that uterus.” Tackling fibroids in affected women is also known to improve IVF success rates, according to experts.

Highlighting the role of Acupuncture, Ajayi said: “We noticed that in developed parts of the world they have very good IVF centres which also provide Acupuncture services because it helps to relax patients when they are going through the IVF. “Both the infertility and IVF treatment are stressful and anything that can help the patient to relax increases

success rate in IVF treatment.”

These apart, the fertility expert said, “In Nordica Fertility Centre, practice “has shown us that our results have become better when we introduced Acupuncture into our services.”

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body—most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. It is one of the practices used in traditional Chinese medicine .

However, Acupuncture increases the secretion of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system and having a number of physiological functions. They are peptides which activate the body’s opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect. Experts claim that these happy hormones can help patients achieve some successes in IVF treatment.

In addition to helping some patients have positive results in their IVF treatment, Acupuncture could similarly help patients cope

with treatment outcomes.

“Some people also have problems either when the treatment fails. So, it helps affected persons to cope with the result of the treatment.

Endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine.

“When IVF treatment fails some people cannot bear to do another one because they can’t just face failure,” according to Ajayi.

He added: “Some people are afraid of injections and the monetary aspect of IVF, which is considered expensive.”

Although, the issue of some failed IVF is a challenge some patients face; it’s a phenomenon that cannot be wished away.

IVF success rate in Nigeria is about 30 to 40 per cent averagely. The woman’s age is a major determinant of success rates and for a woman less than 30 years, success rate can be up 50 per cent, while for a woman less than 40 years, it is less than

10 per cent.

While debunking claims that fertility doctors behind IVF treatment play god, another fertility expert and Consultant Endocrinologist, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, said although many embryos were produced in the laboratory from the eggs and sperms from the couple/parties, after putting the embryos in the woman, while some fail to develop, some develop into foetus and are eventually delivered as babies.

For Ashiru, who is a Professor of Anatomy, the fertility physician does his work by implanting embryos.

God knows and determines the ones that eventually become babies. That is where the role of God comes in, he reasoned.

Speaking in similar vein, the Managing Director of Nordica said in IVF treatment fertility physicians produce more embryos than what nature will normally produce. “So, about 75 per cent of the embryos that we produce in the laboratory cannot become babies.

“Where we have problem is the ability to recognise the

embryo that will become a baby,” he said.

However, Ajayi said practitioners do their selection based on how the embryos look. Now they also do genetic composition of the embryos. This is a little bit more expensive than the normal IVF treatment.

On how age impacts on treatment outcomes, Ajayi advised that if after six months of regular sexual intercourse (2-3 times per week) without contraception/family planning, a woman who is 35 years and above should seek the help from medical experts.

Women below 35 years can stay for one year before seeking the help of medical personnel.

With over five million of babies born worldwide, using the IVF technology, more Nigerians are now accepting the method, despite the stigma around it.

Experts advise that more awareness showing that IVF children are normal babies will help. Similarly, some said speaking openly about it by beneficiaries will go a long way to reduce stigma.

Sunburn damages blood vessels Extensively severe sunburn damages the blood vessels extensively but how extensively?

Studies have shown that it can take four to fifteen months for them to return to their normal condition. Consider that the next time you are feeling too lazy to apply sunscreen before heading outside.

Miles to go If uncoiled, the DNA in all the cells from the human body would stretch up to 10 billion miles.

That is the distance from earth to Pluto and back or 6,000 trips from earth to the moon.

Long-term storage space Your brain’s long-term memory, which develops until the age of 40, can hold as many as one quadrillion (one million billion) separate bits of information in a lifetime.

Human body contains gold There is 0.2 milligrams of gold in your body, most of which is in your blood.

The human body contains gold, but it is not enough to strike it rich.

The body contains approximately 0.2 milligrams of gold that is most diffused with the blood.

However, you would need to bleed 40,000 people dry just to collect enough blood to make an 8-gram souvenir.

For every pound of fat gained, you add seven miles of new blood vessels New tissue needs blood supply, so your vascular system expands to accommodate it. This also means your heart must work harder to pump blood through the new network, which may reduce oxygenation and nutrient replenishment in other tissues. Lose a pound? Your body will break down and reabsorb the unneeded blood vessels from the previous tissue.

Tasty treats Your mouth contains around 10,000 taste buds, most of which are located on and around the tiny bumps on your tongue.

However, the sense of smell is necessary for taste, too.

Health\INTERVIEW

THURSday, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Tomori: Federal laboratories can diagnose nothing

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Oyewale Tomori is a Professor of Virology and President of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS). In this interview with APPOLONIA ADEYEMI, he discusses the danger Yellow Fever poses to unimmunised citizens, the benefits of vaccinations and installing standard laboratories, among other issues Why is the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) raising this alert on Yellow Fever. Is there really an outbreak of this disease to warrant this alert?

These are the questions some people have been asking for years. .

It appears that several times we like emergency situations. We do things outside of the law. If you want to control a disease you determine what level of control you want to control.

There are certain diseases –only one case is an outbreak. Just as we are getting crazy about polio now, there are about 800 cases of cholera.

But if it is decided that a disease is going to be eradicated, then one case is an outbreak.

If you want to control a disease, you determine what level of control you will put in. You may say 10 cases of Lassa fever, for example, is normal, so, if you are getting five or six, that is not an outbreak. It is still within the number that we can control, but when you get like 40 to 50 cases of Lassa fever, then you have passed your threshold. So, for every situation there is a threshold. When a disease is supposed to be eradicated, the threshold is zero. When you get one case, then it means you have failed. Eradication means total, meaning that everything is gone.

If it is a matter of control, each country whatever is the disease determines what is the threshold for the control.

Over the years you would have looked at the pattern of the diseases and say maybe, every year between now and then, we to have about, a maximum of 10 diseases every year for the last 50 years.

Then, suddenly this year, we now have 60, 70, 80 cases, then we have to begin to look at that. That’s what averages are. Average is not a particular one number. It has to be subject to what you are planning about that disease.

As far as Yellow fever is concerned, one case that is confirmed is actually an outbreak and the reason for that is this. You remember when we said almost 80 to 90 per cent of Yellow fever cases are very mild.

So, when you are able to detect one case you can be sure that there are about ten or hundred others who have the infection but have not shown the disease. Such people are dangerous because they can become the source of the virus to pass to other people.

Again, with regard to polio, it is only one out of a thousand that can get the polio disease itself, 99 per cent of them will just come out with the mild disease. So, when we detect one case of polio we actually say an average is up, not only because it’s being eradicated but because we

know that there will be a thousand others who would have been infected but have not shown the disease and who could be a source of infection to other people. So, that’s how the issues of outbreaks are viewed.

Specifically, how did you arrive at the number of Nigerians said to be at risk of Yellow fever?

The number we are talking about was based on the fact that the 101,298,992 million we are talking about are the vulnerable people in Nigeria.

They are people who are unlikely to have got anti bodies or protection against Yellow fever and that is based on some of the studies that have been done in which some mathematical modeling have been done. For instance, in the studies they may say: when was your last outbreak? How many people were likely to have been protected/ recovered from the disease? How many people were infected in that period?

How many people are likely to be protected or recovered from the disease? So, we can take the whole of at Akoka in Bariga, Lagos for example.

There was an outbreak there and we had 10 cases out of the population of 100,000. Did they vaccinate people at that time? Probably they vaccinated, maybe 80 per cent. Akoka area is not a high risk for Yellow fever because people have been infected, people have recovered, and people have been vaccinated.

Then take a place that is far away like the Banana Island, Banana Island. An epidemic has occurred and nobody has ever been there to give any vaccination. When we do a survey of the people in Lagos, the 200 people in Banana Island are vulnerable but the 800 people in Akoka are not vulnerable. Therefore if you don’t have enough vaccines, you will use that to determine where you will go first.

The good thing about what is called health immunity, is that, let’s say we are 20 here and 18 of us have been vaccinated remaining two. If mosquitoes come with the virus the chances of getting to those two are much reduced because 18 other people been protected. Reverse it, supposing 18 of us that do not have anti bodies, except only two, then the chances of getting to that anti-virus to those that are not immunised is high. That’s the whole essence of immunity; it’s all about protecting those that are not immunised. You may not really get 100 per cent of people immunised but if you can get 18 of us out of 20 of us here you are in a way protecting the two, but if it is reversed only two of us are immunised then the 18 of us are in danger. That’s why the 101 million figure we brought was based on.

Tomori

If it is decided that a disease is going to be eradicated, then one case is an outbreak

Which are some of the communities where Yellow fever were recorded I showed you data about when we had epidemic in Nigeria 1925, 1931 in what places they were outbreaks and we know that your vaccine protects you for the rest of your life. Therefore, if you go to a place like Oju Local Government where we know there was an epidemic, people who were there at that time when the epidemic was on would be protected. But if you are born after the epidemic , you would not likely be protected. Therefore, we count those people as vulnerable people.

That is what we put together to get the 101 million people that will need Yellow fever vaccine in this country.

What is your assessment of our diagnosis in the country and how can it be improved?

You talked about the issue of diagnosis, incidentally when the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) broke out, one thing common to the two laboratory that did the diagnosis were that they were both supported by external foreign grant. The laboratory at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has a link with European Union group and the foreign partners provided all the reagents. Similarly, the laboratory in Redeemers University also has a link with Harvard and some other people, they provided all their reagents.

We have six other laboratories in this country which are called Federal Centre for Disease Control (CDC) labs. They can diagnose nothing because they do not have reagents to do it.

So, we deceive ourselves and call all these things national labs but

they are not able to do anything. The thing that saved this country is that there is a lab like the one in LUTH during the Ebola outbreak and the other one in Redeemers University.

If they had not been there we would have waited. If you remember the first time Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian that imported Ebola into Nigeria came into Nigeria, and went to that First Consultants Medical Centre in Obalende, Lagos, they actually took his samples because they thought it was malaria and took it to a private lab for the first three days. We could have had disaster in this country if not that God was on our side.

You remember the time when Ebola came and our doctors were on strike. LUTH was closed, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) was closed and this man had to be taken to a private hospital.

That limited the number of possible contacts because if he had gone to the emergency ward of LUTH, there would been a disaster.

In fact the two people who took him to the hospital got infected. So, you can imagine Sawyer had been admitted in LUTH. He was actually supposed to be going to Calabar for a meeting and not Lagos. So, if he had gotten to Calabar and got sick there that would have been the end of Nigeria because we wouldn’t have known what was wrong with him and a lot of people would have gotten infected.

In a way I think, when we finally knew what was wrong we did the right thing. But then the question is why did we not sustain that? This is the question we are asking. Why was it that with all we did with Ebola when Lassa came we could not do anything?

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Health\News

THURSday, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

DEVCOM: Maternal, child mortality rate still high Eleazar Nwanti

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s Nigeria celebrates this year’s Safe Motherhood Day, stakeholders have lamented that maternal and child mortality rates in Nigeria still soar high with about 150 deaths recorded daily among women of reproductive age.

Similarly, over 2,000 children under five years die daily from preventable causes.

These were contained in a press release issued

by Development Communication Network

A pregnant woman PHOTO www.geneticsandsociety.org

(DEVCOM) to mark the 2016 Safe Motherhood Day, tagged “Saving Mother’s and Baby’s Lives: A Worthy Investment for National Development”.

According to The National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) of 2013, coverage and quality of healthcare services in Nigeria is poor. Less than 20 per cent of health facilities offer emergency obstetric care and only 35 per cent of deliveries are attended by skilled attendants.

The high rate in maternal mortality is attributed to decline in quality of health care services rendered to communities – especially hardto-reach communities where they are already disadvantaged with respect to lack of public services.

In spite of government’s efforts towards achieving universal health coverage and access to reproductive health care the problem still lingers due to some political issues.

“These problems continue to linger as a re-

sult of lack of political will, poor government prioritisation of health (as observed in declining allocation of budget for health), poor planning, coordination, and implementation of projects, lack of or insufficient data, non-effective use of data for planning”, the report stated.

The report stated that the in an effort to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) there are needs for renewal of political will and commitment of resources towards improving maternal and child health care.

“Reducing maternal mortality requires sustained, long-term commitment and the inputs of a range of public and private sector partners.

“Governments, nongovernmental organisations (including women’s groups and family planning agencies), donors, and others should share their diverse strengths and work together to promote safe motherhood within countries and communities and across national borders,” it stated.

Sexual contact, intravenous drug use may lead to hepatitis

Healthy Living

Ihuoma Uko-Ndukwe ada.ndukwe@yahoo.com

H

epatitis happens when there Most of the damage to the liver is an assault to the liver ei- are caused by viruses and they come ther through injury, assault in different types. and infection. Sometimes, it will There are five main types of Heparesolve by itself but in most cases titis - A,B,C,D,E, types B and C are it lingers. most common. There are some other Sometimes, hepatitis leads to can- types of viruses like mononucleosis cer and death if not checked on time. which affect mostly young people.

Even with treatment it can be fatal.

Bacterial infections can also afThere are five different types of fect the liver when associated with hepatitis which will be discussed in animals or tick exposure. They may this column. present with re-curing fever and muscle weakness, secHepatitis can be acquired through traveling, ondary stage of syphiundercooked, food, indilis can also damage the Most of the gestion, exposure to toxins liver/ typhoid fever, damage to the liver abscess, parasites, that are toxic to the liver such as some medications liver are caused fungus. like acetaminophen, alcoThere are some causes by viruses hol, intravenous drug use, of liver damage which affects mostly women. sexual contacts and viral exposure.

This happens when the Hepatitis can be acute/or chronic. body is attacking itself.

Sometimes, it lingers in the system Some high risk pregnancy with for years before showing itself until complication can damage the liver it has damaged the liver quietly. after pregnancy without recovery The liver does as a lot of work Some of the signs of hepatitis for the body. It makes bile which is regardless of type are lack of apstored in the gall bladder that helps petite, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, breakdown food, especially fatty right upper stomach pain, dark food and it plays a significant role urine, pale or white-looking stool, in stimulating red blood cells pro- yellowish colour, swollen stomach duction and platelets which plays a with sometimes spider-looking vein lot of roles to control bleeding. lines.

Similarly, it detoxifies alcohol and Some of the more serious signs breaks down some medication and (Red Flags) that might signify need gets rid of excess and unused medi- for hospital admission are confucation from our body. sion, low blood sugar, among others.

Nourish yourself with pineapple(2) S Nature F Power tudies have shown that consumption of pineapple regularly helps fight against arthritis, indigestion and worm infestation. Pineapple contains small amount of Vitamin A and beta-carotene. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A is also required in maintaining healthy skin and is essential for good vision.

Studies suggest that consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps the human body to protect itself from lung and oral cavity cancers. In addition, Pineapple is rich in B-complex group of vitamins like floats, thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like copper, manganese and potassium.

Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, and helps in controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is a helpful co-factor for red blood cell synthesis. High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.

A higher intake of pineapple fruits (three or more slices per day) has also been shown to decrease risk and progression of age-related macular degeneration.

The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of pineapple daily. As indicated above, a high amount means three or more slices. Try to eat your pineapple when it is very ripe so that you can enjoy it better. When pineapple is harvested before it is fully ripe, the

Anselm Adodo

naturepower@paxherbals.net twitter: @anselmadodo

taste is never the same as the ones harvested when fully ripe.

Many people find it difficult to eat more than a slice of pineapple in a day because of its strong pungent taste. If you find the taste too strong or acidic, you can extract the juice and dilute it in water. It is worth all the trouble.

The high level of potassium in pineapple makes it very useful in controlling high blood pressure.

Increasing potassium intake by consuming high- potassium fruits and vegetables can help with lowering blood pressure.

The recommended daily intake of potassium is 4700 mg, and less than 10 per cent of Nigerians meet this target. A high potassium intake is said by experts to be associated with a 20 per cent decreased risk of dying from all cancers.

As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C, pineapples can help combat the

formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.

Diets rich in beta-carotene may also play a protective role against prostate cancer, according to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition and has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population.

There are studies suggesting that bromelain (found in pineapple) and other such enzymes may be used with standard cancer treatment to help reduce some side effects (such as mouth and throat inflammation due to radiation treatments).

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21 to 25 g/day for women

and 30-38 g/day for men. Because of their fiber and water content, pineapples help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.

Fruits with high antioxidant activity like pineapples that battle free radicals are recommended for those trying to conceive.

The antioxidants in pineapple such as vitamins C, beta-carotene and the vitamins and minerals and copper, zinc and foliate have properties that boost both male and female fertility.

Some studies have shown that bromelain, the enzyme found in pineapples, can reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain associated with injury and surgical intervention. Bromelain is currently being used to treat and reduce inflammation from sprains, strains, and other minor muscle injuries as well as swelling related to ear, nose and throat surgeries or trauma.

Pineapple can also help to fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture.

The high level of potassium in pineapple makes it very useful in controlling high blood pressure Pineapples

Photo: www.specialtyproduce.com

Briefly standing, walking cuts blood sugar

or obese people who sit for most of the day, replacing some sitting time with standing, slow walking or slow cycling reduces average blood sugar across the day and into the night.

This is the outcome of a study published in the ‘Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise’.

Senior Author of the study at the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Glenn Gaesser said, “Anything you can do to bring down glucose readings throughout the day is a good thing.

“We chose a typical workday because a large number of Americans spend a lot of time sitting at an office desk, and a number of (studies) indicate sitting is a health hazard, so we reckoned that trying to alleviate that by either standing or walking or cycling would help.”

Average 24-hour glucose was lower for standing and walking than for sitting, and was lowest on the cycling days, the researchers report in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.

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THURSday, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

MOM’S ALERT

Mom&Parenting

Senator Oluremi Tinubu (second right) with others cutting the historical cake

Flora Onwudiwe

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very August 9, remains a memorable day for women in South Africa as it is their D- day. A day South Africans all over the world recollect the heroic struggle of Women against Apartheid, gender oppression and colonial domination.

Both Nigeria women and South African women in Nigeria celebrated this year’s historical day, at the Federal Palace hotel Lagos ,Nigeria under the umbrella, ‘Women United in moving South Africa forward,’ in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) titled, ‘Women united as agents of Socio-Economic Development.’

The collaborators also hosted women leaders of different Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), even some South African Women flew in to be part of the historical day celebration August 12 precisely.

The Consul General of South Africa in Nigeria, Mr. Darkey Africa while venerating with the women said, “We salute the heroism of our mothers who took it upon themselves to change the course of history in South Africa and Africa in the world. We are here today to pay tribute to the children of Shallot Mateke who shook the foundation of racial oppression in South Africa 60 years ago. These women were

Mom&Parenting

Oluwatosin Omoniyi City Editor

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Connecting with our kids instead of smart phones

Parenting Community building through training of women, children

36 36

L-R: Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Hon. Lola Akande, Consul General of South Africa in Nigeria, Mr. Darkey Africa and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule

‘Strike a woman, strike a rock’ very determined to present their views so they decided to march to Union Buildings in Pretoria August 9, 1956 to confront J.G. Strijdom in order to present approximately a hundred thousand petitions.”

He narrated the historical story of the march organised by the federation of South African women and they were more than 20,000 women that participated in the protest led by; Helen Joseph, AlbertinaSisulu, DahimaMoosa, LilianNgoyi, Helen Suzman, Florence Matomela, Sophia Williams De-Bruyn, amongst other notable women. “We were told that when they got there, they stood in silence for an hour and the Prime Minister of South Africa was in the Union buildings, when he saw the power and bravery women standing there for an hour, he became afraid. He was called the lion of the North, he was tough, after the women stood there without uttering a word, they composed a song that reflected on their bravery, when strijdom was told the meaning of the song, he ran away!” The women predictions later came through because Strijdom died three years later in August, that is the power of women,” he stated.

He explained further that before the march , the women were sending the men to deliver their petitions to the Prime Minister , but they were busy debating , writing petitions and wearing suits to meet with the leaders , but their efforts were not making any impact. The women then decided to go alone. “We are women from every part of South Africa, we are women of every race, we come from the cities and the towns, from the villages, and we come as women united in our purpose to save the African women from the degradation of passes. In the name of South African women, we say to you, each one of us from African,

South African guests at the event

European, Indian, Coloured that we are opposed to the pass system, we voters and vote less call upon your government not to issue passes to African women. We shall not rest until all pass laws and all forms of permit restricting our freedom have been abolished, we shall not rest until we have won for our children their fundamental rights freedom, justice and security.”

To paraphrase one of Maya Angelo’s statements, the Consul General said, “the agenda that will help the continent is the agenda that will need women.

Women have got the resilience, power , passion, determination and they got the willingness to move the continent forward but we must fight all prejudices , religious prejudices , cultural prejudices , political prejudices that will continue to deny women the possibilities of leadership and that is why today we have two presidents in the continent of Africa,” she was quoted.

In her comparison, senior lecturer University of Johannesburg, Mrs. Lulama Boyce, “The women in 1956 came together not to speak as an individual but for their voices to be heard. They came together and they marched together. I think in

these days, the environment that I am working is limited in terms of the number of women that are there , the large number of women in a community are not at the economic centre. They are still back in the township trying to make a living for those who don’t have jobs.

“And for those of us who are professionals, we are focusing on our careers and building up ourselves as individuals and forgetting that we came from a community. It is high time we came together as professionals and then we meet with other communities. We have not necessary move to the economic sector and we build bridges to emancipate our communities, so that our growing children will see our fruits of the rights of the women of 1956.We need to reflect on it, it shouldn’t be only about the celebration of what had happened. Rather, it should foster what is due to happen and we need to come together as women, to work together and advance further not as South Africa but Africa as a continent, we have the same challenges and unless we come together and we find the communality amongst ourselves rather to monitor our differences we will be able to uplift each other,” she

emphasised.

Speaking at the event was the representative from the Nigeria government, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said, “what you have done for us was to invoke in us the need to stand again, to stand as strong African woman, not only just Nigeria. Like they said that women are very resilient and passionate, South Africa is celebrating 60 years of Iconic march, women have been talking all over, but have we started walking the talk? She asked rhetorically.

Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule said that, despite the successes recorded in the past by great women, there is still the need for a collective will to address and remove all barriers to the full emancipation of women in all societies. “Women are still being discriminated against in many countries. They are still not well represented in the political and most decision making process.

We urge for a collaborative effort by your country and our nation to intensify the struggle for the full emancipation of women.

We need an effective synergy to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goal number five which is to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women particularly in Africa.

Let us rise with one voice to say you strike a woman, you strike a rock,” she said.

Also speaking at the event was the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Hon. Lola Akande said women have become active participants in all walks of life because they now play major roles in influencing the course of social change. “Now women have made vast advancement in all spheres of socio economic aspect of life. Women now emerge as active industrial participants, heads of public service, and professional experts to holding key positions in government.”

36 MOM&PARENTING

THURSday, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

MOM’S ALERT with

Grace Essen

grace.essen@gmail.com

Connecting with our kids instead of smart phones

The children and women at the training session

Community building through training of women, children The need to prioritise skill acquisition programme as academic qualification was brought to forefront at a three-week long skill acquisition and mentorship programme recently organised by the White House President’s Forum for Young African Leaders.

Muritala Ayinla reports

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years of my life. I was at the UNICEF, I have been doing an exchange with US. These vocations training is what I have been doing outside the country as Africa’s representative, so, I am just bringing home for my people benefit from it.

“I once emerged the one-day commissioner for Information in Lagos and a deputy senate president of the Nigeria children parliament. I co-launched the UNICEF State of the World Children’s Report in 2003 alongside Carol Bellamy and Oscar Award Winner - Vanessa Redgrave CBE. And as a former student leader and the First African to be elected a Student Council Chair at London Metropolitan University and served on the University’s Academic Board with the Vice Chancellor, I strongly believe that many beneficiaries can go places higher than this, if they get good mentorship and training.”

Harping on the possibility of building more talented Nigerians by reviving the dying culture recreational activities in the communities, immediate past Lagos Transportation Commissioner, Comrade Opeifa called on other Nigerians to emulate Dayo Israel by coming up with programmes that will bring out the talent of the younger generation and rekindle the hope of the nation.

According to him, “activities such as sports, summer coaching, football and other sporting competitions were very helpful in early discovery of talents in the olden days. So, if Dayo can improve on this by coming up with other programmes that will many young promising Nigerian will do a lot making the nation great.

Opeifa appealed to the beneficiaries especially the youths to take the training very seriously, adding that they could achieve all their future ambitions through experience garnered from such vocations.

“With skills you are acquiring, you can become whatever you want to be. Dayo Israel has represented Nigeria at different places locally and internationally because he was able to distinguished himself. I do not have any doubt if given more opportunities, he would impact on many lives in this local government” he added.

t the three-week training and empowerment, beneficiaries were trained on bead making, wire works, catering, decoration, video editing, photography, hair making, barbing, catering, hat making, disinfectant and soap making, graphic design and digital marketing, cinematography among others.

The eminent Lagosians present at the programme include; former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Princess Sarah-Sosan; the former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr Olorunimbe Mamora; the former Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, the Nollywood star, Tawo Hassan popularly known as Ogogo among others.

The training which took place at Ojo Oniyun Youth Centre and CDA Field, 54 Ondo Street, Ebute Metta, simultaneously was described successful by the eminent personalities who mentored the beneficiaries.

Other successful Nigerians expected to mentor the beneficiaries in the programme include, ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka; Professor Sophie Oluwole; Nollywood star and member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Eliot; Senior Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on MDGS, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo among others.

Addressing thousands of the participants, Dayo Israel, who is also Director of Africa, Governance Leadership Economic Environment. Human Right Democracy (GLEEHD) Foundation, the training would not only address the current challenges confronting the nation by making the women self reliant but also help the upcoming generation from depending on white collar job to survive.

Israel, who said he was not embarking on massive training of residents for political reasons but motivated by the need to groom many stars, and successful Nigerians who will make Nigeria proud across the globe.

This, he added be achieved by good mentorship and proper training and the burning desire to catch them young.

According to the Chairmanship aspirant of Lagos Mainland Local government, under the All Progressive Congress, there was need for him to contribute to the human capital development having served the nation at different international fora and organisations. “ I am not doing this because I want to run for the local government election but this what I have been doing for the past 19 Opeifa and Dayo during the training session

C

hildren of today have quite we are spending time together, each a lot to keep their attention person might be quite alone in his from TV to games on the or her separate virtual worlds. In phones, tablet or computer turn, younger children have grown screens… they can’t just seem to jealous of their parents’ devices. One have enough. I have had to pause child quoted in Steiner-Adair’s book and observe the trend and it all said, “My mom is almost always on seems that we are the ones who have the iPad at dinner. She always “just created this because we are glued checking’ (age 7). The problem is that to or own devises and really don’t once we start checking our devices, have the time to connect with our we become unavailable. Children kids. We all crave for connection as need for us to be present, not just humans and our devises easily take physically but also emotionally. It the place of our loved ones. There is matters that 92% of people in a recent hardly anyone of us who isn’t guilty national survey said that they had felt of this, except if you aren’t keeping ignored because a household memup with the advancement in technol- ber spends too much time on his or ogy. Laura Choate wrote an article I her mobile device. That means it has find very insightful and I think every become normative to feel ignored in parent should read - ‘How to connect our own homes. To adults this might with our kids instead of our devices’ be annoying. To children, however, found in Psychology Today. the message is: everything matters Our primary task in parenting more than you. That caller. That is to love and connect with our chil- texter. That update. The “outsider” dren. This is vital to everything else intruding through the screen is seemand is the most important gift you ingly more important than what we can give to your child. Loving our are doing together or what you are sons and daughters comes naturally telling me. That physically-there-butfor most of us. In our fast-paced cul- not-really-present mindset creates an ture with multiple demands on our invisible barrier between us and our kids. time, however, connecting with Invest in Face-toour children beFace Time. If we want comes more of a to remain connected challenge. While with our children, we parents are more have to be willing to Invest in Face-tounplug and be there kid-focused than Face-Time if we ever, it seems for face to face converironic that today’s sations at the times of want to remain children say they day our children are feel disconnected connected with our most likely to want from their parents to talk: during transichildren and wish their tion times such as in parents would the morning, driving spend more time to and from school, really listening to when she first comes them. It is also ironic that in a cul- home from school, during family ture in which we are constantly con- dinners, and when she goes to bed. It nected via technology, families have is not easy, but it is possible to carve become ever more disconnected. out technology-free zones during How has this disconnection the day. crept into our cultural fabric?

Keep pressing forward with famWhile there are many reasons for ily rituals and outings. Even if your this, a primary factor is the way in child rejects 90% of the invitations which many parents engage with you offer for spending time together, technology. If our smartphones then at least be grateful for the 10% keep us connected to the outside of acceptances you do receive! Keep world 24-7, are we ever really “off planning, keep offering, and don’t duty”? Are we ever fully present give up on building connections. with people In Real Life if we are Listen, listen, listen. When constantly interrupted by “pings” your child does want to talk, from our phone that indicate a text treat this request with respect. or social media post? If I check my Turn off your devices, make eye work e-mail on my phone while I contact and give your child your am supposedly spending time with full attention, and listen without my kids, am I really present with interrupting. Reflect your child’s them? Or is my mind floating be- feelings, ask open questions, and tween worrying about a work situ- encourage problem solving rather ation and occasionally tuning in to than giving pat answers or quick what my kids are saying? advice. These face-to-face, active As Catherine Steiner-Adair notes: listening skills will help your Parents are checking out of family child open up and will encourage time, disappearing themselves and actual connection between you offering that behavior as a model for and your child. their children. …parents are virtuClearly I am not advocating that ally missing in action, routinely we should throw away our devices. either engaged in cell phone con- Instead, the key is to become more versation or texting or basking in intentional about the need to take glow of computer screen with work necessary breaks from our devices or online past-times. as we work to more fully connect In today’s busy world, even when with our children.

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Credit Bureaus record 33m registered borrowers

RISING Operators boost access to finance

national Finance Corporation (IFC) will continue to provide training to operators and regulators in order to build capacity in the credit reporting industry.

Emefiele stated that the apex bank recently approved the payment of one-off sign on fees with Credit Bureaux for all MicroFinance Banks (MFBs) and other micro financial institutions in order to support effective use of the infrastructure provided by the private credit bureaux with a view to deepening the subsector.

He also said the regulator made it mandatory for all financial institutions to have data exchange agreements with at least two credit bureaux.

“All banks are required to obtain credit report from at least two (2) credit bureaus before granting any facility to their customers whilst quarterly portfolio checks must also be carried out to enable them determine borrowers’ current exposure to the financial system,” he stated.

He noted that the quality of credit reports in the industry will improve significantly when the BVN is made available to the credit bureau.

The CBN boss stated

Tony Chukwunyem

T

he total number of borrowers registered by Credit Bureaus in the country increased to 33, 456, 922 as at 30th June 2016, compared with 18,640,000 recorded four years earlier.

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, disclosed this in his address to the 3rd National Reporting Conference held in Lagos yesterday by the Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria (CBN).

The CBN Governor, who was represented at the event by the Branch Controller, CBN, Lagos, Mr. James Iyari, pointed out that the number of borrowers registered by the Credit Bureaus stood at a mere 78, 189 in December 2010.

Commending the Credit bureau operators for the feat, Emefiele charged them not to rest on their oars, as there was still a lot of work to do to ensure that the country has a robust credit reporting system.

He said the CBN in collaboration with the Inter-

that the apex bank in collaboration with other stakeholders, had designed a uniform data reporting template for provision of data by credit providers to the three credit bureaux in the country, adding that this

has reduced the problems associated with provision of data in several different templates to the credit bureaux.

He pledged that the regulator would continue to assist the private credit bureaux by address-

C

oronation Merchant Bank Group has released its Half Year (H1) 2016 financial results, showing a 108 per cent growth in Profit Before Tax (PBT) to N2.74billion from the H1 2015 figures of N1.32billion.

In a statement, the lender said Profit After Tax (PAT) also more than doubled from N1.2billion in H1 2015 to N2.58billion in H1, 2016.

The Group also witnessed an improvement in its revenue generation capacity as a result of increased efficiency in its funding mix and significant growth in its Balance Sheet. The Group’s net-interest income according to the statement, rose from N1.63billion in H1 2015 to N3.58billion in H1 2016. “ Strategic efforts to grow non- interest income yielded results as non-interest income increased by 73 per cent, from N527.3 million in H1 2015 to N910.5 million

in H1 2016. Total assets rose to N98.45billion from N78.8billion in December 2015 and N71.6billion in H1 2015, and shareholders fund increased to N22.73billion from N20.24billion,” the bank said in a statement.

Earlier this year, the

T

he Federal Government has approved the appointment of Dr Ezekiel Oseni as acting Managing Director of the National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND).

The information is contained in a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, released in Abuja.

Isa-Dutse stated, “Oseni’s appointment, which takes immediate effect, is made under a management agreement between the Federal Ministry of

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 June, 2016 26/07/2016 Mar 2015 23/8/2016 23/8/2016

Source:CBN

Description 15.10 27-APR-2017 16.00 29-JUN-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.50 22-JAN-2026 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 Tenor (Days) Call 30 90 180

FGN Bonds

TTM

Price 104.54 114.58 111.91 120.62 109.79 100.32 83.54 97.16

1.06 3.23 3.86 5.81 7.94 9.80 14.30 18.29

NIBOR

Rate (%) 4.2500 8.2420 10.1127 11.7162

Bid Yield 10.45 10.54 11.61 11.43 12.23 12.43 12.49 12.54

Change (%) -0.21 ▼ -0.87 ▼ -0.90 ▼ -0.66 ▼

Change (%) 0.07 ▲ -0.01 ▼ 0.01 ▲ -0.01 ▼ -0.04 ▼ 0.04 ▲ 0.05 ▲ 0.06 ▲

Price 104.69 114.88 112.21 120.92 110.09 100.62 83.84 97.46

Tenor (Months)

Change (%) 0.07 ▲ -0.01 ▼ 0.01 ▲ -0.01 ▼ -0.04 ▼ 0.04 ▲ 0.05 ▲ 0.06 ▲

NITTY

Rate (%) 5.1731 6.4137 7.3300 8.8857 9.6247 10.5416

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Offer Yield 10.30 10.44 11.52 11.36 12.18 12.38 12.44 12.50

Change (%) -1.82 ▼ -0.82 ▼ -0.75 ▼ -0.32 ▼ 0.04 ▲ 0.04 ▲

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) 30-Jun-16 7.59 7.34 7.47 -0.35 ▼ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 3.75 7.73 -0.35 ▼ 6-Oct-16 8.37 8.12 8.47 -0.24 ▼ Overnight (O/N) 4.25 8.74 -0.24 ▼ 16-Mar-17 9.40 10.32 0.04 ▲ 9.15 10.02 0.04 ▲

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.14

FX

Offer 199.24

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

NIFEX

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.0000

CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016 Spot($/N)

196.00

197.00

Services, Mrs. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, expressed optimism that the contribution of the credit bureau segment of the financial services sector will have immense impact on the growth of the economy.

0.00 ↔

Offer 199.1000

statement recalled that Agusto & Co., Nigeria’s foremost rating agency upgraded its credit rating from “A-“ to “A” with stable outlook, “serving as a valid testament to the its strong capitalisation, good liquidity profile, good asset quality and

experienced management team”.

This Rating upgrade according to the statement, coming in its first year of merchant banking operations, makes evident the effectiveness of the new merchant bank’s strategy and operational model.

Ezekiel Oseni is acting MD, NERFUND

As at N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 16.5 14 10.77 US$48.85 US$25,631,801,057

ing their challenges and creating conducive environment for the growth and development of the industry.

While giving the welcome address, CBAN Chairman and MD/ CEO of CreditRegistry

Coronation Merchant Bank posts N2.74bn profit

Economic Indicators M2* CPS* INF MPR 91-day NTB Bonny Light Ext Res**

37

Change (%) -0.08 ▼ -0.08 ▼

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

Finance and the Bank of Industry (BoI).’’

The Permanent Secretary noted that Oseni was until his appointment, a General Manager and Chief Risk Manager at

the BoI. Isa-Dutse said Oseni had the mandate among others, to reposition the organisation and to ensure that all outstanding indebtedness were cleared.

Cashless: CBN, NIBSS, others for eGovt Summit Kunle Azeez

T

he E-Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (EPPAN) has unveiled a rich catalogue of high-profile speakers comprising top government and private sector executives expected at this year’s edition of the annual E-Government Summit 2016.

The summit, fifth in the series, is scheduled to hold on the 27th -28th September 2016 at the NAF Conference Centre Abuja.

The summit is hosted in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and NITDA, with the support and sponsorship of Galaxy Backbone (GB) Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Visa Inc and

Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

According to the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of EPPAN, Mrs. Regha Onajite, in the two-day intensive dialogue session, the conference will pull together over 500 top decision makers in government and private sector on a single platform.

She said the stakeholders would brainstorm to proffer solutions and proactive measures for Government to generate and increase internally generated revenue (IGR) using smart solutions while achieving transparency and accountability amongst expected deliverables.

Banker tasks policy makers on poverty alleviation

C

hairman of Heirs Holdings and UBA Plc. Tony O. Elumelu, has advocated entrepreneurship as a veritable solution to achieving poverty reduction in the country.

Elumelu who is also the Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation delivered a paper themed: “Entrepreneurship, Corporate Social Responsibility and Africapitalism: The Role of The Private Sector In Fighting Poverty in Nigeria”, at the nation’s think-tank, the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau State.

There, according to a

statement, he addressed a distinguished guest list of 67 participants from top government constituencies including the police, the military, national planning, works, and the presidency, debating ways to move the country forward in light of the present economic challenges.

In his lecture, the chairman of Heirs Holdings and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, acknowledged the efforts of the Institute in constituting the gathering of think tanks, hailing it as a timely event in paving the way for engineering the country’s socio-economic development.

38

BUSINESS |FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

24-Aug-16

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any of the Information, neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information.

Bonds

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

Description 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 14.50 15-JUL-2021 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 ^12.50 22-JAN-2026 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 ^12.40 18-MAR-2036

Price

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

27-Apr-12 27-Jul-07 31-Aug-07 30-May-08 29-Jun-12 23-Oct-09 13-Feb-15 13-Jul-16 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 22-Jan-16 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14 18-Mar-16

15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 15.54 14.50 16.39 14.20 12.50 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493 12.4000

480.13 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 606.43 179.59 605.31 719.99 391.02 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 1075.92 250.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

6,330.16

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

5,695.30

Rating/Agency

Agency Bonds Nil

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Description

Issuer

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 13-Feb-20 15-Jul-21 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 22-Jan-26 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34 18-Mar-36

0.67 0.92 1.02 1.76 2.84 3.16 3.47 4.89 5.43 7.55 9.41 12.26 12.74 13.24 13.91 17.90 19.56

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

18.59 19.84 20.16 18.00 14.88 14.94 14.99 14.93 14.90 14.92 15.23 15.24 15.24 15.25 15.25 15.27 15.10

18.34 19.64 19.98 17.89 14.82 14.80 14.88 14.84 14.82 14.85 15.16 15.19 15.18 15.17 15.18 15.21 15.04

97.80 91.90 90.46 89.30 102.46 80.52 101.42 98.50 105.36 96.78 86.55 98.61 84.66 62.04 70.01 81.02 83.13

97.95 92.05 90.61 89.45 102.61 80.82 101.72 98.80 105.66 97.08 86.85 98.91 84.96 62.34 70.31 81.32 83.43

6285.155565

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

03-Apr-12

17.25

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

0.90

03-Apr-17

0.31

2.94

18.94

99.46

19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21 09-Dec-21 16-Feb-22 27-Feb-22 30-Mar-22 31-Mar-22 27-May-22

0.65 0.61 1.35 1.17 1.18 1.36 1.37 1.55 1.76 3.24 1.82 4.26 4.35 2.58 2.61 3.16 3.37 3.22 3.34 6.46 3.49

1.00 5.71 2.39 1.00 1.00 3.82 3.56 3.82 2.02 2.01 1.00 1.30 3.76 2.53 1.00 1.52 4.01 1.00 2.52 1.79 3.04

19.47 23.96 21.59 20.73 20.70 22.99 22.71 22.45 20.05 16.96 18.84 16.26 18.71 18.25 16.67 16.46 18.98 15.95 17.49 16.70 18.03

94.39 94.49 91.43 93.51 93.48 90.76 90.46 91.54 93.76 93.97 94.07 91.69 89.20 92.81 96.66 97.75 94.30 101.27 99.97 101.03 97.46

0.90

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

0.90

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto‡ ; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A-/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR† Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto‡ A-/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto Bbb-/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto A-/GCR

LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA *NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA *BAUCHI *OYO *BENUE *PLATEAU KOGI *CROSS RIVER

19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 31-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14 09-Dec-14 17-Feb-15 27-Feb-15 30-Mar-15 01-Apr-15 27-May-15

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 15.50 BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 16.50 OYO 16-FEB-2022 16.50 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 17.50 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 17.00 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 17.00 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022

10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00 15.50 16.50 16.50 17.50 17.00 17.00

57.00 11.33 25.00 23.44 4.22 9.45 7.01 18.70 12.55 80.00 20.55 87.50 5.00 3.74 3.76 14.37 4.17 4.53 27.10 3.00 7.34

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

429.75 403.17

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR Nil Nil Nil A/GCR BBB-/GCR Nil A-/DataPro†; CCC/GCR AAA/DataPro†; B/GCR A+/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto†; BBB+/GCR† BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR Nil A-/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB/GCR

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

NAHCO FSDH ***LCRM UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA#{r} #

*TOWER # *TOWER

Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR A/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA#{r} *FCMB NAHCO *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.00 FCMB 6-NOV-2020 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 15.50 TRANSCORP 4-DEC-2020 14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

FIDELITY *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC STANBIC IBTC

A/GCR AAA/GCR

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018

UBA

*FCMB UBA

A/GCR BBB/GCR

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

STANBIC IBTC *NMRC

16.48 FIDELITY 13-MAY-2022 16.00 TRANSCORP 26-OCT-2022 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 14.90 NMRC 29-JUL-2030

29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12 30-Sep-10

13.00 14.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50 13.00

15.00 5.53 112.22 116.70 66.49 20.00

29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17 30-Sep-17

0.10 0.17 0.29 0.65 0.87 1.10

1.00 1.34 1.00 3.55 5.25 1.88

15.74 16.42 16.81 22.02 24.80 21.81

99.66 99.52 99.62 96.71 93.77 91.72

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.36

30-Nov-17

0.78

1.88

21.00

98.65

09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11

16.00 18.00

3.60 1.82

09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18

0.88 1.04

3.15 6.35

22.74 26.44

94.99 93.02

09-Sep-11 30-Sep-11

16.00 14.00

0.50 35.00

09-Sep-18 30-Sep-18

1.04 2.10

1.00 1.17

21.09 18.21

95.58 92.87

18-Oct-13

15.75

1.50

18-Oct-18

1.15

4.42

24.20

92.16

17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14

18.00 16.00

0.23 4.50

17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19

1.48 1.35

6.11 3.28

24.92 22.47

92.04 93.07

06-Nov-15

15.00

20.87

06-Nov-20

2.20

4.47

21.21

90.05

14-Nov-13 04-Dec-15

15.25 15.50

2.05 9.76

14-Nov-20 04-Dec-20

4.22 2.72

1.00 3.55

15.96 19.00

97.81 92.98

20-Nov-14

14.25

26.00

20-Nov-21

5.24

2.51

17.42

89.30

30-Dec-14 13-May-15

16.45 16.48

30.50 30.00

30-Dec-21 13-May-22

5.35 5.72

1.00 1.00

15.91 15.91

101.83 102.03

26-Oct-15

16.00

10.00

26-Oct-22

3.89

2.77

17.74

95.39

30-Sep-14

16.29

0.10

30-Sep-24

8.10

1.00

16.01

101.19

30-Sep-14 29-Jul-15

13.25 14.90

15.44 7.86

30-Sep-24 29-Jul-30

8.10 9.28

1.00 1.00

16.01 16.20

87.67 94.20

10-Oct-20

2.34

3.37

19.70

91.30

536.02

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

515.36

Sukuk *OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

1.47

1.00

17.36

91.06

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

*AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

2.69

1.00

14.20

93.73

Bid Price

Offer Price

BBB-/Agusto

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

14.75

9.02

9.02 8.24

Supranational Bond

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

24.95 23.06 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($’mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

6.10

5.89

102.48

103.30

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.42

3.92

101.25

102.16

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

6.41

6.25

99.78

100.71

100.26

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FGN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,517.55

Corporate Eurobonds B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.94

6.94

100.26

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

21.62

20.56

79.92

81.17

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

5.99

5.99

100.00

100.00

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.73

7.73

96.50

96.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

22.44

22.44

73.03

73.03

B-/Fitch; B/S&P B-/Fitch; B/S&P B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

8.25 AUG 07, 2020 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

07-Aug-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

07-Aug-20 24-Jun-21 23-Jul-21

16.19 14.57 16.15

16.19 14.19 16.15

77.00 81.50 72.50

77.00 82.63 72.50

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

12.23

11.76

84.88

86.63

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

3,150.00 2,714.68 Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Yield @ Issue (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

DTM

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Discount Rate (%)

18-Apr-16

11.00

16.80

18-Oct-16

55

2.03

17.02

16.59

Commercial Papers A-/Agusto

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PLC

UPDC CP 18-OCT-16

16.80

**TREASURY BILLS^ DTM 8 15 29 43 50 57 64 71

FIXINGS Maturity 1-Sep-16 8-Sep-16 22-Sep-16 6-Oct-16 13-Oct-16 20-Oct-16 27-Oct-16 3-Nov-16

Bid Discount (%) 14.08 15.01 14.06 14.05 14.28 13.11 13.95 16.24

Offer Discount (%) 13.83 14.76 13.81 13.80 14.03 12.86 13.70 15.99

Bid Yield (%) 14.12 15.10 14.22 14.29 14.56 13.38 14.29 16.76

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 18.7083 16.5028 17.7940 19.9892

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

17.00

Tenor

Closing Rate ($/N)

O/N

18.08

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

315.93 316.31 315.40 316.57 318.64 320.90

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 17.50 15.50

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Agency Bonds Nil

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

03-Apr-12

17.25

Maturity Date

(Yrs)

Premium (%)

Yield (%)

03-Apr-17

0.31

2.94

18.94

99.46

57.00 11.33 25.00 23.44 4.22 9.45 7.01 18.70 12.55 80.00 20.55 87.50 5.00 3.74 3.76 14.37 4.17 4.53 27.10 3.00 7.34

19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21 09-Dec-21 16-Feb-22 27-Feb-22 30-Mar-22 31-Mar-22 27-May-22

0.65 0.61 1.35 1.17 1.18 1.36 1.37 1.55 1.76 3.24 1.82 4.26 4.35 2.58 2.61 3.16 3.37 3.22 3.34 6.46 3.49

1.00 5.71 2.39 1.00 1.00 3.82 3.56 3.82 2.02 2.01 1.00 1.30 3.76 2.53 1.00 1.52 4.01 1.00 2.52 1.79 3.04

19.47 23.96 21.59 20.73 20.70 22.99 22.71 22.45 20.05 16.96 18.84 16.26 18.71 18.25 16.67 16.46 18.98 15.95 17.49 16.70 18.03

94.39 94.49 91.43 93.51 93.48 90.76 90.46 91.54 93.76 93.97 94.07 91.69 89.20 92.81 96.66 97.75 94.30 101.27 99.97 101.03 97.46

2.05 9.76 26.00 30.50 30.00 10.00 0.10

14-Nov-20 04-Dec-20 20-Nov-21 30-Dec-21 13-May-22 26-Oct-22 30-Sep-24

4.22 2.72 5.24 5.35 5.72 3.89 8.10

1.00 3.55 2.51 1.00 1.00 2.77 1.00

15.96 19.00 17.42 15.91 15.91 17.74 16.01

97.81 92.98 89.30 101.83 102.03 95.39 101.19

2.03

17.02

Value (₦’bn) 0.90

Modelled Price

0.90

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

0.90

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto‡ ; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A-/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR† Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto‡ A-/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto Bbb-/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto A-/GCR

LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA *NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA *BAUCHI *OYO *BENUE *PLATEAU KOGI *CROSS RIVER

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

POSITIVE Wema Bank Plc, Fidson lead other gainers to lift market indicators

Stories: Chris Ugwu

A

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

ctivities on the Nigerian Stock A+/Agusto; A-/GCR ExchangeNAHCO (NSE) A-/Agusto; A-/GCR FSDH Nil yesterday closed ***LCRM Nil on Nil a positive note, driven by A/GCR UBA renewed bargain hunting acBBB-/GCR Corporate Bonds

Nil A-/DataPro†; CCC/GCR

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r} *TOWER# *TOWER#

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 15.50 BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 16.50 OYO 16-FEB-2022 16.50 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 17.50 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 17.00 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 17.00 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022

tivities, which lifted the NSE ASI and market capitalisation by 0.25 per cent.

Halting the mixed sentiment that pushed the stock market to close flat yesterday, the local bourse was driven by banking, consum13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 er goods, oil & gas, and in14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 dustrial stocks, which were 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 highly sought after.

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 Consequently, the All18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

I

UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA#{r}

*FCMB NAHCO *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC *FCMB UBA FIDELITY *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC STANBIC IBTC

nvestors sold shares in Nigerian banks yesterday, a day after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) suspended A/GCR STANBIC IBTC nine lenders from foreign exAAA/GCR *NMRC change transactions for failing TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION to remit money owed to the government.

Sukuk The apex bank suspended BBB-/Agusto *OSUN two Tier 1 banks and 7 Tier TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 2TOTAL lenders last Tuesday for not MARKET CAPITALISATION remiting government dolSupranational lars fromBond the national treaAAA/S&P sury, following the IFC crisis in Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P *AfDB Nigeria’s foreign exchange TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE market where the CBN is TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION said to be holding over $3bilRating/Agencyof Credit from Issuer lion Letters the FGN lenders.

Eurobonds According to Reuters BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P News, shares in Diamond BB-/Fitch; FGN BB-/S&P fell the most, shedding Bank BB-/Fitch; 7.32 BB-/S&Pper cent in early trade, TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE FCMB fell 2.5 per cent, FBN TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Holdings shed 1.5 per cent, while Bank was down CorporateSkye Eurobonds 1.54 B+/S&Pper cent.

ACCESS BANK PLC B/Fitch; B/S&Pbanking watchdog FIDELITY BANK PLC The B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC alleged that the banks had B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC failed to remit $2.1 billion, B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC which was the government’s B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II share of dividends FIRST from B-/Fitch; B/S&P BANKthe LTD B-/S&P ECOBANK NIG. LTD state-owned gas company TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE NLNG. The banks had earTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION lier at a meeting with the CBN last March worked Issuer out a Rating/Agency monthly remittance, Commercial Papers had been comwhich they A-/Agusto

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00 15.50 16.50 16.50 17.50 17.00 17.00

BUSINESS |FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Stock market gains N24bn

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.00 FCMB 6-NOV-2020 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 15.50 TRANSCORP 4-DEC-2020 14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

Investors dump banks’ shares after FX trade suspension AAA/DataPro†; B/GCR A+/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto†; BBB+/GCR† BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR Nil A-/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB/GCR A/GCR BBB/GCR Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR A/GCR

19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 31-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14 09-Dec-14 17-Feb-15 27-Feb-15 30-Mar-15 01-Apr-15 27-May-15

Share Index grew by 70.18 basis points or 0.25 per cent from 27,810.28 index points the previous day to close at 27,880.46, while the market capitalisation of equities appreciated by N24 billion or 0.25 per cent to close at 29-Sep-11 13.00 N9.575 trillion 25-Oct-13from N9.551 14.25 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 trillion.

20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 On the 06-Jul-12 activity chart, 0.00/16.50 30-Sep-10 banking subsector of13.00 the 30-Nov-12 18.00 financial 09-Apr-11 services sector 16.00 18.00 dominated 09-Sep-11 in volume terms 09-Sep-11 16.00 with 121.7 million shares 30-Sep-11 14.00exchanged in18-Oct-13 1,146 deals.15.75 The 17-Feb-12 18.00 sub sector was enhanced by 01-Apr-14 16.00 the activities in the shares 06-Nov-15 15.00 of

plying with until last June when dollar started drying 16.48 FIDELITY 13-MAY-2022 up at16.00 the forex26-OCT-2022 market, makTRANSCORP 182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IAto 30-SEP-2024 ing them unable honour 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 their obligations with the 14.90 NMRC 29-JUL-2030 apex bank.

Last year, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered government payments to be 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 made into one single central bank account as part of his pledge to fight graft.

The suspensions came IFC 11-FEB-2018 after10.20 the central bank tight11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 ened restrictions on the flow of dollars to domestic lenders in March. That had Description forced banks to delay hardcurrency loans and trade repayments and6.75increased JAN 28, 2021 their risk of Nigeria. Afri5.13 JUL 12, 2018 ca’s second largest economy, 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 is suffering its worst financial crisis in decades, as a slump in oil revenues hammers public finances and the naira. The central gov7.25bank JUL 25, 2017 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 is ernor has said a recession 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 likely.

6.25 APR 22, 2019 The bank floated the cur8.75 May 21, 2019 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 rency in June to attract in9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 vestment, allowing the naira 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 8.75 AUG 14, 2021 to fall by 40 per cent against the dollar. But foreign investors have remained on the sidelines, makingDescription the central bank the main supplier of dollars.

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PLC

14-Nov-13 04-Dec-15 20-Nov-14 30-Dec-14 13-May-15 26-Oct-15 30-Sep-14

GTB Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc. Premium subsector boosted by the activities on the shares of Zenith Bank Plc 429.75 and FBNH Plc followed with 403.17 40.8 million units traded in 507 deals.

15.00 29-Sep-16 0.10 In all, investors 5.53 25-Oct-16 exchanged 0.17 112.22 of 230.2 08-Dec-16 0.29 a total million shares 116.70 19-Apr-17 0.65 executed in 3,002 66.49 06-Jul-17 deals. 0.87 20.00 30-Sep-17 1.10 The number of gainers 0.36 30-Nov-17 0.78 at the close of trading ses3.60 09-Apr-18 0.88 09-Sep-18 decliners 1.04 sion1.82was 17, while 0.50 09-Sep-18 1.04 equally closed at 17.

35.00 30-Sep-18 2.10 1.50 18-Oct-18 Wema Bank Plc led1.15the 0.23 17-Feb-19 gainers’ table with 9.381.48 per 4.50 01-Apr-19 1.35 cent to close06-Nov-20 at 70 kobo2.20per 20.87

15.25 15.50 14.25 16.45 16.48 16.00 16.29

share, while Fidson Healthcare Plc and Forte Oil Plc followed with a gain of five per cent each to close at N1.68 and N178.60 per share respectively. BOC Gas Plc added 4.85 per cent to close at N3.89 per share.

1.00 15.74 99.66 On the16.42 other hand, 1.34 99.52 Dia1.00 16.81 Plc led the 99.62price mond Bank 3.55 22.02 96.71 losers’ table, dropping 5.25 24.80 93.77 8.94 1.88 21.81 91.72 per cent to close at N1.12 1.88 21.00 98.65 per share.

May& Baker Plc 3.15 22.74 94.99 6.35 26.44 93.02 cent trailed with 7.34 per 1.00 21.09 95.58 to1.17close at share, 18.21N1.01 per 92.87 4.42 24.20 92.16 while FCMB Plc followed 6.11 24.92 92.04 with a loss of five per cent 3.28 22.47 93.07 to4.47close at21.21 N1.14 per 90.05 share.

FTN Cocoa reports N151m loss in HY 2016

F

39

TN Cocoa Processors Plc, The company posted a loss essors Association of Nigeria 30-Sep-14 13.25 15.44 30-Sep-24 8.10 1.00 16.01 87.67 a pioneer-status agro alafter tax of N39.065 million for (COPAN), Mr. Akin Olusuyi, 29-Jul-15 14.90 7.86 29-Jul-30 9.28 1.00 16.20 94.20 lied company has contin- the half year ended June, 2015. said many of these companies 536.02 ued to battle with harsh operat- 515.36 However, the figure showed are burdened with un-serviced ing and declining bottom-line, 86.59 per cent lower than debts estimated collectively at as it posted a loss after tax of N291.394 million loss after tax about N40 billion ($241 mil14.75 9.02 10-Oct-20 2.34 3.37 19.70 N151.14110-Oct-13 million for the second reported at the comparable pe- lion).

This according91.30 to him, 9.02 quarter ended June 30, 2016. riod of 2014. in a report, may also prevent 8.24 The figure showed a 310.8 But the company’s revenue new credit lines from banks. per cent change from N39.065 grew by 251.7 per cent from Executive Director, FTN Co11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 11-Feb-18 1.47 1.00 17.36 91.06 million loss after tax reported N159.874 million in 2014 to coa Processors Plc, Mr. Akin 10-Jul-14 11.25 12.95 01-Feb-21 2.69 1.00 14.20 93.73 at the comparable period of N159.874 million recorded durLaoye, speaking in an inter24.95 2015. ing view, said access to finance is 23.06the period under review.

However, the company’s FTN Cocoa Processors a big problem in the sector.

Outstanding Value (%) the Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield“To (%) Price Offeryou, Price the revenueIssue inDatea filingCoupon with had beBidhonest with ($’mm) posted a loss after tax of Nigerian Stock Exchange N577.204 million for the full Nigerian banks are not very Prices & Yields (NSE) grew year 2014. supportive to agriculture.

07-Oct-11by 17.9 per 6.75 cent 500.00 ended December 28-Jan-21 6.10 5.89 102.48 103.30 from N562.286 million in 2015 The figure was 181.79 per They are not interested in 12-Jul-13 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 4.42 3.92 101.25 to N662.964 million recorded cent higher than N204.831 mil- value creation; they102.16 are just 12-Jul-13 6.38 500.00 loss after 12-Jul-23 6.41 6.25 100.71 during the period under re- lion tax reported at looking at99.78 how to make money.

1,500.00 view. the comparable period of 2013. At FTN Cocoa, we have thereFTN Cocoa Processors post- 1,517.55 The company’s revenue fore decided to look elsewhere. ed a loss after tax of N62.568 in a filing with the Exchange We have a relationship with million 25-Jul-12 for the first 7.25 quarter also Afrexim Bank in Cairo, 350.00 fell by 46.28 25-Jul-17per cent 6.94from 6.94 100.26 100.26 and 09-May-13 31, 2016.6.88 300.00 02-May-18 21.62 79.92 81.17 ended March N460.633 million in 2013 to 20.56 they are willing to support us.

08-Nov-13 6.00 400.00 08-Nov-18 5.99 5.99 100.00 100.00 However, the figure showed N247.418 million recorded durA programme called the Afri22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 7.73 7.73 96.50 96.50 a loss of21-May-14 1,793 per cent ing under review. can Cocoa Initiative 73.03 has also 8.75 from 200.00the period 21-May-19 22.44 22.44 73.03 07-Aug-13 8.25 300.00 07-Aug-20 16.19 16.19 77.00 77.00 N3.695 million profit after tax According to reports, cocoa been started, where they try 24-Jun-14 9.25 400.00 24-Jun-21 14.57 14.19 81.50 82.63 reported23-Jul-14 at the comparable pe- processor companies16.15were 16.15 to link up72.50 processors72.50 and off 8.00 450.00 23-Jul-21 14-Aug-14 8.75 250.00 12.23 un11.76 84.88 86.63 riod of 2015. paying the 14-Aug-21 price for their takers in Europe and America.

The company’s revenue 3,150.00 serviced loans and high input FTN Cocoa and another comdeclined by 12 per cent from 2,714.68 costs, with cost eroding sales. pany are the pioneers for this Risk N387.972 million in 2015 to Outstanding Managing director of Ile- project.

We have chosen to look Valuation DTM Issue Date Yield @ Issue (%) Maturity Date Discount Rate (%) Premium (₦’bn)Cocoa Products Limited Yield (%) N341.441 million recorded dur- Value Oluji offshore to generate forex,” he (%) ing the period under review. and vice president Cocoa Pros- said.

UPDC CP 18-OCT-16

#

18-Apr-16

11.00

16.80

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

18-Oct-16

55

16.59

24-Aug-16

16.80

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute professional, financial or investment advice.

We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date.Money We doMarket not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, **TREASURY BILLS^ FIXINGS Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any of the Information,Bid neither do (%) we accept liabilityOffer for the results taken DTM Maturity Discount Discount (%)of any action Bid Yield (%)on the basis of the Information.

Tenor Rate (%) 8 15 FGN Bonds 29 43 50 Rating/Agency 57 64 71 85 99 106 113 127 134 148 162 176 183 190 204 211 225 239 253 260 281 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 295 309 CAPITALISATION TOTAL MARKET 316 323 330 Rating/Agency 337 344

Agency Bonds

1-Sep-16 8-Sep-16 22-Sep-16 6-Oct-16 13-Oct-16 Issuer 20-Oct-16 27-Oct-16 3-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 1-Dec-16 8-Dec-16 15-Dec-16 29-Dec-16 5-Jan-17 19-Jan-17 2-Feb-17 16-Feb-17 23-Feb-17 2-Mar-17 16-Mar-17 23-Mar-17 6-Apr-17 20-Apr-17 4-May-17 11-May-17 1-Jun-17 15-Jun-17 29-Jun-17 6-Jul-17 13-Jul-17 20-Jul-17 Issuer 27-Jul-17 3-Aug-17

14.08 15.01 14.06 14.05 14.28 Description 13.11 13.95 15.10 27-APR-2017 16.24 9.85 27-JUL-2017 14.48 9.35 31-AUG-2017 15.64 10.70 30-MAY-201812.67 ^16.00 29-JUN-201914.30 7.00 23-OCT-2019 14.58 ^15.54 13-FEB-202017.09 14.50 15-JUL-2021 14.81 17.12 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 16.06 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 16.25 ^12.50 22-JAN-2026 17.51 15.00 28-NOV-202816.84 12.49 22-MAY-202916.50 8.50 20-NOV-2029 17.61 ^10.00 23-JUL-203015.17 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 17.53 15.79 ^12.40 18-MAR-2036 17.68 16.36 16.84 17.60 16.21 16.09 16.17 17.74

Description

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 FMBN Nil *for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the TTM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums

13.83 14.76 13.81 13.80 14.03 Issue Date 12.86 13.70 27-Apr-12 15.99 27-Jul-07 14.23 31-Aug-07 15.39 30-May-08 12.42 14.05 29-Jun-12 14.33 23-Oct-09 16.84 13-Feb-15 14.56 13-Jul-16 16.87 27-Jan-12 15.81 14-Mar-14 16.00 22-Jan-16 17.26 28-Nov-08 16.59 22-May-09 16.25 20-Nov-09 17.36 23-Jul-10 14.92 18-Jul-14 17.28 15.54 18-Mar-16 17.43 16.11 16.59 17.35 15.96 15.84 15.92 17.49

14.12 Bonds 15.10

14.22 14.29 14.56 Coupon 13.38 (%) 14.29 15.10 16.76 9.85 14.98 9.35 16.33 10.70 13.15 14.96 16.00 15.35 7.00 18.24 15.54 15.75 14.50 18.53 16.39 17.41 14.20 17.69 12.50 19.27 15.00 18.59 12.49 18.25 8.50 19.75 10.00 16.84 12.1493 19.95 17.80 12.4000 20.47 18.86 19.65 20.77 18.93 18.82 Issue Date 19.01 21.30

03-Apr-12

NIBOR

Tenor O/N 1M 3M Outstanding Value6M (₦’bn)

Rate (%) 18.7083 16.5028 17.7940 Maturity Date 19.9892

480.13 27-Apr-17 20.00 27-Jul-17 NITTY 100.00 31-Aug-17 300.00 30-May-18 Tenor Rate (%) 1M 14.4143 351.30 29-Jun-19 2M 14.9106 233.90 23-Oct-19 3M 15.2757 606.43 13-Feb-20 6M 17.5918 179.59 15-Jul-21 9M 19.0747 605.31 27-Jan-22 12M 19.7858 719.99 14-Mar-24 391.02 22-Jan-26 75.00 28-Nov-28 NIFEX 22-May-29 150.00 200.00 20-Nov-29 Current Price ($/N) 591.57 23-Jul-30 NIFEX Rate 342.0500 1075.92 18-Jul-34 250.00 18-Mar-36

Coupon (%)

*NIGER *EKITI <3 *NIGER 3<5 *ONDO >5 *GOMBE Market LAGOS *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA *BAUCHI *OYO *BENUE *PLATEAU KOGI *CROSS RIVER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 957.28 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 1,334.55 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 1,285.87 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 3,577.69 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 15.50 BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 16.50 OYO 16-FEB-2022 16.50 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 17.50 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 17.00 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 17.00 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022

315.93 Price 316.31 315.40 Bid Price 316.57Offer Price 318.64 97.80 97.95 320.90 327.68 91.90 92.05 342.81 90.46 90.61 89.30 89.45 102.46 102.61 80.52 80.82 NA :Not Applicable 101.42 101.72 ^ : Market 98.50Prices 98.80 # : Floating Rate Bond 105.36 105.66 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 96.78 97.08 DTM: Days-To-Maturity 86.55 86.85 TTM: Term-To-Maturity 98.61 ‡ : Bond rating under review 98.91 84.66 84.96 †: Bond rating expired 62.04 62.34 N/A :Not Available 70.01 70.31 {r} :Issuer in receivership 81.02 81.32 NGC: Nigeria-German Company UBA: United 83.13 Bank for Africa 83.43

17.25

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

0.90

03-Apr-17

0.31

2.94

18.94

99.46

0.65 0.61 1.35 1.17Yield Implied 1.18 1.36 15.70 1.37 14.91 1.55 15.26 1.76 15.22 3.24 1.82 4.26 4.35 2.58 2.61 3.16 3.37 3.22 3.34 6.46 3.49

1.00 5.71 2.39 Implied 1.00 Portfolio Price 1.00

0.90 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 Porfolio Market Value (₦’bn) 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

Closing Rate ($/N)

6285.155565

**Exclusive of non-trading t.bills TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO Modified Duration Buckets *DELTA

Tenor

18.08

5,695.30

0.90

Sub-National Bonds

17.00

Spot 7D REPO 14D Offer Yield TTM (Yrs) BidRate Yield Tenor (%)(%) 1M (%) Call 17.50 2M 0.67 18.59 18.34 1M 15.50 3M 0.92 19.84 19.64 3M 16.00 6M 1.02 20.16 19.98 6M 16.50 1Y 1.76 18.00 17.89 14.88 14.82 NOTE: 2.84 3.16 14.94 14.80 :Benchmarks 3.47 14.99 14.88 * :Amortising 4.89 Bond 14.93 14.84 µ :Convertible Bond 5.43 14.90 14.82 AMCON: 7.55 Asset Management 14.92 Corporation of Nigeria 14.85 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 9.41 15.23 15.16 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 12.26 15.24 15.19 IFC: International Finance Corporation 12.74 15.24 15.18 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 15.25 Company15.17 NAHCO: 13.24 Nigerian Aviation Handling 13.91 15.25 15.18 O/N: Overnight 17.90 15.27 Company 15.21 UPDC: UAC Property Development WAPCO:West Cement Company 19.56 Africa Portland15.10 15.04 O/N

6,330.16

#

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto‡ ; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A-/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR† Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto‡ A-/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto Bbb-/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto A-/GCR

OBB

19-Apr-10 FMDQ FGN 10.00 BOND INDEX 57.00 30-Jun-10 13.75 11.33 31-Dec-10 14.00 25.00 Total Outstanding Volume Weighting by Weighting by Mkt 30-Sep-11 14.00 Bucket23.44 Weighting (₦’bn) Outstanding Volume Value 04-Oct-11 14.00 4.22 09-Dec-11 14.50 9.45 957.73 24.24 26.76 0.24 12-Dec-13 14.00 37.30 7.01 0.34 1,325.30 33.55 14-Feb-12 15.50 18.70 1,667.49 42.21 35.94 0.42 02-Oct-12 15.50 12.55 3,950.52 100.00 22-Nov-12 14.50100.00 80.00 1.00 12-Dec-12 14.75 20.55 27-Nov-13 13.50 87.50 31-Dec-13 15.00 5.00 31-Dec-13 14.50 3.74 06-Jan-14 15.00 3.76 09-Dec-14 15.50 14.37 17-Feb-15 16.50 4.17 27-Feb-15 16.50 4.53 30-Mar-15 17.50 27.10 01-Apr-15 17.00 3.00 27-May-15 17.00 7.34

19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 % Exposure_ 30-Sep-18 Mod_Duration 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 13.14 12-Dec-18 29.04 14-Feb-19 57.82 02-Oct-19 100.00 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21 09-Dec-21 16-Feb-22 27-Feb-22 30-Mar-22 31-Mar-22 27-May-22

3.82 132.4671 3.56 146.5435 3.82 106.7716 2.02 126.3435 2.01 1.00 1.30 3.76 2.53 1.00 1.52 4.01 1.00 2.52 1.79 3.04

19.47 23.96 21.59 20.73 INDEX 20.70 22.99 1,205.14 22.71 1,270.44 22.45 1,287.24 20.05 1,203.12 16.96 18.84 16.26 18.71 18.25 16.67 16.46 18.98 15.95 17.49 16.70 18.03

94.39 94.49 91.43 YTD Return 93.51 (%) 93.48 90.76 8.7823 90.46 25.4671 91.54 27.8273 93.76 93.97 14.0199 94.07 91.69 89.20 92.81 96.66 97.75 94.30 101.27 99.97 101.03 97.46

40 News|south-west I’ll reunite Ondo APC if voted, says Niran –Olaunni

A

gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Moyosola NiranOlaunni has vowed to reunite the party before the November governorship election in the state, if voted the candidate of the party.

Niran-Oladunni made his intention known, while addressing a group of concerned professionals and youths in separate meetings in Ose Local Government Area of the state and Akure, the state capital.

The aspirant, who described his candidature as a unifying factor within the APC, enjoined all his fellow aspirants to respect the supremacy of the party and accord its leaders the respect and honour due to them.

According to him, the interest of the party must be placed above any personal or individual interest while appealing to all party members to “unite behind a common candidate in order to ensure victory for the party and liberate the state from the grip of the present crop of selfish leaders.”

He maintained that “as a young, vibrant and cerebral entrepreneur, I am prepared to govern rather than play politics with the future of Ondo State and the welfare of its citizens as the current economic crisis in the state required a tested entrepreneur with verifiable character and a proven knack for excellence to rescue the state and set it on the path of prosperity and progress.”

Lagos demolishes 300 illegal shops on drainage channels Muritala Ayinla

A

gain, the Lagos State Government yesterday said that it has demolished over 300 shanties, shops and kiosks directly located on drainage channels across the state, saying more of those structures on the drainage channels and set back would be pulled down.

This was even as some of the health officers described the Lagos health workers as grossly inadequate, saying that the state has ratio 1 to 38,000 residents contrary to the World Organisation’s recommendation which advocates ratio 1 to 8,00 residents.

New Telegraph gathered that over 300 shops comprising of kiosks, containermade shop were pulled down in Mushin, Apapa,

Iganmu and Ikeja while the health officers also declared war against exposed foods meant for public consumption.

Speaking with New Telegraph during the demolition, the President of the Lagos Chapter of Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria, Mr Samuel Akingbehin, said that the demolition exercise was in line with the Lagos policy of championing the course of restoring aesthetic of the streets in the state.

Akingbehin said: “The programme was organised in line with the Lagos policy and in order to champion the course of restoring the glory of Lagos state. Those illegal structures that have made our roads to look choked up.”

Cotton production: Ogun, firm sign MoU, target 25,000 tonnes Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

O

gun State government yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an indigenous natural fibre company, Arewacotton Limited on the production, processing and marketing of cotton in the state.

The partnership, which is expected to address increased cotton and lint demands from local textile industries as well as exports, would lead to the establishment of an ultra-modern ginnery in the state.

The state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and the chairman of Arewacotton, Professor Michael Olayiwole, signed the MoU at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The event was attended by officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Central Bank of Nigeria

(CBN), Bank of Industry and National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN), among other stakeholders.

Amosun, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, restated the commitment of the state towards developing the agriculture sector to enhance employment generation.

According to him, the collaboration would boost productivity and foreign exchange for the local farmers.

He said: “There are so many benefits. Agriculture, with its value chain, is the third cardinal programme of this administration.

“We have always not been in doubt that the only way to put more money in the pockets of our people and to tackle the restive and large youth unemployment is to develop agriculture.”

Tension in FUNAAB as SSANU locks VC’s residence, Senate building …Union vows not to recognise Oyewole as FUNNAB VC Kunle Olayeni and Sola Adeyemo

T

he crisis rocking the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State assumed a new dimension yesterday as the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) locked the residential lodge of the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole, asking him to vacate office.

The union also put the Senate Building of the university under lock and key, vowing to embark on industrial action.

In Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, SSANU’s members from various universities converged on the premises of the Ibadan zonal office of

the anti-corruption agency located on Revd Oyebode Crescent, Iyaganku, vowed not to recognize the embattled Vice Chancellor until his innocence or otherwise had been established on the alleged breach of public trust.

Professor Oyewole is currently under investigation for an alleged mismanagement of fund and abuse of office following a petition written against him, the Bursar and the Governing Council of the institution by some concerned stakeholders in the institution. It was entitled: “Unbridled corruption and betrayal of public trusts”.

Insisting that the union had resolved not to recognise Professor Oyewole as FUNNAB’s Vice Chancellor, it said “Oyewole, like many other Vice Chancel-

lors in the Federal Universities “has abused the public trust by mismanaging institutions of learning.

The future of Nigerian children’s education and the Nigerian society to expose the rottenness of the activities of the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB) and other federal universities in the country is our grouse.”

Rising from an emergency congress held at the university campus, SSANU called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently remove the Vice Chancellor and dissolve the institution’s Governing Council.

The development was a fall-out of the investigation of the Vice Chancellor and the institution’s Bursar, Moses Ilesanmi by the Eco-

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

nomic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of unbridled corruption and betrayal of public trust.

A group, ‘Concerned Stakeholders of FUNAAB,’ had detailed several cases of sleaze and funds mismanagement in the university, prompting the anti-graft agency to quiz Oyewole and Ilesanmi last week.

As a result, the VC suspended three members of SSANU, including Comrade Salaam Sobur (National Publicity Secretary), Comrade Emmanuel Bankole (National Deputy President) and Comrade Lasun Somoye (former Public Relations Officer of FUNAAB), for alleged “meddlesomeness and confirmatory evidence in the act prejudicial to the smooth running and governance of the university.”

The university, whose Governing Council is headed by a former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, was also rocked by a students’ riot last week.

L-R: Beneficiary of Araya Card, Mrs. Oso Oyinkansola; Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye and wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, during the launch of the State Community Health Insurance Cards (Araya Card) at the Awujale Pavilion in Ijebu-Ode... yesterday

LIRS seals off Protea Hotel for evading taxes Muritala Ayinla

T

he Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) yesterday sealed off Protea Hotel located in Kuramo Waters’ area of the state for evading tax and failing to remit N11.07 million personal income taxes deducted from workers’ salaries.

Speaking on the closure, the Head, Distrain Unit of LIRS Mrs. Ajibike Oshodi-Sholola, alleged that Protea Hotel was sealed by the revenue service over evasion of N148.88 million consumption and hotel occupancy

taxes on June 9.

According to OshodiSholola, who led the statewide tax law enforcement exercise in Lagos, the tax liabilities were for 2012 tax audit year, recalling that the hotel also broke the seal on its premises without LIRS’s consent, payment of the tax liabilities or due resolution of the issue.

She said: “Before LIRS

18.37bn

The total Volume of the Nigerian Stock Exchange as at Q4 2015.

Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange

gets court order to seal a company, it usually sends at least two letters of notice to the management of the affected firms reminding them of the tax liabilities. So, both the demand notice letter and letter of intention were sent to the management of the hotel, but they failed to act on them.”

Oshodi-Sholola, added that it took the team more

€35.4m

The estimated transfer value of Miralem Pjanic of Roma in 2016.

Source: 101greatgoals.com

than five hours to evacuate the management of the hotel out of the premises.

“It was a difficult task before the management of the hotel, particularly its chairman, accepted to leave the hotel for the team to properly seal it,” she said.

But reacting to the closure, the hotel Chairman, Mr. Ajibola Aribisala said contrary to the claim of the LIRS, the company did not receive any notice or letter from LIRS, pointing out that the LIRS team erred for coming to seal the hotel.

Osun Assembly receives grazing bill Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

A

bill that would regulate activities of herdsmen and curtail frequent clashes with their hosts, was yesterday forwarded to the Osun State House of Assembly.

The bill tagged Private Member bill, if passed into law would regulate the herdsmen’s activities and prevent frequent clashes between the herdsmen and the farmers in the state.

The bill sponsored by one of its members, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye,

representing Obokun Constituency, would if passed into law boost the state’s revenue.

Other bills are Cattle Trading and Grazing Bill 2016, Forestry, Natural and Mineral Resources Development Agency (Establishment) Bill 2016, Mandatory

Usage of Standardised Measure and Weight Bill 2016 and Special People’s Bill 2016.

The Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam at the plenary informed members on the presentation of the bill and read the covering letters to members.

News|SOUTH-EAST

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

41

IPOB: Breakaway group to denounce Biafra October 1 Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

T

he Rebranded Indigenous People of Biafra (TRIPOB), a breakaway group from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Nnamdi Kanu, has picked October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day, to publicly denounce Biafra Republic and burn its flag.

According to one Chima ‘Phillip Effiong’ Osuji, who released a statement

on behalf of the group yesterday, the decision was taken on Monday at the end of an emergency meeting of “disaffected” IPOB members.

Osuji said TRIPOB now sees the Biafra question “from a different perspective,” as Biafra will now become “a powerful metaphor for change, development and greatness of the Igbo inside a united Nigeria.”

He added that TRIPOB had “accepted the fact that the Biafra Republic is not

€35.4m

The estimated transfer value of Mario Gotze of Bayern Munich in 2016.

Source: 101greatgoals.com

a reality, but an anachronism,” and doubts that the South-South region will ever become a part of a Biafra Republic, except by force after a declaration of another civil war.

The statement reads in part: “We believe in being a part of a united Nigeria, and a new way of thinking, where the victim mentality will no longer be acceptable.

“That the lessons and history of the civil war will only reinforce the belief in ourselves to reach the ze-

24

The life expectancy of women at age 60 years of Brunei Darussalam in 2012.

Source: Un.org

nith in this great country, Nigeria, where opportunities abound for every one regardless of tribe or religion and even where such narrow sentiments exist, we will not see ourselves as victims. Never.

“In view of this new mindset, members of the TRIPOB and any new defectors will on October 1, 2016 make a public denunciation of a Secessionist Biafra Republic at the Eagle Square, Abuja.”

The statement further informed that the

$300m

The net worth of Michael Douglas in 2016.

Source: Fropky.com

event will also include recitation of the Nigeria’s national pledge and anthem, followed by the unveiling a new Biafra flag representing ‘pride, change, potential and the spirit of the Igbo race which can thrive anywhere in the world.’

But in a swift reaction, the spokesman for IPOB, Emma Powerful, dismissed the group as fake and fraudulent, peopled by elements with no ideology or conscience.

He said: “We do not want to begin to join issue with every faceless group that crawls out of the woodwork. It has become obvious that a lot of mer-

Go for my husband’s killers, widow begs police Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

A

L-R: Chairman Innoson Group of Companies Ltd, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma; Coordinator Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh and Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, during the graduation ceremony of about 80 former Niger Delta agitators in Enugu

Onitsha massacre: Only our members were killed – IPOB Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

T

he leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) yesterday said only its members were killed in the massacre that took place in Onitsha on May 30, 2016 during the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra.

Reacting to a newspaper publication that some members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra

(MASSOB) were killed during the mayhem, IPOB made it clear that it was only its members that were massacred and not any other.

In a statement jointly signed by IPOB spokesmen, Emma Mmezu and Dr. Clifford Iroanya and made available to the media, the group stated that there was the need to make the clarification on what actually happened on that day.

The statement reads: “We want to put the records straight by affirming that only IPOB members were massacred by

armed security team led

by Col Isa M. Abdullahi, the Commanding Officer of 302 Artillery Regiment Onitsha, which is under 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.

“We are making this clarification because of the falsehood reported in a national newspaper on the issue.

According to the report; ‘The House of Representatives Committee on Army has started collating information on the alleged killing of members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign

State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by security agencies in Anambra State on May 30, 2016.’

“Terhemba further stated that ‘Biafran agitators clashed with security agencies, during the 50th anniversary of their fallen heroes near St. Edmund’s Catholic Church, Nkpor, off Nkpor-Umuoji road, in Idemili North Local Government Council’.

“This is the height of irresponsible and unprofessional conduct in journalism.

Ebonyi threatens to shut banks over N4bn debt Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

E

bonyi State government yesterday gave banks in the state seven days to pay the N4billion debt owed the government.

It said if after the seven days, the affected banks fail to pay the debt, it will have no option than to seal

their business premises.

The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Senator Emmanuel Onwe Stated this in a statement on the outcome of the state executive council meeting.

“It appears that corporate banks are taking Ebonyi State for granted. It is therefore the resolution of the council that the banks

have seven days within which any bank owing the state government will be sealed in accordance with the revenue laws.

“Therefore such banks that are still retaining sealed deductions, excess charges, excess deductions, withholding tax, excess interest charges, non-remittance of PAYE and all such debts which total over N4

billion must make immediate response or face the sealing of their business premises,” he said.

He noted that Governor Umahi, who is chairman of the council proposed that members of the council should approve the sum of N100 million to meet the debt obligations of regular overseas scholarships and others.

chants who view the Biafran struggle as a viable venture are on the prowl seeking to use our name and the Biafran struggle to gain relevance.

“We are registered in more than 150 countries of the world and can tell you that this amorphous group was formed overnight by the Federal Government of Nigeria for this ignoble purpose. No Igbo man anywhere will want to burn the Biafran flag. So I can tell you without mincing words that just like the strange group, MEND, this is another creation of the FG and DSS in their fruitless effort to compromise the Biafran struggle.”

37-year-old primary school teacher in Ishata Amanato village, Anioma Isu community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Mrs. Rachael Nworie yesterday called on the state police command to investigate the killing of her husband, Michael Nworie by suspected assassins in the area.

Nworie, a patent medicine dealer was stabbed to death on 19th May, 2016 in a track road in the area.

The wife, Rachael, said since then, the police have refused to look into the matter, alleging a coverup.

She said her husband’s killers after the dastardly act wrote on a blackboard in her classroom that she will go the same way the

husband left the world and drew human head, axe and dagger to illustrate their points, making her life under danger.

In a petition to the state Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, on the matter and made available to New Telegraph, she said: “My husband was murdered at a track road leading to Isuachara at Anioma Isu. He has been at the mortuary with stabs of knives all over his body.

“He was called on phone by someone who claimed to be a client to his clinic home services at about 6:30pm hours of that day.

“I have made efforts to complain to Onicha Police Division, Isu, but was severally advised, demoralised by some police officers who were on duty.

Ebonyi to pay pensioners 15th of every month Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

E

bonyi State, yesterday said every pensioner in the state will now be paid on or before 15th of every month while gratuity for the retirees is to be worked out by the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC).

Governor Dave Umahi made the declaration during a meeting with the leadership of the state NLC at his Uburu country home.

He said pension should be given high priority as some of the pensioners could have been incapacitated.

Governor Umahi also asked the labor union to meet with the appropriate authorities to work out the cost of paying gratuity to the pensioners.

He noted that the arrears

inherited since 1993 was much, and that he could consider starting from somewhere.

“But for the immediate we are giving a bus to the TUC, RATTAWU and NUT,” he said.

Earlier, the NLC Chairman, Ebonyi State, Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor, said they were on a courtesy call to thank Umahi for giving them three new buses and paying off all arrears of pension to retirees in the state.

“By what you have done, we as a state, is the only state that is currently up-to-date in payment of pension. This is even as we have witnessed the renovation of hospital and reconstruction of roads. We humbly appeal that gratuity be paid to our pensioners,” he stated.

42

News|SOUTH-SOUTH

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ijaw to Buhari: Withdraw troops for genuine dialogue NLC to Emmanuel: Stop Emmanuel Masha playing politics with pension Port Harcourt

I

jaw National Congress (INC), the umbrella body of the Ijaw in the Niger Delta, yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw troops from the Niger Delta region, to pave way for genuine dialogue with the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

National President of the congress, Alatubo Charles Harry, who stated this in a statement said the situation did not request for further militarisation of the region.

Instead Harry urged President Buhari to seize the opportunity to have constructive dialogue with NDA in the interest of peace and development.

He urged the Federal

Government and the NDA to stick to the terms of the ceasefire so as to pave the way for genuine dialogue, stressing that an atmosphere of mistrust would lead to more tension and worsen the current situation.

Harry said the use of arms would not stop the renewed attacks on oil facilities just as it would not foster genuine peaced as only ordinary people become victims and destroyed when the Federal Government places more emphasis on using troops to achieving results.

He said: “Congress strongly calls on the Federal Government to buy into another chance for dialogue. We also call on the military and the militants to show good faith at this point.

“Our long traumatised

people should not be subjected to more destruction, further destruction of the already devastated environment and desolate ecology; not to talk of the perennial tension hanging over the country.

“Government and the armed groups must adopt that ceasefire now! There is too much at stake in terms of lives and fortunes hanging in the balance for this chance to be frittered away.

“While the Congress has constantly spoken in favour of dialogue and the cessation of the destruction of oil facilities in the Niger Delta, we view with trepidation, the militarisation of the zone and heightened movements of combat troops, Apache attack helicopters and other military hardware in the creeks of the Niger Delta.

“This cannot be good for the enhancement of a conducive atmosphere for dialogue. INC therefore urges President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw the troops, ease the tension and let dialogue be the only item on the table.”

He condemned the linking of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the NDA, stressing that it was aimed at tarnishing his image. Harry urged the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to desist from making such reference to the former President.

Harry said: “We view with consternation the government’s unethical refusal to afford him any credit or plaudits for his honest, patriotic and pan-Nigerian approach to governance.

Ughelli

D

46.19%

The capital importation percentage share of Banking of Nigeria in 2009.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

T

he National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, yesterday said the country will never again depend on one crop or resource for its survival as doing so was dangerous for the

economy.

He also said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) owed the country and its citizens, tremendous apology for the years of waste and loot of resources, especially when crude oil price rose at the international market, yet nothing feasible was done to address the huge poverty level

3

The total number of goals conceded by Russia at Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

Oyegun: Nigeria’ll never depend on single crop, resource again BENIN

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he leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has told Governor Udom Emmanuel to stop playing politics with the entitlements of pensioners in the state.

He said there was no need embarking on needless politics on such issues.

Chairman of the union in the state, Etim Ukpong, stated this during a solidarity march in honour of two workers of the Nasarawa State civil service who were shot dead by an officer of the Nigerian Police while embarking on a protest visit to the national leaders of the NLC. The labour leader said

Gabriel Efeduku

The life expectancy of men at age 60 years of Bosnia & Herzegovina in 2012.

Source: Un.org

Cajetan Mmuta

Uyo

that the state government should stop the ding-dong song of paying workers’ salaries alone while the pensioners were sent to their early graves in their numbers.

According to him, government had no point telling the world that workers had been paid up to date while those that had labored and retired were suffering and dying.

Ukpong added that the state government was only playing politics with the salary issues and urged them not to separate it from the money owed pensioners.

It will be recalled that the governor in recent interview, declared that the state government was not owing workers even when workers of some local governments were being owed more than four months salaries.

Delta Assembly passes three bills into law

L-R: Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole; Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Brig.-Gen Jidda Adamu, and Corps Commander Infantry, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Ahmed Mohammed, at the Nigerian Army’s 18th Combat Service Support Training Week at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Benin City… yesterday

18

Tony Anichebe

and yearnings and aspirations of millions of the people.

Oyegun said his party would win the September 10 governorship election in the state on the basis of performance in its almost eight years in government compared with the more than 10 years the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) was in charge in the state.

Dominic Adewole ASABA

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he Supervisory Councillor for Finance and Education in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Eric Ojuromu, has been arrested by men of the state police command for allegedly defrauding some primary school teachers in the state.

Also nabbed was a Special Adviser to the Chairman of the council, Mr. Joseph Okpereogho,

elta State House of Assembly yesterday passed three bills into law. They are the Bill for Delta State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency, 2016, Delta State Procurement Commission Bill, 2015 and Delta State Bureau of Land Instrument Preparation Charges Bill, 2015.

The motion for passage was moved by the acting Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Oboroh Preyor and was seconded by the Chief Whip, Hon. Pat Ajudua.

The acting Clerk of the House further read the bills for the third time before their passage.

Speaking after the bills were passed into law, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Owhorigho Igbuya, said the three bills were properly looked into with microscopic eyes, read the third time and passed. He, however, thanked honourable members of the House for looking into the bills thoroughly before passing them.

Minority Whip of the House, Hon Peter O. Uviejitobor, said these bills were very vital to the development of the state.

Special Adviser, councillor arrested in Delta over fraud who collaborated with the councillor.

The suspects allegedly rolled out a fake screening exercise for unsuspecting primary school teachers in the council area and used the forum to extract money from them.

Based on a tip-off, they were caught in the very act and arrested at the premises of the council by detectives from the

police headquarters, Asaba. They have since been detained.

They were allegedly counting their loot and about to confirm the N500, 000 brought by one of the teachers (name withheld) from OkotieEboh Primary School, Sapele, when detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), swooped on them.

Rights activist petitions Buhari over oil surveillance contracts Ola James Warri

H

uman Rights activists in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, yesterday petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari and the Managing

Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Kacalla Baru, over an alleged award of oil pipelines surveillance contracts to non-indigenous companies.

They warned against renewing the oil and gas facilities surveillance con-

tract awarded to a non-indigenous firm, Ocean Marine Surveillance Limited over the years.

In a petition signed by Isaac Bobo and Williams Welemu, the rights activists alleged that the company was forging signatures of Gbaramatu

Kingdom communities’ chairmen to deceive relevant authorities as ‘if the communities have accepted the renewal of the said contracts.’

“We maintain that such contracts should not be renewed, it should be reviewed and awarded to

indigenous contractors in the kingdom,” it added.

T he petitioners frowned at the attempt

by Ocean Marine Surveillance Company, operated by a non-indigenous contractor, to renew the pipelines surveillance contracts awarded to it

by the NNPC. The activists said surveillance of oil pipelines in the kingdom would be best carried out by indigenes of the kingdom compared to nonindigenes contractors and also in line with the local content act.

News|NORTH

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Flood displaces 300 households, destroys 50 houses in Sokoto Umar Abdullahi Sokoto

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member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, representing Gulu Local Government Area of the state, Alhaji Sani Yakubu has expressed displeasure over Tuesday flood in Bachaka Village, which destroyed over 50 houses and displaced more than

300 households.

Yakubu, who disclosed this while addressing newsmen yesterday in Sokoto, explained that the flood occurred following the early morning heavy downpour on Tuesday, lamented that the heavy rainfall destroyed more than 50 houses.

“The flood disaster affected no fewer than 300 households in the area, as hundreds of families had now been left home-

less and displaced,” the lawmaker added, even as he confirmed that there was no loss of life to the disaster, but that domestic wares and foodstuffs were destroyed.

To ameliorate the suffering of those affected by the flood, Yakubu said that he had donated N1.1 million to the victims, who were now squatting either in schools, with relatives or neighbours and in dire need of urgent

assistance.

The lawmaker, who is seeking the relocation of the village to a safe area not prone to flood, as part of moves to avoid a recurrence of the perennial disaster in the area, however, appealed to the Gudu Local Government Council and the state government, as well as other donor agencies to urgently come to the aid of the victims.

Speaking on the disas-

ter, the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Hassan Maccido, said plans had been concluded by the agency to dispatch a team of environmental experts to the village.

Maccido said: “This decision is with the view to assessing the extent of damage and the forms of assistance to be rendered to the victims by the state government.”

Some residents of Bachaka Village in Gudu Local Government area of Sokoto State displaced by flood …yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Kwara: Police nab man behind killing of Tsaragi people Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

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he Officers of the Kwara State Police Command yesterday, said the command had arrested the ring leader of those who killed five men in Tsaragi in Edu Local Government Area of the state, early this month.

Sources close to the two communities claimed that the victims, who were mainly Nupe people from Tsaragi were resident at Obadare village, which belonged to Share.

The victims were identified as Aliyu Issah, Muhmini, Alhaji Saba, Madu Issa and Kadiri.

Their death, New Tele-

graph gathered, created panic in the two communities, leading the state government to immediately impose a dusk to dawn curfew on them.

But, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olusola Amore, who disclosed the arrest of the mastermind of the killings in Ilorin, the state capital, said the man, from Share in Ifelodun Local Government Area, had carried out the act with five others, now at large, in revenge against the killing, last year of his brother and destruction of their property during the violent clash between Tsaragi and Share communities.

Amore, who said his

command had established a 12-man Eminent Persons Group from the two communities to handle issues relating to the recurring conflict between them, absolved the people of Share in the latest killings, alleging that the suspect in police custody had told investigators that he was on a lone mission to revenge a perceived wrong to his people.

He said: “You people reported recently that five people were killed in Tsaragi. Well, we have been able to arrest the ring leader of that dastardly act. We also recovered all the guns they used. Five others are on the run, but we have the ring leader with us.”

Lalong to implement report on creation of chiefdoms

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overnor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has spoken of his administration’s determination to implement recommendations of the Review Committee on the Creation of Chiefdoms, Districts and Village Areas to forestall crises and ensure peace in rural communities in the state.

Lalong stated this yesterday at the Government House in Rayfield, Jos, the state capital, while receiving the report of the com-

mittee.

Lalong’s administration was said to have constituted a committee on the review of creation of chiefdoms, districts and village areas; and the committee on the review of remuneration and welfare package of traditional rulers to suggested ways of addressing some areas of conflict and crises in the state.

According to the governor, “the creation of chiefdoms, districts and

village areas, no doubt places premium on the desire of government, with a view to putting the people under accountable traditional institutions, thereby enhancing the values, culture and norms of the people.

“The desire of our administration through the review exercise is to address the public outcry that characterised the creation of chiefdoms, districts and village areas by the last administration,”

Yari: Why mob killed 8 over blasphemy Anule Emmanuel Abuja

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overnor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, yesterday said that the unfortunate incident that led to the death of eight people over an alleged case of blasphemy by a student of Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Talata-Mafara got out of hand, because of the handicap of security personnel around the district.

Speaking to State House correspondents at the presidential villa, Yari condemned the killings, saying no arrests have been made yet.

The Zamfara State governor noted that security agents were working round the clock to unravel the culprits and make arrests where necessary.

Yari said yesterday that he was not aware if the student alleged to have blasphemed was still alive.

His words: “I think what happened is unnecessary and it’s not supposed to be in the first place. It is an act of the devil. From the intelligence report I gathered from the security agencies, there was a fight between two students and I think one of them injured

the other and started shouting that he abused Prophet Muhammad and other students came and beat the other boy up.

“The student, who was beaten is believed to be Yoruba and from Kogi State. Some people said he is a Muslim while others said he must be a Christian. They beat him up until he collapsed and thought he was dead.

“Then security personnel requested help from one shop owner, who then took the boy to the hospital in his car.

“When the students learnt that the boy was still alive and in the hospital, they quickly mobilized to the hospital, but unfortunately for them, the boy had been taken away by some Army officers.”

190.39m

The total number of connected mobile lines (GSM) of Nigeria in March 2015.

Source: Nc.gov.ng

$300m

The net worth of The Olsen Twins in 2016.

Source: Fropky.com

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Sharia court trains 150 judges in Kebbi Abubakar Abdul Birnin Kebbi

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o enhance dispensation of the Islamic justice system, the Kebbi State Sharia Court of Appeal has trained no fewer than 150 Sharia Court Judges a cross the state.

According to the Chief Registrar of the state Court of Appeal, Muhammad Sani, during the opening ceremony of the three-day training workshop at Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, the training was aimed at improving the practical knowledge of the judges, and also to enhance their current understanding and knowledge of the Sharia legal system.

“The sharia Court judges would be trained to update their knowledge on inheritance, marital complexities, divorce matters, debt recovery, land utilisation strictly in line with the Islamic jurisprudence,” he said.

Sani advised the Judges to shun selfishness and self-centredness, especially considering and based on their vast knowledge in the Qur’an, Sunna and Islamic jurisprudence.

“We expect the Judges to be aligned and more conscious about the responsibilities entrusted on them in dealing with both Muslims and the Christians in the state,” the chief registrar added.

Benue to re-launch monthly sanitation exercise Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

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lans have been concluded by the Benue State Government to re-launch the monthly sanitation exercise, as part of moves to enhance cleaning environment in the state.

The governor, Samuel Ortom, who disclosed this yesterday when the leadership of the Union of Tipper and Quarry Employers of Nigeria, Benue State chapter visited him at the Government House, said the initiative was being pursued because “cleanliness is next to Godliness.”

The governor, who said the state government would partner the union, however, directed the Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sanitation and Public Utility to liaise with the members of the union on the various ways of promoting the partnership.

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NEWS

WORLD \ NEWS

Bauchi: APC members clash in Abuja Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

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embers of the All Prog ressives Congress in Bauchi State, yesterday, clashed at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja. The two factions were at the party secretariat to give support to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogora and the Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar on their differences in the state.

The Speaker and the stakeholders from the National Assembly were at the national secretariat of the party last week to complain of maladministration by the governor.

According to them, the governor has misappropriated the bailout funds and is owing the workers in the state. But yesterday, the governor

sent the state executive of the party to the national secretariat to refute the claims of the Speaker, House of Representatives and the stakeholders. The two support groups started their protest as soon as the State Chairman of APC, Uba Nana and 20 local government chairmen in Bauchi arrived the party secretariat.

Speaking to a youth leader from Bauchi State, Galadima Abba, he said the governor had failed in his duties. Abba said they were at the party secretariat ‘’to draw the attention of the party on the imminent collapse of the party in the state due to poor handling of affairs by the state governor. ‘’Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abubakar has failed.

He cannot pay salary of workers and is unable to pay pensioners. ‘’Most of his appointments are PDP members while the APC appointees

are been removed. We are calling on the National Leadership to act fast by intervening in order to save Bauchi State from this debacle.’’

However, in what looked like a turn of events, some of the protesters who were initially against Abubakar suddenly turned in his support and started chanting “Bauchi sai Barrister”. The atmosphere became charged and almost resulted into a free-for-all but the secretariat security was able to quell the chaos. Umar Saleh, talking to journalists, said the ‘’governor has done nothing wrong.

Those that want to remove him have something to hide. ‘’He is doing well and we support him. Allegations that he is owing for months is untrue and complaints about unending verification is to totally rid the state of ghost workers.’’

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Death toll rises to 120 as quake hits Italy

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t least 120 people have been killed and 368 injured in an earthquake that hit a mountainous area of central Italy, PM Matteo Renzi has said. The magnitude-6.2 quake struck at 03:36 (01:36 GMT), 100km (65 miles) north-east of Rome, not far from Perugia.

Many of the dead were in the historic town of Amatrice, where the mayor said three-quarters of the town was destroyed, and in nearby Accumoli.

Many people are still believed to be buried under rubble. “This is not a final toll,” Mr Renzi warned as he gave the latest figures.

He had earlier paid trib-

ute to the volunteers and civil defence officials who had rushed to the scene in the middle of the night and used their bare hands to dig for survivors. He promised “no family, no city, no hamlet will be left behind”.

The tremor was felt across Italy, from Bologna in the north to Naples in the south. There have been dozens of aftershocks. Hardest hit were the small towns and villages in the mountainous area where the regions of Umbria, Lazio and Le Marche meet. Italy’s civil protection department said that at least 73 people were now known to have been killed.

Italy’s National Insti-

tute of Geophysics and Volcanology said it had recorded more than 200 aftershocks by 15:00 (13:00 GMT) yesterday. The country is no stranger to earthquakes: in 2009 a tremor killed more than 300 people in L’Aquila and in May 2012 two tremors nine days apart killed more than 20 people in the northern Emilia Romagna region.

Rescue teams from around the country have been sent to the affected region. The area is mountainous and access is difficult. Tent camps are being set up for those who need shelter, while others will be accommodated in buildings such as gymnasiums.

Your attack on election misplaced, INEC tells NBA Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

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he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described as “misplaced” and “undeserved”, the statement credited to the immediate past president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Augustine Alegeh, that the commission conducted a total of 136 inconclusive elections under Professor Mahmood Yakubu as National Chairman.

Alegeh, at the 56th NBA Annual General Meeting

in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Sunday, was reported to have rebuked INEC for being unable to conduct conclusive elections since Yakubu assumed office.

But in a statement yesterday by Musa Adamu, Acting Secretary to the commission, INEC said Alegeh’s comment was incorrect and misplacement of fact.

The statement disclosed that INEC has already concluded a total of 163 elections, comprising 80 court-ordered polls in the aftermath of 2015 general elections, 70 end-of-tenure elections and13 by-elec-

tions occasioned by death or resignation.

Out of this figure, 118 were concluded at first ballot while 21 were after supplementary polls.

“This shows that 72.3 per cent of the elections were concluded at first ballot, 21.8 per cent of inconclusive elections were concluded after supplementary, 1.2 per cent pending, while 13.4 per cent were suspended in Rivers.

“It is clear from the foregoing that Mr Alegeh‘s pronouncement was illinformed and his stern rebuke to the commission was misplaced and undeserved,” the statement said.

WSCIJ commends New Telegraph over oil and gas sector coverage Mojeed Alabi and Chidiebere Ejike

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he Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has commended the management and staff of New Telegraph Newspapers for what it described as the good coverage of the oil and gas sector in the country.

The Coordinator of the Centre, Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka, stated this yesterday while sharing the report of the centre’s survey on the media coverage of the sector and the quality and quantity of stories and reports published by some

print and online media platforms including the Punch Newspaper, New Telegraph, Daily Trust, The Cable and Premium Times, among others.

According to Alaka, though the period under review was just between April 11 and May 11, 2016, the number and quality of stories including editorials, features, and news reports produced

by New Telegraph were of good standard, which she noted competed favourably with reports from older platforms.

She said; “We have come to share the report of our survey on the coverage of oil and gas sector with your newspa-

per as part of our project tagged; Media for Oil Reform Programme. Without being sentimental, the report acknowledges the huge contributions of New Telegraph to the coverage of the sector, particularly when one considers the fact that it a paper that is yet to clock three years on the newsstand.”

She, however, encouraged the media to do more in terms of investigative reporting and reports focusing on human interests, saying many reporters only recycle their sources and rely more on the use of internet than making practical efforts to pursue stories.

Emergency workers at the scene of the earthquake

World’s longest airship crash-lands in England on test flight

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he world’s longest aircraft, the Airlander 10 airship, has crash-landed after a test flight in Bedfordshire, central England, its British manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles said yesterday.

The airship, which is bigger than the size of six double-decker buses, sustained damage on landing from its second test flight, Hybrid Air Vehicles said,

adding that all crew were safe and well following the incident. Privately owned Hybrid Air Vehicles denied a report on the BBC that the airship had hit a telegraph pole. “No damage was sustained mid-air,” the company said on Twitter. Hybrid Air Vehicles was not immediately reachable by telephone.

The 92-metre Airlander 10 made its first test flight

earlier this month and the company had posted photographs of it up in the air before yesterday’s incident. Once the concept is proven, Hybrid Air Vehicles hopes the heliumfilled giant will be able to stay airborne for up to two weeks, and that potential customers might want to use it to carry cargo or deliver aid, for surveillance, communications or leisure purposes.

Two women lynched, set on fire in Congo

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wo Hutu women were dragged out of a minibus, lynched and their bodies set on fire by a crowd in eastern Congo, the local mayor said yesterday, as interethnic tensions in the region surge in the wake of massacres that have killed hundreds of civilians.

The crowd in the town of Butembo, which is dominated by members of the Nande ethnic group, said the two ethnic Hutu women who were traveling by minibus in North Kivu province were militants, mayor Sikuli Uvasaka Makala told local radio.

Dozens have died in tit-fortat killings by ethnic militia this year. Ethnic rivalries, invasions by Rwanda and Uganda and competition for land and minerals among eastern Congo’s dozens of rebel groups have stoked conflict over the last two decades. “I condemn the death of these two women,” Uvasaka said. “I insist: stop carrying out popular justice. Do you want to put the Nande community at risk?”

Migration by Hutu farmers from North Kivu through predominantly Nande areas towards

Ituri province in search of more fertile land has fueled tensions, Otto Bahizi, a Hutu tribal leader from nearby Rutshuru territory, told Reuters.

The gover nment blames the massacres over the last two years that have killed more than 700 civilians on Ugandan Islamist rebels but independent analysts say other armed groups are involved and ethnic rivalries likely play a role. About 50 civilians were hacked to death this month outside Beni, some 50 km (30 miles) north of Butembo.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport News

Sport

Adepoju downplays Iheanacho, Iwobi’s absence at Rio

Did you know?

International Sport

65 Olympic and 19 World Records Broken in Rio 2016 Games

Mourinho wants Balotelli at Man United

46 47

Controversy over Japanese largesse rages Siasia, NFF on collision course U-23 Eagles’ coach to receive query

Japanese surgeon Katsuya Takasu (middle) presenting cheques to U-23 Eagles coach, Samson Siasia (right) and captain Mikel Obi.

Adeolu Johnson ABUJA

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ational U-23 coach Samson Siasia would be queried over the $390,000 gift from Japanese plastic surgeon, Katsuya Takasu, for winning the bronze medal at the justcocluded Rio Olympics.

The Nigeria Football Federation inside source said that the team had no right to share such gift without the approval of the soccer house according to tradition.

Acccording to the source, the Glass House felt since the gestures came as a result of unpaid allowances and bonuses which accrued to the team, the disbursement of the money should have been handled by the NFF after

subtraction of the bills that had been settled by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

“Siasia is expected to come back and explain details of the money they got from the Japanese before disbursement or he will be queried like he was when he shared a monetary gift in 2005 with the Lukman Haruna-led U-20 team,” our source said.

“Afterall, the Sports Minister

had settled all the debts the team incurred in Atlanta which attracted the attention of the Japanese billionaire,”.

Siasia is also expected to come forward and submit details of what transpired in their training camp in Atlanta and the technical report of the matches in Rio,” the source added.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and media officer, Idah Peterside, was amongst the first persons to raise the alarm over the gift on social media.

He tweeted: “More troubles in the Dream Team camp….the money from the Japanese man to the team has been hijacked by the NFA (he meant NFF)” “They want to use the money to pay the coaches as salaries. Bitrus Bewarang was sent to get the money from the Japanese, but the players said it was their money.”

The NFF in a swift reaction denied it with the President Amaju Pinnick saying it was mischievous to say they planned to use the donation to settle debts.

Rather, he insisted they were merely conducting an integrity test on the donation and the donor.

The Japanese fan wrote out two Citibank cheques – $200,000 in favour of coach Siasia and $190,000 in favour of Mikel Obi. A team meeting had already resolved that both players and officials would receive equal amount of the cash with Mikel himself agreeing to give part of his own share for the chief coach (Siasia) to get more than the rest of the squad.

It was further gathered that the sharing formula agreed was a flat rate for the 22 players (18 accredited players and four alternate players) and 10 officials.

Ajagba: I ‘ll be back stronger, better The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Adekunle Salami RIO DE JANERIO

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igeria’s only boxer to the just concluded 2016 Olympics Games that took place in Rio, Brazil, Efe Ajagba, has promised to be back with a bang.

Ajagba lost in the quarterfinal of the heavyweight category but he was so sure of himself that it was not over for him.

The pugilist declared that he was no longer competing in the amateur category after losing to Ivan Dychco of Kazakstan in a very tight match.

“I am a very focused athlete. I know where I want to be in the next five years and I will get there because I am ready

to work very hard for it.

“Since I am going to Canada as a professional, I have all the arrangements ready to take me higher and I promise to be back on the global stage very soon,” he said.

Ajagba said huge pressure of being the only boxer at the Olympic Games for Nigeria also affected him generally.

He added: “I don’t want to lament too much. I was the only boxer and I had no sparring partner, it was my coach that was just assisting. Anyone not used to the game will not understand.

“My mind is made up to be a better boxer in future and I want Nigerians to watch out very soon, they will see me at a stage even bigger than the Olympics as a professional boxer.”

Ajagba

46

SPORT NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ladipo hails U-23 team ...calls for better planning Adekunle Salami RIO DE JANERIO

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he President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo, has showered praises on the national U-23 team for winning bronze medal at the just-concluded 31st Olympiad in Rio, Brazil.

Ladipo noted that it was indeed great to see the team achieve such feat despite all the troubles the players and officials encountered.

He said: “We are happy as Nigerians to see the team win a medal under such a difficult situation. Many other strong teams like Sweden, Denmark and Portugal took part in the competition but went home with nothing.

“The players deserve commendation for demonstrating the Nigerian spirit all through the tournament. They arrived the venue just four hours to their first match and managed to win. That was a surprise.

“Overall, the team was the saving grace of Nigeria at the

Nigeria U-23 Imoh Ezekiel (left) in action against Germany

Adepoju downplays Iheanacho, Iwobi’s absence at Rio Ikenna Amadi

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x- international Mutiu Adepoju has downplayed the absence of promising duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi as a factor in the national U-23 team’s failure to win gold in 2012 Rio Olympics.

The former Shooting Stars midfielder made this known in an interview with New Telegraph on Wednesday “The players that were there, lets clap for them. We

have to congratulate them because they gave their best and deserve to be praised,’’ he added.

The former Racing Satander of Spain player was quick to point out that the boys should be encouraged for their heroics rather than being criticized for claiming bronze.

“What we should be looking at is how to congratulate them because they deserve it. We shouldn’t be talking about failures now, the bronze was won and they

should be happy about it even though they could have claimed the gold, but still let us celebrate with them,’’ he stressed.

Raptors win VGC basketball

V Adepoju

Moses targets more goals for Chelsea

Emmanuel Tobi

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uper Eagles winger, Victor Moses, has expressed determination to score more goals after hitting target in Chelsea’s 3-2 win against lower league side, Bristol Rovers, in the second round of the English Football League Cup on Tuesday.

The 26-year attacking midfielder scored in the 31st minute to make it 2-0 to Chelsea, while Michu Batshuayi scored Chelsea’s

other two goals.

“The most important thing is go out there and enjoy yourself and score

Moses

goals at the same time,” Moses told Chelsea TV. “I will keep on adding more goals to my game which is the most important thing.”

Speaking on Saturday’s EPL match against Burnley, Moses said: “There’s no easy game in the league.

It’s 11 against 11. It’s going to be a hard game for us on Saturday. But the most important thing is to work hard as a team and make sure we get the three points.”

GC Raptors are the winners of the 2016 VGC Basketball Championship as they defeated Team Cavaliers in the finals by 65 to 59 points over the weekend.

The league which had six teams named after the NBA franchise started on July 2nd and after eight weeks of 30 regular season games, Raptors were crowned champions following their comeback victory on Sunday at the VCG sports complex.

The recreational league put together by Siji Sowola, the host an commissioner for the league, was borne out of his passion for the game. The championship,amongst other objectives was to promote the

C

hairman of League Management Company, Shehu Dikko, has said the

new partnership with Star Lager Beer is a big boost to the development of the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Speaking at the ground-

L-R: Franco Maria Maggi, Nigerian Breweries Marketing Director; Shehu Dikko, Chairman, League Management Company; Nicolaas Vervelde, MD Nigeria Breweries and Seyi Akinwunmi, Nigeria Football Federation vice president at the unveiling of Star sponsorship of the Nigerian League in Lagos on Tuesday.

breaking partnership announcement in Lagos on Tuesday, Dikko said the fruitful relationship would run till the end of the 2019/2020 football league season.

“The NPFL has grown rapidly over the past few years and with new partnerships like this, we hope to push it beyond expectations and make it the biggest league in Africa. Bringing Star to the table is only natural as the brand has identified with football in Nigeria over the years,” he said The announcement saw Dikko in a symbolic exchange of jerseys with the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Breweries Plc,

game and foster relationship among the residents.

Sowola commended all the players that participated in the championship for their selflessness and passion, adding that without their commitment, the tournament would not be successful. He vowed that the championship will be bigger next year with the help of sponsors while corporate organisations to support the basketball tournament.

“We didn’t have any proper sponsor. I was just talking to people and one of the supporters, SPAR gave us products. I think going forward, we need to get corporate sponsorship because this is a fantastic event.

Tottenham, Chelsea keep tabs on Ndidi Ifeanyi Anyaka

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nglish giants Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Genk starlet and Nigeria

LMC/Star partnership will boost league -Dikko Emmanuel Tobi

Games since the bronze they won is the only medal.”

On the role played by the club in the third place match, Ladipo explained that the body mobilised members quickly on arrival to boost the support for U-23 team against Honduras.

“It was not difficult for us because we were here two years ago and we have our members here to assist in doing the job. Overall, we thank God all was not in vain,” he said.

He however noted further that the club would have propelled the U-23 team to clinch gold if the members had travelled earlier to Brazil for the competition.

“We left Nigeria late due to some issues within our organisation which I don’t want to go into but I thank God the body was in Brazil and Nigeria got the bronze,” he said Ladipo urged the Ministry of Sports to ensure early preparations are made for future engagements for Nigeria’s participation in subsequent international competitions.

Mr Nico Vervelde who said, “We have a longstanding claim to football so it’s only natural for us to prove our love for the game by partnering with Nigeria’s foremost league, the Nigeria Professional Football League. We can assure fans of innovative and thrilling ideas developments in the years to come.”

Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Franco Maria Maggi, said, “We’ll be finding ways to use this unique partnership of the NPFL to give our consumers more reason to enjoy the local football. Football in Nigeria and Star Lager have a proud past, a strong present and very bright future in front of them.”

international Wilfried Ndidi.

According to a Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws, Ndidi’s impressive displays for Genk have seen both Chelsea and Spurs send scouts to take in his performances in Belgium.

Although a holding midfielder, the Nigerian international has thus far managed to score four times and set up three goals.

Ndidi’s present contract with Genk runs until the summer of 2020.

The 19-year-old has so far earned three senior caps for Nigeria and has also represented the nation at U-20 level.

Ndidi

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Brazil legend, Ronaldo, to return to Real Madrid

Olympics

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razilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario will return to Real Madrid as an advisor to president Florentino Perez and as a global ambassador for the club.

Ronaldo will rejoin Los Blancos in September, Spanish sports daily Marca reported on Wednesday.

Ronaldo’s wish to return to Real Madrid was the contributing factor in Perez’s decision to hire the Brazilian, who joined the Merengues in August 2002.

The former international’s return to Madrid was on the table for years, but with Brazil hosting both the World Cup in 2014 and Olympic Games in 2016, the return has not been possible until now.

Ronaldo played for Real Madrid between 2002 and 2007, scoring 104 goals in 177 games.

RIO 2016

CRUMBS

Downpour washes games away

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Balotelli (left)

Mourinho wants Balotelli at Man United Ronaldo

Schweinsteiger rules out joining another club in Europe

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anchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced that he will not play for another club in Europe during the remainder of his playing career.

The German World Cup winner has been shunned from the first team by manager Jose Mourinho, who replaced Louis van Gaal earlier this summer.

It is believed that Schweinsteiger, who moved to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich last summer for a reported £7m fee, has been training with the youth players.

Recent reports in Germany have claimed that United are willing to offload the 32-year-old for as little as £2m amid rumours that Juventus are sniffing around.

However, the player himself has released a statement claiming that he will not join another club in Europe and will be available for United if called upon.

Schweinsteiger

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talian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claim Balotelli is very much welcomed at Manchester United by Mourinho.

Liverpool have another week to offload controversial striker Mario Balotelli, who is finding it very difficult to find himself a new club.

Several Serie A clubs are interested in Balotelli, but the financial terms of the deal are proving to be an issue.

Gazzetta say Balotelli could also reunite with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at

Manchester United, and that ‘anything is possible’.

Gazzetta, however, believe Manchester United are not the only ones who have shown interest in Balotelli in the last few hours.

Balotelli’s agent, Mino Raiola, prefers a move to a Premier League club simply because they could afford his wages.

Mino Raiola has already helped Manchester United sign the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Paul Pogba this summer.

Djokovic, Serena top seeds for US Open

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orld No 1 Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams have been named as top seeds for the US Open, which will commence from August 29.

The American, who unsurprisingly took the top seed in the women’s draw after winning 33 out of her 38 matches this year, will be aiming to clinch her seventh US Open title and surpass Steffi Graff ’s record of 22 major titles in the Open era.

Meanwhile, Djokovic will head into the fourth and the final major of the season, with a record of 51-5 this year, which also saw him bag two Grand Slams in Australia and France, Sport24 reported.

Briton star

Andy Murray, who clinched a grand slam in this year’s Wimbledon before winning a gold medal at Rio Olympics, is placed as second seed while Stan Wawrinka, Rafael Nadal and Milos Raonic make up the rest of the top five list.

Roger Federer will miss the tournament to protect his surgically repaired left knee.

Between Rio and Sao Paulo

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left Rio for Sao Paulo on Monday as the journey back to Nigeria began. I had a flight from Rio to Sao Paulo but chose to travel by road with friends and also know the country more. I enjoy sightseeing cities. It was a smooth five- hour ride but I observed the driver stopped twice to sign documents on the way and once more for 20 minutes to allow passengers to stretch, eat or drink. As we arrived Sao Paulo, the weather was a big issue. it was not as friendly as that of Rio...too cold for comfort oh sorry , too cold for Slam.

Encounter with a volunteer

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Brazilian volunteer who worked at the judo section was such an interesting person. Because apart from speaking English, she also has an idea of some Nigerian expressions because she also worked with Nigeria at the Games Village. She was ready to help anywhere you want to go for chopping so that you won’t be cheated. She also provided guide on many things one is not used to in the city.

Telephone issues haunt visitors

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Serena

Bale targets Champions League final in Cardiff

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t is no news that the games of the 31st Olympiad ended on Sunday with the closing ceremony. What might be news to many is the downpour in many parts of Brazil during the ceremony. The volunteers outside the Maracana Stadium defied the rain and stayed at their respective posts like police.

Some participants left the stadium hurriedly because the weather became almost unbearable. In the stadium, the closing ceremony turned out to be a party of sort as the audience danced and danced to perhaps reduce the effects of the weather.

eal Madrid winger Gareth Bale said on Wednesday he has an extra incentive to reach a third Champions League final in four years because the title game will be played in his hometown of Cardiff.

“This is the reason I came to Madrid - to play in the Champions League, to win the Champions League,” the 27-year-old Bale said in an interview with UEFA.com.

“To have the Champions League finalinmyhometownisanevenbigger motivation,” he said.

The Wales international helped Real beat Atletico Madrid on penalties to march to their 11th European title and his second with the club in the 2015-16 campaign before playing for his country at Euro 2016.

“Two in three years is an amazing achievement,” he said. “Now we want to look to the next one.”

Injuries limited Bale to 30 appearances in all competitions for Real last season but the former Tottenham star still scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists.

he way operators of telephone made money with all manner of regulations is better known to the Brazilians alone. The SIM card I bought in Rio was unable to make one international calls and I was only calling other friends in the city.

When I arrived Sao Paulo, it became worse; I was unable to call Rio and was advised to buy another SIM in Sao Paulo.

Imagine. I ignored and made use of wifi to communicate. On this trip, I did not communicate with friends and relatives back home due to various legislation here.

That Beijing silver

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t was not funny the way IOC broke the news of the Beijing Olympics silver awarded to Nigeria during the games. It was in the 4x100m event and so because Russia was disqualified, Belgium’s silver was upgraded to gold while Nigeria’s bronze became silver. It was titled ‘Silver for Nigeria’ and the first thought was maybe Nigeria won the medal in Rio. After it was read journalists joked that IOC should have added it to the table in Rio since as at then Nigeria was not yet on the table.

On Marble

“The darkest hour in any man’s life is when he sits down to plan how to get money without earning it.”

Sanctity of Truth

Mike A. Wilkie Edo monarchs as politicians

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

– Horace Greeley

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

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Solomon Dalung and Rio Olympics “I am not fit for this office and never should have been here.”

– Warren G. Harding(29th President of the United States, 1921 to 1923)

Political Musings

he sway of sports in our polity and national life is such that we cannot allow the country’s embarrassing outing at the just concluded Olympic in Rio de. Janeiro Brazil fling without a mention. The last time we discussed sports in this space was in 2014 during the World Cup in the same Brazil.

It would be a disservice, if we allow this disastrous performance go unmentioned, exactly the way those liable for the show of shame would desire.

Especially given that if our dream team had all won gold at the tournament, the likes of Lai Mohammed and the Presidency would have been drumming it into the ears of all as a product of change. With the avoidable colossal outing largely due to the ineptiude of the sports administrators, the government and their party want attention diverted from it.

Meanwhile a joke was going round town last week that President Muhammedu Buhari has commissioned an Awka blacksmith to cast some medals in gold, silver and bronze to be sent to the Sports Minister Solomon Dalung who had said that he would not leave Brazil without sports medals “we will not leave Rio without winning medals’’ he told Union Bank who made some donations to the country’s cash straped dream team in Rio. According to the joke, President Buhari is not at all deterred by the cacophony of media attacks on his Minister and the scream for him to be relieved of his job for exhibiting clumsiness in the management of sports especially the just concluded Rio Olympics. Rather the President is looking forward to receiving the Minister and possibly reward him for successfully check mating the corrupt sports officials who amass stupendous wealth every Olympic year through fraudulent means.

Why won’t the Minister be rewarded, this government among its numerous campaign promises, never made any commitment on sports not to talk of Olympic gold medal. What they promised is to kill corruption before it kills Nigeria and that they have been doing. The Sports Minister as a disciplined and committed player may have played to the instruction of the coach even if the style of play is not palatable to the spectators in this case Nigerians. You may argue subjectively anyway that as the administration is killing corruption the country is gradually dying.

Dalung is one of the great Nigerians it took President Buhari seven months to search for to make up his cabinet. When he appeared in his red beret, many Nigerians could not exactly fix him and his background as having anything to do with sports. The only glaring thing that may have helped him get into federal cabinet and to the Youth and Sports Ministry is his youthful boy scout dressing and above all his being a long associate of the President, a credential that has come to be the hottest requirement to getting anything under the new Sheriff.

Except for saving money for the President and preventing thieves from stealing Nigerian money during the global sports

IKE ABONYI

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igwebuike2001@yahoo.com 0802-402-4029 (sms only)

CASH FROM NIPPON: Mikel Obi and Samson Siasia receiving donation from Japanese billionare, Katsuya Takaso

events, Minister Dalung did every other thing wrong. His mannerism has not been sports like in any way.

All sports Ministers in Nigeria who did well at global events were not only charismatic and lively but were the chief motivators. I would avoid mentioning names here so as not to be misconstrued but the point remains that Ministers in all cases were the motivating factors to the team. In the case of Dalung he was without fear of contradiction the chief demoralizer of our team in the just concluded global sports.

Here him when he was told that the dream were stranded in Atlanta USA, “stranded, who sent them there, how did they get there how does that become my headache”? Then he was told that NFF hired the Delta airline to parcel the boys to Brazil under emergency to meet up with their match, the Minister said the football federation faked the news.

Sports watchers could also recall how Dalung had also created confusion in the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) by needlessly reawakening the rivalry between contenders for its leadership.

In other climes where public service is given the real meaning, the Minister should have resigned the moment Nigeria contingent came out at the opening ceremony at the Olympic without their attire and had to wear makeshift tractsuits. Reports show that the wears arrived Brazil three days to the end of the tournament. This is a tournament the World gave nation’s four years to prepare.

But in government domains, the Minister is probably receiving commendation from his principal because he did

not fail in the main agenda of the administration which is preventing thieves from stealing money. It does not matter really if damages were done to the nation in the process. Hiding under the guise of fighting corruption has become the norm of various public officers under the new

dispensation to cover up their incompetence and clear lack of direction.

It seems although dangerous to good governance that under the watch of an anti-corruption principal, no ineffectiveness or low mark should be logged against any public officer who through his actions or inactions helps to prevent the perpetuation of corruption in the system. If salary of soldiers in a war front is being delayed, those responsible should not be held so long as they are preventing corruption by delaying. In all sectors of the Nigeria system today, damages are recorded because of the dreary attitude of public officers all in the name of trying to prevent corruption.

Suddenly, impression is being warped in the country that competence and timeliness in execution of projects facilitate rather than prevent corruption but it’s not true.

The blushing caused by the incompetence of the Sports Minister and his team made Nigeria a laughing stock enough to attract a Japanese billionaire who came promising to help them. The highly demoralized team got the much needed motivation from afar away Asian country. He promised the boys huge amount if they could brush aside their ordeal and win a medal. When they won bronze he quickly fulfilled his promise dolling $390,000 to players and officials.

Clearly, this Minister has proved to be a square peg in a round hole and deserves not to continue in that position if competence is a yardstick in this change period. Nigerians and the sporting World deserve an unreserved apology from the federal government for the ugly picture it painted of the sweet game through its own ineffectiveness.

If our excuse is that we are facing bad economy, many nations face similar hardship and they were not disgraced.

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