8th August 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,562

MONDAY, 8 AUGUST, 2016

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Nigerian Tribune

NNPC paid N56.9bn into Federation Account in June —Report —P12

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FG shuts down 40-yr-old Apapa bridge —P31

My 21-day ordeal in hands of kidnappers —Freed Lagos Oba

—P5 •Narrates how he fainted, was revived with sea water •We were paid N15m for his release —Suspect •He paddled canoe to safety —Son •We will stamp out criminal activities in Lagos —Ambode

From right, Commander, 9 Mechanised Brigade, Brigadier-General Sanni Mohammed; Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, jointly addressing journalists on the rescue of the Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Sunday.

Police arrest 4 suspected Plot to deny S/West PDP —P10 chairmanship thickens killers of Oyo lawmaker —P30

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My 21-day ordeal in the hands of kidnappers —Freed Lagos monarch

•Narrates how he fainted, was revived with sea water •We were paid N15m for his release —Suspects •He paddled canoe to safety —Son •We will stamp out criminal activities in Lagos —Ambode Bola Badmus and Olalekan Olabulo -Lagos, with Agency Report

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HE freed Oniba of Iba town in Lagos, Oba Goriola Oseni, on Sunday, said his abductors were actually on a killing mission, adding that they were sent to kill him.

He also narrated how he was fed with bread and water for the three weeks he spent in the kidnappers’ den.

The monarch, however, blamed the decision to feed him with water and bread on a failed negotiation between his family and the abductors.

The Oniba, whike narrating his experience, said “initially, when I was brought into the creek, they were feeding me with Eba and Ogbono food, but suddenly when the negotiation of the first ransom with my children did not yield good bargain, they stopped feeding me with Eba and since then, I was being fed with bread and two sachets of water.”

Speaking on their mission, he said “while they were taking me into the creek, they asked me if I know them, but I denied. One of them told me they were sent to kill me, but they have a change of mind.”

The monarch also said he told the kidnappers that if he had not undressed at the time he was kidnapped, they would not have taken him away easily.

Oba Oseni said the ransom paid by his children created crisis within the camp of his abductors, as the leaders shortchanged some of their boys, a development that made his children to pay another ransom.

He also narrated how he fainted during his early days in their custody and was revived with water from the sea.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, the traditional ruler said his abductors actually pitied his age and did not maltreat him, except for the few occasions when they were negotiating ransom with his family members.

“On that fateful Saturday, July 16, I was about to take my bath when I heard a loud noise from the living room.

I went to check the cause of the noise and that was how I was held and blindfold-

ed. I was later taken away through speedboat.

“When they were taking me into their waiting boat, they dragged me on the ground. I sustained injuries on my legs and some other parts of my bodies. It got to a stage I could not bear it anymore.

“I later fainted. They fetched water from the sea and pour it on me to revive me. When we got to the creek, we passed the night somewhere, I was given water to bath and food.

“The following day, which was Sunday, we proceeded on another journey on the water and we finally arrived in another place in the creek where I was taken to a makeshift building.

“The third day, they called my children on phone, but whenever they and my children did not reach agreement on the ransom, they vent their anger on me and threatened to kill me if my children did not bring the money to them,” he said.

According to him, the children were able to raise the first money and delivered it somewhere at Agbara area for the abductors, which, he said, later created confusion within their camp, as some of the leaders of the gang went away with the money.

“After the gang leader had gone with the first ransom, the junior ones came to me and said they have to renegotiate with my children or else they would lock me up in one of the rooms in the building,” he said.

Oba Oseni said before his children could pay the second tranch, the abductors withdrew the bed he was sleeping on and tore the mosquito net on the bed.

“That fateful night, I could not sleep throughout due to mosquito bites. I was just rolling from one side to the other,” he said.

Son of the monarch, Prince Saheed Oseni, while confirming the release of his father by the abductors, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the traditional ruler returned to his palace “hale and hearty.”

Oseni said the family had decided not to disclose the amount paid as ransom but confirmed that the family paid to secure the release of the kidnapped royal father.

“We paid an undisclosed amount for his ransom which the family sourced without the involvement of the Lagos State government,’’ he said.

Oseni, who is the chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities

(SSANU), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter, said the traditional ruler returned through the waterways around Iba expressway.

According to my father, the kidnappers had put him in a canoe and asked him to paddle it to the other side of the river, which he did.

“On getting to the other side of the road and confirming the location where he was from passers-by, he discovered that he is on Iba expressway and that was how he found his way home,” he said.

Meanwhile, the police, on Sunday, paraded two out of nine kidnappers that abducted the traditional ruler, with one of the suspects claiming that they took and shared a total of N15.1 million before he was eventually released.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, paraded the two arrested suspects at the Government House, Alausa, Ikeja.

The suspect, who had been a bunkerer, said he and others first received a sum of N12 million from the family of the monarch, out of which he was given N100,000, as he was not part of the team that went to kidnap him at the palace.

According to him, his partner, who was arrested alongside with him, was given an initial share of N1 million.

The suspect said he later received an additional N100,000 out of the second sum of N3.1 million released by the family, while his accomplice, who could not communicate in English or Yoruba, received an additional sum of N100,000.

He, however, said he was the one that accompanied the monarch in a canoe that brought him to the shore after he was finally released.

Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, has, however, described the kidnap of the monarch as a sacrilege totally against the Yoruba customs and which must not go unpunished.

While addressing newsmen on Sunday, he assured that his administration had the capacity and will to fight all forms of crime and criminality, adding that it would not relent in its efforts until criminal elements had no hiding place in the state.

The governor, who spoke through the state AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, recalled that there had been a coordinated on-

slaught by security agencies in the state in the last few weeks against vandals and kidnappers, adding that the operation would continue until their activities were completely stamped out.

Addressing the newsmen on the rescue operation, Lagos the state Police Commissioner, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said the rescue of the Oniba of Ibaland was due to the combined efforts of the Special Team of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) from Abuja and the Lagos police command.

This was as he dismissed the insinuation that a ransom was paid to get the monarch rescued, saying “we’ve always reiterated that it is not about whether ransom was paid or not, if it is about ransom, suspects would not be arrested.”

He said the most important thing was that the monarch was in his palace hale and hearty, adding that nothing was wrong with him.

Reacting to further questions, the police commissioner thanked and appreciated the understanding of the family, adding that “they have been cooperative with us to get the monarch out of the hands of his abductors hale and hearty.”

Postmaster-General job: Adelabu never applied —Communication minister

By Tunde Ogunesan MINISTER of Communication, Mr Adebayo Shittu, has denied preventing the immediate past Commissioner of Finance in Oyo State, Mr Zacheaus Adelabu, from clinching NIPOST Postmaster-General job.

The Federal Government, it will be recalled, announced Mr Biyi Adegbuyi from Ogun State as the new PostmasterGeneral, last week.

Explaining the controversy that trailed the appointment and perception in the political circles in Oyo State, Shittu said Mr Adelabu never applied, was not shortlisted or screened for the job, while he wondered how he could have denied him the job as being alleged.

The minister said it was laughable for anyone to have thought he would overrule the president’s interest in Adelabu to become the Postmaster-General, adding that Adelabu never even disclosed

he was ever interested in the job with him at any point.

“NIPOST is under the supervisory authority of Ministry of Communication in which I am the minister. We sought approval of Mr President to recruit a Postmaster General who has business background and who could take NIPOST to the highest level.

“We felt we may not get all the needed materials in relying on only the NIPOST staff, so we advertised the position in three different newspapers.

Fourty-nine people applied and we later shortlisted 21.

“Adelabu is my very good brother. At no point did he react to our advertisement.

He never applied for the job of the postmaster-general, he was never shortlisted, he never took part in the written test nor took part in the interviews.

“So, how could he have been a candidate? Although I was told that he was promoted to becoming one, but the funny thing was that he

never discussed the issue with me. It is only Mr President that has the power to appoint. Even the minister owes his office at the instance of the president.

“For anybody to think that I overturned the wish of Mr President is stupidity of the highest level and cheap blackmail,” he said.

Revenue loss: FCTA okays comprehensive audit of telecoms masts in Abuja •We face double taxation –Operators Christian Okeke - Abuja THE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is to conduct an audit of all telecommunications masts installed in the territory, in a move to block evasion of ground rent payments by the telecoms operators and to boost its internally-generated revenue from the sector.

The administration said it observed that the number of such masts installed in the

territory did not correspond with the revenue generated from the sector.

This came as the administration lamented that most of the telecommunications masts in Abuja were installed in unapproved locations.

Already, the administration, through its Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), had held a meeting with management of the telecommunications companies operating in the

nation’s capital.

Addressing representatives of the telecommunication firms at the stakeholders’ meeting, the acting coordinator of AMMC, Hajiya Safiya Umar, threatened to sanction any telecommunications company that failed to get approval from the relevant agencies of the administration before erecting its masts, and warned that telecommunication companies that failed to

pay the ground rent would equally be sanctioned.

The AMMC boss lamented the manner in which telecommunication masts were installed on public schools premises, and observed that such posed serious danger to students and teachers of the affected schools.

Responding, however, representatives of the telecommunications companies accused the administration of double taxation.

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Military operation in Niger saved millions of lives —Army As Niger govt asks citizens to remain calm Adelowo Oladipo - Minna with Agency Report

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HE Nigerian Army has said on Sunday that Thursday’s operation of the military in Kpaidna community in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger helped save the lives of millions of Nigerians.

This was as it said despite the heavy casualty suffered in the attacks on its personnel in the state, it would not be distracted from dealing with any threat to national security.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Mechanised Division, Kaduna, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, said this in Minna, the state capital, while conducting journalists round the assorted arms and ammunition recovered from some criminal elements at Kpadina, Lagbe and Kopa villages in Bosso Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking against the backdrop of the criticism of the military on the invasion of the communities, Oyebade challenged the critics to justify why the community members should keep assorted weapons in their homes.

He said if the weapons had not been recovered from the criminal elements, only God

knew the havoc it could have caused the larger society.

He said further that those who were criticising the military for invading the communities should justify why they should be keeping such sophisticated weapons in their homes.

We have a job to rid the country of criminal elements and we will continue to do so inspite of the heavy casualty suffered by us, The intention of some people for criticising the military is to force us to recoil so that we do not carry out our constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizenry.

He, however, maintained that the Nigerian Armed Forces and other para -military agencies have the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian people to ensure that crimes and criminality were not allowed to thrive anywhere in Nigeria.

Also, Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Jonathan Vatsa, has called on the people of the state to remain calm as security agencies in the state have been working to return normalcy after the recent crisis between the military and villagers in Kpaidna,

Evolve policies that encourage local production, NGE urges FG

By Wale Akinselure THE Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have maintained that Agriculture remains the most viable option to revive the nation’s economy, calling on the Federal Government to urgently evolve policies that will protect local farmers against influx of foreign agricultural products and encourage local production.

Contained in a communiqué signed by the guild's President, Funke Egbemode and the General Secretary, Victoria Ibang, at the end of the 12th All Nigerian Editors’ Conference, on Sunday, the editors of media houses held that agriculture would help engage unemployed youths and improve the state of the nation’s economy.

The guild decried the continued neglect of real focus on agriculture owing to negative mindset of Nigerians, reliance on outdated methods and gross underfunding of the sector, emphasising the critical role of the media in redirecting Nigerians, especially the youth, towards embracing modern and technology-driven agriculture.

In addition, the guild urged the Federal Government to immediately recapitalise and make the Bank of Agriculture and other relevant agricultural programmes functional as well as strengthen the operation of farmers’ co-operative societies.

At the state level, NGE

urged state governments to collaborate in the areas of agricultural production and processing.

Legbe-dagma, Bambe, Kopa, Lunku and the surrounding villages in Bosso Local Government Area of the state .

He said this in a press statement made available to journalists on Sunday , in Minna, the state capital ,adding that the Alhaji Abubakar Belloled administration placed utmost premium on the security of lives and property in the state and will continue to ensure peaceful co-existence in the state.

He urged the people of the state to remain calm and go about their legitimate businesses, adding that the government will ensure that the situation does not escalate to the level of impeding the existing peace in the state.

The commissioner said further that the government is appealing to all political leaders in the state to guard their utterances in order not to jeopardise the relative peace in the state Meanwhile, the G begnu Boknu Yakwo Association, an umbrella body of Gbagyi (Gwari) worldwide, Niger State, has condoled with the Federal Government over the killing of some military personnel during the clash between military and some villagers in the state.

The group, in a statement signed by state chairman, Danjuma Paiko, prayed for the repose of the souls of all those who lost their lives in the incident and for God to grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

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Plot to deny S/West of PDP chairmanship thickens Party leaders meet in Akure today

By Kunle Oderemi

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OME power brokers from the Northern axis of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly plotting to influence the choice of national chairman of the party from the South-West.

A meeting of South-West leaders is slated for Akure, the Ondo State capital, today, with one of the expected leaders saying he would use the opportunity to “speak frankly” on the necessity to forge a common front against any agenda to frustrate efforts by the zone to produce chairman of PDP in its 17-year history.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that some leaders from the zone intensified consultations and lobbying at the weekend, towards building a coalition preparatory to the Akure gathering that will be taking place eight days to the rescheduled PDP national convention in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Chief Oladobe George, Professor Tunde Adeniran and Professor Taoreed Adedoja have so far formally declared their intention to become the next substantive national chairman of the PDP. Sources, however, said the current anxiety in some

quarters in South-West PDP was further heightened by a report credited to the chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, that despite the zoning arrangement for all elective offices, any aspirant who was determined to carry through his aspiration as the leeway.

Apparently buoyed by the development, a contestant for chairmanship from the South-South, Chief Raymond Dokpesi,

obtained nomination form after southern leaders, who met in Port Harcourt, last Thursday, zoned the position to the South-West.

But in a counter move, some South-West PDP leaders met in one of the six states in the zone and resolved to collaborate with other stakeholders by putting in all that might be required to make sure the zone produces the national chairman.

One of the leaders at the

meeting was quoted as saying some influential power brokers from the North were expressing doubt on the possibility of the chairmanship contest not creating further crevices in the PDP in the South-West if the post was restricted to the zone.

While all the other five zones had produced PDP national chairman, only the South-West is yet to occupy the exalted office since PDP was formed in 1998.

Besides, members of the

caucuses in the North were concerned that the contenders for the position were not doing enough in terms of taking their campaigns to “strategic” places in Abuja and other places in the North.

According to one PDP leader from the SouthWest, who claimed to have been involved in a number of interactions with some influential PDP members from the North, the contestants have not made any

Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola (left), exchanging pleasantries with his Rivers State counterpart, Chief Nyesom Wike, at the 12th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference, held at Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday. With them is a former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

We’re not sabotaging nation’s economy, security —Indorama, Notore Chris Agbambu - Abuja RESPECTIVE management of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals (IEFCL) and Notore Chemical Industries, in separate statements, have denied allegations of involvement in activities which sabotage Nigeria’s security and economy.

National Security Adviser (NSA), Major-General Babagana Monguno, had said that the two companies were sabotaging the economy with export of fertiliser to the detriment of need for the product locally.

The companies held that their domestic supplies to customers were in accordance with the approval of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Farm Input and Supply Services (FISS) Department in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The companies affirmed continued support to local supply of fertiliser and agriculture for the growth of the nation’s economy, giving instances of working with the

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, some selected states, and International Fertiliser Development Center (IFDC).

IEFCL, in its statement signed by its head of Corporate Communications, Dr Jossy Nkwocha, maintained that “the company and its sister companies in Nigeria are not, and have not, and would never be directly or indirectly involved in any activity that will undermine or sabotage the economy or security of the nation.”

The company said it would continue to work with Federal Government regulators to achieve its vision of building the largest petrochemicals and fertiliser hub of Africa, with a cumulative investment of $4.32 billion by 2020.

The statement partly read: “Indorama-Nigeria is 100 per cent committed to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy; and has in the past 10 years demonstrated such total commitment and loyalty by providing more than 85 per cent domestic needs

of polymers, which were hitherto imported into the country at huge foreign exchange cost.

“IEFCL has been loading and distributing an average of between 90-100 long trailers of fertilisers, each carrying 600 bags of 50 kilogrammes each, totalling over 57,000 bags of Indorama Urea fertiliser daily, over the past one month, for the benefit of Nigerian farmers across the country.

“Our brand new fertiliser plant has capacity for 1.5 metric tons of fertilisers per annum, which is designed to serve Nigeria’s entire domestic requirement and the surplus is for export markets. The plant is still awaiting official inauguration.

However, our primary focus is to serve the interest of our domestic market and this we have been doing with great sense of responsibility and commitment to the Nigerian economy.

“In the past 10 years, Indorama-Nigeria has been a responsible corporate citizen, reputed for its excellent Public Private Partnership

(PPP) - sharing its wealth/ dividend with shareholders, including the Federal Government (through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Bureau of Public Enterprises), Rivers State government, host communities and Nigerian employees.

“We have created over 7,500 jobs, as well as engendered numerous Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes which impact very positively on its host and transit communities in Rivers State.”

Similarly, Notore Chemical Industries Plc, in its statement, bemoaned allegedly sabotaging Nigeria’s national security and economy by being a conduit for explosive materials.

Notore maintained that the company had no intention whatsoever, of engaging in any activity that was detrimental to Nigeria.

“As a Nigerian company with predominantly Nigerian beneficial shareholders, Notore has always been committed and is focused on supporting initiatives of

the Federal Government of Nigeria and championing the African Green Revolution with a focus on Nigeria.

“Notore is the premier producer of urea fertiliser in sub-Saharan Africa and has been in production for over six years. As the champion of the African Green Revolution, Notore has as its core goal, enhancement of food production and food security in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. Part of its strategies to achieve this goal is to focus on sales in the local market via Notore’s extensive, controlled and award-winning distribution channels.

In addition, Notore has and uses extension workers who are committed to the training of local farmers on best practices and the creation of ‘test plots’ to showcase the benefits of effective use of fertiliser on crops, the creation of an effective and efficient distribution channel to ease access to fertilisers for the farmers, as well as boosting production capacity to meet the ever increasing demand of the Nigerian farmer.

major attempt to reach out concerning their aspirations preparatory to the national convention.

Last month, the PDP National Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Makarfi had, in principle, zoned the chairmanship position to the Southern part of the country, which comprises South-East, South-South and the South-West, while its presidential ticket is reserved for the North.

Sequel to that arrangement, Southern PDP leaders rose from a meeting last Thursday, in Port Harcourt, allocating slots to be contested for by each of the three zones in the South.

The South-East was ceded the positions of National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader and Deputy National Financial Secretary.

Aside chairmanship, the South-West got the positions of national treasurer and deputy national publicity secretary, while the posts of first deputy national chairman, national legal adviser, deputy national women leader and deputy national auditor were ceded to the South-South.

But Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, had also used the occasion of the meeting to emphasise that in spite of the zoning of the positions, any party member willing to pursue his aspiration to a logical end could do so, notwithstanding the new sharing formula.

In the North, PDP leaders have harmonised their positions by evolving a mutual power sharing formula on the slots for the three zones of North-East, North-Central and North-West conceded to the political divide.

In the meantime, a chairmanship contender from the South-West, Professor Adeniran, has called for unity among the leaders from the South-West, so that the opportunity to produce the chairman for the first time does not elude the zone.

However, a former deputy national chairman of the party from the South-West, Chief George, who had also obtained nomination form, is optimistic about all those party stalwarts who defected to rival parties retuning to the PDP once he becomes next national chairman.

On his part, another contestant, Professor Adedoja said it was imperative the South-West was not denied the slot because other zones have had their turns over the years.

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Jonathan, Wike, Akpabio, Metuh deny link with Avengers From Leon Usigbe and Dapo Falade, with Agency Report

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OVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has dissociated himself from Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and described as a total falsehood, an allegation that he is one of the sponsors of the militant group.

The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Goodswill Akpabio also denied having link with the Avengers, saying the media propaganda was baseless.

Akpabio, in a statement by his media aide, Anietie Ekong, said, “this politically motivated media propaganda is baseless, reckless and senseless. It is a fabrication from the pit of hell from those who are profiteering from the crisis in the Niger Delta and would wish no end to it.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that Senator Akpabio has no link with the Niger Delta Avengers or any other militant group for that matter.

“Contrarily, the position of Senator Akpabio as a foremost advocate of dialogue in resolving the Niger Delta crisis is well known. He is of the strong belief that blowing up pipelines and causing further environmental pollution of the Niger Delta is not in the interest of the region as it would take over 100 years to remediate the effects of such environmental degradation.

Also, the immediate past national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has regarded as devilish, the claim linking him to the sponsorship of the Avengers.

The governor, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, on Sunday, by his media aide, Simeon Nwakaudu, said his alleged link with NDA was “yet another false media propaganda being circulated by the paid official false agents of the APC. “We unequivocally deny this false report fabricated with the aim of diverting attention from the performance of Governor Nyesom Wike.

“This falsehood may not be unconnected with Governor Wike’s speech at the justconcluded conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, (held in Port Harcourt from last Thursday to Saturday) where he publicly declared that he and other stakeholders in the state had prevented militant groups from sabotaging oil installations (in Rivers State) as is the case elsewhere.

“Governor Wike is a patriotic leader, committed to the sustenance and improvement of the nation’s democracy and economy. He

is a promoter of security and good governance. He cannot be disparaged by concocted publications from APC media agents.

Similarly, former President Jonathan had denied the allegation, as he was reported to have said he had no hand in the orgy of violence being perpetrated by militant groups in the Niger Delta.

According to SaharaReporters, a source close to the former president had said there was “no iota of truth to the claim that former President Goodluck Jonathan has a hand in the violence in the Niger Delta.

“If former President Jonathan wanted chaos in Nigeria and the Niger Delta, he would have refused to concede the election to General Muhammadu Buhari and the APC,” the source was quoted to have said, adding that Jonathan was considering issuing a formal statement to dismiss the claims made by the RNDA spokesperson.

Metuh, in a statement issued in Abuja, on Sunday, also said the claim was false and misleading.

“Ordinarily, I would not have responded to this, given that I have since chosen to conduct my affairs with the

decency and comportment of someone involved in a wellcelebrated trial and with a severe spinal problem.

I am also not unaware of the series of false reports against my person in the past few months. However, on this occasion, I have chosen to respond, as this particularly borders on matters affecting national security.

“Indeed, I believe this is a wicked, cruel and devilish plot to link me with such activities and at this very time, especially as the claim is outright false.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I hereby state cat-

egorically that I do not have any relationship or association whatsoever either as a sympathiser or sponsor of any militant group, including the Avengers.

“I, therefore, find it very cruel that any person would, in any manner whatsoever, attempt to associate my name with anything to do with this group or its operations and I still wonder what the motive behind this sinister plot is,” the statement read.

The allegation was made in a statement issued by a group reported to have split from the NDA and signed by one

Cynthia Whyte.

It also named other prominent sons of the Niger Delta, including former President Jonathan, as being behind the NDA. A breakaway faction of the group, the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) had, last Friday, threatened to reveal the major financiers of NDA, should the group fail to desist from further bombing of oil pipeline facilities.

Group kicks against calls for Kashamu’s extradition Sunday Ejike -Abuja

From left, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Department of Logistic and Supply, Maigari Dikko; Secretary General, Nigeria Unite Against Terror (NUAT), Prince Obi-Goodluck; DIG, Department Of Finance and Administration, Shuibu Gambo; Convener, NUAT, Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin and the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, during the meeting of the delegation of NUAT with the Nigeria Police to collaborate for effective grassroots national security, in Abuja on Sunday. PHOTO: NAN.

Zaria clash: Indicted Shi’ites must not go unpunished —Sharia council Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna THE Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria ( SCSN) has said members of the Shiites who were indicted in the December 12 to 14, 2015, clash with the Nigerian Army in Zaria must face the full wrath of the law because Shi’ism is not Islam.

In a communique read to journalists shortly after its meeting in Kaduna, on Sunday, the chairman of SCSN, Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachikun, said the Shiites must be punished for their role in to clash, because according him, their (Shiites) attitude towards the Army was unIslamic.

Sheikh Rigachikun noted that even before the report of the panel of inquiry that looked into the clash, the Islamic sect showed much signs of guilt, stressing that the fact that they boycotted the commission of inquiry proved they were already at fault.

This was even as he called on Christian leaders in the country to guard against inflammatory statements, say-

ing it was unchristianly for leaders to urge their members to carry arms against their Muslim counterpart.

The communique read, “From the delivered lectures, it has become obvious that Shi’ism is not Islam and Muslims should acquire the knowledge of their religion, so that they are not derailed from the true teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The statement added that Muslims should also respect and rever all the companions of the Prophet (SAW), and should protect their reputation.

“From the little we heard

about the submitted report of the commission of inquiry into the Military/Shi’ites clash last December, the council calls on the government to release the White Paper on the crisis.

This will go a long way in curbing the menace of Shi’a in our society.

“The council condemns, in strongest terms, the call by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to its members to take up arms to protect themselves. It’s unbecoming of a body of clergymen to make such unguarded call. Meanwhile, we call on all Muslims to be law-abiding and be vigilant

at all times.

“This comment does not only paint a negative picture for the association, but also evince its discomfiture in recent times. This, in part, informs the recent conjecture that the SGF is not a Christian,’’ the statement averred.

“The government of the day, led by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, needs our collective support and prayers to survive these economic turbulent times. We call on all Muslims to be supportive and endure these harsh times which, by Allah’s grace, will be over with time,’’ it added.

Buhari to attend Deby’s inauguration as Chad president Leon Usigbe -Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari will on Monday, in N’Djamena, join other heads of state and government for the inauguration ceremony of President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity,

Femi Adesina, in Abuja, on Sunday, recalled that Deby won the presidential elections in his country in April.

It said President Buhari would be accompanied on the one-day trip by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State.

The president’s delegation

will also include Senator Baba Kaka Garba, Honourable Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd).

The president will return to Abuja after the inauguration.

A group called the Nigerian Solidarity Forum (NSF) has condemned the call by a non-governmental organisation, Advocacy for Integrity and Economic Development (AIED) for the arrest and extradition of Senator Buruji Kashamu to the United States for prosecution.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, at the weekend, by its president, Mathias Ude, the forum accused AIED of acting a script to satisfy its paymasters and not for the interest of the generality of Nigerians.

Ude said, if the anti-graft organisation were concerned about Nigeria’s foreign policy and corrupt officials, why don’t they call on the government of the United States of America to return all stolen funds that are kept in their custody, as well as protest some of the nefarious acts perpetrated by the US government to Nigerians?

The forum, through its president, explained in the statement that many Nigerians were being molested in one way or the other abroad.

Such ill-treatment meted out to some Nigerians, the statement said included racism, killing, assault and trafficking and asked what AIED had done in tackling or addressing such injustice to Nigerians in abroad.

The statement further said if AIED chose to close their eyes on such acts abroad, they should also close their eyes on Kashamu’s case, adding that AIED joining issues with Nigerian government over the matter, has proved their incapacitation in assisting the government in fighting corruption by being one sided.

The group, therefore, called on AIED to withdraw the matter from the Federal High Court, in order to allow the senator serve his people who elected him into the National Assembly.

12

businessnews

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Foreign exchange: FG does not give waiver —NAHCON

T

HE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says the Federal Government has not given foreign exchange waiver to Nigerian pilgrims performing hajj this year.

The commission’s Head of Media, Alhaji Uba Mana, made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.

“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria wishes to draw the attention of the public that the Federal Government has not given foreign exchange waiver to Nigerian pilgrims performing this year’s hajj.

“If there is one thing that the Government did for the Nigerian pilgrims, it was to allow the exchange rate prevalent at the time of payment of Hajj fare in February when the current flexible exchange rate was not in action to subsist.

“It is therefore wrong and mischievous for some persons or media organisations to peddle unfounded claims that the Federal Government gave the Nigerian pilgrims a waiver,’’ he said in the statement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Presidency had earlier clarified the concessions of foreign exchange rate of N191 to one dollar for the 2016 intending pilgrims to Hajj and Jerusalem.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity Garba Shehu said the policy was non-discriminatory.

He said that it had been approved before the current foreign exchange re-

gime came into effect.

He also said that that the Central Bank of Nigeria had confirmed the approval, wondering why the apex bank had not notified the public before earlier.

GSM companies lose N20bn annually to closure of cell sites, multiple taxation

By Lawson Ovih

From left: Business Development Manager, West Africa, Middle East and Europe, Visa, Emezino Afiegbe; Representative of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Ojeh Afam; Winner, Access Bank Visa Card 2016 Rio Olympics Promo, Itohowo Ekop; Head, Media Relations, Access Bank Plc, Abdul Imoyo; Deputy Director, Lagos Office, Consumer Protection Council, Nggada Yakubu and Team Member, Card Products, Access Bank, Linda Morakinyo, during the presentation of prizes to the winners of the Access Bank Rio 2016 Olympics Campaign Promo in Lagos, during the weekend.

NNPC paid N56.96bn into Federation Account in June — Report

THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said it paid N55.96 billion into the Federation Account in the month of June.

This is contained in the corporation’s monthly financial report for the month of June released in Abuja on Sunday.

The report said in parts: ``NNPC transferred the sum of N55.96 billion into the Federation Account during the month under review from the net domestic crude oil receipt of N102.68 billion.

“Also, the 23rd installment of the refund to the Federal Government of N6.33 billion was remitted into the Federation Account.’’

It added that NNPC recorded a deficit of N26.51 billion in its operations in June.

According to the reports, this represents a significant decline from a surplus of N274 million reported in May. It explained that the deficit was mainly due to a decrease in its revenue generation as a result of 13.30 per cent (or N14.9 billion) decline in petroleum products sale by the Products and Pipeline Marketing Company (PPMC) and an increase in the cost of products distribution. ``Also, June 2016 operations witnessed the major impact of incessant vandalism and during the month, more than 261 vandalised points were recorded. ``In Nigerian Petroleum

Nigerian Tribune

Development Company (NPDC), a substantial portion of crude oil sales for the month estimated to be in excess of the deficit could not be realised due to force majeure declared by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as a result of the vandalised 48-inch Forcados export line,’’ the report explained.

NNPC attributed pension intervention by Corporate Headquarters to bridge the funding gap as well as the one-off gratuity payment as another reason for the deficit.

The report further said the corporation recorded group operating revenue of N118.39 billion.

It said that group operating revenue dropped by 16.94 per cent from N142.53

billion recorded in May, while its operating expenditure rose to N144.90 billion, compared to N142.26 billion in May. It added that the surplus made in May was as a result of increase in cash flow due to the increase in the pump price of petrol.

It further said that in June, the sum of 288.17 million dollars was the corporation total export revenue, representing 85 per cent increase relative to preceding month’s performance.

It added that crude oil export sales contributed 198.53 million dollars (or 68.89 per cent) of the dollar transactions compared with 89.13 million dollars contribution in the previous month.

The report said that gas

export yielded 66.56 million dollars in the month of May. According to the report, NNPC recorded total export proceeds of $219.26 million in June as against $149.88 million of the month before.

It further said that contribution from crude oil stood at $163.59 million, while gas proceeds stood at $49.12 million and miscellaneous receipt amounted to $6.55 million.

“Poor performance is attributable to upsurge in attack and sabotage of oil facilities in the Niger Delta.

“At Forcados Terminal alone, about 380,000 barrels of oil per day were shut in since February, following the force majeure declared by SPDC. “A number of crude oil liftings have been deferred until

the repair is completed,’’ it said.

Other major terminals affected by the renewed spate of vandalism, as contained in the report include Bonny, Usan, and Que Iboe terminals.

NNPC said Domestic Crude Oil and Gas receipt for June - consisting of N3.06 billion from domestic gas and N102.68 billion from domestic crude oil - amounted to N105.74 billion.

The corporation added that out of the N102.68 billion receipt from domestic crude oil, N49.78 billion (or 252.71 million dollars) was transferred to its Joint Venture (JV) Cash Call, being a first line charge and to guarantee continuous revenue stream into the Federation Account.

Naira depreciates across market segments, as forex reserves dip Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

THE Nigerian naira continued to depreciate against the United States’ dollar in all foreign exchange market segments amid strain in supply of foreign exchange (forex) to end users.

On average, the local currency depreciated at the interbank foreign exchange market by1.38 per cent to average N318.41/USD, just as the British pounds at the same market exchanged for N514/£1, while the naira was sold at N347 to one Euro.

Similarly, the naira depreciated against the greenback at the Bureaux De Change and the parallel (or“black”) market segments by 2.76 per cent and above 3 per cent to average N388.25/USD and N400/ USD respectively.

According to sources, the British pounds now exchanges for N510/£1, while the naira is sold at N425 to one Euro This was against the backdrop of a 0.71 per cent weekon-week decline in foreign exchange reserves to $26.03 billion as at Wednesday on

the back of a 0.48 per cent w-o-w decline in crude oil prices to $39.60 a barrel as at Thursday, according to OPEC’s reference basket price.

Meanwhile, CBN resumed dollar sales to BDCs at the prevailing inter-bank rate, seven months after it was stopped.

In the current week, dealers at Cowry Assets Management said “we expect sustained pressure on the naira as businesses scramble for dollar to meet their obligations to suppliers.”

Also currency analysts at

First Securities Discount House (FSDH) said that the value of the naira depreciated at the inter-bank market and the parallel market by 11.89 per cent and 6.63 per cent respectively in July 2016.

“The naira lost N38.19 and N25.00 at the inter-bank and parallel market to close at $/ N321.16 and $377 respectively as at the end of July.

The depreciation recorded in the exchange rate between the two months would put further pressure on domestic prices,” the analysts stated in their monthly summary.

THE closure of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) resulting from issues relating to multiple taxation and vandalism costs the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications operators about N20 billion annually, as they have to increase expenditure to meet up with these challenges in the telecom sector.

Mr Segun Ogunsanya, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, who disclosed this, stated that revenue loss from idle or shut down BTS represents the main source of negative impact of multiple taxation and network vandalism for the industry.

He affirmed that two to three per cent of cell sites are affected by arbitrary shutdown and vandalism at any given point in time.

According to him, it is estimated that increased operating costs and lost revenue amount to about N9 billion each year to the telecom industry, or about N20 billion if most of the arbitrary fees in some key states are upheld. He, therefore, called on the government to unify taxes under one code and also bring to book vandals who deliberately destroy telecoms infrastructure.

Providing insight on the theme: ‘Nigerian Telecom Industry: Five Years Ahead,’ he noted that strong growth is expected from mobile financial services over the forecasting period and operators should ensure they are able to offer products to the large unbanked population of Nigeria, whilst growing demand for mobile apps and e-commerce will have a positive knock-on effect on mobile operators.

However, the issues of vandalism and closure of cell sites have posed a major challenge to network expansion by telecom operators who have to comply with the directives of the Nigerian Communications Council (NCC) on massive investment to further advance the sector. This has brought to the fore the need for operators to collocate and share infrastructure for improved network quality especially in the remotest part of the country.

13

editorial

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Managing the ‘increase’ in FAAC allocation

R

ECENTLY, the chairman of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Tunde Fowler, was really excited when he recalled how the Federal Government raised the over N500 billion allocated by the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) in June. According to him, it was the first time in 2016 that the Federal Government had shared out such an amount of money among the three tiers of the government.

Of the amount, 70 percent was from the nonoil sector while 30 percent was from oil sources, a situation which prompted an optimistic exclamation from the excited chairman as he led the 36 chairmen of the state Boards of Internal Revenue (SBIRs) to the Ogun State governor’s office in Abeokuta. Fowler said: “We are proud of the development and we tell ourselves that this is the time to fund the budget of the Federal Government from non-oil sources.”

To be sure, nothing can be more exhilarating than for the federal budget to be funded from non-oil sources. But we wish we could share in Fowler’s infectious optimism that caused the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to say while declaring open the 135th meeting of the JTB: “Whatever you, Customs and others did last month that ensured that we (federal, state and local councils) shared over N500 billion at FAAC, please continue to do it. It is good for the Federal Government, it is good for the states, and it is good for the local councils. It is good for the nation.”

However, without any increased activity in the productive sector of the economy, it is easy to see that the increased revenue was not the result of actual earnings from increased production in the real sector of the economy but from exchange rate gain. Thus, we do not see

any reason to cheer the so-called increase from an economy which even the government has declared to be in recession. Rather disturbingly, the Federal Government’s expenditure in the first quarter of 2016 was more than what it was in 2015 in spite of reduced earnings. We think the government should be concerned with cutting costs instead of jubilating over nominal increase in the shared revenue.

The excitement which enveloped the JTB, a forum of financial and tax wizards, should scare observers of the country’s economy. They are quite aware that the increased revenue did not signal any improvement in the economy and the quality of life of the citizenry. It ought to be clear to the members of the JTB that since production has not increased in any meaningful way, whatever was up for sharing amongst the three tiers of government could not have been real.

The government should not take this excitement as a reason to return to the vomit of profligate spending. We are worried for instance that the recession in the economy has yet to be reflected in the activities of the state governors. Their extravagant attitude and immensely wasteful convoys and lifestyles that they cannot afford in their private lives have not been shelved. The increase in revenue is at the expense of the citizenry who these public office holders appear unwilling to spare a kind thought for and the excitement affected by the JTB may spur a chain of wrong dispositions to official spending if serious restraint is not ensured. We believe that the government should take steps to ignite the productive sector and make earnings real.

That way, the increase will be felt throughout the social strata because of its reverberating effects on employment and the earning power of the people. That is the time that Fowler’s self adulation and Amosun’s excitement will be truly justified.

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14 LETTERS TO THE

Monday, 8 August, 2016

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@yahoo.com or by sms to 08054005323. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Buhari, sustain war on corruption

I

F there is one area where President Muhammadu Buhari has performed excellently well, it is in the area of the anti-corruption war. It is so unfortunate that over the years, the funds meant to develop this country have been stolen by those we put in positions of authority to apply such for our benefits.

Isn’t it funny that these same government officials will be driving costly vehicles on poor roads which they refused to rehabilitate, as they prefer to divert the funds for the upgrade of the roads for personal uses? These politicians who also refuse to provide jobs for the youth will now have their homes nestled in high fences because of the fear of armed robbers, who are the same youths they refused to provide jobs for.

I am happy with the cur-

rent anti-corruption war of President Buhari, and he should be supported to achieve success in this assignment. Corruption has cost us a lot in this country, and one of this is the epileptic power situation we are experiencing. No country will ever develop with the little electricity we are generating for 180million people.

Having commended President Buhari, the lack of convictions for those who have stolen our commonwealth should also be giving every Nigerian cause for concern. This is the major reason special courts should be established to tackle corruption in public offices.

I hope President Buhari can send the bill to the National Assembly to establish this special court to tackle corruption among public office holders.

Every Nigerian knows that President Buhari is someone who hates corruption, and that is why we are seeing the war on corruption being tackled on all fronts. However, if President Buhari fails in this assignment, then what hope do we have that the president coming after him will also tackle this evil monster the way we are seeing now?

Corruption is our major problem, and when tackled, the country will emerge as one of the most developed countries in the world. However, we will not be able to confront this dreaded evil if Nigerians are not determined to fight it themselves.

Nigerians should be interested in the budgets of the Federal, State and local governments, studying

all the contracts awarded and monitoring them to ascertain if they are actually executed. We should also start monitoring the qualities of roads done by contractors; I don’t understand why roads constructed in less than five years should begin to dilapidate.

Such contractors should be placed in government’s black book, thereby being prevented from getting

future contracts, as this is another form of corruption in itself. There are some roads constructed in pre-colonial times in this country that are still standing strong, so with the improvement in engineering technology, why are the roads being constructed today collapsing in less than five years?

•Olumide Adesanmi, Lagos.

Economy: Govt should tax luxurious items, mansions EVEN with the economic situation in the country, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Nigerians are still buying costly luxurious items like handbags, wristwatches, sunglasses, among others. The people who opt for these items see it as a ‘class thing,’ but it is high time government started imposing high tax regime on such items so as to discourage Ni-

gerians from buying them, while encouraging locally produced items.

While the country is suffering economically, some people can still afford to buy vehicles worth millions of naira. Although it is unfair to deny those who work hard from enjoying the benefits of their hard work, this is what the current situation demands.

Mansion tax is another way the government can generate revenue in the country. Several mansions are scattered all over the country, with a single person owning properties in several cities across the country. A wealthy individual can have mansions in Abuja, Lagos and his village. It is, therefore, necessary that the government tax these mansions by their financial values.

However, while the government increases taxes on these luxurious items, I hope import taxes on food items, particularly rice, can be reduced so that Nigerians

won’t find it difficult buying food.

Some agricultural experts may feel that flooding the country with rice will not encourage local production, but the truth is that our local production cannot meet with demand, and that it why it needs to be supported with imports.

So the essence of this letter is for the government to increase the tax on unnecessary things like luxurious items, which can be produced locally, while reducing it on food imports.

•Folusola Bello, Surulere, Lagos.

Of IS and Boko Haram THE announcement last week by the Islamic State (IS) that it has appointed Al-Barnawi as the leader of the Boko Haram terrorist organisation, and the subsequent fight-back

by Abubakar Shekau, is a dangerous trend for the country.

We should not forget that Boko Haram had aligned itself with IS last year, but the decision by the terrorist organisation headquartered in Raqqa, Syria to public announce that it has appointed a leader for the Nigeria-based terrorist group, Boko Haram, should make our military strategists go back to the drawing board.

One thing is sure with this latest development, Boko Haram has split into two different factions, with one group supporting the IS recognised faction, led

by Al-Barnawi, while another faction will follow Shekau.

The fallout of this situation will be that the two groups will now strive to

out-do the other in terms of killings, and it might likely mean that what we have been experiencing in the last couple of years may be a child’s play compared to what is coming.

Our military strategists can also capitalise on the split between the Boko Haram leadership and, therefore, end the insurgency as soon as possible.

The fact that IS is losing ground in Iraq and Syria, as well as in Libya, means that we need to be extracareful in Nigeria so that the entire structure of the terrorist organisation is not transferred into the country.

I am happy that the military has regained its lost glory since the coming onboard of President Muhammadu Buhari, and I believe everything will continue to be done towards ending insurgency in the country.

•Yakub Aisha, ABU, Zaria, Kaduna State.

15

opinion

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Lasisi Olagunju

W

Lasgunju@yahoo.com (08111813053)

HEN I said the November 8 election would be rigged, Obama said my statement was ridiculous. He is dumb. What does he know about election rigging. Has he heard of Nigeria before? I mean, that is one country that has a robust history of election infractions and I have taken my time to study how they do it. I had to, especially when I know they are Obama’s second cousins. You know Nigerians and Kenyans look alike. Look at them again. They are capable of anything. So, I read them and use them as template in assessing what guys may be planning here.

Obama said it was ridiculous, that he didn’t understand what I meant. I said so, he is dumb. If he doesn’t understand anything, why can’t he read? At least I spoke with Washington Post’s Rucker last week. Brilliant fellow — although all journalists are the same — they don’t like Trump — just look at the CNN — I call that one Clinton News Network. They hate Trump. They are haters. Every minute, it is Clinton positive and Trump negative. If I have my way, I would import a Nigerian military law that says jail for journalists who embarrass public figures. Or I simply close down their television stations and newspapers.

Anyway, they are even dying. Twitter is killing them every minute. And I am the master there. I tweet away their lies.

But they don’t know. What really do they know? They are too inebriated in their anti- Trump project to notice that it is getting dark in their world.

Yes. Obama should have read my Post interview. I exposed their rigging plans. Or, maybe, he is pretending.

Anyway, whatever - I explained to the Post that the voter ID situation has turned out to be a very unfair development. I said we may have people vote 10 times. Listen to what I said: It’s inconceivable that you don’t have to show identification in order to vote or that that the identification doesn’t have to be somewhat foolproof. I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised if the election is rigged. There’s a lot of dirty pool played at the election, meaning the election is rigged. they’re fighting as hard as you can fight so that that they don’t have to show voter ID. So, what’s the purpose of that?

How many times is a person going to vote during the day?

If you don’t have voter ID . . . Multiple times. How about like 10 times. Why not? If you don’t have voter ID, you can just keep voting and voting and voting.

That is what I said in the Washington Post interview and a lot of haters think I don’t know what I am saying.

Look, I said I have studied all scenarios. You want to know if I sent investigators to Nigeria as I claimed I did with Hawaii in April 2011? You remember that episode? They were jittery then because I was going to burst their birther

Trump’s musings about Nigeria

lie. And why didn’t I? That is not a story for today. Was I in Nigeria? The Nigerians are fantastic people. In that country, if you have enough money, you can hijack any of their political parties and buy or shoot your way to power.

It does not matter whether you gave or have any clue or not. Money and bullets do it in that country. Yes, I took the Republican Party from the bosses. But I didn’t shoot anyone. I didn’t steal it. I mean, I just took it. They were dumb. They are still dumb. I gave them enough notice.

Back to my Washington Post interview. I chose my words in that interview from the Nigerian political lexicon.

Rigging; Multiple voting; Voter ID - they actually call that one PVC — Permanent Voter Card. Even Nigerians, crooked as Hillary, now give what they call PVC to voters and they pretend showing it at their elections. And, has that helped them? They still vote and vote and vote.

And there is no standard - children vote there and no one complains — including the unfair media- since they do pre-election agreement with everyone on who should be made winner. Ridiculous. That is what I won’t take here.

Imagine what I saw at the beginning of this business - in Louisiana and Colorado. The more votes I won in those states, the fewer the delegates. Crooks! I stopped them.

As I told the Post, I am now accustomed to the world of politics and I will continue to run them off the stage. They ain’t seen nothing yet.

Someone said in Nigeria that when a politician raises the kind of rigging alarm like the one I raised, all eyes shift to that person. He is the one planning to rig. Crooked

people. Are they related also to Hillary? Why should the whistle blower be the criminal? Anyway, I did not become a billionaire by being dumb. Their American brother will soon find out.

And, you know what, there are so many similarities between what they do in Nigeria and what I see in our country. Last month, they said a former minister was caught on camera loading millions of dollars into a chartered plane to bribe some officials and voters in a state in Nigeria. And just on Wednesday, I told a rally that “I woke up and I saw 400 million dollars … being flown to Iran,” And I shouted: “Folks, what’s going on here? What’s going on?” Imagine, I watched that tape, I called it a perfect tape of the people taking the money off the plane. So, what do you call that? Nigerianisation of America! They load in Nigeria, we offload in Iran. I won’t take that. We must make America great again.

Liars. They said I lie all the time and explain it all away with a tweet. Do I lie? Look. I say what I think. One hater even said I am worse than a liar. He called me a bullshit artist, enemy of truth. That means what? Someone who is crazy, someone who can’t identify reality at all. They don’t know anything. If they want bullshit artists, they should go to Nigeria. There, there is even no reality to connect with. Everything is unreal. The cleaner, the dirtier. Biggest economy in Africa, worst case of suffering. That is why I am shouting. We must save America. There won’t be a third term for Obama through Hillary.

They also said people fight at my campaigns; why can’t they just wake up and read me well. I said I use the Nigerian template. And, there has been no major casualty with me. My people only punch the faces of trouble makers.

My haters should go to Nigeria. They shoot guns there — worse than Orlando. They also say I get back at people, that I do not turn the other cheek. Is politics some sort of soul-winning evangelism? I don’t want to lose my hearing.

I may be a good student of Nigerian politics, but I am not a Nigerian who does not care if he goes deaf. If there is anything I cherish, it is my ears. Super functioning just like my mouth. That was why I properly heard and gave it back to those Muslims- Khans or what is their name? Imagine, that man abused me on Hillary’s stage and I abused him back on my own stage and the unfair press said I was wrong. How unfair! If it were in Nigeria, someone would be nursing some real, raw wounds now.

What nonsense!

Last line: What if I tell you the above is an imagined outburst from Trump? It, actually, is.

The less we depend on oil...

By Umoru Abdulkadir Ileonikhena THE need for the diversification of the nation’s economy has never been more imperative than now, especially with the dwindling oil prices in the international market.

Unless urgent steps are taken to diversify the nation’s economy, there is a great economic danger ahead of us.

Today, many state governors are unable to pay workers’ salaries and meet other recurrent expenditure due to a sharp fall in oil revenue. A situation where states had to borrow to pay salaries is the worst case scenario of how bad an economy can be.

As a way of preventing the re-occurrence of the embarrassing situation above, I propose the following ways through which the country’s economy can be diversified.

Among these various ways is agriculture. Agriculture is one of the ways or means by which the government of any country that is serious about feeding its populace and raking in foreign exchange can use to improve the living standard of its people, as well as generate revenue for infrastructural development.

Nigeria can improve her economy by showing interest in agriculture through formulation and implementation of good agricultural policies, thereby turning around the economy.

Agriculture, if given the needed attention, is capable of creating about 70 per cent of jobs for the unemployed youth.

Unemployment today is one of the greatest challenges of this country, and the Muhammadu Buhari led administration can tap into it to reduce the high youth unemployment rate.

Therefore, agriculture, being a sector that requires a large labour force, can help create employment for the large unemployed able-bodied men and women in the country.

Government partnership with private investors in agriculture, which stands at about N1.23 billion now, can grow in four-fold to N4.9 billion between this year and 2019 if this administration’s agricultural policies do not threaten the investments already in the sector. With this, many foreign and local investors will invest more in this sector of the economy if the policies are right.

The entertainment sector is also a very viable sector for the diversification of our mono-economy. The Nollywood, for instance, employs a large chunk of unemployed Nigerians and also generates significant revenue for government. The music industry as a component of the entertainment industry is also not left out of this, as the industry players have been portraying the nation’s image in positive light both within and outside the country.

Therefore, to fully utilise the potentials of this sector, there is need for government support through creation of the necessary enabling environment for the industry and stakeholders in the industry to thrive.

The government must make and enforce laws to eradicate, or reduce high level of piracy in this sector. This will help maximise the benefits in this sector to the country vis-à-vis our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

A manufacturing country stands the chance of benefitting from devaluation of currency as it reduces the prices of the exporting country, but a situation where you don’t export your goods to other countries, it can be very dan-

gerous to the economy.

The manufacturing sector is another very important sector that can rake in a lot of revenue for the government and provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youth. Instead of depending on oil, whose price is not determined by the country, but the international market, it will be better we look inward into the manufacturing sector to fully maximise the benefits of that sector of our economy.

There are, however, several challenges confronting this important sector, ranging from multiple charges by government agencies, to sourcing for foreign exchange from the parallel market. This has, as a result, made raw materials more expensive and in turn, resulted in the increase in production cost.

Basically, the manufacturing sector is heavily dependent on energy. Power supply has been erratic and insufficient gas is bought with foreign exchange; this makes the prices of locally- made goods exhorbitant.

Granting tax holiday and waiver to infant industries and provision of good roads network, electricity, healthcare facilities, among others, will help boost this sector and grow the nation’s economy.

The less we depend on oil, the better for us as a nation; a situation where about 90 per cent of the country’s revenue comes from the oil sector portends great economic danger for the economy and, therefore, the situation must not continue, hence diversification options offers a way out.

•Ileonikhena lives in Iju-Ishaga, Lagos.

16

Monday, 8 August, 2016 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

As various interest camps step up lobbying for their principals ahead of the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a chairmanship contestant, former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, speaks on the issue of zoning, fairness and justice.

KUNLE ODEREMI brings excerpts:

PDP chairmanship is about fairness to S/West —Adedoja al chairmanship of the PDP. And I believe it is only fair and by any political calculation that the position is zoned to the South-West.

Zoning it to the area will take care of the historical antecedents of the zone in the development of the party since its inception. I believe that it is in the interest of fairness and justice that chairmanship is zoned specifically to the South-West, just like other positions have been zoned and re-zoned specifically to sub-geopolitical zones in the country. For example, various positions have been zoned to the North. With the sitting of the leaders of the PDP in the South, I believe the right thing is that all the positions that have been earmarked for the South should be re-zoned to specific sub-zones in the South, including the position of chairman. We believe that it is the turn of the South-West to produce the next national chairman of the PDP. Failure of a Yoruba man to emerge as the national chairman can only mean that the PDP has very little or no regards for Yoruba interest as was evinced by the obvious cheating of the South-West from the position of Speakership in 2011 which was never rectified nor compensated for the whole four years. So, zoning the chairmanship of PDP is non-negotiable. However, whether it is zoned to the South-West or not, I believe I will emerge as the national chairman.

W

HAT do you think gives you an edge over other chairmanship contestants?

It is not about having an edge over others. It is about being in a strategic position to lead the party; to rebuild the party based on some antecedents. PDP needs a leader; a chairman whose experience and contacts cut across the geopolitical zones. I will bring my experience to bear in the discharge of my duties when elected as chairman. I have had the opportunity of having a handshake across the Niger as a well blended Southwesterner, who speaks the language and mind of the North. I am a native of Ibadan, Oyo State but was born in Kano in 1951. The opportunity I lived and worked in Kano and Jigawa states, which in the North-West; in Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states (NorthCentral), in Borno, Yobe and Bauchi (NorthEast) for over 30 years, where I had the rare privilege of understanding the language, culture and perceptions of a vast area of Northern Nigeria. It not about advantage; to me, it is an advantage to Nigeria, for it to utilize me as a true Nigerian, as a bridge builder for this country. Of course, my life experience in Abraka, then Bendel State, now Delta and Edo, which is South-South, has also provided me with a better perspective of the political realities about Nigeria. That is what Nigeria needs. The country needs a thorough-breed Nigerian that is detribalised; that understands the culture, the political and historical antecedents of different parts of this country. having served as the minister of the country, also the opportunity of serving the nation at the highest level, and at the state level, having served as a commissioner under a governor for me to learn these experiences, leadership of governance, I believe I have the capacity . I also want you to know that I have been a member of federal boards, as chairman and members of various parastatals.

But, you are trying to lead PDP at a period some observers believe the party has become a hard sell to the public?

This is the right time for people like me to lead PDP because I have never participated in any of the factions, either at the ward, state, or national level. I am a neutral person, and PDP needs neutrality in order to break the issue of factionalisation, that has erupted in the party in the last one or two years.

Is it possible to be neutral in a matter that bothers on the soul of the party as we have since so far; a situation where you have two distinct factions?

I believe this is the opportunity of bringing all the factions together. No matter how many factions you have in an organization, once you have never been a party to it, it

Adedoja

The failure of a Yoruba man to emerge as the national chairman can only mean that the PDP has very little or no regards for Yoruba interest as was evinced by the obvious cheating of the South-West from the position of Speakership in 2011 which was never rectified nor compensated for the whole four years.

gives you an opportunity to be able to find solution to the problem.

What about the insinuation that PDP has a stigma of parading supposedly corrupt leaders, given ongoing investigations into the arms fund scardal?

The issue of repositioning the PDP is a challenging task only to the extent of bringing about equity and justice in the system; that is one refined way of fighting corruption in any system. Once you give people their dues, you give them their responsibilities and you recognise that leadership and followership would see examples of our leaders. It is well-known that reconciliation within the party has been pretty difficult because most times the supposed rallying point are architects of the smoldering flame.

The recent movement/decampments from

the party as was the experience before and during the 2015 general election would have been arrested but due to total neglect of resonating divergent voices.

There is uncertainty about which of the three zones in the Southern part of the country will produce national chairman since the party seems to have thrown the race open.

We are happy that come 2019, PDP will have its presidential candidate from the North, and by political calculations, the position of national chairman is zoned to the South. No matter how many contestants come from the South, I know that I am going to garner the highest number of votes because of my contacts in different parts of the country. However that may be, the SouthWest deserves the position of national chairmanship of the party because it is the only one out of the six geopolitical zones in the country that has never produced the nation-

Many believe it is a tall dream for you to think you can bring back hitherto PDP stalwarts that have been fully entrenched in governing APC? On my emergence as national chairman, most former chairman of the party, former Board of Trustees (BoT) members, former governor and serving National Assembly members, state Houses of Assembly, founding fathers of the party have for one reason or the other left the party will return to the party because I will be seen as the best and last opportunity being a neutral party to the factions. You cannot be part of the problem and be part of the solution to the problem.

This is because PDP is still seen, regarded as the last hope of any Nigerian to be in any political party. PDP is the party that you continue to offer the best solution to the economic and political problems of this country. You can see that most Nigerians love the party.

But, your party was in government for 16 years‌.

In government for 16 years, you expect the 16 years to be 16 years of achievements and challenges, and 16 years of certain things that you learnt. But, it was 16 years of doing certain things right, and 16 years of experimenting in terms of where you think you have not done well.

So, in 16 years of being in government, you feel the PDP did well, yet it was voted out of power?

PDP did very, very well. Nigerians that voted PDP out of power will are the same Nigerians that are crying, that are yearning for the return of the party.

17

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor Sulaimon Olanrewaju | 08055001708 | lanresulaimon@yahoo.com | @lanresulaimon

leadership & management

entrepreneuership

markets

Retrieving an economy from recession:

Osinbajo and the five economists

Having failed to grow for two consecutive quarters, the Nigerian economy was confirmed by senior officials of government to have entered recession. The reason for this, according to financial and economic experts, is that the Buhari administration was too slow in taking off. Again, since the passage of the 2016 budget, money has not been pumped into the economy in a way that will engender growth and development. SANYA ADEJOKUN looks at a recent meeting between Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and some economists and if and how such efforts would be impactful.

O

N August 3, this year, Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who is also head of the Economic Management Team of the Federal Government, along with other members of the team hosted five of the frontline economists from the private sector and academia. The meeting was actually convened to sample the views of the critics on the Mid-Term Economic Framework M-TEF that is currently in the works. No doubt, however, the government team seized the opportunity to also sound out the economic management gurus on way out of current economic quagmire.

Shortly after the meeting, which held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma said “we’ve just finished a special meeting of the economic management team, as you know, we are in the middle of consultations to develop the new

mid-term economic framework, M-TEF. It is part of a comprehensive consultation process that we are embarking on to make sure that we reach out to a wide spectrum of Nigerians to get a feed back in terms of how best to make sure that we come out of this recession.”

Budgets for the next two years will be predicated on the M-TEF, which will be approved by the National Assembly.

The five-man team of economic consultants included Mr Bismarck Rewane, Mr Bode Augusto, Professor Akpan Ekpo, Dr. Ayo Teriba and Professor Badayi Sani. To be sure, the five represent different schools of economic thoughts.

Rewane, Agusto and Teriba are rightist economists, while Ekpo and Sani are a little to the left. This surely is good as government will be in a position to weigh all the development options and arrive at a decision likely to augur well for the economy. However, even

without inviting them to the Villa, the views of these erudite economists are all over the cyberspace and most of them have proffered their brand of solutions to the long term economic mismanagement and stagnation that Nigeria has witnessed over the years.

Rewane for instance had early

Nigeria’s misery index has risen from 44.1 to 45.6 per cent, about 45.6 per cent of the country’s populace could be considered miserable while the other are considered prosperous.

this year, pointed at the looming danger of not passing the 2016 budget on time, warning that except something urgent was done, the economy was going to be in trouble. He had declared during the impasse that followed the face-off between legislative and executive arms of government over budget that “Nigerians and the parliamentarians must understand the difference between what is important and what is urgent.

There is no pure budget document. Approve those things that you are comfortable with and the things that you are not comfortable with, throw them back to the ministries to do what they have to do. We cannot afford to wait.

You have to stimulate this economy into growth,” the economist stressed.

He added that “the debate at this time should be; is $38 a reasonable and realistic oil benchmark? Is it possible that we can produce 2.2 million barrels of oil per day when

analysis our quota is 1.7 and our actual production is 1.8 million? That is almost a 20 per cent deviation from the estimate. Is the deficit going to be N2.2 trillion when the price of oil has dropped and our revenue has dropped by 30 per cent?

How are we going to fill the gap?

Are we going to borrow? If we are going to borrow almost N2.3 trillion, where is the shortfall going to come from? These are the things we should be talking about.”

Again, Rewane advocated the freeing of naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria many months before the Bank eventually floated the currency when foreign exchange scarcity became an economic epidemic. In June, Rewane accused the Federal Government of insincerity in the efforts to diversify the economy.

“The revenue activity of this nation, are still concentrated on oil and gas, oil is about 89 per cent, LNG, 9 per cent and the rest.”

According to Rewane, “To test this hypothesis, ask yourself, if it is true, that oil makes only 15 per cent of this economy, close the oil wells today. It will mean that if you close them today, 85 per cent of the economy should continue. But (in reality) if you close them down, that same day, there will be no money going into the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), no dollar to fund trade, no dollar to convert into naira to fund the Government,” “Nigeria’s misery index has risen from 44.1 to 45.6 per cent, about 45.6 per cent of the country’s populace could be considered miserable while the other are considered prosperous.

“When the misery index deteriorates consistently for two quarters, the favourable rating of that administration suffers severely.

The state of the Nigeria economy, with a GDP of $500 billion and dependent on crude oil crude, as oil makes up only about 12 to 15 per cent of our crude, means that in term of revenue and the fuel that runs the economy, oil and gas mean everything.”

Ayo Teriba on his part, had observed that “while it is true that a myriad of problems was inherited from the previous regime, the new regime appears to be too preoccupied with internal challenges of government to be able to chart a future policy path for others outside government to plug into. The euphoria that heralded President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime is giving way to rising economic policy uncertainty as the regime is not providing any holistic indication of its fiscal or broader economic policy directions that others outside government can base their planning on.”

Continues on pg27

18

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Dangote Cement:

Reaping the fruits of diversification Stories by Kehinde Akinseinde-Jayeoba

A

T a recent interaction with stakeholders at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the management of one of the Africa’s leading cement company, Dangote Cement plc, were bold to say that the company, after putting in place strategy to give investors continuous smiles, is on track to ensure sustainable long term benefits.

Almost a year ago, the company shocked the manufacturing sector with the announcement of a slash in the price of Dangote Cement, a strategy aimed at increasing the volume of the cement sold in the country, hence its dominance in the building sector of Nigeria. While market watchers were intrigued by the bold steps taken by the management of Dangote, caution were applied at the effect this might bring to the market value of the company.

Eleven years gone, the company had nothing to regret as the risk taken had yielded desired result despite unforeseen challenges that could have marred the huge decision.

For the Chief Executive Officer of Africa’s largest cement producer, Onne Van der Weijde, the price slash was a part of the derisking strategy, who explained that it was itself a consequence of certain risks being reduced as we went further in 2015.

“Our gas supply was really quite stable and our new capacity in Nigeria was up and running as we’re our coal facilities on key lines there. Further, we were already doing well in the new factories we had opened across Africa and they were making a good contribution to our business.

So in this new, more certain environment, we decided we could reduce the price to a level that was in our view, more sustainable in the longer term. When we looked at it from a longer term perspective we concluded that we’d get more volume. Clearly the final quarter of 2015 was very strong for us with volumes up 36 per cent on the last quarter of 2014, so there was an immediate impact on sales. We estimate that the whole Nigerian market as a whole rose by 20 per cent in the final quarter, which is very strong,” he said.

The company also had taken steps to go in line with its mission to help Nigeria and other African countries towards self reliance and self sufficiency in the production of the world’s most basic commodity by establishing efficient production facilities in strategic locations close to key market.

In line with this, to the delight of investors, Onne Van der Weijde, announced that the company’s diversification into other African regions was finally yielding results.

According to Onne these regions have contributed 26 per cent of the Cement giants revenue in the first six months of 2016, compared to 14 per cent contributed in the prior period.

Onne Van der Weijde, who presented the company’s fact behind the figures on noted that Dangote Cement increased its top line by 20.6 per cent to N292.2 billion from N242.2 billion. Where Nigeria grew by 4.2 per cent to N216.6 billion, West & Central Africa grew its revenue significantly by 192 per cent from N17.1 billion to N49.9 billion for the first half of 2016. South & East Africa grew its top line by 50.9 per cent to N26.1 billion from N17.3 billion recorded for the corresponding period of 2015.

Africa’s largest cement producer, Dangote Cement had earlier reported a decline of 15 per cent in its profit for the half-year period of 2016. The company reported a profit after tax of N103.4 billion compared to N121.8 billion declared in H1 2015, even as profit before tax fell three per cent to N124.9 billion from N128.7 billion, on account of increasing operating cost spurred by hike in fuel cost, pipeline disruptions, FX instability amongst others.

Recently, the company has taken another step to make use of coal to further improve profit margin. The compa-

From left, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Capital Markets, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE; Onne Van Der Weijde, Group Managing Director/CEO, Dangote Cement Plc and Brian Egan, Group Chief Finance Officer, Dangote Cement Plc at the Facts Behind the Figures presentation at the Exchange. ny’s CEO noted that “Our investment in coal is enabling us to reduce our dependence on both oil and gas as fuel sources, thus protecting our production from disruption and improving margins. The devaluation of the Naira will obviously have an impact on costs and our priority will be to protect margins.”

Commenting on the year’s outlook, the cement company said “We are confident of delivering good growth this year despite the challenging economic conditions facing Nigeria and the rest of Africa. We have achieved strong sales growth in Nigeria and are readying more coal-burning facilities that will improve our fuel security, reduce our dependence on LPFO and even gas and help to restore our margins. As we have previously made clear, our focus will be to protect margins through cost controls and adjustment of prices.

“We have new capacity coming on-stream in Congo and Sierra Leone and expect Tanzania to increase its market share in the coming months. Foreign exchange constraints in Nigeria have made us reconsider the pace of our expansion and we now believe that a five-year building programme will enable a more optimal balance of funding and investment.

According to him, some of the company’s plants in Obajana in Kogi State and Ibese in Ogun State have already started using locally purchased coal for operation, blending with imported coal to assure optimal quality.

“Our investment in coal is enabling us to reduce our dependence on both oil and gas as fuel sources, thus protect-

Total additions to property, plant and equipment amounted to N251.9 billion, of which N95.5 billion was spent in Nigeria, N34.5 billion in West & Central Africa and N121.9 billion in South & East Africa.

ing our production from disruption and improving margins. The devaluation of the naira will obviously have an impact on costs and our priority will be to protect margins,” he said.

Commenting on the year’s outlook, Weijde said they are confident of delivering good growth this year despite the challenging economic conditions facing Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

“We have achieved strong sales growth in Nigeria and are readying more coal-burning facilities that will improve our fuel security, reduce our dependence on LPFO and even gas and help to restore our margins. As we have previously made clear, our focus will be to protect margins through cost controls and adjustment of prices,” he said.

The company’s Group Chief Financial Officer, Brian Egan, was confident that the company’s balance sheet remained strong with non-current assets increasing from N847.6 billion at the end of 2014 to N945.0 billion at December 31, 2015.

According to him, “this was mainly as a result of increased capital expenditure, both within Nigeria and in other African countries.

“Total additions to property, plant and equipment amounted to N251.9 billion, of which N95.5 billion was spent in Nigeria, N34.5 billion in West & Central Africa and N121.9 billion in South & East Africa. The gross capital expenditure was partially offset by a depreciation charge of N54.2 billion. There was a deferred tax asset write down of N2.2 billion, and a N70.4 billion decrease in prepayments.

The final quarter of 2015 saw the full impact of the price reduction announced in September. Cement volumes Rose 31.8 per cent to nearly 4.0Mt, compared to the 3.0Mt sold in Q4 2014 with Q4 2015 revenues of N93.8 billion.

Operating profits in the Nigerian operations increased by 1.5 per cent to N193.7 billion although the operating margin fell slightly from 51.4 per cent in 2014 to 49.8 per cent 2015.

He however explained that the impact of the price reduction in September offset margin gains from a more favorable fuel mix during the year. “Manufacturing cost of goods sold in Nigeria increased by 1.4 per cent, driven mainly by the increased depreciation charge associated with the opening of new factories, as well as by the increase in volume produced, and the fall in the value of the Naira against the Dollar, because a significant portion of manufacturing costs are dominated in US Dollars.”

19

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Quote LEADERSHIP

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

— John Quincy Adams

The 60-second

business coach PAGE 24

PAGE 24

Leaders’

forum PAGE 24

Leaders and confidence building

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

N

O matter how gifted, passionate, visionary or energetic a leader is, there is a ceiling to what he can solely accomplish. A leader achieves much more than his individual capacity through collaboration with others. This is called synergy. It is for the purpose of leveraging synergy that leaders take time to as-

semble a great team because of the recognition that the feat they are able to record is a function of the quality of the people working with them. What a leader does is to multiply his capacity and extend his reach through the people he surrounds himself with.

However, the assemblage of first class team members is not a guarantee for success. The leader still has to take a step further in order to ensure the optimization of the team members by building confidence in them.

Continues on pg20

Dupe Olusola, CEO Teragro Commodities Limited

20

21

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Continued from pg19

What is confidence?

Confidence is having a firm understanding of and belief in your ability and the value you can add to either your organization or your clients. It is not an overestimation of your capacity; that is arrogance. Neither is it an underestimation of the same; that would be poor self-esteem. It is an appropriate assessment of what you are capable of doing at a point in time. Without a proper evaluation of your ability, there cannot be an adequate estimation of your person.

Confidence is critical to productivity because a lack of it drains an individual of energy and creativity. Skill without confidence is nothing. Talent that is devoid of confidence is a disaster. Lack of confidence robs an individual of passion and vigour and what could have been a masterpiece is turned in as an ordinary piece of work. Whoever is drained of confidence has the void filled with apathy and the effect is that he is able to achieve just a fraction of what he is capable of.

Sources of confidence Self-confidence is both internal and external in nature. Self-confidence is hiked when an individual knows that he is not worthless but rather a value-adding member of a group. Those who have low self-confidence are plagued by the thought that neither they nor their contributions amount to much. They think that everybody around them believes this. Consequently, they fail to bring themselves to the point of doing as much as they are capable of doing. Eventually, what they fear catches up with them because they come up with low productivity.

A retreat into history: Mahatma Gandhi After earning a Law degree and being called to the English Bar, Mahatma Gandhi got a brief from a woman, Mami Bai. When he got to court and was to cross examine a witness, Gandhi lost the confidence to

Skill without confidence is nothing. Talent that is devoid of confidence is a disaster. Lack of confidence robs an individual of passion and vigour and what could have been a masterpiece is turned in as an ordinary piece of work. in the protégé. A leader who wants his followers to be tied to his apron string perpetually is not leading correctly.

How leaders build confidence in others There are many ways leaders build confidence in their followers. Some of them are discussed hereunder.

Mina Oforiokuma, CEO, Sopetro Marine

Adebola Akindele, GMD, CourteVille Business Solutions

Ndiomu Didi, Chairman, Nigeria Machine Tools

Lazarus Angbazo, President /CEO of GE Nigeria

How leaders build confidence put his thoughts together and interrogate the witness. Instead, he collapsed into a chair in the court to the utter amazement of everybody. His problem was that he never thought he was fit for what he had to do. He never believed in his ability to perform the functions of a lawyer. He later offered to refund the 30 rupees he had billed the client. However, the same Gandhi was later to shrug off his timidity and refused to be cowed by his South African oppressors and was also able to shake the British Empire to its very foundation as he led the nation of India in a revolt against colonialism.

THE 60-SECOND business coach

By Nicole Fallon WHAT is the most important characteristic of a leader? Some might say it’s integrity. Others may say that it’s being a good motivator. But psychologist and author Sherrie Campbell believes that self-awareness — the ability to monitor one’s own emotions and reactions — is the key factor in leadership success.

“Self-awareness keeps us grounded, attuned and focused,” said Campbell, author of “Loving Yourself: The Master of Being Your Own Person”. “When leaders are grounded, they are able to be efficient and deliberate in staying on task, and being attuned to those around them.

Leaders who have the ability to control their minds and emotions help to guide those around them to develop their own self-knowledge and success.”

How did the timorous Gandhi shed the toga of low self-esteem to the extent that he was able to challenge the almighty British authority? At the initial stage, he had to over-prepare himself, sometimes having to rehearse ad infinitum (without memorizing) nearly everything he had to say. As he gained confidence after each encounter, he became more surefooted and was able to speak off the cuff once the line of discussion was defined.

The point is that the key to self-confidence is competence which, more often than not, is a product of preparation. The more prepared a person is the more com-

petence he gains and the more confidence he has in his ability.

External sources of confidence Irrespective of a team member’s level of self-confidence, an inappropriate utterance or a negative suggestion by the leader will deflate it and make him look ineffective and lower his self-esteem. Every member looks up to the leader; he is seen as the final assessor. Therefore, a leader’s actions and inactions, with respect to the members, go a long way either to boost their confidence or rob them of same. So, the leader is the most important external

source of self-confidence for team members. Whether an individual realizes his full potentialities or not rests largely on how the leader builds confidence in him or fails to do this. One of the responsibilities of a leader is to help others increase their belief in themselves. This is done by helping them to appreciate and build confidence in their abilities. A leader is not supposed to make his followers eternally dependent on him; rather, he is supposed to build confidence in them to the extent that they are able to conduct their affairs without having to revert to him. A leader achieves this by showing that he believes

7 tips for leaders to improve self-awareness

Learning to be aware of yourself isn’t always easy, but mastering this skill can help you become a much more effective leader. Campbell shared these seven tips for improving self-awareness.

Keep an open mind When you have the ability to regulate your own emotional world, you can be attuned to the emotions of others. To be a successful leader, you have to be curious about new people and all they have to offer. This shows that you can be a team player, and don’t need to be No. 1. The more open you are to others, the more creative you become.

Be mindful of your strengths and weaknesses Self-aware individuals know their own strengths and weaknesses and are able to work

from that space. Being mindful of this means that you know when to reach out for assistance, and when you are good on your own.

Stay focused Making connections with those around you is important as a leader. But you can’t make those connections if you’re distracted. Train yourself to focus for long periods of time without getting sucked into social media, emails and other small distractions.

Set boundaries A leader needs to have strong boundaries in place. Be warm toward others, but say no when you need to say no. Be serious about your work and your passions, and keep your boundaries firm to maintain the integrity of your goals and the work you put into them.

Know your emotional triggers Self-aware individuals are able to identify their emotions as they are happening. Don’t repress your emotions or deny their causes; instead, be able to bend and flex with them, and fully process them before communicating with others.

Embrace your intuition Successful people trust their gut instincts and take the risks associated with them. Your instincts are based on the survival of the fittest and the need to succeed. They tell us what to do next.

Learn to trust these and use them.

Practice self-discipline Good leaders tend to be disciplined at work and in every area of their life. It is a character trait that provides them with the enduring focus necessary for strong leadership.

Appreciation According to Abraham Maslow in his hierarchy of needs, one of the basic needs of man is love. A leader demonstrates this to his followers by expressing appreciation to them. A good leader is quite generous with appreciation and praises for any exceptional act carried out by those he leads. By showing appreciation, confidence is built because the follower’s belief in himself is deepened; he is encouraged to do more of what is appreciated. A ‘thank you for a wonderful job’ or ‘this is great’ said to a team member is a tonic to him because it is a mark of recognition of his worth.

This is even more effective when it is done in the presence of others.

To help team members believe in themselves, the leader has a responsibility to appreciate every positive contribution they make. A leader must deliberately appreciate the attributes he wants his people to develop. Each time a staff member exhibits such attributes, the leader must endeavour to appreciate it. This encourages the staff to do more of that. It is, however, important to ensure that what is appreciated is significant so that the appreciation does not lose its essence.

Focus on strength A leader is supposed to focus on the strength of his team members, not the weaknesses. In most cases, the leader’s focus becomes the follower’s focus as well. If the leader should focus on the follower’s areas of strength, this will lead the follower to also pay attention to these areas and do all in his powers to develop them. Contrariwise, if a leader always talks about the weaknesses of the team member, that is what engages the mind of the follower and he will neglect the strength. This is counter-productive because it s easier to get more from the areas of strength

than from the areas of weakness. So, as a way of building confidence in others, it is best that leaders focus on their areas of strength instead of highlighting their weak points.

Don’t micro-manage Leaders who do not give free hand to their subordinates kill the creativity, initiative and confidence of the subordinates. Allowing people to have a sense of being in control does a lot to their confidence. The thinking is that “for the boss to allow me to do this, he must have a lot of confidence in me and I must give a good account of myself.” But when a leader does not give enough room for those working with him to work without him having to breathe down their necks, the message is clear that the leader does not have confidence in the people. If the leader does not have confidence in the people he works with, it would be difficult for them to have confidence in themselves.

Show understanding in failure The road to being a success is strewn with many failures. So, it is not unlikely that those working with you will fail at one point or the other. When this happens, it is not the time to hang them or let them know how worthless they have been all along. It is time to show compassion and understanding. It is time to let them know that you will be with them and support them. It is time to let them know that failing does not make a person a failure. It is time to let them know that failing is learning how not to go about an activity in future.

Doing this will help them to overcome the distress of failing and boost their confidence level.

Training Apart from helping people to hone their skills, sending staff members on training programmes passes a message to them that their contribution is valued. Training staff is an investment in them. Since no one invests in a worthless person, the staff members that are sent for training see themselves as being valuable to their organizations and this boosts their confidence level and encourages them to do more for the organization.

Be a model and a teacher To build confidence in others, a leader must not only model what he wants to see in them, he must also inculcate this in them. A leader must practise what he preaches for it to make sense to others but stopping at that point is inappropriate; he must also be able to teach his followers how to become who he has become. This is done by paying attention to their growth and spending time with them to share his thoughts and knowledge with them. The effort of the leader to spend time with them and share experience with them increases their confidence level and they believe that they can become as good as the leader. As observed by Winston Churchill, “If you want a person to demonstrate a virtue, impute that virtue to him in advance.”

BOOK

The Goal

By Eliyahu M. Goldratt FEW books find an audience in their initial printing and even fewer get a first revision. Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt’s novel “The Goal” is well into its 3rd revision and has sold over 2 million copies.

Perhaps part of its allure is the fictional novel format in which it is written, setting it apart from other books focused on explaining a method.

The novel starts with its main character, Alex Rogo, struggling to create success for a manufacturing plant making some fictional product and a threat that if they don’t turn the plant around in three months, the plant will be shut down. No matter what Alex and his merry band of managers do to improve productivity, they continue to struggle with meeting customer delivery commitments at a profitable price point. Until Alex fortuitously reconnects with his old physics professor in an airport waiting lounge who offers sage but somewhat obtuse advice, all hope seems to be lost.

It is Alex’s struggle to incorporate his mentor’s counsel that leads the reader down an interesting and ‘difficult to put down’ journey to understanding Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints (TOC) methodology.

Throughout the novel the author uses subtle devices to help Alex reach cathartic moments to breakthrough seemingly insurmountable roadblocks. Alex is invited to chaperone his son’s Boy Scout camping trip only to find out the troop master is sick and has delegated leadership to Alex. He finds himself surrounded by a dozen or so pre-adolescent boys, all fired up to conquer their days’ milestone, a 10mile hike in about 5 hours. Just like the factory work cells, the boys have different capacities and speeds, and one such boy (Herbie) turns out to be the troop bottleneck. As they struggle to meet their commitment to achieve the hike length in the prescribed time, Alex has the opportunity to see how Herbie’s placement in the hike order affects the overall goal. Alex and the troop discover ways to ‘exploit’ the constraint, i.e. Herbie. This is done by redistributing the contents of Herbie’s backpack and assuring he is leading the pack which changes the system’s characteristics and allows the troop to traverse their distance and arrive at the destina-

tion just in time.

The key concepts of focusing on the overall system’s goal, identifying and exploiting constraints (The Five Focusing Steps), and using a systematic approach to improvement (The Thinking Process) all centered on the idea of improving throughput are illustrated throughout the novel. One example included adding automation to the line, a fantastic idea, given the way the factory measured productivity. However, realigning the system to focus on the goal (making money) quickly pointed out that automation actually hurt the system by creating large amounts of inventory downstream at a work cell incapable of processing at the speed necessary to accommodate the throughput offered by the newly acquired automated equipment. Productivity was up, but they still couldn’t deliver product, which in turn meant their profitability suffered. By identifying the downstream constraint, realigning resources to assure the constraining equipment was consistently and constantly busy (exploiting the constraint) and allowing upstream machines to go idle (subordinating everything else) increased the factory’s throughput resulting in meeting delivery commitments and increased profitability.

The novel twists and turns using threats of plant closure, downsizing and even a marriage crisis to keep the reader engaged, all the while providing simple illustrations on how to utilize the Theory of Constraints methods. With today’s focus on lean concepts, the TOC is re-emerging as a useful tool worth consideration. A key outcome of focusing on value chains and system flow is and should be about maximizing throughput. Goldratt’s “The Goal” offers the reader an easy to understand view into using the Theory of Constraints.

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leadership&management

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

TOPE POPOOLA is a Human Capital developement Consultant and Pastor. Please feel free to send questions, feedback comments on this column to

topheritage@yahoo.com or visit http//turbochargedforsuccess.blogspot.com

C

Creating momentum with moments - 1

AN you prod your memory a bit and zero in on a particular incident that happened in your life in the past but which continues to evoke in you feelings of joy and excitement each time you recall it? Conversely, I would also like you to try and recall another event but which continues to leave you in despondency every time the memory of it is recalled.

The emotion attached to each of these events is a function of the peculiarity of the impact each had on you at the time it happened. As a result of such impact, you have, even without being deliberately conscious of it, owned those moments as integral parts of the continuum of the linkage between the past and the future. This underscores the importance of special moments in our lives. Most of our emotions are regulated by the way we perceive critical moments of events that happen to us or that we actively participate in.

Momentum in any venture is a product of passion fuelled by positive memories or experiences which in turn are products of special moments. Momentum in any organization can only be generated and sustained when the leader can continue to create new experiences that become current realities that his followers participate in or can vividly recall and relive over and over again with glee!

A moment has been defined as a very brief period of time, an appropriate time for doing something, an opportunity, an exact point in time, a particular stage in something’s development or in a course of events. In Physics, it is a turning effect produced by a force acting on an object at a distance The word ‘moment’ is derived from the Latin ‘momentum’, ‘movimentum’, ‘movere’. Moments always have something to do with movement or moves made at specific, definite, given times and with specific memorable outcomes. This clearly tells us that you can hardly create or sustain momentum without first creating moving moments.

Momentum can be defined as impetus gained by a moving object. It is the quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity. Of note here is

the fact that it is not just about motion but the quantity and quality of motion.

Moments are key to human existence because they are specific features of the sequence of life and time. Our life is the big picture, but it is divided into chapters of moments. Some we hardly remember and others we remember with uncanny precision. Special moments are memorable snapshots in a continuum. The continuum is the big picture and it is made up of a multiplicity of memorable incidents, encounters, experiences, relationships and utterances that can be etched in the stakeholders’ memory bank.

Every human being is a captive of moments yet you cannot imprison or freeze them. However you can recognize or seize them by taking advantage of the opportunities they provide.

Moments are the coded opportunities that life offers us to change, to grow, to love, to examine a relationship or a course of action or direction, to learn depending on our perception and attitude to the moment that life presents us with such chances. We capture or lose moments by what we do in and with them and the meanings we attach to them.

We seize moments by experience but we can only recapture moments through our memories. This is illustrated by the interesting experience the disciples of Jesus had with Him on the mountain of transfiguration. The incident is narrated in Matthew 17. Jesus had gone to the mountain with three of his followers Peter, James and John. Suddenly, they saw an enthralling sight of Jesus being suddenly transfigured with His clothes whiter than they had ever seen them in all the time they moved with Him. In what looked like multiple apparitions, they saw Moses and Elijah, two prophets who had died centuries earlier. Awed by this sight that could provide a perfect script for a blockbuster mystery movie, Peter could not hold himself back. In a trance-like moment of excitement, Peter attempted to perpetuate the transfiguration experience and ossify the moment. He did not realize when he blurted out, “Let us build three tabernacles; one for you (Jesus), one for

Moses and one for Elijah” What Peter was saying in essence was that the experience should be preserved for ever. It took the interjection of the voice from heaven to shake him out of his stupor and return him to reality.

Moments are the critical seeds of our destiny because the greatest gift that moments give to us is not the experience but the opportunity to take decisions on how we want to appropriate the experience of those moments and the attendant opportunities and lessons.

Joy is what you get when you have effectively appropriated the gift offered by a moment. The opposite happens when you feel or know that you lost it.

When you hear an inspirational message that challenges you to change something about yourself, that is an opportunity to redesign your strategy for entering into your future.

Why? The word of that moment just opened your eyes to the limitation of your current strategy with an awareness that you cannot continue to do the same things the same way you always have while you expect a different outcome. If you lose the opportunity offered by that moment, you have lost a part of the future. This is why you should treasure the times spent with mentors.

Education in a group environment provides you moments of instruction, formal and informal; honing of relational skills, building new networks, learning about other people’s values, culture and behavioral patterns.

By their uncanny specificity, moments create excitement or dread - excitement at what could be or dread of what is or might be but which could have been avoided, for example, a business idea or an encounter that speaks of great potential.

Compare that to sitting in front of a doctor who tells you that you have a weak heart or a disease related to your habits and you will understand what I mean.

We should treasure moments because moments give us treasures... continued.

Remember, the sky is not your limit, God is!

Why African leaders must have lucid vision

GREAT leaders who have impacted individuals, cities and nations had vision. There are very few natural visionary leaders in the corporate world. I have been providential to have worked with some visionary leaders in my little life on earth. The good news is that this is a skill that can be learned. It is in all probability the most powerful tool in a leader’s toolbox. Without vision, in my own estimation, there is no leadership. The difference between leadership in the 1st world countries and 3rd world countries is vision that is real and clear. Most African leaders waste resources because they do not have true vision. Do not forget this: leadership becomes self-serving when there is no vision. A lack of vision is the major bane in the leadership of virtually every African nation.

So what is a vision? How does it work, and how is it different from a vision statement? I like to swiftly pass on to you that one can have a vision statement without having a vision. In Nigeria, there are too many corporate organizations that do have vision statements without being visionary. Remember, you can paste a vision statement on a wall in your study and still be vision-less.

Let’s begin by defining a vision statement and a vision. A vision statement is a statement describing where and what an organization wants to be in the future. It usually remains unchanged for many years. There is nothing wrong with vision statements. They have their place in the organizational structure. However, vision statements do not necessarily translate into action. Without action, an organization has a nicely framed statement on the wall but no forward motion.

Over the years, I have seen too far many organizations with nicely framed statements on varied walls without any forward motion. It is a disaster for an organization, a ministry, a government agency, an institution and a nation to have vision statements without a vision.

In dissimilarity, vision can be defined as a picture in the leader’s imagination that motivates people to action when

communicated compellingly, passionately and clearly. In other words, it is not enough to have a vision. Beyond having a vision, a leader should be able to communicate it compellingly, passionately and clearly to those who are under his leadership. If this does not happen, no one will run with the vision. And without people who believe in the vision and are passionately running with it, the vision shall perish.

To be a visionary, a leader needs to have nothing more than a clear vision of the future. The difficult task is communicating that vision with clarity and passion in order to motivate and inspire people to take action. A visionary leader who clearly and passionately communicates his or her vision can motivate human resources to act with fervor and purpose, thereby ensuring that everyone is working toward a common goal. The end result is that everyone contributes to the organization’s forward momentum.

I have asked this question time and again: “What is our vision as a nation?” Why are we existing as a people? What are we becoming in the days to come? What does the future of Nigeria look like? Do we have visionary leaders, who are passionately, compellingly and clearly communicating the vision with the citizenry, so we can run with it? We are a people without a vision. This is why we have been wasting our vast resources over the years. Nigeria needs a vision! Without a clear and striking vision, there is no future for us as a people.

And without a vision that we all believe in, corruption will continue to be on the increase in this nation. Nothing instills discipline as a clear and striking vision. Most of our leaders are lawless today because they are vision-less.

Additionally, “in order to take the organization to the highest possible level, leaders must engage their people with a compelling and tangible vision,” said Warren Bennis, professor of Business Administration at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business. This is also true of a nation as Nigeria. To take Nigeria to the highest level possible, our political leaders shall need to start en-

gaging the citizenry with a compelling and tangible vision.

What follows is a practice exercise that you can use to develop and hone your visionary communication skills either as a leader or would be leader: One, think of just one challenge within your department, team, group, organization, nation... Are you still with me?

Can you think of any challenge facing your department, group, team, organization, nation…?

Two, imagine the life-size picture. Visualize the inconceivable future success that you will realize from the new and improved situation, as well as the benefits to the organization, to the employees, the nation and to the citizenry. This is your chance to be a true visionary. No dream is too big or too fantastic.

Three, determine how you will communicate your vision.

What words and phrases will you use? In what environment will you choose to communicate your vision – in a staff meeting, one on one, with supervisors and managers? How will you communicate the benefits to the staff and to the organization? Write down your ideas on paper. This is so crucial.

Four, practice communicating what you have written...

Make sure it sounds sincere. Practice out loud to yourself and to others. If you do not believe it, no one else will believe it either. If you use this exercise frequently, you will find that expressing your vision in a compelling and clear manner will soon feel very natural. You will need to master what I am sharing with you today either as a leader or would be leader.

Lastly, when you are ready to communicate your vision to your people, give them only the vision of success. Great leaders use vision as a tool to inspire and motivate, not to dictate. Do not give your employees the steps for achieving the vision, but let them determine the methods and tactics for achieving the goal. Great leaders know how to give the gift of vision and then step away.

See you where great leaders are found.

23

Monday, 8 August 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Are tech start-ups leveraging on

Africa’s growing cosmetics industry?

By Ruth Olurounbi

T

HE global cosmetics market standing at $460 billion in 2014 and estimated to reach $675 billion by 2020, growing at a rate of 6.4 per cent, according to an NPD Group report, provides a great opportunity for African tech start-ups, reports have shown.

If a recent Deloitte report on Nigeria’s beauty industry is to be believed, sales in the beauty and personal care sector were valued at $595.8 million in 2011, up from $439.8 million in 2006, predicting that 2016 Nigeria’s young consumers will drive industry sales to $620.2m. In fact, according to Deloitte, bath and shower gels recorded

Professionalism now infused to make-up industry

$240 million in sales in 2011, while skin care recorded $88 million and hair care recorded $79.9 million.

And with major international players such as L’Oreal’s, Procter & Gamble’s and Unilever’s expansionist strategies to capture the beauty and personal care market in Africa, the continent’s beauty market is expected to be worth $13.2 billion in 2017, according to reports. In fact, reports have it that the continent’s beauty market could double over the next decade, with a projected annual growth rate of five to 10 per cent in the sales of beauty and personal care products.

With the projection that African middle class will grow to 1.1 billion by the year 2060, it is expected that the continent will record a significant growth in the industry,

10 steps to becoming a successful entrepreneur

as “population growth, increasing consumer awareness and lifestyle changes due to urbanisation are boosting demand for beauty and personal care” in Africa, according to Euromonitor International. Algeria and other African countries are already experiencing this.

Also, with “increasing numbers of women joining the workforce means more economically independent female consumers,” thus, Africa will experience a surge in demand for beauty and personal care products. Couple with the fact that the “beauty industry is known to be resistant to economic downturns - even faring well during the Great Recession of 2008” according to franchisehelp.

Continues on p24

Heritage Bank commended on SME’s support, financial literacy initiatives

24

Monday, 8 August 2016

Africa’s growing cosmetics industry Continued from p23

com, the beauty industry is certainly expanding.

A guide look at the global market revealed the enormous potential of the cosmetic market. For instance, a 2005 report by the Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry put the market volume of the cosmetics industry in the US, Europe, and Japan at about €70b per year, while the United States’ cosmetic industry’s size was put at $42.8 billion in 2008 by Pell Research in its Cosmetics Manufacturing Report.

According to a May 2007 data by Eurostaf, the worldwide cosmetics and perfume industry generates an estimated annual turnover of $170 billion, with Europe being the leading market, representing approximately €63 billion. United Kingdom’s beauty industry is worth £17 billion, a Raconteur’s The Beauty Economy 2015 report says, estimating that UK beauty consumers spent an average of £342.90 (record high) on beauty and skincare last year.

Cosmetics sales in France for instance reached €6.5 billion in 2006, according to Fédération des Industries de la Parfumerie (FIPAR), the French federation for the perfume industry report, while Germany’s cosmetic industry, according to reports, generated €12.6 billion of retail sales in 2008, which makes the German cosmetic industry the third largest in the world.

Data continue to show cosmetic industry enormous potential and strength, as well as unlimited op-

portunities in the industry. A 2007 estimate shows that Italy’s cosmetics industry, dominated by hair and body products which make up approximately 30 per cent of the market, reached €9 billion. Italy, hair and body products make up.

Opportunities In the United States alone, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showed are nearly one million people are employed in the primary service segments of the market. However one slices it, a number of trends within the industry that will continue to drive growth and revenue in Africa’s emerging market.

As products and services target teeming Africa’s young population, the babies, as well as the aging population provide immense opportunity for those interested in entering the market, Damilola Sanmi-Ogundele a beauty therapist in Lagos told Entrepreneurship+.

According to her, as more African mother experience finance independence, the demand for premium products for proper skin protection for their children begins to escalate.

Where do the tech start-ups come in?

Very recently, beauty companies like L’Oréal and Unilever, among others launched try-on apps and an extensive social media campaign. However, as Euromonitor highlighted in its blog post, the “potential of technology in beauty is still at a nascent stage.” But, the good news is, as consumers embrace technology in their everyday lives, beauty companies “will start to put technology at the centre of their core strategy, making it an intrinsic part of the product,” Euromonitor said.

The question is, with Africa’s start-ups rise will the growth in the industry?

Heritage Bank commended on SME’s support, financial literacy initiatives

By Chima Nwokoji HERITAGE Bank Plc has been highly commended by the Lagos State Government on its active support of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and its financial literacy initiative aimed at driving financial inclusion of young persons in the country.

One of such entrepreneurship support areas is the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with about 1500 NYSC and post-NYSC youth are beneficiaries in the first phase.

The commendation which came through the office of the Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule at the weekend referenced major components of the bank’s financial literacy initiatives and entrepreneurial support

which it had embarked on within a very short period of existence as a bank.

Specifically, the Deputy Governor referenced the launch of a comic book, “The Protectors” by Heritage Bank last May, which the Managing Director of the emerging bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, had designated as “Children’s Banking Month 2016.”It was meant to drive financial inclusion among children, who he referred to as “holding an important position in the destiny of our great nation, Nigeria.”

Sekibo had stated then that “Our theme for this year’s celebration is “Taking the Early Lead” and aligned with this is our financial literacy campaign geared towards equipping you with the requisite knowledge to make you a remark-

able leader in future. This is also in keeping with the bank’s vision of creating, preserving and transferring wealth across generations.”

In a letter of appreciation to the Managing Director of Heritage Bank, Dr. Adebule, who was represented at the comic book launch by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi, stated that “the launch of the financial literacy comic book for young persons by the bank, spoke volume about her (Heritage Bank) organizational abilities and the resolve to reposition the bank to capture young people.”

This is evidenced through various initiatives, programmes, events and resource kits to increase awareness of the world of finance and wealth creation.

Nigerian Tribune

Professionalism now infused to make-up industry Damilola Sanmi-Ogunlola is the founder of House of Silk, a beauty outfit, which specialises in makeup artistry, in Ibadan, Oyo State. Prior to founding her outfit, she bagged her first and second degrees from the Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan. In this interview with RUTH OLUROUNBI, she speaks to the growing beauty industry in Nigeria and its challenges.

IN the years since you have been in this industry, what are your personal observations? Where do you see it going?

I see professionalism being infused into the make-up artistry industry, I see standards being set and followed strictly. Some of my expectations for the future of the Industry are beginning to materialise faster than I thought they would be. We have the Make-up Artist Guild of Nigeria (MAGN), a body that is seeing to it that make-up artists in Nigeria are accorded the same prestige as other professions. Beyond now, I also see an industry that has the capability to meet the varying demands of the Nigerian populace at different economic levels.

Do you think there is still a huge demand for beauty and personal care products, especially with the economic realities in Nigeria at the moment?

As long as we have women who alone form a larger proportion of the Nigerian population, the demand of beauty and personal care products will continue to be on the increase despite the economic recession. A typical Nigerian woman definitely wants to look very presentable at all times and in the bid to fulfil that desire; she continually invests a portion of her earnings in beauty and care products.

You seem like an adventurous person, does your work give you an opportunity to explore the world?

I have known I had such tendency but I haven’t really explored that trait until my interest in the make-up business started opening opportunities to explore.

What are the challenges to you as an entrepreneur and

the industry as a whole?

The challenge that I am faced with as an upcoming entrepreneur is the cost and time of expanding the business because of the demand for my services within and outside my location. However, I am optimistic that with God, that challenge will be surmounted.

With respect to the industry, to me, it’s the infiltration of so many half-baked make-up artists that parade themselves as professionals and underestimate the value/ worth of the services they render to clients in the name of survival.

What prompted you into beauty industry?

My desire to look good, to make people look good and see people look good took me to the industry.

That I have degrees in forestry shows that what I studied is far from what I am practicing now. It’s a pointer to the fact that I decided to pursue my passion which is ‘creativity’, I am a work in progress and with God’s grace, I am positive about exceeding my dreams.

Do you have a makeup school and if you don’t, is it something you plan to have in the future and where do you plan to see yourself in Nigeria?

My make-up studio is growing speedily and it’s already in our plan to see it become a makeup school in the years ahead. I envision House of Silk being one of the very best in the industry, I also see the brand House of Silk being an umbrella to a chain of businesses, by God’s grace with determination and hard work, it will become a reality.

If you’re not making your clients up, what else do you do?

I love to cook, watch movies and hang out in my spare time and of course travel when the opportunity avails itself. I am gifted with the ability to multitask while achieving what I have set my mind to do and maximize resources at my disposal to do that. I have the quest for excellence and with total dependence on God, all of these things become easier than one will naturally expect.

25

Monday, 8 August 2016

10 steps to becoming a successful entrepreneur

Ruth Olurounbi

0811 695 4637 (sms only) e:ruth.olurounbi@tribune.com.ng t:@Olurounbi

SUCCEEDING as an entrepreneur takes hard work and persistence because, unfortunately, there is no business-startup fairy who magically bestows success on small businesses and their owners.

Most successful entrepreneurs follow comparable patterns and share similar basic characteristics. Hundreds of online articles and published books claim to know the secret of success in business, but for the most part, they boil down to the same major points.

Passion, perseverance and a positive attitude tend to set successful entrepreneurs apart. Cultivating these attributes requires an innate skill set and some tips to get started.

So here are the main items to take into consideration if you’re trying to develop a business platform. These elements constitute will support a smart strategy for any new enterprise: 1. Love what you do Passion is key to keeping a business strategy moving.

Half-heartedness in an entrepreneurial endeavor will chip away at your drive to succeed. Perseverance is the one thing that’s guaranteed to move anything over time, whether it’s a person, a job or an entire company. Abraham Lincoln failed at most of his efforts until late in his life, but he never gave up.

2. Take baby steps Jumping all in is rarely ever successful. There are success stories about people who invested everything once and came out winners after six months or a couple years, but those are rare. Risk management is an essential factor in any startup, and balance is vital. You can absorb losses more easily if you take smaller risks in the beginning.

Those will provide essential and productive lessons.

Related: Forget Big Goals. Take Baby Steps for Small, Daily Wins.

3. Learn from others Successful entrepreneurs often worked for others in their field of choice before striking out on their own. Spending a few years in the industry under an excellent mentor will provide a good launching pad. Learn from your predecessors’ mistakes and brainstorm about how to improve upon their model. Find someone willing to teach, and think about starting your business elsewhere when you leave.

4. Learn how to self-promote Confidence and a good elevator speech can take any pitch to the next level. The first marketing any company experiences comes from its founder. Spend time learning how to share your vision without coming across as “salesy.” Don’t be afraid to ask for the sale, but remember: the client is always the focus.

5. Constantly take action Entrepreneurs are movers and shakers. They can’t afford to analyze every detail or they’d never get anywhere. There is no place for procrastination in a startup. It’s a 24/7, no-vacation-or-sickdays kind of job that demands constant forward momentum. Make a brief assessment at every step and move on it.

Trust your instincts.

Related: The Scientific Reason You Should Trust Your Gut Continues next week

Nigerian Tribune

Why you shouldn’t quit your job just yet

O

N Friday night, I received a phone call requesting that I run this piece again. So here it is. Hope it helps Starting a business is exciting! I would know – I have started several businesses in my short years on earth.

There’s nothing as exhilarating and as beautiful as giving life to a new venture. In fact, those who have been at it for longer swear that there’s no better way to be wealthy than to be an entrepreneur. In fact, you’ve probably been preached to, or told to quit your job to start your own business and you may probably been considering it. And you’re right to. But before you quit your job to become an entrepreneur, here are a few things you should know first.

Be familiar with the 5Ws&H rule or if you will, principle

Why: Why do I want to start a business? Why do I need to start a business? Remember, the need to start a business far outweighs the “want” to start a business. Most businesses succeed because they are out to provide specific solutions. This is where you find out what kind of solutions are lacking in your environment and find a way to provide them. And while you’re figuring this out, you’ve got ask another “why?” question – why should they buy your product or service?

Who: To whom am I providing these solutions? This is where you outline your potential market. Demographic factors come into play here. Your typical factors include age, gender, marital status, race, education, income and occupation. Another “who?” to consider is the competition – “who are your competition?” What: is the cost

of providing these solutions? Your cost includes the investment you put into developing your solution - finance, psychology, emotions, social, etc. What are you willing to give up for your success?

Are you ready for the cost? Again, another “what?” question you may want to answer is “what is my unique selling point?” What differentiates you from your competitors?

Where: Where are they? Where your potential customers at? Are they offline or online? If they are online, where specifically are they? When: when do you launch your business? How: do I get my products and service to them?

Technology has made life simpler for your consumers, don’t complicate it.

As much as you’d love to, you’re not going to know everything Remember how shocked you were to realise that you had to learn on the job, despite the fact that you had a decent education in college? Well, that’s sort of how business is. You’re probably not going to know everything at your first start, and you’re probably not going to know everything 10 years down the lane. What’s important is that you know what’s most important to you and to your business, and to learn to be opened to learning.

Your environment and your customers Yes, I remember! I said you’re probably not going to know everything at first. But I did say it’s important that you knew what’s important to your business, right? Your business environment, as well as your customers, is important to your success. Take the time to know how your industry

operates, what moves and shakes it and how your customers think. If you’re proposing a service, you want to know why they need the service and why they should part with their hard-earned money to buy it.

Be intimate with governing laws You want to be duly and thoroughly informed about your country’s laws – tax laws and all laws that regulate industry you’re operating in. You need to understand the regulations you need to follow, the licenses to procure and taxes you will pay for your new business. It’s quiet tempting to want to skip this part, especially in Nigeria, but it is safer for you to not skip this part. Do some initial research into these and go ahead and consult with a lawyer and accountant to confirm what you got for research and to help structure your business, in compliance with the law. But why do I need this did you ask? Well, other than the fact that your business is structured in compliance with the law, you want to know that you’re paying the correct tax to the government (multiple or double taxation comes to mind here); you want to make sure you’re charging the correct amount of taxes your business is into – you don’t want to be arrested for defrauding your customers; and three for your peace of mind. Starting a business is hard enough; you don’t want some technical legality getting in your way later on.

You will fail and it’s okay Even with the best business plan in the world, you are still probably going fail. But what’s important is you don’t let the failure crush you.

Starting a business is like learning to walk, you take the first few steps and you find yourself smacked down the floor. Like a baby learning to walk, pick yourself up and keep walking until you footings are sure, and measured.

26

Monday, 8 August, 2016 CBN Exchange Rates

Date

Currency

Buying(NGN) Central(NGN) Selling(NGN)

8/5/2016 US DOLLAR

310

310.5

EURO

345.929 346.487 347.0449

SWISS FRANC

318.5695

YEN

3.0672 3.0721 3.0771

CFA

0.5054 0.5154 0.5254

WAUA

431.2157 431.9112 432.6067

YUAN/RENMINBI 46.6683

RIYAL

82.649 82.7823 82.9156

DANISH KRONA

46.504

SDR

433.163 433.8617 434.5603

319.0833

46.744

46.579

311

319.5972

46.8197

46.654

FGN Bonds

Government Securities

Date of Auction 5/11/2016 5/11/2016 5/11/2016 4/13/2016 Security Type FGN Bonds FGN Bonds FGN Bonds FGN Bonds Tenor Maturing On 5 Year 10 Year 20 Year 5 Year

2/13/2020 1/22/2026 3/18/2036 2/13/2020

2/13/2020 1/22/2026 3/18/2036 2/13/2020 Amount Offered (N mn) 15 40 50 20 Subscriptions (N mn) 35.40 51.71 72.49 58.53 Tot. Successful (N mn) 7.50 20.00 25.00 20.00 Net Sales (N mn) Range of Bid Rates 10.9900 11.0000 11.0000 10.0000

- 18.0000 - 18.0000 - 18.0000 - 18.0000 Successful Bid Rates 10.9900 11.0000 11.0000 10.0000

- 13.2490 - 13.7430 - 13.9000 - 12.0000 Marginal Rate 13.249 13.743 13.9 12

Auction Date 8/3/2016 Security Type NTB Tenor 91 Auction No 03-08-2016-91 Day Auction Primary Market Maturity Date 11/3/2016 Total Subscription 69442.52 Total Successful 45177.87 Range Bid 9.0000 - 19.0000 Successful Bid Rates 9.0000 - 15.4400 Description Issue Rate 15.44 True Yield 16.0581 Amount Offered (mn) 45177.87

NITTY as @ August 4, 2016

Tenor 1M

Rate (%) 13.24

Change (%) -2.61▼

2M

15.3016 -1.92▼

3M

16.4276 -1.34▼

6M

19.5136 0.65▲

9M

20.8107 -0.13▼

12M

24.6703 1.39▲

with Chima Nwokoji m:08032637535 e:chimatitus@yahoo.com

AMCON recovers over N644bn in 5 yrs, posts loss of N304.35bn in one year

I

N over five years of operation, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has succeeded in recovering over N644 billion, even as it declared a 2015 loss of N304.35 billion ($982 mln), wider than previous year’s loss of N275.49 billion, after it wrote-down the value of collateral recovered from its purchase of bad loans.

The “bad bank” on Friday, also said it has successfully settled over 56 per cent of the total N3.7 trillion (about N2.072 trillion) bad debts it had to manage from various individuals, groups

and organisations in the country.

Nigeria’s “bad bank” AMCON on Thursday posted a 2015 loss of N304.35 billion ($982 mln), wider than last year’s loss of N275.49 billion, after it wrote-down the value of collateral recovered from its purchase of bad loans.

Executive Director, Aminu Ismail, said the 2015 loss was also partly due to interest paid on a N3.8 trillion ($12.3 bln) bond due to the central bank which it used to acquire the bad loans.

AMCON was set up in 2010 to absorb bad loans as part of activities targeted at

resolving a financial crisis in Nigeria.

He further said NPL ratios jumped to 93 per cent of its total bad loans in 2015, up from 57 per cent a year earlier, as the weak economy impacted debt repayment.

Ismail said AMCON stopped buying NPLs two years ago and was now focused on recoveries to enable it to wind-down its activity by 2023, when its debt to the central bank matures.

Only recently, the corporation said its involvement in receivership of about 50 businesses and more than 180 businesses

under enforcement do not mean that it is running businesses as perceived by some people, but plans to introduce the “real-estate investment scheme” by the end of the year to raise money to meet its bond repayments, Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Kuru, said in an interview. “It plans to sell the properties when the economy improves and the assets can attract fair value,” he was quoted as having said.

“The agency is confiscating more assets than its receiving from its recovery efforts as businesses battle to sell products and generate cash,” Kuru added.

Ecobank Nigeria rejigs with three pillar consumer campaigns Chima Nwokoji -Lagos ECOBANK Nigeria last week made re-adjustments in the mode of service delivery which led to a launch of fully-integrated consumer advertising campaign that rests on three pillars: digital convenience, relevance and choice.

Known as “Move on Up,” the campaign is centered on the bank’s drive to ensure that consumers have world-class accessible and convenient digital banking solutions across the country.

Ecobank Nigeria’s Managing Director, Charles Kie said, “We are delighted to be launching this campaign in Nigeria. Ecobank Nigeria has grown consistently over the years to become a wellrecognised corporate brand in the Nigerian banking industry. Our mission is to ensure that our customers have access to world-class, convenient, accessible and reliable banking solutions in Nigeria. This new campaign demonstrates how we are fulfilling that mission.”

Ecobank Nigeria is a subsidiary of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

(ETI), which is currently present in 36 African countries. Ecobank Nigeria currently operates a consolidated online, real time branch network in over 450 locations across the country.

Its Deputy Managing

Director, Tony Okpanachi said, “The new campaign also showcases our widest ever range of banking solutions and the many ways Ecobank helps consumers every day.”

The first pillar is digital convenience through which he explained that the bank

intends to offer customers the convenience of banking they desire. This stems from being able to pay with an Ecobank card to making financial transactions on their mobile phones, over the internet, at automated teller machines and at different points of sale.

Skye Bank pledges improved IGR for states SKYE Bank Plc, has expressed its readiness to assist states in the country improve on their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) generation, plug leakages in collection of services across all revenue channels and help solve ghost workers syndrome through efficient payroll software expertise.

The bank which currently has lead IGR mandate in no fewer than six Northern states in the last 12 months, handles several other revenue services and revenue mandates for ministries, departments and agencies of several states and the Federal Government.

The bank has mandates as the payroll bank for Kogi, Nasarawa and Katsina States, in addition to being re-appointed as lead col-

lecting bank for Kogi, Kano, and Taraba states in the areas of IGR and services.

In addition, the bank handles the Hajj Commission Collections accounts for several states in the North, as well as the Federation Account and Allocation Committee’s accounts of some states.

Recently, the Lagos State Government directed all its agencies, ministries and parastatals to increase business relationship with Skye Bank, just as Kogi State re-appointed the bank as its lead collecting Bank for the State Internally Generated Revenue and services.

The news of the re-appointment of Skye Bank was contained in a letter signed by the State’s Accountant General, Alhaji Momoh Ji-

brin and addressed to the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of the bank, Tokunbo Abiru.

The bank’s IGR and service mandates also cover states in the South South, South West, North Central and the South Eastern parts of the country. The bank has helped and still helps several states raise their revenue profile as well as block leakages in their tax administration system.

Skye Bank Nigeria’s leading financial service provider, is credited to have developed IGR and employee biometric solution that has been deployed for the enhancement of IGR collections and abolition of ghost worker syndrome in several states in Nigeria.

Nigerian Tribune

Money Market Review

THE money market last week opened with aggregate financial system liquidity at N253.6 billon. Open Buy Back (OBB) and Over Night rate (O/N) trended upward throughout the week as Open Market Operation (OMO) and T-bills Primary Market Auctions took a drag on liquidity levels. On Monday, OBB and O/N lending rates rose 4.3 per cent apiece as system liquidity declined as a result of OMO auctions conducted by the CBN, where N170.3 billion was mopped up from the system.

Dealers at Afrinvest West Africa Limited said the auctioned instruments were the 353-days and 185-days bills at marginal rates of 18.5 per cent and 18.0 per cent.

At the start of Tuesday’s trading session, aggregate system liquidity stood at negative N10.1 billion thus reducing OBB and O/N rates to 15.5 per cent and 16.6 per cent respectively. On Wednesday, liquidity remained at low levels as OBB and O/N rates increased to 18.7 per cent and 19.6 per cent, further increasing to 19.8 per cent and 20.8 per cent on Thursday. OBB and O/N rates eventually closed the week at 19.5 per cent and 20.6 per cent, Up 16.3 per cent and 15.9 per cent Week on Week (W-o-W) respectively.

Activities in the Treasury Bills market were majorly dictated by financial system liquidity levels which were dragged by the CBN’s activity in the primary market. The Apex Bank sold N245.2 billion in Treasury Bills at Wednesday’s primary market auction. The auctioned instruments were the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day instruments at stop rates of 15.4per cent, 18.1 per cent and 18.5 per cent. The T-bills auction was 2 times oversubscribed. Average T-bills rate for the week settled at 17.4 per cent, up 0.2 per cent W-o-W. In the week ahead, the dealers expect rates in the money market to remain in the double digits consequent on current liquidity levels.

Foreign Exchange Market The foreign exchange market remains pressured at both the interbank and parallel markets as a result of the lingering FX liquidity crunch. Contrary to last week when the exchange rate was relatively stable at the parallel market, the naira depreciated all week and hit a low of N400/$1 on Thursday. The illiquidity in the interbank, pressure from 41 items termed inadmissible for FX at the interbank window, increased dollar demand by summer vacationers and students returning to school abroad, has kept the naira pressured on the street. The interbank market was however less volatile this week as the naira traded at a week-high of N311.06/$1 on Wednesday and a low of N318.91/$1 on Friday, a 0.7 per cent appreciation W-o-W. The naira has depreciated 12.4 per cent said Afrinvest, since the launch of the new interbank market.

In the futures market, the current total value of subscribed CBN’s naira settled futures contracts for 12 different maturities stood at $1.7 billon with the NGUS APR 26 2017 as the most subscribed at a value of $658.6 million.

This is unsurprising as the instrument was previously trading at N210/$1.00 before it was recently reviewed to N260/$1. Until the supply of FX improves significantly at the interbank market, the mounting demand may continue to pressure rates downwards.

Bond Market Activities in the bonds market were largely minimal last week. On Monday, average yield across benchmark bonds declined 0.2 per cent to 15.2 per cent (from 15.4 per cent on Friday) with some buying activities at the longer end of the curve. However, as demand slowed down, average yield increased albeit marginally, up 4basis points bps to 15.3 per cent on Tuesday, settling at 15.3 per cent by mid-week.

This quietness in the local bonds market continued till the end of the week as average yield across benchmark bonds closed the week at 15.3 per cent, down 0.1per cent W-o-W. In the Eurobonds market, the Nigerian Corporate Eurobonds also experienced bearish performance save for the Zenith Bank 2019 instrument with a 0.2 per cent W-o-W decline in yield. Similar to week before last, buying interest in the Nigerian sovereign Eurobonds continued to slow down as the FGN 2023 and FGN 2018 sovereign Eurobonds instruments rose 1bp apiece W-o-W while the FGN 2021 sovereign Eurobond yield declined 5bps W-o-W. The Ghana 2023 and 2026 sovereign instruments witnessed buying interest with yields down 0.6per cent and 0.4 per cent W-o-W respectively.

Higher yields on money market instruments continue to discourage interest in bonds. “We expect activity to remain soft in the interim until the next bond auction scheduled for August 17, 2016 where the Debt Management Office (DMO) plans to raise at least a total of N95.0billion in JULY 2021, JAN 2026 and MAR 2036 instruments,” said Afrinvest.

Nigerian Tribune Monday, 8 August, 2016 27 Despite challenges, Fitch affirms creditworthiness of 8 Nigerian banks

B

ARELY a week after a global credit rating agency, Fitch Ratings declared that Nigerian banks are likely to face more challenges as the nation’s benchmark interest rate continues to rise, the agency Friday affirmed the national ratings, which measures creditworthiness of eight Nigerian banks.

The banks are First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), United Bank for Africa (UBA), Fidelity Bank, Diamond Bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Union Bank , Stanbic IBTC Bank, the Bank of Industry (BOI) as well as Stanbic IBTC Holdings (SIBTCH).

A statement from the international agency explained that the rating actions followed Fitch’s downgrade of Nigeria’s Long-Term Local Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘B+’ from ‘BB-’, as a result of which it now equalised with the long-term foreign currency IDR. It further explained that its latest action was driven by the change in Fitch’s sovereign rating criteria.

“Following the sovereign criteria change and rating action, Fitch has recalibrated the National Rating scale for Nigeria. As a result the national ratings for the aforementioned banks were affirmed as there is no change in their relative creditworthiness,” it stated.

According to the agency, the national rating of UBA was based its standalone creditworthiness and was also underpinned by potential sovereign support.

Also, the national ratings of FBN, Fidelity, Diamond, FCMB and UBN were based on potential sovereign support given their systemic importance, just as the national ratings of Stanbic and SIBTCH were based on the probability of support from their parent, Standard Bank Group Limited (SBG; BBB-/Stable).

SBG has a majority 53.2 per cent stake in SIBTCH, which in turn owns 100% of Stanbic IBTC. “Fitch believes that SBG’s support would extend equally to both the bank and the holding company.

The national ratings of BOI are driven by potential sovereign support reflecting its 99.9 per cent state ownership, its policy role and the bank’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economic and industrial development.

“The banks’ (apart from UBA, SIBTC and SIBTCH) national ratings are sensitive to a weakening

ability of the Nigerian sovereign to provide support. UBA’s National Ratings are sensitive to both

a weakening in sovereign support as well as any change in its standalone credit worthiness”, it said.

“The national ratings of SIBTC and SIBTCH are sensitive to a change in potential support

(relating to both ability and propensity) from their ultimate parent, SBG. The national ratings of SIBTCH

and SIBTC could withstand a three-notch downgrade of SBG’s long-term IDR,” it added.

Diamond Bank, FCMB mull fresh capital raising THERE were strong indications over the weekend that two Nigerian banks: Diamond Bank and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) are considering raising fresh capital.

While Nigerian mid-tier lender FCMB plans to raise N10 to N15 billion ($47 million) in Tier II debt to boost its capital ratio and will target its retail investors for the offering, Diamond Bank is considering raising fresh capital and selling some assets in order to maintain its capital ratios, its chief executive said

on Wednesday their chief executive officers said last week.

Reuters quoted Uzoma Dozie, Managing Director, Diamond Bank, as having said the bank’s capital plan will ensure it meets all regulatory requirements both in the short term and in the future. Diamond Bank’s capital adequacy ratio had fallen to 15.6 per cent of assets by mid-year from 18.6 per cent a year ago.

“We are doing a capital management plan and that will determine how much capital we want to raise,

tenor and size,” Dozie told an analysts’ conference call.

“We don’t have any need to grow our branch network any more. We are also looking at some assets that we can dispose of and we are a long way into that,” he said.

Also, the Managing Director FCMB, Ladi Balogun said the bank’s capital ratio was close to the regulatory limit of 15 percent by half-year, and that it was doing the capital raising to provide some cushion. He said the bank was also slowing

down loan growth.

“For the Tier II we would be looking at anywhere in the range of 10 to 15 billion naira. It’s really going to be targeted at retail because we feel that the rates from institutions will be high,” Balogun told an analysts conference call.

“We have interest from some depositors who want higher yields.”

The central bank shored up mid-tier lender Skye Bank this month with a loan and replaced its management after its capital fell below levels required by regulators and

it has been urging people not to panic about the banking system.

But pressure is building, with loan books - nearly half of them in dollars hammered by a shrinking economy, a plunging currency and acute foreign exchange shortages in Africa’s biggest oil producing nation following the slump in oil prices.

To this end, the apex bank has told lenders to set aside extra provisions against their dollar loans in the wake of the sharp fall in the naira since it floated the exchange rate in June.

FG and effort to beat recession Continued from pg17

He then advised on the need to create economic management institutions that will: help him and the National Assembly engage more directly on economic issues and generate ideas and policy directives for ministries to implement in order to overcome the weak Presidential and Parliamentary economic engagement; and undertake the task of budgeting and policy coordination that previous regimes left in the hands of adhoc economic management teams, which are best undertaken from the Presidency. Teriba also emphasised the need to build some capacity for economic intelligence cannot be overemphasised, saying that the regime needs to draw practical clues from effective institutions of economic management in the US. Although Agusto does not have massive media presence, his views are generally known to align with the likes of Rewane and Teriba. He was the Director of Budget between 2003 and 2007 but was rejected as a ministerial nominee by the Senate when late President Yar’Adua put his name forward.

And Just like Buhari, Ekpo, Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM) abhors neo-liberalism. Shortly after the President was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission in April 2015, Eko had advocated that the new regime should do away with stipulations of the Bretton Woods institutions as a way of boosting employment and enlarging the economy. According to him, except Buhari discards neo-liberalism, the economy would remain in perpetual doldrums.

When you liberalise your economy to the detriment of local entrepreneurs, it means you are indirectly killing local industries. Also, government must be able to check the excesses of private sector players. Government has a duty to manage the economy, therefore, the in-coming administration must be responsible and intelligent government. Aside curbing corruption, Ekpo wants this government to create public sector jobs by opening up the Civil Service. For instance, we can look at areas like Customs, Police, Immigration, Civil Defence,

Air-force, Army, State Security Services (SSS) and Navy, where millions of Nigerians can fit into. “This is the time for government to provide employment instead of trying to down-size. The fact is that private sector is profit oriented and cannot employ a large population of Nigerians.

So, deliberate government intervention is required to tackle this unemployment crisis,” he advised.

Sani, a development economist of the Keynesian school graduated from Bayero University (BUK) before proceeding abroad for his master’s degree. He returned to BUK as a lecturer and eventually obtaining PhD from Ahmadu Bello University. Keynesians believe that in the short run, economic output is strongly influenced by aggregate demand especially during recessions In essence, even though a communique of the meeting between Federal Government Economic Team and the five economists was not issued, their views are well known and it can be deduced what they advised government to do.

In essence, analysts believe that Nigeria needed not have entered recession if government had not been too reluctant in taking some obviously necessary actions and listened to expert advice.

Many argue that massive reflation of the economy in order to remove the country from recession. At a time like this, consideration for inflation should be set aside in favour of boosting production, creating employment and expanding the economy. Brazil at a time looked away from inflationary threats to massively pump money and so boost the economy and today, the country is in the global top 10 economies.

In addition, another short term measure is for the Federal Government to go all out and implement the capital and social aspect of the budget. The 2016 budget provides for N1.75 trillion capital expenditure aside the N500 billion allocated to special social intervention programmes. Of the N350 billion meant to be immediately released for the first quarter spending, just about N260 billion has so far been released according to Finance minister, Kemi Adeosun.

Another strategy is to return to the suggestion by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu who some time ago, advised the Jonathan administration to reflate the economy by massively printing money and pumping same into the economy. The idea was rejected by the then government, which said that the measure was likely to escalate inflation. Despite this excuse, the United States government and other industrialised nations regularly print money. During the last recession, the US Reserve Bank bought bonds and buying with printed money, or money that was electronically created. Even the CBN deployed this tactic in responding to the banks failure, shortly after Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi became governor. But since naira is not a convertible currency, political authorities must truly allow the CBN a free hand in managing the foreign exchange. A situation whereby politicians will direct the Bank to sell foreign exchange to pilgrims at concessionary rates while manufacturers are ignored will not help the cause.

Also in the medium term, the CBN should continue on the path of providing special intervention funds which it is already doing through the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme for agriculture and micro, small and medium enterprises development fund.

28

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Akin Adewakun

m:08054683584 e:akadewakun@yahoo.co.uk

The health of our economy is a real challenge to PR business in Nigeria —Chido Nwakama Mr Chido Nwakama is the past President, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Flower. In this interview with Akin Adewakun, he bares his mind on the state of PR in the country, noting that the greatest worry for the industry now is the sorry state of the nation’s economy.

T

HE advent of the social media is, without doubt, with some effects on the conventional media and even the public relations practice, where you remain a major stakeholder. To what extent, would you say PR in Nigeria has latched on to the social media culture?

Yes, the impact has been meaningful.

Online and social media have impacted everybody involved in the media. For public relations, online and social media have broadened the choice of platforms for message delivery. The significant change is that online media have taken pre-eminence amongst platforms because the audience has moved there. Online and social media are now a major platform where conversations around our clients; brands, institutions or individuals, take place. They have become essential for monitoring those communications, for delivering messages, and for receiving feedback.

PR practice still has serious issues in the areas of billing and unavailability of useful data necessary for planning and projection globally. As someone, deeply immersed in the practice, how do we tackle these issues?

I think I will disagree with this submission.

Globally, measurement and evaluation have become an integral part of the service delivery in public relations. The industry has set high standards for evaluation. It has devised and agreed on a minimum standards, including doing away with measurement parameters, such as advertising equivalence, considered not so useful. The key challenge is that while clients talk about evaluation, they are often unwilling to put their money where their mouth is. Public Relations measurement is broader, it thus involves more work.

That means more cost. You often cannot buy from an omnibus. You would have to construct your own surveys.

This is both a challenge and an opportunity for both public relations and the research industry. We need to develop measurement tools that enable firms and agencies buy into it for their needs, without having to set out to reinvent the wheel.

As a chief executive of a thriving PR firm and former president of a body of PR firms, you must had the opportunity of making a relative comparison, between the way PR is practised here and the way it is done in the rest of the world, through your interaction with global players in the industry. Any experience for us to borrow here?

Measurement is the key area where public relations practice here differs from elsewhere. This is a major challenge. Measurement is indicated in two of the four pillars of the PR model – Research, Action, Communication, and Evaluation. It means that the

Chido Nwakama scientific model for public relations practice recognises the importance of listening before and after.

We need to do more work on listening. We need to have benchmarks for the work that we do, and I assure you communication professionals here do much work. One consequence of the way we practice here is that we often cannot present our work and win international awards. The key criterion for those awards is research.

What was your take off point? What was the level of awareness? What were the attitudes that you set out to tackle ab initio? What was it at the end?

Here, we concentrate on outputs, but the industry wants to see outcomes. Both the industry and clients need to work more on this area.

Another major challenge confronting PR in this part of the globe is its penchant of being mistaken for a kickback. As a professional, that once headed a regulatory body in the practice, how do you think we can tackle this and enhance the clout of the profession like Law and Medicine?

The challenge here is that there is a gross misunderstanding of the purport of public relations. I do not think that Public Relations practice needs to be like Law and Medicine.

Not at all. Across the world, Public Relation is a young profession. It has grown in importance in line with developments in business and media. It would continue to grow. As platforms get more complex, businesses and institutions, as well as individuals, would require the services of experts to navigate and make sense of it all. There would be a greater need for public relations.

Some stakeholders have attributed government’s apathy towards the industry to its failure to position itself for its well-deserved recognition. How far would you agree with this? Rather, how best do you think government can engage practitioners for effective delivery of its policy to the people?

We in public relations refuse to accept blame for the inexcusable conduct of people in Government. The history of public relations in Nigeria shows that the Colonial and first Nigerian governments understood it and placed it a premium. It fell into disuse of some sorts during the military days. Why? These were authoritarian governments, with no inclination to holding conversations with citizens. They issued diktats. At best, they brought in journalists based on the initial orientation of public relations in focusing on media relations. With democracy, with enlightened audiences growing daily, and with many more media platforms, governments at all levels would soon realise the imperative of engaging professional communicators.

The government is one institution for whom stakeholder engagement is at a premium.

There are many stakeholders. The government needs strategic communication, not mere media relations. They need to monitor the conversations among various interested parties and develop audience-specific messaging for them. Then get feedback that feeds into policy. Strategic communication in government calls for the engagement of communication professionals. They can come off the shelf, or you train them. One of the first things I did when I moved from the journalism side of the IMC table to public relations was to undergo a training that changed my orientation, perspective and grasp of the issues. I am ever so grateful for the gentleman, Kevin Ejiofor and the organisation, Cadbury.

It is a model of what should happen.

We have 90 per cent of Public relation agencies gasping for breath, don’t you think the best route to take at this point is to embrace either merger or acquisition?

Consolidation happens in every industry for any number of reasons. Agencies are struggling because there is not enough work.

We are in the service sector. Our growth and profitability relate to the level of engagement which is a function of the overall health of the economy. Mergers are good to build stronger firms. Bigger companies need to tackle larger briefs, but are the briefs getting bigger? Do we have more clients in need of agencies?

The real challenge, for me, is the health of the economy. The economy climate, without any doubt, is harsh but we are hoping that things we take a new turn soon

JCI Nigeria partners ACCA, Microsoft on entrepreneurship development As part of its efforts aimed at developing small scale businesses in Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, Junior Chamber International (JCI), Nigeria, has concluded plans to stage an entrepreneurial challenge for the nation’s youths.

The new initiative, which is being put together, in partnership with the global accounting body, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Microsoft, is targeted at individuals and businesses that can create economic prosperity, generate employment and add value to cus-

tomers.

The president of the organization, Mr Tunji Oyeyemi explained that the organisation’s decision to initiate such challenge was borne out of the need to support government, especially, in line with its effort at diversifying the nation’s economy, thereby assisting it in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals as contained in the UN Charter.

He added that with the growing level of unemployment in the country, as revealed in the data provided by National Bureau Statistics, it had become imperative to de-

velop the Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SMEs) to create jobs.

The program, which is open to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Start-ups, artisans, students as well as university graduates, is expected to end by the middle of August, 2016.

On his part, the representative of ACCA, Mr Ayoola Ademoye, noted that such initiative is bound to reduce unemployment in the country, adding the accounting body would be willing to offer financial supports for the take-off of the program.

29 BRANDS & MARK

TING EXMAN introduces brand ambassadorship programme Monday, 8 August, 2016

Tasks FG on effective experiential marketing Stories By Akin Adewakun - Lagos

E

XPERIENTIAL Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) has announced the launch of its Certified Brand Ambassador Program (ECBAP), aimed at protecting and rewarding non-staff of the 40 agencies under its umbrella, who form the greater part of the industry’s workforce.

Announcing this at the just-concluded Annual General Meeting of the association, held in Abuja, recently, the president, Dr Rotimi Olaniyan, who also announced the launch of the association’s newsletter, explained that the decision to introduce the program was informed by the need to re-organise the operating structure of the activation industry.

Dr Olaniyan further stated that one of the ways the association hoped to achieve this would be by establishing a central register of field activation personnel across the country, while also offering on-line and distance learning as well as all year round group life and personal accident cover to brand ambassadors recruited by any of EXMAN’s 40 member agencies.

According to him, the initiative which would be insured by Mutual Benefits Assurance, had become necessary since the ex-

periential marketing industry employs over 25,000 contract and part-time field activation personnel on behalf of brands,.

The EXMAN boss also announced the launch of the association’s newsletter, the EXMAN Quarterly, which would serve as the official mouth piece of EXMAN and the experiential industry.

‘The objective of the newsletter is to ensure that it helps to establish our foothold within the broader marketing indus-

try, and project our thought leadership as active practitioners in the service of brands.

The editorial slant of the newsletter will be to inform, educate and promote the practice of experiential marketing as a leading profession with the larger marketing communications industry,’ he stated.

Meanwhile the association, in a position paper, read by its president, has charged governments at the three tiers, across the nation, to make effective

use of experiential marketing, citizen engagement and community relations in marketing their policies to the citizenry.

Describing the three marketing elements as the most effective and potent ways of engaging Nigerians, the EXMAN boss described the association as offering the opportunity for government to gain sufficient partnership from the private sector for its initiatives.

“We offer the opportunity for government to receive imme-

From left, Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr Margaret Ladipo; Registrar, Yaba College of Technology, Mrs Amapakabo Biekoroma, and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Mrs Chinwe Odigboegwu, during the signing of MoU between NBC and Yaba College of Technology for the Coca-Cola Bottle Competition, recently, in Lagos.

iROKOWORLD TV ambassador, Funke Akindele, bonds with StartTimes fans Nollywood Star and iROKOWORLD TV ambassador, Funke Akindele, recently concluded a tour of StarTimes business offices, across Lagos, where she met with scores of teeming fans and subscribers of the paytv platform.

The three-day tour provided the multiple award- winning movie star the opportunity to interact with fans and subscribers, take pictures, sign autographs and reward lucky subscribers with various gift items including one-month free Unique bouquet subscription tickets to enjoy the premium package on StarTimes digital TV. The free tickets gave opportunities for the lucky subscribers to

access over 90 television channels including iROKOWORLD TV. Commending the pay tv platform for providing its subscribers the opportunity to physically meet with the ace actress, one of the lucky winners, Kehinde Adetayo, described the Nollywood star as one of the few Nigerian artistes who had succeeded in carving a niche for themselves in the world of entertainment.

“I have been watching Funke Akindele’s films since she starred in the popular I Need To Know Series, and for me, it’s a great honour to have met her personally at StarTimes office. I have enjoyed many of her films

like Jenifa, Apaadi, Maami and Married But Living Single. I really want to commend StarTimes for creating this opportunity for customers like me to meet our beloved actress,’ he stated.

For John Omene who met Funke at the Victoria Island office, ‘It was a dream come true.’

“Since I watched her in Omo Ghetto, I have not stopped seeing her movies, both as actress and producer. She gives us very good stories and she’s one of the best actresses in Nollywood as far as I know,” John added.

Group Legal, iROKO Partners, Uloma Onuma expressed the station’s delight at partnering StarTimes to connect the artiste

with her teeming fans on Pay TV and further bring the ambassador closer to the viewers.

StarTimes’ Head of Public Relations, Israel Bolaji expressed the commitment of the pay tv channel tocontinue to offer subscribers the best in class of pay TV experience with world class channels for entertainment, drama, sports, kiddies, news and music.

“As a digital TV company, StarTimes’ commitment is to ensure Nigerians continue to enjoy the best of digital television entertainment and experience with very sharp and clear pictures and images at very pocket-friendly bouquet rates,” he stated.

Nigerian Tribune

diate feedback from citizens on the effects of their public policies and projects. The association has healthy relationships with most communities across the country, due to many years of brand activations and engagements within these communities,” he added.

Spectranet bags Nigerian Telecom’s award AFTER one year of being rebranded as a premium household and business enterprise internet service provider in the country, the Spectranet 4GLTE brand was, again, recognised as the Broadband Company of the year 2016, at the Nigerian Telecom Awards.

Speaking at the event, the organisers of the Nigerian Telecoms Award stated that the award was based on the overwhelming industry recommendations, independent research of the assessment team and the interviews of senior officers in relevant sectors.

Another major consideration by the panel of Judges and over 750 assessors, according to the organisers, was the seriousness of purpose in the intention of the company to deliver a first class broadband internet service, thereby contributing to the filling of Nigerians’ broadband gap.

The spread of Spectranet to major cities with functional offices and activities, gives a high social value to the brand.

In his response, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, David Venn described the feat as a vote of confidence from the company’s teeming customers.

‘This will further encourage us to continue our quest to provide the best internet experience at affordable prices. This award is dedicated to all our loyal customers. It is a show of appreciation and a call to action for Spectranet to keep pushing the boundaries in service offerings,” he said.

Morning Fresh kitchen makeover promo winners emerge Morning Fresh, a liquid wash soap from Pz Cussons, has awarded prizes to all the winners in the just concluded Morning Fresh Kitchen Makeover Promo; that ran between March and May, this year..

While the First prize winner of the competition, Mrs. Mojisola Akinbobola, was rewarded with a full kitchen makeover, consisting of

kitchen appliances from Haier Thermocool, worth half a million naira and a Kitchen utensil shopping voucher worth over N200,000 from Adam & Eve, Mrs. Oluwaseun Olaiya, the runner-up won a two-burner Gas Cooker, a double door refrigerator and microwave oven In her response, Mrs. Akinbobola expressed her delight that the brand was able to

live up to its promise; since, according to her, she was initially skeptical of the genuiness of the promo.

“I have never believed in promos, that was why I used my maiden name for this promo.

But I think this will go a long way in changing that perception. Some promos are actually real,’ she stated.

Regional draws were held in

Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt with the Grand National Finale held in Lagos.

The Managing Director of Pz Cussons Family Care reiterated the organisation’s commitment to putting consumers first and rewarding their continued loyalty to Pz Cussons and Morning Fresh in particular.

He noted that the promo had

gone a long way in putting smiles on the faces of its consumers, while assuring consumers of the company’s plans to reach as many consumers as possible through its wide distribution network.

The prize presentation and the draws were witnessed by Consumer Protection Council and National Lottery Commission officials.

30

south-westnews

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Police arrest suspected killers of Oyo Assembly member

By Tunde Ogunesan

O

YO State Police Command has arrested four suspected assassins in connection with the gruesome murder of a

member of the state House of Assembly, late Honourable Gideon Aremu.

Late Honourable Aremu, who was killed in front of his house at Alakia, Ibadan, on July 1, represented Oorelope constitu-

ency under the platform of the Labour Party.

He was until his death the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Public Relations and Security.

In an attempt to quicken

the arrest of the killers, the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, placed N5 million bounty on the heads of the gunmen responsible for the murder of the lawmaker.

In a statement issued on

From left, Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; General Superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor W. F. Kumuyi and the state’s overseer of the church, Pastor Sola Odumosu, at the special crusade of the church, held at the New Stadium, Akure, at the weekend.

Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

THE General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Williams Folorunso Kumuyi, was in Ado Ekiti on Saturday night where he met with Governor Ayodele Fayose, after a brief interaction with the media.

Pastor Kumuyi had told newsmen before a meeting with the governor that he was in Ekiti State for a one-day crusade he said was geared towards bringing a refreshing time to God’s people.

He said the people were assured that a time of divine refreshment and victory had come, saying “we thank God for the progress that has come to the state” since Governor Fayose assumed office.

The cleric said “We know that in every government where things are active and dynamic, there would be some challenges here and there. We know that God is in control and He would give victory to his people in Jesus name. We have come to the state for the whole people not only for the branch of our church and it is going to be a refreshing time for all who partake.

“The governor himself has been so nice to us.

Once the blessings start from the number one citizen in the state, it flows to the rest of the people of the state. And it is a great blessing we have brought to Ado-Ekiti here.”

Speaking on the visit, Fayose extolled the virtues of Pastor Kumuyi, whom he described as “a

man who stands for and with God,” and added that “we are very happy to have you in the state at this time. We know what God does through you and the church. We know that now that you’re here the yoke on our people would be broken and when the state is at peace, the governor

too will be at peace.”

The governor said “Pastor Kumuyi carries God’s blessings and he is here to bless the state. I know what his church represents. For him to be here in Ekiti, it is a rare privilege for people like me and for the state.

So, we are happy that the pastor is here.”

Oyo Assembly rerun: APC, LP hold primaries today, SDP, Accord gear up

By Wale Akinselure

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) will today hold primaries to fill the vacant seat of member representing Oorelope Constituency in the state House of Assembly.

The seat became vacant following the killing of Honourable Gideon Aremu on June 1, 2016 by suspected assassins.

The primaries were scheduled ahead of the August 20, 2016 date set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of a fresh election to fill the vacant seat.

APC had confirmed in a

statement by its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Mr Olawale Sadare, that a five-man screening/election committee, headed by Alhaji Ali Magashi, would be in Igboho, today, to conduct the party’s primaries.

Also, Chairman, Labour Party, Oyo Chapter, Mr Gbenga Olayemi, informed the Nigerian Tribune that its primaries would hold today, in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area.

Noting that the late Aremu emerged on the platform of LP, Olayemi avowed that the party remained strong in the area and would retain the seat, if a free and fair election was conducted.

Meanwhile, Publicity Sec-

Amosun’s aide craves for more support Sunday, the state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, disclosed that the arrest was made possible by a combined team of Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and detectives from the Oyo State Police Command.

The statement read: “Refer to gruesome murder of Honourable Gideon Aremu on July 1, 2016 by some gunmen who made away with his Samsung phones and some money, I wish to inform you that four suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.

“The arrest was made possible by combined efforts of the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and detectives from the Oyo State Police Command.”

Doctors begin 3-day warning strike at FETHI Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

Kumuyi, Fayose meet in Ado Ekiti

retary, Accord Party, Dr Nureni Adeniran, said the Oorelope chapter of the party had been mandated to take decisions on the party’s participation in the election.

Adeniran, however, said that the party had obtained requisite INEC forms, and it expected the Oorelope chapter to report to the party’s head office this week.

Publicity Secretary of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr Akeem Azeez, also confirmed the party’s participation in the rerun, adding that it had commenced relevant processes in the run-up to the rerun.

He said the party would soon be clearer about its modalities for participation.

Nigerian Tribune

DOCTORS at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti (FETHI), have said that they will today start a three-day warning strike over issues relating to their wages.

The FETHI chapter of Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), through their chairman, Dr Timothy Olajide, said MDCAN members took the action because they were the only ones suffering non-payment of full salary since May 2015.

Olajide said the warning strike became the only available option for the doctors after a 14-day ultimatum issued to the management of the hospital expired on August 7.

According to him, the warning would be followed with another one-week ultimatum to redeem the demands or face indefinite strike, saying the decision was reached at a meeting of MDCAN on August 4, 2016.

He said: “The doctors also demanded immediate payment of the shortfall in the salary of members for the month of July, 2016.

“We regret any inconvenience this inevitable action may cause our patients.”

MEMBERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have been urged to keep supporting the government of Senator Ibikunle Amosun for being consistent in his avowed mission to rebuild the state through various infrastructural projects.

The APC members were equally advised to eshew politics of bitterness and remain united for continued progress of the party and the development of the state as a whole.

Honourable Korede Kolapo Osunsanya, Senior Special Adviser to Ogun State governor on Transportation made this appeal at a forum held recently at Ijebu Ode to appreciate party faithful across the three local governments of Ijebu Ode, Ijebu North East and Odogbolu.

Osunsanya thanked the party members for standing by him during his campaign to represent Ijebu Ode Federal Constituency which was won by another party man, pledging that this would however not deter him from making himself available to serve the people whenever the opportunity arises.

Afijio LG boss lauds workers THE Caretaker Chairman of Afijio Local Government Area, Oyo State, Honourable Anwo Lukumon Olasunkanmi, has reiterated his promise to put smiles on the faces of the entire workers and people of the council area.

He reiterated this at a management meeting held at the council secretariat, Jobele.

He commended Oyo State workers for ending the eight-week industrial action.

He also applauded workers in the council area for their peaceful conduct and understanding throughout the industrial crisis in the state.

He commended the workers in the council who showed–up for work during the strike, particularly those on essential duty.

On Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Honourable Anwo implored workers in the council area to support the state government’s drive to fashion out ways to improve on the IGR of the council so as to be less dependent on oil money from the Federation Account.

In his response, the Head of Local Government Administration, Muili Adewale Ambali, promised maximum cooperation and support of workers.

31

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Lagosmetro

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Housemaid steals, buries N1.5 million in bush Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

T

HE sum of N1.5 million stolen in Lagos by a housemaid, Happiness Gabriel, has been recovered in a bush, in Ogun State.

The 18-year-old maid, who stole her boss’s money within two and a half hours of being engaged in her Lagos home, was reportedly aided by her 30-year-old stepfather, Gabriel Igbang.

It was gathered that sometimes in May 2016, Happiness was contracted by Mrs Bolanle Ibukunoluwa through one Alhaja popularly known and called Iya Dolapo, as a housemaid and the monthly salary agreed upon was N7, 000 which was to be paid at the end of the year.

Happiness moved to the house of her mistress and on June 26, 2016, at about

5:30 p.m. the complainant went out and came back at about 8:00 p.m. to discover that her housemaid had absconded. She forced the gate opened and then discovered that her Lenovo phone valued at N20, 000 was nowhere to be found. She hurriedly went to her room and discovered that N1, 500, 000 had been stolen as well.

Immediately the complainant saw that her money and phone were missing, she went to her neighbour’s place to enquire if they knew the whereabouts of her housemaid and they said she left before 8:00 p.m. She then went to report the incident at Central Police Station and the police swung into action.

Happiness was later apprehended at Benin, Edo State where she ran to, after giving her step father the money she stole.

Under interrogation, her stepfather denied receiving any money from her and even her mother, Joy, also denied that she was given money by her daughter.

After much interrogation

they all confessed and Happiness took the police to the bush in Ogun State where a cash of N300, 000 was recovered and another sum of N252, 500 was also recovered at another location in

the bush at Ogun State.

Delivering her judgement, Magistrate Omoyele found the first defendant guilty of conspiracy and stealing and consequently sentenced her to two and half years impris-

Church leader arrested for attempting to sell stolen car Olalekan Olabulo A church leader in Ikorodu area of Lagos State has insisted that he received a direction from God before agreeing to sell a stolen car, which was snatched at gun point from a bank manager.

Intelligence officers who posed as prospective buyers nabbed him while trying to sell it on the platform of an unnamed auto online.

The 30-year-old suspect, Olawale (surname withheld) used to be the administrative officer in charge of a church in Igbogbo area of Ikorodu.

The church leader stated that he contacted the pastor in charge of his church, twice and that he got the go-ahead to help sell the stolen vehicle.

Lagos Metro gathered that the suspect was arrested at a church, where he had

run to, when it was clear to him that the vehicle, which he put up for sale, was stolen.

The church leader said “the vehicle was given to me to sell by Abbey. I met him at an hotel in Ikorodu. I went there to drink and he came to my table and bought drinks for everybody and that was how I liked him.

“When I told him I was going home, he gave me N2, 000. Those were moments

NURTW asks drivers to undergo HIV test Lanre Adewole THE Lagos state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, has advised commercial drivers in the state to go for HIV/AIDS screening to know their health status.

He gave the advice in Lagos when he led members of the executive of the union in the state to do their HIV/AIDS screening The NURTW boss said the screening was to help people to know their HIV/ AIDS status to enable them undergo necessary treatment if they test positive.

He said the allocation of a screening centre to the state council secretariat showed the importance the state government attached to transportation industry in the state.

Alhaji Agbede said the state government under Governor Akiwunmi Ambode had done a lot to improve transportation in the state “The state government has helped to repair most of the roads in the state and this has helped to boost our operation. Also, the opera-

tion’ light up Lagos’ embarked upon by the state government has helped to improve night life in the state Alhaji Agbede assured that the state council of the union under his leadership will countinue to obey all rules and regulations of the state government.

The stolen car

FG shuts down Apapa bridge for repairs MINISTER of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, on Sunday ordered the immediate closure of the damaged Apapa bridge for emergency maintenance work to begin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 40-year-old bridge links Nigeria’s premier port to both the Lagos Mainland and Island.

Addressing a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, Fashola said the closure of the bridge was a necessary measure as it would save lives and prevent avoidable mishaps.

“In a situation like this, we need to choose between inconvenience and safety.

“The first thing to do is to shut down the bridge for the sake of safety and I appeal to residents to bear with us,’’ he said.

onment without an option of fine.

Her step father was found guilty of the offence of receving stolen property and was jailed one year without an option of fine.

Fashola said that Ijora/ Marina-bound vehicles would be diverted to other routes to reduce inconveniences.

He expressed dismay at the long years of neglect that resulted in the dilapidation of the bridge.

“We are dealing with several decades of neglect and there are quite a few bridges across the country that are dying for maintenance and we have to take steps to fix them as soon as possible,’’ he said.

Mr Godwin Eke, Federal Controller of works, Lagos, said that the deck of the bridge, which was constructed about 40 years ago, had become weak.

He added that the ministry had written to all security agencies to assist in managing traffic in the area during

the maintenance work.

Mr Dayo Mobereola, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, said that alternative access routes from Apapa would be cleared of all encumbrances.

He said that truck owners had agreed to move their vehicles from the alternative access routes as Julius Berger begins the palliative works.

Some of the stakeholders at the meeting were members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the representatives of the unions in the agencies in the maritime sub-sector NAN recalls that a team of engineers had told the minister on Thursday that the support of the bridge had become weak.

They told NAN that the

structural defects caused by an alleged fire outbreak underneath of a portion of the bridge were making life unbearable for them as it was liable to an imminent collapse.

It is gradually becoming a life-threatening structure to motorists and passengers, they said.

They also stated that this development had led to several man-hour loss and bringing wear-and-tear on them as drivers and their vehicles.

NAN also reports that some of the reinforcement rods on top of the bridge’s centre had become exposed as the asphalt covering them had been eroded.

Traffic signs were placed some metres away from the exposed portions warning motorists of impending dangers their driving on it might pose to them.

I was struggling and I had no job. I saw Abbey later that week to explain how he could help me get some money because I had no job.

This was the time he asked me if I could help his sister, who was travelling overseas to sell her car and I told him that I would try.”

He claimed that “I consulted my pastor twice on the issue of helping him sell a car. The pastor told me to go ahead and collect the car from him and sell it. I took the car from Abbey and began to market it but after about three weeks, I couldn’t get a buyer, then he took the car from me. Some weeks later, I stumbled on him with the car and he challenged me that I didn’t want to help his sister sell her car.

“After a while, we agreed that I would help him to look for buyer. I consulted my Pastor again for him to pray about it. This time, the pastor introduced me to somebody in Lekki who has a car park at a very conspicuous place, where we could put the car for sale. It was there the car was until I learnt that the car was stolen at gun-point.

“Since I have been arrested, I have been calling Abbey to come and explain to the police that he gave me the car to sell, but most of the time, he avoided my calls, at times, he switched off his phone.

Presently, he’s no longer picking any call on that line.”

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) had pretended as buyers of the stolen vehicle, which was advertised on an unnamed online platform, when they arrested the suspect.

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos confirmed the arrest of the church leader to Lagos Metro and added that efforts were on to arrest other members of his gang.

She also said that the suspect and the vehicle had been transferred to the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the state police command for further investigation.

32

Monday, 8 August, 2016

33

Monday, 8 August, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Jimoh Nurat Olayemi now OWOLABI NURAT OLAYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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General public take note.

I, Samuel Oluwole Taiwo am the same person bearing Taiwo Oluwole. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL OLUWOLE TAIWO. My correct date of birth is 25/2/1975 and not 1/12/1975. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Access Bank Plc, UBA Plc and general public take note.

I, MUYIDEEN TAIWO FOLAKE am the same person bearing YETUNDE TAIWO F. MOHAMMED MUYIDEEN and TAIWO FOLAKE MUYIDEEN. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Dickson Saturday now UDO SATURDAY DICKSON. All former documents remain valid.

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34 CHANGE OF NAME

Monday, 8 August, 2016 LETTER OF NOTIFICATION

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Agbekuyide Yetunde Busayo now MRS HAASTRUP YETUNDE PATRICIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Mary Moromoke Fagbewesa now MRS MARY MOROMOKE OLADIPO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Ariyibi Damilola am the same person as Jolayemi Damilola Olalekan.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ARIYIBI DAMILOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc, First Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, Mr Sanni Maruf am the same person as Mr Muhammed Sanni Maruf, Muhammed Sanni Morufu, Muhhammad Sanni Maruf and Mohammed Sanni Morufu.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MR SANNI MARUF. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Udo Victoria Whence now MRS AMOSUN VICTORIA IDUNNUMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyekola Fasilat Oyerade now MRS ISMAILA FASILAT OYERADE. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Agbejimi Olufunke Mary now MRS OLAJIDE OLUFUNKE MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Esther Omowumi Taiwo now MRS ESTHER OMOWUMI OLUKOYA. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Adediwura Sofiu now MR ADEDIWURA SOFIU ADEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly Miss Iure Edith Osiodevbo now MRS ABRAHAM EDITH OSIODEVBO. All former documents remain valid.

Ogun State Teaching Service Commission and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr Alade Oyekunle now MR OLAPADE OYEKUNLE PETER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Akinsitan Faleyimu Olaoluwa now MR ADEGBITE GBEMIRO OLAOLUWA TITUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akinwale Olumayowa Titilope now MRS ADEGBITE OLUMAYOWA TITILOPE. All former documents remain valid. Authorities of First Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, Prospective Employers and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Juliet Ejimen Emoh now MRS AKINBAMI RUTH JULIET EJIMEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Osundare Adijat Oritoke and Omofoyewa Adijat Oritoke now MRS YUSUFF ADIJAT ORITOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ayanboye Ramota Ayanike now BADMUS RAMOTA TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid. SUBEB, Oyo State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adetutu Rebecca Layade now MRS ADETUTU REBECCA ALADESANMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, Seosan Helen Bosede, my name was mistakenly written as Adegoke Helen Bosede on my BVN instead of Seosan Helen Bosede. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as SEOSAN HELEN BOSEDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Diamond Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Ilori Oluwakemisola Agnes now MRS OLALUSI OLUWAKEMISOLA AGNES. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Fagbohunka Temitope now MRS ABIDAKUN TEMITOPE TRACY. All former documents remain valid. Ondo State Judiciary and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Afamo Arubi Faith now LAWANI JOY AFAMO. All former documents remain valid.

UBA Plc, EcoBank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olanrewaju Opeyemi Dorcas now ADIO OPEYEMI DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Shittu Toyibu Bolaji am the same person as Shittu Toheeb.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as SHITTU TOYIBU BOLAJI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc, FCMB Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Alade Opeyemi Becky am the same person as Alade Becky Opeyemi and Alade Opeyemi B. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ALADE OPEYEMI BECKY. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

This box is for sale CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Fidelis Ojochema Ogbeche now FIDELIS OJOCHEMA HASSAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Alhaji Raji Mudasiri am the same person bearing Alhaji Raji Mudasiru Akanji. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ALHAJI RAJI MUDASIRU AKANJI. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Kareem Rukayat Abimbola now MRS OLALEKAN RUKAYAT ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olorundare Yetunde Suliyat now MRS. OWOLABI YETUNDE SULIYAT. All former documents remain valid.

SUBEB and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs. Sanni Adebukola Blessing now MRS. OJELEKE ADEBUKOLA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Adebayo Kabiru Idowu am the same person as Ayoade Idowu. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO KABIRU IDOWU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Williams Modupe Stella now MRS IBRAHIM MODUPE STELLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Ismaila E. Halimat now ISMAILA HALIMAT S. and ISMAILA HALIMAT SHUAIBU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Ogundipe Vivien Folashade now MRS AKADRI VIVIEN FOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Ayedatiwa Aramu Oluwagbebemi now REV. AYEDATIWA EMILERE ARABIJAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

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south-westnews

Monday, 8 August, 2016

We’ll continue strike, Ondo lecturers vow Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

owned universities, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa

(OSUTECH), has vowed to continue with their ongoing ‘no pay no work action’ to press home their demands.

The state governor, Dr

T Ondo: Jimoh Ibrahim still in PDP HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the two Ondo State

—Campaign group Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

THE Jimoh Ibrahim Campaign Office (JICO), on Sunday, carpeted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State over denial of the membership of the Managing Director of the Global Fleet Nigeria Limited, Jimoh Ibrahim.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Head, Publicity/ Research Officer of the group, Sola Akinuli.

The campaign office berated the party over the statement credited to its Publicity Director in the state, Ayo Fadaka, who said that the business mogul was a member of the Accord Party in the state.

Akinuli said Ibrahim remains one of the greatest investors in the PDP project since he joined the party in 2009.

The statement read: “It is on record that Ibrahim came in when the fortunes of the party was nose-diving and his coming added

Ogun govt urges mothers on exclusive breastfeeding THE Ogun State government has raised concerns over the increase in the number of infants vulnerable to infectious diseases due to inadequate breast feeding.

It charged mothers and stakeholders in the health sector across the country to intensify efforts at promoting exclusive breast feeding.

This emphasis was the focus of the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, at this year’s World Breast Feeding Week celebration, organised by the state’s Primary Healthcare Development Board, Abeokuta.

According to the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, improvement must be on communication and information dissemination to mothers on the need for exclusive breast feeding which had been stagnant at 17 per cent since 2013.

life and vitality by investing lavishly in the party through capacity building.

He injected 22 buses into the operations of the party which to date remain operational at the state and local governments.”

Akinuli stated that de-

spite several overtures from various political parties, Ibrahim remained committed to PDP and never abandoned the party at its trying period, saying “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Olusegun Mimiko, had met with the leadership of the unions, pleading that the lecturers should suspend their strike in the interest of the students and the state, with a promise to pay their salaries as soon as they resume work.

The decision of the leadership of the union was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress and signed by the chairman, Dr Dipo Komolafe.

In the three-point communiqué, which centred on the strike, state of the university and appointment of substantive vice chancel-

lor, the union said the attitude of the council of the university and the government were capable of permanently putting a stop to academic activities in the universities.

Komolafe, however, directed all ASUU members to sustain the strike until all salaries and allowances due to them were paid while government should also ensure full payment of Earned Academic Allowance to deserving lecturers.

The AUUA lecturers said they would not resume work until the government pays their outstanding sal-

Nigerian Tribune

ary arrears in addition to payment of deductions which were also in arrears.

Consequent upon the resolution of the lecturers, the management of AAUA, in a statement signed by the Registrar, M.S Ayerun, said the Vice Chancellor, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, had directed that all students of the university should go on recess in view of the ongoing strike by the ASUU. According to the registrar, all students are to vacate the university campus and halls of residence immediately but said discussions are ongoing with members of ASUU.

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Monday, 8 August, 2016

37

news

Monday, 8 August, 2016

Be creative in this challenging period, Abina tells Nigerians Announces Oluwayemi new GOFAMINT DGO

By Victor Ogunyinka

T

HE General Overseer of The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Pastor (Dr) Elijah Abina, has charged Nigerians to be creative and productive in this period of economic challenges.

He urged Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government in its efforts to rebuild the nation and urged them to support the government with prayers to succeed.

Pastor Abina said this during a thanksgiving service to mark the 60th anniversary of the church and 51st annual convention, held at the Gospel Town, Igbo Oloyin, Ojoo, Ibadan, Oyo State.

He admonished members to be fearless in their endeavours, charging them to be creative, productive and not be a mediocre to the society.

"Use your talent wisely and give God the chance to bless the work of your hands. Put your trust in the word of God. Many of you don't ex-

Pray for a 'new tribe', Osinbajo tells Nigerians

By Victor Ogunyinka VICE President Yemi Osinbajo, has urged Nigerians to pray for a ‘new tribe’ in the country.

The vice president added that alleged corrupt people in the country are well represented by all tribes and religions, adding that it is expedient that we have a ‘new tribe’ where Nigerians will stick together to fight and eradicate corruption.

The vice president, who couldn’t make an appearance at GOFAMINT diamond jubilee, at the gospel town, Ojoo, Ibadan, delivered a statement, which was read by one of the officiating ministers on the occasion on Sunday.

“In the middle of the current economic challenges in the country, I want to urge you not to be fearful; I enjoin you to intercede with me that God should lift upNigeria, Nigerians in a ‘new tribe’.

“If you look at the list of alleged corrupt people in the country, you will discover that they are all Christians and Muslims from all the geopolitical zones “There is the need for a 'new tribe,' committed to a country run by integrity, hard work and justice; that are selfless and ready to stick together to fight corruption. This is ‘new tribe’ it is possible,” he said.

ercise your faith and that is why many are where they're today.

"Whatever blessing you have, whether natural or spiritual, are all from God, we must work towards channelling our talents and blessing towards the development of the church and the nation at

large," he said.

The cleric also announced the appointment of Pastor (Dr) Emmanuel Oluwayemi, as the new Deputy General Overseer (DGO) of the church.

The need for a new DGO was necessitated following the retirement of the outgo-

ing DGO, Pastor (Professor) Samuel Ewuola, in October.

In his acceptance speech, Pastor (Dr) Oluwayemi said "I give God the glory, honour and adoration. I am not worthy of this honour. But if God says He needs you, who are you? I offer myself for service for the glory of God in His

vineyard. Brethren, pray for me."

Chairman of Akinyele Local Government Area of the state, Mr Ope Salami, who represented Governor Abiola Ajimobi, commended Pastor Abina and appealed to the church not to cease supporting the state government with prayers.

From left, General Overseer of The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Pastor (Dr) E. O. Abina; General Evangelist, Evangelist Augustine Sossa; incoming Deputy General Overseer, Pastor (Dr) E. T. Oluwayemi and the outgoing Deputy General Overseer, Pastor (Professor) Samuel Ewuola, during the closing ceremony of 60th anniversary and 51st annual convention of the church, at Gospel Town, Igbo Oloyin Road, Ibadan, on Sunday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

Yobe IDPs have returned to farms —Investigation

HUNDREDS of returnees displaced by the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in some communities in Yobe have returned to their farmlands, a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has said.

A NAN correspondent who visited Goniri, Katarko, Gotula and Ngurbuwa villages reported that many of the returnees, who left their settlements almost three years ago, have massively re-engaged in farming activities.

Malam Umar Usman, a resident of Nguburwa, told NAN that they returned to their farms after relocating to their communities.

"Agriculture is our mainstay and we were denied of farming activities by the Boko Haram insurgents following the capture of our communities and displacement of our people.

"We are now back and reengaged in agricultural production,’’ he said.

Another farmer, Bukar Kolo, said himself and other farmers were taking advantage of the rainy season to till their farmlands.

"We are taking advantage of the cropping season to improve our lives," he said.

Musa Garba and Kakami

Baba of Katarko and Goniri villages, respectively, lauded the state government and humanitarian organisations for providing them with farm inputs.

Alhaji Musa Jidawa, the executive secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said the agency in collaboration with Victims Support Fund (VSF), had launched a N135-million agricultural empowerment programme

for 2,000 households in two villages.

Jidawa said the two villages were, Gujba and Gulani Local Government Areas.

He said that the empowerment programme also provided improved seeds, fertilizer, herbicides and cash assistance to returnees in Buni-Yadi and Gulani to encourage agricultural production.

He said that Yobe State government also distrib-

uted bags of rice, millet and sorghum to the people to support their resettlement process.

Some of the returnees commended the efforts of the state government and humanitarian organizations for providing them with farm inputs.

They said that farming was their major trade and they have taken the advantage of the season to improve their livelihoods.

You have impacted on masses positively, cleric tells Mimiko ONDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has been commended for impacting positvely on the lives of the masses in the history of governance in the state, even as the governor said he would continue to silence critics of his government by recording more achievements.

The vice president of the Agape Christian Ministries, Pastor Funke Felix Adejumo , while speaking on Sunday, at the 28th International Convention of the church, in Akure , the state capital,with Governor Mimiko and the wife of Kwara State governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, in attendance, said "no governor in the history of the state has

impacted on the lives of the masses like your administration in the last seven years."

The cleric, who charged the congregation to have absolute trust in God ,said God can change every situation.

She stressed the need for the rich to remember the poor, especially, at this critical period in the country, adding "those who have received help should also help others in need".

While addressing the gathering, Governor Mimiko commended the preacher and wife of the Bishop of Agape Christian Ministries, Pastor Funke Adejumo, for reminding the congregation on how to celebrate woman-

hood, adding that for any nation to fully develop, women must be lifted high and appreciated.

Governor Mimiko, who described the convention as the last he will attend as the governor of the state , said he will not exchange words with the critics of his administration but his achievements will speak for him.

"When your critics are criticising you and you are going higher, what is left. We keep chasing our detractors with our visible achievements".

The governor expressed confidence in the survival and prosperity of Nigeria for the sake of the saints that toil day and night in fasting and praying for the country.

Niger gov charges new CP on security, collaboration NIGER State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, has charged the new Commissioner of Police, Mu’azu Zubair Haliru, to device new ways and ideas on how to ensure security of lives and property in the state.

Governor Bello said this when he received the new Commissioner of Police at the Government House, Minna, the state capital, Governor Bello said that with the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons( SALWs), used by criminal elements to perpetuate nefarious activities throughout the federation, it behoves on the new Commissioner of Police, to be proactive and vigilant to ensure that criminals are tracked before committing any crime.

The governor urged the Commissioner of Police to partner with various stakeholders in the state such as traditional, religious and community leaders in maintaining peace and order .”

He also called on the new police boss in the state to strengthen inter-agency cooperation with other security agencies in the state.

PDP national convention committee holds inaugural meeting in Rivers Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt THE national convention planning committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Sunday, held its inaugural meeting, ahead of the convention, taking place in Port Harcourt, on August 17.

Addressing the meeting, which took place at the Rivers State Government House, Governor Nyesom Wike, urged members of the committee to work towards ensuring the success of the convention.

He also appealed to them so that the forthcoming national convention superseded the early one held on May 21 and admonished them to continue to make sacrifices for the rebuilding of the party ahead of the next general election.

The governor announced that sub-committees with the responsibility of handling specific assignments during the convention would be set up, adding, "We have a responsibility to organise a successful national convention to ensure that the party moves forward. I implore every member to make sacrifices."

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Monday, 8 August, 2016

Neglect of education our major problem —FG

We are not owing workers, retirees —Kwara

As Korea invests $32 m in Nigeria’s education Clement Idoko - Abuja

T

HE Federal Government has blamed the woes plaguing the nation on neglect of education, over the years, by successive administrations in the country.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Muhammed Musa Bello spoke while the Republic of Korea envoy to Nigeria, Mr Noh Kyu-duk, advised the Federal Government to continue to invest more in human capital development in order to deliver the country out of the woods.

The FCT Minister and the envoy spoke at the weekend while declaring open a training programme for teachers in the Korea International Cooperation (KOICA) supported by FCT Model School in Abuja.

Bello said education is the bedrock of development, adding that no nation, desirous of meaningful growth, could afford to neglect the vital sector.

“If we are to meet our potential as a great nation, we must refocus our energy on the education sector by redirecting our efforts towards ensuring that it once more takes its pride of place in na-

tional development agenda,” he said.

The Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, in his remark said his country was interested in providing support to Nigeria’s education sector, based on the realisation that human capital remained key element to any development initiative.

He said Korea embarked on establishment of Model

Schools in Abuja to underscore the importance of quality basic education as well as providing access to millions of Nigerian children who are out-of-school.

According to him, Korea through KOICA, has invested more than $32 million in Nigeria.

Kyu-duk noted that the Abuja Model School Project which was based on the bi-

lateral agreement between KOICA and its implementing agencies, would be a public school of reference in terms of high quality education, motivated teachers, quality students, standard infrastructure and operations.

He said the training programme for the teachers was designed to enhance their capacity at ensuring quality learning outcomes among

pupils.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) disclosed that KOICA has so far supported basic education in the construction of 21 additional classrooms in Katsina, 16 additional classrooms in Kogi State, construction of two schools of 15 classrooms each and administrative block in Gombe and Adamawa states.

From left, Bishop of Yewa Anglican Diocese, Right Reverend Michael Oluwarohunbi; his wife, Grace; Mrs Olubisi Giwa, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Oyebanji and Professor Joshua Oyebanji, during the burial of Chief David Agboola Farounbi, at St Luke’s Anglican Church, Ororuwa, Osun State, last week Friday.

Southern Christians to North: Election of Ayokunle as CAN president credible Jude Ossai - Enugu

THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 17 Southern States, on Sunday, faulted a Northern-based cleric over his claims that the election of the new CAN President, Reverend Sampson Supo Ayokunle, was characterised with irregularity.

Secretary of CAN in the Southern region, Dr Joseph Ajujungwa, who stated this in a statement, maintained that there was no crisis in the Christian body.

“I read with great disappointment the interview granted by one Reverend Maina Joshua, who claimed to be speaking on behalf of the Northern CAN (19 Northern states), which I know is a great fallacy and falsehood personified,” he said.

He urged Nigerians “to be aware that the interview was a big deception and that no man should listen to him, as this is to mislead them.”

While justifying the election, Ajujungwa stated that “CAN is not built on regions, zones, states or ethnicity; CAN is built on blocs – CSN, CCN, CPFN/PFN, OAIC and TEKAN/ECWA. “The constitution of CAN does not say presidency should rotate between North and South. For Rev. Joshua Maima to be saying this to the world is a danger-

ous sign of his height of ignorance of what CAN is.

“Let me state here that no chairman, region, zone or bloc was marginalised during the just concluded transition of CAN and he never revolted that any chairman or region was asked not to vote or participate in the election.”

“Let people be aware, anyone that did not participate did that willingly or was not around to vote or participate. Therefore, it is not correct to call people names for any personal interest, especially our leader – Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor who has done well for the church in the North in particular and

to the Nigerians as a whole.

We must learn not to use our selfish interest to destroy the church or the leaders for any reason.

“The southern CAN and the leaders are not happy to be reading nonsense articles from disgruntled persons who have been paid to discredit our sacred body which

our fathers have done much to uphold its tenets and prospects.

“All the leaders that have ruled CAN were elected from their church groups and we know that very soon it will go round to all other blocs who have not tested the highly elevated office of president of CAN.”

“Mr Speaker has not lost grasp of the fact that our democratic voyage as a nation can only be sustained if the successor generation of leaders are properly groomed in the art of governance, particularly the aspects of inclusive legislation which Honourable

Dogara epitomises.”

“This much informed the highly celebrated National Assembly/Nigerian Students Interactive Summit, a novel and unprecedented programme which incorporated Nigerian Students (as stakeholders) into the nations legislative activities.”

NANS declares support for Dogara THE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared support for Speaker Yakubu Dogara’s leadership of the House of Representatives.

The association made this known in Abuja on Sunday, at a world press conference during which the four zonal coordinators stated that Speaker Dogara had engaged students and young people in a way that no other speaker had.

Speaking on the current crisis in the House of Representatives, leaders of the association said that: “the legislature is the nerve-centre of any true democracy that has the people as her centerpiece on all spheres of governance. To this extent, the legislature as an institution must be guarded jealously and any attempt to upset the train of progressive voyage must be resisted by all and sundry.”

They also stated that the Speaker has “placed a high

premium on masses-oriented legislation and inclusive governance.”

This is just as they said the recently held engagement with students and his support of legislation seeking to enhance youth participation in politics was a proof to support their stand.

Buhari will not disappoint, Enugu APC assures Fr Mbaka Jude Ossai - Enugu

THE All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu State chapter, has assured Catholic Priest and founder of Catholic Adoration Ministry, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka, that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government will not disappoint Nigerians despite the hunger in the land.

Speaking through the APC state publicity secretary, Mrs. Kate Offor, on Sunday, the party described the fiery cleric as the crusader of the

masses and liberation ideologue, commending him for speaking the truth to power, as evidenced by his unrelenting attack on those in power, and his memorable prediction of Buhari’s victory on January 1, 2015.

Offor’s statement read in part: “We wish to reassure Fr Mbaka that President Buhari will not in the fullness of time disappoint Nigerians or fail to fix our dilapidated social and physical infrastructure. Never!

Buhari is devotedly committed to pulling Nigerians

out of poverty, hunger and squalor.

“We agree 100 per cent with Fr Mbaka that, ‘it is not easy everywhere. Hunger is everywhere. Hunger is in the atmosphere. There is sword moving about in the country. People are dying like flies. The sword of hunger is eating the land.

“We also agree 100 per cent with him that the past PDP government was a grasshopper and locust to Nigeria. The past government was a disaster to the land of Nigeria.”

Biola Azeez - Ilorin

THE Kwara State government has said it is up to date with payment of salaries and entitlements to state workers and retirees.

This clarification follows a media report which claimed that some pensioners in the state had died since April 2015 as a result of unpaid pension allowances.

The government, in a statement issued by Dr Muideen Akorede, Senior Special Assistant on media and communication to the governor, on Sunday, emphasised that local councils were responsible for the payment of allowances to the local government retirees referred to in the media report.

“Local government councils in the state, which receive separate allocations from the Federal Government, are responsible for the said pensioners and have varying degrees of staff and pension arrears,” the statement read.

The statement noted that the councils had been unable to pay their workers and retirees regularly for the past few months, due to the drop in federal allocations accruing to them.

Al-Makura co-opts traditional rulers to resolve crisis between Labour, govt Godwin Agwam - Lafia

NASARAWA State governor, Umaru Tanko Almakura, has co-opted traditional rulers in the state to resolve the ongoing dispute between government and labour.

The organised labour in the state comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress( TUC), have for the past one month been on strike, over the 50 per cent salary cut by the state government, a move which has crippled economic activities in the state.

Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune on phone, the NLC state chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Adeka, said: “The governor has asked traditional rulers to take over resolving the dispute.

We had a meeting with them yesterday, and we will be having a major meeting with them this week.

“We told the traditional rulers that for us to come to the negotiating table, government must reverse its decision on salary cut and pay outstanding arrears.”

He called on workers in the state to remain calm and go about their lawful business, adding that the union is fighting for their rights.

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Monday, 8 August, 2016

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Abuja cricket oval, first in West Africa —NCF president Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja THE President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Emeka Onyema, has described the Abuja cricket oval currently under construction as the first of its kind in West Africa.

This is even as the cricket boss informed that the construction of the oval, which is sited at the Package B of the National Stadium in Abuja, would cost NCF over N3 billion and called on investors to partner with the federation to put a world-class cricket oval in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Speaking with sports journalists in Abuja, Onyema informed that the oval would be constructed in phases with a completion target of three years, adding that the construction of the international standard oval was purely a private initiative.

“In Nigeria, we don’t have the facilities. We need to build the facilities, so that we would have an international standard oval, one of which is what is going on at the Abuja National stadium. That will be the first in West Africa and this is the first time the Federation is taking up such an initiative,” the NCF president stated.

“Constructing the oval is a lot of money, but we cannot be specific over it because it would in phases.

The first phase is to get a place called the cricket playing ground where we can play cricket. The second phase is to develop the major facilities around the ground like the spectators’ stand, among others.

“The oval will be 20,000-seating capacity with other facilities like the media centre, a 120-room hostel, the meeting rooms, sponsors room, shopping centres, among others.

We intends to spend about N3 billion to get the facilities to standard.

“We are calling on investors to come and partner with us to get the facilities out. We are looking at the next two to three years to complete everything so that we can have opportunity to host international competitions which would take us into the bigger league,” he added.

According to him, the pitch would be ready for use soon as the facility was 95 per cent completed, while grassing was about to commence, informing that, “the people grassing said it will be completed in the next one month. So the pitch would be ready for use in the next one or two months.

“We are also constructing the centre wicket. I have said it consistently that cricket is not played on mats. Cricket is played on grass, and the grass is what is called the turf, which a combination of the grass and the clay.”

National Table Tennis Championship:

Union Bank team embarks on friendly tour

By Nurudeen Alimi

Manchester United’s players celebrate with the Community Shield after beating Leicester 2-1 at Wembley Stadium, on Sunday. PHOTO: DAILYMAIL

African u-17 Championship:

Pray for these Eaglets, Garba urges Nigerians Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja

H

EAD coach of world cadet champions, the Golden Eaglets, Manu Garba, has urged Nigerians to pray for the current set of the national U-17 team to succeed in their quest to qualify for next year’s African U-17 Championship, holding in Madagascar.

Speaking against the backdrop of the failure of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) by some members of the squad, Garba told journalists at the National Stadium, Abuja, over the weekend, that the Eaglets coaching crew had to make do with the players left after the MRI screening to face the Junior Menas of Niger Republic, which the Nigerian side narrowly pipped 1-0.

Twenty-three out of the 60 players, including nine out of the first XI the coaches were working on, failed the mandatory MRI screening conducted recently to determine the ages of the players as mandated by world football-governing body, FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Garba, who led the Eaglets to win the cadet World Cup in 2013, described the MRI failure as “fate”,

declaring that the coaches could not question what doctors did.

“That is fate. We are left with the only players on ground. We have already lost some players and we are left with the players on the ground.

“We cannot question what the doctors have done. I am not a doctor and I am not their fathers. Even players that we picked from secondary schools have not scaled through the test,” Garba stated.

While assuring that the cadet national side would be beefed up, Garba called for prayers for the players on ground to scale through the Nigerien hurdle.

“Nigerians should be prayerful for this team that is left on the ground.

God willing, by the time we scale through, we are going to look for more players to beef up the team,” he declared.

Speaking on the return fixture against the Junior Menas in Niamey in a fortnight, Garba expressed confidence that despite their slim victory in Abuja, the Eaglets we’re going to win, saying that, “we are very confident that we will scale through by God’s grace.”

He said last weekend’s match between the two sides was the Eaglets’ first international outing, which he

described as an opener, adding that the coaching crew had noticed all the lapses in the team and would work on them before the second leg African Championship qualifier.

The coach noted that the Junior Menas would be under pressure in front of their compatriots during the return match in Niger, adding that, that would be an advantage for the Eaglets to win.

“We have seen all the lapses and we are going to work on these young lads. This is the first international game they are playing and I believe that it is an opener.

AHEAD of the National Table Tennis Championship scheduled to come up later in the year, Union bank table tennis team has embarked on a tour of friendly matches to shape up the team in preparation for the championship.

The team was at Ilorin the Kwara State capital over the weekend as part of the friendly tour and engaged in series of matches. Union Bank surpassed the Kwara state male side and the vet clubs in outright wins as well in the junior category while in the female category, Fatimo Bello led the Kwara state side to defeat Union Bank 3-1.

Union bank table tennis coach, Samson Ajayi, said he is happy with the improves performance of the players in the male category and hope to reverse the defeat suffered in the female category in subsequent games. He noted that he is looking forward to more friendly tournament both local and international to keep the team in the right frame and performance-driven.

Sports Manager, Union Bank, Peter Okoro commended the table tennis players for their efforts while urging them to keep the tempo high at all time.

He therefore commended the management of Union Bank for the continued moral and financial support being given to the sports section at all time, with a pledge that the sports department will continue to keep the bank’s flag flying as far as sport is concerned.

Union bank table tennis club had their last international competition in Cameroun-Yaounde, where the team finished 3rd in the African championship.

...As team moves to Sokoto ahead Niger rematch NIGERIA U17 coach Manu Garba has told AfricanFootball.com his team will set up a training camp in Sokoto a week to an U17 AFCON qualifier second leg match in Niger.

The Eaglets won the first leg 1-0 in Abuja on Saturday with the return leg in Niamey on August 20.

“We will train and acclimatize in Sokoto a week to the match in Niger,” Manu disclosed.

The coach also expressed confi-

dence the Eaglets will do the double over their opponents.

“We will beat them in Niger by God’s grace,” he said.

“We have seen the lapses with these youngsters, who were playing only their first international game.

“I assure Nigerians we will be smiling again after the match in Niger because we cannot afford to go out at this stage of the competition.”

SIDELINES

NO 16,562

N150

MONDAY, 8 AUGUST, 2016

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EADERS, I mean very regular regulars of this column who have an ardent longing for it, would not hesitate, if pertinently questioned, to answer that I have a burning love for newspapers. In fact, as I love newspapers ardently, so also do they burn with an ardent fever of neglect if per chance I fail or omit to deliver them, even for a day, to my voraciously huge appetite that has countless reservoirs in my brain, and being entire. My appetence for newspapers and theirs for me in return do not derive from my duty and diligence as a columnist. Let us just say that whatever arguments that we may canvas for this subject of love between me and newspapers boil down to my unequalled love for printed matter. (Once-upon-atime I used to holler that no member of my generation grabbed and read with ardour any printed matter more than my good self.

Oh! Hubris of youth!).

The weekend, that is, Saturday, 30 July to Sunday, 31 July 2016 was particularly a glowing one for me with respect to my consumption of nearly all the weekend papers that were then in consummate competition for my attention. Oh! How I devoured them as a consummate devourer fulfillingly devours a lover he espouses.

More than several items truly and interestingly caught my attention. They covered the arts, literature, politics, religion, medicine, sports, and other stories and subjects that were stories and subjects that excited a great desire in me regarding assortment of emotions they conjured up in me.

In today’s column I am settling for two pieces in Sunday Tribune and Sunday Vanguard both of 31 July, 2016. The two pieces that were respectively in the named newspapers centred on two high profile Nigerians of distinguished airs. The Sunday Vanguard piece was an interview our Senate Majority Leader, Mr. Muhammed Ndume granted Olalekan Bilesanruyi on pages 37 and 38 of the paper. The Sunday Tribune one, what appeared to me to be the paper’s 31 July piece de resistance, was Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode’s opinion article on page 33. By the way, to those whose memories are already playing the tragic joke of damnable forgetfulness with them, Mr. Fani-Kayode is a past Aviation Minister of Nigeria and ex-President Jonathan’s campaigner-inchief in the 2015 presidential election. Until

About 20 Nigerian States, says the US government are unsafe. Well, just how can Nigeria be safe when there are reportedly 350 million arms in the hands of nonstate actors (criminals) in a population of 170 million people?

in&out with Tony Afejuku

08055213059

Ndume and Fani-Kayode on Buhari recently, he was an unwilling tenant in what he has called “President Muhammadu Buhari’s gulag.” Clearly, Ndume and FaniKayode are two young men, two youthful youths of politics, Nigerian style, who have been blessed immensely by the Lord of Bountiful Opportunity and of Luckful luck.

One is a North East stock Northerner and an enthusiastically enthusiastic supporter of President Buhari whom he wishes us to accept as his mentor-in-chief in his scale of three mentors: President Buhari, Ashiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu (APC’s national leader), and Oba of Lagos. The other is a staunch Yoruba of Ife stock of Western Nigeria, and a severe and fierce critic of President Buhari. I took more than a pleasure in beholding their views on President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ndume, among other things, defended Buhari’s federal appointments so far, appointments that have heavily favoured Ndume’s and Buhari’s Northern Nigeria.

As the senator argued over a serious matter he tried to argufy, every appointment of the president is a “privilege,” for the president “has the discretion as to who he wants and when he wants it, bearing in mind the principle of Federal Character.” Phew!

The senator went further: “When former President Goodluck Jonathan was making appointments then, northerners were marginalised. And the heavens didn’t fall.”

By Jove! If Dr. Jonathan was wrong, as surely he was, must Alhaji Buhari be wrong as well and continue doing wrong bearing

Everything passes.

And one swallow does not make a summer. in mind his questionable discretion and principle of federal character, according to the gospel of Ndume, Buhari and their fellow Northern brethren of like minds? Has Ndume heard the well known universal saying that “Two wrongs don’t make a right and never will”?

We voted for Buhari because we wanted real change that is real change. Ndume must note this significantly: Unless Buhari mends his ways and style urgently the heavens will fall and fall and fall soonest.

I have no doubt in my mind that after reading Ndume’s that Fani-Kayode will defend and defend to high heaven his views on Buhari and hegemonic Northern Nigeria in full control and command of the magnetic Sokoto Caliphate that magnets and swallows every advantage belonging to Nigeria. Of course, FaniKayode’s scathing attack is not really new.

But his 31 July “Nigeria’s third Mahdi and

the last of the Amalekite kings” espoused the kind of scepticism that will never fly Nigeria to the seventh heaven which we envisage as true and sincere patriots of our country. Every Northerner is not as bad as Fanii-Kayode wants us to believe.

And did Jonathan, Fani-Kayode’s immediate past principal, not exhibit nauseating hegemonic tendencies and characteristics when the triumphant Force Triumphant presently surrounding Buhari once upon-a- time surrounded him?

Perhaps Jonathan was an Amalekite king from the North ferried to Ijaw land via a flying carpet magically manufactured in Futah Jallon. Our dear Fani-Kayode should think and think again.

He, like Ndume, is too near the canvas to know that soon shall come the time when the right leader will move heaven and earth to take us to the seventh heaven. Fani-Kayode should quit his canvas of pain and bitterness in the same way that Ndume should urgently get out of his canvas of temporary joy of hegemonic victory. Everything passes.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fani-Kayode should get a swordsman that is a swordsman to halt for good the Sword of Damocles dangling, some say legitimately, round him. Everything passes. Thanks, Sunday Tribune thanks Sunday Vanguard for airing the two youthful leaders shaping Nigeria as we don’t desire them to shape our country.

Everything passes. And one swallow does not make a summer.

Rio Olympics: Toriola, Oshonaike crash out ONE of Nigeria’s medal hopefuls in the table tennis event of the Rio Olympic Games has crashed out.

Segun Toriola, who advanced to

the second round in the male singles on Saturday, was beaten 4-2 by his Japanese challenger, Niwa Koki, on Sunday.

Toriola

Oshonaike.

Toriola, 41, beat Koki 9-11 in the first set before the Japanese rallied back to dominate the second set 11-5.

Koki also won the third set 11-7 before Toriola triumphed in the fourth set, leaving scores at 4-11.

At that point, it appeared the Nigerian would overpower his challenger for the rest of the match.

But Koki was in no mood to concede.

The Japanese overpowered Toriola 11-6, 11-1 in the fifth and sixth sets respectively to bring total scores at 4-2.

Toriola was one of Nigeria’s medal prospects and his ouster is a big setback for Nigeria’s ambition to return home with medals.

Toriola, who is making a record appearance in the competition, had on Saturday beaten Dmitrij Prokopcov of the Czech Republic 4-2 in the Men’s Singles Round One. Two Nigerian female table tennis players, Funke Oshonaike and Edem Offiong could only go beyond the preliminary round of the women’s singles.

Oshonaike crashed out in the Women’s Singles Round 1 after losing 2-4 to 15-year-old Adriana Diaz of Puerto Rico.

Earlier, in the Women’s Singles Preliminary Round, she had beaten Mariana Sahakian of Lebanon 4-3 to advance from a topsy-turvy game.

After losing the first set 8-11, she won the next three games 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 to make the game look easy and all over.

But her Lebanese opponent rallied back to win 11-8, 11-9 to draw level at 3-3, before Oshonaike won the tie with an 11-8 victory in the seventh game to advance.

On her part, Offiong lost 1-4 to Viktoria Pavlovich of Belarus, after winning the first game 11-5.

She lost 11-8, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4 to join Oshonaike on the sidelines.

Much more earlier at the competition, Offiong had looked tough by beating Sally Yee of Fiji 4-0, winning 11-3, 11-8, 11-3, 11-2.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 8/8/2016.